#Retaining call center agents

[vertagedialer]

[artielu]

Ok, so. The Trump budget. It has already passed the House and now just needs 51 senators to pass it and send it to Trump for signature.

There are 53 Republican senators, 45 Democratic ones, and 2 Independents that vote with the Democrats. VP Vance is a tiebreaker vote.

So to block the bill, at least four Republican senators need to find their spines and the Democrats and Independents all need to keep their spines. This will not happen without direct action from voters.

They are only going to resist this bill if they hear from voters in their states. They do not care if some person from California calls them.

It's really fucking bad for everyone except the ultra-wealthy, surprise surprise.

I'm going to go through some of the features of this budget in reblogs, but trust and believe that it's horrible for the vast, vast majority of Americans, including you.

Highlights include:

Extends the Trump tax cuts passed in 2017. This continues $3.7 billion in tax cuts for the wealthy. If this budget does not pass, these tax cuts will expire and go back up without any action.

$150 billion in additional military spending

Work requirements for Medicaid. "childless adults without disabilities would be required to work 80 hours per month to qualify for benefits.". They expect millions of people to fail to meet work requirements and lose Medicaid.

Planned Parenthood and trans care. "Bans Medicaid from providing funding to Planned Parenthood as long as the organization continued to provide abortions, and would bar Medicaid from covering gender affirming health care to any beneficiaries. "

Reduces SNAP food stamp access that 40 million people use. "mandates work requirements for able-bodied SNAP enrollees who don't have dependents.".

Clean energy "dramatically scaling back many of the tax credits for clean energy."

Border walls and ICE. "$46.5 billion toward completing Trump's border wall. It also allots $5 billion for Customs and Border Protection facilities and more than $6 billion to hire and retain more agents and officers"

Student loans. "cut $330 billion from the student loan system by scrapping several existing repayment options, including the Biden-era SAVE program that based payments on income and household size.". Does anyone want to have student loan payments that you cannot afford?

Guts Obamacare. "Saves $100 billion, but will result in millions of Americans becoming uninsured if they fail to adhere to new paperwork requirements or can no longer afford insurance premiums."

Weakens federal courts that keep using orders that his actions are illegal and unconstitutional. It prohibits courts from enforcing contempt citations for violations of injunctions or temporary restraining orders unless the plaintiff pays a bond. Bonds can be EXTRAORDINARILY EXPENSIVE and are not currently required in these cases. The provision "would make most existing injunctions—in antitrust cases, police reform cases, school desegregation cases, and others—unenforceable," says the god of constitutional law, Dean Erwin Chemerinsky.

So, you folks in red states and you folks in wobbly blue states (PA, NC, etc), you need to call your senators and save us all.

Call every day. Call after hours so you can leave a voicemail and not talk to anyone.

For real y'all, millions of people are going to starve, go broke, and be without medical care if this bill passes. Which is a feature, not a bug, of the Trump administration.

And it will balloon the national debt to pay for these tax cuts for the wealthy.

[cocoboots]

Weekend Writing Challenge - Davrin Week 2025

Thank you @thedissonantverses for such amazing prompts this weekend! You do such a great job, and I'm saving all of these prompts for later lol they're TOO good

I went with the following prompt this weekend:

15. If I make it to the morning

This excerpt will center around my DavRook, Davrin and Reina, as they exist in a Criminal Minds-esque modern au. Enjoy!!

This was killing her.

The waiting. The not knowing. Sifting through the plan in her head and finding holes that weren’t there before. Reina was running herself ragged within the confines of her own mind, and there was nothing around to save her. She spent the majority of the night staring at her illuminated monitors, biting at the nail of her thumb to soothe the jitters. Then, when she exhausted that nail until it was no more than a nub, she moved to the thumb on her other hand and started all over again.

She was on retainer until they needed her, the phone line open and available. But that didn’t mean she was completely blind-- she had trackers on the vans and on team members, the locations refreshing every couple of seconds. The result was a flickering staccato of pinpoint dots on one of her three monitors, her eyes fluttering between the arrangements on the screen.

She didn’t want to admit it… But she was nervous for the team.

Only because she could tell they were anxious about this smoke-out. Lace’s face had been grim as she piled into one of the waiting vans hours earlier, despite the reassuring smile she tried to give Reina.

And then there was Davrin.

He had rounded the corner into the garage, a black gym bag slung over one shoulder. He wasn’t in his normal jeans and long-sleeve polo, instead clad in all black with a disintegrating flannel thrown on top. Pedestrian attire, Reina had realized. He would be on-site rather than waiting inside the van.

This had caused a lump to form in her throat, and swallowing didn’t help make it go away. Reina knew that Davrin was one of their most skilled field agents, but it didn’t make her worry any less. What if something went wrong? What if the unsub had a weapon and openly attacked? There were so many uncontrollable variables that Reina hadn’t accounted for, and it was baffling that the entire team seemed so composed as they inched closer and closer to collapsing in on their target.

Reina had been jerked out of her vortex of thoughts by Davrin’s rich voice. “Hello, gorgeous,” a warm hand clasped her elbow, and she felt the heat of his body come up by her side.

Reina raised her eyes to meet his stare, the edges of his eyes crinkled by the smile on his face as he looked down at her. As good as Reina was at schooling her emotions, she must've allowed something to poke through her erected guard wall. Davrin's lips lost their grin, and he gripped her elbow ever-so-slightly tighter.

“You alright there, Rook?”

It was one of the few times he called her something besides the heated nicknames he personally reserved for her. The ones he purred into his earpiece, pretending like it was just them two. Reina wished he hadn't abandoned his joking seductions, for then she could've acted like nothing was wrong, if only to convince herself.

“I'm fine,” she brushed his concern away with a blaise smile, ignoring the way his eyes narrowed like a predator honing in on it's prey, noting all the fleshy weak points. “Just keep me in the loop for this one, alright?”

Davrin studied her, and Reina couldn't help but notice how the heat of his hand now almost felt like a brand against her skin. Scalding, marking her. Would there be an outline of his fingers burnt into her flesh by the time he released her?

A small, selfish part of her wished yes.

“This will all be over in the morning, Rook.” Davrin tilted his head closer as he softly spoke, low enough to not be caught by prying ears. “We'll grab a coffee bright and early, yeah?”

There was something unspoken inbetween the lines of his words, and Reina tried her hardest to ignore it.

But she knew better. Davrin, despite being the best agent the team had, acted like he had a rapidly approaching deadline. While he executed everything he did with the precision and excellency of a seasoned field agent, he also operated with the knowledge that he had very little attachments holding him back. No wife, children or outside commitments weighing him down. He was expendable-- and that's what made him the best.

And although he was saying he would see her in the morning, Reina heard loud and clear the message he was leaving out.

If I make it to the morning.

[mariacallous]

The courts have decided against DOGE and the US government in their legal battle to take full control of the United States Institute of Peace, including a headquarters building with an estimated value of $500 million.

In a memorandum opinion, US district court judge Beryl Howell ruled in favor of the former institute board and staff who had sued to be reinstalled at the agency after DOGE affiliates forcibly removed them in March. She also gave a strong rebuke to the defendants in the case, who include the US DOGE Service, President Donald Trump, secretary of defense Pete Hegseth, and several other government representatives and agencies.

“The purported removal of members of the Board of Directors of the United States Institute of Peace (“USIP”) … was unlawful,” Howell wrote in the order, “and therefore null, void, and without legal effect.”

The order states that the USIP board members who had been forced out must be reinstated. It goes on to declare any actions taken by the agency since their removal—including the headquarters transfer—null and void. It further bars the defendants from “maintaining, retaining, gaining, or exercising any access or control over the Institute’s offices, facilities, computer systems, or any other records, files, or resources.”

The ruling caps off one of the most dramatic chapters in DOGE’s government takeover so far. It’s also one of the fullest repudiations yet of DOGE overreach. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The fight over the USIP began with a February 19 executive order that declared the agency “unnecessary” and effectively called for its elimination. In response, the USIP told DOGE representatives that it operated independent of the executive branch. It didn’t work. On March 14, the Trump administration fired the 10 voting board members of the USIP. That same day, according to court filings, DOGE representatives—accompanied by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation—tried to enter USIP headquarters but were turned away.

In court documents, lawyers for the USIP detail a rapid escalation of attempts to access the agency’s property. On Sunday, March 16, two FBI agents visited a senior USIP security employee at home, demanding information on how to get into the headquarters building. That same day, DOGE allegedly coordinated with Inter-Con, USIP’s contract security firm, to enter the building; USIP officials found out and immediately suspended Inter-Con’s contract. It wasn’t enough to stop them.

The following day, according to court documents, four Inter-Con employees showed up at USIP headquarters. When their badges didn’t work at the front door, one of their colleagues showed up with a physical key and gained access. USIP personnel then called the DC Metropolitan Police, claiming unlawful entry. MPD officers eventually arrived—and helped DOGE and other Trump administration officials take control of the building.

