#it’s a pasture track system

[sezja]

First Kisses

I've gone eighteen years without letting myself get stupid about romance, Thaffe grouses to himself, heaving all his frustration into his pickaxe and driving it deep into the cavern wall. Eighteen good years without letting some pretty girl - or boy - turn my head; eighteen years without falling all to pieces like some of the fools around here...

He didn't have to come to the mine today; he could've begged off again and spent the day helping Magnus put the old trolleys back together. Technically, he's meant to be training as an engineer, but the entire rail system's fallen into such disrepair that there isn't a great deal of engineering to do just yet - first, Magnus says, they've got to put everything back together. Reassemble the tracks that've fallen apart. Fit new parts to the rusty trolley cars, so that they can actually move along those repaired tracks. Repair the Talos.

Strictly speaking, that's what he's about. Digging for leonine to repair the Talos hearts that have all failed in the past few years, and good stone to mend the shattered golems' bodies, fallen into just as sorry a state as the rest of the railway. Strictly speaking, he's still doing work for Magnus.

But that's not the whole truth, is it?

Eighteen years!

It's been a week now, and he still can't quite meet Jeryk's eye.

Such a simple, normal evening it'd been; the two of them sitting in one of the covered tunnels along the tracks after the day's work - shelter from the Light, without returning home just yet. The tunnels had become a common hangout spot for youths after the trolleys stopped working: often they weren't the only ones sheltering there, but not that day. That day it'd been just the two of them. Everyone else had been seeing off yet another family departing from Twine, leaving Amh Araeng for greener pastures - just as Jeryk's own had left just half a year before, leaving him behind at his own insistence.

They'd been talking about it - about the family that was leaving, and what it meant for Twine. The dwindling population; the dying industries. And out of the blue, Jeryk (of all people) lamented that there were so few people their own age left in Twine - true enough; with this family's departure, it left them some of the youngest people in town - and that there were no girls their age left at all, and...

And just how was anyone meant to have a first kiss, at this rate?

I didn't even think he cared about that sort of thing, Thaffe thinks, his face heating at the memory. It's an odd sort of betrayal, almost; he'd always assumed Jeryk was just as uninterested in romance and its trappings as he was. The other boy never mentioned anything of the sort before; so far as Thaffe had ever known, Jeryk's first and only love were the trolleys.

But then, I didn't think I cared about that sort of thing, either.

But he'd sat there thinking about it, while the sweat trickled down his neck and his mouth went dry - he'd sat there thinking about it, with his heart pounding so fast it made his vision blur, and he'd realized, swallowing hard-

"We could kiss, I suppose."

He'd meant it to sound casual. A joke, maybe; something they could laugh off, except... except that abruptly, with everything in him, he desperately wanted to kiss Jeryk. His best friend, his oldest friend; how'd this sneak up on him? Surely it should've hit him sooner than this, but he'd gone eighteen years without so much as a flicker of desire, thinking himself too mature to stumble into this sort of pitfall. He'd watched their other friends break their hearts against each other over the past few years, and never once did he think he might...

He'd meant to take it back, to laugh it off as he'd intended, but Jeryk... Jeryk had lit up at the idea. That smile! Thaffe still sees it when he closes his eyes, like staring at a bright light too long.

And then...

How does one judge this sort of thing? Was it a good kiss? Gods, Thaffe doesn't know. It was light, tentative, the gentlest brush of dry, chapped lips, full of promise. The promise of what - that's what sets Thaffe's heart to twisting; that's what's kept him awake at night all week. They hadn't talked about it - they'd laughed, anxious little laughs, and they'd gone back to talking about other things, though Thaffe doesn't recall a word of what he said. There'd been a little flush in Jeryk's cheeks, though, and he couldn't seem to stop smiling.

He can't stop thinking about it. But he can't bring himself to talk to Jeryk about it, either - what would he even say? What does he even want to say? He can't keep avoiding Jeryk the way he has, that's for certain; even if it hasn't become obvious yet, it will soon, and someone's going to start asking questions. Worse, Jeryk might start asking questions, and Thaffe's not sure he's got the answers.

He sighs, gathering today's meager collection. He's done a lot of banging on the cavern walls with his pickaxe for not a lot in the way of ore, and certainly no leonine. And he's no closer to unraveling the tangle in his head for his efforts.

All week, he's headed straight home from the mines, the better to clean up and get to bed early - before Jeryk gets home. It's not all that unusual. He's done it all the time, since taking up mining when he'd reached fifteen summers; early to bed, early to rise. Jeryk won't question it, not yet. If he keeps it up, though...

What if he gets it into his head that he's done something wrong? Thaffe hesitates outside the mine, blinking in the Light. What if he starts thinking I'm avoiding him for the kiss, when it was my own idea in the first place?

...Wicked white, he is avoiding Jeryk for the kiss, when it was his own idea in the first place.

With a heavy sigh, he turns his feet not toward home, but toward the railyard at Mount Biran, where Jeryk is sure to be. Magnus will be heading home by now, along with everyone else, but Jeryk? Jeryk'll spend another hour or so there, even if he's just looking at the old equipment, mesmerized. Thaffe finds himself walking quickly, surprising himself with his eagerness to see his friend again, after a week apart-

And maybe that's an answer all its own, isn't it? He misses Jeryk; misses him like he's lost a part of himself.

Whatever this is, whatever he's feeling, whatever comes of it... gods save him; he doesn't want to be away from Jeryk any longer. They'll figure it out better together than they will apart, surely.

The railyard's empty, but a light blazes in the window of the old Stoneworks office building. Jeryk's perched on the desk, drumming his heels against the scarred wood as he reads one of the technical manuals the old engineers left behind... but he looks up at Thaffe's arrival, startled by the door opening long after everyone else has gone home.

And he smiles, delight kindling in his green eyes. "Thaffe! I haven't seen you all week! Have you and Agna found any leonine?"

There's a vice around his heart, and something lodged in his throat. "Not.. not yet, no. Listen, Jeryk..."

Jeryk's smile fades. He sets the book aside. "Thaffe?"

Do or die, he orders himself. Get it over with or go home. He closes the distance between them, coming to stand before Jeryk, trying to keep his breathing steady. "I've... I've been thinking a lot," he says, doing his level best not to stare at Jeryk's lips. "About the... the kiss."

Color blooms in Jeryk's cheeks. "Oh?"

He sounds so hopeful it makes Thaffe want to laugh. So hopeful that it gives him hope, and enough courage to step even closer. He tugs the old hat off of Jeryk's head, rests his own forehead against his friend's.

Their breathing mingles, both a little unsteady.

"I'd like to kiss you again," Thaffe says, his voice rough. He cups Jeryk's face in his hands. "And I... I think I'd like to kiss you more, if you'd have me."

Jeryk laughs, a little breathless, but full of sheer delight.

"Yes," he says, sliding his arms around Thaffe's neck. "Oh, yes!"

[evolutionsvoid]

Of all the beasts affected by man's progression and development of the land, it should be obvious that the fate of the Hidebehind was one we did not see. As a species famous for hiding from sight, even under impossible circumstances, how could we know what befell them as urbanization and fragmentation consumed the continent? We knew they existed, the olden tales made sure of that, but in what numbers and what health, we simply didn't know. As the trees turned to steel and the earth to asphalt, we wondered what became of them with many of their homes lost. Did they flee to wilder lands, hiding in parks and preserves? Did they perish as the trees they hid behind toppled down atop of them? It was hard to say. Obviously, a population count was impossible. You can't see what is determined to remain hidden. The successes in trapping them didn't help much either, as tagging them and tracking them simply didn't work. Any marks given to them vanished, and all equipment strapped or injected simply fell off. The dilemma always brought to mind the old tale of a man who caught a Hidebehind, and was determined to see its true form. The man took shears to its shaggy coat and shaved it down until he was somehow left with only a pile of fur, claws and branching horns. Perhaps we could not tag them because there was nothing to tag, a body so impossibly thin and fluid that it defied all known methods. Glimpses and sightings did give us an idea of their locations, and trail cams helped pinpoint a few roaming groups. All this, though, was a drop in the bucket compared to what we didn't know. Were these individuals just the few of the many we were able to see, or are they the last of their kind? A vanishing species now vanishing for good?

