#file under: wants: fidel

[knotfodder]

name: Fidel Herrera nicknames: Fido, Fi, pup (by some) dob. age: August 13, 1998 (25) gender: Male pronouns: (he/him/his) secondary gender: Alpha occupation: escort species: werewolf fc: Michael Cimino

+clever, tenacious, hard working+ -jealousy-prone, isolated, selfish-

[matsookawa]

Title: How Exciting

Pairing: Dracule Mihawk x fem!reader

Word Count: 1,033

Summary: Mihawk's wife has some life-altering news that has him on the edge of his seat in an emergency Cross Guild meeting.

Note: This was a request.

Despite having the last fifteen years as proof that her husband would move Heaven and Earth if it meant she was happy, the fear settling into her stomach is making that knowledge difficult to hold on to. She sits at a table in the conference room, her husband on the other end. It’s silent and [Y/N] has chosen to remain expressionless. It’s a blessing and curse to have a partner who can read every minute thing your body does, but right now it’s a curse. She can feel his eyes burning into her, yet hers remain locked on a one-inch scuff next to her hand where she’s been tapping her finger for the past five minutes. It’s the only indication of her nervousness, a trait not common in the typically steadfast woman.

The man, Dracule Mihawk, opens his mouth to inquire about her behavior and why she called an emergency meeting. Before a sound comes out, the conference room doors slam open. [Y/N]’s hand slaps down on the table and Mihawk is somewhat grateful he does not have to continue enduring the endless tapping. What he is not grateful for is the clown taking a seat at the table next to his wife, while their glorified accountant with a hook-hand sits on her other side. His eyes narrow and he leans forward, resting his elbows on the table. “What is this?”

[Y/N] takes a deep breath and clasps her hands on the table. Crocodile and Buggy look to her, clearly waiting for her to speak first. Mihawk immediately fears the worst. ‘Is she…. leaving me?’ His heart jumps into his throat at the thought. “I’m not leaving you, if that’s what you’re thinking.” He breathes a tiny sigh of relief. “Buggy and Croc are only here as witnesses in case of legal retaliation.”

“What are you referring to, [Y/N]?” He is utterly confused and she decides it’s best to put him out of his misery. She locks him in with a hard gaze. The one she usually reserves for foes, however he can see her clench her jaw and hesitate. “There’s a bit of a… situation. One that has the potential to change things going forward.” Crocodile and Buggy’s sights set on Mihawk. His mind is a maze with each direction leading him to a horrible conclusion as to what this all must be about. ‘She is termin-‘ “I’m not terminally ill, Dracule.” He hears the clown mumble a “How do you do that?” under his breath. Mihawk decides the best option is to wait until she’s ready. After exactly thirty-six ticks of the wall clock, [Y/N] speaks.

“I’m seven weeks pregnant.”

His breathing stops, yet he remains narrow-eyed and if [Y/N] didn’t know him so well, it would intimidate her. It’s fortunate she can hold her own against anyone, even him. “And I know you do not want children. You made that very clear. So, I’ve called this meeting to announce my resignation as a member and negotiate the division of our marital assets. Buggy and Crocodile can sign as witnesses of the decision and I’ll file this with the local court.”

Mihawk sits up straight, his brain now catching up. “You think so little of me that one off-hand comment I made fifteen years ago means that your only option when you’re with child is divorce.” It’s not a question. [Y/N] swallows hard, her confident façade beginning to fall. “You have too many responsibilities. To the Cross Guild, to Zoro-“ “[Y/N].”

His chair scrapes as he stands. He rounds the table and Buggy slides his chair out of the way to make space for Mihawk to kneel beside her. Her breaths become deep and trembling and she struggles to hold his steely gaze. “I clearly have failed as a husband if that is your belief. Have I not made my unwavering fidelity and devotion to you clear? Do you not understand that every morning before you wake is spent pondering how I got so lucky to find a partner who not only understands every facet of who I am, but doesn’t seek to change it?” She has a white-knuckle grip on the armrest of her chair and tears brim her eyes at his words. He lays a hand over hers. “[Y/N], I was not in a place all those years ago to have a child. I was young and had no ambition until you came along. We’re now two of the strongest warlords on the four seas. Between your intelligence and my strength, we can handle a child.”

Tears fall over her cheeks and a choked sob escapes her. “I just didn’t want to force you into this, Dracule.” Mihawk sighs through his nose and closes his eyes for a moment. They open once more and settle on her. “I love you, [Y/N]. I am in this just as much as you are.” The woman emits a loud cry and throws her arms around him, allowing herself to slide out of the chair. He’s able to catch her and hold her in his lap. She cries into his shirt and he looks up to his associates. “You two can leave. There is nothing to witness.”

Crocodile takes a puff of his cigar and nods towards the door. This cues Buggy to stand, the hook-handed man doing the same. “We can discuss the new arrangements in due time, Mihawk. Enjoy the pregnancy while it lasts. You’ll miss it later.” Said man is tempted to ask why Crocodile sounds particularly forlorn, but lets it go as he exits. They’re close, but not that close.

[Y/N] pulls her face away from his shoulder and wipes her face with the back of her hand. She’s finished crying, but can’t help but still feel a little daunted by the entire situation. She swallows hard and looks at him while he softly gazes at her and pushes some tear-ridden strands of hair behind her hair. “You’re sure you’re up for this? It’s going to be exhausting, unrelenting, and terrifying, Dracule.” A soft smile pulls at his lips and he holds the side of her face in his hand.

“Then it will be our most exciting adventure yet.”

Note: I have a headcanon that Buggy actually does know when to keep quiet. I've also always had this idea of Crocodile having a past lover, but their relationship ending in tragedy. Feel free to request more info or a fic on that. I write more than just Mihawk, ya know.

