#How to apply for design patent

[patentagency]

Learn how to apply for a design patent with our step-by-step guide. Our affordable patent agency simplifies the process, offering expert advice and support to protect your unique designs. Start securing your intellectual property today with our easy-to-follow guide. Visit- https://affordablepatentagency.com/

[dcxdpdabbles]

If you have the time I would love an update on Passion for Fashion or on Mr Flavor your an amazing writer love your fics ❤️❤️

Danny wakes to another new mattress, this time accompanied by a machine beeping and another change of outfits. His back and left ribs have a dull ache, but otherwise, he feels fine.

He lays on the bed for a few minutes, noting the difference between the one Oscar had him sleep on and the kind in the cheap motel. It wasn't as firm as the ones in the motel, but it wasn't anywhere near as luxurious and soft as the one Oscar gifted his fairies. This was somewhere in between, which meant Danny was now in someone else's hands.

Cracking open his eyelids as thinly as possible, he carefully glances around, trying to discover what happened after passing out. Danny is pleasantly surprised to find himself in a hospital room with no one around. Not even a ghost.

It gives him enough courage to carefully examine his body. Phantom's healing factor may not be at full capacity, but it seems faster than a normal human's. He pats himself down, wincing in certain areas, but eventually, he deems it well enough to escape.

Without hesitation, Danny reaches up and snaps off the wires connecting him to various machines. He ignores the alarms that go off and the sound of rapid footsteps in the hallways while he limbs towards the window.

He can tell it's sturdy enough not to open for a regular human. Usually, that wouldn't have been a problem, but Phantom's powers were laying doormat, so he does the next best thing. He picks a chair and flings it as hard as possible at the window.

The door to his room is burst open by medical staff just as the chair bounces off the glass and lands with a thump. Danny stares at it for a few seconds. "Ah. I thought that would have at least put a crack in it."

"You're safe!" one of the nurses tells him, hands held up, palms facing Danny in an obvious sign of trying to earn his trust. "You're in Gotham Hospital. You were rescued a week ago and have been receiving treatment while locked in a coma."

Danny squints at her. "I'm pretty sure I wasn't rescued. I broke out myself."

Some medical staff shift uncomfortably on their feet before the same nurse steps closer, words even, soft and gentle, "You were fearless. You should be proud of-"

"Did they delete the footage of my secret formula?" Danny cuts her off, tilting his head. The question stops the woman short, looking unsure how to respond as the rest of the medical staff watch the exchange with pursed lips.

"I'm not sure-"

"Meh." Danny sighs, rolling his neck. He taps his fingers against his chin, considering the consequences of someone finding those videos.

On one hand, Danny will lose his main source of income, but on the other, it won't mean much. Cream sodas were the only drink in this world, but eventually, someone was bound to make the discovery.

It's not like he legally has a right to it, either. Danny hadn't applied for a patent for his soda, and he can't copyright a recipe. Really, the only thing he had going for him was his trademark that one guy who messed up his motel room got him, but even then, if the recipe thief changed the bottle designs, what was he to do?

Danny couldn't afford a house, much less a lawyer, with the money he earned from Mr. Flavor's Soda. He'll just have to keep moving and find out how to call back Phantom.

Rolling his neck to the other side, he flinches as it stiffens up, returning him to the present. Then, he notices the medical staff is slowly creeping closer, shifting in like they are alligators about to pounce on a meal.

Eyeing them and the open door—thankfully one of the big sliding doors, which meant the exit was so much wider—Danny gets an idea. He acts unaware of what they are doing, making sure to plant a ball of his feet to give him good leverage. He needs to push off as quickly as possible.

He places his thumb right under it while his pointer finger lays carefully under his lips. In a quick jerk to the side, Danny forces his neck to crack, using his hand as a turner. The sound that echoes through the room sounds like pasta being crunched. "I guess it's not too important. Not when I'm a ghost."

The lead nurse inhaled deeply before blowing a slow breath. "Why don't we get you back into bed? We need to check you over."

"I'm fine."

"We-"

"When can I leave?"

"That's-"

"Have you ever tasted a rainbow?"

"What-"

"It tastes like sugar and reality warping." The smile that stretches across his face is the same one he made at Sam while under Ember's love spell. It's the most innocent but eager expression he can make, which used to get him out of trouble back home.

In Gotham, it made everyone uneasy. The staff even stepped away from him instinctively, looking far more alarmed than when Danny popped his neck, and a few of them had flinched at the sound.

His smile stretched more. "Would you like to taste the rainbow?"

"I-um-that is." The woman spluttered, glancing around at her coworkers like she was sending S.O.S alarms with her eyes alone. "Why don't we-"

Danny rushed at her, laughter bubbling up in his chest as she scrambled back. One of the male nurses shot forward, intending to meet Danny halfway- his movement suggested some form of training. Military?- but that plan quickly derailed when Danny flipped himself over him.

His body flared with pain that he ignored in favor of dancing out of reach from the multiple hands that tried to grab hold of him. One of them managed to snag his hospital gown, but Danny had no problem thrashing about until it slid off- thank the mighty Ancients that he was wearing some boxers.

He had to slide before the legs of a nurse and flip over another before he could break into the hallway. The hallway was long and narrow, but it didn't seem connected to any visible exit. Danny had only a few split seconds to choose left or right before he went with his gut and twisted towards the right.

He was born right-handed, and before teaching himself to be ambidextrous, his right never let him down. He raced down it as fast as his aching body could take him, which was pretty good, seeing that he was outpacing a group of grown adults.

That male nurse was gaining, though. Danny could hear his footsteps approaching, and the man shouting, "Stop!" as he got uncomfortable near his back.

He will be able to reach Danny in a few seconds, especially since the aches in his body are rapidly turning into pain, slowing him down.

Another problem he didn't consider was the people in the hallway who- like idiots, really- didn't leap out of Danny's way. They just stood there gawking as they zoomed past them. He had to push a woman in cartoon theme scrubs into the wall, shouting an apology as he rounded the corner.

The new area he found himself in had more hospital employees who turned to see the commotion, but all Danny saw was the glass stairs leading downstairs to a seating area. There were groups of people that craned their necks up, visitors' passes tapped to their shirts. A woman speaks into a walkie-talkie, and suddenly, there are blaring alarms throughout the building.

Danny can identify a lockdown when he sees one. Without wasting a second, Danny runs at the railing and leaps.

A scream from one of the onlookers as he slams against the floor below, having the misfortune of landing on a low coffee table. It breaks under his hold, which is only an insult to injury, as he groans. The pain has now flared up to levels he hasn't felt in a long time as Phantom, but his ghostly side still refuses to show its head.

He is half considering lying there and allowing them to capture him when a burst of familiar ice encases his body. The medical staff that had surrounded his crumbled form leaped away with shouts of "Meta!".

Danny raised his hand and stared at the layer of ice in wonderment. His breathing came out in fast-paced huffs as he tried desperately to catch his breath. The ice numbs most of the pain, and it is like all his senses snap into place.

He leaps to his feet, laughing joyously as the rest of the people press themselves into the walls, trying to crawl away from him. Danny doesn't care because he feels like Phantom.

He feels like himself again! He wills his body to be unchained from gravity, throwing himself forward, ready to take flight and finally escape—only to land in a heap on the ground, the ice wrapping around his chest like a suit of armor cracking.

"Oh, come on!" He whines, pushing himself up. He flickers his eyes around the room, landing on a mirror at the desk where a young woman wearing a uniform is frozen in fright. Without a word, he snatches it up and checks his reflection.

It seemed that his ice had changed shape, going from a clutter of ice into a knockoff version of the Ghost Peeler—without the helmet—and his eyes were green, but that's it. He had no snow-white hair, no glowing fractures, and not even his eyes looked inhuman; they just looked like he was born with them.

If anything, it was like Danny was cosplaying.

