POD-Based Team Structure: A Collaborative Approach to Agile Software Development in IT Companies

In the world of IT, project management is crucial for delivering high-quality software products. IT companies use various team structures for project management, and the POD-based team structure is one such structure that has gained popularity in recent years. This structure emphasizes collaboration and cross-functional team members, which can lead to faster decision making, improved…

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Between 2018-2021 I worked with archaeologist Dr Sophie Hay, Ancient Historian Prof. Andrew Wallace-Hadrill, Director of the Cambridge Schools Classics Project (who make the CLC Latin course!) Caroline Bristow and her gorgeous team, and legendary historical children’s fiction author Caroline Lawrence, to illustrate a novel and ancient history course about the life of Pompeiian freedman Amarantus and his neighbours in Insula 1.9

The story is a year in the life of Amarantus, following the events he experiences, including the devastating earthquake of 63BCE and his manumission (by a certain local natural-history-loving magistrate), the traditions of a Roman life, and the likely inhabitants of the rest of his block, based on the buildings and finds in Insula 1.9.

It acts as an Ancient History/Classical Civilisation (non-language) prequel to the Latin Caecilius stories (CLC Book 1) and there are some Caecilius-themed visual easter eggs 😁

The course has been designed for even non-specialists to be able to pick up and teach, entirely for free, to help bring Ancient History/Classics into schools.

We made the images in grayscale so they could be cheaply printed and reproduced in PoD books/PDFs for schools, but made some images in full colour for the website and book cover to show the diversity of the Pompeiian world. They’re all based on archaeological evidence and research and each one took hours of discussion and argument (and occasional paper models) to get right. (And I’m proud to say my rebuilding of some ruined structures like the Herculaneum Gate has been approved by other Pompeii experts, like the Cooleys 😁)

The entire book and course is massively researched and based on archaeological findings, and is FREE on the CSCP website: https://CambridgeAmarantus.com/home

Or you can buy the book PoD via these links: https://www.cambridgescp.com/array/buy-book

Bonus Roman Chickens (the precursors to my Roman History Chickens series!): the cockfighters Odysseus and Polyphemus! (And yes cockfighting is terrible and I’m glad we don’t have it any more)

hi hi i really enjoy your writings, and always look forward to what you post! i'd like to request a scenario where optimus crashes and is stranded on a random planet and has to revert back to his wild base coding to survive, the local creatures saw this feral cybertronian and decided yea this guy's one of us now.

What an excellent request! Time for some more feral Optimus! It has been far too long since I had the chance to write about him just being a wild little gremlin.

Not According to Plan

It wasn't exactly his plan to get sent spiraling off course on his way back to Cybertron, but then again, Optimus wasn't really expecting to be brought back to life and pitted against the Fallen either. There really wasn't much he could have done when his transport back to Cybertron got intercepted by rouge pirates, forcing him and all others on board to rush toward the escape pods as the ship's engine was damaged, threatening to explode. But considering his luck, he really should have known that something like a stray meteor hitting his pod was a viable possibility.

He was quickly sent hurtling away from Cybertron and toward a rather unassuming planet to the far end of Cybertronian space. All he could do was leave a signal trail and set up his beacon to give others a vague idea of where he had been sent careening off to. It only took him around a day and a half to crash land onto the surface of the planet. And another half a day to climb out of the wreckage, drag his beacon out into the open, and get a good look around.

It rapidly became obvious to Optimus that the world he had landed on was once a colony world from Cybertron's golden age. He could see the remnants of old Cybertronian inspired structures, abandoned mines, and of course after accidentally stepping on it... he could see the sad remains of a bot long dead, once infected by the rust plague. Upon learning this, it dawned on Optimus just how slagged his situation was. Even with a beacon and a signal trail leading directly to his location, next to no ship would dare come anywhere near. Planets like the one he had landed on had long since been written of as dead, quarantined, an unsuitable for habitation by most technologically advanced species. Unless a bot had a death wish, they wouldn't bother coming to his location, even if he was the Prime. At most they would sent a drone to pick up the Matrix from his corpse after his life signal puttered out.

While there was still a solid chance that one of his former team would take the risk anyway and come pick him up, Optimus could predict that even in that instance, help would still be a long way off. And so settling in for the long haul, Optimus got to work.

The first thing he did was shut off all nonessential systems. Everything from his high maintenance battle protocols to his extra sensors were shut off, leaving only his base systems in operation. His initial observations pointed to some energon being present, but with his huge frame, operating at optimal levels at all times was an excellent way to die of starvation. And so after shutting off his nonessential systems, Optimus went about tearing his pod apart, using what he could to construct a simple base. The end result was a small hovel, only just big enough for him to hide away from the elements in. It felt more like a cave than anything else, but Optimus made do, he had lived in worse conditions.

Once shelter was taken care of, Optimus spent the next several days running off his reserves, scouting for sources of energon and potential threats. He found a few energon deposits, but they were small, and likely would do nothing to keep Optimus alive with his bulky build. Thankfully threats for a mech of his size seemed to be near nonexistent, at least animal wise. But still he did not stray far from his shelter, worried that something would come and attack him, breaking the suffocating silence of the seemingly dead world. The territorial hazards were not nearly as bad as Cybertron, merely irritating. Huge dust storms and acid rain regularly scoured the landscape, often leading Optimus to sit it out wherever he could but ultimately being more of a pain than an actual threat to a warmachine like Optimus.

Time passed quickly on the near silent world filled with the corpses of the dead. The nearby energon deposits were exhausted within weeks, leading Optimus to abandon his shelter and instead take up a more nomadic lifestyle. His frame and his mentality also swiftly shifted to match his circumstances, the Matrix quieting its prodding as there was nothing for him to protect. And without the Matrix hounding him at all hours or a whole world to care for, Optimus was left with only his thoughts and instincts. By the time month four of his time on the dead world rolled around, Optimus had completely returned to his wild state. With no need for complex thought, morality, or anything else beyond the natural drive to survive, there was nothing stopping him from falling back into his previous state before his integration into society.

He looked completely wild. Without plentiful energon his frame slimmed down drastically, giving away most of his raw power for speed, endurance, stealth, and heightened sensory capabilities. His armor deteriorated with the constant abuse from the weather and lack of energon, becoming a dull gray largely matching the landscape. His traits normally kept dormant by the Matrix reemerged, fangs, claws, and more jagged armor growing in as time passed. Biolights also started to emerge on his frame, allowing him to have greater visibility on the dark world.

He travelled around the surface of the dead world, no thoughts beside his next meal and the desire for a pack occupying his processors... that was until around month six when he came across the first signs of intelligent life on the world. He found a small bot around double the size of a human with a nasty wound on its leg. To Optimus it looked like a sparkling, and with fatherly instincts and his desire for a pack being so strong he couldn't help but pick up the bot and take it with him on his travels. The bot was of course not pleased, flailing, screaming, and panicking in its native tongue for days as Optimus nursed it back to health and did his best to take care of it as he would a sparkling.

After around a week the bot calmed and seemed to sense that Optimus had no desire to hurt it, only to care for it. The bot and Optimus bonded over the course of a handful of weeks, the bot coming to see that despite Optimus's monstrous size, he was a gentle giant. And so with a great deal of effort on its part, the bot managed to convey to Optimus its desire to take him to another location. Optimus eventually understood, despite being feral, and was led deep into the cave systems beneath the world's surface. It was there that he was met with a whole tribe of bots much like the one he had taken in.

There were some difficulties after his initial arrival, but the bot managed to calm its fellow tribesman and prove that Optimus was no threat. And while the tribe had issues with the idea of feeding a mech of Optimus's size at first, after the bot proved that Optimus could hunt for himself, most other complained cleared up. As for the Prime, all he saw was even more parentless sparklings and so immediately came to see the tribe as part of his pack, and therefore under his protection. And soon enough a tender alliance was formed.

Optimus became a member of the tribe, serving as a powerful guardian and warding off the far larger animals living in the caves. He would hunt the huge worms that tunneled in the caves, bringing them back to the tribe who always celebrated and drained the energon from the creatures. He would travel across the surface with the bot he had originally rescued to collect old relics from the surface (Optimus would later come to learn that the bot he had rescued was a historian, hence its reason for being on the surface at all). Optimus would also help the tribe move things, like huge rocks and other obstructions from the tunnels to give the tribe access to places previously unavailable to them. And when not working, Optimus lay on the ground in the tribe's small village, playing with the sparklings who were barely the size of his digit. He loved to hum to the sparklings, allowing the rumble of his frame and the warmth of his spark to comfort them.

