#workforce adaptation

[pampermama]

The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Balancing Progress and Privacy

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become an integral part of our lives, revolutionizing industries and streamlining various aspects of our daily routines. From virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to AI-powered customer support, the applications of AI are ever-expanding. However, as AI continues to make strides, concerns about its ethical implications are also on the rise. Balancing the…

[trufynd01]

Discover how TruFynd’s contractual hiring services empower businesses with the flexibility to meet short-term staffing needs, ensuring seamless alignment with project goals, timelines, and budgets.

[premiercareandstaffingservic]

Healthcare facilities often experience surges in patient care needs due to seasonal fluctuations, unexpected absences, or growing patient demands. During these times, partnering with staffing agencies becomes crucial to maintaining quality care without disruption.

[maxlearnmicrolearningplatform]

Embracing Microlearning: The Future of E-Learning for High-Performing Organizations

In the new age of learning, HR managers in organizations are increasingly embracing microlearning tools to facilitate E-learning. High-performing organizations are more than happy to include microlearning training strategies that deliver results.

Microlearning modules for the workforce are small, powerful, and sustainable. Plus, they are engaging, efficient, and cost-effective. This is why L&D leaders are quick to adopt microlearning as an effective and contemporary training approach. It fits well with the minds and priorities of the new-age workforce.

To implement microlearning strategies, let’s get down to understanding it better.

Understanding Microlearning

What is Microlearning?

Microlearning involves delivering educational content in small, focused segments, usually lasting between 2 to 10 minutes. This approach contrasts with traditional training methods that often involve lengthy sessions. Microlearning is designed to be quick, engaging, and easily digestible, catering to the short attention spans and busy schedules of modern employees.

Key Characteristics of Microlearning:

Short Duration: Each module covers a single topic or learning objective.

Focused Content: Information is presented in a concise, straightforward manner.

Multimedia Utilization: Incorporates videos, infographics, quizzes, and interactive elements.

Accessibility: Content can be accessed on-demand via various devices.

Benefits of Microlearning

1. Enhanced Engagement

Traditional training sessions often struggle to maintain learner engagement. Microlearning, with its short and interactive modules, keeps learners engaged and motivated. The use of multimedia and gamification elements makes learning enjoyable and effective.

2. Improved Knowledge Retention

By breaking down information into manageable chunks, microlearning helps improve knowledge retention. Learners can easily recall and apply what they’ve learned, leading to better performance and productivity.

3. Flexibility and Accessibility

Microlearning content can be accessed anytime, anywhere, on any device. This flexibility allows employees to learn at their own pace and convenience, fitting learning into their busy schedules without disruption.

4. Cost-Effective

Microlearning reduces the need for lengthy training sessions and minimizes time away from work, resulting in significant cost savings for organizations. The scalable nature of microlearning also allows companies to train large numbers of employees efficiently.

5. Immediate Application

The concise nature of microlearning enables employees to quickly apply new skills and knowledge to their work. This immediate application reinforces learning and enhances job performance.

Implementing Microlearning Strategies

To effectively implement microlearning strategies, organizations need to follow a systematic approach:

1. Identify Learning Objectives

Clearly define what you want learners to achieve with each microlearning module. Focus on specific skills or knowledge areas to ensure targeted and effective learning experiences.

2. Develop Engaging Content

Create interactive and multimedia-rich content. Use videos, infographics, and quizzes to make learning engaging. Gamification elements, such as badges and leaderboards, can motivate learners.

3. Leverage Technology

Utilize Learning Management Systems (LMS) and mobile learning platforms to deliver content. These technologies can track progress, provide analytics, and ensure seamless access across devices.

4. Encourage Active Participation

Design modules that require learners to interact with the content actively. Include scenarios, simulations, and problem-solving exercises to reinforce learning.

5. Regularly Update Content

Ensure that your microlearning modules are current and relevant. Regularly update them to reflect new information, industry trends, and organizational changes.

Microlearning in Action: Real-World Applications

Healthcare

In the healthcare sector, microlearning is used to train professionals on the latest medical procedures, compliance regulations, and patient care techniques. This approach ensures that healthcare providers can quickly update their skills and knowledge, leading to better patient outcomes.

Retail

Retail companies utilize microlearning to train employees on customer service, product knowledge, and sales techniques. Short, engaging modules help employees retain information and improve their performance on the sales floor.

Technology

Tech companies leverage microlearning to keep their workforce updated on new software, tools, and technologies. This continuous learning approach helps employees stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Overcoming Challenges in Microlearning Implementation

Despite its advantages, implementing microlearning solutions can present challenges:

Content Overload

To avoid overwhelming learners, break down content into manageable chunks and prioritize essential information.

Technical Issues

Ensure that your chosen platform supports various devices and has a user-friendly interface. Regularly test and update the platform to avoid technical glitches.

Measuring Effectiveness

Use analytics and feedback to measure the effectiveness of microlearning modules. Adjust content and delivery methods based on learner feedback and performance metrics.

Ensuring Engagement

While microlearning is inherently engaging, it's crucial to continuously innovate and update content to maintain learner interest.

The Future of Microlearning

The future of microlearning is bright, with advancements in technology promising to make it even more effective. Here are some trends to watch:

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI can personalize learning experiences, recommend relevant content, and provide real-time feedback to learners, making microlearning even more tailored and effective.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)

These technologies can create immersive learning experiences, allowing learners to practice skills in a simulated environment, enhancing their understanding and retention.

