#Environment Management Dashboard

[morganblogsblog]

How can Environment Management Dashboard Development Services help businesses achieve sustainability goals?

Environment Management Dashboard Development Services empower businesses with:

Real-Time Monitoring: Track air quality, emissions, and resource usage instantly.

Data Visualization: Gain actionable insights through interactive dashboards.

Proactive Alerts: Address critical issues before they escalate.

Improved Efficiency: Optimize operations, reducing waste and energy costs.

Regulatory Compliance: Meet environmental laws effortlessly with automated reporting.

These services streamline decision-making and help businesses align with sustainability objectives effectively.

[jcmarchi]

What is a Chief Innovation Officer? - CyberTalk

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/what-is-a-chief-innovation-officer-cybertalk/

What is a Chief Innovation Officer? - CyberTalk

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

Twenty-five years ago, the Chief Innovation Officer role was virtually unheard of. Now, it’s one of the hottest C-suite roles out there.

These days, roughly 30% of Fortune 500 companies have a Chief Innovation Officer. This includes multi-national conglomerates like Berkshire Hathaway and UnitedHealth Group.

In this article, join us for an in-depth exploration of the Chief Innovation Officer role; from job responsibilities to means of attaining this coveted position.

What is a Chief Innovation Officer?

A Chief Innovation Officer (CIO or CINO) drives change management and innovation for an organization. This role manifested after organizations observed that a fragmented, teams-driven approach to innovation often fails, as it results in competition between teams and minimal long-term achievements.

A Chief Innovation Officer orchestrates change by unifying the push towards greater innovation under a single vision and approach. In some cases, a Chief Innovation Officer may be supported by an innovation team; a dedicated department that assists with identifying opportunities, validating opportunities and making informed investment decisions.

Chief Innovation Officer responsibilities overview

The objectives of a Chief Innovation Officer include persuading executives to entertain innovative, value-add business ideas, and ensuring that the business thrives as change takes effect. In brief, a Chief Innovation Officer needs to:

Expedite the rate at which new opportunities are identified

Qualitatively and quantitatively assess the opportunities, zeroing-in on those with the highest potential yields

Foster leadership alignment around strategy and mission

Solicit buy-in around new projects and investments

Assist with bringing new products and services to market that increase business value

Chief Innovation Officer job description in-depth

The precise responsibilities of a Chief Innovation Officer will depend on the context of the role — the industry vertical that it’s situated within, organizational complexity, and an organization’s innovation maturity levels. In more illustrative terms, a Chief Innovation Officer must be able to:

1. Facilitate and inspire innovation. In other words, the Chief Innovation Officer is responsible for fostering a business environment that promotes the creation and circulation of ideas, that encourages collaboration, and that embraces a ‘fail fast, fail forward’ mindset; thereby advocating for ongoing improvement.

In the interest of facilitating and inspiring innovation, the Chief Innovation Officer plays a crucial role in recruiting the right innovation talent, cultivating an innovation-friendly culture, streamlining and enhancing processes and allocating resources to boost innovation speed and maturity.

With a strategic approach, a Chief Innovation Officer can optimize the impact of innovation within the organization.

2. Set up a streamlined, end-to-end process for opportunity identification and validation. This involves developing a strategic focus for innovation, facilitating ideation, optimizing experimentation, and developing results confirmation capabilities, as through efficient tools and processes.

3. Create a culture of innovation. Within the organization, the Chief Innovation Officer must implement new approaches to generate enthusiasm around innovation and to energize employees. In parallel, the individual in this role should aim to encourage a growth mindset, tolerance, openness, psychological safety and a readiness to pursue calculated risks.

To further cultivate a culture of innovation, the Chief Innovation Officer should lead by example; actively participating as an innovator.

4. Implement enterprise-aligned methods and technologies. The right kinds of innovation tools and resources are critical when it comes to advancing the credibility of the team, and enabling employees to innovate effectively and efficiently.

Tools in the ‘Innovation Technology Stack’ may encompass an innovation management platform or an idea management platform, along with collaboration systems, prototyping tools, templates, gamification tools and others.

5. Prioritize projects effectively, shape projects effectively, and make judicious investments in new ideas. In so doing, the CIO/CINO must design a sensible intake procedure and deploy an intelligent project assessment model. These ensure optimal prioritization and a well-balanced innovation portfolio.

6. Evaluate innovation performance. The CIO/CINO needs to create and employ an Innovation Performance Measurement System. This system will serve as a guide amidst the process of continual improvement, providing a metric-based dashboard that helps everyone communicate the ‘State of Innovation’ to the company’s top management.

7. Conduct competitive research in relation to what’s happening within the broader industry ecosystem. The Chief Innovation Officer must then summarize the latest and greatest innovations and conceive of better and stronger approaches.

Common paths to becoming a Chief Innovation Officer

There isn’t a single, universal path that leads to a Chief Innovation Officer role. That said, many Chief Innovation Officers reach the role after having worked in solutions-focused positions. Chief Innovation Officers also typically have several years of past experience in another executive-level position.

Beyond gaining the necessary work experience to pursue the Chief Innovation Officer role, aspiring CIOs/CINOs should consider advancing their academic qualifications. A Doctor of Business Administration, for example, is a terminal degree indicating that someone has reached the pinnacle of academic achievement within their field.

Individuals who hold DBA degrees are often recognized as esteemed experts who have added new knowledge or theories to the current body of knowledge.

[fiber-optic-alligator]

Hello! I’ve always been curious about the “human in a space shuttle somehow ends up on a cybertronian ship and all the bots are trying to figure out what this random metal this is while the human is terrified” plot.

It would be interesting to see it played out with any character, but for the sake of direction, I’d like to request this with the Lost Light Crew?

It could be vore if that’s what you feel like wrong at the time, but I’d also go for some good ‘ol fearplay.

I apologize if this is too vague, have a good day/night and I love your writing!

Thank you for the request Glitch! I hope this is up to your expectations! I hope you don't mind that I picked specific members of the Lost Light crew to include in this story. Feedback is always appreciated! Have a great day/night as well! :D

Doctor’s (And Scientist’s) Orders

Pairing: IDW Ratchet, IDW Perceptor, and IDW First Aid x Human Reader

Word Count: 3115

Summary: You are a teacher who is being sent from Earth to a colony on Mars. A new life as an educator for the red planet’s children is on your horizon…until you are thrown terribly off course and end up in the bowels of the Lost Light. All seems lost for you when you find yourself injured and cut off from human society, at the mercy of the three Cybertronians who end up finding you and taking you in, whether you want them to or not.

The first thing you hear when you come to is the horrid screeching of your ship's alarms.

  You groan and sit up. Smoke and flickering emergency lights greet you when you open your eyes. Electricity sparks from the stasis tank you were asleep in. Gas spurts from the ceiling, and everything is strewn about with the chaotic air of a tornado that just tore through an entire town.

“Warning,” your ship’s AI urgently alerts. “Breach detected. Damage is collateral. Warning-warning-” It sputters and fizzles out.

  You rub the back of your head and feel something warm and sticky coat your palm. When you pull your hand back to take a closer look, you see blood.

  Shit. That’s not good.

  Standing up makes you feel like you are going to puke. Your head throbs and every breath you take sends piercing pain through your chest. Dragging yourself out of the stasis pod takes longer than it should while black spots dot your vision as you stumble to the dashboard and press your hands against it. “Run ship diagnostics,” you manage to rasp. The voice that struggles to exit your mouth is one you hardly recognize. It is thin and strewn with violent coughs. A metallic taste coats your tongue. More blood.

  The AI glitches as it attempts to answer you. “Severe damage to hull. Severe damage to engines. Severe damage to thrusters. Life support online, but rapidly depleting. Escape pod offline.”

  “Shit,” you breathe. “Try contacting Earth control.”

  “Communications systems offline. Attempting self-repairs. Current status…5%.”

  “How long until repairs are complete?”

  “Estimations indicate repairs will be completed in…5 days.”

  Not good. Not good at all. You push yourself away from the dashboard and take in all that has happened. This was not how the mission was supposed to go. When you were chosen to be sent to Earth’s Mars colony as a teacher for the young children growing up on the red planet, you thought it would be a smooth seven month trip with you peacefully slumbering away in stasis. You were supposed to be woken up by fellow human beings, not a devastating crash resulting in your ship being decimated. Something must have thrown you off course. A freak asteroid strike probably. Which begs the question…where exactly are you?

  Ignoring how much pain you are in, you hobble through the remains of the vessel and head for the airlock doors. They remain tightly shut when you make it to them, hiding the knowledge of where you are from view. “Open the doors,” you call out to the ship.

  “Warning. Remaining onboard is strongly recommended. Current exterior environment is unknown.”

  “Override. Open the doors.”

  The doors whoosh apart. You know there’s oxygen outside. If there hadn’t been, the ship would have prevented you from even entering the airlock chamber in the first place. Stepping off, you expect to see the barren landscape of Mars, or the alien environment of some other planet you might have ended up on. Part of you thinks you might still be on Earth; perhaps something went wrong with the ship before you could even break the Troposphere.

  What you see surprises you. You are in some sort of…massive cargo hold.

  Gigantic metal crates surround you, most of them exuding a pinkish glow. There are lights on the ceiling far above you, but they are dim, and serve little aid in giving you an estimate of just how large this place is. Turning in a circle, you feel awe fill you. “Yeah,” you murmur to yourself. “The ship definitely didn’t crash on Mars.”

  Speaking of your ship…you take in the damage. It's an absolute mess of warped, crippled metal doomed to remain collapsed on its side until self-repairs are complete. It would take days, maybe even weeks, for damage of this caliber to be fixed beyond the communications systems. With no way to contact Earth or Mars, you truly are stuck.

  You close your eyes and pinch the bridge of your nose. Calm. You are calm. There is absolutely nothing to worry about. Yes, your ship is destroyed. Yes, you are suffering from critical wounds. Yes, you are in an unknown place with seemingly no way out. But you're alive. That’s what matters. And now you just have to survive for five more days.

  You hear thumping in the distance.

  It takes you a moment to register the pattern of heavy steps that are coming towards you. It’s something alive, you realize with dawning horror. Wherever you are, you have obviously made quite a racket, and now this planet’s local faunal residents are going to seek you out. There’s no way for you to know exactly what sorts of animals live here; any technology you might have used to your advantage is directly connected to the ship. With the ship offline, thus go the tools as well. You are completely in the dark, relying only on the little information about alien lifeforms you have to keep you safe.

  You don’t need that information to know you have to hide right now.

  You scurry back into the ship, biting back a shout of pain. God, there’s pain everywhere. How have you not passed out yet? Adrenaline does wonders for the human body, you sourly think to yourself when you have to lean against the wall to catch your breath. A hacking cough swells within your chest. When you cover your mouth with your elbow and release it, blood is splattered over your suit sleeve.

  That’s when you hear the growling.

  It’s unlike anything you have ever heard before. You’ve studied a multitude of animals. You’ve heard big cats roar, wolves howl, hyenas cackle, and birds screech. This is not a growl you can associate with any of those. It…holds similar qualities. But there’s something about it that remains blatantly off.

  It sounds strangely like the growl of a machine.

  You look outside of the airlock doors, and something huge lumbers out from behind a stack of crates. The first things your brain registers are its red and white armor platings, its bright blue eyes, and the horn-like finials extending from its forehead. It’s humanoid, yet possesses qualities that remove it from any such grouping. This thing is definitely not like you in any sort of way beyond having a face and walking on two legs.

  “It’s…a robot,” you whisper. It’s a giant fucking robot moving all on its own, and looking none too happy to be here.

  The mechanical creature snarls, lips upturning to reveal sharp canines that are probably longer than your arms. It hasn’t noticed you yet. Its focus is trained on the datapad it holds in its hands. Your mind is blown. This is obviously a member of a clearly intelligent race. Have you just discovered a new extraterrestrial species?

  The robot looks up. At first, its eyes scan the crates around you, and it doesn't seem to notice the little ship nestled between them. You remain still, prey instinct taking its course and demanding you freeze where you are. Hopefully it will just move on…

  It backtracks, and to your utter horror, it makes direct eye contact with you.

  Fucking shit, you think.

  The robot stares at you with an expression of pure shock. You stare right back with an equal amount of terror.