He gently places the mirror back on the counter, takes a deep breath through his nose, and spins around. He walks right out of the hospital- he had to smash the glass with his ice-covered hand- without a hint of emotion on his face.

They all let him go, which Danny is thankful for since he makes it out of the parking lot before he screams of utter frustration, aggressively flinging his arms around and stomping his foot.

After a minute of throwing a very public, very loud temper tantrum, Danny allows the ice to melt off his body, leaving him dripping and only wearing boxers as he scurries away. He ignores all the looks thrown his way, grumbling under his breath about that stupid tribe that got him into this whole mess until he finally spots someone he knows.

It's one of those kids who initially gave him his name. His very first customer, in fact, was standing on his toes and picking into a shop, pressed against the glass display.

Danny walked right up behind him, clearing his throat. "Hey, do you know what part of Gotham we're in?"

" I wasn't doing anything!" The boy spins around defensively only to have his eyes wide dramatically when he takes in Danny's state. He wonders if it's the fact he's covered in some nasty bruises, in his underwear, or dripping wet from the neck below despite no rain that causes such an expression. "What in the world happen to you!?"

"Got kidnapped. Escaped. Got run over and survived. Got hospitalized. Escaped again," Danny lists, smiling his innocent smile again, hoping it will make the kid ask fewer questions. It does the job as the boy looks rightfully horrified. "Where are we?"

"Uptown Gotham," The boy stammers, shaking slightly.

"How far away is that from Old Gotham or Crime Alley?"

"Um, about four blocks that way is Old Gotham. Crime Alley is pretty far."

Danny knows that. He'd gone to Old Gotham for a while to speak to some of the ghosts- and of course, none of these buildings were haunted because that was just his luck. "Thanks. See you around!"

He strolls away, feeling some of his anger calm now that he knows where to go. After a few blocks, he sang his soda theme song again, tapping the beat into the sidewalk with his bare feet. At the entrance of Old Gotham, he even found a donation bin for people to drop off clothes, which he happily helps himself to.

It looks like the seventies threw up in here—or someone cleaned out a long overdue closet—but Danny eventually found a pair of bell-bottom flower-printed jeans that fit and a large fake fur coat he could throw onto himself. The shirts smelled weird and were too small for him, but he found a purple velvet feathered hat that he thought would distract him from being topless.

After placing it on his head, Danny started scatting his theme song, feeling oddly peppy. Now that he was no longer frustrated, he realized how good it was that his ice had appeared.

Sure, his eyes weren't glowing, but the fact they changed let him know he was this close to being Phantom again. He just had to be a little more patient.

He could do that.

[sparrowlucero]

thoughts on the doctor who finale?

left me feeling a little cold, which is sad because there's a lot of interesting stuff in it - the doctor as a queer man trapped in a time loop based on a conservative podcaster's ideal world is patently a much more evocative premise for a season finale than what the same showrunner was doing back in the late aughts; it feels like a very pointed thesis statement for the show and more in line with what I like about RTD as a writer. I like the bait and switch of the "character trapped in fake universe realizes the world isn't quite right and breaks out of it" type plot where it turns out the villain is exploiting the inevitability of a universe breaking to other ends. I like that the villain is a weird eugenicist who's goal to revitalize her species is something the doctor is kind of tempted by; that feels spiky and like the thematically correct choice for this version of the show and the anxieties of the main characters. I like the set and creature design of the bone palace and the "fossils" a lot. etc etc. but also you can just tell it was originally a much tighter story that production issues hit hard (like "ending changed while season was already airing" hard), both in longer term ways (it's pretty obvious the story was originally about ruby before problems with the cast, and so attention is split between her and the character written to replace her this season in some pretty frustrating ways, like how the ending with bel and the baby wouldn't be that strange if applied to ruby, who's in a family that fosters) and in short term ways (the pick up filming is like, half the episode, and is a pretty rough and not especially elegiac send off for the characters...). Kind of a mess, but I also appreciate it in certain ways?

[drnikolatesla]

Tesla’s Wardenclyffe Tower: Built on Sound Math, Undone by Cost and Misunderstanding

Let’s set the record straight—Nikola Tesla’s Wardenclyffe Tower was a high-voltage experimental transmission system grounded in quarter-wave resonance and electrostatic conduction—not Hertzian radiation. And the math behind it? It was solid—just often misunderstood by people applying the wrong physics.

In May 1901, Tesla calculated that to set the Earth into electrical resonance, he needed a quarter-wavelength system with a total conductor length of about 225,000 cm, or 738 feet.

So Tesla’s tower design had to evolve during construction. In a letter dated September 13, 1901, to architect Stanford White, Tesla wrote: “We cannot build that tower as outlined.” He scaled the visible height down to 200 feet. The final structure—based on photographic evidence and Tesla’s own testimony—stood at approximately 187 feet above ground. To meet the required electrical length, Tesla engineered a system that combined spiral coil geometry, an elevated terminal, a 120-foot vertical shaft extending underground, and radial pipes buried outward for approximately 300 feet. This subterranean network, together with the 187-foot tower and carefully tuned inductance, formed a continuous resonant conductor that matched Tesla’s target of 738 feet. He described this strategy in his 1897 patent (No. 593,138) and expanded on it in his 1900 and 1914 patents, showing how to simulate a longer conductor using high-frequency, resonant components. Even with a reduced visible height, Tesla’s system achieved quarter-wave resonance by completing the rest underground—proving that the tower’s electrical length, not its physical height, was what really mattered.

Tesla calculated his voltages to be around 10 million statvolts (roughly 3.3 billion volts in modern SI), so he had to consider corona discharge and dielectric breakdown. That’s why the terminal was designed with large, smooth spherical surfaces—to minimize electric surface density and reduce energy loss. This was no afterthought; it’s a core feature of his 1914 patent and clearly illustrated in his design sketches.

Now, about that ±16 volt swing across the Earth—what was Tesla talking about?

He modeled the Earth as a conductive sphere with a known electrostatic capacity. Using the relation:

ε × P = C × p

Where:

ε is the terminal’s capacitance (estimated at 1,000 cm)

P is the applied voltage (10⁷ statvolts)

C is the Earth’s capacitance, which Tesla estimated at 5.724 × 10⁸ cm (based on the Earth’s size)

p is the resulting voltage swing across the Earth

Plugging in the numbers gives p ≈ 17.5 volts, which Tesla rounded to ±16 volts. That’s a theoretical 32-volt peak-to-peak swing globally—not a trivial claim, but one rooted in his framework.

Modern recalculations, based on updated geophysical models, suggest a smaller swing—closer to ±7 volts—using a revised Earth capacitance of about 7.1 × 10⁸ cm. But that’s not a knock on Tesla’s math. His original ±16V estimate was fully consistent with the cgs system and the best data available in 1901, where the Earth was treated as a uniformly conductive sphere.

The difference between 7 and 16 volts isn’t about wrong numbers—it’s about evolving assumptions. Tesla wrote the equation. Others just adjusted the inputs. His premise—that the Earth could be set into controlled electrical resonance—still stands. Even if the voltage swing changes. The vision didn’t.

Wouldn't that ±16V swing affect nature or people? Not directly. It wasn’t a shock or discharge—it was a global oscillation in Earth’s electric potential, spread evenly across vast distances. The voltage gradient would be tiny at any given point—far less than what’s generated by everyday static electricity. Unless something was specifically tuned to resonate with Tesla’s system, the swing had no noticeable effect on people, animals, or the environment. It was a theoretical signature of resonance, not a hazard. While some early experiments in Colorado Springs did produce disruptive effects—like sparks from metal objects or spooked horses—those involved untuned, high-voltage discharges during Tesla’s exploratory phase. Wardenclyffe, by contrast, was a refined and carefully grounded system, engineered specifically to minimize leakage, discharge, and unintended effects.

