#a budget is a moral document

[samwisethewitch]

How I Get the Most Out of Meat When Cooking

As someone who 1.) was 100% vegetarian for ethical/religious reasons until very recently, and 2.) recently had to reintroduce meat for vitamin deficiency reasons, limiting waste as much as possible when I cook with meat is really important to me. For one thing, I feel like I owe it to the animal that died to get as much use as possible out of its body as a way of honoring its death. For another, meat is expensive (ethically raised meat even more so) and I want to get my money's worth.

I recently bought a bunch of lamb for my family's holiday dinner, so I wanted to share my attempt to practice the Honorable Harvest in my meat consumption. This is new to me, but I wanted to document the attempt because it's been a fun learning process for me! If you want to actually learn about honorable consumption I encourage you to read the works of Robin Wall Kimmerer and other indigenous ecologists, since the Honorable Harvest is based on indigenous North American practices. (Though there are other cultural practices all over the world.)

Step One: Sourcing the Meat

I am very fortunate to have enough disposable income to buy ethically raised meat, which tends to be more expensive. This is a privilege. Other people are not able to spend this extra money on their meat, and that doesn't make me better than them. Feeding yourself is morally neutral, and a tight budget is not a moral failing. Most meat alternative products (Beyond Beef, Impossible, etc.) are also pretty expensive. If the factory-farmed meat at the supermarket is the only thing in your budget, use that.

If you DO have some extra funds, local farms are a great place to source meat. The reason we had lamb for the holidays is because a local farm recently culled their herd and had lamb on sale. In the past we've gotten beef from a relative who raises cattle. I encourage you to learn about farms in your area and what they have to offer. CSAs and farmers' markets are great places to start. You can also ask around at local restaurants about where they source their ingredients.

When I say "ethically raised meat," what I'm really talking about is pasture-raised animals. Cage-free animals may not live in cages, but they can still be kept in cramped, dirty, inhumane conditions and be sold as "cage free." Pasture-raised animals are able to graze and forage and generally wander around within a paddock. For some animals like chickens you can also look for "free range," which means the animals are unfenced and are able to wander freely. Since I don't cook meat often, I try to get free range or pasture-raised meat when I do buy it.

In some areas, you may also be able to find certified ethically slaughtered meat, which means the slaughtering process has been designed to cause as little suffering to the animal as possible. That kind of certification isn't really available where I live, but it might be for you!

And of course, hunting or fishing yourself is also an option. If you kill the animal yourself, you know exactly how it died and can take steps to limit suffering as much as possible. Hunting isn't a skillset I have, but if you do more power to you!

Step Two: Cooking the Meat

This is the easy part. Depending on the cut of meat you got and the dish you are cooking, you may need to remove bones or trim fat, but aside from that it's just following a recipe.

For our holiday lamb stew, I used this recipe. I have Celiac disease, so I subbed gluten-free flour and replaced the beer with red wine. I also added rosemary and garlic for a more Mediterranean flavor to compliment the wine.

Step Three: Organs and Bones

This is where the breakdown is for a lot of Americans. We don't cook with bones or organs very often, and we tend to throw away whatever parts of the animal we don't want. That is not honorable consumption. Part of the Honorable Harvest is using every part of the being that died to feed you.

Most organs make great stew meat. My favorite Nicaraguan beef stew is made with tongue, and my indigenous Hawaiian relatives make stew with pig feet. And while I don't like them, lots of my Southern family members love chitlins (pickled pig intestines). Lots of cultures eat organs, and you'll find plenty of delicious recipes if you look!

Bones are typically used to make stock, which can be used as a base for future soups and stews. There are lots of recipes for DIY stocks and broths, but I usually fry some onions and/or garlic, deglaze with wine, and then add the meat/bones and the water, plus salt, pepper, and herbs for flavor. Most animal bones can produce two batches of stock before they lose flavor. (For really flavorful stock, leave some meat on the bones.)

Once the stock is done, you'll still have bones to deal with. Contrary to popular belief, cooked bones are not safe for dogs to chew on. (But raw bones usually are!) Instead, I strip any remaining meat and gristle from the stock bones, give those scraps to my pups as a treat, and then use the stripped bones for something else. With a little extra processing, the bones can be used as a fertilizer in a garden, a calcium supplement for chickens, or a safe treat for dogs and/or cats.

This was my first time processing bones, but after boiling them for, like, 12 hours in water with salt and vinegar, they were soft enough to break apart with my hands. I'm going to grind them to make bone meal.

[gwydionmisha]

Don't hold your breath. Republicans are strongly idiologically opposed to the rich paying their share, anything that helps the economy, and the social safety net.

Still, a budget is a moral document.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Robert Tracinski at The UnPopulist:

Project 2025 is a governing blueprint prepared by the Heritage Foundation, one of the right’s most prominent intellectual organs, to ensure that an incoming Trump administration can count on personnel unshakably loyal to Trump to execute an agenda that fully reflects MAGA priorities. For much of the year, Project 2025 has been a controversial campaign issue: The Biden and then Harris campaigns tried to tie Trump to this unpopular and vaguely sinister-sounding plan, while the former president repeatedly tried to disavow all knowledge. Elon Musk, who is now Trump’s second-biggest financial donor, even suggested earlier this week that “Project 2025 is just QAnon for lefties,” implying that concerns over Project 2025 are equivalent to the far-right conspiracy theory that a network of Satanist cannibal pedophiles is behind opposition to Trump.

Yet the origins of Project 2025 are all out in the open. At a Heritage Foundation dinner in April 2022, Donald Trump acknowledged the crucial role that the conservative organization would be expected to play in the years that followed: “The critical job of institutions such as Heritage is to lay the groundwork, and Heritage does such an incredible job of that. ... [T]hey’re going to ... detail plans for exactly what our movement will do ... when the American people give us a colossal mandate to save America.” A year later, Heritage did just that when it published its 900-page policy document outlining a vision for a second Trump presidency. “Large portions” of that document, according to a New York Times analysis published last week, “were written by longtime Trump loyalists who were advisers to Mr. Trump during his first term.” And the connections between MAGA and Heritage go well beyond Project 2025’s origins: Trump’s pick for vice president, JD Vance, has written the foreword for Heritage President—and Project 2025’s architect—Kevin Roberts’ forthcoming book on “taking back Washington to save America.” To understand this connection, let’s establish some context.

An Administration in Exile

Donald Trump has repeatedly complained that he was prevented from doing what he really wanted in his first term. He blames the “deep state” of entrenched lower-level bureaucrats, but it was also the “shallow state”—his own direct appointees, including aides and cabinet officers—who watered down, slow-walked, and sometimes overtly resisted Trump’s urges, usually out of moral or legal concerns. For example, when Trump tried to shake down a foreign leader for political favors, he was ratted out by non-political members of the national security services who understood their loyalty to be to the United States, not to Trump personally. This led to his first impeachment.

