#coding minutes acquisition

[otkuhotgirl]

─── 𝐂𝐈𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐒 .

# with black leg sanji.

returning earlier from the crew’s usual strolling through the newest island, you’re startled to witness sanji viciously lapping his tongue at a stolen tangerine. pitying his position, you allow him to have a taste of the real thing.

⎰ & afab!reader. smut (mdni!). oral. slightly sub!sanji. he eats you out like he’s starving. no y/n used.

W.C: 3K

when you decided to announce an early retreat to the sunny, much too dizzy to withstand the island’s scalding heat and deciding the most suitable course of action would be to seclude yourself within the cooler walls of the ship, the last thing you had expected was to find sanji in such a compromising position.

minutes previous to that encounter, you were quite frustrated. the shore town was a beating heart of commerce and people, filled with opportunities to find useful acquisitions to oneself. you were looking forward to a shopping-filled afternoon; to observe nami’s wits in action — her bargaining that was nothing but diplomatic theft — and listen to chopper’s ramblings about the books he managed to find. of course, the midday sun and its ruthless warmth had ruined it all, meaning that a day of privacy with sanji was the second best thing.

he had been the one assigned to watch the ship while the rest of the crew explored the town. considering the high temperature and his never-ending will to be of use, you had no doubt that the cook could be found in the kitchen, slicing up fruits to prepare delicious cocktails. hence why you followed the scent of tangerines, growing slightly puzzled. he was one brave man — or a suicidal one, you could not quite decide — for picking up nami’s tangerines when she was not around.

you should have knocked, truly. it was a mistake not to have done so. but you hadn’t cared much for courtesies whatsoever, eager for a refreshing beverage and perhaps the chance to share a pleasant conversation with the cook.

upon entering the kitchen, you were expecting to be met with ice and diced fruit, yes, but not under those circumstances.

half a tangerine was placed on the counter, as well as a glass cup with a singular and melting cube of ice. sanji busied himself with the other half of the fruit, swirling his tongue around the middle, his chin dripping with its juice, which caused you to clench around nothing; your legs forcing together as you observed the scene without a word.

after hearing the opened door, sanji froze in place, moving his head to catch a glimpse of the intruder as though he was experiencing the most terrifying seconds of his life. his shoulders slumped with a temporary sense of relief as he noticed your figure, before his entire frame threatened to burst up in flames out of embarrassment.

you cleared your throat, forcing a rough snicker in an attempt to lighten the shared atmosphere. then, finding yourself a seat, you grabbed the tangerine with one hand, placing the other on your chin. “having fun?”

although not aflame, sanji was as red as that one clown-pirate’s nose, averting eye contact as he placed the tangerine on the sink and searched for a cigarette. it became clearer that he had no courage to meet your eyes, stressing over the consequences of that endeavor. your glance, however, was tethered to the positioning of his fingers above his half of the tangerine, noticing polished and short nails, the well maintained hands, for a cook of his caliber could not indulge in carelessness.

the saliva sent to your dried throat was a fuel to a forest fire, rather than a soothing rain to a desert. your treacherous mind flashed sinful scenarios of those fingers. your juices of pleasure tainting them, warmth enveloping its skin as he curled them close to your sweetest spot before shoving his fingers into his mouth, loyal to his personal code of never wasting any food—

“pearl of my life,” he began at last, sounding a bit hesitant, yet calmer. “i can explain.”

sanji’s voice grew rougher due to the cigarette between his lips. inhaled nicotine that traveled past his vocal chords to settle on his lungs before he expelled them through his nostrils. you found yourself at a loss for words, wondering how one could differentiate the intonation of desire from the consequential coarseness of smoking. was there even a difference? oh, how desperately you wished to find out.

the cook seemed to have misinterpreted your silence, all of the sudden growing anxious, searching for a lighter despite not having finished his first cigarette just yet. luckily, for the both of you, the oven filled in the gaps with a repetitive beep, informing that the dish he had prepared was set to be served.

the scent of one of your most favored desserts danced around the talons of smoke from sanji’s unfinished cigarette. he smashed the tip of it against the ashtray, and hid his hands from your luscious eyes with the kitchen gloves. sanji had to bend to remove the sweet treat from the oven, offering you a clear sight of his butt and the powerful muscles of his thighs, strained against the fabric of his pants. as if hypnotized, you observed, with a certain hunger — for both the dish and the cook — as he then moved towards the counter.

sanji, at last, faced you. “a bargain, mon sirène.”

you raised an eyebrow with an expression of pure confusion, having your next words swallowed by hushed explanations as sanji’s composure crumbled, no longer bearing the weight of your silence. he knelt and encapsulated your hand with his, assuming a pleading tone.

“i thought i’d have a tad more time for myself, you see. at first, i was merely preparing you something sweet, planning to welcome you back with the luxury you deserved, but then my thoughts trailed entirely to you—”

sanji cleared his throat, the gears of his mind turning as he searched for a better explanation. “we’re discovering more of the new world, and oh, my golden star of the open seas, not a thing will ever be able to diminish your brightness and influence over my beating heart—”

“sanji,” you voiced softly.

“but, you see, what if a lady ever so happens to reciprocate my passion and desires? how could i live up to what she deserves? by training, of course—”

“sanji.”

“and oh, well, i meant to prepare tangerine cocktails to ignore those thoughts. but the fruit does resemble a woman’s intimacy—”

“sanji.”

“or so i heard. from zeff. i never had the honor of verifying it myself—”

“sanji!” you interrupted his ramblings, caging his face with your hands, not at all surprised by the high temperature of his skin.

the cook was a passionate man, with a heart that had been dipped in molten gold; filled with nothing but love and the urge to please. but you hadn’t fallen prey to fantasies of his embrace due to bashful flirting, well-pondered gifts and delicious dishes. though those were of aid, sanji, while clueless, managed to become the center of your affection because of his endless kindness, the infinite will to help those in need, those alluring and prestative eyes that never failed to brighten up in your presence.

processing his previous words, and the reasoning behind the decision to train his tongue with a fruit, you felt as though a sharp blade toyed with the fragile skin of your heart. the mere thought of witnessing his care delivered to someone else — a stranger at that — was both vexing and painful. for a second, under the burning and expectation-filled glance of his, you struggled to maintain your thoughts linear. what was needed for him to keep his attention focused on you, and you alone? the answer came with such easiness that you felt a bit ashamed.

sanji squeezed your hand, as if to tether your mind to the instance at hand. with a clear of your throat, you offered him a sympathetic glance.

“i’m not zoro,” you told him, aiming for a reassuring tone. “embarrassing you for the sake of having the last word isn’t something i’m interested in. if you want me to keep this interaction a secret, i will. no bargaining needed.”

he observed you as if the moon was kept in a pendant wrapped around your neck. for a second, your very name escaped from your mind.

“i have always known that you were as kind and merciful as a heaven sent angel. i’ll make sure to return the favor.”

oh! you were surprised that he caught on your desires. sanji was observant, but you were obstinate to a fault and thought that your behavior had been one of composure. well! at least you wouldn’t have to take the first step. he’d be the one to slide down the material of your shorts and panties and guide your hand to his blonde hair and—

sanji got up and moved towards the dessert, scanning the kitchen for the scarce fine cutlery in order to serve the sweet with a noble-worthy decoration. you shoved the revolt that surged due to the distance, mouth agape in both embarrassment and bewilderment. without a second thought or an ounce of patience, you gathered up the courage to act.

“you know, sanji,” you hummed. his sudden straightened posture made you feel a bit wicked, for he behaved as though a deer caught in the woods at the intonation shift of your voice. “if you wanted to practice, you could’ve asked me.”

the cherries he was carefully piling up on the plate crumbled like a house of cards. his nervousness was palpable. sanji turned his head towards your figure, face adorned with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

“mockery isn’t a kind act, my seastar,” he said, voice strained. “but i would have forgiven you for committing even the most violent crimes.”

you blinked, straightening your posture. a bit disheartened, for he seemed unable to believe that you were capable of nurturing a genuine desire for him.

“sanji, i mean it. it would be my pleasure,” literally.

sanji shifted his entire body, facing you with certain hesitation. his adam’s apple bobbed up and down as his glance trailed to your lips; then to your breasts; then glued to your crossed legs. his pupils dilated.

with careful steps, as if fearing that a sudden move would tear him from what he believed to be a dream, sanji approached you. the cook breathed in, trembling with nitid nervousness and excitement.

“how do we—should i kneel? i don’t—”

somehow, both his innocence and lack of experience managed to soothe your own nerves. although sanji seemed a wreck, your confidence grew as you tapped a finger on the dining table.

“would you mind if i sat on it?”

he flushed immediately. “what?”

sanji then noticed his error, clearing his throat and gripping a fistful of his hair with an apologetic expression, almost as if expecting a reprimand.

you merely smiled instead. “i can sit on your ‘it’ later, but you should learn the basics first.”

he nodded with fervor, observing with certain desperation as you sat on the edge of the dining table, parting your legs with ease; beckoning him closer.

sanji remained glued in place as though a statue, stunned to a fault. “would you get on your knees for me?”

his reaction was immediate, and the sound of his bones meeting the wooden surface of the ground made you wince for his sake. if the impact caused him pain, sanji didn’t express it. instead, he crawled closer, his breath fanning above your thighs.

“don’t feel forced to do it,” he stuttered at last, offering you the chance to halt.

“this is the part where you remove my shorts,” you instructed instead, and his fingers eagerly worked to unbutton the piece of clothing.

with a raise of your hips, you aided him in the task at hand, watching sanji drool at the sight of your drenched panties. it was endearing, but the lack of contact was maddening.

“you’re allowed to touch me.”

“where?”

“everywhere.”

he placed a careful hand on your thigh. with a groan, your fingers encouraged him to squeeze the tender flesh, and so he did. sanji approached your clothed cunt, his hot breath fanning above the sensible spot. you shivered in anticipation, gripping the blonde locks of his hair with non-thought strength.

before you managed to apologize for the harshness, sanji moaned, latching his mouth to your core. his tongue lapped at it as though a beast, carrying nothing but desperation, with no regards for the piece of cloth that separated you both. you let out a yelp of surprise, breathing heavily at the contact.

“sanji,” you whined, pressing his nose to your folds. “the p-panties.”

he understood it well enough, moving his face afar, nimble fingers tugging on the straps. you raised your hips to help him, and watched as sanji sniffed the material before shoving it inside his back pocket.

sanji trailed his eyes to your cunt. a broken whimper tore through his throat. “where is it?”

“what?”

he flushed, pressing one of his fingers at your slick entrance. you shuddered, and his face inched closer, a temptative kiss pressed to your middle. sanji’s visible eye caught on whatever he seemed to be searching, and his tongue followed-in-suit. he circled the muscle around your clit, slowly, as if testing out the waters.

you tugged on his hair. “faster. use your fingers as well.”

he hummed, sending a wave of vibrations through your core. an involuntary noise escaped your lips once sanji inserted two of his fingers inside. removing your hand from the one he had above your thigh, you gripped his wrist, correcting the angle.

