#performance-driven applications

[goodoldbandit]

Data Unbound: Embracing NoSQL & NewSQL for the Real-Time Era.

Sanjay Kumar Mohindroo Sanjay Kumar Mohindroo. skm.stayingalive.in Explore how NoSQL and NewSQL databases revolutionize data management by handling unstructured data, supporting distributed architectures, and enabling real-time analytics. In today’s digital-first landscape, businesses and institutions are under mounting pressure to process massive volumes of data with greater speed,…

[astroeleanor]

°💸⋆.ೃ🍾࿔*:･Your 2H Sign = How To Make More $$$ 💳⋆.ೃ💰࿔*:･

Your 2nd house is the part of your chart can show you the best side hustle ideas to increase your income. Look at the sign on your 2nd House cusp, its ruling planet, and any planets sitting there. They symbolize out how you monetize.

The 2nd House is the House of Possessions: movable assets, cash flow, food, tools, anything you can trade. The sign on the cusp sets up your style of 'acquisition' (Taurus = slow‑build goods, Scorpio = high‑risk high‑reward holdings), while the ruler’s dignity and aspects describe reliability, or lack thereof, of income.

Planets inside the 2nd act like tenants shaping the property: Jupiter here inflates resources, Saturn conserves but can pinch, Mars spends to make, Venus monetizes aesthetics.

Because the 2nd is in aversion to the Ascendant (no Ptolemaic aspect), you often have to develop its promises actively: wealth isn’t “you,” it’s something you must manage. So, let's look at the kind of side hustles you can do to increase your revenue!

♈︎ Aries 2H: Physical, Fast, ACTION-Driven

(Aries rules motion, competition, fire, physical activity, force)

Personal trainer or group fitness instructor.

Manual labor gigs like junk removal, or yard work (physical and gives instant results.)

Motorcycle/scooter delivery (Uber Eats, DoorDash): speed + autonomy? Very Aries.

Selling refurbished sports equipment.

Pressure washing services, which is oddly satisfying AND includes aggressive water blasting lol.

Fitness bootcamps in local parks (Mars rules the battlefield… or, in this case, bootcamps)

Pop-up self-defense workshops

Bike repair and resale (hands-on + quick turnaround)

Car detailing (mobile service). You vs. grime. Who wins? You.

Sell custom gym gear or accessories.

♉︎ Taurus 2H: Sensory, Grounded, Product-Based

(Taurus rules the senses and the material world, it’s a sign connected to beauty and pleasure)

Bake-and-sell operation (bread, cookies) at markets. Taurus=YES to carbs and cozy smells.

Meal prep or personal chef (nourishing others = peak Taurus.)

Sell plants or houseplant propagation, you’re growing literal value.

Create and sell body care products: lotions, scrubs, soaps… (Venus-ruled.)

Furniture refinishing for resale.

Offer at-home spa services (facials, scrubs.)

Curate and sell gift boxes (Venus loves a well-wrapped present.)

Do minor home repair or furniture assembly.

Build and sell wooden plant stands or decor (wood + plants + aesthetic = Taurus.)

♊︎ Gemini 2H: Communicative, Clever, Multi-Tasking

(Gemini = ruled by Mercury = ideas, speech, tech, variety, teaching)

Freelance writing or blogging.

Transcription or captioning services.

Resume writing/job application support.

Social media management (multitasking + memes.)

Sell printable planners or flashcards (info = money.)

Offer typing or data-entry services, which are low lift & high focus

Sell templates for resumes, bios, or cover letters, Mercury loves a system!

Write email campaigns for small businesses, you can become the voice behind the curtain.

Teach intro to AI tools or chatbots (modern Mercurial real-world applications.)

Create micro-courses on writing or communication.

♋︎ Cancer 2H: Caring, Cozy, DOMESTIC

(Cancer rules the home, food, feelings. It’s the nurturer through and through)

Home organization services, give cluttered homes and their owners love.

Baking and delivering comfort desserts (cookies = hugs in edible form!!)

Make and sell homemade frozen meals, nourishing the body AND soul.

Offer elder companionship visits (heartfelt and so needed.)

Run a daycare or babysitting service. Moon=family.

Run a laundry drop-off/pickup service.

Custom holiday decorating (homes or offices), make it feel like home anywhere.

Help seniors with digital tools (basic tech help.)

Create sentimental gifts like memory jars or scrapbooks.

♌︎ Leo 2H: Expressive, Bold, Entertaining

(Leo rules performance, leadership, fame, visibility, and the desire to SHINE)

Portrait photography (kids, pets, solo, couples.)

Event hosting or party entertainment.

DJ for small events or weddings.

Basic video editing for others (help THEM shine!)

Personalized video messages. charisma = income.

Teach short performance workshops (confidence, improv) to help others own a stage.

Become a personal shopper.

Sell selfie lighting kits or content creator bundles.

Host creative kids camps (theater, dance, art.)

Make reels/TikToks for local businesses (attention = currency.)

♍︎ Virgo 2H: Detailed, Service-Oriented, Practical

(Virgo rules systems, refinement, discernment, organisation, usefulness)

Proofreading or editing work. Spotting a comma out of place or “their/they’re” being misused = Virgo joy.

House cleaning or deep-cleaning services.

Virtual assistant (email, scheduling, admin.)

Sell Notion or Excel templates. Virgo: spreadsheets.

Bookkeeping for small businesses.

Create custom cleaning schedules or checklists.

Offer “organize your digital life” sessions.

Specialize in email inbox cleanups.

♎︎︎ Libra 2H: Tasteful, Charming, Design-Savvy

(Libra = Venus-ruled = style, beauty, balance, aesthetics)

Styling outfits from clients’ own wardrobes.

Become a personal shopper.

Bridal/event makeup services (enhancing natural beauty = Libra.)

Teach etiquette, the power of grace

Curate secondhand outfit bundles.

Custom invitations or event printables that are pretty AND functional.

Offer virtual interior styling consultations.

Sell color palette guides for branding or outfits.

Create custom date night itineraries (romance, planned and packaged=Libra!!)

Style flat-lay photos for products or menus.

Do hair, make-up, nails, etc.

♏︎ Scorpio 2H: Deep, Transformative, Private

(Scorpio rules what’s hidden, intense, and powerful, alchemy, psychology)

Tarot or astrology readings.

Energy healing or bodywork.

Private coaching for money/debt management.

Online investigation or background research (Scorpio = uncovering hidden information)

Teach classes on boundaries, consent, empowerment, etc.

Sell private journal templates for deep self-reflection.

Moderate anonymous support groups or forums.

Specialize in deep-cleaning emotionally loaded spaces (yes, THAT kind of clearing.)

♐︎ Sagittarius 2H: Expansive, Global, Philosophical

(Sag rules teaching, travel, and BIG ideas)

Teach English (or any other language) or become a tutor online

Sell travel guides or digital itineraries, help others travel smarter=Sag

Rent out camping gear or bikes (freedom for rent lol.)

Ghostwrite opinion pieces or thought blogs, say what others are thinking!

Create walking tours for travelers or locals.