Adaptive Learning

Adaptive learning technologies can tailor content to individual learners' needs, ensuring a personalized and effective learning experience. This approach ensures that learners receive the right content at the right time, maximizing their learning potential.

Conclusion

In the new age of learning, HR managers are increasingly embracing microlearning tools to facilitate E-learning. High-performing organizations are adopting microlearning training strategies that deliver tangible results. By offering small, powerful, and sustainable modules, microlearning engages employees, enhances retention, and improves performance.

Implementing microlearning effectively requires a clear understanding of learning objectives, engaging content, leveraging technology, and continuous updates. As organizations continue to evolve, microlearning will play a crucial role in driving employee development and organizational success.

[ishaa30]

Embracing the Hybrid Work Model: Navigating the New Normal

As we stride into a post-pandemic world, organizations worldwide grapple with a novel challenge: transitioning from crisis-induced remote work to a more sustainable, long-term solution. At the heart of this transition lies the hybrid work model – a blend of remote and in-office work.As an HR professional, it’s essential to understand this model’s nuances, its advantages, challenges, and how we can effectively implement it.

Understanding the Hybrid Work Model

The hybrid work model is, in essence, a flexible work arrangement that allows employees to split their time between working remotely and working in a physical office. The specific structure can vary significantly between organizations, depending on factors like the nature of work, employee roles, and company culture. Some employees might work a few days in the office and the rest remotely, while others might work remotely full-time with occasional office visits.

The Benefits of the Hybrid Model

The hybrid model combines the best of both worlds – the flexibility of remote work with the collaboration and camarity of office work. It caters to individual employee preferences, improves work-life balance, and widens the talent pool. The model also offers cost savings, with reduced need for office space, and can potentially increase productivity.

Challenges of the Hybrid Work Model

However, the hybrid model is not without challenges. Ensuring fair performance evaluation and opportunity distribution, maintaining a unified culture, and managing logistics can be complex.

Navigating the Hybrid Model: An HR Perspective

So, how can we as HR professionals, navigate these challenges and implement a successful hybrid work model?

Develop Clear Policies: Define clear guidelines about who can work remotely, when and how often employees should be in the office, and how work hours will be tracked. These policies should be transparent, flexible, and most importantly, fair.

Redefine Performance Metrics: With employees splitting their time between the office and home, traditional performance metrics may no longer be applicable. Performance evaluations should be more outcome-focused rather than time or presence-based.

Invest in Technology: A hybrid model requires robust digital infrastructure. Invest in technology that facilitates effective collaboration and communication, regardless of an employee’s physical location.

Maintain a Unified Company Culture: Fostering a cohesive culture in a hybrid model can be challenging, but it’s essential. Regular virtual team-building activities, company-wide meetings, and recognition for remote employees can all contribute to a unified company culture.

Promote Manager Training: Equip managers with the skills and knowledge to manage a hybrid team. This includes training in clear communication, empathy, trust-building, and performance evaluation.

Prioritize Employee Wellbeing: The hybrid model can blur work-life boundaries, leading to potential burnout. Regular check-ins, mental health resources, and encouraging employees to take time off can help promote a healthier work-life balance.

Train Managers: Equip managers with the skills to manage a hybrid team. Training should focus on empathy, trust-building, clear communication, and performance evaluation.

Promote Inclusivity: Ensure all employees, regardless of where they are working from, have equal access to opportunities and resources.

Regularly Review and Update Policies: The hybrid work model is a new approach and it’s okay to not get everything right the first time. Regularly review and update policies based on employee feedback and organizational needs.

The Future of Work is Hybrid

The hybrid work model presents an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine the world of work. It combines the benefits of remote and in-person work while addressing the need for flexibility in today’s dynamic world.

As HR professionals, our role is to guide our organizations through this transition, ensuring a balance between business needs and employee wellbeing. By focusing on clear communication, robust policies, and a strong culture, we can harness the hybrid model’s potential and steer our organizations towards a more flexible, inclusive, and resilient future.

The journey to the hybrid model is a journey of continuous learning and adaptation. There will be obstacles and surprises along the way, but with every challenge comes the opportunity to learn, grow, and innovate. And in this journey, HR is not just a navigator but also a driver of change. It’s time to embrace the new normal and redefine the future of work.

[globallaunchbaseindia]

Bridging Cultural Gaps and Succeeding Globally: Nurturing Synergy in Diversity

In today's interconnected world, the ability to bridge cultural gaps is not just a valuable skill, it is a necessity. "Bridging Cultural Gaps and Succeeding Globally: Nurturing Synergy in Diversity" embodies the essence of a transformative journey, one that transcends borders, languages, and traditions to celebrate the richness of human diversity while recognizing the shared aspirations that bind us all.

Cultural diversity is more than just a mosaic of customs, languages, and beliefs; it is a wellspring of innovation, creativity, and endless possibilities. Embracing this diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage in the global arena. By nurturing synergy in diversity, individuals and organizations alike can unlock a wealth of perspectives, ideas, and talents, propelling them to new heights of success.

Source: Source: Meyer, E. 2014. Management Styles Across Four Different Cultures.

In our quest to bridge these cultural gaps, we embark on a journey that requires open-mindedness, empathy, and a willingness to learn. It involves engaging in meaningful dialogues that promote understanding and dispel stereotypes. It demands the recognition of the inherent value each culture brings to the table and the wisdom to leverage this diversity for mutual benefit.

Through this journey, we not only dismantle barriers but also cultivate deep connections that enrich our personal and professional lives. We learn the art of effective communication, transcending language barriers to truly comprehend the nuances of thought and emotion. We embrace the beauty of traditions, understanding that they are threads weaving the fabric of our global society, connecting us through shared stories and histories.

