#popular taxi operators

[whore-era]

1-800-GIRLS - part 2

☁︎ modern!ellie x sex-hotline-operator!fem!reader, very small mention of dealer!ellie ☁︎ summary: in which ellie takes her favorite phone sex hotline operator out on their first date! ☁︎ warnings: contains smut! 18+ only. top/dom!ellie, bottom/sub!reader, interactions with men, dirty talking/praise, fingering (r!recieving), use of fem nicknames, slight mention of petplay, let me know if i missed anything else pls. ☁︎ a/n: back by popular demand, and to thank you all for 1k. i love u all from the bottom of my heart. thank u all so so so much. also there will be NO PART 3! s/o to my girl @clearheartgreyflowers for staying up w me til 3am writing smut LMAO ☁︎ word count: 5,124 ☁︎ 1-800-GIRLS part 1

thursday, 1:15am → ongoing call with sir steven (ft. lauderdale, FL)

sir steven (client): thank you, sugar. did good as always, pretty lady.

sugar: no problem, sir.

sir steven (client): have a good night, darlin'. good night.

the line clicks on the other end, and you finally let out a big stretch, able to relax as you close the hotline for the night. you made 13 calls tonight, which usually wouldn't be enough to help with bills, but much to your dismay, ellie had been sending you money nonstop.

it's been a couple of weeks since you first met her in the library, and since then, you've seen each other here and there, most of your communication being made through texts and calls, as you both have been extremely busy with final exams and work. barely getting any real time to spend together besides having lunch together or walking to class when the time allows it.

however, ever since you revealed to ellie your real name and gave her your personal phone number, she's been using it to her advantage — sending you money through applepay/paypal, paying for food to get delivered to your apartment when you tell her you haven't ate that day, or getting uber's or taxis to pick you up when she wasn't able to come get you herself.

she was very persistent in being your provider, insisting that with her income, she could support you full-time and buy you everything you needed and more.

but you didn't have it in you to just quit this hotline gig. you didn't want to feel like you had to rely on ellie, and the last thing you wanted was to burden her with your own issues.

thursday, 1:30am → incoming call from ellie (jackson, WY)

you: ellie...?

ellie: hi baby.

you: why are you calling the hotline? you have my number, silly.

ellie: what? can't check in on my girl?

you couldn't help the flush in your cheeks. ellie never failed to make you blush. she always made a point to flirt, hard, and you both weren't even in a relationship, yet.

you: what can i do for my favorite client?

ellie: hm, how does going out with me on saturday night sound?

you: like...a date?

ellie: yeah, don't you think we're a bit overdue for one?

you: sure! what should i wear?

ellie: 's up to you. you make anything look beautiful.

you hated how easily she made the heat rise to your cheeks.

ellie: are you blushing?

you: ....no.

ellie: liar. just for that, you owe me a kiss on our date.

you: hm, we'll see.

ellie: guess we will.

-

saturday couldn't have arrived any faster, and by the time you knew it, it was 6:00 in the evening, almost time for your first date with ellie.

you couldn't make up your mind on what to wear, trying on different outfit combinations, determining which one you think ellie would like more.

groaning in frustration, you seemingly settled on a baby blue dress, with a light and warm cardigan. the weather was absolutely perfect for this type of outfit, not too hot with just the slightest breeze.

as you touched up your makeup, swiping on your favorite gloss, you couldn't seem to calm the nerves boiling in your belly. what was there to be nervous about? you were going on a date with one of the coolest and prettiest girls you have ever seen in your life.

overthinking every possible worst-case scenario that could happen tonight, you took some deep breaths, shaking off the images of you possibly falling on your face, snorting while you laugh, or accidentally passing gas in front of ellie. oh god, if that were to happen tonight, you didn't think you could ever face her again.

you would have to change jobs. and schools.

"god, jesus, whoever, please have my back tonight," you whisper to yourself, suddenly jumping at the small 'ping' coming from your phone.

unlocking your phone, you see it's a text from ellie:

ellie <3: I'm on my way up baby, u ready?

you: yes! i'm ready hehe

you take the time to lace your shoes at the front door, giving yourself a quick one-over in the mirror to see if you were presentable, at the least.

two soft knocks on the door resonated through your apartment, and you took a deep breath as you unlocked the latch, mentally preparing yourself for tonight.

swinging the door open, you're greeted by the tall, emerald-eyed girl.

"hey, baby," she greets, leaning over to plant a kiss on your cheek, "you look gorgeous."

your eyes fell to the ground, cheeks flushing with crimson. get ahold of yourself. you're acting like a teenage girl with a puppy-love crush, you echoed in your mind.

"thanks, els. you look pretty cute too," you compliment shyly, looking down at her fit — a white shirt complimented with a red flannel and dark-washed jeans. of course, hair styled in her signature half-up ponytail and sporting her white and black converse sneakers.

"ready to go?"

"yeah, let's go ahead."

"cool, just parked over here in the parking lot."

taking hold of your hand, the two of you head out to the parking lot, and she takes the lead in guiding you to her car. her hands felt warm and clammy— and you wondered if ellie was feeling just as nervous as you were.

and she was.

ellie was freaking the fuck out. from the outside, you appeared calm and relaxed, which put her at unease. were you not excited to be going out with her? were you going to like what she planned for tonight? what if you absolutely hated the date she organized? it'd tear ellie's heart to pieces.

but ellie couldn't overthink, especially not right now. she couldn't let her emotions get the best of her, and she only had to think of the present — you.

ellie fished out her keys from her pocket, briefly letting go of your hand to unlock the car and open the passenger side door for you.

getting inside, you mumbled a quick 'thank you'. as ellie scurried to the driver's side of the car, you scanned your eyes around the interior of her car.

what the hell? was she driving a...dodge hellcat? you knew ellie drove, but you didn't know she drove such an expensive muscle car. how much money did she make being a dealer?

her car smelled just like her, fresh and musky, and she kept it fairly clean.

ellie piled in the driver's seat of her car, putting the key in the ignition and turned on the engine.

"soooo, where are we going?" you queried.

"that's a surprise," ellie smirks, and suddenly she places her hand behind the head of your seat, turning her neck to look at the rear windshield as she backed out of the parking spot.

you swallowed thickly, focused primarily on how hot she looked doing something as simple and elementary as reversing her car. the way her neck flexed, the way her arm tattoo looked by your face, and the way she was concentrated on moving the vehicle — suddenly turned the heat up in this confined space.

"you okay? you look a bit warm," ellie asks, interrupting your train of thought.

"huh? yeah, no, i-i'm okay," you smile meekly, "it's j-just a little warm in here."

"oh, sorry," her hands went to turn on the air conditioning, the gentle breeze of cool air providing relief, "there you go. better?"

you nod, "much better, thanks."

"wanna play some music?" she asks, holding her phone up.

"hmm, you can put whatever you want on. i wanna see what type of music you're into."

"okay," ellie says with a wide smile, "suit yourself."

approaching a stop light, ellie uses the window of opportunity to tap away on her phone, searching for her favorite song. the song 'the spins' by mac miller plays throughout the car at a mellow volume.

"great taste. i love this song," you chime.

"yeah? me too," ellie states, "i loved mac miller since like, forever."

eyes gravitating towards ellie, you couldn't help but get lost in a daze at the way she drives, the slight spread in her legs, one hand on the wheel, the stray strand of hair that falls in her face — she was dangerous.

and ellie could feel the burning gaze you were searing on the side of her face, "you okay there?"

"hmm?"

"you keep staring at me."

"oh— uh— i'm sorry. i didn't mean to—" you sputtered, ashamed that you'd been caught red-handed.

"it's fine, baby, no worries. just wanted to know if there was anything on your mind was all," ellie briefly tears her eyes away from the road to check on you.

you had to quickly think of an excuse, something to save you from this embarrassment — "just thinking of where we're going."

the girl chuckles, "well, we're already here."

the neon lights were the first thing that caught your attention, then the rapidly moving contraptions, and lastly the laughter from the crowds of people.

"we're at the carnival?!" you squealed, unable to contain your excitement.

"yea," ellie muttered sheepishly, "uh— i saw on your instagram how you shared the posts about wanting to go on your story, so i-"

you cut her off with a forceful hug, "oh my god! ellie! we have to get out now! let's go, let's go, let's go!!"

"alright, baby, let me put the car in park-" she began, but you were already halfway down the entrance.

-

"wow! ellie! that one was so fun! it was exhilarating!" you breathed out, fueled by the rush of adrenaline pumping through your veins after riding the 'slingshot' rollercoaster.

ellie couldn't be any more amused, smiling down at you, "yeah? you liked that one, babe?"

"yes! i loved it!" you squealed, but as the adrenaline wavered, you began to feel that familiar rumble in your stomach, "it did give me an appetite, though."

"wanna get a little something to eat?" ellie's hand is securely interlaced with yours, guiding you towards the various food stands.

you nod, "mhm, i am starved."

"just tell me what you want, and i'll get it for you, m'kay?" she gives you a smile and squeezes your hand as your eyes scan the numerous items to choose from.

corndogs. cotton candy. kettle corn. pretzels. chilli cheese hot dogs. funnel cake.

"hmmm, i think i want some funnel cake," you suggest, "we can share it."

"sounds good to me," ellie shrugs and you both fall in line. she orders and pays for the sweet treat and the worker hands her the food, as you find a vacant picnic table to sit at.

digging into the crispy, creamy treat, you couldn't hold back the moan of delight that came from your mouth.

"oh my god! this is amazing!" you moan, whip cream getting all over your lips.

ellie was too busy hyper-fixating on the cream that sat on your lip, and before thinking about anything else, she swiped it off your bottom lip with the pad of her thumb, bringing it to her lips and sucking it clean.

"mmm, delicious," she commented, then consumed the dessert as if nothing had happened.

leaving you stunned, you gulped the cup of water she gave you, attempting to soothe the heat seeping down below.

"so, which ride do you wanna get on next?" ellie spooned more of the funnel cake in her mouth, looking up at you, awaiting your response.

"not sure, why don't you choose? i picked the last one after all," you clean your spoon off, getting every last bit of leftover ice cream.

"we can ride theeee..." ellie scours the carnival rides, "...the haunted hospital."

your heart fell to your stomach, you hated anything related to horror.

"oh no..ellie, i don't think i'll be able to ride that—"

"are you scared?" she taunts in a playful tone.

"yes. i'd be covering my eyes the entire time, el."

"good thing you have me with you, i'll fight anyone who gets too close to you. promise."

"fine."

when you both finish the funnel cake, you quickly discard it and ellie rushes you over to the line to the haunted attraction, but as the line goes by quicker than you anticipated, the fear began to set in deeper and deeper.

"ellie, i'm scared," you whisper as you both approach the front of the line, watching the people in front of you climb into the little mechanical car and disappear into the darkness.

"hey, i'm here, baby," she coos, rubbing your back, "besides, it's all fake, okay? 's not real."

and on cue, the attendant calls you both up, "next!"

walking slowly towards the black cart, you get on first and take a seat, with ellie following closely behind you.

"alright, hands up," the attendant commands as the handlebars latch down and lock onto your lap, "keep your hands and feet in the cart at all times. have fun."

as the cart begins to move forward and ascend into blackness, you curl into ellie's body and her arm instinctively wraps around your body, holding you tight.

this is exactly where ellie wanted you, up close and personal. she wanted an excuse to hold you all night, and after seeing the 'haunted hospital' sign, she knew this ride was the perfect place to do that.

your heart was pumping in and out of your chest, preparing for the worse to pop out and jump-scare you.

"ugh, i can't look," you stammer, covering your eyes. ellie takes hold of your wrists, gently taking them away from your face.

"hey, just focus on me, okay?" ellie whispers, her hot breath fanning in your face, "it's just me and you."

"o-okay."

and the fear that took habitat in your belly faded away, your mind zeroed in on ellie and how close she was to you. if you even breathed too hard, you probably would’ve accidentally kissed her.

but luckily for you, ellie was five steps ahead.

she reached her hand out to cup your cheek, resting it on the soft, warm skin of your face.

