#Pros and Cons of Urbanization

[boomalope-pope]

Also this fundamentally misunderstands the purpose of parking meters. They are there to benefit the community by managing street space, a limited resource for communities. Street space is fundamentally a limited public resource and parking meters managed by the city are intended to ensure no singular actor can maliciously hoard that resource. They're not perfect of course, due to the inherent inequality of capital, but they're intended to help manage a public resource.

i don't like having to feed these meters or getting an expensive ticket for being two minutes late to move my car either but it's illegal to park in an inoperative meter where i live, so this just means there are fewer places for me to park now and more expensive tickets to pay if they do this while im parked there

[crustaceousfaggot]

My review of the city planning of town-upon-gorkhon as someone who knows nothing about city planning

PROS:

Walkable (food, first aid & necessitates available within a 15 minute walk of most residences)

Thriving cultural and historical scene

Several public parks within the town, plus easy access to wild greenspace

Plenty of benches & public seating

Public drinking water sources

Streamlined barter economy

Lots of funding for arts & sciences

The very minimum amount of CPS required to rehome lost babies and find that spooky graveyard girl a foster father.

Plentiful shade trees & urban greenery

Only one actual cop, and he's incompetent enough that you can just kinda ignore him.

Low homelessness rate, and vagrancy does not appear to be penalized

Yet to be corrupted by automobile infrastructure. God bless.

Excellent public waste disposal system. Really. Multiple trash cans on every street AND they're emptied regularly? That's the dream

CONS:

No hospitals

No schools

No plumbing

A tragic lack of public art, unless you count the statues of the Mistresses or the posters outside of the Theatre

The whole corrupt totalitarian oligarchy thing

Class-based and race-based division of neighborhoods, which is hard to avoid but undeniably has a negative impact on societal function.

The aforementioned public water sources are unreliable and sometimes unsafe.

No welfare system, unless you count "the leftovers from the fund will be distributed to the poor"

I'm gonna be real the armed robbers on every block are a real problem. Idk what the solution there is but it's a real issue.

The undrinkably polluted river is also a big issue. Maybe some of the money going into new experimental architecture projects could be funneled into coming up with a filtration system, idk just an idea.

The most god-awful street layouts ever designed

Not self-sufficient, unable to function long-term without external supplies

No restaurants

Only one bar and they only serve one drink. Also I hear the owner's a freak.

The only transit system (river boat) gets no government funding and is too expensive for widespread use. 2 fingernails for a boat ride???? In THIS economy????

Honestly the complete lack of an organized healthcare system in a town of that size is pretty appalling. Three doctors for over 10'000 residents is just not acceptable. They should get on that asap. Who knows what could happen.

Not wheelchair accessible (stairs everywhere)

[milkywayes]

okay so happy pride month or whatever, no one asked but here’s my garrus vakarian dating history headcanon:

he has had 5 casual hookups pre-normandy, which isn’t a big number compared to his peers, and you’d think it’s because he’s an obsessive little freak who’s bad at being a turian, which evens out his good looks and swagger (and for some it does - cue some very frustrated crushes being forcibly stamped out because ‘really? that guy? he yelled at our superior last week in full view of the entire canteen’) but really he just didn’t notice half the advances made at him and the other half he turned down because he was busy thinking about important stuff (like gun mods, or cases, or math) and after careful consideration and weighing the pros and cons decided his time was better spent elsewhere. two of the 5 were with men, the other three with women, all turians. no repeats. he has had zero relationships pre-shepard if you don’t count the homoerotically-charged friendship he had as a teenager, one year before and one year into boot camp, before their very different abilities got them postings on opposing ends of the galaxy (read: elite sniper units on stealth patrol ships vs guy that assists the guy that fixes the lights in a backwater colony). he thinks no one knew about this, but his whole family did know and just tactfully didn’t bring it up. during the archangel years he has 1 hookup mostly because everyone tells him he’s so high-strung and needs to get laid more than he needs oxygen, but he bows out early on because his depression isn’t really conductive to the proceedings (read: she came but he didn’t.) this somehow ends up adding to the archangel urban myth, a true hero of the people asking for nothing in return, wink nudge, which makes him the butt of his team’s jokes quite literally until they all die bloody. he has never been in love until shepard, is initially unable to even categorize the feeling, and unfortunately for him, dealing with uncertainties and gray stuff and undefined parameters are about the only thing he’s actually bad at (besides the whole model turian stuff, if you count that as a skill). so basically his skill tree gets inverted as soon as he catches feelings. previous hookups would have described him as a gallantly attentive but emotionally unavailable, doesn’t save your omni-tool address but remembers your name kind of guy, which he mentions once to shepard. doing so is a faux-pas, though she doesn’t point this out and instead laughs uproariously because just that day he dented his newly-polished armor in his attempt to hold the elevator for her

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[harlowsbby]

Questions

Summary, just asking Jack a bunch of silly and random questions out of boredom.

Even though it was a cool and breezy day outside Jack and You decided it was best to spend a day indoors with one another instead of being outside.

The two of you were currently on the couch together wrapped up in one another when a question that you needed an answer to crossed your mind.

“Jack.” You spoke and watched as he turned down the tv slightly so he’d be able to hear you better.