Trump and his supporters complained bitterly about this “disloyalty” and insisted that the president should have unlimited ability to set the U.S. government’s agenda for whatever personal reason of his own. In effect, they felt he should be an elected autocrat. Russell Vought, Trump’s director of the Office of Management and Budget and a key figure in the development of Project 2025, summed up the problem: “We had people, appointees, that were not on board with the president’s viewpoint. ... I don’t think that will be the occurrence again.” Heritage set out to make sure the next administration would be staffed only by loyalists. In fact, this is precisely what big DC think tanks like the Heritage Foundation exist to do. They provide an administration in waiting, where political appointees in the executive branch—secretaries and under-secretaries and deputy under-secretaries—can find a refuge in exile, so to speak, while the other party is in power. Then, when it’s the incoming administration’s turn to govern, these institutions serve up a ready reserve of political appointees.

Heritage did unusually well in 2017 at placing their people within the Trump administration, and they have since adopted the goal of “institutionalizing Trumpism.”

[...]

A Punitive Agenda

What is that agenda? The sheer breadth of Heritage’s 900-page document detailing Project 2025 is possibly its best protection, since it allows Heritage’s Kevin Roberts to talk about it in vague generalities that make it sound eminently reasonable, knowing that it’s unlikely the average person will ever read any of it for himself. But the substance of Project 2025 is more insidious than has been widely reported.

[...] Let’s stipulate that even if this is Trump’s blueprint, he may not be able to implement all of it, particularly given his mercurial style of leadership. But in this regard, personnel is policy in another sense: Trump is likely to rely on Heritage people for the day-to-day running of his administration, and they will keep pursuing this agenda even when his attention wanders—because they see increasing Trump’s power as a way to increase their power. The specific abuses of government power envisioned in Project 2025 are less important than this attempt to stack the federal bureaucracy with pliant loyalists. Trump once publicly praised Heritage for the role he expected it to play in paving the way for a future Trump administration free from the constraints imposed by personnel loyal first and foremost to the Constitution. Project 2025 was instead designed to achieve Trump’s goal of making the entire apparatus of the U.S. government responsive to his personal whims. Many Trump supporters argue—conveniently forgetting small matters like Covid and Jan. 6—that his first administration was not a disaster despite all the dire warnings. To the extent that his first administration was not worse, it is because he was largely stymied in imposing his will by men of conscience. A study of how the “shallow state” of first-term Trump appointees blunted his worst urges lists one of their main motives: “appointees saw themselves as constitutional guardians or the ‘adults in the room’ who could protect the country from Trump's potentially unwise or illegal directives.” Project 2025 is an attempt to ensure there will be no such “constitutional guardians” the next time.

The regressive Project 2025 agenda from Heritage will guide a 2nd Donald Trump term, even though Trump has claimed to “disavow” it.

[mariacallous]

In the two years since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has forcibly deported thousands of Ukrainian children. While the total number of these deported minors is unknown, Kyiv has reported nearly 20,000. After the children are separated from their families and taken to Russia, the Russian authorities begin working to make them forget about their home country, telling them that their parents aren’t coming to get them and that Russia is their home. To learn how this system works, Meduza special correspondent Lilia Yapparova studied thousands of documents and spoke with employees from Russia’s Education Ministry, the main agency responsible for these “reeducation” measures.

Below is a summary of Meduza’s Russian-language reporting on the Kremlin’s efforts to surveil and “reeducate” Ukrainian children. A full translation is forthcoming.

Since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, the Russian Education Ministry has been developing a set of methods for “reeducating” Ukrainian children who have been forcibly deported to Russia. The documents outlining these methods state that a “destructive ideology” is widespread among Ukrainian teenagers and that Russian teachers and social workers must “re-educate” the “rising generation” based on the “spiritual-moral values” and “historical and national-cultural traditions of the Russian Federation.” The ultimate aim is for the deported minors to “develop a Russian identity.”

At the same time, employees of Russia’s Education Ministry are genuinely scared of deported Ukrainian children. Ministry staff refer to them as “potential terrorists” who “might start to resist” the Russian authorities with support from “their Ukrainian kin.” In late 2022, the Education Ministry began preparing for potential terrorist attacks and sabotage operations specifically targeting the ministry.

Soon after the start of the full-scale invasion, Vladimir Putin issued a decree creating an agency called the Federal Center for the Development of Teenage Socialization Programs (FTs RPSP). This entity is responsible for coordinating much of the authorities’ “ideological work” with teenagers outside of schools. FTs RPSP has a strong presence in Ukraine’s occupied territories, including an “operations headquarters” in Donetsk, where it coordinates “integration programs for children from the new regions” (i.e. the occupied territories). This network of “adolescent spaces,” which frequently host “patriotic seminars” and “military sports” activities, was created “specifically for Ukrainian children” in an effort to “erase their Ukrainian past” and “create [for them] an image of friendly Mother Russia.”

Russian Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova has insisted that Russians are not allowed to adopt children from the “new regions,” claiming they can only serve as temporary foster parents or guardians. This is not true. Meduza has seen “summary reports” from the Russian Education Ministry on the “identification and placement of orphans and children left without parental care” for three quarters of 2023 and discovered documentary evidence of a program for the mass adoption of Ukrainian children.

A Kremlin-funded NGO called the Center for the Study and Network Monitoring of the Youth Environment is slated to receive more than 1.7 billion rubles ($18.7 million) from Russia’s federal budget to open “information security centers” in Ukraine’s occupied territories. These centers’ main purpose is to surveil the online activity of Ukrainian children by “de-anonymizing” their online accounts and analyzing their comments, reposts, and “likes.” In regions of Russia where the organization has already tested its surveillance technology, it has assigned children a “destructiveness score” and an “opposition score.” The aim of these measures is to “help our agencies uncover resistance activists” in the occupied territories, according to Meduza’s sources.

Meduza has also seen documents that discuss the potential creation of a new federal agency for the “support […] of children in difficult life situations, orphans, and children left without parental care.” The agency, which some sources referred to as the “Ministry of Orphans,” is being pushed by former Russia’s Children’s Rights Commissioner Anna Kuznetsova, whose time in the post was marked by a number of ultra-conservative statements and initiatives. The purpose of the agency, according to Meduza’s sources, would be to give Kuznetsova jurisdiction over “all Ukrainian children.” There’s also demand for such an agency from the president, according to sources close to the Kremlin.

[slowtides]

Just some thoughts about technical communication ethics, supply chains, genocide, and war profiteers. Warning: Holocaust mention and discussion, discussions of genocide.

So in technical communication ethics scholarship, there are a few articles that are considered foundational. One is "The Ethic of Expediency" by Steven Katz. He analyzes documentation of the Holocaust that was created by Nazis (specifically a memo) from a standpoint of determining the implicit ethical framework that governed their professional practices. He specifically looks at how the technical documentation of the Holocaust contributed to the extreme dehumanization of people being transported to and from concentration and extermination camps. I'm not going to quote from it, but the memo discusses how many people fit in the cargo hold per sq. yard, and strategies for increasing that ratio. The whole article is incredibly disturbing and disquieting. He basically argues that the Nazis adopt an ethic of expediency in their communication as a means of streamlining genocide to be as efficient and cost effective as possible. He then argues that technical communicators and tc scholars have a moral and ethical imperative to be on guard against (and in opposition to) such ventures (genocide, weapons manufacturing, neocolonialism, gentrification, war profiteering, segregation, redlining, etc).

