#Award in Fire Safety for Managers

[nando161mando]

Babe wake up, new slur for management just dropped

[safetycourses2022]

[aspiringtrashpanda]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SATAN! I love you, you finnicky feline bastard. A friend of mine recently shared this great video essay with me, and I knew I had to substitute today's prompt to do something involving CATS. Find the prompt list HERE.

── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ──

DAY 20 Prompt: Hot Cider Halloween Costumes Featuring Cats: The Musical, chaos reigning in the House of Lamentation, and Satan's secret past revealed... This is 2.6k but I swear it's worth it

“Alright,” You were already reaching for the popcorn piled around Beelzebub. You didn’t miss his sharp side-eye, but Belphegor muttered reassurance that they could make more if Beel felt he hadn’t eaten his fill. “Are we all ready?”

A chorus of hummed affirmation was only interrupted by Beel’s concerned, “Satan isn’t here.”

Levi’s already tense frame managed to stiffen further, Beel’s realization prompting him to peer over his shoulder into the dark shadows of your bedroom, encroaching the circle of safety lit by the glow of the television screen. “Hey, where is he?”

“Oh…” Hesitating, you mumbled a swift, “I didn’t invite him. So anyway, shall we?”

It was Asmo that started that accusing melody reminiscent of when you’d been sent to the principal’s office as a child. “Oooo, is Satan in trouble?”

Mammon nearly choked on his cola. “Hey! What’s that mean?!” 

“Nothing!” You knew it was best to stop a Mammon Jealousy Spiral™ before it spun out of control. With five pairs of eyes waiting for the big reveal, you let them down gently, “It’s just… Trust me, you don’t want to watch this with him.”

“Why?” Beel asked in between crunches of unpopped kernels. 

“Yes.” The voice managed to freeze the blood of all those in the room, the spite spilling in a low song. “Why?”

Six pairs of eyes snapped to the door, panic rearing within your chest when you made out a familiar silhouette lounging in the doorway. Shit.

Satan’s vibrant green fingernails curled around the door knob, shut the panel with more force than necessary. His voice oozed contempt, anger, and for a moment, you wondered if you were his villain origin story. “Did you really think you could watch Cats without me?”

He marched into the room without another word, settling down beside Belphie and positioning himself closer than anyone else to the screen. Asmo instantly protested that he would damage his eye sight, and in response, Satan slipped on his reading glasses.

“Brain build. +2 observation and +3 intellect,” Levi muttered to himself, nodding in approval. Mammon shot him a look of disgust. 

When you had still failed to press play, to start the movie, Satan fixed you with an impatient frown. “Well? Are we watching the movie or not? 

“Satan,” You winced, “You’ve read the reviews.”

You thought you had been able to protect him.

“I need to experience it with my own two eyes.” Satan steeled his resolve, rolling his shoulders. 

How were you supposed to protect him from himself? 

So, you prayed to the Celestial Realm above and tossed the remote to Mammon. Though all he did we toggle the button to start the movie, your conscience felt as though the action alleviated some guilt. 

Alas, about ten minutes into the movie, Satan’s rage moved from near to downright palpable. It was sour on your tongue. So sour that not even the extra buttery popcorn could rid the taste from your mouth. The whole point of watching Tom Hooper’s 2019 film adaptation of Cats, the Tony award winning musical, was to revel in the warmth of the dumpster fire, to laugh and jeer and jab at the uncanny CGI cat-people-things. All the fun of a Cats watch party was dampened by the vibrating bomb a little too close to the television.

“You don’t understand,” Satan cried, “This…This…This trainwreck of a film completely obliterates all that is Cats!”

“It’s not that big of a deal,” Asmo argued, his eyes lighting up as Jennyanydots’ exterior fur was unzipped in a truly terrifying manner to reveal a snazzy little magenta number underneath. “Oh, a skin suit! How fresh~!” 

Levi and Beel exchanged a very concerned glance, popcorn falling from Mammon’s mouth as his jaw hit the floor. Belphie simply snickered, eyes already shut. It wouldn’t be long before he tapped out of this plane of existence for the remainder of the night. 

Though, Satan failed to falter. No, he carried on, “See, Cats is all about the whimsy, the theater, the rotating cast of characters that are not meant to represent anything larger than themselves! Why is Victoria suddenly the protagonist? Why remove the three-part harmony from the Gumby Cat number? These are entirely illogical choices!” 

You stifled a sigh. It was going to be a long night. 

Beel and Belphie bailed first, sometime after Satan paused the movie to explain the importance of the choreography in Grizabella’s Memory, how the director had completely fumbled the ball by allowing Victoria to touch the former Jellicle cat before the climactic lyrics pleading just that. Mammon was next, too unnerved by the dancers on all fours, lapping milk from a saucer. Satan was quick to explain that esteemed choreographer Gillian Lynne’s original moves aimed to be evocative of cats, unlike the movie monstrosity’s literal interpretation of feline behavior. Mammon didn’t stick around to hear the last of the critique. 

Asmo hung around for a while, genuinely entertained by the uncomfortably horny touches and svelte frames of the dancers. Though, whenever he commented on Macavity’s physique, Satan would launch into a rant regarding Macavity’s enlarged role and how it only served to allow the mediocre A-Listers on the bill to show up to set for three days, and then bail for the rest of production. It got old after a while.

It surprised you that Levi lasted the longest, more intrigued by the lore hidden in the Cats original production than the film adaptation. He found it particularly fascinating that a plot had been shoe-horned into a show that was simply meant to showcase all different sorts of cats. He likened it to a slice-of-life anime introducing a shonen-esque training arc, when there was never a goal from the beginning. 

Satan had nothing to say to that. You thought he was simply trying to keep his wrath in check, by that point. 

It was well past midnight by the time your room had emptied out in its entirety, and the sheer oddity of the Old Deutoronomy number that closed out the movie had left you exhausted. As you drifted off to dreams that you were certain would seem less feverish than the film you had just seen, you couldn’t help but wonder: Why was Satan so invested in Cats? You managed to make note of your query in your D.D.D., as you figured it would come up again later.

Later just so happened to fall on October 20th–Satan’s birthday. 

It would be an average morning to Satan, you were positive. As he typically followed a relaxed Sunday schedule of wake up, read in bed, shower, eat, read in the library, eat, read in bed, and then sleep, you knew that your plan would be flawlessly executed as long as it remained completely out of his orbit of interaction. 

You sent out the messages the moment your alarm went off, bright (well, as bright as it could get in the Devildom) and early. Everyone swung by Asmo’s room at their assigned times, Raphael on hand with his sewing kit. As Simeon, Luke, and Barbatos prepared a lunch large enough to feed three Beelzebubs, Levi ran over the game plan with those who had been absent from the very important movie night. 

When the messages–all faked and sent from the same room–entered the aether, you were positive that Satan would regard them as any regular chat. 

11:31am - Lucifer in House of Lamentation (New) I expect everyone to be in the dining room for noon, sharp. 

11:32am - Asmodeus in House of Lamentation (New) Okey dokey, Lucifer♡

11:32am - Mammon in House of Lamentation (New) How much is my presence worth to ya?

11:33am - Leviathan in House of Lamentation (New) 💀

11:33am - Lucifer in House of Lamentation (New) We’ve been over this. Raphael is coming by to tailor your Halloween costumes. Don’t be late.

11:34am - Satan in House of Lamentation (New) When did we decide on costumes? I have not been informed of the theme.

11:45am - Satan in House of Lamentation (New) Lucifer?

His footsteps sounded down the hall moments after the residents of the House of Lamentation and their guests had taken their positions around the dining room table. You beamed, glancing around at your assembled soldiers. There had been no hiccups. You had prepared the perfect surprise.

