#Groundworks Specialists

[matetaylor]

Professional Groundworks and Drainage Specialist in Essex

Ashwaste Environmental Ltd. are expert groundworks and drainage specialists in Essex, providing reliable solutions for residential and commercial projects. Specialising in excavation, drainage installation, and maintenance, their skilled team ensures efficient groundwork preparations and drainage systems.

[franchisesales]

Details Presentation WJB Ground Works Ltd

WJB Ground Works Ltd has built their reputation on delivering high quality results, by providing clients with an amazing outcome while keeping the focus on performing great customer service every step of the way.

22 Chichele Road,Cricklewood,London,NW2 3DA

info@wjbgroundworks.com

020 3754 1809

[hopey-thinks]

Loyal to the nightmare of my choice- An analysis of Riven from Winx Club

I’m at a point in my life (not long before I turn 18) where it’s natural that I’d start yearning to revisit my childhood and look back on the things that made me happy as a kid. And recently, my feed has been showing me memes I forgot about from Winx Club, a show I was captivated by when I was younger, and it got me thinking. What better way is there to honor my childhood than rewatching some of the media I loved when I was a kid that I forgot about? While I initially started doing it for fun, to my surprise I started to realize about 7 episodes into the first season that there was a good amount of substance in it despite it being targeted towards a younger audience, particularly in the way that some of the characters’ backgrounds and fears motivate their behaviors. The following episodes only proved that further, and one character stood out to me in particular throughout the run time, that being Riven. 

In today’s analysis we’ll be focusing on how insecurity, sense of self, and standards around masculinity combine into his character and motivate his actions throughout the first half of season one. I’ll also discuss how Musa and Darcy impact his development and the subtext that may indicate that he’s queer coded (in the sense that this part of his arc is representative of the experience of a lot of young queer men). I’ll note that I’ll be referring to Sky and Brandon as the Prince and the Blond guy so there isn’t confusion about who I’m referring to since their names apparently switch later on for some reason. 

Already by the end of the fourth episode, Riven has a decent amount of characterization. He’s abrasive, sharp-tongued, and cocky, often instigating turmoil and arguments between the specialists (particularly the blond guy) with his snarky comments and arrogance. Right off the bat we see he’s competitive and prefers to handle situations on his own, having a difficult time acknowledging his faults and blaming others for his failure when they try to work with him. 

His apparent ego coupled with his stubborn independence and frustration with the idea of relying on others shows that his need to prove his strength is likely masking something deeper, that being an intense discomfort with vulnerability. Yet when the other specialists say they’ll kick him off the team if he refuses to cooperate with the Winx in the fourth episode, he chooses to stay with them anyways despite his pride, revealing that he does indeed desire human connection and isn’t as confident in his own abilities as he lets on.

What’s interesting is how his aggression, which is typically associated with masculinity, is contrasted with how he actually chooses to express himself (mainly through fashion, occasional dialogue, and mannerisms) in ways that would be considered feminine at the time the show was released. Wearing a crop top and saying things like “sweetie” to your bro are just some examples of things he does that were stereotypically feminine in 2004. This juxtaposition of his different attributes calls into question how his need to prove himself and inability to be vulnerable may not just be related to insecurity with his abilities, but also with his identity as a man.

 Because he’s unsure of how he fits into male gender roles, he overcompensates and tries to bury his lack of confidence in himself by attempting to be hypermasculine in other aspects. And of course, the consequence of this response is how it’s damaging to his relationships. In trying to mask his insecurity, he isn’t being true to himself and therefore struggles to have deeper, genuine connections.

His characterization is reinforced in multiple ways during the 7th episode, the episode that sort of lays the groundwork for the major conflict he encounters in the next two episodes and their unfortunate resolution by the 10th. He charges in alone to fight the Minotaur thingy and insults the blond guy when he says they should work together, again offended by the idea that he isn’t strong enough to defeat it alone. He speaks lowly of the women he’s at the party with and sets himself above them, dismissing Musa as “better than some of the others” there (if you think that might imply misogyny I want you to hold that thought). But most importantly, when he’s found by Darcy and the others she states that he has extremely strong negative energy. His perspective on masculinity is immature and unhealthy (I predict that it’s primarily been shaped by trauma from past experiences) for not just the people he’s surrounded by (which we’ll get deeper into shortly), but also his own psyche and self worth. As is the case for many teenage boys, it’s not surprising that this attitude is emotionally taxing and even physically exhausting for him to maintain.

This leads up to what I think is one of the most interesting scenes in the show yet as far as gender criticism goes. Riven, the blond guy, the prince, Stella and Bloom are all in the city for the magix equivalent of Mother’s Day. After Riven reveals that he and the other two are going to be participating in a race being held for the holiday, the prince teases him for not having anyone to cheer for him, insinuating that he can’t find a girl that’s into him. 

And he immediately becomes defensive at this comment, feeling his masculinity has been attacked/questioned since social structures put pressure on men to attract women as accessories to and proof of their masculinity. Because of this, he tries to affirm his manliness to himself and his friends through performative masculinity. He claims he can have any woman he wants and tries to make a bet with his friends where if he wins the race, he can pick any of the winx to go out with at the ball. And he picks Bloom. 

      This in and of itself is a VERY problematic assumption on so many levels. It not only is completely disrespectful to the blond guy who very obviously has feelings for Bloom, but it’s even more disrespectful to Bloom and the other winx who he’s treating as possessions, not even considering if they’re not into him. (Remember how I brought up misogyny earlier?) 

Thankfully, Bloom doesn’t take any shit from him. She calls him out on his deplorable behavior and reminds him that it’s her choice to decide who she wants to go out with, stating that regardless of the outcome of the race she doesn’t want anything to do with him. But he completely ignores this sentiment and takes the disrespect a step further by grabbing her chin and getting in her personal space, insisting that she’s just hiding her feelings for him. 

This violation is inherently degrading not just because she didn’t consent, but also because in doing so he shows he took none of what she said seriously. He acts as if his ego gives him the authority to decide what’s good for her regardless of how she feels about it, demonstrating a patronizing form of misogyny. Bloom rightfully decides that she’s had enough with his bullshit and slaps his hand away from her. She teaches him a lesson by using a spell to pour water over his head and tells him he needs to treat others with more respect. 

Now, the thing that the series does wrong with this is how it portrays Bloom as having “gone too far” once Riven is rightly embarrassed by the turn of events and ashamed of his behavior. She feels the need to apologize when she wasn’t in the wrong whatsoever, which is admittedly a very bad lesson to teach young girls. At least Stella interjects and comments that he had it coming, but the fact the show treats Bloom like she needs to make up for embarrassing him when he absolutely deserved it is problematic and frustrating. 

He storms off and Darcy sees him, commenting that she likes his attitude and finds him physically attractive. The trix take note of this along with the bad state he’s in, deciding to use it to help them achieve their goal. And regardless of how I feel about it Bloom decides she wants to make it up to him, which they use to execute their plan. The trix take advantage of this by sending an imposter of Timmy to give her a helmet they can control to make him mess up the race to give to Riven before the race begins. Bloom ends up giving it to him but quickly realizes she made a mistake, but when she steps into the race to try and stop the witches she sadly falls hook line and sinker into their trap. They set it up to look like Bloom was the one who messed with his helmet while she interfered in the race, and Riven is left in a very vulnerable position emotionally. 

It’s deeper than him just being mad at Bloom in that moment because he thinks she made him lose. It’s a build up of the entire day. He feels like he was emasculated by his friends after part of his deep seated insecurity was named out loud and additionally is embarrassed by his failure in the race and to charm Bloom, reinforcing that insecurity. There’s only one thing on his mind right now, and that’s finding validation from someone. This makes him incredibly susceptible to Darcy’s manipulation.

She tricks him into thinking she saved him and goes to comfort him after the race, giving him what he craves in that moment that he feels his friends aren’t able to provide. He doesn’t believe Bloom and is frustrated that his friends aren’t immediately taking his side. And in what is a surprisingly real moment, he’s blinded by his ego and chooses to ditch the people who actually care about him, feeling betrayed. 

Musa and Darcy are also foils to each other, and Darcy herself is actually a pretty good example of how women can perpetuate the patriarchy if they believe they can become more powerful in some way by embracing it. While she does like Riven, her crush on him is only motivated by surface level attraction and not love, and ultimately is using him as just another way to get what she wants. The first thing she notes when she sees him in public isn’t anything about his actual personhood or a desire to get to know him better like Musa, but how essentially… she finds his attitude and body sexy. Darcy offers the shallow affirmation he wants on an egotistical level while Musa offers him a genuine acceptance for who he is despite his flaws, which is what he actually needs. And what’s sad about his choice is that Darcy is only feeding his ego to make him reliant on her affirmation because that’s what she needs to do to keep him under her thumb, whereas Musa and the others would’ve helped him find an actual stable sense of self worth. The kind that comes from within.

What’s even more depressing is that he throws that opportunity away completely in his shortsightedness. After Musa sees him with Darcy in the restaurant and the other trix get a gang of girls to literally jump her, she finds him while trying to escape and begs him for help. To which he smirks and says “why should I?” And I’m here to tell you why you fucking should Riven. That girl is someone who genuinely respects, admires, and cares about you beyond just what you can do for her, and she has been NOTHING but kind to you. She’s coming to you in a time of desperation, and regardless of how you feel about her friends, standing up for her is the right thing to do even if it could cause you to lose what you want out of Darcy. But he turns a blind eye to this reality, and not just because he wants the present gratification he gets from Darcy.  

Despite it being what he needs to do if he ever wants to grow, he feels like he could never allow himself to let his walls down because that would require him to be vulnerable with someone and expose his low self confidence. And so he abandons his friends, Musa, everyone that was genuinely supporting him, which will inevitably become self destructive. 

Riven is also a fascinating character in how his motivations and internal conflict are extremely similar to the experiences of a lot of young queer men both past and present, and I think that there’s a good possibility that this was intentional. While I don’t like to throw around the term “queer-coded” I think there’s a decent amount of evidence to support looking at his character through this lens.