[isagrimorie]

I screencapped a close-up of a Borg skull prop used for Picard season 2, and I love the high fidelity of the photo, this is the 3d print file:

And this is the finished product:

And it's so interesting how grafted the metal is to the skull, it really is fused into the skull. No wonder Seven's ocular implant can never be removed.

And yet, this borg skull plating is still not as extensive as Seven's as we saw in Timeless:

Under Seven's beautiful hair has some scar tissue and implants:

And as Seven mentioned, installing her occipital implant is the most painful thing she's ever experienced. Meaning, she must have been conscious when it happened:

But also we saw in Imperfection there's a lot more metal under her skull:

She's 70% more metal than organic under the skin.

Are these just implants escaping or is that metal under her skin?

Is this what Seven's skin that's covered up by the suit looks like? More implants?

As we saw from Picard season 1 and even from Voyager, Survival Instincts other ex-Borgs were not as lucky as Seven was, the EMH Doctor really has a talent for extracting Borg implants and fixing the skin.

In a Watsonian POV, I wish the Doctor was less great about wielding a dermal regenerator, but in a Doylist POV, there really wasn't any choice because Berman & co wanted the 'sexy' catsuit. It's a shame because seeing the scars on other xBs added a lot. Jonathan del Arco spoke on how the scars added more to the character and Jeri Ryan agreed.

I don't think I'll ever stop being fascinated with the aspect of borgs, their physicality and what the Borg have done to people.

[sagemoderocklee]

The WiP Folder Game

Got tagged by the wonderful @roarshackle and the amazing @aleksandracoffan (who tagged @puregaalee but i don’t usually post about my wips there so just combining here) for this game.

Rules: Make a new post with the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! Then tag as many people as you have WIPs.

SO. listing every. single. thing in my WiPs folder.... I'm sorry in advance this is just... ridiculously long because I'm terrible at getting things done quickly. Thankfully it's just what's in my WiPs FOLDER and not in the ideas doc, but this shit still kinda wild

Gonna separate these out by WiPs that are posted and WiPs that have yet to see the light of day. Excluding WiPs that have more than one chapter up cause this already over the top, but I will not be including Heartbreak Curses in this despite that being one chapter since that's the forever unfinished HP AU and I don't wanna be talkin bout that (maybe someday I can adapt it into something that isn't HP but for now it is what it is).

This is only Naruto/GaaLee since it's the only fandom I'm active in anymore, so fandom isn't listed.

WiPs under the cut:

Currently Posting (One Chapter Up):

The Allied Nations Saga: Honor Bound

Blood on the Branches

The Cost of Silk

The Eagle's Augury

Fill in the [____]

Koshu

The Passing of Things

We Need Not Be Yellow Tulips in a Garden of Gardenia, Yet We Go the Way of the Red Camellia

Unposted:

A Cat's Guide to Finding Love

A Day Like Any Other

The Allied Nations Saga: Secret Liaisons

The Allied Nations Saga: Fidelity

The Beautiful Beast of Cāngdì

Driven By You

Final Bow

Home With You

How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful

Kenshin

Plucked Peony Petals

Say My Name (working title)

Scarification

Secrets of the Daimyo: Sigilism

To Live a Life Belovéd

Unnamed Horror Story, formerly BotB

Who Wants to Live Forever (not the title)

Non-obligatory tags: I feel like most people I'd tag have probably already been tagged, but just in case @ghoste-catte @ghost-in-the-stalls @urieskooki @shukakumoodboard and anyone else who wants to do it!

[adsproject]

Progress Update #5: Lo-Fi Wireframes Pau!

Hey everyone! So glad you’re stopping by my Tumblr blog again! Read ↓below↓ for my project update details!

What has been happening over the past 2 weeks?

These past two weeks have been pretty busy as I worked on my other classes’ assignments. I went against the advice of our professor, who said, “Use the spring break to catch up,” but I instead opted to relax and decompress. I actually went outside this time, touched grass, and shopped at malls, unlike my previous breaks, when I would just stay cooped up in my house reading manga. I pretty much crammed some last-minute work before class today and the night before. At the very least, I finished my low-fidelity wireframes for the five microsites. In my last post, I only completed my low-fidelity wireframes for the main website, so I am happy to have done more. I think I forgot to mention that I reduced the scope of my website. Instead of ten designs, I narrowed it down to just five to make it more manageable for myself. If I also fail to deliver a fully functional website, I will fall back on a website prototype as a backup.

What is coming up for the next 2 weeks?

My next step is to complete my high-fidelity wireframes based on the low-fidelity ones. For this step, I will need to gather assets, such as images and text (copy) to use. After that, I will work on recreating the design on the actual website using Wix, hopefully by next week on the 30th. I want to launch the website as soon as possible to ensure there is ample time to gather data by collecting votes from my Instagram Stories polls, summarizing the results, and posting the summary on the site. So, that’s where I am heading over the next two weeks.

Hiccups/Hurdles/AHA moments

A hurdle I had to overcome was my perfectionist mindset. Because I want everything to be perfect, it was a struggle to begin tackling my five microsite wireframe designs. I did not know where to start, but once I began working, I had momentum. At this point, I realized I really just need to pass. Of course, I want to put out my best work, but I may need to take some shortcuts.

I had an AHA moment when I realized that I still had some time before I needed to launch my website. It is not a lot of time, but I remain hopeful. However, throughout this whole creative process, I have had serious self-doubt about completing this project. I had given up in high school for a STEM capstone project for STEM honors, where I dropped the class and forfeited the honors. It was definitely not my proudest moment, but I like to believe I have changed drastically from that time. Although I have self-doubt and imposter syndrome, I have accomplished a lot to get to where I am now. While I do not believe I was the person to actually achieve these things, I am trying to be more grateful and celebrate the small victories. By the end of this project, I hope to savor my triumph and success exuberantly with my friends and family. I am so close to the finish line. We all are. We got this, guys!