Or should you say, the purrfect surprise? For when Satan entered the room, Thirteen set off her traps, showering him in confetti and blinding him with flashing lights, the gathered demons, angels, and humans shouting, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SATAN!” 

According to the plan, Satan blinked, disoriented from the assault of the reaper’s ingenious tech, and took a moment to rub his eyes, chuckling, “Oh, thank you, but…”

And bam! His vision clear, his jaw dropped as he finally managed to register the scene before him. 

It was a normal Sunday afternoon, and a normal birthday lunch. A massive banner stretched above the hearth, marking the day of his creation, and Beel was already reaching for the cake in the midst of the plates laid out upon the tablecloth. All of Satan’s housemates grazed upon the spread, laughing, smiling, bickering and shouting. 

Only they were dressed as cats. And not any cats, but full-blown replicas of costumes from Broadway’s production of Cats. 

Ears and whiskers blended into faux fur and expert makeup, thick tails dragging on the ground and sticking out from the backs of chairs. Belphie was using his black and white mottled tail as a pillow, Beel using the fake claws to skewer Luke’s macarons a few plates over. Even Diavolo sported a thick crimson mane, Barbatos brushing it with a tool you knew Satan recognized from his own stash of grooming supplies. 

Thirteen, wedged between yourself and Mephistopheles, was making a show of handling her fork and knife, regardless of the costume nails that clinked against the utensils with every minute movement. Simeon and Solomon, meanwhile, were attempting to teach Luke how to purr.

Part of you wished you could be in Satan’s shoes, could see the madness from his perspective. He had a better view of Levi snapping at Mammon when the latter tripped over his tail. 

“What is this?!” Satan gawked, watching as Lucifer took a slow sip from his coffee, a concerned gleam to his dark eyes that had your insides twitching with the effort of restraining your laughter.

Lucifer responded as if it was the most obvious answer in the universe, his whiskers bouncing with the words. “We’ve gathered today to witness Old Diavonomy’s choice for the Jellicle Ball.”

Diavolo laughed that deep, joyful laugh, stepping away from Barbatos’s careful care (and if they had control over the fake ears, you were certain Barbatos’s would be plastered to his skull) to gesture towards the table with swinging arms. “Welcome, dear Satanshanks the Railway cat. You will sing for me, won’t you?”

“You’re joking,” Satan balked, and you could spot the gears turning in his head all the way from your seat. He clenched his hands into a fist, unfurled them. Opened his mouth to speak, then closed it again. 

Asmo was leaning over the table, whispering to Raphael, “I bet he’s going to choose the Magical Mr. Mephistofelees. I mean, look how handsome he is! ♡” 

Mephistopheles hissed in return and you held back a snort. You had to give him points for staying in character. Thirteen swiped at his ear–the cat one, not the real one–with her lip curled in irritation. You had a feeling he had accidentally spat in her food. 

“No,” Raphael shook his head, ashy tabby fur glued to his cheeks stiff and unnatural. “It’s going to be Mammovity or Belphefur Jones.”

You glanced at Belphie, whiskers fully immersed in a bowl of pudding, tail still tucked beneath his head. You supposed that was better than Mammon, who you could tell was actively researching how much he could get for auctioning off these costumes. 

“LOL you’re kidding, right?” Levi piped up, cyan claws clicking as he gestured to Beel, now on his sixth serving of food. “Grizabeela is the right choice.”

And Satan stood there, the confusion clearing in his eyes, that slightly delayed comprehension melting the tension in his shoulders to resigned acceptance. He sighed, threw his hands up in surrender. “Aright. Cut the theatrics. Who found it?”

“Found what?” You asked, coyly batting your eyelashes as you rested your chin on the padded knuckles of your cat costume.

“The tape.” Despite the conflicted emotions in Satan’s sea green eyes, he surveyed the paw-print cookies and noodle bowls with wonton cat ears with unrestrained curiosity. You waved him over, beckoning to him like a kitten hiding in an alley. The suspicion returned to his gaze.

“Leviathan.” Luke wasted no time throwing Levi under the bus. You supposed it wasn’t personal. The young angel never liked lying. 

“HEY! Asmo helped!” 

Unlike Levi, hiding under the table in fear of Satan’s wrath, Asmo only grabbed his own tail, waved it towards Satan with a playful wink. Satan grimaced. 

“Satan,” Solomon smirked, silver spotted ears matching his hair perfectly. “Why didn’t you tell me you were a Broadway star? I would have loved to have seen your debut.” 

Satan groaned, burying his face in his hands to hide the faint blush beginning to curl over the shell of his ears. 

“Satan,” Simeon’s smile was leagues from kind, though you weren’t entirely sure if it was his intended expression, or the way the makeup morphed his features into something far more angular, far more intimidating. “I didn’t realize you could dance so well. Would a cat costume have helped the Lord of Masks with his choreography in the TSL musical?”

“Aw, don’t tease him!” Thirteen crowed, the glint in her eyes anything but protective, “His fur will get all matted.”

Bristling, Satan finally approached the table, accepting the proffered mug of coffee from Solomon with a clipped, “Thank you.” It made your chest swell with affection, how he feigned such annoyance when really, he wanted nothing more than to join the feline fiesta. You knew Satan would never lose control when cats were involved. 

“Here!” Mammon passed a carton Satan’s way, “We got ya some premium milk for your birthday.”

“A lot of cats are actually lactose intolerant!” Luke protested, turning to Raphael for back up. The other angel simply stared at him, entirely indifferent. 

“That’s quite alright,” Barbatos soothed, and a glass of creamy white liquid was placed before the guest of honor. “I brought some cursed cashew milk for our feline friend.” 

“Very thoughtful, Barboria,” Lucifer approved, already uncorking a bottle of vintage demonus regardless of the day’s hour. 

“I need all of you to fuck off, right now.” But contrary to his words, Satan was laughing, and the more he laughed, the more his shoulders shook with mirth, tossing the tension from his frame in a matter of seconds. When he looked at you, you beamed with all your teeth–including the prosthetics Asmo had applied to sharpen your canines. 

“Alright, alright,” Diavolo chuckled, “Satanshanks is the birthday boy, after all. His word is law.”

He paused, drawing everyone’s attention to the Demon Prince at the head of the table. He stood, puffed out his chest and flexed his artificial cat claws. When he spoke, he did so with a bravado that demanded respect. “And if there’s anything important that we’ve learned today, it is not that Satan performed in the original Broadway production of cats, but that…”

Before Satan could catch on, the table burst into song, howling the climax of the final act in Cats in all sorts of different keys. 

“A cat is not… A dog!”  

And though Satan scowled, poured himself anothing mug of steaming hell coffee and threw it back like a shot of tequila, you knew this birthday would become another beloved memory. A memory, far from alone in the moonlight, and instead surrounded by all those he loved.

“Hey Asmo,” Satan spoke after a long swig of cursed cashew milk, “Can you do my makeup, too?”

── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ──

OBEY ME! MONTH MASTERLIST

[multicolour-ink]

Mario x Anastasia AU

(no references to the real life Anastasia! Just the movie)

- Mario and Luigi are princes of a kingdom. When they are young, they are each gifted small music boxes - a sun and a moon respectively.

- One day, Bowser attacks their kingdom to conquer, and take its power for himself.

- King Pio stays behind to fend his forces off, and is killed in the attack. Meanwhile, Mia manages to get the twins as far away as possible, before she too is killed by Bowser's forces.