Source: Semantic Scholar

In essence, "Bridging Cultural Gaps and Succeeding Globally, Nurturing Synergy in Diversity" is a call to action, an invitation to embrace the world with open arms and open minds. It is a reminder that our shared humanity is far more profound than our differences and that by celebrating these differences, we pave the way for a brighter, more harmonious future – a future where the synergy born from cultural diversity propels us to unprecedented levels of global success.

In the complex tapestry of international business, successfully bridging cultural gaps is not just a challenge; it's an opportunity for growth, understanding, and sustainable global success. This aspect involves several key topics that are crucial in ensuring harmonious collaborations and fruitful business relationships across borders.

1. Cross-Cultural Communication: Crafting Effective Strategies

India's rich cultural diversity is a testament to its vibrant heritage, but it also means that communication styles, gestures, and etiquettes can vary significantly across regions. Developing tailored Cross-Cultural Communication strategies is imperative. Businesses must train their employees to communicate effectively, ensuring that messages are not just translated but also culturally resonant. Understanding nuances in tone, body language, and context is vital to avoid misunderstandings and establish strong connections with global stakeholders. By investing in cross-cultural communication training, Indian firms can bridge linguistic and cultural divides, fostering trust and mutual respect.

2. Building Global Relationships: Leveraging Cultural Connections

India's extensive diaspora and cultural connections around the world provide a unique advantage in Building Global Relationships. Indian firms can tap into these networks to establish meaningful connections with international partners, clients, and consumers. Cultural affinity often forms the basis of trust in global business relationships. By leveraging shared cultural experiences and values, businesses can create a solid foundation for collaboration. Networking events, cultural exchanges, and leveraging social media platforms that cater to specific cultural groups can facilitate the establishment of robust global networks, opening doors to new opportunities and markets.

3. Managing Cultural Differences: Turning Diversity into Strength

Cultural differences, if managed effectively, can transform into assets rather than challenges. Preparing Indian firms to Manage Cultural Differences involves comprehensive training programs that focus on cultural intelligence, empathy, and adaptability. By understanding diverse cultural perspectives, businesses can harness the creativity that emerges from varied viewpoints. Moreover, learning to navigate cultural differences helps in preventing misunderstandings and conflicts. Cultural training should be ongoing, ensuring that employees are continually updated on global cultural norms and practices. Emphasizing the celebration of cultural diversity within the organization can create an inclusive environment where employees feel valued for their unique perspectives and contributions.

4. Fostering a Culture of Inclusivity and Respect

Beyond specific strategies, fostering a Culture of Inclusivity and Respect is essential. This involves creating policies and practices within the organization that champion diversity and multiculturalism. Inclusivity should be embedded in recruitment processes, employee training, and professional development programs. Recognizing and celebrating cultural festivals and events from various parts of India and the world can foster a sense of belonging among employees. Additionally, promoting leadership opportunities for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds ensures that different perspectives are represented at decision-making levels, leading to a more comprehensive and informed organizational strategy.

Conclusion: Embracing Diversity, Empowering Success

In the global arena, where borders blur and connections span continents, the ability to bridge cultural gaps is a core competency. Indian firms, armed with an understanding of cross-cultural communication, a robust global network, effective management of cultural differences, and a culture of inclusivity, can not only succeed but also thrive globally. By transforming diversity into strength, businesses can navigate the complexities of international collaborations with grace and wisdom, ultimately contributing to a more interconnected, empathetic, and prosperous world.

Conclusion

Working with international cultures enriches the workplace by fostering a global mindset, encouraging inclusivity, and promoting mutual respect among employees. Embracing cultural diversity is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage in today's globalized economy. By investing in cultural intelligence, effective communication, respect for differences, and conflict resolution skills, organizations can create an inclusive and harmonious work environment where employees thrive, and creativity and innovation flourish. Embracing unity in diversity is not only a testament to the organization's commitment to inclusivity but also a pathway to a more connected and compassionate world.

Global Launch Base helps international startups expand in India. Our services include market research, validation through surveys, developing a network, building partnerships, fundraising, and strategy revenue growth. Get in touch to learn more about us.

Contact Info:

Website: www.globallaunchbase.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/globallaunchbase/

Email: info@globallaunchbase.com

[shearwaterasia]

Do you know adapting Adaptive Workforce Planning can help your organization operate smoothly and easily, too, with many benefits? Let’s learn! 

To know more about it, please read - 

Do you know adapting Adaptive Workforce Planning can help your organization operate smoothly and easily, too, with many benefits? Let’s learn! 

To know more about it, please read - 

[ladyloveandjustice]

I saw a post in the My Adventures with Superman tag claiming that Lois "finally" has a character. I really like the show and it's version of Lois too, but I want to make this clear: Lois Lane has been around for over 80 years and she's always been a distinct, dynamic character with a lot going for her, every bit as admirable as Superman. This isn't a new thing!

Like any character Lois has had some bad adaptations, but she's been a great character from the beginning, and I wanted to show off some panels from comics over the years so anyone new to Superman lore can see why she's a beloved character and the MAWS portrayal is building on that, not starting from scratch.

Lois in the golden age comics (1939 through the 1940's) was shown to be a career-driven woman who didn't take shit from anyone. This was an era where a lot of women were entering the workforce because men were serving in WWII and there was excitement and change in the air, and Lois was meant to be a reflection of that. She fought against the sexism of her boss sticking her with the advice and gossip columns because she was a woman, and she was go-getting reporter out to get a real story. From the beginning she was fearless (sometimes reckless), driven, and had no patience for Clark Kent's (feigned) cowardice (and was always full of sick burns). She never let anyone push her around.

