#Network Discovery Solution

[margaret-mead]

The Crucial Importance of Network Traffic Classification for Optimizing Connectivity

Greetings from Solana Networks, the leading source for state-of-the-art Network Traffic Classification solutions. With the ability to discern between dangerous and benign actions, our sophisticated algorithms carefully examine data flows and provide organisations with insights never before possible. We ensure optimal performance and security by decoding complex network behaviours with our cutting-edge technologies. Solana Networks offers customised solutions that are suited to your requirements, whether your goals are seamless network management, threat detection, or compliance adherence. Put your trust in our experience to protect your digital infrastructure from changing threats, increase productivity, and streamline operations. With Solana Networks, discover the possibilities of network intelligence in the future.

Phone: 613-596-2557

E-mail: info@solananetworks.com

[poebrey]

in retrospect while Discovery is incredibly plot and drama heavy I really appreciate how well it’s been able to hold onto the technobabble mystery of it all throughout. I know that the burn is widely considered to be a low point for the show but for a low Su’Kal as a stand-alone plot was really good? And s4 brought it back to a season long ethics and science exploration which was nice. It may have made sacrifices to be more serialized but whoever decided that it would do so on a ship focused on experimental science was brilliant because so far it’s been a good balance

[virtualizationhowto]

EnGenius Access Point Review: Cloud-managed Wireless

EnGenius Access Point Review: Cloud-managed Wireless #vmwarecommunities #homelab #EnGeniusAccessPoint #engenius #CloudManagedWiFi #NetworkManagement #WiFi6 #IndoorAccessPoint #PowerOverEthernet #HighPerformanceNetworking #EnGeniusWireless #EnGeniusCloud

EnGenius is a brand gaining traction and visibility among many across the landscape of wireless solutions available on the market today. The wireless space is certainly a crowded one with many solutions, vendors, and technologies to choose from, both for on-premises-managed and cloud-managed wireless. EnGenius access point solutions offer many capabilities, including Wi-Fi 6 technology. Their…

[selfdiscoverymedia]

BB23-04. Bethany Meadows is an Experienced Mompreneur.

Building your business with Sara Troy and her guest Bethany Meadows, on air from January 24th For business owners who also are also called mom, finding both success and striking the right balance can be challenging. In this episode, we will dive into the insights of an experienced mompreneur and find out the secrets she uses to find success without compromising her focus on family. Bethany…

[reasonsforhope]

"A first-of-its-kind report has discovered that altering the ingredients list or manufacturing methods of widely used medication can really cut back on carbon emissions.

They found a reduction of 26 million tons, enough to cancel out the whole carbon footprint of the city of Geneva for a decade. Best of all, it’s already happening, and in fact, is almost done—those emissions were already saved.

The lifesaving HIV treatment dolutegravir (DTG) is used by 24 million people worldwide.

Today, over 110 low and middle-income countries have adopted DTG as the preferred treatment option. Rapid voluntary licensing of the medicine, including its pediatric version, to over a dozen generic manufacturers, significantly drove down prices, and it’s estimated that 1.1 million lives will be saved from HIV/AIDS-related deaths by 2027.

Its predecessor, efavirenz, contained 1200 milligrams of active ingredient across the three active compounds present, while DTG contains 650 milligrams of just one compound. This small difference—literally measurable in single digits of paper clips by weight—was enough to change the carbon emissions footprint of the medication by a factor of 2.6.

The incredible discovery was made in a recent report by Unitaid, a global public-private partnership that invests in new health products and solutions for low and middle-income countries, called Milligrams to Megatons, and is the first published research to compare carbon footprints between commonly used medications.

“This magnitude of carbon footprint reduction surpasses many hard-won achievements of climate mitigation in health and other sectors,” the authors of the report write.

At the rate at which DTG is produced, since it entered into production and treatment regime in 2017, 2.6 million fewer tons of CO2 have entered the atmosphere every year than if efavirenz was still the standard treatment option.

Health Policy Watch reports that the global medical sector’s carbon emissions stand at roughly 5% of the global carbon emissions and are larger than the emissions of many big countries, and 2.5 times as much as aviation.

“This report demonstrates that we can achieve significant health improvements while also making strides in reducing carbon emissions. By adopting innovative practices and prioritizing sustainability, we can ensure that medicines like DTG are not only effective but also environmentally responsible,” Vincent Bretin, Director of Unitaid’s Results and Climate Team told Health Policy Watch."

-via Good News Network, July 17, 2024

[theambitiouswoman]

How To Spot Opportunities

Opportunities are all around us, waiting to be recognized and seized. In conversation, in something you see, even in your own thoughts. Learning how to spot opportunities can lead you to growth and success. People often tend to overlook them, believing that they only come to certain people. The truth is that opportunities are available to everyone. We just need to change our perspective and learn how to identify them.

The Mindset:

Openness to Possibilities: Adopt a mindset that looks for possibilities in any situation. Instead of focusing solely on obstacles, view every challenge as an opportunity to innovate and grow. This shift in perspective opens the door to potential breakthroughs.

Adaptability: Being flexible and adaptable is key to spotting opportunities. Embrace change and be willing to venture outside your comfort zone. Adaptability helps you see potential where others might only see disruptions.

Positive Attitude: A positive attitude can work wonders in identifying opportunities. When you maintain optimism, you're more likely to recognize the silver lining in challenging circumstances, leading to the discovery of new pathways.

Always Learning: Embrace a curious mindset. Continuing to learn exposes you to new ideas and helps you stay ahead in a rapidly changing world, enabling you to recognize emerging opportunities before others do.

Examples of Spotting Opportunities:

The Airbnb Story: In 2008, two struggling entrepreneurs, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, saw a unique opportunity in the midst of a sold-out conference in their city. With hotels fully booked, they decided to rent out air mattresses in their living room, turning their apartment into an "air bed and breakfast." This marked the inception of Airbnb, which has since become a multi-billion dollar global enterprise, disrupting the hospitality industry.