“it’ll hurt less for you,” you explained, and sanji hadn’t even answered, too lost on your pussy to pay your words any mind. he was reacting to your instructions due to mere instinct.

sanji’s lips closed around your bud, sucking on it before he used his tongue to lap at your folds, moving it up and down. you arched your back, controlling the speed of his wrist until sanji caught on it himself, dominating the field.

as he moved his jaw, you felt the roughness of his goatee caressing your warm flesh. “scissor it.”

he obliged, alternating his movements. sanji removed his fingers until the nails, only to insert them again with your desired speed. he curled them inside, exploring your intimacy with his touch while he busied his mouth with your clit and folds.

the hand once placed on his wrist returned to the counter’s edge. you gripped it without much thought, eyes trailed to sanji’s face in between your legs. he interlocked his free fingers with yours, pressing open-mouthed kisses to your palm — aching due to your previous grip —, coating your hand with saliva as well. your juices dripped down his chin and glistened on his nose.

“don’t hurt yourself, bien-aimée,” sanji whispered, tears of glee pooling in his pleasure-wide eyes. “hurt me instead.”

you opened your mouth to retort, but the protest melted into a broken moan as sanji spat on your cunt, replacing the fingers inside with his tongue. he whimpered at the taste; his thumb drew circles around your clit, while the longer fingers busied themselves with your folds.

your legs trembled, and your fingers tightened on his hair. sanji’s mewl of pleasure lost itself within your cunt, his thumb pressing harder on your clit as he plunged his tongue deeper, angling his head as if he was trying to devour you.

“l-left,” you told him through a broken moan, seeing stars when his tongue managed to reach a particularly sweet spot.

you felt the built pressure that indicated the nearing of release. sanji parted his face from your cunt for the briefest of moments. softly, as if handling a luxurious and delicate piece of golden cluttery, sanji grabbed a fistful of your thighs with both of his hands, dragging your body closer. your back met the wooden surface of the dining table, and before you managed to ground yourself, sanji had guided your fingers back to his scalp, allowing you to force his face into your pussy.

two fingers stretched you as he bit on your clit, soothing it with his tongue afterwards. you arched your back against the table, toes curling with pleasure.

“so good,” sanji moaned with desperation, his voice mingling with the wet sound of his fingers working on your cunt.

you felt him hump against nothing, nose teasing your folds, and kicked his sides meekly, searching for his dick. sanji caressed your ankle before guiding it to rest on his shoulder.

“ma belle,” he mumbled, kissing your leg, dragging your essence through your skin. “don’t worry about me.”

he fastened his pace, sucking on your inner thigh as his fingers led you to the heavens. you saw stars. your eyes rolled and your mouth parted to give way to a scream, yet your voice failed. somewhere amidst that cloud of pleasure, you caught the sight of his figure towering over your own, one hand grabbing your breast as he pressed his lips against yours. sanji’s tongue invaded your mouth and the taste of your essence, combined with the movement of his fingers, led you to the edge.

your climax came accompanied by a broken moan, diligently muffled by sanji. again, he knelt, removing his fingers lick at your leaking hole, swallowing as much of your cum as he could. you squirmed due to the overstimulation, tugging on his hair to force his face away from your cunt.

“too much,” you whispered, observing the ceiling while coming off from your high.

sanji’s clean fingers caressed your cheek, and he supported your weight once you gathered the will to sit. he pressed loving kisses to your neck, mumbling compliments against the skin. your eyes landed on his softening cock, the wet patch indicating that he came undone.

you tugged at the waistband of his pants, beckoning him closer. your fingers toyed with the zipper, and sanji shivered, his hand trembling where it laid above your hip.

“there’s no need to repay me, mrs. princess,” sanji voice out softly, pressing a kiss to your forehead. “it was enough a pleasure to get to touch you, and your dessert—”

“i want it,” you interrupted, grinning with newfound confidence. “and besides, it’s your turn to teach me, isn’t it?”

sanji had to resort to a tangerine before tasting the real thing. luckily for the bananas, you managed to dodge the same fate.

— 🐈‍⬛ : this was actually supposed to be about teaching him how to kiss. and then i had ten tangerines for dinner and thought “waiiiiit it does look like a pussy” and boom, 3k words. i ended it with humor because i need to be funny at all times, otherwise i die. it’s a medical condition!

[soft-girl-musings]

Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps - CHAPTER 2 (I've Got You Under My Skin)

Noir!Jake Lockley x WOC Lounge Singer!Reader

written in collaboration with + header by @mrs-lockley

chapter 1 chapter 3 chapter 4 chapter 5

cross-posted to ao3

tags: late 1940s Noir AU, Reader is WOC coded but with no physical description besides being slightly taller than Jake while wearing heels, no use of Y/N

wc: 2,326

fic summary: Of all the gin joints in all the world, Jake Lockley walks into yours. Unfortunately for him, it's not quite the start of a beautiful friendship.

chapter summary: another night, another guest.

----------

The Paper Moon is open to all walks of life– every culture, creed, and color is welcome through the doors of your lounge. This is usually a happy truth, but these days you’ve been harboring a clockwork headache when that cab driver stops by.

He gives you the base courtesy of sticking to a schedule: around 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jake will waltz in on the heels of James Wesley and whatever company he has in tow. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Jake sits at the same back table while Mr. Wesley conducts his business. And every Tuesday and Thursday, you play nice as you check in on your patrons. Including the cabbie.

“Another stellar set, Ms. Songbird,” he lilts as you give a courtesy nod, brushing past his table in the hopes of keeping things brief.

“Thank you, Mr. Lockley.” Your voice is tense as you breeze by. Jake Lockley, you’d learned from the wait staff: the legal name for the thorn in your side.

In all honesty, you wouldn’t mind his presence as much if he didn’t insist on making it known every evening. You had learned to expect him in the crowd whenever you’d hear a high-pitched whistle ringing above the applause each night. The sound grates at your resolve and forces you to plaster on your stage-ready smile a bit longer every time you make your rounds.

“Hey Songbird,” he calls out after you. “Have a drink with me?”

“A drink at my own bar? How inspired.” You press your lips into a firm line, the rest of your face broadcasting your disinterest to no avail. Every week he asks; every week you say no.

“Suit yourself,” he sighs, always backing down but never taking his eyes off you. It’s one thing to be watched onstage; it’s another to feel his gaze on the ground level. You feel a bit of relief every time you see him walk out with his client, tipping his hat to you at the end of each evening. His smile remains undeterred, no matter how cold a shoulder you offer.

It’d be damn near charming if you trusted it.

----------

Today’s not the day to let your guard down, the unmarked letter in your hand reminds you as you pace around the backstage corridor. It’s the third of its kind you’ve received this month. You worry your lip between your teeth as you pour over its contents, even though you know them by heart.

“To whom it may concern….” “...property acquisition…” “...would be in your best interest…” “...other businesses under our care …”

“‘Our care,’ that’s rich,” you mutter. “Remind me to stop opening the mail during business hours…”

“Uh, okay?” Mauricio agrees hesitantly as he rounds the corner. “Was wondering where our ‘fifteen-minutes-to-curtain’ call was, but I see you've been busy.”

“Oh good golly, is that really the time?” You fumble to put the letter back in its envelope. “Haven't even finished my makeup…” you trail off as you head to your dressing room, your drummer right behind you.

When you open the door, you see a small bundle of flowers sitting on your side table. Oh for crying out loud.

“How many times do I have to–” you're muttering to yourself again as you take the flowers in hand, moving swiftly across the room.

"What are you doing?" Mauricio sputters.

"If that man thinks he can weasel into my good graces with a few pretty flowers-" you huff as you drop the bouquet in a wastebasket. "–he's going to be sorely disappointed."

"Those were– those were mine." Mauricio admits softly.

You freeze, turning to him. "Really?"

He scoops up the bouquet. "I wanted to surprise you. Guess I should've left a note," he chuckles.

"Oh, Maurie, thank you." You rush over to bring him into a hug. Sometimes he's too sweet for his own good.

".... This is from Mr. Lockley." Mauricio breaks away to hold out a single white rose he'd been hiding behind his back.

You sigh. "He's a persistent son of a gun, isn't he?"

He nods, dimpled smile growing by the second. “I think he's swell, miss. The boys think so, too.”

You turn the rose over in your hand. “I want you to be careful around him, Maurie. We don't know what he's about.”

“I think he's made it pretty clear,” he laughs.

“Hm. Perhaps.” You raise an eyebrow. "And I suppose you both brought flowers because...?"

Mauricio brims with excitement, taking the rose back and bundling it with the bouquet he'd gifted. "Mr. Lockley sounded real set on gettin’ you something sweet," he starts. He puts the flowers in an empty vase on your vanity.

"I didn't mean to steal his thunder, but I like it when you smile." He wipes his hands on the front of his pants and his expression drops a bit. "You haven't been smilin’ as much these days, Ms. Songbird."

You busy yourself with the fallen petals at your feet. “I smile all the time, what do you mean?”

“I guess I'm saying… there's you onstage, then there's, I dunno, you -you. They smile differently, s'all.”

He's right, as much as you hate to admit it. You look over at the flowers. “Well, thanks for giving me a reason to smile for real, Maurie.” You press a kiss to his forehead. “My mind's a bit out of sorts tonight. So thank you.”

The youth's dark brown eyes fill with concern. “Anything we can help you with?”

You shake your head, moving back to your vanity. “Nothing to worry yourself over, darling. Just make sure the boys are set. We have a show to put on.” 

He nods and leaves your dressing room. As you apply your lipstick, your hand trembles.

----------

Wednesdays have become your favorite part of the week: the day you catch your breath between visits.

In the time before the first half of your set, you make your usual rounds to each table.  Eventually you work your way to the front of the seating area, where you see a familiar silhouette beside the stage. A pair of dark glasses are perched on his nose, which crinkles as he smiles at the sound of your footsteps.

“Mr. Murdock,” you greet him warmly, taking his extended hand. “Always a pleasure.”

“Hey, kid.” He squeezes your hand in response, still beaming up at you. Even in the dimmed lounge, Matt Murdock’s smile can light up a room. 

“Come off it,” you huff in mock annoyance. “Thanks for stopping by on such short notice.”

“It sounded urgent, of course I’d be here. Do you have all the paperwork together?”

You eye the empty seat next to him. “I have a whole file waiting for you backstage… I’m sorry, is Franklin not joining you this evening?”

“Not tonight, but I do have another guest coming. Is that drink still on the house for a new plus-one?”

“Any friend of Nelson & Murdock is a friend of mine.” You brush a few stray hairs from his forehead. “Is this a guest for business or pleasure?”

He laughs, waving your hand away. “I suppose that depends.”

“Well, as long as they’re a fan of good music, they’re welcome here anytime,” you hum as you straighten his collar. “I swear, Matty. It wouldn’t kill you to dress to impress.”

“You dote too much. I’ll catch up with you later.” You leave him to his drink, making a mental note to demand his dress shirts for a routine tailoring.

The dinner rush brings the usual crowd, and you eye your friend’s table every so often. The seat beside him is still empty. You wonder if Matt was just pulling your leg and wanted to keep both complimentary drinks for himself.

But you don’t have time to ponder that. Instead, you scribble a few notes down and pass them out to your bandmates.

���Ah gee, boss, changing the setlist again?” Your pianist whines, scanning your notes. He didn’t ask tonight, but last-minute song requests are a longstanding favor to Matt when he has a lady to impress (which is often). For the sake of his mysterious guest, you swapped in some softer, more romantic pieces.

“Jackie, don’t tell me you’re not up to the task?” You eye him sternly. “Half the gig is improv anyway, and these are all songs we’ve done before.”