Sell travel photography.

Become a travel influencer on the side.

Translate travel documents or resumes.

♑︎ Capricorn 2H: Strategic, Structured, Business-Minded

(Cap rules time, career, limitations, long-term value)

Resume or career coaching, help others climb the “mountain of success”.

Freelance project management.

Property management or Airbnb co-host (passive-ish income.)

Sell templates for business (contracts, invoices).

Create accountability coaching packages.

Sell organizational templates.

Freelance as an operations assistant (the CEO behind the CEO.)

Build a resource hub for freelancers or solopreneurs (structure = empowerment.)

♒︎ Aquarius 2H: Innovative, Digital, Niche

(Aquarius rules tech, rebellion, and the future. But it’s also connected to community!)

Tech repair or setup.

Build websites for local businesses, or anyone else for that matter.

Sell digital products (ebooks, templates).

Run online communities or Discords.

Host workshops on digital privacy or tools. Collective knowledge (Aqua)= power

Build and sell Canva templates for online creators.

Curate niche info packs or digital libraries.

Help people automate parts of their life or business.

♓︎ Pisces 2H: Dreamy, Healing, Imaginative

(Pisces rules the sea, the arts, spirituality, dreams, and all things soft)

Pet sitting or house sitting, caring for beings + quiet time? It’s perfect for this energy.

Sell dreamy artwork or collages.

Offer meditation classes or hypnosis.

Teach art to kids or adults.

Custom poetry or lullaby commissions (very niche tho.)

Sell digital dream journals or prompts.

Make downloadable ambient music loops.

Create printable affirmation cards.

Design calming phone wallpapers or lock screens.

Offer spiritual services (tarot or astrology readings, reiki, etc.)

Thank you for taking the time to read my post!Your curiosity & engagement mean the world to me. I hope you not only found it enjoyable but also enriching for your astrological knowledge.Your support & interest inspire me to continue sharing insights & information with you. I appreciate you immensely.

• 🕸️ JOIN MY PATREON for exquisite & in-depth astrology content. You'll also receive a free mini reading upon joining. :)

• 🗡️ BOOK A READING with me to navigate your life with more clarity & awareness.

[blogport]

EPOXYSHİNE - DRAGON+

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on "Epoxy Shine," where we delve into the transformative power of epoxy flooring solutions. In today’s design-driven world, achieving a polished and durable floor is essential for both residential and commercial spaces. Epoxy coatings not only elevate the aesthetic appeal but also provide long-lasting protection against wear and tear. Whether you’re considering a modern upgrade for your home or a robust flooring solution for a bustling business, epoxy shines as a versatile choice that meets a variety of needs. In the following sections, we’ll explore innovative flooring solutions, focusing on the benefits of epoxy flake flooring, which combines functionality with style for a stunning finish that can withstand the test of time. 

Epoxy Shine

When it comes to achieving a brilliant and long-lasting finish, epoxy shine is the ideal solution for various flooring needs. Known for its incredible durability and aesthetic appeal, epoxy shine enhances the overall beauty of a space while providing a protective layer that withstands wear and tear.

The key to attaining that stunning epoxy shine lies in the application process. Proper surface preparation, quality materials, and skilled application techniques combine to create a glossy finish that can transform mundane concrete floors into vibrant, eye-catching surfaces. This shine doesn’t just elevate the design; it also reflects light, making spaces appear larger and more inviting.

Moreover, epoxy shine is not just about looks; it offers significant functional benefits too. The glossy surface is resistant to stains, chemicals, and moisture, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas such as garages, warehouses, and commercial spaces. Whether for aesthetic or practical purposes, ensuring your floors have that perfect epoxy shine can significantly enhance your property's value and appeal.

Floor Solutions

When it comes to choosing the right floor solutions, there are numerous options available that cater to various needs and preferences. Whether you are going for aesthetic appeal, durability, or maintenance ease, understanding the different types of flooring can significantly impact your choice.

One popular choice for many homeowners and businesses is epoxy flooring. This option provides a sleek and modern look while ensuring high durability and resistance to wear and tear. Epoxy shine not only enhances the floor's visual appeal but also makes it easier to clean and maintain over time.

Additionally, epoxy flake floors are gaining traction due to their unique aesthetic and customization options. They allow for a blend of colors and textures, giving homeowners the flexibility to create a more personalized look for their spaces. With such a wide array of flooring solutions, it's essential to consider factors like budget, usage, and design preferences before making a decision.

Flooring Solutions

When it comes to choosing the perfect flooring for your space, the options can be overwhelming. Flooring solutions are essential for both aesthetic and functional purposes, ensuring that your space not only looks great but also serves its intended function. From residential to commercial applications, the right flooring choice can make all the difference.

One popular choice in the realm of flooring solutions is epoxy flake floor systems. This type of flooring combines durability and design flexibility, making it a favorite among many homeowners and business owners. With a wide range of colors and patterns available, epoxy flake flooring can be customized to fit any space, providing a unique look that stands out.

For those seeking a brilliant shine, epoxy shine finishes can elevate your flooring game. These finishes not only provide a glossy look but also protect the flooring from wear and tear. Utilizing a performing solution like epoxy ensures that your floors can handle heavy foot traffic while maintaining their stunning appearance.

Epoxy Flake Floor

When it comes to durable and aesthetically pleasing flooring options, epoxy flake floors stand out as a superior choice. These floors are crafted using an epoxy resin mixed with decorative flakes, resulting in a unique finish that is both functional and visually appealing. The versatility of this flooring solution allows it to be used in various settings, from residential garages to commercial spaces.

The main advantage of epoxy flake floors is their resistance to impacts, chemicals, and stains, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. Their seamless nature prevents dirt and grime accumulation, offering a low-maintenance solution that is easy to clean. Furthermore, the aesthetic flexibility of the colored flakes lets homeowners and business owners customize their floors to match existing designs and personal preferences.

In addition to their durability and style, epoxy flake floors also contribute to improved safety. The texture of the flakes can enhance slip resistance, making them a practical choice for spaces where moisture is common. Whether you're looking to upgrade your garage or create a modern showroom, epoxy flake flooring provides an excellent combination of beauty, resilience, and safety.

[ripplestitchskein]

I find the general idea of Stolitz being “toxic” to be fucking hilarious. It’s thrown around so easily like it should be accepted that they fit this definition and….they really, really don’t lol. Like they have a pretty chill and common miscommunication and personal issues interfering with wants and desires conflict. Like I cannot stress how fucking chill it is. They don’t actively hurt one another intentionally, neither are trying to murder the other directly or indirectly, they are not on opposing sides of a larger external conflict save for inherent world class dynamics, they don’t manipulate each other or work against each other, etc. They say hurtful things and argue and are oblivious to the other’s issues but like, in a fairly normal neurodivergence and historical trauma driven way.

