#Mechanical engineering development in London

[failbettergames]

We are giddy to announce that we are working with tabletop roleplaying legends Magpie Games to create Fallen London: The Roleplaying Game, a fully-fledged, custom tabletop roleplaying system for Fallen London, in a big book and everything!

In Fallen London: the Roleplaying Game, players create their own characters by drawing on the factions, archetypes, and settings of the city — cutthroats, socialites, radicals, academics, and other, stranger creatures. They are brought together by a shared ambition; a very nearly unachievable goal. Such ambitions may destroy or drive mad those who pursue them… or they may change London forever. The Heart, as they say, is Destiny’s engine.

Fallen London: The Roleplaying Game is slated for release in late 2025 along with a supplement, Fallen London: Secrets of the Neath. In addition, players will be able to complete their tools for gameplay with the Fallen London Dice Pack and Fallen London Gamemaster Screen. Gameplay will consist of proprietary game mechanics currently in development by Magpie Games. We're going to introduce the project in full on August 23rd at 16:00 EDT/21:00 BST in a live stream, hosted by friend, scholar, journalist, streamer and Doctor of the Internet Kat Brewster on their Twitch channel! [PLEASE NOTE: Dear friend Johnny Chiodini has had to drop out at the last minute so utter hero Kat is picking up the host mantle and therefore the location of the Q&A has changed, go to that link instead!]

Guests will include Mark Diaz Truman and Brendan Conway from Magpie, and Fallen London creative lead Bruno Dias and me, Hannah, the one who sends the emails.

Fallen London is turning 15 in 2025 and this is our big anniversary project. We wouldn't have got here without you; we hope that this is a suitable anniversary present. 

[therandomhalfrussian]

Ronnie Petersons Chronicles #7

Ronnie Peterson together with Graham Hill at the 1972 Race of Champions (Brands Hatch).

Guess who is back! Everything went well for me even though it was stressful but I am very excited to post this. Either this chronicle is longer than the others or I am just tired. It took way more time to translate than the other ones. Might be because Ronnie writes like any person born in 1944 would and uses a lot of Swedish phrases/words that hardly can be translated without sounding really weird. But I have tried my best!

I like that picture a lot. A young Ronnie sitting next to the experienced Mr. Monaco himself! I wonder what they talked about, or honestly if they talked at all! It mostly looks like they are receiving information. Do note the sideburns and somewhat matching hair, even if Ronnies hair is a bit messier.

Do excuse any grammatical errors, English is not my first language. “(italics)” is my explanation of things.

Chronicle 7 below:

“Things are getting hard for Peterson now”

(Early April, London, England)

“I’ve driven two races since you last heard of me. The first one was a Formula 2-race at the short but fast Mallory Park-track in England, the second race was the Race of Champions at Brands Hatch outside of London.

You already know how it went at Mallory Park, even if I do not want to call that runoff a ‘crash’ like some newspapers are very excited to do. At Mallory we had problems with the car from the start. There are new rules for Formula 2 this year, you can now use 2-liter engines now. This far into the season it is really sparse with 2-liter engines, it is practically no one who has managed to finish developing them from the 1600-cc motors.

The 2-liter engine I got for Mallory Park soon got tired. It protested against being so full of holes. And that you would probably have to have some understanding for, a few of the metal walls are hardly thicker than a half rotten autumn leaf!

The reserve motor had to make do

So I had to continue practising with a reserve motor and that also went well since nobody else has a real 2-liter engine either. The fastest practice time and the best starting position was the result of Saturday's practice.

The race was in two sessions. None was particularly successful for me. In the first one the fuelhose came loose, so there I stood in the middle of the track and tried putting it on again while David Morgan, who won the race, Carlos Reutemann, Niki Lauda, Mike Hailwood and the others flew past.

When I managed to get driving again I drove really fast, as the lap record showed , but that joy did not last long. The fuel pump collapsed. Very much an end to that session for Peterson. The mechanics managed to get the car ready for the second session and I had to start last since I retired on the first. So I just had to hang on and overtake as many as possible before the field spread out too much.

I got three laps. Just as I was supposed to drive myself up to ninth I got into a mudpile a Formula Ford-car had thrown up when rejoining the track at an earlier session.

…and then the back wheels lost their grip

The backwheels lost their grip in the mud and I went off the track and smashed the nose of the car and broke some struts in the front. So it was just for the mechanics to roll the car into the bus and start working with it.

I went home to my new rowhouse outside of London. It is the first time during this wandering life that me and Babro have acquired a place to live in, of course excluding our parental homes. It is actually really nice to have a solid place somewhere when you move around like I do.

The house is in a nice suburb near the airport (possibly Heathrow, but I might be wrong) so that I can easily leave for races. Tim Schenken lives a few houses away from me and that is very nice. We can go over to each other and talk from time to time.

But I did not get to spend a lot of time home last week. My new Formula 1-car took most of the time. During the Tuesday we had a press-viewing in London and I had never driven the car.

New cars are nerve-wracking

The car rolled for the first time at Silverstone during Thursday. It was a little bit nerve-wracking testing it for the first time after all the work we have done on it during last autumn. There was not a lot of driving. In the beginning of a test you have to do so many small adjustments of all the bolts that have something to do with the wheel alignment, check the hose coupling in the kotor etc, so there is not a lot of time over for a proper drive.

But the car felt right and I was pretty happy with it. The guys from Teknikens Värld was there when we tested the car for the first time so you guys will have to read more about in their article (which I unfortunately have not found). I have promised them to not steal their story. Journalists are so sensitive about that.

So then it was time for the Race of Champions at Brands Hatch. We did not go there with the new car to win, rather to practice. Well, of course I always try to win, you always do, but there was hardly anyone in the team that thought of victory.

I did not get to practice much

During practice we had quite a lot of adjustments to make so I did not get to drive a lot. Got 12’th position on the starting grid and that is not exactly good. The race itself was neither exciting nor fun.

Emerson Fittipaldi drove ahead of everyone already at the start, and then he held his position until the finish line. The guy is simply a good driver. Real good. I have a feeling that he will be one of the guys at the top when it is time to count the world championship-points.

I got to stay lonely and drive at the back. Got to twelfth place after a while. But I am not all that disappointed. We got a lot of useful experience from the car that will be useful for the Spanish Grand Prix.

The F2-car is fast

The Monday after the Race of Champions, which was the 19’th, I went to the Thruxtontrack to teat the F2-car which had been fixed since Mallory Park. It went really good and I managed to break my personal record with a whole second and that is a lot on that track!

And now it is time to go to Sebring in the USA to drive the sports cars-world championship. Then I am going to do a small detour in the middle of the week to drive a Formula 1-race in the middle of the week with my old car in Brazil. And on Good Friday I will drive Formula 2 at Oulton Park.

It will be a hard time for Peterson until you hear from me again. “

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

You can find the original chronicle (in Swedish) here.

It is very impressive how many races Ronnie manages to drive! He sounds quite tired to be honest, at least with the testing and practices.

Yes Ronnie, Emerson will be at the top of the world championship, the absolute top to be exact! Emerson would later be described as Ronnies best friend in Formula 1, I wonder if they already were friends? They at least knew each other at this time.

Thank you for reading, if you notice anything wrong or have anything I can improve on please tell me!

[mesetacadre]

Aviation in the USSR

A collection of excerpts from Anna Lousie Strong's The Soviets Expected It, compiled for @czerwonykasztelanic

[...] Or the guerrilla detachment which captured six German planes, destroyed five of them, and sent the sixth to the Red Army, piloted by an amateur air enthusiast, who was a tractor driver in ordinary life. Lt. Talalikhin’s initiative is already a Soviet aviator’s tradition. Exhausting his ammunition in a fight with three enemy planes, he rammed the tail of one enemy with his propeller, smashed the tail of another enemy plane with his wing tip, and then bailed out of his own plane safely. Moscow parks displayed the wreckage of the German planes, and other Soviet pilots quickly copied the tactics. An aviation technician, Konikov, won renown by attaching the fuselage of a plane he was repairing to the front platform of a military train whose locomotive had been bombed by the enemy; he thus pulled the most necessary parts of the train to safety.

pg. 14

The Soviet people glimpsed and felt victory. For the first time they began to feel that they were no longer “backward Russians.” They were beginning to challenge the world. With this went a proud sense of their unity as a nation. Cotton growers in Turkestan exulted, “We have conquered the Arctic,” though they themselves would never see the snow. Bearded peasants, who had never sat in an airplane, began to talk about “our conquest of the air.” Young Nina Kameneva expressed the mood of the country’s young people when she broke a world’s altitude record in parachute jumping and remarked on landing: “The sky of our country is the highest sky in the world.”

