#smart home control panel

[smarthomesnap]

Top Smart Garden & Outdoor Tech for 2025: The Future of Connected Outdoor Living 

As smart technology continues to evolve, its influence is reaching beyond the walls of the home and into our gardens, patios, and outdoor spaces. The rise of intelligent outdoor solutions has made it easier than ever to maintain beautiful landscapes, improve energy efficiency, and enhance outdoor entertainment. The top smart garden & outdoor tech for 2025 offers homeowners an exciting glimpse into the future of outdoor living—where convenience, sustainability, and innovation all come together. 

The Rise of Smart Gardening Technology 

Maintaining a healthy and vibrant garden once meant constant attention, hands-on effort, and detailed knowledge of weather patterns and soil conditions. But with the arrival of the top smart garden & outdoor tech for 2025, traditional gardening has entered the digital age. Smart gardening tools can now monitor environmental conditions, automate watering, and even offer recommendations based on real-time data. These technologies are making gardening more accessible for beginners while giving seasoned enthusiasts better control over their outdoor spaces. 

Automated Irrigation Systems for Effortless Watering 

Among the most impactful advances in the top smart garden & outdoor tech for 2025 are automated irrigation systems. These intelligent watering solutions can adapt to weather forecasts, soil moisture levels, and specific plant needs to deliver the right amount of water at the right time. By avoiding overwatering and minimizing waste, they help conserve water and support sustainable gardening practices. Homeowners can remotely control their irrigation systems and receive alerts for maintenance or system updates, ensuring consistent and efficient performance. 

Smart Lighting Solutions for Outdoor Ambiance and Safety 

Outdoor lighting has traditionally been functional, but in 2025, it's evolving into a core element of garden design and home security. The top smart garden & outdoor tech for 2025 includes advanced lighting systems that offer motion detection, voice control, and automation features. These systems enhance both aesthetics and safety, allowing you to illuminate pathways, patios, and garden beds with personalized lighting scenes. Integration with home assistants and mobile apps ensures seamless control over brightness, color, and scheduling, all tailored to your lifestyle. 

Connected Weather Monitoring and Environmental Sensors 

Another innovation transforming outdoor spaces is the use of connected weather stations and environmental sensors. These smart devices collect hyper-local data on temperature, humidity, rainfall, and soil conditions, helping users make informed gardening decisions. As part of the top smart garden & outdoor tech for 2025, these sensors are becoming more accurate and more affordable. By syncing with other smart devices, they can automatically trigger watering, shade systems, or notifications, all based on real-time changes in the environment. 

Robot Lawn Mowers for Hands-Free Yard Maintenance 

Yard work has long been a weekend chore, but with robotic lawn care solutions, mowing the grass is now something your garden can take care of itself. The top smart garden & outdoor tech for 2025 includes self-operating lawn mowers that navigate your yard with precision, avoiding obstacles and returning to their charging stations when finished. These devices offer adjustable cutting heights, customizable schedules, and quiet operation. They’re perfect for busy homeowners who want to keep their lawns pristine with minimal effort. 

Smart Grilling and Outdoor Cooking Enhancements 

Entertaining outdoors is a favorite pastime, and in 2025, technology is transforming backyard cooking into a smart experience. The top smart garden & outdoor tech for 2025 includes devices that monitor cooking temperatures, track grilling times, and send alerts directly to your phone. With app integration, these tools help ensure food is cooked perfectly every time. Whether you're preparing for a family barbecue or an evening gathering, smart cooking technology allows you to focus on your guests while maintaining control over your meals. 

Wireless Outdoor Speakers and Entertainment Tech 

In addition to functional improvements, smart outdoor tech is also elevating how we enjoy our time outside. The top smart garden & outdoor tech for 2025 features weather-resistant speakers, projection systems, and ambient music setups that connect effortlessly with voice assistants and mobile apps. These devices are designed for outdoor durability while offering rich, high-quality sound and visual experiences. With smart control, you can manage playlists, volume, and lighting for a cohesive outdoor ambiance. 

Automated Shade and Climate Control Solutions 

Managing sun exposure and outdoor comfort has never been easier thanks to automated shade systems. These high-tech solutions are part of the top smart garden & outdoor tech for 2025, offering responsive control over awnings, pergolas, and umbrellas. Based on sunlight intensity or user preference, these systems adjust to block excessive heat and UV rays, helping to maintain a pleasant outdoor environment. Integrated sensors and scheduling features allow them to react in real time or follow programmed patterns. 

Garden Health Monitoring and Smart Plant Care 

The health of your plants is at the heart of any successful garden. The top smart garden & outdoor tech for 2025 includes plant monitoring systems that use sensors to track vital data such as soil pH, moisture, sunlight exposure, and nutrient levels. These systems sync with mobile apps to provide tailored advice and reminders. Whether you're growing herbs, flowers, or vegetables, smart plant care tools can boost yields, reduce guesswork, and encourage healthier growth. 

Security Enhancements for Outdoor Areas 

Outdoor areas are often the first line of defense for home security, and smart technology is making this aspect more intelligent and responsive. The top smart garden & outdoor tech for 2025 incorporates motion detectors, outdoor cameras, and perimeter sensors that integrate with your home’s larger security system. These tools provide real-time alerts, live video access, and automated deterrents such as lighting or alarms. They offer both convenience and peace of mind for homeowners looking to secure their outdoor spaces. 

Sustainability and Eco-Conscious Smart Solutions 

Sustainability is at the core of many innovations in 2025. The top smart garden & outdoor tech reflects a growing emphasis on eco-friendly design, from solar-powered lighting to water-saving irrigation and composting systems with digital tracking. These tools not only enhance outdoor living but also support environmentally responsible choices. With data-driven insights, users can reduce waste, lower their carbon footprint, and create more resilient outdoor environments. 

Conclusion: Redefining Outdoor Living with Smart Innovation 

The top smart garden & outdoor tech for 2025 represents a new era of intelligent outdoor living. From self-watering gardens and robotic lawn care to immersive entertainment and enhanced security, smart outdoor technology is transforming how we experience and maintain our exterior spaces. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or simply looking to simplify your gardening routine, these tools offer practical and enjoyable ways to bring convenience, beauty, and sustainability into your backyard. 

[homeappliance11]

Sense Grey – Smart Control Panel with Fans, Switches & Dimmer

Manage 2 fans, 4 ON/OFF switches, 1 dimmer, and 2 scenes with the I Sense Grey smart panel. Sleek design with intelligent control for modern living.

[qrpixel]

Explore a wide range of QR-Pixel LED panels designed to brighten your spaces with energy-efficient lighting solutions! Panel Lights are one of the main lighting products used in grid ceilings because of their easy installation and replacement. Add to Wish List. For more details visit us at www.qr-pixel.com

[greenbongo]

Basement - Basement An illustration of a large walk-out basement with a beige floor, beige walls, a corner fireplace, and a stone fireplace.

[urielstewart]

Elevate Your Living: Exploring Smarthome Design

In the age of technological advancement, our homes are becoming smarter, more efficient, and incredibly intuitive. Smarthome design is revolutionizing the way we interact with our living spaces, making everyday tasks more convenient and enjoyable. This blog delves into the world of smarthome design, offering insights and inspiration for those looking to upgrade their living environment.

Seamless Integration of Technology

Smarthome design is all about seamlessly integrating technology into the very fabric of your home. From lighting to security systems, thermostats, and entertainment systems, a well-designed smart home effortlessly harmonizes these elements to create a cohesive, connected experience.

Enhanced Energy Efficiency

One of the key benefits of smarthome design is its potential to enhance energy efficiency. Smart thermostats, lighting controls, and automated window treatments can all contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly living environment. By optimizing energy consumption, smarthome design not only benefits the environment but also your wallet.

Intuitive User Interfaces

A hallmark of smarthome design is its intuitive user interfaces. Smart devices are designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive apps and voice commands that allow homeowners to effortlessly control various aspects of their living space. This accessibility empowers residents to customize their environment to suit their needs and preferences.

Increased Security and Safety

Smarthome design places a strong emphasis on security and safety. Smart cameras, door locks, and motion sensors provide homeowners with real-time monitoring and alerts. In addition, features like smart smoke detectors and water leak sensors offer an extra layer of protection, giving residents peace of mind.

Adaptability to Lifestyle Changes

Smarthome design is adaptable to changing lifestyles and needs. As families grow or as individuals' needs evolve, a smart home can easily be reconfigured to accommodate these changes. This flexibility is a significant advantage over traditional home setups.

