#best tools for estimating

[asestimationsconsultants]

Choosing a Reliable Residential Estimating Service

When building or renovating a home, choosing a reliable residential estimating service is one of the first and most important steps. The right estimator provides clarity, controls cost expectations, and ensures the project starts on solid financial ground. But with many service providers available, how can homeowners identify the most dependable option?

Start with Credentials

Reputable residential estimating professionals often have formal training in construction, architecture, or cost engineering. Look for credentials such as certifications from organizations like AACE or years of experience in residential construction. An experienced estimator is more likely to understand the nuances of local building codes, subcontractor rates, and material pricing.

Check Industry Experience

Experience within the residential sector is essential. Someone who typically estimates for commercial or industrial projects may not understand the specific needs of residential construction. Ask potential estimators if they’ve worked on projects similar in size, type, or complexity to yours.

Ask for Samples

Reliable services are transparent about their process and results. Ask to see sample reports, including quantity takeoffs and cost breakdowns. A professional estimator should be able to explain their methodology clearly, including how they arrive at prices, what data sources they use, and how they deal with unknowns.

Assess Communication Skills

Clear, consistent communication is a strong indicator of reliability. A trustworthy estimator listens carefully to client goals and asks clarifying questions about scope, materials, and timelines. They should provide timelines for when the estimate will be completed and follow up on any gaps in information.

Look for Client Reviews

Customer reviews are a helpful way to assess reliability. Look for positive feedback related to accuracy, responsiveness, and professionalism. If possible, ask the service for references or testimonials from recent clients, especially homeowners.

Compare Estimates

While price isn’t the only factor, very low bids may indicate a lack of thoroughness. Compare what’s included in each estimate and be cautious of vague or generalized reports. A reliable service provides detailed, traceable numbers with clear scope definitions.

Technology and Tools

Modern estimating services often use advanced software for digital takeoffs and real-time pricing. Ask if they use recognized tools like PlanSwift, Bluebeam, or RSMeans. This shows they are committed to precision and up-to-date data.

Conclusion

Choosing a reliable residential estimating service requires looking beyond pricing. It means evaluating experience, communication, process transparency, and reputation. A professional estimator helps set your project on a predictable path and acts as a financial guide from concept to completion. Investing in the right partner ensures fewer surprises and better outcomes.

[furiouslovepolice]

Know & compare the monthly payments from 1 year to 10 years. This App will show you the monthly payments required for car loans lasting 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, 5 years, 6 years, 7 years, 8 years, 9 years & 10 years. Simply enter your total loan amount and the annual interest rate. Then press "Calculate", to see the monthly payments for each loan term.

[neha-pawar]

How To Estimate A Pregnancy Due Date Without Knowing The Date Of Your Last Period

“When is the baby due?” “Are you ready for the big day?” “Did you pack a bag for the hospital?” Some are among the few questions expectant parents hear during the months of expecting a little munchkin!

All of these demand knowledge of due dates which is usually determined by the date of a woman’s last menstrual period (LMP). That is the first day of her last menstrual cycle. This method is considered effective for regular menstruating women.

But, what if you have an irregular menstrual cycle?

Well, in that case, various other methods are used for the estimation of the due date.

This blog is a guide for all expectant parents on how to estimate pregnancy due dates without knowing the last period date.

Section 1: Common Methods of Calculating Due Dates

I. Method 1: Using LMP-Based Calculations

This is the most traditional method that was used to calculate the due date. It is considered a normal 28-day menstrual cycle where ovulation occurs on the 14th day.

Here, 40 weeks is taken as the normal gestational age, thus adding up to 280 days from the date of LMP, gives the estimated due date.

For example, if the last period in your case was November 7, 2024, the due date is August 14, 2025.

II. Method 2: The Role of Ovulation And The Dates of Conception

This method comes into the picture when the date of the LMP is unknown or in case of an irregular menstrual cycle.

Methods For Estimating Ovulation at Irregular Intervals

While the traditional LMP procedure may seem complicated, various methods can be used to monitor ovulation in women.

Ovulation Predictor Kit (OPK)

These kits are very helpful in monitoring ovulation based on the presence of LH hormone in the urine. It is easier to notice the surge if your menstruation is regular.

In case of an irregular menstrual cycle, it is important to begin testing almost a week early to notice the LH surge in the body.

Also, having multiple tests in a day can help you understand your optimum LH surge. Some women tend to have it higher in the morning.

Basal Body Temperature (BBT)

A mild rise follows ovulation in resting body temperature. This is the body temperature right after you wake up.

The release of progesterone results in a slight rise in the body temperature, which can be determined either physically or with a specially designed BBT thermometer.

Tips for irregular periods:

Track the temperature regularly at the same time and under the same situations. This is because our physical movement also regulates the body temperature.

To obtain an appropriate result, keep tracking it for a few months to understand your temperature changes during ovulation.

Cervical Mucous Monitoring

Our cervical mucous tends to become clear, stretchy, and slippery just before ovulation. This happens for the easier movement of the sperm inside the uterus.

This is also known as white discharge and is seen in the panty or by feeling inside your vagina with your fingers. Thick mucous pertains to ovulation time, which means high fertility days.

Fertility Apps

Various fertility apps can help you track your ovulation. They are effective since they keep track of the combination of LMP, BBT, OPKs, cervical mucous, etc., to determine the exact dates of ovulation, conception, and due date.

These are some of the essential ways on how to calculate the due date without knowledge about the last period date.

Section 2: Effective Alternatives Without LMP

I. Early Ultrasound Scans

Ultrasound is the best alternative method for a due date calculation manually or by using a calculator for irregular periods.

This is because it measures the size of the head to the bottom of the fetus, also known as crown-rump length. This size helps in determining the gestational age accurately.

One of the best times to do this is between 6 to 12 weeks of pregnancy for reliable gestational data.

Also, early ultrasounds during the first trimester are always considered the best. This is because after certain weeks the growth of the fetus is distinctly visible. It thereby helps in detecting various other growth and developmental stages of the fetus.

II. Using Fertility Tracking or Conception Date

Following the date of ovulation or pregnancy may be useful when LMP is unknown or cannot be diagnosed due to menstrual irregularities.

You notice ovulation just two weeks after your last period. Therefore, adding 266 days or 38 weeks to the date of ovulation or pregnancy can help determine the exact date of birth.

For example, if you ovulate on November 20, 2024, it generally takes 12 to 24 hours for the egg to ovulate, which is November 21, 2024.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

During IVF discourse, healthcare professionals closely keep track of ovulation to determine the right time for fertilization. This helps in easy accessibility for pregnancy due date calculation with a calculator and without LMP.

It is divided into two based on the embryo transfer after fertilization. That is:

III. Physical and Developmental Milestones

The regular monitoring of the fetus's growth and development throughout the three trimesters also helps in assessing the due date.

First trimester: The foremost thing formed in a fetus is the heartbeat by around 8 weeks. This is followed by the development of limbs, fingers, and toes by around 10 weeks and basic features like eyes, ears, and nose by around 12 weeks. It is during this period that ultrasound reveals the true gestational age.

Second Trimester: During the 16th week, the first movement can be slightly felt, which intensifies around the 20th week. Around 18 weeks, the fetus’ sensory organs are developed, thus helping it to identify sound, touch, smell, and taste. It is also during this period that an ultrasound is performed to check for possible abnormalities.

Third Trimester: This period facilitates the development of the lungs. Also, the position of the baby moves head-down, ready for delivery at around 30 weeks. At 40 weeks, the fetus is usually fully developed and ready to see the new world!

