#Fiber to the Premises Market

[foldingfittedsheets]

Soooo I just got a new bed and it's too soft for me. And a friend recommended getting an extra firm mattress topper to try to make it firmer. I'm a bit skeptical (would firm on top of soft work?) and thought I'd ask the resident Internet mattress guru! :P

I was folding laundry when I saw this and literally stepped away and I sat down to answer. This is serious business.

Because there’s a lot of clarifying questions for this situation I’m gonna info dump. If this doesn’t answer please feel free to follow up.

So first: there’s a big misconception about “soft” beds. Beds are composed of two major categories: comfort and support. Soft comfort is great! So nice for joints. Soft support is terrible. So bad for backs.

A lot of people think soft beds in general are bad for your back and this harkens back to the very first commercial spring mattresses. The coils were all one solid interconnected layer, and if they weren’t stiff you’d end up slumped into the bed with no back support. (Not unlike soft sleep number beds- no bueno for spines)

After a lot of research people realized that individual coils standing up inside the mattress was way comfier and less bouncy for partners and bonus- could even feel softer while keeping back support!

There was a big campaign to help people realize their beds didn’t need to be stiff as a board because soft comfort layer beds could still give good back support! The soft was the cushioning on top, but the springs were still down there keeping spines aligned.

Then all foam beds hit the market but they still used the same premise. Soft on top, supportive underneath. But the dense underfoam was just as good as springs for back alignment.

But then dun dun DUNN arrived beds in a box. Now I have very negative views of any bed in a box. They use cheap fire retardants fiber glass, don’t last very long, but most damningly they don’t have good support because a foam light enough to roll up doesn’t have the density to support a spine long term.

On the subject of toppers: a topper is only ever a band aid, and one unlikely to fix your particular issue. People suggest toppers when a bed has caved in over time and a topper can only ever offer “comfort” not “support”.

The only situation a topper can fix is if a bed is too hard on joints. That’s it.

Now to your problem: when you say soft, does you back hurt from the softness? If yes, a topper will not fix it.

Some people don’t like how soft beds feel, like how they can make it difficult to turn or move around but! In this case I usually recommend they try it at least a month to see if they can acclimate because softer comfort helps reduce tossing and turning. A lot of people just aren’t used to it but like it with some acclimating.

If your soft bed came from a box: give up, it’ll only get worse, they don’t have back support and the soft support is a huge red flag.

If you’re unsure of how the bed is making your back feel low down flat on your back, even if that’s not how you sleep. A good bed should sink at your shoulders and hips, but push up at your lower back. This is the hallmark of good back support.

If instead of pushing back on you the bed let’s you slump into a curve, call it.

I hope this was helpful. I know it was a lot but there’s a ton of factors and beds are legitimately so important to people’s overall health. Good sleep is a scarcity and it’s worth finding the best bed you can.

[caffieneaddictt18]

Of Hearts and Swords

Premise: Reader drives Geralt crazy. Good crazy. He is drunk on the love they share and is completely and utterly infatuated with her. He would do anything for her. The moment she asks him for anything, to getting bread from the market to killing a man, he will do it for her. Anything for his she-wolf.

Playlist is by harleycao here on Tumblr

Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4F3ldBxx0Da1SPlcmgu61H?si=9zbz8tnlQYaLXZWb8IWbLg

As you, Geralt, Jaskier and Ciri make your way to the next town, you start to notice Ciri growing tired and falling behind.

"Ciri!" You stop and beckon the girl over. Ciri stops and looks at you before running to you and your stallion, Orpheus, a gift from Geralt.

"Is something wrong?" Ciri looks concerned. Her hand rests on the hilt of her sword and a stony look starts to set into her eyes.

"Nope. Just figured you would want to ride Orpheus," You say and slide down for Ciri to mount him, "so hop on." You try to help Ciri get onto the saddle but fail, as she is now a strong young lady.

You turn to Geralt, who you see is also stopped and staring at you, making sure you are okay. "Geralt, dear, will you please help Ciri into the saddle?" You politely ask your husband.

Geralt, as though he had already heard your question before you said it, got off of Roach and quickly got to you, gently laying his hand on your hip. "Of course, darling."

Geralt, as a Witcher, does not take much effort to do anything except kill monsters, so lifting Ciri is like holding a couple of grapes.

However, he knows you... He knows you watch him. He knows you like to admire your husband... And he will gladly appease. So, even if Ciri feels as light as a feather, he flexes his arms while lifting her and making it look effortless.

As he situates Ciri on the saddle, he glances at you to see you watching him in rapture with a flush on your cheeks. He smirks while finishing strapping her into saddle.

Once he is done, he gives you a look of burning passion and struts toward you before scooping you up in a tight hold before sitting you on Roach. "Are you stable?"

You reach out and place a gentle hand on his cheek, "I am very stable, my darling. Thank you."

Geralt takes your hand and gently kisses it, before taking Roach's reins and leading the way to the nearest town. ______________________________________________________________

As Geralt leads the group into the market, with you perched on his horse, he can't help but think of a time where you two met. It seemed to happen not so long ago...

Geralt was hired as a king's escort for a war. Another stupid war... but it's good money.

Not nearly good enough for some of the shit he does for these bastards but good enough..

"Geralt!" A king beckons the man with white hair over. Geralt trudges over. "Our war advisor will be coming today to assist. If you have any questions or need anything, she is the one to ask." The old king claps Geralt on his shoulder.

She? Who could this 'she' be? He has never heard of a woman war advisor.

Then the clopping of hooves fell upon his ears. Geralt turns around, prepared for a fight, just to let his hand fall from his sword.

A woman was riding this horse. A horse of pure-blooded war and terror, but a soul of harmony and immenseness sits upon it.

A woman... bearing a symbol of a star encircled in a ring of metal, carrying two swords on her back and in a suit of armor seemingly not from this sphere. Her armor was a cloth, but it seemed to be threaded with a strong fiber-like metal.

As she approached, Geralt could see where else the encircled star was branded upon her, as if she owned the symbol. On her swords, the symbol was on the hilts. All her jewelry carried the symbol. It seemed to hang around her as much as she seemed to own it.

"Lord Lokinafir, I apologize for my tardiness. I was scoping out the lay of the land to get a better understanding of our situation." The woman dismounted from her horse and strode confidently towards the king. She bowed with a slight curtsy, resting her balance on the tips of her toes behind her.

"Of course, War Advisor. Would you like a map to draw out the lay of the land?" The king seemed to be eating out of her hand, even kissing her hand politely. He didn't even bother with the inappropriate flirting.

"No need, sire. I have something better." The woman smirked and waved her hand. A map of the land, complete with actual ridges and hills, spread out upon all of them. On each side of the map were the two armies, colored in red and white while the map was colored green.

"Soldiers!" Her voice seemed to boom and call attention to the mass of men, all with pent up testosterone and a thirst for blood, "Come!"

Her voice beckoned them to come surround the map and pay attention, even through the red haze of blood thirst. "This is the land we are fighting on. While we are at a slight disadvantage because of their size of army, we have the advantage of the land. That is all we need for a great offense. And the best offense comes with a greater defense." The map spun right in front of Geralt eyes and he faintly saw the symbol again on her palm and under the map before it faded to almost nothing. When he looked at it again, the land had changed. Their side was filled with rocks and had fallen at the opposing army's feet.

"While they stumble over themselves trying to climb out of the rocky terrain they will face, we come over our side of the hill and lie in wait with our swords pointed towards them..." The map changed again. The red soldiers had climbed over each other and finally over the rocks, while the white army laid in wait just at the middle to the bottom of the hill holding their spears towards the slope, "they run and with their momentum, impale themselves!" Suddenly, some of the reds started charging down the hill while the whites ran through the red soldiers with their spears, backed by other white soldiers to prevent themselves from falling and hurting anyone else.