I've been thinking about this all day because my friend sent me information about the Danish shipping and logistics company Maersk, which is one of the corporations in charge of transporting weapons from the US to Israel. They work in supply chain management. They aren't manufacturing the weapons, but they are transporting them, and their role is relatively hidden from the public. It's not just that the IDF is destroying infrastructure and killing thousands of people and starving thousands more. It's not just that fascists are destroying aid and preventing it from getting into Gaza. It's not even that the US is approving billions of dollars in weapons sales to Israel (It's not clear to me who the stateside profiteers are in this sale, other than Boeing). It's the logistics of a genocide, of a siege, of a famine. And the grunt technical communicators who write up the contracts, and the progress memos, and the meeting minutes, and the proposals, and the budgets, and the receipts, and the press releases. It's sickening. Supply chain economics in the time of genocide.

This field is honestly pretty hopeless from my perspective. Everyone I know in industry is either a grant writer or working for Lockheed Martin or something equally awful. All the other skills, like technical editing, are being outsourced into AI hell, which is a whole other aspect of this. And it is an ethic of expediency. Katz continues to be correct about technical communication as a field. I dunno. These are just things I'm sitting with right now.

[punkcaligula]

Thus far public debate primarily has asked: Can we be safe while defunding the police? Instead, we should ask: can we be safe without defunding the police? We cannot, for two primary reasons. First, resources are not unlimited and the resources for the social supports that will produce safety have to come from somewhere. While we technically could raise those collective resources through substantial increases in taxation, including on the richest, this approach is unlikely in our current political landscape. The reality is that our budgets are moral documents that require trade-offs. As is, we spend virtually all our safety money on police.

But the second reason would not be surmountable even through taxation or other creative allocation: policing as we know it affirmatively undermines both individual and structural approaches to producing safety. Policing generates racial inequity by force when inequity itself drives violence. Policing responds to harm with separation when safety is produced in connection. Policing inflicts violence that exacerbates long-standing cycles of individual and collective pain and trauma when healing is fundamental prevention work. And policing drives economic and social disenfranchisement through collateral consequences when the ability to meet one’s basic needs and contribute to one’s community are key protective factors against violence. The interventions that are succeeding in producing safety now are not only doing so without adequate resources, but they are also doing so despite the intrusion, interruption, and displacement of their work by police and the criminal punishment system.

Making Communities Safe, Without the Police – Amanda Alexander, Danielle Sered

[blajians]

#Mercury In #Sagittarius 11/10/23 - 12/12/23

ALL SIGNS (s/m/r)

(RISING BEING THE MOST ACCURATE)

⭐️’s : #mutablesigns #Sagittarius #Pisces #Virgo #Gemini

🔑 Sag square Pisces = idealism vs intuition .

philosophical beliefs , expansive qualities, global themes , morals vs intuitive insights getting lost in unclarity.

Realism vs optimism .

Beliefs vs Dreams = creative tension

Things are getting lost , going missing , lots of travel , missing deadlines …hella confusion .

🚨 MERCURY IS GOING RETROGRADE SOON SUIT UP 🚨

#Aries : philosophy, higher education, travel , travel delays , miss communication, weather related issues , delayed daily routines …..DELAYSSSSS PERIODT “I’ll go alone”

#Taurus : transformation…taxes , shared resources , transformation in communication , legal document, legal issues , investments , insurance, psychological work , authority issues , not clear in friendships or advice taking “inner child issues?”

⭐️ #Gemini: COMMUNICATION , astrologer , counselor , therapist , home life , family , PAST …relationships , partners , misunderstandings in relationships, communicating needs , responsibilities, reputation , moving or living situation, relatives , cutting off “is this gonna go far”

#Cancer : health , work , address health issues , breathing , subconscious, mental patterns , routines , healing , sobriety , anxiety , repair vehicle or phone “I’m gonna commit”

#Leo: creativity , romance,children , inner child , past romance , money , self esteem , resources , goals , networks , friends , risky behavior , no gains , SIKE , what you like to do , hobbies , budgeting “team work makes the dream work”

⭐️#Virgo: challenges , going home , living change , home improvements, communication challenges, domestic issues “on the move”

#Libra : COMMUNICATION, local interactions , miss communication with siblings , revise daily routines , vehicle change , phone change , work changes, documents changes , missing emails “let it go”

#Scorpio : finances and values , financial situation, budgets, joint resources, groups , goals , friends , money talk , making money , owed money , spending more , don’t go broke , careful “money moves”

⭐️#Sagittarius: optimism, chatty , getting checked , opinions, relationships, career, reputation, self expression , identity , personal goals , no unsolicited appearance advise , over or under estimate , prone to accidents with water or emotions , longing for home or purpose , impulse “women issues”

#Capricorn: subconscious, dreams , hidden issues , spiritual retreat, rest , recuperation , travel , wellness , routines , specialist , productivity, unexpected legal documents, unexpected communication, pressed , needing space , clarity , peace , blocks , anger , frustration “don’t rush the process”

#Aquarius: social connections , group activity, misunderstanding with friends , who or what is coming back ? Transformation, child hood , old , romance , support system , financial support or help , goal reassess, financial delays “trying something new”

⭐️#Pisces: Career, reputation, getting work done , overwhelmed, visibility, status , relationships, home , family , public, narratives , fired , ghosting , self sabotage, bad habits , pressure , authority figures , less active , no response is a response …good or bad “can’t live up to the opportunity”

[canichangemyblogname]

So, years ago, there was a peer at my college who wanted the school and our student government to gut the entire interior of a residential building just to install a water cooler (drinking fountain) because he believed that our predominantly white private college surrounded by mansions had bad water infrastructure and unclean water, and because he genuinely believed drinking fountains filtered the water (they don’t; they only chill the tap water). 

At one of our meetings, I gave a long presentation documenting how drinking fountains do not filter water. I brought in a contractor in to discuss the cost of a project like this. They would have to gut and entirely renovate the building. Like. They couldn’t just tack a drinking spout onto the wall. They needed the internal plumbing infrastructure to install the fountain. That means tearing down existing walls. And given hallways and entry ways would still need to be ADA compliant, they would need to completely redesign an entire floor just to fit in a fountain.

It would costs hundreds of thousands and require a gut and renovation of the building, including a redesign of the floor layout, just to install these fucking drinking fountains.

So, I included in my presentation that it would be much cheaper to buy LITERAL ACTUAL FILTERS (our student government budget was— like— $10,000) and attach them to sinks to quell fears of lead contamination. I also included 5 years of water testing reports from the surrounding city to show there is no lead in our water. Also, would you also like to hear a word from my sponsor: a sanitation engineer who works at the local water treatment plant? 

Needless to say, it was a lengthy presentation on how shortsighted this student’s plan and proposed resolution was. We couldn’t just sign the money over to his project given he needed— like— half a mil. He still got up there to rebut my argument and talked about how filters are burdensome and clunky and difficult to use & install and not perfect (dude 🙄). Also, something about people having more faith or being more comfortable with a fountain than a filter.

