#Replacing the proximity sensor

[salvationrepair]

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 8.0 Proximity Sensor Replacement

Duration: 45 minutes Steps: 6 Steps Step 1 Watch out when popping off the screen—carelessness can lead to damage! – Grab that trusty large plastic opening tool and work your magic by gently prying the screen apart from the back cover. Take your time—slow and steady wins this race! Step 2 – Once you’ve successfully pried every part of the screen away from the back cover, you should be able to…

[satans-codpiece]

8 with screamer pls

8) oops, we were just hiding in this closet, but then the close proximity get us too turned on not to fuck

(Implicitly TFP Starscream, post-Partners. Him sneaking around the Nemesis is so good for this.)

----

You thought you were dying; that someone's finally come to kill the High Command's pet human in an idiotic power play-

Until he was shushing you.

"What are you doing here?"

You hadn't seen him in weeks, months-- you still didn't see him as talons had curled together in a protective cup. Until your demand registered in his audials and each towering rod of metal sprung apart.

"ME???" He hisses, optics wide, lighting up the room in scarlet. All around you, his thin digits twitch with indignation. He holds you at chest height, but even here he makes you look up to see him. "What do you think I'm doing? I'm running on fumes out there and-" Starscream's head whips towards the door. All at once the red light that had been bathing you is gone, illuminating dark metal. It takes another several seconds before you hear what had drawn his attention. Footsteps- several in succession. A squad of Vehicons. Were they there for him? You turn back towards him and truly take in his appearance. As bright as his lights are in the pitch black room, they're dim- dim for how blinding they should be with him keyed up, ready to fight whatever came through the door. Worse, him looking away gives you the perfect view of the horrid scratch just below his right optic.

He holds you so close, so precariously folding his limbs to fit into the closet anyway- you stretch up onto your tip toes and reach for him. "Starscream..."

Your fingertips barely brush metal. His face snaps back towards you.

In an instant you can see it, plain as though he'd told you himself. He didn't come back for you-- not that you would have expected him to, he was hardly the most dedicated of them-- but now that he has you in his servos again... The apertures of his optics spin, watching you, betraying more than he would ever want to say. Outside, the footsteps recede.

"I was worried about you." You say, "I missed you." and it's true. When you reach for him again, he lets you touch, your tiny palm against his massive, cool cheek.

"Of course you did." Starscream says on instinct. But the waver of his optics, of his derma means there's something else. Starscream quiets as he struggles to say something with sincerity. Evidently, he doesn't quite get there. "I can't mass displace." It's not what he really means to say, replaces his first-line defense of sarcasm and self-aggrandizement with second-line allusion. It's enough to give you pause- "Have to be quick." and that's enough for you to push it aside.

You nod, instantly breathless. You don't know what quick means to him right now, so you skip the formalities and kick your pants off the edge of his servo. His optics darken at the sight of you adjusting, settling back against the quickly warming plates.

And when you part your legs for him- his engine hums, spooling up despite his attempts to suppress the sound- and his glossa spills from his intake. Slick, smooth metal joints trace up your thigh- and that's all the warm-up you get before he's sliding between your lips.

A gasp rips its way from your mouth- and you quickly cover it with your hand, sinking your teeth into your fingers just to keep quiet. From the heat in Starscream's gaze and the momentary flick of his wings, you think he'd wish you wouldn't- regardless of how tactically sound that impulse is.

He drags his glossa up nice and slow, lets his optics shutter, rerouting processing power to the chemical sensors on his glossa. It's been a quartex- no, two- since he last tasted you and your strange little organic lubricant. It's sweet and so strangely inert, his drained tanks aching for energy-dense fuel, not the delicious strings of proteins you leak so obligingly onto his glossa.

His faceplate is cool when he draws his servo even closer, your thighs pressing up to rough-worn metal. You sigh for the contact, squirm in his palm as his languid licks turn intentional, the tapered tip prodding at your entrance while the base rubs teasingly across your clit.

"Star," You sigh into your fist. He must hear it- because his engine gives a stuttering, half-aborted purr and his glossa pushes in.

With so little effort, he fills you- and your warmth, your softness, your taste surrounds him. This time, his engine's spooling goes unchecked, a deep rumble that rises in pitch- and yet does nothing to hide the distinctive shnk of his panel opening.