By the time Optimus had been stranded for a year on the deserted world, he had become a centerpiece in the tribe. He was their guardian, their protector, their gentle giant. And despite only operating on instinct, Optimus began to pick up the language of his adopted pack, learning that the name he had been given was [Star-sent-Savior}. He learned of the tribe's struggles with providing for themselves and collecting energon with so many creatures of the deep. He learned of the hardships they faced travelling across the surface to collect relics from their past, of which they knew little. And lastly he learned of how rare sparklings were due to how few managed to be collected from the hotspots on the surface before they died.

Despite not having the mental processing capability to understand the deeper meaning of anything said to him, Optimus could comprehend the basic idea. And as he went about making the lives of the tribesman easier, saving sparklings from the surface, retrieving relics, and hunting. He came to be heralded as a god-like entity, hence his name [Star-sent-Savior]. When all was said and done, the tribesman accepted him fully and carefully painted his armor in glittering shades of blue, weaving tales describing his heroics and making murals on his plating portraying his glory. The sparklings loved him and recharged against his side every night, leading Optimus to hum to them and curl around them as he would his own sparklings. The older tribesman made him a space in their village, carving out a den in one of the walls of the tunnels for him to rest in when the day was done. And the bot that Optimus rescued first came to him each day, reading to him and telling him of the history of its kind, leaning against him and speaking of all that came to mind. All the while Optimus listened quietly, only the low rumbling of his frame giving an indication of his state.

Two years after being stranded, a sign of help finally seemed to appear.

Bumblebee, his team, and Ratchet had arrived on the planet's surface in response to Optimus's total radio silence and beacon. They scoured the surface, following his life signal until they arrived at the entrance to the tunnels. They entered and followed the signal, expecting to find Optimus in stasis in some dark corner or hiding out near an energon deposit. They certainly didn't expect a very feral, very protective, and very angry Prime to be guarding a whole tribe numbering around a hundred small bots. And they most certainly were not prepared to be attacked on site, only for the Prime to stop after few attacks as he seemed to recognize them.

With Optimus refusing to separate from his tribe and the tribe refusing to let their guardian be taken from them, Bumblebee, his team, and Ratchet were left with quite a debacle. And so began to long process of returning Optimus to awareness in order to reason with him, all while attempting diplomacy with the tribe to figure out how they survived the rust plague.

Excerpts from "Monster"

So just to kind of follow up my little rant. Like I mentioned, I have a fic where Atlas is attacked by a horde of grimm... here's what I had to do to make Atlas BE the military super-power it's supposed to be.

The below are just portions of the indicated chapters, and only focus on the battle.

The Battle for Atlas...

(Chapter 15) Word of the gathering horde sent Mantle and Atlas into a near frenzy of panic. In an attempt to stamp down on the growing unease and negativity, Atlas began to a rapid deployment of resources. The edges of Atlas and the walls of Mantle suddenly started to brim with CIWS pods. Behind the walls, SRBM batteries quickly were arranged and established. Civil and military contractors were pressed into service, and resources commandeered to start the rushed process to bolster the integrity of the wall.

Missives were sent out, requesting Huntsman and Huntress aid, while mothballed and antiquated equipment was once again brought forward into operational service. Soon, the streets and roadways of Mantle and Atlas played host to shining Paladins and T-34 Saybre Tanks. Militia units were formed, and given defensive positions, supported the general military forces.

Air defence was also bolstered as Naval command echoing the example of the Army pulled the precursors of the backbone of Atlas air superiority. Squads of P-51D Griffons and A-10 Boartusks soon appeared in the sky, and quickly began preemptive strikes against the closing mass of negativity. Twenty-four thousand five hundred feet above the paired cities, the formidable and stalwart Lancaster-Nevermores cruised in the near freezing air, accompanied by the looming forms of AC-130 Wyverns.

These older resources were limited, and those who volunteered to man them knew the chances of return from the preemptive combat operations were minimal; if at all.

/=/

“Report. Estimated Time of Arrival for the grimm.”

“With in fourteen hours, the grimm will be visible from the wall. If speed remains constant, sir.”

“Status of wall operations.”

“Work on the walls is proceeding ahead of schedule, however the ETA of the horde will supersede those completion estimates by twenty-four hours. Installation of CWIS pods is however complete.”

“Assign a Saybre and Paladin troops to each compromised segments. Status report on auxiliary perimeter defensive structures.”

“The third line of razor wire is being installed now, and should be complete prior to 20:00 hours. All pre-Vytal anti-personnel and anti-armour measures have been deployed, sir. ” 

“Deployment of knight units.”

“Eight platoons per access point. All units have been scrubbed, and fresh base operative protocols loaded. They will focus only on grimm, all other target parameters have been deleted, sir.”

“Hunter reinforcements?”

“CCT coverage is limited, but we have received responses.  Mistrel has declined, slating limited resources. Vacuo has reported the dispatch of fifteen teams, unconfirmed ETA. Vale has confirmed but like Mistrel is indicated limited vailability. Confirmed they will send five teams.”

“So we're basically on our own. Air operations.”

“Thirty percent causality rate with Griffon and Boartusk strafing and bombing runs. Five percent causality rate for Nevermore and Wyvern operations. Cruisers are in a holding pattern above Atlas, sir.”

“Effectiveness of preemptive operations.”

“Incendiary payloads appear to the most effective. Estimates put current attrition rate at about fifteen percent of estimated original total mass.”

“Cease Griffon and Boartusk operations. I want all remaining units grounded and prepped for danger close operations. Nevermore and Wyvren sorties will continue until causality rate is ten percent or the horde is with in sight of the walls. Evacuation status.”

“We are at sixty percent emergency shelter occupancy, with an estimated forty percent of the designated Mantle population having been transferred, sir.”

“Munitions.”

“Standard ballistic munitions are exceeding normal stockpiles by thirty-five percent. Dust munitions at normal stockpile levels. SAM munitions at seventy-five percent normal stockpile. Ballistic and Dust artillery stockpiles at sixty percent of base levels. Strategic ammo dumps are established, sir.”

“Chemical and incendiary agents?”

“Twenty percent of pre-Vytal levels for chemical. Non-dust incendiary at fifty-five percent pre-Vytal levels, sir.”

“I want installation of the entire chemical agent stockpile, behind an auxiliary perimeter. Rig for remote deployment, and issue counter agents, and protective gear to all on ground forces.”

“At once, sir.”

“Sir!”

“Report.”

“Observational reports indicate there is a large mass breaking off from the main, and rapidly approaching our perimeter. ETA six hours. Estimated size, fifteen percent of main mass, sir.”

“Alert all air defence batteries. Scramble all squads, and sound general quarters on all navel units. It's starting. Engage intercept operations at two thousand metres from the wall.”

“At once, sir.”

The CDS leaned forward on the rail of the command platform. Her weary eyes watching the real time Doppler showing a mass moving ahead of the main horde. Sh gave a silent prayer to the Brothers, before standing up and adjusting her uniform jacket.

/=/

“Air-defences are slowly being overwhelmed. We have reports of grimm landing in Atlas and Mantle. Ground units are engaging, sir!”

“Sir, the main mass land speed had increased again. ETA two hours!”

“Multiple reports of CIWS pods shutting down, sir.”

“Priority command. Any available personnel are to get those units operational. We must keep up the pressure. Report casualty rates.”

“Minimal, less than one percent of on ground forces. Thirty percent of airborne forces, sir.”

“And this cloud of grimm?”

“Twenty-five percent of estimated mass, sir.”

She closed her eyes. The main host of grimm was closing much faster than anticipated. Their air-defences were being overwhelmed. If they couldn't get the aerial threats whittled down, they would lose essential support for the ground forces when the main host arrived.

“Order all non-engaged armour, to switch to air-burst munitions, and to fire-at-will!”

“At once, sir.”

She knew this was going to be close. This battle was one of attrition. Would this flood of death overwhelm and outlast the might of the Atlean military. Would their technology be enough to turn the tide, or were all those brave and stout souls willing to stand against this darkness to be nothing more than sacrificial lambs. They needed to outlast. They need to decimate, and obliterate. But their resources were finite.

/=/ 

“Grimm host is with in one hour of the wall, sir.”

“Scramble all Nevermore units still capable of flight. I want them in the air now. Target is the middle of the horde, use of FAEs is authorized.” she ordered as her hands white knuckled the railing before her. “Scramble all available Boartusks. Target front edge of horde. We need to break their advance.”

“All Wyvren units in the air on standby. Standing order to engage once horde is with in five thousand metres of the perimeter defences. What are the weather conditions?”

“Stable. Minimal winds at less than one knot, sir.”

“Direction.”

“Easterly, sir.”

“Good. Status of aerial threats.”

“Thirty-five percent of estimated mass, sir. Air-defence units starting to report ammo reserves reaching critical levels, sir.”

“Order them to hold out, and keep up the pressure. Switch to small arms if required. Support units?”

“Reporting, difficulties. Grimm, starting to land and harassing lighter armed units, sir.”