If there is one good thing to come from the increase in security systems and public monitoring, it is the fact that cameras in cities started to reveal the fate of the Hidebehinds. As we consumed their home forests, we assumed they fled to greener pastures. It seems now, though, that these phantoms clung to our own shadows and stood as witnesses as we constructed our own nests. Security cameras and paranoid neighborhoods would claim to see movements in shadows, or suspect some foul miscreant lurking in the night. At the time, most of these incidents were chalked up as people seeing criminals and hoodlums in every dark alley or poorly lit street. The media filled parents and homeowners with fear of the faceless stranger, of the unseen roaming gangs of thieves and murderers waiting patiently for an unlocked door or unsecured window. So when countless sightings and reports came in, no one thought much of it. Just another case of paranoia or overreaction to a new neighbor who didn't quite fit the suburban standard. After a few undeniable videos caught on security cameras, researchers scrambled to collect all these odd reports and comb through them. It then became clear that the Hidebehind had been amongst us this whole time, lurking in the alleys, street corners and backyards. Though their trees were gone, there were still plenty of places to hide, and they did so with the same masterful technique as always. Food was no worry for them, as they just followed the ways of the raccoon, crow and other urban pests. Trash cans and dumpsters were rummaged, unattended food items were swiped, and the victims of the ceaseless road gave them access to plenty of meat and intestines. It should have been obvious at that point, when people complimented road crews for their impeccable work of cleaning up roadkill. Somehow those messy carcasses disappeared overnight, yet no one gave thought on the fact no one saw a single truck come by to do it. As more footage has been compiled and strategic cameras have been placed, we have learned more of the Hidebehind's adaptations. They use the shadows made from streetlights to slink about. They have figured out motion sensors and know how to slip past these automatic lights, or how to use them as a distraction. Fences are godsends and attics are safe havens. They have learned of the stray animals that wander the streets, and the pets that foolish owners let roam free. It turns out coyotes aren't the only ones to blame when Mittens doesn't come home in the morning. Doggie doors let in more than just Fido, and every cracked open window has a chance of inviting someone else to your home. Researchers also claim that their adaptations aren't just behavioral, but physical as well. Pictures have shown that their furs have grown darker and blacker in color, to further cloak themselves in the shadows. It also appears that their branching horns are becoming shorter and less prominent, as they have fewer trees to blend in with. It seems like the Hidebehinds are doing just fine, moving right in with us and taking advantage of this new ecosystem we've created. Most people are less thrilled about this, but there is little they can do. How can you call an exterminator for something you can't even see?

Despite all that was learned, there was one question that still plagued the research community. We saw how the Hidebehinds hunted and traveled in our towns and cities, but what of their young? Where did they keep their pups as they lurked in the shadows of our civilization? Young Hidebehinds were once kept in the hollows of trees or in caves, waiting for mommy to come home with fresh entrails. Though they are pretty good at hiding at a young age, they are a bit clumsy, sloppy and a tad rambunctious. Even when mom says to sit still and wait, they tend to wander sometimes and get caught in some play. In the tranquil forest, this was no harm, as no beast could catch a Hidebehind pup, let alone even spot one. But in our jungles of concrete and steel, not every danger has eyes to see. Speeding cars, roaring construction equipment and the flowing sea of humanity provide plenty of threat to bumbling pups. No doubt they would be trampled or run down, even if the foe didn't see them in the first place. However, no such reports have come in, so the Hidebehinds must have found a safe haven for their young. Many assumed that the city provided plenty of crevices and holes for them to make nest, like dumpsters or abandoned buildings. Some suggested they moved to city parks and playgrounds, using the trees found there. Others believed they left the city and took their young to the outskirts, despite the grueling journey that would be for the tending mother. The theories were many, but none properly answered the question. Even so, no footage or pictures were coming out to prove any of them true. In such a surveillance state, surely a Hidebehind nest in a park or empty building would eventually be captured, right? But none were ever revealed, which left us all not knowing. Well, not exactly all of us. Though there was plenty of arguing and debate over the mystery of Hidebehind pups, there was one group who knew the answer quite well. Their claim was made quite early on, but no one paid them any mind. The answer was right there in front of everyone, but no one bothered to think twice on it. Throughout all this, this one group continued to champion their solution to this mystery, but we ignored them again and again. It was only until recently when a research team decided to test this preposterous theory and then shockingly find it to be true. One would say "who would have guessed," but there were plenty of folk who had already guessed long before this. It seems obvious now, but no one could have really imagined the Hidebehinds to be this crafty. After all, what beast would be so bold to place their young in such a location? What creature rears its pups in the nest of the ecosystem's apex?         The revelation of this fact has set the research community, and many households, ablaze with questions, worries and concerns. How did this happen? When did this happen? How come it took us so long to figure it out? These were the storm of demands that came from so many homes and parents. They make accusations now, of the scientists being stupid and oblivious, but before all this they were just as ignorant to the truth. They didn't listen at all when the theory was championed again and again. After all, what parent truly believes their child when they say there is a monster in the closet?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Hidebehind”

"Wait a second, didn't you already draw a Hid-" INDEEDY DO! Yes, I have already drawn a Hidebehind and given it my usual ludicrous spin, but that was before I started doing this modern fearsome critter thing and the entry had nothing really to it. "So why not redraw the old des-" REDRAW?! IN THIS HOUSEHOLD!? Make the same thing twice you say?! Ludicrous! Preposterous! Unthinkable! To reuse a design, the gall! It has nothing to do with the fact that I struggle to draw the same thing twice, it is a matter of......uh.....ethics! Doing the same design again would mean I would have to give it a different pose, or show it from a different angle, or literally draw it in a way that I can't draw it! And we can't be having that here! So here is a new Hidebehind design with lore to match! I had to make this entry after I stumbled upon the revelation that boogiemen are just urbanized Hidebehinds.  

[kariachi]

Okay, some stuff for Alan's maternal family, because because

Lamar and Felicia Ellis had four children- two daughters, two sons- half of whom run the family farm

Their eldest girl- Pamela- got an office job in a city a few hours to the north, while their youngest- Robert- preaches at the local church

While only the family and people involved know what happened in Alan's premiere, that whole church knows somebody did something bigoted that got Father Ellis's ire up because he was preaching hellfire on the topic that next Sunday

The older boy and younger girl- Douglas and Jessica- both run the farm, him out there managing their workers, keeping a physical eye on things, putting in the physical labor, and her working from home managing the numbers, data files, tracking shit, and occasionally coming out to give a hand when needed or give things a once over

All the kids have land that belongs to them personally, generally just a one or two acres that all but Pam live on, but the majority of the family's land is still owned by their parents- who have technically retired from actually working the farm though they're still involved- and will be passed down to them as a group when they pass

The Ellises have their hands in a couple different pies, from crops to livestock- it doesn't so much make them more money as it does make their income more stable (if something goes wrong- which it always can with agriculture- they've got back-up income)

On the crop side you'll see a lot of dent corn that's used on-property (dent corn is the norm for animal feed) but it's generally as part of a rotation with cash crops of soy and tomatoes. You'll also see grapevines in one corner which are sold to local markets for fresh eating

Well, most of them are, Jessie has her own little plot on her land that feeds a homebrew hobby when her children and niblings aren't picking the vines clean for snacks

On the livestock side they do pasture poultry (relatively recent development, but they did the numbers and decided the higher going price for pasture made up for the expenses) and a hybrid dairy/beef system

The older three of the siblings are all married with kids- Pam's got two sons, Doug's got two daughters and a son, Jessie's got three sons and a daughter- while the youngest has neither and isn't really feeling a lack

Only one of his five cousins are Alan's age- his uncle's younger daughter, Jasmine- and the two of them have a 'besties who give each other shit' dynamic as a result of growing up together while also being rivals

While it's variable how much interest the grandchildren have in continuing work with the farm, everybody knows Alan and Jas will be running shit someday

Nine grandkids, two are guaranteed to keep with the farm, two work there in the summer to pay for college but one doesn't intend to stick around and the other is iffy, one is a definite no given the option (nasty pollen allergies and 'I am never pulling another calf fuck you'), and the younger four are all too young to really say

Jason- Jessie's youngest boy and Alan's youngest brother- is the best bet looking at him as of AF but he's also like eight so...

The family is close over all and they all get together at least once a year for Christmas, and every other year for Thanksgiving

Whatever happens, the farm their family has built over generations past is guaranteed to be in good hands going forward

[a-land-lacking-sleep]

Electric Trains are the Future Chapter 10: An Unexpected Disruption

Previous Chapter (9) - Current Chapter - Next Chapter (11)

We hit the angsty part today, sorry. Well, next chapter is the angst, this chapter is the catalyst. But for now, we send the group to go find a new village! We're ramping up for the climax of the first part, and then we're on to new pastures!

Chapter Summary: Jubilife needs to expand with all of the incoming immigrants, and Ingo and Akari are the right people for the job! Chapter Word Count: 4848 Chapter Warnings: Major Character Injury (Skip from the blue text to the next linebreak)

As always, read here or on AO3 with additional notes! Reblogs and comments are always appreciated.

-

13 Weeks since Elesa’s Disappearance

“Sorry, Uncle, but it seems that Solgaleo can’t get a lead on it,” Elio says, stroking the fur on their giant lion before feeding it a malasada. “He can feel that a Wormhole was here, yeah, but he can’t really get anything else.”

Emmet is standing with Elio and Volo down Tunnel 3 in the Nimbasa Subway System, in the approximate location where Ingo had disappeared during an inspection. Emmet clearly remembers what had happened. Several Depot Agents had seen figures of Pokemon rushing out of the way of trains in Tunnels 3 and 4, and once they were able to shut the lines down, Ingo and Emmet had split up to check each tunnel.

Ingo never came back. Emmet had found a small purple Pokemon, incredibly injured from when it had been clipped by a train. When he described it to Elio, the young Champion had exclaimed it must’ve been a Poipole. Emmet had cared for the Pokemon for a time before it suddenly disappeared.