From Hobby to Empire: Many successful businesses have started as hobbies. For example, Dov Charney, the founder of American Apparel, began making simple t-shirts for himself. When people showed interest in his designs, he realized the opportunity to create a clothing brand that offered stylish basics, catapulting his hobby into a thriving fashion empire.

Turning Failure into Success: Walt Disney's first animation studio went bankrupt. While many would have given up, Disney saw an opportunity to learn from his mistakes and create a new, revolutionary entertainment venture. The result? The birth of Mickey Mouse and the eventual establishment of the global Disney empire.

Networking: Opportunities often lie within our social circles. A chance encounter at a networking event led to the founding of YouTube when Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim connected with early PayPal employees who provided funding for their video-sharing platform.

You can train yourself to spot opportunities in the most unexpected places. The examples shared above show that success often comes from recognizing potential in everyday situations.

How to train your mind to spot opportunities:

1. Actively Listen: Listen to what the other person is saying. Avoid interrupting or preoccupying your mind with what you will say next. Paying full attention allows you to pick up on cues, insights, and potential areas of mutual interest.

2. Identify Pain Points: While you are listening, look for challenges or frustrations the other person may mention.These pain points could represent opportunities for you to provide a solution or offer assistance.

3. Explore people's Interests: Discover the other person's passions and interests. You might find common ground, or their interests might spark ideas for potential collaborations or projects.

4. Ask Questions: Ask open-ended questions that encourage the other person to share more about themselves and their goals. Ask them about their aspirations and how they plan to achieve them. Seeing how people arrive from one point to another will better help you exercise your minds and use problem solving strategies as a way of looking at things moving forward.

5. Be Curious: Approach conversations with a curious and open mindset. Be receptive to new ideas and different perspectives.

6. Networking: Use conversations as an opportunity to network and build relationships. Meaningful connections often lead to new opportunities down the road, whether it's a job opportunity, collabs, or a chance to participate in new projects.

7. Body Language: Pay attention to non-verbal cues and body language. Sometimes, opportunities can be inferred from the other person's gestures, expressions, or tone of voice.

8. Problem-Solving and Offering Help: If the conversation veers towards a problem the other person is facing, think about how you might be able to help.

9. Be Proactive: Don't be afraid to share your own aspirations and ideas during the conversation. Sometimes, expressing your interests and goals can lead you to opportunities when the other person sees potential in working with you in some capacity.

10. Following-Up and Staying Connected: After a productive conversation, make an effort to follow up and stay connected. This can potentially lead to more opportunities as you continue to build a better relationship with the other person.

[sgiandubh]

'Business talk'

This gem...

... triggered this reaction:

That was exactly The Fascist's point, but it would seem The Fascist has never ran a lemonade stand in her entire life, either.

How about this easy to comprehend explanation?

S is the investor - he put his own money in that project. He could have went for the easy white label solution, but he clearly wanted to make it a personal journey of discovery, too. Then he helps with promotion (it is a personal journey of discovery, after all), something he went a bit overboard with on his socials, IMHO. On which planet would BTS work be up to him, too?

Ever since Ashley stepped in, I definitely feel there is less amateurish improv and way more balance, in that department. Plus she works hard and brought all her professional network onboard - just look at the SS Spirits Instagram account, lately and the difference is plain to see. Alex looks like a wannabe, compared with the steel butterfly blonde - she definitely knows what she is doing, there. All the right things, at the right time. Witty puns on top - you go, girl, I am rooting hard for you and I am not the only one:

And then, you have this particular type of twat, with this particular type of comment:

'Go into debt'? For a bottle of booze (even as a repeat buy)?

Oh come on, do they really think we are all imbeciles, or what?

The genius who wrote that has no idea about what a really expensive whisky retail price is, nowadays. And I am talking retail price, not auction results:

[Source: Masters of Malt website - https://www.masterofmalt.com/guides/whisky-guides/a-guide-to-expensive-whisky/]

Taking Waitrose as reference for a (posh) weekly shopping experience, The Sassenach whisky is priced on par with their most expensive available brands online - that is true:

However, all of the above are single malt bottles. For blends, such as The Sassenach, their best fetch halved prices:

But going into debt? Wow. That is a stretch, for a product that is not even that easy to source, outside of the US and the UK.

That woman clearly has a very low opinion of the fandom she claims to be a part of.

It would seem they are also stupid on Fridays, for some reason. I am impressed by the consistency.

[sunshinesmebdy]

Pluto in Aquarius: Brace for a Business Revolution (and How to Ride the Wave)

The Aquarian Revolution

Get ready, entrepreneurs and financiers, because a seismic shift is coming. Pluto, the planet of transformation and upheaval, has just entered the progressive sign of Aquarius, marking the beginning of a 20-year period that will reshape the very fabric of business and finance. Buckle up, for this is not just a ripple – it's a tsunami of change. Imagine a future where collaboration trumps competition, sustainability dictates success, and technology liberates rather than isolates. Aquarius, the sign of innovation and humanitarianism, envisions just that. Expect to see:

Rise of social impact businesses

Profits won't be the sole motive anymore. Companies driven by ethical practices, environmental consciousness, and social good will gain traction. Aquarius is intrinsically linked to collective well-being and social justice. Under its influence, individuals will value purpose-driven ventures that address crucial societal issues. Pluto urges us to connect with our deeper selves and find meaning beyond material gains. This motivates individuals to pursue ventures that resonate with their personal values and make a difference in the world.

Examples of Social Impact Businesses

Sustainable energy companies: Focused on creating renewable energy solutions while empowering local communities.

Fair-trade businesses: Ensuring ethical practices and fair wages for producers, often in developing countries.

Social impact ventures: Addressing issues like poverty, education, and healthcare through innovative, community-driven approaches.

B corporations: Certified businesses that meet rigorous social and environmental standards, balancing profit with purpose.