pg. 46

Moscow can make all the implements of war, including planes and motor trucks, inside the city. [...] Moscow’s sky is covered by an air defense that was the marvel of the London experts who visited it after the war began to make suggestions and found it far superior to London’s. Anti-aircraft shells make a thick blanket at four distinct levels to London’s one, and observation planes patrol the heavens night and day. Moscow’s four million people also offer a night-and-day defense.

pg. 51

Alma Ata, the capital of this area, has grown from a town of 60,000 to a proud young city of 260,000 in the ten years since the railroad reached it. Its life has leaped at once from the nomad epoch to the airplane. The railroad is too slow to tame the wastes of Kazakstan. From Alma Ata Airport the planes shoot forth, east, west, south, north, on new discoveries. [...] Kazakstan is only one of the energetic regions behind the Urals. South of it lie the lands of the Uzbeks and Tadjiks, where some of the largest textile mills of the U.S.S.R. work up the locally grown cotton and where automobile and airplane parts are produced by mass production in the historic city of Samarkand.

pg. 58

I have traveled many times on the Trans-Siberian. In the spring of 1935, I went from Vladivostok to Moscow with a stop-over in the Jewish autonomous territory whose capital is Birobidjan. The train was crowded with pioneering people in warm woolen clothes and padded leather jackets, engineers, Army men, developers of the Far East. [...] An army engineer who shared my table at dinner was celebrating his return by airplane from the northern wilderness by consuming a whole bottle of port and bragging about the Far Eastern pioneers.

pg. 59

According to Pierre Cot, the French Air Minister, who visited Moscow in 1933, the Soviet air arm was at least equal to the best in Europe in numbers, technical equipment, and, above all, in the productive capacity of the aviation industry.‡ Thus, by the end of 1932, which ended the first Five Year Plan, the Soviet Union had reached the level of Western Europe in armaments – a fairly modest level judged by standards of later years.

pg. 65

Other official indications of the extent of the Red Army’s mechanization come from Voroshilov’s report in 1934 [...]. Five years later [...]. He claimed that the “bomb salvo” of the Soviet air force (the number of bombs that can be dropped by all planes at once) had tripled in five years and had reached more than 6,000 tons.

pg. 66

Soviet airplane pilots also hold many world records, both in altitude and long-distance flights. Their conquest of the Arctic and its difficult weather has accustomed them to the severest conditions. Americans well remember the Soviet pilots who twice made world records by flying from Moscow to America. These were individual exploits, but the development of Arctic aviation on which they were based was the work of large numbers of pilots and implies a whole air tradition

pg. 67

Parachute jumping has become a national sport in the Soviet Union. Soviet people are probably the most air-minded people in the world. Training for air-mindedness begins in the kindergarten. Small tots play the “butterfly game” and jump around with large butterflies pinned on their hair, gaining the idea that flying is fun and a natural activity. Children in their teens make jumps from “parachute towers” which are far rougher and more realistic than the parachute tower in the New York World’s Fair, which was copied from them. The sport is popular not only in the cities but on the farms. Several years ago a Ukrainian farmer told me of his trip to the nearby city with a group of farm children, all of whom immediately formed in line in the recreation park to go up in a tall tower and jump off under a parachute. “I thought it very terrifying,” he said, “and wondered why the park authorities allowed it. Then I saw that my own thirteen-year-old daughter was at the head of the line. These children of today aren’t afraid of anything.” At an older age, Soviet young people jump from airplanes, learn to operate gliders, or even become amateur pilots in their spare time. Every large factory, government department, and many of the larger collective farms have “aviation clubs,” which are given free instruction by the government. Probably a million people in the Soviet Union have made actual jumps from parachutes. It is not surprising that the Red Army was the first to use parachute troops in active service several years before the Germans adopted them. In 1931 a small detachment of parachutists surrounded and cleaned up a bandit gang in Central Asia. The making of airplane models by young people is taken seriously in the U.S.S.R. In 1937 over a million school children were spending after-school hours in aviation model stations. At a later stage, young people of talent create real airplanes and demonstrate them at Tushino aviation exhibitions. Owing to the wide interest in aviation and the public ownership of factories, a bright Soviet youth who invents a new type of airplane may get it constructed by his factory sports club and show it off. At one of the aviation festivals I attended, I saw a score of different amateur planes, including every possible shape of flying object – short, stubby ones, long thin ones, others shaped like different kinds of insects. They added greatly to the gaiety of the occasion. Whether or not they produced any really valuable new invention, they at least encouraged the inventiveness of their makers.

pg. 72

In the past two years, especially, all this training has been given a very realistic turn. [...] Only a month before the Germans attacked the Soviet borders, 7,000 Moscow citizens practiced a special drill in repulsing parachute troops over the week end. The large numbers of such trained citizenry, both among recruits entering the Red Army and among the older citizens assisting it, greatly add to the Soviet Union’s total defense.

pg. 73

[scotianostra]

Reverend Patrick Bell was born on May 12th 1799 at Auchterhouse near Dundee.

Born into a farming family Bell was brought up at the farrm at Mid Leoch and attended Auchterhouse Parish School before going on to study divinity at the University of St Andrews, leading to a career in the clergy.

It’s not as man of god that the good Reverend is remembered for, although he was a good man of the cloth, the reason for this post and how he went down in history is that he came up with an idea that saved a lot of time for farmers the world over in his invention of a reaping machine.

This reaping machine used a revolving 12 vane reel to pull the crop over the cutting knife, that was made from triangular reciprocating blades over fixed triangular blades. A canvas conveyor moved the grain and stalks to the side in a windrow. This machine was pushed by livestock and ran on 2 wheels.

Bell had a very analytical mind and was especially interested in engineering. He installed a gas lighting system at Mid Leoch and even took an interest in the cultivation of sugar beet, growing some and extracting sugar from it a century before the industry came to Scotland.

Many people, historians included, have mistakenly credited Cyrus McCormick of America as the inventor of the reaper in 1831. However it should be Patrick Bell who is recognised as the designer of a machine that was deemed far more efficient and reliable than any previous attempts. Four of his reapers went to America where it is likely they influenced the designs of both McCormick and his contemporary Obed Hussey.

On 10th of September 1828 he demonstrated his invention and later received a favourable report in the “Quarterly Journal of Agriculture” and received a premium of £50 from the Highland Agricultural Society, which barely covered costs.

Being a man of god, Bell did not file for a patent believing that his invention should benefit all. This led to various copies being made that were inferior to the Bell-made machines and they did nothing to encourage widespread usage. However around 10 of Bell’s machines that were sold in east central Scotland were sold in east central Scotland and, as previously mentioned, four crossed the Atlantic, others went to Australia and Poland.

At this time in history labour was still cheap and many farmers did not see the benefit of such a machine, preferring to stay with traditional methods. This was another case of a good invention being too far ahead of its time. However, the Bell machine was to prove itself as far as reliability and longevity was concerned, as the original machine continued for many harvests at Mid Leoch before going to work for many more at his brother’s Inchmichael Farm.

In 1852 it was put in a good state of repair and shown at the Highland Show at Perth where it was thought by many to be the latest machine on the market. However, the Americans eventually began to sell greater quantities of reaping machines no doubt due to their lightness, manoeuvrability and competitive mass-produced pricing.

Meanwhile, now ordained, the Reverend Bell became minister of Carmyllie parish where he continued an interest in engineering, working at his bench at the manse. He remained unaffected by all the clamour that his machine had caused.

The Inchmichael machine, fastidiously looked after by his brother, ended up in the Science Museum in London where it still resides today.

Two contemporary models of the machine were presented to the National Museum and one is on show at the National Museum of Rural Life at Kittochside, East Kilbride. A third was presented by his daughters to the agricultural department of Aberdeen University.

Today’s combine harvester has thus developed from the work of two ingenious Scotsmen - it is a combination of Andrew Meikle’s threshing mechanism and Patrick Bell’s reaper.

