#SET Geographical Techniques

[geographicbook]

GIS‑based flood risk assessment using multi‑criteria decision analysis of Shebelle River Basin in southern Somalia

Article Highlights• GIS-based analysis identified flood hazard, vulnerabilityand risk zones in the Shebelle River Basin, Somalia.• Majority of the basin falls in very low to moderate riskranges, with small areas at high and very high risk.• Flood hazard, vulnerability and risk maps can guide flood protection efforts and raise awareness amonglocal populations Article Highlights• GIS-based…

[writers-potion]

I'm writing a sci-fi story about a space freight hauler with a heavy focus on the economy. Any tips for writing a complex fictional economy and all of it's intricacies and inner-workings?

Constructing a Fictional Economy

The economy is all about: How is the limited financial/natural/human resources distributed between various parties?

So, the most important question you should be able to answer are:

Who are the "have"s and "have-not"s?

What's "expensive" and what's "commonplace"?

What are the rules(laws, taxes, trade) of this game?

Building Blocks of the Economic System

Type of economic system. Even if your fictional economy is made up, it will need to be based on the existing systems: capitalism, socialism, mixed economies, feudalism, barter, etc.

Currency and monetary systems: the currency can be in various forms like gols, silver, digital, fiat, other commodity, etc. Estalish a central bank (or equivalent) responsible for monetary policy

Exchange rates

Inflation

Domestic and International trade: Trade policies and treaties. Transportation, communication infrastructure

Labour and employment: labor force trends, employment opportunities, workers rights. Consider the role of education, training and skill development in the labour market

The government's role: Fiscal policy(tax rate?), market regulation, social welfare, pension plans, etc.

Impact of Technology: Examine the role of tech in productivity, automation and job displacement. How does the digital economy and e-commerce shape the world?

Economic history: what are some historical events (like The Great Depresion and the 2008 Housing Crisis) that left lasting impacts on the psychologial workings of your economy?

For a comprehensive economic system, you'll need to consider ideally all of the above. However, depending on the characteristics of your country, you will need to concentrate on some more than others. i.e. a country heavily dependent on exports will care a lot more about the exchange rate and how to keep it stable.

For Fantasy Economies:

Social status: The haves and have-nots in fantasy world will be much more clear-cut, often with little room for movement up and down the socioeconoic ladder.

Scaricity. What is a resource that is hard to come by?

Geographical Characteristics: The setting will play a huge role in deciding what your country has and doesn't. Mountains and seas will determine time and cost of trade. Climatic conditions will determine shelf life of food items.

Impact of Magic: Magic can determine the cost of obtaining certain commodities. How does teleportation magic impact trade?

For Sci-Fi Economies Related to Space Exploration

Thankfully, space exploitation is slowly becoming a reality, we can now identify the factors we'll need to consider:

Economics of space waste: How large is the space waste problem? Is it recycled or resold? Any regulations about disposing of space wste?

New Energy: Is there any new clean energy? Is energy scarce?

Investors: Who/which country are the giants of space travel?

Ownership: Who "owns" space? How do you draw the borders between territories in space?

New class of workers: How are people working in space treated? Skilled or unskilled?

Relationship between space and Earth: Are resources mined in space and brought back to Earth, or is there a plan to live in space permanently?

What are some new professional niches?

What's the military implication of space exploitation? What new weapons, networks and spying techniques?

Also, consider:

Impact of space travel on food security, gender equality, racial equality

Impact of space travel on education.

Impact of space travel on the entertainment industry. Perhaps shooting monters in space isn't just a virtual thing anymore?

What are some indsutries that decline due to space travel?

I suggest reading up the Economic Impact Report from NASA, and futuristic reports from business consultants like McKinsey.

If space exploitation is a relatiely new technology that not everyone has access to, the workings of the economy will be skewed to benefit large investors and tech giants. As more regulations appear and prices go down, it will be further be integrated into the various industries, eventually becoming a new style of living.

[writingquestionsanswered]

Anonymous asked: I have a few questions as an aspiring writer and a current fanfic writer who publishes.

Okay! But if you write fan-fiction, you're already a writer! I'm guessing you mean an aspiring author? ♥

How would you help with distractions and writer's block? I try to dedicate myself to writing, but then I wander off to other stuff and my motivation wanes.

This is not uncommon and there can be a lot of different reasons for why it happens. Understanding the reason behind why it's happening is important for knowing how to fix it. I have a couple posts that will help with this:

5 Reasons You Lost Interest in Your WIP, Plus Fixes! Feeling Unmotivated with WIP Writer’s Block

How do you advise me outlining a huge original story plot with world-building in an organized way that isn't just scattered?

Outlining is really just any method that helps you get all the important pieces of the story out, in order, so that you can use it as a reference while writing. Some people use one big beginning to end summary. Some people like scene lists or timelines. Other people like scene cards or mind maps... Different things work for different people, so part of the work you need to do as a writer is figure out which method/methods work best for you.

I often find, though, that the struggle people have with outlining is less about what method to use and more about how to actually fill out the details, which brings me around to plot and story structure. All stories have structure. Fan-fiction is often short, character-driven fiction, which gives it a different structure from the average novel. That said, even if you're a prolific fan-fiction writer, you may still need to take some time to learn about plot and story structure. I'll link a few posts that will help, but once you understand story structure (all the specific plot points a story should go through), it becomes much easier to know how to outline it.

Guide: How to Outline a Plot Guide: Starting a New (Long Fiction) Story Basic Story Structure Beginning a New Story How to Move a Story Forward Plot Driven vs Character Driven Stories Understanding Goals and Conflict

What advice would you give for writing fictional religions and mythology?

First and foremost, it's important to understand the role religion and mythology play in your story... how do they feed into your characters' beliefs? How do they influence your characters' actions and behavior? How do they guide the forces of power in your story's world? How do they impact the story's conflict/s and plot? Ultimately, you don't want to put a lot of time into creating and fleshing out a religion or mythology that's ultimately unimportant to the story. It helps to focus most on the aspects that truly matter.

Also, you might consider using real world mythology and religions as inspiration... just be careful about cultural appropriation. It's best not to use anything that belongs to an active culture or religion unless it's yours, or unless you do intense research and consult with sensitivity readers to make sure you don't do anything harmful.

And lastly, what sources do you recommend to accurately describe buildings (especially castles and manors) battlefields, geographical locations especially when it comes to mountains and rivers, etc), dresses and clothing especially if it isn't modern, and fighting techniques that are believable (for example, how a smaller woman would fight a larger man without being unrealistic)?

1 - Find Inspiration Sources - No matter when and where your story is set, it's important to find inspiration sources for the places in your story, whether that's buildings, towns, regions, whatever. Not only will this help you imagine and describe what you're envisioning, it will help you immensely with research on specific details.

2 - Time and Place Are Important - Many descriptive details are specific to time and place, so make sure you know that about your inspiration sources and/or the elements in your story. You can do a Google search for layout, architecture, and design (along with relevant location and era information) to find the details you need. For example, "medieval European castle layout" or "Victorian era manor house architectural details." Likewise, you can look for "Tudor era menswear" or "Victorian era dress details."

3 - Fighting Techniques - This again will tie into the time and place when your story is set. However, some fighting techniques will be somewhat timeless. I would strongly suggest heading over to @howtofightwrite for the best information and resources about portraying fighting techniques in writing.

Happy writing!

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I’ve been writing seriously for over 30 years and love to share what I’ve learned. Have a writing question? My inbox is always open!