“Yes babe?” He asked you and turned his head to look at you, a small smile formed on his face to which you returned.

“I have a question to ask you and it’s important.” Now the question wasn’t exactly that important but it was important to you and you needed answers.

“What is it babe? I’m all ears”. He smiled and gave you his full and undivided attention. You smirked and bit your bottom lip to stop yourself from laughing.

“If you had the chance to save me or save Urban from drowning who would you save and why?” You asked him.

Jack was puzzled for a second because he didn’t expect for you to say something as blunt and wild as that out of nowhere.

“Wait are you being serious? Like you really want an answer to this babe I just paused the movie for this.” He shook his head at you. “How many times have you watched mean girls?” You asked him.

“Enough to know it word by word.” You huffed. “Enough to know that ex-boyfriends are off limits to friends. That’s just like the rules of feminism.”He tried mimicking Gretchen Wieners in this high squeaky tone.

“My point exactly so answer my question.” You demanded.

“Would you save me.” You pointed to yourself. “Or would you save Urban.” You bit your lip and watched him intensely as he gave it a few minutes to think about.

“Honestly, I’d have to weight out my options here.” Jack admitted and you gasped. “Oh so all I am to you is an option? That’s good to know wish I would’ve known sooner.” You faked acted like you were hurt.

He smacked his lips and shook his head at you. “Come on babe you know what I mean like the pros and cons of either saving you and not saving Urban or saving Urban and not saving you.”

“I’m your fucking girlfriend I should be above all your little friends.” You spat and Jack chuckled. “Uh oh is someone getting jealous?” He teased.

“No, just tell me your little pros and cons list.” You admitted. He brought his hand up to his chin and started playing with his beard.

“Well the pros in saving Urban would be I’d still have my best friend and best photographer here, I’d still have my eating buddy, I’d still have my right hand man.” You rolled your eyes.

“And the cons would be well nothing Urban’s the best.” He confessed with a wide smile. “Okay so do me.”

He sighed dramatically. “Honestly babe I wouldn’t bother saving you.” Your jaw practically dropped to the floor as Jack doubled over in laughter.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding hey stop hitting me!” He laughed as he attempted to curl up into a ball to dodge your hits. “Be serious Jack!” You whined.

“Okay, okay so the pros with dating you would be I’d still have my girl, I’d still have you around to cook for me.” You raised your hand to smack him again but he quickly stated that he was joking.

“Honestly baby I could never pick between picking you or Urban the two of you both mean a lot to me and I’d be an emotional reck knowing the two of you are no longer living on this earth.”

You sniffed and rubbed your eyes as you turned from Jack. “Babe?” He said unsurely as you removed yourself from his grasp.

“You good?” He laughed. “I’m good I just I love you so much.” You cried out and flung yourself into his arms making him coo and laugh.

“You’re so silly you know that?” He smiled and pressed a kiss to the top of your head and rubbed small circles on your back. “But you know you love me.” You admitted and removed your head from the crook of his neck, looking up at him.

“That I do.” He grinned. “But I do have a question of my own.” He asked.

“And what’s that?” You paused waiting for his question. “Who’s the best rapper me or Drake?” You sighed. “Drake.”

He gasped and put his hand over heart as if it was aching you laughed and escaped from his embrace. “Is that so? You know what when I catch you ima tickle you till you admit I’m the best rapper!” He yelled and quickly chased after you.

You were a squealing and laughing mess the two of you for a good few minutes till he eventually caught you.

(I know this isn’t much but I promise the next concept will be better! 😭💗)

[leona-florianova]

What kind of camera do you use for photography? BTW I love your urban exploration photos!

Greetings n thenkee o/

I used few during the years.... While not really understanding or learning much about their pros and cons n how to use them to their best potential..

Olympus XZ-2... good size, relatively sturdy, good for taking nice macro pictures of insect and other small things ... I greatly enjoyed its manual zoom, which i used more than automat.. worked pretty good in dark mines and caves too..... untill dust and sand got into its lens mechanism and it perished (price of repairs bigger than of new camera...

example of macro... notice the nice bokeh with the mantis.. (my gods i miss the comfy manual)

Underground pic...

Lumix DMC-TZ80 ... Pretty good.. I couldnt get the manual work for me with this one as much as i wanted.. the automat option was pretty ok most of the time... Not very good at focusing on small things.. REALLY GREAT AT TAKING PICTURES OF THINGS FROM FAR AWAY WITH ITS 30X ZOOM.. a hassle to stabilize and to focus on exactly what you want to.. without a stative.. In dark places it screamed and yelled at me, because it usually couldnt find focus... After a while.. just as the olympus, its lenses got fragged in places i couldnt clean.. It still works but kinda broken, and rarely focuses how id like it to.

very much enjoyed taking bird pictures from afar with this one

urbex -

(the ratio of photos i can share and photos that are a blurry mess is wild with this one)

Umidigi BISON (red) smart phone with 48MP AI camera ... it kinda sucks (the camera).. I really hate AI cameras because they make up stuff that arent there - already try to make things more crisper and cleaner and often manage to mangle textures, colors and other stuff.. This one has the extra fault of... having faulty lenses (i bought it like that and was too tired to return/exchange for new phone..regret it every day).. maybe if i got it returned i would be really happy with it.. Its pretty ok in dark.. and I can take pictures underwater or in very humid or dusty spaces (!!!)... the phone itself lasts quite long and its metal casing is pretty sturdy.. i drowned it a few times in caves.. and dropped it a few times from few meters on hard surfaces and its ok.