And Tesla wasn’t trying to blast raw power through the ground. He described the system as one that would “ring the Earth like a bell,” using sharp, high-voltage impulses at a resonant frequency to create standing waves. As he put it:

“The secondary circuit increases the amplitude only... the actual power is only that supplied by the primary.” —Tesla, Oct. 15, 1901

Receivers, tuned to the same frequency, could tap into the Earth’s oscillating potential—not by intercepting radiated energy, but by coupling to the Earth’s own motion. That ±16V swing wasn’t a bug—it was the signature of resonance. Tesla’s transmitter generated it by pumping high-frequency, high-voltage impulses into the Earth, causing the surface potential to oscillate globally. That swing wasn’t the energy itself—it acted like a resonant “carrier.” Once the Earth was ringing at the right frequency, Tesla could send sharp impulses through it almost instantly, and tuned receivers could extract energy.

So—was it feasible?

According to Tesla’s own patents and 1916 legal testimony, yes. He accounted for insulation, voltage gradients, tuning, and corona losses. His design didn’t rely on brute force, but on resonant rise and impulse excitation. Tesla even addressed concerns over losses in the Earth—his system treated the planet not as a passive resistor but as an active component of the circuit, capable of sustaining standing waves.

Wardenclyffe wasn’t a failure of science. It was a casualty of cost, politics, and misunderstanding. Tesla’s system wasn’t just about wireless power—it was about turning the entire planet into a resonant electrical system. His use of electrostatics, high-frequency resonance, and spherical terminals was decades ahead of its time—and still worth studying today.

“The present is theirs; the future, for which I really worked, is mine.” —Nikola Tesla

[anxhelstudies]

happy 2025 to everyone!

life has been difficult lately but i hope the new year it will be better. recently i started working as a waitress full time to save as much money as i can for a master to see if this year (or maybe next considering early the deadline for applying to uni in the uk is so close compared to the italian one) i can make it. because of this i didn’t have a lot of time to study or focus on myself since right now money is more important.

anyway here are my (study) goals for 2025

reach hsk3

pass hsk1 exam

pass hsk2 exam

re-learning korean (i will not put any level to reach because i just want to do it for fun so anything will be fine for now)

improve my english (especially my writing)

as for the more design study goals

learn blender

do a course about design and innovation patents (idk how to transla it better in english sorry)

make a good portfolio (web and pdf)

learn java

improve my drawing skills

read 20 articles of design journals

write an article about a design topic (i want to learn how to write articles like academics because i would like in the future do a phd if i have tha chance, time and money)

how is your 2025 going so far? what are your goals?

[beardedmrbean]

Bad Dragon is suing SinSaint over copyright infringement of their dildo designs. What I want to know is, can you copyright the shape of a dog's dick? Because if you can, you shouldn't be able to.

I did knot need to hear about this one.

one more pun

TSG is gonna be one of the more reputable sources for this one

MARCH 25--A manufacturer of “fantasy-themed sex toys” has accused an upstart Brooklyn, New York firm of knocking off its distinctive designs, according to a federal lawsuit alleging that the defendant has infringed on copyrights for dildos such as “Spritz the Seadragon” and “Tyson the Water Buffalo.”

In a March 20 complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Arizona, Bad Dragon Enterprises contended that its “sculptural” products have been illegally copied by SinSaint, which is headquartered in a Coney Island warehouse and advertises that all its “Ethically Manufactured” toys are “made in Brooklyn, USA.”

Bad Dragon, which noted that it has had “significant commercial success” in the adult toy field, alleged that SinSaint has been selling the duplicative dildos through its website and other trade channels, including the recent AVN Adult Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas (where the new firm’s exhibitor booth was next to that of the all-nude Palomino strip club).

The lawsuit identifies 13 separate dildos that Bad Dragon claims have been copied (and renamed) by SinSaint, which was incorporated in New York last year. The colorful silicone toys feature scales, tentacles, suction cups, and other design elements meant to mimic the genitalia of dragons, sea creatures, and other fantastical characters.

Some of the Bad Dragon products that SinSaint is accused of swiping are “Kelvin the Ice Dragon,” “Stan the T. Rex,” and “Vergil the Drippy Dragon.” SinSaint has not been accused of pirating other Bad Dragon offerings like “Jason the Demogorgon” or “Cuttlefish of Cthulhu.”

According to the lawsuit, SinSaint’s counsel last month stated that the company had begun removing “some of the allegedly infringing listings for product redesign.” This response, Bad Dragon contended, was “unacceptable,” adding that it “continues to be harmed by Defendant’s ongoing, unlawful conduct.”

The Bad Dragon complaint seeks an order enjoining SinSaint from continuing any further alleged

copyright infringement and seeks “disgorgement of all of Defendant’s profits” related to the artificial penises. The company may also seek statutory damages of up to $150,000 for each of the dildos in question.

For more than a decade, Bad Dragon has sought trademark and copyright protection for various product lines. While often successful, the firm’s application to trademark its “Cum Tube” was abandoned after a government attorney rejected the ejaculating dildo because the “applied-for mark consists of or includes immoral or scandalous matter.” The application included a very NSFW image, which can be found on the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office website.

According to an August 2023 trademark application, SinSaint’s owner is Oleg Semenenko, 50, a resident of Brooklyn’s gated Seagate community. Semenenko lives less than a mile from SinSaint’s warehouse, which shares an address with GlobMarble, an industrial molds business for which Semenenko is listed as “manager” in a separate trademark application filed this month.

In a brief interview today, Semenenko was asked how a dildo firm grew out of his original business. “We work with rubber,” he replied. Semenenko dismissed Bad Dragon’s claim that its products were unique and original: “How can octopus hand can be your idea?” (4 pages) ____________________________________________

Hope the judge that did the recent trump case gets this one, even though I know that's basically impossible, just the thought of making him listen to hours of testimony about how these rubber fantasy dildos are protected by copyright or trademark law, or something like that is funny to me.

It's not a revenge thing wanting it, just a keep him humble thing. I know you think you're hot shit now, so here listen to these arguments for a bit.

Totally different note, I'm wondering how long until the discourse starts up, or if it has already started up, where using horse dildos is either bestiality or a gateway to bestiality because what with the way people treat cartoons of fictional people I can't imagine it's far off or not already here.

Look to japan for the tentacle ones.........

[thefrogman]

I can't believe you forgot the five thousand dollar HDMI cable! That's the most important part! Never mind the fact that most HDMI cables do basically the same thing and have very few specialized features, don't think about it. Never mind the fact that gold plating is worthless on a digital signal. Spend five thousand dollars on a gold plated HDMI lead, right now!

You can never go wrong with AudioQuest. If you want overpriced cable nonsense, they got you covered.

Meet the Dragon "10K" HDMI cable.

For a cool $2300 you can get "Level 7 Noise Dissipation."

LEVEL 7!!!!!

Check out this totally scientific description of this feature...

"Traditional “100% shielding” is not enough to guard against the increasingly prevalent effects of Wi-Fi, cellular, and satellite radiation. In AudioQuest HDMI cables, all 19 conductors are Direction-Controlled to minimize the RF Noise that damages performance by “directing” or draining it away from the most vulnerable circuits. In Level 7 Noise Dissipation, high-loss graphene is added to the carbon layer sandwiched between layers of metal around the 4 FRL + eARC pairs, a "global" high-loss carbon layer is placed around all conductors, we incorporate our patented 72v Dielectric-Bias System, and even the drain wires are 100% Perfect-Surface Silver."

I'm sure all of that would hold up to scientific scrutiny.

I mean, sure, you are just transferring 1s and 0s back and forth, and as long as all of the 1s and 0s get where they need to go, your picture will look exactly the same with a $10 cable as it does with a $2300 cable... but I really do need that Level 7 dissipation. My house is constantly flooded with satellite radiation.

Yes, there are shitty HDMI cables. And some of them struggle to meet the bandwidth they claim on the packaging. This will cause no picture or sound or it will cause dropouts or skipped frames. Sometimes you will get crazy artifacts that pop in and out. But you cannot improve video or audio quality with a fancy cable.