And she's been pretty consistently like this her entire run as a character. Of course, there were some bad writers, and there was a time in the 50s when all female characters had to be marriage obsessed (Lois wasn't the only one hit with this, Wonder Woman was too), but she reverted back to her firebrand self in the 60's and 70's, and when the 80's came along, characters started getting more filled in backstories, including her- this was where we started seeing stuff about her home life, her childhood moving around as a military brat, and her troubled relationship with her father and sister. She had an interior life, inner conflict- and she still kicked ass and always got the last word in. As someone invested in journalism, she is THE coolest fictional journalist to me.

This was also when comics started focusing on Clark being who Superman WAS rather than a pure act, and we got to see their relationship really grow and Lois fall for Clark, not Superman. So here, have some panels of Lois being great and see the scope of her own personality.

Lois also has lots fun little quirks and hobbies comics readers know about- she takes her coffee a certain way, she doesn't cook much because she's so on the go (so Clark is the one who cooks in the fam), she likes to sit on Clark's desk when they're talking (this happens in other Superman media too), she REALLY likes monster trucks and Clark REALLY doesn't but will support her anyway:

Also, she's always seen through to who Clark really is:

Anyway. Have more of my favorite Lois panels because I have a lot:

also this one because I'm gay:

[miiilowo]

Highlights / Notable info from the second Scott Cawthon Dawko interview for people who don't want to watch it

MISC/START OF INTERVIEW

- scott says the 1 thing he'd wanna go back and change/fix the past 10 years is FNAF world; said a lot of weird/bad decisions were made going into it, that he didn't like the graphics and it Could Have been a good game but he doesn't like it overall & he may consider making an improved sequel

- he was scared to hand FNAF over to steel wool but he thinks he got lucky w/ them

- refuses to play both FNAF VR games because they genuinely scare him too much; didn't want to beta test them (funny)

- he very much knows the fandom prefers pure horror and the supernatural but cant resist leaning into scifi stuff

- doesn't like the names burntrap and glitchtrap and they were supposed to be temporary

SECURITY BREACH

- half blames covid splitting up steel wools workforce for the games lack of quality and delays

- says his "vision of the game" was misaligned with steel wool, that he had a "very specific story in mind" for security breach and it didnt pan out like he wanted

- he takes fault for it, saying he conveyed it in a bad way; "I was trying to tell steel wool to do specific things throughout the game, put specific items in specific places, have specific characters do certain things, meanwhile not TELLING them what the story plot was. Because in my head, I was thinking 'Okay, when people find this, they'll connect this to this to this & it will all be revealed, and I thought I could do that without telling steel wool the story plot. That didn't work out very well because they got all of these pieces, and they thought it was their job to connect them in a way that made sense. And so really what you ended up having were the same pieces telling completely different stories...I don't blame them for that, I blame myself for that, because what I should have done was gone 'hey, heres the story, the pieces are here, here's how theyre supposed to connect'."

- burntrap originally even supposed to move; just supposed to see something you saw in between machinery or in corners, that you werent supposed to know his purpose even though he used to have a very specific one (that the fandom doesnt know)

- he knows it didnt turn out like anyone wanted & thats why they made the RUIN dlc, he hopes it redeemed security breach

- he said hes learned from that mistake with security breach and things should be better in the future

- he cannot share any thoughts on the mimic

- he likes vanny a lot, shes one of his favorites and he thinks that shes underutilized and should get more spotlight in the future

THE BOOKS

- process is 'he has an idea, he proposes it to the writers, they flesh it out'

- he likes bunny call the most, and that it's not entirely made up; he took his family to a summer camp. 2 older kids 2 babies. one of the things you could sign up for was a 'panda call' . a very 'deceiving title', he says. early in the morning, a bunch of the camp counselors dressed as killer clowns would come into your cabin and scare the kids to wake them up early and drag them off to do their daily activities (?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????) and he knew this was the case, & before it happened he started to sort of feel bad that he signed up his two youngest kids for it so he crept outside in the dark and 'started listening for screams' early in the morning. 'somewhere in the dark in these trees theres clowns and theyre coming for my cabin'

- acknowledges the fazgoo is weird and bad.

- the 'creature on the cover of blackbird is my sleep paralysis demon' (quite literally)

- says his least favorite story is the guy getting pregnant with springtrap's baby and that he Doesnt Know What He Was Thinking, that he swears he 'wasnt trying to pick on matpat'

- he says theres potential for the books to be adapted into shorts goosebumps style, but hes afraid it might be 'too much' and oversaturate the franchise

THE MOVIE

- he says a big issue was that there was material thats difficult to translate to the big screen; the nuance of the antagonists being that the animatronics are possessed by the spirits of innocent children, and he wanted to preserve the innocence of the victims while also having the horror and the kills, and thats a big part of why several screenplays got scrapped; he was more picky/cautious about that than anything else

- says the victims are sort of like 'confused, scared animals backed into a corner, who believe that adults are out to get them' & thats part of why they kill people + the manipulation from william afton

- he likes the movie overall but thinks specific things could be improved and they aim to do that with the second movie, but doesn't want to dwell on those shortcomings too much

- hes perfectly happy with critics hating it but the fanbase loving it & that was his goal for it