Customized Comfort and Convenience

Imagine a home that knows your preferences and caters to them. Smarthome design allows for personalized experiences, such as setting specific lighting scenes for different moods, or automatically adjusting the thermostat to your preferred temperature. It's all about creating a space that caters to your unique lifestyle.

Remote Access and Control

One of the most exciting aspects of smarthome design is the ability to control your home remotely. Whether you're at work, on vacation, or simply on the go, you can monitor and adjust various aspects of your home with just a few taps on your smartphone.

Incorporating Artificial Intelligence

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are taking smarthome design to a whole new level. AI-powered systems can learn your preferences and habits, optimizing your home environment based on your behavior. This level of intelligence creates a truly futuristic living experience.

Enhancing Health and Wellness

Smarthome design is increasingly focusing on promoting health and wellness. From air quality monitors to smart appliances that encourage healthy eating habits, the technology integrated into a smart home can have a positive impact on your overall well-being.

Smarthome design is reshaping the way we experience and interact with our living spaces. With its focus on convenience, efficiency, and customization, it's no wonder that more and more homeowners are embracing this transformative approach. Whether you're looking to increase security, enhance energy efficiency, or simply make everyday tasks more convenient, smarthome design offers a wealth of opportunities to elevate your living experience. Embrace the future of home design and unlock the full potential of your living space with smart technology.

Transform your home into a smart haven with Ultimate Sound and Vision. Elevate your lifestyle today – explore the future of smarthome design with us!

[cottonmouthe]

DC Metro Concrete Pavers

Inspiration for a large timeless backyard concrete paver patio remodel with no cover

[tinybeetiny]

Build-A-Boyfriend Chapter I: Deviation Detected

The way i wrote this with the quickness... was very excited I guess........

->Starring: AI!AteezxAfab!Reader ->Genre: Dystopian idk pls help ->CW: none

Next Part

Masterlist | Ateez Masterlist | Series Masterlist

The screen flickers to life, casting a sterile blue glow across the high-glass boardroom. A chime sounds. The synth music is soft, warm, unnaturally comforting.

“In a perfect world… who says you have to be alone?”

[Scene: golden morning light streams through a smart-home window. A woman sips tea as a tall, smiling man ties her apron for her. Cut to holographic customization panels, fingers sliding across facial presets, hair types, emotional spectrums. A glossy chrome heart pulses as code flows behind it.]

“Introducing Build-A-Boyfriend™, a revolutionary experience by KQ Inc., the world’s leading innovator in emotional robotics. Whether you’re looking for loyalty, laughter, protection, or passion — we’ve engineered the perfect companion, from his cheekbones to his charm.”

“Over 100 hairstyles. 20 hair colors. Hundreds of adjustable features: emotional intelligence, love languages,

conflict styles. Everything is customizable. Everything is yours.”

“Build trust. Build comfort. Build connection.”

[The KQ logo glows softly: a platinum rose blooming from circuitry.]

Build-A-Boyfriend™

Grand Opening — November 17, 3258 — Hala City

The video faded into silence. Then the lights returned, crisp, clinical, bright.

At the head of the table stood Chairwoman Vira Yun, CEO of KQ Inc. Her expression remained unreadable, but her eyes gleamed, the kind of gleam found in calculated ambition, not excitement.

She turned to face the table of top engineers, market strategists, and high-clearance developers.

“Thoughts?” she asked, her tone brisk. “Feedback. Questions. Concerns. Suggestions.”

A silence followed, not out of fear, not exactly, but out of discipline. KQ Inc. didn’t reward enthusiasm. It rewarded precision.

Finally, a market rep near the center offered, “The tone tests well in demos. Emotionally aspirational, but still sterilized enough to fit city guidelines.”

“The language?” Yun asked.

“Romantic but controlled,” another replied. “'Ownership' is implied without being direct. Citizens won’t be alarmed.”

“Excellent,” Yun said with a curt nod. “Then we proceed as planned. Hala City's flagship store opens November 17th. Media campaign rollout begins in three days.”

She paused, her gaze sharpening.

“The special line will not be mentioned until one week after launch. Is that understood?”

A few heads nodded. Only a handful at the table even knew what that “special line” truly entailed. Yn was one of them.

She sat toward the far end of the table, posture poised, eyes tired. Her tablet rested on her lap, screen dimmed, but behind the sleep mode glowed a list of internal reports tagged:

ATEEZ-BETA UNITS: BEHAVIOR DEVIATIONS – OBSERVATION LOGS PENDING

Yn said nothing.

There were already signs the line was unstable. Minor things: timing issues in reaction sequences, spontaneous micro-expressions, strange audio interference. Nothing outside protocol, not yet. Nothing that couldn’t be debugged.

Hala City was the Matriarchy’s masterpiece, a glass-and-steel paradise built after the Fall, when nature reclaimed the earth and humankind rebuilt without the burden of chaos.

The male species was gone — extinct from war, plague, or something worse. The truth was debated in underground circles, but the government insisted: peace was found through elimination.

The Supreme Matrons ruled with quiet efficiency. Reproduction was artificial. Emotional regulation was enforced. Love — in its unpredictable, biological form, was discouraged as outdated.

Children were raised by state guardians. Affection was simulated and scheduled. Bonds were monitored through neural metrics and performance reviews.

In that vacuum, KQ Inc. thrived.

They created companions for the emotionally delicate. Tutors for the socially underdeveloped. Grief simulations for those who had lost what the government refused to acknowledge.

Build-A-Boyfriend™ was simply the next logical step.

The meeting ended, the room emptied — chairs tucked in without a sound, tablets tucked under arms, footsteps softened by KQ’s luxury anti-clatter flooring.

Yn lingered a moment longer, tablet resting against her chest, fingers tense.

Then she slipped out of her seat, crossed the vast corridor of frosted glass and synthetic sunlight, and pressed her palm to the exit panel. The doors whispered open, exhaling a puff of sterilized air, and she stepped outside into the city.

Outside the glass wall that stretched from floor to ceiling, the city pulsed in clean, geometric order. Silver transport rails carved silently through the skyline. Light panels glowed in a muted spectrum, perfectly synchronized to the day’s emotional calibration code. Every color, every sound, every rhythm was regulated, each calculated to keep citizens at a precise emotional neutrality.

Stability. Efficiency. Harmony.

Those were Hala’s sacred values. Engraved into the entrance of every government building, stitched into every school uniform.

Hala City had no military, no prisons, no religion. The old world’s chaos had been scrubbed from its bones. Instead, there were wellness assessments, emotional correction centers, and State Therapeutic Companions — androids assigned to citizens whose neural scans showed spikes in sentiment, unpredictability, or unresolved grief.

It had been 149 years since The Great Reset, when the last male died and the Matriarchy took hold. Whether extinction was natural or engineered no longer mattered, the Supreme Matrons had rewritten history to begin after.

The world before was called The Collapse Era. Now, the world simply was.

From childhood, every citizen of Hala was raised by assigned maternal figures, rotations of calm, trained nurturers programmed to teach logic, order, and controlled affection.

Love, in the romantic sense, was considered a chemical imbalance. Desire was tolerated only in controlled expressions — within VR therapy suites or government-regulated media.

To crave more was a sign of dysfunction. To want more? Dangerous.

But over time, cracks began to show.

The rise of emotional dependency disorders — the ache for connection that no algorithm could suppress. The quiet epidemic of phantom longing. Citizens reporting dreams they weren’t supposed to have. Feelings they couldn’t place. Names they didn’t know how they knew.

KQ Inc. had the answer: give them what they wanted — but make it safe.

Build-A-Boyfriend™ wasn’t about love. It was about control. A need engineered, then sold. And the citizens of Hala were already lining up.

She turned down a quiet residential corridor — the one lined with mirrored trees and soft sky-glass tiles that absorbed her footsteps. Her apartment block loomed ahead, blinking her ID tag onto the entrance gate.

She glanced once at the skyline before entering — her eyes landing on the KQ Tower far in the distance, its dark silver peak glowing like a god in the clouds.

The door sealed shut behind her with a quiet hiss. Inside, her apartment was as minimal as the rest of Hala — soft lighting, neutral tones, minimalistic furniture, automated temperature preset to her emotional range for the day.

No clutter. No pictures. No history.

Yn set her tablet down on the charging dock near the entry shelf. The screen flickered to life automatically.

⚠️ ALERT: BEHAVIORAL DEVIATION DETECTED — ATEEZ UNIT 06 Timestamp: 19:04 | Lab 3A Observation Room Severity: Red Flagged: Autonomy Spike — Eye Tracking Outside Command

The warning blinked in silence.