...

Canon G7X mark II - My current camera... Still not used to it, its automat is pretty good, zoom is alright.. and its great in dark...I havent figured out how to take good macro pictures with it yet, and how to use its manual well.. but hopefully i will. Its comfortable and fast.. Its battery drains really fast so I highly recommend more of those.

[dearyanderenewspaper]

📰 DEAR YANDERE – Special Report from Obsession Weekly

🏡 LOVE LOCKDOWN: Housing Reviews for the Hopelessly Devoted

1. Secluded Forest Cottage

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.5/5)

Overview: A charming, rustic getaway deep in the woods. Zero cell service, plenty of scenic walking trails (for supervised strolls), and a roaring fireplace for cozy nights in.

Pros: ✔ Remote and escape-proof (if they don’t know how to navigate a forest). ✔ Cozy, romantic aesthetic—feels like a fairy tale! ✔ No nosy neighbors or unexpected visitors.

Cons: ✖ Hard to get deliveries. You’ll need to plan supply runs in advance. ✖ Wild animals may pose a minor inconvenience (or opportunity, depending on how you spin it). ✖ If Darling does escape, it could take days to track them down.

Review: “Absolutely stunning location! My Darling cried for the first few weeks, but once they realized nobody could hear them, they really settled in. Only downside is the occasional bear sighting, but hey, that just keeps them from wandering too far! Would rent again.” – User: ❄️ColdEmbrace98

2. Basement in Your House

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

Overview: Classic, reliable, and convenient! Keep your Darling close while maintaining total control.

Pros: ✔ Always within arm’s reach (perfect for clingy Yanderes!). ✔ Easy to renovate for maximum comfort or security. ✔ Can be soundproofed to avoid unwanted attention.

Cons: ✖ Potential mold issues—invest in a dehumidifier! ✖ Darling may try to appeal to guests or family members. ✖ Frequent stairs can be a hassle if you’re carrying meals daily.

Review: “10/10. Zero escape attempts after the first month. I installed a little skylight so they wouldn’t get seasonal depression (because mental health matters!!). Basement life is simple, yet effective. Highly recommend.” – User: ChainsOfLove444

3. High-Rise Apartment

⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (3/5)

Overview: Urban convenience meets security! A high-rise unit minimizes escape routes while keeping you close to modern amenities.

Pros: ✔ No easy exits—unless they develop Spider-Man skills overnight. ✔ Access to takeout, shopping, and other city luxuries. ✔ Soundproofing available in most upscale buildings.

Cons: ✖ Maintenance workers and nosy neighbors may cause problems. ✖ Darling could try signaling from the window—blinds are a must. ✖ Noise complaints if they get too loud.

Review: “Not bad, but high rent makes this a questionable long-term solution. Almost got caught when my Darling ‘accidentally’ waved to the UberEats driver. Security deposits don’t cover claw marks on the front door, FYI.” – User: CityObsessed_Yan

4. Abandoned Warehouse

⭐️☆☆☆☆ (1/5)

Overview: Industrial chic or just a terrible idea? While spacious, an abandoned warehouse may not be the best place for long-term Darling storage.

Pros: ✔ Tons of space for… activities. ✔ No risk of surprise visitors. ✔ Surprisingly good acoustics (if you enjoy dramatic monologues).

Cons: ✖ Zero insulation—freezing in winter, boiling in summer. ✖ High chance of squatters or urban explorers discovering your setup. ✖ Echoes make Darling’s screaming extra dramatic (not always a plus).

Review: “Look, I thought it would be ‘mysterious’ and ‘cool,’ but it’s just cold and creepy. My Darling called me ‘the Dollar Store Jigsaw’ and honestly? They’re not wrong. Left a bad taste in my mouth. 0/10, had to move out.” – User: MaskedLover99

5. Underground Bunker

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)

Overview: The ultimate prepper’s dream! Underground bunkers provide unmatched security and long-term sustainability.

Pros: ✔ 100% escape-proof. ✔ Completely private—no one will ever find you. ✔ Great for doomsday scenarios (or just keeping Darling forever).

Cons: ✖ Hard to get fresh air and natural light. ✖ WiFi connection? Forget about it. ✖ Darling may develop a bunker-induced existential crisis.

Review: “PERFECT. My Darling gave up on escape within two weeks. Installed a fake window with LED screens to simulate the outdoors, and now they barely remember life outside. Highly recommend investing in one if you’re serious about this lifestyle.” – User: EternalDevotionX

6. Houseboat

⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆ (3/5)

Overview: Love the open water? A houseboat offers a unique, mobile captivity experience.

Pros: ✔ Escape is nearly impossible unless they can swim for miles. ✔ Constantly moving means nobody will find you. ✔ Romantic sunsets on the water? Yes, please.

Cons: ✖ Limited space—cabin fever is a real thing. ✖ Risk of Darling figuring out how to operate the boat. ✖ Docking fees add up over time.

