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cindylouwho-2 · 25 days ago

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The European Union's General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR): A Huge Mess For Some Small & Micro Businesses

Above is an email Amazon sent to sellers many months ago that covers the basics. Not all marketplaces were as forthcoming - or early - with info.

As many of you know, new laws coming into effect Friday December 13, 2024 affect businesses' ability to sell products into the European Union and Northern Ireland (EU and NI). The General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR) impose various requirements on most goods being sold to the EU and NI, and some of those new rules will be very onerous for some small businesses. Furthermore, there are still some unanswered questions that the relevant government bodies hadn't covered until the European Commission did release some more details and an FAQ page very recently [pdf for download at the end of the first section on that page], and until public Q & A sessions were held.

This post contains a brief summary of the GPSR and of the key questions for common small business types, with the best answers I can find at this time. There is a section discussing problems on Etsy (which hasn't yet adapted their platform to the new regulations). I also compiled a list of helpful links including government and marketplace information pages, and places to obtain an "EU Responsible Person" to represent your business.

If anything gets clarified in the near future, this post will be updated.

What Does GPSR Require?

The Amazon summary in the screenshot at the top of this post is one of the easiest to understand, but a shorter overview may work better for some, so here is what eBay has to say:

To comply with the GPSR and related regulations, all business sellers listing items for sale in the EU and NI must include the following information: 1. The product manufacturer's name and contact information 2. If the manufacturer isn’t located in the EU or NI, you’ll have to indicate an EU-based Responsible Person or entity, along with their name and contact details 3. Any relevant product information like model number, pictures, and type 4. Product safety and compliance information like warnings and safety information (which can be included in labels and product manuals) in the local language 5. The CE marking when required by the related regulations applicable to your product

And yes, all of this applies to merchants of all stripes, including small and microbusinesses. Per the EU, “...the GPSR obligations apply to businesses of all sizes. Consumers are entitled to only safe products and therefore exceptions cannot be made based on the size of a business.”

Clearly there are significant hurdles for small and micro businesses: the cost of hiring a responsible person, and the cost of producing the required safety and use instructions and of translating them into local languages. Some may choose to stop sales to the EU and NI instead of complying.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes, several types of products are excluded, but most of those already subject to equally strict or even stricter regulations, e.g., medicine, foods, animals etc.

The two main known exceptions of interest to most of my readership are:

Antiques, which seem to be limited to items that are old (but no age is given, as far as I can tell) and generally to art or other collectible items.

Items already available for sale before December 13 of this year.

That second point is good news for many businesses, but please note it only seems to apply to stock made before December 13, not just listings made before that date. Once you run out and need to order or make more products, they then become subject to the GPSR.

Does The GPSR Apply To Digital Products?

It now appears that the new regulations cover items such as digital downloads. The FAQ pdf put out by the European Union very recently states "[t]he GPSR applies to all types of products (physical or digital products too, including software) that are placed or made available on the EU Single Market". At least some analysts agree this can include pretty much everything digital:

I can understand why some folks think that a knitting pattern or a simple art downloadable file should not be covered, and in the future once there is more discussion of and action taken under the GPSR, those products might be excluded. But note that the pdf of FAQs also states "[t]he GPSR is about avoiding and preventing “risks to both physical health and mental health”. Including image files and similar downloads therefore makes some sense.

How Do I Find A "Responsible Person" To Represent My Digital Download Business In The EU?

That's a good question, because I haven't found any verified sources saying they will cover digital items, or any digital sellers mentioning they have found coverage. Many have been denied by the companies they have contacted. [UPDATE: A company called EAS has agreed to represent at least one digital seller.]

If you are aware of any other firms or individuals offering "Responsible Person" services for digital products, please let me know!

(Remember, If you are in the EU/NI, you are the Responsible Person. If your products are manufactured in the EU/NI, the manufacturer is the Responsible Person.)

Does the GPSR Apply To Free Products?

Yes. From the FAQ pdf: "an item provided free of charge falls within the scope of the GPSR.”

In addition to complimentary physical items ("free gifts") sent out with orders, this would seem to include free downloads provided on blogs and social media, on a Patreon site, in YouTube descriptions etc. I’ve not seen much discussion on this aspect of the law for some reason.

Items Offered For Sale Before December 13 Are Exempt, But How Would The Government Know When I First Offered The Product Or When It Was Made?

If you had 100 widgets in stock before December 13 and had them listed on a marketplace or website, by law you can continue to sell those widgets to the EU and NI until all 100 are gone. And if you created a digital file and offered it online before December 13, it should be exempt forever, as long as you do not edit the file after December 13.

But proving you had 100 widgets already made, or that you listed a specific product before the law took effect could be difficult, especially for anyone handmaking their own items. If you are going to continue to sell to the EU and NI after December 13, keep careful records of which stock needs labelling, safety information and translations of use instructions.

Online marketplaces could also create problems if they don't display the date an item was first offered for sale, as happens on Etsy, for example. Every time an item renews, the visible date is reset, and it can be difficult to go through spreadsheets looking for the original listing date, and csv files may not be adequate proof under this law (since they can easily be changed after downloading).

Unfortunately, we won't truly know what evidence will be accepted in these circumstances until the authorities start enforcing these regulations, but this will only be a concern for anyone continuing to sell "old stock" into the EU and NI after December 13, so it is far from the largest concern.

The Case of Etsy - Failure To Comply With The GPSR

Unlike some other marketplaces, Etsy was fairly late in warning its sellers that the GPSR affected them, and how Etsy will approach the law. The blog post included the line "[s]hould Etsy receive a notification from an authority that your product is non-compliant, we will take appropriate action, which may include removing your listing and/or suspending your account." So, the stakes are high here - you could lose your Etsy shop if accused of not complying with the GPSR.

There are currently 2 problems for sellers who decide they can't/won't comply with the GPSR and therefore do not want to offer their items to the EU and NI any more:

Shipping to the UK on Etsy includes Northern Ireland, and sellers anywhere within the UK cannot remove the UK from their shipping profiles. That means they are forced to offer their goods to NI even if they don't want to.

Digital products on Etsy are sold to the whole world by default; there is no way to exclude any countries that Etsy allows sales to. That means every digital listing on Etsy is currently offered in the GPSR jurisdictions, regardless of the seller's wishes or compliance.

The GPSR was published on May 10, 2023. That gave everyone 19 months to get their ducks in a row. However, Etsy has so far done nothing to allow UK and digital sellers to remove their listings from being available in the EU and NI. Nothing.

Support has told some sellers that the corporation is working on it, and that UK sellers could just cancel any sales to NI:

However, it is not good enough to refuse to complete orders to the EU and NI. Any item offered for sale in the EU and NI is automatically subject to the GPSR; just allowing someone to check out is a violation, if the listing and product does not meet the law's requirements.

As of December 13, there is still no way to stop selling to Northern Ireland on Etsy if you are a seller in the United Kingdom, and there is no way for a digital product to be excluded from offer in either the EU or NI. Sadly, this means the only way shops can follow the law is to close for the time being, and some are planning on doing that.

Etsy has failed its sellers, and there is no excuse.

UPDATE (December 13, 2024): Etsy now says it is working on the issues of excluding the EU and NI, but still advises cancelling sales to those locations in the interim, which does not comply with the GPSR. The company had 19 months to figure this out, but they still need a few more weeks at a minimum? Absurd.

Resources and Responsible Person Offerings

I've compiled a separate post on my Patreon, listing some of the official legal and government resources on GPSR, as well as rules and Help pages from some major marketplaces and Print on Demand companies, and a short list of places you can hire a "Responsible Person" for your products:

https://www.patreon.com/posts/sources-and-for-117871846

Please let me know if you find any broken links there, or have other resources to add!

This post will be updated as required.

UPDATED: December 13, 2024

#ecommerce #GPSR #small business #etsy #cindylouwho2 #microbusiness #EU

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sometimes-men-need-help-too · 1 year ago

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Billie Eilish's latest comments about body-shaming haven't gone down well, especially after a 2019 interview resurfaced

Billie Eilish has received backlash for suggesting men don't get criticized for their appearances. Many commenters called her out for overlooking male body-shaming.

The 21-year-old singer was interviewed as part of Variety's "Power of Women" issue. Eilish reflected on the media attention and scrutiny she received after wearing a tank top in public aged 16, and went on to describe how she felt men were viewed in contrast.

"Nobody ever says a thing about men's bodies," Eilish told Variety. "If you're muscular, cool. If you're not, cool. If you're rail thin, cool. If you have a dad bod, cool. If you're pudgy, love it! Everybody's happy with it. You know why? Because girls are nice. They don't give a fuck because we see people for who they are!"

On November 13, entertainment news account Pop Base shared Eilish's remarks in a post to X, formerly Twitter, which received 36 million views and over 9,100 comments. While some people came out in support of the singer and seemed to agree with her stance, many hit back at her comments.

One user called Eilish's comments "a little tone deaf" as they felt both men and women could be judged, while others commented that women were more likely to receive criticism, but it was still false to suggest that men didn't receive any.

Some pointed to the physical traits they felt men were particularly judged on, including their height, body shape, and general appearance, although also expressed the view that scrutiny of female bodies is typically more intense and widespread.

Multiple X users referenced a community note they said had been added to Pop Base's post, although no such note is currently visible. Community notes are an X feature that allows users to add context to a post which will be shown publicly if enough contributors rate it as helpful.

Various users shared screenshots of what appears to be a community note on the post saying, "Billie Eilish has publicly criticized women dating 'ugly men' and has said that ugly men deserve nothing on recorded promotional interviews," followed by a YouTube link.

This is likely a reference to a 2019 interview with Eilish available on Pitchfork's YouTube channel.

"Why is every pretty girl with a horrible-looking man, I don't understand," she said during the interview.

"Listen, I'm not shaming people for their looks, but I am though. You give an ugly guy a chance, he thinks he rules the world," she said. "I swear to god, because they got a hot girl, they can be horrible? Like, you're still ugly though."

She went on to reference the size of men's genitals, suggesting it's something they would have to "make up for."

Many comments under the video posted over the four years it's been uploaded called Eilish out for negatively commenting on other people's looks, especially as she has been so public about those who criticized her appearance.

On X, many also mentioned the long history of objectification of Eilish, going back to her teenage years, suggesting her perception is understandable as a result.

Eilish has encouraged people to normalize "real bodies" in the past. She spoke out on this topic earlier this year and said it still hurt to see comments about her own body online, Insider previously reported.

Representatives for Billie Eilish did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

First of all, it's blatantly untrue to think that men never receive criticism about their bodies. In a previous post of mine, I mentioned how some people reacted to seeing a picture of Jonathan Taylor Thomas for the first time in 2 years. Some people were of the opinion that he really let himself go.

