#austin collection agency

[williamsrush]

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[rose-of-red-lake]

Leslye Headland cares more about the Sith than the Jedi. I think her particular fascination is pretty undisputed at this point.

She explicitly says she wanted to write a Dark gothic romance featuring the Sith. And she got as much money as Dune 2 to do that. She got an enormous gift to tell the story she wanted. Okay. Fine. Not my cup of tea. But kudos to her for somehow collecting all those coins.

However, as a consequence of her lack of care for the Jedi, she ends up gleefully twisting them to fit her own power fantasy.

For example from the Collider interview we learned:

How the Jedi became stand-ins to attack the "institution" (of her choice, likely a religious one)

That the Jedi were used to critique patriarchy, with the Jedi master-to-padawan relationship somehow analogous to sexist father and oppressed daughter.

That Anakin murdering Tuskens and keeping it a secret inspired how Vernestra kept the Brendock scandal a secret (and that Vern is on a tragic arc too).

That she roots for Mae because the Jedi would never hold themselves accountable.

How the Jedi destroy children's worlds and how empowering it can be when, for example, they reclaim the saber that killed their parents.

How Sol and the Jedi caused Osha's loneliness.

That Sol talking about his love for Osha somehow robbed her of her agency? The agency Osha uses to join forces with the man who kidnapped her, killed her friends, and tried to kill her sister the previous day.

How she's using Senator Rayencourt as the voice of reason, and an audience stand-in, who asks "legitimate" questions about the Jedi having too much power.

That the Jedi have become cluelessly unaware of how they are perceived or that they could do wrong, because they've relied too long on their high status.

How the Jedi have always been "extremely flawed" (from the GQ interview)

A lot of this is not just divisive or cynical. It's creepy?

Headland wanted a dark Jane Austin romance featuring the villains in Star Wars - okay fine. I still think it could have been done without burning her Jedi Barbies to create new canon. I mean...its just brutal.

[majokkid]

Basics of Servitor Creation and Implementation

For those new to chaos magic, or who are unfamiliar with the terminology, a servitor is an entity created by a magician to perform certain tasks autonomous from its creator.

Phil Hine writes in Condensed Chaos: Adventures in Chaos Magic that servitors are essentially a kind of psychological complex created "by deliberately budding off portions of our psyche and identifying them by means of a name, trait, symbol", after which "we can come to work with them (and understand how they affect us) at a conscious level.”

Servitors can be created to perform a wide range of tasks, from the specific to the general, and may be considered as expert systems which are able to modify themselves to take into account new factors that are likely to arise whilst they are performing their tasks. They can be programmed to work within specific circumstances, or to be operating continually.

Phil Hine, Condensed Chaos: An Introduction to Chaos Magic (New Falcon Publications, 1995)

Note: While some purport that servitors are a part of a ‘thoughtform continuum’, starting with ‘unintelligent’ sigils and eventually getting to the complexity of egregores and godforms, I think it would be prudent to mention that I don’t think I agree with the distinctions people tend to make between servitors and thoughtforms, namely that servitors are simpler and have less agency than thoughtforms. I can see why it may be helpful for some to keep them disparate but I find the separation unnecessary especially since there are certainly instances where servitors can be sophisticated enough to harbor agency and even intellect.

Generally, I’ve seen magicians follow a model similar to Austin Osman Spare’s sigil creation technique to encode a particular intention for a servitor to operate within. Alternatively, a magician may choose to create servitors from negative aspects of their psyche so they can interact with those traits as personal ‘demons’ and eradicate them. This is to say there are probably limitless ways you can program a servitor to aid you in your magical and mundane life.

When creating a servitor, I begin with a similar mindset as creating any other magical tool by first determining my intentions. What do I need help with? What am I seeking? Try to take note of the thoughts and emotions that are influencing your intentions and even try to imagine what things will be like after the task is complete; by collecting and holding all of this mental data during servitor creation, you can strengthen the complex it is born from.

Note: This is why I find there can be varying degrees of success when trying to use a servitor that someone else has created. While someone could have had great success with their servitor and enthusiastically shared the steps for its creation, you do not have the same psychological and magical ties to that entity and therefore may not really be tapping into what makes it tick.

During this inception process, also consider the level of sophistication you want your servitor to have. Ask yourself questions like:

Is your servitor made for one specific task and then it is banished or does it work in perpetuity (or until you stop it)?

Do you have to summon it each time you need it to perform a certain task? If so, how?

Is your servitor like a magical automaton, doing a set action like a machine, or can it learn from its experiences and adapt how it operates?

Does your servitor have a lifespan? Are you able to resummon the same entity if needed again or would you create a new version of itself?

Does your servitor have agency?

Does your servitor communicate? If so, how? Can it interact with other beings besides yourself?

Does your servitor require energy or sustenance? What does it require and how often?

By having set rules or constraints baked into the creation of your servitor, you can ensure it operates the way you want it to.

As you are thinking of all of this, picture what your servitor looks like, how it moves, if it has a sound or a voice—the more detail, the better.

Give your servitor a name and a sigil. You can create the sigil based on the servitor’s name or task using something like Austin Osman Spare’s sigilization technique or something more abstract. (My personal divination deck, much like Sakura Kinomoto’s cards in Cardcaptor Sakura, also houses an entity in each of the cards and the art on the card is essentially the entity’s sigil.)

Before launching your servitor, determine a ‘kill switch’ for the entity if anything goes sideways or you need it to cease working immediately for any reason. This can be a phrase or an action but make sure it is something you cannot accidentally do. If you connect your servitor to an object, simply destroying that object would also work.

Finally, with all of this information at hand, you can launch your servitor. You can do this as you would fire off any other sigil or you can choose to do something more ceremonial. (The defunct account @trollkunnig outlines a method of essentially ‘contracting’ a servitor in this post.) At this point, you can tether your servitor to an object, if you choose to do so. I have also connected a servitor to an additional object after its programmed task was completed with a renewed intention and a course of action should its original services be needed again.

This post is part of my Magi Praxis series. If you have any suggestions for future topics, or you have attempted anything I have shared and want you share your experiences, please send me a message! I am always happy to go back and provide further explanation as well. ☆

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - September 1-7

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my new(ly repurposed) Patreon!

1. Rescue Dog Who Helped Raise Dozens of Foster Puppies Finds Forever Home

“Three and a half years ago, Noel arrived at Lucky Dog as a pregnant pooch pulled from [an] animal control shelter. […] Once the puppies were old enough to start life on their own, Lucky Dog found homes for all of them. […] Noel was an "amazing mom" to over two dozen foster puppies while staying at [a foster] house.”