Jackie’s budding protest is silenced by the bassist via an elbow to the ribs. Arguing with you is never worth it: a lesson everyone learns sooner or later. Some take longer than others. 

Rubbing his side, Jackie concedes. “Whatever you say, boss.”

You wink. “That’s a tune I like to hear.” Smiling sweetly, you lead the band's procession to the stage.

“Good evening,” you croon into the microphone, “and welcome to The Paper Moon. I’m Ms. Songbird, this fine-feathered crew beside me are The Jays– let’s have some fun tonight.” You flash a rehearsed smile so dazzling it can be seen from the farthest table in the lounge, and you scan the room with anticipation. The moments before a performance are so precious; even with a setlist, anything can happen the moment that first note is played. Every night, you revel in the possibility. 

A familiar two-toned whistle draws your gaze to Matt’s table right below the stage, where the seat beside him is no longer empty.

Hat resting on the table, chin propped in his hands, you find yourself staring down at the face of none other than that infuriating cab driver bearing a grin so wide you hope it splits his cheeks.

Fighting to keep your smile from turning into a grimace, your eyes snap back to the middle of the room. “This first song goes out to one of our favorite patrons… and his company,” you add, your voice betraying your restraint with a crack. You don’t look down, but you just know that damned cabbie is smiling even harder.

Despite the rocky start, you and your band pull together another unforgettable night of music. You perform with your eyes closed more than usual; you refuse to give Jake Lockley the satisfaction of serenading him with your best love songs.

Once the music portion of the night is through, all the frustration you’d pushed down swiftly rises to the surface as you watch them pal around right under your nose. You rush to the floor level to get this over with.

“What are you doing here?” you blurt out, glancing between Jake and Matt. Your friend’s eyebrows raise at the outburst.

“Last I checked, this is a free country. I’m allowed into most businesses.”

“No, I mean– it’s not Thursday. You come on Thursdays.”

“Why Ms. Songbird, I didn’t think you cared enough to keep tabs on me.” He leans his head on his hand and stares up at you. “Sorry I didn’t call ahead.”

You want so badly to snap back at him, but instead you look at Matt. “ This is who I changed our set list for?”

“In my defense, I never asked you to,” he grins.

“You didn’t tell me you were so familiar with our lovely hostess here, Murdock. Seems you have more pull with the house than you let on,” Jake muses in surprise.

“A privilege he’s bound to lose if he's not careful,” you say through gritted teeth. Like it or not, Jake is a guest. And you still have an image to uphold. “How’d you have the pleasure of running into this one, Matthew?”

He barely has time to respond before Jake's leaning in farther, slinging an arm around his shoulders. “Oh, chin up, doll– can’t say I’m too surprised he’s a friend of yours. Always has a knack for finding the pretty ones, this guy.” He nudges Matt’s side, who’s far too quiet for your liking.

“I’m not sure what you’re implying,” you huff.

“‘Course, I keep him around for that brain of his, not so much the mug.”

“He's my lawyer,” you say in unison. What makes your brow furrows leads Jake to bark out a laugh, shaking Matt in his grip as he tugs him closer.

“What are the odds of that, eh Murdock?” He beams up at you. Your frown deepens. “He's helped me with the occasional run-in with the law.”

“Oh, so you're not just a smart-mouth but a criminal, to boot?” 

“Nothing but a few civil suits, doll. Got off clean every time.” He winks as you cross your arms, glaring at Matt.

“You have interesting taste in company, Mr. Murdock.” You turn on your heel and head backstage.

“No kidding,” Jake continues to laugh as you walk away. Once you're out of sight, his smile falters. “So when you said you had a friend in show business–”

“Yeah.”

“And when I told you about the dame I've been eyeing at this new lounge–”

“–I knew exactly who you were talking about.”

“So you've been letting me parade around like a putz this whole time? ” A smack upside the head earns Jake a kick to the shin beneath the table.

“That, my friend, was all you. I mean bravo, you were in rare form tonight.” That signature smile returns as Jake pushes a hand through his hair. “I should probably go smooth some feathers. Catch up with you in an hour?”

Jake downs the rest of his drink and stands when Matt does. “You know I love our little talks.” Casting a final glance towards the stage door, he adjusts his jacket and moves from the table.

Matt catches his elbow. “She’ll come around.” He almost sounds convinced of it himself.

“Yeah, well, we’ve got other fish to fry tonight. Promise I’ll save you the big ones.”

Shaking his head, Matt makes his way backstage. “I’m starting to think some of that vitriol isn’t unearned.”

They part ways– Matt heading backstage, Jake to the moonlit streets. 

Bigger fish to fry, indeed: all swimming in the Kingpin’s tank. 

----------

A/N: thank you to everyone who has expressed enthusiasm over this little passion project!! it's been so fun putting it together, and i'm looking forward to sharing more with you. expect to see more of our favorite lawyer in the future (we have fun here)

as always, thank you for reading <3

tag list: @importantnightwerewolf, @cupidysm, @queerponcho, @nerdieforpedro, @fandxmslxt69, @shadystarlightgentlemen, @lunar-ghoulie, @casa-boiardi (lmk if you'd like to be added to/removed from this wee tag list)

[adragonsfriend]

Reading Darth Plagueis,

by James Luceno.

Ok I finished this book. It was a wild ride, here are some highlights, (anything in quotes, " ", is in fact, a direct quote). Spoilers, I guess.

———

“At some point, probably when he was focused on murder, a rock or other projectile had pulped a large area of his lower back.”--Plagueis

Yeah man that always happens to me too when I’m focused on murder

———

Me thinking, *Plagueis is way too normal for a sith,* about five seconds before the narration goes *Plagueis was hungry. he thought about eating the eggs of some sentient lizards and also the sentient lizards themselves, but restrained himself*

———

Plagueis, a banker: nOt all mUNns R bAnkErS u kNoW

A pirate who wants a bribe: be better for you if you were some financial wizard

Plagueis, a literal wizard:

———

Captain La (the random pirate): how do u know my name

Plagueis: *truthing* I sliced you ship’s systems,

Plagueis: *lying* it’s not like I’m a telepath or something

———

*at the evil rich people party*

"Republic senators, at least those that weren’t present, would be subjected to ridicule—"

I love how the narration says "subjected" like Bail Organa would give fuck about some assholes making fun of him

———

Plagueis in a business meeting as hego damask:

Repeats himself multiple times conducting experiments in trying to force suggest to a resistant species

His assistant: bro what r u doing ur making us look bad

———

omg young Palpatine is so Anakin coded. Genuinely he throws tantrums it’s perfect

———

Tag this accidental baby acquisition some random dathomiri lady just handed maul over like a sac of potatoes

———

Sidious, about to gaslight, girlboss, gatekeep, mansplain, manipulate, and threaten to manslaughter Nute Gunray within an inch of his life all in the span of a 2 minute zoom call: *wearing his Sith cloak on their holocall* what is up my guy? did u get the rare collectible bird I sent u anonymously a while back?

Nute Gunray: uhh…yes…um… its very nice…who are you and why r u hiding in that hood bro?

Sidious: it's the traditional clothing of my Order

Gunray: ur a cleric?

Sidious: "Do I seem like a holy man to you?"

Me: the only holes I see here are in your logic, morals, ability to feel compassion, and *waves hand all encompassingly* vibes

———

Dooku: if one more Jedi dies because of the indolence of the republic, I’ll leave the Jedi and refuse to look back

Palpatine: *listening attentively*

———

Plagueis & Maul: (separately) gloat about being Sith Lords to people they’re about to kill

Sidious:

Sidious: these idiots cannot keep a secret to save their lives—

———

Plagueis ACTUALLY believes Sidious is about to appoint him co-chancellor. what an idiot.

———

Padme shocking both Sith at every turn during the Naboo crisis is sending me

———

Oooh Sidious' murder rant is incredible. He's like Plagueis you manipulated and abused me, now i'm gonna kill you so I can go do that to other people without you hanging over my shoulder. It's like the evil but still cathartic version of Zuko's speech to Firelord Ozai.

———

Dooku: That zabrak guy was definitely a Sith. There has to be another one, probably the master

Sidious, standing right next to him in a shadowy warehouse wearing a black cloak: “how would one even begin to know where to look for this other Sith?”

———

“For an instant, Palpatine perceived a touch of his younger self in Skywalker”

This book needs to stop. Maybe consider pulling its punches sometime. The only mark of disapproval I have here is that this is portraying Obi-Wan as an asshole for the five seconds he’s present

———

Bad news, the book did indeed stop. I have been gravely injured, but also greatly amused. The experience of reading this book is just constant vacillation between *wow so Sith Lord, so scary, so evil* and *Plagueis, my guy, that is the dumbest ideology I’ve ever heard. maybe if you took a nap (for the first time in 20 years) you’d finally say something that made sense*

I will also confess that I was taking detailed notes about Plagueis for an AU idea I have that I will not be starting for at least another year because I am married to BHOT and I refuse to be like the rest of you sorry fucks with 17 wips (ignoring that fanfic is in fact the only genre of writing I do not have at least 17 wips in)

[mostlysignssomeportents]

The IRS will do your taxes for you (if that's what you prefer)

This Saturday (May 20), I’ll be at the GAITHERSBURG Book Festival with my novel Red Team Blues; then on May 22, I’m keynoting Public Knowledge’s Emerging Tech conference in DC.

On May 23, I’ll be in TORONTO for a book launch that’s part of WEPFest, a benefit for the West End Phoenix, onstage with Dave Bidini (The Rheostatics), Ron Diebert (Citizen Lab) and the whistleblower Dr Nancy Olivieri.

America is a world leader in allowing private companies to levy taxes on its citizens, including (stay with me here), a tax on paying your taxes.

In most of the world, the tax authorities prepare a return for each taxpayer, sending them a prepopulated form with all their tax details — collected from employers and other regulated entities, like pension funds and commodities brokers, who must report income to the tax office. If the form is correct, the taxpayer signs it and sends it back (in some countries, taxpayers don’t even have to do that — they just ignore the return unless they want to amend it).

No one has to use this system, of course. If you have complex finances, or cash income that doesn’t show up in mandatory reporting, or if you’d just prefer to prepare your own return or pay an accountant to do so for you, you can. But for the majority of people, those with income from a job or a pension, and predictable deductions, say, from caring for minor children, filing your annual tax return takes between zero and five minutes and costs absolutely nothing.

Not so in America. America is one of the very few rich countries (including Canada, though this is changing), where the government won’t just send you a form containing all the information it already has, ready to file. As is common in complex societies, America has a complex tax code (further complexified by deliberate obfuscation by billionaires and their lickspittle Congressjerks, who deliberately perforate the tax code with loopholes for the ultra-rich):

https://pluralistic.net/2021/08/11/the-canada-variant/#shitty-man-of-history-theory

That complexity means that most of us can’t figure out how to file our own taxes, at least not without committing scarce hours out of the only life we will ever have to poring over the ramified and obscure maze of tax-law.

Why doesn’t the IRS just send you a tax-return? Well, because the tax-prep industry — an oligopoly dominated by a handful of massive, ultra-profitable firms — bribes Congress (that is, “lobbies”) to prohibit this. They are aided in this endeavor by swivel-eyed lunatic anti-tax obsessives, like Grover Nordquist and Americans for Tax Reform, who argue that paying taxes should be as difficult and painful as possible in order to foment opposition to taxation itself.