“Airstrips are being overwhelmed. Requesting any available support. Grounded aircraft unable to lift off, and taking heavy damage, sir.”

“Dispatch all hunter teams. Have them clear the supply routes and hold the airstrips. Paladin units to prioritize on ground, grimm.”

She pressed her thin lips together. Their resources were finite, but they needed to hold out. Mantle and Atlas must remain standing; they would remain strong. They would break this horde, and prove the might of the Atlean forces.

/=/

“Grimm host, ten thousand metres from the walls, sir.”

“Alert all wall based units. Mortar teams prep for White Phosphorus and Chemical munitions. Activate knights. Have battleships prepare for air to surface bombardment. Status aerial threats.”

“Forty-three percent of estimated mass. Minor threats are nearly removed, larger targets proving resistant to current munitions, sir.”

They were making a dent, but considering the soon-to-be split in the focus of her resources, the end results still seemed disheartening. She offered another silent prayer to the Brother Gods. Hopefully the gambles the defence council had come up with would work. There were too many unknowns with grimm and much of what they were going to bring to bear was designed for use against human and faunus targets. This would be the greatest test of the strength of Atlas and Mantle. This would either become the shining moment, or turn into their hour of demise.

“Do not go gentle into that good night.” she uttered as her tired eyes watched the Doppler. “Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

It’s a crisp fall evening in Grand Teton National Park. A mournful, groaning call cuts through the dusky-blue light: a male elk, bugling. The sound ricochets across the grassy meadow. A minute later, another bull answers from somewhere in the shadows.

Bugles are the telltale sound of elk during mating season. Now new research has found that male elks’ bugles sound slightly different depending on where they live. Other studies have shown that whale, bat, and bird calls have dialects of sorts too, and a team led by Jennifer Clarke, a behavioral ecologist at the Center for Wildlife Studies and a professor at the University of La Verne, in California, is the first to identify such differences in any species of ungulate.

Hearing elk bugle in Rocky Mountain National Park decades ago inspired Clarke to investigate the sound. “My graduate students and I started delving into the library and could find nothing on elk communication, period,” she says. That surprised her: “Thousands of people go to national parks to hear them bugle, and we don’t know what we’re listening to.”

Her research, published earlier this year in the Journal of Mammalogy, dug into the unique symphony created by different elk herds. Although most people can detect human dialects and accents—a honey-thick southern drawl versus nasal New England speech—differences in regional elk bugles are almost imperceptible to human ears. But by using spectrograms to visually represent sound frequencies, researchers can see the details of each region’s signature bugles. “It’s like handwriting,” Clarke says. “You can recognize Bill’s handwriting from George’s handwriting.”

Pennsylvania’s elk herds were translocated from the West in the early 1900s, and today, they have longer tonal whistles and quieter bugles than elk in Colorado. Meanwhile, bugles change frequency from low to high tones more sharply in Wyoming than they do in Pennsylvania or Colorado.

Clarke isn’t sure why the dialects vary. She initially hypothesized that calls would differ based on the way sound travels in Pennsylvania’s dense forests compared with the more open landscapes of Colorado and Wyoming, but her data didn’t support that theory. Clarke hopes to find out whether genetic variation—which is more limited in Pennsylvania’s herd—might explain differences in bugles, and whether those differences are learned by young males listening to older bulls.

Clarke’s research adds a small piece to the larger puzzle of animal communication, says Daniel Blumstein, a biologist at UCLA who was not involved in the study. “It’s not as though a song or vocal learning is ‘all environmental’ or ‘all genetic,’” he says. “It’s an interplay between both.” Blumstein, a marmot-communication researcher, adds that the mechanisms behind these vocal variations deserve more study.

These unanswered questions are part of the larger field of bioacoustics, which blends biology and acoustics to deepen our understanding of the noises that surround us in nature. Bioacoustics can sometimes be used as a conservation tool to monitor animal behavior, and other studies are shedding light on how it affects animal evolution, disease transfer, and cognition.

Elk are not the only species with regional dialects. In North America, eastern and western hermit thrushes sing different song structures, and the white-crowned sparrow’s song can help ornithologists identify where it was born. Campbell’s monkeys also have localized dialects in their songs and calls, as does the rock hyrax, a mammal that looks like a rodent but is actually related to elephants.

Similar differences exist underwater, where whale songs have unique phrases that vary by location. Sperm whales in the Caribbean have clicking patterns in their calls that differ from those of their Pacific Ocean counterparts. Orcas in Puget Sound use distinctive clicks and whistles within their own pods.

Clarke also studies the vocalizations of ptarmigan, flying foxes, and Tasmanian devils. Her next research project will shed light on how bison mothers lead their herds and communicate with their calves. “They’re the heart of the herd,” she says. “What are they talking about?”

Formula 1: Alfa Romeo become first team to unveil 2023 design

The C43 was launched at an event in Switzerland on Tuesday Alfa Romeo have become the first team to unveil a 2023 Formula 1 design, with the target of continuing the progress they made last year. The Switzerland-based outfit, entering their final year under the Alfa Romeo name, moved up from ninth in the 2021 championship to sixth last season. The new C43 has revised aerodynamics, focused on a redesigned rear end. "We need to achieve more. We always need to aim higher. Better consistency, more points," said Valtteri Bottas. The model unveiled by lead driver Bottas and team-mate Zhou Guanyu was a show car, but an exact copy of the 2023 design as it will run for the first time at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in a two-day test at the end of the week - scheduled for Friday and Saturday. Machines displayed in launches by Red Bull and Williams so far this month have been static models representing generic cars rather than definitive 2023 designs. Technical director Jan Monchaux said: "We concentrated mainly on the rear part of the car, which opened the door to a lot of other developments we could not use last season. "It was also clear we had a lot of reliability issues, so there is a lot of things we changed on the car to address that topic." Some of the design features reflect the approach taken by Red Bull in 2022, who won a world title double with one of the most dominant seasons in F1 history after a major regulation change before last year. This is particularly noticeable in the shape of the side-pods, which seem to have been inspired by Red Bull in terms of how they direct airflow to the rear. "There were better solutions for managing the flow to the diffuser and to rear tyres," Monchaux said. "The decision we made had left us stuck in a corner." He said the changes to the rear of the car allowed a major revision of the cooling system - radiators and so on - which freed up design possibilities with the bodywork. "We think some of the weaknesses we had from an aerodynamic point of view have been significantly improved thanks to the new potential we unleashed with this new bodywork and the new way of working the floor between the rear tyres," Monchaux said. New rules for this season raise the floor edges by 15mm in an attempt to limit aerodynamic bouncing - or "porpoising" - which was experienced by many teams. Monchaux said the change cost 0.5 seconds per lap but that he had "no doubt" most teams would regain that loss and more. Team representative Alessandro Alunni Bravi - alongside Monchaux, one of four leaders of the outfit under new chief executive officer Andreas Seidl in a new management structure introduced last month - said: "Our vision is to get closer to the front. "We don't want to fix targets. We want to continue our growth and to improve the team in all areas, have a better overall performance throughout the whole season and be more consistent." The team, also known by its original name of Sauber, is in the process of being taken over by Audi. Their Alfa Romeo branding will disappear after this season. Seidl has been put in place to prepare the team for the German car giant's official entry in 2026 with a new power-unit designed to the regulations that will come into force that year. Seidl was present at the launch but did not participate in the news conference. via BBC Sport - Formula 1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/

VIDEO: A-10 Warthog jets operate ACE training from dry lake in the USA

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 07/13/2022 - 12:00 PM in Military

U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthog jets have taken advantage of clear blue skies almost all year round, along with the immaculate and legendary Rogers Dry Lake Bed area, making Edwards Air Base in California, an ideal candidate to host Agile Combat Employment training, or ACE.

The 412th Edwards Air Base Operations Support Squadron (AFB) received four A-10 Thunderbolt II jets from the 355th Ward of Davis-Monthan Air Base, Arizona, and a small team of aviators from the 821st Contingency Response Squadron of Travis Air Base, California, to carry out Agile Combat Employment (ACE training) on June 27, 2022.

"ACE is the fastest way to do things," said Sergeant Jordan Whitworth of the 412th Operations Support Squadron. “You have an aerodrome manager who can upload and download aircraft and talk about ground aircraft so you can have a team of 10, 15, 20 men doing a job of 100 or 150 men and it is much smaller. Thus, we can land on the bed of a lake or in a flat area in the middle of nowhere, ride, start landing in a few hours and take off before someone realizes they are there."

Adverse threats to U.S. Air Force operations at advanced bases can deny U.S. power projection, overload traditional defense projects, impose prohibitive losses and lead to the failure of joint missions. To meet these challenges, the ACE transfers operations from centralized physical infrastructure to a network of smaller and dispersed locations or cluster bases.

