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‘Dune: Prophecy’: Who is Valya Harkonnen?

Prequels can be pretty hit or miss. For every The Godfather: Part II we’re also stuck with a Solo: A Star Wars Story. The idea for a prequel is always an easy sell, though. You’re in the same universe as a beloved franchise, and sometimes even with the same characters. That’s what we’re dealing with in Dune: Prophecy, a series set “10,000 years before the birth of Paul Atreides.” The main character of the show is Valya Harkonnen, played by the excellent Emily Watson.

The trailer for Dune: Prophecy gives us our best look at Valya, as well as what the show is going to focus on. Besides Valya, we also meet her sister Tula, and together they create the Bene Gesserit, a sisterhood with the mission manipulating breeding of royals until the chosen one is born – known as the Kwisatz Haderach. He would eventually rule the universe and the idea was he would be under Bene Gesserit control. It’s more complicated than that but that’s all you really need to know.

In Dune, Paul Atreides becomes the chosen one, but he rebels and the Bene Gesserit lose control of their breeding program. The story of Valya Harkonnen is the beginning of this process, and it tells the story of her eventual rise to Mother Superior, the leader of the Bene Gesserit. Because it’s set so far in the past, we’re not going to get any cameos from any Dune characters, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

This essentially gives showrunner Alison Schapker a lot of space to create a world with the same aesthetics as the movie but without having to be bound by its plot. Let’s take a closer look at Valya and the universe of Dune: Prophecy.

Who was Valya Harkonnen?

Warning: The following may contain unintended spoilers for the Valya Harkonnen storyline in Dune: Prophecy, so read at your own risk.

Valya Harkonnen was a member of House Harkonnen from the ice-choked planet of Lankiveil. She went from humble beginnings to become the Mother Superior (the most senior sister) of the Bene Gesserit, a name she coined. She was one of the first Reverend Mothers (an advanced level Bene Gesserit sister) ever.

If you’ve seen the movie or read the Frank Herbert novels, you know that Paul Atreides’ mother Jessica Atreides was a Reverend Mother of the Bene Gesserit. Valya was the first of that lineage. You’ve probably also noticed the Harkonnen connection. Valya’s story shows just how deep the rift between House Harkonnen and House Atreides really is, and how it started thousands of years before Paul faced off with Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen to become the emperor.

When Valya was young, House Harkonnen had fallen into disrepair, and she blamed that on Paul’s ancestor Vorian Atreides, who bested the Harkonnens during the Battle of Corrin. He was also the first one to use the name Atreides and the one who established house Atreides into one of the great houses. Her whole life she planned revenge, and she even taught her siblings Griffin and Tula that they had to eradicate house Atreides once and for all.

Tula will appear in the new series played by Olivia Williams (The Crown). Valya began her rise when she joined the Sisterhood of Rossak (the pre Bene Gesserit sisterhood), where she was a gifted student of Mother Superior Raquella Berto-Anirul.

She became one of the most trusted sisters and was taught many of the sisterhood secrets. She was told by Raquella to spy on her fellow sister Dorotea (who will appear in Dune: Prophecy as Reverend Mother, played by Camilla Beeput). Dorotea steals the Rossak Drug (a poison similar to the water of life) and takes it, while Valya only pretends to do so. Dorotea survives and eventually becomes a Reverend Mother.

There are two more important things you need to know about Valya. She was a trained Swordmaster, a task she took on to help the sisterhood cause, but really to kill Vorian. This makes her just as deadly in battle as she is using the voice. Ah yes, the voice. It was used sparingly in the newer movies but it’s a powerful Bene Gesserit tool used to mentally control others. Valya developed the voice herself, and if you remember Paul’s mother Jessica used it on occasion to control people and get her way.

Later in life, Mother Superior Raquella was dying and wanted Valya and Dorothea to be co-leaders of the sisterhood to settle the rift between them and the sisterhood as a whole. However, Valya used the voice to force Dorotea to commit suicide and she became the sole Reverend Mother Superior, and eventually renamed the sisterhood Bene Gesserit and molded it in her image.

This is Valya’s storyline in the books, so it remains to be seen how much of that will be pulled from for the new show.

