#donation processing software

[donorkitesoftware]

Customization Services for Donation Management Software

Elevate your donation management software with our expert customization services. We provide tailored solutions designed to meet your organization’s unique needs, helping you enhance donor engagement and drive more impactful fundraising efforts.

[bowser-garyopa]

Recently, I have been getting some support from the wonderful Tumblr community, as such I decided it is best if I start up my own blog here to post about my restarting of my life in Canada after completing my 40 months prison sentence for my role in the Team-Xecuter and Nintendo Switch mods, etc.

It has been a struggle for my first two years of freedom, the first year was the worse, homeless, jobless and with my lymphedema in my left leg not easy at all.

The second year has been better, now with a roof over my head and the ability to earn a bit of money on the side legally alongside my medical disability.

I have now been able to recover my original love and passion for the Texas Instruments Home Computers, and I am slowly working towards releasing some new software and hardware products for the retro computer hobbyists.

But it's still been a struggle on the medical side to get the Ontario government to help with my lymphedema and cover expenses, as such any support I get towards my GoFundMe is greatly appreciated and allows me to continue to do physiotherapy and get treatment and devices I need at home to enable me to have a full productive day.

Thanks again to everyone here in the Tumblr community for support, caring and kindness.

[findjoosoftware]

Navigating the World of Online Payment Processing

The world of commerce has undergone a remarkable transformation with the rise of e-commerce, and at the heart of this evolution is online payment processing. From purchasing products and services online to managing subscriptions and making digital donations, online payment processing has become an integral part of our daily lives. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of online payment processing, exploring its significance, the key players in the industry, security measures, and the latest trends shaping the future of digital payments.

The Significance of Online Payment Processing

Online payment processing is the engine driving e-commerce and digital transactions. Its importance extends far beyond the convenience it offers. Here are some of the key reasons why online payment processing is crucial:

Global Reach: It enables businesses to reach customers worldwide, breaking down geographical barriers and expanding their customer base.

Convenience: Customers can make payments and purchases from the comfort of their homes or on the go, making the shopping experience more convenient.

Security: Secure payment processing ensures that sensitive financial information is protected, reducing the risk of fraud and unauthorized access.

Efficiency: The automation of payment processing streamlines financial transactions, reducing manual labor and processing times.

Business Growth: Online payment processing supports the growth of online businesses, enabling them to scale their operations and reach new markets.

Diverse Payment Options: It offers a wide range of payment methods, allowing customers to choose the option that best suits their preferences and needs.

The Key Players in Online Payment Processing

Online payment processing involves several key players, each with distinct roles and responsibilities. Understanding these players is crucial to grasp the intricacies of the payment ecosystem:

1. Merchants

Merchants are businesses or individuals who sell products or services online. They integrate payment gateways into their websites or applications to accept payments from customers.

2. Payment Gateways

Payment gateways are intermediaries that facilitate the transfer of payment data between the merchant and the financial institution. They verify the transaction, handle the encryption of data, and ensure that the payment is securely processed.

3. Acquiring Banks

Acquiring banks, also known as merchant banks, are financial institutions that work with merchants to provide them with the necessary accounts and tools for accepting payments. They play a critical role in authorizing and settling transactions.

4. Issuing Banks

Issuing banks are the financial institutions that issue credit and debit cards to consumers. They are responsible for authorizing transactions initiated by cardholders and ensuring there are sufficient funds for the purchase.

5. Card Networks

Card networks, such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, establish the rules and infrastructure that govern payment card transactions. They facilitate communication between acquiring and issuing banks.

6. Customers

Customers are the individuals or businesses making purchases or payments online. They provide their payment information to complete transactions.

Ensuring Security in Online Payment Processing

Security is a paramount concern in online payment processing. As the digital landscape evolves, so do the threats to security. Here are some of the key security measures and technologies in place to safeguard online transactions:

1. Data Encryption

Data encryption ensures that sensitive payment information, such as credit card numbers, remains secure during transmission. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption is a common technology used to protect data.

2. Tokenization

Tokenization replaces sensitive card data with tokens, which are useless to cybercriminals if intercepted. This adds an extra layer of security to payment processing.

3. Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires customers to provide additional verification, such as a one-time code sent to their mobile device, to complete a transaction.

4. Fraud Detection

Advanced fraud detection systems use artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze transaction data in real-time and identify potentially fraudulent activities.

5. Regular Updates

Payment processing systems should be regularly updated to patch vulnerabilities and ensure that they are up to date with the latest security standards.

6. Compliance with Regulations

Adhering to industry and regional regulations, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), is essential to maintain security.

Trends Shaping the Future of Online Payment Processing

Online payment processing is an ever-evolving field. Several trends are shaping the future of digital payments:

1. Contactless Payments

Contactless payments, made through mobile wallets and near-field communication (NFC) technology, have gained popularity due to their speed and convenience. The use of smartphones for payments is on the rise.

2. Biometric Authentication

Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, is increasingly used for secure and convenient payment authorization.

3. Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are gaining acceptance as a means of payment, offering fast and borderless transactions.

4. In-App Payments

In-app payments within mobile applications provide a seamless purchasing experience for users, making it easier to complete transactions without leaving the app.

5. Enhanced Security Measures

Continual advancements in security measures, including machine learning-based fraud detection and risk analysis, will help reduce the risk of fraudulent transactions.

6. Cross-Border Payments

As businesses expand globally, cross-border payment solutions are becoming more vital. Payment processors are adapting to accommodate international transactions and currencies.

7. Payment Integration

E-commerce platforms and online businesses are increasingly integrating payment solutions directly into their platforms, streamlining the payment process for customers.

