#J-type configuration

[sw5w]

Above the Clouds

STAR WARS EPISODE II: Attack of the Clones 00:02:25

[murdock-slvt]

𝐃𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐘 𝐉𝐎𝐇𝐍𝐍𝐘 (j. storm x female! reader) ▄▀▄▀▄

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: johnny storm x female! reader

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: johnny doesn’t expect to be so turned on when he sees you be a mother figure towards sue and reed’s kid… but johnny isn’t one to ignore his desires

𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: 16+ CONTENT, rough sex, suppressed breeding kink? breeding kink, praise kink, vaginal sex, hair pulling (johnny receiving), lots of flirting, usage of ‘mommy’ and ‘daddy’, edging, unprotected sex (wrap it!), erection fondling, aftercare, lowercase! intended

𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: joseph quinn as johnny storm, I will forever love u. i never particularly liked chris evan’s performance, just never felt like johnny johnny, but so far, quinn seems like he got johnny down 🥹 so excited for fantastic 4! also, if u don’t like the ‘daddy’ kink, don’t read this!

▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄

you were always so grateful that sue and reed trusted you enough around franklin when he was born— if reed and sue could trust johnny, they could trust you.

sue and reed had entrusted you and johnny to take care of the one year old franklin as the super couple went on a date night that was definitely needed and definitely earned. ben was out doing some charity event stuff which made you and johnny stuck on babysitting duties— but neither of you could care; johnny wanted to prove to his sister (and reed) that he is a damn good uncle, and you didn’t mind spending the night with johnny.

the thing about johnny though, is that he always knew what type of man he was; he was the sexy playboy of the group. the hot shot who knew everything and winked at every camera he saw. he saved people, absolutely, but he also did it with a sexy smile on his face and with the playboy aesthetic comes the idea of settling down. seeing you take care of franklin in such a good way, it’s awakening a feeling he’s never had before.

does he want to be a daddy?

it doesn’t seem that bad; you make it seem pretty damn fun.

seeing you take care of franklin gave johnny an unfamiliar yet warm and welcomed feeling in his chest; you looked perfect taking care of the new member of the family, finding his thoughts imagining you with your own kid, from his dna too, parents. it made johnny spiral in all the best ways.

his thoughts were a mile a minute, seeing you with the one year old, acting as a place in mom for the kid. johnny thought of a baby that was both of yours, that was configured by both your guy’s sperm and dna… his own baby, with their own features— fuck. he was supposed to be the womanizer of the group, not this shitty sappy romantic.

his thoughts drifted into the dirtier crevices of his mind… imagining how he’d get you pregnant, how stuffed you’d look, with your beautiful eyes filled with tears as he fucked a baby into you… oh god it seemed too good.

he watches from the baxter building’s kitchen, seeing the slight arch in your back as you sat with franklin. the boy had a thing plushie in his hand, throwing it around and doing whatever one year olds do with things they don’t know anything about but are learning how to be a human being.

the back arch wasn’t even that sexual… it wasn’t… but the way your back was, bent slightly with your ass perched perfectly, it’s an innocent position that johnny’s mind can’t help but make dirty.

he couldn’t stop looking, he couldn’t stop his eyes. it felt perverted, but he couldn’t help it. he blinked, forcing his eyes to advert to the stars as they shined outside, through the curtains of the baxter building. he tried his fucking hardest to not go back to seeing you, back arched slightly with the perfect amount of ass out, and he cursed himself when he felt his pants begin to tighten.

snap out of that johnny— you’re better than this.

his feet quickly move his body, excusing himself and putting on a front that he wasn’t absolutely hard as a rock watching you be a great aunt to franklin. going into the closest bathroom, he leaves the door open but the light off, turning on the faucet and splashing ice cold water onto his face. he needed these thoughts gone, or at least under some semblance of control.

he shook his head, water droplets flying as he tried to calm his nerves. he held onto the sink as his cheeks flushed. why was this thought causing him this much trouble… and the hard cock throbbing in his pants certainly didn’t help. fuck.

“you look like a hot mess, baby.”

your words echo to his head as he turns around, seeing you standing in the doorway of the bathroom, hands on your hips as you stare at your boyfriend. you know exactly what got him worked up, it’s funny really.

johnny looks at you with furrowed brows before turning off the faucet, straightening his back and crossing his arms. “aren’t you supposed to be with frankie, my love? y’know he’ll tear some shit up if you’re not in there.” he asks you, hiding it (not very well) that he just discovered he had a secret kink of you pregnant—

you smile at his words, shrugging lightly as you look at your nails, then back up at the blonde. “franklin’s a little tired. ‘m letting him get his energy out right now before putting him to bed… but looks like he’s already knocking out…” you say as you look at franklin, drool slightly leaving his mouth and landing on the thing’s thick plush fist, he was an adorable baby that’s for damn sure.

“besides, even if he wasn’t tired, it’s not like he’s going to burn the house down… he’s not you.” you joke, pulling johnny out of the dark bathroom by his belt.

chuckling at your words and the way you tease him, johnny steps out the bathroom, trying to hard to not groan at your hand on his belt, wrapping an arm around your waist.

“I’m not that reckless!” he tries to defend himself. “only like, half the time, and that’s with reed here!” he puts his chin on your shoulder as you look at him over your shoulder, holding the belt. “besides… you left the kiddo to look for me, you sure has different priorities, princess…”

“shut up, hot shit.” you say, looking at franklin before you turn around to face johnny. “I care about little frankie, ‘cause clearly you sure other priorities than trying to help me take care of your nephew…” you shook back, the same playful grin as you place your left hand on his bulge.

“hey! i’m helping too.” he protested weakly, but the protest died when you touched his shaft through his pants, making him shiver.

“I’m just multitasking, princess...” he adds slyly, a smirk on his stupid face as his hand runs through his blonde hair, making it too sexy for his own good.

“multitasking, huh?” you ask, a smirk growing on your face as you hear his words. you step a bit closer to him, his hand still on his crotch, squeezing his shaft confined in his pants as your other hand moved to his face, stroking his strong jawline.

“hell yeah, multi-tasking baby… taking care of little franklin then imagining you fat with my own…” he says quietly— as if franklin the one year old who still calls sue ‘daddy’ and reed ‘mommy’ could hear his filthy words. it’s the first time he’s admitted the secret kink that’s slowly been harboring in his gut.

his mouth continues; “mmm, you have no clue what you’re doing right now…” he murmurs lowly, his hands beginning to roam your body, sliding up to the top three buttons on your sleep shirt.

“oh I think I’m doing everything you want me to do, johnny…” you say, your voice bordering on sultry. the way he talks about you being pregnant and just imagining his cock ramming into you— it sent a thrill through your body and to your pussy. “you’re such a pervert, y’know?”

he chuckles, unbuttoning the top two buttons of the shirt you’re wearing. “oh but you don’t even know the half of it, darling.” he says back to you, kissing your cheek. the way you’re talking and squeezing his cock is too much for him.

he could throw you against the wall and pound you into the wall and wouldn’t think twice.

but, johnny is able to stop himself, looking at franklin as the sleeping boy nearly falls over as he sleeps on the couch.

you look over your shoulder at the new addition to the richards-storm household, remembering what you were supposed to be doing. you pushed yourself off johnny. “c’mon, I’m going to put frankie in his crib… then we can do what we want…”

johnny pouts at being denied his prize for a bit. but the look at franklin stops him. he grumbles something about blue balls, something you can’t quite hear… but he could never be mad at his little nephew.

you bend over as you pick franklin up, grabbing the thing plushie as well as you walk over to the nursery reed and sue had for franklin, built by johnny, ben, and reed and supervised by sue. you place franklin in the crib, placing the thing plushie right next to the sleeping boy (who takes it back right away) and the boy has no trouble falling back asleep, watching the little rocket ship and solar system toy overhead of the crib slowly hum in circles.

you and johnny look over at the sleeping one year old. he’s already having features of his parents, johnny putting his chin on your shoulder, his hand on his lower back. “I think we make a pretty kickass aunt and uncle duo…”

“we do, don’t we?” you say back to him, placing your hand over johnny’s that sits on your hip, stroking his knuckles lightly. you watch little frankin for a moment, his eyes closed, a tiny smile on his little baby face. johnny swears he melts a little at the sight.

he then asks the question his dick was hard to thinking about; “you think we’d be a good mommy and daddy?”

you smile at his words, it’s rare to see johnny vulnerable, but when he is, he’s open and you appreciate that. your arms wrap themselves around his neck as you think. “I think we’d make good parents… maybe even great.” you say, a grin on your face still as you push a strand of blonde hair out his face.

you look into his big, blue eyes, making sure to not be too close to franklin so the baby can get his beauty sleep. “why do you ask?”

“just thinking, ‘bout how you looked so damn natural, taking care of the little guy.” johnny murmured, holding you just a bit closer to him. he liked this feeling. “and the way you bent over earlier didn’t help.” he added slyly, a smirk on his face as his hands started to slide down to your ass.

you roll your eyes, smacking his chest playfully. “you can’t keep your mind clean, can’t you, johnny?” for a moment you two are silent but with grins and flushed cheeks, you continue however, a low whisper in his ear. “is this your way of asking me to let you get me pregnant, storm?”