You will not see magical colors so bright you cum in your shorts.

You will not hear indescribably intense bass that will violently vibrate your testicles--killing your sperm. That was microplastics, okay?

You will get the data that was encoded into the media file.

You just need a cable that can pass along that data without incident. Buying a "good" cable is actually recommended. Blue Jeans Cable is a great brand that has high quality control standards and a good warranty. They are a little spendy, but everything is a good value.

Their website is built on ancient GeoCities technology...

So you know they prioritize their budget toward R&D and product design over graphic designer or a subscription to Squarespace.

I buy their cables because they always meet the data bandwidth they claim and they can take abuse due to using tougher materials that last.

My best advice when buying an HDMI or other data cable is to figure out how much bandwidth you need, and then make sure in the product description they mention the data rate.

So if you want 4K resolution at 60 Hz, you will need a cable that does at least 18 gigabits per second. If you need 4K/120Hz/4:4:4/12 bit, then the bandwidth should be 48 Gbps. And if you get more bandwidth than you actually need, the cable is backwards compatible.

Here is a handy chart...

USUALLY, if they list the actual data rate (Gbps) in the product description, you can trust they certified it can pass that much data through. It's when you don't see any Gbps rating in the product description that you should move on to another cable.

(USB standards are insanely confusing, but the same advice applies. Try to find out the data rate you need and research to make sure the cable is capable of that.)

I'm afraid all of this cable nonsense goes back a long way. When I turned 16 I immediately applied for a job at Best Buy selling computers. And I really loved that job. So many people were clueless about computers back then and I was very good at assessing their needs and making sure they went home with the equipment and accessories that would suit them within their budget.

And if they tried to buy the eMachines computers, I would tell them they might as well set their money on fire.

Throw directly into trash because this is some hot garbage.

Unfortunately my managers pressured me to sell warranties and accessories that I didn't really believe in. The hardest thing they asked me to do was sell people gold-plated printer cables. This is back when printers still used a parallel port connection.

They wanted me to sell these for $40 to $60 (depending on length).

Even though these bad boys did the exact same thing for only $20.

I could actually see on the store's computer how much markup these cables had. The cheap ones cost Best Buy the exact same amount as the gold ones.

Maybe they weren't as aesthetically pleasing, but those cheaper cables were built like fuckin' tanks. I probably still have some of these in my basement that would function just as well as they did 25 years ago.

The ONLY difference was the "gold" contacts on the ends. But my managers told me to lie to customers. I was to tell them you would get much faster print speeds, better colors, and more DPI (dots per inch). But both cables sent the same 1s and 0s. They either worked or they didn't. The only tiny advantage is that gold contacts are slightly less resistant to corrosion over time. But I have yet to see that happen within the lifespan of any cable.

So I would tell customers it was a waste of money and lie to my managers saying the customers weren't interested.

"Did you tell them it was faster?" "Yes." (A lie.) "Did you tell them it made the colors better?" "Yes." (Also a lie.) "Well, we're going to have to work on your sales presentation skills." "Sounds good, boss." (Whatever, dude.)

[sunnylovescats]

Since men are so ready to take away women’s right to vote and say we’re sooo uneducated and need to know our places, please, have these inventions and scientific discoveries that were credited to men instead 🥰

Hedy Lamarr: Wireless communication. Hollywood actor Hedy Lamarr should actually be the person credited with the invention of wireless communication. During the second World War, Hedy worked closely with George Antheil to develop the idea of "frequency hopping," which would have prevented the bugging of military radios. Unfortunately, the U.S. Navy ignored her patent —and later used her findings to develop new technologies. Years later, her patent was re-discovered by a researcher, which led to Lamarr receiving the Electronic Frontier Foundation Award shortly before her death in 2000.

Alice Ball: Cure for leprosy. Alice Ball was a young chemist at Kalihi Hospital in Hawaii who focused on Hansen's disease, a.k.a. leprosy. Her research sought to find a cure for the disease by figuring out how to inject chaulmoogra oil directly into the bloodstream. Topical treatments worked, but had side effects patients weren't interested in. Sadly, Ball became sick and returned home, where she died in 1916. Arthur Dean took over her study, and Ball became a memory—until a medical journey now referred to the "Ball Method." Her method was used for over two decades all over the world to cure the disease.

Elizabeth Magie Philips: Monopoly. The invention of everyone's favorite board game has been credited to Charles Darrow, who sold it to Parker Brothers in 1935. But it was Elizabeth Magie Phillips who came up with the original inspiration, The Landlord's Game, in 1903. Ironically, she designed the game to protest against monopolists like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller.

Marion Donovan: Disposable diapers. In the '40s, new mothers had very few options for diapers. There was cloth...and that was pretty much it. The daughter of an inventor, Marion's first patent was actually for a diaper cover. She later added buttons, eliminating the need for safety pins. Her original disposable diaper was made with shower curtains, with her final one made from nylon parachute cloth. This new method helped keep children and clothes cleaner and dryer, not to mention helping with rashes. But, of course, diaper companies at first ignored her patent.

Vera Rubin: Dark matter. Rubin is the astrophysicist who confirmed the existence of dark matter in the atmosphere. She worked with astronomer Kent Ford in the '60s and '70s, when they discovered the reasoning behind stars' movement outside of the galaxy. She's dubbed a "national treasure" but remains without a Nobel Peace Prize.

Margaret Knight: Square-bottomed paper bags. In 1868, Knight invented a machine that folded and formed flat, square-bottomed brown paper bags. She built a wooden model of the device, but couldn't apply for a patent until she made an iron model. While the model was being developed in the shop, a man named Charles Annan stole the idea and patented it. Though he received credit for it, Knight filed a lawsuit and finally won the rights to it in 1871.

Dr. Grace Hopper: Computer Programming Language. Hopper created the first computer language compiler tools to program the Harvard Mark I computer—IBM's computer that was often used for World War II efforts. Though it's noted in history that John von Neumann initiated the computer's first program, Hopper is the one who invented the codes to program it. One of the programming languages she pioneered, COBOL, is widely used today.

Ada Harris: Hair straightener. Marcel Grateau is often credited for the invention of the hair straightener, but it was Harris who first claimed the patent for it in 1893. (Grateau made his claim to fame with the curling iron around 1852, and we certainly know there's a difference.)

Esther Lederburg: Microbial Genetics. Lederberg played a large part in determining how genes are regulated, along with the process of making RNA from DNA. She often collaborated with her husband Joshua Lederberg on their work on microbial genetics, but it was Esther who discovered lambda phage—a virus that infects E. coli bacteria. Despite their collaboration, her husband claimed the 1958 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for discoveries on how bacteria mate.

Jocelyn Bell Burnell: Pulsars. Jocelyn Bell Burnell discovered irregular radio pulses while working as a research assistant at Cambridge. After showing the discovery of the pulses to her advisor, the team worked together to uncover what they truly were: Neuron stars, AKA pulsars. Burnell received zero credit for her discovery—instead, her advisor Antony Hewish and Martin Ryle received the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1974.

Chien-Shiung Wu: Nuclear Physics. Often compared to Marie Curie, Chien-Shiung Wu worked on the Manhattan Project, where she developed the process for separating uranium metal. In 1956, she conducted the Wu experiment that focused on electromagnetic interactions. After it yielded surprising results, Tsung-Dao Lee and Chen-Ning Yang, the physicists who originated a similar theory in the field, received credit for her work, winning the Nobel Prize for the experiment in 1957.

Ada Lovelace: Computer algorithm. In the mid-1800s, Ada Lovelace wrote the instructions for the first computer program. But mathematician and inventor Charles Babbage is often credited with the work because he invented the actual engine.

Rosalind Franklin: DNA Double Helix. Franklin's X-ray photographs of DNA revealed the molecule's true structure as a double helix, which was a theory denounced by scientists James Watson and Francis Crick at the time. However, since Watson and Crick originally discovered the (single) helix, they ended up receiving a Nobel Prize for their research.

