#global mail delivery

[worldpostday]

For the planet and the economy: Electric postal fleets in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Croatian Post Mostar's postal vehicle fleet has been expanded with ten new electric mopeds helping postal workers to deliver mail in seven cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Learn more For the planet and the economy: Electric postal fleets in Bosnia and Herzegovina

[equinoxts2]

Quin's Mini Mod Set

I have made a few little mods for my own game, and I thought other simmers might be interested in them. So here's a description of what they each do:

Equinox_NoBillDelivery prevents bills from being delivered. It also (at least in my testing, with my mod cut) prevents the spawning of an NPC mail carrier unless there's non-bill stuff needing delivery, for example a NL restaurant coupon.

Equinox_NoPaperDelivery is the same but with newspapers and paper carrier NPCs. I don't know if it affects hobby magazines - if it does block sims from receiving hobby magazines, let me know and I'll put a new version up!

Equinox_NoToiletPapers is a mod that prevents sims reading newspapers on the toilet. I got so fed up of this in my prehistoric game, so... modder powers activate!

Equinox_NoYoureCrazyAnims replaces the finger-twirl animations, done when a sim sees someone talking to the Social Bunny or Therapist, going into aspiration failure, or just dancing badly, with the "why me?" looking up animation. The text "You're Crazy!" displayed when hovering over the queue icon has been changed to "Oh wow..."

Equinox_SwimwearInSauna and Equinox_SwimwearInSauna_MermaidUndies make sims change into their swimwear, not a towel, when getting into a sauna. Why? Maybe towels are too modern for your game, or you use bodyshapes and it's a bit weird seeing all your sims revert to Maxis shape in the sauna. Or, you know, just Reasons. The mermaid version has sims with @midgethetree's Mermaid Lifestate change into undies instead. It doesn't require Easy Inventory Check, as I used the global "Is sim mermaid?" from Midge's mod to check for the lifestate.

trait_HighlyEmotional is what will probably be the last TS2 trait name replacement from me, since I no longer play with 3t2 traits. However, I did want to replace the "Over-Emotional" trait in case I ever went back to them - the "over" sounds unnecessarily critical to me. It has been changed to "Highly Emotional" instead. Note, this is the collection-only trait, and - as with all traits - requires trait_MAIN from @hexagonal-bipyramid's Traits Project.

All mods are in one zip file, but you're free to delete what you don't want in your game. I promise I won't come chasing you with a pitchfork.

And now I've said all this: DOWNLOAD (SFS)

[brian-in-finance]

… to @bcacstuff and her Anon who said

Looks like Cait is on an interesting path in HW not just as member of The Academy of Motion Pictures and actress but also making things work in this industry from BTS.

ACADEMY REVEALS 2024 NICHOLL SCREENWRITING FELLOWS

Posted: Monday, September 30, 2024

LOS ANGELES, CA – Four individuals and one writing team have been selected as recipients of the 2024 Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting. Each individual and writing team will receive a $35,000 prize and mentorship from an Academy member throughout their fellowship year. They also will participate in a week of virtual seminars, a virtual meet and greet with the Nicholl Fellowships committee, and in-person networking events, including a celebration in Beverly Hills on October 29. The Nicholl Fellowships were established in 1985 through the support of Gee Nicholl in memory of her husband, Don Nicholl.

The 2024 Nicholl Fellows are (listed alphabetically by author):

Alysha Chan and David Zarif (Los Angeles, CA), “Miss Chinatown”

Jackie Yee follows in her mother’s footsteps on her quest to win the Los Angeles Miss Chinatown pageant.

Colton Childs (Waco, TX), “Fake-A-Wish”

Despite their forty-year age gap, and the cancer treatment confining them to their small Texas town, two gay men embark on a road trip to San Francisco to grant themselves the Make-A-Wish they’re too old to receive.

Charmaine Colina (Los Angeles, CA), “Gunslinger Bride”

With a bounty on her head, a young Chinese-American gunslinger poses as a mail order bride to hide from the law and seek revenge for her murdered family.

Ward Kamel (Brooklyn, NY), “If I Die in America”

After the sudden death of his immigrant husband, an American man’s tenuous relationship with his Muslim in-laws reaches a breaking point as he tries to fit into the funeral they’ve arranged in the Middle East. Adapted from the SXSW® Grand Jury-nominated short film of the same name.

H (West Chester, PA), “The Superb Lyrebird & Other Creatures”

A neurodivergent teen who envisions people as animated creatures, battles an entitled rival for a life-changing art scholarship, while her sister unwisely crosses the line to help.

A total of 5,500 scripts, from 80 countries, were submitted for the 2024 competition.