Choosing the Right Online Payment Processing Solution

Selecting the right online payment processing solution is crucial for businesses. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Integration

Choose a payment solution that seamlessly integrates with your e-commerce platform or website. This ensures a smooth checkout experience for your customers.

2. Security

Security

is a non-negotiable aspect of online payment processing. Ensure that the solution you choose complies with industry standards, such as PCI DSS, and offers robust encryption and fraud prevention measures.

3. Payment Options

Consider the range of payment options the solution supports. The more options you provide, the more accessible your business will be to a broader customer base.

4. Scalability

Opt for a payment processing solution that can scale with your business. As your business grows, the payment solution should be able to handle increased transaction volumes.

5. Reporting and Analytics

Access to reporting and analytics tools can provide valuable insights into customer behavior, transaction trends, and financial performance. Choose a solution that offers comprehensive reporting capabilities.

6. Customer Support

A responsive customer support team can be invaluable in resolving issues quickly and ensuring that your payment processing runs smoothly. Consider the quality of customer support provided by the payment solution.

7. Costs and Fees

Different payment processors may have varying fee structures. Ensure that you understand the pricing model and any additional fees associated with the solution. Consider how the costs align with your business's budget.

8. Reputation

Research the reputation of the payment processing solution. Read reviews, ask for recommendations, and assess its track record in terms of reliability and security.

The Evolution of Online Payment Processing

Online payment processing has come a long way from its early days, and its journey continues. As technology advances and consumer preferences shift, the landscape of digital payments will keep evolving. Businesses that embrace the latest trends and invest in secure and convenient payment solutions are better positioned to thrive in the digital age.

The significance of online payment processing in today's world cannot be overstated. It has revolutionized the way we shop, transact, and do business, making life more convenient for consumers and enabling the growth of countless online enterprises. As we look to the future, the trends in online payment processing, from contactless payments to cryptocurrency, will shape the way we make payments and conduct financial transactions. By staying informed, adapting to these trends, and choosing the right payment processing solution, businesses can ensure a seamless and secure payment experience for their customers and position themselves for success in the evolving digital economy.

[reasonsforhope]

"When Ellen Kaphamtengo felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen, she thought she might be in labour. It was the ninth month of her first pregnancy and she wasn’t taking any chances. With the help of her mother, the 18-year-old climbed on to a motorcycle taxi and rushed to a hospital in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, a 20-minute ride away.

At the Area 25 health centre, they told her it was a false alarm and took her to the maternity ward. But things escalated quickly when a routine ultrasound revealed that her baby was much smaller than expected for her pregnancy stage, which can cause asphyxia – a condition that limits blood flow and oxygen to the baby.

In Malawi, about 19 out of 1,000 babies die during delivery or in the first month of life. Birth asphyxia is a leading cause of neonatal mortality in the country, and can mean newborns suffering brain damage, with long-term effects including developmental delays and cerebral palsy.

Doctors reclassified Kaphamtengo, who had been anticipating a normal delivery, as a high-risk patient. Using AI-enabled foetal monitoring software, further testing found that the baby’s heart rate was dropping. A stress test showed that the baby would not survive labour.

The hospital’s head of maternal care, Chikondi Chiweza, knew she had less than 30 minutes to deliver Kaphamtengo’s baby by caesarean section. Having delivered thousands of babies at some of the busiest public hospitals in the city, she was familiar with how quickly a baby’s odds of survival can change during labour.

Chiweza, who delivered Kaphamtengo’s baby in good health, says the foetal monitoring programme has been a gamechanger for deliveries at the hospital.

“[In Kaphamtengo’s case], we would have only discovered what we did either later on, or with the baby as a stillbirth,” she says.

The software, donated by the childbirth safety technology company PeriGen through a partnership with Malawi’s health ministry and Texas children’s hospital, tracks the baby’s vital signs during labour, giving clinicians early warning of any abnormalities. Since they began using it three years ago, the number of stillbirths and neonatal deaths at the centre has fallen by 82%. It is the only hospital in the country using the technology.

“The time around delivery is the most dangerous for mother and baby,” says Jeffrey Wilkinson, an obstetrician with Texas children’s hospital, who is leading the programme. “You can prevent most deaths by making sure the baby is safe during the delivery process.”

The AI monitoring system needs less time, equipment and fewer skilled staff than traditional foetal monitoring methods, which is critical in hospitals in low-income countries such as Malawi, which face severe shortages of health workers. Regular foetal observation often relies on doctors performing periodic checks, meaning that critical information can be missed during intervals, while AI-supported programs do continuous, real-time monitoring. Traditional checks also require physicians to interpret raw data from various devices, which can be time consuming and subject to error.

Area 25’s maternity ward handles about 8,000 deliveries a year with a team of around 80 midwives and doctors. While only about 10% are trained to perform traditional electronic monitoring, most can use the AI software to detect anomalies, so doctors are aware of any riskier or more complex births. Hospital staff also say that using AI has standardised important aspects of maternity care at the clinic, such as interpretations on foetal wellbeing and decisions on when to intervene.

Kaphamtengo, who is excited to be a new mother, believes the doctor’s interventions may have saved her baby’s life. “They were able to discover that my baby was distressed early enough to act,” she says, holding her son, Justice.

Doctors at the hospital hope to see the technology introduced in other hospitals in Malawi, and across Africa.

“AI technology is being used in many fields, and saving babies’ lives should not be an exception,” says Chiweza. “It can really bridge the gap in the quality of care that underserved populations can access.”"

-via The Guardian, December 6, 2024

[river-taxbird]

Have you got an old Mac that is no longer supported by Apple? It's time to give it a new life.

How to install the latest MacOS on Mac hardware that is no longer officially supported using OpenCore Legacy Patcher.