Any deliverable drafts to share?

At the top of this post, you will find screenshots of my low- and high-fidelity wireframes from Figma. I have finished my lo-fi wireframes and am beginning to work on my hi-fi ones. Click here to view my documentation for this project thus far. I have compiled my brand color palette, study guide, user personas, sitemap, and lo-fi wireframes into one Figma file to have everything in one place.

Where are you on your timeline?

I am kind of in the production phase, depending on how you look at it. I categorized wireframes under the production phase, but others may still consider them to be in the pre-production phase. Needless to say, I am quite behind, as I have assigned myself to launch my website this past Sunday. Now I know that the deadlines I set for myself are tentative and bound to change, so I won’t beat myself up over it too much. I am proud I have at least finished my lo-fi wireframes, which were substantially weighing on my mind due to feeling overwhelmed. Even so, I have reduced the scope of my project, which has lifted that immense burden off my shoulders.

That’s all for now! Thanks for tuning in ^_^

[gusulanarchives]

Archived Record • OP-A-004

Title: I Hallucinate

Author: RedStockings

Filed Under: Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Dragon and HuliJing

Description from the Author:

The war is over and the dragons continue unchallenged on their mountain. But huli jing Wei Wuxian has been noticed and wanted. Now he’s to be given over as a war prize, in an arrangement to secure the next generation of Lan dragons.

It is outrageous and Wei Ying won't stand for it! Only the dragon won't let him leave and no one understands his refusal.

Despite Wei Ying's reluctance, it's easy to see that his would-be-mate Lan Zhan, is actually quite nice. Now Wei Ying is trying desperately to sort through his complicated feelings, and Lan Zhan is learning that you can't hide a person under the mountain like a piece of gold.

All the while the cultivation world is busy selecting it's next leader. Wei Ying and Lan Zhan end up in Carp Tower for the celebrations, where others make threats against their future happiness.

Archivists’ Commentary:

In this imaginative rendering, the protagonists assume animal forms—dragon and fox, respectively—allowing for an exploration of instinctual behavior not typically afforded to such dignified figures. Notably, the author presents the Lan cultivator not as immune to possessive tendencies, but as one inclined, in his draconic state, to certain hoarding impulses, particularly where Wei Wuxian is concerned. The fox, in turn, exhibits behavior best described as deliberately exasperating, though undeniably effective. Their initial discord—rooted in species difference and mutual obstinance—is portrayed with striking fidelity, and while romantic understanding does eventually emerge, it is the chaotic. The work is both spirited and unrestrained in its depiction.

Additional Notes from the Archive:

This text contains material of a highly unrestrained and explicit nature. Readers should be aware that scenes of carnal impropriety are rendered in vivid detail. Those unaccustomed to the baser instincts of dragons, or the shameless provocations of foxes, may find their composure severely tested. Spiritual cleansing, cold tea, and extended meditation are strongly advised post-perusal.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Picks and Shovels Chapter One (Part 3)

Picks and Shovels is a new, standalone technothriller starring Marty Hench, my two-fisted, hard-fighting, tech-scam-busting forensic accountant. You can pre-order it on my latest Kickstarter, which features a brilliant audiobook read by Wil Wheaton.

This week, I'm serializing the first chapter of my next novel, Picks and Shovels, a standalone Martin Hench novel that drops on Feb 17:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250865908/picksandshovels

The book is up for presale on a Kickstarter that features the whole series as print books (with the option of personalized inscriptions), DRM-free ebooks, and a DRM-free audiobook read by Wil Wheaton:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/doctorow/picks-and-shovels-marty-hench-at-the-dawn-of-enshittification

It's a story of how the first seeds of enshittification were planted in Silicon Valley, just as the first PCs were being born.

Here's part one:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/01/09/the-reverend-sirs/#fidelity-computing

Part two:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/01/10/smoke-filled-room-where-it-happens/#computing-freedom

And now, onto part three!

The logo for the Computing Freedom was a stylized version of an inverted Fidelity Computing logo, colored magenta, just a few shades off of the mauve of the Fidelity family of products.

Their catalog was slimmer than Fidelity’s, omitting the computers themselves. Instead, it was filled with all the things that went with the computers: printers, ribbons, paper, floppy drives and disks, RAM and modems. Unlike the Fidelity catalog, the CF’s catalog had prices. They were perfectly reasonable prices, maybe even a little on the high side.

“Our computers, they’re a system,” Bishop Clarke said. “We provide everything, and guarantee that it will all work together. Our customers aren’t sophisticated, they’re not high-tech people. They’re people who organize their lives around their faith, not chasing a fad or obsessing over gadgets.”

“We hold their hands,” Rabbi Finkel said. “There’s always someone who’ll answer the phone and help them, whatever problem they’re having. It’s like a family. One of their computers breaks, we send them another one! That way, they can keep working. We know the system is important to them.”

“It’s not cheap,” Father Marek said. “That kind of customer service isn’t cheap.”

“We filed suit as soon as we found out,” Bishop Clarke said. “We didn’t want to.” He looked sad. “What choice did we have.” It wasn’t a question.

CF managed to fly under the radar for a couple of months. They started with sales calls, cold calls to their old contacts, their best customers, explaining that they had created a new business, one that could supply them with high-quality, interchangeable products for their Fidelity systems. The prices were much lower than Fidelity’s, often less than half.

“Sure they were less than half,” Father Marek said. “When you don’t have to pay a roomful of customer-service people, you don’t have to charge as much.”