The 2024 finalists are (listed alphabetically by author):

Kelly Beck-Byrnes, “Where the Boxelders Grow”

Tate Hamilton, “Delivery Girl”

Jamie Murphy, “Lights over Idaho”

Adele Smaill, “No Ghosts Tonight”

Justine Suh, “Deep”

The five fellowships are awarded with the understanding that recipients will complete feature-length screenplays during their fellowship year. The Academy acquires no rights to the works of Nicholl fellows and does not involve itself commercially in any way with their completed scripts.

The Academy Nicholl Fellowships Committee is chaired by Julie Lynn (Producers Branch). The members of the committee are Aldis Hodge and Caitríona Balfe (Actors Branch); Julien Thuan (Artist Representatives); Susan Shopmaker and Academy governor Kim Taylor-Coleman (Casting Directors Branch); Andrzej Bartkowiak (Cinematographers Branch); Allison Anders (Directors Branch); Bruce Hendricks and Marcus Hu (Executives Branch); Blaise Noto (Marketing and Public Relations Branch); Jason Michael Berman, Susan Cartsonis, Julia Chasman and Linda Reisman (Producers Branch); Sue Chan (Production Design Branch); Bobbi Banks (Sound Branch); and Destin Daniel Cretton, Susannah Grant, Ehren Kruger, Adele Lim, Justin Marks, Zak Penn and Katie Silberman (Writers Branch).

The global competition, which aims to identify and encourage talented new screenwriters, has awarded 186 fellowships since 1986. In 2024, several past Nicholl fellows added to their feature film and television credits:

Aaron Chung is a staff writer on Apple+’s “WondLa.”

Elizabeth Chomko directed the docuseries “Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints.”

Eric Nazarian wrote and directed “Die like a Man.”

“Holy Irresistible” is from Andrew Shearer and Nicholas Sherman’s 2007 Nicholl-winning script.

“Interstate” is from Anthony Jaswinski’s 1997 Nicholl-winning script.

Jason Micallef is an executive producer and writer on Disney+’s “The Acolyte.”

R.J. Daniel Hanna wrote and directed two features: “Succubus” and “Hard Miles,” which he co-wrote.

For more information about the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting, visit oscars.org/nicholl.

Oscars Press

Brian 29 June 2022

Remember Caitríona’s latest Academy role?

[mightyflamethrower]

Joe Biden polls at or below 40 percent approval. Historically, such unpopularity has made it almost impossible for a president to be reelected.

His age advances by the hour. His voice falters, his memory fades, and his gait is reduced to short steps, with his arms, winglike and in tandem, offering balance.

Biden is not so much an octogenarian as an unhealthy and prematurely aging 80-year-old. It is America’s irony that he is fit for almost no other job in the country other than President, which apparently allows for a 3-day-a-week ceremonial role while others in the shadows run the country.

So how does Biden become renominated and reelected, as polls show he is behind in almost every critical swing state on nearly every issue? Answer: not by campaigning, not by championing his record, and especially not by doubling down on his neo-socialist and now unpopular agendas.

Instead, his campaign is focused on four other strategies to beat Donald Trump.

First, left-wing local, state, and federal prosecutors are tying Trump up in court on crimes that have never been seen before and will never be again after the election. All the cases are politically motivated, with many coordinated with the White House.

Even if Trump is not convicted by blue-state prosecutors, in blue-state courtrooms, in front of blue-state juries, he will lose critical campaigning time.

Trump may end up paying out $1 billion in legal fees and fines. At 76, the monotonous days in court are designed to destroy him financially, physically, and mentally.

Biden and his operatives know that, in the long term, they may have fatally damaged the American legal system with such judicial sabotage. But short-term, they hope to destroy Trump before the ballots are cast.

Second, in his fourth year, Biden is suddenly selling government favors to special-interest voting blocs, or hoping to bring short-term relief to voters at the expense of long-term damage to the nation.

For elite college students and graduates, there are now billions of dollars in student-loan cancellations, despite a Supreme Court ruling declaring such targeted contractual amnesties illegal.

For consumers, before the election, Biden will likely drain the last drops from the critical Strategic Petroleum Reserve to lower gas prices—now sky-high due to his previous disastrous green policies.

If that is not enough, Biden has ordered Ukraine not to hit Russian oil facilities to avoid panic in the global petroleum markets before early and mail-in balloting begin.

Biden will quietly jawbone the Federal Reserve Bank to lower interest rates and reinflate the economy, despite his own creation of hyperinflation that caused interest rates to rise in the first place.

He will pander to Arab-American voters in swing-state Michigan by cutting arms deliveries to Israel, even as it seeks to destroy the killers of October 7.

And if that mollification is not sufficient to win Michigan, he will suddenly slap higher tariffs on imported Chinese electrical vehicles to win back apostate union auto workers.

Three, the left learned after 2016 that the only way to beat Trump is to change the way Americans vote.

So under the cover of the COVID-19 lockdown, the left sued in critical states to reduce Election Day to a mere construct, while 70 percent of voters mailed in their ballots or voted by early, rolling balloting over many weeks.