The second pic is one of The Rev's reaping machine, only a small number of these machines were constructed, and the extant of Bell's influence has been controversial. Four were exported to the USA before 1831, but the same year Cyrus McCormick introduced a more commercially successful machine. At the Great Exhibition in 1851 American reapers from McCormick and Hussey created a stir and helped to promote the acceptance of reapers in this country. However, Bell received belated recognition for his pioneering work and in 1867, two years before his death, he was awarded a £1000 prize by the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. The contraption is on display at the Science Museum in London

[hcartcorruptcd]

ELLINGTON "EL" TAYLOR survived another night. The town would certainly feel less safe without a them close by. Not to mention, we can’t lose another LEVEL THREE MECHANIC, plus they’re only THIRTY-THREE years old. Crazy to think, it’s been TWO YEARS since their arrival, though in a place like Oblitus it can feel much longer. Good thing they’re staying at the RESIDENTIAL AREA. Almost like it happened yesterday, they still remember LONDON, ENGLAND, and where they came from. It’s no secret, they were LEAVING THE AIRPORT FROM A WORK TRIP when they came across the tree, and is still keeping them up at night. Truth be told, they’re awfully COMEDIC and DISTANT, but they’ve survived this long. Well, it’s almost day light again, maybe they’ll play SITTIN ON THE DOCK OF THE BAY by OTIS REDDING this time. Welcome to another night in Oblitus, please don’t open the doors. (fitz, 27, he/him, est)

BASIC INFORMATION

NAME: Ellington "El" Taylor GENDER: Non-binary (they/them) NICKNAMES: El BIRTHDAY: April 23, 1991 AGE: 33 ASTROLOGY: Taurus Sun, Taurus Moon, Cancer Rising SEXUALITY: Lesbian HOMETOWN: London, England BIRTHPLACE: London, England RELIGION: Agnostic EDUCATION: Master of Engineering (MEng) in Aerospace Engineering from Imperial College London RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Single

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

HEIGHT: 5'8' EYES: Green HAIR: Brown BUILD: Slim DISTINGUISHING MARKS: Large back tattoo of an airplane

PERSONALITY & BEHAVIOR

HOBBIES: Model Plane Building, Stargazing, Gardening, Cooking/Baking, Vinyl Record Collecting, Photography LIKES: Routine, Neatness, Reading, Meaningful Conversations DISLIKES: Rashness, Superficiality, Crowds, Loud Noises. QUIRKS: Fidgets, Slightly Mismatched clothing, Ritualistic morning routine, Collects small objects. STRENGTHS: Patient, reliable, empathetic, determined WEAKNESSES: Stubborn, overly-cautious, emotional absorption.

BACKSTORY:

you can find the full story here.

BACKSTORY BULLET POINTS ( tw: addiction. overdose. death. )

Family: Youngest of three; parents instilled a love for precision (mother was a nurse, father an engineer). Childhood: Quiet, introverted, obsessed with model planes; early fascination with aircraft due to father’s influence; El's mother hurts her back lifting a patient and begins on a tumultuous path with prescription pain killers. Teen Years: Developed a passion for aviation; earned a private pilot's license at 18; inspired by father's military stories to join the Royal Air Force (RAF). Tragedy: Just before leaving for basic training for the RAF, El's mother overdoses on heroin. Military Career: Served as an aircraft technician in the RAF, excelling in aircraft quality assurance; served for five years. Education: Left the RAF and earned a Master of Engineering (MEng) in Aerospace Engineering from Imperial College London in 2019. Post-Military: Worked as a global aerospace quality assurance engineer, conducting aircraft inspections. Personal Life: Had a serious relationship with Maude, a fellow servicewoman, but they broke up due to emotional differences. Trapped: On their way back from a work trip in 2023, encountered the mysterious tree in the road and became trapped in a strange town with no way out. Life in Town: Struggles with anxiety and the loss of routine but uses their problem-solving skills and military training to contribute to the community.

WHERE WAS YOUR CHARACTER WHEN THEY SAW THE TREE AND THE MURDER OF CROWS? WHERE WERE THEY GOING? WERE THEY TRAVELLING ALONE? HOW DID THEY FEEL?

As El returned from a work trip, their mind was still filled with thoughts of quality checks on the latest aircraft. The long day at the facility had drained them, yet the routine of their job had provided a comforting structure amid the chaos of the town they found themselves in. The evening air was cool as they drove, the familiar route easing their mind, but the calm was shattered when they encountered a massive fallen tree blocking the road. “Of course there’s a tree in the road,” El muttered, rubbing the back of their neck as they slowed the car. The sight felt surreal—like something out of a horror film rather than the mundane reality they had come to accept. The tree lay sprawled across the asphalt, roots exposed like the twisted fingers of a buried hand clawing for freedom. They parked a few feet away and stepped out, heart racing as the cawing of a murder of crows echoed ominously overhead. “What now?” El sighed, running a hand through their brown hair. The tree, large and menacing, seemed to loom over them, its presence a stark reminder that this town was anything but ordinary. El's analytical mind, trained to assess and diagnose issues in aircraft systems, began to work overtime. “This must have fallen recently,” they thought, observing the fresh splintering at the base and the disturbed ground. Their engineer instincts kicked in, but an unsettling feeling prickled at their skin. The air felt heavy, as if the tree had absorbed the darkness of the night. Stepping closer, El felt a wave of anxiety wash over them. The crows’ caws intensified, and they glanced up, trying to read the sky for answers. “It’s just a tree, right?” they reasoned, but something in their gut whispered otherwise. They took a deep breath, trying to shake off the discomfort that had settled in. “Just get past it, El,” they urged themselves, but the sight of the tree held them captive. The serene world of aircraft engineering felt a million miles away. “What if this is a sign?” El took a step back, the urge to turn around growing stronger. Their practical nature battled with an emotional intuition that had been sharpened by their experiences in this strange place. “No need to tempt fate,” they decided, finally pivoting on their heel, ready to find another route.

DESCRIBE YOUR CHARACTERS FIRST DAY/NIGHT IN TOWN. DID THEY ARRIVE IN THE DAYTIME? WERE THEY WARNED BY THE RESIDENTS? DID THEY HAVE TO BE RESTRAINED?

El's first day in town was a slow descent into confusion and dread. After arriving in the late afternoon, they felt an uneasy air of anticipation wrapping around them. The sun hung low, casting an orange hue over the streets, but as they drove through, an unsettling realization struck: every turn led them back to the same spot. It was as if the town itself conspired against them, trapping them within its confines. After several frustrating attempts to leave, El began to feel the weight of impending nightfall pressing down on them. Just as the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon, they spotted a townsfolk wandering by—a woman with wide eyes, her demeanor frantic and wild. Desperation surged through El as they pulled over, stepping out of the car and rushing toward her. “Please, can you help me? I can’t leave!” they exclaimed, shaking her shoulders gently. “What is happening here? Why can’t I get out?” The woman’s eyes widened in alarm, and she took a step back, her hands trembling. “You have to stay away from the trees and—” she started, but El’s mind raced, logic slipping away as panic gripped their chest. In an instant, the serene engineer was replaced by a whirlwind of anxiety. “No! This doesn’t make sense!” El gasped, their breath coming in quick bursts. The world around them began to spin, shadows stretching and creeping closer, and they could feel the pressure building in their chest as the realization of their captivity hit home. “Breathe, El! Just breathe!” they muttered to themselves, trying to cling to the remnants of their calm nature, but it felt futile. The anxiety attack washed over them like a tidal wave, and they stumbled back, disoriented and gasping for air. Within moments, the townspeople had gathered, understanding the urgency of the situation. They moved in, gentle but firm, restraining El as the darkness thickened around them. “You can’t be out here when it’s dark,” one of them said, voice steady, almost soothing amidst the chaos. El's heart raced, and they fought against their hold, a mixture of fear and frustration coursing through them. “I just want to go home!” they cried out, but deep down, they knew that was no longer an option. The sun had set, and with it, the true nature of this place began to reveal itself. As night enveloped the town, El felt the reality of their situation sink in, the comforting familiarity of their engineer’s mind now a distant memory.

WHAT DID THEY LEAVE BEHIND? WHAT WAS THEIR LIFE LIKE ON THE OUTSIDE?

Before El found themselves trapped in the mysterious town, their life outside was one of structured routine and quiet heartache. As an aerospace engineer, El thrived in their work, meticulously overseeing quality checks on aircraft and collaborating with a dedicated team. Their days were filled with problem-solving and innovation, but the weight of a recent breakup lingered heavily on their shoulders. El's life was centered in London, where they lived in a cozy apartment adorned with model planes, vinyl records, and a small herb garden that they tended to with care. Although they cherished the serene evenings spent stargazing from their balcony, contemplating the vastness of the universe, the shadows of their past relationship cast a long pall over their thoughts. El had recently broken up with Lila, an artist whose vibrant spirit had once breathed life into their more structured world. Their relationship had been passionate and creative, but the differences that once attracted them eventually created rifts that were too wide to bridge. Lila’s spontaneity and free-spirited nature often clashed with El’s need for stability and routine, leading to a heartbreaking conclusion. Their last conversation still echoed in El’s mind—an emotional farewell that left them feeling adrift, yearning for the connection they had lost. Now, facing the horrors of their new reality, El felt the ache of what they had left behind—an unfulfilled life, a job they loved, and the memories of laughter and friendship shared with Lila. Those recollections became increasingly distant, tantalizing yet painfully unreachable, as they grappled with the chilling thought of whether they would ever return to that life or if they were destined to remain in this endless nightmare, haunted by both the town and the echoes of a lost love.