The tax-prep industry is dominated by a single firm, Intuit, who took over tax-prep through its anticompetitive acquisition of TurboTax, itself a chimera of multiple companies gobbled up in a decades-long merger orgy. Inuit is a freaky company. For decades, its defining CEO Brad Smith ran the company as a cult of personality organized around his trite sayings, like “Do whatever makes your heart beat fastest,” stenciled on t-shirts worn by employees. Other employees donned Brad Smith masks for selfies with their Beloved Leader.

Smith’s cult also spent decades lobbying to keep the IRS from offering a free filing service. Instead, Intuit joined a cartel that offered a “Free File” service to some low- and medium-income Americans:

https://www.propublica.org/article/inside-turbotax-20-year-fight-to-stop-americans-from-filing-their-taxes-for-free

But the cartel sabotaged Free File from the start. They blocked search engines from indexing their Free File services, then bought Google ads for “free file” that directed searchers to soundalike programs (“Free Filing,” etc) that hit them for hundreds of dollars in tax-prep fees. They also funneled users to versions of Free File they were ineligible for, a fact that was only revealed after the user spent hours painstaking entering their financial information, whereupon they would be told that they could either start over or pay hundreds of dollars to finish filing with a commercial product.

Intuit also pioneered the use of binding arbitration waivers that stripped its victims of the right to sue the company after it defrauded them. This tactic blew up in Intuit’s face after its victims banded together to mass-file thousands of arbitration claims, sending the company to court to argue that binding arbitration wasn’t enforceable after all:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/02/24/uber-for-arbitration/#nibbled-to-death-by-ducks

But justice eventually caught up with Intuit. After a series of stinging exposes by Propublica journalists Justin Elliot, Paul Kiel and others, NY Attorney General Letitia James led a coalition of AGs from all 50 states and DC that extracted a $141m settlement for 4.4 million Americans who had been tricked into paying for Turbotax services they were entitled to get for free:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/turbotax-to-begin-payouts-after-it-cheated-customers-new-york-ag-says/ar-AA1aNXfi

Fines are one thing, but the only way to comprehensively end the predatory tax-prep scam is to bring the USA kicking and screaming into the 20th century, when most of the rest of the world brought in free tax-prep for ordinary income earners. That’s just what’s happening: the IRS is trialing a free tax prep service for next year’s tax season:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/05/15/irs-free-file/

This, despite Intuit’s all-out blitz attack on Congress and the IRS to keep free tax-prep from ever reaching the American people:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/02/20/turbotaxed/#counter-intuit

That charm offensive didn’t stop the IRS from releasing a banger of a report that made it clear that free tax-prep was the most efficient, humane and cost-effective way to manage an advanced tax-system (something the rest of the world has known for decades):

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5788.pdf

Of course, Intuit is furious, as in spitting feathers. Rick Heineman, Intuit’s spokesprofiteer, told KQED that “A direct-to-IRS e-file system is wholly redundant and is nothing more than a solution in search of a problem. That solution will unnecessarily cost taxpayers billions of dollars and especially harm the most vulnerable Americans.”

https://www.kqed.org/news/11949746/the-irs-is-building-its-own-online-tax-filing-system-tax-prep-companies-arent-happy

Despite Upton Sinclair’s advice that “it is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it,” I will now attempt to try to explain to Heineman why he is unfuckingbelievably, eye-wateringly wrong.

“e-file…is wholly redundant”: Well, no, Rick, it’s not redundant, because there is no existing Free File system except for the one your corrupt employer made and hid “in the bottom of a locked filing cabinet stuck in a disused lavatory with a sign on the door saying ‘Beware of the Leopard.’”

“nothing more than a solution in search of a problem”: The problem this solves is that Americans have to pay Intuit billions to pay their taxes. It’s a tax on paying taxes. That is a problem.

“unnecessarily cost taxpayers billions of dollars”: No, it will save taxpayers the billions of dollars (they pay you).

“harm the most vulnerable Americans”: Here is an area where Heineman can speak with authority, because few companies have more experience harming vulnerable Americans.

Take the Child Tax Credit. This is the most successful social program in living memory, a single initiative that did more to lift American children out of poverty than any other since the days of the Great Society. It turns out that giving poor people money makes them less poor, which is weird, because neoliberal economists have spent decades assuring us that this is not the case:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/05/16/mortgages-are-rent-control/#housing-is-a-human-right-not-an-asset

But the Child Tax Credit has been systematically sabotaged, by Intuit lobbyists, who successfully added layer after layer of red tape — needless complexity that makes it nearly impossible to claim the credit without expert help — from the likes of Intuit:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/06/29/three-times-is-enemy-action/#ctc

It worked. As Ryan Cooper writes in The American Prospect: “between 13 and 22 percent of EITC benefits are gulped down by tax prep companies”:

https://prospect.org/economy/2023-05-17-irs-takes-welcome-step-20th-century/

So yes, I will defer to Rick Heineman and his employer Intuit on the subject of “harming the most vulnerable Americans.” After all, they’re the experts. National champions, even.

Now I want to address the peply guys who are vibrating with excitement to tell me about their 1099 income, the cash money they get from their lemonade stand, the weird flow of krugerrands their relatives in South African FedEx to them twice a year, etc, that means that free file won’t work for them because the IRS doesn’t actually understand their finances.

That’s a hard problem, all right. Luckily, there is a very simple answer for this: use a tax-prep service.

Actually, it’s not a hard problem. Just use a tax-prep service. That’s it. No one is going to force you to use the IRS’s free e-file. All you need to do to avoid the socialist nightmare of (checks notes) living with less red-tape is: continue to do exactly what you’re already doing.

Same goes for those of you who have a beloved family accountant you’ve used since the Eisenhower administration. All you need to do to continue to enjoy the advice of that trusted advisor is…nothing. That’s it. Simply don’t change anything.

One final note, addressing the people who are worried that the IRS will cheat innocent taxpayers by not giving them all the benefits they’re entitled to. Allow me here to simply tap the sign that says “between 13 and 22 percent of EITC benefits are gulped down by tax prep companies.” In other words, when you fret about taxpayers being ripped off, you’re thinking of Intuit, not the IRS. Just calm down. Why not try using fluoridated toothpaste? You’ll feel better, and I promise I won’t tell your friends at the Gadsen Flag appreciation society.

Your secret is safe with me.

Catch me on tour with Red Team Blues in Toronto, DC, Gaithersburg, Oxford, Hay, Manchester, Nottingham, London, and Berlin!

If you’d like an essay-formatted version of this thread to read or share, here’s a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/05/17/free-as-in-freefile/#tell-me-something-i-dont-know

[Image ID: A vintage drawing of Uncle Sam toasting with a glass of Champagne, superimposed over an IRS 1040 form that has been fuzzed into a distorted halftone pattern.]

[miaikon]

From learning a Sci-Fi script to picking up a Con-Lang (or, a very long very nerdy Star Wars rant)

I need to rant at this to the void, and this blog is my go-to for these things. I feel free to do so since no-one comes here anyways.

A bit of background

(or, the part you can skip if you want to get to the nerdy rant now): I've been into Star Wars on and off since my teens. I'm nearly 40, so that's a few decades. I do watch the new series, and became very fond of "The Mandalorian" really fast. In-between seasons, my spouse and I also re-watched most of Clone Wars. In early 2024, we started a Star Wars 5E TTRPG campaign with a friend, where my spouse DM's, Friend plays a Jedi, and I play a Mandalorian (and she's just so much FUN to play). My character is one I came up with around... 2017? Maybe? IDK if you can find her if you scroll down far enough. Currently re-designing her, though. I originally came up with her after working my way through the Travis books and becoming fascinated with Mandalorians for some reason.

Accidential Language Acquisition

My latest obsession (and distracion from the summer heat) started with me looking up some Mandalorian phrases and curses for RPG purposes. Yes, I know, none of this is canon any more. None of us cares. We kind of make our own canon. Then I found out there's a script - and I was lost. I loved codes and obscure scripts as a child, and I did learn to read Hiragana in my 20s, so how hard could this be? I looked for a chart and found this site, which offers practice reading (and a dictionary, amongst other stuff). So, I started learning the characters in, I think, late July. I read quite well by now, my writing does lag behind. Juuust... the practice phrases are written in the Mandalorian language.

I didn't set out to learn a constructed language. I really did not. I just wanted to know WHAT I was typing. So I looked up the sentences on the cheat-sheet after I got them right. And some words started repeating, and I picked them up. Kinda automatically. I swear, I only practice reading/ writing this for like 15 to 30 minutes a day. After a while, I half-understood what some sentences said. Reading Star Wars fanfiction did not help (or help a lot, depending on your POV) there. I looked up missing words, building a bit of a vocabulary. It's erratic still, but I noticed something. In conversations, my brain sometimes supplies the Mandalorian words I know now. (I usually do catch myself, although stuff tends to slip in when I'm alone with my spouse, to his amusement.) My language center does not know this is a con-lang, after all. I also tried to write a ransom note in Mandalorian, which was a fun experience (for a private project). Through fan fiction and looking up stuff, I also learned about the Legends version of Mandalorian culture. That stuff is fascinating, although I feel like a visitor to an abandoned city. Everyone's gone (since Legends is out of print and stuff is falling into obscurity), but it's still cool to look around. It gives me a kind of bittersweet, nostalgic feeling, too. So many passionate minds, and things I'm so happy to experience, but wished I knew about sooner. Aay'han, if you will, only it's memories I never made. Nostalgia for what could have been. Not gonna lie, I'm obsessed. It's a feeling I seldom get now, although it was quite frequent when I was a teen. It feels great and enjoyable and unhealthy and I think I need to stop. I'm an adult, and I'm too old to fangirl. Or, at least, I keep telling myself this.

Analyzing a Con-Lang because my nerd brain can't stop looking for patterns

Mandalorian actually HAS different words for the people, the planet, the ruler, and the language. Let me start with Manda, which is the collective soul (or the concept of) of the Mandalorian people. The people themselves are Mando'ade (Children of the Manda/ of Mandalore. Singular Mando'ad). The language is Mando'a (no clue why, language would be joha. Maybe Mando'joha was too long and it got shortened). The planet is Manda'yaim (yaim meaning home. Simple enough). The ruler is the Mand'alor (alor meaning, well, leader. Also simple).

Before long, my brain started making connections between some things. Simple things first - "Ke" or "K' " at the start of a sentence is always the imperative form of something ("Command form"). The words for "you", "I", and the third person pronoun. Then, between words, trying to fit new words with what I already know. Like [something] ad was most likely about people. I built myself bridges that are just theories - I am not a linguist in any fashion, and I'm just trying to make sense of what's there. Like mirsh meaning brain(cell), kot meaning strenght, and mirshko is courage - so, "brain-strength"?

And no, for all of you out there that are as nerdy as me, this is not a full language. There isn't a word for "call" or "get in contact with" I could find, for example. Some authors just wanted to add flair to their writing, so an incomplete thing is what we have. Even so, I am kind of hooked in the weirdest way. I play around, trying to make my own sentences and combined words. It's fun, and private, and nobody needs to know. Except for the two people I TTRPG with.

IDK any more where I wanted to go with this. There might be a part 2, someday. If anyone read this, I appreciate you. If anyone read this and had this weird kind of obsession happen to them as well, let's talk. It might just be the universe's weirdest midlife crisis.

