#filing this under “possibly intentional The Other references”

[minorheroics]

"the mother and the father and the other" babe wake up a new way to address a nonbinary parent just dropped

[lagomorphique]

Mouthwashing and Capitalism - Analysis

this did unexpectedly well on twt so I'm gonna force people on tumblr to endure my takes as well for posterity (plus i can speculate and elaborate a bit more on here without the character limit). disclaimer that this includes untagged spoilers for both the game itself + the how fish is made dlc. I also refer to some of the meta facts from the dev qnas and to the demo version of curly's psych evaluation. Most of this is gonna be under a readmore and I'll elaborate a bit more on each character in reblogs

firstly, let's state the obvious - the working conditions enforced by pony express are atrocious. "do not indulge in over 5 hours of rest, including leisure time. sleeping over the allowed budget will result in disciplinary action."

Compare this to irl guidelines for pilots. Neither Curly or Jimmy are getting anything close to the required amount of rest for such a demanding job. This edges more into headcanon/speculation territory, but I've been trying to figure out how their shift patterns are supposed to work. I'd imagine that both of them don't always need to be on duty at the same time, so their shift patterns are probably more variable than everybody's else's. At the same time, we see them both on shift at the same time multiple times during the game and Curly is the only one with clearance to make certain extremely important navigation decisions (like turning off the autopilot). The tldr is that the crew is extremely overworked and running on dangerously little sleep for extended periods of time. It's enough to make anyone go crazy.

Next, the company routinely engages in collective punishment, as seen in the below screenshots. This is particularly important because I think it directly informs a lot of Curly's decisions in particular, especially with how he reassures Anya that her stealing the gun case will not go on the performance log. Given her precarious financial situation, she literally cannot afford to have her pay docked. I don't think he has any nefarious intentions here about covering up what's happened.

I think it's really interesting that each of the employee ID cards have an EMV chip. This would imply that they also function as payment cards. Perhaps they also have to pay for the food on board. It is possible that the 'credits' they are paid in are not even money per se, but rather a sort of company currency. Company currencies, or 'scrips,' have historically been used to exploit workers by making them solely dependent on company stores and products, enforcing loyalty.

Corporate communicates with Curly using something that looks no more sophisticated than a fax machine. It it also not clear whether this communication channel even goes both ways, which calls into question whether it would have even been possible to send out a distress signal in the event of an emergency (or, for example, a HR report needing to be filed).

The ship is not equipped for 5 people. It's notable here that Curly says "bigger" here, implying he /did/ raise this as a safety issue with corporate, but was shot down.

It's a plot point that there were only 4 cryopods, which meant that one person would always have been left out in the event of an emergency, even if they were all functioning.

I also wonder if this affects the rations available to the crew during the trip. I highly doubt that Pony Express bothered to provide extra food and other essentials to provide for an extra person, which means that the crew are probably dividing rations meant for four people amongst five.

[randomfoggytiger]

Fox Mulder: Jewish, Dutch, Or Other Some Such (UPDATED)

In my curiosity to explore Jewish cultural practices, I stumbled on an enlightening article (and a couple noteworthy theories.)

AUTHORIAL INTENT AND OTHER INTERPRETATIONS

I've briefly explored this concept in another meta post here, but it's wisest to tackle the subject as thoroughly as possible.

**Note**: This post has been shelved, since it failed to achieve its original goal. Proceed at your own peril.

Chris Carter named the Mulders in honor of his mother, a descendant of Dutch-Americans.

April 2001:

Loyal “X-Files” fans may know that Fox Mulder, the brainy protagonist played by David Duchovny, was named after Carter’s mother, the late Catherine Mulder Carter. (Scully was named for longtime-Los Angeles Dodgers’ baseball commentator Vin Scully – no relation). But very few people know that Carter’s mother was born to a Dutch-American family in Manhattan, Mont.

According to McCoy [Carter's cousin], the Mulder family moved to the Amsterdam-Manhattan area from Grand Rapids, Mich. Seven of their nine children were born in the Gallatin Valley and after an unsuccessful turn farming here, the Mulders moved to Southern California to start a feed and grain business in Bellflower, Calif. Norman Mulder was the only one of the nine children in the family to return to the Gallatin Valley. While McCoy and Mulder are Carter’s closest area relatives, there are probably many distant relatives still living in the Gallatin Valley’s Dutch community, McCoy said. She added that the California and Montana Mulders have always been, and remain, close.

(**Note**: While Kuiper, Tena Mulder's maiden name, is also of Dutch origin, that does not exclude the possibility of Jewish heritage.)

Meanwhile, David Duchovny and Vince Gilligan had a differing view. David inherently played any character through his experience of the world-- culturally-ish Jewish-- while Vince worked in a reference to Mulder's "Jewishness" in a deleted portion of Drive's script:

Crump: You know... what kinda name is Mulder, anyway? What is that, like, Jewish?

Mulder: Excuse me?

Crump: Jewish. It is, right?

Mulder: No it's not, yes I am....

But there is, yet again, another schism of dissent: Howard Gordon, write of the episode Kaddish, agreed with Carter's perspective, stating that he didn't think Mulder was Jewish "or even half-Jewish." The purpose of his work was to set Mulder up as the outsider peering inward: "We had never dealt with the horrors of antisemitism and the power of the word [on The X-Files]. And because I'm Jewish, it was something that was really compelling to me personally." As explained in Paula Vitaris's Cinefantastique article, Gordon purposefully wrote in three references to Mulder's Gentile identity: Mulder is unable to identify a Jewish book, does not read or speak the language himself (" I don't speak Hebrew, I don't know what that means"), and is unwilling to pass up a reference to Jesus Christ's Christian resurrection ("A Jew pulled it off 2000 years ago") in response to an antisemite. Gordon's Mulder, then, is a man who related to all people while still remaining, fixedly, an outsider.

CHANGES IN JEWISH CUSTOM

When toying with the idea of Mulder's Jewish ancestry, I had assumed that matrilineal lineage was the opening and closing authority on the subject.

Not so, apparently (or not completely.)

REFORM

Chabad.org

The Code of Jewish Law clearly states that a child of a Jewish mother is Jewish, regardless of the father’s lineage (or whatever else may show up in a DNA test), while the child of a non-Jewish mother is not Jewish. Matrilineal descent has been a fundamental principle of Torah since the Jewish people came into existence.

The code, however, has gone under intense scrutiny in recent years.

As My Jewish Learning explains: Although the Hebrew Bible defines Jewish identity in patrilineal terms (determined by the identity of the father) the Mishnah [a record of the oral Torah in the aftermath of the destruction of the Second Temple, 70 CE] states that the offspring of a Jewish mother and a non-Jewish father is recognized as a Jew, while the offspring of a non-Jewish mother and a Jewish father is considered a non-Jew. This talmudic position became normative in Jewish law.

This continued as the religious and ethnic norm for many centuries until, about, 1947: ...the CCAR adopted a resolution that stated that if a Jewish father and a gentile mother wanted to raise their children as Jewish, “the declaration of the parents to raise them as Jews shall be deemed sufficient for conversion.” And though the wording changed somewhat in 1961 ["The insistence on a “conversion” was dropped completely...."]

But it did not become-- in effect-- law until 1983 resolution:

By 1983, the CCAR was ready to spell out the patrilineal descent resolution in greater detail. By this time there was a broad-based commitment to egalitarianism. To many, it seemed unnecessarily biased to accept the child of a Jewish mother and a gentile father as Jewish while rejecting the child of a Jewish father and a gentile mother. 

[Rabbit Alexander] Schindler initiated a process that eventually led to the CCAR voting in favor of what became known as the Patrilineal Descent Resolution....

What this meant was that if a child was born of either a Jewish father or a Jewish mother, and was raised as Jewish, that child would be regarded by the Reform movement as Jewish. They were, however, expected to participate in the various Jewish life-cycle ceremonies which usually mark the life stages of a Jewish person.

1996 brought another development:  ...the CCAR created an 11-member task force to interpret and develop guidelines for the successful implementation of the patrilineal descent policy. The task force recommended that the resolution be referred to as “equilineal descent” or simply “Jewish descent” rather than patrilineal descent since the resolution accepted descent from either the mother or the father.

The radical shift, encapsulated, is as follows: While Jewish children had always been asked to prepare for their bar and bat mitzvahs, their Jewishness was never contingent upon successful completion of that ceremony or any other.  The Patrilineal Descent Resolution shifted the emphasis from birth to conscious choice.

DISSENT

Regardless, there is still broad disputation between Conservative and Orthodox Jews and Reform Jews:

...However, patrilineal Jews are likely to encounter problems later in life if they decide to become more traditional in their observance. A problem arises if Reform Jews who are Jewish by patrilineal descent choose to participate in ritual or celebrations at more observant synagogues. 