However, this is a normal process, and individual due dates may vary depending on the circumstances. Also, only 4% of children are born on their estimated due date.

Section 3: Online Pregnancy Due Date Calculators

I. Key Features Of Online Tools

The growing popularity of various online tools has certainly made our lives easier.

Among them, pregnancy planning tools are on a rising surge of acceptance and recognition.

R for Rabbit’s Pregnancy Due Date Calculator

All you have to do is input the last menstrual period date and average menstrual cycle or just the date of conception. Thus, receiving your personalized pregnancy journey.

The result ranges from the date of conception, division of trimesters, and milestones of fetal development to multiple due dates, each for a singleton, twins, triplets, or quads.

The authenticity of the result might vary depending on your circumstances and the growth and development of the fetus.

Also, there are a range of other pregnancy planning and associated tools like online pregnancy tests, period calculators, and  contraction calculators, which you can access during your various stages of pregnancy,

Irrespective of their approximation, they provide great help in planning for hospital visits, efficient nutrition, and tonnes of shopping before D-day!

Limitations of Calculators Without LMP

One of the most common limitations is improper calculation due to confusion or forgetfulness of LMP or irregular menstrual cycle.

Therefore, always consider consulting your healthcare expert for a more trustworthy result. This would also keep you prepared for the future.

II. Recommended Indian Tools

There are also some other recommended Indian tools and accurate pregnancy calculators for Indian users.

These are brought up by Motherhood Hospital, Pampers India, Mom Junction, Max Healthcare, Baby Centre, and many more.

Section 4: Addressing Variability in Pregnancy Length

I. Typical Gestation Range

The normal gestational age ranges from 38 to 41 weeks, with an average of 40 weeks.

Depending upon the timing of birth, the delivery can be categorized into:

Preterm Delivery: Happens before 37 weeks.

Term Delivery: Happens at 40 weeks.

Postterm Delivery: Happens after 42 weeks.

Factors Influencing The Timing Of Delivery

There are variable reasons for multiple timings of delivery, like:

Irregular menstrual cycle: The inconsistency of the menstrual cycle impacts the date of ovulation and conception, thus influencing the due date.

Therefore, the number of days of individual menstrual cycles acts as the precursor to determine other pregnancy factors.

Age: For women above the age of 35, the chances of having a post-term birth increase. This can be harmful to both the mother and baby.

Equity: Women who have given birth in the past tend to have shorter labor or early births compared to first-time mothers.

Health conditions: There are certain health factors associated with pregnancy that compel healthcare providers to make personalized decisions. This includes:

Other factors that play a role in the timing of birth include genetics, fetal growth stage, stress, nutrition, environment, and fitness activities during pregnancy.

II. Importance of Personalised Care

Despite the normal gestational age, it is very important to have regular prenatal checkups to make timely decisions depending on the stage and condition of the pregnancy.

For example, in the case of early detection of pregnancy complications or the case of high chances of post-term delivery, the risk of stillbirth, abnormalities during birth, etc., increases. This can be avoided with regular checkups, followed by timely actions.

Conclusion

In the current times, with the rise of PCOD and PCOS, the menstrual cycle has lagged to a great extent, making the due date estimation harder.

In these instances, several other approaches can be employed to arrive at a rough estimate of the due date.

Among the many pregnancy planning tools, the best pregnancy calculators are the ones that consider all possibilities such as LMP, ovulation, pregnancy, ultrasound, and more

Finally, no matter how accurate a tool may be, there is no substitute for routine prenatal testing and advice from individual health professionals.

This content is originally published on R For Rabbit' s Website: How To Estimate A Pregnancy Due Date Without Knowing The Date Of Your Last Period

[financementore]

Life Insurance Calculator: Find Your Perfect Coverage in Minutes

1. What is a life insurance calculator, and how does it work? A life insurance calculator is an online tool designed to estimate the coverage you need. It works by analyzing:

Your income and financial obligations (e.g., debts, mortgage).

Family expenses, including education and daily living costs.

Your savings and existing insurance policies. By inputting these details, the calculator provides a recommended coverage amount tailored to your needs.

2. Why should I use a life insurance calculator before buying a policy? Using a life insurance calculator helps you:

Determine an accurate coverage amount based on your financial situation.

Avoid overpaying for unnecessary coverage.

Ensure your family is adequately protected in the event of your passing. It simplifies decision-making and saves time when comparing policies.

3. What information do I need to input into a life insurance calculator? Common details required include:

Your annual income and desired income replacement for dependents.

Outstanding debts like mortgages, loans, and credit cards.

Estimated future expenses, such as children's education or healthcare costs.

Existing savings, investments, and other life insurance policies.

4. Are life insurance calculator results accurate? While life insurance calculators provide a good estimate, the results are not exact. They are meant to:

Offer a starting point for discussions with insurance providers.

Help you understand your coverage needs. Consulting a financial advisor or insurance agent is recommended for a personalized plan.

5. Are life insurance calculators free to use? Yes, most life insurance calculators are free and accessible online. They are provided by:

Insurance companies on their websites.

Independent financial planning platforms.

Comparison websites that help users evaluate multiple policy options.

[costitright]

Discover the Best Cost Estimation Tools for Manufacturing Efficiency

Explore our comprehensive guide to the best cost estimation tools tailored for manufacturing sectors. Learn how these tools can streamline your production processes, improve cost accuracy, and enhance operational efficiency, leading to increased productivity.

[emergencyplumbingil]

We deliver fast work without compromising quality.

Customer Satisfaction Story: A Water Heater Revival with Emergency Plumbing.

When Sarah noticed her water heater struggling to keep up with her family’s needs, she felt stressed and unsure of where to turn. I do not know whom to call, she confided to her husband as lukewarm water trickled out during their evening showers. Frustrated and overwhelmed, she decided to reach out to her neighbor, Emily, for advice. Emily didn’t hesitate for a moment: Call Emergency Plumbing of Highland Park. They’re the best local plumbers. They always answer the phone and schedule same-day service.

The technician, Antony, arrived promptly as scheduled. His friendly demeanor immediately put Sarah at ease. We specialize in water heater solutions, he assured her, and replacing water supply lines is one of the most effective ways to improve performance. Let me take a look.

When the job was complete, Sarah couldn’t believe how fast it had gone—and how immaculate her utility room looked. Antony cleaned up thoroughly, leaving no trace of the work behind.

Emergency Plumbing was so affordable, especially considering same day the top-notch service.

If you’re looking for a plumbing company that delivers fast work without compromising quality, offers free estimates, uses modern tools, and provides unmatched customer care, look no further than Emergency Plumbing of Highland Park. We also service Northwest suburbs of Chicago IL. Your satisfaction is always our priority.

[atulksposts]

In India, EMI calculators help you estimate monthly loan payments for education and home loans. This free tool allows you to compare loan options, plan your finances, and manage expectations. By entering loan amount, interest rate, and tenure, you can see how changes impact your EMI. Remember, EMI calculators provide estimates and don't account for all loan fees. Consider your overall financial situation and explore tax benefits before applying for a loan.

[reasonsforhope]

"Tilia is a vest-wearing conservation dog that the 444-acre [Mequon] nature preserve relies on for vital conservation and restoration work.

The dog’s responsibilities include sniffing out invasive and endangered species in the prairies, forests, and wetlands of Mequon.

Conservation dogs have become more commonplace in wildlife organizations, tapping into their astonishing scent-detecting abilities.