♦ Questions that violate my ask policies will be deleted! ♦ Please see my master list of top posts before asking ♦ Learn more about WQA here

[meowzfordayz]

Dad!Inosuke

Author’s Note: just a lil domestic fluff set in modern!au. 💓

Dad!Inosuke

Hashibira Inosuke x Reader

Word Count: ~500

CW: Fem!Reader, pregnant!Reader

Emergency Request Fulfilled: Could I maybe get Inosuke Hashibira x pregnant!reader? I just know he'd be so damn proud of her, and the look on his face when others find out? Priceless (bonus points if you can do reader having twins! Immature as he may be, I have wondered headcannons of dad!Inosuke!!&lt;3) I just know he'd be so happy with his new little family, bragging on reader all the time <333

~faqs~

Dad!Inosuke who can’t (not won’t; can’t) shut up about how you’re pregnant 😭😍

As soon as you can safely announce your pregnancy, you best believe everyone within a 10 mi radius (+ friends and family who may not be geographically close) knows

And yes, the 10 mi radius moves w/ you wherever you go 😆

Ofc, he looks to you initially to make sure you’re comfortable/okay w/ him telling whoever it is he wants to tell

But after a while aka 24 hrs, you accept ~your fate 🙃

Your fate being that, “I’m going to be a dad!” is now the first thing out of his mouth, no matter the situation

About to get on an elevator w/ a bunch of strangers? In about 5 secs, they’ll all be congratulating you 🥳

Meeting up w/ friends for dinner?

Cordial greetings no longer exist

Not that they ever did w/ Inosuke

It’s just

“The love of my life is pregnant! With my children!” 😁😁😁

Waiting in line at the grocery store?

Inosuke ensures your pregnancy is ~obvious to anyone who might’ve missed the swell of your growing twins /affectionate sarcasm 😶

(if you’re the type to feel embarrassed by this sort of display, then perhaps Dad!Inosuke isn’t for you 😬 then again, these are just headcanons so don’t take them—or me—too srsly hehe)

(if it’s any reassurance, it’s hard to feel embarrassed when he’s beaming so brightly that even the most disgruntled, disenchanted stranger begins smiling softly at you)

Dad!Inosuke who will rub your feet and ankles and legs until his hands fall off

Not literally

But your comfort is his priority

And even tho he’s ~competitive about other injuries 🥴

“Hah! You sprained your wrist?! Well I can still do one handed push ups! With a sprained wrist!” 💀

Discomfort and pain related to your pregnancy is no laughing matter to him 😕

Def watches YouTube videos to learn the best massaging techniques 😌

Follows a lot of parenting accounts on Instagram too

Some of the content scares him 😅

But most of it makes him more excited 🤗

Dad!Inosuke who, contrary to expectation, isn’t afraid or ashamed to lean on friends and family throughout your pregnancy

He may be ~prideful

And generally believe himself to be the greatest for any and all jobs 😎

But he read somewhere on social media that raising a child—let alone twins—takes a village

And he’ll be damned if he doesn’t get you the best village in the world

In fact, he might as well get you two of the best villages in the world 💞

Three, if you ask nicely (if you ask at all) 🥰

He would become a village himself if he could, but even he recognizes the impossibility of such a quest

[fatehbaz]

And the penal colony was to remain a viable alternative to the penitentiary, not only in nineteenth-century Britain, but also in twentieth-century France [...]. But what might it mean to have a rigorous and distant form of imprisonment, located in a colony and continuing until the mid–twentieth century? [...]

---

French Guiana emerged as an early favorite for the placement of a French penal colony. [...] Daniel Lescallier [...] authored a work entitled [...] (Exposition of the means by which to develop French Guiana). In it he points to the example the British have set in exporting offenders to the colonies [...]. Louis-Napoleon, still serving in the capacity of president of the republic, threw his weight behind [...] the exile of criminals as well as political dissidents. “It seems possible to me,” he declared near the end of 1850, “to render the punishment of hard labor more efficient, more moralizing, less expensive [...], by using it to advance French colonization.” [...] The era of the French penal colony was now open; the new French Empire had begun its Botany Bay, even as the British original [penal colony in Australia] wound to a close. [...] The double logic of the British system also drives the French imagination; proposals alternatively concentrate on a desire to punish criminals and rid the Metropole of their presence, on the one hand, and a hope of furthering the work of colonial expansion and economic progress, on the other. Within this logic the focus shifts between the need to colonize, the need to punish [...].

In the case of France, it shimmers with colonial fantasy, allowing future Australias to emerge on tropical horizons. [...] [T]he penal colony requires location. The specificity of the site matters; it is the very place that is to enact punishment [...]. The penal colony is in essence a geographic technique [...]. But despite frequent outcries and sensational reports, the French Guiana penal establishment continued to exist through the end of World War II. [...] As geography itself becomes a technique of isolation, the French penal experiment in Guiana threatens further ordeals implicit in separation from all that is civilized. [...] In sensational accounts these tropics incessantly punish [...]: “Fever and dysentery get every man! Clouds of buzzing mosquitoes and fire ants sting your aching body while you labor [...].” As the commandant of the bagne would inform convicts on their arrival, “The real guards here are the jungle and the sea.” [...] Many of the prisoners, after all, were from urban environments [...]. The terror of Devil's Island takes shape amid metaphoric invocations of the jungle and of the savage [...].

---

For those in Metropolitan France the penal colony served as a hidden punishment, a distant if graphic terror, retaining elements of torture out of public view. Yet it retained a veneer of reformation, for the convicts were still told to “make a new life for themselves.” In addition, shipping convicts away from France in the name of colonization cloaked their punishment in the robes of the “civilizing” mission: they would be part of an effort to build a greater France, to develop Guiana, and to integrate it into a Franco-world system. At the same time the bagne underscored that resistance to the humane norms of France could lead to decivilization and exile in the wilderness. [...]

---

For those sent to French Guiana, however, the penal colony served directly as a public display, a constant reminder of the operations of justice. The convicts were not merely confined but forced to labor on public works. Official executions were performed by that once-humane instrument, the guillotine, but before an audience of convicts and by a fellow convict, far beyond the gates of Paris. A slower execution, that of the “dry guillotine,” the effects of the tropical climate, surrounded the entire process of deportation, reminding the convicts that this punishment could only happen here and not within Metropolitan boundaries. Theirs was a raw and primitive environment, one of torture and deprivation away from the public eye. Against the truth invoked in their conviction - justice - lay a suggested truth invoked in their punishment: no longer civilized, they were no longer human.

---

And for those already living in French Guiana, the penal colony also served as a public spectacle, if one not aimed directly at them or of their making. Not only did the proximity of prison life to their own lives parade the power of justice before them in an immediate fashion, but the constant importation of prisoners for this apparatus of punishment emphasized the particularly colonial nature of this power. Uncivilized elements were sent to them; their relation to France was that of a repository for human waste, and acts and punishments deemed unseemly for the homeland could still occur within their boundaries.

In addition, the appropriation of the names “Guyane” and “Cayenne” in myths of the bagne and “Devil's Island” precluded other identities, while burdening the area with a symbolic brand and a historical chain to France. “The bagne,” writes Ian Hammel, “left only a disastrous brand on Guiana.”

Brand here means “trademark” as well as “scar,” indicating purpose, function, and maker.

To be remembered as a penal colony is to be remembered not only as a prison, an exotic place of horror, but also as a colony, the object and product of another. [...] Modernizing France, a convulsive patchwork of provinces, cities, farms, and factories, casts its shadow overseas. [...] The penal colony takes shape at a crucial moment in European colonial understandings of place and labor. Slavery had just been abolished in the French Empire […]. If slavery were at an end, then the crucial question facing the colony was that of finding an alternative source of labor [...], not only in French Guiana, but also throughout colonies built on the plantation model.