You wish you had the time, that he had the energy to fuck you properly. It's been so long, and as nice as his glossa feels pumping into you, squirming deliciously against your walls, it's not the same.

Around you, his talons twitch again- and now you watch his arm move and stroke himself with a pace that shuns the very concept of patience. Heat bursts from his vents, fans clicking ever higher in vain. It's been too long- too long without him, too long worrying. There's no room for the nice, slow reunion fuck you each deserved.

"Close," You gasp, but he already knows. He's felt how your soft, squishing walls keep trying to clamp down on his glossa, as though you could trap him inside that soft, wet little frame-

"Yes, yes," He purrs- voice rumbling unimpeded from his vox. Red light washes over your tiny body as he re-engages his optics, watches as you squirm in his servo-

And when you cry out, "Star!" body going rigid because of him- for him- Starscream's engine stutters, skips a cycle and he moans against your skin. His arm trembles, struggles to work himself through his own overload.

He leans away, his vents hot like desert air on your skin. The light of his optics has dimmed, lowered in the wake of his spent charge- but still coat your body in a garnet gleam, every inch of you painted red for him.

You rub your hand along his, feel the grooves between plates. "Do you have to go?" You murmur, staring up him.

"I'll be back." Starscream promises, stroking your body so carefully with one long, sharp talon. "I'll find you."

[need-him-pregnant-poll]

Pregatron Fanfic Anon, here! I'm finished with the next part

PART 5

=====================

Previously:

„My apologies.”- Megatron murmured before storming out of the lab, he didn’t even bother with the door, he just broke them down and made his way across the many corridors. I need a distraction.

After some time, Soundwave found him sulking in the dark corner of the dining room, eating an unhealthy amount of energon goodies.

======================

Optimus was on his way back to the Autobot base. It was a long day, patrolling the nearby area was always tiring, so he let his mind wander. He discovered a few places that could be used as observation points, he would need to settle proximity sensors and radio transmitters there, that way any Decepticon spies or even attacks could be easily prevented. Speaking of, the other fraction was awfully quiet as of lately, zero activity, strange. Optimus wondered what Megatron might be planning.

Megatron…

Autobot leader shook his head, no use in dwelling on those thoughts…again. Proximity sensors and radio transmitters, yes, he’ll talk to Wheeljack about that. But for now let’s just enjoy the walk to the base, his shift was over and Optimus could spare some time to enjoy the little things. The pink sky was really beautiful this morning, few lonely clouds, the stars barely visible, but still there.

Hm. One seemed to be getting closer. Not even a nano-klik later Optimus recognized the approaching object as not a star, but Starscream. Blue bot didn’t waste any time he took his stance and already opened his communication channel to warn the others-

Wait, something dangled on the line attached to the jet. Something wriggly and suspiciously bot-shaped. The Decepticon transformed and landed elegantly as ever. When clouds of smoke fell, Prime could finally see that the cargo Starscream was carrying was actually-

Optimus’ spark skipped a beat- Megatron?

And why is Starscream missing an eye??

„Greetings, Prime! No need for violence, today, I come in peace.”- he lifted his servos to show no threat. But the way his voice seemed to radiate nothing but joy and the way he grinned was…disturbing to say the least. No, something’s not right here.

„What are you doing here, what is the meaning of this?”- Prime vaguely pointed at the uncanny situation happening before him. Megatron, tied up and gagged, kicking around, throwing metaphorical daggers at Starscream, who- on the other hand-  was happily tightening the knots. Primus, his Optics were practically beaming with child-like excitement! Well, one optic.

„Oh I’m so glad you ask. You see, we’re having a little crisis, nothing to worry about, so don’t even think we- Decepticons, are on a losing position, no, no, no.” He turned Megatron around so he could face the Autobot leader. And only now did Optimus notice that the silver bot was.. bulkier than he last saw him, thicker on his thighs and chest, not to mention the subtle roundness on Megatron’s middle…

„But our beloved leader here can’t be trusted with making sensible decisions, let alone leading the Decepticons in his current… state”- Starscream and Optimus just stared blankly at eachother.