From there, the takeover was swift. That Friday, March 21, six USIP staffers received termination notices. Court documents show that DOGE representative Nate Cavanaugh was put in charge of the agency the following Tuesday, March 25, and was instructed to transfer USIP’s assets—including the headquarters building—to the DOGE-controlled General Services Administration at no cost. On Friday, March 28, “virtually all” of the remaining USIP employees were terminated as well. The next day, Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought signed off on the asset transfer—before the courts had a chance to rule on a motion from USIP attorneys to stop it.

For all the fireworks surrounding the USIP takeover, the legal question at its center has been fairly straightforward: Can the executive branch control an independent nonprofit?

The answer has proven to be complicated. While USIP operates independently, it was established and funded by Congress. Lawyers for the fired USIP board and staff members have repeatedly argued that the agency “does not perform any executive functions,” which they claim exempts it from executive branch authority. The government claims that USIP’s taxpayer-funded mission “to extend the United States’ soft power internationally,” along with the fact that the president of the United States selects its board of directors, means the executive branch has every right to replace the board at will.

In previous rulings in this case, Howell had left the door open to either interpretation. On March 19, she denied the USIP’s motion for a temporary restraining order that would have kept the original USIP board in place, saying it was “too difficult to determine” if USIP was likely to win the case on the merits, given its unique structure. In an April 1 ruling allowing the transfer of USIP headquarters to the GSA—in fact, it had already been transferred the previous weekend—Howell again stressed that “ambiguity persists.”

The summary judgment order leaves no such room for interpretation. “The president’s efforts here to take over an organization … contrary to statute established by Congress and by acts of force and threat using local and federal law enforcement officers,” Howell wrote, "represented a gross usurpation of power.”

The defendants have 30 days to file a notice of appeal; George Foote, longtime outside counsel for USIP, says he expects them to. “We are confident we will prevail on appeal, too,” says Foote in a comment to WIRED.

In the meantime, there’s the question of how to revert USIP assets back to the agency. “The headquarters have been, or are in the process of being, leased to the Department of Labor,” according to court documents. Not only that but the USIP's $25 million endowment—comprising private donations and appropriations—was transferred along with the building. The plaintiffs have no idea where that money went.

[mulders-too-large-shirt]

s6 episode 9 "S.R. 819" thoughts

still giggling and kicking my feet after last episode…

but i need to lock in this evening, because it seems that skinner is in grave danger this episode. from a MYSTERIOUS DISEASE. these things KEEP happening. how many secret diseases can be developed in one universe? what did he get into this time?!!! how are the agents going to hear about this?!! because i don’t think they are even allowed to talk to him!! and how will they save him?!

we must dive in to find out, but i assume that the msr pre-relationship honeymoon is over… for now. maybe they can pick it up another day. 

post-episode thoughts: i need to put the skinner and mulder/scully dynamic in a blender and drink it like a shot. scully grabbing his hand... mulder actually calling him sir...

i need to go sit down, bro. i need to pontificate.

we are in a hospital with skinner. “what’s wrong with him is he’s going to die”, says this doctor. OH!!!

wait… agent scully is his emergency contact… oh my god… hold on… i need a minute for this…

(author's note: after watching the episode, i don't think she is actually his emergency contact, but at the TIME, i, the viewer, had no way of knowing that she had been the one to accurately diagnose his problem and propose treatment, and was therefore who the doctor wanted to contact- a side effect of starting the episode in media res. still! that world where i imagined she was his emergency contact was so alluring, i want to retain the brief time i spent there for historical accuracy)

AUGH. HE IS PULSATING……. NASTY!!! NASTY and VILE!!! poor sweet man. but that is disgusting.

i repeat my grounding mantra: shoutout to the props and makeup team.

bleughhhhh… this one might be rough for me, if such grossness levels continue.

skinner’s whispering!!! he says a name and then flatlines!!

why won’t the doctor shock him back to life…. she says to let him go??????????????

is this ethically allowed? i mean, did it say in his file “DNR”, or did he whisper “DNR” or something? but like, he said a name, and DNR is not a name. so. why aren't they reviving him?

man… dr. cabrera… i’m suspicious.

shortened intro: i will never grow used to you.

skinner is narrating!!! IS HE REALLY GONNA DIE??? I DON’T WANT TO SEE THAT!!!! he says this is the course he chose. defending a center which cannot hold. so death chose for him.

THEY’RE COVERING HIM WITH A SHEET???????

WHAT!!!!!!!

is this a contract thing… like he’s barely been here this season, did he need out of the contract, so they killed him off…….?

i don't want that, man. we don't need that.

okay. jump back 24 hours in time. he is going to box!!! skinner is pummeling this guy named dre, but it seems dre gets some good shots in. that, or skinner is starting to die early on.

ah! he is all dizzy and gets knocked right out!!! so they take him to the hospital and he eventually comes to. 

why is he getting a creepy robot call saying “it’s in you”…? it says he has 24 hours. “you are already dead” 

WHO FROM THE GYM IS TRYING TO KILL HIM????

or is it this doctor plant gentleman tending to him who is behind this…?

dr. plant says there is nothing wrong with him except the bruise on his ribs that skinner does not remember getting. i guess he did get knocked around pretty well, but i feel like he would remember a massive rib bruise

mulder is tossing pencils at his desk!! why is he still in the office at 10 at night?? he must not want to go home. but skinner is here, too. spread out on the couch with his shirt barely on.

“what is it, agent mulder?”, skinner asks. and mulder has some tact for once, and does not point out that he looks like he’s dying, choosing instead to settle on “just thought i’d poke my head in and say hey”. a very even statement to make in such a situation.

mulder jokes about him having a hangover, and skinner says he couldn’t see and probably shouldn’t drive. which gets mulder to ask “you going to be alright, sir?” <- OH! the sir. they’re always in some weird power struggle... but now he called him sir. 

mulder calls scully down at 11:09 pm, and i know she was probably like "wtf does he need me for at this hour..."

all the lights are out because his eyes hurt, so mulder angles a desk lamp so she can examine his bruise which is just. so. AUGH. to me. i cannot place it. 

there's something deeply intimate about your beloved agent 1 getting you settled in the dark to accommodate for your pain, and then dangling a desk lamp so beloved agent 2 can examine your mystery wounds. while you lay there. in agony.

his bruise has white lines through it- OH!!! GROSS! he grunts when scully touches it, and mulder tells her about the mysterious phone call warning of his imminent death

scully is NOT going to let him sit up. YEAH! you tell him, doctor!

ooooo... mulder thinks there could be a conspiracy, and skinner hits him with a “oh, this is about you” <- low blow, buddy!! “you are so PARANOID, mulder” and historically he has had reasons to be!

scully points out that while THEY may not be on the x files, he still is. and he is therefore a target of the wrath of mystery syndicate men.

skinner does not want to answer their questions. and they want to ask very detailed questions.

mulder seeks clarification that he woke up alone... i see he did not figure things out with the wife. yet. there is still time. of course, unless he actually WILL die.

oh! but their questions are leading to him remember something!!

he recalls being grabbed in the hall by a guy who wanted to know what time it was…. so they find him on the security footage!!

scully recognizes him!! his name is dr. kenneth orgel, and he’s a physicist!! yeah, she would know the famous physicists, lmao <3 (said with SO much love)

scully says he should lay down, but skinner needs revenge. well. you have two people at your disposal right here that are more than capable of helping you get revenge AND answers! so lay down.

skinner and mulder go to dr. orgel’s house… oooo…. he says he doesn’t know who skinner is. and he denies coming to see him earlier. and then shuts the door in their faces!!

mulder whips out his gun and tells skinner to go around back LMAOOO oh, he is not messing around!!!!

noooo!!! there are guys in there!!!! they take dr. orgel away!!! and they shoot after mulder!!! he manages to grab one of them, but dr. orgel gets taken away by the others.

meanwhile, skinner is getting worse and worse, and now his veins are getting all horrible while he’s hurt on the floor of dr. orgel's place!!

the dude they captured is speaking arabic, but he has diplomatic papers, so skinner says to let him go. he’s from tunisia, and his name is lazreg. hmm...

mulder says skinner needs to get to a hospital, but he refuses to listen!!!

scully is talking with dr. plant, who saw skinner in the hospital earlier. he doesn’t want her to have access to his blood samples without skinner's written consent, but she says we don’t have time and gets in there anyway, LMAO.

i love when she breaks the rules. because she loves the rules. but she also knows that sometimes we simply need to trample all over them to keep people from dying. and i admire that about her.

the blood… it’s… separating??? augh.

mulder is going through dr. orgel’s stuff, trying to find clues. oh… he finds a photo of him with a senator???

hospital updates: someone put pure carbon into skinner’s blood??? and it’s killing him somehow?! this seems to baffle scully and dr. plant alike. it’s multiplying!!! these little things in the blood are multiplying!!!!

mulder is going to visit the senator… is this the same senator he would visit in s2?? and we never got any answers as to what they were doing??

ohhh, the picture of the senator and dr. orgel was them holding a senate resolution- s.r. 819. aha! they said the episode title!! 

he says it’s a funding bill for the world health organization, and mulder says well, it’s gonna kill my friend!

yes, it is the senator he used to visit!!! he tries to tell him to get lost!! “my intention is to save lives, fox, but i can’t save his”

so he somehow secured a ton of funding for the WHO in exchange for killing skinner?? EVIL!

who is this freak………

you cannot deter mulder for long, even if you show him out of your house. 

skinner is following one of the other dudes into some diplomatic area, but he is still getting worse and worse!! his veins are all blue now!!! and someone shoots!!!

but skinner dodges!!! HAHA! yes!!! he gets out and shoots back at this tunisian diplomat!!! 

but his vision is getting all blurry and he’s stumbling!!!