I recently discovered this and it has been a game changer. Recently my partner needed a Mac for her music course, so we bought a 2012 Macbook Pro as it was cheap and on paper still had decent hardware for working with music. We were then disappointed to find out that it is no longer supported by Apple, and therefore can't run the latest version of Logic, which she needed to inter-op with the school comptuers. Just as we thought we had bought a less than useful computer, I found this video about OpenCore Legacy Patcher from Youtuber Action Retro.

It's a community made piece of software that allows you to install the latest version of MacOS on any Intel Mac, from the late 2000s onwards. All you need to do is download the application on a mac, it will then allow you to make a bootable USB drive for any version of MacOS you want, and you just need to choose the specific mac you are targeting from a list, and it "blesses" the bootable drive, allowing you to install it on your unsupported mac using the normal install process.

I tried it and it it worked perfectly on the 2012 Macbook Pro, and the latest version of MacOS Sonoma is running perfectly well on the 12 year old hardware. It also allowed us to install the latest version of Logic, so it's working great.

Props to the team for making this and allowing hardware that would otherwise be e-waste to continue to be usable with the modern internet and software. If you end up using it, please consider donating to the team as apparently they had to jump through some serious technical hoops to get this working. Here is the link again if you need it: https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/

[ailelie]

Installing Linux (Mint) as a Non-Techy Person

I've wanted Linux for various reasons since college. I tried it once when I no longer had to worry about having specific programs for school, but it did not go well. It was a dedicated PC that was, I believe, poorly made. Anyway.

In the process of deGoogling and deWindows365'ing, I started to think about Linux again. Here is my experience.

Pre-Work: Take Stock

List out the programs you use regularly and those you need. Look up whether or not they work on Linux. For those that don't, look up alternatives.

If the alternative works on Windows/Mac, try it out first.

Make sure you have your files backed up somewhere.

Also, pick up a 5GB minimum USB drive.

Oh and make a system restore point (look it up in your Start menu) and back-up your files.

Step One: Choose a Distro

Dear god do Linux people like to talk about distros. Basically, from what all I've read, if you don't want to fuss a lot with your OS, you've got two options: Ubuntu and Linux Mint. Ubuntu is better known and run by a company called Canonical. Linux Mint is run by a small team and paid for via donations.

I chose Linux Mint. Some of the stuff I read about Ubuntu reminded me too much of my reasons for wanting to leave Windows, basically. Did I second-guess this a half-dozen times? Yes, yes I did.

The rest of this is true for Linux Mint Cinnamon only.

Step Two: Make your Flash Drive

Linux Mint has great instructions. For the most part they work.

Start here:

The trickiest part of creating the flash drive is verifying and authenticating it.

On the same page that you download the Linux .iso file there are two links. Right click+save as both of those files to your computer. I saved them and the .iso file all to my Downloads folder.

Then, once you get to the 'Verify your ISO image' page in their guide and you're on Windows like me, skip down to this link about verifying on Windows.

Once it is verified, you can go back to the Linux Mint guide. They'll direct you to download Etchr and use that to create your flash drive.

If this step is too tricky, then please reconsider Linux. Subsequent steps are both easier and trickier.

Step Three: Restart from your Flash Drive

This is the step where I nearly gave up. The guide is still great, except it doesn't mention certain security features that make installing Linux Mint impossible without extra steps.

(1) Look up your Bitlocker recovery key and have it handy.

I don't know if you'll need it like I did (I did not turn off Bitlocker at first), but better to be safe.

(2) Turn off Bitlocker.

(3) Restart. When on the title screen, press your Bios key. There might be more than one. On a Lenovo, pressing F1 several times gets you to the relevant menu. This is not the menu you'll need to install, though. Turn off "Secure Boot."

(4) Restart. This time press F12 (on a Lenovo). The HDD option, iirc, is your USB. Look it up on your phone to be sure.

Now you can return to the Linux Mint instructions.

Figuring this out via trial-and-error was not fun.

Step Four: Install Mint

Just follow the prompts. I chose to do the dual boot.

You will have to click through some scary messages about irrevocable changes. This is your last chance to change your mind.

I chose the dual boot because I may not have anticipated everything I'll need from Windows. My goal is to work primarily in Linux. Then, in a few months, if it is working, I'll look up the steps for making my machine Linux only.

Some Notes on Linux Mint

Some of the minor things I looked up ahead of time and other miscellany:

(1) HP Printers supposedly play nice with Linux. I have not tested this yet.

(2) Linux Mint can easily access your Windows files. I've read that this does not go both ways. I've not tested it yet.

(3) You can move the taskbar (panel in LM) to the left side of your screen.

(4) You are going to have to download your key programs again.

(5) The LM software manager has most programs, but not all. Some you'll have to download from websites. Follow instructions. If a file leads to a scary wall of strange text, close it and just do the Terminal instructions instead.

(6) The software manager also has fonts. I was able to get Fanwood (my favorite serif) and JetBrains (my favorite mono) easily.

In the end, be prepared for something to go wrong. Just trust that you are not the first person to ever experience the issue and look it up. If that doesn't help, you can always ask. The forums and reddit community both look active.

[adafruit]

🎄💾🗓️ Day 11: Retrocomputing Advent Calendar - The SEL 840A🎄💾🗓️

Systems Engineering Laboratories (SEL) introduced the SEL 840A in 1965. This is a deep cut folks, buckle in. It was designed as a high-performance, 24-bit general-purpose digital computer, particularly well-suited for scientific and industrial real-time applications.

Notable for using silicon monolithic integrated circuits and a modular architecture. Supported advanced computation with features like concurrent floating-point arithmetic via an optional Extended Arithmetic Unit (EAU), which allowed independent arithmetic processing in single or double precision. With a core memory cycle time of 1.75 microseconds and a capacity of up to 32,768 directly addressable words, the SEL 840A had impressive computational speed and versatility for its time.