---

All text above by: Peter Redfield. Space in the Tropics: From Convicts to Rockets in French Guiana. 2000. [Bold emphasis and some paragraph breaks/contractions added by me. The text shown here comes from several different chapters in Redfield’s book, shown in the order that they originally appear. Presented here for commentary, teaching, criticism purposes.]

[lunar-insanity]

Hello and welcome to my Ted Talk where I ramble about how Solistia is Orsterra but further along.

Spoilers ahead.

Now I know, I know, technically it's another world, but lemme ramble bout this theory.

We all know bout Pangea, the super-continent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, the one continent that then, over many many many years then broke up into the continents we know today due to Continental Drift. How does that apply to this theory?

We know Orsterra is set very early on. We have ships, trading merchants, all that jazz, and the narration for Alfyn's story says that the age of medicine is in it's infancy. So this gives us a good idea on the current technology, namely none.

And then we have Solistia, which is clearly further along in development. They're entering the Steam Age, the steam train is starting to take shape, New Delsta is starting to take the shape of New York, the Inventor is making machines, and Science and Medicine seem to be progressing further.

Solistia is leaps ahead of Orsterra in terms of technology. And then we have this guy.

He's theorizing that Solistia may have been one whole continent in the past. Continental Drift Theory. There's even a map that looks a lot like Orsterra in the Guard Outpost in Conning Creek

And then we have the geography of the continents.

[Side by side of Sunlands, Riverlands, Cliffland and Hineouma, Leaflands, Wildlands]

These three regions are right next to each other, and are in the same orientation as their counterparts, though Solistia stretches up higher, while Orsterra is kept to the South West.

[Side by side of the Frostlands and Winterlands]

Same with both frosty areas. The only regions that don't match up are the Woodlands, Flatlands, Coastlands, and Highlands for Orsterra; The Crestlands, Brightlands, Harborlands, and Toto'haha for Solistia.

But here's the thing. Geography can change overtime. The Flatlands somewhat match The Brightlands, the Coastlands could have become the smattering of Islands once you get past the whirlpool. The Highlands could have broken off and drifted further, much like the Woodlands.

The Gate of Finis, is roughly in the same place in both worlds. Off (roughly) South East in a hard to reach place.

So that's what Geographical evidence I have. Let's get a bit more... Theological about it.

Eight of the Gods are still the same; Aelfric, Alephan, Dohter, Sealtigce, Brand, Draefendi, Aeber, Bifelgan. But we're missing four others.

Dreisang the Archmagus, Winnehild the Warbringer , Steorra the Starseer, and Balogar the Runeblade .

I think, they're lost Gods. Gods who's worship has faded into mystery with barely anything to show for it. In Orsterra, already their arts are thought to be lost unless you find them, and challenge them for it, but they're still known. They're still called The Twelve.

In Solistia, they're lost lost. You can't even find their shrines or any historical evidence, if they even existed at this point.

But you can find their teachings still.

The Armsmasters wielded all 6 weapons and have innovated on the old skills Winnehild would've taught. Winnehild's War Cry became Sixfold Strike, and the Armsmasters developed new techniques to compensate for the lost ones. Notably, there is no divine skill for them, possibly because with Winnehild gone, they have only themselves and her old weapons to rely on.

The Arcanist uses sigils and runes in order to cast their abilities. Transfer Rune became Diffusion. So that's one half of Balogar's teachings.

The Conjurer has the other half. This being isn't mentioned at all in Solistia (As far as I've found). EDIT: Finally read all the Mercantile Manuscript. She's mentioned in the history of Hineouma, but no where else. You only find her in Ku after ascending a tower full of hard fights. When she gives you the class, she gives you at least 4 of the 'Rune' Elements (Because apparently it is anathema to give us more Light and Dark elements. Arcanist Tier 3 spell isn't Tenebrae Operiere, but its something.)

Dreisang's spells are not lost entirely. You can use Alephan's wisdom to at least reclaim 4 of them: Ignis Ardere, Glacis Claudere, Tonitrus Canere, and Lux Congerere.

Steorra is the last one unaccounted for. I haven't seen much, if anything at all, that resembles her abilities, other than possibly in the Conjurer class. I didn't really use that one for more than just elemental trails.

And then we have the Dark Gods. Vide and Galdera.

They are very different gods. One of them is Shadow/Void and Chaos, the other is Life and Death. You can fight them both. However...

Who's to say that conflict with Vide didn't split the continent in two? It was a hard fight for Aelfric on his own, and Vidania is smack in the middle of the sea. Who's to say all that divine power being thrown around didn't crack and split apart the continent into several pieces, eventually drifting apart, though both halves of this one stayed relatively close by each other.

The night left Orsterra in pieces.

And when the dawn rose, it was called Solistia instead.

[grandmamarieslouisianakitchen]

Culinary Cousins: Louisiana's Culinary Kaleidoscope of Cajun and Creole

Welcome back to our Louisiana kitchen, cher! Let’s delve into a topic close to my heart – the captivating world of Cajun and Creole cuisines. While these two culinary traditions share the same vibrant home, there are nuances that make each one a unique celebration of flavor.

Similarities

Most cousins share some traits and us Cajuns and Creoles? Well, now, we aren’t that different.

Rich Heritage Both Cajun and Creole cuisines are born from the rich cultural tapestry of Louisiana. They intertwine elements from French, Spanish, African, and Native American traditions, creating a delicious mosaic that reflects our diverse history.

Holy Trinity The "Holy Trinity" – a medley of bell peppers, onions, and celery in the heart of both cuisines. This aromatic trio serves as the flavor foundation for many dishes, providing depth and character to Cajun gumbos and Creole étouffées.

Rice Is A Staple Rice is a fundamental component in both Cajun and Creole cooking. Whether it's a bed for gumbo or jambalaya or a side dish, rice ties these culinary traditions together.

Differences

Everyone has their differences, even something as small as ordering a Dr. Pepper instead of a Big Shot. (It happens.)

Geographic Roots One key distinction lies in their geographic roots. Cajun cuisine hails from the rural areas of Louisiana, particularly the Acadiana region, while Creole cuisine originates in the urban centers, primarily New Orleans.

Influences and Ingredients Cajun cuisine often leans towards heartier, rustic fare with influences from the French countryside. Game meats, seafood, and ingredients like andouille sausage are staples. On the other hand, Creole cuisine showcases more refined flavors, often incorporating tomatoes, fine herbs, and a variety of spices.

Cooking Techniques The cooking techniques also set them apart. Due to their rural roots, Cajun dishes are often one-pot wonders simmered to develop robust flavors. In Creole cuisine, you might find more intricate sauces and delicate preparations, showcasing the finesse of French culinary techniques.

Global Influences in Creole Being born in a melting pot like New Orleans, Creole cuisine has been influenced by a broader array of international flavors. Spanish, African, Caribbean, and Italian influences are more pronounced in Creole dishes, offering a diverse and eclectic culinary experience.

In the end, both Cajun and Creole cuisines share a love for bold, flavorful dishes that bring people together. Whether you're simmering a gumbo on the bayou or enjoying a Creole-inspired feast in the heart of New Orleans, you're partaking in the magic of Louisiana's culinary heritage.

Jambalaya: A Culinary Symphony

The iconic Jambalaya is one dish that is beloved by both Cajun and Creole communities. Jambalaya reflects the diverse cultural influences and rich culinary heritage of Louisiana. While there may be variations in the recipes between Cajun and Creole versions, the heart of the dish remains a shared love for bold flavors and hearty, one-pot creations.