YEAHHHHHHHH, someone hits the other guy with a car!!!!! is it mulder????? no, not mulder with the well-timed vehicular manslaughter, although that would have been interesting. but skinner falls down!!!!!! he totally collapses!!

scully is still analyzing his mystery blood. she found something!!! it’s creating a matrix!! multiplying and building dams in the vascular system!!!!

this is not good.

news comes in that skinner has been taken to a different hospital, and scully heads out to go find him.

augh… he is so blue…. are they going to cut his arm off???!

scully bursts in!!! they try to kick her out, but she cannot be scolded in this manner!! and they DO want to cut off both of his arms!!

“who the hell IS this woman?” <- you watch how you talk about MEDICAL DOCTOR SPECIAL AGENT SCULLY!!

she says that cutting his arms off won’t do a damn thing, and you had best get a scope into him NOW!

“look, if you want to save this man, listen to what i’m saying!” <-YEAHHHH!!!!! you better tell them!!

assertive doctor scully, you are so important to me

ohhh... he’s stirring awake, and she’s telling him it’ll be okay, and that mulder is figuring out who did this to him, and “we’re going to take good care of you, i promise, we’re going to do everything we can” OHHHHHHHHH…….

man… whenever they’re at each other’s hospital beds, i feel secret emotions. getting throwbacks to him visiting her after her cancer went into remission...... and her following him into the ambulance after that other dude tried to kill him... man...

the next morning, there is a weird noise in skinner’s office. it's mulder! he is going through all of his stuff!! he explains to skinner's secretary that the boss has been poisoned, and then rips open the classified envelope on her desk. i hope there are no legal consequences to this.

back at the hospital, scully is in red scrubs. she looks really nice in red scrubs. it makes me wonder, why are most other scrubs blue, but she gets these beautiful red ones? did she have them on hand? did she borrow some extra ones from the hospital? have we ever seen her in red scrubs before? is red her color?

and mulder is here…. she says there’s nothing they can do to help skinner, except keep cutting open his arteries (GAG) but! her eyes are so blue...

trying hard not to let her face distract me from the plot at hand, but it's difficult.

ohhhh… the bill was going to be voted on by the senate, but it needed skinner’s review and an analysis by dr. orgel… so did they just kill him to speed up the process??? because they knew he would shoot it down?

mulder thinks orgel came to tell skinner about the violation of export laws involving new technology.

“you know what that means?” “well, i think i might” 

... aliens? alien bee virus?

phone call time… it’s the electronic voice on skinner's cell!! saying they can’t stop it!! your time is almost up!! so it has to be someone in the hospital making the call!!!

mulder sees someone typing into this pad sort of thing… and he runs after the guy with the long hair!!! he pulls out his gun!!! and runs into the parking lot!!!

he nearly shoots a nurse in his hunt for this dude with the weird pad thingy, and then makes an effort to appear non-threatening. which was kinda cute. when a car pulls out. and it crashes somewhere?? but the dude driving it got away!!!

the senator gets a phone call!! saying the bill is in danger!! it’s the guy with the long hair who was typing on the pad thingy on the other end of the phone!! saying that dr. orgel believes his threats!! he says he can tell him where to find him???

what is this dude's end goal...?

they found hairs from a wig inside the car, which prompts a smartass remark from mulder. and tons of PCBs on the tires. maybe from an old power plant?

oooo, the senator is also rolling up to a power plant. he looks so out of place in his prim and proper coat while the pigeons fly in his face in this abandoned facility. and he finds dr. orgel on a cot!!! he also looks very very very sick with blue veins! 

dr. orgel says he needs water, but the guy who has the pad is turning up some sort of level thing, and he starts screaming!!! his pad says “orgel active”

woah, is this like a remote control disease?

scully comes in to talk to skinner…. she wants to try filtering all of the blood in his body, and lets him know that this is a risky procedure. OH... HE SAYS “I’M IN YOUR HANDS” OHHHH…

the surrender of it all... resting in the knowledge that she knows what she is doing... the total trust. wow...

“i think i owe you an apology, scully. you and mulder. i’ve been lying here, thinking… your quests… it should have been mine” “what do you mean?” “if i die now, i die in vain. i have nothing to show for myself. my life” “sir, you know that’s not true” “it is. i can see now that… i always played it safe. i wouldn’t take sides. wouldn’t let you and mulder…. pull me in” “you’ve been our ally more times than i can say” “not the kind of ally that i could’ve been” 

OH!!!! hang on....... he, too, is consumed by the Guilt... we knew he had Guilt re: Vietnam and past violence, but that he feels he could have done more for the agents is new information... especially since he was the one that made the deal with CSM to try and get scully saved...

but since mulder ended up being told about the chip thingy, maybe he feels like he didn't save the day and instead was tricked into doing CSM's dirty work... and he must think that he could have tried to argue for keeping them on the x files back in the first episode of s6, but he didn't... i'm emo.

she grabs his hands……. and he says he remembers!!!! he remembers the guy’s face!! he was at the gym!! and the hospital!! and he hit that diplomat guy with the car!! and he was there at the office when dr. orgel grabbed his arm!! the long-haired guy with the pad!! he’s on the tape!!

mulder arrives to the power plant and finds the senator’s car there…. hi, pigeons, you are so beautiful, but we have a problem at hand. mulder is strutting in…. but someone watches…. yeah, hold that little gun out, mulder. i love your little gun.

the senator announces that orgel is dead, and what he knows died with him.

OHHH YEAH!! SOME MULDER VIOLENCE!!! ROUGH THAT MAN UP!!

he is talking about nanotechnology… machines…. other words...

mulder says he will stop this AND expose the senator!!! but he keeps yelling that it’s too late.

don't test that man. he loves a righteous crusade.

which brings us back to the beginning of the episode, where dr. cabrera won’t shock skinner….. why do they just listen to her??? and not even try to fight her to save him??? 

the dude with the long hair and the pad is right outside, and he turns the settings back to 0…. and skinner comes back alive. who is this dude?!?

three weeks later, scully tells skinner his prognosis is excellent!!! and scully found the long-haired pad guy on the video tapes!! but skinner cannot identify him.

good news, though: the bill was withdrawn without explanation. so no WHO funding to install some other murder pads across the world

whoever this mystery long-haired pad man was, he killed one of his own to save skinner… so mulder still thinks it’s about the x files. mulder would need skinner's authority to keep investigating. 

but he says no!! scully is not pleased. they look scared and surprised to hear this. she must be mentally thinking "sir, this contradicts your deathbed statements"

where is skinner going now…? to his car… a likely place for a guy to go after work, but the music is scary, so i don’t think that’s where the story will end 

KRYCEK???? IN THE CAR?? he says he can push the button at anytime??? and skinner has been EXPECTING him??

he gets out of the car and leaves???

THE END?

so somehow, krycek has the technology that can restart his nanotechnology disease?

wait. WAS krycek the bearded guy? hold on. i have to go back. 

YES. he was. i paused at strategic times and noticed that was, in fact, his face. and then i guess he shaved down his face and took off his long wig, which must be why skinner denied being able to recognize him!! to keep the agents safe?? is that his goal!? 

man. KRYCEK!!! the rat bastard….

oh, i bet the eagle-eyed fans knew it was krycek the whole time and were not shocked at this reveal. maybe they even had seen leaked scripts or set photos and therefore knew it was him. but in my defense, i don't pay too much attention to the background characters, nor could i ever imagine a BEARDED and LONG-HAIRED krycek!! his whole thing is being pretty in a prep-school sort of way!!

well, if you did see this coming, feel free to tell me what a fool i am. or you can tell me you also didn't notice, which would make me feel better. they didn't even put his name in the front credits! they hid it in the back! they were committed to tricking me!!

ohhh, this episode was pretty darn good!! i LOVE skinner and mulder/scully angst. it’s just soOoooooooOoo delicious. i still can’t articulate exactly what it is that drives me so crazy. but it DOES.

it's something about the way they would die and kill for each other. the way the lines get really blurred between "this man is my boss" and "this man is like a father or uncle to me" and "this man is sometimes actively withholding information from me that will keep me from finding the answers i need" and just when you think he'll do one thing, he'll do the other. MMM! delicious.

krycek… i was wondering when we were going to get back to him and his schemes. these episodes have been pretty good in quality throughout s6, but i’m lacking an overall vision or build up to a bigger plot, unless there is something between the lines i'm missing, which wouldn't really be that surprising.