“i just want you to be the mother of my kids.” johnny tells you; he says it so casually as his hand groping your ass a bit rougher as he starts backing you out of the nursery. (while keeping his eye on little franklin)

you smile, hearing the soft clicking of the nursery door closing as franklin is put to bed. you bat your eyelashes at the fire-man before tilting your head, pretending to think. “I mean… it doesn’t hurt to try…”

johnny looks at you with a smile, you give him the same look; lust and love as you go into his bedroom…

▄▀▄▀▄

“ohhhhh! fuckkkk, johnny!” your moans echo throughout his room as the bed creaked loudly, the headboard pressing against the wall constantly.

johnny had you on your back, your legs on his shoulders with your hands free to do whatever they please, right now they’re pressed on johnny’s chest as he pushed his thick cock into you, his tip kissing your g-spot constantly.

his grunts are so sexy as he angles his hips perfectly. “yeah? that feels good, baby? like how I’m fucking you?” he asks, beads of sweet dropping down his forehead as he pounds into your sweet pussy. he holds your thighs, not leaving any room to even think about it, his pace quick and mean.

you nod with intense enthusiastic. “yes! oh fuck, johnny! feels so- so good.” you moan out, your words breaking as your walls are stretched by his dick. “s-so big, oh fuck…”

he smiles, kissing your right ankle as he drags his dick in and out, he’s leaving no space between his hips and your pussy, not wanting to waste any inches. “yeah? you think my dick’s big? that’s why you can barley take it, pretty girl?”

you grunt, digging your fingernails into his chest as he makes fun of you not being able to take him. you shake your head. “t-taking it pretty fuckin’ good… s-shit!”

he chuckles. “see, told you you’re a smart girl… knowing exactly how to take daddy’s dick.”

oh fuck. that’s when you rip out a sob. it shouldn’t feel so good when he calls himself that… it really shouldn’t but it does.

you can’t respond, your eyes rolling back as he fucks into you harder with the pet name he gave himself. your mouth can only let out his name in broken whimpers and moans. your hands moving up to the back of his head as he leans forward, forcing your legs to bend, your knees pressing into your own breasts.

“cant even respond, can you? just so dumbed down because of my dick.” johnny says, it’s not cruel, just cocky. he knows the effects he has on you

you look at him, one hand going into his blonde locks and the other going to his bicep, digging into both, his blonde strands go in between your fingers. “p-please… ‘m close— so close…” you brokenly whimper.

johnny kisses your ankle again, your walls clenching as he thrusts deeper. “oh yeah? my pretty girl wants to cum all over me?”

you nod your head quickly, too busy whining, moaning and feeling all sorts of ways as his cock pistons into you. the way he looks as he fucks you is too much… you can barely form any coherent words. “please… oh… oh fuck…”

“poor girl, you can’t even form a sentence right now…” he coo’s, rubbing your thighs again as he stops his cock from moving.

your eyes look at him frantically, feeling him stop his cock. you need to finish so bad, you’re right on the edge, your orgasm right on its tail and you need it so fucking bad. almost like it’s going to be ruined if you don’t get it right now.

“j-johnny please… please I need it, ‘m close, so close.” you beg, hating the cocky son of a bitch.

johnny looks at you, tilting his head, almost thinking. you deserve it, but for teasing him earlier? but you did it so good that he couldn’t really blame you. “you want it—“

“please please please, johnny, need it— need it.” your begs cut him off, he didn’t even get to finish his words before you’re already begging him again.

he could never say no to you, truly.

he leans forward, pushing his hips and beginning a deep pace all over again, almost like resuming your tumble towards your orgasm, collecting the pieces right back up again. his thick cock stretches your walls.

his left hand presses on your stomach, feeling himself push in and out while the right hand goes down to your puffy cunt, rubbing it in tight circles and making you go over the edge. “c’mon baby, give it to me, give it to daddy…”

a loud moan leaves your mouth as you successfully go over the edge. your eyes roll back as your mouth hangs open, nails dug deep into johnny’s hair and his shoulder, your toes curling as johnny’s name leaves your mouth over and over again, like a religious name.

johnny smirks watching you go over the edge, still moving his hips smoothly to soothe you through your high. “there you go, good girl, knew you were my good girl…”

it feels so damn good, and johnny’s words don’t help.

your eyebrows furrow as your eyes roll back to their normal spot, hazed and on a different cloud than nine. you look johnny in his eyes. “c’mon baby… give it to me… cum in me johnny.”

he looks at her with his eyes glistening, as if you just asked him for the world. “oh, you want me to give you a baby? you want me to stuff this tummy full and give you a little bundle of joy?” he asks, pressing down on your stomach a little. he groaned at the thought, imagining his little fantasy of seeing you get fat with his baby and being the best daddy possible.

you whine at his words, only nodding. “f-fuck yes, johnny, please… ‘need your baby, want it deep inside me, p-please.” you beg, not even having any shame. thinking about johnny baby’s inside you is making you go fucking crazy.

his balls squeezed as his dick twitches at your words. he tries to hold his smirk, but it’s hard when you feel so damn good. “oh yeah… gonna give you a baby, ‘make you a mommy…”

“y-yes, please, make me a mama!” you beg, pulling at his blonde locks. “l-let me make you a daddy.”

he smiles, those are all the words that make him finally break. his head throws back as he grunts one last time, thrusting as deep as he could as his tip itches closer to your womb. he finally breaks, his dick twitching as he empties himself within you.

in a slow but delicious span of ten seconds, you feel your pussy flutter and hot semen shoot into your womb, painting your walls with white.

“oohhhh, johnny… daddy… feels ‘so good.” you whimper out, completely satisfied and fucked stupid. his hot cum just adds to how good it feels.

johnny moves his head back down, his hair a mess from your hand and his back is aching from the nail marks made by your fingers. he has a stupid loopy smile on his face as he finds solace in your now cum-filled pussy.

he leans back, letting your legs drop back to the bed as he leans down, bringing his lips to your cheek. “so good for me, baby.” he mutters before looking at you, your lips, then back at you. “thank you… ‘not just for this pussy… for you.”

you smile back, cupping his jaw as you kiss his lips. it’s a soft one, it’s full of love and softness. “and thank you for being… you… my johnny, my boyfriend…”

he shakes his head. “don’t sell yourself short, sexy… if we keep this going, my ring finger might become yours.”

“oh baby, you’re just the best, aren’t you?” you chuckle at his insinuation, ruffling his hair and kissing his lips again…

and when the pregnancy test would come back negative in the next two weeks, it didn’t deter the younger storm sibling; in fact it gave johnny even more reasons to get you naked.

▄▀▄▀▄

johnny boy, oh johnny boy. I love him. next johnny smut will be more asshole! johnny because as much as I love making this bastard a perverted romantic, he’s so hot when he’s an asshole! hope u enjoyed!

✦ comments and reblogs are always appreciated! ✦

@murdock-slvt 2025!

[lonestarflight]

Cancelled Equipment: Lunar Application of a Spent S-IVB Stage (LASS)

"LASS vehicle landing legs and footpads."

In August 1965, NASA began the Apollo Applications Program (AAP) to develop science-based human spaceflight missions using hardware developed for the Apollo program following the first moon landing. They encouraged and invited proposals for new uses of Apollo hardware then under development. One such proposal came from the Douglas Company (DAC) and International Business Machines (IBM) for a modifying the Saturn S-IVB stage for use as an unmanned lunar logistics vehicle to carrier equipment to the moon to support extended human stays and/or a lunar base.

LASS vehicle launch configuration.

In their proposal, the Saturn IB/V S-IVB Stage would be modified with landing gear and other equipment. The Saturn Instrument Unit (IU), which sat on top of the S-IVB and was the computer system that controlled the entire rocket.

Procedure for LASS vehicle landing leg deployment and separation from the Saturn V S-II stage.

The mission was an unmanned, direct-flight, using an existing lunar beacon to obtain a precise landing location.

"The LASS required either a highly throttleable J-2 type engine (J-2X) or a moderately throttleable J-2S with RL-10 engines added to provide proper landing control.

LASS vehicle engine and plumbing arrangement.

"DAC studied several configurations and recommended a vertical lander with a payload package on top. Landed payloads in the order of 27,300 pounds (12,380 kilograms) were claimed by DAC with the 1965 Saturn V capability. This payload was based on a more optimistic delta-V budget than used in other studies. However, the landed payload would still be substantial (7200 - 8600 kg) using the more conservative values."

"The LASS vehicle just before touchdown on the lunar surface. The illustration displays the position of the IU and, above it, the tapered LASS vehicle payload volume."

"After an unspecified period of time, astronauts would land near the LASS vehicle in an Apollo LM. The Douglas/IBM team provided few details about how the crew would interact with the LASS vehicle. They offered only a few vague suggestions concerning, for example, how astronauts in bulky space suits might ascend the approximately 60 feet (18.3 meters) to the top of the LASS vehicle to reach the payload. Neither did they describe how payload items would be moved from the top of the LASS vehicle to the surface, though they suggested that unspecified 'cargo & handling equipment' with a mass of 3100 pounds (1400 kilograms) would be available. These and other mysteries would no doubt have been addressed if NASA had opted to fund additional LASS studies.