CONNECTIONS IDEAS

Mentor-Like Figure: El has bonded with an older resident who has been stuck in the town for much longer. This person could serve as a mentor, helping El navigate the strange rules and creatures that roam at night. Close Confidants: After two years, El has found people they trust deeply and they all rely on each other for survival. A Rivalry Turned Alliance: This is another resident who challenges El’s way of thinking, maybe someone more impulsive or emotionally driven. They clash over how to handle their entrapment, but after a crisis (like a close encounter with the night creatures), they realize that working together is the only way forward. Unspoken Romantic Tension: El develops a complex connection with someone in town who reminds them of what it is like caring for someone else romantically, sparking a mix of nostalgia and hesitation. Their connection could be subtle and unspoken for a long time, with moments of vulnerability and near-confession. The town’s dangerous environment could keep them from pursuing anything deeper out of fear of attachment and loss. Sibling Dynamic: El has taken a protective role over someone younger, perhaps a teenager or a young adult who stumbled into the town recently. This person could look up to El, relying on their patience and problem-solving abilities. Resource Exchange: El has a transactional relationship with another resident (neighbor?), where they trade resources, skills, or information. This person might be particularly good at scavenging or making life in the town bearable, while El offers practical engineering skills, such as maintaining equipment or building makeshift defenses against the night creatures. Newcomers: After being trapped for two years, El encounters a new arrival who refuses to accept the reality of the town, mirroring El's own initial reaction. The newcomer’s optimism might trigger memories of when El still believed in escape, creating a bittersweet dynamic.

LEARN & LISTEN: pinterest, playlist.

[scorched-earth-stories]

heyo, little intro from me here!

I’m theo (they/them). this was just going to a place for me to vaguepost into the void, I’ll probably still do that quite a bit to clear my stupid brain, but I’ve decided it’s as good a place as any to rant about my wips.

My main wip is a steampunkesque adventure set in a London ravaged by solar storms. This has forced the majority of the population to live underground, in London Beneath, they are classed subterran. A smaller proportion of the population emerged from the solar storms with unusual magics and a natural resistance to the deadly power of the sun, they are classed as celestian.

The story follows Hawk, a subterran mechanic, who, by complete accident manages to save the life of Princess Cecelia, the girl she’s considered her nemesis since she was nine years old. This turns her life upside down, when as thanks for saving her daughter, the Queen makes Hawk a maidservant to Princess Cecelia. The notion entirely ridiculous, Hawk is a six foot three, giant of a mechanic often found in greasy coveralls and she would not be seen dead in the pretty maids’ clothes now required of her. Being maidservant to the Princess is a fate worse than death. In fact, she is sure her life is majorly at risk, after all what happened to the last ten maidservants that barely lasted a day in the palace?

Hawk soon finds herself wishing she’d left the Princess for dead. But Cecelia being the biggest bitch topside becomes the least of Hawk’s worries when kidnappings and assassinations become a major part of her daily life.

For some reason it’s up to Hawk of all people to keep the Princess from certain death.

Hawk is desperate to be someone, to be important, but she doesn’t really believe she ever will be. But in reality, she is one of the most important people in the country.

Cece is destined to be the most important in the country, but all she wants is to be free, all she needs is to be rescued.

This is a tale of a hero and her princess, and their journey to truth, love and understanding.

I’m also working on a video game story about a peaceful nomadic race of aliens called the Luhrien who travel the universe, fleeing from the Imur who have persecuted them for millennia. They followed a signal believing it to be their salvation, but in the end, it turns out to be their downfall. The story will be told through the eyes of the player, a young space archaeologist many millennia later as they go on their first adventure and have to puzzle together the downfall of these two warring civilisations.

I’m also an engineer and developer but that’s just my day job, who cares about that?

I’ll probably also ramble on a lot on here about being aroace and general vents about whatever is annoying me at that point

But hey if you’re still here, feel free to reach out if you wanna talk about writing, chat shit, or hell you need advice, I’m pretty good at that too.

theo <3

[theadrogna]

Dream Movie Challenge

@singledarkshade set us a Dream Movie Challenge and gave me the following cast:

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds - Babs Olusnamokun The Bear - Liza Colon-Zayas Slow Horses - Gary Oldman Umbrella Academy - Aidan Gallagher 911 - Angela Bassett Beyond Paradise - Zahra Ahmadi Wild Card - Martin Sheen Item - A Pack Of Cards (playing or tarot)

Synopsis:

Some people feel more than others, these are Affinates, people who have such an intense Affinity for something that they can read it better than anyone else, and even manipulate its forces. Governments around the world have kept this fact a secret. There are more of them every day and no one knows why. The Affinity Unit is set up to unpick the mystery and deal with the new crimes that are created by these remarkable people. When Arden discovers her Affinity for fire, she is pulled into the strange world of people for whom the usual rules do not apply, where she only has a young, brash American with an Affinity for water as her guide. Together they must discover who is killing Affinates and what the motive behind it is.

Gilgamesh (Gil) Fontenot (Aidan Gallagher) – As a baby Gil was rescued from the flooding caused by hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. His parents were never found. He is a recent recruit of the Affinity Unit and has worked for them for just over a year, straight out of his basic training with the FBI. He is a skilled investigator and a water Affinate. He lives on a house boat on the Thames, preferring to be close to the water at all times.

Arden Flammel (Zahra Ahmadi) – There’s a video of Arden being rescued from a burning multistorey building by firefighters. The fire made the news and killed her parents. She was only two at the time, and had nightmares for years afterwards. She raised by the firefighter who saved her, and followed in her father’s footsteps. She became a fire investigator with the London Fire Brigade.

Noële Travere (Angela Bassett) – A former Interpol Agent based in Paris, Noële is an experienced law enforcement officer who now heads up the Affinity Unit. She developed affinity late in life and no one is sure of her story. Her Affinity is for plants and her office is full of house plants on the verge of death that she lovingly brings back to life.

Harry Merchant (Gary Oldman) – An earthquake scientist who first identified the phenomenon of Affinity when he became one himself. He has an Affinity for stone, and was caught in a collapsing building, barely escaping with his life. Always impeccably dressed, he is occasionally called away to earthquake zones to identify points of stress and when the next quake might be. He says that he can now feel the rhythms of the earth. He is interested in trying to understand the mechanism behind Affinity and has all but abandoned his seismological research to work with Shirley on Affinity.

Shirley Ortiz (Liza Colon-Zayas) – Not an Affinate herself, but her son was one. He had a deep Affinity for machines, working as a Formula 1 engineer, and is currently missing. She is a pathologist and works with the Affinity Unit, helping them to research and solve mysteries. She also assists Harry with his research on the biological side.

Oluwatobi (Tobi) Iku (Babs Olusanmokun) – An assassin for hire, Tobi Iku was buried alive with his dead by his abusive father mother. He was eight years old at the time. When his aunt rescued him from the coffin, his first act was to kill his father. He is a rare Affinate who has an Affinity for death and can work out how to kill someone by simply starting a chain reaction of events.

Max McDowall (Martin Sheen) – An American billionaire who made his money in oil and is deeply suspicious of Affinity. He has firmly held beliefs that conspiracy theories are real and is the force behind the deaths and kidnappings.

Plot:

The story opens with a fire in St Martin’s church, London, that Arden is investigating. A single tarot card is affixed to the outside of the church door, Death. Whilst investigating, the body of a man is uncovered and instead of the police investigating, the case is taken over by Interpol agent, Gil Fontenot. Arden has little time for brash Gil, who seems to have a very strange way of investigating, tracing the lines of the water used to put out the fire and then the patterns of blood from the dead man, which should have been destroyed by the fire. However, he is struck by her fire investigation capabilities and recognises her as a fellow Affinate. He recruits her to the top secret Affinity Unit and helps her to recognise her power for what it is.

During their investigation they find that Tobi Iku is likely responsible for the body in the church – his calling card is the tarot card - and that he has been employed by someone very powerful. Gil has tangled with Tobi before and only barely lived to tell the tale. They race to protect the person identified as his next victim, but ultimately fail, leaving them disheartened and Arden wonders why she thought she could help.

Gil and Arden follow the clues to a warehouse in docklands where there is evidence that experiments are being conducted on Affinates. They are locked into a room within the warehouse and gassed into unconsciousness. They awake to find themselves on a ship at sea, the latest kidnap victims, and they are taken to a lab where blood is taken before they are thrown back in a brig. McDowall makes a brief appearance to see how his project is progressing, but Gil is somewhat distracted by the huge amount of water around him which messes with his Affinity and overwhelms him. Arden has to rescue them, which she does by destroying the boat’s engine using her Affinity for fire and pulling Gil out of his dazed state. The crew abandon ship, leaving Arden and Gil to die.

They call for help, and just have time to grab some important documents left behind. Gil uses his Affinity to ensure they stay afloat and they are picked up from the Atlantic by a military vessel sent by the Affinity Unit.