...Conservative and Orthodox Jews do not recognize patrilineal descent as a valid means of passing on Judaism. “Who is a Jew?” has been a controversial issue for several decades, and the Patrilineal Descent Resolution deepened the division between the opposing viewpoints. 

The article also raises an intriguing point:

Interestingly, this created the possibility that someone who had a Jewish mother, but had not been raised Jewish and had not had any public religious acts of identification such as a Jewish baby-naming ceremony, a bar or bat mitzvah, or a Jewish confirmation service could theoretically be regarded as a non-Jew despite his or her lineage. However, many rabbis recognize lineage alone.

SECULAR JUDAISM

If we work off of the assumption that Tena Mulder was a Jew, then Mulder's heritage is without question, as matrilineal descent is a core part of the Jewish identity.

It would then inherently inform Mulder's branch of Judaism, nonbeliever that he is--

Phoebe Maltz Bovy, The Canadian Jewish News:

Secular Jews are in some sense a process-of-elimination category. If other Jews register you as Jewish, if antisemites hate you for being Jewish, but you are not a practising member of any religion, then you are a secular Jew. It’s roughly the same as being nominally Jewish. It’s Jewishness, rather than Judaism, perhaps. A convert from Judaism to another faith might be culturally or ethnically Jewish but is not, obviously, a secular Jew. I will not belabour the terminological aspects of this....

“Secular” is a spectrum, and means different things to different people. It might mean avowed atheism, it might not. Secular Jews pick and choose from elements of their—our—religious heritage, but tend to interpret these as cultural, rather than spiritual, traditions. Though “pick and choose” suggests more intent than may enter into it.

MULDER'S EARLY PARENTAGE: A DIFFERING THEORY

Early canon states that Bill Mulder was Mulder's father, while later canon debates the issue back and forth a bit before settling on CSM in Season 9. In spite of this, the world en masse wouldn't have known the murky nature of Mulder's paternal origins; and, thus, would have regarded him in line with Bill's (and Tena's) ethnic heritage.

That being said, I do find it interesting that Mulder wouldn't have been considered a Jew until the 80s by the broader, entrenched community had his father-- and not his mother-- been a Jew.

Regardless, this speculation bears little weight on canon; and is just an interesting thought exercise.

CANONICAL INTERPRETATIONS (AND GAPS)

We are shown three Mulder family funerals: Bill Mulder's in The Blessing Way, Fox Mulder's in Field Trip, and Fox Mulder's again in Deadalive.

For Bill's funeral, Tena Mulder made the executive decision (or carried out his expressed wishes) to involve a minister, not Jewish Rabbi, in her ex-husband's final service:

For Mulder's Season 6 funeral, Scully glimpses a cross of white flowers standing above her partner's casket; and doesn't bat an eye:

For Mulder's Season 8 funeral, Scully chose a Protestant (or derivative thereof) minister-- not rabbi or priest-- to read from scripture and pray over her partner:

We aren't shown Tena Mulder's funeral; however, her burial wasn't within the traditional twenty-four hour timetable for Jewish custom (i.e. her body was likely preserved for multiple days while Mulder was tracking his sister.) Barring Shabbat or other religious observances, this points to two possibilities:

Tena Kuiper-Mulder was, like Carter originally imagined, a "generalized" American with Dutch roots.

Tena Kuiper-Mulder was a nonsecular Jew (with or without Dutch roots.)

Both interpretations work for her son, as well. Referring back to Howard Gordon's Kaddish, Mulder can't read or speak Hebrew; additionally, he is nonreligious (and devoutly so.) However: as @waxworkdaughter and @leiascully both pointed out (here and here, respectively), Jewish identity is a complicated, personalized topic that expands beyond simplified, black-and-white thinking. Mulder's lack of familiarity in Gordon's script could (and can) easily be explained if Tena Mulder distanced herself-- and by extension, her children-- from her heritage, for a myriad of reasons. Mulder's familiarity with other religious observances (i.e. kneeling in a Christian church and weeping for his sister in Conduit) could as equally be explained by many other factors without erasing a tie to that Jewish heritage.

With reference to the end scene in Conduit, Mulder's observance could simply be a shadow of Bill Mulder's WASP upbringing: Protestant symbolism tied to his father's upper crust, in-group sensibilities-- a societal expectation passed down as tradition.

CONCLUSION

Church and prayer, funerals and flags, could all be part of the nostalgic American 90s, symbols of meaning rather than actual belief.

Mulder could have been raised Christian, Jewish, agnostic; or all three. Mulder himself could be Jewish or Dutch or Dutch Jew or generic American (or a combination thereof.)

Tena Mulder could have been Jewish. Or Bill Mulder. Or neither.

The truth is, ultimately, what you make of it: everyone has their own perspective.

Thanks for reading~

Enjoy!

[todaysdocument]

A bill for the relief of Oklahoma settlers--Sooners--many of whose titles to homestead entries had been questioned and a "Statement of the Case" of the Oklahoma settlers

Record Group 46: Records of the U.S. SenateSeries: Committee Papers of the Committee on Public Lands and Committee on Public Lands and SurveysFile Unit: Committee Papers of the Senate Committee on Public Lands from the 53rd Congress

53D CONGRESS, 2D SESSION S. 2038. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES. MAY 21, 1894. Mr. COCKRELL (by request) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Public Lands. A BILL For the relief of Oklahoma settlers. 1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa- 2 tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 3 That every person who made a homestead entry in Oklahoma 4 Territory under the President's proclamation of March twenty- 5 third, eighteen hundred and eighty-nine, and who has ever 6 since resided upon and improved the same, and who now so 7 resides thereon, shall be entitled to a patent to said home- 8 stead upon making the proof usually required in homestead 9 cases, unless it shall be made to appear by a preponderance 10 of evidence that he willfully entered upon and occupied said 11 homestead prior to noon of April twenty-second, eighteen 12 hundred and eighty-nine, with the intent to violate the law 13 and the proclamation. STATEMENT OF THE CASE. On the 23rd day of March 1889. Mr. Harrison, who was then President of the United States, issued his Proclamation, announcing, that the lands of what is now known, as Oklahoma proper, would be thrown open to public settlement, at 12 O'clock M. on the 22nd day of the April. Following. Being in pursuit of homes, for ourselves, and families, we in common with thousands, of other citizens, in order to be within reach, when the time should arrive, moved to, the line of the Terri- tory, and went into Camp, at different points, as close as possible but outside of the line. While so in Camp near the line, and after the proclamation had been issued, and before the arrival of the day for the opening, we in common, with hundreds of others, (in fact), we may say, every one, made daily incursions over the Territory, looking at the Country, and gathering what information we could, of it; from observation. After the arrival of the day and hour designated for the opening, we starting from the lines, joined the great throng, in the race for a homestead, and finding such quarter section as suited us proceded [sic] to establish our residences thereon, and after filing the usual and proper homestead papers - in the proper offices entered at once upon the task of building our homes, and improving our farms, and have been on them, ever since. (Now Five Years). Another class of these Citizens were such as were already within the Territory, and in many cases, had been there for some years be- fore. They were either employees of the Government or of the Santee Fee R. R. CO., mostly however, the former, very few of the latter. Serving as Post Masters- or Deputy U. S. Marshals, some of them under contract to get wood for the use of the Military Posts others under -1- [full document and transcription at link]

[ivankahasbeentreatedsounfairly]

The New York Times Nov. 13, 2024

By Devlin Barrett and Glenn Thrush

Jack Smith, the special counsel who pursued two federal prosecutions of Donald J. Trump, plans to finish his work and resign along with other members of his team before Mr. Trump takes office in January, people familiar with his plans said.

Mr. Smith’s goal, they said, is to not leave any significant part of his work for others to complete and to get ahead of the president-elect’s promise to fire him within “two seconds” of being sworn in.

Mr. Smith, who since taking office two years ago has operated under the principle that not even a powerful ex-president is above the law, now finds himself on the defensive as he rushes to wind down a pair of complex investigations slowed by the courts and ultimately made moot by Mr. Trump’s electoral victory.

Mr. Smith’s office is still drawing up its plan for how to end the cases, and it is possible that unforeseen circumstances — such as judicial rulings or decisions by other government officials — could alter his intended timeline. But Mr. Smith is trying to finish his work and leave before Mr. Trump returns to power, the people familiar with his plans said.

The election’s outcome spelled the end of the federal cases against Mr. Trump, since Justice Department policy has long held that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted for crimes. A Supreme Court ruling this summer significantly expanded the scope of official presidential conduct that cannot be prosecuted even after leaving office.

As he prepares for his last act as special counsel, Mr. Smith’s ultimate audience will not be a jury, but the public.