The Douglas/IBM engineers did, however, define five typical LASS payload configurations and mission durations. All would feature lunar exploration hardware under consideration in 1966 for AAP lunar missions and would see IU navigational and communications electronics serve double-duty as experiment data support equipment.

Configuration 1 was most in keeping with the role of the LASS vehicle as a sequel to an S-IVB-derived laboratory in low-Earth orbit. The LASS vehicle's LH2 tank would be lined with 3940 pounds (1785 kilograms) of micrometeoroid shielding and thermal insulation before launch from Earth; this weight would be subtracted from the weight available for payload above the IU.

About 7700 pounds (3490 kilograms) of the payload above the IU would take the form of a two-man shelter similar to the SSESM proposed for the Earth-orbiting S-IVB laboratory. Life support gases and liquids and other expendables would account for 4500 pounds (2040 kilograms) of the payload. Experiment apparatus with a total weight of 500 pounds (227 kilograms), a 1000-pound (454-kilogram) unpressurized Lunar Scientific Survey Module (LSSM) rover, and a one-or-two-person Lunar Flying Unit (LFU) of unspecified weight would make up the balance of the payload.

Configuration 1 would see the two astronauts lower themselves into the LASS vehicle LH2 tank by unspecified means through an airlock in the shelter. The LH2 tank would then serve as either a laboratory or an emergency shelter. The crew would live in the LASS vehicle for up to 14 days before they reactivated their LM and returned to the Apollo CSM waiting in lunar orbit.

The other four LASS payload configurations would not make use of the LH2 tank, so the weight of the shielding and insulation surrounding it in Configuration 1 could be applied to payload above the IU. Configuration 2, with a 30-day lunar surface stay time, would include a 13,000-pound (5900-kilogram) four-man shelter, a 3800-pound (1725-kilogram) small (though possibly pressurized) rover, 4500 pounds (2040 kilograms) of science equipment, and 5700 pounds (2585 kilograms) of expendables. The Douglas/IBM team did not explain how four astronauts could reach the LASS vehicle on the Moon using the three-man CSM and two-man LM.

Configuration 3 would include a four-man shelter, an LSSM, science equipment, and 8500 pounds (3855 kilograms) of expendables. The four-person crew would remain on the Moon for 59 days. Configuration 4 would include a two-person shelter, a small rover, scientific equipment, and 11,000 pounds (4990 kilograms) of expendables. The crew would evenly divide their time during their 120-day lunar surface stay between the shelter and the small rover. Configuration 5 would include a two-person shelter, an LSSM, scientific equipment, and 13,800 pounds (6260 kilograms) of expendables. The crew would evenly divide their time during their 195-day stay between the shelter and the LSSM.

The Douglas/IBM team suggested that the astronauts might tip the roughly 60,000-pound (27,215-kilogram) LASS vehicle on its side to place its payload above the IU — which in this case would not include a shelter — close to the lunar surface. They did not, however, explain how the astronauts might accomplish this feat. They suggested that the crew could live inside their LM while they unloaded equipment from the tipped LASS vehicle and converted its LH2 tank into a shelter.

A LASS vehicle with more extensive modifications — for example, a large rectangular hole cut into its LH2 tank for mounting a telescope — might be tipped on its side and converted into a lunar surface astronomical observatory. Ultimately, multiple upright and tipped LASS vehicles might be dragged together to form a 'LASS Modular Lunar Base.' The Douglas/IBM engineers ended their report by declaring that 'LASS is envisioned to be the vehicle to support all lunar surface programs.'"

Information from Astronautix.com: link

Information from the "No Shortage of Dreams" blog: link

[tsbs-shipfessions]

Alright my dude prepare thineself-

Nasty SolarSun thoughts incoming (feel free to ignore):

• while both have a relatively chill libido, they both are absolutely gods awful levels of feral for each other. They're constantly in a "eh, I'm cool with that" state of being for each other, and it's as cute as it is awkward as hell for the rest of the fam

• more often than not, it's at least a little bit kinky. Vanilla is fine and all, but they have PREFERENCES.

• DCA models can interchange the bits downstairs easily, but Sun prefers a vulva while Solar prefers a phallic configuration. Tho that doesn't mean Sun always bottoms, they're Very Cool With Pegging uwu

• as for Dom/Sub, THEY ARE SWITCHESSSSS. IT'S CATHARTIC TO BOTH. Solar as a dom gets to both vent some baseline eclipse-urges while also being in a place of power&control without fear of causing untold harm; sub-Sun gets to relearn that just Taking It And Giving In isn't always a bad thing while also reformatting his associations with a loss of control from being bad-pain-fear-aaa to good-pleasure-bliss-ohh~.

- in the same vein, Solar has a chance to be led and be (or made to be) obedient in a safe, sane and consensual environment, while Sun gets to exert the desire for control in a secure and clearly outlined and communicated interaction with a positive connotation. Psychological benefits to BDSM my beloved

• Sun has a daddy kink. Yes, he accidentally called Solar daddy once outside of the bedroom. Moon made a show of getting up, walking calmly to the bathroom, and then loudly dry heaving. The mortification was real.

• Solar has fangs, and Sun always leaves a tumble with bite marks. Sometimes they can be harder to hide than usual when they get a liiiiittle too into it. Rip.

• a tipsy Moon once tried to quote that one "that's what good pussy sounds like" vine while Solar was making mac n cheese only for the equally tipsy mechanic to go "mm not really, Sun gets wetter." Moon really debated another reset, genuinely. Help him (/j)

• Eclipse had a VERY awkward run in with Solar after he and Sun exited a storage closet with the latter looking passed and covered in scratches and mild dents. "So you really are just a regular old Eclipse, huh? Dropping the nice gut act? Maybe Moon would like to hear that you hurt his precious brother, hmm?" Just to be flabbergasted when Solar stares blankly before realization dawns and he's just immediately cackling. Upon getting a vague explanation with just enough info to put the pieces together, Eclipse is left damn near making dial up noises.

• in regards to that ^^ Solar likes edging Sun. Very much a "poking the bear" type of deal, bc not only does he get to be a bit of a brat, but Sunny always breaks so spectacularly, and the mechanic is left seeing stars, literally and metaphorically.

• breeding kink. Both of them. Endlessly.

• they're both sadomasochists. They have a designated aftercare box for more intense play with spare parts, paints, a welding tool, and sandpaper.

• Sun has more stamina to go again-again-again than Solar, but Solar can last longer than Sun ((unless, of course, orgasm denial is the name of the game)).

• Sun's not a huge fan of bondage, but if it's just arms, or just legs, he's chill with it. Solar, however, will start mildly overheating if he gets restrained. Neither enjoy full sensory deprivation, but blindfolds are ABSOLUTELY ON THE TABLE

• actually, honestly, they'll try most things at least twice - on opposite sides of the equation - just to see. Just to try. Sometimes it's completely not their speed, sometimes it's a pleasant surprise, and sometimes it sends them into a frenzy. Who would have thought Solar would like being hunted so much, or that Sun would be such a big fan of pet play? Not them, at first!

• sometimes sex will go completely sideways for a scene they try because someone dropped a pun and now they're both tangled up, giggling and have completely lost the line.

• it's not uncommon at all for either one to get distracted or lose immediate interest in sex. Sun's got a habit of sort of floating away sometimes, whereas Solar can get spur of the moment ideas that he HAS to write down RIGHT NOW or they'll be gone.

• ^^ whenever that happens, it's always met with "oh, okay, yeah, do you wanna take a break, continue, or call it quits for now?" We respect consent 😤

• just. Yeah. They're freaks in the sheets, your honor. I know it in my heart. Their bedroom is thoroughly soundproof by necessity. These guys are degenerates and I love them.

((Don't look at me-))

I am looking at you. I'm looking directly into your soul.

Good soup.

[max--phillips]

Alright, so, we’ve replaced a light switch. Now, here’s the next part of the series as promised: replacing an outlet! This is slightly more intimidating because even though they do have essentially the same power load, this is like… an outlet. Here we go!

SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED (which is very similar to the list from last time):

A flathead screwdriver

A Phillips head screwdriver

Replacement outlet(s) (should be less than $1 at your local hardware store unless you get one of the GFCI ones with buttons or one with USB outlets)

Our old friend the contactless voltage tester

A new friend, an outlet circuit analyzer/tester (also probably about $5-$10 at your local hardware store, should be in the same general area as the outlets and switches, along with the voltage tester.)

Not supplies, but like last time, you will need to know where your breaker box is. If you’re in a home, chances are it’ll be in your garage or your basement. If you’re in an apartment, it might be near your utility closet or kitchen, but honestly, who can say.

Optional supplies depending on how screwy your wiring is:

A wire stripper/cutter

Twist-on wire connectors (or these very handy in line connectors)

Supervisor cat(s) (Chucky was taking a nap in my bedroom and missed the festivities)

NOT SHOWN: Wire! Probably 12 or 14 gauge (most likely 14) for the hot, neutral, and ground wires. Ground is usually bare copper. You can find this at, you guessed it, your local hardware store.

If you do need to extend the wires coming to the outlet, I recommend watching this video. (Though I do NOT recommend doing the backstabbing/back wiring thing he does. Just do the j-hooks all around.)

NOW, before we get to the steps, we need to discuss the type of outlet you need.