 Being feminine as a man is stereotypically associated with queerness, and as I explained before a lot of the ways he chooses to present himself would’ve been considered feminine or unusual for a man at the very least at the time. Villains were frequently queer coded in the 90s and 2000s (that was the only socially acceptable way to have a queer character in your story), and while he isn’t a villain (even if he functions more as an antagonist later in the season, there’s a difference) he serves a more antagonistic role in the story. He’s often the shit starter for many conflicts and is also just mean to the other characters. 

As for his experiences, trying to push people away and engage in performative masculinity to cover up fear and insecurity around your identity and how your community would feel about it is rather common among young queer men. The pressure to conform to oppressive social systems like patriarchy is destructive to many of the people it’s supposed to empower as well as the victims, and I was pleasantly surprised to see this portrayed in an older show targeted at younger audiences, even if it wasn’t perfect. It’s something I’d like to see covered in more in stories because media is a powerful socializing agent that influences how we view ourselves and our place in the world from a very young age.

I’m excited (and a bit nervous) to see how Riven’s decisions affect him in the future and how his perception may change because of that. 

I may make a follow up meta to this at a later point in his arc if enough people are interested, so let me know if you enjoyed this! Thank you for your time <3. 

[head-post]

Serbia’s “Mozaik” satellite to observe the sun

Serbia is set to send its first satellite into orbit and join 106 countries with space programmes, Serbian media reported.

A space satellite with the working name Mozaik is to be the first scientific apparatus Serbia plans to put into earth orbit, Milan Stojanovic, a researcher at the Belgrade Astronomical Observatory, said.

The satellite will study the sun’s radiation in the X-ray range. In addition, Mozaic will be equipped with a special camera, with the help of which it will be possible to observe the territory of Serbia from space.

The parallel goal of the mission is to study and master technologies from the procurement of satellite components to the launch of the vehicle into space. At the moment, it is not known which of the space powers’ launch vehicles the Serbian specialists plan to use to put Mozaic into the earth’s orbit.

According to Stojanovic, another goal of the mission is to gain experience in the entire process of creating satellite technologies, from the purchase of components to the launch itself. This experience will lay the groundwork for future, larger-scale projects, he said.

The Mozaic satellite belongs to a class of small satellites known as CubeSats, measuring 10x10x10 centimetres. These nanosatellites consist of three cubes that can be combined into a single vehicle.

The Serbian Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation is the main financial sponsor of the project, with additional support provided by Serbian experts abroad.

Read more HERE

[alienpossession]

The Pagon Prologue: Laying Out the Groundwork

Both men wanted to achieve what their elders too weak to push for, which is to force human, specifically Fury, to take action on the fate of the Skrulls on Earth. So while Gravik focused on establishing their various operatives across the globe, Pagon specifically tasked by him to ensure that they have base of operation. Russia is selected both for its near-frozen temperature in the Arctic Circle and also the remote radioactive-heavy nuclear power plant and disposal areas scattered across its sprawling 17 million kilometres of land mass. The directive was clear, Pagon should be the one setting up the plan in motion for New Skrullos while Gravik negotiated with sympathetic councilmember and also restless young Skrulls wanting to live freely away from the shadow

All the experience working under Fury proven to be very effective for the Skrulls Young Brigade like Pagon. The rather young yet wildly experienced master manipulator and infiltration specialist easily outmanuevered several local drunk teen in the early morning and with that, he dragged those bodies into the makeshift fracking pod. He took the likeness of one of them and then started his rendezvous around town when the sun already came out.

So, posing as a local teenager in the city his boss already directed him to be, his luck turned out to be founded quickly. Heading to what he assumed to be a morning shift is a Russian soldier that clearly lost in his own thoughts.

He followed the private when he walked out from the bus and right next to an alley, he pushed the private to get inside the alley. The private didn't see his assailant at first and when he turned around, he's surprised beyond belief to see himself smirking with fist already mid-way pummeled and would land square to his face. He summoned his boys to take care of the private's body and then headed to the base while directing the boys to remain alert of any possible notification or escalation directive from him.

Just like a domino effect, once an alien like Skrull already blended in, it's just too hard to detect without any physical evidence and Pagon utilized it to his advantage to gain more shells for his people. He's aware that he need an upgrade to make the infiltration process easier so he aimed at the private's own Sergeant for it.

From there, it was a breeze work for Pagon as he simply called for a one-on-one session with the soldiers he targeted that ranked under him. Unable to resist a Sergeant order, they fell victim to the ambush that Pagon already set with the fellow Skrulls that already awaited them, and within no time, these soldiers already replaced by their Skrull impostor

These impostor soldiers, in turn, started to terrorize the rest of their own comrade and even the cadet in the academy located within the same military complex. Several soldiers missing temporarily during odd hours, cadets went out beyond their curfew only to return as if nothing happened.

As the time goes by, the heavy military activity in the complex turned into a more intensive laborious work to set the Skrulls latest base while also conducting research on the proper locations. Also, with more Skrulls populating the base rather than actual human, even a broad daylight takeover happened as the Skrulls posing as soldiers realized that only a handful of them are still human.

They choked, they pinned, they do whatever possible to just simply take these soldiers out and put them in the fracking pod to be used by other Skrulls.

Not even a week and the entire base minus its General already wiped clean from humanity, and it's only a matter of time before the Skrull can fully move back and forth between the base and the rejuvenated town that they already set to change as New Skrullos.

When the General returned from Moscow, as expected, line of soldiers already waited from the gate to the main office entrance in very straight posture to welcome his arrival. What the General failed to notice is the smirk plastered on each of the soldier's faces as the welcoming banquet for the General would be the end of the journey for General Mikhailov and his entourage, and nothing he can do to stop that

[dailyanarchistposts]

Author: Collective Action Topics: austerity, australia, health care

The Abbott government is busy laying the groundwork for a massive attack on the conditions of the working class in April’s federal budget. In charge of preparing the ground is Abbott’s hand-picked Commission of Audit. In the line of fire: Medicare and your right to access a GP. The plan: Rob $750 million from Australia’s poorest whilst giving $5.9 billion dollars to private health insurers.

The Commission of Audit

The Commission of Audit is an assortment of business lobbyists and Liberal party mates. The Commission is headed by Tony Sheppard, president of the Business Council of Australia (BCA) and (until October) chairman of Transfield services. As head of the BCA he argues for lower taxes, abolition of the fair work act, and various attacks on the social wage. As chairman of Transfield Services, he profited from mining, coal, and up to $180 million in government contracts for the operation of refugee prisons in Nauru.

Commission member Peter Boxall is a former Chief of Staff to Peter Costello, who spent time working for the IMF during the “structural adjustments” of the 1980s, and played a key role in implementing John Howard’s “Work Choices”.

Amanda Vanstone joins this disreputable bunch bringing her experience as a Howard government minister responsible for attacks on the unemployed, students, and pensioners, the abolition of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ending any semblance of self-determination, as flawed as that body was) and of course, the imprisonment of many thousands of refugees.

What’s in a co-payment?

The first shot across the bow aimed in the new attack on Medicare was fired by former Abbott advisor Terry Barnes of the Australian Council of Health Research (ACHR). The ACHR is a “think tank” funded by Australian Unity, a health insurer with a lot to gain from any attack on Medicare. Barnes published a paper to coincide with the election of the Abbott government which called for the private health insurers dream – compulsory upfront fees for Australians utilising Medicare.

Barnes wants a six dollar Medicare “co-payment”. His argument is that poor Australians go to the GP too often, and that an additional six dollar upfront fee would send a “price signal” that would harmlessly discourage over use of GPs. Barnes claims that his proposal would save the Medicare budget $750 million over four years.

But a six dollar GP tax is not the only health co-payment that Australians are already slugged with. Australians already pay “out of pocket” for a raft of health care services. There is no dental care coverage under Medicare leaving most Australians unable to see a dentist unless they can pay upfront. There a significant “gaps” between the cost of services and what is covered by Medicare, and access to medical specialists routinely involves significant upfront expense for Australians on Medicare.

The effect of all of this is frightening. Co-payments fund 17% of health care in Australia. One in six dollars of health care expenditure in Australia is not covered by any insurance, public or private, and is instead forked out directly by those who can afford it least. In the United States, so often denounced for its backward and regressive healthcare system, co-payments only account for 13% of health expenditure.

And the Liberal government is gearing up to whack another six dollar charge on top of this. Far from sending a harmless “price signal”, a six dollar co-payment is a brutal measure that would reduce access to GPs by those who need them most, and already use them least.

Under Utilisation

The idea that Australia’s poorest over use GP services is both obnoxious and untrue. Terry Barnes is on the record as saying that a six dollar upfront payment would not stop anyone who is truly sick from attending a GP, as this only represents the price of “two cups of coffee”. Anyone who thinks six dollars is nothing has never attempted to live on the minimum wage, let alone the dole, family payments or a pension, in Australia.

Australian workers already make choices between rent, food and health care on a weekly basis. Cost already dissuades Australia’s poorest from accessing medical services when they need it.

Current research on working class Australian’s use of health care already shows that “poorer people are already under-utilising healthcare, and their rate of under-utilisation corresponds to their level of illness”. Mapping health care use against average income in Australia already shows that people living in Australia’s poorest neighbourhoods are “three times more likely to delay medical consultations than those living in the wealthiest suburbs”.

The highest use of GP services in Australia, and the highest concentrations of GPs, are not where people are poorest, or where people are sickest (which coincidentally is where people are poorest), but rather where people are wealthiest. The richest use GP services the most, there are more GPs in wealthier suburbs, and Australia’s wealthiest are less likely to fall ill and die young.

Being poor and working class, attempting to live on a shitty wage or poverty level pension, is a major health hazard in Australia. The wealthiest 20% of Australians live an average six years longer than those of us surviving in the ranks of the poorest 20%.

Health Cash for big business

We’re told that Medicare costs too much. A six dollar copayment, effectively a tax levied disproportionately on Australia’s poorest and sickest, might save the health budget $750 million over four years. But there is one area of health spending bloat that the Abbott government will never touch. This year alone the government will spend $5.4 billion subsidising private health insurance.

The private health insurance rebate is an enormous transfer of wealth from tax payers to private, profit oriented health insurers, such as the one funding Terry Barnes’ sick attack on what remains of universal healthcare in Australia.

The private health insurance rebate was meant to make private health insurance more affordable by keeping premiums low. Introduced in 1999, this massive payment to health insurers has occurred at the same time that average health insurance premiums have risen 130%. Average prices (inflation) in the same period have only risen 50%.