- The twin princes rush to a train that will take them to safety. Mario pushes Luigi on first, but is unable to hold onto Luigi's hand, and he falls, hitting his head and falling unconscious. Luigi screams as the train carries him away from his brother.

- Years later, Mario (now 18 and going by the name "Maurice") grows up in an orphanage, with only one thing that is his own - a small box in the shape of a sun, that plays the most beautiful music. He doesn't remember who he is, other than this box is very important to him, and he feels like he has been missing something...

- Determined to find out who he is, "Maurice" sets off on a journey, with only the music box and an anonymous message inscribed on the back of it: "Nothing can hurt us,"

- On his journey, "Maurice" comes across two con artists, Toad and DK, who are looking to pass off an unsuspecting young man as the Prince, and claim the award from Prince Luigi.

- Along the way though, "Maurice" ends up growing closer to Toad and DK, and both con artists start to being to rethink their scheme...

- Meanwhile, Prince Luigi has grown up in the safety of the Mushroom Kingdom (where the train took him) and has been living with his uncles who had already took up residence there long before. His friend, Princess Peach and the ruler of said kingdom, offers support, but he is far from consolable...

- Every year, on the anniversary of his brother's disappearance, Luigi looks up at the stars, and holds his moon shaped music box, praying that he will be united with his brother again one day.

* * *

*points below discuss the AU's ending. Some spoilers for the Anastasia movie*

- By the time the odd trio reach the Mushroom Kingdom, Toad, having by now had a change of heart, truly believes "Maurice" is actually the missing Prince Mario, and encourages him to see Prince Luigi.

- However, upon seeing "Maurice", Luigi flies into a rage. Having been tricked numerous times in the past by imposters claiming to be his brother, the Prince is at his breaking point. He comments that it is especially cruel that this imposter looks so much like his brother, and dismisses them.

- Shaken up by the disastrous reunion, "Maurice" realises that Toad and DK were just using him to con Prince Luigi and get the reward money. Furious, "Maurice" proclaims he never wants to see them ever again, and runs off in tears. More lonely and broken than ever...

- Toad seeks out Prince Luigi and "kidnaps" him in his kart, begging the Prince to listen and meet with "Maurice". Toad reveals he worked under their parents as a very young toad, and witnessed the two of them escaping with their mother. More hopeful, but still unsure, Luigi agrees to meet with "Maurice" in the fire flower field.

- Meanwhile, DK also corners "Maurice" and attempts to apologise for the way that they used him. DK reveals that he too is actually a Prince. After Bowser lost track of the missing Prince Mario, he sought to attack other kingdoms, in order to gain and build up an army once again. Even in his weakened state, Bowser still managed to do a lot of damage. This left the other kingdoms, including the Kong Kingdom, in a financial crisis. DK shamefully had to turn to being a con artist, as this proved to be the easiest way to make money to support his struggling kingdom.

- Hearing all of this, "Maurice" feels the need to forgive them.

- Toad unites with the pair and tells "Maurice" that Luigi is willing to talk to him. Shaking with fear and excitement, "Maurice" agrees to meet the Prince.

- The two beings, the Lonely Prince and the Lost Soul, meet in the fire flower field. "Maurice" reveals his music box, with the inscription on the back.

"Where did you get that?", asks Prince Luigi shakily.

"I've had it since as long as I can remember...", says "Maurice". "Please. Just tell me. Who am I?"

Luigi, with shaking hands, reveals his music box and an inscription on the back

"as long as we're together."

- And then in that moment, both men are overcome with emotion. They pull each other tight, hugging and crying, finally reunited after all this time.

- But soon after Bowser returns to claim both Princes, and Mario and Luigi have to team up together again to stop him! All is then at peace, and the brothers and their new friends continue to live peacefully 🙂

[monasteryicons]

Father Emil Kapaun: The Saint in the Foxhole

Born of Czech immigrants in the small farming town of Pilsen, Kansas, in 1916, Emil Joseph Kapaun was ordained a priest in 1940 and served as an Army chaplain in Burma in World War II. During the Korean War, Captain Emil Kapaun was the Catholic chaplain assigned to the 3rd Battalion of the 8th Cavalry. On All Souls Day, November 2, 1950, this battalion of 3,000 soldiers was unexpectedly attacked by a force of more than 20,000 Chinese troops. The Americans, taken by surprise and fighting valiantly, never had a chance.

Father Kapaun ran from foxhole to foxhole, dragging out the wounded and giving last rites to the dying. Over the sound of gunfire and explosions he heard confessions. Feverishly working beyond the American lines in no-man’s-land, he actually stopped an execution and negotiated with the enemy for the safety of wounded Americans. No one knows how many young soldiers he carried to safety on his back. Going back again and again, he was finally taken prisoner as he tried to rescue another wounded soldier.

By daybreak the battle was over and hundreds of newly captured American POWs, including Father Kapaun, began a brutal forced 87-mile death march to a POW camp. Those wounded and unable to continue were shot dead. Father Kapaun picked up a wounded POW and began carrying him on his back, imploring others who were still in fair condition to do the same. Some followed his example and many managed to make it alive to the prison camp. Against the orders of his Chinese guards, Father Kapaun cared for the sick and wounded, built fires for warmth and cooking, searched for scraps of food, and even set up a makeshift system to purify drinking water.

To the great anger of his guards, Father Kapaun managed to gather the men together, officers and enlisted men, black men and white men, even atheists, agnostics and others, to join together in saying the Rosary.

Father Kapaun became an inspiration to the other POWs. The priest would preach openly to the men even though his captors ordered him not to do so. He would pray one-on-one with POWs, and some even embraced the faith and were baptized. Praying was banned, and when Father Kapaun ignored it and prayed with his men, his captors would strip him naked and make him stand on a block of ice for hours on end.

On Easter Sunday 1951, the bedraggled starving prisoners saw a silhouetted figure standing alone, illuminated by the morning sun. As the men approached, they realized it was Father Kapaun, wearing his priest’s stole and holding a missal. Somehow he had received permission to hold an Easter service. He could not celebrate Mass, but he read some Psalms and everyone recited out loud the prayers from Good Friday, including the Stations of the Cross. Survivors say that some men openly wept.

Worn down from the horrendous conditions and suffering from his own wounds and poor treatment, Father Kapaun died on May 23, 1951. He was credited with saving hundreds of lives through the loving care, compassion and spirituality he demonstrated to all his men.

In 1993, Captain Chaplain Emil Joseph Kapaun was declared a Servant of God by Pope John Paul II. The canonization process of this selfless priest is underway and there are two miracles under investigation at the present time. In 2013, he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama, becoming one of only five chaplains to receive our nation’s highest award.

[btr-rewatch]

Big Time Rush Season 1, Episode 12: “Big Time Terror”

I've been looking forward to this one since I decided to start doing this rewatch. SHOT IN THE DARK!! Let's gooooo!!!! *tosses confetti into the air*

Highlights: Ghost hunting, ginormous bowls of oatmeal, and the best song ever written in the history of ever.

It's a beautiful night at the Palm Woods, and BTR and many of the Palm Woods residents are gathered around the fire, hanging out and having a grand ol' time. The guys are singing "Stuck," which is a song I'd probably rank among my favorites.

Their fun time is interrupted suddenly by a strange sound. As everyone turns to look, they see that a small table is moving along the patio all by itself. The boys look on in confusion and fear, with Carlos and Logan immediately gravitating toward Kendall for protection, which certainly gives me feelings. I love them. I love that the reaction is instinctual and says so much about who Kendall is and how the other guys see him. The Protector. The one who will shield them from harm. Kendall is a source of safety.