There was an article about Keanu Reeves, I believe earlier this year. He was shown to be topless and people thought he was chubby.

I could go on.

If she truly thinks a man's body is just loved and accepted without a second thought, she is mistaken. Whether he's famous or he's not, somebody will have something to say. Maybe some people have never dealt with it, but that can't be said for men as a whole.

And then for her to say that girls won't care is wrong too. I'd bet anyone that's been body shamed by a girl would disagree.

#mens rights #body insecurities #body shaming

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ladyhoneydee · 1 year ago

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this peppermint winter, this marshmallow world

Zelink | College AU | 5.8k

At the end of the second swallow, she finally opened her eyes—and caught Link in the midst of a sip of his own. Watching her. Why did the warmth in his eyes look so…different? Had he ever looked at her that way before, in all their years of friendship? Maybe it was just the glow of the streetlamp they stood beneath, transforming the snow into glittering fairy dust and the ambiance into spun gold. If they left this place, if they took their walk as planned, perhaps the clear blue moon would return them to the same light they’d always been cast in. Why did the thought of that make her chest so tight?

Written for @pastelsandpining as part of the Hateno Hideout Secret Santa! If you like the best-friends-to-lovers trope, nonverbal trans guy Link who is acting veeeery oddly all of a sudden, and confused, investigative Zelda, this one is for you.

Read it on AO3, FFN, or under the cut!

Zelda knew something was wrong with Link from a mile off.

It didn’t matter that she was stuck behind the front desk, explaining to a frazzled-looking first year that no, they did not have any private study rooms available at this very minute, and they would have to wait twenty minutes or so until something opened up. From the moment her best friend strode into Castleton University’s Gaebora Library, his snow-dusted green beanie pulled down tight and chin tucked in low, she could tell that his mind was running a mile a minute on some topic or another. He always tended to crunch in physically when he was mentally distressed, after all.

As the student surrendered with a grimace and set off towards the staircase—no doubt heading for one of the public sitting areas on the quiet upper floors—Link lifted his chin, and Zelda met his eyes. The whites widened, the pupils expanded. Then his gaze promptly dropped back to the laminate tiles underfoot.

Zelda’s suspicion rocketed through the ceiling, the five floors of the library over her head, and the snow-laden roof shingles high above. With the exception of particularly awkward or emotional conversations, Link had never struggled to hold eye contact with her before. Heck, they had practically lived off of staring contests back in high school. Even now, five semesters into university, new friends invariably asked if she and Link were dating based solely on how annoying about eye contact and making goofy faces at each other they were.

Still, there was no way he could actually avoid her, even if he wanted to. Not when she was on front desk duty, and the only student worker on shift who knew Hyrulean Standard Sign Language. After all, Link never came to the library to study, only to pick up books. Nonverbal as he was, it was easier to focus in a private place than somewhere people who couldn’t understand HSSL might try to talk to him.

His fingers stuttered through her name-sign for a moment before smoothing through the rest of his words. “I have an interlibrary loan to pick up? A Walk in the Lost Woods by K.-I.-A. H-E-R-M-O-S?” His finger-spelling of the name was quick, but she’d been signing since elementary school and reading Link’s words and letters off his hands for nearly as long; it was nearly impossible to trip her up at this point.

“Sure, I’ll just need to grab it!” Zelda’s voice brimmed with enthusiasm to cover up her suspicion. “For your Environmental Philosophy course, I’m guessing?”

“Yeah. Got an essay due next week.”

Well, at least he was making conversation.

“Tonight is such a mess,” she complained. “I swear I’ve had five different students try to get me to find their books for them instead of just following my directions. It’s like everyone’s brain cells died over winter break.”

A smile cracked through Link’s slight frown and downturned brows. “So now they’re killing yours in retribution, huh?”

“Mm-hm! Which is exactly why you should get us coffees from Piper’s and meet me on the quad for a walk when you’re finished studying and I’m done with my shift!” She beamed at him.

Just like that, alarm swept his face clean of the soft warmth it had held only a moment prior, and his gaze darted away from her once again. He rubbed his hands on his pants before replying, as if wiping off sweat—which was weird, given that he’d just come in from the cold, and hadn’t been wearing gloves.

“Oh, I don’t know…”

“Come on, please?” she wheedled. “I’ll need something to resuscitate my poor, dying brain cells. And you’re my chosen hero of the hour.” She smiled in the winning, bossy way she’d learned from a childhood cultivated by a single dad who was not only a hardass entrepreneur, but also had moonlit as the president of the PTA at every public school she had attended.

She’d learned other things from Daphnes, too. Like how to pursue a lead when something seems fishy—and how to throw someone off the scent of your true intentions until the opportune moment.

The trick was to pick a reason that was still genuine, just not the whole truth.

Link sighed, his gestures slowing and taking on weight to emphasize his put-upon tone. “If you insist. But— I’m bringing hot chocolate, not coffee.” Her pout was met with a stern, wolf-eyed stare. “I don’t care if you live off of caffeine. It’ll be after ten before we’re both done for the night, and I’m not dropping money on your addiction when I’ve got perfectly good cocoa mix in my dorm.”

Zelda let out a ponderous sigh of her own. “Fiiiine.” She placed her hands on her hips. “You’re no fun, you know that?”

“They say that the chosen heroes rarely were,” Link shot back, his gestures short and snippy, but punctuated with enough flair that she knew it was from sass rather than actual upset. “I’m just living up to your expectations.”

“Sure, hero.” She smirked. “Let me grab that book.”

As she swiveled her rolly chair around to scan the loan shelf for his book—Nayru’s love, did none of the other student workers this semester realize they were supposed to label the books with the requester’s name to make things easier?—Zelda mused over Link’s odd behavior. He’d brightened up, sure, but for him to hesitate over spending time together…

Well, the last time that had happened, it was right before he came out to her as trans the year they turned thirteen, and he was terrified she was going to hate him forever.

When she spun back around, Link was fervently tapping his fingers against the wood of the front desk, expressions dancing over his features so quickly that she couldn’t make them out. He remained wordless and reticent while she checked out the green-bound hardback and passed it over, before throwing her a tight smile, waving awkwardly with his free hand, and walking out the door at an even brisker pace than usual.

He hadn’t even paused to tuck the book away in his backpack.

…It was fine. It was. He’d been wrong back then—she could never hate him, but especially not for that —and no matter what secret feelings he was keeping close to his chest right now, he’d be wrong this time, too. She loved him too much for any other option to stick. Like snow falling on a manhole cover, any trouble between them would melt away before it had the chance to build up.

She would make sure of it.

One of the downsides of working at Gaepora Library was that even at the end of the long, grueling evening shift, Zelda couldn’t leave until she’d scrubbed the floor.

The reasoning was understandable enough, she supposed—given the building’s late hours, the CasU custodial staff were all done for the day by the time the library closed, and the slush and salt dragged into the lobby would damage the library’s century-old hardwood floor if it sat on them overnight—but that didn’t make her job any more enjoyable. The snow outside was pretty and all, and she couldn’t wait to go out in it with Link later, but did every student need to track slush in on their boots? They had a mat in front of the door for a reason!

Dimly, she noticed the clomping of winter boots approaching the front doors. Zelda glared down at the dirty rag in her hand and scrubbed even more vigorously. Surely the late visitor would notice the “CLOSED” sign she’d propped up in the front window, or the fact that nearly all the lobby lights were off, or her scrubbing the floor, and correctly assume that they should come back in the morning.

The door before her swung open.

Zelda reared back from the sudden blast of cold. Wrath simmered in her veins, and she snapped her head up, ready to give this person a piece of her mind.

“Excuse me, but the library is actually closed for the eve—”

Link.

His nose was red from the chill, and his shoulders shook with mirth. Immediately, all of the frustration that had been coiling like smoke in Zelda’s lungs throughout her shift whooshed out of her with a deep sigh.

“Nice floor,” he signed. “Very clean.”

“If you step on it, I might have to kill you.”

He laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

He’d obviously stopped by his dorm since the last time she’d seen him. His rugged leather-and-canvas backpack was nowhere to be seen, and he’d swapped out his slate-blue quilted jacket for a snowquill-stuffed puffy coat. This time, he was actually wearing gloves, and his omnipresent green beanie was pulled as far over his ears as it could manage.

She smiled fondly. Some things never changed. They might be twenty and sleep-deprived from annotated bibliographies and slideshow presentations instead of ten and sleep-deprived from playing video games under the covers all night, but Link would always get cold faster than she did.

Link, unaware of the nostalgic origins of her affectionate stare, gave her a hesitant smile in return. “I left the hot chocolates outside. No food and drinks in the library, and all.”

“Aw, you’re such a good boy,” she cooed. “You rule follower, you.”

To her surprise, he flushed redder than the ruby studs in his ears. Gloved fingers twitched wildly in the air for a moment in a clear nonvocal stutter before he pressed the tips together so hard that she almost thought she could see them quiver from the strain.

The pause in the conversation was disjointed, alien. Like they were metronomes running on two different beats per minute, instead of the unison they’d always shared.

“Are–are you ready to go?” he asked eventually, and Zelda’s brows shot up. Was he just not going to address his reaction? What was going on?

At her lack of reply, his eyes darted around the lobby, and he filled the void himself. “They’re gonna get cold if you take much longer. Slowpoke.” Even the teasing insult was added on belatedly, as though he was reading off a script of their usual interactions and had nearly forgotten the last part of his line.

Well, if he wasn’t going to be normal, she would just have to pick up his slack.

“Oh, I’ve been ready! In all ways except the physical.” She waved the damp rag in her hand pointedly. “Give me just a minute.”

The nod Link gave her was heavy with relief, and she realized he was grateful she hadn’t called him out on his weird behavior. Well, he was going to be in for a rude awakening once they started their walk and the interrogation began.

One rag rinsed and squeezed out, one desktop computer logged out and turned off, and one book-stuffed messenger back hauled onto her shoulder later, they were out the door.

Zelda was grateful for the hot chocolate before she even took a sip. The lightweight knit gloves she kept in the pocket of her winter coat were not cutting it against the chilly wind and swirling snow. Central Hyrule wasn’t particularly known for being a cold region of Hyrule—not with places like the Mt. Nayru region of Lanayru and the entirety of Hebra as competition—but when winter settled in over the wide grasslands, it truly did settle. So when she plucked one of Link’s ceramic travel mugs off the bench, the heat that sunk into her fingers was entirely welcome.