Contingency operations may require aviators to use ACE concepts and operate in austere environments, and Edwards Air Base offers contingency response units, such as the 821st CRS, an area to improve and expand their capabilities to be multi-capable aviators (MCA).

The Rogers Dry Lake Bed dry lake was the center of attention during the ACE training. The lake bed is the most prominent natural landmark of Edwards Air Base and, with about 65 square miles, is visible thousands of feet in the air. The natural hardened clay of the dry lake is capable of supporting about 250 pounds per square inch. It is wide and strong enough to withstand space shuttle landings and other historical experimental aircraft, such as the X-1 and X-15.

"Edwards gives us the perfect opportunity to use a dry pond bed that is already being used for a test facility," said Sergeant Denver Davis of the 821st CRS. “We can implement these concepts in a safe environment with nearby facilities.”

Before the aviators of the 821st CRS could land the A-10 of the 355th Wing at Rogers Dry Lake Bed, they evaluated their condition and suitability for the mission.

"We evaluated an aerodrome in an austere location," said Sergeant Denver Davis of the 821st CRS. “We landed the four A-10s in various locations to verify that we have the ability to integrate with fighter squadrons and attack squadrons.”

After the 821st CRS team successfully landed the A-10, they once again inspected the lakebed runways, observing the grooves of the tires created by the aircraft landing gears.

Davis explained that the MCA skill set is vital for aviators who can be deployed in different areas of the world, with different missions, such as humanitarian aid or evacuations. ACE training also further improves MCA skills, allowing them to train with different types of aircraft, something that Edwards Air Base ground teams are adept at due to the fleet of various fighters, bombers and cargo structures of the 412th Test Wing.

As already reported, the Michigan National Guard organized an agile combat exercise east of Munising, Alger County, Michigan, on June 29, 2022.

The exercise featured several novelties, including the first time that a U.S. Air Force aircraft had weapons (in the form of AIM-9 Sidewinders, JDAM bombs, AGM-65 Mavericks, rockets and designating pods) loaded on a public road. The weapons used in the exercise were inert.

The A-10 Warthog can be serviced and operated from austere bases with limited facilities near the battle areas. Many of the aircraft parts are interchangeable ?? left and right, including engines, main landing gear and vertical stabilizers.

Designed specifically for approximate air support (CAS), its combination of large and varied types of ammunition, long waiting time, accurate delivery of weapons, austere field capacity and survivability has proven to be invaluable to the U.S. and its allies.

Tags: A-10 Thunderbolt IIMilitary AviationCAS - Close-Air SupportUSAF - United States Air Force / U.S. Air Force

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in a specialized aviation magazine in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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Sailors and their families and friends observe the 10,000th launch of the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) from the flight deck, on June 25, 2022. Friends and family were invited on board the Ford to experience a day in the life of a sailor at sea.

MILITARY

EMALS and AAG systems reach 10,000 aircraft launches and recoveries in the USS Gerald R. Ford

07/13/2022 - 09:00 AM

The U-2 Dragon Lady takes off for the final flight with the Optical Bar Camera of the 9th Reconnaissance Wing, on June 24, 2022, at Beale Air Base, California. (Photo: U.S. Air Force)

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IMAGES: U-2 Dragon Lady flies last mission with film cameras at Beale Air Base

07/13/2022 - 08:06 AM

HELICOPTERS

IMAGES: Bell reveals the almost completed prototype of the 360 Invictus

07/12/2022 - 10:26 PM

Sukhoi Su-75 Checkmate Aircraft.

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There is a fighter race between Russia and the United States in North Africa

07/12/2022 - 7:36 PM

MILITARY

Turkey officially launches competition for TF-X fighter engine

07/12/2022 - 4:00 PM

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Authorized infrastructure project for the new USAF training program with T-7A Red Hawk jets

07/12/2022 - 14:00

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for the behind the scenes... 4, 10, 15 💖

4. Do you outline before you start writing? If so, how far do you stray from that outline?

Okay, so fun fact about me, I am physically incapable of outlining. English teachers and professors alike have tried their hardest to beat it into me (I am now capable of the bare minimum of a thesis + topic sentences) but haven’t been able to. Everytime I have been forced to create outlines for grades or anything the moment it is created the idea is spent, all energy and drive completely dissipated. Leaving me with no ability to move forward with the project or topic, so I have been known to twist the sentences around and take essays in the opposite direction.

However, when writing a plot driven story that exceeds 15k I’ve quickly learned not planning and releasing data in increments makes for a flatter fic. So like last year I trial ran my first outlined fic, and stuck to it (for the most part, I did juggle to include Dallas and Heath). And I like it? For larger more encompassing stories, specifically mysteries? But ik I’m incapable of doing it and staying to the outline for anything smaller than say 25k. But I do have a few general ideas of where I want things to go when I start them, so at least there’s some sort of structure.

10. Do you enjoy writing dialogue, exposition, or plot the most?

Exposition! Hands down my favorite part, it’s where I throw in all the connecting pieces and truly explore the characters and their feelings. Without it I couldn’t/wouldn’t fic. Dialogue is a headache, cause if it was up to me they’d all talk like me (and I literally say dude-bro on a regular basis 😬).

15. A Hollywood producer tells you that they want to film just one of your fics. Which fic would you want it to be?

Swing Life Away! It’s my baby, the fic nearest and dearest to my heart. Truly less of an excuse to discuss the pod squad and team human, and more to peer into social and cultural responses to child abuse and how it affects adults. Like it was a way to dig into all the different formats of relationships and interconnectedness that arises because of that as well.

Whether it be the siblings relationships with each other, or how they attached to their romantic interests, or how they all had a different relationship with themselves because of it (again, based solely on hours of research and personal life experiences, I’m not a psychologist).

Anyways, who doesn’t love a good mystery disguising a different mystery, following teens who are falling in love???

behind the scenes of fic writing asks

What are the best practices for balancing privacy and collaboration in a new office design?

Balancing Privacy and Collaboration in a New Office Design: Best Practices

In the modern landscape of office design, finding the right balance between privacy and collaboration is a paramount concern. The shift towards open-plan workspaces and collaborative environments has revolutionized how we perceive office designs. However, the need for personal space and privacy remains vital for employee well-being and productivity. Striking a harmonious balance between collaboration and privacy is the key to a successful office design. Let's delve into the best practices for achieving this equilibrium.

1. Understanding the Needs of the Workforce:

Every organization is unique, and so are its employees' needs. Conduct thorough surveys and discussions to comprehend the work requirements and preferences of your team. Some roles might demand more privacy due to the nature of their work, while others thrive in a collaborative atmosphere. Tailoring the office design to meet these specific needs is the foundation of finding the right balance.

2. Zoning:

Divide the office space into zones based on functionality and privacy requirements. Create zones for collaboration, individual work, and team meetings. Designate quiet areas where employees can focus without distractions, and at the same time, have collaborative spaces for brainstorming and innovation. Clear zoning helps in providing the appropriate balance between privacy and collaboration.

3. Implementing Modular Furniture:

Utilize modular furniture that can be rearranged and reconfigured to adapt to changing needs. This allows for a dynamic office layout, allowing teams to customize their workspace according to the task at hand. Modular setups offer the flexibility to create open spaces for collaboration and enclosed areas for focused work.

4. Incorporating Acoustic Design:

Noise can be a significant disruptor of privacy in an open office environment. Implement acoustic design strategies such as soundproofing, sound-absorbing materials, and strategic placement of workstations to mitigate noise levels. Well-designed acoustic solutions provide privacy to individuals while fostering collaboration in shared spaces.

5. Utilizing Privacy Pods and Booths:

Integrate privacy pods or booths within the workspace. These enclosed structures offer a secluded space for employees to concentrate on their tasks or engage in confidential conversations. Privacy pods strike a balance by providing a mix of quietness and privacy amidst an open floor plan.

6. Flexible Work Hours and Remote Options:

Offer flexible work hours and remote work options. Allowing employees to choose when and where they work can alleviate the need for privacy during regular office hours. Employees can then opt for quieter environments or work from home when concentration is crucial.

7. Maximizing Natural Light:

Design the office layout to maximize natural light. Natural light is an excellent way to make spaces feel open and airy, reducing the sense of confinement often associated with privacy. Well-lit environments create a positive ambiance, promoting productivity and collaboration.

8. Incorporating Greenery:

Integrate biophilic elements such as indoor plants or living walls. Greenery not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the office but also contributes to a sense of privacy by delineating spaces. Plants can act as natural barriers, providing a subtle division between workstations.

9. Employee Involvement in Design:

Involve employees in the design process to ensure their needs and preferences are taken into account. Conduct design workshops or seek input through surveys to gather valuable insights. An inclusive approach fosters a sense of ownership and satisfaction with the office environment.