After returning to their apartment, Logan, ever the logical one, explains to Carlos that it wasn't a ghost but the air conditioner causing a backdraft that shut the doors. He doesn't have an explanation for the moving table, though. Carlos insists it was a ghost.

There's a knock on the door, which startles everyone but Kendall, and he explains to his scaredy-cat friends, "there is nothing terrifying behind this door." And who's behind the door? Gustavo! He tells the guys that his mansion is flooded, and he has to stay with them tonight.

They're not particularly thrilled about a sleepover with Gustavo, but Mama Knight tells the guys that they should let him stay the night because "Doing nice things for people who aren't so nice is nice."

We go to the lobby oh-so-briefly then to see Bitters and the Palm Woods residents all running frantically from something. We don't see a ghost, but there is mysterious wind and spooky green lights.

Up in 2J, everyone is seated around the table for dinner. It's Fish Stick Friday (with tots)! After some initial skepticism, Gustavo discovers the fish sticks aren't so bad, and he asks what else the guys do on Fridays, which leads into a montage of their evening. Gustavo has a blast. The guys...do not.

But the award for Not Having a Good Time goes to Logan, who gets SAT ON by Gustavo for HALF AN HOUR.

Cannot even begin to put together a theory on how this managed to happen.

The boys are all relieved when it's finally time for bed, but they quickly realize they aren't going to get much sleep with Gustavo's snoring practically shaking the whole apartment. Carlos has an idea for how to fix the problem, though.

Carlos's expression kills me. Look at him. Jaw set and that look of firm determination in his eyes. Carlos has a roll of duct tape, and he isn't afraid to use it. He will silence the big, snoring man. I don't know if we've ever seen him look so serious and angry before??

Also, I just have to point out that First Episode Kendall absolutely would've been on board with this plan. He probably would've grabbed the tape and done it himself. Maybe even gone a little further and taped Gustavo to the couch just for extra fun.

They trudge down to the lobby to sleep there but are scared off by the Palm Woods Ghost, who shuts off the lights, breaks a vase, stacks the furniture, and slams the doors. They run back to the apartment and are greeted by the image of Gustavo scratching his butt.

THE BOYS ARE HAVING THE WORST NIGHT EVER

The following morning, everyone wastes no time in handing Gustavo his stuff and all but kicking him out the door. They're all like:

But Gustavo isn't so eager to leave. Instead, he decides to join Kendall and James for a fun afternoon by the pool.

Listen. I love Gustavo, ok? Especially in these scenes, where he's just a loveable teddy bear of a guy wanting to hang out with his buddies. He is having SO MUCH FUN with them and is SO OBLIVIOUS that they're not having fun. No awareness at all.

Meanwhile, Logan and Carlos are having their own little adventure conducting paranormal research in the lobby. Carlos is convinced they're going to catch evidence of a ghost. Logan is convinced Carlos is just an idiot.

So far in the series, any time Logan and Carlos are paired together, all they do is bicker. But it makes sense, given that Logan is the smartest of the group and Carlos is...probably last in that particular ranking. Which is NOT to say that Carlos isn't intelligent in his own way, because he certainly is, but he doesn't have the same type of intelligence as Logan. Carlos is just innocent. Child-like. And we love him for it, but it sure does put him in a good position to clash with Logan over everything, doesn't it?

After setting up the camera and taking some time to smack each other around, Carlos, Logan, (and Bitters) catch sight of a ghostly green figure going through the lobby. They all take off running.

We skip ahead to the next day, where Gustavo's reign of terror over apartment 2J continues. He's not even trying to return to his mansion. In fact, he moves a lot of his things, including his bed, into 2J.

Also, everyone is eating the most ridiculously big bowls of oatmeal I've ever seen.

Look at James's bowl. That's like oatmeal for three or four people. And I know, I know, they needed to have a big bowl in order for Gustavo to be able to push James's face into it but come on. That's the most oatmeal I've ever seen in a single bowl.

After hearing that Gustavo will likely be staying several more days, Kendall pulls James out into the hallway to tell him that they need to handle this like men. Immediate cut to them begging and pleading to Kelly for help.

Kelly is confused because she had told Gustavo the previous night that he could return to his mansion. She reveals to the guys that Gustavo didn't really have a chance to live a typical childhood and play with other kids. Which is, um, really sad and something that should've been explored more!! She tells Kendall and James to figure everything out and flees the Palm Woods. Kelly wants no part in dealing with this lol.

The "Get Gustavo out of the Palm Woods" plot takes a backseat then as BTR focuses their energy on defeating the ghost. Armed with vacuum cleaners and goggles, they engage in a Scooby-Doo-style chase around the lobby.

Finally, they catch the ghost and reveal that it's not a real ghost at all. It's the new girl, Stephanie King!

She's making a horror movie and has been using the Palm Woods residents as her cast. She asks them not to tell on her, which Kendall agrees to under one condition.

We cut to 2J, where a peacefully sleeping Gustavo is woken up by Stephanie's ghost "floating" by his bed. Armed with a fan, projector light, fog machine, and a microphone, the guys manage to send Gustavo running from the apartment in terror.

The following scene is. The scene is—it's...

IT'S SHOT IN THE DARK!!! WOOOOO!!!

"Shot in the Dark" is by far my favorite BTR song, and I loved it so so much when I first heard it in this episode. You can imagine my yearning all these years to get an official version of it. Apparently, a full-ish demo version was released on youtube like...10 years ago?? I had no clue there was ANY full version until the guys released it in November. So, all this time, the only version of it I've known has been the one from this episode. Just about fainted when I checked Spotify and saw "Shot in the Dark" on there.

And I do have ✨thoughts✨about the song, but I might put them into a separate post. It's such a good song.

We end the episode at the pool, where everyone is once again sent running in fear from another moving table. This time, it's the work of Katie, who has discovered Fun With Fishing Line. The end.

Fantastic episode. This one would rank pretty high on my list of favorites. Both plots are great, and I like the way they merge at the end to wrap everything up. +46287593 bonus points for having "Shot in the Dark" in it. However, I do think there was a missed opportunity to include a heart-to-heart type scene between the boys and Gustavo. The guy had a lonely, isolated childhood and just wants a sense of connection with his dogs! He wants friends and to run around with reckless abandon playing "tag and seek" and an altered version of Marco Polo using dodgeballs! I wish the boys could have taken more time to acknowledge the whole situation and reached out in some way to Gustavo instead of scaring him away with a ghost. That would have been some nice relationship development.

[scotianostra]

Tragedy struck on May 4th 1949 when a fire at Grafton’s fashion store in Glasgow claimed the lives of fthirteen young women.

Two women jumped from the four-story building in the city's commercial district. Others were found huddled inside. The dead ranged in age from 15 to 23.

Other workers were rescued by firemen with ladders while a police officer "groped through the smoke to save five," according to an Associated Press dispatch. Two dozen people were injured, including patrons in a neighboring cinema. The fire was brought under control in two hours.

Flames were first discovered in an elevator shaft, according to a United Press dispatch in the Pittsburgh Press, another American newspaper. [May 5, 1949]

The blaze occurred on a Wednesday, at that time the busiest shopping day of the week in Glasgow. Recalling the blaze in 2010, Scotland's Evening Times said:

When fire crews arrived, there was so much smoke, they did not know which side of the street the fire was on.

When the fire broke out, crowds of cinema-goers from the next door Argyle picture house were evacuated, adding to the crowds and confusion in the street.

Hard lessons were learned from the blaze and as a result fire regulations were tightened up in shops and department stores across the city.