"While they stall at the top of the hill, unsure of where to go, we volley them with catapults and mortars. Archers, this is where you are needed." People from the top of the hill the white soldiers have to climb over are catapults and mortars being fired off, killing most of the red soldiers. Archers back the mortar and catapults up, at least injuring the rest, causing a pitiful retreat from the red soldiers.

As she dissolves the map, Geralt knew...

He had to get to know you. ______________________________________________________________

You look back upon Jaskier, who mounted your horse once you also noticed him limping from blisters on the backs of his heels, and Ciri, hoping nothing has gone wrong. As far as you can tell, everything seems to be fine.

This immensely pleased you.

You looked upon your husband, dutifully scanning for any threat to your little family and leading the way.

"Geralt." You get the Witcher's attention as he still guides Roach and in turn guides Ciri, who is riding Orpheus. "Would you like to join me on Roach?"

"Do you want me there?" A deep, soft and gruff voice permeates the air and settles deep in your chest.

You take in a deep breath and nod, seeing a flash of yellow; knowing he is watching you. Your reaction. Your responses.

Geralt swiftly made his way to the saddle and mounted gracefully, with you still in the front, but now he has taken the reins.

On the ride to the town, Ciri asks Jaskier, "So... how did they meet?"

"Why are you asking me?" Jaskier questions Ciri. The girl is like a daughter to Geralt and Y/N. They'll tell her, anyways.

"You know everything about Geralt, don't you? You're the bard." Ciri accentuates, desperate for answers, tries to fluff Jaskier's feathers and get him to tell her.

Jaskier, feeling his ego grow, smirks and says, "You want to know how it goes? Fine." Her acts all perturbed at her poking but really is excited to tell a story.

"During a battle that no one has heard of, she showed up like a goddess riding on the wind. Geralt was immediately enraptured by her...

______________________________________________________________

"You're a mage." Geralt bluntly remarks, walking up the woman preparing her steed for battle.

She pauses. "Yes. And what of it?" The woman resumes brushing her horse.

"Well why not be safely in a castle? Tending to a king and being an advisor?" Geralt, not understanding the complexity of mages, asks.

"It wasn't for me. Besides, this is better money." The woman smiles and moves towards the head of her horse.

"You wouldn't need money if you were a mage for a king. What do you mean 'better money'?" Geralt is so confused. Why would she get paid? Are mages paid? Are some unpaid?

"I mean 'better money'. Mages do get paid, but it is typically a little amount because it is expected of them to live in the castle with the king and for the king to care for their mage, like a pet." The woman spat out the word 'pet' like it was sour.

"Ok... So if you didn't want to become a mage, why didn't you become a town healer? It's safer than this will ever be." Geralt rolls his eyes, not understanding this womans logic.

"Town's still get trampled over, plus as a mage, I could be chased out of town despite being there with all good intentions and purpose;" The woman looks longingly out at the soon-to-be battlefield, "War never goes out of style. After all..." Y/N looks dead into Geralt's yellow eyes, causing him to shiver, "everybody wants to rule the world."

______________________________________________________________

...and that day, she won the battle. Her horse died as a result, but Geralt offered for her to travel with him. He used the excuse of strategy, but he really just had developing feelings for her and didn't know how to express them. A few months later, Geralt had saved enough money from constantly killing monsters and bought her Orpheus. They kind of became a couple over time, and without notice. She has Geralt wrapped around her finger, and he would do anything for her." Jaskier finished his story, just glad he remembered the important bits.

"That's it?!" Ciri almost shouted. Jaskier was quick to shush her.

"Ciri, dear, are you okay?" Ciri could hear Y/N call from Roach. Geralt was glancing over his shoulder at the two, like he knew something was going on.

Jaskier gave Ciri a look before taking his hand away from her mouth, but not before she licked his hand, causing the bard to cringe at the ickiness. Geralt smirked at the scene.

"Just fine, Y/N! Jaskier is just telling me stories about you and Geralt." Ciri elbows the bard. 'Well played, kid.' Jaskier gives Ciri's under-the-bus throw a thought before smiling and agreeing.

"Which stories? We have lots~" Y/N's smirk can be heard from her voice.

"Just on how you two met. But I'm pretty sure he butchered it a bit, so can we trade, and you can tell me stories about you and Geralt?" Ciri smirks, looking at Jaskier. She knows Geralt would never let Jaskier even touch Roach.

"Are you okay with that, Darling?" Y/n leans into Geralt's firm chest, a feeling he secretly loves and will never tell anyone.

It is, however, apparent, as there was one time Jaskier tried to do a dance thing and fell into Geralt as to which the Witcher promptly stood the man on his feet.

A woman on the street once shoved Y/N out of the way to get to Geralt, and 'tripped', subsequently leading to her falling onto Geralt's chest. He swiftly moved to catch Y/N while pushing the woman away. Geralt didn't let Y/N walk anymore that day. Said that 'the hazard of tripping was too high'. Really, he just wanted to feel her against him.

Geralt looks at her and nods, knowing full well that he won't let Jaskier get on Roach. "Do it quick. We are losing daylight." Geralt said as he slows and pulls Roach to a stop.

Geralt hops off first and assists Y/N, helping her get off Roach and on Orpheus. Jaskier was quick to jump off Orpheus to avoid accidentally getting pushed off by Y/N.

As Y/N settled into Orpheus, Geralt strapped her in to make sure she fall off. Once he was content with it, he looked at her. "Thank you, my Darling." Y/N puts a soft hand to his face and gently thumbs his cheek.

Geralt smiles softly before heading back to Roach and giving Jaskier a glare when the bard tries to mount Roach. Jaskier purses his lips and backs off, submitting to his fate of walking.

"Can you tell me the story of how you and Geralt met?" Ciri, eyes shining in anticipation of heroic stories and funny tales of her father figure.

"Well, honey-girl, once upon a time..." Y/N's voice fades into the distance, away from the ears of squirrels and birds. Where the trees part and give way to civilization. "Seems we were closer than we thought." Y/N shrugs and gets off Orpheus, leading the stallion to the closest inn. "Maybe another time, dear." Y/N helps Ciri down and kisses her head softly before following Geralt into the inn for three rooms.

______________________________________________________________

Author's Cup of Tea:

So... tell me what y'all think. Even if you think it's bad, tell me what you did or didn't like. But for every bad there must be a good. please.my fragile heart cant handle it.

Have a great night/day!

[probablyasocialecologist]