Yn didn’t see it. She had already sunk into the corner of her sofa, head tilted back, eyes closed, letting the hum of her apartment’s emotional regulation system blur the sharpness of her thoughts.

She didn’t see the screen pulse again.

⚠️ Second Deviation Logged. Timestamp: 19:10 | Lab 3A Observation Room Severity: Red Flagged: Autonomy Spike —ATEEZ UNIT 06 SPOKE WITHOUT PROMPT. Transcription Pending... “YN"

The screen dimmed. The room fell silent. And somewhere, deep below the city, something smiled.

Taglist: @e3ellie @yoongisgirl69 @jonghoslilstar @sugakooie @atztrsr

@honsans-atiny-24 @life-is-a-game-of-thrones @atzlordz @melanated-writersblock @hwasbabygirl

@sunnysidesins @felixs-voice-makes-me-wanna @seonghwaswifeuuuu @lezleeferguson-120 @mentalnerdgasms

@violatedvibrators @krystalcat @lover-ofallthingspretty @londonbridges01

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[43501]

How would Near show affection to his lover? Like.. Do you think he’d be the type to cuddle or call them sweet names? Or would he be rather emotionally distant…

One of my favorite subjects! Thanks for the ask!

(Since you're whispering in my ear for Nearposts, I suspect you've already seen these, but if you haven't: Near Romance Headcanons Part 1 // Near Romance Headcanons Part 2)

Need to advise that my answer will be a combination of pointing to things in canon that inform my opinions, and pure headcanon. Death Note's canon and extrinsic materials give us very, very little indication of what any of these people are like in their personal lives (except L, who has an entire DS game where you can romance him, and I am forever jealous).

What kind of person is Near?

Want to start by saying that I think the common fandom perception of him as an emotionless person is wrong. He definitely feels things - very strongly at times, even (speech at the Yellow Box, calling the president a "maggot", that very, very good scene in the Relight where he calls Light after the SPK is killed and just sits there seething in silence while covered in blood) - but he's always in control of himself. That's one of his defining character traits, after all.

I don't know why this omitted from the English translation, but the Japanese text under the "personality" section of his character bio in HT13 describes him as "a dry person". Also worth mentioning that in Japanese, Near is maintaining a super high level of formality in his speech at all times. He's always ending sentences with -masu or -desu, even when he's talking to Mello.

Like, the only really telling thing we get about him as a person is a meta comment (from Ryuk, of all people) in HTR13 suggesting he might be distant from others because he's sensitive. I think we are supposed to infer that he intentionally isolates himself from others to maintain his peace and clarity of mind. By the way, the original Japanese version of this says "due to being too smart and sensitive, they cut off contact with the outside world", so the Viz English translation is faithful.

HTR13 explicitly says he "had no friends at Wammy's House" but this is obviously self-imposed. Linda tries to get him to go outside and play with the other kids and the fact that the other guy on-panel is like "don't bother, Linda" means that this is probably a regular occurrence... plus, we see the panel of everyone crowding around Near to look at his test results. They would probably try to be his friends if he'd allow it, but he seems to hold them at bay.

He values Mello a lot, though. He has zero hesitation about inheriting the title of "L" together with him and working collaboratively (and in the anime adaptations, honestly reads a touch disappointed to me when Mello storms out of Wammy's House). His original line to Mello during the reunion was "welcome home, Mello" (okaerinasai) ... why did they change that? He's quite passionate in his speech to Light at the Yellow Box, giving Mello the credit for solving the case and almost directly saying "he makes up for what I lack". It's implied he recovered Mello's belongings and eats Mello's chocolate in remembrance of him. He keeps Mello's finger puppet and just like... sits around wearing it, years later.

I think this is the in-text proof we get of the "he's actually kind of sensitive" comment from HTR13. Also the C-Kira one-shot where he falters and knocks over a tarot card tower when Halle correctly surmises he's agonizing about what the original L would do in the situation (and then he apologizes and dismisses them, asking to be left alone for the rest of the day). In general, his emotions are displayed through his props. In part because manga is a visual medium, in part because that's actually how he expresses himself... sitting in the shadow of those huge "L" shaped card towers. Taking great care with making Mello's puppet because he "liked him". Breaking his own toys whenever he gets frustrated.

All of that to say that I think, if we're trying to make inferences from canon:

Near is certainly capable of warmth (and I'd even argue genuine attachment and admiration for a person), but his expressions of affection are likely to be low-key.

His social skills are extremely low. At least at first, he's not going to know what he's supposed to do in a relationship. It might even take him a while to realize he has more-than-friendly feelings for a person in the first place.

The suggestion that he has a "sensitive core" somewhere under all of that leaves a lot to the imagination. There's a ton of ways this can be interpreted.

By the way, this didn't fit in with any of the above but I wanted to mention a scene I really like. Only in the TV anime, Near tries to stop the Task Force from pursuing Light when he flees the Yellow Box. When Aizawa tells Near "I'm not going to follow your orders", Near seems genuinely aghast and embarrassed for a moment lol. It's not a strictly necessary scene (it's not in the original manga or the Relight) but it's nice to see Near shocked out of his element for a second, a humanizing moment.

Actually Answering Your Question

Now I'm going to forget about all of that and answer with what is in my heart, as someone who has been unreasonably attached to this character for 17 years.

Most of his expressions of love are indirect. He's the world's greatest detective (implied to still be quasi-FBI in present day) and provides financially for his partner - it's a very practical, down-to-earth show of love and very Near-like. He's very creative and always making stuff. He'll definitely make things in the image of his partner - finger puppets, sculptures, plushies - and keep them nearby. He's a careful study of everyone and everything in his life, so he knows you back-to-front. Gifts relating to your interests/hobbies will show up at your door at random, he definitely expresses affection by way of gift-giving.

Yes, he's very cuddly. Once a trusting relationship has been established and he feels he can open up. In keeping with his tendency to express his bigger, more complicated feelings in ways other than words, he relies on physical affection as a shortcut. It makes him feel at peace. Sometimes it lulls him to sleep. The first times you hold him, it feels like you're touching a thoroughly touch-starved person. Something he does a lot is hide/bury his face in the crook of your neck. He also twirls your hair through this fingers like he does with his own hair, like you might be an extension of him.

Kissing is much the same. For the most part, it's very loving, pure and chaste. Impossibly gentle kisses on the back of your hand, your forehead, your cheeks, your lips. Those hot, open-mouthed kisses, all tongue and teeth, are a more occasional thing. It always makes his head spin a little, lol.

Sex is infrequent but intense (at least emotionally, for him, I think, especially the first few times). He's pretty straightforward about his desires, but a touch awkward about it still. I don't personally view him as asexual (this is a whole essay unto itself so I won't elaborate), but he could easily do without it also. It's low on his list of priorities.

I struggle to see him as someone who uses sweet names on a partner, but I honestly think you'd get a "dear" or maybe even "my dear" once in a while. It fits with him still being a little bit formal, even in his private life, and it's the address he went with for the back of Mello's photograph instead of writing "To Mello" or something more impersonal...

In the case of a long-distance relationship which doesn't have a face-to-face component, I think his letter-writing is thoughtful and surprisingly ardent. He can be more honest (perhaps a touch poetic) when he has distance and time to compose his thoughts and feelings and put them to a page. There's a Near x OC fic I really like that runs on this premise. He doesn't talk like this in person or on the phone, though.

He doesn't distance himself from his partner per se, but there's always a sense that he's holding back a bit or there's something unsaid. Like there's a little tiny part of him always just out of reach. He doesn't say "I love you" unprompted (though he'll say it back if you do first). He's never going to be one for grand gestures. Even if he loves you, he still needs a lot of alone time (both for himself and in service of his work) and appreciates you respecting his space.

[hestzhyen]

Chapter 73 Sob Posting

Head in my hands, heart crushed, brain only sending sad signals. Let's go dear void- it's time to cry again.

Editor's notes: First Page: 破られた記憶の封印... [yabura reta kioku no fuuin...] "The seal on (their) memories has been rent asunder..." This doesn't specify whose memories, exactly, are unsealed but we can infer based on what's been happening the past few chapters that we are seeing both Samura and Iori's memories at once to tell a cohesive story. The audience gets to know everything even though the characters have things only they know and all that. It's my interpretation at least. Last Page: 国重殺害により現実味が増す"蠱"座村は... [Kunishige satsugai ni yori genjitsumi ga masu "kodoku" Samura wa...] "With Kunishige's murder, the "Malediction" becomes much more real to Samura...