we often get a lot of one-off episodes and then a two-parter with way too much going on at once, though, so this isn't particularly surprising, and i'm not sure why it feels like we know even less than every other season. probably because we are coming off of SO much being explained to us after fight the future in the way it usually never is, AND so many new questions being raised by the same movie. so now it's kinda like... are they going to get to that ever?? or just leave us wondering??

but: someone krycek is involved with is putting a secret technology disease inside of skinner. and then preventing him from dying?? who is he working with? and for what goal?

and krycek wasn't even IN the movie!! so what does he have to do with all of that?

wait! the diplomats in this episode were from tunisia… we saw CSM with the new (?) alien virus bee farm in tunisia at the end of FTF… so maybe the nanotechnology is somehow derived from the alien virus spread by bees? even though the symptoms were different? no chest alien births this time around

the dots aren’t connecting per se, but i am at least recognizing the presence of dots.

tbh, i have no real predictions as to what is going to happen next in terms of mytharc stuff. because we still have diana and spender on the x files, and kersh thwarting the every move of our beloved agents!! how can they even do anything about the plot?? just keep sneaking around?

part of me wonders if kersh is actually an ally who is just really selling his performance as an enemy. but we also did see him with CSM that time in triangle, so it’s hard to say. but then again, i guess we also did see skinner with CSM every now and again. but, if kersh WAS an ally, wouldn't skinner feel less guilty about having them switched over to his jurisdiction? hmm… unless he's a secret ally, unbeknownst to even skinner.

and now, skinner decided that death chose for him where he will stand, and he will (probably) get himself more involved in the x files, but he'll have to do it behind the scenes, because he knows that at any moment they could kill him... but of course, scully doesn't know this, so she thinks he just went back on his word... or maybe she thinks he has some sort of secret plan because they know each other pretty well by now....... HMMM...

well, i don’t have any theories beyond the ones i proposed a few episodes ago as to the source of mulder’s angst. maybe his angst is related to krycek and the plot?? somehow?? is he on some sort of secret mission?

idk!! idk!! we will simply have to stay tuned!!

[wispstalk]

I've mused on the avoidance of racial politics in Oblivion but never really got into the broader ideological context. since I'm on one lately, I organized my thoughts and put them under the cut. 🚨BEWARE: EFFORTPOST🚨

for those who heed my warning and scroll by, enjoy this screenshot from when I was trying to find the post I linked above:

who the fuck shaved my beautiful blog 😔

-

let's get the divine right shit out of the way

Despite the narrative at its heart, I don't think Oblivion is presenting a pro-monarchy message. No one in real life is an actual avowed monarchist anymore except for some maladjusted internet freaks, and we don't care about them, so I'm not gonna spill a bunch of ink on why feudalism sucks.

But still. Your HoK's job is to defend the bloodline, no matter how they might feel about it. If they don't, the idyllic heart of the Empire will fall to a demonically-aligned group of religious wackjobs whose only goal is wrecking shit for its own sake. Which could mean nothing.

-

the war on terror uhhh devils and stuff

From George W. Bush's public address on Sept 20, 2001:

Americans are asking, why do they hate us? [...] They hate our freedoms -- our freedom of religion, our freedom of speech, our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other.

After a sleeper agent attacks you in the street for the nth time, you might ask yourself: "Why are these people so hot to turn everything into the Deadlands? That place fucking sucks."

You don't get much insight to the Mythic Dawn. Even when you infiltrate their hideout, no one really makes a compelling case. Mankar Camoran's manifesto is full of impenetrable theological ravings (which is a fun touch, dgmw) and when you finally confront him, his justifications are pretty thin.

It is worth remarking that one character calls Camoran's writing "revolutionary." I don't think this line is intentional propagandizing. It's just the normative line of liberal democracy: revolutionaries are terrorists. Their motive is bloodthirst, and their end goal is chaos.

I wouldn't claim the demonic hordes are a stand-in for militant Islamist groups. If that had been the intent, Bethesda didn't need to be coy about it (cw: video link, breathtakingly racist).

Instead I think the Daedra represent the ambient, pervasive fear of the time. We were at war with the concept of terror itself, after all. Politicians and media outlets put aside their differences to tell the American public that we faced a profound existential threat, and we lapped that shit up.

Or some did. Despite this heartwarming feat of bipartisanship, plenty of people retained their critical thinking skills and mobilized a record-breaking international protest. Not everyone was in favor of expansionism.

-

the machinery of empire

Now it's worth looking at Oblivion's weirder and cooler older sibling, Morrowind. Though it leaves plenty of room for your character development, the plot centers at least some extant critique of empire.

(please note it's been a long time and I'm murky on the plot but) the Nerevarine begins as a Blades asset who eventually brings an unruly province to heel. The player can interpret this any number of ways, but the game is explicitly presenting foreign intervention through the character of Caius Cosades. He leaves you to it once you become a self-sustaining instrument of soft power.

Most of this has been excised in Oblivion. In fact, Ocato tells the HoK that the Elder Council is pulling the Legion out of the provinces to address the crisis at home.

It's plausible to read this as a soft criticism of US foreign policy. There are a couple threads of non-interventionist thought that dominated opposition to the Iraq War: 1) the libertarian tendency, which was hardcore isolationist and 2) the liberal-left tendency, which called for defunding the military but might favor humanitarian aid to varying degrees.

Or it could just be a throwaway line. Fuck if I know! I still find it notable that the game had little interest in riffing on its predecessor, considering that the canon events are only a few years apart. Maybe something happened ✈️🏙️ that made people cagey about this stuff.

There was certainly a nod to religion as an arm of imperialism in Morrowind as well, through the missionaries. It makes sense that this wouldn't be visible in Cyrodiil, but where Morrowind gives you an ambiguous soup of competing faiths, Oblivion offers up a nice neat package.

-

crystal dragon jesus

The evangelical Christian right had a lot of political capital to throw around in the early 2000s, and a lot of visibility thanks to George W.'s cozy relationship. Freaky fringe millenarian shit was everywhere-- like the Left Behind series, which made the NYT bestseller list a few times.

This did not go unchallenged. Plenty of people found the bigotry repellent, the lobbying was a subject of national debate, and even that bitch John McCain was briefly bold enough to level criticisms at celebrity pastors.

Pop-culture Christianity was fairly anodyne, though it pains me to admit that. A few Christian bands broke into the mainstream charts (idgaf what anyone says, P.O.D. had some bangers). The "youth pastor sitting backwards in a chair trying to be cool" meme describes a genre of guy that spawned around this time.

Being an atheist during this time was more isolating than it is these days, but for the most part, it was some relief that most Christians wanted to distance themselves from the vocal fringes.

Enter Martin, my boy, my #1 projection dolly. The catholic themes are laid on THICK with the tonsured monks and the stained glass and the "I was once a devotee of the Fuck God" reveal. But he's like, quietly religious. Humble about it, even. He expresses some doubt! But in the end, when it's really down to the wire, he kicks Satan Mehrunes Dagon's horned red ass and then his dad The Lord a dragon lifts him to the heavens wherever incoporeal dragons hang out, and all humanity is saved. Subtle 👌

--

okay enough already

It could be argued that the fantasy genre as a whole skews reactionary-- other mega fantasy hits from the time were about returning to an ideal past (LOTR) and reviving traditions of the powerful (Eragon). Oblivion slots right into this. It is philosophically small-c conservative.

That doesn't automatically mean evangelical neocon. Maybe some of the game writers or company execs were those things. I'm not making any claims like that.

But evangelical neocons were in charge of the global hegemony back then. It went right past me back in 2008 when I first played, because even though I loathed those fucking hogs, I was fresh outta high school and hadn't developed much of an eye for latent ideological currents. Over a decade later, when I picked the game up again, all this stuff was glaringly obvious.

This was the sewage we all waded in, and thus the game is just a reflection of the status quo.

I leave you with this song, which has nothing to do with Oblivion but it's funny how it aged like milk. I've been sending it to my IRL pop-punk-fan friends to torment them.

[247callcenterservice]

In the United States, call center companies play a pivotal role in providing customer support, sales assistance, technical troubleshooting, and various other services for businesses across a multitude of industries. These companies employ thousands of individuals nationwide and operate through various models, including in-house, outsourced, and virtual call centers. Let's delve into the landscape of call center companies in the USA.

1. Overview of the Call Center Industry:

The call center industry in the USA has witnessed significant growth over the years, driven by the increasing demand for cost-effective customer service solutions and the globalization of businesses. Today, call centers cater to diverse sectors such as telecommunications, banking and finance, healthcare, retail, technology, and e-commerce.

2. Major Players:

Several major call center companies dominate the industry, including:

Teleperformance: One of the largest call center companies globally, Teleperformance operates numerous centers across the USA, offering multilingual customer support, technical assistance, and sales services.

Concentrix: Concentrix is another key player, known for its innovative customer engagement solutions. It provides a wide range of services, including customer care, technical support, and digital marketing services.