After my big, long presentation, I was parched. There was a drinking fountain in the next room where the water was cold. Or there was a sink in our room with cups conveniently nearby. I didn’t want to leave the room during his rebuttal of my argument and I didn’t want to miss anything, so, I walked over to the sink and poured myself a glass of tap water.

As I didn’t want to keep getting up and sitting down for water, I kept to the back of the room and proceeded to watch his speech/rebuttal while drinking my water. 

Two of my peers & gov colleagues came to me afterwards and one told me something to the effects of, “Dude, that was cold.” The other told me, “I never thought I’d agree with a liberal on fiscal responsibility.”

And I remember looking this kid— who was a sophomore at the time— in the eye and telling him that some of the most pragmatic and “fiscally responsible” approaches to budgets are progressive in nature. Those who endeavor to spend money on assistance for the people— like, say, water filters to set the community’s mind at ease— as opposed to sinking money into fantasies and projects that will never get off the ground, are often “progressive.” For example, the United States sinks money into planes that don’t fly and millions a day into Russian yachts that don’t float. Meanwhile, child poverty has soared.

I advised that he see the allocation of our monies as a moral decision and a budget as a moral promise, as we can see what a legislating body values based on what they put money into. When our legislators choose to fund bombs over pre-k, what does that tell you about what we value?

The US values war above all else.

He didn’t believe me at the time. He kinda rolled his eyes and gave me some thought-stopping cliche about “leave it to liberals to turn this into peace and love and flowers.”

And I still think about this. I wonder if those words nag at him, somewhere in the back of his mind. Or does he just remember the “cold power move” the preceded my words?

[kylesvariouslistsandstuff]

Worth noting that we're almost two weeks into 2024, and there are still two undetermined films on this year's Disney slate...

One of them is just simply "Untitled Disney", and it's set for release September 8, 2024...

The other is the annual Thanksgiving Walt Disney Animation Studios offering.

According to some screenshot of a supposed Disney movie/series slate that was floating around a month ago, Disney took both of these movies off the calendar... But I concluded, for multiple reasons, that that screenshot was fake. As it did not resemble the kind of PDF document that Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures usually puts out when there's a change in the release schedule. The formatting was all different, and it included Disney+ shows, which these things never do.

So, I rule that the 9/6/2024 release - whatever it may be - and the 11/27/2024 WDAS movie are still on the boards. At the moment... Of course, that's always subject to change!

Disney would've kicked this year off with the Pixar space adventure ELIO in March, but that got pushed all the way back to the summer of 2025... The year instead begins with theatrical releases of the three Pixar films that went straight to Disney+ on their initial release... So the year actually begins, in terms of a NEW theatrically-released movie, with a 20th Century Studios release: Horror reboot THE FIRST OMEN. April 5th.

And earlier today, they moved their new PLANET OF THE APES movie up two weeks, to avoid duking it out with FURIOSA and GARFIELD. Plus they can get all the large-format screens to themselves for a lil' bit.

Anyways, we're in 2024 now... And we know nothing about these two movies. I'm guessing 9/6/2024 is going to be another 20th Century Studios movie, or a Searchlight movie. Sometimes "Untitled Disney" is a placeholder for that kind of movie, and September's usually the time to release one of those kinds of lower budget, more adult-oriented movies.

But we know what's been happening with WDAS' latest pictures at the box office, and who knows what morale is like over there. They too are developing shows for Disney+, like Pixar was, until Iger recently mandated cuts to Pixar after Disney+ continued to lose money for the larger company... I'd imagine WDAS might be in a similar predicament? Maybe not? But it's unusual that we don't know for sure - as in, not through leaks or word thru the trenches - what the 2024 WDAS movie is. Even STRANGE WORLD, we knew about it a year away from release... They're kinda cutting it close with this one?

Unless WDAS takes 2024 off completely, for whatever reason. I figured the very possible animation strike would affect this movie anyways. But even without a strike, their recent woes might lead to a back-to-the-drawing-board moment, as often is the case when a studio has a string of money-losers. It often leads to a week or so of everyone wondering, "What should we be doing? What kinds of movies should we be making??" And then they try that, and they see how that goes...

Anyways, should all go swimmingly, I wouldn't mind seeing the new WDAS get delayed. Especially if it's still having its kinks ironed out. Also, kind of a wild opinion, but WDAS doesn't always have to do the Thanksgiving thing, ya know? STRANGE WORLD and WISH weren't saved by that slot, neither was something like TREASURE PLANET many moons ago. WDAS did do a March release with ZOOTOPIA in 2016, and almost did that again in 2018 (at one point GIGANTIC, at another point RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET) before abandoning it... Like, a WDAS movie doesn't always have to be the summer or the holiday season. Many other animated movies have proven that, too.

Heck, WDAS movies used to show up at the randomest times of the year. Before the world of blockbuster filmmaking, during a time when the movie theater industry was a whoooole lot different.

Did you know that SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS, which had its world premiere on December 21, 1937, went into general release... In February of 1938? February. Yes, cold-ass February... And still managed to become, at the time of its release, the highest-grossing film of all time? (A record swiftly usurped by GONE WITH THE WIND a little over a year later.)

PINOCCHIO, CINDERELLA, and PETER PAN were February releases, too. DUMBO and THE JUNGLE BOOK came out near Halloween in their respective release years. BAMBI was a late August release. SLEEPING BEAUTY and 101 DALMATIANS came out in late January of their release years.

Summer slots became more of a regular thing for Disney starting with THE RESCUERS in 1977, which was a June release. THE FOX AND THE HOUND originally was eying Christmas 1980, but because of the Don Bluth-led animator exodus, ended up being a July 1981 release. THE BLACK CAULDRON, similarly, was out in July 1985. THE GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE? July 1986.

But then once the Renaissance fired up, it was initially all about Thanksgiving. OLIVER & COMPANY, LITTLE MERMAID, RESCUERS DOWN UNDER, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and ALADDIN all did the holiday thing...

When THE LION KING broke all records for an animated movie in summer 1994 - the June date given to it after production problems delayed it from its original Thanksgiving 1993 slot, then Disney was all about the summer again. Barring WINNIE THE POOH (2011), the last time WDAS had a summer movie was... 2002... LILO & STITCH. From BOLT-onwards, it was almost always towards the end of the year with their movies. Again, ZOOTOPIA an exception, RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON as well because of COVID-19 (it would've been Thanksgiving 2020 if nothing had happened).

Maybe it doesn't have to be Thanksgiving/Christmas all the time?

Suppose we see the new WDAS movie in, say, March 2025? And the next, maybe at another time of the year?

[vizthedatum]

On dressing up, getting through life, and doing “the work” in an unjust world

Being the desi queer that I am, I woke up early on menstruation-day-4 and put on a classic ‘90s Bollywood song, “Woh Ladki Jo” (I find that the eponymous lyric that says that this girl is different from everyone ("Woh ladki jo sabse alag hai") very hilarious because I’m all like “I really am not like other girls because I’m not actually a girl. I just love makeup and dressing up regardless of all that”), on repeat, and did my makeup. Put on my girlfriend’s dress. Rolled my eyes at my cramps (and fatigue and breakouts and omfg all the pain). I did a lot of spoon recovery and self-care yesterday: was able to take off work because the schedule was sparse, got a much-needed haircut (the last one was before my defense in April 2021), and basically was horizontal for the rest of the day. Today, I’m much more active - I can feel myself being more genuinely upbeat even though I’m still grieving.