“Dogs in general already have up to 200 million olfactory sensors,” Cory Gritzmacher, the director of operations at the nature preserve, told Wisconsin Life.

Humans, on the other hand, have about 5 million.

“[Dogs are] already set up and designed for scent detection,” Gritzmacher added. “It’s really just finding a dog that’s motivated, that wants to do it on a regular basis and is excited to do it.”

Tilia was the pup for the job.

One of her main roles is to detect wild parsnip, an invasive species that staff removes once it is found on the property.

Compared to humans, Tilia can find parsnip in its first year, while it’s still close to the ground and camouflaged by other plants. This is vital, since parsnip will start to spread rapidly by the time it reaches its second season in the preserve. 

Studies show that the estimated damage caused by invasive species has cost the United States around $120 billion annually, as it impacts agriculture, recreational industries, and wildlife management. 

By catching invasive species that take hold of local flora and fauna early, Tilia achieves something no humans can.

“The best trained volunteers or staff in the world won’t even be able to find what a canine can,” Gritzmacher said. “That’s the pretty impressive part of it. And who doesn’t want to go to work with a dog?” ...

Tilia began training as a puppy, and now nearly seven years old, she’s a pro at scent detection — which all started with some treats hidden in cardboard boxes...

“As she continues to hit on the correct scent, then she gets rewarded. So, she’s going to get paid again. We do our work, we get paid. She does her work, she gets paid.”

Tilia can also spot Blue-Spotted and Easter Tiger Salamanders, which are endangered in the area. Her other scents include Wood Turtle and Garlic Mustard.

Of course, her workload remains balanced with time off. Her official owner is the director of Mequon Nature Preserve, who is happy to embrace her as the family dog when she’s not out sniffing.

But Gritzmacher, who trains and works alongside Tilia, adores her, not only for her companionship, but for the miracles she is able to work as an asset to Wisconsin’s conservationists.

“Canines are going to start to play a huge role in the conservation field just because of their amazing detection skills,” Gritzmacher said, “especially when resources are limited, staff is limited and you have to search potentially thousands of acres or miles.”

In fact, Tilia was joined by a partner in crime a few years ago: Timber, another chocolate lab who is actually the offspring of Tilia’s sister.

By following in her pawprints, Timber’s “powerful nose will be a key tool” in the preserve’s “land restoration efforts,” according to its website.

“For years, scientists have tried to replicate the power and efficiency of the canine nose,” Mequon Nature Preserve adds on a webpage for Tilia and Timber.

“The results keep coming back the same: The canine nose is second to none. Coupled with an insatiable desire to work and serve, Tilia and Timber help us find things humans often can’t.”"

-via GoodGoodGood, December 2, 2024

[constructionsoftware]

Prediction 3D AI's Impact on Project Dynamics

In the ever-evolving world of project management, the advent of Prediction 3D AI is causing a seismic shift in the way projects are conceived, executed, and managed. This cutting-edge technology is not just a tool; it's a transformative force that is reshaping project dynamics and revolutionizing workflows.

Evolution Beyond Traditional Tools

Traditional project management tools often struggle with the complexities inherent in modern projects. Prediction 3D AI steps beyond these limitations, introducing predictive capabilities that redefine the project management landscape. It's not merely an evolution; it's a revolution in how we approach and handle projects.

Predictive Capabilities Redefined

Anticipating Challenges

Prediction 3D AI empowers project managers with AI automated scheduling to anticipate challenges through advanced predictive analytics. This forward-looking approach allows for the identification and resolution of potential obstacles before they impede progress.

Integrating 3D Modeling and AI

The software seamlessly integrates 3D modeling and AI algorithms, providing a comprehensive solution. This fusion enhances not only project visualization but also decision-making through data-driven insights, leading to more informed and strategic choices.

Real-world Impact on Project Management

Real-world applications demonstrate the transformative impact of Prediction 3D AI on diverse industries. From construction to IT, businesses are experiencing a paradigm shift in project management methodologies. Case studies highlight the adaptability and versatility of the software, showcasing its ability to cater to a spectrum of project requirements.

Overcoming Project Challenges

Navigating Complexity

Prediction 3D AI addresses the challenge of project complexity that often hinders traditional tools. Its algorithms navigate intricate scenarios, providing clarity and facilitating well-informed decision-making.

Managing Burstiness

Recognizing and efficiently managing burstiness in project workflows is a forte of Prediction 3D AI. The software AI scheduling dynamically adjusts schedules and resources, ensuring optimal efficiency even during periods of heightened workload.

Enhancing Human-Technology Collaboration

Prediction 3D AI not only optimizes project workflows but also enhances collaboration between humans and technology. By presenting insights and recommendations in a conversational manner, the software bridges the communication gap, making complex technical information more accessible.

Embracing a New Era in Project Dynamics

In conclusion, Prediction 3D AI is not just revolutionizing workflows; it's ushering in a new era in project dynamics. As organizations embrace this transformative technology, projects are streamlined, challenges are proactively met, and the future of project management looks remarkably promising. The impact Automated scheduling  of Prediction 3D AI extends beyond efficiency; it reshapes how we conceive and execute projects in a dynamically evolving landscape.

[milfsisyphus]

EARNEST POSTING. while everyone is still working on new year’s resolutions i want to make sure everyone knows about the FREE serial reader app.

if you are trying to read more classics/public domain works but for whatever reason struggle with incorporating reading into your daily life, or you’re just intimidated by huge books, serial reader is a great tool to make reading more approachable. it works much like dracula daily in that it sends you one excerpt at a time (usually about 10-15 minutes of estimated reading time). awesome for commutes, lunch breaks, quick bedtime story, etc.

it’s very customizable. you can change fonts, themes, and you can even take notes and highlight. you can also sync with other reading apps like goodreads (no storygraph yet……. we can hope!). the base app is completely free, but there is a one-time optional upgrade fee of $2.99 USD if you want some extra features. this is all developed by one guy, so the money goes to supporting the creator - although i’m sure apple takes their cut 😑.

there are a ton of works to choose from, currently something like 800+.

you can now also add your own .epubs to break up your own books into daily serials! very cool, serial reader!

this was the best app i added last year so i just want to pass it on. happy reading! :)

[derinthescarletpescatarian]

what’s the story about the generative power model and water consumption? /gen

There's this myth going around about generative AI consuming truly ridiculous amount of power and water. You'll see people say shit like "generating one image is like just pouring a whole cup of water out into the Sahara!" and bullshit like that, and it's just... not true. The actual truth is that supercomputers, which do a lot of stuff, use a lot of power, and at one point someone released an estimate of how much power some supercomputers were using and people went "oh, that supercomputer must only do AI! All generative AI uses this much power!" and then just... made shit up re: how making an image sucks up a huge chunk of the power grid or something. Which makes no sense because I'm given to understand that many of these models can run on your home computer. (I don't use them so I don't know the details, but I'm told by users that you can download them and generate images locally.) Using these models uses far less power than, say, online gaming. Or using Tumblr. But nobody ever talks about how evil those things are because of their power generation. I wonder why.