The ENIAC Programmers: First electronic computer. The ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) was the first computer ever built. In 1946, six women programmed this electronic computer as part of a secret World War II project. Inventor John Mauchly is often the only one who gets credit for its creation, but the programmers are the ones who fully developed the machine.

Lise Meitner: Nuclear Fission. Discovered the true power of uranium, noting that atomic nuclei split during some reactions. The discovery was credited to her lab partner Otto Han, who won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1944

Katherine Johnson: Moon landing. She l discovered the exact path for the Freedom 7 spacecraft to successfully enter space for the first time in 1961 and later for the Apollo 11 mission to land on the moon in 1969. She often went unrecognized by her male colleagues and faced racial discrimination.

Mary Anderson: Windowshield wipers. Anderson first came up with the idea of windshield wipers while riding in a streetcar in the snow. She tried selling her device to companies after receiving the patent for it in 1903, but all of them rejected her invention. It wasn't until the '50s and '60s when faster automobiles were invented that companies took to the idea. By then, Anderson's patent had expired, and later, inventor Robert Kearns was credited with the idea.

Nettie Stevens: Sex chromosomes. Stevens discovered the connection between chromosomes and sex determination. Despite Stevens' breakthrough, her colleague and mentor E.B. Wilson published his papers before her and is often noted for the discovery.

Caresse Crosby: The modern bra. Caresse Crosby, who developed the modern bra. She was the first to acquire the patent for the modern bra, AKA a "Backless Brassiere," yet is often left in the shadows because she sold her patent to the Warner Brothers Corset Company.

[zzz-updates]

🎂December Birthday Party | Design Your Own Cake to Win Polychromes!

Dear Proxies,

The December Birthday Party Has Begun!

Proxies, come and design birthday cakes for Agents Ben and Lighter!

[Event Duration]

Submission Period: 2024/12/01 – 12/31 23:59 (UTC+8)

Winners Announcement: After 2025/01/07

[Event Rewards]

🎁Lucky Draw

Polychrome ×300 (30 winners)

※ 30 Proxies will be selected at random from all participants to each receive Polychrome ×300

>> Official Hoyolab post <<

[How to Participate]

· Submit your work on HoYoLab

Step 1. During the event, select the "Use the same template" button at the bottom of the page, and use the HoYoLAB template tool to design a birthday cake using the blank template as a basis.

Step 2. Post your work with the topics #HappyBenDay or #HappyLighterDay and include your [Zenless Zone Zero UID].

· Submit your work on social media

Step 1. During the event, use a blank template to design a birthday cake.

Step 2. Step 2: Post your work on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram with your [Zenless Zone Zero UID] and the hashtags #zzzero #HappyBenDay or #zzzero #HappyLighterDay.

※ Proxies participating in the event must ensure submission posts and profiles are public.

※ Personal information collected during this event will only be used for the purposes of prize delivery. By participating in this event, you agree to the public disclosure of your in-game UID. Please be sure to ensure the security of your personal and private data.

[Submission Rules]

1. The theme of the birthday party event revolves around Agents Ben and Lighter. Submissions must be related to Ben or Lighter.

2. Proxies must base their designs on a blank template. You can draw by hand, or use original materials or official stickers. When using materials that do not belong to ZZZ, please make sure you have the required permissions to do so.

3. Submissions must be in image format. JPG, PNG, JPEG, and GIF formats are supported. Images cannot be larger than 20MB.

4. Only one work can be submitted per submission. For multiple artworks, please submit them separately in multiple submissions.

5. Please note, before the winners are announced, if your account is not public or if you have deleted the post used to participate in the event, we will not be able to confirm your participation and it will be deemed invalid.

[Notes]

1. Please refrain from posting content unrelated to Ben or Lighter and content unrelated to this event.

2. Please ensure you are an adult according to the laws of the country or region where you reside or have obtained permission from your guardian to participate in the event.

3. This event is held across multiple platforms and regions. The prizes mentioned apply across all platforms and regions, and no allocations are made based on the platform or region.

4. A single HoYoverse account can make multiple submissions and participate in the Lucky Draw multiple times, but can only win one of the Polychrome rewards.

5. The organizer will carefully review all participating accounts. During the event, to create a positive environment for our game and community, all Proxies should remember to adhere to the HoYoverse Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and HoYoLAB Community Rules, as well as understand and agree to not participate in or post the following:

- Any content that contains hate or prejudice against any race, gender, religion, sexuality, culture, region, etc.

- Any sensitive, NSFW, provocative, or controversial content

- Harassment or bullying directed at any individual or group

- Providing misleading or invalid information

- Content or works that violate Trademarks, Copyright, patents, portrait rights, or other legal protections, as well as content or works that were stolen, plagiarized, reposted without permission, or involve falsely claiming to be the creator of the work

- Taking advantage of loopholes in the rules or technical flaws to participate unfairly

- Spreading misinformation or causing others to spread misinformation regarding the current event, or any other slander that may damage the reputation of the organizer

- Violating any event rules imposed by the organizer, initiating or participating in any acts that may prevent the event from proceeding as usual, or any acts that may negatively impact the fairness of the event or organizer, or negatively impact the event or organizer itself

- Using submitted works for commercial use, or granting commercial use rights to other parties during or after the event

- Any other acts forbidden by laws, regulations, the game Terms of Service, etc.

Those who fail to adhere to these stipulations will have restrictions imposed upon them, including but not limited to, disqualification of submissions, disqualification from the event, banning of accounts of communities or platforms under the organizer, etc.

6. By participating in the event, you agree to give the organizer the right to publish or use your submission both online and offline without additional payment. The organizer reserves the right to post exceptional submissions to HoYoLAB, label the submission as exceptional content, or recommend it on the HoYoLAB homepage. Whether a post is recommended or not does not affect the actual prize allocation. Prizes will be awarded based on the final results of the judging period. The author retains the permanent right of authorship.

7. Please provide your in-game UID correctly within the timeframe stipulated if you win any virtual prizes. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of your prize.

8. Collected personal information (if any) during this event will be used solely for prize delivery purposes. More information can be found in our Privacy Policy on our official site. Collection and usage of your personal information will strictly abide by our Privacy Policy.

9. If you discover any work that plagiarizes another work, was reposted, or violates any form of Copyright, Trademark, etc., please send the violating submission and link of the submission to customer service and outline their violations. In addition, for any other questions, please also feel free to contact our customer service email:http://zzzcs_en@hoyoverse.com

[patentagency]

How to Apply for a Design Patent: A Step-by-Step Guide

When you’ve created a unique design for a product, protecting that design from being copied or used by others is essential. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your creation is by obtaining a design patent. A design patent provides legal protection for the ornamental aspects of your product, ensuring that others cannot produce, sell, or use your design without your permission. If you’re considering how to apply for a Design Patent, this guide will walk you through the steps and important considerations involved in the process.

What is a Design Patent?

A design patent is a form of intellectual property protection granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for new, original, and ornamental designs of an article of manufacture. Unlike utility patents, which protect the functional aspects of an invention, design patents protect the aesthetic appearance of a product.

Examples of designs that may be eligible for design patents include the shape of a smartphone, the surface pattern on a fabric, or the unique contours of a piece of furniture. The design must be non-functional, meaning that it cannot be dictated solely by the function the article performs. Instead, the design must be purely ornamental and contribute to the product’s overall visual appeal.

Step 1: Determine If Your Design is Eligible

Before applying for a design patent, it’s important to ensure that your design meets the eligibility requirements set by the USPTO. To be eligible for a design patent, your design must be:

Novel: The design must be new and not have been disclosed in any prior patents, publications, or products.

Original: The design must be created by the inventor and not copied from an existing design.

Ornamental: The design must be purely aesthetic and not essential to the functionality of the product.