Review: “Not bad, but I had to sleep with one eye open after my Darling almost threw me overboard. Great for short-term stays, but for long-term captivity? Stick to land.” – User: OceanBoundObsession

7. RV / Van Life

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4/5)

Overview: Portable, flexible, and fun! Travel with your Darling without staying in one place too long.

Pros: ✔ No fixed address = harder to track. ✔ Cozy interior can feel homey with the right setup. ✔ Road trips!

Cons: ✖ Gas prices make this lifestyle expensive. ✖ Darling may attempt escape at rest stops. ✖ Limited space for, well… anything.

Review: “I liked the mobility, but my Darling managed to honk the horn and draw attention at a gas station. Would recommend for shorter-term ‘acquisitions,’ but not ideal for permanent setup.” – User: WanderlustPossessive

[ofliterarynature]

TBR TAKEDOWN: GOODREADS, WEEK 13a

Jade City (Green Bone Saga #1) by Fonda Lee

I'm trying to trim down my tbr list(s) and I'm asking for your help! Descriptions and more info under the cut. Please reblog and add your thoughts!

* * * *

In this epic saga of magic and kungfu, four siblings battle rival clans for honor and power in an Asia-inspired fantasy metropolis.

Jade is the lifeblood of the island of Kekon. It has been mined, traded, stolen, and killed for -- and for centuries, honorable Green Bone warriors like the Kaul family have used it to enhance their magical abilities and defend the island from foreign invasion.

Now, the war is over and a new generation of Kauls vies for control of Kekon's bustling capital city. They care about nothing but protecting their own, cornering the jade market, and defending the districts under their protection. Ancient tradition has little place in this rapidly changing nation.

When a powerful new drug emerges that lets anyone -- even foreigners -- wield jade, the simmering tension between the Kauls and the rival Ayt family erupts into open violence. The outcome of this clan war will determine the fate of all Green Bones -- from their grandest patriarch to the lowliest motorcycle runner on the streets -- and of Kekon itself.

Jade City is the first novel in an epic trilogy about family, honor, and those who live and die by the ancient laws of blood and jade.

Date added: 2018

Goodreads: 4.08

Storygraph: 4.14

PRO:

Popular book, well rated, many awards!

Entire series is available from the library in my preferred format (audiobook)

CON:

Really not feeling interested in magic crime families OR in them fighting.

I think I saw someone describe this as having more of an urban-fantasy feel (and also that the fantasy elements are somewhat minimal), which is also not my thing.

[omamervt]

oh my god I might actually finish the first edit/review pass on my MoTW Playbook Stream tonight! Which means it's almost time to plan another one!

TTRPG fans who are also Vtuber Fans! Back at the end of March I did a stream where I took volunteer Vtubers and made Playbooks of them in the hit TTRPG, Monster of the Week! The video seems like it's gonna turn out okay enough to publish to YouTube, so I'm doing it again, baby!

Propoganda under the cut:

City of Mist:

City of Mist is a Daredevil-inspired modern-day Urban Fantasy Noir RPG about ordinary people who serve as conduits through which figures of Legend can enact their will on the real world.

Pros:

literally best Tabletop RPG ever made

Incredibly open-ended character creation that uses notes from a character's backstory as well as their goals for the future to determine their powers.

Cons:

Character creation is easy, but can be time-consuming. I'd probably only be able to get through a few characters in one stream.

Interstitial:

Interstitial is THE crossover fanfic RPG. It's heavily inspired by Kingdom Hearts, and allows you to make incredibly absurd fictional character pairings and put them in Situations.

Pros:

Character creation is FAST.

There are 108 Playbooks. I could get through a LOT of volunteers in one stream, and probably have enough left over to do at least one more!

[quillfeather21]

What I think of Zenless Zone Zero so far, as someone who has played Genshin and HSR (going to try Honkai 3rd soon)

Pros!

/ I really like the combat style, from what I’ve seen it’s basically Honkai Impact: 3rd, but with tweaks that fit the world of New Eridu. It’s easy and fun.

/I enjoy the art style and the character designs. They’re interesting without being “busy” or “over complicated” unlike some of the other Hoyoverse designs (side eyes Genshin and HSR because like why does everyone need a garter belt).

/the animation is bouncy and gives life to the characters and how they interact with one another. And honestly they don’t really have “unrealistic” body types unlike some of Hoyoverse games. It’s nice to see the characters in games actually looking like they have room for their organs.

/I actually really love the concept of being like, a secret organization that operates around the government, and our username is in fact, a username for their fake account. It’s interesting, and a concept that is honestly very unique.

/speaking of the “Proxy” thing because Wise and Belle? They are some of my favorite characters and I’m REALLY interested in learning more about them. Like how are the able to do what they do? WHY are they able to do it?

/I chose Wise and he’s my bbg. Him and Billy Kid have my entire heart

/the storyline seems decently paced without feeling rushed (the combat aids this because it goes by relatively quickly so you can focus more on the story)

/i really like the “comic book” set up they use for some scenes. It gives it an urban feel (fitting the game) and it allows people to read at their own pace.

/WE CAN PET THE CATS

/I REPEAT WE CAN PET THE ANIMALS

Cons!