To be clear, I don't like generative AI. I'm sure it's got uses in research and stuff but on the consumer side, every effect I've seen of it is bad. Its implementation in products that I use has always made those products worse. The books it writes and flood the market with are incoherent nonsense at best and dangerous at worst (let's not forget that mushroom foraging guide). It's turned the usability of search engines from "rapidly declining, but still usable if you can get past the ads" into "almost one hundred per cent useless now, actually not worth the effort to de-bullshittify your search results", especially if you're looking for images. It's a tool for doing bullshit that people were already doing much easier and faster, thus massively increasing the amount of bullshit. The only consumer-useful uses I've seen of it as a consumer are niche art projects, usually projects that explore the limits of the tool itself like that one poetry book or the Infinite Art Machine; overall I'd say its impact at the Casual Random Person (me) level has been overwhelmingly negative. Also, the fact that so much AI turns out to be underpaid people in a warehouse in some country with no minimum wage and terrible labour protections is... not great. And the fact that it's often used as an excuse to try to find ways to underpay professionals ("you don't have to write it, just clean up what the AI came up with!") is also not great.

But there are real labour and product quality concerns with generative AI, and there's hysterical bullshit. And the whole "AI is magically destroying the planet via climate change but my four hour twitch streaming sesh isn't" thing is hysterical bullshit. The instant I see somebody make this stupid claim I put them in the same mental bucket as somebody complaining about AI not being "real art" -- a hatemobber hopping on the hype train of a new thing to hate and feel like an enlightened activist about when they haven't bothered to learn a fucking thing about the issue. And I just count my blessings that they fell in with this group instead of becoming a flat earther or something.

[asestimationsconsultants]

The Best Software Tools for Accurate Electrical Estimating

In today’s competitive construction environment, electrical estimating software has become essential for accuracy, efficiency, and consistency. Manual methods like spreadsheets or paper takeoffs are no longer sufficient when deadlines are tight and materials fluctuate daily. Software tools provide a streamlined approach to planning, quantifying, and pricing electrical work—removing guesswork and reducing costly errors. Selecting the right software can drastically improve how contractors bid, forecast, and deliver projects.

Why Software Matters in Electrical Estimating

Electrical estimating involves complex calculations for labor, materials, overhead, and profit. Without specialized tools, it’s easy to overlook costs or miscalculate quantities. Estimating software is designed to automate these calculations while allowing users to manage digital takeoffs, update material pricing from vendors, and store labor units tied to specific installation tasks.

Beyond cost accuracy, software supports collaboration among estimators, project managers, and procurement teams. By reducing repetitive tasks and flagging inconsistencies, these tools help contractors meet tight deadlines while ensuring their estimates remain competitive.

Top Electrical Estimating Software Options

Several software solutions have proven themselves in the electrical contracting industry. Each offers a unique set of features suited to different company sizes and project types.

Accubid by Trimble Accubid is widely used in commercial and industrial electrical estimating. It offers automated takeoff tools, customizable labor units, and integration with supplier databases. Its database-driven structure allows for detailed cost tracking and supports large, multi-phase projects.

ConEst IntelliBid IntelliBid provides an all-in-one platform for estimating, takeoffs, and bid management. Its Smart Substitution and Dynamic Assemblies features allow users to create complex systems quickly. The software also includes bid summaries, quote tracking, and supplier communication features.

McCormick Systems McCormick is ideal for contractors working in residential, commercial, or industrial sectors. It provides flexible takeoff options and a large electrical parts database. It’s known for its ease of use and ability to scale with growing estimating teams.

PlanSwift PlanSwift is a digital takeoff software that integrates with most estimating platforms. It’s best suited for contractors who prefer to keep their estimating workflows customized. Users can mark up digital blueprints and calculate lengths, counts, and areas efficiently.

Trimble Estimation MEP This is a newer, cloud-based option tailored to electrical, mechanical, and plumbing contractors. It allows collaboration in real-time and ensures consistency across estimating teams. Its interface is user-friendly and integrates well with project management tools.

Key Features to Look For

When choosing an estimating tool, features should match your team’s workflow, project types, and reporting needs. Some of the most useful features include:

Preloaded Assemblies and Part Libraries for quick estimates

Real-Time Material Pricing linked to supplier databases

Labor Cost Databases with customizable crew setups

Digital Takeoff Integration for accurate measurements

Bid Management Tools for tracking and submitting proposals

Custom Reporting for internal reviews and client presentations

The more automated and connected your estimating tool is, the less room there is for manual error or miscommunication.

How to Choose the Right Software for Your Business

Not every electrical contractor needs the most feature-rich or expensive option. Residential contractors may prioritize speed and simplicity, while commercial contractors need deeper labor databases and integration features. Some key considerations when choosing include:

Project Size and Frequency: Larger and more frequent jobs demand robust software

Team Size: Solo estimators may prefer lightweight tools, while firms benefit from collaboration features

Budget: Software varies significantly in price, from low-cost annual licenses to high-end enterprise systems

Training and Support: Some platforms offer live training, tutorials, or support teams to ease adoption

Scalability: Choose a system that can grow with your business

Trial versions or demos are often available, allowing you to test how a platform fits your workflow before committing.

FAQs

Can free or low-cost software still provide accurate electrical estimates? Some low-cost tools offer accuracy for small-scale jobs, but may lack features like real-time pricing or labor databases needed for larger projects.

How important is real-time material pricing in estimating software? It’s essential, especially when working with copper wire, conduit, or lighting components that fluctuate in cost. Real-time updates help maintain bid accuracy.

Is software training necessary for my team? Yes. While many tools are intuitive, proper training ensures users maximize the software’s full capabilities and avoid common errors.

Conclusion

Electrical estimating software is no longer optional—it’s a core part of running a successful electrical contracting business. Whether you’re bidding on custom homes or multi-million-dollar commercial facilities, choosing the right tool can enhance accuracy, efficiency, and profitability. With the right features and proper implementation, software becomes a reliable partner in every phase of the project lifecycle.

[txttletale]

genuinely curious but I don't know how to phrase this in a way that sounds less accusatory so please know I'm asking in good faith and am just bad at words

what are your thoughts on the environmental impact of generative ai? do you think the cost for all the cooling system is worth the tasks generative ai performs? I've been wrangling this because while I feel like I can justify it as smaller scales, that would mean it isn't a publicly available tool which I also feel uncomfortable with

the environmental impacts of genAI are almost always one of three things, both by their detractors and their boosters:

vastly overstated

stated correctly, but with a deceptive lack of context (ie, giving numbers in watt-hours, or amount of water 'used' for cooling, without necessary context like what comparable services use or what actually happens to that water)

assumed to be on track to grow constantly as genAI sees universal adoption across every industry

like, when water is used to cool a datacenter, that datacenter isn't just "a big building running chatgpt" -- datacenters are the backbone of the modern internet. now, i mean, all that said, the basic question here: no, i don't think it's a good tradeoff to be burning fossil fuels to power the magic 8ball. but asking that question in a vacuum (imo) elides a lot of the realities of power consumption in the global north by exceptionalizing genAI as opposed to, for example, video streaming, or online games. or, for that matter, for any number of other things.

so to me a lot of this stuff seems like very selective outrage in most cases, people working backwards from all the twitter artists on their dashboard hating midjourney to find an ethical reason why it is irredeemably evil.