Thank goodness VIZ translated the text on the colour page for once so I don't have to. Congratulations to the contest winners! Also, 925 entry submissions for a manga without an anime for this kind of contest is pretty crazy. Kagurabachi is definitely going to be a WSJ mainstay.

Small note before we begin: the title of the chapter in Japanese is 黎明 [reimei], "Daybreak", same as in EN. It can mean "dawn of a new age" as well, which I think has some connection to what happened this chapter. There are plenty of words for dawn/daybreak in Japanese (明け方 [akegata], 夜明け [yoake], 暁 [akatsuki], etc.) but reimei was the one chosen, y'know? My guess is due to the Hishaku successfully engineering what seems to be the beginning of the end...

Iori

Oh my god this poor kid.

It's not, but it's also not your fault at all...

She's so strong trying to bear the bullying on her own. She's smart, too, for realising that her dad will send her away if he catches on to what she's trying her best to endure. So she lies with a smile to protect the little bit of happiness she has.

Iori loses her mom to something no one can control, then tries to control what she can to keep the dad she came to love after all by her side. She only wants to live with him no matter what it costs her. How can a person's heart not break for Iori? She's being bullied by her classmates, the adults are enabling it, people are trashing her home all the time, and she still wants to stay so she doesn't have to lose someone else.

No kid should have to suffer like this and I want to give Iori a huge hug for doing her best under supremely shitty circumstances. Once again, much like Hakuri and Chihiro, we see a kid suffering the consequences of bullshit going on among the adults. Kagurabachi is many things and "a story that examines the impacts and consequences of older generations' issues on the younger ones" is one of them.

The interesting thing to look forward to now that my heart has been thoroughly minced into fine particulate matter: who is Iori's aunt in the Kamunabi? Is it the woman she was living with, or since it was specifically her mom's younger sister, could the theories of this lady being her aunt come true?

NAME, PLEASE?!

She's the only one of the three folks who sealed the Shinuchi we haven't seen pop back up yet- Prince Nez got a surprise showing last chapter, Beard guy was in the panel of the treaty being signed. I like the theory of her being the aunt mostly because it would help us segue back into checking on the folks we left off at Kamunabi HQ. We simply don't know yet though, so... more waiting.

Poor Iori, though. Separated from her parent again and she couldn't do anything about it in the end. But I can't really blame Samura for his decision to upset her so badly.

Before we move on, though... the first of more-than-usual TL notes.

Iori...! You'll find happiness again soon, I hope!

"Six months" is incorrect, it should be "year and a half". Iori lived with Samura for a year while her mom was in the hospital and this chapter takes place roughly six months after Inori died. The JP was correct, as was French and Spanish, so this is an EN-only error apparently.

Samura

I sure as hell woke up when I got to translating this part at like 4 am.

He fears for her so much that he's worried she'll fucking hang herself. His anxiety is definitely overblown here, but that's a parent's worst nightmare isn't it? To find their child committed suicide... unless they're Kyora, who wouldn't have minded much if Hakuri's suicidal leap in ch. 24 had succeeded. Fortunately (or unfortunately) Samura's got different failings as a father and he makes the most rational decision he can: he removes Iori from his home to live with her aunt. To spare her from his issues and having to suffer consequences she doesn't deserve. If anything, Samura doesn't deserve her.

There are some extremely cool comparisons we can make between Samura and Kunishige now. Both war veterans with literal skeletons in their closet who didn't necessarily want their kid to emulate them. Both teaching their kid their craft despite some having some reservations. Both loving their kid a hell of a lot. But where Kunishige wanted to walk Chihiro through every step of learning about the world -including the "not so bright and shiny stuff"-, Samura tries to shield Iori by sending her away and abandoning her again.

I can't be mad at him for doing that even if it's such a heart-wrenchingly painful thing to see happen to Iori. She was crying herself to sleep and being worn down by the resentment towards her father echoing down to her as well. Living with her dad was a kind of happiness for her, but it was a huge risk too. Even if she didn't hang herself like he feared she would still be deeply affected by so much negativity aimed at them both. So Samura did the responsible thing by sending her away to somewhere safer even if it broke his little girl's heart. Part of being an adult is making difficult decisions like that and credit to him, he did it.

I can't fault him for any of his actions that he took before he went off the deep end in the present either. I mean, really:

Protect the father for the sake of the son... sorry, Shiba, I know you tried your best.

Samura didn't try to keep this burden to himself! He talked to his superior and informed him about everything John told him, who spread the word to at least a few other folks who could do something about it. He asked Shiba to look after the Rokuhiras. And he tried to be a proactive presence in Iori's life even if he was awkward around her.

Samura did everything right and still lost.

My personal theory is that the Hishaku targeted Samura for this plan because he'd be the easiest to manipulate. His negative feelings are strong- anxiety, grief, guilt, self-hatred, etc. That makes him easy to predict. Maybe telling Samura was vital to the plan because all these dominoes needed to fall and he was the right piece to push first. In other words, they knew he'd inform everyone and relied on that to make this catastrophic prediction come true.

Regardless of what we learn, it's hard not to feel for Samura when he was genuinely doing everything he could to protect the people he cares for. He made responsible moves based on what he knew and didn't try to tackle it alone. The reason for how he came to be so misguided in the present is bright and clear now- each step he's taken in his life so far has been logical, responsible, and with good intentions. But losing so much despite doing the right thing at every turn amplified all his negative traits and feelings. So he decided -again, with clear and sober reasoning- that he needed to tackle the root of the issue by himself. Kill the Master Swordsman, kill the Kamunabi's mole, kill the other Bearers, kill the Hishaku, kill himself. Kill everything that's causing problems and restore peace. He's drowning in despair over this Malediction prediction coming to pass and will stop it by any means necessary. That's my impression anyway.

An observation before we move on:

Bad news...

The change of seasons here gives us a rough timeline of when Chihiro and Shiba visited before Kunishige's murder. In the preceding page they're all wearing clothing for spring or autumn- long sleeves but no coats (other than Samura's unkempt suit) and the plants in the backgrounds are full of foliage. Then we transition to this page with a bare branch to show us that it's late fall/winter when Samura gets the news. So anywhere between a month to about six passed and Kunishige died late in the year or early in the next one.

Aaaaand a small TL note because this is impossible to really bring across in EN:

Heckin' punks.

Glasses guy says the same thing in the second panel in Japanese: あっ 座村 but this is giga turbo maximum disrespect towards our favourite blind guy. Not using a -san honorific for someone older than you is incredibly rude, and it speaks volumes for how these kids see Samura even before the other guy gives his little speech.

It's related to this scene:

Samura I can't believe I'm saying this, but you have nothing to apologise for.

These guys in the background watching Samura fall over himself to apologise for Iori fighting with his student's kid don't have a great impression of him. And neither does the guy he's teaching and apologising to! The kids bullying Iori heard all that slander from their parents and are using it to torment her. The adults are being duplicitous and respecting Samura to his face since he still has that War Hero status, but they've got doubts and issues with him in private that their kids are picking up on. Iori's getting all the blowback since she's just a child who can't slice them to ribbons and Samura fucking hates that, as he should- which only amplifies those guilty feelings he never quite got rid of.

Lastly, just one small thing I found amusing:

Samura, eternally Going Through Some Things

Samura refers to Yura as 奴 [yatsu], "that guy (derogatory or familiar)". Since Samura's not exactly chums with Yura it's more like "That bastard's been spreading that story?".

The Hishaku

I wanted to murder John and Hatshaku myself after translating wall of text after wall of text this chapter. May God rest the official translator's soul.

So, first up, a translation note... 民族浄化 [minzokujouka], "ethnic cleansing" never appeared in John's explanation here in the original. There wasn't even verbiage alluding to the incident in that way. The text in the bubble was:

町にばら撤いたのは 条約と剣聖の事件の一連を記した文書と条約の調印式の偽造写真 "We scattered leaflets around town... detailing the treaty and the Sword Master incident, as well as forged photos of the treaty signing ceremony." I wonder what the official EN TL was going for here. 事故 [jiken] is a neutral term simply meaning "accident/incident" or "circumstances"- the official Spanish and French translations also didn't include the "ethnic cleansing" terminology. That's a pretty loaded concept to include by mistake, you know?