The justification for this massive rort was that subsidising private health insurance would save money in the long run by reducing costs to Medicare. The most recent analysis shows that this $5.4 billion subsidy does little to shift costs from Medicare, and its abolition would save the government at least $3 billion a year.

Conclusions

The class self-interest of the government’s health policy is blatant: Tax the poor, throw money at the rich. The so-called Commission of Audit is stacked with the same big business cronies and Liberal mates who have always attacked the conditions of working class Australians, and now they are coming for what remains of Australia’s public health system. If the health budget is unsustainable, and the poorest really do have to be slugged with an additional six dollar GP tax, it is only because the government continues to throw bucket loads of money at private health insurers. The truth is that private health insurers want Medicare dismantled, so that more Australians are forced into their health insurance rackets, paying ever greater premiums for a diminishing health service.

[mariacallous]

American historian Amy Knight has been studying Russian elites for decades. She spent 18 years at the U.S. Library of Congress as a specialist in Russian and Soviet affairs and has written multiple books on the Cold War, the KGB, its post-Soviet ideological successors, and the Kremlin. Some of her most recent work focuses on the culture of political assassinations under Vladimir Putin. Meduza spoke with Knight about the trials, tribulations, and transformations of Russia’s elites since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The costly invasion of Ukraine and the muted response from many of Moscow’s most influential and affluent make it tempting to dismiss Russian elites outright. But that would be a mistake, says historian Amy Knight, who told Meduza that Vladimir Putin is forced to share power with these people, whether he likes it or not. “He depends on the entire elite,” Knight explained, adding that Russian elites in the so-called “power ministries” and elsewhere also communicate with each other, making it possible to talk about the group as a kind of class.

War weariness

Knight acknowledges that predicting Russian elites’ behavior is difficult, but she told Meduza that the fighting in Ukraine is making everyone “very war weary.” She cited oligarch Oleg Deripaska’s willingness to criticize the invasion publicly as evidence that “he too is aware that there is a lot of discontent” (even if he’s not actually a government official). “[It] makes me wonder whether there aren't some other reasons to speculate that Putin isn't completely secure,” Knight said. 

Western sanctions have “laid the groundwork for gradual and real dissatisfaction with Putin” even though “nothing has happened yet,” Knight told Meduza. She drew special attention to how the war has limited the prospects of future generations of elites, rendering children and grandchildren “captive[s] in this shell of Russia.” “It takes away any hope for the future for the younger generation — the younger generation of these government officials and law enforcement.”

Knight said she’s suspicious of the Kremlin’s capacity to buy the support of Russian elites or a new middle class. Asked if surging defense spending has won the loyalty and self-interest of a new generation of Russians, Knight told Meduza that the government’s swollen military budget still isn’t enough "to actually produce a groundswell of support for Putin.” “I think it's interesting that he's doing this, and it shows how desperate he is,” she explained, arguing that Russia’s higher defense spending is unsustainable.

Loyalty among cutthroats

What is Vladimir Putin’s recourse without broad support? According to Knight, it boils down to personal loyalty. “Without a doubt, Putin values loyalty over effectiveness,” Knight told Meduza, saying that the president’s need for faithful allies explains his reluctance to replace officials like former Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu despite failures on the job and rampant corruption. 

At the same time, Putin did fire Shoigu, and prosecutors are now waging a full-blown crackdown on many of the crooked generals who enriched themselves while the invasion of Ukraine was underway. These anti-corruption cases, said Knight, are one of the president’s key means of maintaining loyalty. After all, “he can't go around having top members of his elite shot or pushed out of windows or poisoned,” she added. Putin also keeps Russia’s elites in line by “changing the rules of the game” at various times, subjecting officials to political musical chairs. For example, he recently (and surprisingly) demoted Nikolai Patrushev from the National Security Council. (To complicate matters, Patrushev’s son joined the federal government’s cabinet as a kind of consolation prize — though months earlier, Putin pinned Russia’s spike in egg prices on the same man.)

Despite Putin’s favoritism for proven loyalists, the ties that bind Russia’s elites to the regime are fundamentally based on naked interest, argued Knight: “You can never speak of loyalty because these people can change on a dime if it means their own political survival. […] Nowadays, I think it's cynical. It's about money. It's about position. It's about getting on.” This is true regardless of the Kremlin’s outward commitment to patriotic ideology, she said, reasoning that officers in the security services and even the foreign intelligence are not likely motivated by “this whole business that Putin keeps spouting for his domestic audience about special Russian values and the church and all this.” (She pointed out that KGB officers stationed abroad in the late Soviet era demonstrated the same mercantile philosophy by starting businesses and building ties with oligarchs.)

In an environment driven by “money, political survival, and security,” elites are averse to anything that might constitute “a real rumble within the Kremlin and some sort of obvious public infighting.” “All of [Putin’s] elite are in it together in the sense that they certainly don't want to appeal to the broader population,” Knight told Meduza.

The elites’ red lines

While Knight doesn’t predict an imminent uprising against Vladimir Putin, she noted that there were likely “quite a few sympathizers with [insurrectionist Yevgeny] Prigozhin among the people who were really unhappy with the way the military was conducting the war in Ukraine.” Additionally, she told Meduza that “it's not inconceivable that some members of the elite would form a coalition, go to Putin, and pressure him to make concessions to end the war” (assuming they could recruit people who had “some control over Russia’s mechanisms of force and coercion”). “It's possible that the elite could at least pressure him and even say, look, you've got to resign. We've got to have somebody new.”

But this scenario only becomes plausible if the war in Ukraine goes sideways for Russia in a major way, and much depends on continued (and expanded) Western military support, which Knight vigorously endorses. She also told Meduza that she believes Russia’s elites would likely intervene to prevent another major escalation from Putin — namely, the use of tactical nuclear weapons (“I personally think that this is a threat, and it's an empty threat”) or the invasion of a NATO member (“they don't have the troops or the means, and there would definitely be opposition”). 

[suryablogs123]

Things You Should Know Before Consulting a Lawyer

Things You Should Know Before Consulting a Lawyer

Introduction

Before consulting a lawyer, First What does a law firm do? It’s really very important to be well-prepared to ensure you get the most out of the legal advice you need. Understanding the process, providing relevant documents, and knowing what questions can be asked will make your consultation more efficient and productive, which will attract valuable clients. This guide covers key elements to consider before meeting with a lawyer, helping you feel confident and informed about your legal journey and letting you know that you might search for the best lawyer in Chennai so we’ll go further.

Understanding Your Issue

You should know before consulting a lawyer, it is essential to understand your legal issue clearly. Get to know about the nature of your problem whether it's a business dispute, family matter, or criminal issue, etc., Do some basic research in order to familiarize yourself with relevant terms and concepts. Such preparation enables a client to engage their lawyer in a way that would help them get answers to the right questions as their lawyer will have all the information that is necessary for assessment of the case. The definition of your issue is crucial to reducing consultation, unnecessary negotiation, and delay in your matter.

Gathering Necessary Document

As may be expected, there is much that a man or woman can do beforehand, including collection of necessary documents before a meeting with the lawyer. It is good to have the paperwork in order to enable your lawyer to listen to you and give you proper legal counsel. Determine case related papers according to your issue family, such as marriage certificates or financial statements; business, such as contracts; criminal, such as police reports. The better your collection is, the more effective your lawyer will be in analyzing your case.

Ensure you arrange your documents systematically so that when need arises you go through them effectively. Duplicate some as it may be handy to have some extras to present to your lawyer when they require or when making filings. Upload any letter concerning your legal concern including emails/notes etc. This preparation will lead to a better discussion.

You may be confused on which documents to bring; you will be advised when you are setting the appointment with the lawyer’s office. Preparation is also time-efficient because it also lays a good groundwork for your defense hence preparing your attorney.

Clarify Your Need

In advance of meeting a lawyer, it is actually essential to clarify your goals regarding your legal issue. Consider what you want to achieve whether it's resolving a dispute, negotiating a settlement, or seeking representation in court. Be specific about your objectives, such as custody arrangements in a family law case or filing for divorce.

Clearly outlining your goals enables your lawyer to tailor their advice and strategies to meet your needs. Discussing your expectations fosters a more productive consultation and strengthens the lawyer-client relationship, ultimately leading to better outcomes for your situation.

Make Sure Lawyer’s Experience

In order to choose a proper lawyer the review of his experience is necessary so that he would be capable of solving the given problem. Always consider an attorney who has a specialist in the specialized area which is being considered such as family law, criminal law, corporate law among others. Experts are always known to have inside knowledge of their line of work and this highly comes in handy in most times especially during your case. Ask them the number of years they have practiced and the nature of such cases as they handled. An advocate who has handled similar cases and cases that arose with similar circumstances may be of great help.

Also, work with a lawyer comfortable with operating in the local environment and know the legal system since it can help them; besides it can benefit from the connections within the legal system that may favor a given case. Never shy away from demanding the client to connect you to his or her former clients so that they can provide feedback regarding the sector, professionalism, level of communication as well as efficiency of the consultant. In conclusion, selecting the right lawyer brings confidence in the experience of the lawyer who is hired to represent a client with an aim of solving a case.

Prepare What You Want to Ask

I know that Preparing a list of questions before your consultation with a lawyer is crucial for ensuring you get the information you need. Take the time to think about the importance of your case and what you want or hope to learn during the meeting. This preparation will help you make the most of your time valuable and ensure you don’t forget to address any important concerns.

Start by drafting questions related to your legal issue, such as inquiries about the lawyer's experience, their proposed strategy for your case, and potential outcomes. You might also want to ask about their fees, billing practices, and how often you can expect updates on your case. Additionally, consider asking about the timeline for resolving your issue and any steps you need to take on your end. Having these questions ready will facilitate a productive discussion, allowing you to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions about your legal representation.

Know about Confidentiality

Understanding confidentiality is essential when consulting with a lawyer. Attorney-client privilege is a legal principle that ensures any information you share with your lawyer remains private, creating an atmosphere of trust and open communication. This means you can freely discuss the details of your case without worrying that the information will be shared with others.