In August 1949, two employees received the George Medal for heroism a newspaper at the time reported that;

George Kamill Platt, a clerk, and Solomon Winetrobe, former para- trooper and now a manager, have each been awarded the George Medal for heroism in saving the lives of women in a Glasgow fashion store fire in May in which 13 died.

Winetrobe worked his way along a 5in.-wide ledge 55ft. above the street and persuaded five women trapped on the top floor to step on the ledge.

He supported them until they reached Platt, who helped them to ' the safety of a nearby cinema. A report to Parliament. said; The jury unanimously found that the fire broke out from an undiscovered cause in a small compartment underneath a wooden staircase and adjacent to the lift shaft; that it spread throughout the building within a few minutes; that owing to the inflammable nature of the stock and the extreme youth of many of the employees specific precautions, such as fire extinguishers and an adequate warning system, should have been taken against an outbreak of fire; that the fixture of a padlock on the escape door of the fourth floor delayed exit to the fire escape; and that the fire brigade functioned with efficiency.

[mariacallous]

A group of current and former OpenAI employees have issued a public letter warning that the company and its rivals are building artificial intelligence with undue risk, without sufficient oversight, and while muzzling employees who might witness irresponsible activities.

“These risks range from the further entrenchment of existing inequalities, to manipulation and misinformation, to the loss of control of autonomous AI systems potentially resulting in human extinction,” reads the letter published at righttowarn.ai. “So long as there is no effective government oversight of these corporations, current and former employees are among the few people who can hold them accountable.”

The letter calls for not just OpenAI but all AI companies to commit to not punishing employees who speak out about their activities. It also calls for companies to establish “verifiable” ways for workers to provide anonymous feedback on their activities. “Ordinary whistleblower protections are insufficient because they focus on illegal activity, whereas many of the risks we are concerned about are not yet regulated,” the letter reads. “Some of us reasonably fear various forms of retaliation, given the history of such cases across the industry.”

OpenAI came under criticism last month after a Vox article revealed that the company has threatened to claw back employees’ equity if they do not sign non-disparagement agreements that forbid them from criticizing the company or even mentioning the existence of such an agreement. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, said on X recently that he was unaware of such arrangements and the company had never clawed back anyone’s equity. Altman also said the clause would be removed, freeing employees to speak out.

OpenAI has also recently changed its approach to managing safety. Last month, an OpenAI research group responsible for assessing and countering the long-term risks posed by the company’s more powerful AI models was effectively dissolved after several prominent figures left and the remaining members of the team were absorbed into other groups. A few weeks later, the company announced that it had created a Safety and Security Committee, led by Altman and other board members.

Last November, Altman was fired by OpenAI’s board for allegedly failing to disclose information and deliberately misleading them. After a very public tussle, Altman returned to the company and most of the board was ousted.

“We’re proud of our track record providing the most capable and safest AI systems and believe in our scientific approach to addressing risk,” said OpenAI spokesperson Liz Bourgeois in a statement. “We agree that rigorous debate is crucial given the significance of this technology and we'll continue to engage with governments, civil society and other communities around the world.”

The letters’ signatories include people who worked on safety and governance at OpenAI, current employees who signed anonymously, and researchers who currently work at rival AI companies. It was also endorsed by several big-name AI researchers including Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio, who both won the Turing Award for pioneering AI research, and Stuart Russell, a leading expert on AI safety.

Former employees to have signed the letter include William Saunders, Carroll Wainwright, and Daniel Ziegler, all of whom worked on AI safety at OpenAI.

“The public at large is currently underestimating the pace at which this technology is developing,” says Jacob Hilton, a researcher who previously worked on reinforcement learning at OpenAI and who left the company more than a year ago to pursue a new research opportunity. Hilton says that although companies like OpenAI commit to building AI safely, there is little oversight to ensure that is the case. “The protections that we’re asking for, they’re intended to apply to all frontier AI companies, not just OpenAI,” he says.

“I left because I lost confidence that OpenAI would behave responsibly,” says Daniel Kokotajlo, a researcher who previously worked on AI governance at OpenAI. “There are things that happened that I think should have been disclosed to the public,” he adds, declining to provide specifics.

Kokotajlo says the letter’s proposal would provide greater transparency, and he believes there’s a good chance that OpenAI and others will reform their policies given the negative reaction to news of non-disparagement agreements. He also says that AI is advancing with worrying speed. “The stakes are going to get much, much, much higher in the next few years, he says, “at least so I believe.”

[thewritingofspencerrose]

Freefall Masterlist

Ferrari's Defender

formula1news Charles Leclerc's girlfriend, having just recently escaped scandal after it was leaked that her relationship with said Ferrari driver was initially a PR set up, is under fire once more, the woman currently being heard yelling at the FIA stewards over their awarding of a 10 place penalty to Carlos Sainz. Thoughts?

"Ms.Earnhardt, this is incredibly inappropriate behavior. You are a guest at this event and we could very well-"

"Very well what? Throw me out? How is that going to look F1 if you throw the clearly distressed, sobbing girlfriend of il Predestinato out of the race? With many fans here due to my presence as the Princess of Nascar?" I glare, the steward flinching at my tone.

"This race has had nothing but bad PR. Your world champion Verstappen has been saying to everyone how he hates it here. The only positive media attention has been Hamilton's energy and the crossover event of my brother's, father, and I being here, representing Nascar."

And you can tell by their faces that they are aware that I am right. If they kick my family and I out now, they'll only face more backlash than they already are.

"What was your reason for being here?" Another steward asks, her voice gentler than the other, but whether that's for my benefit or hers I don't know.

"Carlos Sainz did not deserve that penalty."

"Ms.Earn-"

"No," I interrupt once more, the man from earlier quieting immediately. "Sainz only had to replace his power unit because of the FIA's negligence in ensuring that the track was safe for driving. You're truly lucky that he wasn't injured or worse given the state of the bottom of his car. This coupled with your clear disregard for driver safety-"

"We regard driver's safety very highly Ms.Earnhardt."

"Clearly that is not the case, given that you'd rather penalize him than apologize for the dangerous situation you put him in. You are aware that he was unable to feel his legs for a few moments right?"

They are. You can tell based on their expressions.

"And if you don't fix this, you know the negative publicity surrounding this race will increase ten-fold when the rest of the drivers comment on the injustice as well."

"They know better," The original steward disagrees.

"Do they?" I question, smirking at the oblivious man. "I already have Verstappen, Albon, Norris, Hamilton, and Piastri willing to speak on this. As well as my father, who I don't know if you remember, is Dale Earnhardt Jr., and would bring into question the validity of how penalties are given out in Formula 1," The explanation rolls off my tongue easily, smirk never leaving as their eyes grow wide.

Got 'em.

"What would you like to see happen to prevent you and the others from drawing attention?"

"Remove the penalty from Sainz. This was your fault, take responsibility like a big kid."

And its now that they pause, looking between themselves before the grouchy one nods, crossing his arms.

"We will notify the teams now and have the announcement released in the next hour."

"Good, thank you," I thank, smiling brightly. "I look forward to seeing the rest of the weekend," I assure, turning around and leaving the viewing platform to find both Ferrari boys, my brothers, and my dad outside the door.

"So? Did you hand them their asses?" Will asks, Alex elbowing his twin.

Looking to Carlos, I can see the concern and some of the emotion from earlier still in his eyes, making him look so much older.

"Carlos, they are notifying the teams now," I begin, Charles tugging me into his side. "Your penalty is being removed after further evaluation," I can't help but smile.

"Really?"

And I want to cry at how relieved he looks as I nod.

"Eres una diosa mi amiga, (you are a goddess my friend)" He says, and while I'm not sure what that means, he pulls me into a hug.