Cajun Jambalaya

Ingredients Typically, it includes andouille sausage, chicken, and sometimes game meats like rabbit or alligator. It's seasoned with a robust blend of spices, and the trinity of onions, bell peppers, and celery forms the flavor base.

Cooking Style Cajun jambalaya often features a brown roux for added depth and a rustic, hearty feel. It's a flavorful dish that reflects the down-to-earth, rural roots of Cajun cuisine.

Creole Jambalaya

Ingredients Creole jambalaya may include a mix of proteins like shrimp, ham, and smoked sausage. Tomatoes are a distinguishing feature, giving the dish a slightly reddish hue. The trinity is present, but green bell peppers are more common.

Cooking Style Creole jambalaya tends to have a lighter, tomato-based sauce. The cooking style aligns more with the sophisticated techniques often associated with Creole cuisine.

Despite these variations, the essence of jambalaya as a communal, flavorful dish that brings people together is a shared sentiment in both Cajun and Creole communities.

It truly reflects Louisiana's cultural melting pot, where diverse influences meld into a harmonious culinary symphony. 

Whether enjoyed at a family gathering, a festival, or a casual dinner, jambalaya embodies the spirit of Louisiana's love for good food, good company, and good times.

Cajun Jambalaya Recipe

This Jambalaya is a meal that brings folks together, so gather your loved ones and savor the taste of Louisiana's heart and soul. 

Ingredients

1 lb andouille sausage, sliced

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces

1 large onion, finely chopped

1 bell pepper, diced

3 celery stalks, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and black pepper to taste

Green onions, chopped, for garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients

Slice the andouille sausage.

Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.

Chop onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, green onions, and parsley.

Sear Meats

In a large, heavy pot or Dutch oven, sear the andouille sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Remove and set aside.

In the same pot, add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables

In the same pot, add a bit of oil if needed. Sauté the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic until softened.

Build Flavors

Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for a few minutes.

Add Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Combine Ingredients

Return the seared andouille sausage and chicken to the pot.

Add the rice and stir to coat the rice with the flavorful mixture.

Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Serve

Once the rice is tender, remove the pot from heat.

Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley.

Enjoy

Serve hot, and enjoy the flavorful goodness of Cajun Jambalaya!

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving, Assuming 6 Servings)

Remember that the nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. The values provided are for one serving of Cajun Jambalaya, assuming the recipe makes approximately six servings.

Calories: Approximately 450-500 calories

Total Fat: 20-25g

Saturated Fat: 7-9g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 80-90mg

Sodium: 1200-1400mg

Total Carbohydrates: 35-40g

Dietary Fiber: 2-3g

Sugars: 3-4g

Protein: 20-25g

Note

The nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands and types of andouille sausage, chicken, rice, and other ingredients used.

Adjustments, such as using leaner sausage or brown rice, can impact the nutritional content.

For precise nutritional information, especially if you have specific dietary considerations, it's advisable to use a nutrition calculator with the exact brands and quantities of ingredients you use. 

Until next time, I wish you warmth and flavor!

[viexports]

What makes Indian rice manufacturers the top choice for global importers?

Indian rice manufacturers have built a strong global reputation for their quality, variety, and consistent supply. As one of the largest rice exporting countries, India supplies premium and affordable rice varieties to over 150 countries. But what makes them the preferred choice for international buyers? Let’s look at the factors that make Indian rice exporters stand out in the global market.

Introduction to Indian Rice Manufacturing

India has long been a global leader in rice production, exporting over 40% of the world’s total rice supply (Source: FAO). The country’s manufacturing capacity is supported by its vast paddy fields, skilled workforce, and advanced milling facilities. Indian rice manufacturers cater to the market’s diverse needs, offering everything from high-quality Basmati to cost-effective bulk options.

This adaptability and focus on quality ensures that Indian rice continues to dominate the global market.

Quality Standards and Certifications

Quality assurance is the cornerstone for rice suppliers in India. They follow international guidelines to ensure that rice meets the expectations of global importers. Some of the key certifications include:

ISO 22000 and HACCP: highlighting their commitment to food safety.

Organic certifications: ensuring compliance with USDA and EU standards.

Fair trade and sustainability practices: signifying ethical production.

Many manufacturers use state-of-the-art milling techniques and conduct strict quality checks. These efforts make Indian rice a reliable choice for consumers around the world.

Wide variety of rice types

India offers an unmatched variety of rice, enabling manufacturers to meet the diverse preferences of global markets. Popular choices include:

Basmati rice: Famous for its aroma and long-grained texture, it is widely in demand in Europe and the Middle East.

Non-Basmati Rice: Varieties such as IR64 and Sona Masuri are staples in Africa and Asia.

Specialty and Organic Rice: Catering to niche markets focused on health and sustainability.

This broad portfolio allows Indian exporters to meet the needs of a variety of customers, from gourmet chefs to wholesale distributors.

Cost-effectiveness and supply reliability

Indian rice manufacturers maintain a balance between quality and affordability. This is achieved through:

High production efficiency: Leveraging large-scale operations and advanced machinery.

Government policies: Subsidies for farm equipment and fertilizers reduce production costs.

Geographical advantage: Fertile land and favorable weather ensure consistent yields.

Their ability to handle bulk orders while adhering to strict timelines makes Indian rice exporters reliable partners for global importers.

Commitment to sustainability and innovation

Sustainability has become a priority for Indian rice manufacturers. Many companies are adopting environmentally friendly practices such as:

Water conservation: Using innovative irrigation techniques to reduce water consumption.

Renewable energy: Integrating solar and bioenergy into milling processes.

Waste utilization: Converting rice husk into biofuels and fertilizers.

Such practices align with the values ​​of environmentally conscious consumers, strengthening India’s position in the global market.

Additionally, advances in traceability and quality control, including digital systems, enhance transparency and trust between manufacturers and importers.

India’s global prominence in rice exports is supported by its strong manufacturing base, diverse offerings, and commitment to quality. By choosing Indian rice manufacturers, importers benefit from reliable, high-quality rice that meets a variety of market demands. Whether it’s aromatic basmati for fine eating or affordable bulk varieties for everyday use, Indian exporters continue to set benchmarks in the global rice trade.

[gotoppr]

What are some strategies for writing an effective literature review for a journal submission?

Writing an effective literature review for a journal submission requires a strategic approach to ensure it is comprehensive, critical, and relevant.

Here are some strategies to help you craft a well-structured literature review:

1. Define the Scope and Focus

Narrow the Topic: Clearly define the boundaries of your review. Focus on studies that are directly relevant to your research question, avoiding overly broad reviews.

Clarify Purpose: Decide if your literature review is meant to identify gaps in research, evaluate trends, compare methodologies, or support a hypothesis.

Set Criteria for Inclusion/Exclusion: Establish clear guidelines for which studies to include, based on factors like publication date, relevance, methodology, or geographical focus.

2. Conduct a Comprehensive Literature Search

Use Multiple Databases: Search major academic databases like PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, or Web of Science. Don’t limit your search to one database.

Search Keywords Systematically: Use relevant keywords and synonyms to capture the breadth of research. Refine searches by Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) and use filters (e.g., date range, journal type).

Track Sources and Take Notes: Keep a systematic record of all the sources you find, with notes on their relevance and contributions. Citation managers like EndNote, Mendeley, or Zotero can be helpful.

3. Organize the Review Logically

Structure by Themes, Not Chronology: Instead of a chronological order, organize your literature by themes, methods, or key debates. Grouping studies by topic or approach helps the reader follow the progression of ideas.

Identify Key Trends and Gaps: Highlight major trends in the literature, such as consistent findings, emerging theories, or recurring methodologies. Identify gaps where research is lacking or where results conflict.