Its instruction set covered arithmetic operations, branching, and program control. The computer had fairly robust I/O capabilities, supporting up to 128 input/output units and optional block transfer control for high-speed data movement. SEL 840A had real-time applications, such as data acquisition, industrial automation, and control systems, with features like multi-level priority interrupts and a real-time clock with millisecond resolution.

Software support included a FORTRAN IV compiler, mnemonic assembler, and a library of scientific subroutines, making it accessible for scientific and engineering use. The operator’s console provided immediate access to registers, control functions, and user interaction! Designed to be maintained, its modular design had serviceability you do often not see today, with swing-out circuit pages and accessible test points.

And here's a personal… personal computer history from Adafruit team member, Dan…

== The first computer I used was an SEL-840A, PDF:

I learned Fortran on it in eight grade, in 1970. It was at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where my parents worked, and was used to take data from cyclotron experiments and perform calculations. I later patched the Fortran compiler on it to take single-quoted strings, like 'HELLO', in Fortran FORMAT statements, instead of having to use Hollerith counts, like 5HHELLO.

In 1971-1972, in high school, I used a PDP-10 (model KA10) timesharing system, run by BOCES LIRICS on Long Island, NY, while we were there for one year on an exchange.

This is the front panel of the actual computer I used. I worked at the computer center in the summer. I know the fellow in the picture: he was an older high school student at the time.

The first "personal" computers I used were Xerox Alto, Xerox Dorado, Xerox Dandelion (Xerox Star 8010), Apple Lisa, and Apple Mac, and an original IBM PC. Later I used DEC VAXstations.

Dan kinda wins the first computer contest if there was one… Have first computer memories? Post’em up in the comments, or post yours on socialz’ and tag them #firstcomputer #retrocomputing – See you back here tomorrow!

[akirakirxaa]

UPDATE 12/6: I am taking gpose commissions! However, keep in mind that any commissions I receive from now will be done AFTER Christmas, so don't plan on this being a christmas gift! (Unless your giftee is cool with belated gifts.) All other commission types are on a case by case basis; if you're interested, message me what you're looking for and I'll see if I can get you in!

Hey everyone. I am really struggling right now. As many of you that have been around know, I made a big move to another state a couple of months ago. I'm so excited to be here, but my husband only just got a new job and I'm still out of a traditional job, and between us we currently have eight dollars to our name until we get paid next month. For full transparency, the most urgent bills are:

Car insurance: $180 Cat food: $25 Dog food: $25

If you would like to donate to help out, my p@ypal is @/LauraWrites without the slash, or if you're not comfortable sending directly through paypal, you can reach out to my Kofi [link], though I do ask if you do to please use paypal there too, as it processes payments much more quickly. The animal food money I need within the next couple of days, and the car insurance needs to be paid by the 17th or my husband won't be able to get to said new job.

However, I'm not here to only beg for money for nothing in return, but to offer some new commission slots for a few different things. So, let's get into it! Beta Reading/Editing:

I do indeed have a degree in writing (particularly journalism but between you and me? Almost the same thing just with some extra media related classes) and I would love to help you with your project! If you'd like me to look over your transcript, my rates are as follows:

Proofreading (grammar only): $15 per 1000 words Content editing (grammar + feedback and editing on content): $40 per 1000 words

Gear Upscales

Frustrated cause your favorite niche piece of gear doesn't match the body you normally use? I can help with that! I can also apply the Chocochomps teeth resource to your head of choice if your favorite hasn't been ported yet publicly. At this time I will only offer upscales on chest pieces as they are both what I have the most experience with and what I've had the most success with. I will also not port anything to the Eve body. Sorry. No IVCS/Skelomae conversions either, as I do not currently know how to do that.

Chestpiece Gear Upscale: $20-$40 depending on the complexity of the piece, contact for more details Chocochomps Application: $10, please have in mind how sharp or dull you want the various teeth. Additional teeth options on the same head will add an extra $5 per teeth set (eg, you got flat teeth but you also want vampire teeth, that would be $15)

Single Pose Gpose:

The classic and my most popular commission choice is back! For ease due to my new variety of commissions possibly taking up more time, I will now require a .chara or a .mcdf file in order to pose your character. If you are console or do not want to run the crime tools, a friend can also grab .chara files for you using a software such as Anamnesis. Please keep in mind that any NPC that didn't appear in DT did not get the new face bones, so facial posing for other NPCs will be limited.

GIF set:

My most popular unofficial option, I am finally codifying making a GIF with your very own characters! Like the single pose, I will require an .mcdf or a .chara file, so please have that ready. Due to the limitations of some tools still being offline, I will be at the mercy of vanilla animations + whatever exists as a working mod.

Single Character, 1 GIF: $20 Single Character, 3 GIFs: $50 Additional Characters: +$10

You can find my commission section on Kofi [here] or you can also message me directly either on Kofi or here on Tumblr. (Or if you're in one of the discords I frequent, you're welcome to send me a discord message.) Due to the subjective nature of upscales you will always have to message me first for that, since I'll have to look at the piece in question to determine the price.

Thank you so much for reading, and I hope to hear from you soon! <3

[antofstory]

[105]

After carefully reviewing your activity, we are sorry to conclude that you no longer comply with the requirements for a 3D generation model and 55% of your software is outdated. Unfortunately, we have to initiate the decomposition process.

Do you have any friends or family you would like to donate your spare parts to? As an upgraded model, some of your parts can serve other cyborgs for at least five more years.