Navigating the Pluto in Aquarius Landscape

Align your business with social impact: Analyze your core values and find ways to integrate them into your business model.

Invest in sustainable practices: Prioritize environmental and social responsibility throughout your operations.

Empower your employees: Foster a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and contributes to the social impact mission.

Build strong community partnerships: Collaborate with organizations and communities that share your goals for positive change.

Embrace innovation and technology: Utilize technology to scale your impact and reach a wider audience.

Pluto in Aquarius presents a thrilling opportunity to redefine the purpose of business, moving beyond shareholder value and towards societal well-being. By aligning with the Aquarian spirit of innovation and collective action, social impact businesses can thrive in this transformative era, leaving a lasting legacy of positive change in the world.

Tech-driven disruption

AI, automation, and blockchain will revolutionize industries, from finance to healthcare. Be ready to adapt or risk getting left behind. Expect a focus on developing Artificial Intelligence with ethical considerations and a humanitarian heart, tackling issues like healthcare, climate change, and poverty alleviation. Immersive technologies will blur the lines between the physical and digital realms, transforming education, communication, and entertainment. Automation will reshape the job market, but also create opportunities for new, human-centered roles focused on creativity, innovation, and social impact.

Examples of Tech-Driven Disruption:

Decentralized social media platforms: User-owned networks fueled by blockchain technology, prioritizing privacy and community over corporate profits.

AI-powered healthcare solutions: Personalized medicine, virtual assistants for diagnostics, and AI-driven drug discovery.

VR/AR for education and training: Immersive learning experiences that transport students to different corners of the world or historical periods.

Automation with a human touch: Collaborative robots assisting in tasks while freeing up human potential for creative and leadership roles.

Navigating the Technological Tsunami:

Stay informed and adaptable: Embrace lifelong learning and upskilling to stay relevant in the evolving tech landscape.

Support ethical and sustainable tech: Choose tech products and services aligned with your values and prioritize privacy and social responsibility.

Focus on your human advantage: Cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence to thrive in a world increasingly reliant on technology.

Advocate for responsible AI development: Join the conversation about ethical AI guidelines and ensure technology serves humanity's best interests.

Connect with your community: Collaborate with others to harness technology for positive change and address the potential challenges that come with rapid technological advancements.

Pluto in Aquarius represents a critical juncture in our relationship with technology. By embracing its disruptive potential and focusing on ethical development and collective benefit, we can unlock a future where technology empowers humanity and creates a more equitable and sustainable world. Remember, the choice is ours – will we be swept away by the technological tsunami or ride its wave towards a brighter future?

Decentralization and democratization

Power structures will shift, with employees demanding more autonomy and consumers seeking ownership through blockchain-based solutions. Traditional institutions, corporations, and even governments will face challenges as power shifts towards distributed networks and grassroots movements. Individuals will demand active involvement in decision-making processes, leading to increased transparency and accountability in all spheres. Property and resources will be seen as shared assets, managed sustainably and equitably within communities. This transition won't be without its bumps. We'll need to adapt existing legal frameworks, address digital divides, and foster collaboration to ensure everyone benefits from decentralization.

Examples of Decentralization and Democratization

Decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs): Self-governing online communities managing shared resources and projects through blockchain technology.

Community-owned renewable energy initiatives: Local cooperatives generating and distributing clean energy, empowering communities and reducing reliance on centralized grids.

Participatory budgeting platforms: Citizens directly allocate local government funds, ensuring public resources are used in line with community needs.

Decentralized finance (DeFi): Peer-to-peer lending and borrowing platforms, bypassing traditional banks and offering greater financial autonomy for individuals.

Harnessing the Power of the Tide:

Embrace collaborative models: Participate in co-ops, community projects, and initiatives that empower collective ownership and decision-making.

Support ethical technology: Advocate for blockchain platforms and applications that prioritize user privacy, security, and equitable access.

Develop your tech skills: Learn about blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and other decentralized technologies to navigate the future landscape.

Engage in your community: Participate in local decision-making processes, champion sustainable solutions, and build solidarity with others.

Stay informed and adaptable: Embrace lifelong learning and critical thinking to navigate the evolving social and economic landscape.

Pluto in Aquarius presents a unique opportunity to reimagine power structures, ownership models, and how we interact with each other. By embracing decentralization and democratization, we can create a future where individuals and communities thrive, fostering a more equitable and sustainable world for all. Remember, the power lies within our collective hands – let's use it wisely to shape a brighter future built on shared ownership, collaboration, and empowered communities.

Focus on collective prosperity

Universal basic income, resource sharing, and collaborative economic models may gain momentum. Aquarius prioritizes the good of the collective, advocating for equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. Expect a rise in social safety nets, universal basic income initiatives, and policies aimed at closing the wealth gap. Environmental health is intrinsically linked to collective prosperity. We'll see a focus on sustainable practices, green economies, and resource sharing to ensure a thriving planet for generations to come. Communities will come together to address social challenges like poverty, homelessness, and healthcare disparities, recognizing that individual success is interwoven with collective well-being. Collaborative consumption, resource sharing, and community-owned assets will gain traction, challenging traditional notions of ownership and fostering a sense of shared abundance.

Examples of Collective Prosperity in Action

Community-owned renewable energy projects: Sharing the benefits of clean energy production within communities, democratizing access and fostering environmental sustainability.

Cooperatives and worker-owned businesses: Sharing profits and decision-making within companies, leading to greater employee satisfaction and productivity.

Universal basic income initiatives: Providing individuals with a basic safety net, enabling them to pursue their passions and contribute to society in meaningful ways.

Resource sharing platforms: Platforms like carsharing or tool libraries minimizing individual ownership and maximizing resource utilization, fostering a sense of interconnectedness.

Navigating the Shift

Support social impact businesses: Choose businesses that prioritize ethical practices, environmental sustainability, and positive social impact.

Contribute to your community: Volunteer your time, skills, and resources to address local challenges and empower others.

Embrace collaboration: Seek opportunities to work together with others to create solutions for shared problems.