They analyse the data they have found, and realise that McDowall is trying to find a way to give non-Affinates their abilities, and ultimately combine all the Affinities into a single drug that he can sell to the highest bidder. Potentially this would build an army of super soldiers and destabilise the world. Harry creates a controversial drug that would remove Affinity and makes just two doses, for emergencies only. The Affinity Unit pull together all their resources for one final showdown with McDowall in Iceland, where he plans to demonstrate the capabilities of his Synthetic Affinates.

The Affinity Unity make use of all their contacts to destroy McDowall’s base and rescue Shirley’s son. The final showdown sees McDowall dosing himself up on fire Affinity and facing off against Arden, using a volcano as their weapons. Meanwhile Gil finally gets to finish his encounter with Tobi and this time gets the upper hand, using Harry’s anti-affinity drug to stop Tobi, who miscalculates and accidentally kills himself with set of circumstances meant to kill Gil.

The Affinates go home, knowing that the world is saved.

[usafphantom2]

World War Two experimental catapult unearthed by archaeologists

17 hours ago

Bird's eye view of excavated Harwell catapultMOLA

The prototype catapult was unearthed at the site of a Harwell Science and Innovation Campus development

An experimental catapult designed to launch World War Two bomber planes into the sky has been excavated.

The prototype Royal Aircraft Establishment Mark III Catapult was unearthed at the site of a development at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.

It was made to enable take-offs using shorter runways and so the planes could be loaded with more fuel.

The contraption was built between 1938 and 1940 when the site was RAF Harwell.

The structure was filled in and by 1941 a normal runway was built across part of it

Archaeologists have been excavating the catapult's arms

However, the project was abandoned without ever launching an aircraft, because the engines would wear out and the design did not properly fit the bomber planes.

The mechanism was taken out and a normal runway built over the top.

The technology was a precursor to Catapult Armed Merchant (CAM) ships, which launched Hawker Hurricanes at sea via rocket-propelled catapults.

How was the catapult meant to work?

A turntable directed the planes to one of two short runways

A large rotating turntable directed aircraft towards one of two concrete track runways only 82m (269ft) long

The aircraft was attached to an underground pneumatic ram using a towing hook

Underneath the turntable Rolls-Royce Kestrel aero engines compressed air to 2,000 psi to drive the ram

High-pressured air was forced into the pneumatic ram, which rapidly expanded to the length of the guided track

The bomber would then be catapulted into the sky

The project was abandoned without ever launching an aircraft

Archaeologists at the Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) have now recreated a 3D digital replica of the remains.

Project officer Susan Porter said: "This fascinating structure reminds us of the rapid experimentation and innovation of the interwar years and World War Two.

"Crucially, recording the location and appearance of every inch means that the catapult is preserved by record for future generations."

The catapult has now been dismantled to allow construction works in the area to continue

The catapult has now been dismantled to allow construction works in the area to continue, though the remains are being archived.

Excavations also uncovered large lights from another nearby runway, and a light anti-aircraft gun emplacement used to defend it from attack.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk.

[mediamonarchy]

https://mediamonarchy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240409_MorningMonarchy.mp3 Download MP3 Diverted flights, gold mafias and making the moon trains run on time + this day in history w/GPS rollover events and our song of the day by K-Rino on your #MorningMonarchy for April 9, 2024. Notes/Links: Video: Hobo Etiquette’s Trump Hole Sun (Audio) https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/379774652719038466/1227020322977611776/1712614467291.mp4?ex=6626e2b9&is=66146db9&hm=5496d3ab9d8c4b9b3f2c67222f7230ea7503aecd8ce52ef3bba14acb3128c80d& Blinken’s Boeing 737 plane suffers mechanical failure en route to NATO meetings https://insiderpaper.com/blinkens-boeing-737-plane-suffers-mechanical-failure-en-route-to-nato-meetings/ Antony Blinken Tied To Jeffrey Epstein: Went To School Where He Taught, Family Connected To Epstein’s Mistress; Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s stepfather was a close confidant and lawyer for Ghislaine Maxwell’s father Robert Maxwell. (Sep. 4, 2021) https://nationalfile.com/antony-blinken-tied-to-jeffrey-epstein-went-to-school-where-he-taught-family-connected-to-epsteins-mistress/ United Airlines flight to London diverted to O’Hare airport due to cracked windshield, FAA says (Apr. 1, 2024) https://abc7chicago.com/united-airlines-cracked-windshield-boeing-787-faa/14602346/ Southwest flight to Houston returned to Denver after engine cowling detached mid-air https://airlive.net/emergency/2024/04/07/breaking-southwest-boeing-737-made-an-emergency-in-denver-after-engine-cowling-detached-mid-air/ Video: Southwest flight from Colorado to Houston turns around after engine cover falls off during takeoff (Audio) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O95m0GUSQmI Disinformation “Expert” Tells People To Only Use “Trusted Sources,” Avoid “Doing Your Own Research” https://reclaimthenet.org/disinformation-expert-tells-people-to-only-use-trusted-sources 68k.news: Headlines from the Future http://68k.news/ RBZ unveils new gold-backed ZiG currency to replace Zimbabwe dollar https://www.zimbabwesituation.com/news/rbz-unveils-new-gold-backed-zig-currency-to-replace-zimbabwe-dollar/ Zimbabwe introduces new gold-backed currency to tackle inflation; Zimbabweans have 21 days to convert their old cash into new money, according to the central bank https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/5/zimbabwe-introduces-new-gold-backed-currency-to-tackle-inflation Zimbabwe launches new gold-backed currency – ZiG https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68736155 Here is how to convert your Zimdollar balances to Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) https://www.newsday.co.zw/opinion-analysis/article/200025272/how-to-convert-your-zimdollar-balances-zig Zimbabwe introduces RTGS dollar to solve currency problem (Feb. 26, 2019) https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-47361572 Video: Al Jazeera’s Gold Mafia: Episode 1 – The Laundry Service (Audio) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evWEuVR1XIs Video: Al Jazeera’s Gold Mafia: Episode 2 – Smoke & Mirrors https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYIcCoYt9YE Video: Al Jazeera’s Gold Mafia: Episode 3 – El Dorado https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP_rhbJHokw Video: Al Jazeera’s Gold Mafia: Episode 4 – Have The King With You https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEWehVHs8fc Saints Alive! ‘Millions’ Believe In The Power of Money https://mediamonarchy.com/saints-alive-millions-believe-in-the-power-of-money/ Smartphone App Detects Early Signs of FTD https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/smartphone-app-detects-early-signs-frontotemporal-dementia-2024a10006ds Northrop Grumman to Develop Concept for Lunar Railroad; “Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has been selected by DARPA to further develop the concept of building a moon-based railroad network as part of the broader 10-year Lunar Architecture (LunA-10) Capability Study.” https://news.northropgrumman.com/news/releases/northrop-grumman-to-develop-concept-for-lunar-railroad Image: @Hybrid’s Cover Art – SSS’s ‘MMT’ https://mediamonarchy.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/20240409_MorningMonarchy.jpg White House Tells NASA to Create...

[workpermitz]

Why Work In The UK? Exploring Job Vacancies And The Top 10 Highest Paid Professions In 2023

The United Kingdom, often referred to as the UK, has long been a favoured destination for individuals seeking new career opportunities and a high standard of living. With its rich history, diverse culture, and thriving job market, the UK remains an attractive option for job seekers worldwide. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why you should consider working in the UK, explore the current job vacancies, and highlight the top 10 highest paid professions in 2023 along with their annual salaries.

Why Work in the UK?

1. Economic Stability

The UK boasts a stable and robust economy, making it an ideal place to pursue your career goals. Despite global economic fluctuations, the country has consistently demonstrated resilience and growth, creating a secure environment for professionals across various industries.

2. Multicultural Society

The UK is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. This diversity fosters a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, allowing individuals from different backgrounds to thrive and feel at home. Working in such a multicultural environment can be an enriching experience both personally and professionally.

3. Access to World-Class Education

For those with families, the UK offers access to some of the world's best educational institutions. Whether you have school-age children or are considering furthering your own education, the UK provides ample opportunities for personal and academic growth.

4. Healthcare Benefits

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) provides free healthcare services to residents. This means you and your family can access quality medical care without worrying about high medical expenses.

5. Cultural and Recreational Opportunities

From historic landmarks to vibrant cities, the UK offers an array of cultural and recreational activities. Whether you prefer exploring museums, enjoying live performances, or hiking in the picturesque countryside, the UK has something to offer everyone.

Job Vacancies in the UK

The UK job market is diverse, catering to a wide range of skill sets and professions. As of 2023, here are some of the sectors with promising job vacancies:

1. Information Technology (IT)

The IT sector continues to flourish in the UK, with a high demand for software developers, data scientists, and cybersecurity experts.

2. Healthcare

The healthcare industry consistently seeks qualified professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and healthcare administrators.