- when the movie began showing in theatres he said: 'i told myself i wasnt gonna go online i wasnt gonna read any reviews i had already told everybody at blumhouse and i told my legal team DONT talk to me DONT call me DONT email me DONT send me charts DONT send me facts or figures i dont want hear ANYTHING', saw 1 negative review on accident then started reading all of them immediately before the 2nd showing even happened

- 'for a couple of hours there i was distraught, i thought it was a complete disaster' (based off the initial negative critic reviews, before learning how much the fans loved it)

SECOND MOVIE

- Not giving away many details, but following the same formula; 1st movie based on 1st game, 2nd movie based on 2nd game, etc

- Thinks people will like it, that the setup for the 1st movie was the hardest part but now that they have that launch pad to go off of and hes really fond of what they have planned

- Emma Tammi is also directing the second one

INTO THE PIT GAME

- was originally just supposed to be a short novelty game, but they made something really good and he encouraged them to keep going & its turned into a full-fledged game

- he says its going to be a very 'unique experience' and that everyone will like it a lot

- says working with megacat (studio for the game) has been 'weird but good', that theyll vanish for several months and return with a bunch of info

SPINOFFS, GENERAL FRANCHISE STUFF, FUTURE PLANS

- Would want to work on a game based off of Fetch and that he thinks it'd be really cool

- Says he feels like he's sort of lost touch with the fanbase as things have gotten bigger

- Wants to have a better structure for managing a twitter page, official news feed, etc., wants more management than just Himself because it'd better service the fanbase

- He says theres another game planned with steel wool (not the mimic game) way down the line that hasnt been announced yet

- Making more choose-your-adventure fnaf book stuff

- He's 'very careful' with collaborations because he wants to preserve the fact its fnaf and he doesnt want it to be distorted or tainted, & even if he really really likes a game he won't do a collab if the vibes are mismatched, but he's a little more open to things like that now (but we have FNAF X DBD now! yay)

THE BOX.

- (paraphrased) His process for a lot of the lore in games is that he'll come up with half of a mystery and then come up with an answer as things progress, that he feels something is there and he makes the path for that thing to be revealed

- 'but sometimes when things progress the roads that have been put in place arent the same roads that were there before'

- he had something planned for the box. the progression of the story did not allow for the reveal of whats in the box

- he never pursued whats in the box. and he will never know whats in the box.

[mychemicalraymance]

i started this post so short and made it into a full on tour outfit camp/fashion post accidentally

hope everyone knows that gerard’s skirt suit tie is like. literally a vintage “women’s” tie. when middle class women entered the workforce with gusto the fashion of professionalism and suits etc had an existential crisis about what to do with the ties...... like the ties of skirt/women’s suits are specifically bows and ribbons.  i can’t give any sort of statement as to why, aside from the fact of arbitrarily and subtly keeping gendered difference while “copying” men’s standard dress and attempting to move away from 60′s professional dress, which was largely the same as women’s social and public dress. anyway. the fact of choosing this tie 

and the fact that the tie reveals itself to be a scarf only after the jacket is removed is amazing... idk. it reveals the distinction between men’s and women’s dress and how gender is forcefully adapted into all ways of life, even in movements to remove it. the same goes for the kitten heels, 

kitten heels are another perfect camp example of gender adaptation imo. heeled and uncomfortable, explicitly gendered but “professionalized”, largely considered frumpy to a certain degree and unsexual due to their low height. translating the professional uniform of men to women’s attire was a sort of a second wave assimilation approach to gender. 

50s��/ 60′s workplace attire, which emphasized busts, hips, and waist. 

and then the more 70′s / 80′s look of gerard’s tie and heels - boxy, “androgynous”, padded and square shoulders, adopting suit jackets and patterns

the tour (mostly the dresses and skirts, designed outfits) has been largely 70s to me, even with the explicitly  60′s and ww II looks.

 they’re incredibly boxy and have a “boyish” silhouette, a hallmark of women’s fashion of the 70s, considering women’s lib and the gender revolution. it’s so cool to see because part of that was a move TOWARDS androgyny, and now even the pants looks are identifiably “women’s” or androgynous.  even the sunglasses are “women’s”.  

“women’s” sunglasses, “women’s” ties, and “women’s” specially adapted uniforms, be it nurse or office worker. all of these looks are seeded from the historical urge to de-gender and androgenize fashion, yet to our eyes it’s unmistakably “women’s” 

camp by my definition  in its purest form is the re-contextualization of needlessly gendered practices, society, and fashion, and the shifting context is used to satirize the  notion that things are “naturally” gendered and dimorphic. camp, when effective, describes the constructed nature of gender and sexuality. women’s suits DESIGNED to be "more masculine” are  by modern standards (well i mean. by modern feminist standards LOL) still obviously so far from the mark of “genderless”. it highlights the fact that gender is so insidiously woven into EVERYTHING, even  social efforts to be more egalitarian, so to speak. it makes us see the gender we quietly perform as “natural” in modern life. 

i’m not a fashion historian or anything else so if i’m wrong i’m sorry LOL. but i give such a huge fuck about gendered fashion in camp and also gerard way

[the-hydroxian-artblog]

How much robots/ruppets and merch mimics are there? Hundreds, thousands, millions? Also is there a specific year where this world takes place in?

The Sentient Robot population is in the high-millions. In the US alone, for every five to seven cars there's one sentient-ish robot. There were several breakthroughs in analog neuromorphic computing, which allowed "robot-brains" to get produced as cheaply as cars, without the ridiculous performance costs current AI server farms have. Which isn't actually very cheap, but when companies can just build their workforce, and an aging population can just buy a robot to take care of them, people are willing to pay. "Sentient-ish" includes robots that are nonverbal but understand speech and are capable of learning things well beyond the capacity of an animal, but having certain limits, programmed or otherwise, that keeps them from fully matching human behavior. Add more sapient robots, usually caretakers and customer service-type people with.. improving rights, and you have a setting that's more or less like the Classic Megaman continuity.