Before your consultation, it’s important to clarify how your lawyer handles confidential information. Ask about their policies regarding data protection and what steps they take to keep your information safe. Knowing these practices can help you feel more comfortable sharing sensitive details about your case. The more honest and open you are with your lawyer, the better they can advise you and create an effective legal strategy. Understanding confidentiality also emphasizes the importance of honesty in your conversations, as it is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome for your situation.

Legal Rights and Responsibilities

Thus, it is crucial to find out your legal position concerning the rights and obligations in connection with your case prior to the personal meeting with a lawyer. Understanding the rights you have allows you to defend yourself and make the right choices should you find yourself in the legal system. When it comes to what you are handling, be it a family related issue, a business issue or a criminal case, your rights vary. Please, take a while to search for laws that go to the case to find out a little about what you can claim.

Moreover, like any other person, you have certain responsibilities as will be explained below. This also encompasses any legal requirements that you have like when to file some papers or what step you are required to undertake in a particular legal proceeding. If you are aware of these responsibilities, it will be easier for you to avoid actions that may prejudice your case. This knowledge of rights and responsibilities will help you be an active participant with your attorney and ask the questions that will allow you to be involved in your case. The awareness possessed from reading this will aid to make the consultation go well, and increase the probability of a favorable response.

Consulting Fees

Consulting fees are among the things that potential clients need to know before they sit down with the lawyer. It used to be that lawyers charged fees in many ways and understanding how the fees are likely to be structured will matter a lot. Other payment structure categories include fixed charges for services to be provided, charges that are based on the time taken to complete a task as well as charges that are graduated in proportion to the monies that one might recover in a legal process. To find out the fees charged by the lawyer and what the charges will cover, you should talk to the lawyer before your scheduled meeting. This will assist you to avoid hitches when you are billed to pay for the products and also people used to ask What is the salary of the best law firm?

Further, you need to learn whether there are any other expenses you are to incur which include cost of having to go to the court, charges for filing various papers among others. Certainly, it is permissible to discuss with the lawyer how much money you are willing to spend. Most are willing to discuss with you and find a suitable payment plan that shall suit your Pocket. It is also important to know about consultant fees and other costs in order that you can make the right decision on the kind of legal services you need and at the same time not stress financially.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knowing what to expect before consulting a lawyer can make a significant difference in your legal experience. Understanding your issue, gathering necessary documents, clarifying your goals, and ensuring the lawyer's experience are all essential steps in preparing for your meeting. Additionally, being aware of confidentiality, understanding your legal rights and responsibilities, and discussing consulting fees will help you engage effectively with your lawyer.

By taking the time to prepare and being open about your needs and concerns, you can establish a productive working relationship that can lead to a positive outcome. Remember, a well-prepared consultation not only sets the foundation for your case but also empowers you to take control of your legal journey with confidence.

Reference

We Provide the Best Law service for you approach us Immediately 

You Can contact us through a Best Law firm in Chennai

[tinygmusic]

gamma., Kakao Entertainment, & SM Entertainment Announce Strategic Global Alliance For The Launch of British Boy Band dearALICE

Rosa Gulliver of TINYGMUSIC��| November 26, 2024

gamma., Kakao Entertainment, and SM Entertainment today announced the formation of a strategic global alliance for the launch of British boy band dearALICE. This partnership will support the arrival of dearALICE’s debut and lay the groundwork for their global takeover, giving full backing to their ambitious journey to stardom.

gamma., Kakao Entertainment, and SM Entertainment’s alliance encompasses global distribution networks across the US, UK, and Korea/APAC, with global label services ranging across A&R, production, marketing, promotion, brand sponsorships, and global business development, paving the way for a transformative impact on the industry worldwide.

dearALICE is the first of its kind — a boy band formed via a TV show format by two leaders of Korean entertainment, Kakao Entertainment and SM Entertainment, and award-winning British producers and music entertainment specialists Moon&Back Media, the masterminds behind Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor, who introduced global superstars One Direction to the world. The original six-part series Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience aired on BBC One as part of its prestigious Saturday night schedule with international distribution of the series handled by ITV Studios and offered viewers an exclusive glimpse into the world-renowned K-Pop training process. The show followed five hand-selected UK boy band members as they embarked on a 100-day journey gaining first hand experience training at SM Entertainment, a program that usually spans across years for K-Pop artists. This ground breaking, multicultural format produced an original soundtrack featuring dearALICE, which debuted at No. 1 on the UK 50 Soundtrack Albums chart. 

Larry Jackson (Co-Founder & CEO, gamma.), Joseph Chang (co-CEO, Kakao Entertainment; CEO, SM & Kakao Entertainment), Jung Min Choi (CGO, SM Entertainment), Kevin Nishimura (COO, SM & Kakao Entertainment), Ben Cook (President UK & Europe, gamma.)  and Russ Lindsay (Co-Founder, Moon&Back Media) came together in Los Angeles to finalize and celebrate the agreement. dearALICE members Blaise Noon, Dexter Greenwood, James Sharp, Oliver (Olly) Quinn, and Reese Carter were on hand for the symbolic kickoff of the ambitious journey to establish the group as an international powerhouse.

Larry Jackson, Co-Founder & CEO of gamma. states, “I have found that it is a superpower in life to embrace the truth of ‘I know what I don’t know.’ I have always been intrigued by the music and culture coming out of South Korea, and to now partner with Kakao Entertainment and SM Entertainment on dearALICE affords gamma. an opportunity to learn from THE BEST in that culture. We are already finding a special creative kinship with Joseph, Kevin and their teams. Our ideations are very much aligned albeit informed by different life experiences, from disparate corners of the globe. The cleverness of creating this show, it premiering on the BBC in the U.K., and bringing this extremely talented group to the world by way of it, was their idea, and we are thrilled to be a part of it. Kakao Entertainment and SM have always been purveyors of true, patient artist development in Korea, and I have deeply respected their approach from afar.  Expect to hear a lot from dearALICE in 2025.”

gamma., the artist-first multimedia platform providing creative and business services across all artistic and commercial formats launched in 2023, co-founded by CEO Larry Jackson and President Ike Youssef. It is a modern media and technology enterprise created to revolutionise the way artist-entrepreneurs create, distribute, and monetise their content and brands across a multitude of consumer touchpoints. To date gamma. has partnered with global superstars including USHER, Snoop Dogg & Death Row Records, Rick Ross, Sexyy Red among others.

Joseph Chang, co-CEO of Kakao Entertainment and CEO of SM & Kakao Entertainment, shared, “Our partnership with gamma. represents an exciting step in our ongoing strategy for the successful launch of dearALICE. Collaborating with a label of gamma.’s stature, known for its deep industry expertise and innovative approach, allows us to accelerate our efforts in bringing forward dearALICE to audiences worldwide. dearALICE stands out as a truly distinctive project for our company, blending British roots with the global reach and creative influences of Kakao Entertainment and SM Entertainment. We believe this collaboration will unlock new opportunities for the group to thrive internationally, while also showcasing their ground breaking artistry to music fans across the globe.”

Russ Lindsay, Co-Founder of Moon&Back Media, added, “What an amazing twelve months it’s been for the boys! From being cast in December last year, to experiencing a unique and unforgettable 100 days of K-Pop training with SM Entertainment in Korea, then premiering a 6-part Saturday night BBC One TV series in the summer, followed by the Made in Korea: The K-Pop Experience Original TV Soundtrack EP release and a superb live performance on the UK’s highest-rated entertainment show, BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing! It’s a testament to their incredible hard work and passion that sees them sign a major global recording and distribution deal with gamma., joining a stable with some of the world’s most talented artists and music executives."

Up next, dearALICE is ramping up to release their official debut single under gamma., Kakao Entertainment, and SM Entertainment by the end of the year.

About gamma.

gamma., founded by CEO Larry Jackson and President Ike Youssef, is a modern media and technology enterprise created to revolutionise the way artist-entrepreneurs create, distribute, and monetise their content and brands across a multitude of consumer touchpoints. Across eight global offices, gamma. serves over 10,000 monthly releases through their wholly-owned technology and rights management platform, Vydia, in addition to working with global superstar artists and partners including: Snoop Dogg and Death Row Records, its catalogue as well as emerging talent including R&B artist October London; mega, a joint venture with superstar USHER & industry pioneer L.A. Reid; a partnership with icon and mogul Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group; a partnership with Rebel Music/Open Shift Distribution, delivering music from rap’s new queen Sexyy Red and burgeoning talent honestav, Lomiiel and Kevin Smiley; French Montana’s Mac & Cheese 5; WILLOW’s empathogen in partnership with Three Six Zero Recordings; 4batz, R&B’s current generational torch bearer; Rich The Kid’s Life’s A Gamble; Santiago, the multimedia project from Russ; and a partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures and WaterTower Music on the soundtrack for the motion picture The Color Purple, among others.

The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in New York, London, Miami, Nashville, Lagos, Johannesburg and Dubai.

About Kakao Entertainment

Kakao Entertainment is a global entertainment company affiliated with the leading Korean tech company Kakao Corp. Kakao Entertainment combines the full spectrum of the entertainment industry value chain, across its Music, Story, and Media businesses. Kakao Entertainment's music business has an unrivaled distribution competitiveness with a library of about 120,000 songs and production capacity which releases 1,200 new tracks every year, and "Melon" leads the industry as Korea's No. 1 music streaming platform. By operating a multi-label system, Kakao Entertainment is not only producing music IPs for various artists such as IVE, but also strengthening its global business in cooperation with K-Pop IP powerhouse SM Entertainment. Its Story business operates “kakaopage” and “Kakao Webtoon,” two leading mobile content platforms that provide users with an offering of over 80,000 story IPs, both domestically and abroad. Together, these platforms retain Korea’s most extensive library of original content. It also operates “Radish” and “Tapas” which provide leading online fiction and webtoon content to English-speaking audiences. Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, Kakao Entertainment’s global footprint spans across Korea, Japan, North America, Greater China, Southeast Asia and India and is expanding rapidly. Kakao Entertainment's Media business boasts a diversified video production capability for mobile, TV, and film with 80 top Korean creators and 160 globally beloved Korean celebrities under management.