Conclusion

Striking the right balance between privacy and collaboration in a new office design is crucial for employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall organizational success. By understanding the unique needs of your workforce, implementing flexible design solutions, and valuing employee input, you can create an office space that optimally balances privacy and collaboration, catering to a diverse and dynamic workforce. A harmonious workspace ultimately leads to a more engaged and motivated team, positively impacting the organization's bottom line. You can get your next new office design designed and built by a tech-led interior design company such as Flipspaces which can be your one-stop solution to all your turnkey needs

Hot Pod Goes Cold; Substack & Spotify Team Up; IAB’s Digital Advertising Report

 Podnews reported lastweek that Hot Pod, one of the longest-running newsletters about podcasting, is to suspend publishing. Lead reporter Ariel Shapiro has announced that her last week with its owner, The Verge, will be next week. Deputy Editor Jake Kastrenakes added: “We won’t have a new writer in place by next week, so we’re planning to put Hot Pod on hiatus while we figure out next steps.” The publication’s writers, Ariel Shapiro, Ashley Carman, and Nick Quah, have been a vital part of the industry since 2014 and Podnews reported that "Hot Pod inspired them to produce this daily newsletter in 2017."

I'd like to start a campaign to convince The Verge to hire one of these three people to take over Hot Pod. All three are tremendously talented and know podcasting 

The three are Arielle Nissenblatt, Wil Williams, and Samantha Hodder.

First, Arielle Nissenblatt is well-known and highly regarded in podcasting circles. In today's fragmented media world, there are TikTok celebrities, Instagram influencers, and YouTube stars who are unknown outside their media universe. If you've been involved in podcasting in any way over the last few years, you know Arielle Nissenblatt.

"I've been working in the podcast space since early 2017 when I started a podcast recommendation newsletter called EarBuds Podcast Collective,"Arielle notes. "Since then, I've managed podcast studios, worked as an in-app curator, gone to school for audio production, produced several podcasts, run successful marketing and PR campaigns for several dozen shows, have organized podcast communities on Twitter, Discord, and Slack, and much more."

Arielle confesses to "love working in and around audio because it's my favorite way to consume content. I want to help more people find their next favorite podcast."

Arielle is the founder of EarBuds Podcast Collective, a podcast recommendation newsletter. She is on the community team at Descript, an AI-powered video and audio editing software service. She hosts three podcasts, Trailer Park: The Podcast Trailer Podcast,  Feedback with EarBuds and Daily Tips That May or May Not Help You with Arielle and Ned.

Then we have Wil Williams, who is currently a marketing specialist for Tink Media. Williams has written for Discover Pods, Polygon, Vulture, and The Takeout. She has appeared on KQED's Forum, WAMU's 1A, Slate's ICYMI; has cried listening to Wolf 359's "Memoria" at least five times.

Williams is also the CEO of Podcast Problems LLC (If you have a podcast, you have problems), and you should read her website if you are a podcaster. You can read her articles there, including Your Podcast Needs Better Show Notes, Your Podcast Needs Better Metadata and my favorite, How I Know So Much Shit.

Williams also writes and manages the Substack Podcast Marketing Magic. When it comes to podcast journalism, Wil Williams is one of the very best.

Then we have Samantha Hodder, who is a multihypenate -- someone who does several different jobs in the entertainment industry—and does them well. Her Substack newsletter Bingeworthy is the mother ship for narrative podcast opinion, review, trends, and analysis. Hodder began the newsletter in September 2022 and has already amassed an impressive following.

Samantha is an award-winning audio producer and writer. She has been making media across multiple formats for over two decades. She publishes regularly on Mediumand on Substack. Her narrative storytelling podcast This is Our Time launched in 2017. It is a memoir-based story about an all-women’s expedition to Antarctica for women. Season 2 was featured in the Hot Docs Podcast Festival in 2021. She works as a freelance podcast producer, editor and narration script advisor. This year, she began to teach and mentor students at TMU and OCADU in narrative podcasting.

She also works with other writers and creatives one-on-one to help them find a winning narrative structure for their projects. To see if this approach could be helpful to your work, find her free 5-day email course Find Your Fish, which draws on lessons from screenwriting, podcasting, journaling and mindful meditation.

Over the last two decades her writing has appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines and her interactive work has premiered at festivals internationally. She was the recipient of the Al Waxman Calling Card for her first documentary, The Mantelpiece, which was broadcast on TVOntario, and premiered at the Big Sky Documentary Festival in 2004. Her short film The Nothingness That Is Everything opened in Venice, Italy in 2018. 

And if all this information doesn't persuade you, Samantha is from Canada.

So I ask The Verge to consider these three talented women for the role at Hot Pod.  This esteemed publication deserves a person with a deep knowledge of podcasting and a lifelong passion for audio.

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Before I extol the virtues of this latest collaboration between Substack and Spotify, I must confess that I am a little wary. Spotify entered podcasting in earnest four years ago, and since then has created an industry-wide asset bubble that since has burst, purchased accomplished podcast studios like Parcast and Gimlet and dismantled them with no remorse, and produced and released a lot of crap. 

So, we'll see how this goes.  Podcasters on Substack are collectively earning more than $100 million in annual revenue, a number that has more than doubled in the past year. The number of active podcasters on the platform has also more than doubled in the same time span. And it’s not just that new opportunities are available to podcasters bringing their shows to Substack—it’s benefiting existing Substack publications too. Those writers and creators who have added audio and/or video to their Substacks grow their revenue more than 2.5 times as fast as those who haven’t.

Substack makes it dead simple for anyone to independently create, publish, distribute, grow, and monetize a show.

“We used to have two different feeds, one for our paying subscribers and one for everyone to listen to free shows,” says @Alex Kirshner, a host of @Split Zone Duo, the biggest sports podcast on Substack. “We were looking for a way to put everything under one roof and make the experience as easy as possible for the people who pay us for our work. Moving to Substack from Patreon has let us do that and been very, very good for our growth in not even half a year.”

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The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) empowers the media and marketing industries to thrive in the digital economy. Its membership comprises more than 700 leading media companies, brands, agencies, and the technology firms responsible for selling, delivering, and optimizing digital ad marketing campaigns. The trade group fields critical research on interactive advertising, while also educating brands, agencies, and the wider business community on the importance of digital marketing.

I know that's a mouthful, but the IAB holds an annual in-person and virtual meeting introducing new podcasts from some of the largest podcast networks.

 The IAB's report on advertising revealed that digital advertising revenues reached a record-high of $225 billion, increasing by 7.3% year-over-year overall (YoY) between 2022 and 2023, according to the newly released “IAB Internet Advertising Revenue Report: Full Year 2023,” conducted by PwC. The report found that Q4 saw the highest growth rate of 12.3% from the year prior (4.4%), with revenues rising to $64.5 billion. “Despite inflation fears, interest rates at record highs, and continuing global unrest, the U.S. digital advertising industry continued its growth trajectory in 2023,” said David Cohen, CEO, IAB. “With significant industry transformation unfolding right before our eyes, we believe that those channels with a portfolio of privacy by design solutions will continue to outpace the market. For 2023, the winners were retail media, CTV, and audio, which saw the highest growth.” Audio advertising also saw a robust expansion, growing 18.9% to reach $7 billion. It is still the fastest-growing channel, albeit at a slower pace than last year. 

I know that most podcast fans have little interest in advertising trends and finances, but ads pay the bills for many podcasts.

Rebbie's Wrestling Reviews - Shows Reviews

WWE Elimination Chamber 2024: Perth

WWE’s first ever Australian PPV is Elimination Chamber: Perth, the home country of stars such as Grayson Waller, Indi Hartwell, and of course, Rhea Ripley. WWE are on the road to Wrestlemania 40, and the product is getting good reviews. However, the company is rightfully suffering as a result of the recent allegations against Vince McMahon, others within the company, and the set-up itself. There are much better places to educate you than here, I will try and link a thread here if you are unaware. The responses have been varied in terms of appropriateness, and how deeply intrenched these issues are in the company are being more and more revealed by the day. It’s a horrible situation. I’m reviewing these shows purely from a wrestling point of view, and only doing so out of respect for the wrestlers. This isn't a company I can truly endorse right now, not that many companies in life are. But I’m going to analyse the show for the wrestlers sake, so let's go to the pre-show.

Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane) def. The Way (Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell) for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships in 8:55

This match was pretty short, and not particularly exciting. I wouldn’t say it was bad, because all of these women are beyond-competent wrestlers, but it just wasn't the most wildly unique match. Candice is isolated nicely by the Kabuki Warriors until hometown hero Indi Hartwell can get the hot tag. It was a bit flat for me at home but the crowd enjoyed it. Things are going well for The Way until Kairi stops a rope-walk move, and Candice takes an awesome bump that was a real highlight of this one! Here comes the finish though as the Kabuki Warriors hit the reverse DDT In-Sane Elbow combo that I missed the name of, and that's all she wrote. Just fine this one, and would have liked a bit more speed, grit, and length: all of which I know these women could give if given the time. 