They do begin with a mutually agreed upon transactional sexual dynamic, which is often the crux of these “Stolitz is soooo toxic” arguments to the point the really intense anti’s cry SA. A transactional sexual dynamic Blitz was so okay with when it is no longer agreeable to the other party, and they communicate that and change the parameters in a way that gives him full autonomy, he spends half an episode trying to return to that dynamic. Much trauma. Very coerced. 🙄

There is a power imbalance but it only exists in the sense that one person is societally more powerful by nature of his birth and ignorant to it by nature of his upbringing. Stolas does not force Blitz into said transactional sex dynamic by exerting his power or influence so it’s largely irrelevant save for how it impacts Blitz’s personal self worth issues and it is never from a place of malicious intent. Which is what matters in media? Character intent and decisions are literally the crux of the narrative?? Stolas figures out it’s a problem for the type of relationship he really wants to have and corrects it and even goes above and beyond to ensure that Blitz will suffer no fall out from his choice if he decides to not pursue their romantic relationship further. Like, toxic WHOMST? Just, don’t talk to me about toxic until they get hot and bothered about how well the other tried to actively murder them. We have had zero poisonings or major betrayals in this ship and ya’ll throwing around toxic like words have no meaning.

“But he called Blitz his impish little plaything! He thinks of Blitz as a toy! As a sub-species!” Or maybe, just maaaaybe the sexually inexperienced character who is making shit up as he goes along based on his canonically identified incorrect perceptions of what the other wants/likes as well as ignorance of his own power and position thought he was just being sexy and cute? Just maybe? Like can we apply a smidgeon of deductive reasoning based on the sum rather than the parts? As a treat.

It just speaks to what I have observed as probable immaturity/lack of life experience driving a lot of the criticism or straight up vitriol regarding the show’s major conflicts. A very black and white application of moral purity that deems anything not rainbows and sunshine as toxic and where the ultimate goal is some nebulous and frankly hella ableist concept of “healthy”.

A similar thing plays out with regards to Octavia and the classification of Stolas as a “bad parent” because he is pursuing a relationship and has issues of his own to deal with on top of parenting. Heaven forbid a closeted gay man raised in isolation going through some late in life awakenings is not perfectly navigating an ill defined relationship and a divorce and raising a child on top of his myriad of mental health issues. What gets me the most is she’s not even a young child, she’s 17 possibly even 18 at this point in the timeline but the way people act he abandoned an infant at a flophouse to get his rocks off with someone who fears he will smite them down with his incredible Goetian might and if they refuse they’ll be living out of a gutter eating dirt because they wouldn’t perform sexually for him. Instead of the in-universe reality where the most egregious thing Stolas has done is fail to consider his daughters perspective and how this impacts her, made some inappropriate sexual comments really early on in front of her when he was still excited, and forgot, during a major life upheaval, a promise to watch a meteor shower he made to her like a decade ago. He didn’t even forget the promise itself, he just forgot what day it was. Like I forget shit I promised my kids last week much less when they were like 5.

Like there is such a huge disconnect between actual toxic behavior portrayals in media with regards to relationships and parenting, or hell toxic relationships and parents in real life, and what is going on in Helluva Boss. This is ignoring the fact that the actual universe of the show, which is what should be the metric when examining character dynamics not reality, has established real toxicity in both relationships and behavior, and has shown us time and time again how that toxicity contrasts with our characters and their relationships, be it Stolitz or Fizzmodeous or Moxxie/Millie or the parenting dynamics of Blitz & Loona and Stolas & Octavia. We have examples of toxic relationships, and we have examples of toxic parents in this world and we’ve been shown that the relationships of the main characters is in opposition to them.

But even if you were to take the, imo incorrect, position of applying real world considerations to fictional worlds it still doesn’t track as toxic.

Do you realize how many sexual transactions and power imbalances occur in relationships everyday as just a matter of course?

Like “I’ll wear that outfit you like if you do this for me?” Normal, Transactional. Accepted straight couple in a sitcom premise. I would wager “I’ll preform this sex act if you do X” is said in one way or another without anyone batting an eye a hundred times a day. And that’s ignoring the implication that transactional sex is inherently problematic. It isn’t, it’s the coercive aspect that is an issue and even then we get real handwavey about it in reality when the situation isn’t explicitly coercive.

“I’m a police officer/government agent/politician/media influencer/sole household income earner that has the ability to fuck up your entire life/reputation/financial stability just by nature of my job and how well we are getting along” is perfectly fine and normal. No one would suggest that a police office or government agent can only be involved with someone of equal systemic or social power in reality. Do my partner and I have a toxic power imbalance because I am the sole working person in our household and they are a stay at home parent and I hold all the financial power? No, that’s fucking silly.

Not to be all “sweet summer children I grew up in the trenches of toxic” about it but it’s the most baffling part of this fandom that a pretty low key conflict and relationship dynamic, where neither party is actively trying to hurt the other and has approached the entire thing from a place of earnest confusion and ignorance and is working through it in a pretty normal way is classified as “toxic”. Get back to me when they are poisoning each other, have killed several of each other’s loved ones and there is necromancy involved.

[luvashli]

CHASE THE HEAT

-> Y/n‘s motorcycle/ Enhypen‘s cars

Synopsis -> Y/N, a daring motorcycle racer, catches the attention of seven competitive car racers called ENHYPEN. Driven by lust and rivalry, the boys chase her both on and off the track, but as the tension builds, their obsession with her grows. Will they see her for more than just a prize, or will their dangerous desires consume them?

Y/N’s Motorcycle

Model: Ducati Panigale V4 S

Why: The Ducati Panigale is sleek, powerful, and undeniably badass. Its aggressive design and impressive speed match Y/N's bold and daring persona.

Features to Highlight:

A jet-black finish with crimson accents. Exceptional speed and handling, allowing Y/N to perform insane stunts and maneuvers during races. A throaty, roaring engine sound that turns heads wherever she goes. Y/N’s bike represents her independence and her ability to stand out in a world dominated by car racers. It’s fast, lethal, and a statement piece, just like her.

ENHYPEN’s Cars

Each car reflects their individual personality and racing style:

Jungwon (Leader)

Car: Nissan GT-R R35

Color: Midnight blue with silver detailing.

Why: The GT-R is a precise, powerful machine, perfect for a strategist like Jungwon. It’s reliable yet intimidating, just like him.

Racing Style: Methodical and calculated, Jungwon rarely makes mistakes.

Heeseung (Veteran)

Car: Porsche 911 Turbo S

Color: Metallic gray with red accents.

Why: A refined, high-performance car that suits Heeseung’s calm and experienced demeanor.

Racing Style: Smooth and consistent, relying on his years of experience to win.

Jay (The Showman)

Car: Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray

Color: Bright yellow with black racing stripes.

Why: Flashy, bold, and attention-grabbing—just like Jay. The Corvette’s mix of power and style fits his personality perfectly.

Racing Style: Thrives on risky moves and showing off during races.

Jake (The Heart)

Car: Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Color: Deep green with white stripes.

Why: A Mustang is a classic, reliable car with a wild streak, mirroring Jake’s charming yet intense nature.

Racing Style: Balanced and adaptive, he races with both heart and skill.

Sunghoon (The Perfectionist)

Car: Audi R8 V10 Plus

Color: Glossy black with subtle chrome accents.