Discuss Landmark Studies: Reference seminal works that have shaped the field, as well as recent studies that represent new directions or findings.

4. Critically Analyze the Literature

Evaluate Methodologies: Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the methodologies used in different studies. Consider if the research designs, sample sizes, and analysis techniques are appropriate.

Compare and Contrast Findings: Discuss similarities and differences in findings across studies. Explain why certain studies may have produced different results.

Highlight Limitations: Point out the limitations of existing research, including biases, gaps, or unresolved questions. This will help to justify the need for your own study.

5. Synthesize the Information

Create a Narrative: Weave together the studies you’ve reviewed to tell a cohesive story. Your literature review should build a logical argument that leads to your research question or hypothesis.

Use Transitions Effectively: Use transitions between sections to show how each theme or study relates to the next. This keeps your review coherent and easy to follow.

Integrate Sources Smoothly: Instead of summarizing each study in isolation, synthesize findings from multiple studies to show consensus or divergence on key issues.

6. Highlight the Contribution of Your Research

Identify Research Gaps: Make clear what questions remain unanswered in the current literature and how your research will fill these gaps.

Position Your Study: Explain how your research builds on or challenges previous work, or how it will extend the understanding of the topic in new directions.

7. Use Proper Citation and Avoid Plagiarism

Cite Appropriately: Use accurate and consistent citation styles as required by the target journal (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). Make sure to credit original ideas and avoid over-reliance on direct quotations.

Check for Plagiarism: Use plagiarism detection tools like Turnitin or Grammarly to ensure that your writing is original and correctly paraphrased.

8. Review and Edit Thoroughly

Get Feedback: Before submission, have your review read by colleagues, mentors, or peers for feedback on clarity, coherence, and comprehensiveness.

Proofread: Check for grammatical and typographical errors. Make sure the review reads smoothly and that transitions are clear.

Check Compliance with Journal Guidelines: Ensure that your literature review meets the specific formatting and submission guidelines of the journal (e.g., word count, citation style, section headers).

9. Stay Updated

Monitor New Research: Keep an eye on recent publications even after completing your review. If new studies are published before submission, incorporate them where relevant.

[geographicbook]

Russia’s Oldest Gas Route to Europe

Russia’s energy influence in Europe has been pivotal, with its oldest gas route playing a crucial role in shaping geopolitical and economic dynamics. This article delves into the historical and contemporary significance of Russia’s gas route to Europe, its geopolitical impact, and the intriguing mention of Nati Binodini, a cultural icon, in this context. Combining keywords like “geographi,”…

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

'Time capsule' lunar samples link the moon's past and present

Samples collected from the surface of the moon by the crew of Apollo 16 more than 50 years ago have helped scientists reconstruct billions of years of lunar history.

The research team's findings, published in the journal Meteoritics & Planetary Science, are based on analysis of a distinct set of lunar breccias that have never been scrutinized in detail before.

Astronauts John Young, Charles Duke and Ken Mattingly brought more than 95 kg of samples from the moon back to Earth after their mission to the moon's Descartes highlands in 1972.

Among those samples were "regolith breccias," which form when moon dust—or regolith—is fused into rock by asteroid impacts. Once fused into a rock, these breccias preserve the geochemical composition of the regolith at the moment of its formation, which can be carefully analyzed for clues about how and when they were created.

The moon's distinctive, heavily cratered appearance is the result of countless collisions with asteroids since its formation around 4.5 billion years ago. Over such extensive history, the matter of what happened and when it happened quickly becomes complicated.

The researchers, from the U.K. and the U.S., used sophisticated analytical mass spectrometry techniques to analyze the makeup of gases trapped in smaller chip samples, known as soil-like breccias. These samples, which were among those raked from the moon's surface by the Apollo 16 crew, had never been subjected to mass spectrometry before.

Dr. Mark Nottingham led the research while working at the University of Manchester. He has since joined the University of Glasgow's School of Geographical & Earth Sciences.

Dr. Nottingham, the paper's lead author, said, "Mass spectrometry, which identifies molecules in samples and quantifies their relative abundance, can help us determine how much time the samples spent exposed on or near the moon's surface. That helps give us a clearer idea of the history of impacts on this particular area of the moon."

The team's results help advance scientists' understanding of how the surface of the moon has been changed by the solar wind and violently blasted by asteroids over the course of more than 2 billion years.

"Over the course of the samples' time on the surface of the moon as regolith, they were exposed to varying amounts of solar wind—charged particles flowing from the sun which also carry traces of noble gases like argon and xenon—which built up on the outer layers of their mineral grains for millions of years before they were struck by an asteroid," Dr. Nottingham added.

"The moon's history is the Earth's history too—the record of asteroid bombardments etched on its face and under its surface can help us understand the conditions of the early solar system which formed our planet as well as its closest neighbor.

"Unlike the Earth, however, the moon's history is locked in geological time capsules on its surface, untouched by plate tectonics or erosion, which allows us to use cutting-edge technology like mass spectrometry to unlock their secrets."

The research could also help future manned lunar missions pinpoint valuable natural resources to help moon bases be self-sustaining.

Previous research had analyzed the traces of noble gases within larger fragments of the Apollo 16 breccia samples, helping researchers separate the samples into two groups—"ancient," aged between 3.8 and 2.4 billion years old, and "young," which were formed between 2.5 and 1.7 billion years ago.

NASA provided the researchers with 11 moon samples for analysis. Nine of the samples revealed a wide range of exposure ages, from 2.5 billion years ago to less than 1 billion. This suggests they are made up of lunar soil from an area which has had a varied history of impacts, where some were exposed to the solar wind for billions of years, while others were dredged up to the surface by more recent impacts.

The team also found that two of the samples had much lower concentrations of noble gases, suggesting they were formed much more recently, and were perhaps exposed to solar wind for less than 1 million years. The team suggest that the impact which formed the nearby South Ray crater might have been the source of that sample.

Dr. Nottingham said, "This study establishes for the first time that soil-like breccias are their own distinct category, with their own histories to share. Combined with analysis of the ancient and young rocks recovered by Apollo 16, we can build a much more complete picture of the history of this part of the moon during the early solar system, where heavier impacts on the lunar surface in its first billion years or so gave way to less intense periods from 2 billion years ago or so."

The research could also help inform ongoing efforts to send future missions to the moon in the near future, like NASA's Artemis program, which plans to establish long-term human lunar habitats.

Dr. Nottingham said, "One of the challenges of establishing long-term habitats for humans on the moon is making decisions about how we can use the natural resources which await future missions so they don't have to carry everything they'll need with them from Earth.

"Studies like this add to our knowledge base about where useful elements like noble gases can be found in the lunar regolith, and how abundant they might be.

"It's remarkable to think that the samples Apollo 16 brought back more than half a century ago still have secrets to reveal about the moon's history, and that they could yet help shape how we explore the solar system in the decades to come."

Researchers from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the Catholic University of America and Birkbeck College, London contributed to the study and are co-authors on the paper.

TOP IMAGE: Astronaut John W. Young collects samples of lunar regolith. Credit: NASA

LOWER IMAGE: The crew of Apollo 16. Credit: NASA

[energyandpowertrends]

PV Inverters Market Set to Surge: Global Forecast 2024-2032 Predicts Growth from $12.9B to $47.44B

The PV inverters market Growth is experiencing robust growth, driven by the escalating demand for solar energy solutions globally. Estimated at USD 12.9 billion in 2023, the market is projected to surpass USD 47.44 billion by 2032, exhibiting a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.5% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2032. This surge is primarily attributed to the increasing focus on renewable energy adoption, climate change mitigation, and the growing shift towards decarbonization across industries.