„How to say this delicately? Megatron is insufferable and we can’t stand him. You see my optic? No? Good, who do you think gouged it out, because I told a pun to cheer him up, because he was crying?? -He pointed at Megatron- „No big deal though, Shockwave already has a replacement. Speaking of Shockwave- Megatron yelled at him, because he wouldn’t eat his Energon from a purple bowl, but a blue one. I know- what a petty bastard, eh?. Even Soundwave has had enough of him, which is saying something since those two are so smitten with each other.” Starscream finished, but Optimus felt like he understood even less than before.

„OH! I almost forgot- This is actually all your fault. Me and the rest of high command decided that Megatron should stay with you. Don’t worry, we’ll keep in contact. But he’s your problem now. Good luck and goodbye!”-He threw over his shoulder and dissappeared into the skies, further and further away.

What.

Optimus looked down at Megatron, probably his only chance to getting any clear explanation. He removed the gag and-

„I CAN’T BELIEVE THEY ACTUALLY FUCKING KICKED ME OUT-”

Prime has never been so confused in his entire life.

„Megatron, can you explain, simply, what is going on?”

The Decepticon leader turned his red optics to Optimus, a mocking smirk on his face- „Well I wonder, what could it be…” Megatron moved on the ground to make his chassis and rounded middle more visible.

„Congratulations, Prime, you’re going to be a Sire.”

========================

To be continued...

Whatever pun Starscream told Megatron, it must have been awful

-Pregatron Fanfic Anon

Even if the pun wasn't awful, I imagine the outcome may have been the same.

[zephyruslights]

lil character study that some force possessed me to write in second person pov. idk it just seemed to fit

▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫ ▫

Sweet Malaise

Your spark swells as he draws near—though you cannot see it, you are certain that the coronal plasma must be expanding outward, a not-uncommon manifestation of joy. It's also a manifestation of a few other things, such as seeking a merge, and you cannot help but feel that may be relevant, as loathe as you are to admit it. You would not put that past the spark in your chest, the traitorous, pathetic, pitiable thing. Your yearning seems to reach new lows each time you think you've found the bottom, and you no longer have the wherewithal to be surprised.

The sensation of his field as it lazily entwines with yours is as familiar as light in your optics, yet more indulgent than any of Cybertron's luxuries. It's everything you'll ever need. You want more. You need more. His presence torments your greedy spark, all the more so as your proximity sensors register how near he comes to you.

The urge to turn and grasp that slender waist of his is irrationally powerful. You reroute the energy towards tapping your digits against your desk. It's not a very good replacement, but does provide enough distraction to keep your frame from doing something very stupid without your permission.

Optimus’s field presses deeper into yours with a wave of warming calm that makes your fans catch and your plating shiver. A moment later, the gentle weight of his servo presses down upon your pauldron. You let it steal the tension from your frame, your struts sagging and a breath of too-warm air slipping from your vents along with one of those helpless sighs that he's able to draw from you so easily. The tapping of your digits ceases, your spark having accepted submitting to him touching you, as small of a touch as it is. It's good enough—it needs to be enough, because you cannot have more than this.

Your field ripples gratefully, and you cannot keep the love from it, but it's all right because he will not question it. There are many forms of love. He loves you back, and you can foolishly pretend for a moment that it matches your own before your logic reminds you that you're torturing yourself for no reason. Still, his love feels wonderful. You might cry from it sometimes if you allowed yourself, but beyond being pathetic, that would only give him something needless to worry over.

You are blessed to be his friend. The inappropriate sentiments that you can feel prodding out from your spark—even though you keep actual flights of fantasy truncated and locked away—are surely a result of your own imperfection.

[canowhoopasshg]

This here is my own pride and joy! Best known as

COGITO ERGO BOOM

I think, therefore you explode.

This beauty here is my very own custom Monarch Chassis, courtesy of the Smith Shimano Corporation. This thing fields some of the most advanced guidance systems this side of the Long Rim PLUS the explosive ordnance to back it up. Despite its size and relative capacity for destruction, it's actually pretty quick. Being able to rapidly reposition, see over most other mechs and cover, field a wide array of high range weapons, and hack its opponents with its powerful on board computers and sensors, the Monarch makes for an excellent all-arounder run and gun mech. It's most impressive qualities are it's independently targeting Avenger Silos and its COMP/CON assisted seeking payload, a system that fires a missile at a target you can see only when it can absolutely guarantee the strike will be successful and an advanced computing algorithm that allows the Monarch to bypass all cover, armoring and resistances that it's enemies may have.