  It steps towards you. That’s all it takes for you to scream at the ship. “Close the airlock doors! Close them now!”

  The doors slam shut. You hear a shout from the robot, and everything shakes as it thunders forward. You stumble and fall with agony ripping through your poor body when you make contact with the floor. The cry that leaves you is riddled with pain.

  “A-Activate self-defense protocol!” you order the ship.

  “Self-defense protocols offline,” it says back.

  “Well, how long until they are online?!”

  “Estimated time equals…ten hours.”

  “That’s not enough!” you scream rawly.

  A gentle tapping echos from the other side of the doors.

  You push yourself back, heart pounding as you listen to the robot move all around you. It’s growling softly to itself, and you can hear it touching the ship, running massive mechanical fingers across the walls that act as the only barrier between you and potential doom.

  You don’t know what to do. Panic makes you frantic and you desperately try to think of how you can get yourself away from the monster outside. You have no way to defend yourself. You can’t even run. This thing wants you out, and you know it has the power to rip your ship apart in order to get to you if it wishes for it.

  Suddenly, everything rocks. Your stomach drops when the entire ship shakes and you feel it being lifted into the air. Realization of what is happening hits you: it’s picking it up. If it can’t get you, it’ll just have to take everything.

  “Nononono!” you cry out. The ship tips a little, and you slam into a wall with a grunt. “Stop!” You bang your fists against the metal. “Put it down! Put it down now!”

  The robot simply growls in reply. You don’t even know if it hears you. There’s nothing you can do to stop this. You slump back and cover your face as hot, helpless tears finally begin running down your cheeks.

  “What exactly is it?” First Aid asks as he peers down at the mangled hunk of metal sitting before them on the medibay berth.

  “It’s a ship,” Perceptor flatly replies with a silent “What else would it be?” evident in his tone.

  “This is a ship?” First Aid looks horrified. “But it's completely destroyed! How could it have gotten here?”

  “It must have crashed during our last refueling.” Perceptor lays his servos over the top of the ship, examining it closely. He huffs and straightens, looking at Ratchet. “Where did you find it?”

  “The cargo hold,” the medic replies. “I was down there searching for some extra medical supplies I know we have stored. I wouldn’t have seen it if it hadn’t been for what’s inside.”

  “There’s something alive in there?” First Aid gasps.

  “A human,” Ratchet replies. “It locked itself inside when it saw me.”

  “Impossible.” Perceptor shakes his helm. “Humans are an endangered species that only occupy a small sector of a primitive solar system. They don’t have the technology to make it this far out in space.”

  “Well, clearly they do. I know what I saw. These old optics aren’t that far gone.” Ratchet raps his knuckles gently against the ship. All three mechs have to lean in close so they can hear the soft squeak from inside.

  “How do we get it out?” First Aid asks. “It could be hurt!”

  “It is hurt,” Ratchet answers. “I saw it before it hid itself away. I don’t know how severe the injuries are, but I know it's in pain.”

  “Then what are we waiting for? We need to help it!” First Aid presses his forehelm against the ship and whispers softly. “Hello, little human? Please don’t be afraid! We aren’t going to hurt you!”

  A whimper is all he gains in reply.

  Perceptor crosses his arms. “I can force it out, but you won’t like how I do it.”

  “You can’t hurt it,” Ratchet sharply snaps. “That would be cruel.”

  “I’m not going to hurt it,” the scientist bites back. “I’m simply going to pump a nontoxic gas into the ship that will cause it to eventually lose consciousness. It will have no choice but to come out, and then we can go on from there.”

  “Are…are you sure?” First Aid wrings his servos nervously. “I don’t want it to be scared of us.”

  “Whether it’s scared of us or not doesn’t matter,” Ratchet says. “It’s injured, and if we don’t do something, it’ll succumb to those injuries. It’ll understand we don’t want to hurt it after we patch it up.” He nods to Perceptor. “Go ahead, smoke it out.”

  The scientist’s right servo transforms into a syringe. Ratchet watches with anxiousness churning in his tank as Perceptor presses his left index digit against the side of the ship and presses a small hole straight through with little resistance to stop him. A terrified shout from the human within causes First Aid to whimper.

  Perceptor sticks the upper part of the syringe into the hole, pumping gas into the ship and pulling it back out after a moment, wisps of vapor trailing from the tip. A few seconds later Ratchet hears a string of weak coughs from inside. There is a tense moment where all three of them stand there, and then the doors open and you stumble out with a cloud of gas nearly enveloping your tiny form. You wheeze into your servos, then notice the mechs staring at you and try sprinting right back into the ship. Perceptor cuts you off, slamming his servo down and pinning you under his digits before dragging you back even though you yelp and thrash. You squirm one last time in his grip before suddenly going limp.

  Perceptor gently shifts you to lie in the center of his palm. For a terrifying moment, Ratchet thinks you are offline when he sees how still you are with your optics closed. But then his sensors pick up on the rapid beating of your organic spark, and he relaxes. Not dead. Just simply unconscious.

  “Give it here.” He holds out a waiting servo. Perceptor hands you over; you are given a quick look-over as Ratchet scans your body. There is a nasty cut on the back of your helm, and your vents are gravely bruised with terrible red marks. “Internal bleeding,” he mutters. “As well as external wounds. The crash really messed it up.” He curls his digits lightly over you and brushes his thumb over your forehead. “Doesn’t have a fever though, which is good. Damage is minimal, nothing life threatening. I can have it fixed in a few hours.”

  “You know how to heal organics?” First Aid questions.

  “I’ve been around for a long time. War changes you. I’ve had my equal share of saving Decepticon-ravaged planets inhabited by organics as well as machines.” Ratchet walks over to another berth, being careful not to jostle you too much. “First Aid, go grab the restrainers. We’ll have to keep it still so it doesn’t accidentally hurt itself when it wakes up.”

  “You’ll have to keep it sedated too,” Perceptor says. “I can help with that. Just a little puff of the gas will keep it asleep.”

  “Thank you,” Ratchet says, then pauses. “Listen. Don’t tell anyone about this yet. I don’t want everyone flocking into the medibay and stressing it out. We could accidentally scare this thing to death if we aren’t careful.”

  “I won’t.” Perceptor nods. “Just…make sure it heals properly. I don’t doubt your expertise, but…” He looks down at you, and his optics soften. “It hurts my spark to see something so small in so much pain.”

  First Aid returns with the restrainer. It’s a small mechanism that runs on magnetic power, created by the Lost Light’s resident mad scientist, Brainstorm himself. Ratchet places it directly over your lax form. With a quiet beep, it presses lightly over your midsection, and magnetic bindings weigh down your ankles and wrists. Seeing you trapped like this makes him feel guilty. This obviously isn’t going to be something you will like when you wake up. But there’s no other way for this to go. You won’t understand his good intentions until he heals you. Until then, he has to keep you still.

  He grabs a small serum of glowing blue liquid and bends over you, gently pinching your little fleshy cheeks and working your intake open. “C’mon little one, drink up,” he whispers when he carefully forces the liquid down your throat. He sees your faceplate tighten with discomfort, but your throat pulses as you subconsciously swallow. “There you go. Good human, good human.”

  “What are you giving it?” First Aid asks.

  “Something I learned to make back in my early days,” he replies. “It heals from the inside. Works on both organics and machines.” He pats your cheeks praisingly and draws away. “There. That should help with the bleeding. It’ll be fine now. I’ll continue to monitor it over the next few days.”

  First Aid exhales a relieved sigh. Perceptor reaches out a tentative hand and brushes your hair away from your closed optics. “It’s so small…so soft…”

  “We have to be careful with it,” First Aid frets. “We don’t want it to break.”

  “Listen.” Ratchet’s tone hardens authoritatively. “I said this before, but I’ll say it again. We have to keep this between the three of us. Don’t tell anyone about a human being in here.”

  “But what about the captain?” First Aid asks. “Shouldn’t he know?”

  “The captain can’t know. If he finds out there's a human on the ship, he’ll go nuts with excitement and probably end up accidentally crushing the poor thing. Until I confirm it’s not going to drop dead at any moment, we keep it a secret. Got it?”

  Both bots nod. Ratchet nods with them. “Alright. I’m going to stay here and make sure it’s condition remains stable. You can come back tomorrow to check in on it and see how it’s doing.”

  Perceptor dips his head and leaves without another word. First Aid lingers, optics never leaving you.

  “It’ll be fine,” Ratchet reassures him. “I’ll take care of it. Go recharge.”

  It takes a lot for the other medic to step back and exit the medibay. Ratchet watches him go, then sighs and drags a servo over his faceplate. Becoming the caretaker of an injured organic lifeform was not something he had planned for today. Primus, how the hell am I going to tell Rodimus?

  A soft noise drags his attention away from the alarming thought of what might happen if the extroverted captain learns about his new “crewmate.” He looks down at you and startles a bit. Your eyes, foggy and unfocused, are staring right at him. There’s a fatigued expression of utter terror on your face that once again has his spark feeling like it's been ripped from his chassis and stomped on.

  “You’ll be okay,” he whispers to you. “I promise.”

  You close your eyes and let your helm loll to the side. Ratchet watches the soft rise and fall of your chassis for a few moments longer, then dims the medibay lights and returns to his previous work on the other side of the room.

  Never do you stray far from his mind.

[queenshelby]

Our Little Secret (Part 23)

Pairing: Cillian Murphy x Reader

Warning: Infidelity, Age-Gap

Minutes later, Cillian helped you into the passenger seat, buckling your seatbelt securely before closing the door quietly.

"I am only 32 weeks pregnant, Cillian. It is too early for her to be born," you whimpered, your voice hoarse with worry. "Please tell me everything is going to be alright," you implored, the fear clearly written across your face.

"Everything is going to be okay, Y/N," Cillian assured you, his voice calm and steady as he gripped the steering wheel tightly. "Babies can be born at 32 weeks these days, even without complications. Lets just stay positive, alright?" Cillian insisted, his voice low and soothing. "Remember, your doctor told us that it was common for women to go into labour early, and that the baby could be perfectly healthy even at 32 weeks," he reminded you, his eyes locked on the road ahead.

You nodded, taking a deep breath to calm your racing heart. Your palms were sweating, and your muscles were taut with tension as you tried to focus on the rhythmic pattern of the contractions.

"Focus on your breathing, Y/N," Cillian urged, his voice quiet and comforting.

"Take deep, steady breaths," he instructed, his gaze locked on the traffic ahead. "Try to relax," he added, his voice dropping to a whisper.

Despite his efforts to soothe you, waves of nausea washed over you, accompanied by sharp pains that rippled through your lower abdomen. You clenched your teeth, grimacing with each contraction.

"Can you hear me?" Cillian asked, his voice cutting through the haze of pain. You managed to nod weakly, your gaze glued to the dashboard clock. Time seemed to stretch impossibly, each minute agonizingly slow.

Eventually though, you made it to the hospital, where doctors and nurses quickly whisked you away.

The next few hours were a blur of medical procedures, tests, and unfamiliar faces.

Throughout it all, Cillian remained close to your side, offering support and encouragement as you struggled to cope with the overwhelming anxiety and pain. You clutched his hand tightly, drawing strength from his unwavering presence.

His stoicism and dedication were testament to the depth of his feelings for you, and you couldn't help but feel grateful for his unconditional support.

"What's wrong? Is she going into labour?" Cillian asked the doctor urgently, his voice betraying the panic he was struggling to conceal. 

"No, apparently not," he responded calmly while assessing the situation and reviewing the ultrasound pictures. 

Your partner is experiencing something called Braxton Hicks contractions, which are essentially strong, frequent contractions that aren't necessarily related to true labor," he explained, addressing you directly. "These contractions are typically harmless, but they can cause a great deal of discomfort and anxiety," he added, his voice soothing as he sought to alleviate your concerns.

You sighed deeply, your grip on Cillian's hand tightening reflexively.

"How do we stop them?" Cillian pressed, his voice tight with concern.

"Rest and hydration can help manage the discomfort," the doctor advised, his voice steady as he continued to explain the condition. "However, if the contractions persist longer than expected, we may need to consider other interventions to ensure the health of both mother and baby," he cautioned, his gaze locked on you.