Non-Obvious: The design should not be an obvious variation of an existing design to someone skilled in the relevant field.

Conducting a design search is a crucial step in determining the novelty of your design. This involves searching existing design patents, products, and publications to ensure that your design has not been previously disclosed.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

Once you’ve determined that your design is eligible for patent protection, the next step is to prepare the necessary documents for your design patent application. These documents include:

1. Drawings or Photographs

The most critical component of a design patent application is the set of drawings or photographs that clearly illustrate the design. The USPTO requires that these images accurately depict the design from multiple angles, including front, back, top, bottom, left, right, and perspective views. The drawings must be of high quality, with clear lines and shading to highlight the design’s ornamental features.

In some cases, photographs may be used instead of drawings, but they must meet specific requirements set by the USPTO. It’s recommended to hire a professional patent illustrator to ensure that your drawings meet all the technical standards and accurately represent your design.

2. Written Description

Although the drawings or photographs are the primary focus of a design patent application, a written description is also required. This description should explain the visual characteristics of the design and provide context for the images. The description should be concise and focus on the design’s ornamental aspects without discussing the functionality of the product.

3. Title and Inventor Information

Your design patent application must include a title that accurately describes the article of manufacture to which the design is applied. Additionally, you must provide information about the inventor(s), including their full names and addresses.

4. Oath or Declaration

An oath or declaration must be included in the application, in which the inventor(s) affirm that they are the original creators of the design and that the design is new and original. The oath or declaration must be signed by the inventor(s).

5. Application Data Sheet (ADS)

An Application Data Sheet (ADS) is required to provide information about the application, such as the title, the names of the inventors, correspondence address, and any prior applications related to the design. The ADS must be completed and submitted with the application.

Step 3: File Your Design Patent Application

With your documents prepared, you’re ready to file your design patent application with the USPTO. The application can be filed electronically through the USPTO’s Electronic Filing System (EFS-Web) or by mail. Filing electronically is generally faster and more convenient.

1. Pay the Filing Fee

When submitting your design patent application, you must pay the required filing fee. The fee varies based on the size of the entity applying (e.g., individual, small entity, or large entity). It’s important to check the current fee schedule on the USPTO website to ensure you pay the correct amount.

2. Submit the Application

Once you’ve paid the filing fee, submit your application through EFS-Web or by mailing it to the USPTO. If you file electronically, you’ll receive an immediate confirmation and application number. If you file by mail, it may take several weeks to receive confirmation.

3. Monitor the Application Status

After filing your application, it will be assigned to a patent examiner for review. The examiner will assess the application to ensure that it meets all requirements and that the design is eligible for patent protection. This process may take several months to over a year.

During this time, the examiner may issue office actions, which are formal communications outlining any issues or objections with the application. It’s important to respond promptly and address any concerns raised by the examiner to keep the application moving forward.

Step 4: Respond to Office Actions

If the patent examiner issues an office action, it will outline any objections or rejections to the design patent application. Common reasons for rejection include:

The design is not new or is too similar to existing designs (lack of novelty).

The design is functional rather than ornamental.

The drawings or photographs are unclear or do not fully depict the design.

You’ll need to respond to the office action by addressing the examiner’s concerns. This may involve amending the application, providing additional information, or making changes to the drawings. If you’re unsure how to respond, it’s advisable to seek the assistance of a patent professional to ensure that your response is effective.

Step 5: Receive Your Design Patent

If the examiner determines that your design patent application meets all the requirements, you’ll receive a Notice of Allowance, indicating that the design patent will be granted. You’ll then need to pay the issue fee to have the patent formally issued.

Once the issue fee is paid, your design patent will be granted, and you’ll receive an official patent certificate. The design patent grants you exclusive rights to the design for 15 years from the date of issuance, during which time you can prevent others from making, using, selling, or importing products that incorporate your design.

Conclusion

How to apply for a Design Patent is a valuable step in protecting the unique aesthetic aspects of your product. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can navigate the design patent process with confidence and secure the protection your design deserves. While the process may seem complex, working with a qualified patent professional can help ensure that your application is properly prepared and submitted, increasing your chances of success.

If you’re ready to protect your design, consider reaching out to a patent law firm for expert guidance and support throughout the patent application process. With the right assistance, you can safeguard your creative work and enjoy the benefits of exclusive design rights.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Adding a small amount of solid carbon to copper boosts its conductivity

A common carbon compound is enabling remarkable performance enhancements when mixed in just the right proportion with copper to make electrical wires. It's a phenomenon that defies conventional wisdom about how metals conduct electricity. The findings, reported in the journal Materials & Design, could lead to more efficient electricity distribution to homes and businesses, as well as more efficient motors to power electric vehicles and industrial equipment. The team has applied for a patent for the work, which was supported by the Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Office. Materials scientist Keerti Kappagantula and her colleagues at DOE's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory discovered that graphene, single layers of the same graphite found in pencils, can enhance an important property of metals called the temperature coefficient of resistance.

Read more.

[bizzbuzzcreations]

How to Register Your Business on Startup India: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re an entrepreneur with a unique business idea, India offers a wonderful platform to help you turn your dream into a reality. Startup India is a government initiative designed to promote and facilitate the growth of startups by providing various benefits like tax exemptions, easy registration, and funding opportunities.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the entire Startup India Registration Process and take the first step toward making your business a success!

What is Startup India?

Launched in 2016, Startup India is a flagship initiative by the Indian government aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. It provides various perks, including tax exemptions, easier compliance norms, and opportunities to apply for funding from both private and public sectors. The platform is personalized to help new businesses and startups scale effectively in the competitive market.

Benefits of Startup India Registration

Before diving into the Startup India Registration Process, let’s take a look at the amazing benefits that come with Registering a Startup in India through the platform:

Tax Exemptions: Startups can benefit from tax exemptions for up to three years, helping you save on your operational costs.

Simplified Compliance: Startup India simplifies the process of compliance and legal paperwork, giving you more time to focus on your business.

Easier Access to Funding: The government-backed platform makes it easier for you to raise funds, whether from angel investors, venture capitalists, or other financial bodies.

Intellectual Property Benefits: The platform facilitates quicker processing of intellectual property rights and patents.

Networking and Mentorship: Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors to help grow your business.

Step-by-Step Guide to Register on Startup India

Step 1: Ensure Your Eligibility

Before registering your business on Startup India, you need to ensure that your business meets the eligibility criteria. To be eligible, your business must:

Be registered in India.

Be a private limited company, limited liability partnership (LLP), or a partnership firm.

Have been operational for less than 10 years.

Have an annual turnover of less than ₹100 crore.

Be working towards innovation, development, or improvement of a product or process.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents

The following documents are required to complete the registration:

Incorporation/Registration Certificate of your business.

PAN Card of the company or business.

Details of the founders (name, email, and phone number).

Certificate of recognition from a startup incubator or any government body (if applicable).

Bank Account Details of the company or business.

Income Tax Returns for the last financial year (if applicable).

Step 3: Visit the Startup India Website

Go to the official Startup India website: www.startupindia.gov.in to begin your registration process. On the homepage, click on the "Register" button.

Step 4: Fill in the Registration Form

Once you click on the "Register" button, you'll be asked to provide information about your business. This will include details such as:

Name of the business.

Type of business entity (Private Limited Company, LLP, etc.).

Date of incorporation.

Sector of the business (technology, healthcare, education, etc.)

Contact information.

You’ll also need to enter the MSME/SSI/DSIR certificate (if you have one), as it’s mandatory for getting some government incentives.

Step 5: Self-Certification Declaration

The next step is to submit a self-certification declaration. This is where you declare that your business meets the criteria set by the government for registration under Startup India. This includes details about your business, its activities, and its turnover.

Step 6: Submit and Complete the Registration

Once you have filled in all the necessary details and uploaded the required documents, submit the form. You will receive a Startup India Certificate once your registration is complete. This certificate will serve as proof of your registration and will enable you to avail yourself of the benefits offered by the program.