If Ugandans have a social safety net, it is woven from banana fibers, and if there is a clear path to socialism, it will be lined with banana leaves. The lusuku model, premised on intercropping and smallholder farming, could be the basis for national agrarian reform that improves the lives of Uganda’s agricultural workers without accelerating the destruction of the natural environment. Uganda faces increasing difficulty feeding itself because of climate extremes and land degradation, and this affects farmers more significantly than anyone else. Moreover, since the 1990s, the ruling National Resistance Movement regime sold off and dismantled most of the coffee, tea, and cotton growers cooperatives, leaving smallholder farmers in the hands of the predatory middlemen which cooperatives had been established to protect them against. Unable to collectively bargain and exposed to dramatic fluctuations in the market prices for cash crops, many people left rural areas to search for employment in cities. This has been a driving force behind the massive inequality between rural and urban workers. Ugandans now produce more food than they consume, even exporting to other countries in the region, yet 41% of people are undernourished, and agricultural production has decreased over the last 20 years. For the most part, the strategy pursued by Uganda’s government has been to encourage the development of ecologically disastrous intensive agriculture for export, privileging foreign investors rather than developing the infrastructure that would benefit peasants. Indeed, while more than 70% of Ugandans are employed in agriculture, the sector only receives around 4% of public investment, and projects aimed at helping smallholder farmers have had very little success, even by their own standards. Many of the government’s investments in agriculture very clearly advantage larger landowners, to the detriment of the poorest farmers. For example, most of the government’s investment in labor-saving technologies has been spent on tractors, which are great for large plots but largely unaffordable or unsuitable for the average farmer, whose plot is usually between 1-3 acres large. However, a socialist transition premised on agroecological reforms could make use of the existing lusuku model to create the kind of growth that actually improves poor farmers’ lives without destroying their environment. This could begin with reestablishing cooperatives and engineering agricultural prices around social needs and goals, like guaranteeing access to food. Research from around the world has shown that while large, monocrop plantations are good at producing huge volumes of one crop, smallholder farms are more productive when evaluated on a per-unit area and are capable of securing national food sovereignty. Why, for example, should Ugandans buy rice imported from Pakistan or Vietnam when banana intercropping yields more calories per hectare than rice? Lusukus could feed the nation without relying on foreign experts, development aid, or the capital-intensive inputs now being imported to grow for export. Because lusukus are far better for the soil, they also improve the nation’s capacity to resist severe floods and drought, effects of climate change that hit poor farmers hardest. In these ways, the lusuku model could provide a sustainable path to socialist development.

[vintage-tech]

scans: Time magazine, October 22, 1945

World War 2 had ended a month and a half earlier and now everyone was trying to figure out what they were supposed to be doing in peacetime. (The advertisements still include a line saying “Buy War Bonds” at the bottom.) Let’s take a jaunt through this exciting time, where Time had a lot of political statements to make because so much was going on right then.

Czechoslovakia started in 1918. ceased existance under the Nazis in 1939 but Beneš maintained a government-in-exile, was restarted in 1945 once the war ended, and ceased existance for good in 1989.

That’s right, we bombed Hiroshima because they had ball bearings. This is one of three advertisements by bearing makers.

That time the Daughters of the American Revolution were unsurprisingly racist, and President Truman called them Nazis... but then his wife Bess had tea with the DAR, which pissed off Scott’s husband, US Representative Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.  Scott got the last laugh when Representative Powell booked Carnegie Hall for her and the show was a huge success.

I will post the entire article soon. Some people are reading too much into the character and not doing enough reading of the comic strip itself. (Also, he claims that Wonder Woman is both a Nazi and a whore. Clearly Ong has a thing for either the soft-heroes of Marvel or the horror comics from Entertaining.)

You’ve got to move to Memphis, that’s what I’ll do... There’s also a full-page ad for moving to Cleveland. “75 million customers within 500 miles!”

“Experts agree that Shirley [Temple] has a good many years ahead -- either in or out of the movies.” Mostly out since she did 8 more films over the next two(!!) years then mostly bowed out of Hollywood. Also, remember that in the 1940s, premarital sex was taboo so the premise of Temple’s character getting knocked up by her boyfriend was scandalous. Marriage at 17, as she had done, was not.

This guy.

A two-page spread for magnesium. A decade later, the rave would be aluminum, and that particular metal is still with us.

Heil (thppt!) Heil (thppt!) right in the Fuhrer’s face. The Nuremberg trials started on November 20 so things were going to stay interesting for a year.

I’ve asked the purists: Aralac fiber, derived from the casein in milk -- “wool made from cheese” -- makes the clothing vegetarian but not vegan, and no cattle died to make that outfit.

Lastly: You’ll have to click over to my typewriter blog to see the clunky post-war typewriter Smith-Corona was advertising (an Army office model), when what they really put on the market once they had unshelved all the parts they had stockpiled prior to the war (to make rifle firing pins for a spell) were some really stylish and handsome Silents, Sterlings, and Clippers.

[0x7b]

Omegle has been shut down.

Posting here for posterity. Retrieved directly from omegle.com on Nov 8 2023

“Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.” — C.S. Lewis

“In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move.” — Douglas Adams

Dear strangers,

From the moment I discovered the Internet at a young age, it has been a magical place to me. Growing up in a small town, relatively isolated from the larger world, it was a revelation how much more there was to discover – how many interesting people and ideas the world had to offer.

As a young teenager, I couldn’t just waltz onto a college campus and tell a student: “Let’s debate moral philosophy!” I couldn’t walk up to a professor and say: “Tell me something interesting about microeconomics!” But online, I was able to meet those people, and have those conversations. I was also an avid Wikipedia editor; I contributed to open source software projects; and I often helped answer computer programming questions posed by people many years older than me.

In short, the Internet opened the door to a much larger, more diverse, and more vibrant world than I would have otherwise been able to experience; and enabled me to be an active participant in, and contributor to, that world. All of this helped me to learn, and to grow into a more well-rounded person.

Moreover, as a survivor of childhood rape, I was acutely aware that any time I interacted with someone in the physical world, I was risking my physical body. The Internet gave me a refuge from that fear. I was under no illusion that only good people used the Internet; but I knew that, if I said “no” to someone online, they couldn’t physically reach through the screen and hold a weapon to my head, or worse. I saw the miles of copper wires and fiber-optic cables between me and other people as a kind of shield – one that empowered me to be less isolated than my trauma and fear would have otherwise allowed.

I launched Omegle when I was 18 years old, and still living with my parents. It was meant to build on the things I loved about the Internet, while introducing a form of social spontaneity that I felt didn’t exist elsewhere. If the Internet is a manifestation of the “global village”, Omegle was meant to be a way of strolling down a street in that village, striking up conversations with the people you ran into along the way.

The premise was rather straightforward: when you used Omegle, it would randomly place you in a chat with someone else. These chats could be as long or as short as you chose. If you didn’t want to talk to a particular person, for whatever reason, you could simply end the chat and – if desired – move onto another chat with someone else. It was the idea of “meeting new people” distilled down to almost its platonic ideal.

Building on what I saw as the intrinsic safety benefits of the Internet, users were anonymous to each other by default. This made chats more self-contained, and made it less likely that a malicious person would be able to track someone else down off-site after their chat ended.

I didn’t really know what to expect when I launched Omegle. Would anyone even care about some Web site that an 18 year old kid made in his bedroom in his parents’ house in Vermont, with no marketing budget? But it became popular almost instantly after launch, and grew organically from there, reaching millions of daily users. I believe this had something to do with meeting new people being a basic human need, and with Omegle being among the best ways to fulfill that need. As the saying goes: “If you build a better mousetrap, the world will beat a path to your door.”

Over the years, people have used Omegle to explore foreign cultures; to get advice about their lives from impartial third parties; and to help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. I’ve even heard stories of soulmates meeting on Omegle, and getting married. Those are only some of the highlights.

Unfortunately, there are also lowlights. Virtually every tool can be used for good or for evil, and that is especially true of communication tools, due to their innate flexibility. The telephone can be used to wish your grandmother “happy birthday”, but it can also be used to call in a bomb threat. There can be no honest accounting of Omegle without acknowledging that some people misused it, including to commit unspeakably heinous crimes.

I believe in a responsibility to be a “good Samaritan”, and to implement reasonable measures to fight crime and other misuse. That is exactly what Omegle did. In addition to the basic safety feature of anonymity, there was a great deal of moderation behind the scenes, including state-of-the-art AI operating in concert with a wonderful team of human moderators. Omegle punched above its weight in content moderation, and I’m proud of what we accomplished.

Omegle’s moderation even had a positive impact beyond the site. Omegle worked with law enforcement agencies, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, to help put evildoers in prison where they belong. There are “people” rotting behind bars right now thanks in part to evidence that Omegle proactively collected against them, and tipped the authorities off to.