[pitagain]

#365DaysOfVGM Day 181:

Coalescence/... con lentitud poderosa (Risk of Rain/Risk of Rain 2 [2013/2020])

Need I mention the instruments this time? They truly do speak for themselves here, as the whole list’s halfway point. It’s also 1 of the slowest-paced tracks here, so think of it as a sort of intermission between all the action-packed and relaxed tracks placed before and after this one.

The survivors are at the very last area; the spaceship leading the way back home. And so, the tune starts out relaxing to express relief, but always keeps a constant melancholy melody that fits well with how complex the track gets later on; a grim reminder of everything needed to be slain in order to get here, and how much more will still be required to make it to safety.

It’s not like there's a choice either; it’s either this planet’s life, or their own that perishes, and the player characters involved, whether through death or survival, will have this memory to likely haunt them for the rest of their existence… if they’re not already off the deep end, that is.

Near the end, this already emotional track simply explodes into what I consider cool and sad at the same time, making it what I find to be the (Closest to) perfect way to end off this indie roguelike classic from almost a decade ago.

Shoutouts to Risk of Rain 2’s “...con lentitud poderosa” which pays tribute to this track with a shared melody and even slower pace; that already makes for yet another ambitious setup!

And now, long after I prepared this description, a remake called “Risk of Rain Returns” has been recently announced! Although I don’t trust Gearbox to handle the series properly following their acquisition, some of the most important staff from the original are back, hopefully to fix some of the biggest issues from the original’s imperfect coding as well, since that’s getting remade from the ground up too; faith in this remake is quite justified at the moment, even with the worries in mind, let’s see where it goes from here!

(Length [Original]: 5.5+ minutes, […con lentitud poderosa]: Nearly 5 minutes)

[marketingprofitmedia]

Emerald App Review – Automated YouTube Channel Builder

Welcome to my Emerald App Review. Currently, automation and artificial intelligence in the world of work and income generation processes are progressing at a very fast pace. Meet Emerald App, a YouTube channel creation tool powered by artificial intelligence, is already being increasingly discussed in the context of online business. Due to its capability of making 348. 75 dollars in just a minute, this tool has attracted many users especially those who want to be successful content producers or internet marketers.

It is therefore essential for you to read this piece on the Emerald App including features, benefits, pricing, pros, cons, and its overall performance. So, by the end of the article, you will learn whether it makes sense to invest in this tool and how it can be used in your earning strategy.

What Is Emerald App?

Emerald App is a cutting-edge tool tool intended to help with starting, operating, and profiting off of YouTube channels. The smartphone application to be developed will use sophisticated artificial intelligence to schedule, create, optimize, and publish videos, helping its users quickly set up contracts acquisition channels. Making even bolder assertions that people are earning $349 daily, the app is gaining the attention it deserves.

The app is useful for everyone from the complete novice who is just getting started on YouTube all the way up to marketers who are serious about growing their YouTube presence. Its main asset is that it very easy and fast to use, enabling people to avoid the technical and creative challenges most often encountered when developing a YouTube channel.

Emerald App Review: Overview of Product

Product Creator: Billy Darr

Product Emerald

Launch Date: 2025-Jan-27

Launch Time: 11:00 EST

Front-End Price: $17 (One-time payment)

Official Site: Click Here To Visit Official Salespage

Product Type: Tools and Software

Support: Effective Response

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Refund: YES, 365 Days Money-Back Guarantee

Emerald App Review: About Authors

Billy Darr, Dipanjan Goswami, and Justin Opay lead the software development and internet marketing team that created the Emerald App. This business has a solid reputation for producing creative digital affiliate marketing solutions. They have developed multiple successful products and established a loyal customer base of over 20,000 people who regularly use their desktop and online apps.

He has Some lots of launches, including, including Kadjo, Kyros, Yield, A.I Funnels, A.I Podcastr, Topaz, Atlas, Helix, Ignis, Aero, Halo, Gizmo, Opus, Valor, Apollo, Comet, Gamma, Lynxx, NEBULA, JETT,Opal, ZEUS, Falcon, and many others, This seller has a lot of knowledge and has always offered high-quality products at low prices.

Emerald App Review: Key Features of Emerald App

✍Emerald APP

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Emerald App Review: How Does It Work?

Remember You’re Just A Two Clicks Away (From That Lifestyle)

Step #1: Purchase

It takes only 10 seconds, Click on any of the buttons below, and within seconds we will set up your account. Ready to exploit the world’s most visited site on the planet, after Google (ZERO RISK – You are covered By Our 365 Day Guarantee)

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Emerald App Review: Benefits of Emerald App

Automated Channels in 60 Seconds

Built-In A.I Powered Video Creator

100+ Templates to Choose From

Intuitive Drag-and-Drop Interface

Works With Voice Prompts or Keywords

Hundreds of Stock Assets Included For Free

Newbie Friendly Interface

App Works On All Popular Devices

All Major 3rd Party Integrations Supported

Automatic YouTube Channel Creation

Automated AiTraffic Feature Built-In

Built-In Monetisation Included

OpenAI & ChatGPT4 Integration

1-Click YouTube Keyword Finder

Auto Like/Comment Campaign

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Share YouTube Videos to 100+ Sources

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Emerald App Review: Why You Must Grab It?

Tap Into Set & Forget YouTube Channels

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Emerald App Review: Who Should Use It?

Teenagers

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The Family Man

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Emerald App Review: OTO’s And Pricing

Front End Price: Emerald ($14.95)

THE World’s 1ST One & Only Our New Youtube App That Pays Us As Much $21/Hour For Browsing The Net.

OTO1: Emerald Unlimited Edition ($147)

Create unlimited podcasts, no usage restriction, etc.

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In this upgrade, our team sets up the software for your customers.

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Your customers will be able to activate all the automation tools within ONYX.

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Your customers will get bumped up to 85% across the entire funnel with additional tutorials on how to promote the funnel to make sales.

Emerald App Review: Pros and Cons

Pros:

User-Friendly: Intuitive interface suitable for beginners.

AI-Powered Automation: Streamlines video creation and SEO optimization.

Cost-Effective: Eliminates the need for professional services.

Fast Results: Promises earnings within a short time frame.

Comprehensive Tools: Includes monetization and analytics features.

Cons:

It requires a one-time fee.

Requires internet connectivity

Nothing wrong with it, it works perfectly!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

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Our average member made their first sale the same day they got access to Emerald.

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Nop, Emerald is the complete system. You get everything you need to make it work. Nothing is left behind.

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While that is unlikely, we removed all the risk for you. If you tried Emerald and failed, we will refund you every cent you paid and send you $250 on top of that just to apologize for wasting your time.

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My Recommendation

Emerald App delivers on its promise of an easy way to handle and monetize your YouTube channel. While most of its AI powered features save time and will reduce your costs, they will also give useful insights to help you earn more. This isn’t perfect, and it does have some manual intervention needed, but the trade offs are good overall.

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Check Out My Previous Reviews: AzonBot AI Review, WhatsAI Review, VidAvatar AI Review, StorePal AI Review, and Infinity Box AI Review.

Thank for reading my “Emerald App Review” till the end. Hope it will help you to make purchase decision perfectly

[fortunerobotic]

AI for Coding

The term "AI for coding" describes the application of AI methods and tools to support the software development process. These AI-powered tools use natural language processing (NLP), machine learning models, and other sophisticated algorithms to carry out a variety of coding activities, including code generation, auto-completion, debugging, and performance optimization.

Key Applications of AI in Coding

Code Generation: In response to basic natural language requests, AI systems such as GitHub Copilot and OpenAI Codex can generate brief bits of code. This expedites the development process and lessens the need for manual coding.

Bug Detection and Fixing: AI-powered solutions are able to examine big codebases in order to find errors and recommend solutions. SonarQube and DeepCode are two examples.

Code Optimization: AI is capable of reworking code to guarantee best practices are followed, increase readability, and improve performance.

Creation of Unit Tests: AI technologies can automatically create unit tests, guaranteeing thorough testing coverage with little manual labor.

Learning and Upskilling: AI is integrated into platforms such as CodeSignal and LeetCode to offer developers individualized learning experiences that facilitate the effective acquisition of new skills.

Benefits of AI in Software Development

Enhanced Productivity: AI tools enable developers to write code more quickly and accurately, freeing them up to concentrate on more complex problem-solving techniques.

Cost Efficiency: Organizations can save development costs and better manage resources by automating repetitive processes.

Error Reduction: More dependable software can be produced by using sophisticated AI debugging techniques to find minute mistakes that human engineers would miss.

Improved Cooperation: Junior developers may work productively alongside seasoned programmers thanks to AI-powered coding assistants that fill in skill gaps in teams.

Challenges and Limitations

Code Quality: AI-generated code might not always be optimal for particular situations or satisfy the necessary requirements.

Security Issues: If automatically generated code is not carefully examined, vulnerabilities may be introduced.

Dependency on AI Tools: If developers rely too much on AI, their ability to solve important problems may suffer.

Ethical Concerns: Using AI programs that have been trained on open-source code presents issues with attribution and intellectual property rights.

A revolutionary change in software development, AI for coding promises more productivity, creativity, and quality. Developers can solve difficult problems, optimize processes, and produce software that satisfies the needs of a quickly evolving digital environment by embracing AI. The future of coding will surely be redefined by the cooperation of AI and human brilliance as technology develops.

To know more, click here.

[evoluzglobalsolutions1]

Harnessing Zoho CRM’s Latest Features for Enhanced Customer Engagement in 2024

In today’s competitive business environment, customer engagement is the cornerstone of sustained growth.

With its continuous innovations, Zoho CRM is setting benchmarks in customer relationship management by equipping businesses with tools to deliver exceptional customer experiences.

This article delves into the latest Zoho CRM features and offers actionable insights to maximize their potential.

Why Zoho CRM is a Game-Changer in 2024

Zoho CRM has always been known for its scalability, user-friendly interface, and seamless integrations.

With its latest updates, it has become even more powerful, helping businesses streamline their workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and engage with customers more effectively.

Here’s a closer look at its most recent enhancements:

Quick Tip:

Leverage the expertise of Zoho Experts and Zoho Consultants such as Evoluz Global Solutions to drive 3x business growth.

1. Actions by Zoho Flow: Automate with Ease

Automation is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. The Actions by Zoho Flow feature allows businesses to automate tasks across third-party applications without writing a single line of code.

What It Does: Streamlines repetitive tasks like data entry, follow-ups, and notifications.

Benefits: Saves time, reduces human error, and ensures consistency in workflows.

Use Case: Automatically create tickets in Zoho Desk when a lead is assigned in Zoho CRM.

2. Kiosk Studio: Customization Made Simple

Customization is critical for businesses to tailor CRM functionalities to their specific needs. The new Kiosk Studio is a no-code platform within Zoho CRM that empowers businesses to create custom modules and workflows effortlessly.

What It Does: Allows users to build tailored functionalities within minutes.

Benefits: Eliminates dependency on developers, reducing costs and increasing agility.

Use Case: Create a custom workflow for a sales pipeline that alerts team members when a deal moves to a specific stage.

3. Cadences: Smarter Follow-Ups for Better Engagement

Engaging with customers at the right time and with the right message is critical. The Cadences feature automates follow-up processes and ensures timely communications with leads and customers.