Mimics on the other hand are tricky. For context, there's two eras in this setting; present day, and The Future, aka Kaita's Time, which is roughly 60 to 100 years later. Mimics exist in both of these time periods, and even way back to before human civilization, though Merch mimics specifically are a very recent phenomenon. They were simply golems made of metal, glass, stone, or wood before things like modern toys became a thing, and likewise they adapted to match with the times. There's roughly a million mimics out there, but about half of them are unstable and ghost-like, coming into existence and dispersing before they attain full, proper forms. The other half of all mimics persist for more than a year, but fewer still last any longer than a human lifetime, whether due to mimicking inert objects too well and forgetting to think, mimicking humans too well and dying due to that being The Thing Humans Are Supposed To Do, angel-culling, or trying to live forever but growing mad and lifeless from isolation anyway. But if a mimic does overcome these hurdles, they're basically going to last for eternity, albeit with at least a screw loose.

In the present day, we have guys like Victor running around, and the current cast will likely still be alive and kicking by the time Kaita and other robots are around. Happy Chatty is one of the only sentient, non-mimic robots that exists in the present day, possibly the first sentient human-made robot of this setting, so Victor and Vance could potentially meet 'em.

[vikjaycecodex]

hi!! just discovered your blog and i love it, i had very little idea about league jayvik and how different it is from arcane, and reading it makes me really question some decisions the show made lol. but on that point, i’m curious do you actively dislike arcane, or is your opinion more just neutral and you just prefer league lore and canon? ofc arcane cant unmake itself, but in your perfect world would you just rather that arcane not have been made?

My honest answer: Arcane wouldn't have been bad if it was just an AU, and it was allowed to exist as a separate canon from the games.

That's the opposite of what happened, though. After Arcane's release, Riot pruned the original lore team who worked on the games -- a lot of people who worked in the worldbuilding and characters you see on the show, on the promos, on skinlines -- 'quietly' letting go of some of our favorite, big time writers, and then laying off 1/3rd of their workforce in a massive blow earlier this year. Those are artists who made the series what it is, being treated like dirt because Riot realized it can just take all the work that is already done and send it to adaptation off on some studio somewhere, paying no royalties and firing the people who made it happen in the first place.

Ambessa's model, her release, her lore, her music video? There was a second round of layoffs just this month and a lot of people who worked on HER have now been fired as well. Riot doesn't want to pay these people a salary anymore.

This is because of Arcane. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The precarization of work under the company is going to continue; there is no longer a lore/story team in the game, there are no longer short story, comics, spin-off game divisions (Riot fired these people too! Arcane fans begged so hard for the show to become canon that they decided to nuke EVERYTHING ELSE. If its not Arcane related, they don't want it.) And we've already heard word that Arcane-adjacent champions will have their official story pages rewritten to fit whatever happens in the show.

With the deepest respect: this is dogshit. I hate it. Arcane had a massive negative impact in the fixed careers of so many people, not to mention the community at large. We'll see the downsides for years to come.

[contentfarms]

ok, how about i talk just a bit about it?

"it" being...

YOUTUBE ANIME!

i'll talk a bit about youtube anime i like! this is not as fleshed out as i can make it, sorry

strap in, we're going down the youtube anime rabbit hole! or should i say... down the Plott hole?

youtube anime, as a genre, is simply low budget anime on youtube. these are NOT the same as a tv anime, and could be described as ONAs. they are also commonly called web anime

youtube anime tends to have either fully original characters, or are adaptations of existing manga or other properties, which makes them unique from other types of trend-hopper channels in this vein.

they have a unique aspect, in that they hop on pop culture trends that are current with kids in japan, so you can learn a lot about what's popular with kids overseas and what trends did make it over there

they also just have a lot of bizarre and unique content trends compared to english sphere channels, like the "trapped in a transparent house" trend, the "handcuffed together for 24 hours" trend, and the "yandere love potion" trend

there is one specific one of these that i am totally, truly, deeply obsessed with, and the manga it's adapting, but i'll dig my grave and lie in it when it's time.

but anyways, there ARE trends that overlap with english ones!

long lost twin siblings, turning into a dog or a cat, child characters growing up, adult characters aging down, all the characters being in school together, etc, etc.

now, you know how content farms will have bizarrely placed sexualized content? youtube anime has that too...

ECCHI FANSERVICE STYLE!

yeah, youtube anime is a concentrated dose of ecchi fanservice bullshit for clicks. this does include some uh, questionable content with underage characters and "pervy kid" tropes. any issue you can think of with the current state of the anime industry's various types of shows, youtube anime cranks it up to 100.

it is EXTREMELY, EXTREMELY, EXTREMELY rare for a youtube anime series to have english content. most prominent ones right now don't even have english youtube ccs.

this is mainly, to my understanding, because the market is very niche and not quite yet large enough for the money spent on english content to be worth it.

that being said, my FAVORITE english content youtube anime is the dub of "Grim Reaper Flag-chan", also known as 全力回避！フラグちゃん or Zenryoku Kaihi! Flag-chan. this was discontinued in favor of english CCs on the main japanese channel

it's about the "Flags", girls who are classified as shinigami or angels who appear to collect certain "flags" triggered by the horrid excuse of an npc training dummy, mobuo. think visual novel route triggers, that's what the "flags" are.

if you want a good english version of a youtube anime, i'll direct you towards teikou penguin's short-lived english chanel

this one did NOT end in favor of english CCs on the english channel. this one just suddenly stopped posting with no explanation

if you go watch teipen, there's something i need to explain because it's a bit lost in translation. "black company" is a literal translation, it's a term that means more accurately "evil/shady/illegal company". basically a corrupt workforce that discriminates heavily against it's employees.

i may delve into this more when more english content for these channels exists, but right now, not much is here. i'd need to translate a lot of things myself to show my followers.

but, someday. i'll talk about the one i'm insane for.

anyway. if you made it this far and have any questions, feel free to send them in!