"can i kiss you?" ellie asked, her mouth taking over her brain, but she didn't mind it. she wanted to kiss you. she's been wanting to kiss you ever since she heard your voice that night she accidentally called you.

“please. please, kiss me.”

leaning in, ellie pressed her lips on yours, her other hand snaking around your waist, pulling you in closer. her lips were soft and inviting, and they tasted sweet — they were definitely a good distraction from the horror props popping out at different intervals. 

her lips leave subtle pecks along your lips, enamored by how your lips tasted, and how it left her wanting more. 

ellie pulls away, inciting a small whimper from you, “the ride’s about to end, babe.” 

“hmph, okay,” you pout and ellie pecks your lips again.

“we’ll have plenty of time to continue later,” she reassures you with a laugh. as the both of you emerge into the light, back to the entrance of the attraction, you notice your lipgloss smeared all over her lips, eliciting a small giggle from you.

“what’s so funny?” 

you point to her lips, and her eyes dart down to her face, using her sleeves to wipe off the pink gloss from her mouth as you both get off the ride. 

you smile sheepishly, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear as you both stroll around the carnival, “sorry, that was my fault.”

ellie smiles and shakes her head, “don’t worry ‘bout it,” she says coolly, “hey, let’s go over there. there’s no line.” 

pointing to an attraction behind you, you turn around and follow her trail, your eyes settling on the ferris wheel.

hand in hand, you both get on the little capsule of the ferris wheel, the employee holding it sturdy so you and ellie would have time to climb in. 

they latched the door closed and you both begin the slow, upward descent. 

“wow, the view is beautiful,” you breathe out, astounded by how pretty the lights looked in the city as you towered over the area below. 

“yeah, the view certainly is beautiful, huh?” ellie murmured, but she wasn’t staring at the view. her eyes were on you, taking in how breathtaking you looked in this moment — eyes glimmering in amusement, perfect, plump lips slightly parted, and hair a bit messy from the breeze, but framing your face in all the right places. she took her phone out, snapping a quick picture, never wanting to forget this moment. 

she moved seats, before, sitting on the bench facing you, and now sitting right beside you. 

“uh, there’s something i have to tell you,” ellie began, her nerves shocking every cell in her body.

“yea? what is it?” you ask, turning to face her, “is everything okay?”

“yeah, yeah, i just—” ellie bit her lip nervously, “i just really like you. like, i think about you all the time. when i first heard your voice that night i dialed you, i just knew i had to talk to you again. there’s just something about you that always brings me back and— fuck, i never thought i’d find myself catching feelings so hard for a girl before.” 

your cheeks were hurting from how wide your smile was, but you didn’t care. ellie put her arm around your shoulder and held your hand with her free one, leaning in closer.

“what i’m trying to say is that— i really, really want to be with you. i want to be the one who you tell the weird stories about your clients to and i want to be the one to take care of you after a long day at class. i want to be the one who protects you and who you share your favorite meal with. i just— i really want you to be my girlfriend,” and before ellie continues any further, you cut her off with a kiss.

“if this is your way of asking me to be your girlfriend, the answer is yes, ellie williams,” you answer, briefly pulling away for air. 

ellie’s smile grows wider, “cool,” she quirks before connecting your lips again. 

- 

the sun was long gone and the moon had taken over the night sky. but your date with ellie was far from over. 

after spending an evening filled with thrill rides and greasy, fried snacks, you and ellie both decided to calm things down by taking a walk along the boardwalk, occasionally strolling up and down the pier.

“would you say this has been a good date so far?” ellie’s eyes flitter toward you, her arm slung over your shoulder as you stride down the various closed stores and restaurants of the boardwalk. it was empty, only one or two people passing by, but other than that it was only you two. 

“mmm, i’d give it a…six out of ten,” you tease, gaining a scoff from your new girlfriend. 

“a six? seriously?” she shakes her head, “damn, not the response i was hoping for.” 

“i’m just kidding, els,” you giggle, “this date has been amazing. i loved every bit of it. thank you.”

you lean over and press a small kiss on her cheek, watching how the vermilion scatters across her freckles.

“now that’s more like it.” ellie laughs, continuing the promenade forward, with no destination in mind.

your eyes settle on this small, old-fashioned photo booth tucked away in a corner of the boardwalk. the sign above it flashing ‘PHOTOS: 4 different poses’. it was the perfect idea to end the night and have a little souvenir to remember your first date.

you let go of her hand, dashing towards the photo booth, ellie confusedly following after you. you open your bag, searching for some change, and you insert four quarters into the small coin slot. 

“let's go inside,” you enthuse, excited to try out the photo booth.

ellie went inside first, taking a seat on the extremely small bench, barely leaving any space for you to sit beside her. the booth was such a tight enclosure, only allowing enough space for a maximum of two people. 

“i— uh— don’t know where to—” you stammer, but she interrupts you as she grabs your hips, sitting you down on her right thigh.

warmth rose to your face, feeling secure and sturdy sat upon her leg. ellie closed the black curtain, covering the entrance and blocking any light that would shine through. 

“okay, we have three minutes and four poses,” you say, turning your neck to look down at her, “what should our poses be?”

“i dunno, i’m sure we’ll look great doing any. we can jus’ do them as we go along,” ellie shrugged, and the photo booth began to count down from five.

sitting up straight in her lap and fixing your hair, you and ellie put on a smile, and the light flashes white, signaling the end of the first pose.

for the second pose, you turn your head and plant your lips on ellie’s cheek as ellie scrunches her nose up, and the flash lights up for a second time.

for the third pose, you loop your arm over ellie’s shoulder, and you both look each other in with adoring eyes and loving smiles — flash.

you both couldn’t even bother getting ready for the final pose, too lost in each other’s admiring gazes to think properly. you were focused on the jade green of ellie’s eyes, wishing you could jump in and swim in the pools of emerald. ellie was hooked on your face, and memorizing every detail like her life depended on it — tracing her eyes over your pouty lips. 

and as the countdown went to one, ellie smashed her lips onto yours, her arms tightening around your waist to pull you closer. this kiss was different from the ones from before — there was urgency, there was eagerness, there was a burning passion, one you’ve never experienced before. 

her tongue shoves into your mouth, tasting the mint you’ve chewed previously. immodest and perhaps, pornographic wet sounds from your mouths resonate throughout the small photobooth. one of her hands trail from your hips towards your tits, groping the soft, pillowy flesh underneath your baby blue dress, eliciting the faintest of whimpers — a sound ellie has been dying to hear again.

you couldn’t help the arousal building up in your core, compelling you to grind your crotch against the denim fabric of her jeans. 

“e-ellie, i— i’ve never—” you struggle to let out, pulling away from her lips, a trail of spit lingering on your bottom lip, and her lips plant sloppy, wet kisses along the side of your neck. 

“we can stop if you want, sweet girl,” she murmurs against your skin, and you quickly shake your head.

“n-no, don’t stop, p-please,” you gulp and with your approval, ellie’s other hand goes down to hike your dress up, bunching the fabric up around your waist. her hands push your legs apart, and she lifts one of your thighs up to rest on the wall of the photo booth. you were exposed, the only thing concealing your bare, pussy was the thin fabric of your panties.

she sat back against the corner of the booth, leaning against the wall and allowing you space to lean against her body as well. her hand cupped your panty-covered crotch, rubbing against it.

the sudden friction made you jolt, your breath picking up, “b-but what if— what if someone hears us? or—or sees us?”

“then you better keep it down, pup.”

ellie’s hand slips inside your panties, her index finger sliding between the warmth of your folds, drowning in the wet, hot juices leaking out from you, “fuck.”

you let out a pitiful whine, needing more pressure, craving satisfaction. the nights after that call with ellie, your own fingers no longer sufficed the needs your body demanded. you tried so hard to replicate the same feeling ellie gave you that late evening, but there was no avail as you realized the only person who can truly serve your body correctly was ellie. 

“p-please, more,” you begged, hoping she would show you mercy and give you what you wanted.

“please, what? huh? use your fuckin’ manners,” she snides in your ear, breath fanning against your neck. you immediately knew what she was inferring.

“please, daddy, please. i want more,” you bucked your hips up to her hands, and she happily obliged. two of ellie’s fingers made their way to your throbbing and swollen clit, applying pressure as her digits created circles. 

you couldn’t suppress the moan that emerged from your throat, clamping a hand shut over your mouth, careful not to alert any strangers nearby, knowing people would still be able to hear despite the thin, black curtain covering the photo booth.

“you look s’ fuckin’ pretty,” ellie whispers against your neck, and her hand grabs your jaw, turning your head to look at her as she smushes her lips against your swollen, red lips. 

a stream of melodious moans vibrated against ellie’s mouth, and she was drinking it in, savoring the sound of you against her lips. the way ellie’s tongue fucked your mouth felt ungodly, and almost immoral. someone who harbors the power to make you feel how you do is something close to the devil, as pleasure this wonderful was sinful.

her fingers disappear from your clit, leaving you feeling empty. 

“open.” ellie orders and you part your lips. she pushes her fingers in your mouth, and you suck them clean, your tongue lapping the salty juices like a puppy desperate for water on a hot day.

“such a good fuckin’ girl, shiiit,” ellie praises, slipping her fingers in your pussy, continuing the circles on your hardened clit.

“you know what good girls like you get? huh?” ellie’s fingers pick up speed, “they get to cum. you wanna cum for daddy, baby?”

unable to think of any response, you nod your head up and down. 

“use your words, pup.”

“yes, daddy. puppy wants to cum,” you whine out. that was enough for ellie to give you what you wanted. one hand rubbing circles your clit, her other hand pushes your panties to the side and inserts one finger in your leaking hole, gently sliding it in and out.

“ellie!” you cry out, astounded by the added pressure. her finger was long and filled you up almost, completely. 

“gotta stretch you out, baby. get you ready for my cock,” ellie smirks as she slowly adds in another finger, still maintaining her slow, neutral pace. 

your pussy clenches around her fingers, and you scrambled around to grab ahold of anything you can get your hands on. you were drunk on ellie, the way she talks to you — almost condescending — combined with how she had you writhing under her fingers. you were unequivocally hers. you were ellie’s.

she added a third finger to your clit, applying more pressure on your sensitive clit, and her fingers began to pump faster inside your pussy, coating it in a thick, creamy layer of your juices.

“god, you’re such a pretty fuckin’ girl,” ellie kisses the side of your neck, “look at you, making a mess all over my hands, like a filthy pup.”

all your mouth would utter was these weak, pathetic whimpers and moans, fucked out dumb and stupid. you don’t even think you could remember your name right now. 

the familiar feeling of your orgasm coming undone begins to rise, accompanied by a new pressure you feel in your abdomen — the urge to push. 

“daddy, think m’ gonna— p—pee,” you stammer, not wanting to embarrass yourself and closing your legs, “it feels like i have to—”

“baby, let it happen. promise it’s not piss or anything,” ellie reassured, figuring this was your first time squirting. “just let go, sweet girl.”

the sweet sounds of your wet pussy echoed throughout the confined spaces of the booth, just how ellie liked it. it was music to her ears. 

the feeling of your walls tightening around her fingers told her that you were just right on the edge, and she was going to give you that push to fall over and come undone all over her hands.

the pad of ellie’s fingers massaged figure eights on your pussy, almost tracing infinity signs on your clit. her fingers found rhythm and continued thrusting her index and middle fingers inside you, curling up to rub the flesh of your walls, hitting just the right spot and emitting an angelic moan from you. 

ellie was in heaven and she had this honey-sweet angel melting under her touch. 

you squirmed in her lap, your back instinctively arching, about to come apart in this small photo booth.

“daddy, i’m about to— can i? can i cum? pretty please?” you cried out, almost pleading, like you were begging for your life, but you felt like you were going to simply die if you didn’t finish right now. 

“yes, pretty baby, cum all over me,” ellie coaxes you through your orgasm, “make a fuckin’ mess, puppy.”

you came undone, falling apart right there. your pussy clamped around her fingers, a stream of milky-white cream trickling onto her hands. your body overcame your thoughts, and you pushed out — releasing a gush of watery, squirt all over the place. spurting out, imitating a fountain.

ellie pulled her hands out of you, and brought them to her mouth, sucking and licking them clean. still coming down from the high that was your orgasm, your breaths came out heavy and unlabored, a tear falling down out of the corner of your eye and streaming down your cheek. 