2.5 STARS OUT OF 5

A few points as we head to the main show. First, I hate the change to these logo-based titantrons over the classic showcase-style ones from back in the day. It’s everywhere that does videos, but I must say, WWE’s are easily the worst. They look so lifeless, so much empty space, and sometimes the text just bounces for no reason? Brock’s one was the worst back in the day. Fuck that guy, btw. Secondly, Cole introduces Perth telling us about how it once had a different name and was inhabited by the indigenous people, before being renamed Perth… I don't think that's the fun harmless tidbit you think it is!

Becky Lynch def. Naomi, Tiffany Stratton, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez, & Bianca Belair in an Elimination Chamber Match for the No. 1 Contendership for the WWE Women’s World Championship in 32:15

In the build-up to this one, Michael Cole twice says “Liv Morgan has renamed this the Elimination Chamber”. This was very funny. I can only assume he tried to say “E-Liv-imation Chamber”. This one started slow but got better with every entrant. Tiffany Stratton came in to a great ovation and brought so much energy, joining Becky and Naomi. Liv brought even more energy. Naomi and Stratton did a fun rolling spot where Naomi used the structure to her advantage. Naomi hits a blockbuster on Liv off of a chamber pod, but Stratton stacks her up after for a three-count. Why she doesn't pin Liv too I don't know. Raquel adds power, swinging Stratton and Liv into the wall. Bianca comes in and brings her brilliance too. We get a Belair/Raquel stand-off, we get an awesome suplex counter from Belair using the wall to turn it into a slingshot tornado DDT. Liv comes off a pod to a senton to Raquel on the top turnbuckle, that’s mental. Flip senton from Stratton off the pod does some damage, but she is hit with a top rope Ob-Liv-ion to be eliminated. MVP. We get a wicked powerbomb into the ring from Raquel to Bianca. Rodriguez is in top, hitting a double powerbomb on Becky and Liv, but Bianca comes in with a big KOD to eliminate Raquel. The only three reasonable winners remain. Bit of a contrived pod spot to Bianca from Liv as the action spills outside. Liv counters a KOD and then a Manhandle Slam, the latter with a Codebreaker, which was sick. She attempts the Ob-Liv-ion but Becky avoids it, then flips out of a KOD. Liv rolls up Bianca for an elimination, but walks into a Manhandle Slam for Becky to win.

This one started quite slow but really ramped up and won me over. It was a spotfest for the majority, but who doesn't like a bit of a spotfest in these special stipulations. Bianca, Liv and Tiffany brought so much to this match and I loved that. Tiffany especially was an MVP, and I’d maybe book her to win the Money in the Bank briefcase this year. Good stuff.

3.5 STARS OUT OF 5

Judgment Day (Damien Priest & Finn Balor w/ Dominik Mysterio) def. New Catch Republic (Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne) for the WWE Undisputed Tag Team Championships in 17:45

Why do they say New Catch Republic like that in their music? That makes this name so much worse. Anyway, this was a pretty cool match. Love seeing Bate & Dunne back together, and against good opponents. Lots of cool double team action from them, and Dominik got some mad heat here. The Birminghammer is one of the best move names I’ve ever heard. This was definitely a showcase for NCR but the finish, as a result, comes out of nowhere, with a double chokeslam/Coup de Grace giving Judgment Day the win. Fun match though!

3.5 STARS OUT OF 5

We have The Grayson Waller Effect with guests Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins. Austin Theory goes for some random heat on Australia then just stands there. Waller does a shoey, then sucks up to The Bloodline. Rollins says he’ll be cleared soon. Cody says he wants Rock one-on-one and Rollins backs him up. Theory gets on the mic and does bad Rock impressions to get mad at Cody. Seth eggs him on so he can throw him around, then Cody Cutter, then a Rollins Stomp. Waller lets this happen because even he doesn't really like Theory. Well that was extremely exciting, but admittedly you had to have 3 of these four on the show somewhere. 

Drew McIntyre def. LA Knight, Kevin Owens, Bobby Lashley, Randy Orton, & Logan Paul in an Elimination Chamber for the No. 1 Contendership to the World Heavyweight Championship in 36:53

Knight and McIntyre start before Owens joins. Cool codebreaker/senton from Owens to both men. Also McIntyre did this ridiculous crossbody to Owens and Knight from the middle rope. Lashley joins and does his thing. Orton is number five and does his thing too. Logan enters and Owens is waiting for him. Lashley eventually sends Owens and Paul through the pods. That was pretty gnarly! A pair of Claymores with a random LA Knight attack in the middle eliminates Lashley. Knight hits a jump-up superplex on Drew, then BFTs to Drew and Orton. But Styles then attacks Knight with a chair and a Styles Clash on the chair! Sadly looks like Knight isn't taking the US Title at Mania… Drew pins Knight. Owens takes on the lot of them until a nasty knees-up counter from Drew to a Swanton. KO pop-ups Drew and stunners Paul, but ends up taking an RKO to be eliminated. Paul hits a big crossbody onto Drew from the top of the pod! We get a close-up of Paul preparing his brass knuckles, but RKO OUT OF NOWHERE! Randy pins Paul. I’ve enjoyed the seriousness to win this one, but I’d also love more spots. Orton is super injured, and Drew stands over him, but RKO! BUT THEN PAUL HITS ORTON WITH THE BRASS KNUCKLES! Drew drapes and arm over and wins.

It was pretty good, good intensity, but I don't know, it didn't fully click with me. Drew is the right winner and it's pretty obvious. 

3 STARS OUT OF 5

Rhea Ripley def. Nia Jax for the WWE Women’s World Championship in 14:25

Who could ever win this one? Really not too much interesting to this one. Ripley is over, Rhea is cool, Jax is not really very good. Ripley had to main event but I wish she had a more technically sound opponent. There's an awkward elbow drop through the announce table after a Samoan Drop leaves Rhea on it. Jax stands precariously on a chair and gets no air. There was also a “My hole” chant, and I thought that was funny even if that joke was unfunny within a day of happening the first time. Cool superplex tees Ripley up for the win with a Riptide. It was nice seeing Rhea celebrate with her family, she is very cool. Match wasn't though, but is salvaged by the framing and moment of it all.

2 STARS OUT OF 5

Overall, I thought this show was decent. The way WWE lay out their PPVs is completely ridiculous, as it took 4 hours to watch this show live, with so much nothing. However, the matches were mainly good, but nothing truly great. The Women's Elimination Chamber was certainly the highlight, with the slog of a main event only being helped by the moment of Rhea Ripley in front of her home country crowd. Still, four matches on the main card is ridiculous even with the longer chamber matches, so this show also has that working against it. I'm settling on 3 stars out of 5 for this one.

Balancing Privacy and Collaboration in a New Office Design: Best Practices

In the modern landscape of office design, finding the right balance between privacy and collaboration is a paramount concern. The shift towards open-plan workspaces and collaborative environments has revolutionized how we perceive office designs. However, the need for personal space and privacy remains vital for employee well-being and productivity. Striking a harmonious balance between collaboration and privacy is the key to a successful office design. Let's delve into the best practices for achieving this equilibrium.

1. Understanding the Needs of the Workforce:

Every organization is unique, and so are its employees' needs. Conduct thorough surveys and discussions to comprehend the work requirements and preferences of your team. Some roles might demand more privacy due to the nature of their work, while others thrive in a collaborative atmosphere. Tailoring the office design to meet these specific needs is the foundation of finding the right balance.

2. Zoning:

Divide the office space into zones based on functionality and privacy requirements. Create zones for collaboration, individual work, and team meetings. Designate quiet areas where employees can focus without distractions, and at the same time, have collaborative spaces for brainstorming and innovation. Clear zoning helps in providing the appropriate balance between privacy and collaboration.

3. Implementing Modular Furniture:

Utilize modular furniture that can be rearranged and reconfigured to adapt to changing needs. This allows for a dynamic office layout, allowing teams to customize their workspace according to the task at hand. Modular setups offer the flexibility to create open spaces for collaboration and enclosed areas for focused work.

4. Incorporating Acoustic Design:

Noise can be a significant disruptor of privacy in an open office environment. Implement acoustic design strategies such as soundproofing, sound-absorbing materials, and strategic placement of workstations to mitigate noise levels. Well-designed acoustic solutions provide privacy to individuals while fostering collaboration in shared spaces.

5. Utilizing Privacy Pods and Booths:

Integrate privacy pods or booths within the workspace. These enclosed structures offer a secluded space for employees to concentrate on their tasks or engage in confidential conversations. Privacy pods strike a balance by providing a mix of quietness and privacy amidst an open floor plan.