Department regulations call for him to file a report summarizing his investigation and decisions — a document that may stand as the final accounting from a prosecutor who filed extensive charges against a former president but never got his cases to trial.

It is not clear how quickly he can finish this work, leaving uncertain whether it could be made public before the Biden administration leaves office. But several officials said he has no intention of lingering any longer than he has to, and has told career prosecutors and F.B.I. agents on his team who are not directly involved in that process that they can start planning their departures over the next few weeks, people close to the situation said.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss personnel moves.

Mr. Smith, a former war crimes prosecutor, is now a target of pro-Trump Republicans who portray him as the embodiment of a Democratic effort to use “lawfare,” the so-called weaponization of the Justice Department, to destroy Mr. Trump.

On Friday, Republican lawmakers told Justice Department officials who had worked on the Trump cases to preserve all of their communications for investigators. That is a sure sign that a new balance of power in Washington will make Mr. Smith among those being hunted by congressional investigators and others.

That same day, Mr. Smith’s team filed a court document taking the first step to wind down his two-pronged prosecution of Mr. Trump. The prosecutor asked for and received a monthlong pause to the filing deadlines in his case in Washington charging Mr. Trump with conspiring to overturn the 2020 election.

Mr. Smith said he needed until Dec. 2 to decide exactly how to wind down that case and his other Trump prosecution, in which Mr. Trump has been charged with mishandling classified national security documents after leaving office and obstructing efforts to retrieve them. The documents case was dismissed by Judge Aileen Cannon of the Federal District Court in Fort Pierce, Fla. That decision is currently being appealed in federal court in Atlanta.

Referring to the fact that the defendant would soon take office again as president, Mr. Smith said in Friday’s filing that he needed a month “to assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with Department of Justice policy.”

The type of special counsel report being prepared by Mr. Smith and his team is technically supposed to be directed to the attorney general.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has repeatedly signaled he intends to release such reports to the public, although with some redactions to comply with broader department rules.

In some cases, the findings contained in special counsel reports can be revelatory. In February, the special counsel Robert K. Hur’s report concluded that criminal charges were not warranted for President Biden for retaining classified documents from his time as vice president, but offered a unflattering assessment of Mr. Biden’s memory and cognitive capacity.

Justice Department regulations require a special counsel’s report to explain why the prosecutor decided to file the charges they did, and why they decided not to file any other charges they considered.

But like much of Mr. Smith’s work involving Mr. Trump, this step is fraught with both technical and practical challenges that could make the report significantly different — and shorter — from the lengthy tomes produced by other recent special counsels. It also unlikely to contain much in the way of new or revelatory disclosures.

Mr. Smith, who has been the subject of round-the-clock protection after receiving death threats since taking over, has already described much of the evidence and legal theories behind the election obstruction indictment. Since he filed two separate and lengthy indictments last year against Mr. Trump, he has supplemented that record with scores of court filings elaborating on the allegations.

One potential wrinkle for the filing and release of Mr. Smith’s report is that it may have to undergo a careful review by U.S. intelligence agencies for any classified information. That can be a lengthy process. Intelligence agencies took weeks to review Mr. Hur’s report.

But in the case of Mr. Smith’s final report, most of that vetting has already been done, so officials expect that step to take little time.

The big question now, assuming Mr. Smith finishes the report on his current schedule, is whether Mr. Garland will release the findings before he leaves office, or defer the release to the Trump team, which might not make its contents public.

A spokeswoman for Mr. Garland declined to comment.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/13/us/politics/jack-smith-special-counsel.html

[vase]

Writing Tip #2: Getting Started, Part Two - The Fourth Pillar

Hello again! I want to thank everyone for the phenomenal amount of support my last post received. I'm really hoping to keep this momentum up, and I'm very thankful that so many people are having as much fun as I am.

As always, it's time for our next venture into the wonderful world of writing. Last time, we discussed character, plot, and setting. Next, I'd like to delve into what I personally consider the fourth important pillar alongside these. This fourth pillar is prose!

In writing, prose is meant to describe the manner of which a writer writes. Think of it as the writer's own personal style. Prose is specific to what is literally on the page. Prose dictates specifically the word choice, sentence length variation, grammar choices, and diction of the author. While communities around this are virile, an author need not worry if their prose is strictly "good", rather that it is consistent and fitting.

Typically, when a person (mostly literature students, because no one else gives a shit about prose) refers to "good prose", they will refer to the works of classic authors like Austen or Melville. "Good prose" tends to be filed under the same vein of books that non-literature students complain about, the ones that harp on about descriptions of a tree for an hour. This prose is praised because it excels in imagery--these hour long tree descriptions use excessive verbiage to paint an excessively clear picture of the surroundings. Often, the word choice of the author is what lends it its praise. Our average author, again, need not worry. One does not need to harp on about a tree for an hour to be good at prose. It is better, instead, to be fitting.

[ ID: MOTHER died today. Or, maybe, yesterday; I can't be sure. The telegram from the Home says: YOUR MOTHER PASSED AWAY. FUNERAL TOMORROW. DEEP SYMPATHY. Which leaves the matter doubtful; it could have been yesterday. ]

What precedes is an excerpt from Albert Camus's ever iconic 'The Stranger', in one of its many translations. While the original word choice is lost in translation (from dastardly French), the intent and prose of Camus is obediently transcribed by loyal translators. The main character of The Stranger, Meursault, is a man who thinks in a very objective and brisk sense. This bleeds into the prose of the book itself. Here, it would only kneecap Camus and The Stranger if the book indulged in the flowery, purple prose (term used to describe prose that is syrupy and poetic) of other notable classics, because it would go against the main character's worldview.

It's not necessarily important that your prose uses amazing words and the perfect Austenian writing, but rather that it matches the story. If your narrator character is a preteen girl, she's not going to describe things as 'Kafkaesque' (unless she's the coolest teen girl ever). Experimenting with prose is especially fun in multiple POV stories, with the possibility of different characters speaking or recounting things differently. Just as I recommended writing exercises previously when building characters, writing multiple POVs with different prose on purpose is a good way to build skill in prose. Everyone has their own specific 'prose', but developing your prose is an excellent idea, especially before writing the first draft of your project. Just like a drawing style, whereas everyone has their own style, it's better to learn to draw motion, backgrounds, and shadows before starting drawing your webcomic.

In a first person perspective novel, the prose of the book should be close to the way the narrator character speaks in dialogue, unless there's a specific reason otherwise (ie. the character is a spy and speaks differently to the people around them than they would regularly, or something along that vein). Multiple POV third person novels may also see a shift in prose depending on who is being followed, but they don't always need one. In fact, a dramatic shift may be a bit jarring for readers in these instances. Third person omniscient books need not a prose specific to the central character per se, but this brings in the topic of audience. A book with a story aimed at preteen audiences probably shouldn't use advanced prose, as it may be difficult for the preteen audiences to follow. A writer's prose, however, should be flexible enough to shift from genre-to-genre, reading level to reading level.

Don't believe me? Try it! A great way to practice prose, especially in this sense, would be to write the same general passage for different audiences: first as a children's book, then as a YA book, then as an adult book, and maybe even as an Austenian classic. A great way to practice prose and strengthen characters would be to write the same scene from many different character's perspectives, and incorporating the character's quirks into the prose. Personally, as well, I'm going to recommend writing poetry, especially rhyming poetry. Poetry challenges writers to use thinner perimeters to build word choice and intent.

Thanks everyone for reading once again! I know prose isn't a topic many find super interesting, and I'm sorry to disappoint those who were looking for a character writing or a worldbuilding tip. I promise, next time. Happy writing, prose apprentices, and thanks again for being along for the ride.

[magnus-in-my-protocol]

Cersei Sims sighed as she reread the nonsensical statement. Why her uncle was wasting his time on this rubbish was beyond her.....and why he suggested she work here with him even more so. Sure, she'd just lost her job, and her mother died, and her father--Jon's brother--had abandoned them years ago.....but a degree in mathematics couldn't be much use here, in the land of make-believe.

"Sasha," she began, looking at the woman across from her. "Do we need to investigate these if the writing isn't even coherent? This literally makes *no* sense to me....."

Sasha shot her a sympathetic look. "Most of them are like that, I'm afraid," she admitted. "I'll file it with the others. Why don't you just focus on statement #0112905, and we'll put this one aside for now."

"Thanks....." Cersei appreciated Sasha kindly taking her under her wing, showing her how things worked in this strange environment. Tim was a bit annoying at first, hitting on her, but he quickly backed off when she showed no interest, so he was alright; and Martin was quite sweet, if a bit nervous at times, and she despised her uncle's rudeness toward the kind man.