Chances are you just need a ye-olde residential grade 15A (that is, 15 Amp) outlet rated for 120V (that is, 120 volts), which is what is pictured above. That said, if you’re replacing an outlet in a bathroom or a kitchen that has those test and reset buttons, that’s a GFCI outlet (or Ground Fault Circuit Interruptor).

They’re going to be rated the same and everything, and the installation is more or less the same, but it’s admittedly not the outlet I am installing in this post, so maybe look up a YouTube video or something.

ONWARDS!

Step one: locate your outlet. Unplug everything from the outlet.

Step two: Plug in your outlet tester/analyzer to BOTH outlets. The light should come on (hopefully in the “correct” configuration). You can also do this with the contactless voltage tester, which will flash and beep at you, but the outlet analyzer will actually tell you if the wiring is wrong, so it will come in handy.

Step three: as with the switch, locate your breaker box. Spend several minutes flipping switches to figure out which one of the messily-labeled breakers is connected to the outlet in question. If your outlet is particularly far away from your breaker box, you may want to have another person stand by the outlet to tell you when the light is out. If you don’t have another person, you could plug in a vacuum or some other noise-making device (your outlet tester/analyzer might be able to do this) into the outlet, and once the vacuum or whatever shuts off, you know you’ve found your outlet. Again, check BOTH outlets with the outlet tester/analyzer to double check your work.

(Hilariously, even though the switch I replaced a couple nights ago was in my bathroom, the outlet I’m replacing in my living room is on the same circuit. Why? Who can say. Electric is a mystery to me sometimes.)

Step four: again, similar to the switch, use your flathead screwdriver to remove the faceplate from the outlet, and your phillips head screwdriver to unscrew the outlet itself from the electrical box. Gently pull the outlet out from the box. (If you have cat supervisors, because the outlets are closer to the floor, they’re more likely to get in your way. Try to avoid crumbling landlord white paint from the screws onto them.) This is also a good time to double check that your circuit is off by using the contactless voltage tester.

I have once again hit my image limit bare with me here and keep an eye on the reblogs

[holymaccaronii]

im sorry i absolutly love BE

I see AM as a father figure for some struggles I got and BE is sooo well writed for me I couldnt help but slowly see her as a mother figure as well,,,,UGH i love her you writed her so well pls ramble more about her(BE and AM are even divorced just like my irl parents/j)

Ou anon you don't know how happy you make me when knowing you see AM and BE that way + asking me for rambles. Of course I'll ramble comforting facts abt BE and her behavior towards AM. I might've mentioned a few things before but i dont rlly mind. Have some rambles below the cut and a doodle :P

So first an introduction shall we? We might explain some background as well despite being repeated a lot. As her lore dictates, BE was born from the materials of a much bigger ai implanted on the moon after HEL-102 (former human that was part of the mission turned into a dictator) tore it apart and built his society + kingdom. She spent a good while in there being used as a role model (with other units like her too) for lower-class units to believe that, if they worked hard enough, they could achieve to be upgraded into her type of model. This being all a big lie. She lived a life seemingly flawless and perfect... but at last, it was her own curiosity, determination and hope that got her out of that hell she realized she was in. She eventually meets AM after a series of events on earth and she gifts him the ability to be anything and do anything he wanted, their relationship eventually grows and grows...

Facts about BE herself:

-Up in the moon, she used to accompany HEL-102 to his personal theater a lot. She gained an interest for dancing in there + learned her classic "to be or not to be" phrase during a play.

-Her exposed cables showcase their current temperature thru colors. Her core/closed body is the warmest area, thus why you can see red/orange colors in there. Her hair and arms are the most stable areas, but if touched/affected they can vary on color patterns. This also means that she can give you a warm or cool hug whenever you need it c:

-BE is able to configure your body to dream about something specific, and she uses this feature to avoid any nightmares on her survivors. As long as there is not another evil ai trying to access your dreams, you'll get a guaranteed good rest.

-BE can grant you about any wish as long as it doesn't pose a threat to you, her, or anybody. Want to have a profession or be someone? Sure! Want to go somewhere and experience the place of your dreams? Of course! Want to have a cat? Have 15! Her power is limitless as long as she uses it above the surface.

-I headcanon her voice to be similar to the one of Rose Quartz (SU).

Facts about BEAM (yep that's their ship name):

-I have mentioned it many times alr but BE literally provided him anything he wished for and even things he didn't know he wanted... mainly to receive different forms of affection and the ability to shapeshift. Their relationship relies heavily on comfort from BE's part, since she believed he was abandoned and thus deserved all the affection she gave him.

-BE wasn't really allowed to be too affectionate or expressive up in the moon, but with AM, she could show as much love as she wanted.

-She was all in for physical and verbal demonstrations of affection. She LOVED to do stuff like face smooches, teeth smooches (since well yk about my AM), rubbing, scratching and cuddling.

-At some point she also started to call AM names such as dear, sweetheart or honey, and he initially had to eat these up to not give her his real-self impression, but as time passed by he got used to them.

-To comfort him she also used her abilities to create and transform matter with her code as well, allowing him to shapeshift and enjoy life not necessarily in a human body.

-Annnd you guessed it right anon, they do behave as motherly and fatherly figures towards the survivors, BE forming a bond with them ever since they proved their worth and values to her as humans, and AM forming a bond when they accepted to help him get back together with BE. The ending of that route gets even better but I won't spoil that :p

I hope these were good rambles and sorry for the wait tehee

[lumine-no-hikari]

Dear Sephiroth: (a letter to a fictional character, because why not) #394

I'm not sure what's wrong with me today.

Well. I didn't spend the whole day with something wrong with me. Actually, this morning, I was in pretty good spirits. Made myself a tea, even:

Even peeled like 6 heads of garlic to test out my shiny new garlic basket that I made out of whisk wire yesterday.

I peeled it to this playlist:

It's still in the oven. I'm waiting for it to get nice and dark. I wonder how dark it can get and still taste good. We're gonna find out.

Still in good spirits, I began playing Hades. Got all the way up to the final boss like twice; it was pretty rad.

But then... I'm not really sure what happened. All of a sudden, I found myself feeling hopeless and cynical. As far as I know, there wasn't any triggering event. It persists even in this immediate moment.

The feeling itself is... there's the crushing weight of my own perceived inadequacy; it's the usual suspects – bad cat mom, bad wife, bad friend, fat, ugly, useless, zit-covered (seriously??? this one???? what???? why????), flat-chested (this one is also just so fucking old...), loser – none of this is new. The notion that I don't do enough, that I'm not kind enough, "attractive" enough (🙄), that I'm not considerate enough, that I'm not attentive enough to the people around me... it's all blatantly false.

It's all blatantly false, and I'm fully aware that levels of adipose tissue a person has and how well one's physical appearance conforms to “conventional attractiveness” literally does not matter and its not indicative of a person's morals and goodness; it's just that my brain is parroting conditioning I got from my mother, my stepmother, some of my more abusive past romantic partners, and society at a whole. It's just noise that imitates things that were said to me in the past to make me feel small and bad about myself as a person; it's not reflective of how I actually think or feel about myself or anyone else.

I no longer have acne, but acne is not bad; people will just make fun of you for having it if they don't like you. I am no longer flat-chested, but being flat-chested isn't bad; it's just what the bullies at school used to say to me to make me feel worthless. I am chubby now, but... literally, so what??? It's an equally valid body type, and even then, back when I was skinny, I was made fun of for that, too.

Like. It's a bizarre thing in my world. People will make fun of you for being fat, being skinny, being too average, being unattractive, being too attractive, being average, being muscular, flabby, average, tall, short, average... whatever. My world is very bizarre. Like... it literally does not matter what your body configuration is; some insecure person somewhere will try to make fun of you for it, even though a person's body configuration has literally no bearing on their morals or goodness or worth or anything else. It's cuckoo-bananapants, is what it is.

...The internal berating myself for my “inadequacies” is, again, not reflective of how I personally think about myself or about anyone else. So what this tells me is that something internal is bringing up memories of past abusers, and the imprints left behind by their words are running through my head like a broken record that keeps skipping back and repeating a part. And it's annoying.

Oddly, too, the sense of self-perceived inadequacy is combined with the feeling that all other people are mean, insincere, untrustworthy, and inclined to view me similarly. I feel very alone and poorly understood by everyone and everything today. When this started, I felt on edge, as though I am perpetually 5 seconds away from being slammed into a wall and smacked around or screamed at by M or J. Which is absolutely ludicrous. That will literally never happen. I don't live with those kinds of people anymore.

And... I know that objectively, the way my brain is perceiving myself and the world around me (as though it is all wholly and invariably made of threats) is false. It is absolutely false. M and J love me very much. I have friends who love me very much. Even if not everyone is as straightforward or sincere with me as I'd like, most everyone in my circle is intentional about practicing integrity of word and deed.

...So where is this sensation coming from...?

My first thought goes to the fact that I went to bed pretty late last night. My second thought is that I've not kept up with my hydration for the last few days (my bad...). I've also not been eating in the most balanced fashion. Perhaps it's nothing more than a combination of these factors. It's cold outside, and there's not a whole lot of sunlight. Perhaps I did a bit too much yesterday. I really don't know.