Download Sample Pages: https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/1336 

A key factor driving this growth is the variety of PV inverter types available, including central, string, and micro inverters, each designed to meet specific power requirements. Central PV inverters, typically used in large-scale solar farms, dominate the utilities sector, while string inverters are favored in both residential and commercial applications for their flexibility and ease of installation. Micro inverters, known for optimizing energy output at the panel level, are gaining traction in the residential sector, particularly in regions where rooftop solar systems are becoming more prevalent.

The market is also categorized by product type, including central, string, micro PV inverters, and others, each contributing significantly to the overall market size. Moreover, advancements in smart grid technology and energy storage systems are expected to boost the integration of PV inverters into energy management systems, improving grid stability and energy efficiency.

Another driving force is the segmentation by application, which covers residential, commercial & industrial, and utility sectors. The residential sector is witnessing rapid growth due to declining costs of solar panels and increased government incentives, while commercial and industrial applications are expanding as businesses seek cost-effective and sustainable energy sources. Utility-scale projects continue to be a major contributor, especially in regions with vast solar energy potential.

Buy Now:  https://www.snsinsider.com/checkout/1336 

In terms of connectivity, the market is divided into standalone and on-grid systems. On-grid PV inverters are prevalent in regions with well-established grid infrastructure, while standalone systems are gaining traction in remote areas and developing regions.

Geographically, the Asia-Pacific region is leading the market, driven by large-scale solar projects in countries like China, India, and Japan. North America and Europe are also significant players, fueled by government policies and incentives promoting renewable energy adoption. As more regions invest in solar infrastructure, the PV inverters market is expected to witness unprecedented growth.

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:

Akash Anand – Head of Business Development & Strategy

info@snsinsider.com

Phone: +1-415-230-0044 (US) | +91-7798602273 (IND)

[imichelle-l-rigby]

Reflections: Cillian Murphy’s Limited Edition

Season 3, episode 5

✨also magnificently late✨

———————————————————————

*I am a music prof (predominantly classical vocalist), and I LOVE listening to Cillian’s music choices! That being said, sometimes I won’t like a song simply because of a vocalist (it’s a professional hazard - sorry!) 👩‍🏫

** The following are my own observations/opinions. We may not agree, and that’s ok! That’s what makes music fun! 😊

*** I wouldn’t say I’m well-versed in Cillian’s music preferences, but I do enjoy them (for the most part). I always wind up adding to my own playlists after listening to Cillian’s recommendations.

———————————————————————

The episode…

🎵Set 1 (Cross Talk I - Auntie’s Lock/Infinitum)

Cross Talk I: this sounds like the technology of my childhood 👵🏻

Soaring X: the instrumental track reminds me of something (specifically the 3 note motif) and I can’t for the life of me remember what it sounds like! Ahhh!!!! Also, I love this! It’s always so interesting to me how a tremolo (the fast repeated notes) can be so effective and moving when the technique itself is so simple.

Auntie’s Lock/Infinitum: … when the melody is basically the Westminster chimes 😳😅😂 wasn’t expecting that!

🎤Talking Break

Thanks for the date info! 😂😂😂

“”Luxury loving Librans”

An ident! 😳😂

… sir. I didn’t need to know that about spiders 😖😖😖

“Do your bit”- yes. Please wash your hands

Why is he so into uninteresting facts?? 😅

Yay! Someone told him the name of the film!!!

🎵Set 2 (All Change - Excess Success)

All Change: the intro sound effects specifically remind me of the jump/crisscross sections of the Cha Cha Slide 😅🤦‍♀️ now it is cool how things get more distorted towards the end! Unsettling, but neat.

it’s been a long week please don’t judge me for my idiocy 😅😂

Apothecary: I’m listening to all the woodwinds in the background. Interesting timbres.

Excess Success: it’s both cute and driving. Idk how that works, but it does!

🎤Talking Break

“Oh yes! Some music from Cork. Where I’m from…”

Reflection inspired tangentially by Elaine’s comments - I’ve noticed so many ppl are afraid to sing. It’s a part of us, so of course it’s personal. Either way, please sing. It’s worth it.

🎵Set 3 (To the Test - somehow she’s still here)

To the Test: chill and atmospheric. 😎

InFLUX: a weird distorted saxophone background. Again, I’m convinced this is one of Cillian’s favorite instruments! I really like the vocals here. And then halfway through everything changes! 🙀 surprise twist!

Somehow she’s still here: soulful! Gorgeous vocals!

🎤Talking Break

More Irish music!

“Cracker of an album”

🎵Set 4 (All of the People)

All of the People: while not my fave vocal style, I do like this (and Fontaines DC). Instrumentals are beautiful *dreamy sigh*

🎤Talking Break:

Oh dear… he manifested a poetry reading 😂😂😂😂

A stormy Brooklyn!

Plateau: the background track is trippy! I am immersed!

🎵 Set 5 (Le Jardin - Sorrowful Soil)

Le Jardin: I feel like I’m in a National Geographic special omg! 🙀 but the cute piano piece is a great addition! It really feels like I’m in the garden and I’m listening to someone play from the garden window. It’s also cool that the piano portion follows the “rustic” or pastoral trope of the pedal point. It’s meant to evoke bagpipes/pipes (not limited to Scotland but of course heavily associated with the country). The lilting melody on top just adds to the pastoral trope. And then the garden atmosphere gets all synth and I go “what???” 😅 this one’s got a bit of everything! 😂

XII: I love that he enjoys instrumental music. Lots of interesting timbres - some brass and woodwinds.

I’ll Stay Here Now: it’s all whooshy like the music’s being played backwards. 😊

Sorrowful Soil: this is so angular! I know I should pay attention to the lyrics, but I’m only paying attention to the musical lines. It’s reminding me of VERY early (medieval) musical lines, but put in the electronic timbres of today.

🎤Talking Break:

“That was Bjork, of course!”

I should check out the podcast. I’m not a huge Bjork fan, but it sounds cool!

Idk how or why, but I always enjoy music from Iceland. I’ve never even been there!

The ident…

GEORGE HARRISON IS MY FAVORITE BEATLE

I still need to watch Living in the Material World… 😅

I LOVE GET BACK

Side note - I’m convinced Cillian’s favorite Beatle is John.

🎵 Set 6 (I Can Feel It)

I Can Feel It: I am dancing and having so much fun!!! 💃

🎤Talking Break

The shortest break EVER.

🎵Set 7 (Inglan is a Bitch)

Inglan: all I can say is OOF. This song packs a punch! 😅

🎤Talking Break

No Cill, he’s not more interesting. Promise. 😂😂😂

Cohen covers ❤️

🎵Set 8 (Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye - What About Now)

Hey: I love Roberta! ❤️❤️❤️

I Shall Not Be Moved: I think tambourine should be in more songs.

Description of People Get Ready: I love gospel!

People Get Ready: ok, for so many personal reasons, I love this song and it’s message! “You just thaaaank the Lord!”

What About Now: I’m feeling so much ‘60s teenage rebellion. 😎 vocals aren’t that strong, but the drums sure do cover a lot of that! Perhaps a Bob Dylan inspired vocal quality! The whine is on point.

🎤Talking Break:

“Great name for a band”

Disco!

“Does this qualify as disco?”

🎵Set 9 (Dee Tour - Genshi)

Dee Tour: fun and girly and so retro! Also… FLUTE SOLO! 😎

Genshi: I looooove the opening. Which is funny because it’s so monotone, but the repeating rhythms are cool 👍 and then you have other lines show up. It’s just a groovy little piece!

🎤Talking Break

“Do work, or tidy the kitchen, or think about composting, things like that”

Kinda a cover?