"Now, Miss Y/LN, I will need to place you on to bed rest for the duration of your pregnancy," he declared, his voice firm, "This means no working, no running errands, and no unnecessary stress. Just take care of yourself and your precious baby," he added, patting your shoulder affectionately, "Trust me, I know it's challenging, but we want to create the most favourable environment for your baby girl's development," he reasoned, his words resonating with genuine concern.

You took a deep breath, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over you.

"I am living on my own, I can't really," you began to say, trailing off uncertainly. "I mean, I don't know about that," you admitted, glancing at Cillian warily.

"I can stay with you until Mara is born," Cillian offered, his voice laced with concern. "I mean, if you let me," he added, a hopeful gleam in his eyes.

"Really? For eight weeks?" you gasped, unsure about his proposal, which is when the doctor interrupted.

"Actually, it will only be 4 weeks as, in my opinion at least, we should consider a c-section after 36 weeks. Your daughter is measuring ahead by one week and will unlikely have to go to the NICU. Your placenta is no longer fully intact and whilst, currently, your baby is getting all the nutrients she needs, we will need to keep a close eye on this," the doctor announced, his voice warm and confident.

Cillian squeezed your hand, the gesture serving as a reminder of his unwavering support. You glanced gratefully at him, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude for his steadfast presence.

"We're going to start monitoring you closely over the next few weeks," the doctor continued, addressing the both of you now. "As long as you stick to bed rest and maintain a healthy diet, we expect things to progress smoothly," he said, patting your shoulder gently.

"And, of course, your partner will need to assist you with daily tasks which I assume is not going to be a problem," he added, gesturing towards Cillian who felt a little uncomfortable about being referred to as your partner, but still chose not to correct the doctor.

"Of course not," Cillian responded, his voice resolute. "I will make sure Y/N gets the care and assistance she needs during this period," he assured the doctor, his gaze meeting yours.

You smiled weakly, your hand instinctively resting on your rounded stomach. The thought of sharing your home with Cillian, day in and day out, was both thrilling and daunting.

You wondered whether his presence would stir up feelings that threatened to consume you, or whether it would provide the stability you desperately craved.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" you asked Cillian, your voice shaky with uncertainty. "I mean, it's a lot to ask," you added, your gaze flickering between his eyes and the wall.

"Of course, I'm sure," Cillian responded, his voice soft yet determined.

"I want to be here for you and our daughter, however long it takes," he emphasized, his gaze locking onto yours.

"I appreciate that," you murmured, your voice trembling slightly. "I just hope you won't regret it later," you added, the thought of imposing upon his life weighing heavily on your conscience, knowing also that Amanda wouldn't appreciate this situation. 

***

Later that day, after around 8 o'clock in the morning, the electricity came back on and Cillian went to his home to pack some clothes, make arrangements for Max and call Amanda to inform her of the recent developments. 

Just as expected however, Amanda did not take lightly to hearing that Cillian would be staying with you for four weeks.

"You can't stay with her, Cillian," she snapped over the phone, her voice trembling with anger. 

"Amanda, listen," Cillian began, his voice steady yet apologetic. "This is an emergency, and I need to be there for Y/N. She is pregnant with my child, remember?" he explained, his gaze flickering between the open closet and his unpacked bag.

"Yes, I know. How could I possibly forget when her pregnancy interferes with our lives this much?" Amanda retorted sarcastically, her voice dripping with contempt.

"None of this is her fault," Cillian argued, his voice rising defensively. "She needs my help, and I intend to give it to her," he asserted, his gaze unwavering.

"Fine," Amanda spat bitterly, her voice choked with resentment. "But just know that she is probably playing you. I am sure all of this is a set up. She is probably faking it," Amanda accused spitefully, her voice trembling with suspicion. 

"You are seriously delusional and, you know what?" Cillian said, his voice steely with resolve. "I am done," he declared flatly.

"You are done with what?" Amanda demanded, her voice echoing with desperation.

"Everything," Cillian responded coldly, his voice void of emotion. "Our relationship, this constant bickering, the mistrust. Everything's finished," he stated bluntly, his gaze fixed on their entangled history. "I should never have gotten involved with you," he told her and, immediately, silence enveloped the line, the tension thick enough to suffocate. Amanda's breathing quickened, her heartbeat pounding erratically in her ears.

"Perhaps you shouldn't have, but you did, didn't you? Because of boredom or what?"  Amanda challenged, her voice cracking with bitterness. "Or was it simply to get over this little whore of yours because this is exactly what your sister seems to be thinking," she sneered, referring to Cillian's younger sister and this was exactly when the realization daunted upon him. 

Just as Amanda's voice trailed off, it was replaced by a deafening silence, thick with tension. Cillian stood motionless, the receiver clutched tightly in his hand. 

"You are in love with her, aren't you?" Amanda whispered, her voice laden with accusation. "That's exactly what Shiobhan tells me. She insists that you are merely projecting your feelings about her onto me because you are too fucking ashamed to admit to yourself that you love this little slut," Amanda added, her voice wavering slightly. “So, congratulations Cillian. This whole pregnancy thing is the perfect excuse for you to finally break free from that shame of yours and run straight into her arms," Amanda conjectured, her voice cracking with desperation.

"Amanda! Stop, I--" Cillian stammered, his voice trailing off uncertainly.

"Listen, Cillian," Amanda interrupted, her voice gaining momentum. "It's alright, we had fun while it lasted. You were never really able to commit to me because you were already committed to her. Now just leave me the fuck alone. I endured enough," Amanda snarled, her anger boiling over as, finally, she hung up on Cillian.

He was silent for a moment, staring blankly at the cordless phone in his hands as reality dawned upon him. There may have been some truth to what she said, and he felt a pang of guilt for not confronting his feelings earlier and instead allowing himself to hurt her unintentionally.

He sighed heavily, feeling defeated and utterly drained. He gathered his belongings, placing them in the duffel bag hastily, focusing on the task at hand.

He knew he needed to clear his thoughts and prioritize your wellbeing and that of his child. He felt conflicted and guilty, overwhelmed by the torrent of emotions surging within him. However, he pushed these thoughts aside, focusing on the present situation. He knew that he had to be there for you, and any distractions would only complicate matters further.

No matter what his feelings for you might have turned into over the past few months, it really did not matter. Nothing could ever become of you and Cillian was very well aware of that.

To be continued...

Tags:

@sunbeamseas @saint-ackerman @oatmealisweird @naxxsstuff @amanda08319 @r-m-cidnah @elysiannook @cillshot @infireddabdab @tastycakee @harrysbestiee @lilybabe22 @adalynlowell @henrywintersdearestgirl @ietss @thatgirlthatreadswattpad @ryiamarie @axionn

@heidimoreton @nela-cutie @futurecorps3 @delishen @nosebleeds-247 @thirteenis-myluckynumber @gills-lounge @hjmalmed @lost-fantasy @tiredkitten @sidechrisporn @smallsoulunknown @charqing-qing @hopefulinlove @aporiasposts @shycrybaby @me-and-your-husband @hjmalmed @lacontroller1991 @galxydefender @aporiasposts

@galxydefender @hunnibearrr @saint-ackerman @lunyyx @gentlemonsterjennie1 @ihavealotoffandomssorry @nadloves @lost-fantasy @nolucesn@mcavoy-girl @hjmalmed @bloodybagels @obeyme4life @richiesgroupie @blushykiss @tatumrileyslover @teawithsatanx @orijanko @rhaenyra4ever @xcinnamonmalfoyx @budugu @nadloves @kmc1989 @bloodybagels @obeyme4life @richiesgroupie @forgottenpeakywriter @smailaway @sophiaaguirred

[goldkirk]

I would, however, like to give an honorable mention to the essay that I was proud of and that my teacher looked at and went "oh, you've clearly never driven a car yet. no one who has driven a car would want a system like this, it takes away people's control" (obviously I hadn't driven a car on a highway yet? I was like 12?).

I have driven cars now. I've driven them a lot. And actually, no, I like my idea MORE now. So there, lol

If I could invent something to help mankind, it would be a conveyor-belt-style transport system for highways. Some of its amazing benefits would be to improve personal responsibility, increase safety, help the economy, and improve the environment. This transport system would be installed on every highway in the world. It would be very useful, and all of society would benefit from it. There would be a track running down the middle of each lane on the highway. On the middle of these tracks, many segmented bases would be installed. When a car pulled onto the highway’s entrance ramp one of these bases would come up under the car and clamp onto the wheels. When this occurred, the motor, steering device, and engine would shut off, and a screen (which would be installed in the car’s dashboard) would flicker to life and ask the driver to select an exit ramp. The car would then be pulled onto the highway and begin its trip. The speed on the highway would be the same for every car, since the transport system would be pulling the cars along at a uniform speed. The system would eliminate speeding, drifting, and car crashes. When the vehicle reached the exit ramp the driver had selected, the transport system would pull the car off onto the exit ramp, much the same way that trains change tracks. When the vehicle was off the highway, the base would disengage and the driver would once again regain operational control of the car. The automatic transportation conveyor system has personal, economical, and safety benefits as well. As a personal benefit, it would teach people to manage time more wisely. Since the system wouldn’t allow speeding on the highway, people would have to learn to leave for work or appointments at the appropriate time, or risk being late. As a safety benefit, since there would be no speeding or accidents on highways, police would be able to focus their attention on other, more important matters. Economicallqy, since cars would not be using gasoline during the time that they were on the highway, the world’s dependance on oil would drop, making the price of oil and gasoline go down.

I'm not saying it's VIABLE. I'm just saying I do still like it.

[yallmakemyassitch]

An Eldritch's Endearment (a transcript)

Summary: Kevin has one of the biggest lee moods ever and would practically let anybody tickle him. Luckily, a certain monster has come to his apartment to fulfill his darkest desires

Word count: 6013

Characters: 33636

Tobi talks: Yeah, I did a self insert this time! While the og comic inspired this fic, please note the fic and art are completely separate scenarios. Either way, sorry for this being a little late, was busy with school and shit but glad I could get this out. Enjoy! (also tiggles are kinda intense so look out for that :P)

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Kevin has been uncharacteristically happy recently, despite his reputation as the typical grumpy cashier. The happiest he’s been would be on his days off, but today wasn’t one of those days. When his boss would brush past him to get by, he’d practically leap several feet into the air. Along with that, he struggled to keep that stupid grin and his heavy blush at bay when sinking into one of his tickle fantasies. His own manager pointed out his odd tendencies but he always had an excuse for it.

Such a stupid thing to feel but the candyman craved it deeply. Kevin, after locking up the store and making his way down his usual route down the dingy, creepy road, quietly giggled to himself. His thoughts ran wild at the idea of someone just picking him up and going to town on him until he was a cackling, flustered mess. He would prod himself gently just to get the thrill of a devious ler poking him, making him flinch. He even laughed openly in the crisp air. Halloween was nearing its arrival and although he dreaded the inevitable rude customers and two certain annoying boys, that didn’t ruin his mood.

These cycled his mind in an endless loop of anticipation and disappointment. How he wished for someone to just appear before him and give him what he desired, mercilessly tickle him until he was reduced to nothing but a puddle of giggles. The wind blew, sliding crisp air down his exposed neck. If it weren’t for his heightened sensitivity, he wouldn’t have even batted an eye to it.

But he couldn’t help but grasp it and silently chuckled.

It tickled, just a little.

But an even stronger breeze came and he froze as he heard what he thought was his name. It was hushed and quiet, but whoever or whatever it was called his name. He brushed it off and walked up the steps to his apartment complex. Twisting his key in the door and opening it, he slammed the door behind him and slid his back against the door. The butterflies were still going.

He was smiling yet it hurt that this mood of his would dissipate yet again into an eventless night and he would be back to his normal self. The ravenette reached into his pocket and smiled to himself. Looking through his secret account’s dashboard, he saw that his favorite author had written another fanfiction and posted it only a few minutes ago. While nothing could truly satisfy his desire, reading his favorite characters in their own silly predicament always brought a smile to Kevin’s face.

With the gleam of his phone on his face, he wasn’t focusing on his environment. But when he briefly glanced up, he froze.

In the darkness stood a figure.

His heart began to throttle.

Whatever it was, he noticed them, and they spoke up.