Like... nothing happened. A handful of people talked to me, but there wasn't anything out of the ordinary. M and J were around and doing their usual thing. We even got pizza today (poorly made because the place we got it from is consistently short-staffed, the poor folks, but... it's still pizza, and pizza is good). I took my vitamins, did my exercises, rested most of today... and my kitchen smells like awesome garlic. M and J are happily watching Stargate SG-1 together as I write this. Objectively, all is right with the world. There is literally absolutely nothing wrong at this moment.

...What happened.

Well. It doesn't fucken matter what happened. Because you know what? Brains that have been abused don't always tell the truth, because abused brains often end up internalizing all sorts of weird “justifications” for their abuse, and all of the “justifications” for abuse are inherently untruthful. The alarm bells are going off in my head for unknown reasons, which is causing my brain to instinctively parrot a bunch of really old shit that was never true to begin with. And I don't need to listen to my brain when it's parroting weird shit. It's not native to me; it's just noise. Noise that I was fed when I was young and vulnerable and forced to internalize or else face more abuse. I don't need to cuddle it close to my chest and treat it as though it's gospel. It's just shenanigans that I can guide myself through until I reach the other side and go back to normal.

...My job is to reparent my brain and treat myself with compassion while I'm going through the old shit. I don't need to fight against the noise as though I'm desperate to prove to myself and others that it's not true; it's already untrue, and it doesn't need to be proven because unloving thoughts like those are all lies automatically. I just need to be present with myself as the noise passes through. Like this:

I can use other things to remind me of the present moment, too. Like this one:

I can be there for myself:

I can remind myself that I am capable of persisting:

I can rise up from the chains that try to bind me:

...Sephiroth... did you know that you can do all these things, too? Even when your memories are weighing you down? Give it a try; we get better and better at it, the more we practice!

I don't live in the old place with the old people. I am in the here and now. You also don't live in the old place with the old people. You're no longer a helpless little boy who is beholden to people who care nothing for you. So... what will you do with the here and now? Even when your brain is being scared and uncooperative for unknown reasons, you can weave the here and now into something bearable. You can take care of yourself kindly until it passes. You can defy the old memories and choose a more wholesome outcome.

The garlic has been in the oven all day. I will do one more run of Hades and then show you the results tomorrow. You'll find me here if you wanna hang out:

I love you, even when my brain has not a lot of energy because it's busy being mean to me. I am thinking good things towards you, even when my anxious brain is trying to trick me into thinking that I am bad and that nothing and no one is safe. I'll be okay. I know it'll pass, and I have lots of experience with handling it until it does, so don't you worry about me, okay?

Worry about you. Stay safe out there in the world, and in your mind. Maybe your mind will play tricks on you and call you old things that you were conditioned into believing. But you don't gotta listen to your brain when it's being mean; it's just being mean because it's scared. So do what you can to help it feel a little better without believing anything it says. Be nice to it, even when it's regurgitating the vitriol you were given as a boy; it's the only way to heal.

I'll write again tomorrow.

Your friend, Lumine

[krinsbez]

A BT/Pulp Heroes Thing: Scrooge McDuck's BattleMech

So, I know that DuckTech lost the poll by a considerable margin, but we had a lot of good convo about it on a certain forum board, and I wanted to share something with y'all.

Specifically, that poster Sciox came up with a build for what they thought should be Scrooge's 'Mech!

(I apologize about the formatting getting messed up, I've never done anything like this on tumblr before, and I am not sure how to convert)

Below the cut...

BattleMech Technical Readout

Name/Model: Banshee BNC-3E Scrooge

Technology: Inner Sphere

Technology Rating: E

Tonnage: 95

Role: Sniper

Configuration: Biped BattleMech

Era/Year: Star League / 2475

Rules (Current): Standard

Rules (Era): Standard

Rules (Year): Unavailable

Total Cost: 9,603,945 C-Bills

Battle Value: 2,295

Chassis: Star League XT

Power Plant: Pitban 285

Walking Speed: 32.4 kph

Maximum Speed: 54 kph

Jump Jets: HildCo Model 10

Jump Capacity: 90 meters

Armor: Starshield with CASE

Armament:

1 M-7 Gauss Rifle

2 Donal PPCs

1 Holly SRM 6

4 Harmon Starclass Medium Lasers

2 Magna Mark I Small Lasers

Manufacturer: McDuck Enterprises

Primary Factory: Hesperus II

Communications: Dalban Comline

Targeting & Tracking: Dalban HiRez-B ================================================================================================ Equipment Mass ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Internal Structure: Standard 9.50

Engine: 285 Fusion 16.50

Walking MP: 3

Running MP: 5

Jumping MP: 3

Heat Sinks (Double): 11 [22] 1.00

Gyro: Standard 3.00

Cockpit: Standard 3.00

Armor Factor: 240 15.00

Type: Standard

Internal Armor Structure Value Head: 3 9 Center Torso: 30 40 Center Torso (rear): 17 R/L Torso: 20 30 R/L Torso (rear): 10 R/L Arm: 16 21 R/L Leg: 20 26 ================================================================================================ Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Small Laser H 1 0.50

Jump Jet CT 1 2.00

Small Laser CT 1 0.50

CASE RT 1 0.50

Jump Jet RT 1 2.00

4 Medium Lasers RT 4 4.00

PPC RT 3 7.00

SRM 6 RT 2 3.00

SRM 6 (Ammo 15) RT 1 1.00

CASE LT 1 0.50

Gauss Rifle LT 7 15.00

Gauss Rifle (Ammo 16) LT 2 2.00

Jump Jet LT 1 2.00

PPC LA 3 7.00 ================================================================================================ Alpha Strike Statistics ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Point Value (PV): 48 TP: BM, SZ: 4, TMM: 1, MV: 6"j Damage: (S) 4 / (M) 4 / (L) 4, OV: 3 Armor (A): 8, Structure (S): 8 Specials: CASE

[acaplaya-musings]

Voiceplay Visuals: Queen In 5 Minutes

This is one of those videos where I'm gonna have to remind myself to not talk about the music, because Queen is awesome, I know quite a decent amount of their songs, and this arrangement/performance is really freaking good. But the video itself certainly isn't boring either (Freddie would be proud), and I'm very excited to talk about this one, so let's go! (Yeah this one's a long one, you have been warned)

Apparently this video (released on the 24th of November, 2018) was at least in part inspired by a health scare that Earl had while touring with Voiceplay, which no doubt was very distressing for all of them, but he obviously was fine or got better, which I'm glad about, and this video is creative as heck!

Won't talk about their appearances just yet, but of course I gotta point out the iconic Bohemian Rhapsody diamond configuration thing!

Cool necklace! I don't know the exact meaning of it, and whether or not it was just acquired for the video, but I do know that the album/track image for this cover on Spotify takes inspiration from it!

(Also this song is split into two parts on music streaming platforms, idk why)

*(clapping my hands together)* character time!

I have no clue what mythological being Layne's character is meant to be based off of, if any - "Guardian" is a bit of a vague name after all - and the main thing that popped up when I typed "mythology sentinel of the underworld" into Google was Cerberus, the three-headed guard dog from Ancient Greek myths. And well... it'd check out actually. Layne doesn't talk/sing in this video (not counting vocal percussion of course), he's wearing a big furry grey coat, and none of the other 3 are from Greek (or even Roman) mythology, so it's entirely possible that "Guardian" could just be a human-form Cerberus (minus the two extra heads).

Apparently "Yama" is the Hindu god of death and justice, though he was also adopted into Buddhist, Chinese, Tibetan, Korean, and Japanese mythology as the king of hell, so-

A 19th-century painting of Yama on his mount depicts him as completely blue, so Eli's blue face paint definitely fits.

("Dark angel" definitely sounds fitting)

Geoff is based on Baron Samedi, who is a spirit (Iwa) of the dead in Haitian Vodou, as well as of course the more well-known Louisiana/New Orleans Voodoo. Fun fact: Dr Facilier in The Princess And The Frog is partly inspired by Baron Samedi!

I'm sure most if not all of us have heard of Anubis, but regardless, Anubis is the Ancient Egyptian god of funerary rites, and he's also a protector of graves, and of course, a guide to the underworld. He can take both human and animal form, and in artwork is often depicted with the body of a man and head of a jackal/canine animal (which Voiceplay subtly refers to in this shot here with the little Anubis Shrine statue sitting next to J)

Cool and Normal! 😆

(Also really love that jacket/blazer)

"Anubis" is of course weighing Earl's heart against a feather to see whether or not he is worthy of ascending to the heavenly afterlife. And since the heart appears to be slightly lighter, he's good! (Not that he's actually ready to pass on, though)

(Also, from a production viewpoint, I'm guessing they had some small stones or counterweights hiding underneath the feather?)

...Not gonna say anything, just putting this here

Love how "Baron" glances at his cane as if to check for any dirt or smudges from Earl 😆

(Geoff still has that cane I believe; when he did a few Q&A/"how to sing low" videos on his channel back in 2020, the cane was just chilling in the background, behind where he was sitting in his home office/workspace)

(Also obligatory he's so handsome/pretty aaaaaaa)

The body language of "Anubis" here when Baron starts talking (i.e. when Geoff starts singing), and the way that he, "Yama", and "Guardian" are all at one end of the stage, while "Baron" is on the other, says so much in such a small way! (Geoff once again getting to be Special(tm), love that for him)

"I've done my sentence, but committed no criiiiiiime!"