The key was the inability to fully authenticate votes, given the old practice of showing up on Election Day and presenting an ID was declared “racist.”

Four, Biden, as he did in 2020, will outsource his campaign to the media, 95 percent of which is left-wing. Talking televised heads will claim Biden is “sharp as a knife” while focusing on Trump’s tweets, Stormy Daniels, Michael Cohen, and lurid but irrelevant testimonies that permeate Trump’s court appearances.

Trump will continue to hold weekend-long, massive 100,000-person rallies, even in blue states. Meanwhile, Biden’s fixers in the media, administrative state, and legal community will counter that even with no crowds and no campaigning, Biden can win through 24/7 nonstop “October Surprises”—all summer long.

So expect more false “Russian collusion,” “laptop disinformation,” and “January 6 insurrection” hoaxes and their new replacements designed to smother the airwaves with salacious scandals nonstop.

Biden’s fading tenure is similar to the last sad months of Woodrow Wilson’s second term, when in 1919-20, the country was assured that a bedridden president was somehow hard at work, even as his wife, doctors, and handlers kept everyone else away.

Biden’s keepers do not seem to care about the president’s own failing health or his dismal polls. They discount his rare, anemic, and disastrous public appearances. They laugh off the huge Trump rallies. And they certainly could care less about the bad optics of pandering to special interests at the expense of the country or the damage done to the American legal and balloting systems.

Instead, Bidenites believe they can reelect an unhealthy, unpopular, and unsuccessful president by any means necessary.

And they may be right.

[beardedmrbean]

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — State and local election officials from across the country on Wednesday warned that problems with the nation’s mail delivery system threaten to disenfranchise voters in the upcoming presidential election, telling the head of the U.S. Postal Service that it hasn’t fixed persistent deficiencies.

In an alarming letter, the officials said that over the past year, including the just-concluded primary season, mailed ballots that were postmarked on time were received by local election offices days after the deadline to be counted. They also noted that properly addressed election mail was being returned to them as undeliverable, a problem that could automatically send voters to inactive status through no fault of their own, potentially creating chaos when those voters show up to cast a ballot.

The officials also said that repeated outreach to the Postal Service to resolve the issues had failed and that the widespread nature of the problems made it clear these were “not one-off mistakes or a problem with specific facilities. Instead, it demonstrates a pervasive lack of understanding and enforcement of USPS policies among its employees.”

The letter to U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy came from two groups that represent top election administrators in all 50 states. They told DeJoy, “We have not seen improvement or concerted efforts to remediate our concerns.”

“We implore you to take immediate and tangible corrective action to address the ongoing performance issues with USPS election mail service,” they added. “Failure to do so will risk limiting voter participation and trust in the election process.”

A message seeking a response from the U.S. Postal Service was not immediately returned.

The two groups, the National Association of Secretaries of State and the National Association of State Election Directors, said local election officials “in nearly every state” are receiving timely postmarked ballots after Election Day and outside the three to five business days USPS claims as the standard for first-class mail.

The letter comes less than two weeks after DeJoy said in an interview that the Postal Service was ready to handle a flood of mail ballots expected as part of this November’s presidential election and as former President Donald Trump continues to sow doubts about U.S. elections by falsely claiming he won in 2020.

That year, amid the global pandemic, election officials reported sending just over 69 million ballots in the mail, a substantial increase from four years earlier.

While it’s likely that number will be smaller now, many voters have embraced mail voting and come to rely on it. And both Democrats and Republicans have launched efforts to push supporters to vote early, either in person or by mail to “bank” their votes before Election Day on Nov. 5.

The letter went out on the day the first mailed ballots of this year’s general election were being sent, to absentee voters in Alabama.

Postal Service officials told reporters last month that almost 98% of ballots were returned to election officials within three days in 2020, and in 2022, the figure was nearly 99%. DeJoy said he would like to inch closer to 100% this election cycle and that the Postal Service is better positioned to handle ballots than four years ago.

But officials in rural states have been critical of the Postal Service for years as it has consolidated mail-processing centers to cut its costs and financial losses. _________________________

Submitted by @thejdog2000

This does come off a little odd you are right, not sure what to think of all of it especially given that the postal service union backed biden in 2020.

The rural state thing would likely impact GOP voters more I would think, but maybe not on the mail in side, folks from both sides of the aisle seem to be registering concerns here too, which I think is a good sign that it's not part of some kind of scam at least.

There is a really easy way around this, that's voting in person or dropping your mail in ballot off at the local registrar of voters.

In addition to being signed by the current and incoming presidents for both groups of election officials, the leaders of groups that represent local election officials in 25 states were listed.

The election officials warned that any election mail returned to an election office as undeliverable could trigger a process outlined in federal law for maintaining accurate lists of registered voters. That means a voter could be moved to “inactive” status and be required to take additional action to verify their address to participate in the election, the officials said in the letter.

Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab, the recent past president of the National Association of Secretaries of State, sent his own letter in recent days to DeJoy. He said nearly 1,000 ballots from his state’s Aug. 6 primary election couldn’t be counted because they arrived too late or without postmarks — and more continue to come in.

“The Pony Express is more efficient at this point,” Schwab posted on the social media platform X in late August.

Schwab and other Kansas election officials also have said some ballots arrive on time but without postmarks, which keeps them from being counted under Kansas law. What’s more, Schwab told DeJoy, local postal clerks have told election officials that they can’t add postmarks later even if it’s clear that the Postal Service handled the ballot ahead of the mail-in deadline.

Kansas will count ballots postmarked on or before Election Day if they arrive within three days. The Republican-controlled Legislature created that grace period in 2017 over concerns that mail delivery had slowed after the Postal Service shut down seven mail-processing centers in the state. That left much of the state’s mail handled through larger centers in Denver, Amarillo, Texas, and Kansas City, Missouri.

Schwab has promoted the use of local ballot drop boxes for voting in advance, breaking with other Republicans who have suggested without evidence that they can be sources of fraud. Schwab has long said the boxes are more secure than the U.S. mail.

“Keep your ballot out of the hands of the federal government!” he advised voters in a post on X after the August primary.

In their letter Wednesday, election officials said colleagues across the U.S. have reported that Postal Service staff, from managers to mail carriers, are uninformed about the service’s policies for handling election-related mail, give them inconsistent guidance and misdeliver ballots.

“There is no amount of proactive communication election officials can do to account for USPS’s inability to meet their own service delivery timelines,” the officials wrote. “State and local election officials need a committed partner in USPS.”

____ Cassidy reported from Detroit.

[thecousinsdangereux]

Hi! I love your soulmate fic, i hope you don’t mind if I ask a lore question. Do both people in a soulmate match get a letter about each other or does just one of them get one? I’ve been so curious because nuns like Bea are trying to find just one person to deliver letters to, but would that person’s match potentially have gotten a letter about them?

Hi! I continue to be so stupidly delighted that people are actually enjoying the lore for this fic, which is built on such a silly premise all because my friend @maladyofthequotidian had a few different elements in her secret santa letter that I wanted to combine in one fic (yearning, soulmate au with one of them thinking it's unrequited, and porn lol). So no, I don't mind the question at all! I totally love the lore asks! I really don't know how in-depth I'll go with any of this stuff in the actual fic so this is a nice place to blurt out the rest. (Though I actually will be briefly touching on this topic in the upcoming chapter.)

To answer your (really good!) question, both sides of a pair get a Letter. In a normal situation, the Letters come through what's basically the postal service (which, coincidentally, was created by religious institutions rather than the government, so it's basically a global, religious NGO with distinct branches lol). Usually, in the case of a pair, it'll be delivered on the same day (unless one of them got caught up in a mail incident). However, if one of the Letters requires special consideration because the Database can't instantly find a match based on church-held information, it might be delayed. If it's delayed for a while, it might even end up with the OCS. One of the first things an OCS agent might do is look up to see if the information on the Letter (name, mother's name, and the random line of information included on each Letter) connects to any Known Matches. This information comes from Letter recipients self-reporting the name of their match.

There are a lot of conspiracies that center around the idea that various religious institutions scan/open the Letters before they are delivered, so they can add that information to their Database for control/manipulation purposes of some kind? But this has never been proven and also since the information of the inside of the Letter is never the name of the person's soulmate, opening/scanning wouldn't really help the delivery process or do anything useful. So self-reporting is all they have to deal with this potential situation. But thankfully, most people are pretty motivated to self-report, especially when their soulmate doesn't end up receiving a Letter, as the idea of getting a Double Match (with both sides receiving their Letter) is considered like, the natural state of things re: soulmates in society. If only one side of a match receives their Letter, usually they'll put in a ton of of effort to double-check, and if that Letter is not found it's a bit of a black mark on their relationship for particularly religious or snooty people.

So in the case of one person having an easy delivery and one person's Letter needing more analysis, usually it'll be caught by double-checking the database for the name on the Letter, as the person who is self-reporting their match's name will also include any and all aliases or past names their match partner might have used. This is the easiest sort of delivery an OCS nun might make, and, as you might imagine, Lilith LOVES getting them because they really boost her numbers. ;)

[the-daily-tizzy]

News from the Year 2059

Ozone created by electric cars now killing millions in the seventh largest Country  in the world, Mexifornia, formerly known as California.  

White minorities still trying to have English recognized as the third language.

Spotted Owl plague threatens Northwestern United States crops and livestock.

Baby conceived naturally! Scientists stumped.  

Couple petitions court to reinstate heterosexual marriage.

Iran   still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels.  

France   pleads for global help after being taken over by Jamaica. No other country comes forward to help the beleaguered nation!