Why: The Audi R8’s sleek design and precision performance are ideal for Sunghoon’s meticulous personality.

Racing Style: Laser-focused on perfection, he rarely takes unnecessary risks.

Sunoo (The Charmer)

Car: Lamborghini Huracán EVO

Color: Pearl white with gold accents.

Why: The Huracán EVO is sleek, stylish, and undeniably powerful—perfect for Sunoo’s sharp and unpredictable nature. It retains an air of charm while exuding luxury and speed.

Racing Style: Agile and precise, he knows how to make bold moves without sacrificing control, keeping everyone guessing.

Ni-ki (The Wildcard)

Car: Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat

Color: Matte black with glowing orange details.

Why: The Hellcat’s raw power and rebellious vibe perfectly match Ni-ki’s fearless and unpredictable nature.

Racing Style: Aggressive and daring, he pushes limits like no one else.

Note: i tried to find pictures as close as possible… hopefully it helps at least a little bit for imagining the cars while reading. :)

Masterlist chase the heat

Chase the heat Teaser

Masterlist

Open taglist

If you'd like to be tagged in future updates for this story, let me know by:

- Sending me a message or

- Sending your application here

[adafruit]

🎄💾🗓️ Day 9: Retrocomputing Advent Calendar - The Apple Lisa 🎄💾🗓️

The Apple Lisa, introduced on January 19, 1983, was a pioneering personal computer notable for its graphical user interface (GUI) and mouse input, a big departure from text-based command-line interfaces. Featured a Motorola 68000 CPU running at 5 MHz, 1 MB of RAM (expandable to 2 MB), and a 12-inch monochrome display with a resolution of 720×364 pixels. The system initially included dual 5.25-inch "Twiggy" floppy drives, later replaced by a single 3.5-inch Sony floppy drive in the Lisa 2 model. An optional 5 or 10 MB external ProFile hard drive provided more storage.

The Lisa's price of $9,995 (equivalent to approximately $30,600 in 2023) and performance issues held back its commercial success; sales were estimated at about 10,000 units.

It introduced advanced concepts such as memory protection and a document-oriented workflow, which influenced future Apple products and personal computing.

The Lisa's legacy had a huge impact on Apple computers, specifically the Macintosh line, which adopted and refined many of its features. While the Lisa was not exactly a commercial success, its contributions to the evolution of user-friendly computing interfaces are widely recognized in computing history.

These screen pictures come from Adafruit fan Philip " It still boots up from the Twiggy hard drive and runs. It also has a complete Pascal Development System." …"mine is a Lisa 2 with the 3.5” floppy and the 5 MB hard disk. In addition all of the unsold Lisa machines reached an ignominious end."

What end was that? From the Verge -

In September 1989, according to a news article, Apple buried about 2,700 unsold Lisa computers in Logan, Utah at a very closely guarded garbage dump. The Lisa was released in 1983, and it was Apple’s first stab at a truly modern, graphically driven computer: it had a mouse, windows, icons, menus, and other things we’ve all come to expect from “user-friendly” desktops. It had those features a full year before the release of the Macintosh.

Article, and video…

Check out the Apple Lisa page on Wikipedia

, the Computer History's article -

and the National Museum of American History – Behring center -

Have first computer memories? Post’em up in the comments, or post yours on socialz’ and tag them #firstcomputer #retrocomputing – See you back here tomorrow!

[teabeexo]

𝚃𝚎𝚊’𝚜 𝙷𝚊𝚒𝚔𝚢𝚞𝚞 𝙾𝙲𝚜: 𝙷𝚒𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚒

Information and images continue below the cut!

Information

📝 ┈➤ just the basics!

Name: Himari Tagawa

Age: 18 (pre time-skip), 24 (post time-skip)

Affiliation: Karasuno (third year)

Birthday: September 30th

Height: 5’3” (ft), 160.0 (cm)

S/O (if applicable): Tetsurō Kuroo (eventual boyfriend)

Notable Friends: Kymora Iwasaki (oc), Noa Higashi (oc), Shinju Kita (oc), Daiwa Fujimoto (oc)

Character Overview

🗒️ ┈➤just the basic idea! complete lore/stories will be shared elsewhere.

Himari lives with her mom and dad in the rural suburbs of the Miyagi Prefecture. From a young age, her proclivity for theatrics and performance made itself known. She dipped her toes into every metaphorical "pool of dance" she could find: ballet, waltz, tap… if it was under the sun, she was trying it. What she really fell in love with was contemporary styles, taking inspiration from Broadway, hip-hop, and the blooming subgenres she came across.

In middle school, Himari's assortment of dance lessons had to be halted. Her family wasn't particularly wealthy, and her parents were spending their "wiggle-room-money" on their daughter's dance classes. After Himari's paternal grandfather fell ill, her family made the decision to contribute their spare savings to funding his care and treatment.

For the remainder of her Middle School years, it was up to Himari to find dance tutorial videos online and attempt to teach herself. But independence, is good, right? And she'll be damned if this will stop her.

Himari has her dedications: dancing, family, her friends. What she didn't see coming was something she couldn't help but become attached to: a too-tall, messy-haired boy with a penchant for driving her up the wall.

Letters of Recommendation

✉️ ┈➤ A. K. A. how she’d be described!

Himari is -- and always has been -- a little spitfire. While she doesn't seek to be inflammatory or rude, her inherent resting "resting bitch face" and prickly demeanor often strikes others as off-putting. And while Himari knows it, she's of the mind that it's not her responsibility to curate how others see her, or to correct them if they make sweeping generalizations.

Even so, this can lead others to be driven away by her unwavering personality. She's the type of person you have to acclimate to being around, and learning to interpret her tones. Fiery and harsh, you've got to stick around long enough to see the sincerity beneath.

Gallery

🖇️ ┈➤ photos!

follow/check her oc tag (teas ocs: himari) for content about her, or the tag OCxC: Himaroo for stuff about her and Kuroo (+ writing by others that I picture as encapsulating their relationship).

[linuxreinstall]

KDE 6.1 Review!

When immersing oneself in the sonic landscape of KDE 6.1, one is instantly enveloped by a symphony of precision and elegance. This latest release from the venerable KDE community is nothing short of an opus, each element finely tuned to harmonize in a resplendent orchestration of functionality and aesthetic.

Visual Fidelity:

From the very first glance, KDE 6.1 presents an interface that is both visually stunning and meticulously crafted. The new Plasma desktop environment resonates with the clarity of a high-end DAC, delivering crisp, vibrant visuals that seem almost tangible. The attention to detail in the design is akin to the craftsmanship of a bespoke amplifier, where every pixel is placed with purpose, resulting in an interface that is both beautiful and intuitive.

Performance Dynamics:

KDE 6.1's gaming performance is akin to the dynamic range of a top-tier audiophile system. It handles intensive tasks with the effortless grace of a well-balanced turntable, spinning with unwavering precision. The responsiveness of the system is immediate, akin to the attack and decay of a perfectly tuned electrostatic headphone, providing an experience that is both powerful and nuanced.