Is Valya Harkonnen a character in the Dune books?

Dune: Prophecy covers a period not included in Frank Herbert’s novels, but it does include characters in the prequel novels written by Frank Herbert’s son Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. Valya first appears in Sisterhood of Dune, and her story continues in Mentats of Dune and Navigators of Dune.

Dune: Prophecy is set for release in the fall of this year, although Max has yet to release a firm date.

By: Jon Silman
Title: ‘Dune: Prophecy’: Who is Valya Harkonnen?
Sourced From: wegotthiscovered.com/tv/dune-prophecy-who-is-valya-harkonnen/
Published Date: Fri, 17 May 2024 12:16:57 +0000

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I’m a former vet assistant who has trimmed hundreds of dogs’ nails — this nail grinder is the most beginner-friendly tool

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A side-by-side image of a person grinding a dog's nail using the Dremel grinder and the grinder laid on a wood surface.The Dremel PawControl Deluxe Pet Nail Trimming Kit includes everything you need to grind a dog's nails.

Jackie Brown; Lisa Sabatini/Business Insider

Trimming your dog's nails is an essential part of routine pet care, but it can be intimidating for many dog owners. If you're worried you'll accidentally hurt your dog while cutting their nails, you can always take them to the vet or groomer to get the job done. Using a dog nail grinder at home is also an excellent alternative that can save you plenty of time and money.

As a former veterinary assistant who has trimmed thousands of dogs' nails, I know that not all nail grinders are the same. Some are designed for use by professional groomers who are comfortable and familiar with using them safely. However, most people benefit from extra safety features, and that's why I love the Dremel PawControl Deluxe Pet Nail Trimming Kit. The Dremel nail grinder is not only effective and user-friendly, but it also has a guard that protects you and your dog from the spinning parts.

How it works

Nail grinders are a great option for most dogs, including those with very thick nails. They're particularly useful for dogs with black nails that don't have a visible quick, which is the vein inside of each nail. Plus, dogs that are anxious about having their nails trimmed with regular clippers may be more willing to accept a nail grinder.

The Dremel PawControl Kit includes everything you need to gently and easily grind down your dog's nails, including an optional guard attachment along with a variety of sanding bands and discs. The guard provides a barrier between the spinning parts of the tool so nothing can get caught up in them.

I personally preferred using the sanding disc, which the manufacturer recommends for beginner users. You insert your dog's nail through the opening in the clear guard attachment, which is designed to ensure you are grinding the nail at the ideal 45-degree angle.

Our review of the Dremel dog nail grinder

I first used the Dremel PawControl when I was testing grinders for our guide to the best dog nail clippers. I tried four different nail-grinding tools on two dogs with different-sized nails.

The Dremel PawControl stands out for several reasons. It's lightweight, gentle, and quiet, and offers four speed settings so you can select the one that's most comfortable for you and your dog. Designed for pet owners, it's easy to use and comes with various grinding attachments for flexibility. Plus, the guard attachment offers added peace of mind so you can focus on the task at hand.

A close-up image of the safety guard on the Dremel dog nail grinder.The removable nail guard attachment is recommended for new users.

Jackie Brown/Business Insider

Dremel is renowned for its high-quality rotary tools for tasks like cutting, sanding, and engraving. The PawControl should last many years and can even be used for tasks beyond nail grinding. While the grinding heads will need occasional replacement, the included ones should last for several years of use with your dog. It's also powered by a USB rechargeable lithium-ion battery, allowing you to use it anywhere without the hassle of a cord getting in your way while you work.

Nail grinders have a definite learning curve, but this one comes with an easy-to-follow Quick Start Guide that walks you through the entire process. It explains which attachments and grinding speeds are best for beginners and offers tips for getting your dog comfortable with the tool.

The Dremel PawControl Quick Start Guide has text and diagrams showing how to introduce a dog to the nail grinder.If you're new to nail grinding, the Quick Start Guide provides clear directions and helpful illustrations.

Lisa Sabatini/Business Insider

Cons to consider

The guard attachment enhances safety, but its single opening for inserting your dog's nail can limit maneuverability. However, you can always remove the guard attachment if you feel confident in your skills. Since this grinder is cordless, you'll need to remember to charge it before use.