What Happens After Registration?

Once registered, you will have access to various benefits, including:

Tax Benefits: You can apply for a three-year tax holiday under the Startup India scheme.

Intellectual Property Benefits: Your business can apply for patents and trademarks at reduced costs.

Networking Opportunities: You’ll be able to attend Startup India events and connect with investors, mentors, and industry leaders.

Final Thoughts

Registering your business on Startup India is an excellent way to launch your startup with access to numerous benefits, including tax exemptions, funding opportunities, and legal support. Whether you’re working in tech, healthcare, education, or any other innovative field, Startup India offers the resources you need to help your business grow.

So, take the first step today and get your business recognized under the Startup India initiative and start your journey towards success!

FAQs About Startup India Registration

Do I need a physical office to register on Startup India?Answer :-No, a physical office is not required. However, you need to have a registered business address.

Is there a fee for registering on Startup India?Answer :- No, registration is completely free on the Startup India portal.

How long does the registration process take?Answer :- The registration process usually takes a few days to complete. It may take longer depending on the verification of documents.

Can I register my business under Startup India if it's a new business?Answer :- Yes, as long as your business is innovative and falls under the eligibility criteria.

Can foreign investors invest in my startup if I register on Startup India? Answer :-Yes, foreign investments are allowed in Indian startups. The registration helps in attracting foreign investors by providing them with the legal framework.

[drnikolatesla]

The Lauffen-Frankfurt Experiment of 1891: A Landmark in Electrical Engineering

In 1891, an experiment in Germany transformed the future of electricity. The Lauffen-Frankfurt experiment marked the world's first successful long-distance transmission of three-phase electric power. Stretching approximately 175 kilometers (or 109 miles) from Lauffen am Neckar to Frankfurt am Main, it was a highlight of the International Electrotechnical Exhibition. Key figures included Oskar von Miller, the exhibition's chief organizer; Mikhail Dolivo-Dobrovolsky, who designed the three-phase generators; and Charles Eugene Lancelot Brown, an engineer from Switzerland's Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon, which supplied much of the equipment.

So, what made this experiment groundbreaking? They set up a three-phase AC system powered by a robust 300-horsepower generator, stepping up the voltage from 55 volts to an impressive 8,500 volts for efficient long-distance transmission. This setup, featuring three copper wires, successfully delivered enough power to run a 100-horsepower motor and illuminate 1,000 incandescent lamps at the exhibition.

What is three-phase? Think of it like a three-lane highway. With just one lane (single-phase), you can only have one car (or current) at a time, which leads to traffic jams. But with three lanes, multiple cars can move smoothly side by side, ensuring a steady flow. This means electricity can be delivered more efficiently and with less flicker, making it ideal for powering everything from lights to heavy machinery. While it might seem logical to add more phases for even better efficiency, three-phase systems are often the sweet spot. They provide balanced and constant power delivery, making them highly efficient for most applications. Adding more phases increases complexity without significant efficiency gains—like a six-phase system that might reduce ripple but complicates design, equipment, and maintenance.

The significance? This experiment demonstrated that electrical power could be transmitted over long distances with much less energy loss than DC systems. It achieved an impressive 75% efficiency, showcased the advantages of a three-phase system—like smoother power delivery—and highlighted the importance of voltage transformations for effective transmission. Essentially, they figured out how to make electricity travel like a well-coordinated relay race, where each runner (or phase) keeps the momentum going.

After the experiment, discussions arose about who truly invented the three-phase system. Charles Brown, a key figure in the German experiment, stepped up to give credit where it was due. In a letter published in The Electrical Review on February 12, 1892, he acknowledged the significance of the three-phase system while emphasizing that the main goal was to prove the feasibility of safely transmitting high-tension currents over long distances. He noted that although the three-phase current added complexity, its benefits for powering multiple motors simultaneously were worthwhile. Most importantly, he stated, “The three-phase current as applied at Frankfurt was due to the labors of Mr. Tesla and will be found clearly specified in his patents.”

Brown specifically referenced Tesla's patents filed on October 12, 1887: Patent No. 381,968 for an "Electromagnetic Motor" and Patent No. 382,280 for "Electrical Transmission of Power," which detailed a three-phase power system. These patents were foundational to the technology used in the Lauffen-Frankfurt experiment.

Brown’s acknowledgment highlights Tesla’s innovative spirit, which transcended borders and spurred advancements in Europe. His patents laid the groundwork for the three-phase current used in this experiment.

Tesla's patents weren’t mere formalities; they were foundational blueprints for modern electrical systems, including designs for polyphase AC systems that predated the Lauffen-Frankfurt experiment by several years. Brown's emphasis on the significance of Tesla's patents for the three-phase current demonstrated that many who discredit Tesla, even in today's debates, overlook their importance. This highlights Tesla's crucial role in developing the technology that both the German experiment and today’s innovations depend on.

In short, the Lauffen-Frankfurt experiment marked a pivotal moment in electrical engineering, proving the viability of long-distance AC power transmission and laying the foundation for today’s electrical grid. While it showcased German ingenuity, it also highlighted the collaborative nature of scientific progress, with Tesla's earlier contributions illuminating the path forward. The interplay between his theoretical innovations and the practical applications of this experiment illustrates how technological progress often builds on the brilliant ideas of others.

[axl-ion]

As much as I do think period accuracy is important, sometimes you just get an idea that isn't too period accurate but cooler than the period accurate option or you can't find a similar thing.

So here's how to bullshit period accuracy, explained on examples:

Use only if you really must.

1. Think of the materials.

You can't give your 1820s fisherman character rubber boots. Vulcanised rubber wasn't invented/patented untill 1839. How do you achieve the look of the rubber boots? You consider available materials.

You can do leather and describe it as very very shiny. You can say the fisherman applied oil to the boots to make them more water resistant, which while maybe not something people actually did, is possible. Search the materials and material combinations! If you know your materials well enough, you can bullshit effectively.

2. Keep shapes in mind!

If you want your character to read to the modern reader as a goth, but the period is 1920s, YOU DON'T SNATCH THE WAIST! Instead you look at the popular silhouettes and build from there. 1920s silhouettes were very rectangular so you keep the rectangular dress and add little things that make it more goth - black colour, lace, pearls. All in moderation tho, which is the next point:

3. Hold yourself back!

It's very easy to put patterns on a design as a source of interest. It's easy to put a bunch of accessories on a guy to signify wealth or status. HOWEVER it's not a good choice! It will look very tacky and unless your character is very tacky, you don't need to do it. Pick 1 or 2 period accurate accessories and maximum 1 pattern unless the period does have this grandiose and maximalist thing going on. Put it front and centre. Then bullshit.

4. Keep in mind the technology!

Alastor's fucking undercut is actually possible, since razors were a thing in 1930s. What does make him read as period inaccurate is the shape of his hair, but again, the undercut is actually possible.

However this is the route you shouldn't really take, because like... If it breaks any point above it will be a punch to the eye. It will break the immersion. So maybe just don't UNLESS you REALLY KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING. The arguably best way to preform this bullshitary is on low notice things.

For example if you want to give a character said bob... Actually reconsider that haircut is so ass. However having a character with greased hair before the invention of hair gel... Have them use natural wax.

5. Use ignorance to your advantage!

Let's be honest, trying to bullshit Victorian fashion is hard, because there are so many Victorian fashion nerds, you may actually come across someone nagging at you like "ehem, that's the wrong shade of arsenic purple colour!" to set an example. Meanwhile if you try to bullshit like renaissance style clothes and accidentally put in some references from classicism... Depending on how big, it may actually be overlooked.

It's kinda like the lighter vs. match where it may seem at first that the matches were made first, bur it's actually the lighter. Sometimes stuff just looks old enough and that's kinda it.