2. Radiant cooling device uses significantly less energy than traditional air conditioning

“Testing of the device […] showed the cooling device capable of cooling the skin by approximately 7.3°C. It also showed that it consumed 50.4% less energy than an average air-conditioner of comparable ability. The research team notes that the device can also be run in reverse, to serve as a radiant heater.”

3. How a Native elections official is breaking down voting barriers in Arizona

“Gabriella Cázares-Kelly, Pima County Recorder, [… ran for office in 2020] to represent people who were being ignored by the democratic system and denied the right to vote. […] “People started getting the voter registration cards back, getting their voter IDs in the mail, and they were so excited to show me or thank me for helping them register,” she said.”

4. Scientists are growing [coral] babies in a lab to save animals from extinction

“Each August, corals in Florida release their eggs and sperm into the water[, … but “they] can’t reproduce on their own anymore.” [So, researchers are] collecting and freezing the spawn and growing them into genetically diverse baby corals that can be replanted into the wild[….] These resilient corals could pass important adaptations to their babies[….]”

5. New Legislation Will Accelerate Offshore Wind Energy in Delaware

““The responsible development of offshore wind and the transition to renewable energy is essential for the protection of wildlife, habitats, and communities from the havoc of climate change[….]” “This legislation is the product of careful consideration and input from multiple state agencies, industry experts, energy researchers and environmental advocates[….]””

6. Removal of Apache Trout from Endangered Species List Due to Collaborative Conservation Efforts

“[A]fter more than five decades of recovery efforts by federal, state and Tribal partners, […] the restoration of Arizona’s state fish marks the first […] trout delisted due to recovery, a significant conservation success[….] The Apache trout is found exclusively in streams of the White Mountains in the eastern part of Arizona […] and is sacred to the White Mountain Apache Tribe.”

7. [Texas] State court rules Austin must release files on police complaint

“Under the act, records of any complaint – even if no disciplinary action was taken – must be handed over to the civilian-led Office of Police Oversight. [… T]he ruling ushers in a new level of oversight of the complaint process and the department writ-large.”

8. Super-rare hairy-nosed wombat caught waddling through a woodland in Australia

“Ecologists at Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) say the video footage provides exciting evidence wombats are breeding in the refuge again. […] There are only 400 of them in the world, making them rarer than the giant panda and the Sumatran tiger. […] “Although this isn’t the first joey born at the refuge, it is the first juvenile spotted for a few years.””

9. The country’s biggest electric school-bus fleet will also feed the grid

“[The] country’s first all-electric school-bus fleet[,…] which serve the district’s special-needs students, […] can charge with low-cost power and discharge spare capacity at times of grid stress[…. V]ehicle-to-grid charging is something for which electric school buses are particularly well suited.”

10. The Push to Save Horseshoe Crabs Is Gaining Momentum

“Conservationists hope new restrictions on harvesting and synthetic alternatives to a crab-blood compound used in biomedical testing can turn the tide for the ancient arthropods, whose eggs are a vital food source for Red Knots [threatened migratory birds]. […] Now conservationists are in the thick of a multi-pronged push to save both species.”

August 22-28 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[girlactionfigure]

🟪 TUESDAY morning - events from Israel  

ISRAEL REALTIME - Connecting to Israel in Realtime

▪️OPPOSITION LEADER MK YAIR LAPID.. Yesh Atid party, spotted in Washington, DC meeting with Barak Obama, after meeting with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

.. Lapid to US Sec State Blinken: "Israel will not be able to recover from the bloody impact, 101 abductees have been in danger of their lives for 346 days. Don't let Hamas get away with evading returning hostages. We will provide a safety net (meaning the opposition votes will offset coalition parties who would vote against a deal) to bring the kidnapped home. No extremist parties will be allowed to overturn a deal within Israel.”

▪️POLITICAL RUMORS.. rumors and leaks continue to swirl over whether MK Sa’ar and his small opposition party, a break-away from Likud 5 years ago, will join the coalition.  The latest from the rumor mill: The security portfolio to Sa'ar - Minister in the Prime Minister's Office to MK Elkin - Deputy Foreign Minister to MK Sharan Hashakal - New Tikva party will be independent for now (will not immediately re-merge with Likud).

.. (Ch. 14) The details regarding Gideon Sa'ar are already closed.  Alternative source: The negotiations are close to closing, there are still a number of small issues remaining.  Another source: Sa'ar will have a veto on the promotion of legal reform.

.. (Ch. 14) Likud officials are preparing to thwart the return of Gideon Sa'ar to the government.

▪️AMMO THEFT.. Huge theft from an IDF base in the south - 18 containers with military equipment were broken into, a huge amount of ammunition was taken. (Ch. 14)

▪️ISRAEL RETURNS TERRORIST BODY.. to Jordan, from the Allenby crossing attack that killed 3 civilian workers.

▪️RED ON RED - JENIN.. Arab reports, the security forces of the Palestinian Authority, abducted and arrested tonight the senior Hamas operative in the Jenin Tha'er Lahluh Brigades, known as "Abu Sanad".  Violent gunfights broke out between Hamas and PA forces.

▪️TERROR WIFE?  Arab reports, the army arrested Abla Sa'adat tonight in the city of El Bira in Ramallah, the wife of the secretary of the Popular Front in the Territories, Ahmed Sa'adat, who has been imprisoned in Israel since October 2001 for his part in the murder of Minister רחבעם זאבי, hy”m

▪️HOUTHIS WARN.. against an attack against Yemen following the launch of the missile at Israel.

▪️HOUTHIS CLAIM.. "The US offered to recognize our rule in exchange for the cessation of attacks."

▪️US SEC DEFENSE TO ISRAEL.. Austin to Def. Min Gallant: Israel must give the talks (with Lebanon) time to succeed, escalation will have devastating consequences.

▪️UN SEC GENERAL - ISRAEL BAD.. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that "nothing justifies the collective punishment" imposed by Israel on the population of the Gaza Strip "who experience unimaginable suffering".  In an interview with the French news agency AFP, Guterres claimed: "It is clear that we all condemn the terrorist attacks of Hamas, as well as the kidnapping of the hostages, but the truth is that nothing justifies the punishment. The collective of the Palestinians, and this is what we see dramatically in Gaza."

♦️COUNTER-TERROR - SHECHEM.. clashes that developed in the Balata camp in Nablus tonight, between IDF forces who arrived to make arrests, and local terrorists who tried to prevent the arrests, unsuccessfully.  Casualties reported among the terrorists.