The bottom line

If you're looking for a pet nail grinder, the Dremel PawControl Deluxe Pet Nail Trimming Kit is an excellent choice, especially if you're new to using these tools. It's effective, gentle, quiet, lightweight, and cordless, and thanks to the guard attachments, its safety is unparalleled.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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By: [email protected] (Jackie Brown)
Title: I’m a former vet assistant who has trimmed hundreds of dogs’ nails — this nail grinder is the most beginner-friendly tool
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/guides/pets/dremel-dog-nail-grinder-review
Published Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2025 18:22:20 +0000

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An ex-Microsoft VP of HR explains 3 things you can do to stay on your boss’s radar and off the layoff list

There is a yellow background and three small white figurines in business suits, with a large handheld magnifying glass centered on the middle figure.Chris Williams, ex-Microsoft VP of HR, wrote that being visible helps avoid uncomfortable inquiries like DOGE's "five bullet points" requested email.

sakchai vongsasiripat/Getty Images

  • Chris Williams is an ex-VP of HR at Microsoft and has over 40 years of executive experience.
  • Williams said being visible can help workers avoid DOGE-like emails requesting accomplishments.
  • He shared how to track accomplishments, get recognized, and know when to help out at work.

The "five things you did last week" email that DOGE sent to all federal workers has raised an important question for employees everywhere. How do you stay on your boss's radar in a positive way?

Simply put, if your boss already knew what you were up to, they wouldn't need to send an email like that. As the former VP of HR for Microsoft with 40 years of business leadership experience, I've seen a lot of people who know how to stay visible.

Being visible helps avoid uncomfortable inquiries like the "five bullet points" request and makes performance reviews easier for both you and your boss. It helps you avoid being labeled an underperformer when cuts are considered and it can help you be more top of mind when opportunities arise — it's a great way to "manage up."

Here are three ways to help you stay visible to your boss and reduce your chances of being laid off.

You should always track your accomplishments at work

It doesn't matter if your boss sends an intrusive status report request like "send five bullet points from last week" or a simple "Hey, what's up?" inquiry; you should always be ready to talk about what you've been up to.

That's why you should track your accomplishments. There are many ways to do this. Some people keep a "brag book," a simple document where they list the significant things they've done. Others use a notes application or even a complex database.

For years I kept a simple four-column spreadsheet

My spreadsheet had columns labeled: Date, Item, Significance, and Notes. Every day, or at worst, every week, I'd add a couple of rows to the sheet. I'd insert the date and a phrase for the item — just enough to remind me what it was.

In the significance column, I'd put a number to represent how important the item felt at the time, with "5" being the highest. In notes, I'd add a comment or even a link to the project or document.

Then whenever I wanted, I could sort by significance and date and get the most important things from the last month, week, or year. When bosses requested a progress report, I was always ready to respond: "I'm glad you asked."

The best way to ensure this happens is to make it a habit. Spend two minutes updating your list at the end of every day. This also helps at performance review time, where you'll inevitably need to report on your accomplishments for the year.

Don't be shy to take credit where due

Another important way to stay visible is to ensure you take credit when you deserve it. Too many people get shy or humble at work and let others grab the limelight.

Work is not a place for excessive humility. The forever humble, the "I'm just doing my job" kind of people are often overlooked. They're just doing their jobs, after all. If you want to be seen, you have to be visible. Don't be afraid to take credit for your accomplishments.

Ways to make sure you get credit for your work

Insist your name appears on that proposal or presentation. Don't be afraid to put your name under the title of that document. Don't be shy about answering "That was me" when someone asks about a great idea.

Also, don't let others steal your work without objection — even if you lose a battle for representation. For example, when your boss takes the credit, putting them on notice helps for the next time. If you simply let people take credit for your work, they'll never stop.

Raise your hand and help out

A final way to stay visible is to not shrink into a corner when the boss needs help. When the call comes for volunteers, raise your hand.

One of the best ways to stay on your boss's good side is to help them get their job done. The best way to do that is to do things they don't want or have time to do. Just being able to say, "Don't worry, I'll handle that," means a lot.