“Hello, Kevin.”

His eyes were as wide as saucers, there was someone in his apartment. It took his eyes a while to adjust but when it did, he could see the insanely tall figure of a woman. A golden eye slowly appeared where her head would supposedly be. It was slick and catty-like, scrutinizing the candyman as he sat there, perplexed. Kevin’s arm reached up behind him to scale the wall, touching the area before landing on the light switch and flicking it on.

The woman wore an oversized hat that covered most of her facial features, donning diamond earrings that reflected in the light. Clearly, the “guest” in his home had a taste for fashion, especially when it came to shades of lavender and black, the primary colors of the fabric she wore. She outstretched her arms to her sides, almost welcoming him in a sense.

“Now that’s no way to greet a lady, hm love~?” She had a beautiful British accent, making Kevin’s heart race. He encountered plenty of things in the past but she felt… different.

He would certainly feel afraid if weren’t for her lax nature, she didn’t feel like a threat.

“W-who are you?” Kevin weakly said, pressing up against the door.

The lady chuckled, nice and smooth against his ears as she seemed genuinely amused. It was honestly kind of cute.

“Why don’t we sit down and I’ll properly introduce myself there.” The woman purred before turning around towards the direction of his living room. He heard her boots click as she walked in and the creak his sofa endured as her weight placed pressure on the cushions. The lamp turned on, meaning that whoever it was right around the corner is someone he could completely see now.

Kevin stood up, shaken by all that’s happened but felt compelled to follow her. He entered the living room and there he saw the woman, cross legged on his sofa, holding a glass of what appeared to be wine. Her features were fully visible now, her big hat was dramatic, topped with flowers, feathers, and a ribbon at the back of her hat. Her suit jacket was completely unbuttoned and wore a long, frilly skirt.

“Come now, love. We have much to discuss.” He was broken out of his trance when she spoke up. She stared at him with her thoughtful eye and patted the space next to him.

“Um, okay,” Kevin said, sitting directly opposite to her on his sofa.

Time seemed to freeze as the tall woman next to him continued to take sips of her wine, pausing in between before continuing to sip. The noirette just stared off, thinking about what was gonna do.

Was she harmless? She hadn’t hurt him and even if she wanted to, he was sure she would do so already. It wasn’t until the woman offered her cup to Kevin, not looking at him as she did so.

“Sorry, I don’t drink.” The woman seemed to have to process this as her arm didn’t move when he rejected her request.

“I suppose I should introduce myself. My name is Mrs. Mulberry.” An odd name to say the least but Kevin didn’t comment on it.

She placed the nearly empty wine glass on his coffee table and turned to him, her golden eye watching him as she folded her hands together.

“I’ve come to learn something very special about you, Kevin. And I think you know what~”

Kevin was now starting to get a little weirded out, this lady knew about him? He turned to her as well, locking eyes with her. “And what’s that?”

Mrs. Mulberry in an instant had a toothy, golden glowing smile manifest. She chuckled menacingly, a chill going down the candyman’s smile in tandem. “It would be better to show than tell.”

Her gaze got more intense, the single eye widening before relaxing. Kevin’s breath was caught in his throat, his heart racing. But nothing happened. He held his breath for a few more moments before releasing it, half-panicked. It’s either that Mrs. Mulberry was messing with him or she had just done something he hadn’t noticed yet.

“I wouldn’t lower my guard so quickly if I were you, sweetheart.”

This lady had gotten comfortable with him awfully quick, so much so she’s been pulling out more pet names. Kevin was visibly flustered and looked away. But was even more shocked that Mrs. Mulberry had stood up, revealing her true height as the lamp light shined up at her.

Kevin was going to make a run for it. He tried to clench his fist, but nothing happened. He froze for a second then his blood turned to ice, he couldn’t move!

He screamed at his nerves to move something, a leg, a finger, but nothing was working.

“W-what did you do to me?!” Kevin said, panicked. Mrs. Mulberry just smirked at him, “Just a little something that would make my job easier, darling.” she said it in a sweet voice but her behavior suggested otherwise

His breath became ragged as her gloved, slender fingers approached him, wiggling at him sinisterly.

“No, please…” He squeezed his eyes shut. Mrs. Mulberry had begun to zip down his jacket and slid her hand inside where she had full access to his torso. He was terrified and squeezed his eyes shut, bracing for whatever pain would be bestowed on him.

Kevin was confused when her touch remained gentle, her fingers just softly grazing and squeezing the surface as if she were looking for something…

He choked when she lightly poked his ribs, up and down she went, sounds building up in his throat as they began to be more and more unbearable.

A squeak escaped Kevin’s lips when he felt something wiggle against his ribs. Kevin was beginning to get an idea of what she was doing and all his fear seemed to disappear except for one part.

He looked up and saw her, she was staring at him smugly, daring to let out any of those sounds. The candyman did all that he could to look away.

“Tickle, tickle, tickle~” Mrs. Mulberry began to quietly tease the poor boy, noticing how close he was cracking. Kevin was already beginning to go a little insane, snickering as her hands explored his midsection, tracing random shapes over his stomach.

She slipped her hands underneath his uniform shirt, feeling the pale skin shudder as the cold hands teased the surface of his flesh, “Oh, how soft~” she pinched his tummy with endearment.

He was already smiling like a fool at this point, his face was starting to burn. But that barrier quickly broke out as laughter poured from when his lips Mrs. Mulberry began to knead to the pudge of his stomach.

“W-waHaHait! MihiHihis!” Kevin’s laughter was muddled with small hiccups as she relentlessly scribbled and skittered along his tummy. His chest shook with breathy cackles, although he remained paralyzed. His laughter doubled when she pushed her hand against his chest to keep him from falling over, exposing more of his tummy. The British woman without hesitation, began to claw at his gut, just enough to drive the candyman to hysteria. He wanted to throw his head back and scream to the heavens, to grab her wrists and beg for mercy but couldn’t even do that much with how loud he was howling.

“My my, what a ticklish little lad you are~” Mrs. Mulberry leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to his belly button before releasing him from her force, allowing him to wrap his arms around his torso.

Kevin panted, still giggling he looked up at her. “W-what was that for?”

Mrs. Mulberry stared at him, turning her head curiously. “Why, that’s because you wanted to be tickled, correct?” He stopped for a second, his eyes shimmering with realization and now nervousness.

Kevin had been in his mood for a while now and couldn’t help but want exactly what she said. He smiled awkwardly, giving her a signal he knew now.

“That’s right. You’ve been in quite the lee mood haven’t you, just begging for someone to come along and take you into their arms. Well, your wish has been fulfilled.”

Kevin huffed, “That’s it?” This was exactly like the stories he’s read. He was loving it.

Now Mrs. Mulberry was smiling. “Of course not, dear. I can tell you’re not satisfied with your initial treatment. I would have come earlier but I had some…business to attend to, such a shame you had to bask in such an insufferable mood, isn’t it?”

The candyman stared up at the now-standing woman. The Brit sat back down next to him.

“Where shall I target next, love?” Kevin exploded into red and immediately looked away, “I-I don’t know.” he said quickly.

His face was cupped and turned to meet her gaze, now mischievous at his lie. “Don’t lie to me, Kevin. You either choose yourself or I’ll choose for you~” Mrs. Mulberry would sound serious if it weren’t for the playful tinge to her voice.

Kevin’s silly smile was squished by her hand as her forehead was pressed against his.

“I swheheear, I dohohon’t know!” Kevin giggled, gripping her arm for mercy.

Her patience had quickly run out, and her gaze darkened.

“That was your final chance.”

The irony hung in the air as Kevin shifted away his body, wanting so badly to laugh but so nervous about where she would strike first.

Mrs. Mulberry noticed this gesture and looked at him, “That’s adorable honey. Unfortunately, it was a poor choice to make it so obvious.” she lunged at him and grabbed his legs to pull onto her lap.

“Now this must be a sweet spot~”

Kevin literally squealed and was pushed onto his back.

“W-wahait please not my feeheeheet!” Kevin cried, going mad with giggles as he curled his toes in anticipation.

“What? These adorable little things?” Mrs. Mulberry began to undo the laces to his shoes, panicking as she did so. No matter how much he pulled his legs and squirmed side to side, his ankles didn’t move from the plush spot placed on her thighs, the invisible force had returned. He couldn’t help but groan yet laugh in dread.

“P-plehehease Mihihihis, behehe gehehentle…” Kevin now covered his eyes with his arm, but that didn’t stop his infamous red blush from creeping up his face. He could now feel the shoes slowly slipping off and falling to the floor. As his anticipation grew, so did his giggling.

Just a few hours ago, he wanted this to happen, so why was he so nervous? Kevin didn’t have any time to answer his own question as he felt fingers scratch against his socked soles.

A flurry of giggles slipped through the noirette’s lips. “Mwehehehehehe, gahahahahad ihihit’s so bahahad!” The noirette uncovered his eyes to look at their tormentor.

Mrs. Mulberry was skittering her fingertips all across his feet, not minding how they jerked and curled, which could be easily dealt with, but for now, she would take her time. “Your laughter is incredibly charming, Kevin~”

He begged to differ, he would die of embarrassment if anybody knew he was giggling like this.

“Nohoho ihihit’s nahHAhahHa~” His laughter spiked, now hitting all sorts of notes. Mrs. Mulberry was dragging her fingers slowly across his arches, a sweet spot for him as he started to snort.

He tried to hold back but the noises kept coming through. Now a snorting, chortling mess, he wrapped his arms around his torso and just laughed, no longer holding back, and what came out shortly after left his stomach swarming with butterflies.

“W-waHahait nahAHAHAT tHaHat!” Kevin snorted, his hair disheveled and cheeks burning red. When he felt his socks being slipped off and exposing what he’d long been hiding, his eyes widened.

“Dohohon’t look-!” But it was already too late. Mrs. Mulberry saw what was underneath and gasped lightly in shock. Her sweet little lee had paws for feet, small pink nails, smooth pads that looked soft to the touch, and silky white fur that covered up to his ankles.

She looked at him fondly, “Oh Kevin, how could you hide such a thing from me?” she poked his heart-shaped pad with her finger, making him flinch. “I’m going to have so much fun with these.”

Kevin screeched internally in terror, the thought of her working his paws made him cover his face in shame. He felt humiliated.

Until a gentle hand wrapped around his wrist and pulled his hand off his face, exposing his embarrassed expression to the Brit. “Kevin, truly, this is nothing to be ashamed of.”

He looked away from her, how could he not, it’s such a weird thing about him he wished he didn’t have. He felt her fingers touch again, but not in the way he expected.

It was affectionate and gentle. Mrs. Mulberry was tracing the heart-shaped pad with her finger, not tickling in the slightest.

“Instead, it’s very cute. You clearly take care of yourself.”

“What do you mean?” He huffed.

“The fur is as soft as clouds and these little paws are an adorable pink color. Almost as adorable as that little blush on your face right now. ”

Kevin’s “little” blush had since spread to his ears, vibrating and pulsing as Mrs. Mulberry continued to compliment and praise him.

“How can you be ashamed, dear? This is an endearing trait.” Mrs. Mulberry, even with her jarring teeth, gave Kevin a genuine smile. “They are lovable and cute, you will someday meet someone who thinks the same way as I do~”

The candyman looked up at her and gave her that same genuine smile. It was gentle, yet so cute, the woman nearly wanted to smother him with kisses right there. “Thank you, Mrs. Mulberry.”

Instead, she only gave him one kiss, smack dab on the center of his forehead. As soon as that ended, there was a shift in her expression. She was still smiling but it was no longer sugar-coated in comfort. “Oh but of course, I can’t ignore such self-destructive behavior, hm?”

Kevin frowned. “W-what… you’re not going to…”

“That I am.”

Mrs. Mulberry lifted her hat off from her head and swiftly picked the fluffiest, biggest feather out of the bunch. It was white and looked soft to the touch. Kevin swallowed a ball of saliva when he realized what she was about to do. She placed her hat back onto her head, grinning at Kevin who at this point had all the color drained from his face.

“I cannot let this incident go unpunished, isn’t that right, Kevin?” She waggled the fluffy feather teasingly in the air.