⭕3 rounds of HEZBOLLAH ROCKETS at northern towns overnight.  Significant damage in Menara.

✡️A brief daily word of Torah: Truth reveals God’s Oneness in the world. - Sefer Hamidot, Rebbe Nachman of Breslev

[lepartidelamort]

Biden’s Ultimatum on Gaza Aid Fails as 30-Day Mark Arrives, Aid Lowest Since December.

Jews say it's the aiders' fault !

The Jews have made it clear they will not tolerate any suggestions as to how they should behave in Gaza, and they’ve made it clear that they will not tolerate the US cutting the weapons.

Tomorrow is the day that Biden is supposed to act to shut down weapons in response to these actions by the Jews.

The Guardian:

The amount of aid reaching Gaza has dropped to the lowest level since December, official Israeli figures show, despite the US having issued a 30-day ultimatum last month threatening sanctions if there was no increase in humanitarian supplies reaching the territory. The ultimatum was delivered on 13 October, so will expire on Tuesday or Wednesday. It is unclear what measures Israel’s apparent failure to fulfil US demands will trigger, but they may include a temporary halt to the supply of some munitions or other military assistance.

I doubt it.

Though that would give Donald Trump a chance to go out and talk about how he will never cut weapons to Israel ever under any circumstances.

Only 8,805 tonnes of food aid has crossed through Israeli checkpoints into the territory so far this month. In an apparent last-minute concession on Monday, Israeli authorities announced an extension of the designated “humanitarian zone”, adding inland areas which could partially relieve intense overcrowding and allow some displaced people to move away from the coast as winter approaches. However, Israel appears to have ignored most of the demands made in a letter sent jointly by Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state, and Lloyd Austin, the defence secretary, on 13 October. Aid officials in Gaza describe the situation in much of the territory, where more than 80% of the population of 2.3 million have been displaced and more than two-thirds of buildings have been destroyed or damaged in 13 months of war, as “apocalyptic”. “Almost nothing is getting in any more. The small street markets that sprung up have all gone. There’s a bit of flour, some washing-up liquid … a kilo of tomatoes costs nearly $20 [£16]. Even if you have money there is nothing to buy. Everyone is going hungry again,” said one UN official. … Israeli officials reject the charge that aid is deliberately restricted and accuse humanitarian agencies of failing to organise its distribution. UN logistics specialists in Gaza say Israeli military operations and general lawlessness often prevent them from collecting supplies, leaving hundreds of truckloads stranded at the border.

Israel has literally banned these agencies.

They also murder aid workers constantly.

See:

Gaza: Jews Bomb UN Food Center, Kill Multiple People, Including UN Aid Worker

After Calling for an End to Aid, Israel Bombs Aid Workers, Killing 7 – Says It was an Accident

Celebrity Chef Jose Andres Explains How Jews Purposefully Slaughtered His Humanitarian Aid Team

Father of Aid Worker Killed by Jews Urges Jew Blinken to Stop Sending Israel Bombs

UN Food Agency Suspends Gaza Operations After Jews Shoot Staff Near Checkpoint

Jews Bomb Humanitarian Aid Convoy in Gaza Hours After Shooting at UN Food Agency Vehicle

Jews Kill Senior Gaza Aid Official

Jews Kill Six UN Aid Workers in Strike on Gaza School Sheltering Refugees

These Jews just spew nonsense.

“We’re not impeding aid.”

Okay.

Andrew Anglin for the DailyStormer

[adventuresinobx]

Model Behaviour

Austin North x fem!reader

Summary: You’re a photographer’s assistant and you’ve got a busy day helping out with headshots for multiple clients. When one particular client takes a shine to you, how long will it take for both of you to act on the inevitable attraction?

A/N: If you know me, you know Austin is my absolute fave so how can I be back and not make one of my first fics about him 🙈🙈🙈🙈

Warnings: Smut, dom! Austin, oral (m receiving), lots of dirty talking

You’d been working on this photoshoot set all day, celebrities and assistants coming in and out as each client made their way through the studio. Today was headshot day for one particular agency and you’d seen such a mix of people coming through the door. Most of them were nobody you knew, and as you cast your eyes at the next name on the sheet, you didn’t know this one either. Austin North, it read.

Soon a lady rushed into the room, the sound of a strong laugh following her as she introduced herself and her client to the photographer. “Hey Mr North, how are you?” the photographer asked, shaking hands with the man behind her. You went on your tiptoes, curious to see what he looked like in person; his old headshots were cute. You liked his fresh face and cute blonde hair in the photo but when he stepped into the room, you were instead captivated by his facial hair and the dark locks that sat on top of his head. He looked great, older but in the best way and your heart fluttered in your chest.

“This is Y/N,” the photographer said, gesturing towards you as Austin flashed you a smile that had you weak in the knees, “She’s my assistant for the day. So anything you want, she’s all yours.” A wicked smile spread on Austin’s face and you bit your lip to stop yourself from reacting with a sound. You nodded and smiled at him, suddenly made nervous by how he was acting.

*

The shoot went quick, thank goodness. He had this brooding look about him, he was a natural and you wondered whether modelling was a side line to his acting profession. If it wasn’t, it really should be. You could tell those actors that were only comfortable being in front of a camera when they were playing someone else but he was so confident, so sure, as he was.

You spent his whole shoot watching from the side, the only time you needed to do anything was when the photographer went to do the full length shots and noticed some fluff on the floor from a previous photoshoot which wouldn’t quite fit with what you were going for here. You knelt down on the floor, collecting what you could as he stepped back, but still close enough that when you went on your knees to pick the last bits up, it gave him enough of an innuendo.

You noticed that grin on his face and wondered if anyone else did. He was something else.

*

“Oh darling get down on your knees again,” he said, voice quiet as you did as he asked. You bit your lip, eyes focused up on him from your position between his muscular thighs which were almost straining against the black denim material of his ripped jeans. “Look so pretty down there angel. Now take your time and do whatever feels right. Follow your instincts. You’re a natural.”

You gulped nervously, watching as your hand almost involuntarily moved to his crotch. Everyone had broke for lunch so you two had the entire space to yourself. You swept your fingers over the denim material, using your hand to feel his hard length that was separated by the two layers of material. Two layers too much. You brushed your thumb over the head of his dick through the material, feeling it twitch under your fingers. You repeated the motion a few times, hand and fingers rubbing up and down him through the tight material as you watched his face twist in pleasure.