And I’m so upset at the state of the world. I always am.

As Angela Davis says: “Sometimes we have to do the work even though we don't yet see a glimmer on the horizon that it's actually going to be possible.”

I think we should all do something. Anything. Within our limits, sure, but something.

But what work should we be doing?? How do we measure or even justify if we are doing what we can or if it is even going to make a difference? When things are so systematically unjust at so many scales and levels of entrenchment, it’s hard not to get jaded even when you’re outraged at the senseless violence that not only happens in this country but all over the fucking world.

I used to be a part of the DEI group at my old department at Pitt (where I did my Ph.D.). DEI stands for diversity, equity, and inclusion. We were a group of four: two professor-types, one student (me!), and one staff person. We banded together after the murder of George Floyd - many organizations all over the country formed DEI groups. Our department head was SO enthusiastic about it (you know how it goes (paraphrased): “we gotta do something about this!!”) but … only four people signed up. And we were powerless. We came up with ideas and drafted a couple of plans/documents: a proposal, a mission statement, a budget, a failed book club idea (my idea, no surprise), and a contentiously received presentation…. We were largely ignored. There were some programs in place and efforts made to increase diversity but it all was strained. Other people in our department mentioned that the work was hard with little payoff. Others had grand ideas that could not be done without more staffing. No one had the allotted time or energy. Morale was low. And we didn’t have the resources to really conduct investigations into the state of equity or even have the requisite knowledge to educate or bring about change.

Many activists say that DEI groups don’t work. They’re performative, at best.

Performative DEI is perpetuating the problems we face. It is not “the work.” Posting a blackout picture (even though you can! And there is utility and validity in raising awareness and sharing your pain/concern!!) or simply sharing a hashtag without any real follow-through is… not furthering the cause. Having an organization that is isolated from everything else just to have it… is laughably not “the work.” Throwing money at the problem (even though you should donate and support as much as you can) is not just enough.

These are my suggestions (I come from a place of privilege as I type this, and I am open to feedback, criticism, and suggestions):

1. Make a fuss. Call people out: your colleagues and even yourself. Say uncomfortable things. Say “I don’t like it when you comment on my colleague’s hair” or point out the lack of diversity on your team “There are 5 white-passing folks and only one brown person. Hmm, why?” Use your words as best you can and then be humble when corrected on your language. Clearly state that you think your organization is racist or gendered or not inclusive. Call out ableism. Say it in front of your boss. Be emotional. Make it socially uncomfortable. Do it over and over again. Everyday. Risk your job even if you’ll lose it and you’ll be left with nothing - sacrifice is necessary. Make it obvious. Because we are all too complacent and… keeping the peace keeps the oppressive structures in place. 2. Actually make DEI a priority by funding it, hiring more staff, encouraging it at EVERY event, and making it a part of day-to-day operations (how you ask? Idk… why don’t you take the time to figure that out? Cancel meetings and meet about this instead. Scratch your heads and figure it out - it’s not an extracurricular, and it’s not easy. Do it for years! It should be a part of your job, no matter what your job is.). 3. Make real progress on DEI goals. DEI goals should be part of the business plan. Mandate it. Make the goals small and realistic so that they can actually get done. Follow whatever paradigm that will help (e.g., SMART goals). 4. Pay everyone involved. Fairly according to industry standards or whatever. More than just a livable wage, whatever that looks like in your area. This goes along with funding. Require DEI training, regularly. Make it mandatory. Make it so annoyingly part of the training and maintenance of your organization that people talk about it all the time. 5. Have a DEI presence at every level of your organization. Connect the presences. Clearly define any form of accountability metric. Then publicly and obnoxiously showcase those metrics, even if they don’t look good. Especially if they don’t look good. Awareness and “the work” requires us to acknowledge our failures and not just our successes. 6. Keep creating accountability metrics and then redefine them… constantly. Have people relearn what they need to keep track of. 7. Don’t sensationalize DEI. It’s not just an event. It just doesn’t happen when someone gets murdered. Integrate it within your work and your life. Some of us don’t have a choice but to be affected by the inequities of the world… then why do you or your organization have that choice? 8. Don’t be discouraged by a lack of progress. Don’t give up (I did give up because I was fatigued but there were no structures in place to help motivate me. And the people who cared enough to encourage me didn’t have the support either). Don’t give up like me, even if you’re a fatigued POC. And if you feel like you’re drowning and no one is listening, SCREAM. Protest. Figure out a way to get your voice heard.

That’s my call to action. What’s yours?

[gwydionmisha]

A budget is a moral document.  They are saying who matters to them and who doesn’t.

fun coronation day reminders!

via the guardian + open democracy

[paystubgeneratorfree]

Boost Your Payroll Efficiency with Free Payroll Check Stubs

Efficient payroll management is crucial for any business, especially as it directly impacts employee satisfaction, accuracy in accounting, and the overall productivity of administrative teams. But what if you could streamline this process using free payroll check stubs? For small businesses, startups, and even established companies, free payroll check stubs offer a no-cost solution to help enhance payroll accuracy, reduce errors, and save time.

Here’s how you can leverage free payroll check stubs to boost your payroll efficiency without breaking the bank.

1. Why Payroll Efficiency Matters

Payroll processing is more than just a routine administrative task; it’s an integral part of your business operations. Timely and accurate payroll boosts employee morale and trust in the company. Additionally, a streamlined payroll system minimizes the chances of costly mistakes, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations and protecting the company from penalties. Efficient payroll processes also save time for your HR and accounting teams, allowing them to focus on other crucial aspects of the business.

However, the process of calculating hours worked, tax deductions, and other variables can be complex. This is where free payroll check stubs come in as a powerful tool. They simplify payroll tasks, reduce manual errors, and provide a professional look for your business without any added cost.

2. What Are Payroll Check Stubs?

Payroll check stubs, also known as pay stubs, are essential documents that provide employees with a detailed breakdown of their earnings for a particular pay period. A typical pay stub includes:

Gross wages: Total earnings before deductions.

Net pay: Earnings after deductions, including taxes and other withholdings.

Tax deductions: Federal, state, and local taxes withheld.

Other deductions: Healthcare, retirement plans, or other benefits.

Year-to-date (YTD) totals: Accumulated earnings and deductions up to the current pay period.

For businesses, pay stubs serve as a record for tax purposes, payroll audits, and employee inquiries. For employees, these documents provide transparency and insight into their earnings, taxes, and other deductions.

3. Benefits of Free Payroll Check Stubs

Using free payroll check stubs offers a wide range of benefits that can help businesses streamline payroll processes and improve efficiency.

Cost Savings

The most obvious benefit of free payroll check stubs is the cost savings. Instead of investing in payroll software or paying for check stub generation, you can access reliable, free solutions. This is especially beneficial for small businesses that may not have the budget for costly payroll services.