Just like Ingo.

“Uncle?” Elio’s voice snaps Emmet out of his reminiscence, and he turns to face Elio. “Are you ok?”

“I am Emmet. I was thinking. I am fine, yup,” Emmet says, his smile looking verrrrrry tired, but still real. “This is where Ingo disappeared. An Ultra Wormhole makes sense.” He nods, and looks over as Volo clears his throat.

“Since we didn’t get any leads, should we get going?” He was back in his baggy blue hoodie, hands buried into the pockets. “We did make plans to talk with Cynthia.” The ‘old’ man began to tap his foot and look around the group. “And I really don’t like how these tunnels feel. I feel like I’m being watched.”

“Yes,” Emmet says, turning and beginning to walk down the tunnel, back towards the Subway terminal. “We should get going.”

—

16 Weeks since Elesa’s Arrival

The sun in the coastlands was brutal now that summer was beginning to roll in. With how bitterly cold the winters got, and how the Icelands stayed under a constant sheet of ice, one would expect cooler summers. But Ingo was a Unovan. He lived just as far north there as he did here, and he knows how hot the streets can get in the height of summer.

Elesa and Miss Akari, meanwhile, managed the heat by wearing lighter clothing for the expedition. Miss Akari had changed into the pajama shirt she’d worn when she first arrived and wore thinner pants that covered her legs, and Elesa had modified yet another uniform to be thinner with removed sleeves, and shortened her pants to capri length. Ingo refused to remove his coat and hat, though he had the sense to remove his Pearl Clan tunic. If they came across Palina, he was sure she’d understand.

“So, game plan!” Miss Akari says, putting a map of the Coastlands down on the table for both adults to see. “Kamado and Sanqua want us to find the best place to build an additional settlement for the Galaxy Expedition Team. We’ve been getting a lot of new incomers, and Jubilife is almost full!” The girl smiles and nods, satisfied with her explanation.

“We also need to remember to plot our course around Pearl and Diamond Clan lands,” Ingo says, picking up the fountain pen that he had haggled from Ginter, and circling the upper cliffs of the bay, and the area around Aipom Hill. “If we put tracks on these lands, we not only break the treaties, but risk discontent. The Clans and Jubilife are allies and on good terms, but if we accidentally start an invasion, then we have forgotten about safety checks and gone into a dangerous tunnel.”

Elesa swats his shoulder softly, drawing his look. “We’re not going to start anything, you Worry Seed! I don’t think Akari is that dumb!” She very much leaves the implication that Akari is dumb enough for other things unsaid.

Akari, thankfully, didn’t catch on, and motioned for the pen from Ingo. “Yeah, I’m not gonna start nothin’,” she says, circling the area at the end of the bottom hook of the bay, where the sand spreads out like a hand. “We already have a base camp here at Sand’s Reach, and it’s far enough from where Basculegion usually rests that it shouldn’t be an issue.”

The trio look at the map for a few moments, plotting the various courses there. Eventually, Ingo speaks up. “Though we already do now, we would have to route freight lines for the settlement through Aipom Hill itself, most likely right where Iscan lives.” He reaches over and grabs a pencil this time, marking the path of least resistance from the beach of Gingko Landing to Sand’s Reach. “While I’m sure he will be fine with us simply having a route past his house, it might cause a logistical problem down the line.”

“What?” Akari looks at the map intensely for a few moments, then shakes her head. “They don’t need to go that close to the cliffs, Uncle Ingo! There’s other ways through that pass!” She grabs the pencil as soon as Ingo sets it down, and amends his route to cut north of the pass, right over the mountains.

Elesa sighs as Ingo carries on. “Miss Akari, you forget that you and I have the ease of Lady Sneasler’s help. Even with her, we make only a two-car train. But if we need to build and supply a new village,” he smudges the line that she had made, then taps his original route, “then we have a freight train and must go through the pass. We can check the route again today, but we would need to discuss the plans with Adaman and Iscan to be sure.”

Miss Akari crosses her arms and huffs, knowing that Ingo was right but not wanting to admit it. Ingo, meanwhile, was proud of himself. Once Kamado and Sanqua had learned that Ingo was the head of transportation for a region the size of Unova, they had asked him to help with the planning of the next settlement. Someone with such expertise in planning trade routes and roads for moving people was invaluable, and the Galaxy Team was not going to pass it up.

The silence is broken when Elesa taps a spot on the map, a lake across from Firespit Island. “What about here? Would this be a suitable place for the village, if we can find a way through the mountain?” Labeled under the name ‘Spring Path’, the lake was isolated from everywhere else unless they took a boat all the way around the Veilstone Cape. But in a straight line from where the trio were now, they would entirely avoid dealing with the Pearl Clan land that stretched down Veilstone and the Castaway Shore, as well as the area directly around Firespit.

Ingo and Miss Akari look up at each other, both trying to communicate silently. How steep were the cliffs? Was there a shallower part to take carts? Maybe a small cave system that could be extended, and kept lit so that Zubat didn’t infest it? Were there any Alpha nearby that they would need to try and coax into relocating?

After a few moments of silently debating it between each other and alone, Miss Akari takes the pen and circles the lake. “This might work. I haven’t gone up here much, so I don’t have the best idea of what we need to do. But,” swapping the pen for the pencil, she circles the area of the cliffs that separate the lake from the main area of the Coastland, “if we can find a way through here, it’s viable.” 

Ingo looks at the map to think of ways around Akari’s conundrum, and eventually he shrugs. Dancing in excitement of her victory, Akari rolls up the map and puts it away before pulling out her Arcphone and opening the map app on it. “So, this one doesn’t show any more detail at all. But I can have it track my movement so that it plots a path for us!” She holds her finger on the screen and puts a pin. “There, it’ll track us now!”

“Then let’s hope we don’t have to go up and down cliffs, Akari,” Elesa says, ruffling the teenager’s hair as she starts walking down towards the beach. “But no use worrying about that until we get there. Might as well use the thing to route a way around the Alpha nests, no?”

The group carefully makes tracks through the Coastland, keeping off the sand itself to keep the path as straight as possible. The Alpha Walrein that normally rests on the coast north of the cliffs had decided to come visit the main coastline with their children, which Ingo made sure to note down as a potential obstacle to future routing. 

To say nothing of the normal Alpha Drapion, whose Skorupi minions caught wind of the trio as they passed by, even with the wide berth. Ingo didn’t miss the larger Pokemon trudge towards the edge of its territory. Nor did he miss the fact that it trailed their movement as they skirted around the Pokemon’s nesting area. 

Just from those two brief encounters, Ingo was second guessing this potential location. With this many Alphas nearby, most traders wouldn’t want to take the route, even with easy tracks for them to follow, let alone villagers with little protection. Gripping the brim of his cap, he looks down towards the ground as he walks, thinking to himself. They’ve stuck to the cliffs to the west of the area, barely staying in sight of these Alphas, yet the fact that they had to worry about them meant that they would have to worry about them again in the future.

Eventually though, Akari pops her hand up, her phone screen lit up. “We’re at the point!” She puts her hands to her hips triumphantly and looks around expectantly, though Ingo was unsure what she was hoping to find. All he could see was a cliff.

“Akari?” Elesa asks, tapping the teen on the head. “What are you Seaking? Cause I’m not seeing much of a path.” Ingo had to agree with her, there wasn’t much of a path at all. He knew to the east was a path up the cliffs towards Veilstone Cape, and eventually to Lord Arcanine’s grave. But that went in the opposite direction, and was decidedly in Pearl Clan territory.

Miss Akari crosses her arms and looks out east anyway. “We could see if there’s a place on the path that way that could either be workable, or maybe carved into a path with Pokemon?” It seems that Miss Akari had already given up on the idea of using this as a way to keep out of Clan territory, and she didn’t even sound too sure of it herself. 

Ingo opens his mouth to speak, but Elesa cuts him off. “That could be the case,” she says, walking past Miss Akari while tapping her chin. “How about this, Skiddo. I’ll go check that path for places we can use, and you two,” she pauses, pointing at Ingo and Miss Akari before pointing up the cliff and continuing, “can HM08 your way up the cliff and look for a way down on the other side.”

Ingo frowns, not that there is much of an outwardly difference. “I am not sure that’s the track to go with, Elesa. Honestly, that proves that this route is unsustainable for travel if we are needing to make concessions before construction begins. Always remember your safety checks, as Emmet would say.”

“And safety checks are why I’m having you two check up there,” Elesa says, gesturing to the cliff face again. “Sticking to the path down here isn’t too rough, so I can Gogoat around with ease!” She pops a cute little pose, putting her hand on her hip and popping it to the side while flashing a peace sign up by her face. Ingo had to struggle not to laugh at her joke, since he was trying to prove a point of not approving of the plan. 

But before the point could be argued, the pair were surprised by Akari blowing two loud notes from her Celestica Flute, then looking at the pair with a smile. “Sneasler’s on her way!” Elesa pumps her fists in excitement while Ingo just gives her a flat look.