Elias was the only one she truly detested, for reasons she couldn't quite identify except that he looked as though he knew exactly why she had been fired from her last position, and was waiting for the perfect moment to reveal it to everyone. She hadn't even expected to be hired, especially since she omitted the horrible reference from her last position of ten years and only offered Mr. Bouchard a few piddling references from fast food and retail stores at which she had worked during high school; but Elias didn't even comment. He simply stared at her for a long moment, then smiled, commenting on her summa cum laude earned at Oxford and her PhD in Mathematical Theory, then hired her on the spot. This should have made her happy.....but something about Elias felt quite.....dangerous. Probably just her paranoia after her last post, but the feeling refused to die.

In any case, it was difficult but not unpleasant to be spending so much time with her strange uncle. Jon was kind, especially since he was letting her room at his flat when her credit score tanked, but she knew he would have preferred privacy. So would she, so she tried to stay out as late as possible after work until Jon, perhaps having a similar idea, started staying at work overnight. After confronting him about this, Cersei learned that he was simply becoming dangerously obsessed with Prentiss, not avoiding her, which was not much of a relief.

Still, there was nothing she could do for him to take better care of himself, so she started working late as well, in solidarity and to check on him occasionally. She eventually went home, of course, but Cersei actually enjoyed quietly working at her little desk, investigating the least ridiculous of the statements, feeling productive again. It was that evening, around 7pm, typing away alone at her computer (Jon was, as always, in his tiny office with the door closed), that something felt suddenly......wrong. The air too cold, the darkness casting strange shadows......and what was that shrill creak? Was that.....no, it couldn't be. There was no one else down here but her and Jon, she was sure. Cersei refocused on her work, trying to ignore the unpleasant wrongness.

In the dim foggy ether permeating every inch of the supernaturally-charged Archives, a certain entity drifted aimlessly, nostalgic and bitter for how things used to be. When it had no identity, no tether to coherency……when he read and laughed and cried with his friends, when he was naive and happier……when they weren't enmeshed, tangled so horribly they couldn't tell themselves apart. There was only Michael now, an abomination, a disgrace, a pathetic excuse for a human and a monster.

But it could be worse.

Michael enjoyed haunting the archives occasionally, usually to spread a general sense of unease, but without any real intent. He knew of the new Archivist, his assistants, Elias of course……he had looked upon the charred remains of Gertrude Robinson many times…..and he was now used to a sort of status quo…..until he saw the woman typing at her desk that was not Sasha. Not the not!Sasha, you understand, just…..not Sasha. He cocked his head in the ether and stared.

Oh.

<p>This one was new….

Michael had no concept of time, beyond a strange compulsion to glance at the nearest clock if he spent too much time manifesting anthropomorphically, so he didn't know that it had in fact been several months since he had spied on the Institute. He didnt particularly care to watch the current pawns of The Watcher struggle to deal with the disgusting Corruption, yet, here he was, back in the Archives, gloomily wandering where his damned Self used to work. He missed being Self-less so much, and yet just as much he longed for it–it was maddening, and thus fit in his new role quite well.

Who was this new person, he wondered, watching her coarse black curls swirl in front of her face. And why did her face interest him so? The way her full lips curled in distaste, her striking brown eyes narrowed skeptically (where had he seen that expression before!), all inspired something in Michael that only a tiny part recognized. The Self part that, per it's purgatorial punishment, would never die completely. The Shelley within the Distortion watched the woman eagerly, though also with a hint of guilt, as if it knew it shouldn't be spying. This almost made Michael laugh–imagine! A servant of The Eye reluctant to Watch. Hilarious.

But aside from these troublesome new sensations, Michael mostly saw this person as one to torment and eventually consume, and thus began his usual repertoire: long sharp fingers brushing along his doorframe, just enough to be audible but still unidentifiable.

At the eerie noise, Cersei turned sharply behind her until she was, unbeknownst to her, looking directly at the source, albeit hidden in shadows. Michael’s eyes widened eagerly and he licked his lips, savoring her sudden jolt of Fear……and then frowned. Those eyes…..those two sharp brown eyes, the frown, the way her jaw clenched…..it really was quite familiar. Accompanying the fear was irritation, which Michael was used to, though not necessarily so much so soon in the process. Her clever eyes scanned the darkness for a beat, then the girl shrugged and continued typing something into her computer, shifting her heavy body in her swivel chair slightly.

Oh good, he thought, grinning gleefully to himself. We're doing this the hard way.

<p>Cersei stiffened as a door creaked open slowly, like the whine of something hungry and unnatural. Was there a second door here? The one she had used hadn't sounded at all like that…….she turned, and saw someone standing in the shadows.

“E-eexcuse me,” it creaked out, as if trying its best to sound human. “I don't…..believe we have met…..”

Cersei narrowed those dark eyes at the interloper: tall, thin, messy blonde curls, face in the shadows, voice like a rusty door hinge. Not creepy at all, in the otherwise deserted (Jon in his cave reading statements hardly counted) office. “.....Hello,” she replied after a moment, standing up to face him, allowing Michael a glimpse of her voluptuous curves beneath a thick sweater and black trousers. “How may I help you?”

She reminded him a little of Sasha: brisk, brave, intuitive. She was afraid, but she was also suspicious and curious: perfect traits for an acolyte of The Eye. “You can't,” he replied bluntly, but casually, like he was commenting on the weather. “I…..used to….work here. I'm……heh, you could call me a…..privaTe consULtant, now,” he giggled, his eerie laugh subtly filling the room.

Cersei winced back from the strange laugh that made her bones ache. “Ah…..well. Are you meeting with someone, or…..?” Sge took a step toward him to assert some kind of futile dominance. “May I ask, what you are doing in here, Mr……?

Oh right! Names. “You can call me Michael,” he supplied gently, his grin widening. He too took a step forward, out of the shadows, and savored the sudden terror and revulsion in her eyes as she finally saw his face: two almost blue eyes and a grin that stretched too far and included too many sharp teeth. “Is something wrong, dear?”

Cersei stumbled back in shock, her eyes widening in horror. He still looked human…..sort of…..but something in her recoiled. Wrong, that was it. He felt very, very wrong. She might have stayed frozen with fear longer if he hadn't asked her that question, though: slowly, hot anger thawed her free from terror's grasp as she realized that he was *trying* to frighten her. This arrogant intruder was trying to intimidate her, and this would NOT do.

With a fierce glare, Cersei took a slow step toward the man, not once breaking intense eye contact. Sure, he was taller, but she was angrier. “You need to leave. Now,” she stated firmly, hands on her hips, her low voice sharp. “Or you can deal with security, *Michael*. Please, get out.”

Michael blinked, staring at her burning eyes. The Archivist! That was it. She had Jonathan Sims’ eyes. She had to be a relative, of some sort…. fascinating. And the way she stood up to him, despite her fear! Oh he liked this one very much. She would be great fun.

“My sincerest apologies, Miss,” he acquiesced, taking a deferential step back and inclining his head politely. His eyes took a second to admire her voluptuous figure, though most of him didn't know why. “I'll leave you to your work…..I just enjoy acquainting myself with the…..new blood, as they say.” He laughed for too long, softly but with a distorted echo, like feedback from a microphone, and Cersei winced again. “May I just have your name, miss?”

“Ask Elias if you're so curious,” she snapped back, arms crossed under an ample chest. “Goodbye.”

At this, Michael couldn't help but laugh again, so much so that his human disguise glitched ever so slightly. “Ohhhhhh I don't believe I will. He and I don't seeee……eye to eye, you see,” he giggled, almost doubling over. “Ah well, I'll find out somehow. I like a bit of mystery……until next time, then, little Assistant!”

“Go fuck yourself,” Cersei muttered, rolling her eyes; by the time her gaze returned to normal, it was as if Michael has vanished completely into the darkness. That itself was quite unpleasant, but Cersei tried to shrug it off and get back to work.

“To whom were you speaking?” Jon asked when he emerged an hour later. “Or did I imagine it?”

“You didn’t….there was this weird guy.” Cersei made a face. “Said he was a ‘private consultant.’”

Jon looked up with a little frown. “Oh? That's quite odd…..did he bother you?”

“Yeah, he was kinda creepy…..his name is Michael. Wouldn't give me a surname…..”

“Michael……I believe a Michael used to work here, but I'm not sure. What did he want?” Jon was on edge, concerned about his niece's well-being.

“He…..wanted to intimidate me. He was being all creepy in the shadows, so I told him to get out…..he did. He wanted my name, but he can fuck himself…..you haven't met him?”

“No, but I'll report this to Elias. Random vagrants off the street–”

“Okaaaay, no need to get all Tory on me,” she sighed, rolling her eyes. “He wasn't homeless anyway, just….an unsettling visitor. Forget it.” She left with him, feeling even more confused, frustrated, and, as much as she was loath to admit it, afraid.