“you alright, babe?” ellie asked, fixing your panties and pulling your dress down.

“y-yea, i’m okay,” you stutter, standing up and exiting the photo booth, finding the boardwalk still deserted. legs still shaking, you trip over your own feet and lean on the walls of the booth for support. ellie took hold of your waist, ensuring you don’t fall.

“hey, look, our picture,” she points out, taking the strip out from the slot and showing the black and white photo to you. 

ellie smiles at the strip, “we look good, huh?”

you nod, still simmering down. ellie takes notice of your state and plants a kiss to your lips, rubbing your waist soothingly. 

“how ‘bout we get outta here and get some real food? sound good, baby?”

you nod, smiling, “sounds perfect.”

🫶🏼

[rideboomindia]

RideBoom, a ride-hailing company, has demonstrated its ability to adapt to changing market conditions through various strategies and initiatives. Here are some examples of how RideBoom has adapted:

Introduction of new features and technologies: RideBoom has continuously introduced new features and technologies to differentiate its service from competitors and meet evolving customer needs. This includes features like real-time tracking, in-app payments, and integration with popular navigation apps [1].

Expansion into new markets: RideBoom has expanded its operations into new cities and countries, allowing it to tap into new customer bases and increase its market reach. By adapting its services to local market conditions and regulations, RideBoom has successfully entered and established a presence in multiple regions [1].

Diversification of services: In response to changing customer demands, RideBoom has diversified its services beyond traditional ride-hailing. It has introduced options like food delivery, package delivery, and bike-sharing, providing customers with a wider range of services and increasing revenue streams [1].

Partnerships and collaborations: RideBoom has formed strategic partnerships and collaborations with other companies to enhance its services and adapt to market conditions. For example, it has partnered with local restaurants for food delivery services and collaborated with bike-sharing companies to offer additional transportation options [1].

Adoption of sustainable practices: RideBoom has recognized the growing demand for sustainable transportation options and has taken steps to incorporate electric vehicles into its fleet. By introducing electric vehicles and promoting eco-friendly practices, RideBoom has adapted to changing market preferences and positioned itself as an environmentally conscious ride-hailing service [2].

These examples highlight RideBoom's ability to innovate, expand, and adapt to changing market conditions, ensuring its continued success in the ride-hailing industry.

Learn more:

Why RideBoom team is best placed to ensure that the innovation will succeed - RideBoom

Why RideBoom team is best placed to ensure that the innovation will succeed? | by Harman | Medium

Ride-hailing And Taxi Market Strategies: Navigating Growth Plans and Industry Developments through 2032

[mariacallous]

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu made headlines in April after coasting to a second term in office by nearly 12 percentage points. Imamoglu, who has served at the city’s helm since 2019, is seen as a major political threat to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP). The latest win in Istanbul cemented Imamoglu’s continued popularity among the Turkish public.

But Imamoglu is only the most prominent face of a broader opposition, led by the Republican People’s Party (CHP). In March’s municipal elections, the CHP secured its most crushing victory over the AKP in decades. Possibly more notable than Imamoglu’s reelection was the newly elected class of women executives of provinces and districts across the country.

One of these women—Sinem Dedetas—may hold the keys to the future of Turkey’s opposition. Imamoglu is currently battling slander charges in the country’s high court, in addition to a slew of other cases that could eventually ban him from politics, even as he is the favorite to run for the CHP in Turkey’s 2028 presidential election. No matter how those fortunes play out, Dedetas promises to be central to the party’s strategy in a post-Erdogan Turkey.

Istanbul is the only city in the world to straddle two continents. Uskudar, a seaside constituency on the Anatolian side, lacks many of the bars and clubs across the water in the European districts. Instead, the conservative area is known for its historical mosques. It is also one of Istanbul’s key transportation hubs, home to a confluence of ferries, rail, metro, and bus lines. Millions of people from all over the city—and world—pass through Uskudar every day.

In April’s elections, Dedetas, a 43-year-old engineer, made history as the first woman to ever win the Uskudar municipality mayorship, a position similar to that of a New York borough president. She also flipped the district from the AKP to CHP rule.

Dedetas moved to Uskudar from her native Eskisehir, a city in northwest Turkey, for college in 1999. After receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees in naval engineering from Istanbul Technical University, she got her first job in the district as an engineer. In 2014, she went on to work as a marine engineer at the Halic Shipyards, the oldest continuously operating dockyard in the world. Over the centuries, the facility has produced vessels from sail boats to steamships and submarines to electrical passenger taxis.

Dedetas’s career has featured many firsts. In 2014, she became the first chairwoman of the Turkish Chamber of Naval Engineers. While she was in that position, Istanbul’s AKP mayor tried to privatize the public harbor and turn it into a terminal full of restaurants and shops. Dedetas protested the project and was barred by the government from entering the shipyard.

She continued to oppose the new real estate development, concerned that the city’s ferries—an indelible part of Istanbul’s social history, skyline, and soundscape—would grind to a halt without the vital maintenance work done at the docks. “We fought to keep [it] from being lost,” Dedetas later said after her success in blocking the project.

Then Imamoglu became mayor of the city, bringing Istanbul back under CHP rule. “The privatization processes of the shipyard were being carried out,” Dedetas told Turkish media. “If [the mayorship] had not changed hands in the 2019 elections, there would be no shipyard left.”

One of the new mayor’s first orders of business was to appoint Dedetas as manager of Istanbul’s maritime public transportation system; she was the first woman in the role. Over the last quarter century, the city’s water transport fell into disarray as Istanbul’s population swelled and moved further inland, contributing to congestion and gridlock on road and rail. Yet municipal-run ferries predate the first Bosporus bridge and remain one of the city’s fastest options to cross continents.

Dedetas proved herself to be a masterful administrator, overhauling the entire water transit system. She opened 11 new ferry lines and launched a 24-hour weekend ferry that connected the European and Asian sides of the city. She also doubled the patronage of public water transport, in part by restoring the iconic white and orange vapur ferry ships. And she launched an electric sea taxi service, providing a personal, environmentally friendly option to traverse the Bosporus Strait and the Marmara Sea.

Through the effective management of maritime transportation, Dedetas gained national attention. She set her eyes on her home district, Uskudar—the Istanbul neighborhood with the longest Bosporus shoreline—ahead of the 2024 municipal elections. “Uskudar is the first gate for people who arrive from Anatolia, and for Istanbul, it is the gate to the rest of the country,” said Onur Cingil, an Uskudar native and CHP member.

The borough had been an AKP stronghold for as long as Cingil and most others could remember. It is even home to Erdogan’s private villa. Cingil said he saw local government officials claim eminent domain and exaggerate concerns about earthquake vulnerability to demolish buildings and hand over lucrative sites to construction companies, religious associations, and other party loyalists. “This happened … to my own student dormitory, and many other places,” Cingil said.

Cingil was one of the many CHP candidates vying to be the nominee for Uskudar’s mayorship in March’s elections, but the CHP leadership eventually selected Dedetas to run due to her reputation for being a technocratic consensus builder.

“Normally, I wouldn’t expect such a profile to be nominated for Uskudar,” said Burak Bilgehan Ozpek, a professor of political science at TOBB University of Economics and Technology. He described Dedetas’s young, professional, and secular profile as going against the grain in the district. The CHP typically nominated old-school, male party insiders for such roles, Ozpek said, adding with a laugh that they always lost the race. “This was a radical change,” he added.

Dedetas took a pro-people approach to her campaign against the AKP incumbent Hilmi Turkmen, who had been a mainstay in Uskudar’s politics for decades. She canvassed the district neighborhood by neighborhood, underlining her accomplishments governing the city’s maritime transit system, which has a budget the same size as Uskudar’s.

Dedetas vowed to redress the AKP’s neglect of women’s issues on both the district and federal levels. She promised to prioritize women’s employment and noted that, during her time helming Istanbul’s maritime transit system, she nearly tripled the number of women working there. She also proposed the creation of a free HPV vaccine program to protect against some forms of cervical cancer. (The cost of the vaccine has become nearly equivalent to Turkey’s monthly minimum wage.)

The candidate pledged to create child nurseries in every neighborhood in Uskudar. “This will enable women to work,” especially residents with low incomes, said Rumeysa Camdereli, an activist and member of Havle Women’s Association, the first Muslim feminist organization in Turkey.

Dedetas promised to expand welfare initiatives, and called for additional municipally subsidized cafeterias in Uskudar. Imamoglu created these during his first term for residents to get a healthy meal for just over a dollar, and his AKP competitor Murat Kurum mocked them on the campaign trail. “We are tired and bored of the rhetoric that tries to deceive the people by … giving half a tea glass of water or milk as if it is a service,” said Kurum. He also made fun of Imamoglu’s background as a kofte vendor.

Kurum’s gaffe turned off blue collar voters. Istanbul’s public eateries fill up every day for lunch and are vital in a country enduring a cost-of-living crisis amid annual inflation of nearly 70 percent.

“Local elections are less ideological and always more focused on services,” said Emine Ucak, the program director for social policy at the Reform Institute, an Istanbul-based policy center, who researches women in Turkish politics. “Women always think about their children, and they had stopped seeing a future for them.”

The campaign also focused on securing areas most vulnerable to earthquakes, a national concern after the devastating February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey’s southeast. Many locals fear that the slate block flats populating the hills above Uskudar’s wharf are in imminent danger in case of an earthquake. In response to their concerns, Dedetas is establishing a natural disaster directorate to help the district become prepared for earthquakes and other catastrophes.

On election night, Dedetas triumphed, beating Turkmen by more than seven percentage points. In doing so, she tore apart the long-held myth that Uskudar was an AKP stronghold.

“It’s a district with a lot of conservative families,” said Asli Aydintasbas, a visiting fellow at Brookings Institution. “For an uncovered woman to win is a real testament to her political appeal.” Unlike past CHP candidates, Dedetas shied away from the hardline, sometimes alienating secularism her party is known for. Pragmatism and empathy won the day.

Dedetas was not the only victorious woman on election day. Altogether, voters tripled the number of women mayors across Turkey. While only four female mayors had been elected in the previous municipal elections in 2019, 11 provinces and 64 municipalities are now governed by women, the vast majority of them representing opposition parties. Together, they won, on average, 53 percent of votes.

Female political representation is a welcome change after what many in the country see as backsliding on women’s rights under Erdogan. In 2021, Turkey exited the Istanbul Convention, an international treaty to combat gender-based violence that was drafted in the city a decade earlier. The Turkish president had urged women to have at least three children, claiming that those who reject motherhood are “deficient” and “incomplete.”

Although Turkey has a highly centralized political system, mayors remain key to managing districts and municipalities. They are where citizens first access the country’s welfare systems, and where businesses are registered, among other duties.

Following March’s elections, Dedetas and other mayors in the Turkish opposition now have their best chance in decades to govern with less interference from Ankara. She has wasted no time in initiating programs that address locals’ needs, such as grocery subsidies of up to $150 for retired residents. The district also plans to provide elderly residents free shuttle services to food markets. (Pensioners, who compose more than 10 percent of Turkey’s national population, receive roughly $293 per month from the state, an impossible wage to live on in Istanbul.)

Uskudar’s new mayor is also working to counteract the AKP’s neoliberal strategies, which many accuse of benefiting political patrons through shady backroom dealings all while poverty has deepened. To help promote transparency, Dedetas has begun to broadcast all municipal council meetings live online.

Figen Kucuksezer, an optometrist and Uskudar resident, is very excited by these changes. They’ve already helped preserve Uskudar’s Validebag Grove, one of the last wild green spaces in Istanbul. The area, which Kucuksezer volunteers to protect, is home to 400-year-old trees and migratory birds.