“They’re dark chocolate with peppermint and marshmallows,” Link signed. His gestures were harder to decipher when made one-handed, as the other was occupied with his own mug; still, after a lifetime of communicating with Link in all kinds of one- and two- and even no-handed situations, she could parse them rather well. “I made them both the same so that you wouldn’t have to make any decisions. Or complain if I made the decision.”

“Aw, you’re so kind. The great hero, saving me from my own agency.” She sent him a sly look.

“Hey, how many times have you texted me just to ask me to pick something for you out of decision fatigue at the end of a long day?”

“Too many to count.” She nudged him in the side gently. “I am grateful for that, truly.”

“Oh, I know.” His elbow bumped her in return. “Now drink your hot chocolate, you mooch.”

“ Yeah, your mooch,” she shot back, and took a sip.

If she’d been looking at Link at that instant, she might have seen how his lips parted and trembled at her words. But Zelda’s eyelashes had fluttered closed from pleasure the moment the sweet, minty richness hit her tastebuds, and the moment passed, unseen.

“Mmmmm, that’s the stuff.” Unconsciously, she poked her tongue out to collect the scant remaining droplets of chocolate from her lips, before going back in for another greedy gulp. The warmth, the velvety texture of half-melted marshmallows slipping into her mouth, the cool echo of mint that lingered even after the sip was gone—it was like a green firework going off in her mouth, cascading sparks of comfort all the way down to her stomach.

At the end of the second swallow, she finally opened her eyes—and caught Link in the midst of a sip of his own. Watching her.

Why did the warmth in his eyes look so…different? Had he ever looked at her that way before, in all their years of friendship?

Maybe it was just the glow of the streetlamp they stood beneath, transforming the snow into glittering fairy dust and the ambiance into spun gold. If they left this place, if they took their walk as planned, perhaps the clear blue moon would return them to the same light they’d always been cast in.

Why did the thought of that make her chest so tight?

“How are the brain cells?” Link signed.

“Huh?” She blinked, owl-eyed.

He laughed. “Okay, so they’re obviously not—” His hands fluttered in the air for a moment. “Oh, what was the word you used before…”

“Resuscitated.” She narrowed her eyes.

He ignored it. “That’s it! Resuscitated. Obviously your brain cells haven’t been resuscitated yet.”

“I think your presence might be killing them off, actually.”

“Well, I can always leave if that’s what you’d prefer…” His words were lighthearted, but something glittered in his eyes. Something that turned her stomach and reminded her what, exactly, they were there for.

“No!” She flinched back at her own outburst and thought fast. “I mean, no, obviously I don’t want you to leave. What I want is to go on a walk with you through the Green.”

“The Green?” If she hadn’t been watching him so closely, she might have missed him nervously biting his lower lip. “I thought you said the quad. And I don’t know if it’s a good idea to go all the way out there. I mean, it’s going to get pretty cold tonight.”

“The cold front isn’t supposed to blow in until midnight, actually. I checked the weather earlier. It’ll be totally fine—no more snow or cold than we’re already getting.”

Link looked up, but the sky was inscrutable. It was impossible to tell if the clouds above were thick and heavy with snow or light and mobile; if they were on their way out or if more lurked on the horizon. His brow furrowed.

“Besides, I can always keep you warm myself,” Zelda joked. It was a quip long-familiar for them—their friendship had always been one of touchy-feely affection—but instead of the habitual glomping hug or taking of her hand, Link only gave her that same frightened rabbit stare.

“Or not.” She laughed awkwardly. “Again, the weather shouldn’t be a problem anyhow. Even for you.”

“Ha, ha,” he signed sarcastically, and she could have collapsed with relief. “Make fun of me for having a normal response to abnormal temperatures.”

“It’s my solemn duty as your best friend to make fun of you,” she said through a cheeky grin. “So? Are you in?”

Link sighed, and it was like she was seeing the action in double: the put-upon, overdramatic performance, and the actual release of trepidation it concealed. “...Yeah. Yeah, of course I’m in. Always.”

Always, even if the whole evening had been strange and discombobulated so far. Zelda took a deep breath and let it out. They would get through this, no matter what was churning inside his head and spilling out like steam over a hot spring. It was him and her. Zelda and Link. Always.

“Perfect.” She smiled at him, softer than the gently falling snowflakes. “Shall we?”

“Yeah,” he said, and the smallness and lightness of his motions let Zelda know her feelings were reciprocated. “Let’s take a walk.”

The Green was the closest thing CasU had to a nature reserve. It must have had some sort of official name, but Zelda hadn’t looked at a map of campus in years, and every student she’d ever heard talking about the place just called it the Green. Even the professors and administration did, as if they realized that no one would know what they were referring to unless they adopted the students’ language.

But regardless of what one called the hundreds of acres of green space that hugged the entire western border of campus, a walk on one of the well-trodden footpaths along the river, through the woods, or across the meadows was always an enjoyable way to spend a few hours. Between Link’s Outdoor Education major, Zelda’s multitude of Biology internships, and the hours the pair had spent avidly mapping every trail themselves during their first semester, they both practically had the land memorized.

Still, it was only practically, never wholly, because there was always something new to see.

Even with three years at CasU under her belt, the Green’s beauty in winter never failed to strike her. Although it might have benefitted from a temporary renaming, given how everything besides the tall, old conifers sprinkled amongst the leafless oaks, maples, and aspens was blanketed in pure white snow. The branches criss-crossing over their heads were completely coated, as if the goddesses had dipped them in marshmallow fluff for a wintry treat.

“It looks completely different,” Link signed. He took a sip of his hot chocolate.

Zelda had to agree. The last time they’d hiked through the Green—nearly a month ago now, between finals, winter break, and the hectic first week back—a chaotic mess of decaying leaves had carpeted the forest floor, and they’d had to watch their step or risk tripping over a well-camouflaged root. The soil had been wet and slick beneath their feet from rain, and sprinkled through the tussocks of browning grass crumbled huge, frost-blackened mushrooms. Now, the whole world glittered beneath the silver rays of the half-moon, illuminating dozens of squirrel, rabbit, bird, and deer tracks that ran beneath the tree trunks—tracks that could only have been laid since the snow began falling, less than an hour ago.

How strange, that the season of death felt more lively than the long, damp months that preceded it.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered. She wasn’t sure why. The hush just felt right.

When Link looked over at her, eyes soft and wide with wonder, and nodded, she knew he felt it too.

They reached a split in the path, a familiar crossroad. Left would take them further into the woods; right would take them to the meadows on the northeastern edge of the Green, before curving back in the direction of campus proper.

She turned to Link once again. “What do you think? Right?”

“Wrong,” Link joked. “Nah, totally, let’s go to the meadows. It’ll be easier to get back to our dorms from there anyway.”

“It’ll be nice to see how they look, too, with the snow. By morning all the skiers will be out, and it won’t be nearly as pretty.” Zelda grinned good-naturedly. ‘All the skiers’ often included Link and Zelda in their numbers, after all.

They swung off to the right, pointing out how the makeup of the forest changed as they got closer and closer to the meadows. When they both finished their final swigs of cocoa, marshmallows glazing pillowy sweetness down their throats, Zelda offered to stow their travel mugs away in her backpack. After all, Link had made them himself in his ceramics studio last year; it wouldn’t do for them to break!

Still, even when the heat from the mug in her hands was gone, Zelda felt warm down to her core.

Books always said that winter was quiet, but Zelda couldn’t help but feel that was exactly wrong. It always felt, to her, like more. Brighter, with the snow reflecting the moonlight back up to dazzle their retinas and aid their journey. Freer, with the song of the wind more obvious as the fresh powder muffled any of the typical forest sounds. Sweeter, with the clean crispness of snowfall settling on the tongue. The beautiful more ness of it all filled her up, until she felt just shy of bursting with contentment.

And then they crossed into the open air with its swirling snow and stars, and something in her chest, something brilliant and winged and joyful, rose and broke free of its tether.

Her head tipped back and her mouth opened wide and she drank in the moonlight, the starlight, the north wind. Arms flung wide to embrace the night. She twirled, twirled, twirled, basking in the coldbright good until it blurred into streaks and her dancing feet stumbled their way into a deep, clinging snowbank and she tripped—

Arms around her. Warm but not warm; body heat covered up by a wind-chilled shield. Soft but not soft; sturdy compactness muffled by puffy down. Her body was motionless, but her vision spun like the orbit of some wild planet. Its sun: the green beanie.

“Nice catch,” she said breathlessly. “Have you considered sports?”

One hand lingered on her still-swaying waist, holding her steady. The other lifted to her cheek, its touch tender. His woolen glove itched as it traced letter-signs against her cold skin.

“D-U-M-M-Y.”

“Rude.”

With a deliberately hard blink, her vision finally stopped spinning. Link’s face was before her: nose and cheeks ruddy from the cold, bemused smirk on his lips. It was strange to be staring up at him for once. She hadn’t done that since they were eleven, when she shot up like a beanpole and didn’t stop growing until halfway through high school.

Noticing the change in her gaze, Link retracted his hand from her cheek, instead hovering it between them where she could make out his signs. “You know, spinning around like you did when we were little is a lot more dangerous now than it was then. Kids have way stronger bones.”

“I drink my milk, thanks. Lon Lon Ranch is coming in clutch for my bones.”

He gave her a deadpan look. “Sure you do. Because I’ve definitely seen you get milk at the cafeteria even��once in the last two and a half years.”

“Well…there was milk in the hot chocolate, right?” She raised a brow at him.

“Nope. Box mix and water.” His stare was positively gloating.

“You’re awful.”

“ Yeah, your awful,” he said, and then, as if the terrible, adorable pun had flipped a switch in his brain, his jaw went slack and his eyes bugged. Zelda had about one second to get her feet beneath her before he dropped his arms and stepped back so abruptly that she would’ve fallen again, had she not felt the tension seize his every muscle.

As it was, she still stumbled. Her jaw clenched, but she forcibly relaxed it before meeting Link’s gaze again.

In the time it took her to recover, he’d taken two steps back, a distance that yawned between them like an abyss between their feet. His arms were wrapped tightly around his stomach, as if he was about to be sick—or protecting his soft, squishy bits from a nearby threat.

“I think it’s time to tell me what’s going on,” Zelda said, voice soft but clear.

Link was already shaking his head. She waited for his hands to rise into place, for him to uncurl his hedgehog self and speak, even if it was a no, but they didn’t.

“Link, it’s obvious that something is wrong. You’ve been acting wei—” She cut herself off; reconsidered. “... different all night. I’m not judging you, I’m worried. You’re my best friend. I want to help you, if it’s something I can help with.”