[faiellaguldenlaw]

How to Prove Medical Malpractice in Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide

When a medical mistake causes harm, it can feel overwhelming and confusing. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a doctor's negligence, you may not know where to turn. We understand the stress, pain, and uncertainty that come with these situations. You trusted a medical professional to provide care, and now you are dealing with the consequences of that trust being broken. You do not have to go through this alone. If you are looking for legal representation for your case, we are here to help you.

Understanding What Medical Malpractice Means in Florida

Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care, leading to harm. Not every negative outcome is malpractice. To have a case, the care you received must be below the accepted level that another competent doctor would have provided under similar circumstances. Florida law requires specific elements to be proven in these cases. This includes showing that a doctor-patient relationship existed, the provider acted negligently, and their actions directly caused your injuries. Medical malpractice cases can be complex, but with the right legal representation, it is possible to hold negligent medical professionals accountable.

Gathering Evidence to Support Your Case

Proving malpractice requires strong evidence. Medical records are essential to showing what treatment was provided and whether mistakes were made. These records include hospital charts, test results, prescriptions, and doctor notes. Witness testimony also plays an important role. Nurses, other medical staff, or even family members who observed your treatment may provide statements about what happened. In some cases, photographic or video evidence can also help establish that a medical provider made a serious error. Keeping detailed notes about your experience, including symptoms and how the mistake affected your life, is another important step in building a case.

Proving Negligence in a Medical Malpractice Case

Negligence is a key part of a medical malpractice claim. To prove negligence, it must be shown that the healthcare provider did not follow the standard of care. This means demonstrating that another competent doctor would have acted differently under the same circumstances. Florida law requires proof that the provider's actions directly caused harm. This means showing that the injury was not the result of an underlying medical condition but rather a mistake or failure to provide proper treatment. Without clear evidence linking the negligence to the harm suffered, the case may not be successful.

Understanding Florida’s Pre-Suit Requirements

Florida has strict laws regarding medical malpractice claims. Before filing a lawsuit, the injured person must follow specific steps. This includes obtaining a written medical opinion from a qualified healthcare provider stating that malpractice likely occurred. This opinion must be submitted with a formal notice of intent to sue. The law also requires a 90-day waiting period before a lawsuit can proceed. During this time, the healthcare provider or their insurance company can investigate the claim and decide whether to settle or contest it. These legal requirements can be challenging to navigate without legal assistance.

The Role of Damages in a Medical Malpractice Claim

Damages refer to the losses a person suffers because of medical malpractice. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and the cost of future care. Pain and suffering are also considered in these cases. If malpractice results in a permanent disability, the financial impact can be severe. Florida law places limits on certain types of damages, which can affect the amount of compensation a person can receive. Understanding how damages are calculated and what compensation may be available is important when pursuing a claim.

Why Time Matters When Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim

Florida has a strict deadline for filing medical malpractice cases. The statute of limitations is generally two years from when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered. There are exceptions, such as cases involving fraud or injuries to minors, but waiting too long can result in losing the right to seek compensation. Medical malpractice claims take time to prepare, so it is important to begin the legal process as soon as possible.

How Legal Representation Can Help You Succeed

Handling a medical malpractice claim alone can be difficult. These cases require strong legal arguments and extensive evidence. Insurance companies and hospitals often have teams of lawyers defending them. Without proper representation, it can be hard to get a fair outcome. Legal professionals understand how to present evidence, meet deadlines, and negotiate settlements. A strong legal strategy increases the chances of success and ensures that your rights are protected throughout the process.

What to Expect During the Legal Process

Many people hesitate to pursue a medical malpractice claim because they are unsure of what to expect. Once the case begins, the first stage involves investigating the details of the medical error and gathering necessary documentation. Negotiations with the healthcare provider’s insurance company may take place, and in some cases, settlements are offered before going to court. If a fair settlement is not reached, the case moves forward to litigation. This involves court proceedings where both sides present evidence, and a judge or jury decides the outcome. While the process can take time, having legal representation ensures that your case is handled with the attention it deserves.

Why Holding Medical Professionals Accountable is Important

When medical malpractice occurs, the consequences can be life-changing. Holding negligent healthcare providers accountable is not just about securing financial compensation. It also serves to prevent future mistakes, improving patient safety for others. Many victims of malpractice seek justice not only for themselves but to ensure that no one else suffers the same harm. Pursuing a claim can bring awareness to unsafe medical practices, encouraging higher standards of care in hospitals and clinics across Florida.

Get the Legal Help You Need for Your Case

If you believe you have a medical malpractice case, seeking legal help is the next step. The process can be complicated, but you do not have to face it alone. You deserve fair compensation for your injuries and the opportunity to hold negligent medical providers accountable. The right legal team can help guide you through this process, fighting for the justice you deserve. If you are ready to discuss your case, Faiella & Gulden, P.A. is here to help you understand your rights and take action.

[victorylawfirmpa]

The Evolving Landscape of Wrongful Death Law in Florida: Recent Updates

When a loved one passes away due to someone else's negligence, it can feel like your entire world is turned upside down. The pain and confusion that follow are overwhelming, and you may be left wondering what your rights are and how you can seek justice. If you’re facing the aftermath of a wrongful death case, we want to offer our support and help guide you through this difficult time. At Victory Law Firm P.A., we understand the emotional toll that such a tragedy can take on your family, and we are here to help you understand your options and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.

Understanding Wrongful Death in Florida

In Florida, wrongful death refers to a situation in which someone’s death is caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct of another party. This can include car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, defective products, and more. Losing a loved one under these circumstances is not only devastating but also leaves behind questions about who is responsible and how you can seek compensation for your loss.

Florida’s wrongful death laws have evolved over time to address the complexities of these cases and to ensure that families who have suffered due to someone else's actions can have a chance at justice. In these types of cases, the deceased person’s surviving family members—such as their spouse, children, or parents—can pursue a legal claim to recover damages. These damages can include compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, emotional pain, and other types of financial support that were lost when the loved one passed away.

Recent Changes in Wrongful Death Law

The landscape of wrongful death law in Florida has seen several significant changes over the years. One of the most notable updates occurred in 2021 when the Florida legislature made revisions to the state’s wrongful death statute to provide better protection and more access to justice for families. These changes were aimed at closing gaps that had previously existed and making it easier for families to bring wrongful death claims.

For instance, the law now provides clearer guidelines on who can file a claim. In the past, certain family members may not have had the legal standing to file a wrongful death lawsuit, but recent changes have expanded the definition of who qualifies. Surviving family members, including children, spouses, parents, and even extended family in certain circumstances, may now be able to pursue a wrongful death case.

Additionally, Florida’s wrongful death laws have introduced reforms to make it easier to prove negligence in some cases. For example, the burden of proof in medical malpractice wrongful death cases has been adjusted, helping families who are seeking justice for the loss of a loved one due to medical negligence. This update can provide families with a better chance of success in their claims.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida

In Florida, a wrongful death claim can be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. This representative is typically chosen by the deceased person’s will or appointed by the court. The personal representative then files the lawsuit on behalf of the surviving family members, such as the spouse, children, and parents, who may have been financially or emotionally impacted by the loss.

The law recognizes that the surviving family members have suffered not only financially but also emotionally from the loss of their loved one. As a result, the types of damages that can be awarded in a wrongful death case are wide-ranging. These can include economic losses such as medical bills, funeral expenses, and lost wages, as well as non-economic losses like pain and suffering, loss of companionship, and emotional distress.

The Importance of Timely Action

One of the most important aspects of pursuing a wrongful death claim in Florida is acting promptly. Florida law imposes a statute of limitations, which means that there is a limited amount of time in which a wrongful death claim can be filed. Typically, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the deceased person’s death. However, there may be exceptions depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

It is important to start the process as soon as possible to ensure that you do not miss any deadlines and to allow enough time to gather the necessary evidence. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of a successful case outcome. Your attorney can help you navigate these time constraints and make sure that your case is filed within the legal limits.

Challenges in Wrongful Death Cases

While recent updates to Florida’s wrongful death laws have made it easier for families to pursue justice, these cases can still be challenging. Establishing negligence or proving that the defendant’s actions directly led to the death of your loved one can be complex. These cases often require a thorough investigation, expert testimony, and strong evidence to support your claim.

Another challenge in wrongful death cases is that defendants whether they are individuals, companies, or government entities often have legal teams working to defend them. They may attempt to minimize their responsibility or argue that their actions were not the cause of the death. This can make it difficult for families to win their case without the help of an experienced attorney.

How We Can Help

At Victory Law Firm P.A., we understand the immense pain and frustration that you’re going through. We know that no amount of compensation can bring back your loved one, but we are committed to helping you seek justice and the compensation that your family deserves. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process and to handle the legal complexities so that you can focus on healing.