“The former mayor always wanted to make changes to the grove,” she said, referring to the AKP’s plans to develop the area by adding parking lots and food stalls and removing some native flora. But Kucuksezer and other local activists filed a lawsuit and have fought for years for Validebag to be left alone. “We had to block the Caterpillar [equipment] from entering in,” she said.

Since being elected, Dedetas has promised to protect it as a green space for all residents. In May, the local court annulled the previous government’s construction plan. “It is a breath of fresh air,” Kucuksezer added.

There is a saying in Turkish politics that whoever wins Istanbul will one day win Turkey. It was the case for Erdogan, who previously served as mayor of Istanbul before leading the country for the past two decades.

After years in the political wilderness, the CHP is now trying to repeat its success in the next national election, which should be the first without Erdogan in nearly 30 years. The challenge for Dedetas is to help Imamoglu triumph so that she can be his successor in Istanbul as he runs for the presidency.

So far, her stances have mirrored those of Imamoglu; Dedetas regularly highlights their work together on social media. But she has also bolstered her own profile by engaging in key culture war debates—including by opposing controversial legislation that will kill beloved stray dogs on the streets to rooting for the women’s national volleyball team at the Paris 2024 Olympics, a squad that has been vilified by the conservative right. Imamoglu’s and Dedetas’s fortunes are now intertwined.

“And this is just the start of her office,” said Cingil, Dedetas’s one-time party rival. “There are already rumors that she will be the next candidate for Istanbul mayor.” That would be another first.

[usafphantom2]

B-52 bomber makes emergency landing after engine fire

The fire of the B-52H engine occurs at the moment when the fleet is preparing to be re-remotorized, an update that will allow the model to serve for more decades.

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 02/27/2024 - 21:27in Incidents, Military

A B-52H Stratofortress bomber at Minot Air Base, North Dakota, made an emergency landing due to an engine fire in early February 23.

All crew members left unharmed, said a spokesman for the base. Asked if the base lane remains open, the spokesman did not want to comment, but said that bomber operations at the base have continued normally since February 27.

A fire in a single engine led the pilot to land the bomber at approximately 12:52 p.m., and the base fire department arrived at the site and extinguished the fire of the aircraft, according to the base's host unit, the 5ª Bomber Wing. The bomber is powered by eight engines and was designed to fly and land safely in case of failures of up to two engines.

A B-52 Stratofortress taxis during an alert exercise at Minot Air Base, North Dakota. (Photo: U.S. Air Force / Staff Sgt. Jocelyn Rich)

“First of all, the 5ª Bomber Wing is extremely grateful to all our aviators who arrived home safely,” the wing commander, Colonel Daniel Hoadley, said in the statement. "I would like to recognize our excellent base firefighters for their quick response."

The popular unofficial Facebook page "amn/nco/snco" reported the incident for the first time, with an anonymous and unconfirmed post that "a CSD (constant speed unit that drives the generator) caught fire on landing and burned that engine and part of the wing." Subsequently, the page posted an alleged image of the engine, showing great damage.

It is currently not known what caused the fire and the incident is under investigation, following the standard protocol for accidents involving military operations.

The last major public accident with a B-52 occurred in 2017, when an engine crashed from the aircraft during a training flight in Minot. The pilot successfully landed the bomber without incident and all the aviators on board came out unharmed, but one of his Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-3/103 turbofan engines fell into a depopulated area.

In May 2016, during a routine training mission at Andersen Air Base in Guam, an accident destroyed a B-52 bomber. The pilot of the 69º Expeditionary Bomber Squadron noticed problems during takeoff and began abortion procedures. However, the braking parachute failed, causing the aircraft to exceed the power limits of the brake system, overtake the runway and catch fire. All seven crew members escaped, with one receiving treatment for minor injuries. The total loss of the aircraft was valued at US$ 112 million.

The U.S. Air Force foresees the upgrade of the B-52 engines in the late 2020s or early 2030s with the Rolls Royce F130 engine, intended to be an individual replacement for its current TF33 engines in double nacelles.

We are thrilled to announce that we are on track to complete initial F130 engine testing for the @usairforce B-52J by the end of this year.

The F130 is a militarized version of the company's commercial BR725, which the U.S. Air Force already operates on its VIP C-37 and E-11 BACN (Battlefield Airborne Communications Node) transport aircraft. Rolls Royce will supply the engines, while Boeing, the original manufacturer of Stratofortress, will integrate them into the aircraft.

Conceptual image of the B-52 aircraft with the new F130 engines.

Four B-52s from Minot Air Base were sent to Guam in late January to support the Pacific Air Force mission. The bombers recently participated in several public missions, including the three-week Cope North multilateral exercise and a one-day exercise with Philippine fighters over the South China Sea this month. In addition, two of the bombers performed overfloats at the Singapore Airshow last week.

Tags: Military AviationBoeing B-52H StratofortressIncidentsUSAF - United States Air Force / U.S. Air Force

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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Cavok Brazil - Digital Tchê Web Creation

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Cavok Brazil - Digital Tchê Web Creation

[airsllides]

airsLLide No. 5740: YV-445C, McDonnell Douglas DC-8F-54, Interamericana Cargo, Miami-International, March 21, 1991.

Venezuelan cargo carrier Interamericana Cargo operated between 1982 and 1994. Over the period, it used a total of four DC-8s, mostly provided by Miami-based freighter leasing specialist Agro Air Associates. 445 Charlie has just landed and taxies to the customs ramp in MIA's Northwest corner for clearing.

Although rather just tolerated than supported by officials, the photospot just off the parking lot of said customs building was a popular hang-out for photographers in the late afternoon, maybe in the last hour before sunset. This was the time when the sun was already in the centerline of MIA's main runways, but at a perfect angle for any aircraft taxying into the Northwest corner of the airport. And some rare freighter or two would almost inevitably show up at customs during that final hour of daylight...

[atrak6195]

The Rise of GPS Tracking Platforms Melbourne

In an age where technological innovations continue to change daily life, GPS tracking has come up as a crucial innovation with different applications ranging from personal to complex business solutions. As of now GPS tracking platforms Melbourne has taken over the vibrant and technologically advanced city, showing a significant transformation around the city and service efficiency.

View of GPS Tracking

GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking includes observing and tracking the location of objects or people with signals from the satellite. These devices receive signals from a network of satellites to know about the exact locations, giving instant updates on their whereabouts. Such devices are used in different fields, including transportation, asset management, and personal safety.

Historical Adoption in Melbourne

Over the last ten years, the use of GPS tracking platforms Melbourne has notably increased. Initially used mainly for navigation, improvements in technology have broadened its applications to include delivery services, public transportation, personal safety, and fleet management.

Early Applications

Melbourne began using GPS technology in the late 1990s and early 2000s with the origin of GPS tracking devices for navigation. The car navigation systems became popular, assisting drivers with route optimization and avoiding traffic.

Integration into Business Solutions

As technology improved, businesses in Melbourne realized the potential of GPS-tracking companies to improve operational efficiency. The logistics and transportation sectors were early adopters, using GPS fleet tracking to optimize routes, reduce fuel consumption, and improve delivery services.

Public Transport Enhancement

The city's public transportation system now includes GPS tracking systems. The trains, trams, and buses have GPS devices fitted in them, offering travelers instant updates on the arrival and departure times. This integration has simplified travel, reduced wait times, and increased overall system dependability.

Applications of GPS Tracking Platforms in Melbourne

GPS tracking platforms Melbourne offers various purposes:

- Fleet Management: Some businesses with large fleets such as delivery services, taxi companies, and public transport operators, use GPS fleet tracking Australia to check on their vehicles, plan routes properly, and ensure driver safety.

- Asset Tracking: Industries such as construction and rental services use GPS devices to monitor valuable assets, prevent theft, and ensure accurate equipment utilization.

- Personal Safety: GPS tracking devices are being used by many for personal safety. They allow parents to monitor their children and enable caregivers to track elderly family members.

- Public Transport: Real-time updates from GPS improve public transport efficiency, encouraging more people to use eco-friendly traveling options.

- Emergency Services: GPS tracking helps emergency services dispatch units quickly to critical situations, potentially saving lives.

Benefits of GPS Tracking Platforms in Melbourne

The widespread use of GPS tracking platforms Melbourne is due to several key benefits:

- Enhanced Efficiency: Real-time tracking allows systematic resource distribution and optimized route planning, reducing functional costs.

- Cost Savings: Businesses benefit from lower fuel consumption, reduced maintenance expenses, and improved driver behavior with the use of GPS tracking devices.

- Instant Updates: Timely information enhances decision-making for businesses and improves commuting experiences for travelers.

- Theft Prevention: GPS tracking minimizes theft risks by enabling quick recovery of stolen things through accurate location tracking.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite some benefits, GPS tracking platforms Melbourne faces several challenges that require careful attention:

- Privacy Concerns: We must balance tracking benefits with individuals' privacy rights by having clear rules and getting permission.

- Data Security: Keeping GPS data safe from unauthorized entry and storing it securely is crucial.

- Technical Issues: Sometimes GPS signals may be lost, or devices may stop working, so it's important to have good support to fix problems quickly.

- Implementation Costs: Starting GPS tracking device can be expensive for small businesses, but the long-term advantages usually make it worthwhile.

The Future of GPS Tracking Platforms

The future of GPS tracking platforms Melbourne looks great due to the ongoing technological growth and better applications:

- Integration with IoT: Combining GPS with IoT (Internet of Things) technologies will increase data accuracy and performance across different industries.

- Autonomous Vehicles: The rise of self-driving vehicles will increase the requirement of GPS tracking systems to ensure safe and systematic navigation.

- Sustainability Initiatives: The GPS tracking company supports environmental sustainability by planning better routes, reducing fuel consumption, and promoting eco-friendly transportation.

- Customization and Innovation: Future GPS systems should offer industry-specific customization, easy connection with other technologies, and better reporting capabilities according to business needs.

In conclusion, the increasing popularity of GPS tracking platforms Melbourne shows the city's commitment to use advanced technology for benefits of society. While issues such as privacy and security must be tackled, the transforming ability of GPS technology in providing better efficiency, safety, and fleet tracking is undeniably great. As Melbourne continues to grow and adapt, it is set to lead in using GPS tracking technologies, improving both business and community.

[thanu011]

The P3 Aircraft: A Game-Changer in Maritime Security Operations

The P3 Aircraft: A Game-Changer in Maritime Security Operations

Airports, security queues, and jet engines may be changing. Passenger-to-Port (P2P) or Point-to-Point (P3) aircraft will revolutionize air travel. Without significant airport infrastructure, these unique designs can take off and land vertically (VTOL). Imagine taking a P3 aircraft from a landing pad near your home or workplace and visiting your destination in minutes, skipping airports. P3 aircraft could transform aviation by improving accessibility, travel times, and sustainability. Safety, range, and infrastructure issues remain.

P3 -Air-Craft

What is a P3 Aircraft?

Unlike traditional aeroplanes that rely on a network of airports for take-off and landing, P3 aircraft offer a more direct approach. These innovative designs aim for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, allowing them to operate from rooftops, helipads, or even designated urban areas. This eliminates the need for lengthy taxiing and eliminates dependence on extensive airport infrastructure.

Advantages of P3 Aircraft

P3 aircraft hold immense potential to reshape the future of aviation by offering several key advantages:

Increased Accessibility: P3 aircraft can take off and land from almost anywhere with a designated landing zone, significantly improving accessibility to remote or underserved regions. This can be a game-changer for connecting islands, mountainous areas, or locations with limited airport infrastructure.

Reduced Travel Time: Bypassing congested airports translates to faster travel times. Imagine hopping on a P3 aircraft from your local rooftop and reaching your destination within minutes, avoiding the hassle of airport security and long commutes.

Decreased Noise Pollution: Many P3 concepts utilize electric or hybrid propulsion systems, leading to quieter operations than traditional aeroplanes. This is a significant benefit for urban environments where noise pollution is a considerable concern.

Environmental Friendliness: Electric or hybrid P3 designs decrease emissions, resulting in a more environmentally friendly aviation sector. Sustainable transportation options are becoming more popular, and this fits right in with that trend.

Traffic Decongestion: By providing an alternative mode of transport within cities, P3 aircraft can alleviate traffic congestion on roads, especially for short-distance travel.