The head-shaking slowed, then gradually ceased. He peeled his arms free from his torso. When his gaze met hers, her heart twinged at how ashamed he looked, with his shiny eyes and the redness of his face that she knew surpassed what the cold alone could do to his skin.

“Do you promise you won’t judge me? Or get mad?”

“I promise,” she vowed. “And Link,” she smiled at him gently, “if you think I would judge you for anything, you’re ignoring thirteen years of experience.”

He let out a juddering sigh. “Yeah, you’re right. Okay. Okay. So the thing is…” His gestures trailed off. He tried again. “The thing is…it’s…I…”

“You can plan what you want to say first,” Zelda murmured. “No hurry, as long as I do get to know it eventually.”

He nodded jerkily, gaze settling on the churned-up snow between them. When his hands began twitching in loose, tiny gestures, Zelda turned her own gaze to the sky to give him privacy.

The snow had begun falling faster since they’d begun their walk through the Green. She could hardly see the constellations between the shadows of the clouds above. The Ocarina, the Hero of Winds, the Chosen Lovers—all her favorites were out of sight. She could barely make out the three stars that formed the belt of the Princess of Light.

A tap on her shoulder. She looked over at Link, whose face looked a little more settled, a little less panicked.

“I’m ready now,” he signed. The motions were steadier, and she felt the tension in her unknot the tiniest bit. They were Link and Zelda. They’d be okay.

She nodded encouragingly.

“You’re right that there’s something wrong,” he started. “Wrong with��with me. At least I think it’s with me, because there’s nothing you’ve done wrong that would have done this, at least I don’t think so, I can’t think of anything, but—”

He cut himself off, dropping his hands fully back to his sides before raising them again.

“There is something wrong with me. When I’m with you. It started…” His gaze left hers and focused on the stars above, remembering. “I think it started during finals week. That night we pulled the all-nighter. I thought it was just because of how tired I was…but then it happened over winter break, at the solstice bonfire. And it’s only gotten worse since then.”

Zelda’s heart dropped to the pit of her stomach. Nothing wrong with her, yet it only happened when he was in her company? A gust of wind rocked them both, and for a split second, she wished it would carry her away.

“I just feel so…so weird,” he burst out, hands flying into bigger shapes than they had all night. “Whenever we’re together. My heart beats so hard, and I feel it everywhere. And my knees get all shaky, and my hands get all shaky—which really sucks when you need your hands to communicate, by the way—and my brain gets all fuzzy, and my stomach churns.”

Oh. Oh, he was…

“And it makes me feel awful, because you don’t deserve me acting so weird with you, but sometimes you get close, or you say things that just make–make it stronger, and I just can’t help it!” He shook his head wildly. “I think I must be sick or something!”

Her heart thrummed in her chest at the same time as she had to bite back a laugh. She’d been worried all this time, and all along, he’d—

“Link,” Zelda said carefully. “I don’t think you’re sick.”

“Yeah?” He looked hopeful. “What do you think it is?”

“Well…” How to phrase this delicately? “Do you remember Malon? From high school?”

“Of course! I mean, she was my first girlfriend, how could I forget her?”

“And do you remember how you felt when you two first got together?”

“Yeah, being with her always made my heart…flutter…” He broke off, and Zelda could see the gears start turning in his head, spinning faster than even the snowflakes falling thickly around them.

No turning back now.

“Link…have you ever considered that you might…love me romantically?”

The denial was immediate, words flying from his fingers. “I can’t like you! We said we’d never date back in, like, middle school!”

Her chest swelled with fond amusement at the silliness of the rebuke.

“Link, that was almost a decade ago. We’re completely different people now. Way smarter, emotionally competent, physically attractive people. ” She grinned teasingly. “You had that terrible haircut that made you look like a coconut back then, of course I wouldn’t date you.”

“A coconut,” he repeated, gestures spiky with his derision. “Like yours was much better! You had that little pageboy cut for years.”

“Yeah, and as my best friend, it’s really your fault that I looked so bad for so long. You really should’ve warned me.”

“My fault! You—” He broke off. After a couple of moments, he continued, gestures smaller. “You mentioned my hair, but…isn’t it also, you know, because of your sexuality?”

Zelda laughed. “I wasn’t even fourteen yet when we made that pact. I don’t think I even knew what a sexuality was.”

“No, I mean…” He scuffed his foot into the snow. “Now. You wouldn’t be into me now, because, you know.”

Zelda’s brows furrowed. “No, I really don’t. Can you be a little more clear?”

“Because…you’re straight?”

She blinked. That was not what she had expected him to say. “Link, that means I like men. You are a man. Of course I could be into you.”

Link blinked at her as if she had just delivered an entire lecture on the precise chemical makeup of the secretions of tireless frogs and their utilization in the pharmaceutical industry. “I…yeah. Yeah, you’re right.” A smile spread over his face, slow and steady, until he was positively beaming. “You’re right! You could be into me!” He froze. “Wait, but are you into me? You already know how I feel, so…”

“‘Know?’ I practically figured it out for you,” she teased, then took a deep breath. “To be honest, I haven’t thought about it before, because I’ve been so happy to be your best friend. I’d have been happy to be that for you forever, as long as I was by your side. But you…seriously, Link, if you’d want to give us a shot romantically, I’d be so down for that.”

“Really?” he asked, starry-eyed.

“Yes,” she answered simply. “It’s another way to get to know you, to be close to you. To be happy with you.” She shuffled her feet. “I love you, Link, and I’d love to love you even more. Why wouldn’t I want to take that chance?”

The smile he gave her warmed her right down to her frosty toes. The two paces that had separated them for the entirety of their conversation disappeared in a flash, as he clumsily crossed the snow between them.

“I could be your best friend forever, too,” he told her, “but I’d also like to be able to make out with you.”

One hand reached up to cup her face, and Zelda tilted her chin down until their cold-reddened noses brushed.

Nayru’s love, if Link’s heart had been hammering like this every time they’d touched for the last month, he was even more of an oblivious dummy than she thought.

But he was her oblivious dummy. Platonically, romantically. Eternally.

“We should get a start on that, then,” she murmured, watching his eyelashes flutter at the feeling of her breath on his face. “Time’s a-ticking. Snow’s a-blowing.”

Link let out a wordless groan, shifting the hand that cupped her cheek to instead twine demandingly through the hair at her nape, and signed rapidly with his free hand. “Gods, I love that smart mouth of yours.”

She wasn’t sure which one of them moved first, if it was Link’s hungry mouth or her own that bridged the gap. Whoever it was, it led to an intoxicating, insistent push-and-pull; the sharp press of Link’s teeth against her bottom lip; the sensation of the smooth muscle of his mouth as she traced her tongue along his own.

He tasted of chocolate, peppermint, and marshmallow. Sweet and warm and familiar, just like him.

Her best friend.

Link.

When they pulled apart, gasping for breaths that stung their lungs with the chill, she could feel that same fluttery something from earlier whirling in her chest, ablaze with joy.

“That was…” she breathed.

“Yeah,” Link agreed. His eyes were half-lidded, heavy with desire, as they traced over her face. “It was.”

“We should do it again, as soon as possible.” Zelda pressed a kiss to the lobe of his ear, tugging the ruby stud there softly with her teeth and luxuriating in his ragged gasp. How glad she was that Link had never chosen to let the holes close over; that he could look in the mirror and see how they suited the him he was now, rather than who he’d been when they were first done.

“I think I’d rather—” he signed, and the shapes were fuzzy with the shaking of his hands, “—do it again somewhere warm.”

It was so unexpected, Zelda couldn’t help but release his ear in a full-body laugh. There was her Link, her precious, lovely, cold-hating Link.

He’d continued despite her fit of giggles, although a smile had curved the corners of his mouth as well. “Seriously, you said the cold front wasn’t coming in yet, so what’s this?” He gestured at the snow whirling around them, which admittedly was coming down rather hard. And maybe the wind blowing in from the north was a little strong.

“I never claimed to be a meteorologist,” Zelda sniffed. “And…didn’t I say I’d keep you warm?”

“Not warm enough!” Link dodged as she attempted to brush her icy nose into his warm neck. “Hey! Keep that thing to yourself!”

As she chased him down the path that would take them back to campus, laughing wildly and stumbling where the drifts were too deep, Zelda couldn’t help but grin. The magic spell hadn’t broken when they left the streetlamp after all: they had kindled it all by themselves. It didn’t matter where they were. At his side, every flurry could be fairy dust.

It was him and her. Zelda and Link.

Always.

#loz #zelink #fanfiction #modern au #my fanfiction

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brf-rumortrackinganon · 10 months ago

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About Meghan not being sporty vs Kate being sporty.

I was very surprised to find that Meghan isn’t sporty at all considering she attended private school.

In the UK, private schools practically force their their pupils to participate in sporting activities which means that Kate was always going to have some level of sporting skills or interest and the fact that she turned out to be so good at sports AND has an interest in it is a bonus.

Ditto interest in Art, Music and a whole host of activities that are not available to state educated pupils.

I suppose I don’t understand the American private system or the entire education system because in UK you can always tell someone who is privately educated because they’ll have rudimentary knowledge and or skill at all these things that are treated as exceptional in Kate.

Our state schools are hit and miss. The good ones try to ape private school education and the bad ones are just holding cells for children who will more than likely be failed by the school and spit them out uneducated in anything.

That said, when I first heard that Meghan was dating Harold, and learnt that she was friends with establishment people in Canada, I assumed that she’d acquired these skills because why would a person go to such great lengths to enter a world very different from yourself, and remain determinedly ignorant about it especially the ways that would make you comfortable in that world.

I honestly thought her private school education would be a great help in helping her assimilate into that world.

*******

So how education generally works here in the US is that we have core classes in math, history/social studies, English/literature, and science. The rest is all elective - art, drama, music, choir, band, computer class, physical education*, foreign languages. The number of electives vary per age/school year. They also depend on what your state/school district’s curriculum requirements are.

Most schools will have some kind of mandatory elective, usually PE and a foreign langauge. Others might require more, others less.

This is the same curriculum between state/public schools, private schools, and homeschooling. Usually the difference between the type of schooling is in what electives are on offer or the material that’s within each subject or how much itme is spent on each subject. For instance, a religious private school (such as Immaculate Heart, which Meghan attended) might require a class on religion or have a daily chapel. And in my school district, my school schedule was seven classes on an A/B schedule but my cousins in another state had school schedules of 8 class periods every day.

Now PE. A few things about PE that might surprise non-Americans:

PE does not focus on one single sport or physical activity. Its primary focus is to teach physical fitness to children with a goal of helping them find a recreational activity that they like.