We have years of experience in wrongful death cases and a proven track record of success. We understand the emotional and financial impact that this situation has on you and your family. Our team is here to provide the support you need and fight for your rights.

When you’re dealing with the loss of a loved one, it can feel like everything is falling apart. Choosing the right legal team to help you navigate the complex process of a wrongful death claim can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case. At Victory Law Firm P.A., we are dedicated to providing compassionate and skilled legal representation to families in Florida who are seeking justice after a wrongful death.

Our team is committed to ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve, and we will fight tirelessly to protect your rights throughout the entire legal process. We will handle the legal details while you focus on taking care of your family and yourself.

If you or a loved one has suffered the loss of someone due to wrongful death in Florida, it is crucial to seek legal guidance from an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of the law. At Victory Law Firm P.A., we are here to support you through every step of this challenging journey. Let us help you get the justice you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

[bluprinttechblogs]

Android App Crashing and Freezing, Steps to Avoid or Solve it?

Introduction

The digital revolution cannot be complete without mentioning Android devices. They are essential tools which keep us connected, informed and entertained. From our day-to-day leisure activities like listening to music, reading books, or watching movies, these devices make our lives enjoyable. However, these devices do not perfectly suit our needs whenever we use them. We note that even the best performer of these devices can sometimes come across glitches and fails that ruin the smooth experience of user interaction. Have you ever felt a sudden Android app crashing or freezing while using your Android device? Well, you do not experience these disappointing experiences alone. Undoubtedly, these problems are frustrating, but fortunately, they do not require any technical expertise and are easily fixable with some troubleshooting. After reading our article, you will be able to understand and identify the various contributions leading to the misbehaviour of your Android apps. From this, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide that will enable you to sort them out and get your mobile back on track. We will relieve you of the stresses we know you are going through and ensure that you experience a perfect work mobile that is more stable and reliable. Well, there is no need to make any more introductions and move further by beginning the talk about common crashes and freezes of your Android Apps.

 What causes App crashes and freezing?  

Application crashes or freezes on the operation of an application are issues that can cause a significant deterioration in the user experience and a problem we all face every day as we use an application on an Android-based device. This problem results from various sources from enlightening the multi-centric character of mobile environments. These sources include, - Software Bugs: Bugs in codes are one of the leading reasons for apps freezing and crashing. The bugs can lead to issues that can spread across areas like the architecture of an app, memory leaks, unhandled exception errors, and other complex errors like android app development . So, let us look at: (i). Memory leaks: This is the first type of memory corruption preventing an app from deallocating the reserved memory while allocating memory. It builds up the consumption of all the available memory, making the app slow or may even not work or crash. (ii). Unhandled Exceptions: These are neither intentional nor expected anomalies in a program. These cases are not taken care of, thus leading to some circumstances where the app malfunctions or gets hanged. For example, a Null Pointer Exception is thrown by the JVM when the application attempts to refer to an object reference that does not point to any object. (iii). Logical Errors: Software bugs in the application's logic cause logical errors leading to incorrect operations. They come from assumptions by the developers, under estimations, or control flow errors. (iv). Resource Management: Incompetent use of resources like file handles, networks or database connections may result in crashes. For instance, if an app fails to close connections to a database when it is no longer in use, it may exhaust the resources of the database, using up all available connections. - Software version Incompatibility:  As the Android Operating System comes with updates now and then, some apps that are not frequently updated may run with incompatibility issues, which lead to a situation crash. A similar crashing error occurs when you use newer app versions on an older Android Operating System. The changes from updates causing incompatibility issues include; (i). API Changes: As you update your Android version, it is possible that the older API version of your app cannot run on the newer Android version. This results in the crashing or freezing of your app once you invoke these APIs. (ii). Permissions Model: Android version 6 and above protects users with changes to the permissions model. Some improper handling of runtime permission may cause the apps to crash if they try to access specific resources. (iii). UI Changes: Changes in the Android UI components and layouts may affect the application presentation of content for different apps. Failure to account for such changes can result in an app not functioning as intended. It can cause an incorrect loading of the application layout, causing the UI to freeze or crash. (iv). Hardware-Specific Changes: This is another potential way in which Android OS upgrades may impact performance through hardware-specific improvements that aim to improve performance for faster or newer hardware. Identified applications that do not suit these changes might not run efficiently or even crash on new devices released into the market. (v). Security Enhancements: New security model changes in Android upgrades can impact application compatibility. For instance, stricter security policies might constitute an app's inability to accomplish specific actions, which in turn cause crashes in case the app does not expect such scenarios. - Hardware Limitations: The hardware constraints result in applications freezing and crashing on Android devices more often than other devices on Windows or IOS software. These limitations can result from several factors, including, (i). Insufficient Random Access Memory: For your device to support the smooth running of various applications, it needs an adequate amount of RAM. When you launch an application, it allocates data and processes into your RAM. When the launched app needs to run for a while and, in the process, it lacks sufficient RAM, the chances of it crashing are high. RAM inefficiency often occurs when you install memory-demanding applications such as games or entire suites of office tools. (ii). Limited Processing Power: The processing power of your Android device originates from the Central Processing Unit. This part is essential since it deals with the executing instructions given by the respective mobile apps. Older and weaker devices with poor processors may not cope with the intensive work of the current mobile applications that require high computing power. If your device is under so many processes, it reduces the processing power, making some apps crash or freeze. It happens because the whole system cannot process the crashing app workload. (iii). Insufficient Storage Space: When you install an application, it requires enough storage allocation depending on its size. Apart from the installation space, it requires more storage for creating or managing temporary files. If you have limited internal memory on your device, the system might not have enough space to save these temporary files, and as a result, the application could crash or freeze. Moreover, insufficient internal memory can negatively affect the ability of your device to swap memory. This ability occurs when your device uses its internal memory to extend RAM capabilities. (iv). Outdated Hardware: When an app updates, it adds new features and functions. If by any chance you install them on outdated hardware, these features and functions might not be compatible with it. In the process, the apps could crash or freeze. - Malware Infection: In simple terms, malware is preventable malicious software developed to corrupt or even destroy computer systems. A regular application freezing or crashing of an application is one of the most likely signs that your device contains malware. So, how does malware affect the performance of your applications? These infections can cause applications to freeze or crash through several disruptive mechanisms, which are, (i). Resource Exhaustion: Malware hogs the system resources like CPU, memory, or disk space, thus reducing the resources available to the applications that make the systems unresponsive or misbehave. (ii). File and Data Corruption: Crashing of applications can involve damaging or removing critical files or data within an app. Without these essential files, apps on your device can freeze or crash. (iii). Interference with System Processes: Malware hinders the working operations of essential system processes or services, leading to instability in the applications that depend on such processes. (iv). Code Injection: Attackers inject viruses into functioning applications where the applications run codes they are never intended to run, thus causing the application instabilities and crashes.

How can you Solve App Crashing and Freezing on Android Devices

Solving app crashing and freezing does not need any technical expertise but following simple instructions. Here are simple guidelines to sort this issue out. You can,- Restart the Device: A familiar approach is to restart the device. It can help remove software bugs that could be forcing your app to behave abnormally. There are many ways you can restart an Android device. Here is how, - Update the App: Check if the app is running the latest version. The developers often send new updates to address errors and ensure compatibility with the latest versions of Android. You can update your app via the several methods available on your device. They are, (i). Google Play Store: One of the simplest methods many users know when updating Apps is through the Google Play Store. You can do this through the 'My apps & games' option and update the selected app through a button next to it. Moreover, you can opt for Settings to turn on the auto-update feature for all or individual apps. (ii). In-App Updates: Some apps have an in-app update feature that allows them to update. When a newer version is available for download, the feature activates, and then after, your app automatically updates. (iii). APK Files: You can independently install an app without necessarily through the Google Play Store. To set up this method, you need to allow 'Unknown sources' or 'Install unknown apps' on the device management menu so that you can install it from any source other than the Google Play Store.

- Clear App Data and Cache: Clearing the cache of your crashing application may be handy in case of temporary file corruption. If this does not solve your problem, then the Clear Data option will restore the app to its original state, and this may go a long way in solving issues which are hard to detect. To clear App Data and Cache, you can follow these steps. (i). Locate the app you want to clear the cache. (ii). Press and hold your app until the 'App Info' option appears. (ii). Tap on it to direct you to the app information panel and click on storage. To clear the app Cache, tap on clear cache, though it does not delete your app personal info or settings. To clear App data, click on clear storage. It will delete all information in the app, including your info and settings.