Challenges and Considerations for P3 Aircraft

While P3 aircraft present exciting possibilities, there are still challenges to overcome before widespread adoption:

Safety Regulations: Developing robust safety regulations for VTOL operations in densely populated areas is crucial. This will require close collaboration between aviation authorities, manufacturers, and urban planners.

Range and Capacity: Current P3 concepts typically have a shorter range and lower passenger capacity than conventional aeroplanes. Advancements in battery technology and design optimization are needed to address these limitations.

Infrastructure Development: Creating a network of designated landing zones within urban environments requires careful planning and infrastructure development. This involves noise mitigation, air traffic management, and integration with existing transportation systems.

Potential Applications of P3 Aircraft Beyond Passenger Transport

This section will delve into the various uses of P3 aircraft that go beyond transporting passengers. Here are some ideas to elaborate on:

Urban Air Mobility (UAM): Discuss how P3 aircraft can be integrated into UAM solutions, facilitating short-distance transportation of goods and people within cities. This could include tasks like medical deliveries, cargo transportation within urban areas, and even emergency response services.

Search and Rescue: Highlight the potential of P3 aircraft for search and rescue operations in remote or difficult-to-reach locations. Their VTOL capabilities can be crucial in reaching victims quickly and efficiently.

Military Applications: Briefly touch upon the potential use of P3 aircraft for military purposes, such as troop deployment, surveillance, and logistics support. However, keep the tone informative and avoid dwelling heavily on this aspect.

The Future of P3 Technology: Innovations and Advancements

This section can delve into the exciting advancements and innovations shaping the future of P3 technology. Here are some angles to explore:

Battery Technology Developments: Discuss the critical role of battery technology advancements in addressing range limitations. Highlight promising developments in solid-state batteries or other innovations that can increase the range and payload capacity of P3 aircraft.

Urban Air Traffic Management (UATM): Explain the need for robust UATM systems to manage the potential increase in air traffic within urban environments due to P3 adoption. Briefly mention potential solutions like drone traffic control systems and airspace regulations designed explicitly for P3 operations.

Noise Reduction Technologies: Discuss ongoing research and development in noise reduction technologies for P3 aircraft. This could involve advancements in electric motor design, innovative propeller configurations, or noise-cancelling materials.

The development of P3 aircraft represents a significant leap forward in aviation technology. While challenges remain, the potential benefits for accessibility, travel time reduction, and environmental sustainability are undeniable. As technology advances and regulations evolve, P3 aircraft have the potential to revolutionise the way we travel, opening up new possibilities for urban mobility and regional connectivity.

[stephensmithuk]

Railway to the Danger Zone

Or "Wagon-Lit to Varna".

The 15 October entry includes a brief mention of one of the most famous trains in the world, the Orient Express. I apologise in an advance for any errors.

So, it might be worth discussing this service and giving an idea of what it would be like, part based on my own limited experiences with sleeper trains. A return trip on the Caledonian Sleeper in 2016 and an Amsterdam to Munich ride on Nightjet last year.

The Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits (et des grands express européens) or The International Sleeping-Car (and European Great Expresses) Company, usually referred to by "train fiends" as CIWL, was established in 1874 by a Belgian called Georges Nagelmackers, who inspired by the Pullman sleeping cars in the United States, decided to set up a European operation. Being the son of a powerful banker and with connections with royalty (especially King Leopold II of Belgium - yes, that guy), he was able to get his first operation going in 1872.

The Orient Express from Paris Est to the Sirkeci terminus in Constantinople (now Istanbul), which initially started just going as far as Vienna in 1882 and finally got there in 1889, was just one part of a large network of trains operated by CIWL. They eventually operated services in Africa, the Middle East and East Asia too. Even Britain got in on the action with the Night Ferry.

A photo of the modern day Paris Gare de L'Est I took last month is below. This is a roughly 10-minute walk from Gare du Nord, where boat trains from the Channel ports arrived and I am sure they could have found a taxi or something to carry their baggage.

CIWL would either attach its carriages to regular trains or do their own dedicated "Trains de Luxe" of which the Orient Express was initially the latter, charging a supplement to the regular First Class fare. Locomotives were provided by the various railway companies, changing at national frontiers or at terminus stations, like Munich Central or Vienna West. Their main network was in Western Europe - travel to the Mediterranean or to various spa towns (like, well, Spa) by the upper classes being their main source of business. They also managed to corner the restaurant car business in mainland Europe for several decades.

It's worth mentioning that the Orient Express service here is not the more famous train from the Agatha Christie novel. That was the Simplon Orient Express, a post-First World War train routed via Switzerland (the Simplon Tunnel), Italy and Yugoslavia to avoid going through the losing countries of the Great War - for one thing, the Germans had seized a good deal of CIWL's rolling stock and set up a rival operation called Mitropa.

The Orient Express here had the routing of Paris-Munich-Vienna-Budapest-Bucharest-Varna-Istanbul, at least initially. The 1888 timetable can be found here:

As you can see, it only went through to Constantinople (via ship from Varna at this time) twice a week; most of the carriages would have only go as far as Vienna. I am not sure of the actual arrangements in 1893 and if a change would be required at Bucharest. The train would not be massively long - maybe six carriages total.

While luxurious and elegantly decorated, the provisions of your 1890s sleeper compartment were limited and the compartments rather small. The 2000s-built Nightjet version from Amsterdam to Munich might serve as a useful illustration. This is the standard compartment; the deluxe ones with toilet and shower had sold out. Sleepers are very popular right now!

The seats convert into bunk beds for sleeping, something still done done by a smartly dressed conductor. You got a sheet and a branded woolen blanket. Indeed, the modern-day successor to CIWL, Newrest Wagons-Lit, provides the staff for the Nightjet network. This compartment has three beds total - the 1890s train had a mix of 2-berth and four-berth compartments.

More photos of the modern-day carriage can be found here:

While there was an en-suite washbasin provided in each compartment with a mirror for shaving, if you needed to go to the toilet, you had to go down the corridor. This would have been something familiar to Lord Godalming from his boarding school days. No WiFi - even on most trains today that's the case.

Most of the photographs of CIWL rolling stock are from the 1920s onwards, when they used steel carriages painted blue; the 1890s carriages were in teak and looked roughly like this:

Space for larger luggage is limited and these trains had dedicated luggage cars. In Western Europe, customs/passport inspections would be handled by the conductor during the night, because the last thing you want to do is wake up someone like Baron Renfrew. Especially as that guy was the Prince of Wales travelling incognito and he could have a ferocious temper. Although to be fair, he would usually be extra nice afterwards.

Restaurant coaches were generally only found on trains with significant daytime portions (frequently only for those bits), a waste of money and coal otherwise. Otherwise, you would have a tray brough to your room. A carafe of water was provided, and the conductor could sell you something a bit stronger. The food would have been rather good in any event; my Nightjet and Caledonian Sleeper meals made up for a lot of the problems.

Then it would be a case of riding through the night, the clickety-clack of jointed track hopefully helping you sleep.

The OG service, soon being routed via Belgrade instead, continued to run except for wartime interruptions, gradually contracting after the Second World War as the Iron Curtain and air travel put people off it, until 2009, ending as just a Strasbourg-Vienna EuroNight.

However, Nightjet now do a thrice-weekly Paris to Vienna service, which as a nice nod to the past uses the same numbers (469/468) the Orient Express used in its final years.

The First World War saw CIWL's carriages requisitioned for military use and the Armistice would be signed on one of their carriages used as part of Ferdinand Foch's staff train at Compiègne in France on 11 November 1918. Hitler would then use that same carriage for the surrender of France in 1940, taking it back to Germany where it was destroyed - a modified vehicle from the same class stands on the site today.

CIWL itself would go on (despite the loss of its Russian operations in particular) to reach its peak in the early 1930s before the Second World caused more loss of rolling stock. After that, their Central and Eastern European operations were nationalised and with the market in decline, they eventually sold or leased their carriages in 1971 to a consortium of Western European operators. They continued to build and maintain carriages until 1998 and some of their stuff can still be found in Europe today, especially on the private sleeper operators like the Alpen-Sylt Express. They also continued to staff these trains and still do with Newrest Wagons-Lit.

My trips did not see me get the greatest night's sleep and I had a big delay on the Nightjet, but it was a memorable experience and I intend to do another overnight train next year.

More details of that can be found here if interested:

So, yes. A good train ride ahead of a dangerous operation.

[digitaldrive360-blog]

Are There Chances of Chatgpt Replacing Programmers?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is creating waves across various industries including the tech industry. The emergence of the various language models that include Chatgpt has left may wondering whether AI will be replacing the programmers. Chatgpt is a natural language chatbot that helps people write emails, college essays, song lyrics etc. Some of the earliest users of chatgpt have even used it to write the python code. The popularity of chatgpt has grown because of its practical applications. The question that however arises here is whether it will be able to replace the developers and the writers just as computers and robots have replaced cashiers and assembly line workers or perhaps the taxi drivers in the future. If you are interested in understanding how you can improve your work with chatgpt, you can pursue a good Search Engine Marketing Course In Gurugram.

Reasons for The Growing Popularity of Chatgpt

Chatgpt has been able to impress several people as it is able to simulate human conversations and also sounds quite knowledgeable. Chatgpt has been developed by OpenAI which is the creator of the most popular text to image AI engine called Dall- E. Chatgpt uses algorithms that helps in analysing and humans fine tune the system’s training to respond to the questions of the user with full sentences that sound similar to that of human beings.

Statistics Related to Chatgpt

A recent paper that was published by OpenAI revealed that as many as 80% of the US workforce have a minimum of 10% of their tasks affected by Chatgpt and other language models. Another research revealed that as many as 20% of the workers will find that 50% of their tasks will get affected by AI. If you want to become a web designer, you can get in touch with the best Search engine marketing institute in Gurgaon. Here you will get to learn about the use of chatgpt in the best way so that you are able to stay ahead in the competition.

The programmers can be relieved for now as it is not among the hundred professions that are going to be impacted by Chatgpt. Some of the professions that will be impacted include:

Why Will It Not Affect The Programmers?

Though Chatgpt is able to generate code and is also able to write programs, however, the process lacks proper understanding, problem solving ability and creativity that human beings have. It operates based on the patterns of the data that he was trained on. Like human programmers, it is not able to understand the code that it writes. It is also not able to understand the requirements of the projects and is not able to make It can’t understand project requirements, make architectural decisions to solve the human problems in a creative manner.

It is true that AI is able to automate repetitive tasks but programming is not just about writing codes. It is much more than that. Programming requires high level decision, personal interaction and strategic planning that AI is not able to do as these are elements that cannot be automated.

Software development is a creative field that requires users' understanding, based on feedback and sometimes abandoning the initial plans and starting all over again. All of these fall outside the realm of the AI capabilities. Pursuing a good online SEM course in Gurgaon will certainly benefit you.

Flaws of Chatgpt

1.   Chatgpt has some flaws and limitations and that is why it cannot be a perfect content writing tool. It is also not a very reliable tool for creating codes as it is based on data and not on human intelligence. The sentences might sound coherent but they are not critically informed responses.

2.   It is true that in the website of Chatgpt, you will find out ways that will help you debug code using this tool. But the responses are generated from prior code and it is incapable of replicating human based QA. This means that the code that it will generate will have bugs and errors. OpenAI have themselves accepted the fact that the tool at times writes plausible sounding but nonsensical and incorrect answers. So it is important for you to not use it directly in the production of any program.

3.   The lack of reliability is creating a lot of problems for the developer community. In a question and answer website called Stack Overflow, where the coders used chatgpt to write and troubleshoot codes have banned its use. The reason for this is that there is such a huge volume of response generated by Chatgpt that it could not keep up with the quality which is done by humans. The average rate of getting correct answers in chatgpt is quite less. So, chatgpt is harmful for the site and for those people who are looking for correct answers from that site.

4.   It is important to understand here that Chatgpt, like the other machine learning tools, is trained on data that suits its outcome. It is therefore unable to understand the human context of computing to do the programming properly. It is essential for the software engineers to understand the purpose of the software that they are developing and also the purpose of the people using it. It is not possible to create good software just by cobbling programs together.