All that said, the fight against crime isn’t one that can ever truly be won. It’s a never-ending battle that must be fought and re-fought every day; and even if you do the very best job it is possible for you to do, you may make a sizable dent, but you won’t “win” in any absolute sense of that word. That’s heartbreaking, but it’s also a basic lesson of criminology, and one that I think the vast majority of people understand on some level. Even superheroes, the fictional characters that our culture imbues with special powers as a form of wish fulfillment in the fight against crime, don’t succeed at eliminating crime altogether.

In recent years, it seems like the whole world has become more ornery. Maybe that has something to do with the pandemic, or with political disagreements. Whatever the reason, people have become faster to attack, and slower to recognize each other’s shared humanity. One aspect of this has been a constant barrage of attacks on communication services, Omegle included, based on the behavior of a malicious subset of users.

To an extent, it is reasonable to question the policies and practices of any place where crime has occurred. I have always welcomed constructive feedback; and indeed, Omegle implemented a number of improvements based on such feedback over the years. However, the recent attacks have felt anything but constructive. The only way to please these people is to stop offering the service. Sometimes they say so, explicitly and avowedly; other times, it can be inferred from their act of setting standards that are not humanly achievable. Either way, the net result is the same.

Omegle is the direct target of these attacks, but their ultimate victim is you: all of you out there who have used, or would have used, Omegle to improve your lives, and the lives of others. When they say Omegle shouldn’t exist, they are really saying that you shouldn’t be allowed to use it; that you shouldn’t be allowed to meet random new people online. That idea is anathema to the ideals I cherish – specifically, to the bedrock principle of a free society that, when restrictions are imposed to prevent crime, the burden of those restrictions must not be targeted at innocent victims or potential victims of crime.

Consider the idea that society ought to force women to dress modestly in order to prevent rape. One counter-argument is that rapists don’t really target women based on their clothing; but a more powerful counter-argument is that, irrespective of what rapists do, women’s rights should remain intact. If society robs women of their rights to bodily autonomy and self-expression based on the actions of rapists – even if it does so with the best intentions in the world – then society is practically doing the work of rapists for them.

Fear can be a valuable tool, guiding us away from danger. However, fear can also be a mental cage that keeps us from all of the things that make life worth living. Individuals and families must be allowed to strike the right balance for themselves, based on their own unique circumstances and needs. A world of mandatory fear is a world ruled by fear – a dark place indeed.

I’ve done my best to weather the attacks, with the interests of Omegle’s users – and the broader principle – in mind. If something as simple as meeting random new people is forbidden, what’s next? That is far and away removed from anything that could be considered a reasonable compromise of the principle I outlined. Analogies are a limited tool, but a physical-world analogy might be shutting down Central Park because crime occurs there – or perhaps more provocatively, destroying the universe because it contains evil. A healthy, free society cannot endure when we are collectively afraid of each other to this extent.

Unfortunately, what is right doesn’t always prevail. As much as I wish circumstances were different, the stress and expense of this fight – coupled with the existing stress and expense of operating Omegle, and fighting its misuse – are simply too much. Operating Omegle is no longer sustainable, financially nor psychologically. Frankly, I don’t want to have a heart attack in my 30s.

The battle for Omegle has been lost, but the war against the Internet rages on. Virtually every online communication service has been subject to the same kinds of attack as Omegle; and while some of them are much larger companies with much greater resources, they all have their breaking point somewhere. I worry that, unless the tide turns soon, the Internet I fell in love with may cease to exist, and in its place, we will have something closer to a souped-up version of TV – focused largely on passive consumption, with much less opportunity for active participation and genuine human connection. If that sounds like a bad idea to you, please consider donating to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an organization that fights for your rights online.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who used Omegle for positive purposes, and to everyone who contributed to the site’s success in any way. I’m so sorry I couldn’t keep fighting for you.

Sincerely, Leif K-Brooks Founder, Omegle.com LLC

[iamdarthbader]

From the Omegle Website:

““Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.” — C.S. Lewis

“In the beginning the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move.” — Douglas Adams

Dear strangers,

From the moment I discovered the Internet at a young age, it has been a magical place to me. Growing up in a small town, relatively isolated from the larger world, it was a revelation how much more there was to discover – how many interesting people and ideas the world had to offer.

As a young teenager, I couldn’t just waltz onto a college campus and tell a student: “Let’s debate moral philosophy!” I couldn’t walk up to a professor and say: “Tell me something interesting about microeconomics!” But online, I was able to meet those people, and have those conversations. I was also an avid Wikipedia editor; I contributed to open source software projects; and I often helped answer computer programming questions posed by people many years older than me.

In short, the Internet opened the door to a much larger, more diverse, and more vibrant world than I would have otherwise been able to experience; and enabled me to be an active participant in, and contributor to, that world. All of this helped me to learn, and to grow into a more well-rounded person.

Moreover, as a survivor of childhood rape, I was acutely aware that any time I interacted with someone in the physical world, I was risking my physical body. The Internet gave me a refuge from that fear. I was under no illusion that only good people used the Internet; but I knew that, if I said “no” to someone online, they couldn’t physically reach through the screen and hold a weapon to my head, or worse. I saw the miles of copper wires and fiber-optic cables between me and other people as a kind of shield – one that empowered me to be less isolated than my trauma and fear would have otherwise allowed.

I launched Omegle when I was 18 years old, and still living with my parents. It was meant to build on the things I loved about the Internet, while introducing a form of social spontaneity that I felt didn’t exist elsewhere. If the Internet is a manifestation of the “global village”, Omegle was meant to be a way of strolling down a street in that village, striking up conversations with the people you ran into along the way.

The premise was rather straightforward: when you used Omegle, it would randomly place you in a chat with someone else. These chats could be as long or as short as you chose. If you didn’t want to talk to a particular person, for whatever reason, you could simply end the chat and – if desired – move onto another chat with someone else. It was the idea of “meeting new people” distilled down to almost its platonic ideal.

Building on what I saw as the intrinsic safety benefits of the Internet, users were anonymous to each other by default. This made chats more self-contained, and made it less likely that a malicious person would be able to track someone else down off-site after their chat ended.

I didn’t really know what to expect when I launched Omegle. Would anyone even care about some Web site that an 18 year old kid made in his bedroom in his parents’ house in Vermont, with no marketing budget? But it became popular almost instantly after launch, and grew organically from there, reaching millions of daily users. I believe this had something to do with meeting new people being a basic human need, and with Omegle being among the best ways to fulfill that need. As the saying goes: “If you build a better mousetrap, the world will beat a path to your door.”

Over the years, people have used Omegle to explore foreign cultures; to get advice about their lives from impartial third parties; and to help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. I’ve even heard stories of soulmates meeting on Omegle, and getting married. Those are only some of the highlights.

Unfortunately, there are also lowlights. Virtually every tool can be used for good or for evil, and that is especially true of communication tools, due to their innate flexibility. The telephone can be used to wish your grandmother “happy birthday”, but it can also be used to call in a bomb threat. There can be no honest accounting of Omegle without acknowledging that some people misused it, including to commit unspeakably heinous crimes.

I believe in a responsibility to be a “good Samaritan”, and to implement reasonable measures to fight crime and other misuse. That is exactly what Omegle did. In addition to the basic safety feature of anonymity, there was a great deal of moderation behind the scenes, including state-of-the-art AI operating in concert with a wonderful team of human moderators. Omegle punched above its weight in content moderation, and I’m proud of what we accomplished.

Omegle’s moderation even had a positive impact beyond the site. Omegle worked with law enforcement agencies, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, to help put evildoers in prison where they belong. There are “people” rotting behind bars right now thanks in part to evidence that Omegle proactively collected against them, and tipped the authorities off to.