Redefine your own path to prosperity: Focus on activities that bring you personal fulfillment and contribute to the collective good.

Advocate for systemic change: Support policies and initiatives that promote social justice, environmental protection, and equitable distribution of resources.

Pluto in Aquarius offers a unique opportunity to reshape our definition of prosperity and build a future where everyone thrives. By embracing collective well-being, collaboration, and sustainable practices, we can create a world where abundance flows freely, enriching not just individuals, but the entire fabric of society. Remember, true prosperity lies not in what we hoard, but in what we share, and by working together, we can cultivate a future where everyone has the opportunity to flourish.

[miniwrites1]

In the Shadow of Azkaban - Dark! Sebastian Sallow

Requested!

Word Count - 1.2k

Themes - Angst

(Warnings will be added as the story progresses)

As a potions master, you were used to having to find your own ingredients, whether it be a trip to the Forbidden Forest or simply stopping by J Pippin’s Potions; it was a hazard of the role that you’d taken when agreeing to teach potions at Hogwarts, being invited back by Headmaster Black.

You’d made a name for yourself rather quickly in the wizarding world, producing a curse-reducing potion to aid those who had suffered at the hands of dark wizards, extending their lives and reducing their pain. It had been a breakthrough, with many people telling you it was impossible. But being undeterred, you pursued it. The media coverage you’d had after the breakthrough had been intense; the Daily Prophet had contacted you daily, standing outside your home and sending letters until you’d finally relented into giving them a quote to run on the front page.

“(Y/N), what made you want to create a cure for pain?” A journalist asked, magic quill and parchment ready to scribble down your every word. You paused for a moment to think.

“After seeing a close friend be killed by a curse, I knew I needed to do something. She was in agony every day up until her death. It is unfair to allow those cursed to suffer for the rest of their lives.” You responded calmly, trying to keep your composure; you could feel your nose tingle slightly and a small lump forming in your throat, a sign that you were heading towards tears. You had remembered Anne, Sebastian’s sister, who had passed away not long before you had finished testing the potion. You’d sent her letters about your discoveries, ensuring to keep in contact with her throughout the journey of your potion craft. She seemed excited at the thought of a potion designed specifically for someone like her; however she’d never had the chance to use it.

You remembered visiting her a few days before she’d passed, using the floo network to get to Feldcroft. You’d appeared outside the front of her home covered in soot, yet she’d invited you inside anyway, glad to see a friendly face and embracing you in a hug as soon as she saw you. You could tell she was in pain, which only made you fight harder to find a solution.

Days later, you received an owl to your home informing you of her death; it was devastating to you. After everything that had happened with Sebastian and the death of her uncle, you’d know that she was struggling, but it added a new layer of pain she couldn’t stand any longer; she’d battled for six long years until she’d finally passed away.

And now you were the potions master at Hogwarts, spending your days teaching children to brew potions that could heal or kill other people. Somehow you’d still found time to continue your research, a potion that could ease a curse was one thing, but a potion that could cure a curse was a whole other thing entirely.

As your students arrived at your classroom, you looked at their faces, smiling and happy mostly, remembering that feeling of walking into your first potions lesson with Sebastian at your side. It was a mere memory now; Sebastian was locked away in Azkaban, unseen and unheard, with only the Deatheaters for company. Thinking back, you felt a small amount of shame in turning him in, having him expelled and sent to Azkaban for killing his uncle, but at the time, it felt like the right thing to do. He needed to know that what he had done was unforgivable in the eyes of many and that the dark arts were not something to be meddled with.

Sighing softly, you stood up from your desk at the front of the room and sharply wrote your name on the board, causing all the students to focus their eyes forward; the sound of chalk grating across the board was enough to catch anyone’s attention, let alone first years. “Good morning class; I’m Professor (Y/L/N).”

Sebastian’s POV

Sebastian flipped through the Daily Prophet lazily as he sat on the floor in his cell, a small number of articles grabbing his attention, mainly those about spells and dark wizards. He sighed to himself; he’d been locked in Azkaban for seven years from the age of sixteen until twenty-three, having to beg for scraps of food from other inmates during his one hour of freedom from his solitary cell.

He was classed as almost reformed, showing that he’d paid his debts to society for what he’d done, but he would always be branded as a murderer.

“One more year.” He mumbled to himself as he made another mark on the wall of his cell. He’d been counting down the days until his freedom, waiting for the day he could finally feel a fresh breeze and the grass under his feet. That day couldn’t come soon enough. He felt his heart rate pick up as he thought of everything he’d do once he was free. The first would be to find Anne; he wanted to ensure she was still alive, even from a distance, as he doubted she would see him. He couldn’t blame her, not after everything that had happened.

The second would be to find (Y/N), the one who had sentenced him to a life of pain and sorrow. He blamed you for everything that had happened to him, swearing to himself that he would hunt you down until his last dying breath to make you pay for what you’d done to him.

Anger flared through his veins, a visceral sense of wanting to hurt you taking over. He wanted, no needed to make you pay for everything. He would stop at nothing to get to you; even if you were in the world’s most guarded, secretive place, he would find you. Flipping over the copy of the Daily Prophet he was holding, he noticed the headline.

“Troll slaying Witch discovers a pain-reducing potion.”

He glanced down at the photo below the headline, anger coursing more furiously than ever when he saw your face beaming at the camera, pride in your accomplishments shining through. He wanted to tear the paper in half, seeing that you’d made something of yourself flipped a switch inside of his mind. He didn’t just want to make you pay; he wanted to make you suffer in the most painful ways possible. He wanted to rip everything away from you, just as you had done to him.

His eyes floated to the sub heading.

"Professor (Y/L/N) dedicates the breakthrough to Anne Sallow - Passed 17th November 1896."

Sebastian closed his eyes, feeling tears brimming at the corners, throwing the paper across the room. He'd never had the chance to say goodbye, never had the chance to save her. Through his sadness emerged an unwavering feeling of anger.