Cool necklace! (Also really love the subtle red edging/trim on his blazer/coat, very cool and gives me Crowley vibes)

While I'm talking about Geoff, time for another hair study!

(This one I actually used separate screencaps for the outline and for the colour grabs)

Wasn't even trying to pause in this shot but pfft Eli/Yama and J/Anubis doing the 🤏 thing

(Also kinda sorta another Eli Eyebrow raise?)

Baron: *(evil laugh)*

Anubis: OHKAY it's getting a little tense in here, time to lighten the mood a little bit!

Baron: wow rude

Anubis: here hold this for me thanks!

Guardian: wait what am I meant to do with this?

(Though I'm pretty sure that's meant to be his sword anyway?)

"Nooo time for looosers"

Fight! Fight! Fight! (Eli/Yama: "I'm three ounces of whoop-ass")

Love the facial expressions here, Anubis/J looks like he half-wishes he had popcorn! 😂

Thumbnail moment! (Or close enough anyway)

Yama singing "I don't need you" to Baron and Baron doing a sort of sarcastic "haha very funny" head motion in return, love it

Not talking about the arrangement but I'd like to thank the Good Omens fandom, because I wouldn't have recognized/known the bridge of Good Old Fashioned Lover Boy in this medley otherwise (I didn't first see this video until like a year or so after it first came out)

If you ever wind up in hospital, don't actually try to rip out IV drips or cannulas or any other tubes connected to your body!

If I had a nickel for every time a different member of Voiceplay played air guitar in a video, I'd have at least four nickels! (Earl here, Cesar in Hellfire, Eli in Top 10 Sitcom Themes, and Geoff in at least three or more videos (maybe 5 if we count J None in the Frozen 2 Medley))

Full-body group shot! (Also Eli, those shorts and those shoes are... an interesting combination that's for sure 😅) Also check out the body language of Baron/Geoff and Guardian/Layne!

There's a comment or two that sums up "Guardian's" body language as "I don't actually want to hurt you, but I will if I absolutely have to"

Love "Yama's" expression right before he's turned into a puff of smoke 😆

Baron was on Earl's side the whole time!

It would have been cool to have Baron bow out himself and be like "you did well, you can go on living now", rather than being poofed away like the others, but eh I'm sure Voiceplay had their reasonings

I would post a pic of the final shot, but Tumblr isn't letting me (I'm guessing I hit an image limit, rip). But still, it's very cute and sweet.

There's a reason why so many people adore this video/cover. The arrangement is stunning, the vocals are great, the costumes are cool, the makeup is really well done, and the whole plot/direction of the video is such a creative and original concept! Shoutout to Layne and Eli, who were in charge of both the video and the arrangement!

[scurvyoaks]

Fine Pair of Federal Carved Mahogany and Inlaid Satin Birch Side Chairs, Attributed to John and Thomas Seymour, Boston, Massachusetts.

35 x 19 1/4 x 19 in., seat height 18 3/4 in.

Note: This pair of chairs represents a fourth variation of Thomas and John Seymour's curved diamond back chairs. The same style is illustrated in Robert Mussey Jr.'s work, The Furniture Masterworks of John & Thomas Seymour (Salem, Massachusetts: Peabody Essex Museum distributed by University Press of New England, 2003), on pp. 388-9, no. 127. Mussey explains this chair is "the sole example found during [his] study that was designed for full over-the-rail upholstery." 

Sold at Sotheby's New York in 2004, these chairs were from The Collection of Alice and Murray Braunfeld. A single chair, of the same style and attributed to John Seymour, is in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). It is listed as a gift of Mrs. Murray Braunfeld in 2006 (M.2006.51.21). Although it is rare that sets of these chairs remain, given the fragile nature of their construction, it is probable this pair and the single chair at LACMA are related.

Two similar pairs of chairs probably by Thomas and John Seymour sold at Sotheby's New York in Property from the Collection of Dr. Larry McCallister, September 22, 2022, lots 98 and 99.

According to Sotheby's catalog note: "The masterful execution and carefully conceived design of this side chair places it among the most sophisticated examples of scroll-back chairs made in Boston. The exquisite combination of light and dark woods, reeding and carving, and rectangles, quarter ellipses and diamonds results in a tour de force of the Federal aesthetic.

The same overall configuration, wood combination and exceptional craftsmanship is found on chairs attributed to John and Thomas Seymour of Boston, whose furniture epitomizes the height of workmanship in Boston during the Federal period. Several similar sets of seating furniture are known. Once is represented by two settees and a pair of side chairs at Winterthur and a pair of side chairs at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, all with out-turning front legs (see Charles Montgomery, American Furniture, The Federal Period, nos. 37-9, pp. 90-2 and Edwin Hipkiss, M. and M. Karolik Collection of Eighteenth-Century American Arts, 1941, no. 116). A chair at Bayou Bend and one at Yale University also with out-turning front legs offer another variation (see David Warren, et al, American Decorative Arts and Paintings in the Bayou Bend Collection, 1997, F157, p. 99 and Patricia Kane, 300 Years of American Seating Furniture, 1976, no. 154, p. 174). Additional examples of the form representing two different sets are in the Kaufman Collection and the Henry ford Museum (see J. Michael Flanigan, no. 48, p. 134-5 and Vernon Stoneman, A Supplement to John and Thomas Seymour, Boston, 1965, no. 57).

Another side chair of this type in the Kaufman Collection displays ring-turned reeded tapering legs related to those on this pair of side chairs (see Flanigan, no. 47, p. 132-3). Similar legs appear on an octagonal center table attributed to the Seymours that sold at Sotheby's, Sinking Spring Farms: The Appell Family Collection, January 18, 2003, sale 7867, Lot 1265.

Condition

Both in overall good condition with expected nicks and wear. One with small repairs to the back splat. Both with old repairs and replacements to the upper section of the front legs. New corner blocks underneath the seat. Finely carved and structurally sound.

Stair Galleries, Americana sale 8/10/2023.

[usafphantom2]

China would be working on updates for its best poaching and manned/unmanned teams

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 10/25/2023 - 08:59am Military

The China People's Liberation Army (PLAAF) Air Force is updating the Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon fighter, China's response to the Lockheed Martin F-22, and is experimenting with concepts of manned and unmanned team-building, in the same way that the U.S. Air Force is doing, according to the Pentagon's latest assessment of Chinese military power.

In the Annual Report of China's Military Power, released in mid-October, the Pentagon reports that the PLAAF "is preparing updates for the J-20, which may include an increase in the number of air-to-air (AAM) missiles that the fighter can carry" in its low observation configuration, installing engine nozzles with thrust vectoring and adding super cruising capacity by installing national WS-15 engines with higher thrust."

The two-seat J-20S was also presented, and experts speculate that this version is being evaluated for possible control of autonomous escort aircraft.

As the J-20 already has the capacity to launch a series of missiles equivalent to the F-22, upgrading the aircraft in stealth mode would give the J-20 a distinct advantage over the F-22; particularly because the J-20 can carry the PL-15, which is the Chinese equivalent of the U.S. medium-range advanced air-to-air missile AIM-120. Although the range of the PL-15 is speculative and the range of the latest version of AMRAAM is rated, senior USAF officials said that the range of the PL-15 exceeds that of AMRAAM, giving the Chinese stealth fighter a potential first vision/first shooting ability against the American fighter.

The U.S. Air Force has been developing the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), built by Lockheed Martin, since mid-2017, but the program is highly confidential. When it was first revealed at an industry conference in 2019, USAF ammunition leaders said the weapon would be operational in 2022, but no announcement has been made indicating that this has happened, and the USAF has refused to answer any questions about the missile since then.

Although the report does not indicate how many J-20 China built, industry experts said that, in early 2023, Chengdu had manufactured between 180-220 J-20, eclipsing the 187 F-22 built by the US. China is building J-20 at a rate of 40-50 per year. However, these analyses are based on serial markings seen on aircraft at air and trade fairs, and China may have painted misleading serial markings on its aircraft to suggest a larger inventory than it actually has at hand.

Most J-20s are deployed in the interior of China or near the Indian border, making it difficult for Western analysts, without access to national satellite images, to make a reliable count.

China's report remained largely silent about PLAAF and the F-35 People's Liberation Army (PLAN) Navy counterpart, known in China as FC-31/J-31.

"The development continues in the smallest FC-31/J-31 for export or as a future naval fighter for the next class of PLANE aircraft carrier," the report said, without commenting on the progress of the jet.

The first versions of the J-31 appeared to be almost clones of the F-35, but more recent images show a more elongated overall shape, with larger tail surfaces, perhaps more suggestive of the F-22. Unlike the F-35, the J-31 has two engines.

The report indicated that about 1,300 of China's 1,900 fighters are fourth generation or higher. The J-20 and FC-31/J-31 are considered fifth generation types.

The Pentagon's assessment offered little new information about China's H-20 stealth bomber program, supposedly a near-twin of the U.S. Air Force B-2 bomber, except to say that the Chinese state media reported “that this new stealth bomber will have a nuclear mission capability,” in addition to fulfilling conventional functions.