3. Finance and Banking

London, the UK's financial hub, provides numerous opportunities for finance professionals, including investment bankers, financial analysts, and accountants.

4. Engineering

The engineering sector requires skilled individuals in various fields, such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.

5. Creative Industries

The UK's creative industries encompass film, television, advertising, and design, offering opportunities for artists, writers, and multimedia professionals.

Top 10 Highest Paid Professions in the UK (2023)

For those aspiring to earn a substantial income in the UK, here are the top 10 highest paid professions in 2023, along with their average annual salaries:

Surgeon: Surgeons top the list with an average annual salary of approximately £112,000. Their expertise and the critical nature of their work command a high income.

Anesthesiologist: Anesthesiologists closely follow, earning an average of £110,000 per year for their crucial role in surgical procedures.

Dentist: Dentists earn around £90,000 annually, reflecting the importance of oral healthcare.

General Practitioner (GP): GPs, who provide primary healthcare services, have an average salary of £80,000 per year.

Pharmacist: Pharmacists earn approximately £70,000 annually, ensuring access to essential medications for the public.

IT Director: IT Directors oversee technology strategies and earn an average of £65,000 per year.

Marketing Director: Marketing Directors command an average salary of £60,000, reflecting the importance of strategic marketing.

Finance Director: Finance Directors in the UK earn around £60,000, overseeing financial operations for organizations.

Legal Director: Legal Directors, responsible for legal affairs, earn an average of £58,000 annually.

Aircraft Pilot: Aircraft Pilots round out the top 10, with an average annual salary of £55,000 for their role in ensuring safe air travel.

These figures are approximate and can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and employer. However, they provide a general overview of the earning potential in these professions in the UK.

In conclusion, the United Kingdom offers a wealth of opportunities for individuals seeking fulfilling careers and a high standard of living. Its stable economy, diverse culture, and strong job market make it an attractive destination for job seekers worldwide. With numerous job vacancies across various sectors and the potential for lucrative incomes, the UK remains a top choice for those looking to advance their careers in 2023 and beyond.

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[senthilacl]

Quantum Computing in Telecom: Revolutionizing Networks with AI and Security

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently underscored the disruptive power of quantum computing, stating it could solve problems that would take “years of processing” on even Nvidia’s most advanced AI systems. He predicted quantum computing would tackle “some interesting problems” shortly, setting a bold vision for industries like telecommunications.

As the telecom industry races toward 6G and beyond, the demand for real-time data processing, AI-driven optimization, and robust security is pushing the limits of classical computing. Enter quantum computing — a transformative technology leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to tackle complex problems at unprecedented speeds.

Unlike classical computers that process bits (0 or 1), quantum computers use qubits, which, through superposition, can represent both states simultaneously. This unique capability makes quantum computing a game-changer for the telecom industry, particularly when paired with artificial intelligence (AI) and applied to use cases such as network optimization and quantum-safe security.

In this article, we delve into how leading telecom operators — Vodafone, BT, Verizon, and SK Telecom — are leveraging quantum computing to transform their networks, drawing insights from recent industry developments.

Operator Strategies: Pioneering Quantum in Telecom

1. Vodafone: Optimizing Global Networks with Photonic Quantum Computing

Vodafone is at the forefront of using photonic quantum computing, specifically ORCA Computing’s PT-2 Series, to optimize network design and planning. Their initial focus is on solving computationally intensive fiber cable routing problems, aiming to reduce cable length, optimize mobile base station locations, and minimize civil engineering costs. Looking ahead, Vodafone plans to model its global infrastructure, including its undersea cable network (handling ~1/6 of global internet traffic) and satellite-based direct-to-mobile broadband services. This approach promises cost savings, improved efficiency, and scalability for managing a vast telecom footprint.

2. BT: Leading with Quantum-Safe Security and Beyond

BT is prioritizing quantum-safe security through QKD and PQC while also exploring quantum sensing and network optimization. They’ve deployed the UK’s first commercial quantum-secured metro network in London, enabling ultra-secure data transmission for businesses like HSBC and EY. BT is also trialing long-distance quantum key distribution (QKD), including satellite-based systems, to extend the secure communication range. Their Quantum Link Assurance System (QLAS) uses quantum sensing for precise network monitoring and fault detection, enhancing resilience. Additionally, BT is investigating quantum algorithms for network optimization, including efficient resource allocation and signal processing, although this is still in its early stages.

3. Verizon: Building the Quantum Internet and Enhancing AI

Verizon is taking a multifaceted approach, focusing on quantum-safe security, quantum networking, and quantum-enhanced AI. They’ve conducted QKD pilots in Washington, D.C., to secure live video streams and detect eavesdropping, aligning with ITU-T Y.3800 standards. As a partner in the U.S. DOE’s Q-NEXT initiative, Verizon is contributing to quantum internet development, exploring quantum repeaters and hybrid quantum-classical architectures. Additionally, they’re researching Quantum Machine Learning (QML) to improve network analytics, predictive maintenance, and resource allocation, positioning themselves for smarter, more efficient networks.

4. SK Telecom: Integrating Quantum with AI and Security

SK Telecom is a global leader in quantum adoption, integrating quantum technologies for both security and AI-driven optimization. In October 2024, they launched a hybrid QKD-PQC encryption solution, compliant with NIST standards, for secure key exchange in 5G backbones, VPNs, and data centers. Their Quantum-Safe-as-a-Service (QaaS), deployed with partners like Nokia and ID Quantique at Equinix’s Seoul data center, extends quantum security to enterprises. SK Telecom’s partnership with IonQ (February 2025) embeds trapped-ion quantum computing into AI platforms, enhancing Personal AI Agents, AI data centers, and Edge AI operations for faster, power-efficient processing. Their leadership in global standards (ITU-T, ETSI) and the X Quantum alliance solidifies their position as a pioneer in quantum telecom.

Category

Operator

Operator Initiative / Use Case

Use Case Impact

Network Planning & Optimization

Vodafone

It utilizes photonic quantum computing (via ORCA) to optimize fiber routing, reduce cable length, and minimize civil work, with plans to model undersea cables and satellite broadband infrastructure.

Solves complex network design problems faster, lowering costs and improving rollout efficiency.

BT

Exploring quantum algorithms for efficient network layouts, signal processing, and resource allocation.

Early-stage research shows the potential to enhance telecom infrastructure design and efficiency.

SK Telecom

Integrates IonQ’s trapped-ion quantum computing into AI workflows for optimizing AI data centers and Edge AI networks.

Enables faster, more efficient network automation using AI-quantum collaboration.

Quantum-Safe Security

BT

Deploys Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) in London metro networks and explores Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs).

Delivers quantum-resilient security and counters future threats like “harvest now, decrypt later.”

Verizon

Conducts real-world QKD pilots to secure live video streams and aligns with ITU-T QKD standards for tamper-evident encryption.

Strengthens critical infrastructure against evolving quantum-based cyberattacks.

SK Telecom

Offers hybrid QKD + PQC encryption and Quantum-as-a-Service (QaaS) with Equinix and leads global standards in quantum-secure networks.

Secures 5G, VPN, and data center links with future-proof encryption systems.

Quantum Networking & Internet

BT

Trials long-range QKD, including satellite-based communication, to broaden quantum-secure connectivity.

Expands quantum-safe communication beyond fiber limits.

Verizon

Partner in Q-NEXT (U.S. DOE initiative) to develop the quantum internet with quantum repeaters and hybrid architectures.

Pioneers scalable and secure telecom networks of the future.

Quantum-Enhanced AI & ML

Verizon

Researches Quantum Machine Learning (QML) to improve telecom analytics, predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and resource allocation.

It delivers real-time insights, improves operational intelligence, and reduces costs.

SK Telecom

Embeds IonQ quantum processors into AI platforms (e.g., Personal AI Agents, AI data centers, Edge AI) for faster, lower-power telecom-scale AI workloads.

Enhances processing efficiency and enables next-gen intelligent telecom services.

Quantum Sensing & Timing

BT

Builds Quantum Link Assurance System (QLAS) and explores quantum-based timing for precise monitoring, fault detection, and synchronization.

Enhances network reliability and resilience, enabling predictive maintenance.

Challenges and Opportunities

The promise of quantum computing in telecom is tempered by significant challenges, particularly in the Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum (NISQ) era. Current quantum computers are limited by the number of qubits, lack of fault tolerance, and high costs, which restrict their near-term impact. Ericsson’s research highlights that while quantum annealers can achieve a speedup of up to 29 times for optimization tasks, quantum machine learning models require 20 times fewer trainable parameters. These systems are slower than state-of-the-art classical computers. Additionally, Ericsson notes that quantum computers will only add significant value to telecom network infrastructure when they become scalable and fault-tolerant, a milestone likely 10–15 years away.

The computational complexity of telecom problems, such as the quadratic scaling of qubit requirements for tasks like Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR) minimization, further complicates the adoption of these solutions.