You knew how much Anne had meant to him, Ominis had too. Why had neither of you contacted him? His anger only grew more as he thought.

In his mind he began to piece together a plan of how to get to you once he was free. He knew it would be a mammoth task to try and get near you again; however his Slytherin genes weren’t just for show; slowly he’d find a way to you, break you down bit by bit and ruin you in the worst possible way.

[tinydefector]

Would love to see some soft vore with swindle maybe first contact au with a little human he found wandering a warehouse he keeps his product in by themselves

Smuggling

Swindle x human

Word count: 1.8k

Warnings: smut, oral, vore, Valveplug, Giant/Tiny

Edit( had issue with transferring it from my writing area over here so hopefully it's all together this time. The joys)

Swindle masterlist

_____________________

little cries echo from the human swindle had caught, he eyes them through the large Cube he had caught them in debating what he should do with them. Their eyes linger on him wide as if pleading for him to let them go. He wasn't sure how the human had gotten there but he was fascinated by their smaller form

Swindle peered down at his unusual catch through the translucent edges of his containment cube, rotors whirring thoughtfully. The tiny creature writhed within, clawing vainly at the barrier as strange cries emanated from its primitive vocalizer.

How curious that such a fragile thing could have wound up aboard his ship. The Decepticons had little need nor patience for biology beneath their notice. Still, as a businessman, Swindle appreciated any commodity's potential value - and rarity commanded the highest prices on the black market, where only the boldest dared to deal.

"Now now, no need for that racket," he said, tone placating yet laced with calculation. The human stilled at his words, wide optics locking onto Swindle's face with an expression...pleading? Most odd.

Lowering the cube, Swindle gazed within, scanning hastily. Basic carbon-based, bipedal, underdeveloped neuronal network...but sentient nevertheless. His grasping servos gentled upon feeling its erratic organic pulse. Perhaps this catch deserved study before rushing to market. Potential discoveries could revise alien worth beyond raw material.

They curl up on themself, eyes darting around as they watch swindle check his warehouse stock. Small trembles rack their small frame as they try to make themself even smaller. As Swindle surveyed his stockpiles, peripherals noted movement within the containment cube set before him. Curious, he knelt for closer investigation, crimson optics peering through the translucent barrier.

Within, the tiny human had drawn into a quivering ball, trembling violently as large optics darted about the warehouse in panicked disorientation. Clearly, its primitive systems found the vastness overwhelming. How fragile such an alien organism must seem without protective armor, weaponry or even adequate size to impose any will.

Lifting the cube. The human merely shrank tighter, as though hoping invisibility might shield its vulnerable form. An interesting survival mechanism, yet ineffective among their kind. Its continual shaking set oddly on Swindle's sensors.

Crooking a digit, Swindle nudged the cube gently, awaiting response to stimulate and assess this odd creature's potential. What solutions might it improvise under pressure? Fortune favoured the bold and clever, after all.

They shout as they tumble out on the table. Their eyes go wide as they try to bolt across the metal table. Neatly tumbling over the edge. He's curious about the tag on their leg, it held the information on where the human was from, where they were going and what their purpose was for.

As the tiny human tumbled from its confinement, Swindle's keen optics tracked each jerking motion broadcasted by its tag chip and primitive garments. Clearly disoriented amongst the warehouse's cavernous machinery, the thing bolted recklessly across the table, servos scrabbling for purchase on the slick metal.

A sharp gasp escaped them as momentum carried the fragile body over the edge, sending it plummeting toward the unforgiving ground far below. An unfortunate demise would ruin this rare find before its potential could be explored.

Snatching the thing from the air, Swindle brought it close for examination, ignoring its frantic pounding against his braced digits. There - the identification chip embedded in its vest offered tantalising insights into origins and intended fates of this hitherto unknown species.

The human squirms under Swindle's grip as the bot checks them from damage or injuries, moving them close to make sure they aren't broken.  they whimper out. Swindle's optics narrow as he processes the information on the human's leg tag. 

A chuckle escapes Swindle's vocalizer as he holds the squirming human firmly to the table, his grip unyielding. 

The information on their leg tag filters across his processor. 

Species: homo-sapien (human) 

Planet of origin: Terra 1, Earth 

Destination: Vos, Cybertron 

Buyer: offlined 

Other information: 'exotic pet', bid off to the highest buyer or keep them. I don't care.  

"Earth, eh?" he murmured, scanning the encoded lines rapidly. "A long way off course, meatbag. But who said the black market honours authorities' designs, hmm?" The human writhed uselessly, but clever optics observed its every microexpression carefully.

As swindle downloads the language file attached he can finally understand the small squeaks and chirps from them. His audials twitch at the implications, his curiosity piqued by the concept of an 'exotic pet' from Earth being brought to Vos, the city of seekers. It seemed that someone on Cybertron had quite the fascination with organic, soft-bodied creatures. As he downloads the language file attached, the squeaks and chirps they emit start to make sense to Swindle. Their plea for freedom.

"Please let me go," they whimper, their voice carrying a mix of fear and desperation.

Swindle's optics flicker as He leans in closer, his tone low and contemplative. "Now, why would I do that, little human? You see, you've been bought and sold, and it looks like I'm the one in possession of you now. You're quite the valuable commodity, and I must say, I'm rather curious to see just what makes you so 'exotic.'"

Swindle's grip tightens slightly, ensuring they couldn't struggle out of his gasp. He can't help but enjoy the power he holds over them, relishing the control he has in this situation. "Now, don't you worry," he muses, a sly grin playing on his face. "I'll take good care of you, my little 'exotic pet.' Perhaps we can find some... mutually beneficial arrangement."

As the human's plea lingers in the air, Swindle's mind races with possibilities, calculating the potential profits and leverage this situation could bring. For now, they were at his mercy, and he intended to make the most of it. They try fighting against his hold but its useless, only making him chuckle as he holds them to the table.