About SM Entertainment

SM Entertainment stands as South Korea's No. 1 entertainment and media group, leading the way in international markets with its unique and innovative production and training system, coupled with unparalleled overseas marketing strategies. As a trailblazing entity, it has cultivated a galaxy of global K-Pop superstars, solidifying its status as a premier industry leader. SM Entertainment is dedicated to every facet of the music business, meticulously orchestrating album planning, production, distribution, promotion, and artist management. Leveraging a wealth of accumulated expertise, it sets the standard for excellence in each endeavor. The company manages artists, including, but not limited to: KANGTA, BoA, TVXQ!, SUPER JUNIOR, GIRLS’ GENERATION, SHINee, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT U, NCT 127, NCT DREAM, NCT WISH, WayV, SuperM, aespa, GOT the beat, RIIZE, and more. SM Entertainment has established a global network through overseas subsidiaries in the United States, Japan, as well as other countries, owning various affiliated companies such as SM C&C, KEYEAST, DearU, SM Brand Marketing, etc. Furthermore, by creating the unique concert brand called SMTOWN, the organisation has successfully hosted shows in major cities worldwide, continuously setting new records in the concert business. SM Entertainment is growing as the world’s leading entertainment company, and as the pioneer of K-Pop and the creator of an unrivaled system, it continues to produce today’s most prominent K-Pop acts.

About Moon&Back Media

Moon&Back Media is a partnership between Nigel Hall, Dawn Airey and Russ Lindsay borne out of a longstanding relationship at the highest level of the global television industry, where the three multi award winning founders have been launching talent, creating IP and producing / commissioning the world’s most successful television shows for over three decades. LA-based Asylum Entertainment Group invested in Moon&Back in 2024. Utilising Nigel’s exceptional creative prowess, Dawn’s global experience in traditional television and digital exploitation, Russ’s extensive knowledge of IP creation and marketing, and their combined relationships with the very best broadcast talent, they have combined their unique skills once again.  Hall’s success is highlighted by his work as former Head of Light Entertainment at ITV, creating hits like Celebrity Stars in their Eyes, You’ve Been Framed and Saturday Night Takeaway. Later, Lindsay – who, as co-founder of UK-based talent agency James Grant, had been managing top-tier talent – pulled in Hall to forge Syco Entertainment with Simon Cowell.  As Managing Director, Hall co-created, formatted and executive produced the two biggest formats in the last 20 years: the UK and global versions of The X Factor and the Got Talent franchise. Through Hall’s stewardship, The X Factor spawned local versions in 56 countries while Got Talent currently airs in more than 190 international territories. Lindsay also co-founded Talent Bank, which bridges the entertainment industry’s preeminent talent with a sophisticated network of digital broadcast platforms. Airey’s television career is punctuated by her roles as Controller of Arts & Ent at Channel 4, CEO of Channel 5 and Managing Director of Sky Channels and ITV Productions.  Drawing on immense experience in the global digital space, Airey also served as SVP of Yahoo! and CEO of Getty Images.

The series executive team includes BAFTA-winning Executive Producer and format creator David Hall (Deal or No Deal, The Greatest Dancer, The Chase), music industry executive Ben Karter (Taylor Swift, The Script, Westlife), Series Editor Nadia Dyer-Collins (Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here) and Emmy-nominated show runner James McKinlay (America’s Got Talent, X Factor)’.

Keep up with dearALICE

Instagram

X (Twitter)

TikTok

YouTube

Weverse

Spotify

Apple Music

DEEZER

genie

VIBE

Boomplay

anghami

BUGS

iTunes Store

YouTube Music

Keep up with gamma.

Instagram

X (Twitter)

TikTok

Website

Keep up with Vydia

Instagram

X (Twitter)

Facebook

YouTube

Website

LinkedIn

Spotify

Keep up with Kakao Entertainment

Instagram

Website

LinkedIn

Keep up with SM Entertainment

Instagram

X (Twitter)

Facebook

YouTube

Website

Keep up with Moon&Back Media

Instagram

X (Twitter)

Facebook

TikTok

YouTube

Website

LinkedIn

[typingtess]

NCIS: Los Angeles Season 14 Rewatch:  “Blood Bank”

The basics:  A shootout on a yacht owned by Arkady Kolcheck gets NCIS’s attention.

Written by:  Samantha Chasse co-wrote "Kill Beale Vol. 1" and wrote "Impostor Syndrome" and “Murmuration”.

Directed by:  Benny Boom directed "Ghost Gun", "767", "Fool Me Twice", "Pro Se", "Hail Mary", “Groundwork” and “Perception”.   

Guest stars of note:  Duncan Campbell returns as NCIS Special Agent Castor from “Let It Burn”, Vyto Ruginis joins season 14 as Arkady Kolcheck.  Matty Cardarople returns as Danny, who sold pastries in season 10’s “Into the Breach” and computer supplies in “Imposter Syndrome” in season 12,.  Kathleen Garrett as Miraslava Borisova, Dalia Rooni as Riffat Murad, Nikolay Moss as Kostas Orlov, Jonathan Kells Phillips as Rupert Richardson and Emily Morales-Cabrera as Assistant

Our heroes:   Deal with more Russian nonsense.

What important things did we learn about: Callen:  Giving a deposition. Sam:   Running a taskforce. Kensi:  Nancy Drew on the boat. Deeks:  Swedish nobility. Fatima:   Late. Rountree:   Bodyguard. Kilbride:  Appalled by Arkady’s safe house.

What not so important things did we learn about: Callen:  Now working on Sam’s taskforce. Sam:   Absent. Kensi:   Wields a mean serving tray. Deeks:   Wields a mean sword. Fatima:  Coffee fan. Rountree:   Lost the excuse book. Kilbride:  Found the excuse book.

Where in the world is Henrietta Lange?  Not a mention, though I bet she knew Mira Borisova.

Who's down with OTP:  Kensi dropped her “Mom Tone” when she had to separate Arkady and Mira Borisova.  Kensi and Deeks were fine.

Who's down with BrOTP:   Fatima and Rountree have plans for covering for each other.  Fatima made a friend waiting for coffee.

Fashion review:    Callen wears a dark blue, long-sleeve tee.  Kensi has on an oatmeal pullover sweater that probably looked better in person than on the TV.  Deeks started the episode in a pale pink tee before wearing his Swedish Nobleman blue suit.  A red quarter-zip for Fatima.  Rountree started the episode with a black tee and what looked like a blue lightweight rain jacket before wearing his all black bodyguard gear.  Tell me if you’ve heard this before – blue suit, pale blue dress shirt, medium blue tie for the Admiral.  He also wears a trench coat and looks fantastic. 

Music:   "Makaha” by the Tikiyaki Orchestra is playing in the bar when the Admiral arrives to rescue Arkady.  Deeks and Arkady walk into the auction house with “Rasputin” by Boney M. playing.  A bit of the “Titanic” soundtrack pops up at the end.

Any notable cut scene:  Not today.

Quote: Arkady:  “Grisha?”

Kilbride:  “Guess again.  What sort of a moron decides to make a safe house from...whatever this place is?”

Arkady:  “Am I alive?”

Kilbride:  “Judging by the looks of this table, barely.”

Arkady:  “Listen, a Russian would not look for another Russian in a bar that serves rum-based drinks.  It is a brilliant and delicious plan.”

An Arkady-Kilbride spinoff would have worked.

Anything else:  On a yacht, a Russian woman is showing off the 43rd of the Czar’s Fabergé Eggs to buyers.  There are only 42 known eggs, she has the 43rd which “no longer exists, yet, there it is.”  She is looking for $7 million for the egg.

She wants to share champagne with her buyers but when she calls for one of her yacht staffers to bring a bottle, there is no answer.  The buyer and his bodyguard pull out guns and shoot the woman and her security staff.  They race off with the egg. 

The woman, however, is not dead.  The large necklace she wore acted as a bulletproof vest.

Walking into the office, Kensi and Deeks are debating Rosa watching a dating reality show.  Kensi assures Deeks that Rosa knows the show isn’t real.  This is news to Deeks, who thinks the program is real.  The two debate the contestants, including a “meatball specialist”.  A very amped up Rountree joins them, asking about going into the burn room.  Since it is 9AM on a Monday, neither Kensi or Deeks have a reason to do any early week burning.  Rountree tries to exit but is forced to explain the notebook he shares with Fatima.  It is a track of their excuses for when they are late.  “It’s the only way we can keep our stories straight!” 

Kensi mentions texting each other but Rountree thinks Kilbride would find a digital trail.  Fatima is late and he’s not sure what the excuse of the day will be.  And he needs that right now since Kilbride is looking for Fatima.  Rountree starts with a car appointment but that would mean Fatima scheduled it during work hours, angering Kilbride.  He changes to medical appointment but that worries Kilbride.  Suddenly Fatima has a dog – for an undercover operative, Rountree is bad at this.  And the dog was hit by a car.  Kensi and Deeks offer thoughts and prayers.

Fatima, however, is getting coffee.  Fatima chats with a woman waiting for coffee.  Riffat works for an agency finding housing for refugees from Afghanistan.  After trouble with the barista, Fatima is on her way.

Kilbride walks into an empty Ops, except for Rountree.  Based on the case that just arrived, Rountree wanted to do the debrief alone.  Two Russians were found dead on a yacht in Marina del Ray.  Demetri Fedrov and Simeon Babanin, former Russian military and now with the Wagner Group, are persons of interest in moving cultural and historical pieces of art.  The boat, the Diamond of the Ocean, belongs to Arkady Kolcheck.  “Why am I not surprised?”

Kensi and Deeks enter Ops with news that Arkady was attacked.  They know nothing about what happened on the boat the way Rountree and the Admiral know nothing about the attack on Arkady.  There is a “Who’s on First” vibe going on.  Arkady was attacked at his house that morning but was able to move to a safe house.  He contacted Callen, who wants Kensi and Deeks to ping Arkady’s burner phone.  Callen is giving a deposition so he’s unavailable. 

Deeks thought Arkady was out of the spy business but Kensi thinks it could be his past causing Arkady trouble.  The Admiral isn’t so sure that Arkady is out of the spy business.  Rountree offers to call Callen but the Admiral is going to find Arkady himself.

In a Tiki bar, a rather overserved Arkady is looking for “Grisha” but gets Kilbride instead.  Kilbride is wondering what kind of “moron” makes a Tiki bar a safehouse.  Arkady is wondering if he is alive.  Explaining himself, Arkady tells Kilbride that a Russian would not look for a Russian in a place that serves rum-based drinks.  “It is a brilliant and delicious plan.” 