The customers were happy, but then a San Antonio stake president was invited to dinner at the home of a local prominent businessman, the owner of a large printshop who relied so heavily on Fidelity systems to run his business that he kept one at home, in his study, with a modem that let him dial into the plant and look at the day’s production figures and examine the hour sheets and payroll figures.

The president noticed the odd-colored box of fanfold printer paper behind the congregant’s desk, feeding a continuous river of paper into the printer’s sprockets. He asked after the odd packaging and the parishioner gave him a catalog (CF included a spare catalog with every order, along with a handwritten note on quarter-sized stationery thanking the customer for his business).

The president assumed that this was some kind of new division of Fidelity, and he was impressed with the prices and selection in the catalog. Naturally, when he needed a new box of floppy disks, he asked one of the girls in his congregation for a box of the low-cost items—

“Why would he ask a girl in his congregation? Didn’t he have a Fidelity sales rep?” I’d filled much of my little steno pad with notes by this point. It was quite a story but I wasn’t quite sure where I fit in with it.

Bishop Clarke started to answer, but Father Marek silenced him by clearing his throat in a loud and pointed way. The priest stared at me for a long time, seeming to weigh me and find me wanting. I can’t say I liked him, but he fascinated me. He had such a small bag of tricks, those glares and noises, but he was a virtuoso with them, like a diner cook who can only make a half dozen dishes but prepares them with balletic grace.

“Mr. Hench,” he said. He let the words hang in the air. “Mr. Hench,” he said again. I knew it was a trick but he performed it so well. I felt a zing of purely irrational, utterly involuntary anxiety. “We don’t have a traditional sales force. The sales groups are small, and their primary role is Empowerment.” He leaned so heavily on the word that I heard the capital letter.

“Our sales groups travel around, they meet people in each place who know their communities, people who have the knack for technology, who need a little side business to help them make ends meet. The sales groups train these people, teach them how to spot people who could use our systems, how to explain the benefits to them. They use their personal connections, the mutual trust, to put our machines where they can do the most good.”

Bishop Clarke could see I wasn’t quite following. “It’s like the Avon Lady. You know, ‘ding-dong Avon calling’? Those girls are talking to their neighbors, helping them find the right products. Their friends get the best products for their needs, the girls get a commission, and everyone is happy.”

I got it then. Fidelity was a pyramid scheme. Well, that was a waste of time. I almost said so, but then I held my tongue. I didn’t want to get into an argument with these men, I just wanted to leave.

“We’re not a pyramid scheme,” Rabbi Finkel said. Had it shown on my face? Maybe rabbis got a lot of practice reading people, hearing the unsaid words. “We follow the rules. The Federal Trade Commission set the rules in 1979 and we’ve always followed them. We are a community-oriented business, serving faith groups, and we want to give back to them. That’s why we pay commissions to local people. It’s our way of putting some of our profits into the communities that depend on us.”

“That’s so well said,” Bishop Clarke said. “So well said. Perfect, in fact.”

“Perfect,” Father Marek said, with a scowl that made it clear he wasn’t happy to have been interrupted.

Check out my Kickstarter to pre-order copies of my next novel, Picks and Shovels!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/01/11/socialism-for-the-rich/#a-lighter-shade-of-mauve

[nothoughtsgarf]

Regarding Garfield.Fandom.com and the Future of NoThoughtsGarf

This is an issue that I have been semi-aware of for some time now, and i figured I should face it head on by asking what you all think.

Should I switch sourcing from GoComics.com/Garfield to Garfield.Fandom.com? This would increase the comic quality, but may decrease the 'ease of access' to the original comic

Explanation + My Thoughts under the Read More

I've had this on my mind since August 2023, but it's really come to a point... at this point. I've come across a few issues while editing these comics, which I've been very vocal about in many of the 'read more' sections. How the lattice backgrounds are so annoying, and clouds/bushes are my greatest enemies >:( , and most importantly, how low resolution some of the 'meme' comic panels ("Garfield in a padded cell" and "Garfield thrown through a window") are on GoComic.

In the past, it was only when there was a misprint in GoComic that I would try Fandom because I find the website irritating to navigate and cumbersome to link to. No shade intended to the wonderful people of Garfield.Fandom, but it just feels awkward to link to the pages since the comics are grouped by month. So any curious Garfers would need to scroll past ads and other stuff to find a date's comic, or I have to link the image directly, hoping it doesn't break or change over time.

Since GoComic has each comic on a standalone page, I can link the page and know that the comic will be right there on the screen. You can go to the next comic by pressing the next button, go to a specific comic with the date selector (useful for sunday comics), or change the url to find a certain date very easily

Fandom: https://garfield.fandom.com/wiki/Garfield,_May_1981_comic_strips?file=1981-05-18.gif

GoComic: https://www.gocomics.com/garfield/1981/05/18

gocomics.com/garfield/<YEAR>/<MONTH>/<DAY>

Linking aside, the real crux of the issue is that many of the earlier comics (especially pre-2000s) are simply more vibrant, colorful, and high-res on Garfield.Fandom

Most strikingly is that some of the comics where I'm having a Bad Time™ due to mushy patterns or gristly gradients are actually less of a problem.

A (possible) downside to better fidelity is that mistakes may end up being more apparent (which may mean more community participation ?). but for the later comics (2010-present) there's not that much of a difference between the websites.

And most selfish of all, I already have my macros set for GoComic, so that I can pull up the page, press f9, and then the image, the date, and the links are all pulled faster and more consistently than copying and typing by hand (my keyboard has a tendency to double up or miss some letters, my fingers have a tendency to misspell words and smear letters). So I just don't want to redo it again.