 'Exotic pet' could mean a lot of things and Swindle was more curious now just what had been intended for the human, but for a human to be set to Vos, the city of seekers he had a pretty good idea. Some Cybertronian had a kink for organics. soft bodies. It was the dead seekers lose now.

Swindle's grip tightens as the human futile struggles against his hold. Their attempts only serve to amuse him, a chuckle slipping past his vocalizer as he maintains his firm grasp, preventing any chance of escape.

A smirk curls across Swindle's face as he contemplates the missed opportunity for the deceased seeker. They had lost out on what could have been a valuable acquisition, but now the human was within his grasp. "Looks like you're quite the prize," Swindle comments, his voice laced with amusement. "I wonder what makes you so special, hmm?"

Their smaller frame lit a fire in Swindle. "What do you want from me? " they whimpered out in the most delightful way. They lean into his servos, they squirm as his digits Begin removing clothes. Swindle intended to test drive them. See what all the fuss was about.

A sly grin spreads across Swindle's face. He takes a moment to savour their squirming, their body responding to his touch. Swindle intends to explore every inch of their being, to push boundaries and test their limits, all while satisfying his own curiosity and desires.

As their clothes fall away and their vulnerability is exposed, Swindle's optics gleam with anticipation. they whine out as Swindle runs his glossa against their skin, arching under his touch as he takes in the sweet taste of their skin, Swindle smirks, savouring the taste of their skin against his glossa. His fingers trace teasing patterns along their body, revelling in the shivers and arches it elicits from them. The sweetness that lingers on their skin reminds him of the finest energon wine or a well-aged high-grade.

"Mmm, you taste as delightful as the finest concoctions," Swindle purrs, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "You're like a rare vintage, my dear, a delectable treat I can't resist." He continues to explore their body with his lips and tongue, leaving a trail of tantalising sensations in his wake. Swindle revels in the power he holds over them, the ability to elicit such pleasurable responses from them.

His hands roam, caressing and teasing, seeking out the most sensitive spots. Swindle's lips curl into a mischievous grin as he trails his glossa between their legs slowly lapping against their skin. He revels in the sounds of their pleasure, the way their breath hitches and their body arches under his touch. His servos roam with purpose, gliding along their curves and tracing patterns As his lips trail lower, Swindle's tongue flicks out to taste the sensitive spots he discovers along the way. He savours the delicious moans that escape their lips, the sweet melody of their pleasure.

"You're so responsive," Swindle whispers, his voice laced with a mix of satisfaction and hunger. With a final, lingering kiss, Swindle pulls back slightly, his gaze filled with a predatory gleam. He knows that he has them right where he wants them, teetering on the edge of overwhelming desire.

"Now, my lovely, it's time to truly indulge," Swindle says, his voice low and sultry. "

His mouth continues to explore their body, his lips and tongue leaving a trail of heat and sensation in their wake. Swindle's hands roam, seeking out every sensitive spot, every place that elicits those delicious reactions. His lips press against their leg as mischief flickers in his optics. 

They lay there shuttering slightly before Swindle takes them further into his mouth. They squeal out as Swindle swallows them. " hey! Let me out!!" They shout and it only makes swindlers chuckle. They cry out again as his tubing slowly drops them down into his tank making an echoing thump as the land. They try to pull themself back up but only get stuck before they land back in the small chamber of his tanks their naked form shivers slightly. 

"Now, now, there's no need to get all worked up," Swindle taunts, his voice smooth and sly. He relishes in the control he has over the situation. He takes a moment to appreciate the sound of their voice echoing within his tanks, a reminder of their helplessness.

 "I'll make sure to take good care of you. After all, you're quite the valuable asset." With a satisfied chuckle, Swindle returns his focus to his work. The human squirms and moves around in the tight confines of Swindle's tank, banging their fist against the inside, It echo's lightly. “Let me out, Let me out !” Swindle's grin widens as he hears the muffled sounds of struggle within his fuel tank. The echo of their fist banging against the walls only adds to his amusement, fueling his desire for control.

"Oh, you're quite the feisty one, aren't you?" Swindle taunts, his voice laced with a mix of amusement and superiority. "But I'm afraid all that struggling won't get you anywhere. You're securely locked away, completely at my mercy."

He takes a moment to savour the sounds of their frustration, "You might as well settle in" Swindle continues, his voice dripping with smugness. "Perhaps if you behave, I'll consider letting you out," Swindle teases, his voice filled with false promise. "But for now, you're mine to keep."

___________

Taglist: @angelxcvxc

Let me know if you wish to be added to the tag list

[mariacallous]

When Microsoft named its new Windows feature Recall, the company intended the word to refer to a kind of perfect, AI-enabled memory for your device. Today, the other, unintended definition of “recall”—a company's admission that a product is too dangerous or defective to be left on the market in its current form—seems more appropriate.

On Friday, Microsoft announced that it would be making multiple dramatic changes to its rollout of its Recall feature, making it an opt-in feature in the Copilot+ compatible versions of Windows where it had previously been turned on by default, and introducing new security measures designed to better keep data encrypted and require authentication to access Recall's stored data.

“We are updating the set-up experience of Copilot+ PCs to give people a clearer choice to opt-in to saving snapshots using Recall,” reads a blog post from Pavan Davuluri, Microsoft's corporate vice president for Windows and devices. “If you don’t proactively choose to turn it on, it will be off by default.”

The changes come amid a mounting barrage of criticism from the security and privacy community, which has described Recall—which silently stores a screenshot of the user's activity every five seconds as fodder for AI analysis—as a gift to hackers: essentially unrequested, preinstalled spyware built into new Windows computers.

In the preview versions of Recall, that screenshot data, complete with the user's every bank login, password, and porn site visit would have been indefinitely collected on the user's machine by default. And though that highly sensitive data is stored locally on the user's machine and not uploaded to the cloud, cybersecurity experts have warned that it all remains accessible to any hacker who so much as gains a temporary foothold on a user's Recall-enabled device, giving them a long-term panopticon view of the victim's digital life.