"How'd you manage this amore mio (my love)?" Charles asks, pulling me back in as Carlos releases me.

"I told them I would make the negative media attention even worse by speaking out, along with other drivers and my father, making this race even more of a mess than it already is," I explain, my Dad snickering.

"That's my little girl."

formula1news Sainz will move into the race Sunday with no penalty due to convincing by teammates girlfriend

carlossainz55 This is Lynnleigh. She supports not only my teammate, her boyfriend, but the entire team. And today she has gotten more hate for that than I have seen in the last month.

Lynnleigh stood up for the team when we were given an undeserved penalty, and made a case so strong that the FIA decided to reverse the penalty, putting us in a great position to do our best and stay there during Quali Saturday.

You, the tifosi, should be thanking her for making this happen. Not tearing her apart for being defensive about a friend.

Proud to call you a friend, Lynn.

Thank you for putting up with Charles and supporting the team.

Esta es Lynnleigh. Ella apoya no sólo a mi compañera de equipo, a su novio, sino a todo el equipo. Y hoy ha recibido más odio por eso que el que he visto en el último mes.

Lynnleigh defendió al equipo cuando nos impusieron una penalización inmerecida y presentó un caso tan sólido que la FIA decidió revertir la penalización, colocándonos en una excelente posición para dar lo mejor de nosotros y permanecer allí durante la clasificación del sábado.

Ustedes, los tifosi, deberían agradecerle por hacer que esto sucediera. No destrozarla por ponerse a la defensiva con un amigo.

Orgulloso de llamarte amiga, Lynn.

Gracias por aguantar a Charles y apoyar al equipo.

lynleigh03 anything for a friend Car ❤️ happy the stewards came to the right decision

[usafphantom2]

Slovakia officially receives the first two F-16 Block 70 fighters in the US

A single-seat model C and a two-seat model D were delivered to Slovakia.🇸🇰

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 03/01/2024 - 18:11in Military

At a ceremony today at Lockheed Martin's facilities in Greenville, South Carolina, the first two F-16 Block 70 fighters were officially delivered to Slovakia, a significant milestone in the fighter program.

A delegation of employees from the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of Slovakia, led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Mr. Robert Kali? ák, participated in the Delivery Ceremony of the F-16 in the production facility. While there, the head of the Ministry of Defense of Slovakia was also updated on the progress made in the production of the remaining F-16s ordered by the United States.

Before arriving in Slovakia, both aircraft - a single-seat C model and a two-seat D model - will be used in the F-16 maintenance training program for Slovak technicians in the USA. This training is crucial as Slovak Air Force personnel take the necessary measures to ensure the harmonious integration and effective operation of the F-16 fleet.

The Minister of Defense Kali? ák and OJ Sanchez, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin's Integrated Fighter Group, agreed that the delivery of the aircraft marks the beginning of a new era of supersonic aviation for Slovakia. In addition, Slovakia is the first European country to receive and operate this newer and more capable version of the Fighting Falcon. Thanks to the F-16 Block 70 fighters, the Slovak Air Force will carry out Air Police missions and protect Slovak airspace with its own capabilities.

In your remarks, Robert Kali? ák said: "Without skilled and courageous men and women of the Armed Forces, we would not be able to guarantee the security of the Slovak Republic and its citizens. It is our duty to do everything in our power to ensure the highest level of protection to the personnel of the Armed Forces and thus minimize the potential loss of life. These advanced F-16 fighters are a guarantee of the highest quality standards and, therefore, to provide safety and protection to our military."

The F-16 Block 70 aircraft, with advanced 21st-century security capabilities, will bring the highest standards of airspace security to Slovakia in the coming decades. The first group of aircraft is scheduled to arrive in Slovakia in mid-2024.

Tags: Military AviationF-16 Block 70Lockheed MartinSAF - Slovak Air Force/Slovak 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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[william-murderface]

More gifts here!!!

🎁 🏆🥇-Awards for being handsome and perfect!!!

🎁 📢 -a new megaphone for the best fire safety manager!!!

🎁 📿 - A matching bracelet to mine!!

🎁 🗝️ - the key to my hearrttt !

🎁 💍- ◉⁠‿⁠◉

Aren't I the best fan? Your favorite?

Uhhhhhhhhhh eeeyup!! I mean you're uh, certainly the most giving, that's for sure!!

[safetycourses2022]

[rockislandadultreads]

National Library Lovers Month: Nonfiction

The Library: A Fragile History by Andrew Pettegree

Famed across the known world, jealously guarded by private collectors, built up over centuries, destroyed in a single day, ornamented with gold leaf and frescoes, or filled with bean bags and children's drawings--the history of the library is rich, varied, and stuffed full of incident. In The Library, historians Andrew Pettegree and Arthur der Weduwen introduce us to the antiquarians and philanthropists who shaped the world's great collections, trace the rise and fall of literary tastes, and reveal the high crimes and misdemeanors committed in pursuit of rare manuscripts. In doing so, they reveal that while collections themselves are fragile, often falling into ruin within a few decades, the idea of the library has been remarkably resilient as each generation makes - and remakes - the institution anew. Beautifully written and deeply researched, The Library is essential reading for booklovers, collectors, and anyone who has ever gotten blissfully lost in the stacks.

The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu by Joshua Hammer

In the 1980s, a young adventurer and collector for a government library, Abdel Kader Haidara, journeyed across the Sahara Desert and along the Niger River, tracking down and salvaging tens of thousands of ancient Islamic and secular manuscripts that had fallen into obscurity. The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu tells the incredible story of how Haidara, a mild-mannered archivist and historian from the legendary city of Timbuktu, later became one of the world’s greatest and most brazen smugglers.

In 2012, thousands of Al Qaeda militants from northwest Africa seized control of most of Mali, including Timbuktu. They imposed Sharia law, chopped off the hands of accused thieves, stoned to death unmarried couples, and threatened to destroy the great manuscripts. As the militants tightened their control over Timbuktu, Haidara organized a dangerous operation to sneak all 350,000 volumes out of the city to the safety of southern Mali.

The Library Book by Susan Orlean

On the morning of April 29, 1986, a fire alarm sounded in the Los Angeles Public Library. As the moments passed, the patrons and staff who had been cleared out of the building realized this was not the usual fire alarm. As one fireman recounted, “Once that first stack got going, it was ‘Goodbye, Charlie.’” The fire was disastrous: it reached 2000 degrees and burned for more than seven hours. By the time it was extinguished, it had consumed four hundred thousand books and damaged seven hundred thousand more. Investigators descended on the scene, but more than thirty years later, the mystery remains: Did someone purposefully set fire to the library - and if so, who?

Weaving her lifelong love of books and reading into an investigation of the fire, award-winning New Yorker reporter and New York Times bestselling author Susan Orlean delivers a mesmerizing and uniquely compelling book that manages to tell the broader story of libraries and librarians in a way that has never been done before.

Library: An Unquiet History by Matthew Battles

Through the ages, libraries have not only accumulated and preserved but also shaped, inspired, and obliterated knowledge. Now they are in crisis. Former rare books librarian and Harvard metaLAB visionary Matthew Battles takes us from Boston to Baghdad, from classical scriptoria to medieval monasteries and on to the Information Age, to explore how libraries are built and how they are destroyed: from the scroll burnings in ancient China to the burning of libraries in Europe and Bosnia to the latest revolutionary upheavals of the digital age. A new afterword elucidates how knowledge is preserved amid the creative destruction of twenty-first-century technology.

[anthonybialy]

Buffalo Bills Await Time Turning Over

That’s almost a game Buffalo Bills fans would want to watch again.  The suddenly spoiled are getting bratty about wins rising to the level of being sufficiently entertaining to consume despite knowing results.  Remember to cherish moment so nice that those who lived through them hope they’re sustained as blessings.