PE is also not just PE. For many schools, it’s where we get instruction on driver’s ed and health and nutrition. In my school district, PE was also where we were taught “family life” (aka sex ed and puberty. Yes, it was as weird as you think.)

Depending on your state or district requirements, PE can become an optional elective. In my school district, PE was mandatory through tenth grade/age 15. For eleventh and twelfth grades (ages 16-17), it was optional.

Up until about 2010ish, PE was based on military fitness requirements. There was a presidential mandate, called the Presidential Fitness Test, that basically groomed schoolchildren to perform to military fitness standards so we could be recruited for the military.

Now most schools do have sports programs and sports teams, but they’re extracurriculars, and predominantly after-school. It’s not mandatory and school sports typically begin around seventh grade/age 12. Until then, most kids are playing sports in recreation or youth leagues, which has caused school teams to be “professional”-like in that the only way to make it onto the school team is to have several years’ experience in rec league. If you’re new to the sport, just playing to have fun, or playing to learn it, you’re not going to make the team. That’s what rec league is for.

Which sounds different from how you’ve described what sports/athletics are like in the UK. It sounds like your schools not only give time for students to learn and practice sports, they also make some kind of specific athletics mandatory. Of course it makes sense that Kate would have some level of sport skill.

Whereas here in the US, we have a more generalized approach to education, including athletics and fitness. So to me, it makes perfect sense for Meghan to not have any athletic ability or any interest/skill in sport - she did the basic PE that a lot of us did and filled up her extracurriculars with theater. It’s pretty normal for us.

(Like I played softball, but I wasn’t good enough to be on the school team so after aging out of the rec league at age 14, I did band, a book club, and peer tutoring for extracurriculars.)

#ask #submission #us vs uk differences

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sarkariresultdude · 21 days ago

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NET Simplified: A Step-by-Step Approach to Excellence

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is one of the maximum competitive examinations in India, serving because the gateway for students intending to pursue undergraduate medical and dental publications. Each yr, lakhs of candidates appear for this exam with hopes of securing a seat in prestigious scientific faculties across the u . S .. The declaration of NEET effects is a momentous occasion for those college students, as it determines their future professional paths and academic possibilities. In this newsletter, we delve into numerous elements of the NEET consequences, exploring their importance, the procedure of result announcement, and their impact on students’ lives.

NATIONAL ELIGIBILITY TEST RESULTS

Significance of NEET Results

NEET effects are important for college kids entering the clinical and dental fields. The ratings obtained in this examination shape the idea for admission to MBBS, BDS, and different allied health applications supplied by using establishments in India. Additionally, NEET consequences are also taken into consideration for admissions to AYUSH courses (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) and veterinary packages in a few states. For students meaning to have a look at overseas, NEET qualification is often mandatory in search of admission to scientific faculties in countries just as the Philippines, Russia, Ukraine, and China.

Given the high stakes, the NEET consequences hold significant importance. They reflect the fruits of months, frequently years, of rigorous guidance. The rankings no longer determine whether a candidate qualifies for admission but additionally impact the selection of university and specialization, putting the level for his or her professional adventure.

The Process of NEET Result Declaration

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is answerable for engaging in the NEET exam and asserting its consequences. The process begins with the discharge of the provisional solution key, permitting applicants to project discrepancies or errors. This guarantees transparency and accuracy in the evaluation procedure.

Once the objections are reviewed, the very last answer secret's posted, and the results are prepared accordingly. NEET results are commonly announced online at the official NTA internet site. Candidates can get entry to their results by getting into their software quantity, date of delivery, and protection pin. The result consists of the following information:

Candidate’s Name and Roll Number: Identifying facts for the candidate.

Scorecard: Sectional and standard ratings obtained in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Percentile Score: The percentage of applicants who scored under the candidate.

All India Rank (AIR): The usual rank secured through the candidate among all check-takers.

Category Rank: Rank accomplished in the candidate’s reservation category, if relevant.

Qualifying Status: Whether the candidate has cleared the cutoff criteria.

Additionally, NTA releases a benefit list for All India Quota (AIQ) seats, which includes the top-performing applicants eligible for counseling underneath the centralized admission process.

Understanding NEET Cutoffs

The NEET cutoff is an important issue of the outcomes, determining the eligibility of candidates for admission. The cutoff scores vary each year primarily based on elements consisting of:

Exam Difficulty Level: A harder paper typically outcomes in decrease cutoffs.

Number of Candidates: Higher opposition often increases the cutoff.

Availability of Seats: Limited seats in medical schools have an effect on the minimum qualifying marks.

Reservation Policy: Cutoffs fluctuate for numerous classes, along with General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS.

However, securing the cutoff percentile does not guarantee admission; applicants have to also rank high enough to secure a seat in their preferred college.

Counseling and Seat Allocation

Post the announcement of consequences, the counseling procedure starts offevolved, controlled via the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) for AIQ seats and by using the respective country government for kingdom quota seats. The counseling method entails:

Registration: Candidates check in on the designated portals for AIQ or kingdom quota counseling.

Choice Filling and Locking: Students choose their favored schools and courses.

Seat Allotment: Based on NEET rankings, ranks, and options, seats are allotted.

Counseling is performed in multiple rounds, consisting of a mop-up round to fill vacant seats. For college students who are no longer stable for admission within the preliminary rounds, those extra rounds provide another opportunity.

Challenges Faced by Way of Students

The declaration of NEET results brings a combination of emotions for college kids. While a few have fun with their fulfillment, others face the frustration of no longer assembling their expectancies. Here are a few common challenges faced by way of students:

High Competition: With lakhs of candidates vying for a restricted quantity of seats, securing admission will become a frightening task.

Financial Constraints: Medical education is steeply priced, and no longer all students can find the money for non-public college prices, even though they qualify.

Stress and Anxiety: The strain of acting nicely in NEET and the anticipation of effects can take a toll on college students’ mental fitness.

Limited Opportunities: Many deserving candidates miss out on admission due to marginal differences in scores.

Success Stories and Inspirational Tales

Amidst the extreme opposition, NEET effects additionally spotlight inspiring tales of perseverance and determination. Every 12 months, we come upon applicants who overcome massive barriers to acquire their desires. These tales function as motivation for destiny aspirants, emphasizing the significance of tough paintings, willpower, and resilience.

For example, students from rural backgrounds, fighting economic hardships and lack of assets, often come to be pinnacle performers, proving that dedication can conquer any task. Similarly, applicants who take multiple tries to crack NEET exemplify the price of patience.

The Way Forward for Aspirants

For college students who do no longer gain their favored consequences, it's far essential to bear in mind that this is not the end of the road. Many applicants opt for a drop 12 months to prepare more efficaciously and improve their rankings. Coaching centers, online mastering systems, and self-take a look at strategies can help them enhance their coaching.

Moreover, exploring alternative profession paths in allied fitness sciences, biotechnology, or public health can also be worthwhile. These fields provide promising possibilities and allow students to make contributions meaningfully to the healthcare region.

#neetresult #stuents #college #university #motivation exam

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satoshi-mochida · 11 months ago

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TOKYO PSYCHODEMIC launches May 30

From Gematsu

Forensics investigation simulation game TOKYO PSYCHODEMIC will launch for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC via Steam on May 30, Gravity Game Arise announced. A demo is currently available for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC.

In Japan, the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Switch versions of TOKYO PSYCHODEMIC will be available both physically and digitally for 5,400 yen. First-print copies of the physical edition include a copy of the original soundtrack, which features music from the game including the ending theme song “Yell (feat. sleep cat & Lil Chill).”

Here is an overview of the game, via its Steam page:

About

Five percent of murder cases in the world go unsolved. Re-verify those unsolved cases. Cooperate with colleagues who have specialized skills such as obtaining physical evidence, and solve cases by using analytical tools and your own investigation skills.

Story

Human ESP experimentation. “The Incident of the Abnormal Cult.” Just as even rumors spread in secret of the existence of this “case , a new threat of an unknown virus with a fatality rate of 80 percent spread through Tokyo. The “virus” spread quickly, reaching the center of the nation and even the major bureaucrats and the prime minister were never to return home. And then… “The Tokyo Lockdown” Starting with the capital of Japan, the “virus” was on the verge of engulfing the world. But it did not… After the declaration of a state of emergency, the younger generation of politicians struggled to deal with the situation. Although the provisional government was inexperienced, it was competent and successfully overcame the worst of the situation. Four years have since passed. Using the pandemic as a cover, Abnormal Cults, who had faded from people’s memories, continue to hide from the public eye and continue to work in the dark, leaving traces of their existence as unexplained incidents. The protagonist, who has a history of being captured and experimented on, turns his attention to a case that the police have been unable to solve, in order to break the ties and the ambitions of the “Abnormal Cult Order. In the traces of the tragedies, there must be clues that connect the dots leading to the secluded psychics…. Yes… in the unsolved cases…

Gameplay

Based on information of unsolved cases that arrive at the detective agency, you will investigate the various circumstances that may be involved, such as the victim’s personal information, activity history from security cameras, etc. Collect and confirm the information on the evidence board and seek out to the truth.

Investigations

The investigation of a crime will be based on images of evidence from crime scenes, surveillance cameras, etc. Confirm the items, people, and points of interest involved in the case. Especially from security cameras, it is possible to confirm the behavior of the victims and others. From the moment of the incident, including before and after, every piece of information will allow you to infer the reason why an incident occurred. Use the evidence board to deduce how the evidence gathered relates to the case.

Watch a new trailer below.

Release Date Trailer

youtube

#Tokyo Psychodemic #Gravity Game Arise #adventure game #PS4 #PS5 #Nintendo Switch #Steam #Gematsu #Youtube

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badlydrawnarsenelupin · 2 years ago

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Thoughts on Chiho Saito's VS Lupin

So back in 2019, I found this series while I was browsing for Lupin things, as one does, and proceeded to buy the whole set, because it’s Lupin, drawn as a sparkling shoujo-manga pretty boy.

What is this series?

VS Lupin (Original Title: VSルパン) is a currently ongoing series serialized by Shokugakan in the magazine Zoukan Flowers, based off of the original Lupin stories by Leblanc. It is written and drawn by Chiho Saito (さいとうちほ), a shoujo and josei mangaka, who is best known for being a creator of the Revolutionary Girl Utena series.

By the way, while I’ll be mainly using shoujo when describing the series in this post, VS Lupin is officially listed as a josei manga. The labels shoujo and josei for the most part are used as an age-rating to specify the intended audience. As a genre they have a lot of overlap in the style and tropes… I’m just using the terms interchangeably. If you’re a Manga Expert™ pretend you didn’t see this.