But it's often hard to know what they need help with. You don't do their job, so it's a challenge to understand where you can jump in. When they explicitly ask, that's where you can most certainly be useful.

Know when to volunteer and when to sit back

You don't have to raise your hand all the time. You don't have to answer your boss's every whim. You shouldn't stretch yourself beyond your limits just to be in their good graces.

But you should also not be the one who never volunteers. Your boss will notice that you never pitch in or lend a hand to your peers. That's how you stay on your boss's radar in the worst possible way.

Essentially, if you track your performance, take credit where due, and learn when to help out, you'll never be blindsided by the "five things you did last week" request because both you and your boss will already know. These are three great ways to increase visibility at work.

Chris Williams is a former VP of HR at Microsoft. He's an executive-level advisor and consultant with over 40 years of experience leading and building teams.

Read the original article on Business Insider

——————————————-
By: [email protected] (Chris Williams )
Title: An ex-Microsoft VP of HR explains 3 things you can do to stay on your boss’s radar and off the layoff list
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/how-to-stay-on-boss-radar-off-layoff-list-2025-3
Published Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:07:01 +0000

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AI Regulation Isn’t Over; It’s Evolving: What Marketers Need to Know

AI Regulation Isn’t Over; It’s Evolving: What Marketers Need to Know

The notion of “AI Regulation is Dead” is misleading; instead, AI governance is gaining momentum with more structured and stringent guidelines emerging worldwide. For marketers to thrive in this evolving landscape, it’s crucial to prioritize transparency, compliance, and ethical practices. This article explores how marketers can navigate new regulations and employ AI responsibly to maintain trust and competitiveness.

Key Takeaways

– AI regulation is rapidly evolving with comprehensive frameworks like the EU’s AI Act.
– Marketers must focus on transparent and ethical use of AI in campaigns.
– Adapting to regulatory changes is critical for maintaining customer trust and compliance.

The Rise of AI Governance

AI governance is swiftly advancing, with frameworks such as the EU’s AI Act setting the stage for stringent regulations. These regulations are designed to ensure AI technologies are used responsibly, safeguarding user privacy and data security. Marketers must remain vigilant and proactive in understanding these regulations, aligning their AI-driven strategies accordingly. As regulators worldwide continue to focus on AI implications, following these laws will be pivotal to navigating the global digital economy.

The Importance of Transparency in AI Campaigns

Transparency is becoming a cornerstone of AI regulation. Marketers are expected to clearly disclose data sources and algorithmic decision-making processes in their AI-driven campaigns. By being transparent, marketers can not only comply with regulations but also build trust with consumers. This includes providing customers with clarity on how their data is used and offering them control over their personal information. Such practices are not just regulatory requirements but also key to fostering long-term customer relationships.

Ethical AI: Investing in Responsible Practices

Investing in ethical AI practices is more crucial than ever. Marketers should engage in industry-wide discussions to set standards for responsible AI use. This involves creating AI systems that are fair, unbiased, and respectful of user privacy. Ethical AI practices can enhance brand reputation while preventing potential legal issues. By prioritizing ethics, marketers can contribute to sustainable and responsible AI advancements, benefiting both their businesses and the broader society.

Leveraging AI Responsibly for Enhanced Customer Experiences

AI, when used responsibly, can significantly enhance customer experiences. It offers personalized, efficient, and innovative solutions that meet consumer needs while respecting their privacy. Marketers should leverage AI tools that align with ethical standards, safeguarding personal data and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. By doing so, AI can help marketers deliver superior customer service without compromising trust and legal integrity.

Recap

As AI regulation continues to evolve, marketers must adapt by embracing transparency, compliance, and ethical practices. These steps are essential for maintaining trust and competitiveness in a digital marketplace increasingly governed by AI laws. What specific strategies will you implement to ensure transparency in your AI campaigns and align with emerging regulations?

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By: Phil Alvarez
Title: AI Regulation Isn’t Over; It’s Evolving: What Marketers Need to Know
Sourced From: www.advertisemint.com/ai-regulation-isnt-over-its-evolving/
Published Date: Sun, 23 Feb 2025 16:37:39 +0000

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