As with awareness that Ryan started the fire not preventing an 83rd binge of The Office, having the surprise of the ending gone doesn’t eliminate the appeal.  Clicking the info button while seeing which games the NFL Network are reshowing is almost tempting if you follow a team that’s won 80 percent of its games without seeming truly dominant.

Prevailing in an interception battle was refreshing as a change of pace even if infuriating.  Novelty isn’t always desirable.  There’s no way this game should have been tied in the second quarter.  Naturally, it got worse.  Charitably calling the Bills a second-half team reflects the value of staying tuned.  But even Clint Eastwood must be tired of making movies about redemption.

Buffalo’s second-best quarterback helped as much as he could.  Throwing to the Johnsons was Joe Flacco’s way of emphasizing how many were on the opponent’s roster.  He didn’t throw one to Ty, but that’s only because he was denied the chance.  Taron and Austin even sound like they could be siblings named by parents with cutesy tendencies.  

The Bills stole the ball like Flacco stole Damar Hamlin’s Comeback Player of the Year Award.  Hamlin himself took one as a replacement for the trophy.  The object is better to have, anyway.  It can be redeemed for points.  But the shiny token rightfully belongs to him, too.  Buffalo’s zombie literally coming back to life is a super special example.  A league that can’t manage to incentivize returning kickoffs unsurprisingly failed to recognize the most obviously deserving candidate they’ve ever had.  At least the Bills settled it on the field.

It’s not that Hamlin deserves an All-Pro spot based on Brandon Beane not adding sufficient safety depth.  Jonathan Taylor outflanked him, but at least Hamlin wasn’t the only one.  Getting gashed by Taylor has become a Buffalo tradition.  The franchise has had almost three years to figure out how to contain him.  Maybe the defensive coordinator will have a plan in action for 2027.

Colts fans feel understandably awkward residing in no man’s land.  There’s nobody’s jersey to buy.  Attendees booed Flacco like he’s Andrew Luck except for how they wanted him to retire.  Indianapolis’s faithful want Anthony Richardson back for the future and Flacco for the present.  But the latter isn’t helping now while the newer guy creates more questions than answers.  Every other timeframe feels comfortable.  Like the benched option, they must be tired of this.

Buffalo's defense outscored both offenses for the first quarter.  This is an endorsement and also an embarrassment.  They managed to win just like it’s supposed to happen in games with a score on a turnover.  It’s not a statistic like winning when a running back gains 100 yards that may be an effect rather than a cause: a defensive touchdown is sure to alter the result.  Taron’s touchdown had a monumental impact at the beginning and end.

Waste interceptions by contributing your own.  Two horrible ones by Josh Allen are at least surprising despite a dull online narrative.  It’s not to excuse icky turnovers by calling the misaimed throws out of character.  To be fair, they did look like the sort of throws Allen’s delusional Twitter enemies thinks he makes on about 20 percent of attempts.  

Allen made history by refusing to throw.  He tied that deceased double murderer for second-most rushing touchdowns in team history.  Allen is best running back the Bills have ever had.  It’s not shade like his aforementioned trolls cast upon him: I’ve seen him throw, too, and it’s largely impressive despite a few flubs this week.

A wider range of options would help.  There are better ways to incorporate Curtis Samuel than to wait for two players ahead of him on the depth chart to get hurt.  A theoretically high remaining option only managed four receptions for 35 yards.  The fact he had eight targets doesn’t help the case that he’s neglected.

The slightly different position could use more attention, too.  Worried fans have been assured repeatedly that tight end is just big receiver in this advanced era of primitive terms.  Then they see Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox combine for only four catches and realize instincts were correct.  The offensive staff should know members of the category are more than just blockers these days.  Light usage was a problem even factoring the former’s time lost to injury.

Other games have helpfully distracted from how slowly clocks move while waiting for the looming threat this Sunday.  And even the result against the Chiefs will be overshadowed by the potential postseason conflict.  Time won’t move faster; I’ve asked.  But at least there’s less of it to waste until reaching this season’s truest test.  Mitigate the stress of waiting now by knowing anxiety will reach Red Alert levels Sunday afternoon.

The Bills managed another win by force of will that looks like more convincing than it felt.  Their playoff prospects are stellar because the AFC East has one pro player like Allen at Wyoming.  But now they face a challenge that’ll require rising.  If nothing else, the Bills won’t have to worry about playing down to an adversary’s level.

[amrutmnm]

Navigating Crisis: The Power of Drones in Public Safety Operations

The Public Safety Drone Market is witnessing unprecedented growth, with a market size valued at USD 1.1 billion in 2023, projected to reach USD 2.0 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 13.0%. This remarkable expansion is driven by advancements in drone technology, growing regulatory support, and an increasing need for efficient and cost-effective solutions in emergency response and public safety operations.

Public safety drones, equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and autonomous capabilities, are revolutionizing emergency management, crime surveillance, and disaster response. This blog delves into the key drivers, challenges, opportunities, and trends shaping the future of the Public Safety Drone Industry.

Market Drivers

1. Increasing Use of Drones for Border Management

One of the key drivers of the public safety drone market is the rising use of drones in border surveillance and management. Protecting borders from unauthorized drones and other threats is a challenging task, making drones indispensable for effective border patrol and surveillance. With their ability to cover large areas at a lower cost, drones are being integrated into border management systems worldwide.

For instance, in October 2022, the US Border Patrol awarded a contract to Red Cat subsidiary Teal Drones for surveillance and tracking drones. The collaboration, part of a Blanket Purchase Agreement with US Customs and Border Protection, highlights the growing importance of drones in enhancing border security.

2. Enhanced Situational Awareness in Emergency Responses

Drones offer unparalleled situational awareness to first responders, allowing them to assess critical incidents in real-time and make informed decisions. Whether it’s locating missing persons, assessing fire hazards, or monitoring natural disasters, drones provide crucial aerial insights that improve the efficiency of emergency responses. The capability to access hard-to-reach areas further amplifies their utility in search and rescue operations.

3. Technological Advancements and Hybrid Drones

Advances in drone technology, such as improved flight performance, extended endurance, and enhanced payload capacities, are driving market growth. Hybrid drones, which combine the capabilities of rotary-wing and fixed-wing UAVs, are particularly popular due to their extended flight time and ability to operate in diverse environments. These drones are well-suited for border patrol, aerial surveys, and law enforcement activities, enabling agencies to cover larger areas more effectively.

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Market Restraints

1. Lack of Skilled Personnel

Despite the advantages drones offer, a significant challenge in the public safety drone market is the shortage of trained pilots. Operating drones, especially for high-precision tasks, requires specialized skills. Public safety drones often fly at low altitudes, making precise control and maneuverability critical. A lack of skilled personnel increases the risk of human error, which remains a leading cause of drone accidents.

A report from Calhoun: The NPS Institutional Archive shows that nearly 32% of UAV accidents are due to human error. This highlights the importance of investing in training programs for drone pilots to minimize risks and maximize the potential of drones in public safety applications.

Opportunities

1. Technological Advancements in Drone Payloads

The development of drone payload technology has opened new avenues for public safety drones. Drones can now carry critical supplies such as blood, medication, food, and water to disaster-affected areas where traditional transportation methods may be limited. This capability has the potential to save lives in situations where timely delivery of essential items is crucial.

For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, drones were used to spray disinfectants and deliver medical supplies in public areas, enhancing the efficiency of response efforts. As drone payload technology continues to advance, public safety agencies can expect even greater capabilities in the future.