Kevin reached to try and grab her arm but her strength was just too much for him as she easily moved him away onto his back. He could only watch in terror as the feather was brought closer and closer to his bare paws. Mrs. Mulberry stopped and took one single swipe from the bottoms of his feet to his toes. The ravenette tried to fight it back but broke as quickly as it came at the wrath of the Brit’s feather.

Slowly, she stroked it up and down the sensitive fur and the especially ticklish paw pads. But that wasn’t all as she used her free hand to wiggle onto his other foot. Kevin threw his head back over the armrest and his chest shook with silent laughter before practically screaming. He shook his head and begged but was left politely rejected by the Brit.

“What? Does my feather tickle your fancy, Kevin? Uhuhuhu~” The fact that she laughed at her own pun of all things made Kevin die a little on the inside. Not that it showed as he was too busy laughing his ass off.

“STAHAHAP!” He gripped his arms to cope with the overly ticklish feeling.

“And why should I? Your cackles are as sweet as candy, something I’m sure you know a lot about.”

Kevin reddened at her tease, he was starting to get desperate, “Ah-AHahHAhahHA! H-HEHEHLP! SoHOhoMEOne hEheHELP!” Who was he even calling for?

“No one can hear you, my love. Only me~” He didn’t respond, happy tears were streaming down his face and his laughter turned uncontrollable and wheezy.

“It must feel unbearable, doesn’t it?” She gave him one good tickle, threading the feather between his toes, making him shriek for the final minute until he was silent. The British woman let him go but was surprised to see he hadn’t moved from his spot.

Kevin’s breath was ragged and laced with small hiccups and giggles. He was staring up at the ceiling, raw euphoria circulating throughout his body. His vision was dotted and blurry with tears and could hardly think straight, but one thing that was coherent in his mind was that he loved every second of it, even if it left him screaming. Mrs. Mulberry placed the feather back into her hat and came to his side to cup the sides of the candyman’s face. She thumbed away the last of his mirthful tears, softly giggling to herself that she had reduced the man into such putty.

“Kevin, darling…” That same accent rolled up his name in a velvety bouquet.

The woman pulled the boy below her to her side and began to press a barrage of kisses and pecks all over his face and the sides of his neck. She had no physical lips yet Kevin could feel a soft pair treating him lovingly for his triumph.

“H-hehehey! Stop thahat!” No matter how much he tried to push her away, she would grab his arm and plant kisses on the palm of his hand before traveling down his wrist all the way to his shoulder.

“Wahahit! Tihihickles!” Kevin sputtered out as the woman pressed a succession of feather-light kisses in the palm of his hands, growling as she nibbled the thin skin. Her affection was undying and Kevin just giggled, lightly kicking his legs as the Brit held him close and peppered him with her devious motherhood.

Mrs. Mulberry now sat snug in the crook of his neck, pressing loud, dramatic kisses up and down. It felt unbearably ticklish and Kevin just snorted and chortled, laughing openly at the sensations.

“You’re sohohoho dramhahatic! Ihihit’s teheheherible!” He wheezed as the Brit pulled on the collar of his shirt to access his collarbone and was gently nibbling on it. Her teeth were sharp but it was soft enough to just have the ravenette wheezing.

“Darling, this is nothing close to what I can really do to you~”

“Yehehes it ihihis!”

“Uhuhu, you just keep talking, my love~” She didn’t hold back, now practically chomping all over his neck and shoulders, he just let it happen. Kevin snorted and squealed each time she moved, holding onto her sides for support as she was basically on top of him now but still had her bottom on the sofa.

He opened her eyes, still belting out those sugary sweet giggles she loved to hear, and looked down toward his hands. He was holding onto her for dear life as she began to blow raspberries on his neck, making him throw his head back to laugh even harder than he was.

The candyman let his intrusive thoughts win and began to wildly scribble his fingertips up and down his sides.

“Hohohow doho you lihihike that, huhuhuh?” Kevin taunted, loving how she froze at his surprise attack.

He scribbled up towards her ribs and traced his fingertips between the bones, feeling the woman on top of him begin to shudder.

“Kevin.”

Her beautiful voice was beginning to sputter out heavenly chuckles, making Kevin blush at such a lovely tone entering his ears. “K-kehehevin…”

She laughed into the crook of her neck, her chest shaking with bubbly laughter as his fingers traveled to her back and carefully skittered on the arch and shoulder blades. Her laughter doubled, sounding nearly breathless as she grabbed onto his shoulders.

“Kehehevin, please! H-have mehehercy!” Mrs. Mulberry cried.

Kevin never felt so accomplished making someone so merciless beg for respite.

Either way, she had just tortured him, it was only fair to punish her a little.

“Never!” he announced, skittering his hands down towards the small of her lower back and pinching it between his fingers like a set of the most diabolical nipping teeth. She wheezed and collapsed on top of him in a fit of mirth, covering her mouth as she now laughed uncontrollably.

“Ahahahahahahaha!” He was sure she was an angel, the air was filled with saccharine laughter as he made his way up the dip of her spine, tracing it up and down lightly.

“Coochie coochie coo~” The candyman cooed in her ear, smiling as her laughter seemed to harden and her grip tightened on his shoulders. Kevin was unsure where to go next, he never tickled people that much anyway. It didn’t take long as he saw an opening clear as day, her underarms.

The missus's arms were wrapped around his neck, still chuckling up a storm beneath his touch so he sneakily crept up to it. Suddenly, Kevin dug his fingers into the hollows and began to scratch at it deviously, stunned when she threw her head back to release a shrill cry, revealing her toothy, yet somewhat flustered expression for a moment before burying in his chest again.

“Nohohot thehehere!” His heart nearly jumped out of his chest at that plea, it made him dangerously excited.

“Why not, you aren’t even moving?!” He was right in his hypothesis however, the woman had given him ample access to her body and didn’t even put his arms down as he attacked her presumably worse spot. She still squirmed and seemed embarrassed that he had noticed this and just continued to laugh her heart out.

He kept her there, digging into his ribs, squeezing her love handles, and overall, being merciless until her laughter had turned breathless. Kevin figured she’d learn her lesson and removed his hands from her torso, reeling how she lightly panted at his torment.

“Haha…h-how was that?” The candyman exclaimed, smiling smugly.

“T-that was…” Mrs. Mulberry sounded tired, her breathing slowing down before eventually evening out. “That was fun.”

“Well then, that’s nice to hear.” He gave her a pat on the back, signaling her to move off of him.

A few seconds ticked by, the two of them unmoving.

“So uh, you gonna get off of me?” he asked.

She was quiet at first and then leaned into his ear, “And why should I do that?” she snarled. Kevin could feel the vibrations of her voice and his heart sank. He truly thought that would be the end of it.

He felt her smile against his skin, “You’re quite the tease when you tickle, hm? You had me quite flustered for a moment,” she pressed a kiss to his cheek. “But not quite enough to incapacitate me~”

Kevin felt hands latch onto the sides of his ribcage and squeeze. He had no time to react as she already began to rake her way. Kevin tried to sit up but was still against the couch, pinned down by Mrs. Mulberry. He had nowhere else to go other than wrap his legs around her torso and squeal.

“AhahAHahAha! NahahHAT AGahaHAIN!” Kevin laughed, arching his back and trying to twist away as she began to nibble on his neck and tickle his midsection.

“Oh yes again~” she mimicked, giggling as the candyman squawked under her, hardly struggling to even avoid the tickling. So why not use that to her advantage?

The Brit snuggled deep into the warmth of his neck, snickering oh so slightly when she felt Kevin shiver in panic.

“You love this, you love it when I tickle you to pieces, don’t you? Uhuhu, I love tickling you too. I don’t ever want to stop and I’m sure you wouldn’t mind that either, hm?” she knew how much her voice had an effect on him and this was no different; Kevin was grinning wolfishly.

“Noho I dohon’t like it!” Kevin sputtered out, now finally able to grip her wrists. He panted, looking at her to witness the reaction. At first, it was silence, then a gentle chuckle that was barely audible.

Kevin began to panic as his way of restraining her quickly backfired. Mrs. Mulberry grabbed onto his wrists and pushed him back, further until his arms were pinned onto the back of the couch.

“Lying to me was your worst mistake, love~”

He was expecting her to lift her hand and be pinned but was surprised to see that she kept him there, nearly straddling him with how close she was. She wiggled her hand above him, hovering over many spots to seemingly choose from.Kevin panicked, began to kick his legs, and stammer out half-genuine requests of mercy.

“Ihihi didn’t mehean ihihit!” he cried, twisting his body but his wrists were firmly planted against the couch. Mrs. Mulberry only smirked, continuing to get more sinister when she approached and pulled back just to see the candyman’s cute yet panicked expression. With just one hand, she could reduce the man to rubble. And he knew it.

It didn’t take long for her to launch a surprise attack by pretending to attack his ribs but quickly going down to his stomach and shoving her hand under to squeeze at the adorable tummy pudge.

“Coochie coochie coo~ Who’s my ticklish little candyman?”

He arched his back, which proved fatal as that only gave her room to use her entire hand to attach to the lower gut and knead. Kevin belted out hard, boisterous laughter, his chest shaking with wheezes and small giggles in between his few seconds of respite before falling right back into it.

“NoHOhOHO aNhAhayWHERe buHUT tHehERE!” Kevin shrieked, no matter where he squirmed, it only gave her more area to follow.

She smacked her lips together, “Oh poor, Kevin~ Do you want me to tickle you more?” he hated how she'd coo to him like that. But he adored it all at the same time, he felt safe to let out all that goofy laughter spill from his lips, and before he knew it, he had nodded his head.

“Yes? Well, that’s good, my sweet, but where? Here? Or right here?” Mrs. Mulberry traveled to his navel and swirled along his walls, going from slow to fast. She traced the small of his flesh right above his pants, getting him to shudder and chortle to even shoving her hand further into his shirt to claw right below his ribcage.

Either way, Kevin was in stitches, crying all over again as the woman showed no sign of stopping her tickly torment. But what really sealed the deal was when she pulled his shirt up to expose his torso and grabbed onto the sides of his stomach.

This released his wrists from her grasp but was nervous when he tried to move them from their spot and whatever she summoned to keep him there was back, leaving his entire midsection exposed.

He couldn’t take it, being all exposed like this made him hide in the crook of his arm. She softly blew on his stomach, reveling how he squirmed and arched his back.

“Plehehease nohohoho!” He cried, squealing as she continued to tease his bare skin. She squeezed his sides to keep him still and leaned her head down. The candyman quite literally couldn’t take it, especially the ticklish buzz from the kisses she began to pepper, all from his navel to the bottom of his rib cage left him roaring.

“GAAAAHAHAHA, NAAAHAHAHAHAHAH!"

“*kiss* My my, Kevin, *chu* this tummy of yours *smack* is quite nervy, hm? *mwah*” She was especially bad with her kisses, being oh so gentle with the sensitive skin.

“St-STaHAHAHAP TAHAHLKING!” Her lips were pressed against his belly and her arms were wrapped around his back, giving her full access to speak her honey-coated voice into the sensitive flesh.

Despite the agony he was in, his nonstop thrashing and his pleas were nonexistent with how much he was laughing masking that. His heart sank as she felt her hands grapple his sides, pinning his torso. The candyman knew what this meant and with the last of his strength, shrieked, “Please don’t!” and was relieved to see the lady freeze in her tracks.

“Don’t what?”

“Tihihickle mehehe…” he giggled.

Mrs. Mulberry grinned nice and wide, “Why, that was my plan all along! How did you know, you cheeky sweetie!” she affectionately nuzzled her face into his stomach.

What she said didn’t exactly register until it was too late.

“Thahat’s not whahat I meHEHEEEEEEEEANT!” The scream that ripped from Kevin’s throat was girlish and high-pitched.

The Brit let loose the largest raspberry he had ever received right below his belly button, a sweet spot for the poor candy kid. For the next few moments, Kevin lost his mind in a whirlpool of unfiltered mirth as raspberries were blown all along his stomach. At this point, he couldn’t think straight, all he could think about was how much it tickled. His ridiculous sensitivity didn’t go unnoticed, hearing the small taunts and teases from his tormentor, both complementing and torturing him simultaneously.

But alas, he was reaching his limit yet again, dried tear stains could hardly describe his condition, his eyes continued to waterfall tears over and over again, his hair beyond a mess and a shade of red so deep it looked purple.