Feature Set:

The suite of features in KDE 6.1 is reminiscent of an all-encompassing, high-fidelity audio setup, with HDR and Adaptive Sync that cater to the needs of both casual users and power users alike. The integration of new technologies and enhancements feels as seamless as the signal path in a purist audio chain, ensuring that each component works in perfect synergy to enhance the overall experience.

Customization and Control:

Much like a tube amplifier with endless possibilities for tube rolling, KDE 6.1 offers an unparalleled level of customization. Users can tweak and tailor every aspect of their environment, creating a bespoke desktop experience that mirrors the audiophile's pursuit of the perfect sound. The control KDE 6.1 affords is both deep and intuitive, allowing for fine-tuning that would satisfy even the most discerning connoisseur.

Stability and Reliability:

In terms of stability, KDE 6.1 stands as a rock-solid experimental preamp, delivering a consistent and reliable performance that might crash once in a while. The robustness of the system is evident in its ability to handle a multitude of applications and processes without faltering, akin to the unwavering steadiness of a high-end, belt-driven turntable.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, KDE 6.1 is a masterpiece that embodies the same passion, dedication, and meticulous attention to detail found in the finest audiophile equipment. It offers a rich, immersive experience that is as satisfying to the user as a meticulously curated audio setup is to the listener. For those who seek a desktop environment that delivers both form and function with unparalleled finesse, KDE 6.1 is the definitive choice—a true testament to the art of computing.

Reinstall tonight to experience this unparalleled blend of beauty and performance firsthand.

[drawing-prompt-s]

GoFundMe - Apartment Transfer

Really did not think that I would be making one of these again. But yours truly, Prompt Prophet, cannot catch a break. Every time that I think I am it seems to them just be ripped right back away.

Note: any further proof you require, please contact me at my main, @prophet-rebellion, and I will do what I can to show you.

$400/$400

Links:

GoFundMe

PayPal

Venmo

Please note that this following update means that anybody who wanted to send additional funds for my current roommates cat - Do Not. I want nothing to do with her. Her cat did nothing but after all this I am done. Not funds had been sent for that cat yet but they had been inquired about being a possibility.

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

TL;DR - my apartment that told me they were moving my nightmare of a roommate with something called a forced transfer, then apparently reversed their decision (despite documentation) and did not tell me. The only way for me to get out now is to pay a $300 Transfer Fee + Applicable costs to get out as soon as I can. Giving up the apartment I have lived at for almost 2 years now.

The full explanation I gave is under the cut.

Please note I do not want to be doing this, and as soon as I hit $400 the GoFundMe is getting closed. People are struggling enough right now and I hate asking for monetary help when I know this much.

But god, for the sake of myself and my cat I cannot do this. I can't live here with her anymore, but I can't break my lease either.

FULL EXPLANATION (copied from GoFundMe):

Many of you know me for raising funds regarding my cats, either in the search for one of them as being missing, or more recently to raise funds for the other for ear mite treatment.

We reached the full goal of ear mite treatment within 24 hours of the fundraiser being set up - and it feels wrong in a sense to add the funds to that GoFundMe. The Ear Mite treatment is still happening and I fully intend to post an update photo of her at the vet there when I can.

However, to this end, so much as I do not want to be asking for help.

Living with my current roommate is hell. Cut and dry. She is vindictive, rude, loud, and confrontational. Her own cat has a tendency to attack my own and has on many occasions. This roommate was moved into the apartment in June, I have been here for more than a year and a half.

I will save you most of the story because there is an incredible amount, honestly, and I have cried more than my fair share today. My body is threatening more tears as I work through writing this now.

Incredibly important note: one of my old roommates is moving back in, she is a good friend of mine. However, given all that my current one has done, the original roommate refuses to move back if the current one is still present. I cannot blame her as the actions of my current roommate have driven me to locking myself in my room 24/7, along with my ESA. I wish that this was an exaggeration. It is not.

The brunt of the situation comes down to this:

We had mediation, my current roommate and I, and it was about as useless as you would believe it to be.

Nothing changed, in fact any things reverted back to the way they had been or seemingly got worse.

I went to speak with the property manager one-on-one to bring the full story to light along with evidence to backup what I was saying. I completely broke down at this point in time. I cannot break my lease, I cannot escape my current roommate - I am caged.

What was decided in that meeting was that they would be performing a forcible transfer of my roommate - she would be moving to another apartment, same layout, same size room, etc. But out. We would then phase my soon-to-be roommate back in (she had not originally renewed her lease because she was going to be gone for some time). This meeting was on Friday. I was told by the property manager that the following Monday she was going to have a meeting with my current roommate and inform her of this. The whole process would supposedly take about 2 weeks. (It should also be included that my current roommate has had multiple violations of her lease which I had documented). This decision was then further documented by an email they sent to my soon-to-be roommate stating that upon her arrival into the apartment, my current roommate would be gone. So this is an actual documented decision.

The two weeks was almost up and nothing had been heard, my roommate had not packed, etc. So yesterday (October 17th) I sent an email to which I got no reply. Today (October 18th) I went and spoke to the leasing manager (different from the Property Manager, whom is ranked just above her). the LM had no idea what I was talking about. She then spoke with the PM, who I had met with and called me back.

Apparently, the Property Manager, in her meeting the following Monday decided that actually we would continue to live together. My current roommate would no longer be moved out. This sudden change was not communicated to myself or my soon-to-be roommate who was refiling her lease under the impression the issue would be gone.

No curtsey to respond to my email, no honoring a DOCUMENTED decision. Etc. Just radio silence to me.

The only two options available are this - since they are now also giving my soon-to-be (hopefully) roommate a hard time about her income.

1. Myself and my soon-to-be roommate are moved from our original apartment to a different and fully vacant apartment.

(This is the decision we are going with on the grounds that my STB roommate be accepted).

2. My STB roommate does not move in at all and cancels her lease process, leaving me along in the apartment with my devil of a roommate and her cat that keeps attacking my own.

This second option is not sustainable. I am breaking, entirly. I am so tired, and so done with this all.

I do not want to give up where I have lived for almost two years becuase the actions of a vindictive new arrival. But I cannot stay here. If I could break my lease then I would. Because the Property Manager is the highest authority present at the office there is nobody I can go to above her that will hold her to her documented word and honor it. (I did but in a request to the corporation that owns my complex to speak with them about her conduct, but I doubt anything will come of it outside of retaliation).

The reality of option 1 however, is that it is no longer considered a forced transfer. Meaning that i have to pay the transfer fee listed in my lease of $300 plus applicable fees ("convenience" fee and card transfer %). I cannot move apartments until this fee is paid.

Therefore I am setting the amount at $400 to account for the percentage that GFM takes, and the amount that the apartments themselves will be taking on.

I have no set goal for how fast this will be filled, but by God, the sooner the better. I am not renewing my lease and remaining her after it ends in June.

[limerental]

ficletvember 2024 - day 23

Driven by her love for Lambert, Keira Metz attempts a forbidden ritual.

As her carefully-researched ritual unfolded just as planned, Keira felt absurdly like a child about to be scolded.