All that said, the fight against crime isn’t one that can ever truly be won. It’s a never-ending battle that must be fought and re-fought every day; and even if you do the very best job it is possible for you to do, you may make a sizable dent, but you won’t “win” in any absolute sense of that word. That’s heartbreaking, but it’s also a basic lesson of criminology, and one that I think the vast majority of people understand on some level. Even superheroes, the fictional characters that our culture imbues with special powers as a form of wish fulfillment in the fight against crime, don’t succeed at eliminating crime altogether.

In recent years, it seems like the whole world has become more ornery. Maybe that has something to do with the pandemic, or with political disagreements. Whatever the reason, people have become faster to attack, and slower to recognize each other’s shared humanity. One aspect of this has been a constant barrage of attacks on communication services, Omegle included, based on the behavior of a malicious subset of users.

To an extent, it is reasonable to question the policies and practices of any place where crime has occurred. I have always welcomed constructive feedback; and indeed, Omegle implemented a number of improvements based on such feedback over the years. However, the recent attacks have felt anything but constructive. The only way to please these people is to stop offering the service. Sometimes they say so, explicitly and avowedly; other times, it can be inferred from their act of setting standards that are not humanly achievable. Either way, the net result is the same.

Omegle is the direct target of these attacks, but their ultimate victim is you: all of you out there who have used, or would have used, Omegle to improve your lives, and the lives of others. When they say Omegle shouldn’t exist, they are really saying that you shouldn’t be allowed to use it; that you shouldn’t be allowed to meet random new people online. That idea is anathema to the ideals I cherish – specifically, to the bedrock principle of a free society that, when restrictions are imposed to prevent crime, the burden of those restrictions must not be targeted at innocent victims or potential victims of crime.

Consider the idea that society ought to force women to dress modestly in order to prevent rape. One counter-argument is that rapists don’t really target women based on their clothing; but a more powerful counter-argument is that, irrespective of what rapists do, women’s rights should remain intact. If society robs women of their rights to bodily autonomy and self-expression based on the actions of rapists – even if it does so with the best intentions in the world – then society is practically doing the work of rapists for them.

Fear can be a valuable tool, guiding us away from danger. However, fear can also be a mental cage that keeps us from all of the things that make life worth living. Individuals and families must be allowed to strike the right balance for themselves, based on their own unique circumstances and needs. A world of mandatory fear is a world ruled by fear – a dark place indeed.

I’ve done my best to weather the attacks, with the interests of Omegle’s users – and the broader principle – in mind. If something as simple as meeting random new people is forbidden, what’s next? That is far and away removed from anything that could be considered a reasonable compromise of the principle I outlined. Analogies are a limited tool, but a physical-world analogy might be shutting down Central Park because crime occurs there – or perhaps more provocatively, destroying the universe because it contains evil. A healthy, free society cannot endure when we are collectively afraid of each other to this extent.

Unfortunately, what is right doesn’t always prevail. As much as I wish circumstances were different, the stress and expense of this fight – coupled with the existing stress and expense of operating Omegle, and fighting its misuse – are simply too much. Operating Omegle is no longer sustainable, financially nor psychologically. Frankly, I don’t want to have a heart attack in my 30s.

The battle for Omegle has been lost, but the war against the Internet rages on. Virtually every online communication service has been subject to the same kinds of attack as Omegle; and while some of them are much larger companies with much greater resources, they all have their breaking point somewhere. I worry that, unless the tide turns soon, the Internet I fell in love with may cease to exist, and in its place, we will have something closer to a souped-up version of TV – focused largely on passive consumption, with much less opportunity for active participation and genuine human connection. If that sounds like a bad idea to you, please consider donating to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an organization that fights for your rights online.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who used Omegle for positive purposes, and to everyone who contributed to the site’s success in any way. I’m so sorry I couldn’t keep fighting for you.

Sincerely,

Leif K-Brooks

Founder, Omegle.com LLC”

[sifytechnologiessify]

Sify's Data Centers in Hyderabad: A Gateway to Scalable Digital Transformation

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses are increasingly relying on secure, efficient, and scalable data center solutions. Hyderabad, often hailed as India’s IT hub, is home to one of Sify’s most strategically positioned data centers. This facility stands as a key enabler for businesses seeking digital transformation, cloud integration, and data management excellence.

Strategic Location

Hyderabad’s growing reputation as a technological epicenter makes it an ideal location for Sify’s cutting-edge data center. Positioned in close proximity to some of the country’s largest IT parks and multinational corporations, the Hyderabad data center plays a critical role in catering to the demands of enterprises in sectors like IT, banking, finance, healthcare, and retail. This strategic placement not only reduces latency for businesses but also offers them localized solutions for faster and more efficient data processing.

Advanced Infrastructure and Technology

Sify’s Hyderabad data center is designed to meet the most demanding requirements of today’s businesses. It offers:

State-of-the-art infrastructure with robust redundancy systems, ensuring zero downtime.

High-speed connectivity, facilitated by Sify’s own extensive fiber network, enabling seamless communication and data transfer across regions.

Scalability that allows businesses to expand their operations easily, making it perfect for enterprises at different stages of growth.

Multi-cloud capabilities that allow seamless integration across private and public cloud environments, offering flexibility to manage diverse workloads.

Security and Compliance

In an era where data security is of paramount importance, Sify’s Hyderabad data center stands out for its stringent security protocols. The center is equipped with:

24/7 monitoring and surveillance, ensuring protection against physical and digital threats.

Comprehensive disaster recovery solutions, including backup power systems and failover mechanisms to safeguard critical business operations.

Compliance with global standards, such as ISO 27001, ensuring businesses meet regulatory requirements for data handling and security.

Sustainable Operations

Sify is committed to sustainability, and its data centers in Hyderabad are no exception. The facility leverages:

Energy-efficient technologies, reducing carbon footprint while delivering maximum performance.

Water-saving systems and renewable energy sources that align with green data center initiatives. This commitment to eco-friendly operations ensures that businesses partnering with Sify can do so with a reduced environmental impact.

Tailored Solutions for Every Enterprise

One of the key advantages of Sify’s Hyderabad data center is its flexibility in catering to enterprises of all sizes. From startups looking for affordable colocation services to large enterprises requiring custom-built private data center spaces, Sify offers:

Modular and customizable services, allowing businesses to select only what they need.

Managed services, including round-the-clock support and maintenance, so companies can focus on core operations while Sify handles the IT infrastructure.

Hybrid IT solutions, combining on-premises data storage with cloud integration, ensuring maximum flexibility and efficiency.

Driving Hyderabad’s Digital Economy

As a leading data center service provider in Hyderabad, Sify is playing a pivotal role in the region’s digital transformation. The facility supports the thriving digital economy by enabling businesses to:

Leverage data-driven innovations such as AI, machine learning, and big data analytics.

Optimize IT resources with hybrid and multi-cloud environments that offer cost savings and operational efficiency.

Accelerate go-to-market strategies by reducing latency and offering faster data access.

Sify’s Data Centers in Hyderabad are more than just storage spaces — they are vital pillars for the digital transformation of businesses. Offering cutting-edge technology, unparalleled security, and sustainable operations, Sify is empowering organizations to scale their operations, innovate, and stay competitive in an increasingly data-driven world. With Sify’s expertise and the strategic advantage of Hyderabad, enterprises are well-positioned to thrive in the digital age.