“Fine,” Ingo says, pulling his cap down a bit to cover his eyes. “Once my Lady arrives, we can depart from this station.” Miss Akari dances in place in joy, then high fives Elesa. Ingo stews, having been betrayed by not only his adoptive niece, but by his own girlfriend. 

After a few minutes, Lady Sneasler climbs down the cliff that Ingo and Akari were about to scale. Elesa waves as she turns to head off, and Miss Akari climbs up into Lady Sneasler’s riding basket. “Now, my Lady,” Ingo says as he walks toward the cliff with his hands behind his back, “we’re planning on checking if the cliffs on the other side are conducive to regular travel.” Sneasler has a look of realization across her face, then nods enthusiastically. “I know that you would be able to traverse it easily, so Miss Akari and I need to check for ease of human travel.” 

Sneasler rolls her eyes and points at Ingo. “Snea?” Ingo just nods, and she shrugs before starting her way up the cliff. Adorably, Miss Akari sticks her arm out and waves at Ingo now that the basket is facing him, and Ingo waves back, his eyes crinkling slightly in his own kind of smile. Once Lady Sneasler gets a good distance up, her claws easily digging into and gripping the stone, Ingo begins to climb, finding the best path of handholds and footholds that he could.

The climb up looks like it will be easy, with plenty of handholds in view already, though it would take some time to actually traverse, giving Ingo the time to think. Since Elesa arrived, Unova not only had a name in his mind, but it was actually a real place to return to. Elesa would definitely go home, she’s talked about it a few times since she’s been here, and he thinks she may be getting homesick with how he’s been catching her looking at her Xtransciever.

Ingo missed Unova as well. He missed his mother Eiko in Anville; he missed his uncle Drayden and cousin Iris in Opelucid; he missed the sound of the Subway running down the tunnels as he would rest between battles. He missed his daily life with Emmet, and their teams, all 14 Pokemon and two humans in one house, existing together.

But can they even go back? Ingo remembers a few days after Elesa arrived, Miss Akari had admitted that she probably wouldn’t be able to send her or Ingo back. The fabric of time-space was still weak, and Dialga and Palkia were apparently refusing to do anything like that again. She said she had another plan, but nothing came up after that. Ingo wasn’t sure if the plan was being worked on or not, but the young girl had thrown herself into the Pokedex soon after.

And can Ingo even go back? He’s a Warden, an important member of the Pearl Clan, even if he doesn’t spend too much time around the Clan as a whole because of his duties and the general discomfort that the others felt with his origins. And in Jubilife, he was expected to conduct the Galaxy Team and various villagers in battling, teaching them how Pokemon battles work and how to properly care for them. He also had friends among the Wardens and Leaders, and each attachment was beginning to feel like a chain.

Ah, he has reached his destination. Ingo pulls himself up over the cliff’s edge, nodding to Miss Akari and Lady Sneasler, who were chatting as they waited for him. Even after 2 years of climbing the cliffs alongside her, Ingo could never match Lady Sneasler’s speed. “I have arrived at the station,” he calls out to grab their attention, gripping his hat.

Miss Akari jumps over to him and points away from the cliff, in the general direction of their destination. “Then we’re set! Let’s go check out the path!” Without a moment’s more wait, she starts moving. Lady Sneasler takes a moment to look back at Ingo, as if asking if she should follow, and all Ingo can do is shrug before following himself. 

After a few minutes of walking through what was honestly a calm route, Ingo speaks up. “So, Miss Akari, I do feel the need to ask.” Once he’s sure that the girl is listening, he continues. “Just as you don’t know the stations and towns in Unova, I don’t know those in Sinnoh. Is there actually a town here in your time?”

Miss Akari chews her bottom lip in thought for a moment before answering Ingo’s question, which he took as a sign that his suspicions were right. “Really, I’m not sure. Veilstone is supposed to be in this area, but the coastline is really different.” She pouts and puffs her cheeks out slightly. “I feel like the cape that Arcanine is buried on has either eroded or was taken down somehow, ‘cause that is not there back home.”

Ingo brings his hand from his cap and strokes his beard in thought. “That is a lot of stone to remove in a century and a half.”

“It’s a big change, yeah…” Akari says with a sigh. “Not only that, but Eterna, Oreburgh, and Floaroma seem to be in different places if their names are in the right spots, and Jubilife is Canalave in our time. I could’ve missed that sort of thing in school, but it feels wrong”

“If it helps, there are historical references to my position in this era,” Ingo says quickly, hoping to stop Akari from a potential spiral. “It was a joke my brother and I would share, so if we are indeed from the same 2022, then this is indeed the past of your region.” They walked silently for a few moments before he continued down similar tracks.

“Have you made any progress on returning us to our original homes?” Ingo had stayed behind by a pace or two while they walked, so he was able to see Akari stop in her spot, and so he stopped as well to let her think.

After a moment, Akari pulls out her Pokedex and turns to show him the filled out page for Munchlax. “I caught my last Pokemon yesterday morning. My Pokedex is complete, outside of one page that I think is… The Pokemon that sent me here.” She’d mentioned this Pokemon before, a deity from her region supposedly. She puts the Pokedex away and steps over, pulling out the phone that she had with her. “The page appeared after I got this text.”

Come to the Temple of Sinnoh for your final test.

“According to Arceus,” Akari says with a grimace at acknowledging who she thinks brought her here, “I should be going to the Highlands to see Him.” She sighs and puts the phone to her mouth, biting the small protrusion on the top before leaning against Ingo. “I was afraid to go, and leave you two behind. And not get to tell people good-bye.”

Ah, Ingo could see the problem. She was worried about the same thing he was, having put roots into Hisui, only to rip them up. “I miss home, Uncle Ingo,” she says softly, staying leaned up against his arm. “I miss my mom, I miss Auntie Cynthia, I miss Lucas and Barry. But I’m also scared to leave here, ‘cause I’ll miss everyone, like Rei, Irida, Adaman, Laventon…”

Ingo lets her linger for a second as he thinks. Akari had begun to feel truly at home, which makes sense. She’s still a child, in the bigger picture, and despite the trials she went through here with Volo causing the rifts and Kamado’s less than stellar reactions to disaster, she’d found a place to be comfortable. She had adults to rely on, a friend her age to spend time with, Pokemon to bond to. He could see her dilemma quite clearly.

Sighing, Ingo reaches up and takes his hat off, then plops it down onto Akari’s head. As she looks at him with a soft giggle, he points a finger upwards while keeping her left arm behind his back. “Follow the rules. Safe driving!” He steps back and points at her. “Follow the schedule. Now, everybody smile!” He pauses briefly to let her smile, before asking softly, “Have you checked safety?” 

Giggling through a smile now, Akari nods and mimics his current stance, putting her left hand up and her right behind her back. She’s been through this before. Even before Ingo remembered his past, he’d remembered this phrase, and often used it to help cheer her up during rough days. “Everything’s ready!” They both click their feet together and spin to face their path, pointing outwards before shouting “ALL ABOARD!”

Akari struggles to not fall into a giggle fit, and Ingo smiles at her, a genuine soft smile, before snatching his hat back. Akari immediately tries to grab it back while he holds it high above her head. “You can have a hat when you are a depot agent, young lady.”

“Fine then,” Akari says with a huff, crossing her arms and facing away. “I’ll be a depot agent, and fight so well that I’ll replace you in the Single Lines!” The both share a laugh, Ingo’s echoing off of the cliffs around them and nearly covering Akari’s entirely. After they calm down, Akari bumps her shoulder against Ingo and points at the cliff ahead. “We’re here!”

The pair approach the cliff and look over the landscape below. It’s nearly a sheer drop from their position, with the need of either Pokemon assistance in this time period, or machine-made paths in their time. Looking down, Ingo could see several swarms of Mothim in the area, including two Alphas actively engaged in a territory dispute. He lets the silence hang for a moment before gripping his hat. “This line is a bust, Miss Akari.”

His teenage passenger stays silent a moment longer before pointing over at the raised rock formation in the center of the area. “Well, there’s the lake. I recognize this area,” she says, her shoulders slumping. “It’s where I caught Giratina. There’s a cave on the water inside of the crater.” She kicks a rock by her foot, launching it over the edge of the cliff in front of them and tumbling down. “I came by the water last time, so I forgot it was this area…”

As the girl starts to wallow, Ingo pats her shoulder. “It’s fine, Miss Akari. Even if this line did not lead to a station, it is still information to use for future expeditions.” He watches her look out at the area below them and then pick herself back up. “Now, let us reverse course and return to our previous station. We shouldn’t keep Elesa waiting.”

“Yeah, don’t wanna keep Auntie held up much longer,” Akari says with a half-hearted grin, turning around on her heel and starting back towards the far cliff they had climbed. The way she swung her arms mirrors how Emmet had always walked when he got excited, swinging like the stiff arms of a toy soldier or nutcracker. “Besides, it’s not all bad, we got some exercise!”

“We get exercise daily, Miss Akari,” Ingo says, laughing as he falls in line with Lady Sneasler. “We could’ve used this time to prepare the route to the base camp and discuss plans with Iscan.” He didn’t want to rain on her parade entirely, but she had delayed their course pretty heavily.