6. Flexible Work Hours and Remote Options:

Offer flexible work hours and remote work options. Allowing employees to choose when and where they work can alleviate the need for privacy during regular office hours. Employees can then opt for quieter environments or work from home when concentration is crucial.

7. Maximizing Natural Light:

Design the office layout to maximize natural light. Natural light is an excellent way to make spaces feel open and airy, reducing the sense of confinement often associated with privacy. Well-lit environments create a positive ambiance, promoting productivity and collaboration.

8. Incorporating Greenery:

Integrate biophilic elements such as indoor plants or living walls. Greenery not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the office but also contributes to a sense of privacy by delineating spaces. Plants can act as natural barriers, providing a subtle division between workstations.

9. Employee Involvement in Design:

Involve employees in the design process to ensure their needs and preferences are taken into account. Conduct design workshops or seek input through surveys to gather valuable insights. An inclusive approach fosters a sense of ownership and satisfaction with the office environment.

Conclusion

Striking the right balance between privacy and collaboration in a new office design is crucial for employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall organizational success. By understanding the unique needs of your workforce, implementing flexible design solutions, and valuing employee input, you can create an office space that optimally balances privacy and collaboration, catering to a diverse and dynamic workforce. A harmonious workspace ultimately leads to a more engaged and motivated team, positively impacting the organization's bottom line.

Microsoft Magic Quadrant Leads 2023 Gartner Container

Microsoft Magic Quadrant 2023

Kubernetes and containers are the future of application development. They are pleased to announce that Microsoft Magic Quadrant. They feel this validation confirms their end-to-end strategy to designing and delivering enterprise-grade, cloud-native applications on Azure, in datacenters, or at the edge.

According to Gartner, Microsoft Magic Quadrant Leadership emphasizes Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)’s extensive and deep integration with other Azure services. Customers tell us that adopting AKS for container management lets them upgrade current applications as time and money allow and offers a roadmap for cloud-native development that leverages Azure scalability, security, performance, and cost optimization. Developers use autoscaling AKS clusters to satisfy the toughest performance requirements, while fully managed Azure services save teams time.

Customers want to run containers wherever. AKS is managed by Azure Stack HCI on-premises and Azure Arc for clients on Azure and hybrid settings.

Scaling up requires improving skills

At KubeCon North America 2023 and Microsoft Ignite, they launched Microsoft Copilot for Azure. Developers may use this AI-powered assistant to get answers and work more effectively, including AKS.

At the conferences, several developers said AKS’ integration help made adoption simpler as their firms launch big digital transformation initiatives. Kubernetes manages numerous moving pieces, yet a learning curve exists. Container knowledge is still scarce, according to Gartner.

AKS Principal PM Lead Jorge Palma posted. Companies should not install container management “without deep knowledge of developer requirements,” according to Gartner.

Developers may use Azure and AKS more using Copilot for Azure. Microsoft provides various resources for developers at whatever stage of adoption.

At the blank page stage, solution architectures might provide real-world examples and ideas.

Kubernetes solutions and services in Azure Marketplace provide click-through installations and customizable payment structures.

Inspire yourself by reading how the Forza Horizon 5 development team transitioned services to AKS in a month without Kubernetes experience, resulting in Xbox Games Studio’s largest first week ever.

Choose a Microsoft Learn professional course like Introduction to Kubernetes on Azure or Administer containers on Azure to improve skills.

Review developer best practices to manage deployment.

AKS fueling AI revolution

Often based atop Kubernetes, generative AI is quickly spreading. This revolution of intelligent applications is powered by cloud-native and AI, and AKS is part of it. AKS app developers may use Azure OpenAI Service.

AKS enabled artifact streaming for AI applications’ larger container pictures. Container images may be transmitted to high-performance, on-demand protocol nodes. That accelerates pod scheduling and startup.

AI applications stretch scale, making cost control crucial. Microsoft recently stated that Azure portal teams may see cluster expenses more clearly. AKS’s cost analysis add-on leverages OpenCost to break down cluster infrastructure expenses by cluster and namespace.

AKS also makes running specialized machine learning workloads like large language models (LLMs) cheaper and requiring less human setup. The new Kaito-based AI toolchain operator simplifies hosting and sharing open-source AI models and customized inferencing on AKS clusters. Using the new open-source Karpenter on AKS provider may improve cluster efficiency and expenses.

Microsoft just added Kubernetes fleet support for scaled AKS cluster management. Azure Kubernetes Fleet Manager safely and predictably stages cluster changes.

DevOps drives things

As Gartner notes, “the combination of DevOps and container technology can be a powerful enabler for application development agility and speed, making DevOps skills the critical factor to deployment success.” Quality and consistency in provisioning and management, including continuous integration and deployment, are promoted by DevOps.

However, designing distributed applications remains complicated, therefore the AKS team is looking for methods to simplify it. New smart defaults speed cluster setup, and Draft for AKS simplifies Kubernetes deployment. They introduced Dapr APIs in June 2023 to assist developers build easy, portable, robust, and secure microservices. Azure Pipelines CI/CD automates AKS cluster builds.

Cloud deployment and AI workloads will be simpler for Azure Container Apps developers. A new “code-to-cloud” integrated cloud build productivity lets developers create and execute Azure Container programs programs without container understanding. The new landing zone accelerator is also useful for cloud-native app and microservice creators. GPU workload profiles power compute-intensive applications like model training and batch inferencing.

Protecting all

The use of CSP-native platforms will increase public cloud container instance deployment to 75% by 2026 from 50% in 2023, according to Gartner. At KubeCon and Ignite, IT, operational, and cybersecurity specialists from across the globe discussed cloud security. Microsoft dedicates itself to giving customers the tools and resources to secure everything. That includes container security from development to runtime and across hybrid and multicloud deployments.

They introduced multicloud container security for Microsoft Defender for Cloud at Ignite 2023. Defender cloud security posture management (CSPM) will add agentless scanning, data-aware security posture, cloud security graph, and attack path analysis to Google Cloud Platform (GCP), providing a single contextual view of cloud risks across AWS, Azure, GCP, and hybrid environments.

Security administrators may prioritize misconfigurations and exposures in Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service and Google Kubernetes Engine clusters by having improved insight into containerized workloads.

The Microsoft Security blog provides professional security coverage, while the AKS documentation discusses application and cluster security principles.

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What are the best practices for balancing privacy and collaboration in a new office design?

Balancing Privacy and Collaboration in a New Office Design: Best Practices

In the modern landscape of office design, finding the right balance between privacy and collaboration is a paramount concern. The shift towards open-plan workspaces and collaborative environments has revolutionized how we perceive office designs. However, the need for personal space and privacy remains vital for employee well-being and productivity. Striking a harmonious balance between collaboration and privacy is the key to a successful office design. Let's delve into the best practices for achieving this equilibrium.

1. Understanding the Needs of the Workforce:

Every organization is unique, and so are its employees' needs. Conduct thorough surveys and discussions to comprehend the work requirements and preferences of your team. Some roles might demand more privacy due to the nature of their work, while others thrive in a collaborative atmosphere. Tailoring the office design to meet these specific needs is the foundation of finding the right balance.

2. Zoning:

Divide the office space into zones based on functionality and privacy requirements. Create zones for collaboration, individual work, and team meetings. Designate quiet areas where employees can focus without distractions, and at the same time, have collaborative spaces for brainstorming and innovation. Clear zoning helps in providing the appropriate balance between privacy and collaboration.

3. Implementing Modular Furniture:

Utilize modular furniture that can be rearranged and reconfigured to adapt to changing needs. This allows for a dynamic office layout, allowing teams to customize their workspace according to the task at hand. Modular setups offer the flexibility to create open spaces for collaboration and enclosed areas for focused work.

4. Incorporating Acoustic Design:

Noise can be a significant disruptor of privacy in an open office environment. Implement acoustic design strategies such as soundproofing, sound-absorbing materials, and strategic placement of workstations to mitigate noise levels. Well-designed acoustic solutions provide privacy to individuals while fostering collaboration in shared spaces.

5. Utilizing Privacy Pods and Booths:

Integrate privacy pods or booths within the workspace. These enclosed structures offer a secluded space for employees to concentrate on their tasks or engage in confidential conversations. Privacy pods strike a balance by providing a mix of quietness and privacy amidst an open floor plan.

6. Flexible Work Hours and Remote Options:

Offer flexible work hours and remote work options. Allowing employees to choose when and where they work can alleviate the need for privacy during regular office hours. Employees can then opt for quieter environments or work from home when concentration is crucial.

7. Maximizing Natural Light:

Design the office layout to maximize natural light. Natural light is an excellent way to make spaces feel open and airy, reducing the sense of confinement often associated with privacy. Well-lit environments create a positive ambiance, promoting productivity and collaboration.