Time Efficiency

Free payroll check stub generators are often designed to be simple and user-friendly, enabling you to create pay stubs in just a few clicks. By reducing the time needed to generate check stubs manually, you free up time for HR and payroll staff to focus on other strategic tasks.

Error Reduction

Manual payroll calculations are prone to errors, especially when factoring in varying work hours, overtime, and deductions. Free payroll check stub tools often come with built-in calculators that automatically compute wages and deductions, minimizing the risk of human error and improving accuracy.

Record Keeping and Compliance

Generating payroll check stubs ensures you have a digital or physical record of all payments made to employees, which is crucial for compliance with labor laws and tax reporting. If you’re audited or need to reference payroll information for tax purposes, having clear, organized records will save you time and prevent headaches.

Professional Presentation

Even if you’re running a small business, it’s essential to maintain professionalism in all areas, including payroll. Providing your employees with professional-looking check stubs instills confidence and enhances your brand image. It shows your employees that you value transparency and are committed to high standards in every aspect of your business.

4. How to Create Free Payroll Check Stubs

There are several online tools available that allow you to create payroll check stubs for free. Here’s a general step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose a Reputable Payroll Stub Generator

Begin by selecting a free check stub generator. Look for reputable websites that offer customizable templates. You’ll want a tool that provides a clear, professional format and allows you to input all necessary payroll information.

Step 2: Input Employee Information

Enter basic details for each employee, such as their name, employee ID, and address. This information is crucial for accurate record-keeping.

Step 3: Input Earnings and Deductions

The next step is to enter gross earnings, any applicable tax deductions, other withholdings (such as retirement or healthcare), and net pay. Most free check stub generators have fields for these entries and will automatically calculate totals for you.

Step 4: Review for Accuracy

Always double-check the information to ensure accuracy. Errors on pay stubs can lead to confusion, dissatisfaction, and may require time-consuming corrections. Ensure all figures are correct, including deductions and net pay.

Step 5: Download and Distribute

Once the check stub is generated, you can download it as a PDF or print it. Many companies provide digital copies directly to employees, but some still opt for physical copies for those who prefer them.

5. Choosing the Right Free Payroll Check Stub Tool

With so many free payroll check stub tools available online, it’s essential to choose the right one. Here are some key features to look for:

Customization Options: Look for tools that allow you to customize fields according to your payroll needs.

Automatic Calculations: Choose tools with built-in calculators for automatic deductions and net pay calculations.

Security: Ensure the tool uses secure data encryption to protect sensitive employee information.

Format and Design: Opt for a tool with a clean, professional design, as the final product reflects your company’s image.

Reviews and Reputation: Research user reviews to confirm the tool’s reliability and accuracy.

Some popular free options include PayStubs, Stub Creator, and Check Stub Maker. These tools provide customizable templates and user-friendly interfaces that make it easy to generate accurate, professional payroll check stubs at no cost.

6. Integrating Payroll Check Stubs into Your Payroll Process

To fully reap the benefits of payroll check stubs, it’s important to integrate them smoothly into your overall payroll process. Here are some tips to optimize the process:

Set a Schedule: Establish a consistent schedule for generating and distributing payroll check stubs. Whether you pay weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, consistency reduces confusion and builds trust with your employees.

Automate Where Possible: If your business has a small team, you may handle payroll manually. But if you have more employees, consider automating the payroll process. Many payroll systems integrate with free check stub generators, saving even more time.

Encourage Employee Access to Digital Stubs: In today’s digital world, providing employees with digital access to their payroll information improves efficiency and reduces paper waste.

Train HR Staff: Make sure your HR and payroll staff understand the process and tools available. Training ensures smooth implementation and consistent results.

7. Addressing Employee Concerns

Some employees may have questions about their pay stubs or deductions, especially if they’re new to the company or if there’s a change in payroll structure. Encourage open communication by offering to explain any details on their pay stubs, such as tax withholdings, overtime calculations, and benefits deductions. Providing a resource (such as an FAQ or quick guide) can also help address common questions and alleviate concerns.

Conclusion

Free payroll check stubs can be a game-changer for businesses seeking to improve payroll efficiency without a hefty price tag. These tools streamline the payroll process, reduce errors, and save valuable time for your HR and accounting teams. By implementing free check stubs, you’re not only saving costs but also ensuring a professional, accurate, and transparent payroll experience for your employees.

[doctormoveau]

Office Relocation Best Practices for Legal and Financial Firms

Relocating an office is a pivotal moment for any business, especially for legal and financial firms where precision and professionalism are essential. In these sectors, the stakes are particularly high; a successful move can enhance operational efficiency, improve client relationships, and boost employee morale. Central to this process is the role of removalists—specialised professionals who manage the complexities of moving office equipment, sensitive documents, and technology systems with utmost care. 

Choosing the right removalist Canberra can make all the difference, ensuring that the transition is smooth, secure, and tailored to the unique needs of your firm. In this article, we will explore best practices for engaging removalists and executing a seamless office relocation that meets the high standards expected in the legal and financial industries.

1. Planning and Preparation

A. Create a Relocation Team

Assemble a dedicated relocation team comprising representatives from key departments, including management, IT, HR, finance, and facilities. This cross-functional team will oversee the entire process, ensuring that all departments are aligned and informed. Each member should have clearly defined roles and responsibilities, which will facilitate smoother communication and decision-making throughout the relocation process.

B. Develop a Detailed Timeline

Establish a timeline that includes critical milestones, such as selecting the new location, lease negotiations, design and renovation phases, and the actual move. This timeline will serve as a roadmap to keep the project on track. Consider utilising project management software to visualise the timeline, assign tasks, and monitor progress. Regularly review and update the timeline to accommodate any changes or delays.

C. Conduct a Needs Assessment

Evaluate your current space and identify your firm’s needs moving forward. Consider factors such as:

Size: Will you require more or less space? Analyse growth projections and employee needs.

Location: Is the new location accessible for clients and employees? Consider the demographics of your workforce and client base.

Technology: What technological upgrades or changes will be necessary? Assess current IT infrastructure and plan for future upgrades to support evolving business needs.

2. Budgeting

A. Create a Comprehensive Budget

Outline all potential costs associated with the move, including:

Real estate expenses: Leasing or purchasing costs can vary significantly, so conduct thorough market research.

Renovation and design costs: Consider hiring professional architects or designers who specialise in office spaces for legal and financial firms.

Moving services: Obtain quotes from multiple moving companies and check references to ensure reliability.

Furniture and equipment purchases: Assess whether existing furniture can be reused or if new purchases are needed.

Technology upgrades: Budget for necessary IT infrastructure, including servers, networking equipment, and security systems.

B. Allow for Contingencies

Unexpected costs can arise during an office relocation, so it’s prudent to set aside at least 10-15% of your budget for unforeseen expenses. This buffer will provide peace of mind and help avoid financial strain during the transition.

3. Engage Stakeholders Early

A. Communicate with Employees

Inform employees about the move as early as possible. Regular updates and open forums for questions can help alleviate concerns and foster a sense of involvement. Consider conducting surveys to gather employee input on the new office features they value most. This will not only boost morale but also encourage a collaborative atmosphere.