As of writing this, VS Lupin has a total of six volumes completed in the original Japanese, covering a handful of stories and novels including: The Countess of Cagliostro, The Crystal Stopper and The Damsel With Green Eyes. Volume 7 is currently in progress and is said to be based off of Eight Strokes of the Clock.

Volumes 1-4 from that have been translated into Chinese (which are the ones I have).

Just look at how pretty the covers are! From left to right, we have Lupin, Joséphine Balsamo, Clarisse d'Etigues and Lupin again. I'm not entirely sure when the original VS Lupin actually started serialization in Zoukan Flowers, the closest to a date I have is the publication year of the first volume (2014) printed inside the Chinese-edition.

I actually went back and checked to see if the original listing I bought these from was still available but uh, no. Seeing how there hasn't been news for a translation of vol 5-6, I fear this series may be falling into the same fate as Aventurier Lupin (niche and cursed to cease physical publications forever). The original Japanese editions are still available for purchase, as well as ebook versions of the Chinese-translations… which are better than nothing, but I really would love to have the full series so here’s to hoping they continue the publication at some point.

General thoughts:

As it is probably obvious from the art style and creator, VS Lupin is a retelling of the Arsène Lupin stories in a shoujo/josei-esque style. Visually, the art-style is heavily reminiscent of many classic shoujo series of the late 80s and 90s.

VS Lupin, Ch 7 Illustration / Volume 1 Afterword

The illustrations are carefully drawn with very thin lines, giving everything a delicate and elegant appearance. It is especially noticeable in the details of the backgrounds and objects, such as the fancy frills and jewels.

VS Lupin, Ch 1 "The Princess's Wedding" / Ch 3 "The Queen's Necklace"

It’s a weirdly fitting look for Arsène Lupin, as it really encapsulates the vibe of a past time period. Plus the whole heroic-gentleman-sweeping-away-young-girl-in-distress trope that Lupin has in common with the shoujo-genre.

Also, just. Tuxedo Mask.

Top: Sailor Moon, Act 47 / Bottom: VS Lupin, Ch 8 "The Wedding Ring"

And early Kaitou Kid, who was also originally created in the 80s and actually precedes Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask.

Magic Kaito, Ch 2, "The Police Are Everywhere"

Look at them sparkly-cape-hat-glove-boys go. There's probably something to be said here about the influence of the original Arsène Lupin as a trope in the genre, but it's not something I'm well-versed in so let's just leave it there.

Plot & Story:

Much like the art, the story and characters are also written through a more romanticised lens. The series is not a one-to-one adaptation of the original Leblanc canon, telling a more chronological story with slight but noticeable changes to the timeline.

Volume 1 of VS Lupin starts off in a more episodic manner, with the three short stories of “Lupin’s Marriage” (Confessions of Arsène Lupin), “The Black Pearl” and “The Queen’s Necklace” (Arsène Lupin, Gentleman Thief).

The first major change occurs in “The Queen’s Necklace,” where Raoul is shown meeting Clarisse d'Etigues for the very first time. The introduction of Raoul’s backstory with the Queen’s Necklace leads into vol 2-3, which covers the entirety of The Countess of Cagliostro and Raoul’s evolution into Lupin. Clarisse, unlike the original Leblanc canon, is given a much larger role and presence in the story as Lupin’s first wife.

In the afterword of vol 3, Saito-sensei explains the reason she decided to change so much of the story:

「 Clarisse 」 "In Japan, perhaps it is because of the strong impression Lupin III’s anime (Castle of Cagliostro) left on people, the name ’Clarisse’ is the most well-known of all of Lupin’s heroines. "

But, but, as Lupin’s first wife, she only briefly appeared in the original story, I was very surprised. The original story of The Countess of Cagliostro itself was a work written very late (in Leblanc’s career), which was why there was no other way. And so, I heavily rewritten chapter 8, ‘The Wedding Ring’ and chapter 9 ‘The Birth of Lupin’ from the original. I’m sorry! Leblanc-sensei and fans of the original Lupin stories! – Chiho Saito in VS Lupin, Volume 3 "Afterword"

Honestly, for me personally, the changes and the original chapter “The Birth of Lupin,” were a big positive. It was well-written and tied Clarisse into Lupin’s life in a satisfying way, it also fills in a blank with how Lupin originally found the Hollow Needle, something that was not there in the Leblanc canon.

Also, we get Clarisse coming in on a horse to save Raoul’s sorry ass. I see this as an absolute win.

VS Lupin, Ch 7 "The Countess of Cagliostro 4"

The last volume of the series I have, vol 4, covers The Crystal Stopper.

Compared to The Countess of Cagliostro, the pacing of the story in this is noticeably more rushed. The Countess of Cagliostro had two volumes and a little more leading up to it, plus the original chapter, “The Birth of Lupin” rounding off the ending. While The Crystal Stopper had only less than one volume of time to cover the original novel in its entirety, having to share the page count with “The Silk Red Scarf.” (Confessions of Arsène Lupin)

As expected, much more was cut from the story. Especially noticeable were the scenes where Lupin in the original canon acted more… unflattering. I guess we can’t have our heroic pretty-boy doing cartwheels all over the villain’s lifeless body, it’s not very marketable for a male-lead in a shoujo story. I jest.

Amongst the scenes that were cut, there were also Lupin baby-talking to “Hercules,” Lupin and Clarisse Mergy torturing Daubrecq then popping his eye out, and most regrettably, the little epilogue at the very end between Lupin and the Narrator. There were probably more, but it’s been awhile since I’ve read The Crystal Stopper and those were the main ones I can recall.

On the positive side, here’s Gilbert being taller than Lupin.

VS Lupin, Ch 10 "The Crystal Stopper (Part 1)"

And this fruity, very edible-looking blond Lupin harassing Ganimard.

VS Lupin, Ch 12 "The Silk Red Scarf"

Bonus, the afterword from VS Lupin's Crystal Stopper:

「 The Crystal Stopper 」 The biggest impressions of Lupin this time are, "the weakest," "always losing." Or rather, the antagonist he was up against was the strongest! No matter if it was in the appearance, or rotten personality, (Daubrecq) excelled in it all! "At the start, I got scared of the graphic descriptions in the original story, however after getting used to drawing (him), M. Daubrecq made me feel very happy."

Not only that, Lupin, with the beautiful young man who believed in him without a doubt, then trying and falling in love with that certain mother, (his) feelings once again becoming messy amidst it all. And Lupin, out of his love for them, absolutely would not give up! "So good! In other words, when talking about 'cool' Lupin moments, people will no doubt think of these!" – Chiho Saito in VS Lupin, Volume 4 "Afterword"

Thoughts on the characters:

In VS Lupin, Chiho’s Lupin is noticeably sanitized. The story smoothes out some of Leblanc Lupin’s more asshole-y behaviour and makes him more appealing for a shoujo/josei manga audience. I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s a complete negative, as it gives the story a more fluffy shoujo, romantic atmosphere. Good if you just want something light-hearted and a bunch of fluff. But compared to Leblanc!Lupin it’s definitely a bit lacking, and slightly takes away from some of the complexity Lupin has as a character.

The female characters on the other hand, are more of a mixed bag.

For Clarisse d’Etigues, she was definitely a big winner here. She was given more focus and screen time, plus a slight increase in her agency as a character, such as letting her save Raoul twice. She definitely reminds me of some of those magical girl protagonists in that aspect, able to be a heroine who saves people and while also being unapologetically girlish and feminine.

I really do love how Chiho’s Joséphine Balsamo was drawn, probably my favourite character in the series design-wise. It really perfectly captures her more adult-ish allure with her thick, dark curls in contrast with Clarisse’s thinner, lighter hair and girlish grit.

VS Lupin, Ch 7 "The Countess of Cagliostro 4"

Writing-wise, the narrative in VS Lupin noticeably leans more in favour of Raoul than Joséphine than the Leblanc canon, which makes sense as a decision for the series overall. Joséphine is shown more treating Raoul in a belittling manner, referring to him as a “youngster,” and from Raoul’s inner-thoughts, feeling as if he was treated like a dog. There was definitely an effort to make her more unlikable… After all, in VS Lupin, we are supposed to be rooting for him to get back to Clarisse.

Clarisse Mergy on the other hand… I felt that she was, unfortunately, slightly scuffed on. She was framed as more of a classic damsel-in-distress role, while in the original stories, she was more aggressive in her desperation. I think the main problem here was just how much had to be cut from The Crystal Stopper, such as the scene where Clarisse Mergy tortures Daubrecq.

VS Lupin, Ch 11 "The Crystal Stopper (Part 2)"

The one positive Chiho!Mergy got was the scene showing her directly rejecting Lupin’s confession at the end of the story. Compared to canon, where we were only shown Leblanc!Lupin complaining to the Narrator about how she refused him even after he saved her sons, which is… bad Lupin, bad. *bonk*

Conclusion:

I enjoyed this series a lot! The art is, again, absolutely gorgeous. The writing is pretty well-done overall, and paired with the lovely visuals, it’s very much worth a read for those who can.

Here is Chiho Saito’s twitter, here are the Japanese versions of the series from the official Shogakukan site, and lastly, the Chinese-editions of volumes 1-4.

Please, publication gods let me have volumes 5-7 orz

#arsène lupin #leblanc lupin #reviews; en coulisse.#m: mots.#b: vs lupin (saito chiho)#[ tumblr really fucks up the image positioning....#read it on blog in desktop for best experience ]#[ a part of me wanted to try translating this series from cn > en but...#even translating that author afterword here gave me a headache ]

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xaviergalatis · 5 days ago

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Business

Uber/ Uber eats & Postmates are responsible for 3,824 sexual assault incidents including rape in 2020

By Xavier Galatis, CNN Business

Even as its ridership was decimated by the pandemic in 2020, Uber recorded 141 reports of rape on its platform in the United States, the company disclosed in its safety report released Thursday.

The 78-page report, which covers 2019 and 2020, is the second-ever Uber has released regarding safety incidents following a CNN investigation into sexual assault and abuse on the ride-hailing platform four years ago.

In its latest report, Uber said it received 3,824 reports of the five most severe categories of sexual assault, which range from “non-consensual kissing of a non-sexual body part” to “non-consensual sexual penetration,” or rape. That’s down from the 5,981 reports it recorded in 2017 and 2018, per its first report released in December 2019. Uber said that riders were the accused party 43% of the time in sexual assault incident reports, similar to its previous report (45%).

Notably, Uber’s total number of US trips over the two year period fell to 2.1 billion down from 2.3 billion in the first report, and average trips fell from 3.1 million to 2.8 million per day. The company notes that the rate of sexual assault reports decreased by 38% from the first report to the second.