You moved your hand to the button, easily popping it open and pulling his pants down to his knees. You left his boxers on, admiring how he wore tight boxers that left very little to the imagination. Immediately, your mouth moved closer to him and you attached your lips to him through the material, feeling every vein and ridge with your mouth through the barely there material.

He grabbed your hair, fisting it into a makeshift ponytail as he watched you reach for the boxers and pulled them down so he was left completely naked from the waist down and thus plenty for you to focus on. He noticed you lick your lips, just before you leant in and ran a hesitant lick all the way up and down his shaft in one go.

“Bet you’re dripping,” he said softly, tone strong, voice  quiet as he took a deep breath in anticipation of what was to come . His next words came out staggered and stumbley as he tried to hold himself up from the pleasure you were giving him. “Bet all your juices are dripping down your thighs, your fingers would be soaking wet and you’d be clenching around them now.” On hearing his words, you clenched around nothing, your tongue still flat against the underside of his dick.

You enjoyed the weight against your tongue, swirling and sucking him best you could as your fingers ran down and under your shorts. “Touch yourself angel, just think of later when three of my fingers will be fully inside you. You’ll come to that won’t you darling? Coming all over my hands and letting me taste you.” You couldn’t take it anymore, already, and your hand disappeared under your shorts, your fingers making a quick connection with your clit and soon you were using one hand to stroke him whilst you licked and sucked on the tip like a pro and using the other to slip a finger or two inside yourself to give you some relief.

“Fuck, so good at that darling. Need you to take more of me, have more of me. I want you,” he mumbled, watching as you kept his cock down your throat and flicked your tongue around the head where you could. Every time you managed to touch a particular sensitive spot, you let out a moan and that only encouraged him further, feeling the vibrations around him and helping him to thrust further into your mouth, again and again until you were choking and spluttering on him. He loved hearing you gag.

He pulled your hair into the ponytail again, taking you off him for a moment. He pulled you just close enough to his dick so that you could poke your tongue out if you wanted to and lick the angry looking tip. He kept you there, speaking calm and collected as he told you: “Can’t wait to get you somewhere more private, where I can fuck you like you deserve. Make you cum all over my cock.” Your hand was still in your shorts now and you were furiously rubbing your clit, looking up at him with puppy dog eyes like you were begging for him to take over and help you get that release.

As if he read your mind, he told you: “Don’t worry darling, gonna make you feel so good later. You’ll cum now and many more times later.” Your movements sped up. “Can’t wait to get a taste myself. Bet you’re so sweet. Cum for me, and then I want you to taste yourself for me?” He posed it as more of a question but you nodded eagerly. He could have told you to do anything and you would. “I know you’re close baby, cum for me and then you can make me cum down your throat.”

You groaned at his words, completely losing it as you pinched your clit and sent your orgasm hurtling over you full force. “Fuck,” you moaned, legs shaking as you rode out your high. Still midst orgasm, you took your fingers out your shorts and smeared your juices on the head of his cock, making him groan from the touch alone. You moved your head to the side to get him to release your hair and braced both hands on his thick thighs before taking him as deep down your throat as you could.

“That’s it, good girl,” he said, his mind foggy by the fact you were now tasting a mix of his and your juices. He bucked his hips into you, keeping his hands by his side as not to push you too hard or hurt you. “Such a good girl, I’m so close. Watching you make yourself cum, fuck. Come on baby. I’m close.” You used his words as more encouragement, and soon you could feel that tensing as he came down your throat. There was little warning but he managed to signal for you to move away. You stayed in place, refusing to move away from him as he came down your throat. You swallowed everything he gave you, even moving off after to lick any remnants from his cock.

“Fuck, we’re gonna have to do that again soon,” he mumbled, still catching his breath and steadying himself from the great orgasm you’d just given him. “But next time, I’m going down on you.” You clenched around nothing once more, already anticipating how good that was going to feel. “And I won’t be satisfied til you’ve cum three times from my tongue alone.”

MASTERLIST HERE

taglist (pls let me know if you want to be added 🥰)

@starkeyobx @lovelyhedgehog44 @jjmaybankmakesmecry @pankhoeforlife @bayy2452 @proactivetypeofgirl @fangirlfree @severa-kane @lovedetlost @pankowperfection @drewbooooo @samxslaughter @valeriiecameron @fiction-is-life @im-julessssss @meadzy2 @onmykneesforrafe @strokesofstokes @penny4yourthoughts @maybankslover @777iii @slvtherinseeker

[follow-up-news]

The IRS has collected $1.3 billion from high wealth tax dodgers since last fall, the agency announced Friday, crediting spending that has ramped up collection enforcement through President Joe Biden’s signature climate, health care and tax package signed into law in 2022. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel traveled to Austin, Texas, to tour an IRS campus and announce the latest milestone in tax collections as Republicans warn of big future budget cuts for the tax agency if they take over the White House and Congress. Yellen, in a planned speech in Austin, will say that in 2019, the top one percent of wealthy Americans owed more than one-fifth of all unpaid taxes, “leaving ordinary Americans to shoulder the burden. ” “To fix this, we’ve channeled IRS funding toward significant investments to combat tax evasion,” she says. In 2023 and 2024 the IRS launched a series of initiatives aimed at pursuing high-wealth individuals who have failed to pay their tax debts. The IRS says the campaign is focused on taxpayers with more than $1 million in income and more than $250,000 in recognized tax debt.

[forever-fixating]

The awaited ask, the prompt for yall to chew on:

Austin is always impeccably dressed, but at the SAG awards his suit was Gucci (as were many other stars' outfits). Him and his red suit? Lordy this is an excuse to describe it in detail. I triple dog dare ya.

This is a Gucci designer!reader, and I think it'd be nice if she worked on the House of Gucci film set, has been papped with some actors (in which her 60s/70s style was commented on) before as well as been to some award shows relating to that--maybe has Gaga's number, play with it how you will. She's famous adjacet: her job is to make others look pretty.

Her purview is mainly in being an archivist for Gucci's collection, and her personal design and style leans more towards vintage, as mentioned. So when Gucci dresses the new Elvis? They need some 1970s inspiration, and they send Austin Butler to her. Cue reader lowering massive shades down her nose and commenting on his tiny waist.

Author’s Note- Okay, as soon as Mother Monster was mentioned, I fell down a research rabbit hole about one of her stylists, Marta del Rio. The reader doesn’t work for Gucci (sorry!), but I did tie that into her backstory. Del Rio, Erin Parsons on TikTok, and Raissa Bretaña from Glamour are the primary inspirations for this character. I hope you enjoy all the same!