- Reinstall the App: Uninstalling and installing your crashing app may solve this issue if the program is improperly installed or has corrupt files. You can do this through your device app and the Google Play Store. - Free Up Storage Space: Storage capability may be an issue that makes an app crash. You should often delete unnecessary and unused applications to create more space. You should have more than 600MB of free space in your device to reduce the occurrence of this error. The Android Operating system will use this free space to run background processes of your applications, thus reducing the chances of freezing and crashing. - Check for Conflicting Apps: If you have any third-party application running on your device, it could be the source of your problem. This kind of apps can cause other apps to malfunction. To identify a third-party app on your device, boot it on safe mode. If the crashing app runs well in safe mode, consider deleting the recently installed apps. - Factory Reset: If the problem persists, this should be your final option. It is because factory resetting your Android device will erase all your phone data. Before performing this function, ensure you back up the data you need. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, APP crashing and freezing are some of the problems that are frequently to be met by Android users. Nevertheless, they are not very complex to overcome with the help of this approach. This way, users will know how to fix problems like having old software, a corrupted cache, or having low memory resources to improve the performance and efficiency of their respective devices.Updating apps and operating systems is very important since developers create patches for the application and improve the current performance. To my understanding, there are various ways of dealing with the apps and clearing the cache and data is one of the most effective ways since it educates all the temporary files that may be causing the corruption of the apps. If the problems continue, one solution that may help is to remove the application which caused the issues and install it anew.The task of rebooting the device is brief and unobtrusive but is an effective solution for different marginal software-related errors. When dealing with chronic problems, the availability of space on the device and handling of running backgrounds can eliminate congestion that causes halting of the device.In this way, users can keep the experience of an application and, in general, less problematic during its use. One of the best ways to avoid these common problems is to take regular care and precautions like proper storage and being aware of updates. In other words, being ahead of the game with devices will benefit your Android apps greatly to provide your users with a smooth experience and avoid troubles. Read the full article

[georgeshutcheson]

What does Active Proposal to Strike Off a Company Mean?

New Post has been published on https://www.fastaccountant.co.uk/what-does-active-proposal-to-strike-off-a-company-mean/

What does Active Proposal to Strike Off a Company Mean?

Understanding what an “Active Proposal to Strike Off” means is crucial if you’re navigating the world of businesses and corporations. Essentially, this term signifies that a company is under consideration for removal from the Companies House register, often due to inactivity or failure to meet certain legal requirements. By grasping the implications of this status, you can better manage your business operations and ensure compliance, avoiding any potential legal pitfalls. This article will demystify the concept for you, explaining the process, reasons, and possible actions you can take if your company faces an active proposal to strike off. Have you ever come across the term “active proposal to strike off” and wondered what it really means? Whether you’re a business owner, a stakeholder, or simply interested in business terminologies, understanding this concept is crucial. It can significantly impact your business operations, legal obligations, and overall company status.

Understanding What Active Proposal to Strike Off Means

An active proposal to strike off usually refers to a formal process initiated to remove (or ‘strike off’) a company’s name from the official register. This might sound relatively straightforward, but it’s laden with important details that you should be aware of. By the end of this article, you’ll have a thorough understanding of what an active proposal to strike off entails, its implications, and the steps involved in the process.

What Does Active Proposal to Strike Off Mean?

An active proposal to strike off is a notification that a company is in the process of being dissolved. This usually occurs when the company hasn’t met specific filing requirements. It’s important to recognize that this is an administrative process, but it has serious legal and financial consequences if not handled properly.

Why Companies May Be Struck Off

Understanding the reasons behind an active proposal to strike off can help you prevent it from happening to your business, or allow you to act accordingly if it does. Here are some common reasons:

Non-compliance: Failure to submit necessary documents, such as annual returns or financial statements.

Voluntary Strike Off: The directors decide to close down the company because it has served its purpose.

Non-response to Official Communications: Ignoring notifications from relevant authorities can lead to an involuntary strike off.

The Legal Framework Behind Strike Offs

Understanding the legal aspect surrounding an active proposal to strike off is essential. Different jurisdictions have their own regulations and procedures.

How Does the Strike-Off Process Work?

The process of an active proposal to strike off a company usually involves several stages, each designed to ensure that the strike-off is justified and that interested parties have an opportunity to object.

Initial Notification

You’ll receive an initial notification informing you of the intent to strike off your company. This is not a final decision; rather, it is the start of a formal process.

Advertisement in Official Gazette

To make the strike-off process transparent, a notice is usually published in an official gazette or registry. This gives creditors and other stakeholders an opportunity to object.

Period for Objections

Typically, there is a statutory period during which objections can be raised.

Final Decision

If no objections are received (or the objections are successfully countered), the company’s name will be officially struck off the register. At this point, the company ceases to exist as a legal entity.

The Consequences of Being Struck Off

Being struck off can have several serious consequences for your company, its directors, and shareholders. Understanding these possible outcomes is crucial for informed decision-making.

Loss of Legal Personality

Once a company is struck off, it loses its legal personality. This means it can no longer trade, own property, or incur liabilities.

Directors’ Liabilities

Directors might become personally liable for the company’s debts if the company is struck off without settling its financial obligations. This can be particularly onerous and could lead to legal proceedings.

Impact on Employees

The strike-off process usually involves terminating employment contracts and paying any outstanding salaries and benefits. This can be complex and may require legal consultation.

Prevention and Re-Instatement

Preventing your company from being struck off generally involves maintaining compliance with all relevant regulations and timely communication with governing bodies such as Companies House and HM Revenue and Customs.

Ways to Prevent Strike Off

Regular Compliance: Ensure that all annual returns, financial statements, and other requisite documents are submitted punctually.

Active Communication: Respond promptly to any correspondence from governing bodies.

Financial Management: Ensure that all financial obligations, including taxes and debts, are settled.

Re-Instatement Process

If your company has already been struck off, there may still be an opportunity for re-instatement.

Application to Court: You can apply to the court for re-instatement. This usually involves proving that the company was struck off without justification or that it has settled its outstanding obligations.

Administrative Re-instatement: In some cases you can apply to Companies House for administrative re-instatement if the company meets specific criteria, such as settling all outstanding dues and submitting missing documentation.

Common Questions and Misconceptions

Does a Strike-Off Erase Debt?

A common misconception is that striking off a company will erase its debts. This is not true. The directors or shareholders might still be held personally liable for any outstanding debts if they have acted in unreasonable manner.

Can a Struck-Off Company Continue Trading?

Once struck off, the company loses its legal standing and cannot continue trading. Doing so can result in severe legal repercussions for the directors.

Is Voluntary Strike-Off the Same as Insolvency?

Voluntarily striking off a company is not the same as declaring insolvency. The former is a personal decision by the company’s directors, while the latter involves admitting that the company cannot meet its financial obligations.

Conclusion

Understanding what an active proposal to strike off means is essential knowledge for anyone involved with a business. Whether you’re a director, stakeholder, or simply an interested party, being informed about this process can help you navigate the complexities involved and make well-educated decisions.

From the initial notification to the final decision, being aware of each stage in the strike-off process ensures that you can act promptly and responsibly. Maintaining compliance, proper documentation, and clear lines of communication with governing bodies are vital strategies to prevent your company from facing an active proposal to strike off. If the worst happens and your company is struck off, understanding your options for re-instatement can offer a potential lifeline.

Remember, staying informed is your first line of defence in maintaining your business’s legal standing and operational viability.

[lawyerlist]

What to Know About a California Felony Defense Lawyer In 2023?

The stakes are quite high when you become accused of a felony in California. In navigating the intricate legal system and building a strong case, your best ally may be a qualified and seasoned Felony Defense Lawyer in California. In order to assist you in making wise choices at this crucial time, here we are revealing the key facets of a California felony defense Lawyer knowledge, tactics, and comprehension of criminal law in this article.

Understanding Felony Charges and Three Strikes law in California A charge of felony in California refers to significant penalties that include long prison terms, huge fines, and a lifelong criminal record. Only felony-focused defense attorneys have the understanding and expertise needed to construct a strong defense to safeguard your legal rights throughout the criminal justice procedure. In a number of states, including California, the Three Strikes Act significantly enhances the penalties for third-degree crimes for those who have already been guilty of two major or significant felonies. The law specifies a higher prison term, often life in prison, for the third offense to deter repeat offenders and safeguard the community from persistent crooks.

Types of Felony Charges and Collateral Consequences Federal crimes, domestic violence, assault with a deadly weapon, firearms violations, and other felonies are all recognized under California law. Your defense lawyer should have experience facing these particular charges and be able to foresee any potential side effects, such deportation for crimes that are punishable by deportation or sex offender registration for specific crimes.

The “Wobbler” Crime and Felony Penalties California supports “wobbler” offenses, which, based on the facts and the accused person’s prior criminal record, may be penalized as either wrongdoing or felonies. An adept attorney will strive to have a “wobbler” charge reduced to a misdemeanor, as it often carries less severe penalties.