/ the game is brand new, so they’re still working on some glitches. I have yet to experience any but I know many players have.

/the SIZE. Why is it so big? I believe I seen one thing where it was bigger than GENSHIN. I had to abandon my Pokemon on Pokémon GO! In order to make room for the full game of ZZZ.

/The Prologue is kind of a snooze fest, but most game prologues are. This one was legit just introducing us to our main crew.

Conclusion!!!

Zenless is a really good game, and I really enjoy it so far! I can’t wait to see where the story and the crew working on it takes us.

Meanwhile I wanna just about Wise because mean I LOVE his design? His dark circles, the light in his eyes? I legit said “oh my god he’s so pretty” when THIS scene happened

[spacecowboywhit]

Tabletop Trick or Treat!

Ahh! I missed this in the flurry of boops and election crisis. Sorry, @werewolf914! I will share examples of a whole mini-genre of RPGs that I love:

Moments in History You Would Not Expect to Gamify!

Oyster Pirates by @rollforthings - Based on Jack London's journalism/short story, you are independent fisher-thieves in San Francisco Bay in 1888, illegally harvesting at night from the giant oyster monopolies and running from the police in high-speed fishing sailboat chases. Cool setting and awesome aquatic-heist rules!

The Kingdom of Prester John by @kor-artificer - A fun solo game where you are an emissary from the pope in 1177, seeking the fabled Kingdom of Prester John. Also definitely worth mentioning his other solo game, Scribe about the collapse of civilization in the Bronze Age.

Malandros by Thomas McGrenery/Porcupine Publishing - Brazilian communities coming together in the late 19th century in the immediate aftermath of the abolition of slavery in the country and the imminent transition from imperial monarchy to a republic. Tell stories that are slice-of-life, crime/gangsters/con-artists, underground martial artists, or even urban-folk-fantasy.

Beecher's Bibles by Noora Rose/Monkey's Paw Games - Blood-soaked, antislavery abolitionists in Kansas, USA in the 1850s fighting pro-slavery land owners, lawmen, and militias. Adapts the Panic Engine and Mothership rules to a very different setting.

Blackout by @open-sketchbook - There are ~54,857 RPGs of various quality where you play a soldier or spy in WWII. There are not nearly so many where you play civilians trying to survive through it. Excellent adaptation of PBTA rules. A game of war and violence, where the PCs are not the direct participants in that.

The Girls of the Genziana Hotel by @hendrik-ten-napel - The chambermaids in a hotel in the Bavarian Alps in the 1820s solve a mystery at night and navigate work and personal relationships during the day. Cool, eerie, unique. Uses the Brindlewood rules very well!

Rosewood Abbey by Kalum from The Rolistes - Monks in a 12th Century monastery solve mysteries, ala Cadfael, The Name of the Rose, or Pentiment. Also uses the Brindlewood rules very effectively!

WURM: Roleplaying in the Ice Age by Emmanuel Roudier/Dakikan - I have read this game twice and still can't decide if it's actually good or just interesting. It's slice-of-life during the paleolithic era, specifically with the coexistence between neanderthals and homo sapiens. Interesting mechanics, especially for things like survival, crafting, cooking, simply lighting a fire, and even a bunch of rules around childbirth and raising.

[copperbadge]

Hi Mr Starbuck! Some friends and I are moving in a few months and we're eyeing various places all over the US. Chicago came up as a relatively affordable big city (compared to LA and NYC) and I have to ask the resident Tumblr Chicagoan his opinion. As a resident who lives and works in the windy city, what's your big pros and cons of residing there (especially things you might not encounter as a tourist)? (also, how accurate is your "guide to chicago" still, since its been a few years!)

Well, I definitely have opinions!

The guide to Chicago is no longer accurate -- too many places have closed or moved, and the pandemic altered a lot (for example the Money Museum still exists but I'm not sure if it has regular hours even now). I should do a new one but like, I really don't get out much anymore so I can't talk about restaurants outside of a VERY local area, and I never could talk much about hotels, which just leaves points of interest mostly already covered by Atlas Obscura. :D At this point it'd just be kind of moot, others are doing it better than I am.

Chicago is inexpensive compared to New York or Los Angeles, but like, that's everywhere in America. Chicago is still a quite pricey city to live in, mainly because the taxes are so high -- 10.25% sales tax, for example, and my property taxes are also pretty steep. People joke about Taxachusetts, but I'm pretty sure Chicago at least has it beat (and 2/3 of the state's population lives in Chicago or the outlying suburbs). Housing is not at a premium in the way it is in NY and LA but depending on where you want to live and how far you want to commute it can still be very expensive. My housing was never less than half of my monthly income until I bought this place, and then ONLY because the job I'm in now came with a $10K/yr raise from my last one.

Chicago does have great culture, great museums, great food, and it's a liberal island in a pretty conservative region. It is however quite segregated, so if you are any race other than white, living here can get a little more complicated than I've portrayed it as a white dude. There is significant crime and particularly gun crime, but it's generally confined to specific regions of the city. That said, even if you discount crime, the Chicago PD are corrupt as fuck and uninterested in being helpful, so if you are from a demographic the cops enjoy harassing, it will not be different here.