[industrynewsupdates]

Mobility - Voice and Data Procurement Intelligence Shaping the Future 2024-2030

The mobility - voice and data category is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2030. In 2023, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share (32%) of the global category. Key drivers of this region include a consistent increase in the business/enterprise subscriber base for voice and data, deployment of VoNR (5G) network by key players, and a shift towards virtualization and software-defined networking (SDN). Asia Pacific is also anticipated to witness the fastest growth rate during the forecast period, due to the increasing need for business agility, focus on cost efficiency by businesses, and adoption of digital technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

In 2023, North America held the second-largest share of the global market. The key growth drivers include large coverage of 5G networks by key service providers, increasing adoption of edge computing infrastructure, and focus on sustainability initiatives. Key driving factors for Europe include extensive voice and data coverage in remote areas owing to government initiatives, increasing deployment of high-speed fiber optic networks, and focus on cyber security.

Key technologies driving the growth of this category include AI and Machine Learning (ML), quantum computing, edge computing, cloud computing and virtualization, and IoT integration. Edge computing is used to enhance the processing and storage of data, reduce latency, improve bandwidth, and enhance customer experience. By using a distributed network architecture, this technology processes real-time data at quicker speeds. Similarly, the use of virtualization enhances network infrastructure utilization, reduces hardware costs, and improves agility, by using virtual machines in place of hardware resources.

Order your copy of the Mobility - Voice and Data Procurement Intelligence Report, 2024 - 2030, published by Grand View Research, to get more details regarding day one, quick wins, portfolio analysis, key negotiation strategies of key suppliers, and low-cost/best-cost sourcing analysis

Key service providers of mobility - voice and data services compete based on various factors such as subscription rates, innovations in technologies and services, user experience, scalability of services, and data privacy and security. Clients (specifically business customers) consider factors such as service type (4G/5G), service deployment (cloud/on-premise), service transmission (wireline/wireless), service reliability (uptime/downtime), service speeds (download speeds typically range from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps), and extent of network coverage (based on area covered). Specifically, business customers may also look for add-on features such as call routing, data integration linking, caller identification, and call monitoring.

The cost of mobility - voice and data services are influenced by several factors, such as network infrastructure costs (such as installation costs of towers), investments in the upgradation of technologies, costs of acquiring spectrum, and licensing and compliance expenses. For instance, considerable investments are required to upgrade VoLTE (4G) infrastructure to VoNR (5G).

Clients commonly follow a full services outsourcing model to engage with service providers, as it helps them minimize operational costs, improve operational efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and increase focus on core activities.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused substantial disruption in the global mobility - voice and data category. The demand in the category surged during the pandemic, as the need for voice and data services increased considerably in remote working environments. Moreover, travel restrictions and government-imposed lockdowns also fueled the requirement for these services. At the same time, technological transformations were seen in the form of quantum computing, edge computing, AI and ML, IoT, cloud computing, and virtualization.

Mobility - voice and data Sourcing Intelligence Highlights

• The mobility - voice and data category comprises a moderately consolidated landscape, with a few top competitors accounting for a significant portion of the market share.

• Countries such as Israel and Italy are the countries that offer mobility - voice and data services at low cost owing to cheap labor costs, low technology costs, high smartphone adoption, intense market competition, deployment of penetration pricing, and robust government initiatives.

• Buyers in the category possess medium-to-low negotiating capability due to the moderately consolidated market landscape. Moreover, buyers have specific limitations when switching to an alternative service provider.

• Network infrastructure, labor, hardware and software, spectrum acquisition, licensing and compliance, and other costs are the key cost components of this category. Other costs include sales and marketing, general and administrative, rent and utilities, insurance, logistics, and taxes.

Browse through Grand View Research’s collection of procurement intelligence studies:

• Business Intelligence Procurement Intelligence Report, 2023 - 2030 (Revenue Forecast, Supplier Ranking & Matrix, Emerging Technologies, Pricing Models, Cost Structure, Engagement & Operating Model, Competitive Landscape)

• Data Center Hosting & Storage Services Procurement Intelligence Report, 2023 - 2030 (Revenue Forecast, Supplier Ranking & Matrix, Emerging Technologies, Pricing Models, Cost Structure, Engagement & Operating Model, Competitive Landscape)

List of Key Suppliers 

• AT&T Inc.

• Broadcom Inc.

• Charter Communications, Inc.

• Cisco Systems, Inc.

• Comcast Corporation

• Deutsche Telekom AG

• Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

• Lumen Technologies, Inc.

• Orange S.A.

• Telefónica S.A.

• Verizon Communications Inc.

• Vodafone Group Plc.

Mobility - voice and data Category Procurement Intelligence Report Scope

• Mobility - Voice and Data Category Growth Rate: CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2030

• Pricing Growth Outlook: 5% - 10% increase (Annually)

• Pricing Models: Penetration pricing, subscription-based pricing, usage-based pricing, tiered pricing, cost-plus pricing, and competition-based pricing

• Supplier Selection Scope: Cost and pricing, past engagements, productivity, geographical presence

• Supplier Selection Criteria: Geographical service provision, industries served, years in service, employee strength, revenue generated, key clientele, regulatory certifications, voice services, data services, cloud and hosting services, managed network services, unified communication services, and others

• Report Coverage: Revenue forecast, supplier ranking, supplier matrix, emerging technology, pricing models, cost structure, competitive landscape, growth factors, trends, engagement, and operating model

Brief about Pipeline by Grand View Research:

A smart and effective supply chain is essential for growth in any organization. Pipeline division at Grand View Research provides detailed insights on every aspect of supply chain, which helps in efficient procurement decisions.

Our services include (not limited to):

• Market Intelligence involving – market size and forecast, growth factors, and driving trends

• Price and Cost Intelligence – pricing models adopted for the category, total cost of ownerships

• Supplier Intelligence – rich insight on supplier landscape, and identifies suppliers who are dominating, emerging, lounging, and specializing

• Sourcing / Procurement Intelligence – best practices followed in the industry, identifying standard KPIs and SLAs, peer analysis, negotiation strategies to be utilized with the suppliers, and best suited countries for sourcing to minimize supply chain disruptions

[rogcre]

How to Find the Best Industrial Property for Renting Arizona?

There are several significant factors to consider if you are in the process of looking for industrial property in Arizona for sale or for rent. Yes, Phoenix and Tucson metro area has many choices that might fit your needs and budget; however, you need to be selective with location and building that will best suit your business.

Location, particularly accessibility or the ease of which one can get to the facility is one of the most significant factors when choosing Industrial Property for sale Arizona. For distribution and for the movement of goods, it is vital for the location to be easily accessible by the main highways and roads. It is therefore important to look at the traffic flow especially during the rush hour in order to determine the accessibility of the place. Other location characteristics that can work for or against you include access to freight rail lines or airports depending on how you use them.

Other factors are spatial area and volume, concerning not only the floor area but also the height of the ceiling. Ensure enough space is provided to contain the various business operations, products, and other services within the business premises besides space for expansion. Some facilities can accommodate the classrooms and offices, and the available extra land can provide more versatility. Another factor to consider is the ceiling, particularly in warehouses and distribution centers where vertical space or high storage storage is used.

It also makes sense to assess the current state and the age of electrical, plumbing, the HVAC system, and other relevant equipment. Neglected buildings can be costly as a result, well maintained buildings are less costly. It is also necessary to know if fiber internet connectivity is possible.

Industrial Property for Rent Arizona

Be sure to check the local zoning laws, as they may have an influence on how you are able to use industrial property before consulting with professional commercial real estate agents. Some of the locations may possibly be offering tax incentives which could mean a saving.

Industrial Property for rent Arizona issues should be researched to the letter to make certain that the property selected is ideal for your company’s use and affordable. A good broker can assist in selecting the most favorable equipment financing options available in the market.

If you want any other details regarding the industrial real estate market in Arizona just let me know. It will be my pleasure to offer a brief insight into the existing asking prices, leasing rates, and further elaborating on the sources where one can find the available units.