Last Castro finally dies at age 112; Cuban cigars can now be imported legally, but President Chelsea Clinton has banned all smoking.  

George Z. Bush says he will run for President in 2060.  

Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesdays only.  

Average weight of  Americans drops to 250 lbs

85-year and $75.8 billion study: Diet and exercise is the key to weight loss.  

Global cooling blamed for citrus crop failure for third consecutive year in Mexifornia and Floruba.  

Japanese scientists have created a camera with such a fast shutter speed, they now can photograph a woman with her mouth shut.  

Abortion clinics now available in every high school in The United States .                

Senate still blocking drilling in ANWR, even though gas is selling for 4532 Pesos per liter and gas stations are only open Tuesdays and Fridays.  

Massachusetts   executes last remaining conservative.  

Supreme Court rules any punishment of criminals violates their civil rights.                  

A Couple Finally Achieved  Sexual Harmony . They had simultaneous Headaches.

Average height of NBA players is now nine feet seven inches with only 5 illegitimate children.  

New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly swatters and rolled-up newspapers must be registered by January 2060.  

IRS sets lowest tax rate at 75 percent.  

Floruba voters still having trouble with voting machines.  

[newhologram]

A really important thread by @mixtape_majesty

"There’s ~7 viruses circling globally that could change your life forever. A lot of people are comfortable gambling with other people’s lives when it comes to that. So here’s an appeal to self-preservation since community-preservation seems to have been resoundingly dismissed:

If you catch a virus that disables you: -will your employer allow time off for days when you are incapacitated? when you have doctors appointments? when you have procedures? -can you afford grocery delivery? -do you know people who can help you with physical tasks and labor? If you catch a virus that disables you: -do you have health insurance that will cover multiple doctor visits per year? -will your employer allow time off to recover from initial infection? will they tolerate multiple sick days per month? -can you pay rent when you miss work? If you catch a virus that disables you: -is there anyone to take you to doctors appointments if you can’t drive? -is there anyone to help you with child care? pet care? -do you know anyone who will continue to see you when you start declining indoor bars, parties, conferences? If you catch a virus that disables you: -is there someone to cook/prepare meals for you? if not, can you afford delivery? -do you have a bed that is comfortable enough to spend many of your days in? -do you have central heating and air for days when your body can’t regulate? If you catch a virus that disables you: -can you afford ongoing medicine costs? -do you live within driving distance of a pharmacy? if not, does your health insurance offer mail order? -do you have activities that will bring you joy when you’re too sick to leave the house? If you catch a virus that disables you: -do you have ways to keep in touch with your friends and family if you’re too sick to visit them, or vice versa? -do you have some hobbies/interests that don’t require high energy expenditure? -is your current home safe and comfortable? -Do you hate thinking about this? Disabled & immune compromised people have to think about these questions. This includes people newly disabled from COVID; incl those who protected themselves as best as they could, but were victims of govt negligence and lack of community care. Wear a mask to protect others. If you don’t care about others, wear a mask to protect yourself. If you don’t care about yourself OR others, then prepare for what’s coming."

[fascinationex]

My @neveralarchbot fic is coming to an AO3 near you this week (with permission from the bot maker, of course). Here's a preview.

------

[Extract taken from PCMag, December 1985.]

Researchers at the University of M***** were confused last Friday when they received their first message mocking the Decepticons—apparently from nowhere.

"Imagine Starscream answering lonely hearts ads so he can scam people," read the electronic message, which was delivered to over 500 researchers and support staff who have access to the Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANet). This cutting-edge technology is used by the United States Department of Defense in research and development applications.

Since the Decepticons woke up on our planet early last year, after their four mega-anna slumber under the earth's crust, much of humanity has lived in fear of their raids. The Decepticon attacks on power stations, university research centres, mines and government facilities have left global supply chains vulnerable and critical infrastructure damaged. The devastation has been widespread, ranging from preventing the delivery of vital food aid in Ethiopia, to the mass power outage last February in Manhattan, which affected the supply to the Presbyterian Hospital and resulted in 227 preventable deaths, including that of 7 year old Susan Ellie.

The messages have left top computing researchers scratching their heads.

Dr Chip Chase is a highly-respected researcher who works on dual-purpose technology in his specialties of computing systems and electronics.

"It's just not that easy to access the ARPANet," said Dr Chase. "It's a pretty limited pool of people. Someone must have written the Neverbot script—if they did, I'd like to meet them. It's light-years ahead of anything I've seen!"

'Neverbot' is what researchers in the know have begun calling the program. It sends at least one mocking message each day, and although sometimes it writes about our Autobot allies, or other known Decepticons, it seems to have a particular fascination with the one Decepticon in particular.

Famously, Starscream is the second in command of the Decepticon army, and ultimately responsible for hundreds of thousands of human casualties across the globe. Photographs taken by our eagle-eyed, bird-watching reader Nick Angelopoulous, 47, have been printed in full colour (opposite).