Thanks for reading all this, and for enjoying the comics so far. It's been very fulfilling to do this. The queue is still locked and loaded to continue with the comics I've already edited, but I figured that this was important enough to bump into the queue so we can feel out how this should all continue :)

[gravitywonagain]

WIP Game

(take 2!)

Thank you @loosingmoreletters for tagging me with this!! i love these games!!

RULES: post the names of all the files in your WIP folder, regardless of how non-descriptive or ridiculous. Let people send you an ask with the title that most intrigues them, and then post a little snippet or tell them something about it! and then tag as many people as you have WIPs.

since i already did this in full at the beginning of the year, i'll just link to that post, and on this one i'll put the ones i've been actively working on since then and all the new additions? i'll take questions on anything tho!!

Alone at Spring Festival? Mad at your dad?

Beating Like a Hammer

Boy Meets Sword

Fire in the Back of My Throat (Sunshot Band AU)

Hand in Hand with a Brother (Demonic Shuangjie AU)

High Fidelity

Inquiring Minds

Let Your Brain Run Wild (Everybody’s Nephew Band AU)

Let Yourself be Loved (Definitely Not a Queer Eye fic)

Under Streetlights

What Does the Huli Jing Say?

Words are Gonna Bleed from Me

plus a surprising amount of work on some original things? but not really any prose on those. just worldbuilding and character stuff.

Tagging: i'm not tagging *checks other post* fifty-seven people, except that whoever else wants to play, go for it! but for the standard 5: @dovebeast @amethyst-noir @intoxicatingimmediacy @odderancy @saiaisaiko if you feel like it <3

[accusticarts]

Headphone Listening in a HiFi World: Constructing a German-Style Desktop Audiophile Setup

It's not a secret that high-fidelity audio can elevate your listening experience, particularly if you explore the universe of headphone systems. Want to build an upscale desktop audiophile system featuring German precision and engineering? ACCUSTIC ARTS has just the combination of performance and beauty. Here's how to design a system with outstanding sound quality that will easily fit into your working space.

Why a German-Style Audiophile Setup?

German engineering translates to precision, and ACCUSTIC ARTS reflects this philosophy in its audio components. When you invest in their gear, you're not merely purchasing components—you're getting a piece of careful craftsmanship intended to enhance your music. Whether you're an experienced audiophile or just beginning, a German-style setup means clarity, depth, and a natural soundstage that brings your go-to tunes to life.

Choosing Your Core Components

You’ll need key pieces to build your desktop Audiophile speakers system. Start with a high-quality DAC (digital-to-analog converter) like the ACCUSTIC ARTS DAC I-Player. This device ensures your digital music files are converted with minimal distortion, preserving every detail. Pair it with a headphone amplifier such as the ACCUSTIC ARTS AMP I, which provides clean, powerful amplification tailored for high-end headphones.

Then, select a pair of headphones that suit your listening style. Open-back headphones, such as the Sennheiser HD 800 S, provide a wide soundstage, while closed-back headphones are more isolating. Your preference depends on whether you want immersion or must keep out ambient noise.

Optimizing Your Setup

Placement is even more important in a desktop configuration. Place your DAC and amplifier on a solid base to minimize vibration. Employ premium cables to tie your components together, as these can make an audible difference in signal quality. If possible, add isolation pads under your equipment to further decrease interference.

Your music source is equally critical to your hardware. Stream high-resolution files or listen in lossless formats such as FLAC to extract the maximum from your system. Platforms like Tidal or Qobuz provide studio-quality streaming; you can pick up every detail.

Fine-Tuning the Experience

After everything is connected, take your time to adjust your DAC and amp settings. Play around with gain levels to hit the sweet spot for your headphones. If your system has EQ capabilities, gentle adjustments can boost specific frequencies without sacrificing your headphones' natural sound signature.

Last but not least, relax and enjoy. A meticulously crafted Germany-made audiophile speaker from ACCUSTIC ARTS does your music justice, unleashing layers of detail you may not have noticed before. Whether working, unwinding, or just listening to your favorite records, this system makes each note ring through with precision and warmth.

Creating a desktop audiophile system doesn't need to be a hassle. With the proper parts and a bit of care in the setup, you can build a listening space equal to or even greater than HiFi speaker setups—all in the comfort of your workspace.

Read More Resource

Audiophile Reference Preamplifier

Audiophile mono amplifier

[officialboredom]

It’s not really optimization when it has 4k textures and high quality audio. A lot of it has to with the balance between lossless compression and load times + asset streaming. CPUs from the last co some generation were quite poor, so the games couldn’t be as compressed as they could have unless you wanted insanely long loading times.

Better compression tech is being worked on, with Sony killing it with their games and third party games that use it (e.g Control on PS5 is under half the size of the PS4 version), but it all comes down to the performance balance. Also, if there wasn’t any compression at all, even older games would be gigantic (e.g. the file size of all assets from the devs computers is gonna be massive).

With better hardware comes better visual fidelity comes larger files sizes. And storage is CHEAP. I can’t express how cheap storage is now, it’s insane. No amount of “stylized” visuals are going to change how big games get. Even cartoony looking games can get real big because they still need to have high quality assets. Sorry that you saw some Nintendo game with the blurriest of textures and thought it looked fine, but they really didn’t and had to make a lot of sacrifices to get it running on Switch hardware and fitting into expensive ass proprietary storage.