& in the best, good-faith cases, it's taking at face value the claims of genAI companies and datacenter owners that the power usage will continue spiralling as the technology is integrated into every aspect of our lives. but to be blunt, i think it's a little naive to take these estimates seriously: these companies rely on their stock prices remaining high and attractive to investors, so they have enormous financial incentives not only to lie but to make financial decisions as if the universal adoption boom is just around the corner at all times. but there's no actual business plan! these companies are burning gigantic piles of money every day, because this is a bubble

so tldr: i don't think most things fossil fuels are burned for are 'worth it', but the response to that is a comprehensive climate politics and not an individualistic 'carbon footprint' approach, certainly not one that chooses chatgpt as its battleground. genAI uses a lot of power but at a rate currently comparable to other massively popular digital leisure products like fortnite or netflix -- forecasts of it massively increasing by several orders of magnitude are in my opinion unfounded and can mostly be traced back to people who have a direct financial stake in this being the case because their business model is an obvious boondoggle otherwise.

[ddarker-dreams]

Yandere Anaxa x Reader "Flower Garden"

Warnings: Yandere themes, unhealthy relationships, imbalanced power dynamics, spoilers for the Amphoreus story, some implied not SFW. Word count: 3.6k.

Answering all the yandere flower question prompts for the Prof <3

Amaryllis - Would this yandere ever bend their whims to better suit their darling’s needs, or is their word always law? 

Anaxa doesn’t leave much guesswork when it comes to his expectations. He gave them a fair amount of thought, the earlier iterations were actually stricter. As such, the final draft is, by his estimation, nearly flawless. He anticipated some resistance on your part, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be influenced by your ‘shortsighted moral objections.’ He expects you to adhere to his guidelines with little deviation. Of course, he’ll reassure that he isn’t heartless, he’ll judge infractions on a case-by-case basis. If you’re clever, you’ll realize you can get away with some misbehavior if you don’t run it by him first. It’s easier to defend your past actions than convince him to let you do as you please. Use this loophole sparingly; he’ll catch on should you exploit it often. 

Basil - Does the yandere want what they think is “best” for their darling, or do they prioritize their wishes above all else? 

Anaxa is multifaceted in this regard. As a professor, he believes he excels at seeing the wider picture, whereas your scope is limited. You might think he’s terrible and controlling, but it’s a matter of perspective. He will help you excel at any field of study you’re interested in. This is how he views the issue, at least. Anaxa considers it a form of equivalent exchange. In return for his full support, all you have to sacrifice are a few pesky personal freedoms. Academics necessitate these sacrifices regardless. Your aversion to his interference is a display of reactance. It’s understandable, if not a bit vexing. 

Bellflower - Is there anything that their darling could do/say that’d make the yandere’s feelings for them waver? Would they be able to bounce back, or would it permanently change the yandere? 

You’re welcome to try. Unfortunately for you, he’s already accounted for this possibility. Should you spew the most reprehensible vitriol, especially if it’s out of character, he’ll assume you’re trying to rile him up. Anaxa respects your dedication and may even offer suggestions for future reference (which has the unintended effect of making this form of resistance lose its appeal). It’s not that he’s emotionless. Rather, he can recontextualize what he’s hearing so it doesn’t pack a punch. Verbal exchanges are one thing, actions are another. If he ever discovered you were intimate with another just to hurt him… well. It wouldn’t make his dedication to you waver, you’d only succeed in earning his wrath. He’d become much harsher with the goal of ‘reeducating’ you. Far from pleasant. 

Carnation - Does this yandere consider what they’re doing morally “wrong”, and if so, how do they justify their actions to themselves? 

Anaxa and ethics are a notably blurred line. He’s confident that he isn’t subjecting you to anything you can’t handle, he understands you eerily well. He can recognize that what he’s doing would be considered ‘wrong’ by most, enough to try and hide his behavior. However, this isn’t because he feels guilty or regrets what he’s doing. It’d just be inconvenient if some do-gooder stuck their nose in his business. To him, ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ are restrictive concepts. They’re useful tools for holding society together, yes, but exceptions should be allowed if the results will be extraordinary. As his muse, he credits you in part for his greatest discoveries. You play a key role in motivating him to pursue his work. Should that not grant him an exemption?

Chestnut - Would this yandere care about their darling’s past romantic relationships? If not, then why is that? 

Raise this point to him and he’ll scoff, claiming of course not. (He’s being disingenuous). Anaxa wouldn’t be bothered in the traditional sense, it’s more that the dislikes that another held major influence over you. That’s his role! People aren’t molded by any one thing, it’s a combination of biopsychosocial elements. He aims to encompass all three as it relates to you. You are his pièce de résistance. He doesn’t want some other schmuck claiming credit for his effort, minor or not. … And, if he were to be completely honest, he is a little jealous. He’ll criticize everything about them, even the way they breathe and walk. 

Cypress - How does this yandere comfort their upset darling? 

Anaxa’s idea of comforting you is explaining — as many times as necessary — that you’re taking a reductionist view. He’ll discuss his reasoning for everything he does ad nauseam so there are no misconceptions. For him, he attributes discomfort to a lack of information. He’s also restless until he can fully comprehend the unknown. The cognitive aspect tracks for him, it’s the emotional that presents some complications. He could lie to make you feel better, but he values honesty. He’d rather be blunt and make you cry than coo empty promises in your ear. He isn’t sadistic, he doesn’t like making you upset, he just considers it a regrettable byproduct. He’ll mostly leave you alone until you calm down. 

Gardenia - Is the yandere most content watching their darling from afar, or do they feel the need to interact directly with them? Does it vacillate between the two? 

It’s about a 30/70 split. Anaxa recognizes that he’d never develop a nuanced view of you if he locked you up somewhere, mildly tempting as that idea is. Naturalistic observation has its merits. He studied you for months before entering (aka ruining) your life. This gave him a baseline of your behavior to work with. Admittedly, he could’ve gleaned more insight if this period had gone on longer, but he grew restless. He no longer wanted to be a mere bystander, he had to exert influence over you. Is it so inconceivable that he’d want to help mold such a promising mind? 

Honeysuckle - Would this yandere prefer to “tie-down” their darling through marriage or having/adopting kids? 

He’s thought about it. However, he’s a busy man, and kids are a huge time investment. He’s curious to know if it’d change you in any significant way, but not enough to actually go through with it. On a more petty note, he wouldn’t like competing with a kid for your attention. He is, for better or for worse, the most important person in your life. He intends to keep it that way. 

Hyacinth - How good is this yandere at getting their darling on their side by twisting their words/justifying their actions? If they’re not good at it, why is that? 

Anaxa could be better at it, but his warped principles stand in the way. He’s an excellent rhetorician, he’s used to championing unpopular positions. If he wanted to, he could get in your head and wreak havoc. It’s going to sound pretentious, but he believes this would be ‘too easy.’ He doesn’t want you to be a soulless puppet. He accepts your spite and defiance, viewing this resistance as a stimulating challenge. 

Hydrangea - How would this yandere react if their darling gave them affection? What is their internal thought process like? 

He’s suspicious immediately. You must be scheming if you’ve managed to overcome your obvious dislike of him. How he responds depends on how disruptive your plot would be. Anaxa doesn’t solely adhere to rationality; at the end of the day, he’s still a man who finds you attractive. Whatever you’re up to, if it involves seducing him, who is he to stop you? He’ll play along, acting none the wiser. There’s no denying that he’s sexually pent-up. Normally, he’s able to stop his mind from wandering, but he knows a good opportunity when he sees one. Now, if the affection isn’t sexual in nature, he’s actually at a bit of a loss. He’d get more flustered over a hug than if you were to start tugging at his belt. Even he isn’t sure why that is. 

Jasmine - How would this yandere use their status/money in their favor? 