China is upgrading its existing H-6 Badgers, based on the Tu-16 bombers of the 1950s, built under license from Russia. The H-6 serves both PLAAF and PLAN, and these aircraft have been equipped in recent years with long-range ground attack missiles, “t giving the PLA a long-range precision attack capability that can hit targets in the Second Chain of Islands from airfields in mainland China,” the Pentagon said.

The navalized H-6N can carry "a ballistic missile launched from the air," the report noted, which "may have nuclear capability".

In addition to having more mature air combat capabilities, China is developing a series of unmanned aerial vehicles, ranging from portable units to large aircraft of the US RQ-4 Global Hawk class.

“Air and commercial fairs are exhibiting a growing number of autonomous and team systems, including for combat applications,” the report said. "In these concepts, Chinese developers are showing interest in further growth beyond [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance] and EW (electronic warfare) in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, with a substantial amount of development exhibiting efforts to produce drone swarm capacity for operational applications."

China has exhibited large stealth-looking jet drones in military parades and has several drones in the U.S. MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper class, which is also making available for export, the report noted.

Source: Air Force & Space Magazine

Tags: Military AviationChengdu J-20 'Mighty Dragon'PLAAF - China Air Force

Sharing

tweet

Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has work published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

Related news

U.S. Air Force Airmen and Israeli military members unload cargo from a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III on a ramp at Nevatim Base, Israel, Oct. 15, 2023. The mission provided the Israel Defense Forces with additional resources, which includes vital munitions, and emphasized the United States' unwavering and ironclad support for both the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli people. (Photo: U.S. Air Force / Senior Airmen Edgar Grimaldo)

MILITARY

IMAGES: After transporting personnel, USAF C-17 aircraft return to Israel carrying ammunition

24/10/2023 - 22:52

SAAB

Learn why the wing of Saab's Gripen E fighter has grown in size

24/10/2023 - 18:32

MILITARY

Lockheed Martin leaves the partnership with Airbus tanker aircraft

24/10/2023 - 16:00

MILITARY

RAF fighter pilots test dogfight skills in Poland

24/10/2023 - 14:00

MILITARY

Saab receives additional request to update Swedish Air Force Gripen fighters

24/10/2023 - 13:00

MILITARY

USA, South Korea and Japan perform first trilateral air exercise, with B-52 and fighters

24/10/2023 - 09:04

[sw5w]

Chromium Cruiser

STAR WARS EPISODE II: Attack of the Clones 00:02:11

[theenneamentalist]

Hekatior typings vs MBTI® temperaments

A friendly reminder: Hekatior is not designed to confirm your MBTI® type.

As I’ve mentioned before I don’t endorse MBTI® — I only use it contextually at Katherine Fauvre Consulting when needed. However for the sake of compare-and-contrast today I’ll make an exception and dip into the MBTI® pool.

Let’s be clear... At the end of the day MBTI® pays lip service to Jung but in practice it's a sum-of-parts labeling exercise. For example official MBTI® ENTP is more on the lines of E + N + T + P + EN + ET + EP + NT + NP + TP + ENT + ENP + ETP + NTP + ENTP — essentially all things E, N, T, P, EN, ET, EP, NT, NP, TP, ENT, ENP, ETP, NTP and ENTP have in common. Reckful from Personality Café was spot-on about that.

MBTI® primarily tracks externalized preferences for corporate utility, not deep processing. Most people, in fact, have at least one borderline dichotomy which makes MBTI®’s rigidity even shakier.

As for the “functions” people often throw around in online typology communities, let’s be honest—they aren’t Jungian. They refer to the Grant stack, which clusters letters and repackages dichotomies (e.g., “Ne” = NP traits). The Grantian model piggybacks on preferences and lacks empirical support as Reynierse detailed in The Case Against Type Dynamics. If you enjoy using that framework, that’s your prerogative—but do not mix systems or you’ll pretty much mistype everyone.

Now back to Hekatior:

Hekatior typings point directly to psychological processing and differentiation. From my observations:

People usually have a native temperament proclivity based on their Proklisis (= default leanings) in Hekatior. However environment and life events can nudge someone into developing outside their native trajectory.

A person’s ego is often associated with their differentiated dominant psychological function— which typically appears in observable temperament... But not always. Some may even ego-associate with a non-differentiated function instead. Several factors such as the unique Enneagram configuration of the individual, trauma, environmental reaction patterns and more all play a role in shaping ego associations. Still, in about 70–80% of cases, people ego-associate with their dominant psychological function.

Whatever is differentiated tends to appear in the observable temperament, though again, exceptions exist.

MBTI® P/J and Libido Dynamics:

The P/J axis seems to reflect conscious psyche libido flowing direction more than anything. A few trends:

Hekatior irrational leads are typically typed as P in MBTI®, and Hekatior rational leads as J, assuming no differentiated auxiliary.

When the auxiliary is differentiated and psyche libido is standard, the pattern holds. But if someone has a short primary and long auxiliary, the pattern flips: irrational dominant shows up as J, rational as P.

That flip happens rarely — likely occuring only in a small developmental subset—but it’s worth noting.

Development & Temperament:

Temperament can shape development and development can, in turn, reshape temperament. Neither is fixed. Hence why Jung stated in an interview that type is nothing static and it changes during the course of life.

What about 16Personalities?

The 16p site is more like a Big Five in disguise and assumes mistakenly that agreeableness = F and disagreeableness = T. But agreeableness is about interpersonal warmth, not psychological processing. There are several agreeable coaches and therapists with T > F processing... And you can have disagreeable feelers too.

So how do we distinguish T vs F on the psychological processing level?

T = impersonal and abiotic.

F = personal and biotic.

That's it.

Neuroticism Complicates the Picture:

Neuroticism can distort expression. For instance a neurotic Objective Feeler might lose the relational warmness often associated with Objective Feeling type and get misread as a “thinker” — especially by surface-level MBTI® tools.

But a deeper look into their processing orientation reveals they’re still personal and biotic. That’s your hint: still F > T.

In Closing:

Overall MBTI® appears to track ego or self-image more than processing. That’s why the MBTI® website itself says only you can decide your best-fit type.

In my view most healthy individuals will have self-images that loosely align with their core temperament.

But within the online typology community? Let’s just say… disalignments between temperament and actual psychological processing are very common.

© 2023- present Alessio David Ricioppo Parra (The Enneamentalist)

[falconimplements]

How to Use Rotavators for Efficient Land Preparation in South Africa

Introduction

Agriculture is the backbone of South Africa’s economy, supporting livelihoods, ensuring food security, and contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP. As farming practices evolve and demand for higher productivity grows, farmers are increasingly turning to modern implements to improve efficiency and soil management. Among these, rotavators have become an essential tool for land preparation in the country’s diverse farming landscape.

At Falcon Implements, we understand the importance of reliable, high-quality equipment that enhances farming outcomes. Our commitment to innovation and durability has made us a trusted partner for farmers across South Africa and beyond. In this blog, we’ll explore how to effectively use rotavators for land preparation, what makes them indispensable, and why Falcon Implements is the brand farmers trust for their agricultural machinery needs.

Whether you manage a large commercial farm or a smallholding, understanding how to properly use a rotavator can transform your land preparation process—saving time, reducing labor, and improving soil conditions for healthier, higher-yielding crops.

The Role of Rotavators in South African Agriculture

South Africa’s agricultural sector is marked by varied climatic conditions, ranging from the dry lands of the Karoo to the fertile plains of Mpumalanga. This diversity demands implements that can adapt to different soil types and farming systems. Rotavators, also known as rotary tillers, are one such implement.

A rotavator is a tractor-mounted implement equipped with rotating blades (tines) that break up, churn, and aerate the soil. It’s commonly used to:

Prepare seedbeds

Incorporate crop residues

Mix fertilizers and organic matter into the soil

Level and aerate soil for planting

Break up hard and compacted soil layers

Its ability to perform multiple functions in one pass makes it a time-saving and cost-effective solution for farmers. At Falcon Implements, we craft rotavators that are built tough to handle South Africa’s diverse and sometimes challenging terrains, ensuring consistent results season after season.

How to Use a Rotavator for Efficient Land Preparation

1. Selecting the Right Rotavator

Before you begin, it’s essential to choose the correct rotavator model for your land size, soil type, and crop requirements. Falcon Implements offers rotavators in various sizes and configurations. Here’s what to consider:

Soil Type: Light, medium, or heavy soils require different blade types and working depths.

Tractor Horsepower: Ensure your tractor’s power output matches the rotavator’s specifications.

Working Width: Larger farms may opt for wider rotavators for greater coverage, while smaller plots may require compact models.

Blade Type: L-shaped, C-shaped, or J-shaped blades perform differently in various soil and crop conditions.

Our experienced sales and technical teams at Falcon Implements are always available to help you select the ideal rotavator for your specific needs.

2. Preparing Your Tractor and Implement

Once you’ve selected the right rotavator:

Attach the rotavator securely to your tractor’s three-point linkage.

Connect the PTO (Power Take-Off) shaft properly, ensuring it is well-lubricated and free of obstructions.

Adjust the working depth and side guards based on soil conditions.

Check blade sharpness and alignment.

Inspect all bolts and fasteners for tightness.

Safety is critical. Always review the equipment manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

3. Setting the Correct Working Depth and Speed

Setting the correct depth and speed ensures effective soil pulverization without over-stressing the tractor or implement.