Neverbot's messages are short, but they're high-impact. Alternately ironic, shocking and hilarious, the messages haven't yet been traced and don't seem to be stoppable—although it seems like researchers might not be trying very hard, either.

"The one we got yesterday was about Starscream starting a radio show about investigating murders," said Dr Chase. "Except he hadn't killed the victims yet. I thought that was pretty funny."

Although electronic mail over the ARPANet is meant to be for university and government business only, it's not the first time someone's bent the rules. In 1978, DEC famously sent messages to over 300 recipients to promote their equipment.

[...]

[End extract]

[kitchen-light]

The influence of the so-called Ljubljana School stretches well beyond its Central European roots and its Franco-German seed long predates the planetary notoriety of its most prominent member, Slavoj Žižek. Somehow metaphysically appropriate, it is neither a school nor an official entity of any type, and its members insist the name is something that the outside world imposed on them. There is no building, but there is a unique blend of German Idealism, Lacanian psychoanalysis and Marx, the amalgam of which is used to probe everything from film and music to politics, economics, violence and even tickling. Jokes too play a big role in the Ljubljana School’s popularity, but small as Slovenia and its population of 2 million may be, Žižek is not so easy to find. Like Hegel, the man is hard to get a hold of. On any given day he (Žižek, not Hegel) is as likely to be giving a lecture in Montana as South Korea, exchanging letters with the members of Pussy Riot or Skyping with Julian Assange. London’s Royal Opera House has commissioned four operas inspired by his writings. An attempt to track down the Slovenian thinker meant a personal detour through a botched e-mail address, a Labor Day holiday in Venice, one missed flight, a Metelkova late night, a flat bicycle tire and just a taste of duty-free Glenlivet. Suddenly it was Sunday evening before an early morning flight, and my hopes for a meeting Žižek were going the way of Yugoslavia. Then, the phone rang. “Oh, hi, yes, this is Slavoj… Slavoj Žižek.” The next morning at the Union Cafe, he enters sporting a Lacoste golf shirt and a book by philosopher and “friend�� Alain Badiou. Žižek places his cell phone on the table, since he is waiting for a call from “some idiot at DHL” about a delivery. We order coffee and begin talking. The cafe’s business model doesn’t quite work. Žižek was recently married. He just got back from a weekend in Venice. The Slovenian prime minister is to resign that very day. How does he, a Lacanian-Hegelian-Marxist philosopher from little Ljubljana, account for his global success? “Communist oppression,” he says.

Benjamin Cunningham, from his essay “Breakfast with Zizek”, January 26, 2015, Published in BODY

[worldpostday]

The true cost of the last mile.

Tally up the number of things you bought online in the last week? Pre-lockdown it might have been a few online deliveries, the odd supermarket shop and maybe a cheeky takeaway on a Saturday night.

learn more about the The true cost of the last mile.

[killed-by-choice]

“Janet Roe” (UK 2020)

During quarantine in 2020, the UK’s NHS approved programs that sent abortion pills in the mail, putting “access” over safety. The results were catastrophic.

According to an NHS email on May 21 that was leaked, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) knew there was an “escalating risk” from the mail-in abortion pills being distributed legally across the UK. In the first 51 days with the lack of safeguards, disastrous incidents in a single unspecified region included but were not limited to “women attending ED [Emergency Department] with significant pain and bleeding related to the process through to ruptured ectopics, major resuscitation for major hemorrhage and the delivery of infants who are up to 30 weeks gestation” — all happening to women and girls who took the pills at home without even being required to see a doctor first.

In the same region, at least two women were killed by the abortion pills. One of them was the unidentified woman who I’m calling “Janet Roe”.

Janet legally had the abortion pill mailed to her through telemed at some point between March and May 21 of 2020. In the morning the next day, she was found dead in her home.

The report also specified that “the only reporting of incident to the CQC from this sector are those… that are to be a late TOP [termination of pregnancy].” Because the law no longer required Janet to be seen by a doctor or given an ultrasound, she was likely farther along than she had estimated.

The result of legalizing mail-order abortions was so disastrous that even Kevin Duffy, the former global facilities director for the Marie Stopes International abortion chain, called for an end to the mail-in abortion program.

[vanessvicent]

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Thinking about a special somebody? Send flowers. Flowers give a fantastic decision as gifts for birthday events, commemorations, festivities or just saying "I love you". Make those special individuals in your day to day existence acknowledge find out more here how significant they are by sending a lot of stunning and flawlessly organized flowers.

In the quick moving everyday routine we experience today, it is challenging to locate the florist's number or really make that outing to the shop. Nonetheless, we can undoubtedly achieve this errand by tapping the mouse at any helpful time. Sending flowers online is very simple. Open the site, peruse the various flower game plans, see the photos, look at costs and make the buy. This solace brings about a colossal saving of your time; the simplicity and comfort make requesting a truly pleasurable encounter.