AND LASTLY

6. Figure out why!

Why does your punk coded character have ripped pants in the 1940s? He's clumsy as fuck and trips all the time.

Why does this character have so many frills on them, that's not how these dresses usually look! She's a magical girl.

Have fun with the explanations, but make them plausible for the setting.

[trooper1023]

Reposting an analysis from FB.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was passed under the first Trump presidency. It's the current tax law. You can look all of this up. We know it's upsetting, because they run around saying 'America First' all the time, but that's just political rhetoric. These are the laws they pass, and for whatever reason you still believe them. You should be mad, but it shouldnt be at us.

the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 introduced several provisions that incentivized U.S. multinational corporations to offshore profits and shift jobs overseas. Here’s how:

1. Lower Tax Rate on Foreign Profits (Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income - GILTI)

The TCJA created a new tax on foreign earnings (GILTI), but at a much lower rate than domestic income.

Domestic corporate tax rate: 21%

GILTI tax rate: Effective rate between 10.5% and 13.125% (potentially even lower with deductions and credits).

Incentive: Companies pay less tax on profits made overseas than those made in the U.S., encouraging profit shifting.

2. 100% Deduction on Foreign Dividends (Territorial Tax System)

Before TCJA, U.S. multinationals were taxed on their worldwide income, but they could defer taxation on foreign profits until they were brought back to the U.S.

TCJA eliminated taxation on repatriated foreign profits, allowing companies to keep earnings offshore tax-free.

Incentive: Encourages corporations to leave profits overseas rather than reinvesting in U.S. jobs.

3. Foreign-Derived Intangible Income (FDII) – Favoring Exports Over Domestic Investment

The TCJA introduced a special 13.125% tax rate on profits from exports of intangible assets (like patents and trademarks).

Incentive: Encourages companies to move intellectual property (IP) abroad, as they can get tax benefits from foreign licensing rather than producing in the U.S.

4. Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (BEAT) – Weak Limits on Offshore Tax Avoidance

BEAT was designed to stop companies from avoiding U.S. taxes by making payments to foreign subsidiaries.

However, BEAT only applies to certain transactions and does not eliminate incentives to shift profits abroad.

Incentive: Corporations can still use foreign subsidiaries to avoid U.S. taxes through legal loopholes.

5. One-Time Repatriation Tax (Deemed Repatriation) – Rewarding Past Offshoring

Companies with trillions in offshore profits were given a discounted tax rate to bring money back:

15.5% for cash assets

8% for non-cash assets

Incentive: Effectively rewarded companies for past offshoring, as they avoided the old 35% tax rate.

The TCJA lowered corporate tax rates but created loopholes that incentivized profit shifting and offshoring jobs. By taxing foreign profits at lower rates and offering deductions for offshore earnings, the law favored multinational corporations over domestic businesses and workers.

[rabbitcruiser]

National Drinking Straw Day

Sipping a cold drink has never been more enjoyable thanks to these colorful tubes of fun that make every sip a delight!

Can you imagine drinking a milkshake without a straw? Or how anyone would manage a juice box? How many soft drinks would you have spilled on yourself in dark movie theaters if it weren’t for straws? I think we can all agree drinking straws have changed our lives for the better enough to deserve their own holiday, and that’s exactly what Drinking Straw day is about: celebrating the invention and patenting of the (paraffin-covered) paper drinking straw!

Learn about National Drinking Straw Day

National Drinking Straw Day has been designed to celebrate this humble invention. A straw may seem like such a basic thing, but it’s a necessity. From milkshakes to iced coffees; a straw is a must for a number of drinks. This is especially the case for cocktails with mint leaves in and other elements that you don’t want to swallow!

History of National Drinking Straw Day

The straws man ever used were made by the Sumerians, and were probably most often used for drinking beer, which at that time contained many solid byproducts of the fermentation process. Thousands of years later, in the 1800s, the rye grass straw became popular because it was cheap and soft. Unfortunately, it also had the tendency to turn to mush in liquid.

One day, while drinking a mint julep, inventor Marvin C. Stone became especially frustrated by straws’ shortcomings, as the taste of the rye mixed with that of his drink, giving it a grassy taste. He then patented the modern drinking straw in 1888. The first straw Stone made was just paper wound around a pencil to make a thin tube, and he then slid out pencil out from one end and applied glue between the strips.

This was already a great improvement on the rye grass straw, as it did not impart any flavor onto the drink being consumed. Stone later further refined his invention by building a machine that would coat the outside of the paper with wax to hold it together, so the glue wouldn’t dissolve in the Bourbon he liked to drink.

How to celebrate National Drinking Straw Day

One way to celebrate National Drinking Straw Day would be to spend the entire day drinking all liquids via straws—your morning orange juice, afternoon mineral water, you evening wine and so on. One thing to watch out for here, however, is the fact that sucking any liquid into your mouth via a straw heats the liquid up by a few degrees, and that’s why hot drinks, such as coffee or tea, should not be drunk using straws, as that could lead to scalding your mouth.

Another great way to celebrate this holiday would be to learn to make the drink that that inspired Marvin Stone to create a new kind of straw in the first place: the mint julep. Then, sit back, sipping your drink through a straw and be grateful it does not taste like rye grass! Cheers to Marvin C. Stone, ladies and gentlemen!

Mint Julep Recipe

Ingredients

Makes 2 cocktails

10 mint sprigs

1 ounce simple syrup OR 4 sugar cubes OR 4 teaspoons of sugar

5 ounces of your favorite bourbon whiskey

Mint sprigs for garnish

Place half of the mint and simple syrup or sugar into one special julep cup, or double old-fashioned glass, and the other half of the mint and sugar/syrup into another. Muddle the mint well with a spoon to dissolve the sugar and to release the oil and aroma of the mint. Pour half of the bourbon into one glass, and the rest into the other. Then, fill both glasses with crushed ice and stir quite energetically, until the glass becomes frosty. Garnish with the mint sprigs and enjoy!

If a Mint Julep is not for you, another drink that needs to be enjoyed with a straw is a frozen Margarita. The Margarita is a classic cocktail, which consists of triple sec, tequila and lemon or lime juice. It is traditionally served with a salt glass rim, however, there are many variations available nowadays and a lot of people opt for sugar instead. You will see a Margarita in various forms, such as straight-up – without ice, frozen – blended with ice, and on the rocks – shaken with ice. There are also fruity varieties and different flavours incorporated into modern versions of this drink.

The Margarita is definitely one of the best summer cocktails, as it is light, refreshing and bursting with flavour. Most people opt for a frozen margarita during the warmer months, as we like our drinks ice cold when it is sweltering outside. We are going to reveal one of our simple frozen margarita recipes to follow, so you can easily enjoy this drink at home.

To make a frozen margarita you will need tequila, Cointreau, white caster sugar, orange zest, sea salt flakes and fresh lime juice. You are going to begin by making a syrup by combining water with caster sugar in a pan over heat. Make sure you choose a low heat and stir the contents constantly until the sugar dissolves. After this, you should grate in the orange zest and squeeze the lime juice. Pour all contents into a container and freeze.

Once you are ready to enjoy your Margarita, you should take the frozen mix from the freezer and blitz it in a blender. Once you have done so, add Cointreau and tequila. Get yourself a glass and rub a lime wedge around the rim, roll it in a little salt and then pour the drink inside. Finally, grab a straw and cut it in half so it fits the glass. The only thing left to do is enjoy it!

Of course, you can always make non-alcoholic versions of these drinks! Or, why not make yourself a nice, cold frappe? To do this, you need to add some water and coffee to a glass. You can add some flavored syrup, such as vanilla or caramel as well. You then need to whisk these ingredients together until there is a nice froth on the top. Add some ice, top up with milk, add a straw, and enjoy!

We also recommend that you do your bit for the planet and ditch your plastic straws on this date (if you have any!). Instead, opt for a metal straw, which can be used again and again. These are much better than the paper straws, which can be rather frustrating!

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