What It Does: Automates email sequences, call scheduling, and reminders.

Benefits: Improves lead nurturing, boosts response rates, and increases conversions.

Use Case: Automate follow-ups for leads that haven’t responded within 48 hours.

4. Unified Data Analytics with Zoho Analytics

Zoho CRM integrates seamlessly with Zoho Analytics to provide a unified view of customer data. Businesses can leverage this integration to generate actionable insights.

What It Does: Combines CRM data with other business metrics for comprehensive reporting.

Benefits: Helps businesses make data-driven decisions.

Use Case: Create dashboards that track customer acquisition costs and lifetime value.

5. AI-Powered Zia: Your Virtual Sales Assistant

Zoho CRM’s built-in AI assistant, Zia, has received significant upgrades. Zia can now analyze customer data, predict sales trends, and suggest optimal times for engagement.

What It Does: Provides intelligent recommendations based on customer behavior.

Benefits: Enhances decision-making and improves customer engagement strategies.

Use Case: Zia identifies high-priority leads and recommends the best follow-up actions.

How to Get Started with Zoho CRM’s New Features

Explore Your Current Setup: Assess how your team uses Zoho CRM and identify areas for improvement.

Enable the New Features: Navigate to the settings panel in Zoho CRM to activate features like Cadences and Zoho Flow.

Train Your Team: Conduct training sessions to ensure your team understands and uses the new functionalities effectively.

To get the most out of these features leverage the expertise of Zoho Experts and Zoho Consultants like Evoluz Global Solutions.

Monitor Performance: Use Zoho Analytics to track the impact of these features on your sales and engagement metrics.

Transform Customer Engagement with Zoho CRM Features

Zoho CRM’s latest features are designed to help businesses excel in customer relationship management and engagement strategies.

By automating repetitive tasks, offering deeper insights, and enabling smarter customer interactions, Zoho CRM is empowering businesses to achieve their goals in 2024.

If you haven’t yet explored these features, now is the time. Stay ahead of the competition by leveraging the full potential of Zoho CRM with Evoluz Global Solutions.

[nsfwmiamiart]

Part 9 - Incoming Text Margot Robbie (@margotrobbieofficial) and Rihanna (@rihanna) and Kim Kardashian (@kimkardashian) and Natalie Portman (@natalieportman) and Julianne Moore (@juliannemoore) and Gal Gadot (@gal_gadot) and John Turturro (@JohnMTurturro): “An Idea Worth 500 Million Dollars”

Question:

Could you provide all the detailed information about the film Broken Arrow (1996), including the following aspects:

Who owns the copyright for the movie?

Was the movie based on a book or an original screenplay?

Information about the director, screenwriter, and producers.

The film studio involved and its current ownership.

The budget and box office performance.

Details about the cast and their roles.

Information about the film's music, editing, and critical reception.

The release date and runtime of the film.

I'd like a comprehensive overview, covering everything about the movie.

ChatGPT Answer:

Here is a detailed, point-by-point explanation of the film Broken Arrow (1996), presented comprehensively:

1. Ownership of Copyright

The copyright for Broken Arrow is currently owned by The Walt Disney Company. Originally produced and distributed by 20th Century Fox, the rights transferred to Disney following its acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019.

2. Was It Based on a Book?

No, Broken Arrow was not based on a book. It was an original screenplay written by Graham Yost, who is also known for his work on Speed (1994). The story was specifically conceived for the screen, focusing on a high-stakes nuclear theft scenario, with the term "broken arrow" referring to a real-life U.S. military code for lost or stolen nuclear weapons.

3. Director, Screenwriter, and Producers

Director: The film was directed by John Woo, a celebrated Hong Kong filmmaker known for his innovative and stylistic approach to action sequences. Broken Arrow was one of Woo's early forays into Hollywood cinema.

Screenwriter: The screenplay was crafted by Graham Yost, a writer renowned for his ability to create gripping, fast-paced action narratives.

Producers: Key producers include Bill Badalato, Terence Chang, and Mark Gordon, all of whom played vital roles in bringing the project to life.

4. Film Studio and Current Ownership

Original Studio: The film was produced and distributed by 20th Century Fox.

Current Ownership: Following Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019, the movie's rights are now owned by The Walt Disney Company.

5. Budget and Box Office Performance

Production Budget: $55 million.

Worldwide Box Office Gross: $150.3 million. The film was a commercial success, tripling its budget and solidifying its place as a notable 1990s action thriller.

6. Cast and Roles

The film featured a stellar cast, including:

John Travolta as Major Vic "Deak" Deakins, the villainous lead.

Christian Slater as Captain Riley Hale, the heroic protagonist.

Samantha Mathis as Terry Carmichael, a resourceful park ranger and Hale’s ally.

Delroy Lindo as Colonel Max Wilkins, a supporting military character.

Bob Gunton, Frank Whaley, Howie Long, and Kurtwood Smith in notable supporting roles.

7. Music, Editing, and Critical Reception

Music: The score was composed by Hans Zimmer, whose work added dramatic tension and an epic feel to the narrative.

Editing: The film was edited by Joe Hutshing, enhancing the pace and impact of its action sequences.

Reception:

Critics: Mixed reviews with a 57% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metascore of 61/100.

Audience: Appreciated for its entertainment value, particularly the performances of Travolta and Slater and Woo’s action choreography.

8. Release Date and Runtime

Release Date: February 9, 1996, in North America.

Runtime: 108 minutes.

Summary

Broken Arrow is an original action thriller crafted for the screen, with its success rooted in John Woo's distinctive direction, Graham Yost's sharp writing, and strong performances from its cast. While owned by Disney today, the film's essence as a standalone thriller remains a testament to the creativity of 1990s Hollywood.

Here is the Trailer: Broken Arrow | Trailer | 20th Century FOX

[technology-idea]

The Cost of Ignoring Software Quality Assurance: What Happens When You Cut Corners

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, software is the backbone of many businesses. From mobile apps to enterprise solutions, the quality of software can significantly influence customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. However, in the rush to deliver new features and updates, many organizations overlook a critical component of software development: Quality Assurance (QA). Ignoring QA can lead to dire consequences that ripple through customer experiences, brand reputation, and financial stability.

Understanding Software Quality Assurance

Software Quality Assurance (SQA) is a comprehensive process that ensures software products meet specified requirements and quality standards throughout their lifecycle. It encompasses various activities, including requirement analysis, design reviews, code inspections, testing, and user acceptance testing. The ultimate goal of SQA is to prevent defects and ensure that the final product is reliable, functional, and user-friendly.

The Importance of Software Quality Assurance

Enhancing Customer Satisfaction

At its core, SQA aims to deliver a product that meets or exceeds user expectations. High-quality software leads to satisfied customers who are more likely to remain loyal to the brand. Studies show that a positive user experience can increase customer retention rates by up to 30%. Conversely, when users encounter bugs or performance issues, their frustration can lead them to abandon the product entirely.

Protecting Brand Reputation

In an era where online reviews and social media can make or break a company’s reputation overnight, delivering subpar software can have lasting repercussions. Brands known for quality are more likely to attract new customers and retain existing ones. On the other hand, negative experiences shared online can tarnish a brand’s image permanently.

Financial Implications

The financial impact of neglecting QA can be staggering. According to research by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the cost of fixing defects after release can be up to 100 times higher than addressing them during development. This includes not only the cost of fixing bugs but also potential legal fees if the software fails to comply with regulations or causes data breaches.

Increased Development Time

When QA is treated as an afterthought, issues that could have been identified early often surface later in the development cycle. This leads to extensive rework and delays in project timelines. A study by McKinsey found that companies with effective QA processes completed projects 30% faster than those without.

Loss of Competitive Advantage

In competitive markets, high-quality software can differentiate a company from its competitors. Neglecting QA diminishes this advantage as users gravitate towards competitors that offer more reliable solutions. Companies that prioritize SQA not only enhance their product offerings but also foster innovation by allowing teams to focus on developing new features rather than fixing existing problems.

Real-World Consequences of Ignoring QA

Case Study: Knight Capital Group

A notable example of the consequences of neglecting software quality assurance is the case of Knight Capital Group in 2012. A faulty software update led to a trading glitch that caused a loss of $440 million in just 45 minutes. The incident not only resulted in significant financial losses but also damaged Knight's reputation irreparably, leading to its eventual acquisition by another firm.

Case Study: Target’s Data Breach

Another example is Target’s data breach in 2013, where hackers accessed credit card information for over 40 million customers due to vulnerabilities in their payment processing system. The breach was attributed partially to inadequate QA practices surrounding security measures. Target faced not only financial losses but also a significant decline in customer trust and brand loyalty.

Best Practices for Effective Software Quality Assurance

To avoid the pitfalls associated with poor QA practices, organizations should adopt several best practices:

1. Integrate QA into the Development Process

Instead of treating QA as a final step before release, organizations should integrate it throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). This proactive approach helps identify potential issues early on and reduces rework costs.

2. Utilize Automated Testing Tools

Automated testing tools can significantly enhance efficiency by quickly identifying defects across various scenarios without extensive manual intervention. This allows teams to focus on more complex testing tasks while ensuring comprehensive coverage.

3. Conduct Regular Training

Keeping QA teams updated with the latest tools and methodologies is crucial for maintaining high standards of quality assurance. Regular training sessions can enhance skills and knowledge within the team.

4. Gather User Feedback

Incorporating user feedback into the QA process helps ensure that the software meets user expectations and addresses real-world use cases effectively. This feedback loop is essential for continuous improvement.

5. Establish Clear Metrics

Defining clear metrics for measuring quality can help teams assess their performance objectively and identify areas for improvement. Metrics such as defect density, test coverage, and mean time to resolution provide valuable insights into QA effectiveness.

The Cost-Benefit Analysis of Investing in QA

While some organizations may view investing in software quality assurance as an additional cost, it’s essential to consider the long-term benefits:

Reduced Costs: By identifying defects early in the development process, companies save money on post-release fixes.

Improved Customer Retention: High-quality software leads to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Enhanced Brand Reputation: Consistently delivering reliable products strengthens brand trust.

Faster Time-to-Market: Efficient QA processes streamline development timelines.

Greater Innovation: With fewer bugs to fix post-release, teams can focus on developing new features.

Conclusion

Ignoring software quality assurance companies can lead to significant repercussions for businesses, including decreased customer satisfaction, damage to brand reputation, and financial losses. By prioritizing effective QA practices, organizations can enhance their product offerings while fostering lasting relationships with customers based on trust and reliability. Investing in SQA is not merely an operational consideration; it is a strategic imperative that underpins sustainable business growth in an increasingly competitive landscape.

[selfmadebd]

Local Sites 360 Review - Unlock the Secret to a 6-figure Agency with Website Themes

Local Sites 360 - I am Jeson, a review expert of Selfmade BD. Welcome to my review article. Have you ever wondered which niche has been the most lucrative for marketers recently, both online and offline? 

Build And Flip Local Business Websites In 3 Easy Steps No Design Skills are Needed. All The Work Is Done For You. Start Making Sales Today.

💥Introduction:

Local Sites 360 offers 65 professionally designed WordPress themes tailored for local businesses, making it easy for marketers and agencies to deliver stunning, customizable websites. 

You'll receive bonuses like proven marketing strategies and client acquisition tools along with these high-converting themes. Streamline your sales process, attract more clients, and elevate your agency’s offerings effortlessly with Local Sites 360.