“Oh, it’ll be fine.” Akari waves her hand in dismissal. ��I know for a fact that the camp becomes a city in Sinnoh. It’s Sunyshore, the last city before the Elite Four.” She spreads her arms wide like she’s showing Ingo a floating image of the town. “A few buildings built on the shore, with raised platforms of solar panels that you can walk on to access the Lighthouse or Volkner’s Electric-type Gym.” She turns around and walks backwards so she can shoot finger guns at Ingo. “Pretty sweet, yeah?”

“So it was the correct choice, and this was a whim.” Again, Ingo didn’t want to actively rain on her parade, but this was absurd. They had spent almost two hours on this diversion, and it was completely unneeded. All it had done was send Akari’s mental state into disarray thinking she had been derailed so heavily that her future didn’t exist here for a brief moment.

“Well, kinda, yeah,” Akari says, visibly deflating and turning back around. “I was thinking we could find a place for Veilstone, but yeah, this was… This was kinda useless. Sorry.” Lady Sneasler shoots Ingo a tired look, basically reading as You don’t know how to talk to kids, and trots to catch up to the teenager, licking at her hair. “Hey! Sneasler! My hair is fine, I don’t need to be groomed!”

Ingo breathes in deeply and sighs before stopping next to the two parked girls. “I was not trying to imply that you made a worthless decision, Miss Akari.” Normally, he was the one to put out the bad news to an employee at work, as Emmet was far too blunt for his own good or Cameron’s self-esteem, but with the girl who genuinely saw him as an uncle figure, he was struggling. “Simply that this would’ve been better done by checking here after we had set up the other line. We’ve lost daylight, yes, but not the way.” He pauses for a moment, trying to think of how to wrap this up, though Akari cuts him off instead.

“You’re good, Uncle Ingo,” she says, reaching out to gently shove him. “It just sucks being wrong, y’know? Especially when it normally works ou-” Akari pauses suddenly, her brows furrowing and her head snapping towards the cliffs that they were approaching. “Do you hear battling, Uncle?”

That sets off alarms in Ingo’s head, and he tilts his head to listen closer. He hears the Growlithe in the distance running through the trees, the occasional Staravia or Chatot flying by, but beneath it, yes, he can hear a battle. There was a pattern to it, and then what sounded like a burst from a generator. Elesa was battling something.

“She needs our help,” Ingo says, immediately making for the cliff and looking down to see his partner fighting off the Alpha Drapion from earlier. It had seemed interested, and apparently enough so to leave its nesting area to investigate what they were doing. Looking back, he calls to Akari, “She’s fighting an Alpha, we should move to assist! All aboard!”

He turns back as Akari starts scrambling into Lady Sneasler’s basket, and kneels down to look for a foothold on the cliff face. Seeing one, he plants his hand and pivots, briefly hanging off a loose grip before his foot lands on the hold, and then he braces himself. A hurried Lady Sneasler comes over the cliff’s edge now, turning in midair to sink her claws into the stone, and quickly makes her way down the cliff.

Ingo moves fast to keep pace, moving from handhold to handhold, foothold to foothold in practiced motions. Release my hands here, plant my feet here, grip my hand here. Release here, plant here, grip here. Release, plant, grip.

Cool your engines, Ingo! Remember your safety checks! Is everything ready?

Before he can react, the small ledge where Ingo had planted his foot crumbles under his full weight, not only leaving him with no support from below, but also causing gravity to tear his fingers from the stone they were clutching. 

It’s a short fall to the next ledge, his extended right leg meeting it full force, and he can feel the bone snap, the pain nearly causing him to black out. He falls backwards, twisting to try and catch himself, his head barely missing the edge as he free falls for a moment. He swears he hears Akari and Sneasler, but he can’t focus to hear as the ground is now rapidly approaching him. Tuck and roll enters his mind, but he can’t get his body to respond, still twisting itself to try and right itself.

His shoulder connects with the ground, the bone snapping audibly before his head hits next. His flip completes as he slides across the ground on his back, and finally blacks out.

—

In Sinnoh, 16 weeks after Elesa had disappeared into a space-time distortion, Emmet falls to the forest floor and lets out a loud scream as he clasps his left arm.

[researchrealmblog]

Livestock Monitoring Market Share, Size, Future Demand, and Emerging Trends

Market Overview

The global livestock monitoring market generated revenue of USD 1,732.8 million in 2023, which is expected to reach USD 3,517.7 million by 2030 , witnessing a CAGR of 10.9% during the forecast period. The increases in the market can be attributed to the surge in the number of cattle, accompanied by the increments in the adoption of technology that tracks their health, behaviour, and locations. 

As well, marketplaces are accelerated by the growing emphasis on real-time illness monitoring and early detection, a greater demand for meat globally, and an increase in the adoption of AI and IoT technologies for livestock monitoring.

The growing attention to early disease diagnostics and real-time monitoring of livestock is a critical factor that affects the growth of the livestock monitoring market. Real-time monitoring and early disease detection should remain vital steps for giving proper treatment to animals and assistance in maintaining their health. 

Sensor technology has made it possible for farmers to remotely monitor and track health status through automated sensors in real-time thus providing early diagnosis of diseases in animals. Such solutions can help identify any health matters that are about to get worse, and so these problems can be treated as quickly as possible by applying the required options.

Key Insights

In 2023, the cattle category held 40% revenue share and the category is also projected to uphold dominance.

Monitoring systems for livestock play an essential role, guaranteeing good health vital for sustainable dairy production.

Severe food safety guidelines worldwide need regular health checks for dairy animals, particularly cows.

Augmented eating of beef contributes to the strength of the cattle category in the industry.

Besides organizations and government implementing policies, both public and private sectors also have a role to play regarding beef and dairy product safety, maintaining the required quality standard.

The growth of the poultry category is expected to be a dynamic thing and, among the major factors, will be the daily consumption of poultry products.

Increasing consumer consciousness towards poultry product quality is the main reason for the growing need strictly for animal health monitoring.

In 2023, the hardware category held a substantial 65% revenue share and is also projected to remain dominant.

Numerous hardware tools are used to fuel farming output and lessen difficulties faced by agriculturalists, leading to augmented production.

These hardware solutions are ecologically friendly and pose no damage to animals.

Detectors play an important role in tracking animal health, chewing patterns, location tracking, pasture management, and other important processes in animal husbandry.

The software category is projected to witness a CAGR of 12% over the projected period.

Software applications are progressively utilized for monitoring animal health via user-friendly interfaces and advanced features.

The APAC region is projected to witness the highest CAGR over the projection period, mainly because of its large livestock herds.

Altering dietary patterns, populace growth, and fast urbanization in the continent contribute to augmented consumption of animal-derived food.

Asia dominates globally in livestock production and is projected to endure this trend.

Asian milk and cattle farmers are adopting advanced technologies to meet the demand for dairy and meat products.

Source: P&S Intelligence

[shapeupshawn]

The Benefits of the Carnivore Diet: Exploring an All-Meat Lifestyle

The carnivore diet, centered on the consumption of animal products exclusively, has been gaining traction in the health and wellness community. While controversial, many proponents advocate for its various benefits. Let’s explore the potential advantages of adopting an all-meat diet.

Simplicity and Convenience

One of the most significant benefits of the carnivore diet is its simplicity. Meal planning becomes straightforward when the focus is solely on animal products. There’s no need to count calories, track macronutrients, or worry about the balance of different food groups. This ease of adherence can be appealing for those overwhelmed by the complexities of other diets.

Weight Loss

Many people report significant weight loss on the carnivore diet. The high protein and fat content can promote satiety, reducing overall calorie intake. Additionally, by eliminating carbohydrates, the body shifts to a state of ketosis, where it burns fat for energy, potentially accelerating weight loss.

Reduced Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is linked to various health issues, including arthritis, heart disease, and certain cancers. Advocates of the carnivore diet claim that it can reduce inflammation by eliminating plant-based foods that might cause sensitivities or allergic reactions. Many followers report improvements in inflammatory conditions like joint pain and skin issues.

Improved Mental Clarity and Focus

Some people on the carnivore diet experience enhanced mental clarity and focus. This could be due to stable blood sugar levels achieved by avoiding carbohydrate-induced spikes and crashes. Additionally, ketones produced during ketosis are a more efficient energy source for the brain, potentially improving cognitive function.

Digestive Health

For individuals with digestive issues, the carnivore diet can offer relief. Many plant-based foods contain fibers and anti-nutrients like lectins and oxalates, which can irritate the gut. By removing these potential irritants, the carnivore diet may help those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other gastrointestinal disorders achieve better digestive health.

Potential Autoimmune Benefits

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body. Some proponents suggest that the carnivore diet can mitigate autoimmune symptoms by eliminating plant compounds that might trigger immune responses. While more research is needed, anecdotal evidence suggests improvements in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Enhanced Athletic Performance

Athletes following the carnivore diet often report increased endurance and strength. The diet’s high protein intake supports muscle repair and growth, while fats provide sustained energy. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effects can aid in quicker recovery from workouts.