Challenges

1. Cybersecurity Concerns

The increasing use of drones in public safety has also raised concerns about cybersecurity. Drones rely on cloud-based systems for data transmission and storage, making them vulnerable to hacking. Data breaches or tampering with drone systems could have severe consequences, especially in critical public safety missions.

In response to these concerns, the US government launched a drone cybersecurity evaluation program in March 2023. This program aims to ensure the security of commercial drones by analyzing their components, software, and supply chains for potential vulnerabilities. As drones become more integrated into public safety operations, addressing cybersecurity concerns will be essential to maintaining trust in the technology.

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Public Safety Drone Market Ecosystem

The public safety drone market is supported by a diverse ecosystem of stakeholders, including platform manufacturers, subsystem providers, service providers, and software developers. Key players in the market include DJI (China), Autel Robotics (China), Skydio Inc (US), Parrot Drone SAS (France), and Teledyne FLIR LLC (US). These companies are at the forefront of drone innovation, offering advanced solutions for law enforcement, firefighting, and disaster management.

Market Segmentation

1. By Type: Hybrid Drones

The hybrid drone segment is expected to experience significant growth during the forecast period. These drones can seamlessly transition between vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and horizontal flight, making them ideal for a wide range of public safety applications. Their ability to cover vast geographical areas while carrying advanced sensors makes them invaluable for aerial surveys, border surveillance, and law enforcement operations.

2. By Application: Police Operations & Investigations

Among the various applications of public safety drones, police operations and investigations are expected to lead the market. Drones are increasingly being used for crime-scene photography, crowd monitoring, and surveillance, offering cost-effective alternatives to traditional methods such as helicopter patrols. Police departments around the world are adopting drones to track suspects, monitor public gatherings, and assess natural disasters.

Regional Insights

1. North America: Leading the Market

North America is projected to lead the public safety drone market during the forecast period. The region's strong focus on public safety, coupled with supportive regulatory frameworks, has accelerated the adoption of drones in law enforcement and emergency response. The US, in particular, is a major contributor to market growth, with numerous collaborations between public safety agencies and private drone service providers.

2. Asia Pacific: A Rising Market

The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate, driven by rising internal conflicts and political tensions in countries such as India and China. Public safety agencies in these regions are increasingly deploying drones to monitor borders and ensure national security. As the demand for public safety drones continues to grow, the Asia Pacific region is poised to become a key player in the global market.

Recent Developments

Several key developments in the Public Safety Drone Market underscore the rapid pace of innovation in the industry:

Skydio Inc released the Skydio X2D Multiband in May 2023, featuring new multiband technology to overcome frequency interference and enhance performance.

DJI teamed up with MRSDE in April 2023 to deploy drones for search and rescue missions in the UK, further expanding its presence in the public safety sector.

DraganFly Inc. entered into a partnership with AgileMesh Inc. in April 2023 to improve communication capabilities for emergency personnel.

The public safety drone market is on a rapid growth trajectory, driven by technological advancements, increasing regulatory support, and the growing need for efficient emergency response solutions. As drones continue to evolve, their role in public safety will expand, offering new possibilities for improving operational efficiency and ensuring the safety of communities worldwide.

With a projected market size of USD 2.0 billion by 2028, public safety drones are set to become indispensable tools for law enforcement, firefighting, disaster management, and border security. However, addressing challenges such as cybersecurity concerns and the shortage of skilled pilots will be crucial for unlocking the full potential of this market.

As technology continues to advance and public safety agencies increasingly adopt drones, the future of the public safety drone market looks promising, with significant growth opportunities on the horizon.

To Gain Deeper Insights Into This Dynamic Market, Speak to Our Analyst Here: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/speaktoanalystNew.asp?id=52227848

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the current size of the Public Safety Drone market? The Public Safety Drone market is valued at USD 1.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 2.0 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 13.0%.

Which region is expected to grow the most? Asia Pacific is projected to grow at the highest CAGR, driven by internal conflicts and political tensions in the region.

What are the key market drivers? Key drivers include the increasing use of drones for border management, enhanced situational awareness, and advancements in hybrid drone technology.

[alchemy-ga-burn]

EVENT TEAMS

Alchemy burn is run entirely by volunteers of event teams organized by departments listed below. Each team starts work between December and February and is active past the burn in October until November / Early December. It’s a huge commitment and we are thankful for the people who gift us their time and expertise to help run the burn.

ART DEPARTMENT

art@alchemyburn.com

Manages onsite art projects- grant awards, resources, arrangement

To empower community members to achieve their artistic vision through logistical support as well as funding via the online art fundraiser.

Work with artists on tasks like making budgets, promoting themselves and their vision, and connecting them with the resources they need.

Help artists develop many of the administrative and networking skills necessary to undertake an art project of any scale.

Preps for, sets up, and LNT’s the Large Art Builds (LAB)

Teams: Art Grant, Art Curators, Center Camp, Conclave, DMV (Department of Mutant Vehicles), Large Art Builds (LABs)

Task Leads: Graphic Art Designer(s), Art Installation Logistics, Harvest Weekend Coordinator

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CITY PLANNING

info@alchemyburn.com

Plans the city, and determines where things will be

Communicates about the layout

Establishes sound and parking requirements

Teams: Mapmakers, Placement, Car Czars, Sound, Shuttles

Coordinates with the Theme Camp Liaison and Disability Services

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BURNER SERVICES

BurnerServices@alchemyburn.com

Hosts the welcome into the autonomous space we call “the burn”

Drive interactions between burners, principles, and community resources

Teams: Greeters, Education, Info Station, Gate Support, Helping Hands, Volunteer Coordination

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OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT

operations@alchemyburn.com

Ensures smooth operations and logistics - year round!

Maintain inventory of org, and document usage

Build the city!

Teams: APW, Quartermaster, Lamplighters, Leave No Trace, Teardown

Task Leads: Purchasing, Golf Cart Logistics, All Hands Inventory Coordinator, Work Day Coordinator

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SAFETY DEPARTMENT

safetydepartment@alchemyburn.com

Manages teams responsible for the safety of participants and property.

Manages relationships with local EMS, Fire, and LE officials.

Manages contracts with Safety Vendors (Security, Medics, Pyro)

Teams: Rangers, Sanctuary, Care Bears

Task Leads: Safety Brunch, Training Coordinator

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FIRE SERVICES

fire@alchemyburn.com

Plans for and ensures safe and smooth burn down

Inspects fire art

Remediates unintentional fires

Teams: Fire Safety, FAST, Burn Down, Perimeter

Task Lead: Pyro Coordinator

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LEADERSHIP SUPPORT

admindepartment@alchemyburn.com

Help other leads manage the work/life balance by helping to figure out when tasks need delegation

Ensure leadership are able to effectively handle their tasks and are set up for success

Teams: Leadership Support, Fluffers

Task Leads: Training Coordinator

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COMMUNICATIONS

communications@alchemyburn.com

Manages public messaging and sends out the Alchemist

Keeps community informed about Alchemy ongoings

Creates the pocket and survival guides.

Manages our online presence, as well coordinates knowledge management with all department leads.

Task leads: Content Curation, Social Media Manager, Pocket Guide, Survival Guide, Alchemist, Knowledge Manager, Box Office Lead

DEPT 6 (CULTURAL AFFAIRS & VOLUNTEERISM)

d6@alchemyburn.com

Actively cultivate a long term strategy for fostering Volunteerism and internal culture for sustained continuity of the event.

Engage with theme camps to encourage the growth of Alchemy’s culture

Teams: Acculturation and Education, Special Events, Theme Camp Liaisons

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