8. Incorporating Greenery:

Integrate biophilic elements such as indoor plants or living walls. Greenery not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the office but also contributes to a sense of privacy by delineating spaces. Plants can act as natural barriers, providing a subtle division between workstations.

9. Employee Involvement in Design:

Involve employees in the design process to ensure their needs and preferences are taken into account. Conduct design workshops or seek input through surveys to gather valuable insights. An inclusive approach fosters a sense of ownership and satisfaction with the office environment.

Conclusion

Striking the right balance between privacy and collaboration in a new office design is crucial for employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall organizational success. By understanding the unique needs of your workforce, implementing flexible design solutions, and valuing employee input, you can create an office space that optimally balances privacy and collaboration, catering to a diverse and dynamic workforce. A harmonious workspace ultimately leads to a more engaged and motivated team, positively impacting the organization's bottom line. You can get your next new office design designed and built by a tech-led interior design company such as Flipspaces which can be your one-stop solution to all your turnkey needs

What are the best practices for balancing privacy and collaboration in a new office design?

Balancing Privacy and Collaboration in a New Office Design: Best Practices

In the modern landscape of office design, finding the right balance between privacy and collaboration is a paramount concern. The shift towards open-plan workspaces and collaborative environments has revolutionized how we perceive office designs. However, the need for personal space and privacy remains vital for employee well-being and productivity. Striking a harmonious balance between collaboration and privacy is the key to a successful office design. Let's delve into the best practices for achieving this equilibrium.

1. Understanding the Needs of the Workforce:

Every organization is unique, and so are its employees' needs. Conduct thorough surveys and discussions to comprehend the work requirements and preferences of your team. Some roles might demand more privacy due to the nature of their work, while others thrive in a collaborative atmosphere. Tailoring the office design to meet these specific needs is the foundation of finding the right balance.

2. Zoning:

Divide the office space into zones based on functionality and privacy requirements. Create zones for collaboration, individual work, and team meetings. Designate quiet areas where employees can focus without distractions, and at the same time, have collaborative spaces for brainstorming and innovation. Clear zoning helps in providing the appropriate balance between privacy and collaboration.

3. Implementing Modular Furniture:

Utilize modular furniture that can be rearranged and reconfigured to adapt to changing needs. This allows for a dynamic office layout, allowing teams to customize their workspace according to the task at hand. Modular setups offer the flexibility to create open spaces for collaboration and enclosed areas for focused work.

4. Incorporating Acoustic Design:

Noise can be a significant disruptor of privacy in an open office environment. Implement acoustic design strategies such as soundproofing, sound-absorbing materials, and strategic placement of workstations to mitigate noise levels. Well-designed acoustic solutions provide privacy to individuals while fostering collaboration in shared spaces.

5. Utilizing Privacy Pods and Booths:

Integrate privacy pods or booths within the workspace. These enclosed structures offer a secluded space for employees to concentrate on their tasks or engage in confidential conversations. Privacy pods strike a balance by providing a mix of quietness and privacy amidst an open floor plan.

6. Flexible Work Hours and Remote Options:

Offer flexible work hours and remote work options. Allowing employees to choose when and where they work can alleviate the need for privacy during regular office hours. Employees can then opt for quieter environments or work from home when concentration is crucial.

7. Maximizing Natural Light:

Design the office layout to maximize natural light. Natural light is an excellent way to make spaces feel open and airy, reducing the sense of confinement often associated with privacy. Well-lit environments create a positive ambiance, promoting productivity and collaboration.

8. Incorporating Greenery:

Integrate biophilic elements such as indoor plants or living walls. Greenery not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the office but also contributes to a sense of privacy by delineating spaces. Plants can act as natural barriers, providing a subtle division between workstations.

9. Employee Involvement in Design:

Involve employees in the design process to ensure their needs and preferences are taken into account. Conduct design workshops or seek input through surveys to gather valuable insights. An inclusive approach fosters a sense of ownership and satisfaction with the office environment.

Conclusion

Striking the right balance between privacy and collaboration in a new office design is crucial for employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall organizational success. By understanding the unique needs of your workforce, implementing flexible design solutions, and valuing employee input, you can create an office space that optimally balances privacy and collaboration, catering to a diverse and dynamic workforce. A harmonious workspace ultimately leads to a more engaged and motivated team, positively impacting the organization's bottom line. You can get your next new office design designed and built by a tech-led interior design company such as Flipspaces which can be your one-stop solution to all your turnkey needs

Senior Product Designer - Remote, (USA, Canada Or Brazil)

Company: Chameleon Highlights - Chameleon is SaaS for product teams to create in-product UX (modals, banners, checklists, microsurveys etc.) to drive user engagement. Watch a short demo here (or sign up here) - We’re a remote-first, Series A, VC-backed (Matrix Partners, True Ventures) startup with ~45 folks distributed across the Americas and Europe. Learn more about us here. - Seeking our third Product Designer; someone with 5+ years of SaaS design experience living in US 🇺🇸, Canada 🇨🇦, or Brazil 🇧🇷 working across our products doing end-to-end design work. - Salary range is $90k - $160k USD annually, based on experience and location. - Our application process is engaging and interactive — we want to focus on your work quality, not just your interviewing skills, while getting to know you during the process. Why this role now? Our product team is ~10 engineers, 3 QAs, 1 PM (Tj), 2 designers (Valentin, Russ), and our founders (Pulkit & Brian). We are building the best product in our category and are shipping great functionality, (see this or our LinkedIn page) but we want to go even faster 🚀 We are concurrently hiring a second PM, and expect that with this we’ll be able to build two pods of work (core and growth/new) with our designers supporting work across projects and themes. We raised a Series A last year after years of bootstrapping with sustained growth, so are in a financially strong position. We have never conducted layoffs and believe in thoughtful hiring. Listen to Valentin and Russ talk about the Design team and process Video (2023-06-23 17_15 GMT+1).mp4 🔮 Where are we heading? It’s a great time to join as we have product-market fit, established the fundamentals of operating as a product team, and work with over 300 outstanding customer, such as Twilio Segment, Mixpanel, Copy.ai, Fivetran, Chili Piper, and more. View some of our case studies here! Users now expect personalized software that caters to their specific needs and context. This is hard to build and manage at scale, but the companies that succeed with this product-led approach are the winners. This provides Chameleon the opportunity to create a category-shaping product that is a part of every company’s stack! 🌐 More on our product, team, culture, and vision here. 📅 What your day might include (+ our stack) - Reviewing and contributing on our product roadmap (Notion) - Researching patterns, components, and flows from other tools (web) - Joining or conducting meetings (we use Zoom, Fathom) for research/discovery - Doing mockups, hi-fidelity designs, and creating prototypes (Figma) - Presenting in our daily design syncs with the product team (Tuple) - Async sharing of designs and or problems for feedback (Loom) - Testing and giving feedback on engineering stories (Chameleon testing accounts) - Updating our design system and component library (zeroheight) Skills and experience that will aid success in this role - 5+ years of full-time product design at a SaaS company where software is the product - 1+ years of startup ( - Experience designing complex product workflows, ideally B2B, from ideation to high-fidelity mocks, and take a system-centric approach to design (think and work with components) - Great at independent research (e.g. competitive analysis, usability testing, surveys, and interviews, etc.) specifically identifying challenges related to usability and adoption - Structured thinking, organized work, clear written and verbal communication - Proficient in Figma or similar tool - You have a fully functioning workstation and a quiet place to work (and take calls) with a high-speed internet connection - You are - Able to join functional and cross-team meetings between 8-10:30am PST - This will be your full-time job (no other part-time roles) - Fluency (written and verbal) in English - Competitive compensation ($90k - $160k USD, based on experience and location) - Early-stage equity (stock options) at a great valuation - New Macbook and $1,000 home-office budget - Flexible work hours, asynch culture and generous paid time off, plus Flexible Fridays! - Fully-paid international team retreats and mini-meetups (last one was in Miami; see - Access to True Ventures portfolio events, workshops, and networking - Ongoing coaching and mentorship from a leadership team that will help you rapidly develop and advance in your career - - - - - This job opening is available on the respective company website as of 4 - Candidates are requested to study and verify all the job details before applying and contact the respective company representative in case they have any queries. - The owner of this site has provided all the available information regarding the location of the job i.e. work from anywhere, work from home, fully remote, remote, etc. However, if you would like to have any clarification regarding the location of the job or have any further queries or doubts; please contact the respective company representative. Viewers are advised to do full requisite enquiries regarding job location before applying for each job.   - Authentic companies never ask for payments for any job-related processes. Please carry out financial transactions (if any) at your own risk. - All the information and logos are taken from the respective company website. Read the full article