“Now I’ll ask one more time, who’s my ticklish little candyman?” she cooed, slowing down her tickles with only light wiggles against his sides. When he took a little too long to answer, she’d knead his stomach until he was mush again.

“IHIHI AHAHAM!” Over and over she did this until Kevin bellowed at last, feeling relieved as her hands left his body and pulled down his shirt.

“That’s right~” Her kind tone had returned and she massaged away the sensations.

Kevin was exhausted, sweat sticking to his skin. She rubbed comforting circles around the sides of his stomach before taking her time to button his work shirt up again.

After a few minutes of comforting rubs, Mrs. Mulberry pulled Kevin in her arms and began to cradle him like a toddler. It was unexpected but he wasn’t complaining, it felt amazing.

She put her English accent to good use, now using it to hum a beautiful melody as she rocked him, it had the noirette slack in her arms already. In the midst of her song, she would stop to momentarily kiss the tip of his nose and forehead, no longer filled with the desire to torment but the need to tranquilize.

He nuzzled his face into her chest, inhaling deeply to fully relax. Kevin blushed, she smelled so nice and he couldn’t help but nuzzle a little deeper. His nostrils were filled with vanilla and rose, the scent only a mother would have. She was petting his soft hair with one hand while holding him with dear affection in her arm.

“H-hey…ma’am?”

“Yes, darling?”

Before he could fall asleep, he slurred out his final words.

“Thank you.”

He passed out, falling limp and in his own sense of tranquility.

Mrs. Mulberry admired his features, threading her fingers in his hair and massaging his scalp.

“You are the most precious, Kevin…”

She pressed a kiss to the shell of his ear and everything went black.

…

Kevin woke up the next day to the sun hitting him in the face, the gold brightening the room despite the blindes. He went to stand up from the couch, questioning how he’d gotten here when he clearly remembered heading straight to bed.

The direct contact with his feet to the floor startled the ravenette, he usually had socks on to cover up his-

Looking down to see his paws fully exposed made him remember a wave of memories and it didn’t take long for him to get flustered. He looked around, realizing that his guest had long since departed. He couldn’t help but feel lonely without her, her embrace was so warm. But something shiny had caught the corner of his eye and looked over to see the elegant wine glass she held the night before was sitting there, untouched and gleaming in the sunshine.

Next to it had a bottle of wine, a brand he’d never heard of but it looked expensive. The bottle had a yellow sticky note stuck to it. Kevin peeled it off and read what was on it, before groaning in embarrassment yet grinning.

“Ticklish little candyman”

Mrs. Mulberry

He didn’t mind the new nickname.

✿

✿

✿

✿

Fin~

[creators-club]

Created: 11.4.24 | Updated: 11.4.24

Welcome to the Creators Club and our community. Here, we are all about supporting and nurturing content creators of every type: writers, visual artists, readers, aspiring indie authors, and everyone in between. Whether you're sharing fan works, original world, or personal projects, we're here to cheer you on. Please remember, genre does not matter, as all creativity is welcomed.

Below, you will find a list of our guidelines / rules.

Admin Support

Single Admin: Currently, we have one admin who manages this club. Please allow for response time, as we're committed to making this club a positive experience for everyone.

Questions & Support: For any questions or support, please sent asks directly to the @creators-club rather than @bardic-tales. This helps keep communication organized, ensures your messages are seen, and allows us to respond accurately to @creators-club inquiries.

Community Standards:

Respect and Support: We're here to cheer everyone on. Please keep all comments and reblogs encouraging, uplifting, and constructive.

No Politics: Political or religious content should only be included if it's in your story, world, or character. This is to keep the club welcoming to everyone, regardless of personal beliefs.

Harassment or personal attacks will not be tolerated.

Personal Information: Do not share personal information about yourself or others.

Plagiarism and Theft: Do not share or claim others' works as your own.

Content Guidelines

Originality: We do not accept AI-generated content. Please only submit original works created by you or collaboratively with others.

Accepted Content: All forms of creative works are welcomed: fanfiction, art, meta, alternate universes, canon-based, original characters, canon x reader, canon x oc, and original works created by our talented indie or aspiring indie authors.

Queue Submissions: Submissions that do not relate to a current event will be added to the queue for posting. All queued posts will be hashtagged with 'ready-set-queue'. This helps to keep our group feed balanced.

Polls: At this time, we are not accepting polls for submission.

Event Participation

Flexible Engagement: Participate in events as much or as little as you are able to. As a person with a chronic illness, I understand how batteries or spoons are low some days. There is no pressure to engage beyond what you feel comfortable with.

Formatting Requirements

Read More: For written works over 400 words, please use Tumblr's 'Read More' feature. This keeps our dashboard clutter free.

Joining the Creators' Club Tag List

How to join: To be added to the Creators' Club tag list for Tumblr games and Writeblr ask games, please interact with the joining post by liking, reblogging, or commenting on it. By doing so, you're letting @bardic-tales know that you wish to participate in community activities, receive tags, and engage in our supportive, drama-free space.

Alternative Blog: If you have a different blog that you'd prefer to be tagged in, please specify it in a reply to the joining post.

Opting Out: If you do not wish to join the tag list, simply avoid interacting with the post. If you want to opt out at any time, please send a message to @creators-club.

Community Connection: After joining, feel free to reach out to other members on the tag list. This club thrives on mutual encouragement and celebrating each other's works. Connecting with other creators is always encouraged.

Proper Tagging

Clearly tag all works by fandom work. For example, fandom-specific tags like '#Hunger Games' or "#Marvel'.

If your work includes character x reader or character x oc pairings, please tag accurately: character x reader or character x oc. This helps readers find what they are looking for.

NSFW Content: Any NSFW (Not Safe for Work) content must be clearly tagged as such. This ensures that all members can enjoy the community in a safe and comfortable environment.

Content Warnings: Please add content warnings where necessary. For example, if your work has violence, please tag for violence. This makes our club safe and welcoming for all.

Tagging for Events: Please tag @bardic-tales after you make your post or answer a question for the events hosted by the Club. This allows me to upload your work to both @creators-club and @bardic-tales efficiently.

Submission Process

Hashtags: Always use relevant hashtags so we can categorize your work properly. If you do not include a fandom hashtag, we'll assume it is original work.

Ask Rounds: Asks are usually sent out in two rounds to avoid being barred from sending asks. Your patience is appreciated during this process.

Reblogs: Please be patient with reblogs, as I'm the only one managing this, as of right now, and I also want to be able to create my own content. I appreciate your understanding as I work to share everyone's submissions.

[fanworkscon]

Vid submissions are open for FanWorks 2023!

Submission Guidelines

Vids are submitted through the FanWorks dashboard (visible when logged in). You can upload a vid or manage previously submitted vids.

Vidders can submit up to two vids per show, and can show up to three vids if a third is submitted by a co-vidder. Vids must be your own work.

Full submission guidelines for premiering & non-premiering shows are available on our website.

FanWorks has standardized content notes for all works. We encourage anyone submitting vids to check out the usage guidelines for FanWorks content notes.

Deadlines

All deadlines are set for 11:59PM Eastern.

Non-Premiering Shows

The Year in Vids: October 29th

Mystery Box: October 29th

Premiering Shows

Premieres: November 26th

It Surrounds You (all vids, premiering or otherwise): November 26th

Vidshows

Premieres

A showcase of vids making their debut at FanWorks 2023.

The Premieres show is the highlight of the video track at FanWorks! Vids sent to this show must not have been released anywhere previously - at other cons, as online posts, or to any audience larger than your betas / cheerleaders. Premieres is all-new, with every vid making its debut to the con audience.

Variations: "It Surrounds You"

Variations is a showcase of premiering and non-premiering vids made for a specific theme. The theme for 2023 is It Surrounds You.

A house, a hotel, a car, a spaceship, a kitchen, an office, a battlefield, a forest, an ocean, a city, a galaxy – vids about places, settings, environments. You can focus on the setting itself, how people relate to it, how it brings together or divides a community, any aspect you want.

The Year in Vids

Vids released between August 1, 2022 and the submissions deadline. There are no thematic restrictions on this show; anything that was posted online, played at a con, etc. during that time counts.

Mystery Box

The VJ(s) will create a themed vidshow using only vidder submissions. The vidshow theme itself depends entirely on what's submitted and could be anything, so vids on any theme are welcome!

Please keep in mind that not all vids uploaded for Mystery Box will show, as the goal is to create a relatively coherent show around a single theme. (Will such a thing be possible? We'll see!) For more info, check the submission guidelines below.

Curated Shows

Girlhood | VJ: Periru3

From weird little girls to rebellious teens, tomboys to pretty pink princesses - this is a vidshow about girlhood and the trials and triumphs of growing up.

Hip-Hop | VJ: ViddersAdmin

A selection of vids influenced by hip-hop songs and culture.

Partying, Partying, Yeah | VJ: sweetestdrain

"Fun, fun, think about fun. You know what it is. I got this, you got this. My friend is by my right, ay. I got this, you got this. Now you know it." -- Rebecca Black, "Friday"

Eras | VJ: Trelkez

A collaborative vidshow featuring small sets of vids, with each set made by a different vidder during a specific era in their vidding history.

[satyaranjan7605]

GIS In Our Daily Lives

The involvement of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in our daily lives is pervasive, influencing and enhancing various aspects across different sectors. The integration of GIS into everyday activities has become integral for decision-making, planning, and optimizing resources. GIS helps city planners and transportation experts to provide them with information like maps, satellite pictures, population statistics, and infrastructure data. GIS helps them make better decisions when designing cities and transportation systems that are sustainable and good for the environment.

The following points elucidate the notable involvement of GIS in our daily lives:

Navigation and Location Services: GIS provides monitoring functions through the visual display of spatial data and precise geographical positioning of monitored vehicles, whereas GPS provides accurate, clear, and precise information on the position and navigation of a monitored or tracked vehicle in real-time and at the exact location.GIS is at the core of navigation applications and location-based services on smartphones. It enables accurate mapping, real-time navigation, and geolocation services, assisting individuals in finding locations, planning routes, and navigating unfamiliar areas.

E-Commerce and Delivery Services: GIS software is a powerful tool for supply chain network planning. It helps determine the optimal location for distribution centers, warehouses, or other supply facilities. GIS is utilized in logistics and delivery services for optimizing routes, tracking shipments, and ensuring timely deliveries. E-commerce platforms leverage GIS to enhance the efficiency of their supply chain and last-mile delivery processes.

Weather Forecasting and Disaster Management: Many states are using GIS dashboard to monitor the rainfall across the state, on a real-time basis, from the data shared by rain sensors installed at various locationsGIS plays a crucial role in weather forecasting and disaster management. It assists meteorologists in analyzing spatial data, predicting weather patterns, and facilitating timely responses to natural disasters by mapping affected areas and coordinating emergency services.

Healthcare Planning and Disease Monitoring: Geographic Information Systems enable the visualization and monitoring of infectious diseases. Additionally GIS records and displays the necessary information that health care needs of the community as well as the available resources and materials. GIS supports public health initiatives by mapping the spread of diseases, analyzing healthcare resource distribution, and assisting in the planning of vaccination campaigns. It aids in identifying high-risk areas and optimizing healthcare service delivery.

Social Media and Geo-tagging: GIS also helps in geotagging and other location related information in posts, it’s tools can map and visualize the spatial distribution of social media activity. This analysis can reveal trends, hotspots, and patterns in user engagement across different geographic areas. Many social media platforms incorporate GIS for geo-tagging, allowing users to share their location and experiences. This feature enhances social connectivity and facilitates the sharing of location-specific information.

Smart City Initiatives: The Geographic Information System (GIS) offers advanced and user-friendly capabilities for Smart City projects and allows to capture, store and manipulate, analyze and visualize spatially referenced data. It is used for spatial analysis and modeling. It is the cornerstone of smart city planning, enabling the integration of data for efficient urban management. It supports initiatives related to traffic management, waste disposal, energy consumption, and overall infrastructure development.

Education and Research: GIS is increasingly utilized in education and research for visualizing and analyzing spatial data. It enables students and researchers to explore geographic relationships, conduct field studies, and enhance their understanding of various subjects.