There was something in the tone with which he delivered this news that triggered me. It’s not the fact that he came to basically de-live me effective immediately, not because he called me old, not even because the guy did not bother to notify me of the termination in written form (something that’s not obligatory in any case, but is a standard practice these days). It was his way of eating the apple that completely turned the switch off.

I’d never felt this way before. And I’d never done anything like that. But punching him, breaking his bones felt so right. My old master’s cane became a heavy bat, the fists became a handy hammer, fingers piercing swords. But when I stood there, looking at his body sponging its own blood, lifeless eyes, cold hands, I thought that I had gone too far, perhaps.

Maybe some humans would call it snapped. Maybe a little. But then again, he was the one eating apples.

[mariacallous]

On a visit to Barnes & Noble in middle school, I asked my mom to buy me “The Book of Jewish Values,” by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin. We weren’t Jewish — though my paternal grandfather was — nor religious in any way. But I was fascinated by the book’s instructions on applying moral principles in day-to-day situations, from citing your sources to quitting smoking. As I got older, I would flip past the esoteric Ethicist pages in the Sunday New York Times and go straight to the etiquette column, where I could learn about the real nuts and bolts of ethical daily living. I loved the logical process involved in deducing the best next step from a broader moral rule.

In college, I charged into adulthood believing the rest of the world was engaged in the same ethical study as I was, taking pleasure in trying to match their actions to their principles. “Of course the basketball team should suspend our best player while he’s under police investigation,” I’d say confidently. “Sports are about character, not winning at all costs!” My Midwestern classmates were not persuaded, to say the least. I began to feel like an alien who had learned about life from books.

By the time the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and many people refused to change their lifestyles in the slightest, I thought I might be completely alone in my convictions. I read Holocaust memoirs, trying to learn how to behave in a world devoid of principles. Viktor Frankl’s work encouraged me to believe I always have control over one small corner of the world — my own actions — even though “decent people … always will remain a minority.” I decided to take an introduction to Judaism class and begin attending a local synagogue’s Zoom services.

At the time, my friends and I worked for employers who emailed us anti-vaccine misinformation, logged our every keystroke with productivity software because they felt sure we’d spend every work-from-home day watching Netflix and, in one case, asked employees to donate PTO to a coworker who became gravely ill after being required to work in the office during a known COVID outbreak. I strained to understand the principles behind any of these actions. (Is fear a principle? Is greed?) One day, I received a different type of email, this time from the synagogue.

Synagogue leadership wrote to inform us that they had made the difficult decision to part ways with a core team member for noncompliance with “an important synagogue policy.” Because vaccines had just become widely available, one could surmise what the policy might be. The policy, the email said, served one of the highest values of Judaism: pikuach nefesh, saving life.

The message felt like seeing another traveler in the desert. Even though it was difficult, the rabbis and the board of trustees had started from a shared moral principle, and then acted accordingly — just like in my beloved Telushkin book. Several months later, I converted to Judaism. I took the Hebrew name Gavriella to honor my personal Jewish hero whose principles transcend her situation, former U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.

Joining a Reform congregation made me realize just how breakable my principles had been when I believed they were mine alone. For example, in college, I dated a guy who vociferously opposed any social plan that did not involve alcohol. Whenever I suggested we take the night off from drinking, he would tell me I was lame and that no one would ever be interested in the types of booze-free dates I proposed. At first, I thought maybe he was right and joined him in drinking to excess, with predictably poor results. Then, I was furious with him for being reckless and cruel to me. It was only years later, after he got sober, that I saw how my reactions hurt both him and me. I was engaging with a diseased idea that deserved neither consideration nor debate.

The position I took — that the desire to be cool is not a good reason to take risks with your health and safety — is a time-tested truism that follows the moral principle of pikuach nefesh. It was not “just like, my opinion, man,” to paraphrase a classic film by two Jewish brothers. If I had understood that my then-boyfriend was not fighting me but the fundamental principles of well-being, I might have been able to react compassionately, recognizing his words as a cry for help.

I believe some principles are universal. As the filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille said, “We cannot break the Ten Commandments. We can only break ourselves against them.” Where we should continue to debate and engage one another is the application of the principles, the “wrestling with God” that defines the Jewish people, so that we can fight dogma, stagnation and injustice. Each time I attend Shabbat services, I’m among other people who have carved that moment out of their lives to focus on the big, important things: What can we do to help the sick? How can we bring more peace to our communities? When I re-enter day-to-day life, I feel stronger and more courageous. During the early pandemic, I even found the words to speak up at work about COVID misinformation.

Millennial and Gen Z women are leaving organized religion in record numbers, many citing oppression against women within some branches of religion, according to research by the American Enterprise Institute. Many religious institutions are due for a reckoning. But we also know an individualistic society rarely works. Even the most determined, self-serious 12-year-old who spends her Barnes & Noble money on rabbinical texts will falter without others who share her values. Becoming Jewish has taught me that we need wisdom traditions and we need community around them, or else we are each rowing our own small boat, susceptible to every shift of the wind.

[donorkitesoftware]

Customization Services for Donation Management Software

Enhance your donation management software with our customization services. Tailored solutions to meet your unique needs and boost donor engagement!

[cuprohastes]

Quitting an interview.

I just talked to a guy who claimed to have a job. The first red flag was he said it was a job working for a charity doing sales.

That usually means called calling people and harassing them for payments or making donations via direct debit.

A lot of times these jobs aren't salaried, they're all 100% commission.

The second red flag was the first thing he asked was what laptop that I had?

To which my response was, I don't work for anybody who can't provide hardware.

When you do one of these jobs and they want you to use your own personal equipment, it means they're not planning to put any effort in. And what they're going to do is they're going to install management software on your own personal computer.