B. Inform Clients

Depending on the nature of your firm, clients may need to be informed about the relocation. Create a communication plan that includes:

Direct notifications: Send personalised letters or emails to clients, detailing the new address and any changes in contact information.

Website updates: Ensure that your firm’s website reflects the new address and any relevant changes to service delivery.

Social media announcements: Use your firm’s social media channels to keep clients informed and engaged throughout the transition.

4. Select the Right Location

A. Evaluate Potential Sites

Choose a location that aligns with your firm’s image and operational needs. Conduct thorough research and site visits to evaluate potential locations. Consider proximity to:

Clients: Ensure the new office is easily accessible for clients. A central location can enhance client relationships and facilitate meetings.

Public transportation: Accessibility for employees can enhance retention and satisfaction. Look for locations near public transit options.

Competitors: Be aware of the competitive landscape and choose a location that positions your firm favourably. Assess whether proximity to competitors is advantageous or a hindrance.

B. Assess Amenities and Infrastructure

Evaluate the surrounding amenities and infrastructure, including:

Parking availability: Adequate parking is crucial for both clients and employees. Assess the costs and availability of on-site and nearby parking options.

Security: Legal and financial firms must prioritise data security and client confidentiality. Assess the building’s security features and overall safety of the neighbourhood.

Technology infrastructure: Ensure the building has the necessary wiring and connectivity for your IT systems. Consult with IT professionals to verify the space can accommodate your technology needs.

5. Design and Layout

A. Focus on Functionality

Design the new office space to enhance collaboration, privacy, and productivity. Work with experienced architects or interior designers who understand the unique needs of legal and financial firms. Consider:

Open vs. closed office layouts: Balance collaborative spaces with private offices for confidential discussions. Open layouts can foster teamwork, while closed offices ensure privacy.

Meeting rooms: Ensure adequate space for client meetings and internal collaboration. Consider equipping rooms with advanced audiovisual technology for seamless presentations and video conferences.

Break areas: Foster a positive work environment with comfortable areas for employees to relax. Include amenities such as coffee stations, lounge seating, and outdoor spaces.

B. Incorporate Technology

Ensure the office is equipped with modern technology, such as:

Video conferencing tools: Invest in high-quality audio-visual systems to facilitate remote client meetings and team collaborations.

High-speed internet: Ensure robust connectivity and network infrastructure to support daily operations and data transfer.

Secure storage solutions: Invest in secure document management systems and physical storage solutions to protect sensitive client information.

6. Moving Logistics

A. Hire Professional Movers

Engage a professional moving company experienced in relocating legal and financial firms. They will understand the specific needs of your industry and can ensure a secure and efficient move. Request references and review past projects to verify their expertise.

B. Organise the Move

Coordinate the logistics of the move, including:

Scheduling: Choose a moving date that minimises disruption to your business. Aim for a weekend or holiday to reduce client impact.

Inventory management: Keep a detailed inventory of all office items, including furniture and equipment. Label items clearly to streamline the unpacking process.

IT transition plan: Develop a plan for transferring IT systems and equipment, ensuring minimal downtime for operations. Work with your IT team to address potential issues in advance.

7. Post-Move Activities

A. Ensure Smooth Operations

After the move, conduct a walkthrough to ensure everything is in order. Check that:

All equipment is operational: Verify that technology and equipment are functioning correctly.

Workstations are set up correctly: Ensure that employees have the necessary tools to work effectively in their new environment.

Security systems are in place: Confirm that security measures are activated and functioning, including access control and surveillance systems.

B. Gather Feedback

Solicit feedback from employees about the new space. Use surveys or focus groups to identify any issues or improvements needed. This will help enhance employee satisfaction and promote a positive workplace culture.

C. Celebrate the New Space

Hold an open house or celebration to welcome employees and clients to the new office. This can help foster a sense of community and excitement about the relocation. Consider offering tours of the new space, providing refreshments, and encouraging employees to share their experiences and thoughts about the new environment.

8. Continuous Improvement

A. Monitor Performance

After settling into the new office, continuously monitor the performance of your teams and operations. Gather data on productivity, employee satisfaction, and client feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of the new space.

B. Adapt as Needed

Be prepared to make adjustments based on feedback and changing business needs. Regularly review the layout, technology, and amenities to ensure they continue to meet the demands of your firm.

C. Plan for Future Growth

Consider how the new office can accommodate future growth. Design flexible spaces that can be easily adapted to changing needs. Keep an eye on industry trends to anticipate shifts in workplace dynamics.

Office relocation is a significant undertaking for legal and financial firms, but with careful planning, clear communication, and attention to detail, the process can be seamless. By following these best practices, firms can not only minimise disruptions but also create a workspace that enhances productivity and supports future growth.

Ultimately, a successful relocation goes beyond just moving furniture; it’s an opportunity to rethink and improve the way your firm operates, positioning it for success in a competitive landscape.

[around--theworld]

🌍⚡️Hour by Hour Country-specific Updates:

🇹🇳📉 Tunisia: A report highlights the severe abuses faced by individuals in transit through Tunisia, including violence and precarious living conditions, as documented by the World Organisation Against Torture.

🇮🇳✈️ India: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez inaugurated India's first private military aircraft manufacturing plant, aimed at enhancing local defense production.

🇿🇼💰 Zimbabwe: A prominent lawyer has raised concerns regarding the legal status of Zimbabwe's new currency, the Zimbabwe Gold, arguing that the legislation supporting it has expired, leading to significant depreciation.

🇰🇪⚖️ Kenya: The impeached Deputy President of Kenya has filed a petition seeking to halt impeachment proceedings, citing procedural irregularities in the High Court.

🇬🇧📊 United Kingdom: The UK Prime Minister has indicated that the upcoming budget will reflect the challenging economic conditions facing the country.

🇸🇦🏗️ Saudi Arabia: Construction has begun on the Mukaab, a large cube-shaped structure in Riyadh, which is part of a major urban development project.

🇧🇴🔫 Bolivia: Former President Evo Morales claims he survived an assassination attempt after gunfire was directed at his vehicle, amidst ongoing political tensions in the country.

🇬🇪���️ Georgia: The Georgian President has claimed that no country has proven Russian interference in elections, while calling for protests against alleged electoral fraud.

🇾🇪⛴️ Yemen: A ship was attacked in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, likely by Houthi rebels, marking a resurgence in maritime violence in the region.

🇮🇷⚖️ Iran: An Iranian-German man has been executed in Iran after being convicted on terrorism charges that his family disputes.

Cyber Threat Intelligence Updates:

🔍 Scam Alert: A rise in job scams has been reported, with scammers impersonating recruiters to deceive job seekers into providing personal information.

[nexus456]

SMS App for the Education Industry: Revolutionizing Communication in Schools and Colleges

In today’s fast-paced world, effective communication between educational institutions, students, and parents is crucial. The traditional methods of communication—like printed notices, emails, or phone calls—often fall short of delivering timely information, leading to missed opportunities for engagement. This is where SMS apps come into play. Simple, effective, and immediate, Sms App for Education Industries educational institutions communicate, ensuring that important messages reach the right people at the right time.