 Y/N Y/L/N is a fashion historian and celebrity stylist. Born in Florence and raised in Los Angeles, she developed her love for fashion under the tutelage of her legendary mother, one of the significant archivists for Gucci. She grew up on her father’s film sets and fell in love with all things Hollywood. Known for her vintage style, quick wit, and extraordinary kindness (a rarity in the fashion industry), Y/L/N can be seen on TikTok and her YouTube channel, sharing her love for all things fashion and Hollywood with her audience of millions.

-Blurb from The Bella Rosa Agency

You walked into your office that morning more than a little frazzled. Even under the best conditions, traffic in Los Angeles was hell to navigate, and you had the misfortune of getting stuck behind a massive pile-up. The Italian in you could not understand the American need to rush everywhere. Wherever a person was going would still be there, no matter how fast or slow they drove. You gave your assistant Kitty a grateful smile as she held out your usual coffee order: a latte with very little foam, a double espresso, and two pumps of hazelnut.

“You are a lifesaver,” you said as you sipped the drink. “What’s on the schedule for today?”

Kitty followed you into your office with her iPad, saying, “There’s the Q & A for your YouTube channel at noon and the phone interview with Paper at four. And your consultation with Zendaya got pushed to next week. She’s still filming for Dune and won’t return until Tuesday.”

“That’s too bad,” you said, sitting at your desk and booting up your laptop.

“But Stefani’s in town,” Kitty continued, “and wants to do dinner. Your choice!”

You grinned. The two of you had met when you were hired to work on House of Gucci due to your mother’s work with the brand. They had initially reached out to her, but she put them off. Her marriage to your father had soured her on Hollywood. You, however, jumped at the chance when she recommended you in her place. You adored her music and outrageous style and became fast friends during filming. Working with Lady Gaga (or Stefani, as she insisted you call her) was a dream come true.

“Fantastic!” you replied. “Call her and ask her the day and time. Providence has a table for me on standby.”

You began reading your e-mails when you noticed Kitty hadn’t left yet. Embarrassed, you asked, “Sorry, was there something else?”

“Zendaya was wondering if you could help out one of her costars,” Kitty said. She looked at her iPad, reading, “Austin Butler, the guy that used to date Vanessa Hudgens? He’s starring in the new Elvis biopic and needs red-carpet looks for the upcoming awards season.”