[spookysaladchaos]

Optical Design Software, Global Top 10 Players, Market Share and Ranking (2023)

Optical Design Software Market Summary

Optical design software allows the user to develop a configuration of optical elements that manipulate the trajectory of light for the purposes of creating an image, illuminating a target, coupling into a fiber, and so on.

In many ways, it is similar to what popular CAD (computer-aided design) software does for mechanical design, but there is one very clear difference: optical design software can make changes to optical components to improve performance metrics. With enhanced usability possible in modern software interfaces, optical design software enables even inexperienced lens designers to develop optical systems with stunning performance.

According to the new market research report “Global Optical Design Software Market Report 2024-2030”, published by QYResearch, the global Optical Design Software market size is projected to reach USD 0.4 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period.

Figure.   Global Optical Design Software Market Size (US$ Million), 2019-2030

Figure.   Global Optical Design Software Top 10 Players Ranking and Market Share (Ranking is based on the revenue of 2023, continually updated)

According to QYResearch Top Players Research Center, the global key manufacturers of Optical Design Software include Synopsys, Ansys (Zemax), Comsol, Wolfram, Optiwave Systems, Optenso, Lambda Research Corporation, Breault Research Organization, Optica Software, LTI Optics, etc.

In 2023, the global top five players had a share approximately 80.0% in terms of revenue.

Figure.  Optical Design Software, Global Market Size, Split by Product Segment

In terms of product type, currently On-premises is the largest segment, hold a share of 85.9%.

Figure.   Optical Design Software, Global Market Size, Split by Application Segment

In terms of product application, currently Optical Instruments is the largest segment, hold a share of 65.1%.

Figure.   Optical Design Software, Global Market Size, Split by Region

About QYResearch

QYResearch founded in California, USA in 2007.It is a leading global market research and consulting company. With over 17 years’ experience and professional research team in various cities over the world QY Research focuses on management consulting, database and seminar services, IPO consulting, industry chain research and customized research to help our clients in providing non-linear revenue model and make them successful. We are globally recognized for our expansive portfolio of services, good corporate citizenship, and our strong commitment to sustainability. Up to now, we have cooperated with more than 60,000 clients across five continents. Let’s work closely with you and build a bold and better future.

QYResearch is a world-renowned large-scale consulting company. The industry covers various high-tech industry chain market segments, spanning the semiconductor industry chain (semiconductor equipment and parts, semiconductor materials, ICs, Foundry, packaging and testing, discrete devices, sensors, optoelectronic devices), photovoltaic industry chain (equipment, cells, modules, auxiliary material brackets, inverters, power station terminals), new energy automobile industry chain (batteries and materials, auto parts, batteries, motors, electronic control, automotive semiconductors, etc.), communication industry chain (communication system equipment, terminal equipment, electronic components, RF front-end, optical modules, 4G/5G/6G, broadband, IoT, digital economy, AI), advanced materials industry Chain (metal materials, polymer materials, ceramic materials, nano materials, etc.), machinery manufacturing industry chain (CNC machine tools, construction machinery, electrical machinery, 3C automation, industrial robots, lasers, industrial control, drones), food, beverages and pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, agriculture, etc.

[tritonmarketresearchamey]

Molded Pulp Packaging Market: Sustainability Innovates Packing Processes

According to United Nations Environment Programme, around 36% of all plastics produced are applied in packaging, including single-use plastic containers. However, plastic pollution is a grave environmental concern, with around 85% of plastic packing ending up in landfills or as unregulated waste. The widespread plastic contamination has fostered the growth of plastic-free packaging solutions like molded pulp. Based on our estimates, the molded pulp packaging market is set to advance significantly over the forecast period 2023-2030, with a CAGR of 7.19%.

Molded pulp or molded fiber packaging has been restricted to niche segments, including egg trays. However, the growing use of various wood and non-wood pulp sources in manufacturing has expanded its application scope to various sectors, including beauty, food, and electronics. For instance, Knoll Packaging introduced its 100% Ecoform molded pulp compacts (using bamboo, wood, and sugarcane fibers) to replace conventional plastic compacts.

Consumer inclination towards greener products has dramatically increased molded fiber inclusion across multiple consumer goods industries, especially food packaging.

Sustainability Reforms Packaging Approach

Food packaging is among the major application categories in the molded pulp packaging market. Since the material is fabricated of a microporous structure enabling water absorption, its demand for perishable food packing has elevated. Moreover, its lightweight and high-strength properties have fueled its adoption for ready-to-eat meals and beverages. Plates, clamshells, cups, and bowls are widely adapted as packing solutions for various consumables, including vegetables, fruits, and juices. As per the World Economic Forum, the food industry accounts for over a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, which significantly drives the demand for sustainable solutions like molded pulp fibers.

Our analysis shows that Asia-Pacific leads the molded pulp packaging market globally. The rising disposable income and strategic initiatives heavily prompt the region’s growth. For instance, in March 2023, PulPac announced Nippon Molding Co Ltd as its first licensee in Japan, expanding its dry molded fiber production to Asia. Further, in April 2023, Sanofi and Haleon associated with PA Consulting and PulPac’s Bottle Collective Mission to develop a recyclable high-speed, low-cost dry molded fiber bottle production process. Such steps are thus expected to widen the scope of the studied market across the APAC region.

Technology-Driven Packaging: A Step Ahead for Molded Pulp

Advanced technologies like 3D printing have made molded pulp packaging manufacturing less energy-intensive. One such instance is HP’s Molded Fiber Advanced Tooling Technology, which enables fast and advanced design and production of molder fiber in 2 weeks as opposed to 4-6 weeks via conventional methods. As per the company, the end-to-end solution helps reduce maintenance and offers mass customization capabilities.

Over the past years, manufacturing technology has advanced immensely, giving final products smoother surfaces and refined designs. This upgraded appearance has also expanded the application range of pulp packaging across healthcare, industrial, and personal care industries. Based on the premise of eliminating costly production, 3D printing further emerges as an eco-friendly manufacturing solution. This ultimately creates opportunities for molded pulp manufacturers.

E-Commerce Expansion Amplifies Molded Packaging

Online shopping trends have existed for several years. However, COVID-19 accelerated its growth, resulting in e-commerce sales surging from 16% to 19% in 2020, as per UNCTAD report. Particularly, the food delivery sector witnessed robust growth, leading to the expansion of various delivery applications, including UberEats, Postmates, and DoorDash. Since molded pulp packaging offers easy transportation and supports recycling, several e-commerce players have adopted this packaging method. Therefore, expanding online sales creates a profitable market space for molded pulp in the packaging industry.

 

FAQs:

Q1) Which are the key types in the molded pulp packaging market?

Thick wall, thermoformed, transfer, and processed as key molded types in the market.

Q2) Which are the major molded pulp manufacturers?

Genpak LLC, UFP Technologies Inc, Sabert Corporation, Eco-Products Inc, Thermoform Engineered Quality LLC, Huhtamaki OYJ, Pro-Pac Packaging Group, Brodrene Hatmann AS, Sonoco Products Company, and Fabri-Kal are major molded pulp manufacturers.

[ippnoida]

Epson’s talks about innovative printing solutions at pre-drupa meet

At the pre-drupa press conference held in Dusseldorf from 25-27 March, Duncan Ferguson, vice president of Epson Europe’s commercial and industrial printing division, offered a glimpse into the company’s anticipated showcase at drupa 2024. Epson will be present in Hall 5, Stand D20, at the printing and packaging show scheduled to be held from May 28 to June 7 in Dusseldorf.

Titled ‘Changing the Model for Localised Production,’ Ferguson outlined Epson’s commitment to manufacturing, focusing on compact, efficient printing solutions, and emphasizing personalization and on-demand production technology.