The Brotherhood had had a sprawling list of forbidden magics, dark arts never to be performed by any mage under any circumstance. Necromancy, demonic contracts, all sorts of spells and alchemical applications that stripped intelligent beings of their agency, and of course, fire magic.

In the bloated organization's heyday, something as mundane as an ailing village witch calling up a spark during a blizzard to light her tinder would have tripped some blaring alarm on Thanned Island and have swift consequences.

But despite its all-seeing power, the Brotherhood had not seen the darkness creeping from within, and it could not censure her now. Neither could the Lodge, if any of its members still lived.

The candles around the circle begin to sizzle out one after another, the only light the blue glow that lit Keira's lowered palms. She pressed them flat to the earth as the last wick sputtered and spoke clearly the next line of the ritual.

It had been a tricky thing to find the grave of a man who had not been buried, but fortunately her working didn't require the entire corpse. If it had, Keira would have sucked it up and assembled the whole scavenger-scattered skeleton to the last phalange, but she would've bitched and moaned the entire time.

If there had been a bloated, rotting corpse to drag out of the wilderness, she would have actually told Lambert what she intended to do so that he could be the one to grapple with the body and harvest what she needed.

But he likely would have bitched and moaned the entire time, and there was a reason she'd concealed her plans from him. Men could be so blinded by their emotions, and she suspected he would react poorly.

Thankfully, to complete the ritual, she'd only needed to fish a single bone out of the dust.

What was the true moral distinction, she had always wondered, between curing the terminally sick and raising the dead? Working together, she and Lambert had concocted a plague remedy to hopefully cure the whole fading Continent. If it was moral and upright of her to resurrect a dying populace, why not one man wrongfully killed?

Perhaps death could be seen as simply a deeply advanced sickness and the necromancer a physician with unusual skills.

The little metacarpal resting at the center of the circle seemed far too small and unassuming to belong to a full-grown man. Keira had held it in the cup of her palm and thought how strange it was to look at one small nub of bone and know it had once been a part of someone so significant. 

Not in the grand scheme of things, of course. Not to the Continent at large or really most anyone at all. 

But to Lambert, who in the course of the unusual events of the past year, had become quite significant to Keira, this person had been–

Kneeling, she bent low enough that her forehead kissed cold stone, speaking the invocation louder as the air in the room closed in around her, bright with magic. It was not as ugly and tainted as it flowed through her as she'd been made to believe. Perhaps the same ritual used for more nefarious purposes– to resurrect a dead corrupt king or amass an undead army– would leave a nastier taste in one's mouth.

It did not seem a dark thing at all, not even as the magic began to weigh her down, feeling it in every ounce of her being. A sorcerer of lesser skill may find themselves unraveled by the power that seethed around her, but Keira Metz was no two-bit fortune teller. 

Truthfully, she was morbidly and covetously curious if anyone would ever love her so much. If being her lover or friend had changed anyone in such a lasting way. What she had with Lambert was good, more intimate than she'd ever allowed herself to be with any man, but after this was done, who was to say that he would still–

It happened all at once. The little scrap of bone leapt into the air and glowed backlit by a fierce and blinding light, and as Keira straightened, panting with the release of magic, realizing she had been shouting as it crested, a man suddenly slumped nude before her. 

A strange Witcher, his slit-pupilled eyes narrowing like a cat's.

[evenmoreofadisaster]

Hi hello :3

If you're still looking for writing requests, I have a couple loose ideas. No pressure ofc ofc 🙌✨!!

But!

I think it'd be really cool to see a little sparring bonding sesh happen between One and Casey. I dunno if that's applicable to the story at all, but I thought it'd be interesting for the duo nonetheless. Admittedly, I am a sucker for that trope and for those two.

Also, I guess I'm in the mood for comfort cuz my other idea was just Two having a good day. Just Two getting the break he deserves, or maybe being really pleased with an experiment or project of his. Maybe even Two getting a chance to be silly or monologue or something of that sort :)

Sending over some good writing vibes 🤗🌟!

hello ace hello 🌟🙌

Here is Casey and One train-bonding :)

--

When her senseis finally dismiss the clan recruits, Casey leads the newbie to the Foot Clan’s training area. One trails behind her quietly and Casey doesn’t bother to make any sort of conversation with him. There are a few rookies in the training area when Casey walks in, sparring like newborn ducklings learning to walk. There’s a neatly placed stack of wooden training swords lined up against the wall. Casey grabs one of them off the rack. 

“Hey!” she yells, smacking the concrete floor. A loud echo reverberates to the farthest corners of the room. The newer recruits freeze in their places. “Everyone out!” Casey orders. “Now!” 

Casey faces One and shoves the bokken into his chest as the rookies scurry away. “Oof— hey! What the hell are we doing?” 

Ignoring him, Casey walks over to one of the training swords that were left on the floor. She turns around and points it at him. “Training. What does it look like?”

One huffs. “Screw you, I don’t need any more—” Casey leaps forward, striking swiftly at One’s neck with the wooden sword. THWACK! 

The slider stumbles to the side, grabbing the base of his neck, where Casey had hit him. “Ow! Hey!”

She doesn’t stop there. While One is still surprised, Casey kicks his legs out from under him and pins the bokken into One’s shoulder, holding him down. “You are distracted,” she admonishes. “Distractions will get you killed.”

Suddenly, Casey’s falling on her ass. One had jammed her in the knee. He strikes at her chest, but Casey rolls out of the way, stands on her knees, and whacks One’s shell. The slider falls on his plastron. “You can fight better than this,” she scoffs. “I’ve seen it. Something is clearly bothering you.”

“Even if there was, how is that your business?” One snaps, turning on his back. 

“Your performance affects everything this clan is working for!” Casey retorts. “Right now, you are nothing but dead weight. If this continues, you will be cut loose.” 

One’s jaw tightens. “Why do you care about what happens to me? You don’t know me.”

Casey studies him carefully. While that’s true, she’s seen the way he fights and though she hates to admit it, he’s pretty good. He could be a great asset to the clan… that, and One’s ambition reminds Casey too much of herself. She’s been in this position before, where she was too uncontrolled— even more than she is now— and alone. Nobody really gave her a chance which is why she’s in the same place she was when she started. Years of hard work has only just gotten her senseis’ attention. She just wants to push One in the right direction. For the good of the clan.

But how does she do that? Casey knows she’s not the greatest at emotions but she tries to think about what she would’ve wanted to hear from someone she looked up to. “But I… see you.” 

“What?”

Okay, that was awkward.

Casey clears her throat and rephrases. “I mean I can see your strength,” she huffs. “You are driven, but you are angry. I know. I’m angry all the time. I’m still working on it.” Casey takes a deep breath. “You are putting your anger in the wrong places. I don’t care about what you’re going through, do not feed your anger into your emotions, let it be your motivation.”

She waits for a response. Maybe even a comment about how wise she sounds. But there’s nothing. 

Casey’s head snaps in One’s direction. “Are you listening to me, Junior?!” she cuts herself off when her eyes meet One’s strict and newly focused gaze. 

“Yeah,” he says evenly. “Let’s train.”