Cool how optimization in AAA games is basically dead

[knotfodder]

-

[shamimakter-blog]

HORLAT T03 Android 4K Beamer 32GB Projector Full HD 1080P 8K Video Audio Home Theater Auto Focus Keystone 5G Dual WiFi Portable

HORLAT T03 Android 4K Beamer 32GB Projector Full HD 1080P 8K Video Audio Home Theater Auto Focus Keystone 5G Dual WiFi Portable

👉👉Buy now: https://youtu.be/l1FI1iEpAlw

🔥🔥 DISCOUNT: 47% 🔥🔥

Introduction Looking to transform your living room into a home cinema without breaking the bank? Let me introduce you to the HORLAT T03 Android 4K Beamer, a portable powerhouse that combines 1080P native resolution, 8K video support, auto-focus, and Android OS, all packed into a compact design. If you're tired of fuzzy visuals and laggy performance from outdated projectors, this might just be the upgrade you’ve been waiting for.

Unboxing the HORLAT T03 What's Inside the Box? Right out of the box, you’ll find the HORLAT T03 projector itself, a power cable, HDMI cable, remote control, user manual, and a lens cleaning cloth. Everything you need to get started is there—no surprises, no extra purchases needed.

First Impressions First impression? It looks premium. The matte finish, clean design, and intuitive button placement scream sophistication, especially for this price range.

Design and Build Quality Compact and Sleek Form Factor The HORLAT T03 sports a minimalist design with smooth curves and a lightweight body that feels robust but not bulky. Its dimensions make it perfect for mounting or just placing on a shelf.

Portability Factor Weighing just under 2kg, it’s easy to move around. Whether you’re taking it to a friend’s house or setting it up outdoors for a backyard movie night, it’s travel-friendly.

Display Performance Native Full HD 1080P Resolution Let’s talk visuals. The projector delivers native 1080P resolution, which means you’re not just watching an upscaled image—you're getting true high-definition clarity.

4K and 8K Playback Support Even better? It can support 4K and 8K video decoding. While it won’t project at those resolutions natively, it does a superb job rendering ultra HD content smoothly and clearly.

Brightness and Color Reproduction Thanks to a high-lumen LED light source, you get crisp colors and vivid contrast even in moderately lit rooms. The color fidelity is on point, making movie watching an immersive treat.

Android OS Integration Pre-installed Apps and App Store Access The built-in Android OS gives you direct access to streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and Prime Video. No need to connect a Fire Stick or Android TV box.

Streaming Without External Devices You can download apps directly from the Google Play Store—think of it as a smart TV packed into a projector.

Storage and Memory 32GB Storage Explained With 32GB of onboard storage, there’s ample space for downloading apps, offline videos, and even presentation files.

RAM Performance in Real-World Use It’s not just about storage; the performance is buttery smooth, thanks to sufficient RAM that ensures multitasking doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

Connectivity Features Dual Band 5G WiFi Buffering? What’s that? The dual-band 5G WiFi makes streaming ultra-smooth, even in high resolution.

Bluetooth and USB Ports Want to connect your Bluetooth speaker or use a USB stick? Go right ahead—this thing is built for maximum compatibility.

HDMI and AV Inputs For traditionalists, it includes HDMI and AV ports, so you can hook it up to game consoles, laptops, or DVD players effortlessly.

Auto Focus and Keystone Correction Seamless Auto-Focus Mechanism This feature is a game-changer. Just place it down, and the auto-focus kicks in instantly for a crystal-clear image.

Vertical and Horizontal Keystone No more tilted or stretched images. The 4-point keystone correction (both vertical and horizontal) gives you perfect alignment every time.

Audio Quality Built-In Speakers Review The built-in speakers are surprisingly decent—loud and clear enough for a cozy room. If you're not an audiophile, these will do just fine.

External Audio Compatibility But if you want surround sound or bass-heavy output, pair it with your Bluetooth soundbar or speaker for the ultimate experience.

Home Theater Experience Cinematic Vibes at Home Popcorn? Check. Blanket? Check. Just fire up this projector, and you're good to go. It delivers a true home cinema vibe.

Compatibility with Gaming Consoles Plug in your PS5 or Xbox, and boom—you’ve got yourself a massive screen to enjoy every pixel of action.

Portability and Outdoor Use Power Options and Battery Backup Though it doesn’t have a built-in battery, you can use it with a portable power station, making it ideal for outdoor movie nights or camping trips.

Use During Camping and Travel It fits in a backpack, connects wirelessly, and delivers massive visuals—yes, it's every traveler's dream gadget.

User Interface and Remote Control Simple Navigation The Android UI is clean and user-friendly. You won’t need a manual to figure out how to install apps or switch inputs.

Voice Control Capabilities Bonus: it supports voice control, so you can literally say what you want to watch.

Comparison with Competitors Price vs Features Comparison Compared to similar projectors from brands like Anker or Epson, the HORLAT T03 offers similar or better features at half the price.

Why HORLAT T03 Stands Out? It’s rare to find 8K video decoding, auto-focus, and Android OS in one package at this price. That’s why it’s a clear standout.

Pros and Cons Key Advantages Native 1080P and 8K support

Built-in Android OS

5G WiFi + Bluetooth

Auto Focus and Keystone

Excellent value for money

What Could Be Improved? No built-in battery

Speakers could be louder

Android version could be more up-to-date

Final Verdict If you're hunting for a feature-rich projector without draining your wallet, the HORLAT T03 is a solid pick. With stellar display quality, smart features, and portable design, it ticks all the right boxes for home theater lovers, casual gamers, and on-the-go entertainers alike.

FAQs

Does the HORLAT T03 support screen mirroring? Yes! It supports both AirPlay and Miracast, so you can mirror your phone, tablet, or laptop wirelessly.

Can it run Netflix and YouTube without external devices? Absolutely. The Android OS has both Netflix and YouTube pre-installed, ready to stream.

How does it perform in daylight? While it works best in darker environments, its high brightness output makes it usable in moderately lit rooms too.

Is it compatible with external speakers? Yes, via Bluetooth, AUX, or HDMI, you can connect any external speaker setup you prefer.