Alorica: Alorica specializes in customer experience outsourcing solutions, serving clients in various industries. It offers services such as customer support, sales, and back-office support.

Sitel Group: Sitel Group is renowned for its customer experience management solutions. With a global presence, Sitel operates call centers in multiple locations across the USA, providing tailored customer support services.

TTEC: Formerly known as TeleTech, TTEC offers customer experience solutions, digital services, and technology-enabled customer care. It focuses on delivering personalized customer interactions through its contact centers.

3. Industry Trends:

The call center industry is continually evolving, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. Some notable trends include:

Digital Transformation: Call centers are increasingly integrating digital channels such as chat, email, and social media to enhance customer engagement and support omnichannel experiences.

AI and Automation: Automation technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots, are being adopted to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and provide faster resolutions to customer queries.

Remote Workforce: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards remote work in the call center industry. Many companies have embraced remote workforce models, allowing agents to work from home while maintaining productivity and efficiency.

Data Analytics: Call centers are leveraging data analytics tools to gain insights into customer behavior, preferences, and trends. This data-driven approach enables them to personalize interactions and optimize service delivery.

4. Challenges and Opportunities:

Despite its growth, the call center industry faces several challenges, including:

Staffing Issues: Recruiting and retaining skilled agents remains a challenge for many call center companies, particularly amid competition for talent and high turnover rates.

Security Concerns: With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, call centers must prioritize data security and compliance to protect sensitive customer information.

However, the industry also presents numerous opportunities for growth and innovation:

Expansion of Services: Call center companies can diversify their service offerings to meet the evolving needs of clients, such as expanding into digital customer engagement, analytics, and consulting services.

Focus on Customer Experience: By prioritizing customer experience and investing in training and technology, call centers can differentiate themselves and gain a competitive edge in the market.

Globalization: With advancements in technology and communication infrastructure, call center companies can explore opportunities for global expansion and tap into new markets.

5. Future Outlook:

Looking ahead, the call center industry is poised for further growth and transformation. As businesses increasingly prioritize customer-centric strategies, call center companies will play a crucial role in delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving business success.

In conclusion, call center companies in the USA form a vital component of the customer service ecosystem, serving a wide range of industries and helping businesses enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. With ongoing technological innovations and evolving customer expectations, the industry is poised for continued growth and innovation in the years to come.

[dnstore]

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A pressure cooker is a kitchen appliance used to cook food quickly under high pressure. It works by trapping the steam generated from the boiling liquid inside the sealed container, which increases the pressure and temperature, thus reducing the cooking time. Pressure cookers are commonly used for cooking beans, grains, meat, and vegetables. They come in a variety of sizes and designs, including stovetop and electric models. Safety features like pressure release valves are essential to prevent accidents. When using a pressure cooker, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to ensure safe and efficient cooking.

[ordertrackercom]

From Complaint to Conversion: Turning Customer Complaints into Competitive Advantage

Every e-commerce founder dreams of five-star reviews and friction-free checkouts, yet the reality is a nonstop stream of queries, refund requests, and less-than-glowing feedback. Viewed through the wrong lens, complaints feel like costly distractions; viewed through the right lens, they are the purest, most honest market research you will ever get—delivered free, at scale, and in real time.

Harvard Business School estimates that acquiring a new customer can be five to seven times more expensive than retaining an existing one, while Bain & Company finds that a mere 5 percent lift in retention can boost profits by up to 95 percent. Those profit jumps hinge on how you handle the inevitable moments when something goes wrong. Your goal is not to eliminate complaints entirely—a statistical impossibility for any growing brand—but to transform them into a competitive flywheel that fuels product innovation, strengthens brand equity, and deepens lifetime value.

Complaints are data in disguise

Modern e-commerce platforms overflow with quantitative metrics—conversion rate, AOV, CAC—yet few brands subject qualitative signals to the same analytical discipline. Every complaint is a data point containing metadata: channel, language, sentiment, order value, time-to-purchase. When systematically tagged and trended, those signals reveal hidden cost centers and unmet expectations that dashboards alone never surface.

Amazon famously treats each “Where’s my package?” email not as noise but as latency telemetry that flows directly into logistics KPIs. A practical first step is to build a “Voice of Customer” database: route every ticket, chat, and review into a shared spreadsheet or BI tool, assign root-cause categories (shipping, sizing, UX, quality), and run weekly variance reports. Patterns emerge quickly: a spike in “item damaged on arrival” clustered around one fulfillment center, or an uptick in “hard to assemble” complaints correlated with a new supplier. Quantifying the cost of each pain point—lost revenue, support hours, brand risk—turns gut feelings into board-level priorities and unlocks budget for surgical fixes.

Speed and empathy win every time

In the digital age, response time is the new politeness. HubSpot research shows that 90 percent of consumers rate an “immediate” reply—defined as under 10 minutes—as important or very important when they have a question. Yet speed without empathy can feel robotic, while empathy without speed feels hollow.

The sweet spot is a blended service stack: tier-one automation for routine questions, escalated human care for anything emotionally charged. Brands like Zappos and Chewy have elevated this into folklore—overnight replacements, handwritten notes, even flowers sent after a pet’s passing—because they empower agents to use judgment, not scripts.

Set an internal SLA that tracks first-response times by channel (voice, chat, email, social) and a “resolution NPS” that measures emotional recovery post-interaction. You will often find that a customer who experienced a well-handled failure spends more in the next 12 months than a customer who never had an issue, a phenomenon academics call the “service recovery paradox.”

Turning pain points into product opportunities

A torrent of “runs small” reviews is not just a support burden; it is a product-development brief. Successful DTC apparel labels now launch limited micro-runs, collect fit-feedback within 48 hours, and push size-chart tweaks to production in under a month. In tech parlance, complaints are the “error logs” of your customer experience.

Feed them into sprint planning the same way engineers triage bugs: severity, frequency, and impact. Use A/B tests to validate proposed fixes—new packaging material, clearer assembly videos, alternate courier partners—before scaling globally. When Purple Mattress noted a rise in delivery-related damages, they redesigned the roll-pack process and partnered with last-mile carriers trained in oversized freight, cutting damage claims by 42 percent quarter-over-quarter.

Each reduction in complaints stacks compound advantages: fewer refunds, lower CAC from positive reviews, and more bandwidth for proactive CX initiatives.

Complaints as a public performance

Digital word-of-mouth is now instant, visual, and permanent. A single unanswered TikTok rant can derail thousands in ad spend; conversely, a thoughtful public reply can become evergreen marketing. The goal is to practice “transparent triage”: acknowledge openly, apologize sincerely, and document the fix.

Airbnb’s public response protocol is studied at PR schools precisely because it balances legal prudence with human authenticity. Allocate social-care specialists who monitor brand mentions 24/7 and use templated empathy as scaffolding, not handcuffs. When you do solve a thorny issue, turn the resolution into a mini case study—anonymous screenshots of before-and-after dashboards or a behind-the-scenes reel of the warehouse upgrade—demonstrating that feedback drives action.

Prospective buyers interpret this public accountability as a trust signal more potent than any discount code.

Building an organization that thrives on feedback

Transforming complaints into advantage is ultimately a cultural project. It requires cross-functional rituals: a weekly “CX stand-down” where support, product, marketing, and ops examine top drivers of dissatisfaction; a shared OKR that ties complaint reduction to quarterly bonuses; a Slack channel where every executive reads raw customer verbatims.

Shopify Plus merchants like Gymshark credit much of their hyper-growth to embedding CX analysts within product squads, ensuring the voice of the customer is heard at the wireframe stage, not post-launch. The payoff is a virtuous loop—listening, fixing, delighting—that compounds like interest. Over time, the organization stops fearing complaints and starts seeking them, confident that each friction uncovered will become tomorrow’s moat.

Conclusion: Complaints as a roadmap to excellence

Complaints are not the tax you pay for doing business online; they are the roadmap to doing business better. They highlight operational blind spots, spark product upgrades, and—when resolved with speed and empathy—forge emotional bonds that no loyalty program can replicate.

Brands that institutionalize this mindset convert moments of friction into engines of retention and advocacy. In an era where acquisition costs soar and attention spans shrink, the true differentiator is not how few problems you create, but how masterfully you transform those problems into proofs of excellence.

Listen intently, respond decisively, iterate relentlessly—and watch today’s angry customer become tomorrow’s evangelist.

[cybersecurityict]

Customer Experience Business Process Outsourcing Market: Solution to Scaling CX or a Temporary Fix

The Customer Experience Business Process Outsourcing Market was valued at USD 92.81 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 259.00 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 12.14% from 2024-2032.

Customer Experience Business Process Outsourcing Market is gaining strong momentum as enterprises increasingly prioritize seamless, omnichannel engagement to retain and grow customer bases. Companies are leveraging third-party expertise to enhance service delivery, reduce operational costs, and access cutting-edge CX technologies, particularly across highly competitive sectors such as retail, BFSI, telecom, and healthcare.