Anaxa’s in a weird position, because he’s both ridiculed in academia yet begrudgingly respected to an extent. He’s the founder of his own school in the Grove and its Sage, a laudable title. Still, he doesn’t have enough prestige to puppeteer your life all over Amphoreus. The Grove of Epiphany is as far as his reach extends, and even then, he has enemies there, too. When it comes to keeping you in line, he has to get creative. This is made slightly easier if you’re pursuing anything in academics, whether it be an education or beyond. Most students hold him in high regard, but his fellow faculty members are split. Depending on your compliance, he can either aid or inhibit your aims. He’d rather not have to rely on anyone else though, it’d be a last-ditch effort. 

Lavender - Would this yandere’s darling be able to sense the impending danger, or is the yandere efficient at hiding their darker side? 

You’re going to be blindsided. Whether you’re a Nousporist from the beginning or not (if not, you will become one somewhere down the line), you’ve heard of the infamous Professor Anaxagoras. A brilliant mind, sharp tongue, and an eccentric who ridicules the values most hold dear. Most people try to limit their interactions with him, even if they hold him in high esteem. You’re no different. He’s just… a difficult person. For his part, he treats you like he does anyone else, if not sterner. No one could guess that you’re his favorite because he gives you such a hard time. Your friends will jokingly ask what you did to earn his distaste, not knowing it’s the opposite. 

Lily - What would ultimately give the yandere’s true intentions away? Does the yandere do it on purpose, or is it an accident? 

It’s going to be on his terms. You’re called into his office one day, where he informs you that you’ll be serving as his ‘personal assistant.’ He doesn’t ask if you accept this role, he assumes you’ll be honored enough by his acknowledgement to jump at the chance. Whatever your thoughts are, he’ll list all the requirements this position entails. The main takeaway of his lengthy monologue is that you’ll be spending a lot of time together. Your social life? Inconsequential. Your hobbies? He’s set aside space in his office, engage in them there. He has a thought-out answer for any issues you raise. This man won’t take no for an answer. 

Lime blossom - Does the yandere’s feelings for their darling fall more under “love” or lust? 

Defining how exactly he feels about you perplexes him. Love feels childish and insufficient. It lacks depth, failing to convey how utterly obsessed he is with you. Nonetheless, as a scholar with a voracious appetite for knowledge, he pursues a satisfactory answer. The conclusion he arrives at is a bit abstract. You are his ‘proof’ that the Titans are vapid placeholders, which humanity defaults to worshipping owing to a lack of imagination. Prophecies, cults, they’re all just easy ways to give one’s life meaning. No, in his view, meaning must be sought out, or it holds no significance. So to him, you’re quite literally the crux of his existence. 

Lotus - How does this yandere ultimately view their darling? As someone greater than them and in need or reverence, someone lower than them, or somewhere in between? 

Anaxa never really considers this question. If you asked and he had to answer, he’d eventually say, “an almost equal.” Now, that doesn’t sound so bad, but his definition of equal isn’t the same as most. He respects you and that’s so rare that it automatically elevates your position. Nevertheless, he believes he knows better than you and acts accordingly. You aren’t given much agency. Should you claim that this is belittling, he’d tell you that you’re welcome to think that way. If you expect him to follow this up with a “however,” you’ll be staring at him for a while. He doesn’t care to justify his thoughts on this because he finds it an inane question. 

Magnolia - Would there ever be any time that the yandere would reflect on their actions and wonder if they should stop/change their ways? Or do they always believe themselves to be in the right? 

He could get visited by the Ghost of Reason Past, Present, and Future; he’s still not changing a single thing. The only reflection he does is self-serving, not self-critical. He’ll wonder how he can keep you under his thumb better and improve over time. Anaxa is stubborn to a fault. When Cerces occupies his head, they’ll champion your cause. Not owing to any conviction over his wrongdoing, but because it makes for an interesting debate. In every cycle, until the very end, he believes he’s justified in his actions. Kaslana notes that Anaxa’s intensity only grew in fervor with each subsequent cycle. It’s remarkable in its own right. 

Mint - How do the people around the yandere view them? Are they none the wiser to what the yandere’s doing, complicit in some way, uncaring, etc? 

The only individual who knows everything is Kaslana, but he’s too busy with his whole bit to spare you much thought. Besides, he’s found that you’re a useful bargaining chip to receive the Coreflame of Reason. Basically a cheat code. Once the Chrysos Heirs enter the scene, Aglaea is roughly aware of your plight. Similar to Kaslana, Aglaea finds your unique sway over the Great Performer valuable. In return for some favors relating to him, she might help you out. Emphasis on might. Sweet Hyacine senses the tension in the air between you. She successfully deduces that you’re ‘lovers’ (?) but that there must be a reason why you’re keeping it a secret.

Much to Anaxa’s amusement, she’ll try playing couple’s counselor, encouraging you to be “open with your feelings” and “understanding” of the enigmatic professor. She takes it so seriously that her compassion is legitimately touching, despite the absurdity of the predicament you’ve found yourself in. While Anaxa’s chuckling over her gentle advice for you, she’s ready to give him a firm talking to. You’re just standing there nodding solemnly as she reminds the professor to be more “thoughtful in his conduct.” 

Myrtle - Is this yandere consistently the same during the time they spend with their darling, or does their attitude begin to change? If so, what prompts the change?

His attitude and behavior remain rather consistent. It’s difficult to notice, however, over time, he becomes warmer toward you. He tries to keep his fondness under control so that you don’t ‘exploit’ it. There’s nothing in particular that sparked the change, just your continued interactions. The most significant difference is his increased hesitance to make you cry going forward. He’s never liked it much to begin with, but as his warped affection proliferates, he dreads the possibility. He isn’t the best at comforting you, yet his approach grows less clinical. He’ll opt to remain silent by your side, rubbing your shoulder until the sobs subside. 

Narcissus - Does this yandere prefer to infiltrate their darling’s life, or do they prefer to take their darling away? 

The whole kidnapping route didn’t seem viable to him, so he opted for a more sustainable method. Kidnapping is crude, and while it might appease his urges in the short-term, too many complications can arise. Instead, he meticulously intertwines your lives. This organic approach sees you ensnared before you even realize what’s happening. In a way, you get used to his nonsense. It’s an adaptive measure, sure, but it serves his ends as well. The righteous fury you once directed at him is a difficult blaze to sustain. You hate to admit it, but going along with his whims eventually starts to feel routine. He makes a point of never pushing you too far. While testing your limits is intriguing, he knows when to rein himself in. 

Pansy - What was it that ultimately sparked their obsession? 

If he had to trace it back to a singular instance, it’d be overhearing you defend an original idea that wasn’t well-received by the student body. Your refusal to surrender in the face of public backlash caught his attention. From that point onward, he paid extra close attention to you. Your mannerisms, language, and viewpoints; everything coalesced into the perfect storm. Before he knew it, you were haunting his every waking thought. 

Peony - How shameless is this yandere? Do they care about their public image and or private image, and how does that affect how they treat their darling? 

Anaxa doesn’t care what others think about him. The only incentive he has for hiding the despotism he’s subjecting you to is so no one gets involved, not because he feels ashamed. When Cerces encountered his memories of you, they expected he’d get embarrassed once they mentioned it. Instead, composed as ever, Anaxa offered an explanation for every question or probe they could conjure up. Aglaea’s taunts are similarly ineffective. The Goldweaver has made allusions to your ‘unfortunate predicament’, hoping that would give her an opening to disorient the Great Performer, to no avail. Anaxa’s rebuttal would point out her hypocrisy, as she uses her golden threads to monitor all of Okhema. How is what he’s doing any different? Out of his concern for your well-being, he keeps a watchful eye on you, just as she does with the denizens of The Holy City. The man’s always got a way to defend himself. 