Hormonal Balance

Hormones play a crucial role in overall health. The carnivore diet’s high intake of healthy fats is essential for hormone production. Many followers report improved symptoms of hormonal imbalances, such as mood swings, menstrual irregularities, and low libido.

Simplified Food Choices

For those who struggle with food choices and portion control, the carnivore diet offers a liberating experience. With a limited range of foods to choose from, decision-making becomes easier, potentially reducing the stress and anxiety associated with eating.

Sustainable for Some

While sustainability can be a concern due to ethical and environmental considerations, some argue that the carnivore diet can be sustainable if sourced responsibly. Focusing on grass-fed, pasture-raised meats supports humane animal farming practices and environmental stewardship.

Conclusion

The carnivore diet is a radical approach to nutrition that can offer various benefits, from weight loss and reduced inflammation to improved mental clarity and digestive health. However, it’s essential to approach this diet with caution and ideally under medical supervision, as it may not be suitable for everyone. As with any dietary change, it’s crucial to listen to your body and make informed decisions based on your individual health needs.

Have you tried the carnivore diet, or are you considering it? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!

[exclusivelinksestateagents]

Millionaires fleeing London for greener pastures: Florida, Dubai and Paris top the list

As new data reveals a startling trend, it seems that millionaires are abandoning the UK at an unprecedented rate, second only to China. The recent Henley Private Wealth Migration Report indicates that 9,500 millionaires, defined in US dollar terms, departed the UK last year. This exodus signifies a record outflow for the country, with London being particularly affected.

Between the alarming trend of millionaires leaving the UK, Dubai has emerged as a popular destination for high-net-worth individuals seeking a stable and luxurious lifestyle. Dubai's property market offers a diverse range of investment opportunities, including off-plan projects in Dubai that allow investors to get in on the ground floor of upcoming developments. Additionally, buying property in Dubai provides a hassle-free experience with a transparent legal system and a strong track record of capital appreciation. 

The Great Migration: Where Are They Going?

The preferred destinations for these high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are varied and diverse, encompassing bustling global cities and luxurious retirement spots. Paris, Dubai, Amsterdam, Monaco, Geneva, Sydney, and Singapore are among the top urban choices. On the other hand, idyllic locales like Florida, the Algarve, Malta, and the Italian Riviera have become popular retirement havens. This trend reflects a broader pattern where other countries like India, South Korea, and Brazil also experience significant millionaire outflows.

Why the Exodus?

Henley’s report sheds light on the broader economic implications of this millionaire migration. The outflow of wealthy individuals often points to underlying issues within a country, as these individuals tend to be the first to leave in times of trouble. They are also a crucial source of foreign exchange (forex) revenue, bringing substantial wealth into their new countries, equivalent to significant export earnings.

The reasons behind this trend vary. For many, it's the search for better business opportunities, favourable tax regimes, and higher quality of life. For instance, the UAE, particularly Dubai, has emerged as a top destination due to its attractive business environment and luxurious lifestyle. The city’s tax-free income policy, along with no capital gains or inheritance taxes, presents a lucrative opportunity for wealth management and asset protection.

[smilescars]

Experience the Best Safari In Tanzania With SmilesCars Rental

SmilesCars Rental: Your Key to a Seamless Safari. At SmilesCars Rental, we understand that a successful safari hinges on comfort, reliability, and flexibility. Our extensive fleet of well-maintained vehicles caters to all your needs, from sturdy 4WDs that can conquer any terrain to comfortable minivans perfect for family adventures. Our vehicles are equipped with essential amenities to ensure a smooth journey, including GPS navigation systems and rooftop tents for those seeking an authentic camping experience under the star-studded African sky.

Beyond the Vehicle: Personalized Service for an Unforgettable Journey

Our commitment to your satisfaction extends far beyond simply providing a rental car. Our knowledgeable staff is comprised of safari enthusiasts who can assist you in crafting the ideal itinerary, ensuring you visit all the must-see destinations and hidden gems. We can recommend reputable and experienced guides who can share their in-depth knowledge of the region's flora and fauna, transforming your game drives into educational adventures.

Memories that Last a Lifetime

Exploring Safari in Tanzania is an experience that will indelibly etch itself into your memory. With SmilesCars Rental as your partner, you can embark on a journey of discovery, traversing vast landscapes and encountering the awe-inspiring wildlife that Tanzania is renowned for. So, don't delay, contact SmilesCars Rental today and start planning your dream African safari!

Final

Tanzania is gifted wealth in abundant wildlife and unmatched sights, make the best safari experience with SmilesCars Rental.

Open the curtain and step into the vast savanah of Tanzania and the uttmost experience of the wealth of regard tropical wildlife and geology. On the end, with SmilesCars Rental, you are not only holding the key to your self-driven perfect safari, but also a perfect chance to discover the wild Tanzania, being comfortable at any time you want.

Explore the Enchanting Serengeti

As one of the most attracting tourist attraction sites in Tanzania, the Serengeti National Park offers visitors the privilege of viewing the plain and the Savannah territories. You may be feeling the excitement of nature while getting an opportunity to watch the most spectacular events in African savannah like the great migration of wildebeest and zebra looking for new green pastures. Feel the ground vibrate under your feet as nature flaunts its might on the stage of the ardent midsummer’s day. Flexible and free from restrictive schedules SmilesCars Rental will allow you to bring out the arbitrary nature of the game drives and explore the less known locations with stunning views of a number of watering places full of wild animals. Relax and marvel at pride of lions lying lazily in early morning sunshine, or possibly follow a track, to find a leopard, standing guard on solitary rocky outcrop.

Beyond the Serengeti: The Truth about Tanzania: what has not been revealed

However, the extent of idea that has been created by the Serengeti is beyond doubt, there are more enchanting beauty of Tanzania that exist in other national parks. Step into the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater with its natural conservation of wildlife because of a extinct volcanic crater. See black rhinos feeding side by side with various grazers and hunters in the floor of the volcanic crater.

SmilesCars Rental assures unique auto rental services that enable you to explore the vibrant volcanic highlands of Tarangire National Park with its striking dominant trees- the<table>[7]baobabs and the remarkable herds of elephants congregating round the few permanent water sources in the park.

To really get adventurous, proceed to the verdant savanna of the Lake Manyara National Park, which hosts a seemingly endless water body that is home to an estimated number of bird species, the famous flamingos galore which feed on the algae present in the shallow waters of the lake.

Beyond the Vehicle: One would get the service of his/her choice to make the journey a memorable one.

It means that we are committed to make sure that you are fully satisfied with the car rental experience that we are offering you! We know that every member of our staff is a true lover of safaris and they can help you to construct the best schedule, by visiting every list spot and some more. There are professional tour guides that can explain the best of the park’s features, the birds, and the animals, thus turning your game viewing sessions into informative events.

To have memories that last a lifetime that were created together with a close friend or a special someone is fulfilling.

Frequently, people use the word “safari” to mean an adventure, and this definitely holds true with Tanzanian safari as you will always remember. Tanzania is famous for its vast natural terrains, and smelling the wildlife SmilesCars Rental will make any adventure possible providing you with the best safari cars for rental. Thus, do not hesitate further, and call the SmilesCars Rental, start planning your marvelous African safari right now!

[empxtrack]

The Importance of Transparent PTO Accrual Policies in Promoting Work-Life Balance

Paid time off (PTO) is a cornerstone of any healthy work environment. It's the chance to recharge, de-stress, and come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges. But what if the system for accruing and tracking PTO is murky and confusing? That sweet vacation time you deserve can quickly turn into a source of anxiety.

This is where transparent PTO accrual policies come in. They play a vital role in promoting work-life balance for your employees, and that translates into a bunch of benefits for your company too. Let's dive into why clear PTO policies are a win-win

A transparent PTO accrual system lays everything out clearly. Employees should be able to easily access information on:

Accrual Rate: How much PTO is earned per pay period (daily, hourly, or salary-based).

Carryover Rules: Can unused PTO be carried over to the next year, and if so, is there a maximum limit?

Blackout Periods: Are there any specific times when PTO requests are restricted (e.g., holiday seasons)?

Calculation Method: Exactly how are PTO hours accrued and deducted?

Empowering employees with clear information fosters trust and a sense of ownership. They can plan their time off effectively, reducing the last-minute scramble and potential for scheduling conflicts.

Happy Employees Lead to a Happy (and Productive) Company

Think of PTO as an investment in your employees' well-being. When they take breaks to recharge, they come back with renewed focus and energy. This translates into:

Increased Productivity: Studies have shown that well-rested employees are more productive and make fewer mistakes.

Reduced Absenteeism: Clear PTO policies help employees plan for personal needs, reducing unplanned absences.

Improved Morale: Feeling valued and supported by a company that prioritizes work-life balance boosts employee morale and satisfaction.

Enhanced Talent Acquisition and Retention: Competitive PTO policies make your company an attractive employer in today's job market. Happy employees are also less likely to leave for greener pastures.

Calculating PTO Accruals: Making it Easy for Everyone

There are a few different methods for calculating PTO accruals. Here are two common approaches:

Hourly Accrual: Employees earn PTO based on the number of hours they work each pay period.