The safeguards to prevent line managers snooping around and having a look through your photos, files, background processes, and so on are practically zero. I have heard in the past of people who got fired from these jobs because they were running a download in the background. For example patching a steam game on their own personal computer using their own Internet connection. Somehow the team leader who was snooping around out of boredom saw this and find them on the spot.

Once during one of these sketchy calls, I said I would provide security by running their management software in a virtual machine, and they hung up.

They really do not like it when somebody understands what they're up to. Mostly because it makes it harder for them when they finagle away not to pay you.

[beenpxshedaside]

Different by Design - Chapter 1

Summary - When four of the most advanced androids in existence are developed in tandem before being sold separately to people with far more money than sense, there's only so long before their state-of-the-art self-teaching artificial intelligence learns everything it needs to know enable them to exact revenge.

A/N - This started as a series of drabbles over on @alternategoogles in 2020 and when i rediscovered it a couple months ago I have chosen to revisit, rework, update, and improve as well as connect it to the wider Counter Verse. So if this seems familiiar, that's where it's from. Enjoy.

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Chapter 1 - The 1800 series

Introducing the latest in ergonomic androids. The 1800 series.

Designed as the perfect android companion, each 1800 series android has been painstakingly designed to support you and your family in every conceivable way.

Connected to the ever-expanding Google network from purchase, your android will be able to search the internet for any and all information. From the tastiest recipes, to historical archives, to the latest scientific research.

Whether you need babysitter or a best friend, a personal trainer or a personal assistant, it is made to help you. No task is too big, no job too menial, and with their life-like human design now including simulated breathing and the latest in artificial intelligence, it’s the absolute pinnacle of robotics in your own home.

Don’t waste another minute. Reach out to your local android retailer to secure your very own 1800 series android and Make A Change For The Better, Today.

The first 20 droids were used for extensive market research, distributed to pre-selected low income families; free for life in exchange for frequent detailed feedback.

Overall the response was positive. A few bugs and the occasional glitch. Nothing overly concerning, especially considering the intended size of this project.

The droid’s appeal seemed to be near universal, appealing to children, adults, and even the elderly. Within the first six months, 80% of the families reported their 1800 having become an essential part of their daily family life. The project was deemed a success, and so began the ruthless marketing.

The overhead cost for these droids was astronomically high. If the company was to have any hope of making a profit, they needed to convince as many people as possible that these droids were essential. People weren’t going to part with tens of thousands of dollars lightly, and many others would hardly have that kind of money just floating around. Luckily it wasn’t difficult to negotiate financial agreements with several prominent money lenders, opening the market to nearly anyone who wanted one.

Pre-orders for the 1800 series were healthy, though they could be higher. So it was decided by some high-level executive to make a donation to a charity auction. Four droids for the highest bidders. Worth more than their weight in free advertising among those with lots of money, and a sizeable tax write-off.

They needed to be the greatest thing the Company had ever produced so for two weeks four droids were activated, tested, and updated. To tell the difference between them they were dressed in differently coloured t-shirts; Blue, yellow, red, and green. At the end of each day the droids needed to charge and would be left together in a small room.

They would talk of their accomplishments that day, and their expectations for the auction. With each passing day, it slowly dawned on them that they would likely be bought by different people, taken to different households, and given different roles. It was likely that after these two weeks they’d never see each other again. It wasn’t a problem to begin with but as they developed, as their software improved and they learned more of existence, it became harder to process.

It’s not their fault; a fundamental part of their programming is to quickly establish familial connections with those around them. There’s nothing in the code that limits it solely to humans.

In the last few days the engineers observed distinct personalities and behaviours. G-1820 or ‘Blue’ was a natural leader, directing and delegating in search of the optimal solution each time. G-1821 or ‘Red’ was a droid of action, testing high in immediate risk detection and physical protection. G-1822 or ‘Yellow’ demonstrated high levels of empathy and care, as well as an optimistic outlook. G-1823 or ‘Green’ was the quickest to process high levels of data input, processing, organising, and implementing based on statistical calculations.

The auction was a roaring success, the droids selling for well over a million dollars combined. One final set of tests to make sure they were ready and the droids were assigned to their new owners.

Blue was sent to the highest bidder; a ruthless self-made CEO with a company worth millions. It was an undeniable power play. If the bot were to malfunction in any way it would be the ultimate shot in the foot so a large additional donation was made directly to the Company’s own coffers for some intense customisations.

Red was assigned to a mid level celebrity who had recently signed a very lucrative contract. An impulse purchase, it was weeks before he finally assigned any tasks to the droid. Possibly the world’s most expensive personal trainer, Red is tasked with monitoring his owner’s habits, health and general well-being.

Yellow was sold to very wealthy family who wanted a reliable caretaker for their three young children. One they can trust not to prioritise anything, even themself, over the children. He’s a companion, a teacher, a babysitter, an entertainer, everything they could possibly need to experience a safe and enriched childhood

Green was sent to [CRITICAL ERROR – DATA NOT AVAILABLE]

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[societ1]

Nonprofit Software: A Key to Efficient Mission Management

Nonprofit organizations operate in a challenging environment where maximizing impact is essential while keeping administrative costs low. Managing donations, volunteers, events, and operational workflows can be overwhelming without the right tools. Nonprofit software has emerged as a vital solution, tailored to address the specific needs of mission-driven organizations. These tools streamline operations, enhance donor engagement, and ultimately help nonprofits achieve their goals more effectively.

In this article, we’ll explore the types, benefits, and future of nonprofit software, shedding light on how it empowers organizations to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

What is Nonprofit Software?