Primrose - In the yandere’s ideal world, what would their relationship with their darling be like? 

Anaxa has two answers for this. The first, less embarrassing answer is that he wants you to stop being so stubborn and accept his guiding hand. The second is a well hidden secret that even Cerces was pressed to discover — marriage. Voluntarily on your part, in a world where you’re just as madly in love as he is. His face gets warm just thinking about it. He’ll never admit this to you, but if you were to ever bring it up out of spite, you’d find he gets uncharacteristically quiet. This is one of the few sore subjects he clumsily guides you away from. He dislikes the hollowness in his chest he experiences upon realizing you’d never reciprocate his affection to that extent. He could achieve it, but it’d require coercion, which defeats the purpose. 

Rose - Does this yandere indulge much about themselves to their darling? Does it depend on if their darling were to ask? Or are they secretive and closed off? 

For someone who believes he’s owed access to every iota of information about you, he’s not very forthcoming himself. It’s like trying to move a stone statue. You can make a little progress, but it’s so frustrating and exhausting that future attempts are deterred. You’re better off arriving at your own conclusions. Anaxa’s not one to open up about his past, especially since he’s aware you could use the sensitive information to your advantage. However, a few details come to your attention over the years. You know he had an older sister, that his hometown no longer exists, and at some point, he sacrificed his eye in an alchemical ritual. According to the law of equivalent exchange, you’d have to offer a secret about yourself no one else knows for him to divulge more. 

Snapdragon - What is the darling’s day-to-day life like? Does it depend on how they’ve been acting, or is it always the same? 

There are a couple different routines you follow, depending on how occupied he is with lecturing or his research. You have a bit more wiggle room when he’s occupied with his teaching obligations. That’s when you’re free to pursue your own interests, scheme, or sometimes a combination of both. You’re not so fortunate if he’s immersed in research. You expected he’d want to sequester himself to his office, granting you days of freedom. Instead, you have to carry out your ‘personal assistant’ duties. How directly involved you are depends on how hazardous his undertakings will be. If it’s dangerous, he has you sit a safe distance away, scribbling down his observations as well as your own. He does wish you’d stop looking so excited when his clothes catch fire or after a strong explosion blows him back a few feet. He especially doesn’t appreciate your habit of poking him with a stick and inquiring, “You dead yet, Prof?” 

Tulip - Does the yandere want their darling’s forgiveness, or does it make no difference to them?

He doesn’t believe he’s done anything that requires your forgiveness. If anything, he’d find it mildly disconcerting. He’d be concerned that you hit your head or something. He’ll phrase it that bluntly too. While it may inconvenience him, Anaxa believes your anger is a sign of a healthy mind, so he prefers that over apathy or ‘forgiveness’. 

Wisteria - Is the yandere welcoming of any relationships (platonic/familial/etc) in their darling’s life, and what would it depend on if so? 

This is a situational dilemma. Anaxa would prefer you interact solely with him, but even he can recognize that’s unrealistic and potentially detrimental. So, you have a few ‘Anaxagoras-approved’ contacts. At the top of the list is Hyacinthia, owing to her infectious positivity. He’d rather not mix you with his students, but he wouldn’t be that bothered if you befriended Castorice, whom he considers harmless enough. Phainon of Aedes Elysiae is off-limits, however. Anaxa doesn’t appreciate how familiar he acts with you. There was a time Phainon put a hand on your shoulder, only for Anaxa to deduct enough credits for the poor guy to be on the precipice of failing. Your later defense of Phainon did not help his case. 

[incognitopolls]

Anon's explanation:

I’m curious because I see a lot of people claiming to be anti-AI, and in the same post advocating for the use of Glaze and Artshield, which use DiffusionBee and Stable Diffusion, respectively. Glaze creates a noise filter using DiffusionBee; Artshield runs your image through Stable Diffusion and edits it so that it reads as AI-generated. You don’t have to take my work for it. Search for DiffusionBee and Glaze yourself if you have doubts. I’m also curious about machine translation, since Google Translate is trained on the same kinds of data as ChatGPT (social media, etc) and translation work is also skilled creative labor, but people seem to have no qualms about using it. The same goes for text to speech—a lot of the voices people use for it were trained on professional audiobook narration, and voice acting/narration is also skilled creative labor. Basically, I’m curious because people seem to regard these types of gen AI differently than text gen and image gen. Is it because they don’t know? Is it because they don’t think the work it replaces is creative? Is it because of accessibility? (and, if so, why are other types of gen AI not also regarded as accessibility? And even then, it wouldn’t explain the use of Glaze/Artshield)

Additional comments from anon:

I did some digging by infiltrating (lurking in) pro-AI spaces to see how much damage Glaze and other such programs were doing. Unfortunately, it turns out none of those programs deter people from using the ‘protected’ art. In fact, because of how AI training works, they may actually result in better output? Something about adversarial training. It was super disappointing. Nobody in those spaces considers them even a mild deterrent anywhere I looked. Hopefully people can shed some light on the contradictions for me. Even just knowing how widespread their use is would be informative. (I’m not asking about environmental impact as a factor because I read the study everybody cited, and it wasn’t even anti-AI? It was about figuring out the best time of day to train a model to balance solar power vs water use and consumption. And the way they estimated the impact of AI was super weird? They just went with 2020’s data center growth rate as the ‘normal’ growth rate and then any ‘extra’ growth was considered AI. Maybe that’s why it didn’t pass peer review... But since people are still quoting it, that’s another reason for me to wonder why they would use Glaze and Artshield and everything. That’s why running them locally has such heavy GPU requirements and why it takes so long to process an image if you don’t meet the requirements. It’s the same electricity/water cost as generating any other AI image.)

–

We ask your questions anonymously so you don’t have to! Submissions are open on the 1st and 15th of the month.

[tyrantisterror]

A Flight of Dragons, I Command It! A FLIGHT! OF! DRAGONS!

doom DOOM DOOM

Hey fuckers, it's February and my Seasonal Affective Disorder is at its fucking PEAK, so it's gonna get REAL weird around here for a while. Luckily, my old ass has spent the last thirty-some years figuring out how to deal with this particular recurring problem, and one of the many tools and tricks I've learned is an age old classic:

I gotta treat myself.

So, ok, I work at a daycare, and one of the things that's very popular with the kids these days are 3-D printed dragons. They're inexpensive, customizable, and pretty easy to transport and store, so it's no wonder kids like them. But, you know, I'm something of a child at heart myself, and I love dragons, so when I saw my kids bringing all these 3-D printed dragons to the center... well, I got a bit envious. And, well... when you're an adult with disposable income... there's no one STOPPING you from buying a 3-D printed dragon for yourself.

Or two.

Or three.

Or... lots. Lots and lots. Because you're an adult and they don't cost much money and you've always loved having swarms/herds/big families of creatures ever since you were a kid, and because it was January when this idea struck you and looking at the estimated time of arrival on etsy for these things you realized most of them would arrive by February, when you might NEED the serotonin provided by having a big ol' flight of dragons.

So let's go on a journey, fuckers. A journey of excess, a journey into imagination, a journey through the marvelous world of people with 3-D printers making a quick buck on etsy. Let's look at some fucking dragons.