Salary-Based Accrual: A predetermined amount of PTO is allocated based on an employee's salary.

Many companies use online PTO management systems that automate these calculations, taking the burden off of HR and employees alike.

By prioritizing clear PTO accrual policies, you're sending a powerful message to your employees: their well-being matters. This investment in transparency fosters trust, empowers your workforce, and ultimately contributes to a happier, healthier, and more productive company culture.

[magazinefood]

From Farm to Table: The Journey of Modern Food Production

In the bustling tapestry of modern life, food production stands as an indispensable thread, weaving together the efforts of farmers, producers, and distributors to nourish a growing population. From the serene pastures to the bustling markets, the journey of food from farm to table is a fascinating odyssey of innovation, sustainability, and intricate logistics. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of this journey, uncovering the remarkable processes and transitions that shape our modern food production landscape.

Cultivating Abundance: The Beginning of the Food Production Chain

At the heart of the food production journey lies the art of cultivation, where seeds are sown, and crops nurtured to fruition. This foundational stage sets the tone for the entire journey, as farmers leverage advanced techniques and technologies to optimize yields while minimizing environmental impact. From precision agriculture to hydroponic systems, innovation blooms in the fields, fostering sustainable practices that uphold both productivity and stewardship of the land.

Navigating the Supply Chain: Connecting Farms to Forks

As crops ripen under the sun's warm embrace, the next phase of the food production journey commences—the intricate dance of the supply chain. Here, logistics reign supreme, orchestrating the seamless transition of goods from farms to distribution centers, and ultimately, to consumers' tables. Through a web of transportation networks, refrigeration facilities, and digital tracking systems, the flow of food transcends geographical boundaries, ensuring freshness and accessibility for all.

Adapting to Change: Challenges and Innovations in Food Production

Yet, the journey of food production is not without its challenges. From climate variability to global pandemics, external forces constantly shape and reshape the landscape of agriculture and food production. However, in the face of adversity, innovation emerges as a beacon of hope, driving forward solutions that safeguard food security and resilience. Whether through genetic engineering, vertical farming, or alternative protein sources, the quest for sustainable food production continues to evolve, adapting to meet the needs of a changing world.

From Field to Fork: Embracing Transparency in Food Production

In an era marked by heightened awareness of food origins and sustainability, transparency emerges as a cornerstone of modern food production. Consumers increasingly seek knowledge about the journey their food undertakes, from the farm where it was grown to the hands that harvest it. Through initiatives such as farm-to-table dining experiences and traceability platforms, the veil is lifted, fostering trust and accountability across the food production chain. By empowering consumers with information, transparency becomes a catalyst for positive change, inspiring conscious choices that ripple through the entire ecosystem.

Harvesting Hope: The Future of Food Production

As we peer into the horizon of possibility, the future of food production brims with promise and potential. From regenerative agriculture to circular economies, bold visions emerge, charting a course towards a more sustainable and equitable food system. By harnessing the power of technology, collaboration, and ingenuity, we embark on a journey of transformation, where every seed sown and every meal shared becomes a testament to our collective commitment to nourish both people and planet.

In conclusion, the journey of food production is a testament to human ingenuity, resilience, and interconnectedness. From the fertile fields to the bustling tables, each step along the way reflects a delicate balance of tradition and innovation, stewardship and progress. As we navigate the complexities of a changing world, let us remember the profound impact of our choices, and the role we play in shaping the future of food production for generations to come.

Must Read: Tech Savvy Eats: Unveiling the Hottest Food-Tech News

[agriculturenewsinfo]

Sustainable Livestock Management: Bridging Tradition and Technology

In the realm of agriculture, sustainable livestock management represents a crucial intersection of tradition and technological advancement, aiming to harmonize productivity with environmental stewardship and animal welfare. As a confluence of ethical farming practices and cutting-edge innovations, this approach is redefining the landscape of animal husbandry, ensuring that it contributes positively to global food security, ecological balance, and social equity. This article explores the pillars of sustainable livestock management and the transformative impact these practices have on the agricultural sector and beyond.

Embracing Technological Innovations for Enhanced Efficiency

The advent of technology in livestock management has ushered in an era of unprecedented efficiency and precision. Digital tools and data analytics are at the forefront, enabling farmers to monitor livestock health, optimize feeding strategies, and improve breeding outcomes with remarkable accuracy. Technologies such as RFID tags and GPS tracking devices allow for real-time monitoring of animal location and behavior, facilitating proactive health management and efficient resource allocation.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms are further refining the capabilities of livestock management systems, analyzing vast amounts of data to predict health issues, enhance genetic selection, and optimize production systems. These technological interventions not only elevate farm productivity but also minimize environmental impacts by reducing waste and optimizing the use of natural resources.

Prioritizing Animal Welfare for Ethical and Sustainable Outcomes

Central to the concept of sustainable livestock management is a profound respect for animal welfare. Ethical treatment of animals is increasingly recognized not just as a moral imperative but as a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture. Practices that ensure adequate living conditions, humane handling, and access to natural behaviors are integral to this approach. Enhanced animal welfare leads to improved health and productivity, reducing the need for medical interventions and promoting longevity and quality of life for livestock.

The integration of natural systems and practices, such as rotational grazing and mixed-species pasturing, underscores a commitment to replicating as closely as possible the native habitats and social structures of animals. Such practices not only support animal welfare but also enhance soil health, biodiversity, and ecological resilience, creating a virtuous cycle of sustainability.

Integrating Sustainable Grazing Practices and Feed Management

Sustainable grazing management is a pivotal aspect of eco-friendly livestock farming, ensuring that land use supports biodiversity, soil regeneration, and carbon sequestration. Techniques like rotational and mob grazing are designed to mimic natural grazing patterns, promoting the health of both the land and the livestock. These practices optimize pasture productivity, enhance ground cover, and contribute to the sequestration of carbon in soil, mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Sustainable feed management also plays a critical role, focusing on the efficient use of resources and minimizing environmental footprints. The exploration of alternative feed sources, such as insect protein and agricultural by-products, offers promising avenues for reducing reliance on conventional grain feeds, thereby diminishing water usage and deforestation pressures.

Cultivating Resilience Through Diversity and Adaptation

Sustainable livestock management inherently promotes resilience through the cultivation of genetic diversity and the adaptation of practices to local environments and climate conditions. By preserving and utilizing a broad range of genetic resources, farms can enhance disease resistance, adaptability to climate stressors, and overall ecosystem health. Tailoring practices to specific environmental contexts ensures that livestock management contributes to local ecosystems' sustainability rather than detracting from it.

Conclusion

Sustainable livestock management stands as a testament to the synergies between traditional wisdom and technological innovation. By prioritizing animal welfare, embracing efficient technologies, and adhering to principles of environmental stewardship, this approach offers a blueprint for the future of agriculture. It embodies a commitment to not only meeting the immediate needs of global food systems but also ensuring the health of our planet and the well-being of future generations. As we move forward, the continued evolution and adoption of sustainable livestock practices will be crucial in addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century.

[2023flywithavplinternational]

Revolutionizing Agriculture: Drones for Precision

1. Precision Farming:

- Remote Sensing: Drones equipped with various sensors, such as multispectral and thermal cameras, can provide real-time, high-resolution images of crops. This data helps farmers monitor crop health, identify diseases, and optimize irrigation and fertilization.

- Mapping and Surveying: Drones can quickly and accurately map large agricultural areas, providing detailed information about the topography, soil conditions, and crop distribution. This data enables farmers to make informed decisions about planting, resource allocation, and land management.

2. Crop Monitoring and Management:

- Early Detection of Issues: Drones can help detect issues like pest infestations, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies at an early stage. This allows farmers to take timely corrective measures, reducing the need for widespread pesticide or fertilizer application.

- Yield Estimation: By analyzing crop data collected by drones, farmers can make more accurate predictions about crop yields. This information aids in better planning for harvesting and marketing.

3. Precision Application of Inputs: Variable Rate Technology (VRT): Drones can be integrated with VRT systems to apply inputs like pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers with precision. This not only reduces the overall usage of chemicals but also minimizes environmental impact and lowers costs for farmers.

4. Livestock Monitoring: Drones can be used to monitor livestock, providing insights into their health and behavior. This includes identifying sick animals, tracking herds, and assessing pasture conditions.

5. Efficient Water Management: Drones equipped with thermal cameras can help identify areas with inadequate irrigation or water stress in crops. This information enables farmers to optimize water usage and improve overall irrigation efficiency.

6. Planting and Seeding: Some drone systems are designed for planting seeds in specific locations with precision. This can be particularly useful for reforestation efforts or planting crops in challenging terrains.

7. Weather Monitoring: Drones can be deployed to collect weather data, including temperature, humidity, and wind patterns. This information aids farmers in making informed decisions related to planting times, harvesting, and other critical activities.

8. Reduced Environmental Impact: By enabling targeted and precise interventions, drones can help reduce the overall environmental impact of agriculture. This includes minimizing chemical runoff, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

While the adoption of drone technology in agriculture is growing, challenges such as regulatory issues, cost, and the need for specialized training still exist. However, ongoing advancements in drone technology and increased awareness of their benefits are likely to drive further integration into modern farming practices.