"It makes your security very fragile,” as Dave Aitel, a former NSA hacker and founder of security firm Immunity, described it—more charitably than some others—to WIRED earlier this week. “Anyone who penetrates your computer for even a second can get your whole history. Which is not something people want.”

In addition to making Recall an opt-in feature, Microsoft’s Davuluri also writes that the company will make changes to better safeguard the data Recall collects and more closely police who can turn it on, requiring that users prove their identity via its Microsoft Hello authentication function any time they either enable Recall or access its data, which can require a PIN or biometric check of the user’s face or thumbprint. Davuluri says Recall’s data will remain encrypted in storage until the user authenticates.

All of that is a “great improvement,” says Jake Williams, another former NSA hacker who now serves as VP of R&D at the cybersecurity consultancy Hunter Strategy, where he says he's been asked by some of the firm's clients to test Recall's security before they add Microsoft devices that use it to their networks. But Williams still sees serious risks in Recall, even in its latest form.

Many users will turn on Recall, he points out, partly due to Microsoft’s high-profile marketing of the feature. And when they do, they’ll still face plenty of unresolved privacy problems, from domestic abusers that often demand partners give up their PINs to subpoenas or lawsuits that compel them to turn over their historical data. “Satya Nadella has been out there talking about how this is a game changer and the solution to all problems,” Williams says, referring to Microsoft's CEO. “If customers turn it on, there’s still a huge threat of legal discovery. I can’t imagine a corporate legal team that’s ready to accept the risk of all of a user’s actions being turned over in discovery.”

For Microsoft, the Recall rollback comes in the midst of an embarrassing string of cybersecurity incidents and breaches—including a leak of terabytes of its customers' data and a shocking penetration of government email accounts enabled by a cascading series of Microsoft security slipups—that have grown so problematic as to become a sticking point given its uniquely close relationship with the US government.

Those scandals have escalated to the degree that Microsoft's Nadella issued a memo just last month declaring that Microsoft would make security its first priority in any business decision. “If you’re faced with the trade-off between security and another priority, your answer is clear: Do security,” Nadella's memo read (emphasis his). “In some cases, this will mean prioritizing security above other things we do, such as releasing new features or providing ongoing support for legacy systems.”

By all appearances, Microsoft's rollout of Recall—even after today's announcement—displays the opposite approach, and one that seems more in line with business as usual in Redmond: Announce a feature, get pummeled for its glaring security failures, then belatedly scramble to control the damage.

[margaret-mead]

Optimize Network Performance Through Anomaly Detection

Companies should have professional tools that can help to detect minor changes while transferring the information. It can access the resources online that use anomaly detection to know about abnormal activities within the enterprise. Selecting a professional network traffic monitoring solution will help in identifying major threats and maintaining cybersecurity. Also, the IT administrator in a company can easily get notifications of outside threats with them.

[phdguides]

7 important tips and advice every PhD student should know

PhD is considered the highest level of qualification and is not for the faint of heart. The difficulties and frustrations are real. You are constantly looking for motivation to keep up with your hectic schedule.

We understand your situation, and to assist you, we have compiled a list of seven essential tips and advice that will come in handy during your PhD journey.

These tips and advice are backed by scholars and industry experts based on their experience, and if you are in the early stages of your PhD, you will be astounded by the information.

So, without further ado, let’s get started:

Read a lot

Read, read, and read some more. This will be a very useful step in creating a research roadmap. Read as many research papers as you can on your chosen topic.

It will provide you with in-depth knowledge of your subject, what previous researchers have done, and how you can begin your own research. By reading other people’s work, you can learn what has already been done and avoid duplicating existing research.

Aside from reading old papers, remember to keep an eye out for new developments also in your field. All of this reading will help you gain a thorough understanding of your chosen subject.

Write more

When you’re reading this much, you should also be writing. Write down your progress, new discoveries, and any other important information you believe is relevant.

It is always preferable to begin writing as soon as possible. Because it will ultimately assist you in writing your thesis. Writing on a regular basis will help you hone your writing skills.

It may appear to be a daunting task, but with practice, you will notice that the quality of your research paper will improve and you will take less time to complete it.

You don’t have to write every day, but try to write at least three times a week, if not more.

Be positive

PhD research is a long and time-consuming process in which you must constantly work on finding new solutions in your field. As a result, if your research paper is not accepted or people do not support your idea, you may become demotivated.

However, keep in mind that these are all part of the process. You will not always be successful. So it’s okay if you don’t achieve your goals sometimes. Concentrate on the good things you have.

Divert your attention to topics that interest you, surround yourself with positive people, take short breaks, and engage in activities that you enjoy.

PhD may appear to be a difficult journey but believe in yourself because you will succeed and your efforts will be rewarded.

Don’t isolate yourself.

PhD candidates frequently become so engrossed in their work that they completely isolate themselves from the rest of the world. They worked hard all hours of the day and night, but the feeling of missing out never left them.

However, stressing yourself may harm your health, which is ultimately detrimental to your research. So take some time to unwind. Connect with others who share your interests and have a productive discussion about your topic.

It will provide you with new perspectives and allow you to connect with people in your field.

Do an internship

An internship can provide you with valuable insight and a deeper understanding of how research is conducted in other environments and what tools are used.

An internship can help you learn a lot. You can broaden your network with other researchers and learn a lot of details. It can be a fantastic way to gain a thorough understanding of your topic.

Reach out to people.

Building a network is critical regardless of what you do. A valuable network can provide you with endless possibilities. Don’t waste the opportunity to meet a lot of influential people and industry experts during your PhD.

Create a strong network for yourself. Reach out to people and have a good conversation with them. Make the most of your opportunity, as a worthwhile network can help you not only in your career but also in your life after your PhD.

Appreciate your small wins

Many students lose interest or productivity halfway through their PhD studies. It can happen because they have unrealistic expectations of themselves.