His presentation covered several key areas:

Advanced Printhead Technology: Epson’s latest industrial printhead, the D3000, is tailored for various applications including packaging, labels, textiles, and décor. Special features include high speed, single-pass, 1200 dpi resolution with nozzle-level re-circulation.

Innovative Product Design: Epson’s new product design concept features space-saving designs, replaceable printheads, enhanced environmental standards, and improved user interfaces. The new platform will be easier to use with a large 4.3-inch user interface display, low profile and flat top design, media cleaner and a media lifter allowing for a single-person set-up.

Next-Generation Label Press: Epson’s new SurePress labeling concept promises increased productivity and image quality through real-time nozzle detection and additional enhancements.

Direct-to-Fabric Printing: Ferguson introduced the Monna Lisa 13000, a new digital fabric printing solution offering in-line printing with sustainable pigment inks and enhanced print durability. The innovation aims to revolutionize textile printing by eliminating the need for post-treatment equipment, making it more accessible to commercial printers.

Productivity Breakthroughs: The SureColor F10000, Epson’s most productive dye-sublimation printer, features jumbo roll capabilities and self-replaceable parts for minimal downtime. The dye-sublimation printer delivers productivity up to 255m2/h, 10L hot-swap inks (LcLm/FyFp) and has self-replaceable parts for easy maintenance.

Personalization Solutions: Epson’s range of printers targeting the personalization and micro-production market, including hybrid DTG/DTFilm printers and UV flatbed printers. This included the recently launched hybrid DTG/DTFilm SureColor F1000 and the A4 UV flatbed SureColor V1000. Ferguson introduced the A3 UV flatbed SureColor V2000 and new micro-production SureColor F2200 and showed the complete range of mini-lab (D1000, D500) and smaller dye sublimation printers (SureColor F500 and F100).

Supporting Software and Tools: Epson’s software and process management tools, including the SD-10 Scanning Table and Edge Color Lite software, which enhance color management and consistency. Also launched was the new SD-10 scanning table along with mentions of Epson’s Edge Color Lite and Edge Print software that further the capability to manage distributed printing at the highest quality and consistency.

Focus on services

Ferguson also explained how Epson is delivering successful product reconditioning programs to extend the life of Epson printers and create a more sustainable business model. He talked about Epson’s reconditioning program, which aims to repair, repurpose and upgrade products on its customers‘ premises. He mentioned how Epson has established a central facility for technical refurbishment work and is collecting and returning customer products; how it reuses cartridges and printer parts and collects cartridges that can be refilled with genuine Epson ink.

Future developments

Finally, Ferguson revealed future developments, including support for more sustainable fashion using Epson’s Dry Fiber Technology (DFT). DFT produces durable printable fabric from used garments without any water. He said that the Japanese fashion designer Yuima Nakazato is using DFT to experiment with batches of cotton, polyester and silk and plans to commercialize his range in 2024. Some examples of Dry Fibre fabric fashion items were on display at the presentation.

He discussed Epson’s new direct-to-shape technology and explained how the company is developing its expertise with inkjet technology to print on complex shapes using automation with its robots.

[weightloss15days]

The Truth About Weight Loss Products: A Critical Look at 15-Day Cleanses for Gut and Colon Support

Introduction: In the quest for weight loss, many individuals turn to various products promising quick results. Among these are the 15-day cleanses touted for gut and colon support. But what exactly are these cleanses, and do they live up to their promises? In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of weight loss products, specifically focusing on 15-day cleanses, to uncover the truth behind their efficacy, safety, and long-term impact on health.

Understanding 15-Day Cleanses: First and foremost, let's clarify what a 15-day cleanse entails. These products typically consist of a combination of herbal supplements, dietary restrictions, and sometimes even colon irrigation procedures. The premise behind these cleanses is to detoxify the body, eliminate toxins, and promote weight loss by targeting the gut and colon.

Promises vs. Reality: Many manufacturers of 15-day cleanses market their products with bold promises of rapid weight loss, improved digestion, increased energy levels, and overall better health. However, the reality may not always align with these claims.

While it's true that some individuals may experience temporary weight loss during the cleanse period, much of this can be attributed to water weight and restricted calorie intake rather than fat loss. Moreover, the weight lost during the cleanse often returns once normal eating habits resume.

Potential Risks and Side Effects: One of the most concerning aspects of 15-day cleanses is the potential for adverse effects on health. The drastic dietary changes and reliance on herbal supplements can lead to side effects such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal distress, and nutrient deficiencies.

Furthermore, the long-term effects of frequent or prolonged cleanse cycles are not well understood. Some experts caution that repeated cleanses may disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria, weaken the immune system, and even lead to eating disorders or disordered eating patterns.

The Importance of Sustainable Practices: Instead of resorting to quick-fix solutions like 15-day cleanses, sustainable weight loss and overall health are best achieved through balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate hydration, and proper sleep habits. Rather than focusing on short-term results, it's essential to adopt lifestyle changes that promote long-term well-being.

Alternative Approaches to Gut Health: For those seeking to improve gut health and support healthy digestion, there are plenty of evidence-based strategies that don't involve extreme cleanses. Incorporating fiber-rich foods, probiotics, prebiotics, and fermented foods into the diet can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria and promote regular bowel movements.

Additionally, staying hydrated, managing stress levels, and avoiding processed foods and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to better gut health without the need for drastic measures.

Conclusion: In conclusion, while 15-day cleanses may promise quick weight loss and improved gut health, the reality is often far more complicated. These products come with risks and potential side effects, and their long-term efficacy is questionable. Instead of relying on short-term fixes, prioritizing sustainable lifestyle changes is key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being. Remember, there are no shortcuts to lasting health – it's all about balance, moderation, and consistency.

disclosure:

This affiliate post highlights the newest discounts and promotions currently offered on the Amazon platform.

[juliamark]

Navigating the Future: Unleashing the Potential of SOC Containers Market

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, Security Operations Center (SOC) containers emerge as the avant-garde solution, poised to revolutionize the way organizations combat cyber threats. As the digital realm becomes increasingly intricate, the SOC Containers Market has become a focal point for businesses seeking robust and scalable security frameworks. This article delves into the dynamic landscape of SOC containers, exploring their significance, potential, and the transformative impact they bring to the cybersecurity ecosystem.

Understanding SOC Containers:

SOC containers represent a paradigm shift in cybersecurity architecture, encapsulating security operations within isolated, lightweight, and portable containers. These containers encapsulate security processes, allowing for seamless deployment, integration, and management of security protocols across diverse environments. The modular nature of SOC containers enables organizations to scale their security infrastructure without compromising agility or efficiency.

Gate Full Info: https://www.econmarketresearch.com/industry-report/soc-containers-market/

Key Drivers of SOC Containers Market Growth:

Flexibility and Scalability: SOC containers empower organizations to scale their security infrastructure seamlessly. Whether in on-premises, cloud, or hybrid environments, SOC containers provide a uniform security framework, adapting to the evolving needs of modern businesses.

Rapid Deployment and Automation: The containerized nature of SOC solutions facilitates rapid deployment, reducing the time required to fortify digital landscapes against emerging threats. Automation capabilities embedded within SOC containers streamline repetitive tasks, enabling cybersecurity teams to focus on strategic threat mitigation.

Interoperability and Integration: SOC containers break down silos by fostering interoperability and integration with existing security ecosystems. This ensures a cohesive defense strategy, allowing organizations to leverage their current investments while enhancing overall cybersecurity posture.

Cost-Efficiency: By optimizing resource utilization, SOC containers contribute to cost efficiency. Organizations can allocate resources more judiciously, mitigating the need for extensive hardware investments, and reducing operational overhead.

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