[stellarwhisper]

Astrological Alchemy: Revealing the Various Impacts on Identity and Appearance

Being a Gemini rising, it's critical to keep lines of communication open and flexible in your friendships and to remain flexible in your online buying practices. For a smooth transition into the workforce, maintain good relations with older siblings, take care of your work obligations, and foster pleasant contacts with your supervisors. Your abilities to be adaptable and communicate well will come in handy when handling these aspects of your life.

Rolling a set of unique dice bearing symbols for planets, aspects, and zodiac signs is the process of reading astrological dice. Based on conventional astrological interpretations, each roll yields a combination. This is a basic how-to:

1. Know the Dice: The twelve zodiac signs, planets, and aspects such as conjunction, sextile, square, trine, and opposition are usually represented by symbols on astrological dice.

2. Dice Rolling : Roll the dice, and record any symbols that come up face-up.

3. Interpretation: Use astrological concepts to interpret the combination of symbols. As an illustration:

Zodiac Signs: Indicate character attributes or impacted facets of life.

Planets: Showcase the forces or influences at work.

Aspects: Illustrate the connections between the planets, showing either harmony or tension.

4. Consider Context: Examine the reading's context as well as the relationships between the symbols. Take note of any recurring themes or trends.

5. Resources: For interpretations of certain combinations, consult astrology books or online resources.

6. Practice and Intuition: As with any divination tool, interpretation is greatly influenced by both of these factors. Have faith in your intuition and use experience to gradually hone your comprehension.

Keep in mind that astrological dice readings are a type of divination and that you should approach them with a fair amount of skepticism and an open mind.

Venus opposition Moon aspect in terms of relationships. This feature may make it difficult for partners to communicate and understand one another's love and care. Venus, a symbol of love and affection, might perceive walls or a sense of separation from the Moon, a symbol of feelings and care.

Venus can be dissatisfied when her expectations about how the Moon would show her love aren't fulfilled. But for the relationship to advance, Venus must acknowledge that everyone displays love in a distinctive way and that it is crucial to recognize and value the Moon's distinct manner of providing care.

However, by attempting to externalize their feelings and influence the dynamics of the relationship, the Moon also helps to close this distance. Venus is not the only one who must take care of the relationship; the Moon must also actively engage and express their emotions in order to establish a more harmonious bond

A Pluto-related dynamic in a synastry or composite chart, where the house placements of one individual interact with the Pluto of another. This feature frequently denotes a strong and passionate bond between the parties.

Pluto's influence can produce intense tension and attraction as well as a feeling of intimidation or terror, especially for the individual whose house it is affecting. Pluto's energy has the capacity to be profoundly psychologically transforming, which may result in a need for dominance or power struggles in relationships.

Pluto is influencing that person's home, so that person may feel like they are being used or manipulated by that person, particularly when it comes to their behavior or appearance. Pluto's influence, nevertheless, can also give individuals a sense of empowerment by enabling them to access their inner confidence and strength.

Honesty, open communication, and a readiness to confront power struggles or control concerns head-on are necessary for navigating this relationship. Both parties need to be prepared to face their own shadow selves and strive for a more harmonious and mutually empowering partnership. Navigating the nuances of Pluto's effect in relationships can also be aided by counseling or therapy.

In a synastry or composite chart, Pluto in another person's 9th House denotes a significant and transforming effect on the themes associated with the 9th House in that person's life. Higher education, philosophy, spirituality, travel, and beliefs are all connected to the 9th House.

The following are some possible dynamics:

1. Belief Transformation: The other person's views and worldview may undergo significant changes as a result of Pluto's visit. Their connections with you might lead to profound shifts in their philosophy or spirituality.

2. Power disputes in Matters of Faith or Philosophy: There could be disputes or power struggles pertaining to ideologies, philosophical stances, or beliefs. Through your discussions, the other person can feel pressured to question their preexisting worldview or face deeply held ideas.

3. intensive Learning and Growth: The 9th House themes might be associated with intensive learning opportunities and experiences brought forth by Pluto's influence. You might entice the other person to pursue serious intellectual or spiritual endeavors together.

4. Transformational Travel Experiences: The other person may undergo profoundly transformational travel experiences alongside you. They might come across intense encounters that alter their viewpoints and cause them to undergo substantial personal development.

5. Impact on Higher Education: Pluto's position in the other person's 9th House may have a profoundly transforming effect on their academic endeavors if they are seeking higher education. They might explore challenging or taboo themes, or they might experience significant shifts in their educational path.

All things considered, Pluto's position in the other person's 9th House suggests a profoundly influential and maybe revolutionary interpersonal dynamic, especially in the areas of spirituality, belief systems, education, and travel. For all parties concerned, this placement may result in significant personal development and evolution.