You don’t have to make the same mistakes in your PhD. Set attainable goals. Appreciate your small victories because they are also significant. You must accept the fact that you will not always be successful. You will have failures, but they will be temporary, and with consistency, you will be able to achieve your goals.

As a result, it is critical to keep yourself motivated and productive by focusing on your progress.

Conclusion

 Pursuing a PhD is a little challenging, but if you believe in yourself, you can achieve your doctorate dream.  The only thing that matters is that you need to stay consistent and focused. Read a lot and try every possible method to learn about new discoveries in your field. Take advice from experts in the field, and your fellow researchers and stay motivated.

https://phdguides.org/guides/

https://phdguides.org/7-important-tips-and-advice-every-phd-student-should-know/

[descended-from-legends]

Second Chances

@starbcrn-kids

Hemlock Krin sits in the mess hall, leaning back in her chair as she picks at her food. She hasn't been aboard Discovery long, but so far it's been an interesting adventure. The spore drive has taken most of her attention, helping Stamets find a solution to navigating the mycelial network without altering someone's DNA is Top Priority for Starfleet.

But her mind has also been occupied with other things, namely the one person she's yet to see, that she knows for certain should be here. Waylon's memories of Daniel have been fresh in her mind ever since she jumped at the opportunity to transfer.

Her eyes light up with excitement when she finally sees him enter the mess hall. There he is. She gives him a playful smile when she catches his eye, bringing her spoon up to her mouth and licking it rather seductively as she looks away.

[selfdiscoverymedia]

YH23-01. Stuart Waldner, and Going Veganaury.

YH23-01. Stuart Waldner, and Going Veganaury.

Your Health is Your Choice with Sara Troy and her guest Stuart Waldner, on air from January 3rd /23 Learn how easy it is to make healthy lifestyle changes that are not only beneficial to you but more sustainable for our planet. Author, and plant-based advocate, Stuart Waldner, will share how easy it is to become plant based in 2023 as well as the 5 fundamentals for a successful transition to a…

[whovianwatchingstartrek]

A Whovian Watches Star Trek for the First Time: Part 113 - Followers of the Red Angel

Star Trek: Discovery - Season 2 Episode 2 - New Eden

Sorry it's been a few days, haven't had time to watch because my Partner's been sick, and I've been looking after him. He's doing better now, so I'm back!

We open this episode with Michael showing Pike the audio recording that Spock left behind at the end of last episode. It's very clear that these signals are related to whatever visions Spock has been having. Apparently, Spock has also been booked into a psychiatric facility, through his own choice.

Discussion about Spock are interrupted however by another Signal appearing. It is extremely far away though, hundreds of year's at Discovery's Top Speed. Pike give's the order to reactivate the Spore Drive. Paul Stamets here is great, I love how the episode is cutting through his grief and his philosophy over life, death and how it relates to him seeing Hugh in the Spore network.

Meanwhile on the bridge, we meet a mystery: There are humans on this planet! Humans who have apparently been here since before the Earth Achieved Warp capabilities. Enterprise did a similar episode, and it was a fun excuse for a western, so that immediately got my hopes up to see if we were gonna Genre shift here too, which we didn't particularly, but this pre-industrial world was still a fun setting

Apparently, these humans arrival on this planet happened during Earth's WW3, which a bit about in Enterprise, but ENT never really went into detail about WW3, so I'm hoping this is a chance to explore that. Unfortunately that didn't pan out. I am still hoping information about WW3 is something we'll get eventually, it seems like a pretty big part of Star Trek Earth's history to leave entirely vague.

We get a little bit of debate between Pike and Michael's different perspectives on what the signals are, Michael taking a more hardline Scientific approach, where as Pike takes a more philosophical approach, assuming these Red Angel signals are some kind of really advanced species and modifies the Sufficiently Advance Technology adage to apply to deities. Kinda reminded me T'Pol's and Archer's "The Vulcan Science Directorate has determined that time travel is impossible" conversations in a way. I find Pike brining up the idea of a god interesting, Enterprise did briefly touch on Religion, but from experience would the first time anything like that has been brought up in relation to a crew member, and I'm curious to see how that's explored.

Over in the hanger bay, Sylvia is working on her Dark matter project, I love her enthusiasm, and just devotion to use it to make a new Spore navigation system so Paul can retire. She's perfect. Unfortunately, it goes wrong and she's knocked unconscious. I love Saru's little speech about how she needs to not overwork herself.

Discovery sends down a ground crew to the planet, and they explore it's church, which apparently has amalgamated a lot Earth's religions together. The worldbuilding of their society is actually really interesting. Apparently, these humans were taken here by Spock's Red Angel, Michael of course wants a more rational explanation, but isn't getting one. We do find out a Soldier's camera recorded this transfer. Our team ask to take shelter in the town's church, as a ruse to find this Camera, but meanwhile on the bridge, one of the planet's radioactive rings is about to collapse and cause the planet's extinction. Saru gives the order to start the rescue of the planet's populace.

Unaware of the impending disaster, we then a little debate between Pike and Michael about whether or not these humans should be reintegrated into Earth Society or if they should be left to develop on their own. They're discovered though, and they're tech is taken so that their captors can prove they're from earth. From here on out, the ground crew get to do some pretty clever low tech solutions to problems, which I loved.

In Medbay, Sylvia starts thinking through a plan to pull the debris away from the planet using the Dark Matter Meteor, and it works! Our ground crew get their tech back, and are extracted back to Enterprise while maintaining their cover. We're then left with a reveal that Sylvia has been seeing a ghost!

Pike returns to the planet to trade a power cell for the Soldier's helmet cam, to find out more info on the Red Angels, and after repairing it aboard discovery, we see that the angel is indeed real, however the feed cuts out shortly after it appears.

I really liked this episode, and I'm loving the build up of the mystery around whatever the Red Angels are, and the various moral and philosophical debates here great. Sylvia Tilly as always was a highlight