I do love the city, warts and all. I like the water, I like the people, I like the midwestern vibe. I'd find it very hard to leave, especially because I have a network of friends here, but also because I just plain like it and I know it really well. There is a very short list of cities I'd consider leaving Chicago for, and most of those would have to have a well-paying job waiting for me. But it did take me time to fall in love with it -- it took a few years before it felt like home.

It's a little difficult to get more specific without knowing more about your situation -- what you do for work, what your budget is like, what your goals are in leaving where you are. Do you prefer to drive most places? (Parking and traffic can both get dicey.) Can you tolerate taking public transit if driving is inconvenient? Is the industry in which you work something that has a lot of openings here? Do you want to live in an urban environment, and if so are you prepared to live in a likely somewhat shitty apartment to do so? If you prefer to live in a house, are you prepared for a long commute? What do you like to do for fun and is there a thriving culture for that here? What is it important to have access to -- museums, concerts, theater, sport? Where do you need to travel to regularly (ie, I go to Austin several times a year) and how do you prefer to travel there?

Anyway, yeah -- like, I love it but I have few illusions about it. If you want to chat further feel free to hit me up by email, happy to answer more specific questions!

[markwateneymemorialcrater]

I was having a conversation with a friend about how just shit it is to try to have any discourse now. And I think I came to a few interesting conclusions.

Mainly, people no longer are actually debating different ideas of the same thing.

It’s like if someone told you that eating rice was bad and evil. Because what they mean by rice is really cyanide and not rice at all.

People no longer argue about the pros/ cons of the same thing they are arguing apples and oranges while both are calling them grapes.

A good example of this from the real world I’ve seen is the 15 minute city. So if you are unfamiliar, the 15 minute city is an urban planning philosophy that aims to design communities will all of one’s regular destinations (home, work, shops, entertainment) accessible within 15 minutes of walking or public transit. At least that is the definition most urban planners and proponents of the 15 minute city believe.

However I have met real people who believe that the 15 minute city is a plot to force us all into these designated cities where we won’t have personal vehicles and be forced to stay in these cities under plenty of a strict social credit score system.

Now I think that sounds crazy. But if that was my understanding of the 15 minute city concept. I’d be against it too.

Which then leads to the other point my friend and I got to. How does one get to a point where they prefer to believe the crazy explanation rather than the objective true one?

The mountain of stupidity is climbed one step at a time. These people don’t start out believing in Jewish space lasers controlling the weather. They start out curious and hungry for knowledge. And perhaps they are never taught the importance of critical thinking or they just grew a distrust of official authorities. After all. They tend to be a pretentious lot. Then maybe they learn about cloud seeding. That’s a real tech. And they did do research on using cloud seeding to combat hurricanes in the 70’s. Then they hear about chemtrails and they might think that’s a bit wacky. Surely someone would figure that out of commercial jets were spraying chemicals right? Though you don’t really know why planes do leave those trails behind them. And how much do we really see on an airplane? It might be possible. Then a crazy politician runs for office. And he starts saying these crazy things. And he’s a powerful man. He couldn’t get to a place of power without being smart. And if he is saying they are controlling the weather, then there has to be some truth to that. Besides. He may say some crazy shit. But you agree with a lot of what he says. And soon enough, they are believing crazy things that would seem absurd before.

[enzaelectric]

Air-Insulated vs Gas-Insulated Switchgear: Which One is Right for You?

In the world of power distribution, switchgear plays a vital role in ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient control of electrical systems. But when it comes to choosing the right type of switchgear for your application, a common debate arises: Air-Insulated Switchgear (AIS) or Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) — which one is the better fit?

In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences, pros and cons, and application suitability of each, helping you make an informed decision.

What is Switchgear?

Before diving into the comparison, let’s quickly recap what switchgear is. Switchgear is a combination of electrical disconnect switches, fuses or circuit breakers used to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment. It’s critical for fault detection, power isolation, and system protection in electrical networks.

Switchgear typically falls into two main types based on insulation medium:

Air-Insulated Switchgear (AIS)

Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS)

What is Air-Insulated Switchgear (AIS)?

Air-Insulated Switchgear uses air as the primary dielectric medium for insulation between live parts and ground. It’s commonly found in both indoor and outdoor substations.

Pros of AIS:

Lower Initial Cost: Generally less expensive to manufacture and install.

Simple Design: Easier to maintain, inspect, and service.

Ease of Modification: Flexible and scalable for future upgrades or expansions.

Environmentally Safer: No greenhouse gases like SF₆ are used.

Cons of AIS:

Larger Footprint: Requires more physical space, making it unsuitable for compact or urban environments.

Vulnerable to Environmental Factors: Susceptible to dust, humidity, and pollution in outdoor settings.

What is Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS)?

Gas-Insulated Switchgear uses sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) gas as the insulating medium. This technology allows high-voltage switchgear to be extremely compact.

Pros of GIS:

Compact Design: Ideal for space-constrained environments like cities, buildings, and offshore platforms.

High Reliability: Fully enclosed system offers excellent protection against external elements.

Minimal Maintenance: Components are sealed and protected, requiring less frequent servicing.

Longer Lifespan: Designed for durability and consistent performance.