Here’s a clue: 

Small businesses have poured millions into their online presence, and guess what? A massive chunk of that budget, 70%, was spent on essential services like:

Social Media Management & Marketing

Search Engine Optimization

Video Marketing

Design & branding

But there’s one thing missing that could take your local marketing game to the next level. Imagine if you could offer these in-demand services almost instantly, without spending hours on design or development.

That’s where Local Sites 360 comes into play. With Local Sites 360 ready-to-use website themes, you can deliver professional, high-converting local business websites in just minutes.

How much would local professionals like dentists, plumbers, or restaurants pay for a top-notch website? Quite a lot! And with Local Sites 360, you can tap into this profitable market easily.

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💥What makes this offer stand out:

🔥Effortless Website Deployment: Get 65 beautifully designed local business websites ready to launch with just a few clicks.

🔥All-in-One Solution: No design skills are needed. Just plug in your client's details and start making sales.

🔥Massive local authority boost: Elevate your credibility and attract more clients instantly.

Smart marketers have been quietly scaling to 6-figure businesses without spending a dime on traditional advertising. They've cracked the code to success with minimal effort and zero upfront costs.

💥Local Sites 360 Review- Overview:

***Creator***

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💥Local Sites 360 Review - Features:

✅Get Started with Zero Investment!

✅Guaranteed Results for All!

✅Experience? Not Necessary!

✅Say Goodbye to Web Developers!

✅Freedom to Work from Anywhere!

✅Top-Notch Support at Your Fingertips!

✅Stunning local business websites

✅Done-for-you marketing materials

✅65 local business websites

✅Designed for WordPress

✅Sell to local businesses in One Click

💥How have they done it?

It’s all about tapping into a massive, profitable market with a smart, ready-to-use solution. Small business owners are investing over $10 million annually in online marketing, and that number is only growing!

What’s even more surprising? Only 30% of that budget is spent on paid ads. The other 70%? It’s flowing directly into the hands of marketing agencies like yours.

Imagine this:

Running your own agency, effortlessly selling high-quality, ready-to-deploy local business websites worth thousands of dollars. With Local Sites 360, you can start making sales immediately without any design or technical skills!

If you're serious about building a stable 6-figure business, this opportunity is tailor-made for you.

💥Why starting with local clients and building your agency empire is a no-brainer:

Hundreds of thousands of new small businesses open every month in the USA alone. Small business owners are spending over $10 million annually on digital marketing, with 70% flowing through agencies.

The demand for professional, ready-to-use websites is growing rapidly. Many small business owners simply don’t have the time to manage this themselves they need someone like you. Still not convinced this is your path to success?

With Local Sites 360, you can launch your own professional agency with just a few clicks! It’s the easiest way to start a six-figure business by providing local businesses with the websites they desperately need.

💥Why Local Sites 360 is a game-changer:

🚀Instant Deployment: Install any of the 65 websites on any domain with just a few clicks.

🚀Easy Customization: Edit and modify text and design using simple drag-and-drop tools.

🚀Done-For-You Materials: Access professional copywriting and stunning designs with each template.

🚀Step-by-Step Training: Get up and running in under an hour with our comprehensive training. With Local Sites 360, you’ll have everything you need to turn local leads into loyal customers. Plus, you can deploy multiple websites for multiple revenue streams, whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand.

🚀Special Bonus: As part of our launch, you’ll also receive an exclusive outsourcing cheat sheet to streamline your operations even further!

Building a six-figure agency has never been easier. Local Sites 360 simplifies the entire process into just a few easy steps:

✅Download any or all 65 ready-to-use websites.

✅Install them on your WordPress domain with a single click.

✅Publish and start profiting from small business owners.

==> For more information and to take" Local Sites 360" >>

💥What you get with Local Sites 360:

⏳Fully Done-For-You Professional Agency Websites: Includes copyright and premium designs.

⏳Instant Setup: Get your sites live on your domains in under 5 minutes.

⏳Easy Customization: Use our drag-and-drop platform to personalize your websites effortlessly.

⏳High-Converting Services: Market six of the most sought-after services, including digital marketing, advertising, SEO, local marketing, social media, and web design.

⏳And Much More......

💥What Others Are Saying:

Dave, a beta tester, shares: I’m already making money with my first agency! This week alone, I’ve sold $1789 worth of services!

💥Local Sites 360 Review -Funnels Details: 

See OTOS>>>>==> For more information and to take" Local Sites 360" >>

💥Local Sites 360 Review - Bonuses:

💵BONUS #1:

Free Local Traffic That Converts Secret Classified System. The "Secret Classifieds System" reveals a powerful method for using automated sales funnels to attract a steady flow of clients to your agency.

It uncovers a secret traffic source that drives high-quality leads effortlessly, providing a clear, actionable plan to scale your client base and grow your business. (Value $997)

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Make tasks easier with outsourcing secrets. Revealed Unlock "Outsourcing Secrets Revealed" to discover exclusive tips and our personal sources for outsourcing marketing tasks. 

Streamline your operations, cut costs, and boost profits with insider strategies for efficient delegation and global talent. Perfect for scaling your business effortlessly.  (Value $997)

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Unlock Hidden Market Untapped Local Niches Discover "Untapped Local Niches," a curated list of low-competition, high-revenue business opportunities. 

This guide reveals profitable local niches with minimal competition, helping you tap into lucrative markets and maximize your earnings. Ideal for finding and capitalizing on overlooked business potential.  (Value $997)

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Boost Your Pitch Success Email Pitch Templates. Unlock "Effective Email Pitch Templates," a collection of proven templates designed to capture attention and prompt local business owners to respond. 

These expertly crafted pitches are tailored to engage and convert, ensuring your outreach gets the results you need. Perfect for boosting your response rates and driving business success. (Value $997)

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Elevate Social Engagement by Winning social swipes. Unlock "Winning Social Swipes," a set of proven messages crafted to connect with small business owners through social media. 

These effective templates are designed to grab attention and prompt responses, enhancing your outreach and driving engagement effortlessly. Perfect for making impactful connections and growing your business. (Value $997)

==> For more information and to take" Local Sites 360" >>

💥 Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

Ans. Absolutely! We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, as stated on our page. Simply reach out to us, and we’ll process your refund right away.

Q. Is it exclusive to WordPress?

Ans. Yes, all of our themes are designed for WordPress. It’s the most widely used CMS globally, and most of our users rely on it. If you're unfamiliar with WordPress, we offer tutorials to help you get started.

Q. Why are these themes better for local businesses?

Ans. We developed these themes over a long period, incorporating client feedback throughout. Our top designers crafted these themes with a focus on helping you attract more clients.

Q. What exactly is included in this offer?

Ans. You’re getting a copy of Divi Theme/Divi Builder with a GPL license, along with 65 one-page local business website templates, plus an additional one for your web design agency!

Q. Will this help me earn more money?

Ans. Our tests with students show that this can significantly boost your earnings. The reason is simple: a stunning web design portfolio attracts potential clients. 

After exposing our professional themes to their clients, many students started getting positive feedback on more deals.

Q. Are there any extra costs after purchase?

Ans. The only additional cost you might incur is for purchasing a domain. If you choose to use the Divi Builder for projects beyond the themes you bought from us, you’ll need to acquire the appropriate licenses directly from the creator of Divi Builder. 

We only support the themes we provide and will always offer the most up-to-date files in our download area for your purchased themes.

Q. Are there any additional upsells / OTOs?

Ans. Yes, there are additional upsells that can help boost your results, but they are not necessary. You can still achieve success with the system you’re getting from us.

Q. What’s the best way to reach you?

Ans. If you have any questions about the product, please email us at support@upperstrategies.com.

==> For more information and to take" Local Sites 360" >>

💥Local Sites 360 Review- My opinion

So, Build And Flip Local Business Websites In 3 Easy Steps No Design Skills are Needed. All The Work Is Done For You. Start Making Sales Today.

Valued at $10497, exclusive bonuses enrich your investment with proven methods, live events, rapid earning strategies, and a commercial license. 

Ready to level up your online journey? Secure one of 08 spots to explore this lucrative secret loophole. Act now to take advantage of this unparalleled opportunity.

Thanks for reading the Local Sites 360 Review till the end, and I hope it will help you make your purchase decision. ==> For more information and to take" Local Sites 360" >>

[bladefistx2]

# Deep Work for Software Engineers: Maximizing Productivity in a Distracted World

In today's fast-paced tech industry, the ability to focus deeply on complex problems is more valuable than ever. Cal Newport's book "Deep Work" offers invaluable insights for software engineers looking to boost their productivity and produce high-quality work. Let's dive into the key concepts and how we can apply them to our field.

## What is Deep Work?

Newport defines deep work as "professional activities performed in a state of distraction-free concentration that push your cognitive capabilities to their limit." For software engineers, this could mean:

- Designing complex systems

- Solving challenging algorithmic problems

- Writing clean, efficient code

- Debugging intricate issues

## Why Deep Work Matters for Software Engineers

1. **Increased Productivity**: Deep work allows you to tackle complex problems more efficiently.

2. **Better Code Quality**: Focused work leads to fewer bugs and more maintainable code.

3. **Faster Skill Acquisition**: Deliberate practice in a distraction-free environment accelerates learning.

4. **Competitive Advantage**: As shallow work becomes more prevalent, those who master deep work stand out.

## Strategies for Implementing Deep Work

### 1. Schedule Deep Work Blocks

Allocate specific times for uninterrupted, focused work. During these periods:

- Turn off notifications

- Close unnecessary browser tabs

- Use noise-cancelling headphones if needed

### 2. Embrace Boredom

Resist the urge to reach for your phone or check social media during downtime. This trains your mind to focus better during deep work sessions.

### 3. Quit Social Media (or Drastically Reduce Usage)

Evaluate which platforms truly add value to your life and career. Consider a 30-day detox to reset your habits.

### 4. Drain the Shallows

Minimize time spent on "shallow" tasks like excessive meetings or email. Batch process these activities during designated times.

## Tools for Managing Deep Work Sessions

To help implement these strategies, here are some recommended apps:

1. **Forest**: A popular app that gamifies focus time. Plant a virtual tree that grows while you work and dies if you leave the app.

2. **Focus@Will**: Provides scientifically designed music to enhance concentration.

3. **RescueTime**: Tracks your digital activities, providing insights into how you spend your time.

4. **Clockwise**: An intelligent calendar assistant that automatically creates focus time blocks.

5. **Toggl**: A simple, effective time-tracking app to monitor your deep work sessions.

## Communicating Unavailability

To notify colleagues and family about your deep work sessions:

1. **Slack Status**: Set a custom status indicating you're in a focus session.

2. **Google Calendar**: Block out focus time and set your status to "Do not disturb."

3. **Clockwise Focus Time**: Automatically updates your Slack status when in focus mode.

4. **Freedom**: Blocks distracting websites and apps across all your devices.

5. **[Focus] for macOS**: Automatically changes your Mac's status based on your current activity.

## Conclusion

Implementing deep work practices can significantly enhance your productivity and work quality as a software engineer. By creating distraction-free environments, using the right tools, and communicating your availability effectively, you can tackle complex problems more efficiently and advance your skills faster.

Remember, deep work is a skill that requires practice. Start small, perhaps with 30-minute focused sessions, and gradually increase the duration as you build your "mental muscles." Your future self (and your code) will thank you for it.