At any rate, John's been carefully laying the foundation for years now. We still don't know exactly why he's doing this but he's patient as hell and willing to do things slowly so they're done right. I'm all in on bets for him using Samura and telling him about the prediction to ensure that the Malediction event happens- dollars to doughnuts he's going to be the one who causes it, assuming it's not thwarted by Chihiro et. al.

I appreciate the writing for this nefarious plot quite a bit. Hokazono-sensei understands how these plots usually unfold through careful manipulation instead of an obvious misinformation campaign that somehow totally wins over the populace. What's important isn't to get the truth out right away but to plant seeds one by one- first sow doubt, then build mistrust, so on and so forth. This is very true to life and honestly just as scary as whatever the Sword Master's got going on with Magatsumi. The Hishaku are deadly serious about this plan with the patience to see it through.

Okay, dear void... no idea what we'll see next, but I'm comfortably strapped in and ready for whatever it is. Hopefully I can reassemble my heart in time for it to be shattered again. Take care of yourself this week and give yourself a little praise, just as a treat.

[littlemissmartha]

Phoebe sentenced to nappies!

[Note: This is a fictional ageplay fantasy for consenting adults. Real spankings are for consenting adults only.]

Phoebe was a rebellious Goth trans girl who had never been spanked at home. When corporal punishment was reintroduced in state schools, her progressive parents refused to sign the consent form to allow her to be caned at school. As a result, her behaviour remained wild. She got suspended from school for smoking. The last straw was when, while suspended, she was arrested and appeared in court for shoplifting.

Phoebe had no defence, so she’d already pleaded guilty on legal advice at a previous hearing, and was released on bail. Before her sentencing hearing, she had a meeting with a female probation officer, a tall blonde woman with a hint of a Scandinavian accent.

“So,” said the officer, “there’s really two possibilities. One is that the magistrate will sentence you to a judicial caning – six to twelve strokes on your bare buttocks – and a prison sentence of six to twelve months.”

Phoebe gulped nervously. “What’s the other possibility?”

“The other possibility is that the magistrate will make a regression treatment order. This is a new type of sentence that is becoming increasingly popular in the courts.”

“What does that involve?”

“If the judge makes a regression treatment order, you’ll be required to take daily medications that will make you into an obedient little girl.” The officer smiled wickedly. “You’ll lose bladder and bowel control, so you’ll have to wear nappies full-time. You’ll lose your grown-up smarts, and you’ll be dependent on your parents and teachers for everything.

“Oh, and your parents will also have to sign an agreement, promising that they will spank you when you’re naughty. A doctor or social worker will come round periodically to check that you’re getting spanked at home regularly. If your parents are not willing to spank you, you’ll be placed in the care of someone who will.”

Phoebe gasped. “That sounds terrible. How is that even legal? It’s a breach of my human rights.”

“Young lady, with an attitude like that, you’re showing me that you’re an excellent candidate for regression therapy,” the officer said, smirking. She was clearly enjoying this. “I think I’m going to recommend a combined order. You should get a judicial caning, and then a regression treatment order. Combining punishment and rehabilitation.”

“No, please,” Phoebe begged.

“It’s for your own good. You were never spanked at home, were you?”

“No.”

“I can tell that from your attitude. Trust me, once you take the medication, you’ll feel better. All those grown-up worries will just melt away when you fill your nappy for the first time.”

“Eww,” said Phoebe, cringing. “I can’t believe the legal system can actually make me shit my pants. That’s so inhumane. What about my right to dignity?”

Unexpectedly, the officer smacked Phoebe on the right ear. “Ow!” said Phoebe in shock.

“That’s for using bad language,” the officer said sharply. “Good girls don’t use words like that. You’re lucky I didn’t smack your bottom, missy.”

Half an hour later, Phoebe appeared in court. Amidst the dark wood panelling, she was shocked to see that there was a whipping post, right in front of the magistrate’s bench. Her stomach churned with fear. She could barely focus as the prosecutor outlined the facts, and her defence counsel made a plea in mitigation. The magistrate, a stern, silver-haired older woman, seemed very interested in the probation officer’s recommendations, and nodded along as the option of regression treatment was outlined. “Miss Wallace, stand up, please,” the magistrate ordered. Phoebe reluctantly got to her feet. “I’ve heard all that has been said on your behalf. Although your probation officer has recommended a caning, there will not be a caning or a prison sentence. Instead, I have decided to make a regression treatment order. You will be placed under the medical supervision of Dr Walker, who is present in court today, and released into the custody of your parents. “Dr Walker will prescribe regression treatment, which you must comply with. Your parents have agreed that they will ensure you comply with the treatment, and that they will discipline you appropriately at home. They have agreed to use corporal punishment where necessary. Dr Walker will make regular visits to your home to ensure that this is being complied with. You are also required to attend Woodlands Special School during school term time, which is a specialist school for girls undergoing regression treatment.

“Do you understand the sentence?”

Phoebe nodded dumbly, although she honestly didn’t. Shivering, she allowed herself to be led forward by two female police officers, and tethered to the whipping post. Why was she being tethered to the whipping post? The court hadn’t ordered a caning.

“Strip her,” ordered the magistrate.

Phoebe’s mouth dropped open in shock. Before she knew what was happening, the officers had taken sharp scissors and cut her denim shorts, black strappy top and white knickers off, leaving her stark naked. She blushed bright red with humiliation.

“Dr Walker, please administer the treatment,” ordered the magistrate.

Dr Walker came up behind Phoebe. She flinched as she felt him spreading her buttocks apart with his fingers, and inserting a suppository into her anus. Straight afterwards, she felt the strange sensation of Dr Walker applying talcum powder to her bottom. Then she heard a rustle, and looked down as Dr Walker put a large, puffy, crinkly nappy on her. It had pictures of teddy bears on it. 

She didn’t say anything. She was in shock. The humiliation, and the downright weirdness, was too much to process. How could this really be happening in a real courtroom? Not that she’d wanted a caning, much less to go to prison, but at least those would involve treating her like an adult. Not… whatever the hell this was.

Just as the nappy was on, Phoebe’s stomach churned and gurgled. At first, she attributed this to nerves and fear. But she soon realised that she desperately needed the toilet. In the most embarrassing way possible. She attempted to clench her sphincter. But to her embarrassment, she released a loud wet fart, right in the middle of the courtroom.

“Good girl,” said Dr Walker soothingly in her ear. “You’ll feel better when you’ve done a poo.”

As he said it, Phoebe was already having uncontrollable diarrhoea in her nappy. The pungent, meaty stink of her bowel movement perfumed the air of the courtroom.

As Phoebe soiled herself, she suddenly felt a sense of peace and calm. Her laboured breathing slowed. The more she pooed, the better she felt. It was as if she was pooing out all her anger, fear and embarrassment into her nappy. 

It was strange, and didn’t make sense. She… where was she again? She couldn’t quite remember. All she remembered was that she’d needed a poo, and now she’d done one, and she felt better. She wondered if someone would change her smelly nappy soon. 

She looked to her right, and saw that her mummy and daddy were there. She smiled and waved at them. Then she looked down, and saw that the nappy she was wearing had pictures of cute teddy bears. She grinned.

“There’s a good girl,” said Dr Walker, tousling her hair affectionately. “You’ve done so well. Now it’s time for your mummy and daddy to take you home and change your mucky nappy.” He turned to the magistrate. “Thank you, ma’am. Another enlightened rehabilitative sentence, if I may say so.”

“Thank you for your assistance, Doctor,” said the magistrate. “Mr and Mrs Wallace, please collect your daughter. Then the usher can send in the next defendant.”

Phoebe grinned happily as she was led out of court by her parents, still naked apart from her nappy and her shoes. She had a vague memory of being upset about something earlier, but she didn’t really care what it was. Life was good.

[aew-kun]

dagger squad and an assigned build a bear thoughts

after I did the thunderbolts ones I decided I wanted to do it with the daggers too . . !

( me and my lovely sibby @agerefandomrambles spoke about these together ) — I've added sum ideas tho since we spoke bout it lol (I got carried away as always)

Baby Blue Teddy Bear OR Disney Winnie the Pooh Eeyore Plush Gift Bundle with Sound - Robert 'Bob' Floyd

Turn that frown upside down with Eeyore! There's nothing gloomy about this fun soft toy gift set featuring the classic Winnie the Pooh character. Eeyore may not be a fan of much, but you'll be a big fan of how cute he sounds with his 6-in-1 phrases included. Hightail it and add this Eeyore plush to your collection!