Now my Cogito is really something special. I've fitted her with some auxiliary concussion missiles of my own design, as well as a custom Smith Shimano ferrofluid paint job. She's also fitted with a good old GMS personal shield which comes in real handy (especially since the power draw starts pushing my reactor a bit which helps to fuel some other "dangerous" and "irresponsibly radioactive" personal modifications I've made to the Cogito).

As far as weapons she's fielding, We're packing a standard GMS Assault Rifle, because even with all the guided missiles in the system, sometimes all you need is a good old fashioned hail of bullets.

The next weapon is some total piece of shit I mounted before realizing that it didn't even work. Some rare piece of equipment some schmuck on the Icebreaker sold me, called it a "Verbal Gun" or something. I hooked it up with an SSC Stabilizer Mod and everything and when I took it down to the firing range to try it out, the damn thing wouldn't go off! Still looks pretty cool and had a decent camera built into the thing so I scrapped the original Monarch receptors and replaced it with that seeing as it was SSC compatible. Doesn't do anything too crazy but ever since I installed it every so often I'll get a pop up of a little guy on my hud when one of my squad mates takes a hit saying he's hungry and a button pops up to feed him some pellets. We'll whenever I press that pellet button the ferrofluid on my mech freaks the hell out and sorta... bites???? A chunk out of whoever just hit my teammate??? I've tried reaching out about it to my SSC contact but the messages never go through for some reason. Regardless, I'm gonna keep feeding him his "snicker-snacks", not just gonna let the poor little guy starve.

And last but not least. The Gandiva Missiles. Self guided rockets that lock onto anything with a computer and don't stop til they've given them a proper knock on the door if you know what I mean. I can hit anything with these bad boys, with or without my eyes closed. Each rocket is wirelessly in contact with the firing platform which is constantly sending and receiving combat data to a COMP/CON Hivemind out in the Core Worlds. In fact, I've gotten a couple messages from my sponsor contacts about some issues they've been having at the hivemind headquarters about some of their COMP/CON units getting infected with some kind of weird virus and that they suspect it may have something to do with my Gandivas in Calliope and their proximity to our unique dialect of COMP/CON (Shout out to my loyal camera man, Keith). Regardless of vocal quirks, this weapon is top of the line SSC firepower that I've been lucky enough to level at a number of Long Rim baddies.

Stay tuned for next time, where I'll be going over one of the other mechs piloted by Hell's Gate's finest.

Stay Frosty Brothbros! And remember! YOU ONLY NEED ONE ☝️😉!

[mariacallous]

Elon Musk may have put the final nail in X’s coffin. On Wednesday, Musk appeared to endorse an antisemitic post by user @breakingbaht alleging that “Jewish communities have been pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them.” In response, Musk posted, “You have spoken the actual truth.”

The original post seemed to echo the beliefs of the “great replacement” conspiracy theory, which is popular among white supremacists and right-wing extremists. The backlash has been swift. In a statement earlier today, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates condemned the “abhorrent promotion of antisemitic and racist hate in the strongest terms, which runs against our core values as Americans,” and marquee advertisers have been quick to pull their business. IBM, Disney, Liongsgate, and the European Union have pulled advertising from X in response to Musk’s post. According to a report in Axios, Apple has also paused advertising on X.

At the time of publication, Apple had not responded to multiple requests for comment, nor has it confirmed that it is pulling its advertising from X.

“Advertisers like IBM and Apple aren’t just big names, they’re big spenders on X,” says Angelo Carusone, president of Media Matters, a media watchdog group which has been tracking advertiser behavior on X. Carusone, citing data shared by data insights firm Sensor Tower, says that in July, the top five advertisers on X by spending were Apple, FinanceBuzz.io, Amazon, Mondelez International, and Hewlett-Packard. In the past, Apple has frequently been among the top 20 advertisers on X.

Carusone adds that Apple typically signals a certain level of brand safety to other, smaller advertisers. The company is also known for its stringent policies around controversial content in its App Store and on its own platforms. If Apple has paused, or plans to pause, its advertising on X, it “could have a halo effect,” Carusone claims, scaring other advertisers away from the platform. “It goes way beyond money.”

In August, X CEO Linda Yaccarino emphasized that the company was expanding its brand-safety tools, designed to give advertisers and marketers more control over what kind of content their ads appeared in proximity to.