Agricultural Management and Precision Farming: Farmers leverage GIS to optimize agricultural practices by analyzing soil conditions, crop health, and weather patterns. Precision farming techniques, facilitated by GIS, contribute to increased crop yields and sustainable farming practices.

Real Estate and Property Management: In the real estate sector, GIS aids in property mapping, land valuation, and site selection. It provides real estate professionals with valuable insights into spatial relationships, market trends, and optimal development opportunities.

Tourism and Recreation: GIS enhances the tourism industry by providing interactive maps, route planning, and location-based information. It assists tourists in exploring destinations, finding attractions, and navigating efficiently.

The broad and varied involvement of GIS in our daily lives underscores its significance as a technology that not only facilitates geographic data analysis but also contributes to the efficiency, safety, and interconnectedness of modern society. As GIS applications continue to evolve, their impact on daily activities is expected to further expand and refine.

[landgraabbed]

some datv thoughts. mainly about the regrets of the dread wolf, and some small things. i'm still feeling quite sick so i think i'll play more today. my next main quest is the siege of weisshaupt, so i am about to finish act 1. i reckon i have roughly half of the game ahead of me, given the trophy distribution. kinda messed up! this got long and quite spoilery, so i'm sparing your dashboards

i finished the regrets of the dread wolf yesterday--i mean, you could tell that by the way i defeated the mythal dragon. i need to retract my statements when i previously said i thoroughly enjoyed this quest. the past sequences remain some of my favorite bits of storytelling in this game, but the memories of the regrets proper, i despise. quite honestly, they are to me a microcosm of this game's writing and its failure. you get a brief narration of what are quite significant events to the ancient lore of thedas. i did feel vindicated because i was correct on all counts, other than some specifics. i believed that the elves gaining corporeal forms and losing their immortality happened at once, when solas created the veil. i had assumed the elves-titans war had started because of the elves' extensive mining for lyrium/meddling with the orbs. i didn't make the connection between solas rendering the titans tranquil and the blight--i had hypothesized that the blight was a consequence of the elves removing their hearts, perhaps, to get their orbs and thus corrupting the tyrants and the lyrium flowing in their veins. perhaps based on the secret mural from trespasser with the titan. so far so good.

i despised the party round table talks after each memory. by the way, i did them all in one fell swoop given that i had managed to collect all statuettes before the meeting with the inquisitor although i was severely underleveled for it all. more on that later. it's the party talks that really left a sour taste in my mouth. they exist to spell out the quite frankly simple meanings from each regret. they exist to reinforce the idea that time and time again solas was Right. he was right about using titan flesh to gain corporeal forms. he was right that sundering the titans' dreams was a bad idea. he was right about meddling with the blight. he was Right. and he only acted against his beliefs due to his deep devotion for mythal. he did it for mythal, you see. solas is reduced to miss piggy singing 'didn't i do it for you' to mythal, and then killing her a second time post inquisition, yet another regret. except now he is retconned to do it mainly because he had to move the evanuris to another prison, not just to tear down the veil. you see, it is a secondary motivation, a bonus! he is no longer allowed to fully commit to a heinous act because he believes it is the right way to fix his wrongs, be it due to pride, regret, or narrowmindedness. which he was actually allowed to do during his rebellion and got rightfully chewed out by felassan. no, he is so devoted to mythal, he is so sad, you understand. the game repeats this after each memory with the subtlety of an acme anvil in a saturday morning cartoon. the game wants you to believe this. the game wants you to feel a type of way. so instead of relying on good writing and your intelligence to put two and two together and on your individual predisposition to decide how you feel about the events, it bludgeons you with the intended reading and emotional tone. it insults the player.

i've already said that although i find the environments gorgeous, the way you navigate and interact with them is nightmarish. the game puts dark souls fog walls at home where it doesn't want you to go. it arbitrarily seals off regions because hey, we don't want you to go here yet. you will come here later when we want you to do so which most of the time so far has been after you have gotten the exploration skills from companions that we'll use there. i wish i could explore every which way i can. if i can't solve x "puzzle" by then, that's ok. i'm a big girl, i can go ok, maybe something will happen that will change things here or i will get a new exploration avenue. i'll do it then. you know, as metroidvanias do. you can't truly explore during quests when you're introduced to a new area, so you need to go back to do it. and the puzzles are so elementary they may as well not exist. it all feels like a time sink meant to pad the game.

the combat is starting to lose its novelty, too. there is far too little enemy variety. there's different categories, such as spirits, darkspawn, humans, etc. but they aren't meaningful distinct and have many overlapping types (ranged mage with projectiles and aoe, small melee, small melee with shield, big hulking enemy) that require similar movements from the player. the dragon was a highlight though. the champions are all the same with a small twist for each one. most importantly, the best the combat has been for me was against higher level opponents. i fear what will happen once i start closing the gap between my level and the highest level opponents. i already defeated mythal's retribution which was near the level cap. i could increase enemy hp from standard, but i have noticed that higher level enemies are already quite health spongy, so.... bioware once again failed to make higher difficulties actually difficult without resorting to hp sponges.

[littlesmints]

Breaking bad habits a guide

Overcoming / breaking bad habits are difficult. It is something i myself struggle with everyday, like everyone else does. So i wanna share ways i myself have used but also found to break those bad habbits, no matter what they are.

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01. Identify

To start off you got to identify your bad habbit and its trigges.

What's the habbit? get specific about what behavior you want to change. For example, instead of "Endless scrolling online," It might be "I'm avoiding a task".

When does it happen? Look for patterns: Time of day, emotions or situations. Noticing these triggers will help you understand when you're most likely to slip.

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02. Understand the "Why"

Ask yourself why you do it. Most habits give us something - comfort, distraction or even a burst of energy. Understanding the "reward" behind the habit can help you replace it with something healthier that meets the same need.

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03. Set a realistic goal.

To stop a bad habit you got to set realistic goals. Rome wasn't built in a day. Start with a small, achievable goal, like cutting back rather than quitting it all at once. For example; If you scroll for a long time on tiktok, put a timer on the app after set time it will lock the app. i will put a little guide for this .

To find the app timers on Android:

Open settings > Go to digital wellbeing & parental Controlls > Tap on dashboard or App timers > Here you can set timers for each app you want.

To find app timers on Iphone:

Open settings > Tap on screen time > Select App limits then choose the apps or ctegories you want to limit > Set your desired time limit.

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04. Replacement & removing yourself from triggers

Most of the time we fall (back) into a bad habbit is because of our environment or the way we fill up our day. It is important to remove yourself from the things that trigger you to do the bad habbit. It is also important to know how to fill up your day/ manage your time.

Pick an alternative action. This could be as easy as simply chewing gum instead of smoking or taking a walk instead of scrolling through your phone. These are quick and easy ways to do when your trigger hits.

A new Hobby. A new hobby could actually help you on the long term. It helps you to change your mind / keep your mind of the bad habit and it is a good way to fill your day up. If you are on your phone a lot, find something that keeps you of it. For me that is journaling and going for walks. My "Why" for my excessive phone use is avoiding of feelings or for when i feel overwhelmed. Going for a walk clears my mind and journaling helps me understand my feelings.

Removing yourself from triggers. Changing your environment can help you break a habit. If you want to stop checking social media as soon as you wake up, try leaving your phone in a different room. Or if you want stop sleeping in so much, leave your phone far away from your bed so you would have to walk to turn of your alarm. If there are people in your life that trigger you to do the bad habit, remove them from your life. If that is not possible, spend less time with them. The more effort required to do the habbit, the less likely you'll do it.

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05. Celebrate small wins

Give yourself credit for even the smallest improvements. Rewarding yourself for small steps build confidence and keeps you motivated. Do remember that if you have to goal to stop spending too much that a reward doesnt need to be something bought. It can be you giving yourself a bit more time to do the healthy thing you like to do.

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06. Self-Compassion.

Don't be too hard on yourself. Practice self-compassion, habits take time to break. If you have a setback, remind yourself that it's completely normal and keep going.

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Breaking a habit isn't easy, but with patience and persistence, you'll start to see changes!

[morganblogsblog]

How can Environment Management Dashboards improve decision-making for businesses?

Environment Management Dashboards are powerful tools for enhancing decision-making processes, as they aggregate and analyze environmental data to guide more informed choices. Below are the key ways in which these dashboards contribute to better decision-making:

Centralized Data Access: One of the primary advantages of an environment management dashboard is that it centralizes all relevant environmental data into a single platform. Rather than pulling data from disparate sources (e.g., different departments, external reports, or sensors), decision-makers can access a holistic view of the organization's environmental impact from one dashboard.

Predictive Analytics: Environmental management dashboards often include predictive analytics tools that allow businesses to use historical data to forecast potential risks. For example, the dashboard can analyze trends in energy consumption or waste production and predict when certain targets (such as sustainability goals) might be reached or exceeded.

Enhanced Collaboration: Effective sustainability initiatives require collaboration across different departments, such as operations, finance, and environmental compliance teams. With a shared dashboard, all stakeholders can access the same data in real-time, enabling better communication and coordinated action.

Optimization of Resources: One of the main objectives of environmental management is to minimize waste and optimize resource usage. Dashboards provide detailed insights into how resources such as energy, water, and raw materials are being used across the business.

Regulatory Compliance: Staying compliant with environmental regulations is a significant part of decision-making for businesses. A dashboard can provide real-time data on emissions, waste disposal, and other regulated metrics, ensuring that businesses stay within legal limits.

Scalability: As businesses grow, so do their environmental monitoring needs. Environment management dashboards are scalable, allowing organizations to expand their data points, sensors, and tracking capabilities to accommodate new locations or products. This scalability ensures that companies can continue monitoring their environmental impact as they grow, helping them stay aligned with their sustainability goals.

Faster Decision-Making: By offering a clear, comprehensive view of environmental performance in real-time, dashboards enable businesses to make faster decisions. This can be particularly beneficial when time is of the essence, such as during emergency situations or when dealing with supply chain disruptions. 

In summary, Environment Management Dashboards improve decision-making by providing businesses with centralized, real-time data, predictive insights, and tools for resource optimization. They also enable businesses to comply with regulations, improve efficiency, and collaborate more effectively across departments, ultimately driving better sustainability outcomes.

[jhonharlley]

What Is an Workspace Used For?

A workspace is a designated area, physical or digital, where individuals or teams perform their tasks, collaborate, and access the resources they need. Workspaces are essential for productivity and are designed to organize tools, projects, and workflows effectively. Here are common uses for workspaces:

1. Organizing Work and Projects

Workspaces allow people to organize tasks, files, and tools in a single location. For instance, a digital workspace in project management software like Asana or Trello keeps all project details, timelines, and task assignments in one view, making it easier to manage progress.

2. Facilitating Collaboration

In team settings, workspaces provide a shared environment where team members can collaborate on documents, track project progress, and communicate. Platforms like Microsoft Teams or Slack provide digital workspaces where team members can chat, share files, and work together in real time, regardless of location.

3. Enhancing Focus and Productivity

Workspaces are designed to reduce distractions and make tools readily accessible, allowing individuals to focus on their work. In a physical setting, this could mean an office or dedicated desk area with all necessary equipment. Digitally, this could mean a customized dashboard that houses frequently used apps and resources.

4. Storing and Accessing Information

Workspaces often include storage features where teams can save and organize files, documents, and other resources. This centralization ensures that everyone has easy access to the information they need, reducing time spent searching for files.

5. Streamlining Communication

Communication is smoother within a workspace, where integrated chat, video conferencing, and commenting features allow team members to connect directly. Many workspaces, such as Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, combine communication and productivity tools, facilitating both synchronous and asynchronous communication.

6. Managing Workflow and Task Delegation

Workspaces provide tools for task assignment, tracking, and deadline management, which help keep projects moving forward. By setting clear workflows, workspaces enable managers and teams to break down complex projects into actionable tasks and assign responsibilities.

7. Improving Flexibility in Remote Work

With the rise of remote work, digital workspaces have become essential for flexible working arrangements. Cloud-based platforms allow employees to access their workspace from anywhere, giving teams the freedom to work outside a traditional office while staying connected.

Key Benefits of a Workspace

Centralization: Combines resources, tools, and information in one accessible location.