Depth Setting: Typically between 10 cm to 20 cm depending on soil type and crop requirement. Soft soils may require deeper tilling, while hard, clay-like soils should be approached gradually.

Speed: The ideal tractor speed ranges between 2 to 5 km/h. Going too fast may lead to uneven tilling and increased wear, while going too slow could waste time and fuel.

Falcon Implements rotavators are designed for precise depth control and optimum performance across all working speeds.

4. Land Preparation Techniques Using a Rotavator

There are several ways to use a rotavator for efficient land preparation:

Primary Tillage: Breaks down hard soil after ploughing or harvesting. It helps aerate the soil and incorporate organic matter.

Seedbed Preparation: Pulverizes clods, levels the soil, and creates a fine seedbed ready for planting.

Stubble Management: Incorporates crop residues back into the soil, improving soil health and organic content.

Fertilizer Mixing: Blends manure or fertilizers evenly into the soil, enhancing nutrient availability for crops.

Depending on the requirement, farmers can opt for a single pass or multiple passes for finer soil texture.

5. Tips for Maximizing Efficiency

To get the best out of your rotavator:

Check Soil Moisture: Slightly moist soil is ideal. Avoid overly wet or bone-dry conditions.

Avoid Over-Tilling: Excessive tilling can damage soil structure. Stick to the recommended number of passes.

Use Proper Blade Configuration: Adjust or replace blades depending on soil conditions.

Routine Maintenance: Regularly grease moving parts, sharpen blades, and replace worn components.

With Falcon’s robust build quality and support network, maintaining your rotavator is straightforward, ensuring years of reliable service.

The Falcon Implements Advantage

At Falcon Implements, our rotavators are engineered for performance, durability, and ease of use. Here’s why farmers across South Africa trust our implements:

✅ Tough and Reliable

Our rotavators are built from high-grade, wear-resistant steel and undergo rigorous testing to perform in South Africa’s harsh conditions — from rocky soils to sandy plains.

✅ Innovative, User-Friendly Design

We combine cutting-edge technology with practical functionality to ensure our products increase efficiency while remaining easy to operate and maintain.

✅ Value for Money

We provide premium quality at competitive prices, delivering outstanding long-term value and excellent return on investment.

✅ Customer-Centric Support

With a robust after-sales service network and expert technical support, Falcon Implements ensures farmers get the most out of every implement they purchase.

✅ Global Reach, Local Expertise

While we serve farmers worldwide, we deeply understand the unique requirements of South African agriculture. Our rotavators are designed to suit local soil types, crop varieties, and climatic conditions, ensuring superior field performance.

Conclusion

Efficient land preparation is the foundation of a successful harvest, and rotavators play a crucial role in achieving this. By choosing the right rotavator, operating it correctly, and adhering to proper maintenance, farmers can enhance soil quality, improve productivity, and increase profitability.

Falcon Implements has been a trusted name in agricultural machinery for over 25 years, offering farmers across South Africa durable, reliable, and innovative solutions. Our rotavators, along with our comprehensive range of farming implements—including cultivators, ploughs, harrows, seeders, trailers, and more—are crafted to revolutionize your farming experience.

When you choose Falcon Implements, you’re not just investing in equipment—you’re partnering with a brand that’s committed to empowering farmers, one implement at a time.

Explore the Falcon range today and experience the difference of quality, reliability, and innovation.

[futureofbmw]

Decoding Jeep VINs: A Comprehensive Look at What Each Number Means

When you're in the market for a Jeep, whether new or used, one of the most important things you can do is understand the vehicle’s VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number. This unique 17-character code is like a fingerprint for your Jeep, containing critical information about its make, model, engine type, and even where it was assembled. Knowing how to decode the VIN can provide peace of mind, help with maintenance, and even help with the buying or selling process. So, let’s dive into what each number in the Jeep VIN means and how you can decode it.

The VIN is more than just a series of random characters—each digit serves a specific purpose. It can tell you everything from the country of manufacture to the exact model and engine specifications of your Jeep. The 17-character VIN can be broken down into three primary sections: the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), and the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS).

The first three characters make up the WMI, and they provide essential information about the manufacturer. For a Jeep, the first character usually represents the country of origin. For example, a “1” at the beginning indicates that the vehicle was made in the United States. The second character identifies the manufacturer, and in the case of Jeep, you’ll see "J" for Jeep itself, or sometimes “C” for Chrysler, the parent company. The third character further refines the manufacturer's details and often correlates with the type of vehicle.

The next six characters (positions 4 through 9) belong to the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS). This part of the VIN describes the specific features of the vehicle, such as the body style, engine type, transmission, and more. These digits don’t directly identify the model but provide vital details about the Jeep’s configuration. For example, you might find letters and numbers that represent whether the vehicle has four-wheel drive, a V6 engine, or whether it has a specific trim package like the Sahara or Rubicon.

The remaining eight characters (positions 10 through 17) form the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS). The tenth character indicates the model year of the Jeep. This is particularly useful if you’re looking at a used Jeep and want to confirm the exact year it was manufactured. The eleventh character represents the assembly plant where the vehicle was built. For example, Jeeps made in Toledo, Ohio, may have a “T” here.

The final six characters of the VIN are a unique serial number assigned to that specific Jeep. This number is unique to each vehicle, allowing it to be identified individually, no matter how many other vehicles share the same make, model, or year.

Understanding your Jeep’s VIN can be incredibly useful when it comes to servicing and repairing your vehicle. By knowing the engine type and trim, you can be sure you're purchasing the correct parts. Furthermore, decoding the VIN can help confirm the authenticity of a Jeep, especially when buying a used vehicle. Sellers may even list the VIN for potential buyers to verify the history and authenticity of the vehicle. click here

In conclusion, your Jeep’s VIN is a powerful tool that can unlock valuable details about your vehicle. From the country of manufacture to the exact model and trim details, knowing how to decode the VIN will not only help you understand your Jeep better but also help you make informed decisions, whether you're buying, selling, or maintaining your Jeep. So, next time you’re curious about your Jeep, take a moment to decode the VIN—it’s your key to a world of information.

[sockethub]

Best Piston Valve Manufacturer in Delhi – 3-Way, Spring Loaded & Solenoid Actuated Models by Udhhyog

Piston valves are widely used in industrial systems that require fast, clean, and reliable fluid control. Whether it's steam lines, air systems, or aggressive fluids — piston-operated valves deliver robust performance and long service life.

As one of the leading piston valve manufacturers in Delhi, Udhhyog specializes in a broad range of piston valve designs including 3-way, solenoid actuated, and spring-loaded models — built for durability, speed, and high pressure.

Types of Piston Valves Offered by Udhhyog

🔹 3-Way Piston Valve

Offers fluid mixing, diverting, or switching

Common in pneumatic and automation systems

Available in L-port and T-port configurations

🔹 Solenoid Actuated Piston Valve

Electromagnetic solenoid initiates piston movement

Ideal for automated on/off operation

Fast-acting, corrosion-resistant, and compact

🔹 Spring Loaded Piston Valve

Internal spring returns the piston to default position

Perfect for safety and emergency shutoff use

Highly reliable in air and steam systems

🔹 Additional Models Available:

Angle piston valves

Right-angle & double-acting piston valves

Pressure reducing piston valves

Technical Specifications

Model TypeSize RangePressure RatingMaterial OptionsEnd Connection3-Way Piston Valve¼” to 1½”10–20 barSS 304, BrassThreaded, FlangedSolenoid Piston Valve¼” to 1”6–12 barBrass, SS 316Coil-Operated BSP/NPTSpring-Loaded Piston¼” to 2”Up to 16 barBronze / SS 304Flanged, Screwed

✅ Actuator types: Pneumatic / Solenoid / Manual override ✅ Seal types: PTFE / EPDM / Viton ✅ Coil Voltages: 24V DC / 230V AC / 110V AC

Udhhyog – Leading Piston Valve Manufacturer in Delhi

🏭 Manufacturing Highlights:

ISO and CE certified valves

Built with precision CNC-machined bodies

Each valve tested for leak-proof performance

🚚 Delivery & Logistics:

Fast supply in Delhi NCR, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, UP & J&K

OEM packaging available for bulk orders

💰 Affordable Pricing:

Direct-from-manufacturer pricing

Bulk order discounts & GST invoicing

🛠️ Customization:

Thread type (BSP/NPT)

Port configuration (2-way, 3-way, 4-way)

Surface coating and branded handles

Piston Valve Price List – 2024 (Delhi Market)

Model TypeSizePrice Range (INR)3-Way Piston Valve½”₹950 – ₹1800Solenoid Piston Valve½”₹1200 – ₹2400Spring Loaded Piston Valve½”₹850 – ₹1500

📥 Download complete catalogue: https://udhhyog.com/valves

FAQs

Q1: Can I get a piston valve for high-temperature steam? Yes, we provide steam-grade valves with PTFE seals.

Q2: Are your valves CE or BIS certified? Yes, we offer valves with CE, BIS, and ISO certifications.

Q3: Do you offer installation and support? Yes, technical support and installation assistance is available in Delhi NCR.

How to Order

📞 Call: +91-XXXXXXXXXX 🌐 Website: https://udhhyog.com 📩 Email: sales@udhhyog.com / Contact Form