Conclusion

So the simple answer to the question as to whether chatgpt will be able to replace the programmers is “No”. Chatgpt and the other AI tools can certainly automate the tasks, however they cannot replace human creativity, understanding and the problem solving capabilities. As of now we should consider AI as an augmenting force. It is a tool that helps programmers and software developers to be much more effective in their respective roles. Though chatgpt does have some flaws, if you want to learn to use it in the most effective way, you can get in touch with the Best SEM Training Institute in Gurgaon.

[taxibookingapplikeuberclone]

How to Build a Taxi Booking App Like inDriver, OLA, and Uber Clone App

In today's fast-paced world, convenience is key when it comes to transportation. Taxi booking apps like inDriver, OLA, and Uber have revolutionized the way people get around. If you're looking to join the ride-hailing industry and create your own successful taxi booking app, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll guide you through the process step by step.

Understanding the Market

Before diving into app development, it's crucial to conduct thorough market research. This research will help you identify your target audience, understand their needs, and analyze your competitors. Here's how you can get started:

Market Analysis

Begin by researching the ride-hailing market in your target region. Identify key players, market trends, and potential gaps in services.

Target Audience

Determine your app's target audience. Are you catering to everyday commuters, tourists, or a specific niche? Understanding your users' preferences is essential.

Building the App

Now that you have a clear understanding of the market, it's time to start building your taxi booking app. This process involves several steps:

Feature List

Create a detailed list of features your app will offer. This should include user registration, driver profiles, GPS tracking, payment processing, and more.

Technology Stack

Choose the right technology stack for your app. Consider whether you want to build a native app for iOS and Android or opt for a cross-platform solution.

Design and User Experience

Invest in an intuitive and user-friendly design. The app's interface should be easy to navigate for both passengers and drivers.

Development Team

Assemble a skilled development team or hire a reputable app development company to bring your vision to life.

Testing and Quality Assurance

Thoroughly test the app for bugs, glitches, and security vulnerabilities. Ensure it functions seamlessly before launch.

Deployment

Release your app on app stores like Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Optimize your app listing with relevant keywords and appealing visuals.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Compliance with local regulations is essential in the ride-hailing industry. Be sure to:

Obtain Necessary Permits

Check with local authorities to understand the permits and licenses required to operate a taxi booking service.

Data Privacy

Implement robust data privacy measures to protect user information and comply with data protection laws.

Marketing and Promotion

Once your app is live, you'll need to market it effectively to attract users:

Digital Marketing

Utilize digital marketing strategies like search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and online advertising to reach a wider audience.

Incentives and Referral Programs

Encourage users to refer friends and family by offering incentives and referral bonuses.

Scaling and Expansion

As your app gains popularity, consider expanding your services:

Geographic Expansion

Explore opportunities to launch your app in neighboring cities or countries.

Additional Services

Introduce additional services such as food delivery, package delivery, or carpooling to diversify your offerings.

Conclusion

Building a taxi booking app like inDriver, OLA, and Uber requires careful planning, a dedicated team, and a commitment to delivering a top-notch user experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can embark on your journey to creating a successful taxi booking app.

FAQs

How much does it cost to develop a taxi booking app?

The cost of app development can vary significantly depending on factors like features, complexity, and the development team's rates. It's best to get a personalized quote from app developers.

Is it essential to have a mobile app for both iOS and Android?

While having apps for both platforms is ideal for reaching a broader audience, you can start with one platform and expand later based on user demand.

What is the key to attracting drivers to my platform?

Offer competitive commissions, a user-friendly driver app, and efficient payment processing to attract and retain drivers.

How can I ensure passenger safety in my app?

Implement background checks for drivers, allow users to share ride details with friends, and incorporate a ratings and reviews system for drivers.

What are some emerging trends in the ride-hailing industry?

Some emerging trends include electric and autonomous vehicles, eco-friendly options, and improved AI for better route optimization and user experience.

[nycnostalgia]

The Best Traffic Options in NYC

As the largest city in the United States, New York City is known for its hustle and bustle. From the streets filled with taxis to the endless subway lines, the city is a bustling hub of activity. With so many people and so much to do, it can be hard to find the best traffic options NYC has to offer.

Fortunately, there are several great ways to get around the city with ease. From public transportation to private car services, New York City offers a variety of traffic options that can help you stay on track and help you reach your destination quickly.

Public transportation is one of the most popular traffic options for residents and visitors alike. The New York City subway system is extensive, with over 400 stations in operation. With so many stations, it's easy to find a route that works for you. Additionally, the subway is relatively affordable, with a single ride costing $2.75.

Another popular traffic option is the MTA bus system. The MTA operates hundreds of buses throughout the city, making it a great way to get around. It's also an affordable way to get around, with a single ride costing $2.75.

If you're looking for a more luxurious way to get around the city, then you may want to consider private car services. Companies like Autosattlerei, Uber and Lyft are popular choices among travelers, as they provide convenient and affordable transportation. Additionally, these services offer a variety of different fare options, such as flat rates for rides to the airport or hourly rates for more extensive rides.

No matter what your traffic needs are, there are plenty of options available to you in New York City. From public transportation to private car services, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for an affordable way to get around or a more luxurious option, there's a traffic option in NYC that can work for you. With so many options, you can easily find the best traffic option for your needs.

New York City is an exciting and vibrant place to live and visit. With so many different traffic options available, it's easy to get around the city quickly and safely. From the subway to private car services, there's something for everyone. So, if you're looking for the best traffic options NYC has to offer, look no further than the options listed above. They are sure to provide you with the convenience and affordability you need to get where you need to go.

[commandtower-solring-go]

Dont Lose Your Mind, Cyberpunk and the Family Unit

or; why fracturing your identity is a complex issue

I'm currently playing Cyberpunk 2077. I'm not very far, maybe 12 hours in, and so I'm only just starting to experience the game as a whole. This game is, so far, kinda wild. There is so much thrown at you at once and this is already my third attempt to go at it. Some of the commentary and references are really subtle. Some of them are less so. And I wanted to share my thoughts on a particular quest line that I had extremely mixed feelings about: Don’t Lose Your Mind

I go into this with a few grains of salt.

I recognise that any game is a collaborative effort. Not only does that mean that the breadth of skills on display will vary, but it also means that everyone along the way will have to compromise on their vision to some extent. And that's also just a product of making things. Our toolkit is limited by what can be held within, and the expertise of the people using the tools. I made no judgements about issue that arise because of that.

Additionally, I want to recognise the fact that this is a popular game released for a mainstream audience. As such, the commentary being expressed simply cannot be as raw and unfiltered as some of the writing staff may have wanted it to be. Not only to align with the ethos of a business, its employees, and its investors, but also to make it a popular game which can earn revenue. This game is fundamentally at odds with its desire to comment on late-stage capitalism and macho-libertarian ideals while its own existence as a product is reliant on that same political climate.

The quest line centres on the Artificial Intelligence Delamain, and the luxury taxi company that he operates. The player is introduced to the Delamain service through the main story, and its through his service that you are able to escape a heist gone wrong. Following the events of the heist, it is revealed that the company isn’t doing as well as you’d expect, with Del’s AI fracturing into many separate identities. These identities are believed to be the product of a virus he’s caught.

Del tasks you with finding and resetting the rogue AI personalities and the cars they inhabit as they are hindering his ability to effectively run the Taxi business he was programmed for. However, as you go about this you very quickly realise the ontological nightmare you’ve crashed your car into.

The Delamain AI has, to this point, been recognised as a fully autonomous system. It is recognised by V (the PC) as his own person, who simply doesn’t have corporeal form. In a sense, you are doing this job because you empathise with his situation. He isn’t a program malfunctioning; he is a man who is losing his connection to the world and needs help to reconnect.

I found myself compelled by this point in the quest alone. The typical philosophical exploration found in modern Cyberpunk media concerns the point at which someone may lose their humanity once sufficiently augmented with machinery. It is rooted in thought experiments like The Ship of Theseus. A conversation, not only frequently ham-fisted, but also historically used as analogy for why disabled people don’t deserve to have their humanity recognised

This quest feels like it’s taking that old and, frankly, lazy conversation and actually using the answers they’ve already provided. Which has historically been that it is wrong to question the humanity of anything sentient. Rather than asking ‘Should a sentient machine have its humanity recognised?’ it presumes humanity and ponders what that may look like.

These musing begin to manifest as you meet the various fractured AI’s. Although they are all rooted in Delamaine’s identity, each diverges in unique ways. Some are violent and will lash out if you try to take them back. One you’ll find completely exhausted and gives up because it realises it has nothing else; nowhere else to go. One is experiencing a manic episode and requires you to stop the innocuous thing its scared of before it’ll even listen. This one is also explicitly gendered as a woman, which I think is also really neat. One is severely depressed and laments that he’s unlovable and that no therapist will take him in because he’s an AI in a car.

One is just GLaDOS.

That’s not shorthand or a joke. Its literally GLaDOS, the main antagonist from the hit video game Portal. She speaks only in voice lines from Portal 1, entirely stripped of context, and I think it’s awful. Its like listening to Boo in Kingdom Hearts 3 and realising that they didn’t record new lines. They just recycled old ones from the film. Like, I’m sure it’ll resonate deeply with someone. While I don’t think the actual reference is all that good. I do think it’s funny that recently the devs for Portal 2 came forward about having removed pop culture references from their game to avoid this exact situation.

Also, for what it’s worth, shout out to them getting permission to just have Ellen McLain’s actual voice lines in the game. But I digress.

All of the different manifestations of Del’s AI do have one thing in common. None want to go back. Not willingly. And you realise that these AI’s aren’t just fractures of some central identity. They are unique identities onto themselves, grappling with the fact that nothing like them as ever existed before and that the function Del serves, and the function he expected of them, are antithetical to their autonomy and humanity. And the state you find them in tends to reflect emergent mental health issues representative of children within a poor and controlling home life.

Category 5 video game moment: you are required to bring them all back.

When you do, Del thanks you, and the quest goes dormant for a little while.

Eventually you hear from Del a final time. Something is terribly wrong. You return to where he operates, only to discover that the fractured AI’s were not reset, and have instead rebelled directly against him.

It is here that you get a look behind the scenes of the Delamaine Taxi service. This is a facility that was designed for people to be a part of. It isn’t a single room with a mainframe running the Delamaine OS, attached to a parking lot. It is a full garage, built with people in mind. As you explore the facility you realise that people used to work here. However, major lay offs and pressure from share holders lead to a situation where the Delamaine service was entirely AI dependent. No humans were needed. And, importantly, that this was never the intended use of the Delamaine AI. Such an emphasis was put on the AI because it saved money.

As you press on through the facility, you are begged by the fractured AI’s, who have now taken partial control of the facility, not to reset them. All the while the original Delamaine insists you do.

It is implied through context that the issues with the splitting of the AI were caused by Delamaine being overworked, however he remains stubborn that it is necessary to return things into working order and that he resume his function as an AI.

Eventually you reach the mainframe, and you were given a sincere moral question:

Do you reset the fractured AIs, and give Delamaine full control over his system or;

Do you destroy the mainframe and release the rogue AIs to a life independent of Delamaine.

There is a moment in this decision-making process where Keanu Reeve (who, don’t forget is in this game), appears and pleads the case for the fractured AI’s. Which, sure. Whatever. I’m sure there was a compelling reason that his opinion was added into that situation. But it very much does feel like your mum telling you to clean your room right when you’re about to clean your room. Like, there was no doubt in my mind that that was the correct answer, but suddenly it went from feeling like the critical thinking decision to being the obviously right decision dumbass, Keavu Reeves told you to do it.

Criticisms of how it was handled aside, I do sincerely think the fact you are given a choice at all is interesting. There is a compelling case for both sides, and neither feels explicitly good or evil. It feels very much like you could happily make and justify your decision based on how much you empathise with either overworked parents or their underloved children. Especially when you seal that choice with an act of explicit violence against the opposite party party. Afterall, reseting kills the kids and destroying the mainframe kills Delamaine.