What is the maximum screen size? It can project up to 200 inches, though the sweet spot for optimal clarity is around 100 to 120 inches.

[expfcultragreen]

This is super legit but what springs to my mind is, the thing about expecting open assistance from the rich celebs etc is, theres a huge PR apparatus waiting to swoop in and spread salacious news about anyone whose moves arent invisible, which demoralizes people who support the same cause, which now itself is synonymous with whatever the scandal is

In the west a good example is richard gere saying free tibet and then the decades thereafter of people constantly buying into and referencing the rumor that he had a gerbil in his butt for sex some time. No one really talks about free tibet much anymore at all, it became synonymous with self-serving virtue signaling

Should the rich who are actually concerned about just causes secretly infuse the opposition to tyranny with funds? Hire assassins even? Sure, absolutely. But again, the capitalists, the fash etc are always poised to do the same thing, all these rich people are watching eachother and us through mutually constructed cages of justified paranoia

Behold the "deep state":

You want to know why jfk, marilyn etc are really dead?

Dont really need to look further than who bought the next available presidency (after the vice potus under jfk, lbj, won because people liked him when he took over that term, but he decided against running for a full 2nd...possibly hughes owned lbj too, hence the anti-communism move of getting into the vietnam war)...

...the convoluted, decadeslong relationship between one of the most powerful men in the land, Richard M. Nixon. and one of the wealthiest. Howard Hughes. Specifically, I believe the Nixon forces were trying to determine what the Democrats and their allies knew about some very shady dealings between Hughes and Nixon. particularly $100,000 passed from the multimillionaire to the President's friend Charles (Bebe) Rebozo. Secondarily, have been trying to dig up some dirt with which to blackmail the Democrats into withholding what they knew about the Nixon‐Hughes relationship during the 1972 campaign. (Elements of this theory have been advanced before, notably by Terry Lenzner and his associates on the staff of the Senate Select Committee on Campaign Practices, to whom I am deeply indebted.)

This was just the shit they got caught doing

Jfk kept stalling on the anticommunist stuff so hughes had to pay out of pocket, then jfk bagged monroe, who hughes had a lowkey shakey history with (of all the stars he dated, she was never one to be seen with him even though they had professional run-ins that were publicized, which kind of suggests they didnt get along...which tracks with her fbi file saying she was a leftist)...

Not much there, which is pretty weird actually given how into starfucking he was and how reliant on well-placed friends she was

An OD is an easy thing to fake

A presidential assassination is easy enough to cover up when youve got friends in the fbi and cia and the star witness gets taken out by someone available to your network of mob buddies

Hughes' name appears a bunch there. The book i like about hughes claims, iirc, that he actually funded hundreds of failed attempts on castro...seems like god was on fidel's side

[daphenominchief]

Ledesma vs. Climaco, No. L-23815, June 28, 1974

Facts:

Adelino H. Ledesma, a lawyer, was appointed as counsel de parte for one of the accused in a case pending in court.

Subsequently, the presiding judge of the Court of First Instance of Negros Occidental, Branch I, Silay City (Hon. Rafael C. Climaco) appointed Ledesma as counsel de oficio for two defendants in the same case.

Ledesma was appointed as Election Registrar for the Municipality of Cadiz, Province of Negros Occidental. He then filed a motion to withdraw as counsel de oficio, stating that his new position required his full-time service and that the volume of work would prevent him from adequately handling the defense.

The judge denied the motion to withdraw, noting that the prosecution had already rested its case and that Ledesma's designation as counsel de oficio was to protect him in his new position without prejudicing the accused. The judge also noted that Ledesma had previously been counsel de parte.

The judge also noted that Ledesma's designation as counsel de oficio was meant to protect Ledesma's new position without prejudicing the accused.

The judge also considered that there was no incompatibility between Ledesma's duty to the accused and to the court, and his tasks as an election registrar.

Ledesma filed a certiorari proceeding to challenge the judge's order.

The defense had previously obtained multiple postponements.

Issue:

Whether the judge gravely abused his discretion in denying Ledesma's motion to withdraw as counsel de oficio.

Ruling:

Answer: No, the judge did not gravely abuse his discretion in denying Ledesma's motion to withdraw as counsel de oficio. The petition for certiorari was dismissed.

Legal Basis:

The right to counsel is a fundamental constitutional right, especially in criminal cases.

The court has the authority to appoint a counsel de oficio to safeguard the rights of the accused.

Membership in the bar is a privilege burdened with conditions, including the duty to provide service to the court and to clients.

A lawyer appointed as counsel de oficio has as high a duty to the accused as one employed and paid by the defendant, requiring them to exercise their best efforts and professional ability.

The lawyer must render effective assistance, not mere perfunctory representation.

The court must ensure that the accused's right to counsel is not rendered nugatory.

The new 1973 Constitution reiterates that the accused "shall enjoy the right to be heard by himself and counsel" and also includes a provision that any person under investigation for the commission of an offense shall have the right to remain silent and to counsel, and to be informed of such right.

Application:

Ledesma's motion to withdraw was based on his new role as an Election Registrar and the supposed time constraints.

The court found that Ledesma showed an obvious reluctance to fulfill his obligations as counsel de oficio.

The court noted that Ledesma's volume of work as Election Registrar was likely to be much less, and that there was no reason for him to shirk his obligations as a member of the bar.

The court emphasized that the ends of justice would be served by requiring Ledesma to continue as counsel de oficio, especially since the prosecution had already rested its case.

The court pointed out that Ledesma had obtained multiple postponements previously.

The court also noted that Ledesma was initially counsel de parte and his appointment as counsel de oficio was to protect his new position without prejudicing the accused.