Ignoring what has led the two of them to “this idiotic moment”, Kilbride wants to know what happened.  Leaving his house that morning, two men with guns came up to Arkady’s car.  He high-tailed it out of there, running over one of the gunmen’s feet.  Kilbride asks if that’s what caused the shooting on Arkady’s boat.  Arkady is confused, he hasn’t owned a boat for 40-years.  “Must be another Arkady Kolcheck.”   Saying he is just a typical ex-KGB Agent who defected to America, “who could want me dead?”

On the maybe not Arkady’s yacht, the original thought is murder-suicide.  Looking at the lack of blood spatter behind one body and the way the blood pooled, Kensi thinks this is a set-up.  The investigation says there was no video but that doesn’t make sense.  A boat this big and fancy would have security cameras, according to Kensi/Nancy Drew.  Deeks tries a mirror but it is one way, not two.  Kensi found a camera in the smoke detector – “Nancy Drew you did it again.”

In the boat shed, Arkady is finishing a call with Anna as Callen pours some coffee.  Arkady isn’t a fan of the boat shed because it smells like a crab shack.  His safe house has blended drinks.  On the plasma screen, Rountree and an arriving Fatima have the footage from the camera Kensi found.  Most of the footage is useless, it was over there table where the Russian woman was showing the egg.  The woman, however, drags herself into the camera’s range.  Fatima has facial rec but Arkady already knows – “Mira.”  And he claims to know her biblically. 

Mira is Miraslava Borisova, a Moscow museum curator turned black market antiquities dealer.  With Borisova’s access, Arkady was able to put her in contact with people interested in buying what she could provide.  But that was 40-years ago.  Callen wants Arkady to set up a meeting.

Outside of a fancy hotel in Beverly Hills, Callen is surprised Borisova would hide in such a public place.  Being a well dress, wealthy woman, Arkady thinks she’d fit right in.  He’s a bit nervous about reuniting with Borisova.  Callen offers some advice and help but Arkady remind him that he was doing this before Callen was born.  The roach coach is now a plumbing company van with Kensi and Deeks inside with a lot of surveillance equipment.  Callen tells them that Arkady dated Borisova before he met Anna’s mother. 

Rapping on the door, Arkady finds it opened.  He calls for Borisova as he walks inside.  She has a rather heavy coffee table book and starts beating him with it.  Callen asks Kensi and Deeks what’s going on and they’re not sure.  Back in the room, Borisova is furious that Arkady finally calls and it the day she was almost killed.  To get her attention, Arkady pops her with a couch decorative pillow.  She returns the favor. 

Kensi yells that “they’re fighting” – Borisova thinks Arkady set her up in Malta and set her up today – while Deeks is enjoying the “geriatric WWE”.  Kensi wonders if they should go in.  Callen isn’t sure.  Deeks brings up the time Arkady made them de-booby-trap his car because Arkady couldn’t remember how he booby-trapped it.  Kensi brings up a failed mission in Chechnya.  Callen talks about Arkady cursing his engagement to Anna.  They’re going to let Arkady and Borisova work things out for a while.

After Borisova picks up the luggage rack, getting NCIS’s attention, Arkady threatens to remove the tag from a rare Beanie Baby.  When he does, Borisova really starts knocking him around.  Callen, Kensi and Deeks walk into the hotel room just as Arkady goes flying.

Near Ops, Fatima runs into the Admiral while she tried to evade him.  She apologizes for her tardiness.  Fatima tells him her dog is doing well.  The Admiral, a dog lover, wants her to bring in the dog as he recovers.  In fact, he insists. 

In Ops, Rountree apologizes for freaking out and going with the dog.  Fatima is more concerned about finding a dog.  On the big screen, Kensi and Deeks are in the boat shed.  Rountree identified the missing object from the yacht – it is one of eight missing decorative eggs, made for the Russian royal family.  While killing Borisova to steal the egg makes sense, why go after Arkady?  Fatima sends a picture of the egg to Callen, who is interrogating Mira.  Arkady is on the back deck in a time out.

Callen shows Borisova the egg.  She plays dumb but knows she’s been caught.  Callen asks why was the boat registered to Arkady.  Again, Borisova plays dumb until Callen says he’s going to turn the yacht over to the DOJ.  They have a special taskforce that confiscates Russian belongings.  After explaining it is her boat, Borisova tells Callen that she has put Arkady’s name on everything she’s bought – from condos in Cape Town to safe deposit boxes.  For all the world knows, they’ve been partners in crime for 40-years.  It is the perfect revenge – “petty but effective.” 

Bringing up the attack on Arkady, Callen believes someone going after Borisova tried to kill Arkady as part of her fake partnership.  Since the men who robbed her thinks she dead, she’s not interested in talking.  Callen is – the men are still after Arkady and it is Borisova’s fault.  

The men on the yacht were new clients and vetted by an auction house.  Callen is surprised – why would an auction house be involved.  Antiquities have to be stored carefully not in a storage locker rented by the month.  The only people who knew about the sale were the auction house, buyers and the seller, Alexey Pasternik.  Pasternik was motivated – he wanted the sale.  Moving the item quicky meant selling at a discount.  And that means he’s the problem.

Alexey Pasternik died three-days earlier.  He “threw himself” from a 12-floor condo by going through the window.  A suspicious death.  Fatima has a map of billionaires like Pasternik who left Russia days before the Ukraine invasion.  More than half are dead. 

Callen tells Borisova about Pasternik’s untimely fall.  She tries to joke about the Russian national bird being a flightless bird because of all the falling Russians.  Callen wants to know what Pasternik was trying to get away from.  Borisova explains that the billionaires had their loyalty bought by the Russian government.  Lots of money was given to these people and now with the sanctions causing financial pain in Russia, the government wants the money back. 

The government was hiding their wealth with the billionaires – they are blood banks.  Since the government was not happy with the way Borisova was selling off the assets, they went after her and her partner, Arkady.

Doing a ton of exposition, Deeks explains that the money given to the billionaires to invest and spend was reclaimable.  Once the billionaire dies, the money goes back to Russia.  All the murders of the billionaires all over the world was to get back the money.  “This is so much bigger than we thought.”

In his office, Kilbride tells Kensi and Deeks on his smaller plasma screen that the DOJ will not be cooperating with NCIS.  With tactical nukes on the table, NCIS has to be involved in a discreet investigation.  An investigation without Callen, since he is joining Sam’s joint task force.  It is Kensi, Deeks, Fatima and Rountree on this one.

Since they don’t know the gunmen or how to smoke them out, Deeks thinks they should approach the auction house since the auction house still thinks Borisova and Arkady are in business together.  Arkady could approach the auction house to get an item and the insider in the auction house could tip off the gunmen.

Borisova is willing to help but only if she’s running things.  The auction house will have rules for wealthy clients and a well-dressed Deeks – fancy suit, tie, and a medal of some sort around his neck – is just that client as Swedish nobility.  She reminds everyone that the auction house protects objects, not people.  The fire suppression system removes all the oxygen in a room to stop a fire.  If there is a person there, well, that’s a problem for the person.  For her cooperation, Borisova wants a second chance.

Dressing in the boat shed restroom, Borisova brings Arkady a special suit.  He apologizes for leaving her in Malta.  She sort of does the same with today’s assassination attempt.  “Let’s just call us even.” 

Walking into the auction house wearing a tan three-piece suit, a light blue dress shirt and a red paisley tie, Arkady introduces himself to the woman in the reception area.  He is followed by Deeks and Rountree, who is all in black, dressed as a bodyguard.  Asking for Rupert and giving his account number, provided by Borisova in the plumbing van with Castor, Arkady and Deeks welcomed in.  Rountree must wait in the reception area – company policy.

In a waiting area, Rupert is excited to greet Arkady after working with Borisova on his behalf for years.  Rupert starts speaking to Deeks in Swedish – that goes poorly.  Rupert is going to speak to Deeks while Arkady opens his locker.  Arkady is freaking out – he doesn’t have the key.  The earwigs are failing – the building is secure.  When Kensi asks about Borisova, Castor is shown out cold and Borisova is gone.

In the vault area, Arkady is met by an armed Borisova. 

With no response from Arkady or Castor, Kensi and Rountree are going to move into the auction house. 

Entering the locker behind Borisova is Arkasha, the man who shot her on the boat.  Arkasha thought he was going to have to kill Borisova twice that day but she cut a deal with Arkasha today.  She would kill Arkady, turn over her client list and she gets back the egg and her freedom.  Arkasha suggest she shoot Arkady in the head.  She doesn’t.  Instead, she knees Arkasha where it hurts, turns on the CO-2 suppression system and sets off all sorts of alarms.

Making his way through the building, Rountree gets to the vault but can’t open the door.  Rountree shoots open the vault door to find Arkady.

When the alarm goes off, so does Rupert.  He pulls a sword from the wall before Deeks can get his gun out. 

Rountree finds Arkasha and subdues him before they both suffocate.

Arkasaha’s men have Arkady and Borisova.  Kensi causes a distraction and takes one henchman out. 

Deeks finds his own wall sword and he and Rupert duel.  Deeks wins in a way too short scene.

Kensi is stuck between Arkasha’s two men.  Arkady tosses her a silver platter and a vase.  She takes them both out before Deeks arrives.  Promising to make a scene to distract Kensi and Deeks, Arkady wants Borisova to flee.  She’s not going anywhere.  Kensi puts her in cuffs.

Back in the office, Rountree asks Fatima for friends dinner - tacos or udon.  She has to pass -  she’s having a friends dinner with Riffat.  Rountree thinks that’s great.  He also found a shelter that lets people borrow pets – she could use that for the Admiral.  Fatima is just going to tell the truth.  That’s when the Admiral arrives with the excuses notebook.  He also noticed all the same frappuccino cups in Ops so Fatima needs to come on time.

On the back deck of the boat shed, Kensi asks Arkady if he is alright.  He has Anna, Grisha – his family.  He wouldn’t rewrite one minute of his life if it meant he wouldn’t have them.  Kensi asks about Borisova.  She will always be on his credit score with all the accounts she took out.  Besides, that means she is thinking of him.  He shows her the beanie baby.  Kensi tells him she knows it is worthless and so does he.  She says goodnight.