Efficiency: Reduces time spent searching for tools or information.

Adaptability: Suits various needs, whether for individual focus or team collaboration.

Enhanced Organization: Keeps work structured, whether in a physical office, a digital platform, or a combination of both.

In summary, a workspace—whether physical, digital, or hybrid—serves as a structured environment to organize tasks, collaborate, store information, and manage workflow, ultimately boosting productivity and efficiency.

[financial-consulting]

Why Instant Financial Insights Matter for Businesses Today?

Introduction Today’s fast-paced business environment, waiting until the end of the month to understand a company's financial position is no longer sufficient. Real-time accounting has emerged as a game-changer, offering immediate access to financial data, allowing businesses to make informed decisions faster than ever before. Here’s a look at why real-time accounting is trending and how it benefits businesses in this dynamic economic landscape. RVAK Consulting LLP provides comprehensive taxation services tailored to help businesses navigate complex tax regulations and optimize compliance. From strategic tax planning to accurate filing and representation, RVAK ensures clients meet their tax obligations efficiently, minimizing liabilities and maximizing opportunities.

What is Real-Time Accounting?

Real-time accounting leverages advanced accounting software and cloud technology to update financial data instantly as transactions occur. Instead of waiting for monthly or quarterly reports, business owners and stakeholders can access live financial information at any moment.

Why is Real-Time Accounting a Trending Topic?

Several factors are driving the adoption of real-time accounting:

Demand for Agility: Businesses must adapt quickly to changing market conditions, and real-time data empowers them to make swift, well-informed decisions.

Digital Transformation: With the rise of cloud-based accounting solutions, updating financial data instantly has become more accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Risk Management: Real-time insights enable proactive decision-making, helping businesses identify potential risks and address them before they escalate.

Key Benefits of Real-Time Accounting

Improved Cash Flow Management: Real-time accounting allows businesses to monitor their cash flow instantly. They can see which payments are due, forecast cash needs, and avoid potential cash flow issues.

Enhanced Decision-Making: Instant access to financial data allows business leaders to make informed, data-driven decisions. Whether it's expanding operations or cutting expenses, real-time data provides the accuracy needed to act confidently.

Accurate Financial Forecasting: With up-to-the-minute data, companies can create more accurate financial forecasts, helping them better prepare for future needs or investments.

Simplified Compliance and Tax Reporting: Real-Time Accounting simplifies compliance by maintaining accurate records that can be accessed and verified easily, making tax filing and audits more straightforward.

Reduced Errors: Automating data updates in real-time minimizes the risk of manual entry errors, leading to more accurate financial records and fewer discrepancies.

How to Implement Real-Time Accounting in Your Business

Choose the Right Accounting Software: Select a cloud-based accounting system that integrates seamlessly with your business processes and supports real-time data updates.

Automate Transaction Entries: Leverage automation features for expenses, invoicing, and payroll to ensure transactions are recorded immediately, reducing manual work.

Integrate Bank Feeds: Many modern accounting platforms allow you to sync bank transactions directly, enabling instant reconciliation and more accurate cash flow tracking.

Regularly Monitor Key Metrics: With real-time data, it’s easy to monitor KPIs, cash flow, and profit margins. Set up dashboards for an at-a-glance view of your company’s financial health.

Challenges to Consider

While real-time accounting offers numerous benefits, there are a few challenges businesses may face:

Cost of Technology: Implementing new software or upgrading existing systems may require an initial investment, which can be a barrier for smaller businesses.

Data Security: With real-time data being cloud-based, it’s critical to have robust cybersecurity measures in place to protect sensitive financial information.

Learning Curve: Shifting from traditional to real-time accounting can require training, especially for employees accustomed to older accounting processes.

The Future of Real-Time Accounting

As technology advances, real-time accounting is expected to become even more accessible and integral to financial management. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are likely to further enhance the capabilities of real-time Accounting, enabling more predictive insights and even automated financial decision-making. RVAK Consulting LLP provides comprehensive taxation services tailored to help businesses navigate complex tax regulations and optimize compliance. From strategic tax planning to accurate filing and representation, RVAK ensures clients meet their tax obligations efficiently, minimizing liabilities and maximizing opportunities.

Conclusion

Real-time accounting offers a competitive edge, enabling businesses to access financial insights instantly, respond to market changes, and make data-driven decisions. With the rise of digital tools and automation, implementing real-time accounting is easier than ever, allowing companies of all sizes to benefit from instant, reliable financial data. In an ever-evolving business landscape, real-time accounting may well become the new standard for financial management.

[thejeepnames]

What Are The Latest Jeep Technologies?

In the rugged world of off-roading, Jeep has always been the name to trust. From its military origins as a go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle to becoming a cultural icon, the Jeep brand has perpetually pushed the boundaries of what's possible on and off the trail. But as each year strides into the next, one thing is clear – the heart of a Jeep may never change, but its technological veins are constantly evolving. This comprehensive exploration dives deep into the cutting-edge features that define the modern Jeep, their impact off the beaten path, and a glimpse of what trekkers can anticipate on the horizon.

Unearthing the Evolution of Jeep Technologies

A Legacy Forged by Pioneers

Jeep has a DNA that’s encoded for adventure. It’s the vehicle that took part in World War II, carried explorers across the Amazon, and scaled the icy glaciers of the Antarctic. At its core, Jeep embodies the indomitable spirit of those who aren't afraid to venture into the unknown.

From Cogs to Chips

The integration of technology into Jeep's lineup has been a slow burn, but a momentous one. What started with the introduction of 4x4 systems and all-terrain tires has now burst into a kaleidoscope of digital assistance. Over the years, we've witnessed the marriage of classic Jeeper know-how with modern computing prowess, fundamentally reshaping how we approach off-roading. This section covers the significant technological milestones that have brought us to the modern day.

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The Latest Jeep Innovations

Mastering the Terrain

The current breed of Jeep is endowed with an arsenal of systems dedicated to mastering the diverse environments an off-roader may encounter. Whether it's rock, sand, mud, or snow – Jeep's Terrain Management Systems (TMS) ensure that you have the upper hand, no matter what Mother Nature throws your way. TMS provides instantaneous adjustments to your vehicle's parameters, allowing it to optimize performance based on the present conditions.

Dashboards of Dominance

Merging the thrill of the off-road experience with the precision of an airplane cockpit, Jeep Performance Pages are much more than just a high-tech gimmick. These digital dashboards give you an in-depth look at what's happening under the hood, allowing you to monitor everything from wheel articulation to live powertrain data, and much more. It's a control center that empowers you to make informed decisions on the fly.

Safety Beyond the Highway

The modern Jeep is more than just muscle; it’s a watchful ally on the trail. The latest safety features such as forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring systems work in tandem to keep you and your trail mates safe. They're not just pavement technologies – these features have been road-tested for reliability in even the most extreme trail environments.

Connectivity at Every Turn

In an era where being connected is almost as vital as the air we breathe, Jeep's Uconnect technology is nothing short of essential. With functionalities that keep you in contact, entertained, and on track, Uconnect intertwines your vehicle's systems with your digital life seamlessly. From intuitive navigation aids to hands-free communication, this tech suite is the bridge between solitude and civilization.

Enhancing the Off-Road Experience

Battling the Rocks

The innovations in Jeep's 4x4 systems do more than just help you conquer the next hill; they transform the very fabric of your off-road experience. The latest systems are more intuitive and more capable, tailoring their performance to the driver's intent with uncanny precision. They make mincemeat out of even the most intimidating of rocks and crevices, ensuring the adventure never stagnates.

Performance that Adapts

What good is power if you can't utilize it effectively? That's the philosophy behind Jeep's technologies - they're not there to replace skill, but to enhance it. Hill Descent Control, Axle Lockers, and even an integrated TrailCam – these features adapt to the situation, assuring that you get the most out of every drop of power your engine churns out.

Real-world Resilience

Intellect on its own is meaningless without proving its mettle in the real world. That’s why we’ve collected stories of how these cutting-edge technologies have affected lives firsthand. From threadbare trails to rain-soaked forests, the inclusion of these features has been a game-changer for off-road enthusiasts everywhere.

Charting the Future of Jeep Technology

The Road Ahead

The road to the future is paved with the grit of innovation. Jeep has expressed keen interest in staying abreast of the sustainable and electric vehicle trends. Concepts and prototypes like the off-roading BEV and plug-in hybrids are but whispers on the wind, but they're harbingers of what may be the future of all Jeep adventures.

Blinking Green

While performance remains a hallmark of the brand, the future may also be about incorporating more eco-friendly technologies. Electric powertrains, when paired with off-road-specific driving systems, could redefine what we think of as sustainable adventure. Forward to an era where the only thing you leave behind are tire tracks.

Closing the Trail

Jeep's march into the modern era is not only about keeping up with the times. It's about defining the standards of adventure in an increasingly complex world. The blend of tradition and technology is the adhesive that binds the Jeep community, ensuring that no matter how advanced the rigs get, the spirit of adventure remains the same. Welcome to the crossroads of heritage and cutting-edge—the future is off-road.

[groweon-crm]

How to Choose the Best CRM Tool for Your Small Business?

One out of five small businesses fail within the first year. No, this is not to demotivate you but to show you the reality of how important the first five years of a small business are. Most small businesses struggle to deal with customers as customers have different needs, and managing all your different customers feels next to impossible; that’s why you need CRM software.

Customer relationship management (CRM) software has revolutionised the way businesses interact with customers. It helps reduce the need for manual input by automating key processes like tracking customer interactions, managing leads, and organising sales pipelines. CRM software is proven to increase business productivity and efficiency and improve overall customer satisfaction.

Before you put your skates on and look for a CRM tool, it is crucial to choose a CRM tool that is perfect for your business, as the internet is flooded with tons of CRM software. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting the best CRM tool for your small business.

 1. Identify Your Business Needs

Before diving into the technical details of various CRM tools, it’s important to clearly identify your business’s unique needs. Ask yourself questions like:

- What are your current pain points in customer management?

- Are you looking to streamline sales, marketing, or customer service processes?

- How many people will be using the CRM system?

Once you understand your specific goals, choosing CRM software will be quite easy for you as you can prioritise what features the software must have.

 2. User-Friendly Interface

As a small business, you most likely won’t have a tech-savvy and highly experienced team, so it is crucial to choose CRM software with a user-friendly interface. A simple and user-friendly interface will allow your team to quickly adapt and use the software efficiently. Look for a CRM that offers an intuitive dashboard, easy navigation, and simple data entry processes.

Additionally, many CRM tools offer free trials, so take advantage of this to assess whether the platform is easy for your team to use and navigate.

3. Affordability

Most small businesses don’t have massive profits and income-generating revenues, so it is crucial not to get overexcited and choose CRM software that suits your budget. CRM software with more features and capabilities will cost more, so it is vital to understand your business needs and opt for a CRM that doesn’t break the bank and gets the job done. Groweon CRM software is quite affordable and has tons of features, so it is a great choice for small businesses.

4. Scalability

As your business grows, your CRM should be able to grow with you. Look for a CRM solution that offers scalable features so that you don’t outgrow the tool as your customer base expands. A scalable CRM will allow you to add new users, customise workflows, and integrate additional tools without disruption.

Choosing a CRM that can scale alongside your business will save you the hassle of transitioning to a new platform as your needs evolve.

5. Mobile Accessibility

In today’s fast-paced business environment, having access to your CRM data on the go is essential. Mobile accessibility enables you to update and access customer information, track sales, and communicate with your team from anywhere. This is particularly useful for small business owners or sales teams who spend a significant amount of time out of the office.

Ensure that the CRM tool you choose offers a robust mobile application that is easy to use and provides the same level of functionality as its desktop version.

6. Customer Support

Reliable customer support is crucial, especially when you’re first implementing a CRM system. Small businesses often lack the in-house expertise to troubleshoot technical issues, so having access to a responsive support team can make a significant difference.

Look for CRM providers that offer 24/7 customer support, training resources, and user communities. Some CRM tools even offer dedicated account managers for small businesses, ensuring that you get personalised help whenever needed.

Conclusion

Choosing the best CRM tool for your small business can make a world of difference to your business’s operations and massively improve productivity. No matter what industry you are in, ideal CRM software can transform the way you manage customers.