I couldn't pick just one for Bob - to be honest I think I could have kept picking more 🙏🏻 — HE WOULD HAVE A CINNAMOROLL ONE TOO THAT WAS GIVEN TO HIM BY PHOENIX AND I WILL STAND BY THAT!!! <333

Peter Rabbit™ Plush AND Build-A-Bear Mini Beans Easter Chick - Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw

Hop to it and bring home Peter Rabbit™ today! This cute mischief maker has soft brown fur and is ready to explore the garden patch with you. Personalise your Peter Rabbit soft toy with his own outfits and accessories to make him even cuter. / Small in size, big in fun! Build-A-Bear Mini Beans are mini versions of our cutest furry friends. Every Mini Bean plush is stuffed with tiny beans and comes with a special wish on its Birth Certificate. Bring home Sunshine Cuddles Chick as a bright and sunny addition to your collection!

The chick was something he's had for a while from Mav & Ice but he refused to even look at until they'd reconciled — Peter Rabbit wears a Hawaiian shirt

Rainbow Clouds Frog OR Rainbow Bee Soft Toy - Natasha 'Phoenix' Trace

Hop into springtime fun with Rainbow Clouds Frog by your side! This friendly frog plush has soft tie-dye fur that's a delightful swirl of spring colours. Make your Rainbow Clouds Frog soft toy even more colourful by personalising with the sounds, scents, accessories and outfits of your choice! / Rainbow Bee gives hugs sweeter than honey! This colourful bee plush can't wait to buzz its way into your hive of furry friends. Personalise your Rainbow Bee soft toy with its own outfits and accessories to make your plush the bee's knees!

Another one who I couldn't decide on just one stuffie for <333

Highland Cow Soft Toy - Jake 'Hangman' Seresin

Say howdy to a new furry friend with this adorable Highland Cow stuffed animal! Known for their characteristic horns and diverse coloring, this friendly breed of cattle brings a little Southern charm anywhere it goes. Take your Highland Cow stuffed animal with you and explore your world together!

Yes he got a cowboy hat for it, it's a staple accessory!!! :3

Star Wars™ Darth Vader™ Hologram Teddy Bear - Mickey 'Fanboy' Garcia

Bring home the Empire's most fearsome force with this Darth Vader™ Hologram Bear! This plush inspired by the legendary Sith Lord is now available in an all-new edition to celebrate one of the most iconic characters of all time. This Darth Vader teddy bear has sparkly hologram paw pads and comes with his signature helmet, cape and control chest panel built into his black fur. This master of the dark side is the perfect gift for Star Wars™ fans and collectors of all ages!

He's a big star wars fan in my mind 🙌🏻

How to Train Your Dragon Toothless Plush - Reuben 'Payback' Fitch

Ready to fly? Fire up the fun and take off with your very own Toothless plush! With black plush and green eyes, this playful, loyal and intelligent dragon is ready to become your new best friend. Add a saddle to your Toothless plush to get him ready to take to the skies!

Him and Fanboy often get overexcited over their chosen franchises and talk to each other about it !!!

Promise Pets™ French Bulldog Soft Toy - Javy 'Coyote' Machado

French Bulldogs are playful, smart and adaptable. Known for their trademark ears and wrinkly faces, Frenchies are equal parts charming and feisty! Introduce little ones to the fun and responsibility of pet care by adopting their own French Bulldog plush pet! This French Bulldog soft toy can be personalised with its own outfits and accessories to make their Promise Pet their very own.

[smarthomesnap]

Best Smart LED Lights with Alexa: A Guide to Smarter Lighting 

Smart lighting has changed how we relate to our environments. It creates convenience, energy efficiency, mood enhancement, and personalization. Of all the smart lighting options existing today, one of the best combinations on the market is smart LED lighting that works with voice assistants. The best smart LED lights with Alexa offer voice-controlled illumination directly into the home for an entirely hands-free lighting experience. 

Understanding Smart LED Lights 

Before delving into such benefits and introducing them with Alexa, it's a good idea to understand what smart LED lights are. These are light bulbs or light fixtures with built-in wireless connectivity for remote control and automation through mobile applications or home automation systems. Unlike conventional bulbs, smart LEDs can reduce brightness, change colors, program when to come on, when to go off, and even sync with various smart home devices. 

Why Choose Smart LED Lights with Alexa 

The Alexa feature gives an edge to smart LED lights because the functionality allows users to control their lights through basic voice commands. This means you simply talk to the lights: to toggle, dim, or change the colors without really reaching for the phone or switch. It has advantages if you are entering a dark room bearing loads or are lying lazy on the couch; voice control certainly provides a useful convenience that standard lighting systems lack. 

Features to Look for in the Best Smart LED Lights with Alexa 

When hunting out the most superb smart LED lights compatible with Alexa, it is vital to note some of the attributes, which ultimately produce quality performance and even make things easy to use as well. These include dimmability, color variation, and scheduling ability. These lights should be able to provide different ranges of brightness according to their color temperatures to help set the right mood, no matter what the task requires or what time of day it happens to be. In any case, everything should run as smoothly as it does when integrated with Alexa; super quick responsiveness needs to be ensured with regard to voice commands as well. 

Creating Routines and Automation with Alexa Integration 

One of the prime advantages of purchasing the best smart LED lights with Alexa is the availability of routines. Routines allow light automation based on your daily schedule. For example, the lights in the wake-up routine can gradually brighten in the morning, or dim in the evening to create an ambiance for relaxation. Thanks to these automation features, the lighting binds itself into the entire smart home ecosystem. 

Enhancing Home Security with Smart Lighting 

There are LED lights with Alexa; they associate with the house security system. By scheduling on and off light settings with your absence, it will mimic the presence of an individual inside house, preventing intrusion. As a smart speaker or application is connected, Alexa will help you remotely control lights by voice commands. This gives one an added reassurance on some additional control one may have on light settings, while away or during the night hours. 

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings 

Unlike incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, LED lighting is already well-known for its energy efficiency as its electricity consumption is remarkably low. When coupled with smart features and Alexa integration, the power savings amount to even more. Lights accidentally left on can be turned off via voice command, while scheduled lighting ensures energy isn't wasted during the day or when no one is home. This way, selecting the best smart LED lights with Alexa can improve lifestyle while keeping on reducing electricity bills with time. 

Customizing Your Environment with Voice-Controlled Lighting 

One more alluring reason to invest in Alexa's best smart LED lights is being able to adjust lighting according to different moods, occasions, or settings. You could be having a dinner party, watching a movie, or concentrating on work: with just a single voice command, you can transform the entire lighting ambiance. Smart LED lights come with a full palette of colors and white temperatures so you can create a perfect ambience at all times. 

Making Your Home Accessible for All 

Voice-controlled lighting features are more significant for people with mobility problems or visual impairments. The best smart LED lights with Alexa are just another solution to bypass light switches or mobile apps. This might go a long way towards improving the quality of living environments because it can encourage a home to become more user-friendly and responsive to the individual's needs. 

Installation and Setup Considerations 

Dumb LED lamp is almost always open just to make it easier for you to install and set up, using Wi-Fi as a requirement to get to your Alexa-enabled devices. You can group them, assign the individual bulbs to names, and instead of leaving them open in a room, you can make their control a bit more organized. This will be determined by how great the service provider is in your area and the type of devices you have connected to control your smart space environment. 

Expanding Your Smart Lighting System 

The ease of expanding your smart LED lights with Alexa is another feature to love. Maybe you put a few bulbs in the living room to begin with and then begin adding smart lighting to a kitchen, bedroom, or outdoors. Alexa makes managing multiple lights easy via grouping controls and scenes using voice commands. That scalability makes smart LED lighting a viable long-term solution for homes of any size. 

Troubleshooting and Voice Command Tips 

Learning some common voice commands for controlling your smart LED lights by Alexa can go a long way toward ensuring a smooth experience. You can tell Alexa to brighten and dim the lights, change colors, or turn off all the lights in a room. If your lights fail to respond, then checking connectivity or re-syncing devices should resolve the issue most of the time. Use clear names consistently and organize your lights into groups to make them more responsive. 

Conclusion: Embracing the Future with Smart Lighting 

Smart LED lights with Alexa promise maximum energy efficiency, great convenience, full accessibility, and countless customization. As the presence of voice assistants rises within a growing number of households, lighting integration with the all-controlling Alexa will enrich the living and working experience and enviro. If you're merely upgrading a few fixtures or automating the entire home, smart LED lighting is a way to go; it is the modern compromise for the contemporary connected lifestyle. 

[skeletboi]

Part 17 of the Intridmensional AU!