Arkady watches Kensi leave and pulls the beanie baby apart.  Inside is a very expensive necklace.  With the soundtrack from “Titanic” playing, he holds it over the water.  Then decides it was too expensive to drop into the water.  Instead, Arkady takes it with him as he leaves.  Anna calls.  Suddenly, he wants to talk about the open bar at the wedding.

What head canon can be formed from here:    There is a continuity issue because in “Answers”, Deeks joked about writing for a reality series.  Now he’s shocked to find out they are scripted.

My goodness this was a chatty episode.  TV should be show, don’t tell.  This was all tell, tell, tell.  And a generic tell, tell, tell.  This episode works completely in season three.  In season six.  In season nine – you get the point.  A mention of Callen’s wedding here and there but otherwise, Hetty could have picked Arkady at the bar, Sam or Callen could have been on bodyguard duty instead of Rountree. 

And I know the lack of Sam (all) and Callen (a lot) in this episode has to do with the upcoming crossover episodes but just have Sam up on the big screen in Ops telling Callen to drop everything, he’s needed. 

It wasn’t a bad episode – and anytime Arkady shows up, the fun level goes up, up, up – but it just wasn’t much of an episode.

Episode number:   This was episode nine of season 14 (though it was filmed after “A Long Time Coming”), episode 311 overall.

[pristyncarereviews]

Tips for Quick Recovery After Surgery: Advice from Pristyn Care’s Health Experts

By optimizing and improving the patient experience before, during, and following surgery, Pristyn Care is leading the charge to transform surgical care in India. Pristyn Care is a full-stack healthcare solutions provider that is committed to making every patient's experience as easy and stress-free as possible. Their team of specialists is dedicated to providing complete support, from the first consultation to the recuperation phase following surgery. Pristyn healthcare highlights the need to follow competent medical advice since it understands the critical role that planning and knowledgeable direction play in the success of rehabilitation. This method makes surgery both effective and safe by protecting patients from potential complications and expediting the healing process.

Section 1: Preparing for Surgery

A successful surgical procedure can be a life-changing experience, so being well-prepared is essential. Preoperative consultations are extremely important to Pristyn Care because they lay the groundwork for establishing precise expectations and getting patients ready for surgery. These sessions guarantee that patients comprehend the recuperation process, are well-informed about the procedure, and are psychologically prepared for the necessary actions.

Individuals must inform their healthcare professionals honestly about any current medications or pre-existing medical issues during these conversations. The experts at Pristyn Care carefully examine each patient's medical history to customize the surgical plan to meet their unique requirements, thereby lowering the likelihood of complications following surgery. This individualized approach aids in the creation of a unique recovery plan in addition to optimizing the surgical technique. Through proactive management of these factors, Pristyn Care guarantees that every patient is surgically ready, improving operation safety and efficacy while reducing the risk of unanticipated consequences.

Section 2: Understanding Your Surgery 

A healthy recovery depends on you being aware of the details of your surgical treatment. Pristyn Care makes certain that every patient is given a thorough explanation of the surgery, including the methods that will be employed, the anticipated length of the treatment, and the recuperation period. Patients' nervousness before surgery is reduced by this transparency, which aids in their physical and emotional preparation. Pristyn Care reviews frequently emphasize how this thorough explanation demystifies the procedure gives patients a sense of control and reduces their anxiety about the impending surgery.

Gaining knowledge about the surgery process also facilitates healing. Patients can actively engage in their recovery by following post-operative instructions more thoroughly and managing their expectations regarding recovery durations and potential pain management better when they are aware of what to expect at every stage of the process. Positive comments and evaluations endorsing Pristyn Care's extensive educational initiatives attest to the fact that this well-informed approach facilitates quicker recovery and adds to overall patient happiness.

Section 3: Day of Surgery Tips 

Without enough planning, the day before surgery can be stressful. Patients are given a list of necessary goods by Pristyn Care to make sure they are comfortable and prepared. This contains essential paperwork like identification, health records, and insurance documents in addition to personal belongings like toiletries, a change of clothes, and a favorite book or entertainment gadget that can make the stay easier. On the day of surgery, these simple preparations can greatly improve comfort and lower stress levels.

Furthermore, following dietary recommendations before surgery is essential for a safe treatment. Before surgery, Pristyn Care provides patients with advice on fasting or particular dietary requirements that must be met. This frequently entails giving up food and liquids for a predetermined amount of time before the procedure to avoid issues like aspiration while under anesthesia. Patient reviews frequently comment on how useful and clear these dietary instructions were, and how they prevented any issues before surgery. Adhering to these guidelines not only guarantees safety throughout the procedure but also facilitates a more seamless and trouble-free recuperation, thereby strengthening Pristyn Care's dedication to both patient care and safety.

Section 4: At-Home Post-Surgery Care

Optimal healing following surgery depends on how well you handle your at-home recuperation. Comprehensive post-surgery care guidelines, particularly about wound treatment, are provided by Pristyn Care. Patients receive instructions on wound care, including methods for cleaning and treating wounds that reduce the chance of infection. It's critical to recognize infection symptoms, which include increased redness, swelling, warmth, and discharge. To guarantee prompt medical attention if certain symptoms arise, patients are informed about them.

Following the suggested prescription schedule is equally crucial. Pristyn Care stresses how important it is to take all prescriptions exactly as prescribed, especially antibiotics and analgesics. Effective pain management after surgery promotes comfort and movement, both of which are critical for healing. Pristyn Healthcare's care instructions are highly praised in reviews because they provide a thorough explanation of each drug's purpose and clarify each stage of the treatment regimen, improving patient compliance and recovery outcomes.

Section 5: Rehabilitation and Physical Activity

Rehab and physical activity are essential components of post-operative recovery. Personalized rehabilitation plans are created by Pristyn Care, outlining the kinds of activities that are helpful and those that should be avoided during the early stages of recovery. Light exercise, such as walking or mild stretching, is usually recommended for patients as it improves blood circulation and helps avoid problems like blood clots.

To promote flexibility, strengthen the muscles surrounding the surgical site, and ease the return to regular activities, physical therapy is frequently advised. Working with physiotherapists who specialize in post-surgical recovery is part of Pristyn Care's approach to making sure that exercises are properly completed and customized to each patient's needs and progress. The quality of life after surgery is improved and recovery times are greatly shortened when skilled physical therapists are involved. Positive evaluations frequently emphasize how adhering to Pristyn Care's structured physical activity standards has resulted in fewer issues and faster recovery times, demonstrating the efficacy of their rehabilitation plans.

Section 6: Nutrition and Hydration

Adequate nutrition and hydration are essential for successful postoperative recovery. According to Pristyn Care, a balanced diet full of proteins, vitamins, and minerals is crucial for the immune system and tissue regeneration. Pristyn Care reviews recommend that patients eat meals high in protein, such as lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, and legumes, along with fruits and vegetables that supply essential vitamins and antioxidants. Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated promotes nutrient distribution and cellular health, both of which contribute to the healing process. 

Additionally, Pristyn Healthcare reviews advise staying away from processed foods, high-fat goods, and excessive carbohydrates as these might irritate tissues and impede healing. Pristyn Healthcare reviews often highlight these useful dietary recommendations, which greatly shorten healing times and increase safety. Following these guidelines, as noted in Pristyn Care reviews, ensures a more effective and safer recovery.

In summary

You'll recover from surgery more quickly and safely if you heed the professional counsel of Pristyn Care. Please contact Pristyn Healthcare if you have any questions or concerns about any issues that may arise after surgery. At every step of the journey, their committed team will offer assistance and direction. Pristyn Care reviews and Pristyn Healthcare reviews consistently highlight the exceptional support and guidance provided throughout the recovery process.

[howieabel]

“The most indubitable feature of a revolution is the direct interference of the masses in historical events. In ordinary times the state, be it monarchical or democratic, elevates itself above the nation, and history is made by specialists in that line of business - kings, ministers, bureaucrats, parliamentarians, journalists. But at those crucial moments when the old order becomes no longer endurable to the masses, they break over the barriers excluding them from the political arena, sweep aside their traditional representatives, and create by their own interference the initial groundwork for a new régime. Whether this is good or bad we leave to the judgement of moralists. We ourselves will take the facts as they are given by the objective course of development. The history of a revolution is for us first of all a history of the forcible entrance of the masses into the realm of rulership over their own destiny.” ― Leon Trotsky, History of the Russian Revolution

[advertflair-3d]

The Evolution of Augmented Reality Design: From Concept to Creation

In recent years, the field of augmented reality (AR) has witnessed a remarkable evolution, transforming from a futuristic concept into a tangible and transformative technology that is shaping various industries. This shift has been greatly propelled by the innovative work of augmented reality design agencies, which have played a pivotal role in refining and actualizing AR experiences. Let's delve into the fascinating journey of AR design, exploring how it has evolved from concept to creation.

The Early Days: Conceptualizing AR

Augmented reality, as a concept, emerged with ambitious visions of overlaying digital information onto the real world through advanced technology. The earliest ideas stemmed from science fiction and speculative research, envisioning a future where digital elements seamlessly integrate with our physical environment. It was a concept that sparked the imagination of tech enthusiasts and designers alike.

Pioneering Technologies

The evolution of AR design was closely tied to the development of enabling technologies. Key milestones included the advent of smartphones with sophisticated sensors and processing power, which made AR accessible through mobile apps. Additionally, advancements in computer vision, 3D modeling, and spatial tracking systems laid the groundwork for more immersive and responsive AR experiences.

AR Design Agencies: Shaping the Landscape

As the potential of AR became apparent, specialized design agencies began to emerge, dedicated to pushing the boundaries of this technology. These agencies brought together multidisciplinary teams comprising UX/UI designers, 3D artists, software engineers, and AR specialists. Their mission: to bridge the gap between concept and reality, crafting compelling and functional AR solutions.

From Concept to Creation

The journey of an AR project typically begins with ideation and conceptualization. Design agencies collaborate closely with clients to understand objectives, target audience, and context. This phase involves sketching out user journeys, storyboarding interactions, and defining the visual style.

Next comes prototyping and iterative design. AR designers leverage tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, and specialized AR development kits to bring concepts to life in a virtual space. They refine interactions, test usability, and iterate based on feedback to ensure a seamless and engaging user experience.