Cons of GIS:

Higher Initial Cost: More expensive in terms of equipment and installation.

SF₆ Gas Concerns: Although SF₆ is effective, it’s a potent greenhouse gas with strict handling requirements.

Complex Repairs: Repairs and servicing can be more specialized and expensive.

AIS vs GIS: Quick Comparison Table

Feature AIS GIS Insulation Medium Air SF₆ Gas Size / Space Needed Larger Very Compact Initial Cost Lower Higher Maintenance Frequent Minimal Environmental Impact Low High (due to SF₆)Installation Complexity Simpler More complex Suitability Rural, open spaces Urban, limited-space settings

Which One Is Right for You?

The decision between AIS and GIS depends on several key factors:

1. Available Space

Choose GIS for space-limited locations like high-rise buildings, tunnels, and offshore platforms.

Choose AIS if you have ample room and want easier access for maintenance.

2. Budget Constraints

If cost is a concern, AIS offers a more economical solution.

If lifetime value and reliability are priorities, GIS might justify the investment.

3. Environmental Considerations

AIS is more eco-friendly due to the absence of SF₆.

GIS requires special handling and monitoring for SF₆, especially in regions with strict environmental regulations.

4. Application Type

AIS is well-suited for:

Power stations

Industrial zones

Rural substations

GIS is ideal for:

Urban substations

Underground systems

Critical infrastructure with limited space

Final Thoughts

Both Air-Insulated and Gas-Insulated Switchgear have their strengths and are engineered to serve specific needs. The right choice ultimately depends on your project requirements, site conditions, budget, and sustainability goals.

As a trusted supplier of high-performance switchgear, we can help you evaluate the best solution tailored to your project — ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency.

[anim-ttrpgs]

Patreon Poll and Kickstarter Funds Update

Alright, we’ve had a weekend to rest and now it’s time to get back to work. We already have almost ten new snoops done and ready to be put in the rulebook, "FORIVA: The Angel Game" is almost completely reworked and ready for patreon re-release, and we might have new merchandise coming soon.

As soon as "FORIVA: The Angel Game" is done, we still start back work on editing the finished sections of the rulebook.

I have started brainstorming work on the Living Doll playable supernatural characters type, as well as the Talking Dog and several other stretch goals.

I’ll do anything to put off finishing these examples of play..

We are still waiting on more than 60 backers to finish their backer surveys, so we aren’t sending out emails regarding the custom rewards yet, we want to try to be able to do that all at once if possible. Even if all the backer surveys had been completed, we would still wait on a lot of the emails, because we would want to confirm our funds first before we tell our team artists to get to work on custom rewards. Kickstarter won’t actually give us the money until at least 2 weeks after the end of the campaign. We plan to pay them up front, so we gotta have the money before they start seriously working on the project.

Speaking of that, there are three backers from whom Kickstarter has been unable to collect payment. At the time of writing this, this accounts for about $371 of our funding. On Friday, May 17th, if these payments have not been resolved, Kickstarter will cancel them.

That means we won’t get the money and those backers won’t get their rewards. It’s probably just a matter of the bank marking their payment as suspicious, but it needs to be resolved before May 17th. If you’re a backer and you’re reading this, please check your Kickstarter account and your email to find out, and please try to get this resolved before Friday.

Next, I’ve got to talk about our patreon. Despite the major success of the Kickstarter, patreon is an essential part of making A.N.I.M. a long-term viable career.

You can find our patreon here. Subscribing for $3 or more will give you access to our patreon discord server where you can meet the team and offer direct feedback, as well as have a vote in what our next project will be. Subsribing for $5 or more will also give you access to regular, playable updates on all of our in-progress projects.

We will of course be posting updates on our progress in finishing Eureka: Investigative Urban Fantasy and adding the stretch goals on Kickstarter, but if you want to actually play these updates as they come out, you can do so by supporting our patreon for as little as $5. We know some of you will jump at this opportunity to get improved beta versions of Eureka early, and some of you will just wait until final release, but for those of you who would like to get the playable updates, we have a question.

Would you rather us officially update the patreon beta copies twice a month, or once a month? There are definite pros and cons to each one and that’s one of the reasons we’re asking the fans.

Twice a Month

Pros

More frequent updates

Cons

Updates will be smaller and less significant in how much each one will improve the game materials.

Updates that come too frequently could annoy the people who are actually trying to use the beta copies for their campaigns, as they may feel like have their campaign rules changing too frequently to memorize.

Once a Month

Pros

Updates will be much bigger and more significant

Gives more time for people who are playing with the beta copies to have several sessions in between rulebook updates.

Cons

Updates less frequently

The A.N.I.M. TTRPG Book Club

If you would like to meet the A.N.I.M. team and even have a chance to play Eureka with us, you can join the A.N.I.M. TTRPG Book Club discord server. It’s also just a great place to talk and discuss TTRPGs, so there is no schedule obligation, but the main purpose of it is to nominate, vote on, then read, discuss, and play different indie TTRPGs. We put playgroups together based on scheduling compatibility, so it’s all extremely flexible. This is a free discord server, separate from our patreon exclusive one. https://discord.gg/7jdP8FBPes

Free Beta Copies

If you don't want to wait, but don't want to sign up to our patreon either, then you can get an older beta copy for free on our website or itch.io page.