The Importance of SMS Communication in Education

SMS communication offers direct and instant reach, making it one of the most effective tools for schools and universities. Studies indicate that over 98% of text messages are read within minutes, ensuring critical information is seen promptly. This real-time reach is essential for educational institutions where updates like exam schedules, class cancellations, fee reminders, or emergency alerts need immediate attention.

Key Benefits of Using an SMS App in Education

Instant and Reliable Communication: SMS apps offer instant message delivery without relying on internet connections, a clear advantage over emails or social media platforms. This reliability ensures messages reach everyone, regardless of their internet access or smartphone capabilities.

Increased Parent Engagement: For parents, staying updated on their child’s academic progress, attendance, or school events is essential. SMS apps allow schools to send targeted messages to parents, keeping them engaged and informed about their child’s school life.

Enhanced Student Motivation: SMS reminders about assignments, exam schedules, and project deadlines can help students stay on track, improving academic performance. Positive reinforcement messages, like congratulatory notes on good performance, can also boost student morale.

Cost-Effectiveness: SMS communication is cost-effective, especially for institutions operating on tight budgets. SMS apps usually have scalable pricing models, making them affordable for both small schools and large universities.

Eco-Friendly Alternative: Reducing the reliance on printed notices and documents by using SMS apps is a greener approach. By going digital, institutions reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining efficient communication.

Essential Features of an SMS App for Education

Automated Attendance Alerts: SMS apps with attendance tracking features automatically send alerts to parents or guardians when a student is absent, allowing immediate follow-up.

Group Messaging and Segmentation: An ideal SMS app allows institutions to send messages to segmented groups, such as specific classes, departments, or extracurricular groups, ensuring messages are relevant to the recipients.

Two-Way Communication: Modern SMS apps support two-way messaging, allowing students and parents to respond to messages. This feature is especially useful for confirming attendance at events, responding to surveys, or following up on academic queries.

Multi-Language Support: In diverse communities, language can be a barrier to effective communication. SMS apps with multilingual support enable schools to communicate with students and parents in their preferred language, ensuring inclusivity.

Scheduling and Automation: Schools often need to send repetitive reminders for assignments, payment dues, or event schedules. SMS apps that allow scheduling and automation can streamline this process, reducing manual effort for administrators.

Implementation Strategies for Schools and Colleges

Define Communication Goals: Before implementing an SMS app, educational institutions should clearly define their communication goals, such as enhancing parent engagement, reducing absenteeism, or improving student performance.

Choose the Right App: Schools should select an SMS app with the features that best align with their goals. Important considerations include app scalability, user-friendliness, security, and integration capabilities with existing systems.

Train Staff and Educate Students and Parents: For an SMS app to be effective, staff, students, and parents need to be well-versed in its usage. Offering brief tutorials and providing ongoing support ensures smooth adoption and maximizes the app’s effectiveness.

Monitor and Evaluate: After implementation, schools should monitor communication metrics to assess the app's impact. Metrics like message open rates, response rates, and feedback from students and parents can help institutions refine their communication strategies.

Challenges and Considerations

While Sms App for Government Industries, there are challenges to consider, such as ensuring data privacy and managing message frequency to avoid overwhelming recipients. Institutions must comply with data protection regulations and establish policies for responsible SMS usage.

[osysfurniture]

Office Renovation on a Budget: Yes, It's Possible!

Creating a refreshed, functional workspace without breaking the bank is entirely achievable. In Singapore, where the cost of office space is high, smart planning and budgeting are essential for any office renovation. As I share some practical strategies, you’ll see that a stylish, productive office can be within reach without stretching your budget.

Maximizing Your Existing Layout for Optimal Space and Savings

The first step to budget-friendly office renovation is making the most of your existing space. Rather than opting for a full-scale remodel, consider working with your current layout and enhancing it with minor adjustments:

Rearrange furniture to create better flow and reduce the need for new installations.

Optimize unused corners for meeting areas or workstations.

Implement flexible work zones with movable furniture or multipurpose spaces for different tasks.

A professional office renovation company can help you identify which elements need minimal updates for maximum impact, offering a tailored approach for every budget size.

Choosing Affordable, High-Quality Materials that Last

While quality is essential, you don’t always need to choose premium materials to achieve a modern look. For a cheap office renovation in Singapore that still maintains a professional look, consider these cost-effective options:

Vinyl flooring for an elegant look at a fraction of the price of hardwood.

Modular furniture pieces that are easy to rearrange or add onto as needs evolve.

LED lighting to save on energy costs while providing a bright, welcoming space.

By selecting durable, budget-friendly materials, you’ll achieve a polished, cohesive appearance without the need for constant repairs or replacements.

Painting and Lighting: Affordable Transformations that Make a Difference

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders to change the look and feel of an office space. Opt for lighter shades to open up smaller rooms, or add accent walls in specific areas to give a unique touch without overwhelming the space.

Alongside paint, lighting is a major factor in an office's ambiance and can be done affordably:

Install task lighting near desks and workstations for clarity and focus.

Choose energy-efficient LED bulbs for long-term savings.

Add decorative light fixtures to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

With these adjustments, it’s possible to give your office an upgraded feel that boosts productivity and morale without hefty spending.

Finding Functional, Budget-Friendly Furniture for a Stylish Workspace

Furniture doesn’t have to be a significant investment in your office renovation. Instead, look for multipurpose and space-saving options that offer style and function, perfect for a budget-conscious office:

Second-hand office furniture stores in Singapore can have high-quality pieces at a fraction of the cost.

Modular furniture systems allow for flexibility as your office layout and needs evolve.

Minimalist designs help keep your workspace looking professional and clutter-free.

This approach means you can style a polished office while keeping to a reasonable budget.

Integrating Technology Without Overspending

Technology is essential for a modern office but doesn’t have to be high-cost. Here are some ways to integrate essential tech upgrades without overdoing it:

Invest in refurbished equipment for computers and monitors at a lower cost.

Use cloud-based solutions for document storage, reducing the need for costly hardware.

Choose energy-efficient devices that reduce operating costs in the long run.

With these budget-friendly tips, an office renovation Singapore can be both tech-forward and financially smart, providing employees with the tools they need while respecting your budget.

Adding Greenery for a Budget-Friendly and Inviting Atmosphere

Plants are one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance an office space, giving it a fresh, welcoming feel. Whether you go for small desk plants or larger potted trees in empty corners, plants can add life and color with minimal expense.

Low-maintenance plants like snake plants and succulents require little care and last long.

Position plants strategically in well-lit areas to save on additional lighting.

Consider vertical gardens if you’re limited on space but want to make a green impact.

Adding greenery is a simple way to upgrade your office atmosphere, making the space more inviting and encouraging productivity.

By planning strategically and choosing affordable upgrades, it’s possible to work with an office renovation company to achieve a cheap office renovation Singapore businesses need. With these steps, any Singapore office can enjoy a stylish, productive environment that aligns with both aesthetic and budgetary goals.