You pulled up Chrome on your laptop and Googled the actor. He was gorgeous. Sandy blonde hair, a Cupid’s bow pout, long legs, and sun-kissed skin. The textbook definition of a California golden boy. You looked back to Kitty and said, “Sure, could be fun. Reach out to his people.”

~~~~~

Your meeting with Austin came a couple of days later. That gave you some time to research the actor’s style up until that point and compile some ideas for looks. It was a nice change of pace for you. Men’s fashion wasn’t simple by any means, but it was far less scrutinized when compared to that of women. One of your goals with any celebrity you worked with was to ensure they didn’t end up on a worst-dressed list following a red-carpet event.

Your outfit for the meeting was inspired by an article you read recently on mod fashion: a mini sweater dress paired with a wide studded belt and brown suede calf-high boots. It was very comfortable while looking fantastic on you. Sure, you were showing a little more leg than you usually would for a meeting with a potential client. But there wasn’t any harm in being comfortable, right?

You were in the middle of a phone call when Kitty messaged you to say that Austin had arrived. Ending the call, you stood up, adjusting your dress, before talking to your door. He stood at Kitty’s desk, talking with her. God, he really was a tall drink of water. He turned his gaze toward you and said in a voice like velvet, “So you must be the famous Y/N Y/L/N. I’m honored to meet you. Zendaya and Flo sang your praises constantly on set.”

“Thank you so much, Mr. Butler. You’re too kind.” You shook his hand, pleasure blossoming in your chest.

“Austin, please,” he said, squeezing your hand.

“Austin,” you repeated, gesturing inside your office. You looked at Kitty. “Could you bring us some water?”

The two of you sat down in front of your desk. You grabbed your iPad off your desk and tapped through your files, searching for the folder you had created for him. As you searched, you took a couple of sneaky peaks at Austin. He wore jeans, a blue flannel over a white t-shirt, and black boots. Simple but sexy. Your cheeks heated up, and you scolded yourself. Even though you were going through a dry spell in your personal life, that was no excuse to ogle a client like a piece of meat.

“So,” you said, finally finding the file and tapping it, “since you were in Elvis, I thought we could go in a slightly vintage direction for some of your red-carpet looks. Really channel that King of Rock and Roll energy. To your comfort, of course.”

You moved your chair closer to his and showed him your ideas. He hummed his approval on a couple of looks, saying with a grin, “If anyone would know about vintage style, it would be you, Miss Y/L/N. I like this look with the waistcoat here.”

“Y/N, please,” you replied, pleased with how your name sounded coming out of his mouth. “And I was hoping you would pick this look. You have such a narrow waist; hiding it would be a sin.”

“Been thinking about my waistline?”

You bit the inside of your cheek to keep from smiling. “From a stylistic standpoint, yes.”

Austin was full-on smirking. “Of course.”

“Anyway,” you said, determined to remain professional during this meeting, “I was thinking burgundy for the suit. I’ve looked through your red carpet history, and it’s a lot of blacks. To quote the great Nathan Lane, one does want a hint of color. With your skin tone, burgundy would look stunning on you.”

“I bow to your expertise, ma’am,” Austin replied. He turned his body toward yours and said, “Stop me if this is inappropriate, but I would really like to take you out to dinner. You seem like such a fascinating and unique person. I read up on you; you’re my age, but you’ve worked with some impressive people. It seems like there’s a story there.”

Your cheeks heat up at his words. The utter destruction of your parents' marriage showed how messy mixing business with pleasure could be. You grew up around celebrities and prided on your ability to remain professional and keep the two separate. But…where was the harm in a simple dinner with a man who clearly seemed interested?

“There is,” you replied finally. You took a breath and connected with his too-blue eyes. “Normally, I would say no, but as long as we remain discreet, I wouldn’t be opposed to it.”

You grabbed a pen from your desk and took his hand in yours. You wrote your cellphone number on his palm, saying, “Just text me the time and place.”

A/N- This was a lot of fun to write. Ask me nicely and maybe I'll write a part two? ;)

[ncisfranchise-source]

 Tyla Abercrumbie (The Chi) and Diany Rodriguez (The Blacklist) round out the series regular cast of NCIS: Origins, CBS’ prequel to the venerable procedural, which has a straight-to-series order for the 2024-2025 broadcast season.

In the CBS Studios-produced series, they join previously cast stars Austin Stowell, Mariel Molino and Kyle Schmid.

Executive produced and narrated by Mark Harmon, Origins begins in 1991, years prior to the events of NCIS, and chronicles Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ younger years. In the prequel, Gibbs (Stowell) starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NIS Camp Pendleton office where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks (Schmid).

Abercrumbie will play Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo who is both a product of her time and the lifeblood of the Camp Pendleton office. With all the acronyms floating around the agency, this mama bear has wryly dubbed herself “HSIC”: Head Secretary in Charge. If you want to know where the bodies are buried, Mary Jo’s the one to ask.

Rodriguez will portray Special Agent Vera Strickland, a no-nonsense, sharp-witted Brooklynite who’s tough as nails and never minces words. She’s spent her entire career being underestimated by misogynistic morons (as she calls them), but if it’s a fight those good ol’ boys are looking for, then it’s a fight they’re going to get.

Molino plays Special Agent Lala Dominguez. Mark Harmon and his son Sean Harmon executive produce alongside David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal who are co-writing the premiere episode and serving as co-showrunners. Jason Kennedy is the casting director.

Abercrumbie is known for for her recurring role as Nina Williams on Showtime’s The Chi. Her notable television credits also include recurring roles on Low Winter Sun, The Mob Doctor, and The Chicago Code. Abercrumbie, who is also a playwright, is repped by Stewart Talent.

Rodriguez recurred as Weecha Xiu on NBC’s The Blacklist. Her recent credits include an arc on Peacock’s Twisted Metal and a guest spot on CBS’ drama series The Equalizer. She is repped by The People Store and Artist Collective Entertainment.

[williamsrush]

Debt Collection for Small Businesses —Best Practices and Common Pitfalls

Every company, large or small, faces the challenge of effectively managing its finances. Nonetheless, the consequences of unpaid invoices and late payments can be far more damaging to a small business than a larger corporation.

This is where the role of a dedicated debt collection agency for small businesses becomes crucial. These agencies understand the nuances of local companies and can adjust their collection methods accordingly.

Make sure you understand how it works.

The debt collection process starts with a notification. Your debt collection agency will contact the debtor and remind them of the outstanding dues.

It is important to understand that, despite its apparent simplicity, debt collection requires a high level of professionalism and tact. Your company's reputation may suffer if you come on too strong—on the other hand, if you take a more relaxed approach, you may not see any results.

Compliance matters!

When it comes to debt collection, it is critical to follow the rules. Therefore, small businesses in Austin need an agency that is updated and compliant with changing laws and industry standards. This compliance ensures that both the business and the debtor's rights are respected, resulting in a more favorable business environment.

Small businesses need a tailored collections approach.

While many debt collection strategies are universal, small businesses often need a more targeted approach. A one-size-fits-all strategy may not be effective for businesses with a smaller clientele or a more localized audience.

This is where a specialized Austin collections agency can help. These professionals have a better understanding of the local market dynamics, allowing for a more tailor-made approach to debt collection.

Pitfalls to Avoid in Debt Collection

Relying solely on automated messages: While large corporations with a large number of debtors may benefit from automation, small businesses require a more personalized touch. Using only automated reminders or messages can look impersonal and may result in disappointing outcomes.

Not being transparent: Maintaining transparency throughout the debt collection process is critical. This includes providing clear information about the amount owed, the reason for the debt, and the steps involved in the recovery process.

Neglecting communication: Successful debt collection requires effective communication. Therefore, it is critical to maintain open lines of communication with debtors, answering their questions and addressing their concerns.

Avoiding legal guidance: Although small businesses may believe they can handle debt collection on their own, it is always a good idea to seek legal guidance. An experienced debt collection agency will be well-versed in the local legal system and can offer valuable insights to help you recover your owed amount.

Concluding thoughts