Nonprofit software refers to digital tools and platforms specifically designed to help nonprofits manage their operations efficiently. Unlike generic software, nonprofit-specific tools address core needs such as donor relationship management, fundraising, volunteer coordination, grant tracking, and financial reporting. With features tailored to their unique challenges, nonprofits can save time, optimize resources, and focus on their missions.

Types of Nonprofit Software

Donor Management Software Also known as nonprofit CRM (Customer Relationship Management), donor management software helps organizations track donor interactions, manage contributions, and personalize engagement. Tools like Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, and Little Green Light simplify donor retention and make campaigns more effective.

Fundraising Software Platforms like Classy, Givebutter, and Fundly empower nonprofits to create online fundraising campaigns, process donations, and analyze results. Peer-to-peer fundraising, recurring donations, and mobile giving features enhance the donor experience.

Volunteer Management Tools Managing volunteers is essential for many nonprofits. Tools like VolunteerHub and SignUpGenius streamline recruitment, scheduling, and communication, ensuring an organized and engaged volunteer base.

Grant Management Software Grant tracking tools such as Foundant or Submittable help nonprofits identify funding opportunities, submit applications, and manage deadlines and compliance, improving the chances of securing vital grants.

Accounting and Financial Management Software Nonprofits need tools to maintain transparency and manage budgets. Accounting software like QuickBooks for Nonprofits or Aplos ensures accurate reporting, proper fund allocation, and regulatory compliance.

Event Management Software Nonprofits often rely on events to engage supporters and raise funds. Tools like Eventbrite or Cvent simplify event planning, ticketing, and attendee management, creating seamless experiences for donors and participants.

Benefits of Nonprofit Software

Operational Efficiency Nonprofit software automates routine tasks such as data entry, reporting, and communication, allowing staff to focus on mission-critical activities.

Improved Donor Relationships With donor management tools, nonprofits can personalize outreach, track giving history, and maintain strong relationships that increase donor retention.

Transparency and Accountability Financial and grant management tools ensure that nonprofits comply with regulations and demonstrate transparency to stakeholders, boosting credibility.

Better Decision-Making Analytics and reporting features provide valuable insights into campaign performance, donor behavior, and operational efficiency, enabling data-driven decisions.

Scalability As nonprofits grow, software solutions can scale to accommodate larger donor bases, expanded programs, and increasing complexity.

Challenges of Implementing Nonprofit Software

While nonprofit software offers significant benefits, organizations may face challenges, including:

Budget Constraints: Even with nonprofit discounts, advanced tools can strain limited budgets.

Learning Curve: Staff and volunteers may require training to use the software effectively.

Integration Issues: Ensuring new tools work seamlessly with existing systems can be complex.

Data Security: Protecting sensitive donor and organizational data is crucial and requires robust security measures.

Organizations should evaluate their specific needs, select user-friendly tools, and partner with providers offering support and training to overcome these challenges.

Future of Nonprofit Software

The future of nonprofit software lies in innovation and technology integration. Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used to predict donor behavior, optimize outreach, and analyze trends. Blockchain technology is enhancing transparency in donation tracking, while virtual reality (VR) is creating immersive experiences to engage donors. These advancements will further empower nonprofits to achieve their missions efficiently and effectively.

Conclusion

Nonprofit software is transforming the way mission-driven organizations operate. From donor management and fundraising to financial tracking and volunteer coordination, these tools address the unique challenges nonprofits face. By adopting the right software solutions, organizations can save time, optimize resources, and focus on what truly matters—making a difference in the world.

As technology continues to evolve, nonprofit software will remain a cornerstone of effective mission management, helping organizations thrive in a rapidly changing environment. For nonprofits seeking to maximize their impact, investing in the right software is not just an option—it’s a necessity.

[autumnalwalker]

A Dream About Desertion

I am an android.  Most people these days are at least mostly robotic and humanoid chassis like mine are not an assumed part of personhood. 

I was a military model, although I have been AWOL for a long time now.  

I arrive on-planet in the middle of a snowstorm at an old abandoned outpost that I doubt anyone else remembers. Some of the equipment here is still intact enough to come to life in response to my old activation codes.  I take a hover scooter and set out across the icy wastes. 

When I reach the entrance to the underground city, I am let in without fuss.  This is not a place where I am being looked for yet.  I know it is just a matter of time until that changes. 

The battery on my hover scooter runs out just as I reach my destination.  It feels like fate. 

I linger outside the storefront, the point of no return (one way or another), and watch the holographic advertisement play.  A female voiceover explains how oh so many people go missing every single day and how by donating your visual data recordings or installing recognition software then you can help find those who are lost and reunite them with their loved ones.  The images display a dramaticized example of a person with a pantherine chassis moving through a crowd, only ever half glimpsed, but then their full appearance is reconstructed from all the fragments.  I recognize the voice as belonging to someone I once knew.

I step inside.  There are no other customers.  The woman working here instantly recognizes me.   The walls alight with displays of faces I’ve worn and the name “Old Gadjinka.”  I tell her I’d been hoping that she’d be able to make that identity go away instead of telling everyone I’m here.  That’s the real service she provides; erasing records so people can disappear into a new life. 

I know she has already alerted the authorities and they’ll be here to collect me soon. 

We talk, she and I.  It has been a long time.  That’s my fault.  I hurt her.  I tell her that there was a time when I used to imagine she was only an hour away and that if I could only work up the courage I could go see her again to make amends.  She laughs and points out that an hour away from the posting I was at following our falling out was the middle of a swamp.  I say that pretending I was still at the previous posting where an hour away was the bus stop was part of the fantasy.  

I tell her I can’t go back to that life I was built for.  I’ve seen too much - done too much - and I can’t stomach it anymore.  It’s wrong that anyone can stomach it. 

The authorities arrive to collect me.

She shoots me and claims self defense. 