Sign of Aries! The first sign of the zodiac is recognized for its audacity, capacity for leadership, and spirit of innovation. People born in the sign of Aries are frequently gregarious, self-assured, and ready to try new things. They have an innate drive and competitive spirit, and they don't hesitate to throw themselves wholeheartedly into whatever they set their minds to. Their contagious zeal and excitement can encourage people around them to follow in their footsteps. Mars, the planet of anger and action, rules Aries, which feeds their impetuous and sometimes energetic personality. All things considered, Aries infuses any circumstance with a dash of energy and vitality.

The twelfth and last sign of the zodiac, Pisces, is characterized by empathy, intuition, and artistic ability. People born under this sign are frequently sensitive, empathic, and acutely aware of both their own and other people's feelings. Dreamers and visionaries, Pisceans have a strong spiritual connection and vivid imaginations.

The following are some essential characteristics of Pisces:

1. Empathetic and Compassionate: Pisceans prioritize the needs of others before their own, demonstrating a great sense of empathy and compassion. They provide support and understanding without passing judgment since they have a keen sense of the emotions of others around them.

2. Creative and Imaginative: Pisceans thrive in creative endeavors like music, art, writing, and dance because of their rich imagination and artistic flare. They are drawn to pursuits that let them communicate their deepest emotions and ideas.

3. Psychic and Intuitive: Pisceans are born with psychic sensitivity and intuition that help them navigate the ups and downs of life. They frequently possess a profound awareness of the invisible forces at work in the world and follow their intuition.

4. Adaptable and Flexible: Pisceans can easily adjust to changing conditions since they are flexible and go with the flow. They have faith that things will work out as they are supposed to and are not scared to relinquish control and go with the flow of life.

5. Idealistic and Romantic: Pisceans are hopeless romantics who cling to the idea that fairy tales can come true and that love can conquer all obstacles. They frequently look for deep relationships and soulful connections, and they have rose-colored glasses on.

6. Spiritually Inclined: Pisceans are drawn to mystical and esoteric matters and have a strong spiritual side. Yoga, meditation, and other spiritual disciplines that unite people with a higher force or the collective consciousness may provide them with comfort.

7. Sensitive and Vulnerable: Because of their increased susceptibility to emotions, Pisceans are more likely to experience mood swings and become quickly overwhelmed by life's harsh truths. They might withdraw into their own private realm as a defensive mechanism.

Overall, Pisces is a loving dreamer that adds depth and inspiration to the world around them because they embody the traits of empathy, creativity, and spirituality.

Instead than seeing your natal chart from the viewpoint of the Sun as in a regular natal chart, a persona chart lets you examine it from the perspective of a particular planet. You can learn more about how a specific planetary energy affects your personality, emotions, and life experiences by concentrating on that energy. Examples of these energies include the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, or Pluto.

For instance, you could consult your Moon persona chart to examine your emotional terrain and innate responses. This chart would show you where the Moon is in your natal chart, together with its aspects and house placement, giving you information about your emotional requirements, nurturing temperament, and ingrained habits.

Similarly, you may look at your Mercury persona chart if you're curious in how you communicate and process information. Your Mercury placement, aspects, and house position would be shown on this chart, providing insight into your preferred methods of learning, manner of communication, and areas of intellectual interest.

From the perspective of a particular planet's energy, each persona chart provides a distinctive look at your astrological composition, enabling you to explore the subtleties of your personality and life path in greater detail.

That interpretation of Saturn's position in the 10th House is intriguing! In fact, Saturn in the 10th House frequently denotes an emphasis on ambition, a career, and authority people. While the conventional interpretation points to obstacles and setbacks in reaching professional success, your method presents a novel and empowering solution.

Those with Saturn in the 10th House can develop a sense of self-assurance and more easily draw opportunities and recognition by changing their perspective from one of struggle to one of faith and ease. those can overcome self-imposed obstacles and more successfully and efficiently accomplish their career goals if they think that everything is really simple and that those in positions of authority will appreciate their efforts.

This viewpoint is consistent with the idea of manifestation and the efficacy of positive thinking, according to which altering one's attitudes and beliefs can have an impact on the outside world. People with this placement can use the energy of Saturn in the 10th House to advance in their jobs and more easily accomplish their goals by developing an attitude of prosperity and success.

People with Neptune in the first house may look different from their parents or other close family members, with an airy and distinctive appearance. Boundaries can be blurred and an air of mystery or illusion around a person's identity and physical appearance while Neptune is in the 1st House.

Here are some possible ways that this placement could appear:

1. Unconventional Appearance: People with Neptune in the first house may have traits or qualities that, when compared to other members of their family, look unusual or unearthly. This could include distinguishing characteristics like their skin tone, hair, eyes, or facial features.

2. Difference in Appearance: As indicated, they might possess physical characteristics that set them apart from their parents or siblings. For example, a family of brunettes might inherit recessive characteristics like red hair and blue eyes. Their familial dynamic may make them feel "different" or stick out more as a result of this contrast in appearance.

3. Ambiguous Ethnicity: Neptune in the first house may give someone's look a sense of ambiguity or fluidity, making it challenging for others to identify their ethnicity or cultural heritage. They could frequently be mistaken for members of a different nation or ethnic group, which heightens the mystery surrounding their identity.

4. Chameleon-Like Quality: People in this placement might have an appearance that is similar to that of a chameleon, as though they can readily fit in or blend into many social or environmental contexts. Because of their versatility, it may be difficult for others to label or classify them just on the basis of looks.

All things considered, Neptune in the first house lends a feeling of magic and mystery to the person's physical presence, giving them a distinct and occasionally enigmatic look that makes them stand out from their relatives and friends.