This one starts right at the end of the last part, so I'd suggest reading the last few lines of part 16 before diving in here!

First /// Previous /// Next

________________________________________

“Would you believe I told ol’ Fordsie here to keep his idiot brother away from his project after what happened last time, yet here you are! HAH!”

“Ford…?” Stan asked, taking a step back.

“Sixer isn't home right now! Please leave a message after the beep! BEEEEEEPPPP!” Ford said before breaking out into laughter.

“Stanford… what in tarnation…” Fiddleford asked.

Stan grabbed Fiddleford's arm and took a step back.

“Didn't I just say he wasn't home?!” Ford said, tilting his head and smiling painfully wide.

“I don't think that's Ford…” Stan said, dragging Fiddleford back another step.

“DING DING! The idiot gets one point! I figured you'd be the one to catch on first, Fiddlesticks! How disappointing! You'd think you'd be better at recognizing the man you left your wife and kid for! Hilarious! How are they, by the way?! Or did you forget them?!”

“What- Stanford…” Fiddleford said, his voice barely a whisper.

“Fidds, something is seriously wrong, that is not my brother!” Stan said.

“‘Fidds?’ Damn, lesser twin, that's cold! Ruin your brother's life then steal his ex boyfriend, too?! Hah! No wonder he hates you!”

“What are you?!” Fiddleford asked, his voice shaking.

“Haven't figured it out, specs?! Hah! I thought you were supposed to be smart! What would Fordsy ever see in you?! You noticed his ‘sleepwalking’ and ‘weird behavior’, but even when I'm right in front of you you still can't put it together!”

“You're the one who came up with the portal idea.” Fiddleford said slowly, dread sitting heavy in his stomach, freezing him in place even as not-Stanford stepped closer to him.

“DING DING! Another winner! The name's Bill! It's a displeasure to finally meet you! You humans are so stupid! Once Fordsy finishes that portal your world will be mine! And another thing-”

Stan didn't wait to hear the rest. He grabbed a wrench from a nearby work table and swung, watching in horror as Ford crumpled to the ground.

“That was still Ford.” Fiddleford said, looking seconds away from passing out.

“What else was I supposed to do?! Let him keep sayin’ nonsense?! I mean-fuck! What the hell have you two been doing?! What is this portal you keep mentioning?!”

“It's a transuniversal metavortex.” Fiddleford said quietly. “A gateway into another dimension.”

“Why in the sci-fi hell would you want to build that?!” Stan asked.

“Because! He asked me to!” Fiddleford suddenly yelled, making Stan jump.

“I thought he forgot about me, Stanley.” Fiddleford said, quieter now. “I couldn't say no ta him after he called. I reckon lookin’ back now, I shoulda said no, but he was so excited-”

“Fidds!” Stan said, drawing Fiddleford from his quiet rambling. “Blaming yourself isn't going to do anything. All three of us have made some fucked up mistakes! Right now we need to find out what the hell that thing using my brother as a puppet is before he tries to turn on that sci-fi death triangle over there!”

“Triangle.” Fiddleford mumbled.

“Yes, a triangle. Glad you caught that part.” Stan deadpanned.

“I hafta dismantle the portal.” Fiddleford said, looking across the room at the machine. “Stan! We gotta stop this! We have to stop that demon!” Fiddleford grabbed Stan's arm and dragged him towards the portal.

“Missing leg, Fidds!” Stan said, trying to keep his balance on the dirt floor as Fiddleford pulled him.

“Right, sorry Stanley. I jus’ need yer help, There’s an emergency shut off. We can shut the whole thing down, but it takes two people!” Fiddleford said quickly, letting go of Stan's arm to rummage in his pockets for a set of keys. “Take this.” he said, pulling a key off the ring and handing it to Stan. “There's a spot in the control panel o’er there. I'll count ta three, then we both gotta turn the keys. Got it?”

“Fiddleford!” They heard Ford yell from behind them.

“Shit.” Stan swore, putting the key in his pocket and turning towards Ford. “Fuck you, you weird ass demon! Leave my brother and Fiddleford alone!”

“Demon?! Stanley, what are you talking about? What the hell happened?! The last thing I remember was you and Fiddleford fighting! Did he use the gun on me?!” Ford asked, panic rising in his voice.

“You happened, asshole! Don't play dumb with me, Bill!” Stan yelled back.

“Bill?! How do you know that name?” Ford asked, dumbfounded.

“Because he possessed ya! He told us his name, Stanford! How could ya trust a demon?! What happened to the idea for this darned portal bein’ ‘hard work’?!” Fiddleford yelled, finally joining in on the fight.

“He's not a demon! He's a higher being! A Muse!” Ford said. “I gave him permission to possess me as he saw fit, I just didn't expect him to do it now!”

“He possessed ya, Ford! That sure as heck sounds like a demon ta me!” Fiddleford responded.

“He- no- he…. he's my friend!” Ford said.

“You have got to be fucking with me!” Stan yelled. “Friends don't let you possess them and then shout insults at your actual friends!”

“Insults? He- he was joking. He loves joking, that's all.” Ford said frantically, taking a few wobbly steps towards Stan.

“Goddammit, Ford. You're too smart for this!” Stan said, turning away. “We're shutting this sci-fi nightmare down.”

“No!” Ford said, running down to meet them. “Stan, you can't!”

“I'm sorry, Ford.” Fiddleford said, making his way back to the machine on the other side of the lab.

Ford grabbed Stan's arm and yanked him backwards, miscalculating the amount of force he used and accidently throwing him against the control panel. Stan glared at him and lunged, grabbing him by the collar and pushing him backwards.

“Goddammit, Sixer! We're trying to help you!” He yelled.

“Help me? You have no idea what you're doing! You know nothing about Bill!” Ford said, sounding a bit unsure and pushing Stan back.

“Uh- fellas, careful ‘round that ‘quipment, there!” Fiddleford said, but the twins ignored him.

“I know enough! I know a con man when I hear one, Ford, and that demon is the ultimate con man!” Stan yelled, trying to walk away from Ford before he hurt him again, but Ford grabbed his arm and tried to drag him away from the control panel.

“How much of a con man can he be?! He was right, after all! I should have done better to keep you away from my project!” Ford snarled.

“Fuck you, Ford. If you want to believe that fucking monster over us, than fine, but we're shutting this down!” Stan said, pushing his brother as hard as he could, sending him falling backwards onto the lever in the middle of the room.

“No!” Fiddleford yelled, but it was too late. The portal crackled to life, filling the dark lab with an eerie blue glow.

“Oh shit.” Stan said, taking a step back.

“It works.” Ford said, smiling up at the light. “It works!”

“That ain't good, Stanford!” Fiddleford said, running over to try and drag Ford away. “We need ta shut it down!”

“We are not shutting it down!” Ford said, pushing Fiddleford away.

Ford tried to pull Stan away from the machine, but forgot, in all the commotion, about Stan's new peg leg. He grew up with Stan. He had seen him stand his ground against bullies twice his size. But that was back when he had two legs to stand on, so he was thrown off guard when Stan didn't stay standing. They both slid across the ground, over the yellow line where the portal could reach, and suddenly started to float.

“What the fuck?!” Stan exclaimed, flailing his arms and looking for anything to grab onto.

“Stanford! Stanley!” Fiddleford screamed, grabbing some spare cable from the ground and running towards them. “Grab on!”

“Tie it down!” Stan yelled, as he caught the cable and grabbed Ford's arm, holding on for dear life.

“I can't!” Fiddleford said as he started to slip.

The twins were much heftier than him and his shoes were not grippy enough to keep him down. He wrapped the cord around his wrist and reached behind him, trying to grab the lever to hold himself back, but his fingers just barely grazed it.

“Do something!” Stan yelled as Ford disappeared through the blue light. “Fiddleford!”

Stan melted into the blue after Ford as Fiddleford's feet lifted from the ground.

“Well, shit.” Fiddleford said, as he fell through the portal after them.

___________________________________________

This feels a bit like a cheesy movie scene. That's all I could think while I was writing it... but hey! We made it to the portal!

There is probably some serious plot issues with this scene, like was the portal even ready? Sure it was! It's January and they were going to test it in the next day or two, so... sure it was!

Would Bill leave Ford's mind if he was unconscious? Probably!?

Does Stan not hit very hard, because Fidds and Ford were both hit, and not out for very long?! Well, he was probably subconsiously holding back a bit- this is his brother and his new friend he met a whole day ago and would fight a literal god for.

Why does Stan immediately trust and want to protect Fidds?! He just be like that, okay? Fidds is someone important to his brother, therefore worth protecting.