[franticbindings]

A Chuubo's quest potentially suitable for becoming a werewolf, transitioning, being sent to prep school, finding out you're royalty, getting into shape, changing majors, becoming a superhero, starting therapy, getting divorced, a pregnancy, returning from the dead, etc.

Or I guess, its a quest for exploring what it's like to go through something like that.

This started out purely as a werewolf thing, but then I noticed that what I had was more broadly applicable and leaned in. Some of these things are beats that could happen in any kind of story; you'd probably have trouble finding one where the character never notices a change in someone else, but that fact that you're drawing attention to such a thing while on a quest that is about how your character is changing and how they feel about it - that means something!

The Transformation (40 XP)

You’re going through a time in your life (or are about to be) where something about you is changing — physically, mentally, or socially, but often more than one of those at once; it could be a progression towards some end point, or a time where you alternate between different forms or modes of being. Maybe you’ve already changed and you’re dealing with the fallout and adjusting to it. By the end of this quest, you’ll have reached a new equilibrium, though there may be more changes ahead - have you returned to how you were, or struck a balance between the old and new? Have you found a way to be at peace with your new status quo or are you finally living the life you always wanted?

Major Goals: You earn 5XP towards this quest when…

You learn a startling truth about yourself or a group you are a part of (“When you jokingly pull on the sword driven through the stone at the end of the bar, it slides out with ease and an ethereal chorus sounds.”)

Someone you know fails to recognize you, or pretends to (“As you drive off the last of the umbrella spirits, your friend peeks out from where they were hiding - they’re looking at you with awe. Obviously they don’t recognize you with your mask on.”)

An important possession is destroyed, discarded or set aside because of your changes (“I’ve been putting it off for a while, but I finally pack away my art stuff to start preparing the nursery for the baby.”)

Three weeks/chapters pass without obvious IC progress on this quest.

Quest Flavor: 1/chapter you earn 1XP towards this quest when…

You pause to take stock of your appearance, physical condition or mental state (“I stand in front of the dressing room mirror in my new dress and do a little twirl.”)

You partake in a long standing pleasure or obligation despite your changes (“I might be a werewolf now but I’m still expected at Sunday dinner.”)

You notice how someone other than you has changed (“I nervously tell Gavin that I like his new haircut and ask him where he gets it done.”)

You have an emotional reaction that goes over the top (“I laugh hard enough that I start crying.”)

You propose a theory about how your changes could be useful ( “Becoming the god of death probably means I won’t have to bother with homework.”)

You are troubled by physical inconvenience related to your change (“Your new prep school dress shoes are not good for running, you’re facing a level1 Obstacle.”)

You perform mundane chores that involve bringing something to its “proper” state (“I spend the afternoon finally going through the last boxes that my Grandmother left me. Does anyone want to help me?”)

[blackbloodteeth]

Soul Variant as each of the Myerrs-Briggs personality types?

Worked on this throughout last week, and now I've finally gotten around to writing all the blurbs up for these, haha. This was definitely a really fun project to chip away at, and I'm pretty dang happy with how all of these turned out!

Tucking all these variants' descriptions under a read-more, if you wanna hear all the general ideas I had for each of them (I based them all on the chart descriptions you can find on Wikipedia).

Page 1:

ISTJ – Hardworking and trustworthy with sound practical judgement. Holds a key to any door: Gateways, hearts, and even dreams. Will help you get to wherever you need to go if you really ask, and any secret given to him for safekeeping will never reach another soul.

ISFJ – Devoted caretakers who enjoy being helpful to others. Will aid anyone who gets lost or hurt in the In Between, even if done so in silence. The eyes might not actually be true eyes, and instead just for the comfort of others.

INFJ – Seek harmony and cooperation, enjoy intellectual stimulation. Can only be understood when infected with its spores, as that is the only way it's able to communicate through thoughts. The resulting antennae that sprouts from the host's head are otherwise harmless and can be safely removed, albeit this will leave you with a headache for the rest of the day.

INTJ – Driven by their own original ideas to achieve improvements. Supposedly the floating eyes are of his own creation, both to help with his poor eyesight and to keep track of multiple tasks. Once he gets inspired to do something, that's what he'll be invested in doing for a long while.

ISTP – Enjoy adventure, skilled at understanding how mechanical things work. Before the world was reclaimed by nature, there were many unnatural things that have since become repurposed, as rocks and trees and caves. He has such a fascination with these cold-skin remains that he documents anything and everything he discovers, slowly piecing these puzzles back together.

ISFP – Seek to create a personal environment that is both beautiful and practical. Can change reality around him to a small degree, allowing plants to flourish even indoors. Given his control over this fun little trick of his, he's never felt the need to be sad about not having the hands to do this with, and will even show off to help the other kids spark their own imaginations.

Page 2:

INFP – Value inner harmony and personal growth, focus on dreams and possibilities. With the glow of the lights from his body, he can reveal dreams and potential things to be. There's been some serious consideration of him getting into dream therapy, given the potential applications involving memories and the healing effects of processing nightmares.

INTP – Original thinkers who enjoy speculation and creative problem solving. Can change the colourful patterns on his skin with ease, allowing him to fit in with any environment. He's a huge lover of puzzles and riddles, and helping others work through solutions, though talking is not his strong suit.

ESTP – Pragmatic problem solvers and skillful negotiators. If there's an issue, he's usually the one to resolve it. The rest of the world doesn't account for him being nocturnal, so it isn't too unusual to see him up before the sun rises to take care of preparation work and double-checking correspondences.

ESFP – Have strong common sense, enjoy helping people in tangible ways. Gets along with just about anyone, including the spirits who have yet to depart. You got a haunting or residual energy build-up needing taken care of, he's your guy.

ENFP – Value inspiration, enjoy starting new projects, see potential in others. Believes in art as an expression of the soul – Performance art, jack of all trades, graffiti. Birth twin to ENTP.

ENTP – Enjoy new ideas and challenges, value inspiration. Believes in art as a way to push concepts and boundaries – Body art, unconventional mixed media, abstract. Birth twin to ENFP.

Page 3:

ESTJ – Like to run the show and get things done in an orderly fashion. His body is a semi-artificial construct, but it needed a soul, and thus Soul was donated (not for any nefarious plot, however, as he had been chronically ill beforehand). Ever since having taken well to his new form, he's begun to blossom as a sound designer and composer for indie projects.

ESFJ – Seek to be helpful and please others, enjoy being active and productive. Loves to cook, and will always be the first to know about bake sales and potlucks. It's come into question whether he can actually eat what he makes or if he's just living vicariously, but supposedly he can still taste.

ENFJ – Skilled communicators who value connection with people. Steadily but surely learning every language, and is very passionate about becoming a translator for all of them. With his endless hands, he's pretty decent at holding a handful of signed conversations at once.

ENTJ – Effective organizers of people and long-range planners. Ended up in charge of keeping everyone on schedule and making sure they have what they need before showtime, especially when it comes to his excellent sense of direction in mapping out whenever the building's layout shifts. Being the local darling that is often spoiled with snacks, he's certainly starting to earn his friend-shaped status.