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[faciletechnolab1]

The No-Code Revolution: Friend or Foe? Your 2024 Development Playbook

There's a crucial battle playing out: No-code, friend or foe? In your 2024 Development Playbook, we'll dissect the no-code hype, unveil its strengths and limitations, and equip you with the strategic insight to harness its power without sacrificing control.

The no-code revolution is no longer a whisper – it's a thundering drumbeat pounding across the tech landscape. With a projected market size of $36.43 billion by 2027, a CAGR of 31.1%, and an estimated 70% of new applications utilizing no-code or low-code technologies, the question isn't "if" you should incorporate it, but "how."

But hold on! Before you rush headfirst into the no-code vortex, take a breath. There's a crucial battle playing out: No-code, friend or foe? In your 2024 Development Playbook, we'll dissect the no-code hype, unveil its strengths and limitations, and equip you with the strategic insight to harness its power without sacrificing control. Stay tuned – the journey to unlocking your development potential starts now!

No-code platforms like Webflow, Bubble, and Adalo aren't just for tinkering anymore. They're empowering individuals and businesses to create real-world applications that are shaking up the game. Forget static brochures – think:

Thriving marketplaces: Swapstack, built on Bubble, crossed $500k in GMV in just months, connecting buyers and sellers with ease.

Viral social hubs: NotRealTwitter, a Twitter clone coded on Bubble, reached millions of users, proving no-code can handle high traffic and engagement.

Engaging learning experiences: Tiny Acquisitions, also powered by Bubble, became a finalist in a prestigious tech awards, showcasing the capabilities of no-code in building complex platforms.

Streamlined internal tools: Flexiple, using a mix of no-code tools, saved over 160 hours per month by managing internal processes effectively.

But wait, are these just one-hit wonders? The answer is a resounding no. Companies across industries are finding success with no-code:

Marketing & Sales: Landing pages, funnels, and even entire CRMs are being built and optimized with stunning results.

Internal Collaboration: Project management tools, communication platforms, and even custom dashboards are springing up with remarkable efficiency.

Data Visualization: Interactive dashboards and reports are being built in minutes, pulling data from multiple sources and making insights clearer than ever.

Prototyping & MVPs: Testing ideas and gathering user feedback has never been faster or more cost-effective thanks to no-code's rapid prototyping capabilities.

Diving Deeper: Industry-Specific No-Code Wins

E-commerce: No-code platforms like Shoptet and Squarespace are changing the game for small businesses, enabling lightning-fast online store creation and management without touching a line of code.

Education: Platforms like Kajabi and Thinkific empower educators and course creators to build beautiful, interactive learning experiences without the complexities of traditional development.

Real Estate: PropTech is booming, with platforms like Thynk allowing agencies to build custom listing portals and property management tools, streamlining workflows and enhancing client experience.

No-Code: Friend or Foe? The Limits of the Revolution

Hold on, before you stampede into the no-code sunset, let's acknowledge the chinks in this shiny armor. While no-code ignites possibilities, it also has boundaries. Here are some potential pitfalls to consider:

Complexity Ceiling: High-performance applications with complex logic, intricate databases, or heavy integrations might still require traditional coding expertise. Think: AI-powered platforms, intricate financial systems, or large-scale enterprise applications.

Scalability Roadblocks: Some no-code platforms struggle with scaling to handle massive user traffic or data needs. Remember, they exist within a specific system with inherent limitations.

Security Concerns: While security is constantly improving, some no-code platforms may not offer the same level of security and customization as custom-built solutions, especially for sensitive data.

Vendor Lock-in: Be wary of becoming too reliant on a specific platform. Data migration can be messy, and switching platforms later might prove problematic.

When No-Code Fizzled

Not all no-code ventures are fairy tales. Remember FinTech darling Clara? Built completely on Bubble, their rapid growth quickly hit scalability limitations, forcing them to migrate to a custom solution. This highlights the potential for disappointment when exceeding a platform's capacity.

But remember, no-code isn't the villain. It's a powerful tool, but using it wisely is key. In the next section, we'll explore how to strike the perfect balance between no-code magic and custom code mastery, crafting the winning development strategy for your unique needs. Stay tuned!

Custom Code: The Steady Hand in the Innovation Rodeo

While no-code grabs headlines, the custom software development market remains a powerhouse for a reason. It offers unmatched flexibility, control, and scalability, making it the go-to solution for complex projects where off-the-shelf solutions simply can't keep up. So, when should you saddle up with custom code?

Mission-Critical Systems: Think healthcare platforms, financial transactions, or large-scale data analysis. These scenarios demand the security, customization, and performance that only custom-built solutions can provide.

Intricate Integrations: Connecting multiple platforms, legacy systems, and custom APIs requires the precision and flexibility of bespoke coding. No-code platforms might not offer the necessary granularity for seamless integration.

Unique User Experiences: Creating truly innovative and personalized user experiences often goes beyond the pre-built features of no-code platforms. Custom development allows you to craft the perfect interaction from scratch.

Scalability for Beyond: No-code platforms may face limitations as your user base or data volume explodes. Custom code gives you complete control over scalability, ensuring your system can grow alongside your ambition.

Beyond the Blank Slate: Open Source Superpowers

Remember, custom development doesn't mean starting from scratch. Open-source libraries and frameworks like .NET Core, ASP.NET Core MVC, and Entity Framework Core can significantly reduce development time and risk. These pre-built components offer robust functionality, security, and a vibrant community for support. Think of them as building blocks that accelerate your custom development journey.

But for specific needs, even more specialized open-source options exist. Consider:

Content Management Systems: Umbraco shines for building flexible and scalable websites with powerful content editing capabilities. Need a feature-rich e-commerce platform? OpenCart is a robust open-source option.

SaaS Development Frameworks: ASP.NET Zero provides a strong foundation for building secure and scalable SaaS applications, empowering you to focus on your unique application logic.

API Development & Integration: NSwag simplifies API development and documentation, while Swashbuckle lets you integrate OpenAPI specs into your .NET APIs with ease.

By leveraging these specialized open-source tools, you gain even greater control and efficiency:

Faster Development: Pre-built features and functionalities jump-start your project, eliminating the need to create them from scratch.

Reduced Costs: Utilizing open-source solutions saves you significant development costs compared to building everything from scratch.

Increased Security: Proven and tested code from established communities minimizes security vulnerabilities and risks.

Simplified Customization: Customize these frameworks to fit your specific needs and build tailored solutions for your unique challenges.

Open source and custom development become even more powerful when combined. This is where Facile Technolab comes in

Facile Technolab: Riding the Open Source Wave with You

At Facile Technolab, we're not just code wranglers – we're open-source champions. We leverage the power of .NET Core and its incredible ecosystem of frameworks like Umbraco, ASP.NET Zero, and Abp.io and many more frameworks to craft tailor-made solutions that meet your exact needs.

We believe in the magic of open-source: faster development, lower costs, and greater control. But we also know it can be a wild ride. That's where our expertise comes in.

Our developers are open-source wizards, fluent in the language of frameworks and brimming with experience in building:

Dynamic websites and content-rich portals: Umbraco, Orchard, Kentico, and many more framework becomes your playground for crafting engaging user experiences with ease.

Secure and scalable SaaS applications: ASP.NET Zero, Abp.io and ASP.NET Boilerplate provides the rock-solid foundation for your SaaS dreams, ready to conquer the cloud.

But we don't stop there. We believe in going beyond the framework and listening to your unique voice. We customize, integrate, and extend open-source tools to fit your specific requirements, because a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't cut it in the world of software.

Ready to harness the power of open-source and custom development, with a team of experts by your side?

Schedule a free consultation to discuss your project and discover how Facile Technolab can unlock your open-source potential.

Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest open-source insights and expert advice.

Remember, Facile Technolab: your open-source partners in crafting the perfect software solution.

[virmillion]

rambling to self bc i have a pen but no paper

anyway so the thing where you say “ok now set x equal to twelve” and the kid starts typing the Words “set x…” and you have to correct them to type “x = 12”, whether that’s an artifact of language in general or just a missed translation of the literal phrase

like it might be to do with age, kids start to extrapolate what you mean better and understand alternate phrasings (set x equal to, update x’s value, change x to be, et al). versus when they’re younger, maybe they take it more literally?

or it might not be related to age at all, or at least not completely

- could be due to neurodivergence, if the kid takes everything literally bc of how their brain is wired

- could be that they’re thinking of coding languages as equivalent to spoken languages, sort of how a new learner from english to spanish translates things directly, eg confusion over las vacaciones just being vacation in general

- could be based on home situations, maybe their parents are the type to mean things very literally when they say it, so it’s what the kid is used to? (which would then extend to where the parent gets that from, depending how many layers back it goes)

anyway just generally whether the acquisition of languages is comparable with coding vs spoken languages, not to mention sign language? obviously if a kid starts learning coding younger then it’ll be easier if/when they do it in college, but is it the same advantage a kid would have learning a ‘standard’ second language young? i want to say i’ve seen it be that learning a new language is easier the younger you are, but would that apply to coding languages? even outside the matter of syntax and stuff, since of course you wouldn’t have the typing verbatim words “set x equal” problem when working in scratch. scratch might be comparable to kids using building letter blocks, grabbing each letter and placing it where it goes to form a word? it’s more complicated, since they’re also learning about logic (loops, if statements, broadcasting, movement), but it feels tangential to the unus annus spelling game video

then you might also have to worry about the fact that, similar to how there’s multiple Standard Languages, there’s multiple coding languages, where each of those has their own basic building blocks (usually)

standard languages typically have verbs, nouns, pronouns, infinitives, tenses, et al

coding languages typically have functions, variables, operations, im sure there’s more i’m forgetting, et al

and obviously there’s edge cases, like how that one languages doesn’t have any numbers, and how there’s no native string functionality in C (i think, it’s been a minute since i took that class)

but the same way a kid learning spanish is not the same as a kid learning german, a kid learning python is not the same as a kid learning java. obviously python and java use the same Standard Language, but their syntax and such is different. versus the standard languages, at least with spanish/german you’re still going to be working with the same set of alphabetical characters (plus ñ, ß, accents, …), but it’s the construction and order that differs

eg in standard languages, you might have to worry about if the adjective goes before or after the noun, which extends to the lovely little old green dragon issue in english. in coding languages, python lets you just say “x = 17” and then two lines later say “x = ‘bootypants’”, and it’s fine. in C++, you have to declare x as an int first, and then it’s an int forever

new tangent but it’s a lot harder to just casually learn coding in your down time. you typically need either a huge textbook or an interactive tech device, and usually it’s learned through practice (either specific instructions or general guiding along making whatever you want), at least in my experience. with standard languages, you can really just do that however you want - find books for basically any grade/age, listen to podcasts, watch shows and movies, …

the closest equivalent to that is watching/hearing people talk ABOUT coding, but that’s usually more about quirks and pros and cons of a given language or syntax, and less about actually learning the language itself.

then also the matter of how there’s usually at least three components to standard languages - listening, speaking, and reading. then additional necessities, eg expression and gestures (obviously more significant in sign language) and indirect phrases (sarcasm, metaphors) that are more nuanced

that’s all i’ve got for now i think, tbd if i rb this post or just make a new one every time i have a thought but im gonna give it an organizational tag just in case ✌️🫶