Challenges and Innovations

AR design isn't without its challenges. Designers must contend with technical constraints, such as device compatibility and performance optimization, while maintaining a focus on user-centric design principles. However, these challenges fuel innovation, prompting agencies to explore novel solutions and experiment with emerging technologies like spatial computing and wearable AR devices.

The Impact on Industries

Today, AR design agencies are transforming industries across the board. From retail and marketing to healthcare and education, AR is revolutionizing how businesses engage with their customers and stakeholders. Immersive product experiences, virtual try-ons, interactive training modules—these are just a few examples of AR applications that are reshaping traditional practices.

Looking Ahead: The Future of AR Design

The evolution of augmented reality design is far from over. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more sophisticated AR experiences that blur the lines between digital and physical realities. Design agencies will continue to lead this charge, harnessing creativity and innovation to unlock the full potential of AR across diverse sectors.

In conclusion, the evolution of augmented reality design—from its conceptual origins to its current state of innovation—demonstrates the transformative power of human imagination and technological progress. As we embrace this exciting era of AR, we can anticipate that design agencies will remain at the forefront, shaping the way we interact with and experience the world around us.

If you're considering embarking on an AR project or seeking to leverage AR for your business, partnering with a specialized augmented reality design agency can be the key to unlocking groundbreaking experiences that captivate and inspire. As we witness the evolution of AR design, one thing is certain: the future promises to be even more immersive and extraordinary than we can imagine.

[dailyrandomwriter]

Day 574

I was supposed to be writing the prose for the chapter First Steps in Chimera Academy today. That was the plan, as I had already started it yesterday since that was my goal for this week.

However two days ago, as I was packing for my specialist appointment, I had a thought about how to start a chapter. Not the chapter after First Steps, which is called Calling All Mystery Club Members! No, it was to the chapter after that, involving Cael.

It was just a small scene that I really wanted to start this unnamed chapter with as a follow up to the ending for the Mystery Club, but it was such a small scene that I couldn’t really justify having it in. However, I stewed on it, because even with ADHD meds, I still needed something to keep me occupied while I do the boring task of sending questionnaire packages and then calling people to make sure they go check their emails.

This by the way, is a terrible idea for someone who has mild fixation problems.

A fact that I was reminded of when my brain suddenly hit upon an idea. See… I realized that for four chapters I never explained why Cael wanted friends. At all. Unlike the others where it’s very clear from the first few panels of them meeting that they are very lonely children. Not to say that Cael isn’t lonely in his own weird way, but Cael is not lonely in the same way Salron, Emmi and Dorothea are.

The three, due to circumstances beyond their control, just didn’t get to interact with a lot of people their age, but Cael has interacted with a lot people.

So, this chapter was a very good excuse to lay the groundwork in why Cael is the way he is. Also to introduce Cosima… which was a trip.

[adrienneryatt]

And by now I don't need no help to be destructive I've been gone Yeah, I've been on this road too long

►GENERAL INFORMATION

FULL NAME: Adrienne Layla Ryatt NICKNAME(S): Jynx, Adri, Riot LABEL: The Mystic AGE: 32 DATE OF BIRTH: October 31, 1991 ZODIAC: Scorpio Sun, Aries Rising, Capricorn Moon GENDER & PRONOUNS: Female; She/Her HERITAGE: French, Mexican, Italian SPOKEN LANGUAGE(S): English, Spanish, Italian OCCUPATION: Occult Specialist/Demonologist SEXUALITY & ROMANCE: Bisexual; Biromantic PET(S): Doberman named Khaos & a black cat named Hekate

► APPEARANCE

FACE CLAIM: Seychelle Gabriel HEIGHT: 5'2" WEIGHT: 112 lbs. DOMINANT HAND: Left HAIR COLOR: Brunette EYE COLOR: Brown SCARS: None notable. TATTOOS: None.

►PERSONALITY

POSITIVE TRAITS: Clever, Dauntless, Beguiling, Open-Minded, Authentic, Prophetic. NEGATIVE TRAITS: Sarcastic, Intangible, Arrogant, Sycophantic, Self-Sabotaging. LIKES: Stargazing, burning candles/incense, thunder storms, music on vinyl, horror movie marathons, deep conversations with strangers, solving a problem before everyone else, eureka moments when researching, conducting tarot card readings, making intention jars/journaling, cooking. DISLIKES: Being the scapegoat, people who think they are smarter than her or belittle her, critics/cynics.

►MENTALITY

PHOBIAS: Nyctophobia DISORDERS: Not diagnosed. ALLERGIES: Seasonal (Pollen)

►BACKGROUND

HOMETOWN: Danvers, MA CURRENT RESIDENCE: Merrock, ME EDUCATION LEVEL: MA in Magic and Occult Science at Salem State University FAMILIAL CONNECTIONS: - Reina Ryatt - 55, Mother, Not In Contact - Sylvester Ryatt - 54, Father, Deceased

►FAVORITES

FOOD: Mushroom Gnocchi DRINK: London Fog MOVIE: Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Practical Magic, Scream TV SHOW: Criminal Minds, Rick & Morty, Goosebumps BAND/ARTIST: The Killers, Lana Del Rey, Nirvana, Fleetwood Mac SONG: Lilith - Halsey

► EXTRA INFORMATION

JUNG TYPE: ENTP ENNEAGRAM: The Free Spirit (4w5) TEMPERAMENT: Choleric MORAL ALIGNMENT: Chaotic Neutral SIN: Wrath VIRTUE: Temperance ELEMENT: Fire CHARACTER PLAYLIST

I just fuck things up, if you noticed Have you noticed? Tell me have you noticed?

► BIOGRAPHY

TW; Religion mention, funeral mention

It was raining when Adrienne was born. Maybe that was the first tell of the path she would be walking. Or, maybe it was the intention of her given name; Adrienne: dark woman or dark waters. There was some odd fascination with the darker things in life. Growing up attending more funerals than weddings, can anyone really blame her on that impact? Though, her nickname was Jynx due to the chaos that would spiral in her presence. For instance, her grandmother's ashes going missing when they were addressed to her apartment, or traveling all the way to California just for a once in a lifetime storm to be passing through and the festival being cancelled, or every color she calls for Roulette being the wrong one and her friend then going into the negatives with funds. Though she was labeled as an outcast and was seen as the black sheep in the family because of this, she still had something about her that drew people in. She had a great group of friends, and her fair share of experimental relationships. In short: she didn't miss anything, but she wouldn't have cared if she did. Her aunt was the one who taught her about spirituality after Adrienne had a paranormal experience at the age of 5. Whilst being in a Catholic household, Adrienne and her aunt would often sneak in order to practice their own eclectic belief. Magic, tarot cards, seances, you name it - Adrienne has dabbled in it. What no one was expecting was for her to make a career move out of it. It started in high school, she helped assist her teacher in their paranormal investigation group. It was through this teacher that she learned about anomalies and the role of the paranormal in anthropology. Her job as an investigator was just the groundwork for her BA in Parapsychology with a minor in Religious Studies at Stockton Univeristy, where she studied the connections of the paranormal and demons with the human psyche. She then went on to gain her MA in Magick and Occult Science with a specialization in Women and Minority Studies where she learned more about the occult across various religions and cultures as well as witchcraft and the impact and power women have within interaction, at Salem State University. At this point in her career, she can be seen as an expert in the occult as well as a demonologist. She actually works alongside various religious institutions, is still a researcher for a paranormal investigation team, and is also hosts a podcast about horror movies, the paranormal and the occult.

► PERSONALITY (DEEP DIVE)

Adrienne is one of those people who can attract and attract and attract, but still feel alone underneath the surface. She can be sarcastic and condescending if someone asks a question she deems as 'stupid'. She's known to bully as her type of flirting. She's actually not online, and prefers it that way. She's clever and witty and goes on passion-dump sprees about her line of work and conspiracies pretty often, or about her research or podcast. She loves people who have a sense of humor and can dish it back out to her. Adrienne used to not like being seen as a Jynx, but now she is sorta indifferent. She just knows something bad or weird is bound to happen when she's around, and it's just within her chaotic state of being. She used to be deathly afraid of the dark, mostly because she didn't know what was in it. It's still a fear, but she works through it due to her career. Adrienne comes across as intimidating and mean cause of her resting bitch face. This is partly true; seeing that she does bring hell to people and her wrath can be intense. But, if you're on her good side you have a very loyal and fun friend in your corner.

[mariacallous]

Over the past two years, there has been considerable momentum around “tearing the paper ceiling”—that is, removing unnecessary degree requirements from public and private sector jobs. This seemingly small act of changing a job’s minimum requirements can have a tremendous impact, unlocking half of the nation’s workforce for in-demand roles across the country. 

Among those who have joined the skills-based talent movement, the public sector has been particularly enthusiastic, especially at the state level. With 25 states now taking this decisive step in the past two years alone, many question what impact has resulted from these actions. Our recently published analysis reveals signs of progress: clear increases in public awareness about skills-based hiring and workers ���skilled through alternative routes” (or “STARs”); sizable shifts in job posting behavior signaling openness to new sources of talent; and a demonstration of the groundwork necessary to shift behavior in a case study of Colorado. 

The pace of this policy change matches a marked shift in awareness of the issue. A National Skills Coalition poll shows almost 60% of U.S. voters perceive jobs with unnecessary degree requirements to be a significant challenge facing workers today. Our own tracking of public opinion reveals a similar trend, as awareness of the “paper ceiling” and the associated degree barriers, stereotypes, misconceptions, and lack of professional networks have increased 50% over the past year. Awareness of STARs as a vast, overlooked, diverse, and skilled workforce has grown at almost the same rate. 

Public sector actions in both red and blue states are shifting in response. Across the 25 states that began a journey to bring more STARs into their workforces more than two years ago, our analysis of executive orders and legislation reveals the potential for these public sector leaders to open more than 500,000 jobs to workers without a bachelor’s degree. This signal of their intentions to consider a broader talent pool is critical, as STARs have lost access to almost 7.5 million middle- and high-wage job opportunities in the past two decades, in roles such as secretaries, human resource assistants, customer service representatives, computer support specialists, medical diagnostic technicians, and more.