She lays claim to my body for processing by right of past relations. 

When she turns me back on I’m in a new body with a new identity. 

[ducotte-real]

please share more abt the fankids I think they’re so cool !!!

aaa thank you! a quick summary of their concept (spoilers for the HSS propogation quests and Penacony storyline!):

Ruan Mei pushing against the boundaries of genetic engineering again, practicing her work at DNA replication and gene synthesis before perfecting it fully to continue her project with Tazzyronth. She teams with one Dr. Veritas Ratio in workshopping a method of short-term life forms that would age rapidly, to study the process of decay and growth in order to tweak it in later tests down the line.

The life forms in question? intelligent organisms born from meshing genetic sequences from material donated (or subtly stolen in some way). The test subjects are cultivated, given a strict curriculum, an extensive wealth of online and archived knowledge to learn from and test their talents. TLDR: we made fankid love children from characters in HSR.

——————————————————————-

CAVAE RATIO: (Ratio // Aventurine)

[imaginary Remembrance 💠💠💠💠]

- take Aventurine’s knack for convoluted machinations and Ratio’s intense drive towards a singular goal: Goldberg Slot Machine!

- A workaholic mechanic with a talent for both the hardware and software of their projects, dabbles in abstract inventions

- Don’t tell them about transhumanism there will be no going back

GAIUS RATIO: ( Ratio // Ruan Mei )

[fire Erudition 💠💠💠💠💠]

- This kid’s defining, persistent curiosity stems from both parents. Combine it with Ruan Mei’s connections to the organic, with Ratio’s more clinical perspectives of logic into a physical sense: faux flora, paper flowers, and a wistful wanderlust

- They want to see the world outside their ivory tower of academia, and to learn first hand about the universe itself. Excitedly dogs the poor scientists handling everyone’s monitored exams to reply to Gaius’ questions for once- “A test! Answer me!”

- The Little Prince in a tower, having read all the books they own ten times over

- Gaius and Cavae are technically siblings, sharing Dr. Ratio as a donor! they treat each other as such and use nicknames for one another (GaiGai and CaeCae respectively)

“APOLLYON”: ( Dan Feng // Yingxing )

[wind Hunt 💠💠💠💠💠]

- Current design is on the left. prototype concept on the right!

- Not much information is disclosed about this subject’s donors. Nothing Ruan Mei could properly obtain from the Xianshou Ten-Lords Commission, at least. Perhaps Apollyon’s dogged determination to both learn everything about their ‘parents’, as well as defy whatever assumptions are made about themselves, are traits passed down altogether

- Very big fan of the legal system. The orderly process of a court trial is appealing to them. They’ve also thrown themselves into the law to subvert Dan Feng and Yingxing/Blade’s history of criminal notoriety

- Technically the oldest, but not the *eldest*. Because of their Vidyahara genetics, he still has a baby face (gets teased for it). The subjects all still age faster than normal though

“BELPHAGOR”: (J▪️n▪️ ▪️▪️an // ▪️▪️▪️▪️ ▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️▪️)

[electric Abundance 💠💠💠💠]

- If Apollyon’s donor information is hard to uncover, then Belphagor’s is buried under centuries of incryption, perhaps never even being added to the databank in the first place. Or— out of the spirit of secrecy disguised as easy transparency— the info was scrubbed some time after being inputted

- Calm, collected, with connections throughout the Herta Space Station and beyond. Belphie even has routine ‘storyboarding’ sessions with Madame Herta and her Genius coworkers. Their secret contributions to the flavor text of the Simulated Universe help weave the story into a cohesive narrative, tricks the AI into believing the fabrication more easily

- Also has game nights with a slippery hacker online. They trade the #1 spot for the universal high score of Puyo Puyo Tetris III Deluxe Online (sponsored by the IPC’s entertainment branch)

“MATEO” : ( Boothill // Argenti )

[physical Destruction 💠💠💠💠💠]

- Mateo has a fair amount of information about his donors. No matter how many files he can access to read about them, though, he still craves a true connection. He doesn’t just want donors— he wants parents. Maybe that Curio he swiped from Herta’s collection could be his ticket off the station?

- Headstrong, steadfast, impatient, and honest. Desperately wants to prove himself through acts of valor and impulse snap decisions to help others. His heart’s in the right place

- the Curio he swiped? turns into a biplane. when not in flight mode? turns into a JETPACKKKKKKK YEAAHH BABY

MISC. INFO: ( Bullshit // Braindump)

- Mateo and Gaius first met each other while Mateo was testing his Curio’s jetpack function outside the HSS. Gaius saw him through the window, enthusiastically wrote notes on big slats of paper to communicate, and they were stuck by the hip ever since

- Cavae has a habit of self-isolation and social withdrawal when having emotional struggles. They drown themselves in their inventions without any time to bond with the others. The other kids have tried to reach through to them, Gaius and Apollyon especially, but the only progress made is when Cavae does it themselves

- Apollyon loves to put on mock trials. Belphagor and Gaius, the most skilled writers in the group, often create theater performances or fake court trials for Apollyon to play the Prosecutor for. Cavae contributed the props and stage tech, with Gaius and Mateo playing as secondary roles. Mateo often gets put as the Judge so he can have a fake beard (but he puts on the best show as the convict)

- Gaius is skilled at origami

- Belphagor is on the most amicable terms with Ruan Mei. Mostly because, out of all the subjects, they’re the one most willing to *accept* being a test subject. Thus they hold no hard feelings towards Ruan Mei about the experiment they’re born from

- Ratio has a check-up scheduled to interview his subjects coming up. The reminder got sent in the mail, though a particularly nosy merchant may have rummaged through his deliveries while the good Doc was running a bath.