U.S. Leading the Shift Toward AI-Driven CX Outsourcing with Scalable Global Delivery Models

Customer Experience Business Process Outsourcing Market continues to evolve rapidly due to rising consumer expectations, the shift toward digital-first service models, and the need for multilingual, 24/7 support. As companies aim to differentiate themselves through superior customer experiences, the role of outsourced CX providers is becoming more strategic and value-driven.

Get Sample Copy of This Report: https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/6517 

Market Keyplayers:

Accenture Plc [Customer Engagement Solutions, Digital Inside Sales]

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. [Comprehensive Payroll Services, Human Capital Management Solutions]

Cognizant Technology Solutions Corp [Customer Service Management, Digital Contact Center Solutions]

Concentrix Corporation [Omnichannel Customer Support, Customer Journey Mapping]

Firstsource Solutions [Customer Lifecycle Management, Collections Management]

Fusion BPO Services Group [Multilingual Customer Support, Technical Support Services]

Genpact [Customer Care Services, Sales and Commercial Operations]

Infosys Limited [Customer Service Outsourcing, Digital Marketing Operations]

International Business Machines Corporation [IBM Watson Assistant for Customer Service, Contact Center Transformation]

Tata Consultancy Services [Experience Strategy and Design, Personalized Commerce and Content]

Teleperformance [Digital CX and AI Solutions, Omnichannel Customer Support]

TELUS International [AI-Powered Customer Support, Multilingual Customer Experience Services]

Unity Communications [Back Office Teams, E-commerce Support Teams]

Wipro Enterprises Private Limited [Omnichannel and AI-Guided Interactions, Unified Agent Desktop]

WNS Global [Customer Interaction Services, Analytics-Driven Customer Experience]

Market Analysis

The CX BPO market is undergoing a transformation driven by automation, cloud communication platforms, and demand for specialized service providers. Businesses in the U.S. are spearheading the adoption of AI and analytics-powered CX solutions, while European firms are increasingly focusing on data privacy compliance and localized support. Strategic outsourcing enables organizations to balance quality, speed, and efficiency without compromising brand voice.

Market Trends

Increased use of AI chatbots and virtual agents for tier-1 support

Rising demand for work-from-home agent models and flexible workforce solutions

Integration of real-time sentiment analysis to enhance personalization

Growth in multilingual support centers to serve global audiences

CX analytics and dashboards for improved performance tracking

BPO partnerships expanding into customer retention and upselling functions

Enhanced focus on omnichannel delivery (voice, chat, email, social, video)

Market Scope

The market scope for Customer Experience BPO is expanding across industries as brands seek faster deployment, lower overhead, and access to global customer service talent. Today's outsourcing solutions go far beyond call handling—they are integral to customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Full-spectrum customer service solutions (pre-sales, onboarding, support)

Data-driven personalization using customer behavior insights

Flexible delivery models including onshore, offshore, and hybrid teams

Industry-specific CX BPO solutions for finance, healthcare, retail, and telecom

Scalable platforms with cloud and API integrations

Enhanced security and GDPR-compliant frameworks for European markets

Forecast Outlook

The Customer Experience Business Process Outsourcing Market is expected to witness robust growth as digital transformation accelerates and customer engagement becomes central to brand strategy. Future growth will be defined by automation, multilingual support, and analytics-driven decision-making. As businesses in the U.S. and Europe prioritize agility and cost-efficiency, BPO providers offering end-to-end CX innovation will be best positioned to lead.

Access Complete Report: https://www.snsinsider.com/reports/customer-experience-business-process-outsourcing-market-6517 

Conclusion

In an age where customer loyalty is driven by responsiveness and personalization, the Customer Experience BPO market is no longer a back-office function—it’s a strategic engine for growth. Businesses across the U.S. and Europe are turning to CX specialists not just to handle volume but to deliver consistently exceptional interactions. The future belongs to BPO partners that combine human empathy with AI-powered intelligence to redefine customer satisfaction.

About Us:

SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world.

Contact Us:

Jagney Dave - Vice President of Client Engagement

Phone: +1-315 636 4242 (US) | +44- 20 3290 5010 (UK)

Mail us: info@snsinsider.com

[bakematebiscuits-blog]

Biscuits: A World of Baked Delight

The Delicious Journey of Biscuits: From Dough to Delight

Biscuits are more than just a snack — they’re an experience. Whether dunked in tea, topped with spreads, or enjoyed on their own, biscuits offer a perfect balance of flavor, crunch, and nostalgia. As simple as they seem, behind every biscuit is a careful process combining science, craft, and creativity.

  What Are Biscuits?

A biscuit is a small, flat, baked product, usually made from wheat flour, sugar or salt, fat (like butter or vegetable oil), and often leavening agents. Depending on the region, biscuits may be sweet — enhanced with chocolate, fruits, or spices — or savory like crackers, enjoyed as snacks or accompaniments.

In most English-speaking countries such as the UK, India, and Australia, the term "biscuit" refers to both sweet and savory varieties. However, in North America, "biscuits" are soft, fluffy breads similar to scones, while the sweet baked versions are called "cookies."

A Bite of History

Early biscuits were plain, dry, and long-lasting — ideal for travel and storage. Over centuries, these humble snacks evolved into rich, flavorful indulgences. Ancient civilizations like the Sassanian Empire enriched baked goods with honey, fruits, and spices.

One of the earliest spiced biscuits, gingerbread, has roots dating back to the 10th century. By the Middle Ages, biscuits were flavored with exotic spices brought through trade routes, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

The Industrial Revolution in the 19th century transformed biscuit-making into a thriving industry. Iconic British brands like McVitie’s and Huntley & Palmers began producing biscuits on a large scale, making them accessible and popular across social classes.

Types of Biscuits

Biscuits today can be broadly categorized based on ingredients and production methods:

1. Crackers (Savory Biscuits)

Light, crispy, and often salted, crackers are the savory side of the biscuit family. Popular examples include cream crackers, saltines, and water biscuits. These are typically fermented, laminated, and baked until golden and crisp.

2. Semi-Sweet Biscuits

These biscuits strike a balance — lightly sweet with a crisp texture and subtle flavor. Favorites like Marie, Petit Beurre, and Rich Tea biscuits fall in this category. They’re often used as tea-time snacks and are known for their uniform appearance and texture.

3. Short Dough Biscuits

Rich in butter and sugar, short dough biscuits have a crumbly texture and melt-in-mouth appeal. Examples include shortbread, digestives, and custard creams. These biscuits are produced using rotary moulding, creating distinct patterns and shapes.

4. Cookies

Soft, chewy, or crunchy — cookies are known for their indulgent flavors and textures. With generous additions like chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, or cream centers, cookies offer endless variations. They are baked slowly at lower temperatures to retain their softness.

The Biscuit-Making Process

While recipes vary, the general biscuit manufacturing process includes:

Mixing – Ingredients are blended to form a consistent dough.

Shaping – Dough is cut or moulded into desired shapes.

Baking – Biscuits are baked in tunnel ovens under controlled conditions.

Cooling – After baking, biscuits are cooled to prevent moisture retention.

Packing – Finished biscuits are stacked and packaged for retail.

Some varieties, like sandwich or cream biscuits, involve an additional filling step, where two layers are joined with a flavored cream.

A Global Snack Favorite

From classic butter cookies to spicy ginger snaps, biscuits have become a universal snack, found in homes, lunchboxes, and cafés worldwide. They’ve evolved into not just food items, but carriers of tradition, comfort, and creativity.

✅ Conclusion

Biscuits have come a long way from medieval spice cakes and sailor rations. Today, they are an intersection of culture, comfort, and cutting-edge food tech. Whether it’s a simple butter cookie or a cream-filled chocolate delight, every bite tells a story — rich in history, crafted with care, and baked to perfection.

Looking for the largest Global Biscuits Manufacturers? Bakemate is the largest chocolate Manufacturer in the world, offers delicious chocolates, Biscuits, Cookies, Candies, Lollipops, Wafers, and many more.

[agent-autopilot]

Agent Autopilot: Leading the Charge in Insurance Sales Innovation

In the rapidly evolving world of insurance, adapting to technological advancements is crucial for sustained growth and success. Agent Autopilot is at the forefront of this revolution, offering a comprehensive suite of AI-powered automation tools specifically tailored for insurance agents. With over five years of industry expertise, Agent Autopilot is redefining how insurance professionals handle lead generation, follow-ups, and sales processes. By addressing the unique challenges faced by agents, the platform ensures increased efficiency and cost-effectiveness, thereby establishing itself as an industry authority. With a mission to streamline operations and enhance productivity, Agent Autopilot provides AI-powered lead generation capabilities, automating time-consuming tasks like appointment setting and client outreach. This allows agents to focus on what they do best-closing deals and nurturing relationships. Furthermore, the value proposition extends beyond mere automation. By integrating advanced AI features, Agent Autopilot creates a seamless and personalized experience for both agents and clients, ultimately increasing conversion rates and customer satisfaction. Transitioning from this introductory overview, we delve into specific features and benefits offered by Agent Autopilot that underpin its leading position in the insurance industry.