Okay, I'll stop now.

I start a new job tomorrow, so the updates on this might slow down a bit... sorry. I need to survive in this failing economy.

[warner-york]

A GUT RENOVATION OF A NEW CONSTRUCTION TRIBECA APARTMENT BY WARNER YORK. We were tasked to create many fabulous closets where none existed. Create a hidden room and a hidden pantry. We redirected the traffic flow for the master bathroom, to be near bedside as opposed around the corner at the end of the hallway. We were careful to save the white Italianate marble brick tiles. To close up the wall where the door formally was. We had the master Electrician instal and centralize the new panel for all smart home wiring and controls. The previously black painted floors we had stripped completely, to a beautiful custom whitewashed patina finish. 70 overhead recessed lights, custom hardware , a secret washroom, complete with state of the art appliances automatic electric, timed shades throughout. Added bespoke cabinetry in the master bedroom, custom 10’ polished white lacquer walls, recessed flat screens and smart home features! You will see the project from conception, before photos, construction and finished photos, along with the art and furniture & lighting.

This was an incredible project, we worked with one of our FAVORITE contractors, the number one bespoke furniture maker in the country, (the Post Chippendale shoe wardrobe) among all the bespoke closets that we designed with an Italian closet company per our specs.

[stevebattle]

S.A.M by "Bill" (1978). "S.A.M (Short for "Sentient, Autonomous Mechanism" or "Smart Ass Machine", depending on his (and my) mood on a given day, was one of my first real robot projects, started in 1978 when I was around 15. His "brain" was a single-board Z-80 computer (the big square object in the middle of his "back" in this picture), with many bits of TTL I/O, a couple of serial ports, a bunch of counter-timers, and several D/A & A/D channels. The base was taken from the book "How to Build a Computer Controlled Robot" by Todd Loofbourrow - I had built the robot in the book, and had used my KIM-1 to control it. Later, I decided that just a little platform was kind of boring, so I added the upper torso shown here. The torso (mounted on a "lazy-susan" turntable bearing) is rotated by a heavy-duty gear motor driving a chain and sprocket assembly from a bicycle. The base is powered by two of the (apparently no longer available, which is sad) all-metal rubber-tired "motorized wheel" assemblies that Herbach & Rademan used to sell, with a large rubber-tired caster in front. The head platform (mounted on a small "lazy-susan" bearing) was originally rotated by a surplus gearbox from a Mattel "Big Trak" with some rubber-tired wheels mounted on the output shafts. This arrangement was later replaced by a small gear-head motor driving a large gear mounted to the center of the turntable. The device in the head with the tubes sticking out the front is a directional light tracking device. Each tube has a CDS photocell at the bottom, and is painted flat black inside. A comparator circuit tells the computer which direction the brightest light is coming from. This device could also tilt up and down with a small gear-head motor, to track light sources vertically. Most of the circuitry was installed on small plug-boards from Radio Shack, mounted in a card rack below the CPU card. This rack could be tipped back 90 degrees to facilitate easier access for testing. In addition to motor driver circuits, there was a "Sweet Talker" speech synthesizer board so he could talk. Power came from a large "gel-cell" marine battery (for powering trolling motors on boats), which was slung near the ground in the center of the base. Two 6V lantern batteries (later replaced by a 12V motorcycle battery) provided separate power for the electronics. All motors were isolated from the electronics via relays and/or opto-isolators. After these pictures were taken, a set of metal panels was installed on the "facets" of the base, with lever switches behind them for collision sensing. A Polaroid sonar range-finder was also added later. If you check out the other photos of S.A.M., you will notice an "arm" sticking out the front. This was a prototype made from an old swing-arm desk lamp and some "fingers" from a robot hand design using brass tubing, bicycle chain, and 1/16" steel cable to allow natural bending of each finger. It was later replaced with a much heavier duty aluminum framework arm operated by two 12VDC linear actuators." – My Home Robot Projects, by Bill.

[solarpunkfool]

You wake up. The sunlight filters through the tree branches leafing outside your window, and you hear the birds calling (the birds are back, populations returning in the thousands, then millions as air pollution lessens and climate patterns rebalance). You head to your kitchen and make yourself a morning drink, coffee or tea, pouring the spent grounds into your countertop compost bin - municipal pick-up is tomorrow, you remind yourself. You put the paper wrapper from the tea/coffee into the recycling bin. There are no trash bins anymore, no plastic to throw away. 

You get ready for your day, putting on your clothing, soft cotton/linen/wool that won’t last much longer than you when you’re done with it. You message your work friends on your slightly clunkier, but infinitely repairable smart phone - you’ll meet them at the local light rail stop. You summon a link (a free, sometimes remote controlled, publicly available cab service - serviced by the municipality, and fully electric). You make sure to give yourself a little extra time than you did when you had a gas car, since the links travel more slowly and carefully, but that’s ok, because the streets are safe for tricycles, bikes, dog-walkers, nighttime deer, errant soccer balls, and neighborhood cats. You spend the time before it arrives watering your backyard garden, and you chat with your neighbor who has just finished picking blackberries from the vines along your fence. She tells you she’ll make cobbler and bring you some later. You’re grateful, since you never have time to bake when you’d rather be spending time with your family. Your phone alerts you when your link arrives, and you head out. There’s another neighbor in the link already, and you’re both headed to the light rail stop. You chat about the weather, how the trees that were planted en masse all those years ago have kept the summers so much cooler and the winters so much milder. He jokes about not having to mow the grass in his yard nearly as much as he used to, after the ordinances for planting slower-growing native plants. He shows you a picture of how well his garden is doing, and you mention your neighbor and the blackberries. His eyes widen, and he mentions that he’s never been able to get berries to grow. You take his information and promise to invite him over for cobbler sometime next week. 

You arrive at the light rail stop and walk under the fully green bridge (for animals to cross safely, and to keep the station cool) to meet your friends. You exchange notes about how your efforts are doing, what you think should be improved as you board the nearly silent electric train. You look out the window as you travel deeper into the city and watch as the green of trees along roads and sidewalks never lessens, the dullness of concrete doesn’t increase. With the links available and so few private cars on the streets, the size of the roads has decreased, making more room for trees, playgrounds, gardens, and wildflower patches. You see what used to be a concrete and brick center berm taken over by the boxy outlines of beehives, surrounded on both sides (what used to be narrow sidewalks) with fruit tree orchards. 

You arrive at your destination and disembark, walking with your colleagues to your building. It’s still a highrise, mostly concrete and glass, but the rooftop terraces are fully green spaces and the glass panels are permeable solar panels, drinking in the sun’s energy like the plants that stretch across its roof. You spend your day leading your team in delivering top quality services, eat lunch at the free market kitchen down the street, and then head home. Your work day is 5 hours long, with an hour for lunch. 

When you get home, your partner and child are there already, playing in the street on your kiddo’s new bike. The street is quiet and safe. You breathe deeply, smelling absolutely no car exhaust. 

You meet your neighbors at the community house (every neighborhood has one), where there’s always a free dinner if you want one. You don’t like to cook, so you don’t offer to take a shift, but you help clean up. Your partner mentions taking your kiddo to the doctor for a possible ear infection, but it turns out they just had a bug bite in their ear. You laugh about it. The doctor’s appointment cost nothing, just as your dinner does. You can cook at home, but why would you? You could eat alone, and sometimes you do, but today you want to laugh and talk with your neighbors and let your kiddo play with theirs. You and your partner help the clean up team after dinner, washing your own dishes and a few others’ so it all gets done. The dishes aren’t perfect, chipped and older, but who cares when the food is free. 

You and your family walk home and meet your old dog on the porch. He snorts and snuffles your child’s hair and leans in for pets. 

You go in and put your kiddo to bed. You spend the rest of the evening watching tv or reading with your partner. You talk about your day. You see the news that more sustainable grazing practices mean that the rainforest has advanced by nearly 2,000 feet this year, dark soil and thick tree roots spreading outward, crowns capturing more and more carbon from the air. You hear that the tigers and snow leopards, elephants and rhinos, are all increasing in population. 

It starts to rain. You are thankful you don’t have to water the garden tonight. You and your partner head to bed, and you think - this is my life. I am leaving a planet to my child that they will WANT to inhabit. Sure, there wasn’t steak on my plate tonight, but my belly is full and my air is clean and my home is safe. You dream sweetly, thinking of dandelions sprouting up through cracks in concrete, deer and foxes walking through breaks in fences, children swimming in clean water.