Three Strikes Law and Aggravated Felonies The California Three Strikes law imposes harsher penalties on individuals with previous felony convictions. Understanding the nuances of this law is essential in building a strategic defense. Moreover, being charged with an aggravated felony can lead to deportation for non-citizens, highlighting the importance of having a skilled defense attorney by your side.

Working with District Attorneys and Negotiating Plea Deals A proficient defense attorney will have established working relationships with district attorneys, enabling them to negotiate plea deals or reduced charges, where appropriate, to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Criminal defense strategies we employee to win Criminal law in California

Criminal defense attorneys at our firm use smart techniques to win cases and prevent our clients’ rights. Our defense strategies are tailored to the specific facts of each case and may include the following:

Investigation and Gathering Evidence

Challenging Evidence

Establishing Reasonable Doubt

Proof of Innocence

Negotiating Deals

Utilizing Expert Witnesses

Demonstrating Lack of Intent or Insanity

Introducing Affirmative Defenses

Filing Motions

Building a Compelling Defense Story

Conclusion

The success of a criminal defense in California hinges on employing strategic and tailored approaches. From rigorous investigation and challenging evidence to leveraging expert witnesses and negotiating plea deals, the right defense strategy can make all the difference. If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, seek the expertise of an experienced defense attorney who can navigate the complexities of California criminal law and fight vigorously for your rights. Remember, the right defense can shape the outcome of your case and safeguard your future. Contact Criminal Defense Attorney Riverside the Law Offices of Kareem A. Ramadan at (888)-506-6519 for a free review of your case. 

[thelegaladvice]

13B HMA (Mutual Consent Divorce): Process and Documentation

To initiate a divorce under Section 13B of the Hindu Marriage Act, both parties must consent to the divorce and comply with the legal requirements. Here's a step-by-step process: Consultation with an attorney: Begin by consulting with a family law attorney who specializes in divorce cases. They will guide you through the entire process and help you understand the legal implications. Filing a joint petition: Both spouses must file a joint petition for divorce in the family court that has jurisdiction over the area where either spouse resides. The petition should state that they have been living separately for a specific period (usually one year or more) and have mutually agreed to dissolve the marriage. Mutual consent statement: Along with the joint petition, a mutual consent statement must be signed by both parties. This statement should state that they have voluntarily agreed to end the marriage and that their consent was not obtained by force, fraud, or undue influence. Cooling-off period: After filing the joint petition, the court imposes a mandatory six-month cooling-off period. This period is intended to provide an opportunity for both spouses to reconsider their decision and explore the possibility of reconciliation. During this period, the court may refer the parties to mediation or counseling if deemed necessary. Second motion for divorce: Once the cooling-off period expires, both parties need to appear before the court again and confirm their consent for divorce. This is known as the "second motion." Both spouses must reaffirm their intention to end the marriage, and the court will grant the divorce decree. Affidavits and supporting documents: Along with the joint petition and mutual consent statement, other documents may be required, such as affidavits affirming the reasons for divorce, details about the terms of separation, and any agreements regarding child custody, alimony, or property division. Court proceedings: During the court proceedings, both spouses will be required to testify and provide evidence to support their claims. The court may also inquire about the reasons for divorce and the adequacy of arrangements made for the welfare of any children involved. Decree of divorce: If the court is satisfied with the statements, documents, and testimonies provided by both parties, a decree of divorce will be granted. This decree signifies the legal termination of the marriage. It's important to note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary slightly based on the jurisdiction and individual circumstances. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a qualified attorney who can provide guidance tailored to your situation. https://lnkd.in/dtFabiCC #divorce #divorcebymutalconsent #mutualconsentdivorce #divorcelawyer #divorcelawyerinnoida #dovircelawyeringreaternoida #divorcelawyerindelhi

[ivankahasbeentreatedsounfairly]

The New York Times Nov. 13, 2024

By Devlin Barrett and Glenn Thrush

Jack Smith, the special counsel who pursued two federal prosecutions of Donald J. Trump, plans to finish his work and resign along with other members of his team before Mr. Trump takes office in January, people familiar with his plans said.

Mr. Smith’s goal, they said, is to not leave any significant part of his work for others to complete and to get ahead of the president-elect’s promise to fire him within “two seconds” of being sworn in.

Mr. Smith, who since taking office two years ago has operated under the principle that not even a powerful ex-president is above the law, now finds himself on the defensive as he rushes to wind down a pair of complex investigations slowed by the courts and ultimately made moot by Mr. Trump’s electoral victory.

Mr. Smith’s office is still drawing up its plan for how to end the cases, and it is possible that unforeseen circumstances — such as judicial rulings or decisions by other government officials — could alter his intended timeline. But Mr. Smith is trying to finish his work and leave before Mr. Trump returns to power, the people familiar with his plans said.

The election’s outcome spelled the end of the federal cases against Mr. Trump, since Justice Department policy has long held that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted for crimes. A Supreme Court ruling this summer significantly expanded the scope of official presidential conduct that cannot be prosecuted even after leaving office.

As he prepares for his last act as special counsel, Mr. Smith’s ultimate audience will not be a jury, but the public.

Department regulations call for him to file a report summarizing his investigation and decisions — a document that may stand as the final accounting from a prosecutor who filed extensive charges against a former president but never got his cases to trial.

It is not clear how quickly he can finish this work, leaving uncertain whether it could be made public before the Biden administration leaves office. But several officials said he has no intention of lingering any longer than he has to, and has told career prosecutors and F.B.I. agents on his team who are not directly involved in that process that they can start planning their departures over the next few weeks, people close to the situation said.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss personnel moves.

Mr. Smith, a former war crimes prosecutor, is now a target of pro-Trump Republicans who portray him as the embodiment of a Democratic effort to use “lawfare,” the so-called weaponization of the Justice Department, to destroy Mr. Trump.

On Friday, Republican lawmakers told Justice Department officials who had worked on the Trump cases to preserve all of their communications for investigators. That is a sure sign that a new balance of power in Washington will make Mr. Smith among those being hunted by congressional investigators and others.

That same day, Mr. Smith’s team filed a court document taking the first step to wind down his two-pronged prosecution of Mr. Trump. The prosecutor asked for and received a monthlong pause to the filing deadlines in his case in Washington charging Mr. Trump with conspiring to overturn the 2020 election.

Mr. Smith said he needed until Dec. 2 to decide exactly how to wind down that case and his other Trump prosecution, in which Mr. Trump has been charged with mishandling classified national security documents after leaving office and obstructing efforts to retrieve them. The documents case was dismissed by Judge Aileen Cannon of the Federal District Court in Fort Pierce, Fla. That decision is currently being appealed in federal court in Atlanta.

Referring to the fact that the defendant would soon take office again as president, Mr. Smith said in Friday’s filing that he needed a month “to assess this unprecedented circumstance and determine the appropriate course going forward consistent with Department of Justice policy.”

The type of special counsel report being prepared by Mr. Smith and his team is technically supposed to be directed to the attorney general.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has repeatedly signaled he intends to release such reports to the public, although with some redactions to comply with broader department rules.

In some cases, the findings contained in special counsel reports can be revelatory. In February, the special counsel Robert K. Hur’s report concluded that criminal charges were not warranted for President Biden for retaining classified documents from his time as vice president, but offered a unflattering assessment of Mr. Biden’s memory and cognitive capacity.

Justice Department regulations require a special counsel’s report to explain why the prosecutor decided to file the charges they did, and why they decided not to file any other charges they considered.

But like much of Mr. Smith’s work involving Mr. Trump, this step is fraught with both technical and practical challenges that could make the report significantly different — and shorter — from the lengthy tomes produced by other recent special counsels. It also unlikely to contain much in the way of new or revelatory disclosures.

Mr. Smith, who has been the subject of round-the-clock protection after receiving death threats since taking over, has already described much of the evidence and legal theories behind the election obstruction indictment. Since he filed two separate and lengthy indictments last year against Mr. Trump, he has supplemented that record with scores of court filings elaborating on the allegations.

One potential wrinkle for the filing and release of Mr. Smith’s report is that it may have to undergo a careful review by U.S. intelligence agencies for any classified information. That can be a lengthy process. Intelligence agencies took weeks to review Mr. Hur’s report.

But in the case of Mr. Smith’s final report, most of that vetting has already been done, so officials expect that step to take little time.

The big question now, assuming Mr. Smith finishes the report on his current schedule, is whether Mr. Garland will release the findings before he leaves office, or defer the release to the Trump team, which might not make its contents public.

A spokeswoman for Mr. Garland declined to comment.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/13/us/politics/jack-smith-special-counsel.html