AI-Powered Sales Automation

Agent Autopilot's A.C.T.I.V.A.I. system is a game-changer in insurance sales automation.

AI-Driven Call System

This feature automatically contacts leads, handles objections, and connects high-intent prospects with agents-a process that previously required extensive manual effort. As a result, agents can expect higher conversion rates without additional labor.

Automated Lead Nurturing

By ensuring all leads are given consistent follow-ups through voice, text, and email, Agent Autopilot closes the gap on lost opportunities, nurturing leads effortlessly until they are ready to purchase. In contrast to traditional methods, Agent Autopilot's AI system allows agents to save time while enhancing effectiveness. The next section will explore how this innovation translates into tangible savings and efficiencies for insurance professionals.

Cost-Effective Solutions

One of the key benefits of Agent Autopilot is its ability to drastically reduce operational costs.

Eliminating Human Appointment Setters

With automated appointment setting, the need for expensive human intervention is eliminated, providing agents with a cost-effective alternative for engaging and qualifying prospects.

Live Transfers with AI Efficiency

Agent Autopilot's AI replicates the efficiency of numerous call center representatives at a fraction of the cost, providing a high return on investment for insurance agencies looking to optimize lead transfers. These solutions ensure agents can allocate resources more effectively. Next, we will explore how Agent Autopilot supports sales scalability without increasing workload.

Scalability and Growth

Agent Autopilot empowers agents to scale operations seamlessly.

Pre-Built CRM with Automation

The platform includes a sophisticated CRM system that automates workflows and retains client information, enabling agents to manage a larger volume of leads without increased manual work.

Scalability Without Added Workforce

Built-in campaigns enhance cross-selling and customer retention, allowing agents to expand their book of business sustainably. Through these system https://medium.com/@agent-autopilot/agent-autopilot-revolutionizing-insurance-sales-with-ai-driven-solutions-562ee2d31e93

[adamkelleyrealestat]

The Pros and Cons of Buying a Home in Carlsbad

When you’re thinking about settling down in a beautiful coastal city, Carlsbad, CA may just be at the top of your list. With its picturesque beaches, vibrant communities, and incredible amenities, it’s no surprise that many people are drawn to this charming Southern California town. But is it the right place for you to invest in a home? At Adam Kelley Real Estate, we understand that buying a home is one of the most significant decisions of your life. So, before you start browsing listings with Carlsbad real estate agents, let’s explore the pros and cons of buying a home in Carlsbad.

The Pros of Buying a Home in Carlsbad, CA

1. Stunning Coastal Location

One of the biggest draws of Carlsbad real estate is its proximity to the beach. Imagine waking up every morning to the sound of crashing waves and being just minutes away from sandy shores. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront property or a cozy home just a short drive from the water, Carlsbad offers unbeatable coastal living that’s hard to find elsewhere. Plus, you’ll enjoy year-round mild weather that makes outdoor activities a breeze.

2. Family-Friendly Communities

Carlsbad is known for its welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere. The city boasts excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of parks for kids to play. If you're searching for a home that’s close to top-rated schools or looking to raise your family in a close-knit community, Carlsbad is a great choice. Many of the homes here are located in planned communities with access to walking trails, green spaces, and recreational facilities.

3. Thriving Economy and Job Market

Carlsbad isn’t just a place to live—it’s also a place to work. The city has a robust economy, with industries like biotechnology, tourism, and education providing ample employment opportunities. Companies like Palomar Health and Legoland California Resort are major employers in the area, while the proximity to tech hubs in San Diego and Orange County expands career options even further. As a result, buying a home in Carlsbad can provide a great work-life balance.

4. Great Investment Potential

When you work with an experienced real estate agency in Carlsbad, CA, you’ll quickly realize that this area offers strong investment potential. Due to its desirable location, homes in Carlsbad tend to hold their value well, and property appreciation is often on the rise. This is especially true if you’re looking at coastal properties or homes in sought-after neighborhoods. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or someone looking to expand your real estate portfolio, Carlsbad presents a solid opportunity for growth.

5. Access to Top-Tier Amenities

Living in Carlsbad means you’re never far from world-class amenities. From high-end shopping centers like Carlsbad Premium Outlets to delicious dining options along the coastline, the city has everything you need to live comfortably. You’ll also find golf courses, fitness centers, and recreational areas, offering plenty of options for staying active and engaged. If you value convenience and luxury, Carlsbad is the perfect place to call home.

The Cons of Buying a Home in Carlsbad, CA

1. High Cost of Living

Like many desirable locations in Southern California, the cost of living in Carlsbad is relatively high compared to other parts of the country. Home prices can be steep, especially when you’re looking at properties near the beach or in more exclusive neighborhoods. Even though Carlsbad’s homes tend to retain their value well, the initial investment can be daunting for some buyers, especially first-timers. Working with a real estate broker who understands the market is crucial to making sure you get the best value for your investment.

2. Limited Housing Inventory

One challenge for homebuyers in Carlsbad is the limited housing inventory. Because of the city’s popularity, homes in Carlsbad don’t always stay on the market for long, especially those in prime locations. If you're working with a real estate agency, it’s important to have someone who’s deeply familiar with the area and can help you find properties that fit your needs. Patience is key, but with the right Carlsbad real estate agents by your side, you’ll be able to navigate the competitive market with ease.

3. Traffic and Congestion

While Carlsbad is an idyllic place to live, traffic can sometimes be a challenge, particularly during peak hours. With the city’s popularity comes increased congestion on the roads, especially on major routes like I-5. If you work in a nearby city like San Diego, the commute can be time-consuming, particularly if you're driving during rush hour. However, many residents find ways to mitigate this by working from home, carpooling, or planning their travel schedules more strategically.

4. Property Taxes and HOA Fees

Another consideration when buying a home in Carlsbad is the cost of property taxes and homeowners association (HOA) fees. Depending on the neighborhood and the amenities provided, HOA fees can add a significant amount to your monthly expenses. While the property taxes in Carlsbad are typical for California, they can be higher than in other parts of the country. It’s important to factor these costs into your budget and work with a real estate agency that can help you understand the full financial picture of buying a home.

5. Competition in the Market

As with many other desirable areas in California, the real estate market in Carlsbad can be highly competitive. Whether you're interested in a beachfront property or a cozy home in a quiet neighborhood, you’ll likely face competition from other buyers. With inventory limited and demand high, it’s essential to work with a real estate broker who has experience in the Carlsbad market and can help you craft a winning offer when you find the right property.

Making the Right Decision for You

Carlsbad, CA offers a unique blend of coastal living, excellent schools, and a thriving local economy, making it a desirable place for many homebuyers. However, as with any real estate investment, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making your decision. Whether you're drawn to the sunny beaches or looking for a family-friendly community, Adam Kelley Real Estate is here to help guide you through the process.

As a trusted real estate agency in Carlsbad, CA, we specialize in helping you find the perfect home that fits both your lifestyle and your budget. Our team of expert Carlsbad real estate agents will ensure you’re equipped with the knowledge and resources to make a smart, informed decision. If you’re ready to start your home search, get in touch with us today, and let’s make your dream home in Carlsbad a reality!

[sphereglobal]

2025 Trends in Telecom BPO Every SME Should Watch

In the dynamic world of telecommunications, 2025 marks a turning point for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that rely on Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). With advancements in AI, automation, and omnichannel strategies, Telecom BPO services have evolved from cost-saving tools into strategic growth enablers.

At Sphere Global Solutions, we help SMEs across the globe harness the latest in telecom BPO innovation—streamlining operations, reducing churn, and improving customer satisfaction.

In this article, we explore the top Telecom BPO trends in 2025 that every SME should pay attention to, backed by insights and action points.

1. Rise of Hyper-Automation in Customer Support

What’s Changing: In 2025, hyper-automation is no longer optional. Telecom BPOs are automating repetitive tasks using a blend of robotic process automation (RPA), AI, and machine learning.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Reduces dependency on large customer support teams

Increases resolution speed and customer satisfaction

Cuts costs by up to 40% on repetitive call center operations

Example: Automating SIM activation, billing queries, or service upgrades through AI chatbots.

Learn how our Telecommunications BPO services use hyper-automation to scale your SME support operations.

2. Omnichannel Engagement Becomes the Norm

What’s Changing: Customers expect seamless communication across channels—voice, email, chat, WhatsApp, and social media.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Creates a unified customer experience

Increases first-contact resolution

Boosts customer loyalty

Real-World Impact: Companies using omnichannel support see up to 91% higher year-over-year customer retention (Aberdeen Research).

Discover how Sphere Global’s BPO Solutions can help you deliver consistent omnichannel support tailored for telecom SMEs.

3. Conversational AI Takes Over Tier-1 Support

What’s Changing: AI-driven voice assistants and smart chatbots are now handling over 70% of first-level customer queries in telecom.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Reduces agent workload

Delivers 24/7 customer support

Handles high call volumes without hiring more agents

Next Step: Use AI to prequalify leads, route queries to the right team, and gather feedback in real-time.