🎵Set 10 (Goodbye Pork Pie Hat)

Goodbye Pork Pie Hat: more sax! The ding and other sound effects are so strange to me. Like… why? I feel like I’m missing context here. The pedal board lyrics are so “whoa”

🎤Talking Break

GEORGE HARRISON 😍😍😍😍

Yeah George - biggest solo album!!!

ARCHIVE OF GEORGE!!!!

I’m so proud of him for not cussing in this interview because I know he wanted to 😂

🎵Set 11 (Awaiting on You All - One Woman)

Awaiting On You All: not my fave George solo song, but you can’t deny it’s groovy!! His personal style could be haunting, beautiful, or kinda schmaltzy early rock ish. And all wrapped up in a quiet, sassy personality! 😂😅

One Woman: ooohhh this soulful, soulful song! ❤️ gorgeous vocals.

🎤Talking Break

I’m with you, Cill, regarding Al Green

Noooo don’t go!

Jazz! Yussss 😎

“Played this loudly in the kitchen last week”

“Mind yourselves”

🎵Set 12 (Pastoral - Memories of Edith Johnson)

Pastoral - ok, I could go music nerd again on the pastoral genre, but I won’t. Once is enough. But I do like the harp! Such a sweet sound.

Desillusion: yep! Definitely some jazz! 😎 powerful piano. It keeps sloooowly getting more complex as the song goes along. The bass and drums are also getting it! I’m gonna have to look up this trio.

Memories of Edith Johnson: so I looked her up and Edith was a silent film actress. It now makes sense why Cillian likes this. The organ and sax are fun together. The “oooohs” I can do without.

Fin

———————————————————————

Thank you so much for reading! Feel free to share and comment! Episode 6 coming soon!

Tag list:

@iammrsrogers @deliciousnutcomputer @mariamoonie @brownskinsugarplum76 @look-at-the-soul @kj-davis @neverroad @teapothollow @thepurplearmyposts @possessedmarshmallow

[paidmediaadvertising]

What Are Locations in Targeting Options in Display Ads?

Locations in targeting options for display ads refer to the geographic areas where your ads will be shown. This targeting method allows advertisers to focus their campaigns on specific regions, countries, cities, or even neighborhoods, ensuring their ads reach the most relevant audience. Here’s an in-depth look at location targeting in display ads:

1. Importance of Location Targeting

Location targeting is essential for businesses that want to reach audiences in specific areas. It helps in delivering relevant ads to users based on their geographical location, which can significantly increase ad effectiveness and conversion rates.

2. Types of Location Targeting

There are several types of location targeting options available:

Country Level: Targeting users in specific countries.

Region/State Level: Focusing on users within particular regions or states.

City Level: Targeting specific cities.

Zip Code/Postal Code Level: Narrowing down to smaller geographic areas.

Radius Around a Location: Defining a radius around a particular point, such as a business location, to target nearby users.

For comprehensive support in enhancing your paid media campaigns, explore our Paid Media Advertising company services.

3. Benefits of Location Targeting

Increased Relevance: Ads are shown to users who are more likely to be interested based on their location.

Higher Engagement: Location-specific ads can lead to higher engagement rates as they are more relevant to the user’s context.

Better Resource Allocation: Advertisers can allocate their budget more efficiently by focusing on high-potential geographic areas.

4. Implementing Location Targeting

To set up location targeting, follow these steps:

Log in to Your Ad Platform: Access the ad platform you are using, such as Google Ads.

Select Your Campaign: Choose the campaign you want to apply location targeting to.

Navigate to Location Settings: Find the location settings within your campaign setup.

Define Your Locations: Enter the specific locations you want to target, such as countries, cities, or postal codes.

Adjust Bid Modifiers: Optionally, adjust bid modifiers to increase or decrease bids for certain locations based on their performance.

For expert assistance in digital marketing, consider partnering with a professional Digital Marketing services provider.

Advanced Location Targeting Techniques

5. Geo-Fencing

Geo-fencing allows advertisers to set up a virtual perimeter around a specific location. Ads are then shown to users who enter this defined area. This technique is useful for businesses targeting local customers or promoting events.

6. Location-Based Demographics

Combine location targeting with demographic targeting to reach a more specific audience. For example, targeting young professionals in urban areas can help in tailoring ads that resonate with this particular group.

7. Local Keywords

Incorporate local keywords into your ad copy and landing pages. This practice enhances the relevance of your ads and improves your quality score, potentially lowering costs and increasing ad placements.

Best Practices for Location Targeting

8. Analyze Performance Data

Regularly analyze performance data to identify which locations are delivering the best results. Use this data to refine your targeting strategy and allocate more budget to high-performing areas.

9. A/B Testing

Conduct A/B testing to compare the effectiveness of different location targeting strategies. Test various geographic areas and bid modifiers to find the optimal setup for your campaign.

10. Adjust for Seasonal Variations

Consider seasonal variations that might affect your target locations. For instance, targeting coastal cities during summer for beach-related products can yield better results than during winter.

Conclusion

Location targeting in display ads is a powerful tool for reaching the right audience based on their geographic location. By utilizing various targeting options, including country, region, city, and radius targeting, businesses can improve the relevance and effectiveness of their ads. Advanced techniques like geo-fencing and location-based demographics further enhance targeting precision. For comprehensive support in optimizing your paid media and digital marketing efforts, consider partnering with a professional Paid Media Advertising company and Digital Marketing services provider.

[archivus]

MAG[REDACTED] - Oh Deer

Statement of Damon Neilos regarding his encounter with a wild animal posessing deer-like features. Original statement given May 9th 2012. Recorded by Arcturus Walker, head archivist of the Magnus Institute, Budapest. Put to tape on the 30th of March, 2024. Statement begins:

My work requires a lot of commute. Or I guess the quality requires it. See I make my living doing wildlife and scenery photography for magazines like National Geographic and well, that's hard to do local. This is the reason I came to Hungary in the first place. I've met quite a few natives on my journeys, heard a lot about the country, for better and for worse, but you know, a village in a country smack-dab in the middle of Europe, no thick forests, no heights, no hiking, no arctic weather, I wouldn't have called it a challenge.

My work is often like military training. I had to learn to deal with dark, cold or otherwise harsh environments, but admittedly my sense of direction improved and I'm all the better at stealth, be that staying quiet or unseen. I work alone. It's not that I don't trust others but if I slip up, I know I'm to blame. I have a temper and always feel absolutely awful whenever I blow up at someone. And disturbing my work is definitely something that sets me off.

I'm used to all sorts of photography techniques, be that searching for my subjects on foot, waiting in a camo tent or leaving a motion sensor activated camera out in the woods. This night it was the latter on the menu.

I flew to Budapest and spent the first night there, the next morning moving over to Veszprém. My target was the town of Hajmáskér, but I chose to accommodate myself in the city. I was sent there to photograph abandoned buildings reclaimed by nature. I'm not one to shy away from a bit of urban exploration, abandoned places have a special place in my heart. Especially buildings, eroded by time, walls stripped of their paint standing in a brutalist manner but still somehow having trees growing through them like they aren't even there.

As soon as I got to the village I asked around. I had a plan prepared with a map and all that, but I was wondering if there was anything I should look out for, any place the locals would recommend checking out. My main prompt was to capture an animal near one of these buildings and I thought the most effective way to do that was to set up a camera and let it do it's job.

If there's anything I've learned from this job is that humans are scary. We aren't the biggest out there, but standing on two legs definitely gives us a size advantage. But even crouching, squatting, crawling closer to animals seems to scare them. We're predators and they know it. I'm only hunting for their photogenic angles, but they don't know that. They *can't*. For all survival instincts the machinery in my hands is as much a camera as a gun. I capture beauty, but the beauty feels like I am trying to steal the life within it. It perceives me as an active threat and I can't help but feel a weight on my chest every time I think about it.