Other Stuff

We also have a ko-fi and merchandise if you just wanna give us more money for any reason.

[scogito]

La cocciniglia è indicata in etichetta con la dicitura "E120" o "acido carminico".

Lista di alcuni PRODOTTI ALIMENTARI che la contengono:

- Danone Activia Fragola e Muesli - Yomo Yogurt Cremoso Frutti di Bosco - Müller Yogurt Corner Fragola - Sanpellegrino Arancia Rossa - Tropicana ACE - Yoga Frutta Fragola - Haribo Orsetti Gommosi - M&M's - Skittles - Algida Cornetto Fragola - Magnum Mini Fragola - Sammontana Cremino Fondente - Kinder Bueno - Nutella B-ready - Pan di Stelle - Campari - Aperol - Cynar Altri PRODOTTI NON ALIMENTARI:

Rossetti: - Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid - L'Oréal Rouge Signature - MAC Retro Matte Lipstick

Ombretti: - Urban Decay Naked Palette - Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette - MAC Satin Eyeshadow

Smalti: - Essie Gel Couture - OPI Infinite Shine - Kiko Milano Smart Colour Nail Lacquer

Dentifricio: - Colgate Total - Oral-B Pro-Expert - Sensodyne Pronamel

Saponi: - Dove - Lux - Nivea.

(da Telegram: consenso_disinformato)

[blackhistorystoryteller]

Read about African polygamy

Historical Context:

Polygamy in Africa predates colonialism and is intertwined with traditional cultural practices and religious beliefs. In many African societies, polygamy was a symbol of wealth, power, and prestige, as having multiple wives signified a man's ability to provide for and protect his family. Additionally, polygamy served practical purposes such as expanding family labor forces and ensuring lineage continuation.

Polygamy, the practice of having multiple spouses simultaneously, has sparked debates and controversies around the world for centuries. While some argue that polygamy can have positive effects on individuals and communities, others condemn it as harmful and oppressive. In this article, we'll examine both sides of the argument to better understand the complexities of polygamy.

Cultural Significance:

In some African cultures, polygamy is seen as a way to strengthen family ties and social networks. It also plays a role in the distribution of labor and responsibilities within the household, with each wife often having specific duties and roles. Moreover, polygamous marriages are often accompanied by elaborate ceremonies and rituals, reinforcing social cohesion and community bonds.

Contemporary Perspectives:

While polygamy remains legal and socially accepted in many African countries, its practice has evolved in response to modernization, urbanization, and changes in societal norms. In urban areas, economic constraints and shifting gender dynamics have led to a decline in polygamous marriages, as the costs associated with maintaining multiple households become prohibitive. Moreover, women's empowerment movements and changing attitudes towards gender equality have challenged the patriarchal structures that underpin traditional polygamous unions.

Title: Debating Polygamy: Exploring the Pros and Cons of a Controversial Practice

The Case for Polygam

1. Cultural Preservation: For many societies, polygamy is deeply ingrained in cultural traditions and religious beliefs. Advocates argue that prohibiting polygamy infringes upon cultural autonomy and the right to practice one's beliefs freely.

2. Economic Benefits: In agrarian or subsistence-based economies, polygamy can provide economic advantages by expanding the labor force and increasing household productivity. Multiple spouses can contribute to farming, childcare, and other domestic tasks, thereby improving the family's overall welfare.

3. Social Stability: In some contexts, polygamy can foster social cohesion and stability by strengthening family networks and community bonds. Polygamous unions often involve extensive kinship networks, which provide social support and security for members.

4. Gender Empowerment: Contrary to popular perception, some women choose polygamous marriages willingly, viewing them as a means of financial security, social status, or companionship. In certain polygamous arrangements, women may have more autonomy and decision-making power than in monogamous marriages.

1. Gender Inequality: Critics argue that polygamy perpetuates patriarchal power structures and exacerbates gender inequality. In many polygamous societies, women have limited rights and agency, often facing discrimination, abuse, and neglect within the household.

2. Emotional and Psychological Harm: Polygamous marriages can lead to emotional strain, jealousy, and conflicts among spouses. Children in polygamous households may also experience psychological distress due to complex family dynamics and divided parental attention.

3. Legal and Ethical Concerns: Polygamy raises legal and ethical questions regarding marital rights, inheritance, and child custody. In societies where polygamy is practiced without legal regulation, individuals may be vulnerable to exploitation, coercion, and marital instability.

4. Health Risks: Polygamy is associated with higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS transmission, particularly in contexts where condom use is inconsistent or taboo. Multiple sexual partners increase the risk of disease transmission, posing public health challenges in polygamous communities.

The debate over polygamy is nuanced and contentious, reflecting divergent cultural, ethical, and moral perspectives. While proponents emphasize its cultural significance and potential benefits, opponents highlight the risks of gender inequality, social harm, and health hazards associated with the practice. Ultimately, the question of whether polygamy is "good" or "bad" depends on one's values, beliefs, and the specific context in which it occurs. As societies continue to grapple with issues of gender equality, human rights, and cultural diversity, the conversation around polygamy will undoubtedly evolve.