4. Globalization of Telecom Support Operations

What’s Changing: Geographical boundaries are fading as BPOs provide multilingual, round-the-clock support globally.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Allows expansion into new markets

Supports international customers cost-effectively

Enables faster SLA adherence with distributed teams

Tip: Choose a BPO partner like Sphere Global Solutions that provides consulting and localization strategies for global telecom operations.

5. Data-Driven Decision Making Using Predictive Analytics

What’s Changing: BPO providers are using AI-powered analytics to forecast churn, identify upsell opportunities, and optimize workflows.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Retain more customers through proactive support

Track and reduce dropped calls and escalations

Optimize staffing and support hours using trends

Stats: Predictive support models can reduce churn by up to 25%, according to McKinsey.

6. Telecom-Specific PMaaS (Project Management as a Service)

What’s Changing: More BPOs are offering PMaaS models tailored for telecom SMEs needing tech migrations, CRM integration, or system upgrades.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Avoid hiring expensive in-house project managers

Get access to telecom project specialists on demand

Speed up digital transformation with expert guidance

Learn more about our Consulting Services for telecom SMEs seeking efficient project delivery.

7. Enhanced Cybersecurity in BPO Operations

What’s Changing: Telecom BPOs now prioritize end-to-end encryption, multi-layered access controls, and compliance with GDPR, ISO 27001, and HIPAA.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Protects sensitive customer data

Ensures regulatory compliance

Builds brand trust and transparency

Tip: Ask your BPO partner for regular security audits and secure cloud infrastructure.

8. Knowledge-Centered Service (KCS) for Agent Enablement

What’s Changing: KCS systems allow telecom agents to access and update a central knowledge base in real-time, improving accuracy and speed.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Reduces training costs

Improves first-call resolution

Builds long-term process intelligence

Best Practice: Use AI to automatically update your KCS with frequently asked questions, solutions, and SOPs.

9. Feedback-Driven Optimization

What’s Changing: AI tools are analyzing voice calls and customer messages to identify sentiment, satisfaction, and feedback trends.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Catch customer dissatisfaction early

Personalize follow-ups and offers

Improve agent behavior through analytics

Stat: Companies using voice sentiment analysis improve CX scores by up to 18%.

10. Sustainable BPO Practices

What’s Changing: Eco-conscious telecom BPOs are embracing paperless workflows, green infrastructure, and remote teams to reduce carbon footprint.

Why It Matters for SMEs:

Aligns with ESG goals

Improves brand image with sustainability-conscious consumers

Reduces utility and infrastructure costs

Partner with a BPO provider like Sphere Global Solutions that supports your sustainability goals with energy-efficient telecom processes.

🧭 What Should SMEs Do Now?

To stay competitive in the telecom space, SMEs must move from reactive to proactive support models. Partnering with the right BPO and consulting provider helps you achieve:

Scalability without increasing costs

AI-powered support with human oversight

Real-time data to drive business decisions

Future-proof operations through agile practices

Final Thoughts

The telecom BPO landscape is transforming fast—and SMEs that adopt these 2025 trends early will lead their market segments. At Sphere Global Solutions, we help telecom businesses like yours make that shift with confidence.

Whether you need an AI-enabled BPO team, smart automation, or consulting support—we’re here to drive measurable business impact.

FAQs: 2025 Telecom BPO Trends for SMEs

1. What is the biggest telecom BPO trend in 2025?

The integration of hyper-automation and conversational AI is revolutionizing customer support and operational efficiency.

2. How can SMEs benefit from telecom BPO?

SMEs benefit by reducing overhead, improving customer retention, gaining access to advanced technologies, and scaling faster.

3. Is BPO only for large telecom companies?

No, modern BPO services are now highly customizable and scalable—ideal for SMEs with lean teams.

4. Can Sphere Global handle international telecom BPO?

Yes. We offer multilingual, 24/7 support with global reach and localized expertise.

5. How do I get started?

Contact Sphere Global Solutions for a free discovery session to assess your telecom BPO needs.

[xaltius]

Unlocking the Power of Data Science in Customer Support

Customer support has long been viewed as a cost center, a necessary evil, or simply a reactive department. But in today's fiercely competitive landscape, it's increasingly recognized as a crucial differentiator, a direct line to customer loyalty, and a goldmine of untapped insights. The secret weapon transforming this perception? Data Science.

No longer limited to just tracking call volumes or average handling times, data science is revolutionizing how businesses understand, serve, and retain their customers. By leveraging advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI, organizations are moving from reactive problem-solving to proactive, personalized, and hyper-efficient support experiences.

Here's how data science is unleashing its power in customer support:

1. Predictive Analytics for Proactive Support

Imagine knowing a customer is about to churn before they even express dissatisfaction, or identifying a potential product issue before it escalates into widespread complaints.

How Data Science Helps: By analyzing historical data (e.g., purchase history, website interactions, past support tickets, product usage patterns), data scientists can build models to predict customer churn, identify customers at high risk of needing support, or even anticipate product malfunctions.

Impact: This enables businesses to offer proactive outreach, personalized assistance, or targeted solutions, often resolving issues before the customer even realizes there's a problem, drastically improving satisfaction and retention.

2. Personalization of Support Interactions

Customers expect relevant, tailored experiences. Generic responses and one-size-fits-all solutions are a fast track to frustration.

How Data Science Helps: Data science algorithms can segment customers based on their behavior, preferences, and past interactions. When a customer reaches out, the system can instantly provide the agent (or an automated system) with a comprehensive view of their history, preferences, and relevant context.

Impact: This allows support agents to offer highly personalized solutions, recommend relevant resources, or even suggest upgrades/downgrades that truly fit the customer's needs, leading to quicker resolutions and a more positive experience.

3. Sentiment Analysis & Voice of Customer (VoC) Insights

Unstructured data like customer feedback, call transcripts, chat logs, and social media comments contain a wealth of information about customer sentiment and pain points.

How Data Science Helps: Natural Language Processing (NLP) and sentiment analysis models can automatically extract emotions, identify common themes, categorize feedback, and pinpoint emerging issues from vast volumes of text and speech data.

Impact: This provides invaluable Voice of Customer (VoC) insights, allowing businesses to understand why customers are frustrated, identify systemic problems with products or services, and prioritize fixes that will have the biggest impact on customer happiness.

4. Optimizing Resource Allocation & Routing

Efficiency is key in support centers, but it shouldn't come at the expense of customer experience.

How Data Science Helps: Machine learning models can predict the complexity of an incoming query, estimate handle times, and intelligently route customers to the most suitable agent based on their expertise, past interactions, or even real-time agent availability.

Impact: Reduces wait times, improves first-contact resolution rates, and ensures customers are connected with agents best equipped to solve their specific problem, leading to higher agent efficiency and customer satisfaction.

5. Automating Routine Tasks & Enhancing Chatbots

While not replacing human agents, data science-powered automation can handle a significant portion of routine inquiries.

How Data Science Helps: Advanced chatbots and virtual assistants, powered by LLMs and NLU, can understand complex queries, access knowledge bases, and provide accurate answers for frequently asked questions or simple transactions. When human intervention is needed, the chatbot can seamlessly transfer the conversation, providing the human agent with a complete transcript and context.

Impact: Frees up human agents to focus on complex, high-value interactions that require empathy and nuanced problem-solving. This significantly reduces operational costs and improves overall response times.

Benefits That Extend Beyond Efficiency

The power of data science in customer support isn't just about cutting costs or improving speed. It fundamentally shifts the nature of customer interaction, leading to:

Enhanced Customer Experience (CX): More personalized, proactive, and efficient support builds trust and loyalty.

Reduced Churn: Addressing issues before they escalate and predicting churn risk directly impacts retention.

Increased Customer Lifetime Value (CLTV): Happy customers are loyal customers, and loyal customers spend more over time.

Actionable Business Insights: Support data, when properly analyzed, can inform product development, marketing strategies, and operational improvements across the entire business.

Getting Started: Your Data Science Journey in Support

Unlocking these benefits requires a commitment to data-driven strategies:

Consolidate Your Data: Break down data silos and bring together customer interaction data, product usage data, CRM data, and feedback channels into a unified platform.

Invest in Talent & Tools: Build or empower a data science team with the right skills (NLP, predictive modeling, MLOps) and provide them with the necessary tools and infrastructure.

Start Small, Scale Big: Begin with specific, well-defined problems (e.g., predicting churn for a particular segment, optimizing routing for one product line), demonstrate success, and then expand.

Foster Collaboration: Ensure close collaboration between data scientists, customer support managers, and IT teams to ensure models are relevant, deployable, and impactful.

The days of customer support being merely a reactive necessity are over. With the strategic application of data science, it transforms into a powerful engine for customer satisfaction, loyalty, and invaluable business intelligence. The future of customer support is intelligent, proactive, and deeply data-driven.

[talentlush]

Retention Specialist | Calling Experienced Call Center Agents in Cebu

Job Description: Responsibilities: Answer customer inquiries regarding subscriptions (zero selling involved!) Attend to billing concerns Retain subscriptions of customers Resolve billing disputes Desired skills & knowledge: Mus…