The debt collection landscape continues to evolve, with new challenges and opportunities emerging regularly. With their unique challenges and requirements, small businesses need a partner who can adapt and grow with them.

Partnering with a dedicated debt collection agency for small businesses, such as Williams Rush & Associates, allows businesses to ensure a smooth collection process that respects the rights of both parties involved. This type of partnership not only recovers outstanding dues but also establishes a professional and trustworthy reputation in the business world. In the end, it all comes down to establishing and maintaining trust in an increasingly complex financial landscape.

Fill out WRA's online form or give us a call at (855) 869-9847 to see how we can help you with all your debt collection needs! 

[sciencespies]

Indoor air quality experiments show exposure risks while cooking, cleaning

https://sciencespies.com/environment/indoor-air-quality-experiments-show-exposure-risks-while-cooking-cleaning/

Indoor air quality experiments show exposure risks while cooking, cleaning

When you’re cooking or cleaning inside your home, what chemicals are you breathing, and are they potentially harmful? Colorado State University chemists have given us a solid start on the answer.

A large, collaborative research experiment that attempted to map the airborne chemistry of a typical home took place in 2018 and was co-led by Delphine Farmer, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry at CSU. The experiment, called HOMEChem, brought 60 scientists from 13 universities to a test house at the University of Texas at Austin to perform typical home activities like cooking and cleaning and to use sophisticated instrumentation to document the chemistry that resulted. The effort, called HOMEChem, was supported by the Sloan Foundation.

In a new paper in Environmental Science & Technology, Farmer’s team at CSU has taken the massive amounts of data collected during HOMEChem and sorted it out by health effects. They identified how many compounds they observed that are known human toxins, or, based on newer Environmental Protection Agency models, predicted to be likely human toxins. Most such compounds are emitted in low quantities and can be cleared through proper ventilation. But the health impacts of both the individual compounds and their complex mixtures indoors are not well understood by scientists.

The bottom line? “Indoor air isn’t going to kill you, but we do find that indoor air has many more – and often times at higher levels — known and potential air toxics versus outdoors, particularly when you’re cooking,” said Farmer, an atmospheric chemist who, before this experiment, had spent the majority of her career measuring more “traditional,” outdoor air toxics.

Data management

The feat of data management for meaningfully connecting the data from HOMEChem to toxins databases was led by co-author Anna Hodshire, a former CSU postdoctoral researcher with skill in analyzing data from atmospheric instrumentation.

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“I think it’s very interesting that there are so many compounds emitted from common household activities, and that the majority of these compounds have not been studied from a toxicity perspective,” Hodshire said. “This doesn’t automatically mean that all of these compounds are toxic – but it does point to the fact that a lot more work needs to be done to assess some of the compounds that are emitted frequently in high concentrations from household activities.”

From the vast array of compounds measured during HOMEChem, there emerged the usual suspects, like benzene and formaldehyde, in varying quantities. The lesser-known acrolein, which is a pulmonary toxicant emitted by lumber and heating of fats, came to light as a potential compound of interest for further investigation, Farmer said. Another compound that emerged from Hodshire’s analysis was isocyanic acid, which is not well studied and is known to react with proteins in the human body.

The researchers found that cooking activities produced larger amounts of potentially toxic compounds, similar to some seen in wildfire smoke — which made sense to Farmer, when you think of a wildfire as just an “extreme form of cooking.”

Gaps in understanding of everyday toxins

Contributing to the body of knowledge around indoor air chemistry through the HOMEChem experiment has given Farmer and her team a newfound appreciation of just how much is missing of our understanding of our everyday exposures to potential toxins.

“We have done our part now, and hopefully there’s enough information for others to pick up the charge and see what compounds are important to study,” Farmer said.

Farmer and collaborator Marina Vance from the University of Colorado Boulder led a follow-up experiment to HOMEChem in 2022 called CASA, which delved further into how chemicals emitted indoors react with surfaces such as floors, walls and furniture. Results from that experiment are forthcoming.

Story Source:

Materials provided by Colorado State University. Original written by Anne Manning. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

#Environment

[datascraping001]

Bar Association Directory Scraping

Bar Association Directory Scraping

Unlock Legal Insights with Bar Association Directory Scraping by DataScrapingServices.com.  

In the competitive legal industry, staying ahead requires accessing accurate and structured data. At DataScrapingServices.com, our Bar Association Directory Scraping service provides a powerful solution for legal professionals, law firms, and marketing agencies looking to streamline outreach and expand their networks. 

Introduction to Bar Association Directory Scraping 

Bar associations maintain comprehensive directories of attorneys and legal professionals, offering a goldmine of information for targeted marketing and outreach. However, manually collecting this data can be time-consuming and error-prone. Our Data Scraping Services automate this process, extracting valuable data from bar association directories with precision and efficiency. 

Key Data Fields We Extract 

Our service extracts the following data fields to empower your legal marketing strategies: 

- Attorney Names 

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1. Enhanced Marketing Campaigns: 

Gain access to verified contact information for attorneys and legal professionals, enabling personalized and targeted outreach campaigns. 

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Build a robust database of potential clients or partners, categorized by location, specialization, or firm size. 

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Automating data extraction saves countless hours of manual work, allowing you to focus on strategy and execution. 

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Bar association directories are treasure troves of information for law firms and legal marketers. With Bar Association Directory Scraping by DataScrapingServices.com, you can unlock this potential effortlessly. Empower your outreach, generate high-quality leads, and build meaningful connections in the legal community. 

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[carrentalkeralam]

Wedding Cars in Trivandrum: Making Your Big Day Memorable and Stylish

Weddings are special occasions filled with love, joy, and cherished moments. From the decor to the attire, every detail contributes to making the day perfect, and transportation is no exception. In Trivandrum, Kerala’s picturesque capital, wedding cars play a significant role in enhancing the overall charm and elegance of the celebration. From luxurious limousines to vintage classics, the city offers a wide array of wedding car rental options tailored to suit every couple's taste and budget.

In this blog, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about choosing wedding cars in Trivandrum, covering popular options, local rental services, and tips for making the best choice.

1. Why Choose a Special Wedding Car?

A wedding car is more than just transportation. It’s an opportunity to make a grand entrance, capture unforgettable photos, and travel in style and comfort on your big day. Whether it’s the bride arriving at the venue or the couple driving away as newlyweds, the right car adds a touch of sophistication and creates lasting memories. In a place like Trivandrum, with its coastal roads and scenic beauty, a stunning wedding car can make each journey as memorable as the destination.

2. Popular Types of Wedding Cars in Trivandrum

When it comes to wedding cars in Trivandrum, couples can choose from a variety of options, each bringing its unique charm. Here are some popular choices:

a. Classic Vintage Cars

Vintage cars are timeless and elegant, giving a nostalgic feel that’s perfect for traditional weddings. Popular choices include:

Ambassadors - Iconic and reminiscent of old-world charm, these cars are often restored to perfection for weddings.

Rolls-Royce - Known for its luxury and sophistication, this brand brings a regal feel to the celebration.

Morris Minor and Austin - Smaller but equally stylish, these cars are popular for capturing a retro vibe.

b. Luxury Sedans and SUVs

For a more contemporary touch, luxury sedans and SUVs are increasingly popular. Brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi add a modern and stylish appeal to the wedding day, combining luxury with comfort and class.

c. Limousines

Limousines are ideal for couples looking to make a grand, memorable entrance. With spacious interiors, tinted windows, and plush seating, a limousine provides a touch of opulence and can be a delightful ride for the bridal party as well.

d. Exotic Sports Cars