I'm going to go ahead and link the store pages for each dragon I purchased, in case you too are deranged and need some dragons in your life, and because I want to give some form of credit to the artists who made these. Granted, that won't always be possible - while a few of these seemed to be unique to the shops I bought them from, many of them could be found from NUMEROUS sellers, which makes it difficult if not impossible to figure out who originally programmed the project files for them to be 3-D printed from.

Case in point is The Crystal Dragon here, which can be found in SO MANY etsy stores. Most of the 3-D printed dragons my students at the daycare had were of this variety, in fact, so it seems to be a very popular pattern for 3-D printing. It's definitely a cute and pretty little thing, and sort of sets the standard bar for a 3-D printed dragon. I wish the face was a bit more detailed, but the rough, angular nature of it does help convey the idea that this thing is made of crystals.

The second most common design, as far as I can tell anyway, is this Chinese Dragon/Loong (oh hey, they used my favorite English spelling!). I really like the face of this guy, and it seems like an excellent rendition of the standard East Asian dragon design - there's even tiny holes under its nostrils where you could insert a wire or thread to serve as its barbells, though most sellers (including the one I bought from) don't make use of it.

While most of the dragons I bought are "realistic," there were some cartoony/more stylized ones for sale that I decided to partake in. This little guy is one such dragon, and I think he's probably the best one to get if you're buying for a kid - the smoother body and smaller, nubbier horns makes it less likely to break, and just a bit more fun to play with in your hands. These things are often marketed as fidgets, after all, so the tactile feel of them is something to take into account.

While on the surface just a variation of the fidgets we've seen so far, this dragon has one particularly clever feat of engineering: because of the way the spikes on its neck are set up, you can get its head in a nice "snake rearing up to strike" position, which, combined with its distinctive short-snouted face, goes a long way to giving it an extra bit of character among the 3-D printed dragons.

While most of the dragons I found seemed to have the same simple color options to choose from, a few sellers seemed to have their own custom ones that were unique to their shop. This mix of bronze and olive greens was unique to this particular dragon, which, along with its painted eyes, really helps its stand out! I will note that the joints of this dragon tend to stick a bit more than my other dragons - perhaps a result of using different plastic colors than is standard? - but if you let gravity do its work they'll sort themselves out, and it's worth it to have such a striking little fellow.

Since this particular style of toy really suits serpentine creatures better than all else, I decided to look for some explicitly marine dragons to add to the group. I really like this sea serpent I found, which comes is very basic crayola-ish plain colors, but has just enough personality in its sculpt (and eyes and teeth in different colors) to stand out.

If you're looking for sea dragons on etsy, though, you're much more likely to encounter this fellow, which almost every store selling it calls Jormungandr and/or the Midgard Serpent. It's got these vaguely Nordic runes carved into it, as well as grooves in its tail designed to fit its prominent fangs so it can make an ouroboros, which makes the Jormungandr connection feel pretty intentional. It's a really distinct design, but I do think it's a little funny that it's far from the beefiest of my dragons. I wonder if there's a shop that sells an upsized model...

While not notable in terms of engineering, paint work, or plastic color options, this dragon IS notable in having heads based on a statue of Quetzalcoatl, who is in turn one of my favorite mythological figures, so I had to get it.

Of course, I also wanted a Quetzalcoatl-style feathered serpent that had the classic "winged snake" look, and this one fit the bill well enough. It originally came with little hair clips attached to its underside, allowing it to cling to your head and/or clothes, which I thought was really clever... but I also didn't like the clips sticking out from under the little thing so I took them off. A lovely little dragon either way, though.

So, ok, I'd been going relatively cheap at this point, but as I shopped I was struck with a sort of passing fancy, an idle thought... what was the most elaborate, fanciest 3-D printed dragon I could get? It's not this one, mind you, but this was very much the start of that rabbit hole. While mechanically it's not significantly different than the dragons we've seen till now, the amount of colors it's printed in immediately make it stand out as a higher quality dragon.

The same store that sold the dragon above also sold this fellow, which may well be my favorite of the many East Asian dragons I found on this little quest. Just look at that wonderfully monstrous face! And he's got a pearl, the little devil!

While the color of the plastic and the engineering of this sea dragon may not seem particularly notable, what has to be taken into account here is the sheer SIZE of this lass. This is one of the biggest dragons of my lot, not only in length but in sheer girth and weight of its joints. The Midgar Serpent needs to move over, this is the REAL leviathan of my 3-D printed dragon collection.

Of course, if you know me, you know I'm a basic bitch who loves the European "four legs and two wings" style of dragon the most of all, so my search for fancy 3-D printed dragons started to focus on finding some that fit this description. I can't actually find the store page for this guy anymore (it's not in my past purchases on etsy for some reason), but it's a pretty solid low budget take on the concept. But we can do better - and we will...

But first, a detour to some wyverns! This little guy is really cute, with a head based on the Peter Jackson Herbit movie's design for Smaug, and a feathery little body that makes it looks like a fantastical archeopteryx.

The same shop makes a more reptile-ish dragon, with leathery wings and scaly skin, which I got in a larger size because, well, you know my preferences. It's like the perfect size to perch on your shoulder, though I'd want something to hold it in place because I'm pretty sure falling off from that height onto a hardwood floor would be the end of it.

There's no shop link for this one or the next because it was a freebie - which is to say I didn't actually order this dragon, but found it in one of my packages as a free gift from the seller. That's the nice thing about shopping on places like etsy and ebay - sometimes the people on the other side of the screen are really solid and decide to give you an extra little treat. This is clearly a Games of Throne-style wyvern specifically, based on the proportions and the shape of the head, and that's pretty cool. The dragons are one of the only things that made it out of that show still looking cool.

The second freebie dragons I got were these little toys of Toothless and Girl Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon. Look at them, they're so cute!

But now... now it's time for the answer to the question:

What

Is the most Deluxe 3-D Printed Dragon

I can get?

The Bronze Medal goes to this marvelous dragon here, which feels like it flew right off of some medieval coat of arms and into my own flesh and blood ones. It's solid, beautifully sculpted, and full of articulation points. However, the method in which it's articulated makes it a bit frustrating to pose, as some of these joints end up bending and twisting in ways you don't want them too. Still an excellent dragon, mind you, but outdone by the next two...

The Silver Medal goes to this marvelous wyvern, which has much tighter joints that are a lot less frustrating to pose. Its wings are a mixture of cloth and plastic, allowing them to flex and bend into a variety of poses (though admittedly the weight of the wings keeps them from holding most of those poses very well). Also, look at that regal face, that sleek sculpt, and those elegant proportions! It's almost a perfect dragon for me. Almost.

My one and only gripe with the previous dragon is that, well, I'm a basic bitch who likes dragons with four legs and two wings the best! And what do you know, they made one of those too! And god, does this dragon look magnificent in person, sporting all of the elegance of the dragon above but with magnificent grasping hands! HANDS! Hands that you'll have to be careful with because the joints are a little loose and like to pop off when you play with them, but still, HANDS!

This is a high enough point to end off on, but there's one more 3-D printed gift I'd like to cover here. My favorite one.

Well, ones I guess. This all started with my students, and well, some of them noted my interest in the 3-D printed dragons they were bringing to school. And a couple of them actually ended up getting 3-D printers of their own (well, their parents' own, ayway) and decided to print off a dragon and a crocodile for me - smaller than all the other dragons here (except the Toothless keycains), but no less dear for it. I guess one of the pros about taking an active interest in the things your students like and letting them gush about it is that they might give you a 3-D printed dragon or crocodile out of the kindness in their little hearts.