Requesting flowers online will bring about quicker delivery of your request than requesting on the telephone. Online florists have associations with a few delivery specialists who can often deliver your request locally as well as globally. In our worldwide local area services like this permit us to keep in contact with individuals who in any case wouldn't be on our mailing records.

The sender picks the dazzling carnations or charming roses with great care and accuracy and expectations the adored one gets it new and in full sprout. To get this done, ensure you are requesting great quite a bit early so the online florist gets sufficient opportunity to handle the request. Look at the wellspring of the florist before you at last pick your flowers. Flowers obtained straightforwardly from producers will guarantee newness and nature of the course of action. Request the site for references or read the tributes from individuals who have used their services previously.

[timesofinnovation]

The Egyptian Postal Service is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at modernising its infrastructure and enhancing service efficiency. This initiative highlights Egypt's commitment to improving access to vital services while meeting the growing demands of a population increasingly reliant on digital solutions. At the heart of this initiative is a comprehensive development plan that includes a notable increase in the number of post offices across the nation. Since 2018, the number of operational post offices has risen from 3,600 to 4,850, showcasing the government’s dedication to expanding postal accessibility. This increase is not merely quantitative; it is complemented by a qualitative upgrade that involves outfitting these facilities with advanced technological solutions. These upgrades are designed to streamline operations, making it easier for citizens to access essential services efficiently. Take, for instance, the integration of self-service kiosks and digital platforms that allow customers to conduct transactions with ease. Such advancements ensure that services are not only faster but also more convenient, enabling customers to manage their postal needs without the traditional wait times synonymous with public services. Moreover, the Egyptian Postal Service is strategically positioned to play a vital role in the broader goal of modernising Egypt's economy. As highlighted by Ahmed Badawy, the Chairperson of the Communications and Information Technology Committee, collaboration among various stakeholders is pivotal. This includes partnerships between the committee, the Ministry of Communications, and affiliated bodies to implement initiatives that enhance the capabilities of the postal service. Such collaborative efforts are designed to ensure that the postal system does not lag behind other sectors of the economy. By focusing on innovations in communications and information technology, the postal service is not just upgrading itself; it is setting a foundation for future growth and development. This modernisation is also pivotal for attracting investments, particularly in the rapidly expanding mobile phone manufacturing sector. For example, the Egyptian government is placing emphasis on programs that promote applied technology schools. These initiatives aim to equip the next generation with the skills needed to excel in an increasingly digital economy. By fostering a workforce that is both skilled and innovative, the government is ensuring that the postal service remains a relevant and efficient player in the evolving economic landscape. The move to modernise the postal services aligns with global trends where postal systems are increasingly becoming multifunctional hubs that offer a variety of services. In many countries, post offices are not just for mail delivery; they serve as community service centres, offering banking services and logistics solutions among others. By adopting similar practices, Egypt can enhance its postal services to meet the diverse needs of its citizens. In conclusion, the modernisation of Egypt's postal services reflects a broader vision for a digitally empowered nation. It encompasses increased accessibility, operational efficiency, and a commitment to fostering an educated workforce. As the Egyptian Postal Service upgrades its infrastructure and services, it not only positions itself to better serve the public but also contributes to the overall growth and modernisation of the country's economy. This strategic focus is poised to deliver significant benefits, paving the way for a more integrated and resilient national service framework.

[overnightmailcosts]

How to Overnight a Letter or Package?

Overnight shipping is a crucial service for individuals and businesses needing to send important letters or packages quickly. Whether it’s a legal document, contract, or a special gift, knowing how to navigate overnight shipping options can ensure your items arrive on time. This article will guide you through the process of overnighting a letter or package, from selecting a carrier to packaging tips and understanding overnight mail costs.

What Is Overnight Shipping?

Overnight shipping refers to a delivery service that guarantees your package or letter arrives at its destination the next business day. This service is especially important for urgent items that require immediate attention. Unlike standard shipping, which can take several days, overnight services ensure timely delivery, often with tracking and delivery confirmation.

Steps to Overnight a Letter or Package

Choose a Reliable Carrier Selecting a trusted carrier is the first step. Popular carriers for overnight shipping include FedEx, UPS, USPS, and DHL. Each carrier offers different services and pricing, so it's important to consider factors such as reliability, service coverage, and customer reviews.

Check Cut-off Times Overnight delivery depends heavily on cut-off times, which vary by carrier and location. To ensure your package is delivered on time, be aware of the latest times you can drop off your package. Missing a cut-off can delay your shipment by a full day, so plan accordingly.

Prepare Your Package Proper packaging is crucial for a successful overnight delivery. Use sturdy envelopes or boxes and include cushioning materials for fragile items. Label the package clearly, including both the recipient's and sender's addresses, and ensure the package is sealed securely.