Security is another critical concern: as quantum computers advance, they could break widely used cryptographic algorithms, thereby threatening the integrity of 5G networks. . However, hybrid classical-quantum approaches are bridging these gaps, improving solution quality for large-scale problems, while operators like BT, Verizon, and SK Telecom are proactively deploying Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to counter these risks.

Key Takeaways and Predictions

Key Takeaways

Quantum computing enhances telecom capabilities: From optimizing fiber routing (Vodafone) to securing 5G networks (BT, Verizon, SK Telecom), quantum technologies address critical challenges in network design, security, and intelligence.

Hybrid approaches are key: Combining classical and quantum computing delivers practical benefits in the NISQ era, particularly for optimization and ML tasks.

Security is a priority: QKD and PQC are critical for protecting telecom networks against future quantum threats, with operators already deploying real-world solutions.

AI collaboration drives innovation: Quantum-enhanced AI (Verizon, SK Telecom) promises faster, more efficient processing for next-gen telecom services.

Collaboration fuels progress: Partnerships with quantum tech providers (e.g., ORCA, IonQ) and research initiatives (e.g., Q-NEXT) are accelerating adoption.

Predictions

By 2030, quantum-safe security will be standard: As quantum computers mature, QKD and PQC will become integral to 5G& 6G networks, with hybrid solutions dominating due to PQC’s scalability and QKD’s unmatched security.

Quantum-AI integration will transform 6G: Operators like SK Telecom will lead in embedding quantum computing into AI-driven network management, enabling real-time optimization and predictive maintenance by 2035.

Quantum internet will emerge: Verizon’s Q-NEXT contributions and BT’s satellite-based QKD trials will pave the way for hybrid quantum-classical networks within the next decade.

Scalability remains a hurdle: Fault-tolerant, scalable quantum computers are likely 10–15 years away, but hybrid approaches will deliver incremental benefits in the interim.

Global standards will drive adoption: SK Telecom’s leadership in ITU-T and ETSI standards will accelerate the global rollout of quantum-safe and quantum-enhanced telecom solutions.

Quantum computing is no longer a distant dream for telecom — it’s a reality being tested and deployed today. As operators like Vodafone, BT, Verizon, and SK Telecom continue to innovate, the collaboration of quantum computing, AI, and security will define the future of telecom networks, paving the way for Smarter, safer, and more efficient 5G & 6G ecosystems. The age of quantum-native networks is on the horizon.    Contact us at business@acldigital.com to explore how we can enhance your workplace transformation.

This blog was originally published on the website www.acldigital.com

[scotianostra]

On 19th January 1736 James Watt, developer of the steam engine was born in Greenock.

Watt had little formal education due to poor health in his youth, but pottering about in his father's shop he developed an interest in trying to make things "work like clockwork".

In his late teens he went to London to learn to be a "mathematical and philosophical instrument maker", and when he returned to Glasgow he got a job making instruments with Glasgow University, who gave him accommodation and a workshop.

In 1763 John Anderson, who featured on last Monday's post, asked him to repair an early steam engine he had acquired. This early model, known as a Newcomen engine, was very inefficient. The cylinder (where the piston was) had to be heated when steam was admitted, and then gradually cooled again to condense the steam. This wasted a lot of time and fuel. Two years later, while wandering aimlessly through Glasgow Green, Watt hit upon the idea of condensing the steam in a separate vessel. This removed the need for heating and cooling, making the engine faster, safer, and more fuel-efficient. A stone in Glasgow Green marks this spot, where the industrial revolution really began. (Later, in 1778 Watt presented Anderson with a micrometer he had designed and made, as a gesture of thanks.)

Watt went into business with Matthew Boulton, a Birmingham engineer, producing engines based on this new approach. Engineers from all the industrialised countries flocked to see their factories.

Watt's engines were initially used for pumping water from Cornish tin and copper mines. Later, the new cotton mills, which had been built near fast-flowing rivers to take advantage of water power, almost all switched to steam. Gradually, mills began to move toward the centres of population. At first, steam power was used mainly for spinning, but eventually weaving was also powered by steam engine. By 1819, the year of Watt's death, there were 18 steam weaving factories in Glasgow, with 2800 looms. (This was excellent news for factory owners, but hundreds of unemployed handloom weavers were not so enthused.) The increased power-to-weight ratio of the new engines also permitted their use for marine propulsion - in 1788 a steam-powered catamaran was taken across Dalswinton loch by William Symington.

Despite his success, Watt was a rather insecure and jealous man, who did not like others having their own ideas. When one employee of the company, a man named William Murdoch, experimented with high pressure steam engines, Watt discouraged him from patenting and continuing his work, even though his engines were potentially much better and smaller than the ones Watt himself had invented. Murdoch never patented his design, and returned to fixing Watt's own engines. (However, Murdoch did make another important contribution, to gas lighting.)

Apart from his steam research, which he originally carried out in the grounds of Kinneil House near Linlithgow, Watt was involved in many other projects. He solved the problem of how to convert the up-and-down piston movement to rotary movement (so that engines could power looms, bellows, and other mechanical devices), he created the term "horsepower", and he also invented the rev. counter, a machine for copying sculpture, and a letter copying press (a very early photocopier!).

When Watt retired in 1800, he had become a very rich man.

In 1882, 63 years after Watt's death, the British Association gave his name to the unit of electrical power - and today James Watt's name is to be found written on almost every light-bulb in the world.

Among the pics is a reconstruction of his workshop in Heathfield Birmingham.

[diagramxuk]

Building automation systems in Tower Hamlets

Unlocking Efficiency: Why Choosing the Right MEP Consultants in Greater London Matters for Your Project

When it comes to the construction and development industry, the role of MEP consultants in Greater London is becoming more pivotal than ever. As buildings grow smarter and sustainability becomes a non-negotiable, expert guidance in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems is crucial. At Diagramx.uk, we specialize in delivering cutting-edge MEP solutions that blend innovation, efficiency, and compliance—ensuring your project succeeds at every phase.

Let’s explore how our mechanical design services in Wandsworth, mechanical systems engineering in Fulham, and energy-efficient MEP systems in Islington can add value to your next venture in London.

Why MEP Consultants Are Essential in Greater London

London's dense infrastructure, stringent building regulations, and push toward carbon neutrality demand expert MEP consultancy. Choosing professional MEP consultants in Greater in London like Diagramx.uk ensures your design and systems integrate seamlessly with architecture, meet legal requirements, and optimize operational efficiency.

As MEP consultants, our job goes far beyond basic system installation. We provide comprehensive analysis, detailed planning, and strategic implementation of systems that impact everything from energy usage and indoor air quality to fire safety and building automation.

Mechanical Design Services in Wandsworth: Engineering with Purpose

Wandsworth is undergoing a wave of urban redevelopment, blending residential, commercial, and green spaces. For these mixed-use projects, mechanical design services in Wandsworth must be both robust and adaptable.

At Diagramx.uk, we understand the local architecture and environmental regulations. Our mechanical design process includes:

HVAC system design for optimal temperature control and air quality.

Heating and cooling load calculations to improve energy efficiency.

Ventilation planning tailored to Wandsworth’s building types.

Sustainable material selection to meet energy performance standards.

Our team collaborates closely with architects and builders to create systems that are both functional and future-ready.

Mechanical Systems Engineering in Fulham: Precision and Innovation

Fulham, known for its elegant buildings and upscale developments, demands mechanical systems that marry aesthetics with efficiency. Our mechanical systems engineering in Fulham is built around the concept of performance without compromise.

Our services include:

Integrated building system modeling (BIM).

Custom HVAC system configuration.

Fire protection system integration.

Building energy modeling for compliance and sustainability.

We combine traditional engineering excellence with modern technologies such as IoT-enabled devices and energy recovery systems. This results in solutions that not only reduce operational costs but also extend the life of your building systems.

Comprehensive Mechanical Design Services in London

London is a city of diversity—from heritage buildings to futuristic high-rises—and each project comes with its own mechanical design challenges. Diagramx.uk offers scalable mechanical design services in London tailored to every stage of construction and facility management.

What sets our London-wide services apart:

Local expertise: We understand the borough-specific requirements across the city.

Flexible project delivery: From concept design to detailed drawings and on-site supervision.

Cross-disciplinary collaboration: We work hand-in-hand with electrical, structural, and sustainability teams.

Whether you're retrofitting a listed building or developing a new smart office, our mechanical engineers bring the right mix of creativity and compliance to the table.

Building Energy-Efficient MEP Systems in Islington

Islington is a leader in London’s green building movement. With sustainability targets becoming stricter, there is a growing demand for energy-efficient MEP systems in Islington.

Diagramx.uk helps clients align with these targets through:

Passive and active energy-saving strategies.