For adventurous couples, sports cars like Lamborghini, Ferrari, or Porsche add a unique thrill. These cars turn heads and are great for couples looking to add a splash of modern flair to their wedding.

e. Vintage Jeeps and Royal Enfields

In recent years, open-top vintage jeeps and even bikes like the Royal Enfield have become trendy for a bit of rustic flair, particularly for outdoor weddings. They are perfect for couples who want to capture that scenic Kerala landscape with a blend of traditional and adventurous vibes.

3. Top Wedding Car Rental Services in Trivandrum

There are several reputed car rental agencies in Trivandrum that specialize in providing wedding cars. Here’s a quick look at some of the popular ones:

a. Trivandrum Wedding Cars

Trivandrum Wedding Cars offers an extensive selection of vintage, luxury, and classic cars. Known for their professionalism and punctuality, they ensure each car is in pristine condition for the big day. They also provide personalized decorations to match the wedding theme.

b. Royal Drive Rentals

Royal Drive Rentals has a collection of premium sedans, SUVs, and exotic sports cars. Their luxury fleet is ideal for couples who prefer contemporary options like BMWs, Audis, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles. They provide chauffeur services as well.

c. Kerala Luxury Cars

This service specializes in luxury wedding car rentals across Kerala, including Trivandrum. Their fleet includes limousines, Rolls-Royce, and a wide array of vintage options. They’re known for their reliable service and attention to detail.

d. Regal Vintage Wheels

Regal Vintage Wheels focuses on classic and vintage models for those looking to capture a touch of old-world charm. Their selection includes restored cars from the 1950s and 60s, perfect for a traditional Kerala wedding.

4. Things to Consider When Renting a Wedding Car

Before booking a wedding car in Trivandrum, here are some essential tips to ensure you get the best experience:

a. Set a Budget

Wedding cars come at various price points, from budget-friendly options to high-end luxury vehicles. Decide on a budget beforehand, and try to stick to it, as costs can quickly add up.

b. Book Early

Since weddings are popular year-round in Kerala, it’s wise to book your wedding car well in advance, especially if you’re eyeing a specific model. Popular options tend to get reserved quickly, particularly during wedding seasons.

c. Review the Decor Options

Check with the rental service regarding decoration options for the car. Most agencies offer floral arrangements and ribbons, but you may also bring your own decor if you have a particular theme in mind.

d. Confirm Chauffeur Services

Many couples prefer chauffeur-driven wedding cars to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience. Confirm if the car rental includes a chauffeur and whether they are experienced in wedding services.

e. Test the Car, if Possible

It’s always a good idea to inspect the car in person before the wedding. Check the interiors, cleanliness, and condition of the vehicle to avoid any last-minute surprises.

5. Make Your Grand Exit Unforgettable

As you plan your wedding in Trivandrum, remember that your choice of transportation can make a lasting impression. A well-chosen wedding car not only adds a stylish touch but also becomes a part of your beautiful journey as a couple. Trivandrum’s scenic landscapes, combined with the charm of a classic or luxury car, create a picture-perfect setting for wedding photos and cherished memories.

So, whether you’re drawn to the allure of a classic Rolls-Royce or the excitement of a sleek BMW, Trivandrum’s wedding car rentals offer a variety of options to match your style, personality, and dream wedding vision.

[dankusner]

UVALDE MASS SHOOTING Court asked to order records’ release

Files on police response are in the public interest, news organizations argue

AUSTIN — A group of news organizations asked a state appeals court on Wednesday to order the release of Texas Department of Public Safety records of the law enforcement response to the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, the latest dispute over what should be made public from one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history.

A judge in Travis County had previously ordered the state police agency to release its records after the news organizations sued for access.

The state and the Uvalde district attorney have objected, arguing that their release could jeopardize law enforcement investigations, and the state appealed to keep them out of the public view.

In a hearing before the 15th Court of Appeals, Laura Prather, an attorney for the media organizations, called the attempt to block the records “an attempt to cloak the entire file in secrecy forever. We’re talking about the most significant law enforcement failure in Texas history. … The public interest could not be higher.”

One judge on the panel noted that the DPS records include more than 6 million pages of documents and hundreds of hours of video.

The district attorney’s objection was enough to block the release under Texas law, said Texas Assistant Solicitor General Sara Baumgardner.

“[The media] can make whatever inflammatory allegations about DPS they’d like to make,” Baumgardner said.

“Texas courts have recognized that the entity in best position to know what would interfere with a prosecution is the actual prosecutor, not a bunch of news outlets.”

The appeals court did not indicate when it might rule on the case.

Any decision can be appealed to the state Supreme Court.

The Associated Press was not among the news organizations that sued.

A gunman stormed the school on May 24, 2022, killing 19 fourth-grade students and two teachers.

More than 370 responding officers from multiple local, state and federal agencies waited more than an hour to confront and kill the gunman.

Other records from the shooting have been released.

DPS has selectively released some of those findings at news conferences and public hearings at the Legislature.

In August, Uvalde officials released a massive collection of audio and video recordings from body cameras and surveillance videos after a protracted legal fight.

Multiple reports from state federal officials have laid bare cascading problems in law enforcement training, communication, leadership and technology, and questioned whether officers prioritized their own lives over those of children and teachers.

[darkmaga-returns]

Multiple signatures. John Ellis Oct 26, 2024

Joby Warrick and Jarrett Ley, The Washington Post.

A few months after Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, satellite imagery captured unusual activity at a restricted military research facility nestled among the birch forests northeast of Moscow.

The Russian site, called Sergiev Posad-6, had been quiet for decades, but it had a notorious Cold War past: It had once been a major research center for biological weapons, with a history of experiments with the viruses that cause smallpox, Ebola and hemorrhagic fevers.

Satellite imagery over the next two years — collected by commercial imaging firms Maxar and Planet Labs — shows construction vehicles renovating the old Soviet-era laboratory and breaking ground on 10 new buildings, totaling more than 250,000 square feet, with several of them bearing hallmarks of biological labs designed to handle extremely dangerous pathogens.

There has been no sign such weapons have been used in the Ukraine conflict, but the construction of new labs at Sergiev Posad-6 is being closely watched by U.S. intelligence agencies and bioweapons experts amid worries about Moscow’s intentions as the conflict grinds through its third year.

The images showed multiple signatures that, when combined, indicate a high-containment biological facility: dozens of rooftop air handling units, layouts consistent with partitioned labs, underground infrastructure, heightened security features and what appears to be a power plant. (Source: washingtonpost.com….Editor’s Note: The best book on this subject — Demon In The Freezer — was written by Richard Preston. An excerpt from his book was published in The New Yorker in 1998. It’s well worth reading)

Yaroslav Trofimov:

Several times over the past three months, swarms of as many as 150 Ukrainian drones flew hundreds of miles into Russia, slamming into missile storage facilities, strategic fuel reservoirs, military airfields and defense plants.

Once considered exceptional, these deep strikes now barely register in the news. Yet, Ukrainian officials and some of their Western backers increasingly see the pain that long-range attacks inflict as a game-changer that could force President Vladimir Putin into negotiating an acceptable peace.

“Our capacity to return the war back to its home, to Russia, is what fundamentally alters the situation,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said after one such attack last month. The attack, according to open-source intelligence analysts, destroyed some 58 warehouses and a railway terminal at an artillery and rocket arsenal northwest of Moscow.

After meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin this week, Zelensky said Washington is readying an $800 million package to fund Ukrainian drone production. (Source: wsj.com)

Russia’s central bank raised its key interest rate to the highest level since the invasion of Ukraine as it struggles to cool an overheating economy. The Bank of Russia on Friday lifted borrowing costs for the third straight meeting, to 21% from 19%. The key rate was last near that high in late February 2022 when the central bank countered a slump in the ruble that followed the start of a lengthening war on the country’s neighbor. (Source: wsj.com)