Choose the Right Service Each carrier provides various overnight services, such as Next Day Air, Priority Overnight, and Express Saver. Select a service based on your needs, considering factors like delivery time, budget, and any special requirements (e.g., weekend delivery).

Track the Shipment After dropping off the package, use the tracking number to monitor the shipment. Tracking allows you to follow your package’s journey and ensure it arrives on time. Most carriers also offer real-time updates via text or email.

Costs Associated with Overnight Shipping

The cost of overnight shipping can vary based on several factors, including the weight and size of the package, the distance to the destination, and the carrier chosen. Generally, heavier and larger packages cost more. Some carriers offer flat-rate options, which can be more affordable for certain packages. Additional fees may apply for special services like weekend or holiday deliveries.

Comparing Major Carriers for Overnight Shipping

USPS

Priority Mail Express: Cost-effective and reliable, especially for documents and small packages. Delivers seven days a week, including Sundays and holidays.

FedEx

FedEx Standard Overnight & Priority Overnight: Offers extensive tracking options and fast delivery. Priority Overnight ensures early morning delivery, while Standard Overnight delivers by the end of the day.

UPS

UPS Next Day Air: Known for its reliability and strong customer service. Options for early morning and end-of-day deliveries are available.

DHL

DHL Express: Best for international overnight shipping. Offers fast customs clearance and global coverage.

Common Challenges with Overnight Shipping

Despite its benefits, overnight shipping can present some challenges. Common issues include missed cut-off times, incorrect addresses, and package damage. To avoid these problems, it’s essential to plan ahead, verify the address, and ensure proper packaging.

Tips for a Successful Overnight Delivery

Plan Ahead: Especially during peak seasons like holidays, ensure you ship early in the day to avoid delays.

Verify Addresses: Double-check all addresses to prevent delivery errors.

Consider Insurance: For valuable items, purchasing insurance can provide peace of mind.

Use Online Tools: Carriers offer online platforms for scheduling pickups, tracking shipments, and managing deliveries.

Conclusion

Overnight shipping is an invaluable service for delivering urgent items promptly. By understanding how to choose the right carrier, preparing your package correctly, and being aware of potential challenges, you can ensure your letters and packages arrive on time. Whether you’re shipping a critical business document or a last-minute gift, planning and preparation are key to successful overnight delivery.

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Priority Mail Express International: Fast and Secure International Shipping

Priority Mail Express International: Fast and Secure International Shipping

In this present-day of a cutting-edge and advanced system, both companies and individuals have to always look for ways in which they can send or receive their parcels faster and in good condition all over the continents. One of the notable ones that one can choose is Priority Mail Express International from Tuowei-BSD. It is ideal for those who wish to ship crucial documents or objects across countries in the shortest time possible without having to worry.Get more news about Priority Mail Express International,you can vist our website!

What is Priority Mail Express International?

Priority Mail Express International is simply a fast delivery system that guarantees the shipment of goods to about 180 countries within three to five days. It is very suitable for clients when they need an express delivery of their packages and for organizations with a lot of documents to ship. With Tuowei-BSD, expect fast achieved delivery timelines, proper handling of the customers as well as proper tracking of the packages delivered.

Key Features of Priority Mail Express International

Speedy Delivery: Though there are many remarkably efficient shipping services, few procedures or services can match the efficiency of this expedited international service. Due to its average delivery time of only 3 to 5 days, Priority Mail Express International is also the best when it comes to packages that are to be delivered in a short time frame.

Trustworthy Order Tracking: Tuowei-BSD offers a wide range of tracking options which help you keep track of your order throughout the entire process. Customers are kept updated about the status of their package because they are receiving those notices by email or SMS.

Shipping Protection: In the case of international shipping, all precautions must be taken. Priority Mail Express International has some features that will keep your items safe when shipped. This service also provides insurance to customers to make them feel more comfortable.

Affordable Options: In addition to the factors of time and safety, there is also the issue of pricing. For this reason, Priority Mail Express International is quite price favorable when it comes to shipping internationally as it also ventures into the market for companies and individuals who have shipping needs.

Why Select Tuowei-BSD?

When you decide to partner with Tuowei-BSD for your shipment needs, you opt for quality. The quality of services the company avails is very high and meets the different demands of the clients. With several years in the logistics field, Tuowei-BSD acknowledges the need for timely and safe dispatch of goods and has been improving on this all the time.

Understanding the Customer

Tuowei-BSD emphasizes the importance of customer satisfaction. A full-scale answering ground of any querries or comments concerning your shipment is part of their support’s mission. No matter whether you are experiencing challenges with the packaging instructions or want to follow your package up, the team is prepared to address whatever concerns you may have.

Having recognized that they operate within a globalized environment, finding a good courier service is inevitable. Tuowei-BSD provides useful International service; Priority Mail Express International, to its customers who have shipping woes.