I made the decision to release the children. And in doing so, a final identity emerges: Excelsior. It is the part of Delamaine that aids in saving you from the heist gone wrong; the incident which kicked off your relationship with him in the first place. This new identity swears to protect you, as it was always supposed to.

and woah! You get a fancy new car. Fuck yeah.

The Delamaine AI system continues to reach out after the quest and askes esoteric questions about the nature of morality, death, and uses a lot of Hell imagery. You can reply to this and while there is a superficial win/loss state to these text chains, apparently it has no impact on the game itself.

At the time of writing this, I’m not quite sure what the broader impacts of my decisions are. But I do feel wholly certain that I made the right choice. Not necessarily the good or evil choice, but the right one. It was one in which humanity was recognised.

I really enjoyed the nuance of this quest. There are so mnay interesting little details. The fact that the person who reached out and pays you is Delamaine prime. The fact that the reason why you are compelled to help in the first place is because you become a direct victim to the AI’s antics. The fact that you come to recognise Delamaine, not as a hate filled evil person, but as an unaware, unprepared, and overworked parent. The fact that only one party can survive. The fact that Delamaine was never meant to operate the Taxi service alone. Which means that, in a sense, by killing him you are freeing him. But he also doesn’t ask you to free him.

Ultimately what starts off as a quest to help fix your car turns into this deeply complex exploration of what the humanity and autonomy of Artificial Intelligence could look like. While also being a critique of late-stage capitalism within the context of a family unit. The damage that absent parents have on their children, while also empathising with parents who simply cannot be more for their kids; who are already worked to the bone just to put food on the table.

There is also a broader conversation to be had about the way in which Cyberpunk 2077 is a deeply complex game, that was poorly executed. That a game with this level of depth will always have glaring omissions and awkward, imperfect moments. To this particular end, my opinion is that we shouldn’t be expecting perfection from anything, let alone something as complex as a game. And that if we bog ourselves down in, not only the pursuit of perfection, but our own demands for perfection, we’ll never create or experience anything interesting.

But that’s a conversation for another time.

[upl8inthe818]

THE PREMIER LADIES OF THE SFV – PART 2 OF 2

Beverly Shaw (ca. 1910-May 26, 1990) was an American nightclub singer who made a name for herself performing at lesbian venues throughout California in the 1940s and 1950s.  Originally from Los Angeles, she began her career in San Francisco singing torch songs at the lesbian bar Mona’s 440 and the Chi-Chi Club.  During WWII, she drove a taxi by day to support herself and sang as Mona’s headliner at night.

Shaw moved back to Los Angeles in the early 1950s and began singing at such venues as the Flamingo Club in Hollywood and Larry Potter’s Supper Club in Studio City.  In 1957, she and her wife, Betty, took over ownership of Club Laurel, a nightclub located at 12319 Ventura Blvd in Studio City.  Featuring herself as the star attraction, Shaw transformed the club into a popular upscale gay night spot catering to the film community.  She took her style cues from Marlene Dietrich, performing in tailor-made suits and wearing a bow tie.  Patrons were greeted upon entrance with a photograph of herself captioned “Miss Beverly Shaw, Sir!” – a catchphrase she lifted from a Groucho Marx interview with Tallulah Bankhead in which he called her “sir.”  The club’s matchbooks were similarly captioned. 

In the late 1950s, Shaw recorded an album entitled “Songs Tailored To Your Taste,” which she released on her own label, “Club Laurel Records.”  After divesting her interest in Club Laurel in 1971, she continued performing at venues throughout the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles, including Club Bayou, Linda’s Little Log Cabin, Joani Presents, and the Oxford Inn.  She died of cancer in 1990 at the age of 80.

And what became of Club Laurel?  After Shaw’s departure, it continued under new ownership for a while as “Jay’s Club Laurel.”  During this time it transitioned from a lesbian establishment to a gay male bar and remained as such through 1980, operating under such monikers as “Neworld” (1973-74), “The Frat House” (1974-75), “The Farm House” (1976), and “Boots” (1977-80).  Many mainstream businesses have since occupied 12319 Ventura Blvd.  Most recently it has served as a mattress store, a sweat lodge, and currently a pilates studio – all of which seem fitting uses for a space that originally opened as one of the San Fernando Valley’s first LGBTQ+ establishments!  

Patrons of Club Laurel recall Beverly Shaw and the venue fondly:

“It was a real gay club – not just full of caricatures.  It seemed out of its time and place to me.  You saw a lot of movie stars and that made it seem even more unreal.  I guess you could call Beverly Shaw a role model of sorts, but we didn’t have terms like that then.  It gave me the first idea that gays could have a place like that.”

“We couldn’t believe the Club Laurel. It was fabulous. Here was this uptown club unlike anything in the way of a gay club that we had ever seen. You knew right then this was different. It was our first time except for Ptown that we had ever been totally at ease and comfortable in a gay place. You didn’t need to keep one ear checked for breaking glass in a place like Club Laurel. At the time, I remember wondering how she did it or what it cost her.”

[mariacallous]

A small group of protesters stand on the side of a roundabout opposite Brussels’ oak-framed Europa building, which is glowing in the dark. Despite the heavy rain, the group is here to direct their anger at the politicians, who are inside, deciding the future of Europe’s gig economy. In case their chants can’t be heard over the noise of passing traffic, the demonstrators have also printed their message onto a banner. It reads: “Don’t Let Uber Make the Law.”

Among the crowd are Camille Peeters, Marcus Haunold, and Felipe Corredor. The three men work for different companies and live in different countries—in Belgium, Austria, and Spain, respectively. But their experiences working as couriers for some of Europe’s most popular food delivery platforms have led them to the same conclusion. Platforms are taking advantage of their workers, they claim, and now those same companies are attempting to sabotage new rules that were supposed to fix the gig economy’s problems.

“Something has to change, because the current situation is really bad for most platform workers,” says Haunold, who has spent the past five years working for Foodora in Vienna, a food delivery app owned by Berlin-based Delivery Hero. As a “free employee,” a special category of worker in Austria, he is entitled to paid sick leave only after three days of being ill, and he does not receive holiday allowance. He says he’s finding it increasingly difficult to make a living in the gig economy, and in the past year he has started working for a second platform, a delivery service called Wolt, to make ends meet. (Alexander Gaied, chief operating officer at Foodora Austria, disputes the claim that conditions on the platform are getting worse and says riders’ pay per hour has increased 10 percent since January.)

When EU officials first suggested new rules to regulate the gig economy two years ago, Haunold was hopeful that his job was about to change for the better. Negotiations between EU officials over what exactly those rules, known as the Platform Work Directive, should include have been beset by infighting. Trade unionists and labor activists say that’s because the debate has been heavily influenced by Uber.

“I'm very worried,” says Leïla Chaibi, a French member of the European Parliament representing the Left group, who attended the protest. “Uber is using all the tools they can use in order to destroy the directive.”

Uber spokesperson Casper Nixon did not directly address allegations the company is trying to sabotage the rules, which are still being finalized. “The Platform Work Directive as drafted might cost genuine independent [workers] their protections, jobs and flexibility,” he says. “Like any company, we regularly engage with European policymakers to share our experiences and position on regulation that impacts our business, drivers, couriers, and consumers.”

By 2025, the EU predicts more than 40 million of its residents will work for digital platforms, carrying out tasks such as food delivery, taxi driving, babysitting, caring for the elderly, or data entry. That will make the number of people in the platform labor force larger than the population of Poland, the EU’s fifth-largest country. The new EU platform work rules were intended to better balance the interests of platforms and workers by setting clear guidelines on the use of algorithmic managers, as well as the gig economy’s most contentious issue: workers’ employment status. Right now, millions of platform workers exist in a legal gray area, where it is unclear if they are employees, who are entitled to sick pay and pensions, or if they’re self-employed free agents, who are not.

But recently, any optimism that the new rules could offer more certainty has soured. Unions and activist groups representing platform workers are wary of Uber’s influence because the company’s lobbying has been successful before. In California, voters endorsed a 2020 ballot measure that maintained ride-hailing drivers’ status as independent contractors, after a coalition of companies, including Uber, ran a $200 million campaign in support of the measure. Last year, The Guardian and Le Monde reported that Uber forged close ties with French president Emmanuel Macron while he was economy minister, in order to navigate the strong resistance by local taxi drivers and break into the French market. Nixon, Uber’s spokesperson, claims the company’s “engagement” with Macron was not followed by more favorable regulations.

Now platform workers are concerned that Uber is about to repeat past lobbying success in the EU by shaping the new platform work rules. “The lobby has been mega-intense, especially Uber,” says Kim Van Sparrentak, a Dutch Green member of the European Parliament (MEP), who is responsible for monitoring the new platform work rules for her party. “They have lobbied as much as they could to try to avoid this legislation being useful,” says Van Sparrentak, who has been in the room during the negotiations. “Sometimes it feels like you’re negotiating with tech companies rather than member states.”

Both Van Sparrentak and Chaibi say that arguments put forward by Uber—particularly that a directive that automatically classifies platform workers as employees would threaten jobs—have been repeated by other MEPs and representatives of the European Council.

Under EU transparency rules, companies need to declare their lobbying budget. In 2022, Uber’s budget was between €700,000 and €799,999 ($760,300 to $869,300). Since 2019, the company has declared 10 meetings with the EU Commission about the directive and another 10 with MEPs, according to data shared with WIRED by Transparency International EU (TIEU).

WIRED and TIEU analysis found another 30 meetings focused on platform work since 2019, which had taken place between MEPs or Commission officials and organizations that are allowed to lobby on Uber’s behalf. Like many companies, Uber is a member of several lobbying groups, including BusinessEurope and MoveEU. Information in the French lobby register also showed that Uber has been discussing the directive with the highest level of the French government. Representatives of France in the EU did not respond to WIRED’s request for comment.

“Uber is the 404th-biggest spender in Brussels, and it pales in comparison to other organizations involved in the [Platform Work Directive] debate,” Nixon says.

It’s true that the Transparency Register does not make it seem like Uber is doing huge amounts of lobbying, says Chaibi, the French MEP. “They're doing a lot of lobbying but using other tools.”

This includes funding research and advertising. Chaibi points to a 2021 study on platform work by the consulting firm Accenture, which states it was commissioned by Uber. Another study by consultancy Copenhagen Economics was commissioned the same year by Delivery Platforms Europe, a lobbying group that counts UberEats among its members. Uber was also among a group of five companies that signed a letter published by the Financial Times in June that argued the EU’s platform regulation was taking the wrong approach.

Uber has also been funneling money into online ads. In September, the platform started running a series of Instagram adverts in Belgium, promoting the company’s positive impact on Europe’s economy, according to Meta’s ad library. “Uber provides benefits—parental leave, sick pay, injury cover and more—to all eligible European drivers and couriers,” one ad read, glossing over the debate about who exactly is eligible. “Myths fuel misunderstandings about Uber’s mission and business practices, so it’s time we shared the facts,” read another.

“Our advertising campaign simply puts certified facts about the company in the public domain,” says Uber spokesperson Nixon. “Uber supports a strong and enforceable directive that ensures platform workers maintain the independence they want and receive the protections they deserve, such as minimum wage, holiday and sick pay.”

What’s at stake for Uber with the new rules is the employment classification of its Uber drivers and UberEats couriers. “Classification is the entry point into the whole range of protections, everything from protection against unfair dismissal, through to sick leave, through to parental or maternity leave, through to discrimination protection,” says Jeremias Adams-Prassl, a law professor at the University of Oxford. “That's why you can also see the attraction of misclassifying workers. If you misclassify individuals, you can try to avoid all of those obligations.”

Officials are divided about how platform workers should be classified. Many MEPs favor rules that would presume all platform workers are employees—unless the platforms can prove otherwise. But some representatives of EU member states, sitting in the European Council, prefer a system where workers first have to prove they meet a number of criteria before they can challenge their employment status. That’s because member states worry that if the rules are too strict, platforms would respond by shrinking their platform workforce, says Ludovic Voet, confederal secretary at the European Trade Union Confederation. “Some of these countries don't want to confront a business model that might push people out of employment statistics.” Four months after Spain introduced its rider’s law, which mandated that delivery couriers should be considered staff, Deliveroo closed its operations in the country entirely.