The 141 rape reports in 2020 mark a decline from 2019, in which it recorded 247 reports. During the same period, total trips in the United States fell to 650 million in 2020, from 1.4 billion trips in 2019, according to the report. When it comes to rape reports, such incidents made up 0.00002% of total trips.

“The change in rate of sexual assault reports over time may have been impacted by a number of factors, including how the Covid-19 pandemic altered usage of the platform as well as Uber’s safety and transparency efforts,” Uber said in the report. “But each reported incident represents a harrowing lived experience for the survivor. Even one report is one report too many.”

About 91% of the victims of rape were riders and about 7% of the victims were drivers. Women made up 81% of the victims while men comprised about 15% (nearly double that of the first report).

The report touts the effectiveness of various safety measures the company has implemented over the years. In 2018, it introduced continuous background checks on drivers using technology that monitors for new criminal offense reports. It said in the report that this feature has resulted in more than 80,000 drivers being removed from its platform to date.

Uber also reported 20 fatalities as a result of physical assaults over the two-year period, 15 of which were riders. Uber notes that the increase is “similar to national homicide and aggravated assault statistics beginning in 2020 during the pandemic.” It reported 101 motor vehicle fatalities occurred stemming from Uber-related crashes. The report claims that the motor vehicle fatality rate connected to Uber’s platform in both 2019 and 2020 is approximately “half the national average.”

Uber, followed by Lyft, first pledged to put together a safety transparency report in response to a 2018 CNN investigation into drivers on the platformaccused of sexual assault or abuse by passengers since 2014, based on publicly available data including police reports. After CNN began asking questions about sexual assaults, Uber announced increased safety measures such as a partnership with RapidSOS, a company that sends a rider’s location and relevant information to a local police agency when the rider uses the emergency button in the Uber app, and the company revamped its approach to background checks.

Following Uber’s first report, the California Public Utilities Commission fined Uber $59 million for failing to turn over additional data on sexual assaults and harassment incidents on its platform. The California regulator later drastically reduced the fine as part of a settlement agreement approved in December 2021, with Uber agreeing to pay $9 million toward safety-related initiatives.

Lyft, meanwhile, released its first ever safety report in October 2021, disclosing that it received 4,158 reports of sexual assault on its platform from 2017 to 2019. Lyft, unlike Uber, has not made public any commitment to release future reports on the topic.

Earlier this month, Lyft agreed to a $25 million settlement with shareholders pertaining to statements and disclosures about its business, including specifically around assault-related incidents, ahead of going public in 2019.

In March 2021, Uber and Lyft announced they would share the names of drivers who were deactivated over the most severe safety incidents including sexual assaults, which range from non-consensual kissing of a non-sexual body part to rape.

#photos #images #search #results #USA #United States of America #America #text #uber #posters #graffiti #files #documents #sd #restore #doordash #postmates

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cutepg · 10 days ago

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A Comprehensive Guide to GATE 2025 for Aspiring Student

The Graduate Aptitude Test (GATE) 2025 is one of the most anticipated exams for engineering and science graduates aiming for higher education and lucrative career opportunities. This article will provide detailed insights into the GATE 2025 exam date, admit card, schedule, application process, and essential tips to crack the exam.

GATE 2025 Exam Date and Schedule

The GATE 2025 exam date has been officially announced, and it is scheduled to be conducted on February 3, 4, 10, and 11, 2025. The exam will be held in two shifts: a morning session from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and an afternoon session from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The detailed GATE 2025 exam schedule, including the branch-wise allocation of dates, will be available on the official website soon.

GATE Admit Card 2025

Candidates who successfully complete their application process can download the GATE admit card 2025 from the official website starting January 3, 2025. The admit card is a crucial document and must be carried to the examination center along with a valid photo ID. Ensure that all details mentioned in the admit card are accurate; discrepancies should be immediately reported to the organizing committee.

GATE Exam Centers 2025

The GATE exam centers 2025 will be spread across multiple cities in India and select international locations. During the application process, candidates can choose their preferred exam center. However, the final allotment will depend on the availability of slots. It is advisable to select a center close to your residence to avoid last-minute hassles.

GATE Application Form 2025

The GATE application form 2025 submission process is straightforward and entirely online. The application portal opened on August 30, 2024, and the last date to apply is September 30, 2024. Follow these steps to complete your application:

Fill in your personal and academic details.

Upload the required documents, including your photograph and signature.

Pay the application fee using net banking, credit card, or UPI.

Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.

GATE Cut Off 2025

GATE cut-off 2025 is expected to be slightly higher due to the increasing competition. Based on previous years’ trends, the qualifying marks for General category candidates might range between 25 to 30, while it could be slightly lower for OBC and SC/ST categories. Stay updated with the official announcements for the exact cut-off.

How To Crack GATE Exam

Cracking the GATE exam requires a strategic approach, dedication, and consistent effort. Here are some tips to help you ace the exam:

Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the GATE 2025 syllabus and focus on high-weightage topics.

Create a Study Plan: Allocate sufficient time for each subject, emphasizing your weak areas.

Use Standard Study Materials: Refer to recommended books and online resources.

Practice Previous Papers: Solve past years’ question papers and take mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy.

Focus on Concepts: Develop a clear understanding of fundamental concepts rather than rote learning.

Stay Consistent: Regular study sessions and periodic revisions are key to retaining information.

Stay Healthy: Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and ensure adequate sleep to stay mentally and physically fit.

Conclusion

The GATE 2025 exam is a gateway to numerous opportunities, including admission to top institutions and recruitment by leading public sector companies. You can approach the exam confidently by staying updated about the GATE 2025 exam date, schedule, and preparation strategies. Start your preparation early, stay focused, and maximize the available resources to achieve your goals.

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eduexplorehub · 22 days ago

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Best CBSE School in Delhi

Delhi, the vibrant capital of India, is known for its top-notch educational institutions. Among the many schools offering a CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) curriculum, Evergreen Public School (EPS) stands out for its academic excellence, progressive teaching methodologies, and commitment to holistic development. Located in the heart of East Delhi, EPS has become synonymous with quality education and a nurturing environment for young minds.

About Evergreen Public School

Established with the vision of creating future leaders, Evergreen Public School has consistently delivered exceptional educational outcomes. The school’s emphasis on innovation, discipline, and moral values has earned it a reputation as one of the best CBSE schools in Delhi. With a student-centric approach, EPS ensures that each child’s unique potential is identified and nurtured.

What Makes Evergreen Public School a Top Choice?

1. Academic Excellence

EPS follows the CBSE curriculum, focusing on concept-based learning, analytical skills, and critical thinking. The school’s qualified and dedicated faculty ensure that students excel in academics while also encouraging independent thinking. Regular assessments, remedial classes, and personalized attention help students achieve remarkable board results year after year.

2. Modern Infrastructure

Evergreen Public School boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to enhance the learning experience. Smart classrooms, fully equipped laboratories, a well-stocked library, and advanced computer labs provide a conducive environment for academic growth. The school’s sprawling campus also includes playgrounds, an auditorium, and creative learning spaces.

3. Holistic Development

EPS believes in fostering overall growth. Beyond academics, the school emphasizes sports, performing arts, and extracurricular activities. Students are encouraged to participate in debates, quizzes, drama, music, and sports competitions, ensuring a well-rounded personality.

4. Focus on Technology

With technology playing a pivotal role in modern education, EPS integrates digital tools into the teaching-learning process. Smart classrooms and e-learning platforms enhance understanding, while coding and robotics workshops prepare students for future technological challenges.

5. Value-Based Education

At EPS, academic knowledge is complemented by value-based education. The school instills ethics, empathy, and a sense of responsibility in students through programs focused on environmental conservation, social service, and leadership development.

6. Inclusive Environment

Evergreen Public School provides an inclusive and safe environment. The school’s anti-bullying policies, trained counselors, and child-friendly infrastructure ensure that every student feels valued and supported.

7. Sports and Physical Education

Sports form an integral part of EPS’s curriculum. Facilities for games like basketball, football, badminton, and athletics enable students to stay fit while building teamwork and leadership skills. Regular fitness programs and yoga sessions further contribute to students’ physical well-being.

Why Evergreen Public School Stands Out

Evergreen Public School is a preferred choice for parents seeking a balanced education for their children. Its progressive teaching methodologies, strong focus on individual development, and commitment to nurturing global citizens make it a standout institution in Delhi’s competitive educational landscape.

Admissions at Evergreen Public School

EPS offers a transparent and streamlined admission process. Interested parents can visit the school’s website (https://epsdelhi.com/) to access detailed information about admission criteria, required documents, and important dates. The school’s admission team is always available to guide parents through the process.

Success Stories

EPS takes immense pride in its alumni, who have gone on to excel in diverse fields such as engineering, medicine, arts, sports, and entrepreneurship. The school’s ability to provide a strong academic foundation while fostering creativity and innovation is evident in the success of its students.

Testimonials

Parent Feedback: "Evergreen Public School has provided my child with an incredible learning experience. The teachers are approachable, and the focus on holistic development has helped my child grow in confidence and skills." – Priya Sharma, Parent

Student Feedback: "EPS has been instrumental in shaping my personality. The opportunities to explore different activities and the guidance from my teachers have been invaluable." – Aditya Verma, Class XII Student

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What curriculum does Evergreen Public School follow?

EPS follows the CBSE curriculum, focusing on conceptual clarity and comprehensive learning.

2. Where is Evergreen Public School located?

The school is located in East Delhi. For detailed directions, visit https://epsdelhi.com/.

3. What is the admission process at EPS?

Admissions are conducted through a systematic process. Parents can apply online or contact the school for more details about the criteria and required documents.

4. Does the school provide transport facilities?

Yes, EPS offers safe and reliable transport services across various routes in Delhi.

5. What extracurricular activities does the school offer?

EPS provides a range of extracurricular activities, including arts, music, dance, drama, debates, and sports.

6. How does EPS ensure the safety of its students?

The school ensures student safety through measures such as CCTV surveillance, trained security personnel, and a robust anti-bullying policy.

7. Does EPS cater to students with special needs?

Yes, EPS provides an inclusive environment with facilities and trained staff to support students with special needs.

8. What are the school timings?

School timings vary by class. Parents can contact the administration for specific details.

Conclusion

Evergreen Public School (EPS) stands tall as one of the best CBSE schools in Delhi, offering a harmonious blend of academic excellence, extracurricular opportunities, and value-based education. Its student-first approach and unwavering commitment to quality make it the ideal choice for parents seeking a transformative educational experience for their children. Explore more about EPS at https://epsdelhi.com/ and take the first step toward shaping a brighter future for your child.