And I was about to leave this deadly piece of machinery out in the wild, in the hand of the elements in hopes of grabbing a few nice pictures. I looked at some geographical websites, the creatures I could expect were rabbits, deer, maybe boars, but they rarely wander outside the forest. I set up a little tent, I had more luck with that than the tripod, as in the animals not shying away from it, and left.

I came back the next morning. Well it wasn't exactly morning, I arrived just before dinnertime, giving it the highest chance of a capture I could, though the only pictures I'd be using would be those made in the dark. I got out of the car and slowly approached the area. One thing I didn't know about Hungarian weather is how cold nights can get the further you are from the big cities, and even right next to Veszprém it was almost freezing still, the Sun hiding behind clouds in the foggy grey sky. I looked around with some binoculars, but I didn't see any creatures nearby that my steps could've scared so I went to retrieve my camera. The little tent over it was right up against a nearby wall, facing the abandoned barracks that drew me to this village in the first place.

The building looked like a castle from the outside, the roof was severely damaged, patterned with holes, breaks and protruding tree branches, inside cracked paint covered the walls and fragmented pillars stood still next to the graffities staining every surface spray cans could reach. Dystopian in all the right ways.

But it was also huge, tall and massive in all dimensions, which is an important detail since even shadowed from the wind by two walls I was still struggling to breathe in the sudden gust of air that didn't seem parallel to the path between the buildings. I was already in the warmest coat I brought along this trip and I still got a shiver down my spine from the breeze caressing my skin in all the wrong ways. And it was damn frosty.

That was when I spotted movement. Just a little flicker at the corner of my eye that made me alert the moment my brain processed it and so I seized the opportunity to follow its direction and check it out. I stopped the motion sensor and tried setting my camera back from night mode to single capture in daylight whilst tailing my next potential subject. The wind tried to resist my attempts of moving forward, my coat flapping aggressively against my back. My eyes never felt so dry, and I've been in the desert. I approached the corner of the wall that hid the creature from my eyes when I heard a sort of screech, overly reverberated and, though it was hard to tell next to the howling of the wind, it seemed to have been coming from *behind me*.

I turned my head around, grasping my hood and trying to see through the air current that was now blinding me, I noticed a strange animal. I immediately looked at the antlers to figure out the breed (which I identified as a red deer, cervus elaphus) and I unfortunately did not register the *creature* running towards me. Its skin oddly stretched on its bones, this poor thing seemed to have no muscles, yet it hurled towards me at a velocity I haven't witnessed in normal animals, in prey nor in predator. This specimen was way darker than the average deer around these parts and it had a noticeable "mask", shining in the same boney white as the antlers did. Only when it came closer did I realize how tall it was. I was paralyzed by fear, standing face to the wind, my camera limping from the strap on my wrist as I was waiting for- whatever really. I don't even know what I expected. Death? Maybe not. But I didn't think it'd flee either. I was waiting for its decision. I was waiting for my doom.

It stopped right in front of me. There were a single digit number of centimeters between the edge of its mask, which on closer inspection looked like a skull, and my face. I *felt* its breath as those empty eye sockets stared into mine. And then it vanished. It breathed on me and vanished. Or maybe I was just too shocked/busy staring to register the pain in my sides, though it became very noticeable once the creature disappeared.

I needed stitches. I gathered my stuff, tightened a shirt around my wound and drove straight to the nearest hospital. I said it was a bear attack. They advised me to wait with my flight back to Greece and that I needed to stay inside for a month. That month is finally behind me and my flight is two days, so I thought while I wait I'll give yall my statement. Supernatural or not, what I met was no ordinary bear nor deer, I am sure of it.

Statement ends. What Mr. Damon described can only be categorized as a *wendigo*. I'm sure you'll understand where my suspicion is coming from since these are creatures of Algonquian folklore, which is a language group encompassing tribes native to North America. Neither my nor my team's research yielded any results about what could've caused this sudden appearance in the middle of continental Europe. Nevertheless I followed up with Mr. Damon and he said that his memories of the encounter are hazy, which is understandable taking his state of shock into account, but that since then he developed some sort of sensory issue, where his skin feels awfully tight around certain limbs and especially certain joints. He reckoned it might be connected to his encounter because of the "wendigo's" appearance. He also mentioned this feeling to a doctor, though they fortunately seemed to find no such thing happening. I am having a hard time placing this creature under the rule of any of the fears, which is admittedly one reasons for my disbelief, but we also haven't received any other sightings from the area so I will have to leave it at that. Recording ends.

Thanks for reading today's episode! In my series this episode is dedicated to The Stranger (because of the skin and unrecognizable creature, I thought the wendigo was fitting). Next up is The Dark!

Here are the other episodes:

The Flesh The Vast The Dark

[xxxdragonfucker69xxx]

Hiya again, I'm looking to draw a map of Xiatian for my game but its a bit difficult without the rest of the districts and their geographical necessities, do you have a shirt description of them I could borrow for map making purposes, even if they're not set in stone yet? Thank you!

so ive actually given this a bit of thought, though i don't have a workable map yet. and i sort of don't want to, i want to force every group to draw their own city. but heres mine

the island of xiatian is rather longer north-south than east-west, with a bit of a gouge taken out of the western coastline. mount gongshan stands in sort of its northeast, a lake on top of it, rivers draining down to wetlands in the eastern part of the island. to the west there's a small strait, and then the mainland; to the south there are lots of little islands.

jiaotou is very nearly at the exact northern end, big horn sticks out over the water to intercept stormwinds coming down

gongshan district sort of extends a bit down past its slopes, the river sort of winds down the mountain and theres lots of sort of isolated little spots all over, its very picturesque and pastoral

the river drains out into a flat delta called buntin, where the indigenous gayun people of the island originally had their fishing village; they've got a lot of swamp farming techniques, and nobody else really wants to drain it, so they've sort of been left alone. buntin covers a lot of the eastern shore

on the southern end of the island there's a yet unnamed docks district. not super sure what to do with this yet

the docks feed a lot of their cargo into an industrial district called huoxi that has sort of grown larger and larger and really started gobbling up the districts around it. this is much of what the megacorps were interested in. some it used to be quarries but much of that is mined out now

there's a thin little strip called babble alley 鬼話街 between the docks and buntin that's sort of a foreigners enclave, all tossed in together, japantown and indiatown and americatown jammed all in. it's where you end up if you immigrate in and can't manage to land on your feet. hear like five different languages on any street

swing back up the western shore of the island and that's yuanhai, stretching in a pretty thin boardwalk up along that bay

an unnamed suburban district covers the inland behind yuanhai. if you're an office worker for qinglong, you probably live here. stretches all the way to caiwan

youdu is mostly underneath the strait, which is why it's in such danger of being flooded. there are a lot of overland highways and sort of gas stations in between the asphalt

there's an unnamed shopping district that sort of occupies an embarrassingly large portion of the northern island rn, in between yuanhai and jiaotou

a likewise unnamed university district nestles between gongshan, jiaotou, and caiwan; i assume Tianbian at least partners their mad science labs with the university

swinging back around the island, just next to babble alley there's a slum called shilang that's obviously a little bit kowloon walled city but is really just where all the rejects from babble alley, gongshan, buntin, and caiwan all end up. great place to fish for desperate workers, great place to lay low

a little north of the island's heart is caiwan. they carved a perfect square grid out of all the districts around it, it's visibly scalpeled out on a map. this is the ultimate downtown.