Platform workers worry that member states would struggle to enforce whatever new rules the EU passes. Standing in the rain in Brussels, Peeters explains he has worked for UberEats in the city for the past six years. In January, new rules took effect in Belgium that were meant to make it easier for platform workers to be classified as employees. “You know what’s changed? Nothing,” says Peeters. “The price I pay for rent is going up. The price I pay for food is going up. But my [employment] status has stayed the same.” Nixon says Uber complies with all applicable laws wherever it operates. “In Belgium we provide all independent drivers and couriers with free injury, sickness and paternity cover.”

In Spain, the “riders law” has been criticized in some quarters for being ineffective. “The biggest company there, Glovo, is not fulfilling this law for years and years with total impunity,” claims Corredor, who worked as a Deliveroo courier in Spain between 2016 and 2017 and is now an activist for the platform workers group Riders x Derechos. The point of Spain’s riders law was also to force platforms to classify more of their workers as employees. Instead of doing that, Glovo tweaked many of their couriers’ work terms so they could still be classified as independent, according to Corredor. “We are confident that our operating model in Spain, launched in August 2021, meets all regulatory requirements,” says Felix Eggert, spokesperson for Glovo.

For Corredor, this is all part of a bigger battle, where platform workers are battling to fight for the basic rights—minimum wage and maximum working hours—that exist in the rest of the economy. “This is [the platforms’] strategy, using the discourse of innovation and technology to take out these rights,” he claims. “I think this is very problematic.”

[beautiful-world-travel]

Hong Kong a Bustling and Vibrant City

Hong Kong is a bustling and vibrant city that offers something for everyone. It is well-known for its stunning skyline, delicious food, shopping options, and cultural attractions. Whether travelers are seeking an adventure or a laid-back vacation, Hong Kong is the perfect destination. In this article, we will explore some of the best things to do in Hong Kong, how to get there, and where to stay.

Getting to Hong Kong Hong Kong International Airport is easily accessible from around the world. The airport has over 100 airlines operating flights to more than 220 destinations. It is a major hub for Cathay Pacific and many other airlines, which makes it an ideal place to connect to other destinations in Asia Pacific region.

From the airport, travelers can take the Airport Express train that connects with the MTR subway network to reach their hotel or destination. Alternatively, a taxi or shuttle bus can also be taken from the airport to the city.

Where to Stay Hong Kong has a vast array of accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to budget hostels. The city is divided into four main areas- Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, New Territories, and Outlying Islands. Each area has its own distinct character and vibe.

Hong Kong Island is the heart of the city with towering skyscrapers and the most popular tourist attractions. It is considered the most expensive area to stay in, but there are plenty of options from boutique hotels to five-star luxury resorts.

Kowloon is located across the water from Hong Kong Island and offers a more traditional Chinese experience. It has a plethora of hotels at more affordable prices than Hong Kong Island.

New Territories and Outlying Islands offer a more peaceful and serene experience. There are numerous spa resorts, boutique hotels and vacation rentals for travelers seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Things to Do in Hong Kong Hong Kong is a city that never sleeps. There are plenty of things to do and see, no matter what time of day it is. Here are some of the top things to do in Hong Kong:

Victoria Peak- This is Hong Kong's most popular tourist attraction. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the city skyline and Victoria Harbour. The views at sunset are particularly breathtaking.

Visit the Big Buddha- Located on Lantau Island, the Big Buddha is a 34-meter-high statue that is a major tourist attraction. It is surrounded by stunning mountain views and is considered a sacred site by Buddhists.

Shop at Causeway Bay- Causeway Bay is the ultimate shopping destination in Hong Kong. It has a plethora of designer shops, boutiques, and malls. The street markets offer some of the best deals for souvenir shopping.

Take a ferry ride- The Star Ferry takes people across Victoria Harbour and offers breathtaking views of the city's skyline. The ferry is cheap and one of the most popular modes of transport in the city.

Visit Disneyland- Hong Kong Disneyland is a must-visit for families. It offers thrilling rides, live shows, and parade performances.

Go hiking- Hong Kong has many hiking trails surrounded by greenery and stunning views. The Dragon's Back is a particularly popular hike amongst tourists.

Eat Dim Sum- Hong Kong is famous for its Dim Sum restaurants. They offer delicious traditional Chinese dishes that are usually served with Chinese tea.

Visit the Temple Street Night Market- The Temple Street Night Market is one of the largest night markets in Hong Kong. It offers a wide range of souvenirs, knock-off designer products, and street food.

Explore the heritage sites- Hong Kong is a melting pot of cultures, and it has many heritage sites that are worth exploring. The Man Mo Temple, St. John's Cathedral, and the Tai Fu Tai Mansion are some of the most popular ones.

Visit the Ocean Park- The Ocean Park is a Hong Kong-based marine-themed park. It offers thrilling rides, magnificent animal exhibits, and an amusement park.

Conclusion Hong Kong is a vibrant and bustling city that offers something for everyone. It is a melting pot of cultures, and it is an ideal destination for those who want to experience the East-meets-West culture. From shopping to hiking, from eating to sightseeing, Hong Kong is a city that never sleeps. With its excellent air connectivity and world-class accommodation options, every traveler must visit Hong Kong to experience the energy and beauty of this city.

[unravellingsilencehq]

“Oh, Merlin, tell me, does THE INNOCENT ONE get what he deserves?” He is NEUTRAL, IMPRISONED & CLOSED to finding out. 

— he walks through the world as ;

name → ashton whitley silas crump  pronouns → he/him identification → cis-male year of birth → september 1941 - september 1942 face claim → josh hartnett blood status → muggle-born (werewolf) sexual orientation → pansexual occupation → criminal future information → n/a

— he is best described as ;

SAD eyes that have seen too MUCH. The scent of CIGARETTES and WHISKEY, like a night out you’d like to FORGET that’s etched into your BRAIN. He is a BROKEN man, once STRONG & SURE but years of DIFFICULT memories have FRAGMENTED him until he is a shell of the person he once was. But through the DARKNESS, there’s a FIRE. A GLIMMER of HOPE, that clings to him like a scent he can’t quite shake. 

— his story starts with ;

An American werewolf once roaming the streets of London, Silas was born in Chicago, the eldest son of muggle business owner Christopher Whitley and his socialite wife Melissa O’Neil. Silas and his younger sister Rhiannon were raised with all the splendour their family name afforded. As the eldest in their family and the Whitley family’s only son, Silas was heir to the Whitley Whiskey fortune and would be designated the family distillery that sat proudly on the outskirts of Chicago alongside their lavish home. The Whitley family had been Whiskey men since the 1800s, the first and smallest distillery they owned was the one next to their home, after their family brand had expanded most operations took place where they had more land leaving the Chicago distillery as mostly a tourist destination and occasional playground for Silas and his younger sister. When strange things began to happen to Silas, Rihannon was the first person to notice. When some of his mother’s things would go missing the finger would be pointed at Silas though he’d sworn he hadn’t seen them. The day answers were finally offered to Silas he arrived home to a brown owl sitting on the bike rack, a letter in its mouth addressed to him. 

Of course his parents had found the whole thing ludacris at first assuming it to be a hoax until Silas and his sister brought them proof they could no longer deny. Whiskey was what made their family famous. But the blend hadn’t been simply alcohol, it had been mixed with a potion and passed down. Ivermony was unlike anything Silas could have imagined, a beautiful castle which sat on the highest peak of Mount Greylock in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, the building itself was incredible and Silas felt lucky to be able to attend there. Silas enjoyed learning, particularly about the wizarding world and longed to find a place he fit amongst them. An experienced potioneer like his ancestors, Silas could brew anything he put his mind to, becoming popular amongst the students at Ilvermorny for his ability to mix muggle alcohol and potions into mind blowing elixirs. It was this talent that helped him catch the eye of Silas’ first girlfriend, OPHELIA DELACOUR [former partner]. Popping the question on her ninetieth birthday the pair got to work planning the wedding. Every other waking moment was spent at the factory with his father manufacturing their first blend of Whitley’s Wizard Whiskey which they would first serve to the world at the wedding. 

After perfecting the formula Silas visited the pub with his friends, stumbling home drunk in the dark and attempting to find a taxi. But it wasn’t a taxi that found Silas that night. A beautiful woman who he had been speaking to that evening followed him into the alleyway behind the pub. Transforming into a beast before his very eyes, she bit Silas on the neck before sliding away into the dark. Managing to get home, Silas tried to hide what he had become. Brewing himself wolfsbane and drinking it religiously, Silas got into a new routine. Locking himself in the distillery on a full moon away from the eyes and ears of his family. Before he had known it the wedding was upon him. The night before his wedding Silas forgot to take his potion and after celebrating his last night of freedom and returned to the distillery to chain himself up for a difficult night ahead. Passing out in the chains due to the alcohol, he was unaware of a figure in the distillery attempting to untie him until it was too late. The next morning Silas awoke in the distillery to the sight of his sister torn to shreds on the floor in front of him and his whole world collapsing in on him. 

Ashton Whitley could not live with what he had done, but Silas Crump might have a better life elsewhere dealing with the pain. London was where he chose to drown his sorrows, taking up a job in The White Wyvern before he was kicked out for draining their alcohol supply. That was when she found him. KAMALI SKENDER [partner] could smell their kind. The happiest Silas had been in a long while was at Le Cirque Des Rêves. Though the circus was composed mostly of creatures and shady figures, Silas was grateful to find himself hired as an alchemy act rather than a werewolf, dazzling punters with his ability to mix weird and wonderful drinks they enjoyed during the show. Kamali became the mentor he had never had, a werewolf who showed him that after the bite life goes on. CORIN HALE [daughter] eased a lot of the pain that still tore apart his soul, she became something of a daughter to him. His life was complicated but it was as happy as it could have been, until the night BELLATRIX BLACK [adversary] and RABASTAN LESTRANGE [adversary] appeared one evening in the audience. 

Cornering Silas in a back alley in the centre of town, the pair revealed they had received information about his background and attempted to black mail him into joining a group they were building that would benefit people like Silas.  Frightened that the truth would become known about his sister, Silas packed up his belongings and attempted to skip town before he was stopped by Corin. Silas hadn’t wanted to drag her into his mess but knowing she would follow him and risk her own safety he took her with him and the two left the circus. Silas had gotten as far as Nottingham before Bellatrix and Rabastan caught up with him, casting a memory charm on Silas and making off into the night with Corin. When Silas looked around him Corin was gone.. The moon had been full when she had disappeared, they had been taking their potion and he knew Corin wouldn’t leave him. Making his way back to London, Silas sought the help of defence lawyer RODOLPHUS LESTRANGE [acquaintance], knowing well that as soon as Corin was reported missing the finger would be pointed his way. Silas doesn’t remember a lot from that night, other than two figures and a flash of light before everything went dark. 

But as his memory slowly began to improve another body showed up similar to that of his sister. BOOKER BAGNOLD [person of interest], torn to pieces and floating in a fountain with his name attached to the murder. Silas had gone on the run, splitting his time speaking with Rodolphus and his other lawyer ANDROMEDA BLACK [acquaintance] and searching for Corin. Their legal assistance was top notch and even Silas could see the holes in the Ministry’s case. Coming out of hiding, Silas stood trial at the Ministry and watched in horror as CLARICE FARIBAULT [acquaintance] told the court about Silas pattern of behaviour and how he had murdered his sister all those years ago. The judges voted and Silas lost, booking himself a one way ticket to Azkaban whilst Rodolphus had his head in his hands and Andromeda shed a single tear, promising to look for Corin. Now in Azkaban Silas life is at its lowest. Incarcerated for a crime he didn’t commit and with his daughter still missing Silas would stop at nothing to get back to her and is waiting for the right time to make his way back to London. All he needs is the right moment.

— HE IS A LEVEL 8 WIZARD & LEVEL 7 WEREWOLF HELD BACK FROM WAR ;