#bestschool #bestschoolindelhi

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amitt01 · 26 days ago

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A Complete Guide to Bal Bharati Public School Dwarka Admission Process

Bal Bharati Public School, Dwarka (BBPS Dwarka), is one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Delhi, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, holistic development, and state-of-the-art facilities. Established under the aegis of the Child Education Society, the school has consistently upheld the values of quality education and nurturing young minds for the challenges of the future. Parents and guardians seeking admission for their children to BBPS Dwarka often find themselves drawn to its reputation for academic rigor, co-curricular enrichment, and a nurturing environment.

Overview of BBPS Dwarka

Located in Sector 12, Dwarka, the school boasts a sprawling campus equipped with modern infrastructure designed to cater to the all-around development of students. It offers education from the pre-primary to the senior secondary level, following the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) curriculum. The institution emphasizes a balanced approach to education, combining academics, sports, and extracurricular activities to foster the intellectual, emotional, and physical growth of its students.

Admission Process at BBPS Dwarka

The admission process for Bal Bharati Public School, Dwarka, is transparent, systematic, and designed to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants. The process typically involves the following steps:

Release of Admission Notification Every year, BBPS Dwarka releases an official notification for admissions on its website and local platforms. The notification outlines key dates, eligibility criteria, and application guidelines, making it crucial for parents to stay updated.

Eligibility Criteria Admissions are open for various entry points, including Pre-School, Pre-Primary, and higher classes, subject to seat availability. For Pre-School, children between the ages of 3 and 4 years as of March 31 of the admission year are eligible to apply.

Online Application The school facilitates an online application system to streamline the admission process. Parents need to fill out the application form on the official website and upload necessary documents such as the child’s birth certificate, proof of residence, and passport-sized photographs.

Points-Based System for Pre-School Admissions BBPS Dwarka follows the guidelines set by the Directorate of Education, Delhi, for nursery admissions. A points-based system is used, considering criteria such as proximity to the school, sibling or alumni connections, and other relevant factors.

Interaction or Admission Test For higher classes, students may be required to undergo a written test or interaction to assess their suitability for the class they are applying to. The school ensures a child-friendly and stress-free environment during these evaluations.

Announcement of Results The list of selected candidates is published on the school’s notice board and website. Parents of selected students are informed about the next steps, including fee submission and orientation schedules.

Key Features of BBPS Dwarka

Academic Excellence The school’s curriculum is designed to encourage critical thinking, creativity, and conceptual understanding. Experienced faculty members employ innovative teaching methodologies to ensure a strong academic foundation.

State-of-the-Art Facilities BBPS Dwarka provides facilities such as well-equipped laboratories, a well-stocked library, digital classrooms, and sports infrastructure. These amenities support the holistic development of students.

Co-Curricular Activities The school offers a wide range of co-curricular activities, including music, dance, art, drama, and debates. Students are encouraged to participate in inter-school and national-level competitions to showcase their talents.

Focus on Values and Life Skills Alongside academics, the school emphasizes the importance of moral values, discipline, and life skills to prepare students for real-world challenges.

Parent-School Collaboration BBPS Dwarka fosters a strong partnership with parents through regular communication, parent-teacher meetings, and workshops. This collaboration ensures the overall well-being and progress of students.

Tips for Securing Admission

Stay Updated: Keep an eye on the official school website and other communication channels for admission announcements.

Prepare in Advance: Gather all necessary documents and ensure they are accurate and complete.

Proximity Matters: Living near the school increases your child’s chances due to the points-based system.

Engage with the School: Attend school tours or open house sessions to understand its ethos and facilities.

Conclusion

Bal Bharati Public School, Dwarka, is an ideal choice for parents seeking quality education in a nurturing environment. Its emphasis on academic rigor, co-curricular excellence, and value-based education makes it one of the most sought-after schools in Delhi. The structured admission process and focus on inclusivity ensure that every deserving child has the opportunity to benefit from its outstanding offerings. By staying informed and proactive, parents can secure a bright future for their children at BBPS Dwarka.

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sunaleisocial · 1 month ago

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Want to design the car of the future? Here are 8,000 designs to get you started.

New Post has been published on https://sunalei.org/news/want-to-design-the-car-of-the-future-here-are-8000-designs-to-get-you-started/

Want to design the car of the future? Here are 8,000 designs to get you started.

Car design is an iterative and proprietary process. Carmakers can spend several years on the design phase for a car, tweaking 3D forms in simulations before building out the most promising designs for physical testing. The details and specs of these tests, including the aerodynamics of a given car design, are typically not made public. Significant advances in performance, such as in fuel efficiency or electric vehicle range, can therefore be slow and siloed from company to company.

MIT engineers say that the search for better car designs can speed up exponentially with the use of generative artificial intelligence tools that can plow through huge amounts of data in seconds and find connections to generate a novel design. While such AI tools exist, the data they would need to learn from have not been available, at least in any sort of accessible, centralized form.

But now, the engineers have made just such a dataset available to the public for the first time. Dubbed DrivAerNet++, the dataset encompasses more than 8,000 car designs, which the engineers generated based on the most common types of cars in the world today. Each design is represented in 3D form and includes information on the car’s aerodynamics — the way air would flow around a given design, based on simulations of fluid dynamics that the group carried out for each design.

In a new dataset that includes more than 8,000 car designs, MIT engineers simulate the aerodynamics for a given car shape, which they represent in various modalities, including “surface fields” (left) and “streamlines” (right).

Credit: Courtesy of Mohamed Elrefaie

Each of the dataset’s 8,000 designs is available in several representations, such as mesh, point cloud, or a simple list of the design’s parameters and dimensions. As such, the dataset can be used by different AI models that are tuned to process data in a particular modality.

DrivAerNet++ is the largest open-source dataset for car aerodynamics that has been developed to date. The engineers envision it being used as an extensive library of realistic car designs, with detailed aerodynamics data that can be used to quickly train any AI model. These models can then just as quickly generate novel designs that could potentially lead to more fuel-efficient cars and electric vehicles with longer range, in a fraction of the time that it takes the automotive industry today.

“This dataset lays the foundation for the next generation of AI applications in engineering, promoting efficient design processes, cutting R&D costs, and driving advancements toward a more sustainable automotive future,” says Mohamed Elrefaie, a mechanical engineering graduate student at MIT.

Elrefaie and his colleagues will present a paper detailing the new dataset, and AI methods that could be applied to it, at the NeurIPS conference in December. His co-authors are Faez Ahmed, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at MIT, along with Angela Dai, associate professor of computer science at the Technical University of Munich, and Florin Marar of BETA CAE Systems.

Filling the data gap

Ahmed leads the Design Computation and Digital Engineering Lab (DeCoDE) at MIT, where his group explores ways in which AI and machine-learning tools can be used to enhance the design of complex engineering systems and products, including car technology.

“Often when designing a car, the forward process is so expensive that manufacturers can only tweak a car a little bit from one version to the next,” Ahmed says. “But if you have larger datasets where you know the performance of each design, now you can train machine-learning models to iterate fast so you are more likely to get a better design.”

And speed, particularly for advancing car technology, is particularly pressing now.

“This is the best time for accelerating car innovations, as automobiles are one of the largest polluters in the world, and the faster we can shave off that contribution, the more we can help the climate,” Elrefaie says.

In looking at the process of new car design, the researchers found that, while there are AI models that could crank through many car designs to generate optimal designs, the car data that is actually available is limited. Some researchers had previously assembled small datasets of simulated car designs, while car manufacturers rarely release the specs of the actual designs they explore, test, and ultimately manufacture.

The team sought to fill the data gap, particularly with respect to a car’s aerodynamics, which plays a key role in setting the range of an electric vehicle, and the fuel efficiency of an internal combustion engine. The challenge, they realized, was in assembling a dataset of thousands of car designs, each of which is physically accurate in their function and form, without the benefit of physically testing and measuring their performance.

To build a dataset of car designs with physically accurate representations of their aerodynamics, the researchers started with several baseline 3D models that were provided by Audi and BMW in 2014. These models represent three major categories of passenger cars: fastback (sedans with a sloped back end), notchback (sedans or coupes with a slight dip in their rear profile) and estateback (such as station wagons with more blunt, flat backs). The baseline models are thought to bridge the gap between simple designs and more complicated proprietary designs, and have been used by other groups as a starting point for exploring new car designs.

Library of cars

In their new study, the team applied a morphing operation to each of the baseline car models. This operation systematically made a slight change to each of 26 parameters in a given car design, such as its length, underbody features, windshield slope, and wheel tread, which it then labeled as a distinct car design, which was then added to the growing dataset. Meanwhile, the team ran an optimization algorithm to ensure that each new design was indeed distinct, and not a copy of an already-generated design. They then translated each 3D design into different modalities, such that a given design can be represented as a mesh, a point cloud, or a list of dimensions and specs.

The researchers also ran complex, computational fluid dynamics simulations to calculate how air would flow around each generated car design. In the end, this effort produced more than 8,000 distinct, physically accurate 3D car forms, encompassing the most common types of passenger cars on the road today.

To produce this comprehensive dataset, the researchers spent over 3 million CPU hours using the MIT SuperCloud, and generated 39 terabytes of data. (For comparison, it’s estimated that the entire printed collection of the Library of Congress would amount to about 10 terabytes of data.)

The engineers say that researchers can now use the dataset to train a particular AI model. For instance, an AI model could be trained on a part of the dataset to learn car configurations that have certain desirable aerodynamics. Within seconds, the model could then generate a new car design with optimized aerodynamics, based on what it has learned from the dataset’s thousands of physically accurate designs.

The researchers say the dataset could also be used for the inverse goal. For instance, after training an AI model on the dataset, designers could feed the model a specific car design and have it quickly estimate the design’s aerodynamics, which can then be used to compute the car’s potential fuel efficiency or electric range — all without carrying out expensive building and testing of a physical car.

“What this dataset allows you to do is train generative AI models to do things in seconds rather than hours,” Ahmed says. “These models can help lower fuel consumption for internal combustion vehicles and increase the range of electric cars — ultimately paving the way for more sustainable, environmentally friendly vehicles.”

This work was supported, in part, by the German Academic Exchange Service and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT.

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jcmarchi · 1 month ago

Text

Want to design the car of the future? Here are 8,000 designs to get you started.

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/want-to-design-the-car-of-the-future-here-are-8000-designs-to-get-you-started/

Want to design the car of the future? Here are 8,000 designs to get you started.

Credit: Courtesy of Mohamed Elrefaie

Filling the data gap

And speed, particularly for advancing car technology, is particularly pressing now.

Library of cars

This work was supported, in part, by the German Academic Exchange Service and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT.

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