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[marketresearch99]

Enabling Animal Care Precision: Forecasting Growth and Innovations in Livestock Monitoring for 2023

In an era where technology converges with agriculture, the Livestock Monitoring Market of 2023 stands as a beacon of innovation, revolutionizing traditional farming practices and ensuring optimal health and productivity for livestock. With cutting-edge advancements, this market reshapes how farmers manage, monitor, and care for their animals, ushering in a new era of precision farming.

Enhancing Livestock Welfare:

Livestock monitoring technologies have evolved significantly, placing a strong emphasis on animal welfare. In 2023, these systems go beyond basic tracking to offer comprehensive insights into the health, behavior, and well-being of individual animals. Real-time monitoring enables early detection of illnesses, ensuring timely interventions and personalized care.

Leveraging IoT and AI:

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies has revolutionized livestock monitoring. IoT-enabled sensors and wearables collect vast amounts of data on animal activity, feeding patterns, and vital health metrics. AI algorithms analyze this data, providing actionable insights that empower farmers to make informed decisions.

Precision Livestock Farming:

The Livestock Monitoring Market in 2023 spearheads precision farming techniques. These technologies enable farmers to optimize feed management, monitor breeding cycles, and predict diseases, thereby minimizing resource wastage and maximizing production efficiency. This precision approach translates into improved livestock health and increased farm profitability.

Diverse Monitoring Solutions:

The market offers a wide array of monitoring solutions, from wearable sensors and RFID tags to smart cameras and remote monitoring systems. Tailored solutions cater to different livestock species, ensuring compatibility and functionality for various farming setups, whether in extensive pastures or intensive indoor environments.

Promoting Sustainable Agriculture:

Livestock monitoring technologies align with sustainable agriculture practices. By optimizing resource utilization, reducing waste, and preventing disease outbreaks, these tools contribute to more sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices, fostering resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

For More Info@ https://www.gmiresearch.com/report/livestock-monitoring-market-analysis-industry-research/

Market Evolution and Future Prospects:

The Livestock Monitoring Market is on an upward trajectory in 2023. Anticipated developments include advancements in sensor accuracy, enhanced connectivity, and the proliferation of integrated platforms offering comprehensive livestock management solutions. The market's growth is indicative of its potential to revolutionize animal husbandry practices globally.

Conclusion:

In 2023, the Livestock Monitoring Market continues to transform agricultural landscapes. Its fusion of advanced technologies with traditional farming practices promises a future where livestock management is not just about herding animals but about harnessing data-driven insights to ensure optimal health, productivity, and sustainability. As these technologies evolve further, they are poised to redefine the future of agriculture, emphasizing efficient resource management and humane animal care.

[zooterchet]

Diamonds Are Forever (The Poverty Labor of Children)

Bearer Bills: "The Queen is on the Money".  Ben Franklin, the treason charge, to those setting up foreign unions; passed through deputies of corrections, foreign institutions.  The one hundred dollar bill, in a roll of ten thousand, a bearer bond.  Paired with a carton unit, 200 cigarettes, of Marlboro Reds, a dual index (an indice) of brand figures of Europe, civil rights, and a bottle of vodka, rating at twenty dollars for a 1.75 mL, in a unit for bearers (car), cigarettes (motorcycle, bike), and vodka (gun, after party), for a mob hitman overseas (failed intelligence cadre, rescue through murder of witness).

Gold: The speculation in bullions, root expertise material for transistor, for battery instruct (production of a superconductor, by model), framed as insurance for child (wedding ring, instruction of status for recycling of conduit, a husband).  The trade represents bullion, spices of beets, the flavor for poverty food, with wedding ring held, replacing produce of slave labor of prison preserve, the stock flavored with "ring", the pasture grazed by intended animal (through wheat, not rye, "grass", replaced with marijuana if a ribald, "thin", soy).

Diamond: The slavery of labor, held in preserve of genetics, mining of diamonds, for produce of construction project and product, bridges and dams, held in breeding of slave labor, for factory corps labor to observe overseas; to learn rhythm of device of type, through media fiction, book of highschool, specialist, combined with show of ingress, illegal, having worked in factory, without reference; otherwise, demoted to factory labor, aligned with "non instructable grade", perfect, having applied fiction to life, pederasty, instead of library, academic, eschewing logic of entertainment with bank (unable to commit fraud, a politician, however outside IRS bounds, contract perjury, a SWAT raid upon census).

War: A genetic racial ability tied to patent, through availability to orphan, a "fortune", determined by invention and affiliated "appeal", the rich man's clothing, "rich" determined by adjoining ideal of item to control patent of unit, a city's professional class of support through common invention.  Spies dispatched, on wager, of bank, the digit tracked concurrent sum linked to notary, paid unit of non-tangible, capital of politics, therefore influence of children, to school, perjury of notary, the unattained wealth available in a system.

Politics: The fraud of a bank, by speculation on a politician; retreat of a good, through marketing, through support of cause, through education, the common victim of a trade as linked essential to a war, an exchange of stock, outside of markets.  Commerce, the study of markets, is reduced, through trade in goods, with the monikered currency, removed, for and through currency exchange, the common strength of a marker through linked raw mineral, the trade of assembly, linked to labor, the consumption of agroculture markets to continue them; the essential subsidy of trade, the support of the wealthiest class of genome, the farmer.  

Blood: The bet upon common concurrent business, the genome of wealth displayed, through the murder and pregnancy of children, the upward mobility of the poor.  Fortunes broken, through the return of the nefarious, the public enemy, the untested wealth of the future.  The female stripper, as the ballad, the perfect athlete by linked gene outside, having spent languid years in poverty, as a fighter and kickboxer, uniting with a future hope, a dangerous criminal; famous through having taken badge, diagnosed with a multiple condition in falsehood, actually a spy, with a police badge, a foreign family of influence inside a major family of influence, hence a new American royalty, a spy, having merged in and returned, a spymaster, the fraud upon settlement, the murder of a lawsuit family of local interest at age eighteen, the last semester of a rounded year through application of studies as a Bohemian, a summation of course logic ethic in foreign language of arts of mathematic study.  

[dustedmagazine]

Path of Silence – Pneuma (Self Released)

There’s nothing quite like the moment when a musician whose intersecting territories are becoming familiar ground surprises you! It happens on Pneuma, Serbian electronic artist Vladimir Sokolovic’s sophomore full-length, and it seems almost sad to spoil the effect, as it’s achieved with such subtlety and grace, but spoilers ahoy!

Sokolovic inhabits that luminous area of light and shade where paths have been blazed by the likes of Tangerine Dream or maybe even Steve Roach, and his previous work has adhered to the models with relative tenacity. “Sleeping Giant”’s opening chords, darkly minor and encompassing register and overtone in swelling waves, continue the homage, but Sokolovic’s unique take on microtone is also evident as the track freezes and melts along its oceanic path. Its tonal center is as ambiguous as its upper frequencies are sharp and ever-presently gritty. “Cosmic Valley” allows travel through similarly redolent pastures and marshlands of introspection, tiny rivulets of icy percussiveness adorning the upper regions. Room and corridor spaces let in the outside through Venetian blinds of tonality and highly nuanced resonance.

It's all quite somber until the beats drop, and they change the game. The wonderfully titled “Starseed” actually swings! It’s rare to hear the motoric synth melodies so reminiscent of the middle 1970s and so much a tradition bolstered by beats out of dance, not only in timbral terms but embodying the relaxed motions of movement through space. “Potential” contains some of the same relaxed but motion-filled energy. It grooves and effervesces, a bit of sinewy rivet and grind atop a gorgeously vocal affect that carries the music down roads and sunlit streams of syncopation before the dance kicks in. The timbral swell at 1:50 is particularly well-executed, and it recurs throughout the disc at key moments while never suffering from overuse.

The result is fun in the deepest sense, a sort of cosmic play as we are afforded glimpses into Kharma’s workshop. Beneath the constant ebb and flow of sounds in dialogue and harmonies in sweeping juxtaposition resides the constant of sound in flux, but this time around, beat and the occasional aural signifier lend a degree of mirth to the journey. For those interested, Sokolovic still chooses a slightly lower tuning system than normal, adding to the music’s weight and delightful darkness now mitigated by a smile. He is on a trajectory of steady growth, and each release raises anticipation for the next!

Marc Medwin

[john9028]

Livestock Monitoring Market Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2023-2030

The livestock industry is widely spread, and therefore it is important to keep track of livestock and other farm animals. A Livestock monitoring system is a thorough solution designed and developed using sensors, GPS, etc. and coalescing all these with a network protocol for communication. This monitoring system helps the farmers to keep a check on their farm animals remotely. The tracker device can be hitched to collars and can keep track of animal health, chewing patterns, location details, pasture management, etc. The Livestock monitoring system not only helps in managing farm animals but also other farm equipment. The use of sensors on livestock, where the data is sent to a central unit for monitoring, is an implementation known as Wireless Sensor Network.

Read More: https://wemarketresearch.com/reports/livestock-monitoring-market/120