Integration of renewable energy sources (solar, heat pumps, etc.).

High-performance HVAC and lighting systems.

Energy modeling and LEED/BREEAM compliance consulting.

Our energy-efficient MEP systems are designed not just to meet current regulations but to anticipate future environmental standards. This proactive approach ensures your investment remains compliant and cost-effective in the long term.

Why Choose Diagramx.uk as Your MEP Partner?

At Diagramx.uk, we believe that smart buildings begin with smart planning. As your dedicated MEP consultants in Greater London, our mission is to provide reliable, cost-efficient, and sustainable building services that support your project goals from day one.

What we offer:

A full suite of MEP consulting and engineering services.

Detailed documentation and BIM support.

Tailored solutions based on location and project type.

Ongoing support during and after construction.

By aligning ourselves with your project's vision, we provide not just technical input but strategic direction that enhances value, performance, and user experience.

The Diagramx.uk Difference

Clients across Wandsworth, Fulham, Islington, and the broader London area trust us because we focus on:

✅ Accuracy – No guesswork, just precise engineering.

✅ Compliance – All our designs are up-to-date with London’s planning and environmental guidelines.

✅ Sustainability – Green building is the future, and we’re already there.

✅ Communication – Regular updates, collaborative tools, and transparent reporting.

We are not just consultants—we are your partners in creating intelligent spaces that serve people and the planet alike.

Final Thoughts

The success of any building project in London depends heavily on thoughtful planning, technical expertise, and a commitment to sustainability. At Diagramx.uk, we offer more than just mechanical and MEP services—we offer peace of mind.

[wdgaster-deactivated66666666]

You have encountered a wild Kincall

Source: Undertale + AU Kintype: WD Gaster Seeking: Whomstever finds any of the following familiar. Spiritual kin only. Kin twins / fellow Gasters are also wonderful. In at least one of these I may or may not have met a version of Deltarune's Gaster whilst wandering around after becoming Voided, except if that dream is to be at all believed he was definitely an assault upon the visual senses. Nice, though. Exceptions: Minors. I am in my thirties. I am sorry if you are young in this life but I am old and would rather not meet again if you are not also an adult at current time. Warnings: I am very much a Sanster fanatic, so if that makes you uncomfortable: avoid me. Obviously. That aside, we were never related in any of my lives (and I was never a skeleton). I am also not looking to rekindle anything. I am incapable of those emotions currently.

1️⃣ Classic-flavored. Wherein the accident that scarred/cracked my face occurred during a time when Alphys was present but Sans was not. It ended in the death of a different assistant, whom he was hired some time later to replace.

The accident cost me a few marbles, so to speak: I grew progressively less sane (and progressively more vexing to work for as I would perform "behavioral experiments" upon my assistants) and eventually tried to destroy the world. The Followers assisted me whereas Alphys, Sans, and Undyne worked against us; they eventually won as they used a device I made against us, which ended up sending us to the Void.

I was more or less a cult leader in regards to the Followers. Think Pythagoras with his math cult crossed with Jones Town.

2️⃣ Wherein the events were initially the same as above but instead of going mad after the accident I became a Depresso Espresso™️. Again Sans was hired in place of the assistant who died in the incident. I developed a crush on him, but I am pretty sure it went nowhere.

Prior to the incident I was friends with the Royal Archivist, who was a little old crow monster. I would occasionally incorporate feathers he lost into my outfits. After the incident, which was caused by a feather clogging something that resulted in an explosion, I stopped using them. Our friendship also fell apart.

I remember we used to go to a little café after work on occasion.

Rather than trying to destroy the world I spent more and more time in the CORE facility until I self-annihilated by jumping into it.

On the plus side I was significantly less of a menace to work with before that.

3️⃣ Wherein everything was much, much different - in other words, an AU. While I did eventually become the Royal Scientist in this one, I was hardly qualified for the position, having murdered the former Royal Scientist and stolen his notes. To my credit, he deserved it. However, I kept it a well-hidden secret and officially his disappearance was a "mystery."

Alphys was (as the kids say) the brain cell haver of our little group. Sans was a mechanic and engineer with a horrible temper. I gradually worked a wedge between him and his brother and he moved into a very minimalist apartment with me in New Home after we became a "thing."

Except I managed to get on his nerves enough over several years that he murdered me. I survived courtesy the first Fallen Human and spent many timelines similarly fucking around and finding out until I tried for a Good End which subsequently failed, probably because I created a machine that killed everyone else before I proposed. I was, very clearly, not good at relationships.

The clearest memory of my mind's eye is of myself and Sans in our apartment: he was sitting in the window cubby hole that looked out over New Home.

Our little Lab Trio all had nicknames that I will not be divulging. Everything from the places to the people to the events that occurred also looked and were varying degrees of very different from the original universe. New Home looked very Victorian London, for instance, and the entirety of Old Home was converted into an Orphanage. Asgore and Toriel never broke up and after Asriel became King they moved to the Orphanage to assist in the raising of both abandoned Monster children and the occasional Fallen Human - a protected species secretly kept within the Orphanage that only the Royals and the Royal Admins (ie. Scientist, Guard(ian), Physician, etc) and their trustees knew about.

Among a lot of other things.

[game-development12]

How a Game Development Company in the UK Uses 2D Animation to Elevate Storytelling

In today’s saturated gaming market, gameplay mechanics and advanced graphics alone are no longer enough to truly captivate players. It is storytelling—emotional engagement, narrative progression, and character depth—that truly sets successful games apart. While 3D environments often dominate the spotlight, 2D animation services remain a powerful and often more versatile tool in the hands of developers. For nearly every leading game development company UK has produced, 2D animation plays a vital role in shaping immersive narratives that resonate with players on a deeper level.

At its core, 2D animation excels in expression and clarity. Without the distraction of hyper-realistic visuals, 2D animation allows the story, mood, and characters to take center stage. Expressions, gestures, and environmental details can be stylized to support symbolic or emotional storytelling. UK-based studios recognize this strength and often use 2D animation to deliver more personal, intimate, or stylistically bold experiences. Whether it's a mobile game rich in charm or a narrative-driven indie title, 2D animation transforms basic plotlines into visually immersive and emotionally driven experiences.

A game development company UK developers rely on typically integrates 2D animation throughout the game’s structure. This includes opening cinematic sequences that set the tone, expressive character-driven cutscenes that unfold through conversations, and environmental transitions that carry emotional weight. These animations are not limited to storytelling alone—they are essential to gameplay, UI feedback, and the overall user experience. Studios in the UK often use tools such as Spine, Adobe Animate, and Unity’s 2D toolkit to create smooth, efficient workflows that blend 2D visuals directly into interactive game engines.

2D animation also plays a critical role in enhancing both characters and worldbuilding. Characters animated in 2D can exhibit a wide range of emotions through subtle movements, giving players a stronger emotional connection. Every blink, shrug, or expression can communicate volumes, especially in story-heavy genres like visual novels, platformers, or side-scrolling adventures. Likewise, 2D-animated environments bring game worlds to life—whether it's flickering lights in a dystopian alleyway or trees swaying in a stylized fantasy forest—adding immersion without the need for complex 3D systems.

For many studios, 2D animation services offer an efficient and cost-effective solution that still delivers high visual impact. Compared to 3D animation, 2D is often quicker to produce and easier to iterate on, making it a go-to choice for indie developers or mid-sized UK studios working on narrative titles. The streamlined production pipeline allows teams to focus more on storytelling quality without exceeding budget constraints. A game development company UK based understands that players often care less about realism and more about emotional authenticity and visual coherence—goals that 2D animation can accomplish with precision and style.

Consider a studio in London developing a narrative puzzle game where the gameplay may be logic-focused, but the emotional experience unfolds through fully animated scenes. In this case, 2D animation is used to develop characters, present flashbacks, show story progression between levels, and convey character arcs through evolving animations. This not only enhances storytelling but also reinforces player retention and brand identity.

As game engines and animation tools continue to evolve, UK studios are blending traditional animation techniques with real-time rendering capabilities. Modern 2D animation is now integrated with dynamic lighting, shaders, and hybrid visuals that bring cinematic flair to otherwise simple scenes. The growing support from engines like Unity and Unreal for 2D workflows ensures that UK developers can continue to produce high-quality storytelling content efficiently. This surge in demand has led to a boom in specialized 2D animation services, with many studios offering end-to-end solutions to bring characters and stories to life.

In conclusion, the UK's game development scene has always stood out for its creativity, originality, and emotional depth. Storytelling is no longer a layer on top of gameplay—it is the core experience. By leveraging 2D animation services, a game development company UK based can create timeless, emotionally resonant stories that are as artistically beautiful as they are narratively compelling. As player expectations evolve, and storytelling takes the front seat, the artistry and clarity of 2D animation will remain an invaluable asset for studios aiming to stand out in the global gaming landscape.