Conclusion: The court ruled that Ledesma's reasons for wanting to withdraw were insufficient, and his obligations as a lawyer and officer of the court required him to continue as counsel de oficio. The court upheld the judge's decision, emphasizing that the right to counsel is paramount, and the court should ensure that it is effectively implemented.

Doctrine:

High degree of fidelity required of counsel de oficio: A lawyer appointed as counsel de oficio must uphold the same duty of care and diligence as a lawyer who is paid for their services. Membership in the bar is not merely a trade but a profession dedicated to the ideal of service.

Right to counsel is paramount: The right of an accused person to have legal counsel is a constitutional right of the highest importance and must be protected at all times.

Duty to the court and client: A lawyer must prioritize their duty to the court and the client over their self-interest. This is especially true when acting as counsel de oficio.

Ratio:

The Court's decision was based on the need to uphold the right of the accused to legal representation and to ensure that lawyers fulfill their professional obligations. The Court reasoned that Ledesma's reasons for wanting to withdraw were not valid because:

There was no incompatibility between his new position and his role as counsel de oficio.

He showed a reluctance to fulfill his duty as counsel de oficio.

The prosecution had already rested and there was an obvious attempt to delay the case.

The court emphasized the importance of ensuring that the accused has proper legal representation, and that this responsibility should not be taken lightly by members of the bar.

[delivermytuneo6]

Top Apps for Adding Songs and Customizing Music Artwork

In the era of streaming platforms and personalized music libraries, users crave more control over their listening experience. Whether you’re an audiophile or just someone who loves curating playlists, having the ability to add songs in a music app and personalize the music artwork makes a significant difference. This article explores the best music apps that empower users with these functionalities, allowing you to enhance your music library with ease and creativity.

Why Adding Songs and Customizing Music Artwork is Important

Music is deeply personal. Your favorite tracks often reflect your mood, taste, or memories. However, the default experience in many apps can feel generic without customization options. This is where the ability to add songs in music apps and change music artwork becomes essential. These features allow you to:

Organize Your Library: Tailor your collection by uploading rare or independent songs not available on mainstream platforms.

Create Aesthetic Playlists: Enhance the visual appeal of your playlists with unique or thematic album covers.

Express Your Personality: Use custom music artwork to showcase your creative side and align your library with your personal style.

Now, let’s dive into the top apps that make this process simple and enjoyable.

1. Spotify

Spotify is a household name in the music streaming world. While primarily known for its vast music library, Spotify also allows you to add your own local files. Additionally, premium users can customize playlist covers, giving your library a fresh and personal look.

How to Add Songs:

Go to the Spotify desktop app and navigate to Settings.

Enable the “Local Files” option and specify the folder containing your songs.

Once added, you can sync these songs with the Spotify mobile app.

Customizing Music Artwork:

Open the playlist you want to edit, click on the three dots, and choose “Edit Playlist.”

Upload your desired artwork for a unique touch.

2. Apple Music

Apple Music is another popular choice for music lovers. The app allows users to upload their own tracks, making it a great option for those with personal recordings or exclusive music. Apple Music also supports custom music artwork for albums and playlists.

How to Add Songs:

Open iTunes on your desktop and import the desired tracks into your library.

Sync these tracks with your Apple Music account to access them on all devices.

Customizing Music Artwork:

Right-click on a song or album in iTunes and select “Get Info.”

Navigate to the Artwork tab and upload your custom image.

3. Tidal

Tidal caters to audiophiles with its high-fidelity sound quality. In addition to streaming, Tidal lets users upload and organize their own tracks. The app supports custom playlist covers, which is perfect for those who value aesthetics.

How to Add Songs:

Use the Tidal desktop app to upload songs under the “My Collection” section.

Access your uploaded tracks across devices by syncing them with your account.

Customizing Music Artwork:

Edit playlists by clicking the settings icon and uploading your preferred artwork.

4. YouTube Music

YouTube Music combines the vastness of YouTube’s library with the functionality of a music app. The platform allows users to upload songs and offers flexibility in editing playlist details, including adding custom covers.

How to Add Songs:

Upload your tracks directly through the desktop site under the “Library” tab.

Access your uploaded songs on the app and organize them as needed.

Customizing Music Artwork:

Use a third-party tool to edit the metadata of your songs before uploading, or manually customize playlist covers within the app.

5. MediaMonkey

For those who prefer offline libraries, MediaMonkey is a feature-rich app. It allows users to manage large collections of songs and easily edit metadata, including music artwork.

How to Add Songs:

Use the MediaMonkey desktop app to add songs to your library.

Sync your library with the mobile app for on-the-go access.

Customizing Music Artwork:

Right-click on any song or album, select “Properties,” and upload your custom artwork.

6. Plexamp

Plexamp is an excellent option for users with personal music collections. It supports adding local files and allows for detailed customization of your music library, including the ability to change music artwork.

How to Add Songs:

Upload your music to the Plex server.

Access your collection via the Plexamp app on mobile or desktop.

Customizing Music Artwork:

Edit metadata directly on the Plex server to include personalized album covers.

Tips for Creating Stunning Music Artwork

Use Design Tools: Apps like Canva or Photoshop can help you design custom covers that align with your playlist’s theme.

Incorporate Memorable Elements: Use images or symbols that evoke emotions tied to the songs in your playlist.

Maintain Quality: Ensure your artwork is in high resolution to look crisp on all devices.

Conclusion

Customizing your music library by adding songs and updating music artwork enhances both functionality and aesthetics. Whether you’re using Spotify, Apple Music, or Plexamp, each app offers unique tools to help you create a personalized experience. Experiment with these features and watch your music library transform into a collection that reflects your style and preferences.

By combining your favorite tracks with creative visuals, you’ll not only enjoy a richer listening experience but also make your music app truly your own.