[altaqwaelectric]

From Design to Deployment: How Switchgear Systems Are Built

In the modern world of electrical engineering, switchgear systems play a critical role in ensuring the safe distribution and control of electrical power. From substations and factories to commercial buildings and critical infrastructure, switchgear is the silent guardian that protects equipment, ensures safety, and minimizes power failures.

But have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes, from the idea to the actual installation? Let’s dive into the full journey — from design to deployment — of how a switchgear system is built.

Step 1: Requirement Analysis and Load Study

Every switchgear project begins with requirement analysis. This includes:

Understanding the electrical load requirements

Calculating voltage levels, short-circuit ratings, and operating current

Identifying environmental conditions: indoor, outdoor, temperature, humidity

Reviewing applicable industry standards like IEC, ANSI, or DEWA regulations (especially in UAE)

This stage helps engineers determine whether the project needs low voltage (LV), medium voltage (MV), or high voltage (HV) switchgear.

Step 2: Conceptual Design & Engineering

Once the requirements are clear, the conceptual design begins.

Selection of switchgear type (air insulated, gas insulated, metal-enclosed, metal-clad, etc.)

Deciding on protection devices: MCCBs, ACBs, relays, CTs, VTs, and fuses

Creating single-line diagrams (SLDs) and layout drawings

Choosing the busbar material (copper or aluminum), insulation type, and earthing arrangements

Software like AutoCAD, EPLAN, and ETAP are commonly used for precise engineering drawings and simulations.

Step 3: Manufacturing & Fabrication

This is where the physical structure comes to life.

Sheet metal is cut, punched, and bent to form the panel enclosures

Powder coating or galvanizing is done for corrosion protection

Assembly of circuit breakers, contactors, protection relays, meters, etc.

Internal wiring is installed according to the schematic

Every switchgear panel is built with precision and must undergo quality control checks at each stage.

Step 4: Factory Testing (FAT)

Before deployment, every switchgear unit undergoes Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) to ensure it meets technical and safety standards.

Typical FAT includes:

High-voltage insulation testing

Continuity and phase sequence testing

Functionality check of all protection relays and interlocks

Mechanical operations of breakers and switches

Thermal imaging to detect hotspots

Only after passing FAT, the switchgear is cleared for shipping.

Step 5: Transportation & Site Installation

Transportation must be handled with care to avoid damage to components. At the site:

Panels are unloaded and moved to their final location

Cabling and bus duct connections are established

Earthing systems are connected

Environmental sealing is done if installed outdoors or in dusty environments

Step 6: Commissioning & Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)

This final stage ensures the switchgear is ready for live operation.

Final checks and Site Acceptance Tests (SAT) are performed

System integration is tested with other components like transformers, UPS, and generators

Load tests and trial runs are conducted

Commissioning report is generated, and documentation is handed over to the client

Conclusion

From idea to execution, the journey of building a switchgear system is highly technical, safety-driven, and precision-based. Whether you’re in power generation, industrial automation, or commercial construction, understanding this process ensures you choose the right system for your needs.

[sngl-led-auto-lights]

Why the headlights of a vehicle are generally yellow in colour rather than white?

The use of yellow headlights in vehicles, while less common today, stems from a combination of historical, functional, and regulatory factors. Here's a structured breakdown of the reasons:

1. Historical and Regulatory Context

France's Mandate (1936–1993): France required selective yellow headlights by law, believing yellow light reduced glare for oncoming drivers. This regulation influenced vehicle design in Europe and former French colonies.

Selective Yellow Filter: This tint filtered out blue wavelengths (below 500 nm), which scatter more in fog and rain, improving visibility in adverse conditions.

2. Functional Advantages in Adverse Weather

Reduced Scatter: Yellow light (550–600 nm) has longer wavelengths than blue-rich white light, minimizing scattering in fog, rain, or snow. This enhances contrast and reduces "whiteout" glare.

Improved Penetration: In foggy conditions, yellow light can illuminate road markings and obstacles more effectively than white light.

3. Human Vision Considerations

Scotopic Sensitivity: Human eyes are more sensitive to green-yellow light (≈555 nm) in low-light conditions, making yellow headlights appear brighter at night.

Glare Reduction: Yellow light contains less blue, which is harsh on dark-adapted eyes, reducing discomfort for oncoming drivers.

4. Bulb Technology and Aesthetics

Halogen Bulbs: Older halogen bulbs naturally emit warmer (2700–3500K) light. Without coatings, this appears yellowish.

Vintage Appeal: Yellow headlights are associated with classic cars (e.g., Citroën 2CV, Volvo Amazon), appealing to enthusiasts.

5. Modern Shifts and Exceptions

Regulatory Changes: Most countries now permit white light (e.g., ECE and DOT standards), favoring LEDs/HIDs with superior brightness and adaptive beam patterns.

Niche Applications: • Rally/Racing: Yellow auxiliary lights are used for fog penetration (e.g., WRC, Le Mans). • Aesthetic Choice: Some drivers install yellow tints or LED pods for a retro or off-road look.

6. Trade-offs with White Light

Brightness vs. Comfort: White light (5000–6000K) offers better color rendering and range but can cause glare in poor weather.

Technological Solutions: Modern cars use adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, and fog-light integration to mitigate weather challenges without relying on yellow filters.

Conclusion Yellow headlights were historically favored for their glare reduction and fog performance, driven by regulations like France's mandate. While white light dominates today due to advancements in LED/HID technology and adaptive systems, yellow remains relevant in motorsports, niche markets, and as a stylistic choice. The shift reflects a balance between safety, regulation, and technological progress.

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

Activists still—somehow—claim that males who identify as women have no physical edge over female athletes, despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary. In this episode, we break down those undeniable advantages as laid out in a new review paper in the Journal of Applied Physiology.

--

Abstract

Sex differences in sports performances continue to attract considerable scientific and public attention, driven in part by high profile cases of: 1) biological male (XY) athletes who seek to compete in the female category after gender transition, and 2) XY athletes with medical syndromes collectively known as disorders or differences of sex development (DSDs). In this perspective, we highlight scientific evidence that informs eligibility criteria and applicable regulations for sex categories in sports. There are profound sex differences in human performance in athletic events determined by strength, speed, power, endurance, and body size such that males outperform females. These sex differences in athletic performance exist before puberty and increase dramatically as puberty progresses. The profound sex differences in sports performance are primarily attributable to the direct and indirect effects of sex-steroid hormones and provide a compelling framework to consider for policy decisions to safeguard fairness and inclusion in sports.

-

A few graphs:

[ Male performance advantage in track and field and freestyle swimming between ages 7-18 ]

[ Male performance advantage in track and field compared to female (100% comparison). Note that "10%" might not seem much, but may be the difference between coming first and coming tenth. ]

[ Male performance advantage in swimming by age. ]

[ Male performance advantage in handgrip strength, aerobic capacity and skeletal muscle mass. Blue is natal male, red is natal female, orange is "trans woman" - a male undergoing estrogen therapy and testosterone suppression. ]