But this recent spate of antisemitic content on X, and the juxtaposition of big-brand ads next to it, only underscores to advertisers that X is a risky bet, experts argue. “Even with those tools, if you’re an advertiser right now you’re thinking, there’s quite literally nothing I can do on this platform to improve my experience,” Carusone says.

“The problem with X is not only that there's misinformation and antisemitic content on the platform, and other hateful content as well, but that it's being spread by Musk himself,” says Jasmine Enberg, principal analyst for social media at Insider Intelligence, a market research firm.

“The brand safety concern for advertisers isn't just about the content but about the platform and the leadership.” Enberg argues that Musk has treated the company like something he could remake in his own image, not understanding that “what he wants and what he seemingly believes is not necessarily aligned with what users and advertisers on the platform want and believe.”

Under Musk’s leadership, X is expected to see an unprecedented 54 percent drop in advertising revenue, which previously accounted for more than 90 percent of the company’s total.

Even before Musk took ownership of then-Twitter, experts worried that his particular brand of free speech absolutism would lead to a flood of trolls and hate speech on the platform. In his first weeks as owner, Musk laid off nearly everyone working on trust and safety, the teams responsible for ensuring that hate speech, violence, and inappropriate content stay off the platform. (Hate speech did, in fact, increase under Musk’s leadership.) Musk’s lax approach to content moderation also nearly got the platform banned during the 2022 presidential runoffs in Brazil, the platform’s third largest market.

In response, advertisers began to flee, worried about the brand safety risks of their products appearing next to hateful or inflammatory posts. Since joining X as CEO earlier this year, Yaccarino, formerly global advertising lead at NBCUniversal, has seemingly been hampered in her ability to woo back advertisers by Musk’s decisions. And while X has claimed it was regaining advertisers, an October study from Media Matters found that X’s 100 largest advertisers were spending 90 percent less than they did before Musk’s takeover.

[snek-in-a-hat]

Day 3 @augusnippets

3: Thunderstorm / Blizzard / Heat Wave

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

'Should I get out and push?'

Leader glared at Right Hand's question as they pressed on the accelerator for the third time to no avail.

Cetus I - 77 was not a temperate planet, but was rich in rare minerals and deemed worth attempting to set up a base camp for future mining operations. It's surface was typically about 250 degrees Fahrenheit, reaching 300 in some places at the peak of the solar day. It's atmosphere was not quite breathable, nor were the gaseous particle storms non-hazardous, but all in all, it would not be the most difficult planet the human systems union had attempted to tame, even if only temporarily.

Unfortunately they would be no closer to setting up the base camp at the location Scientist had proposed if their climber kept getting stuck in the fine sands that covered a majority of the planet.

'They need to start sending us equipment that works,' growled Leader as they made to secure their suit and exit the vehicle.

'You'd hate it. It would make the job too easy.'

Leader couldn't stop the little chuckle from escaping.

'Stay here,' they warned as Right Hand began to unbuckle themselves from the co-pilot seat. At their confused look, they added, 'Someone needs to keep an eye on the weather patterns and the radio.'

Right Hand slouched back in their seat with a huff.

'Be right back,' Leader called, grabbing one of the folding field shovels.

The chamber depressurized and it was like the opening of an oven. Leader cursed at the brightness overwhelming them and the heat that immediately began to put their suit systems to work.

They ignored the blaring of the heat alarm and trekked to the back of the climber. Thankfully nothing looked broken, but it seemed that the wheels might need to be dug out of the sand.

Leader felt the sweat pouring down their back and temples before they'd even started.

Too easy, they scoffed to themselves and began digging at the back left wheel.

It felt like they were moving in slow motion. It seemed that every shovelful was almost replaced by the wind blowing more sand back into the hole. Leader cursed again at the heat and themselves for not thinking to drink some water before sealing the suit and going outside.

A pounding headache was making itself known right behind their eyes and the arm holding the shovel began to shake.

Slowly leader moved their way over to the other wheel and began digging it out. They tried to go quickly to avoid the wind undoing their work. They had only intended to be outside for about 5-10 minutes, but they had no idea how long it had been. Somewhere in the back of their mind, they recognized that probably was not a good thing. As leader bent down to get another shovelful, a sudden wave of dizziness overtook them and they crashed to their knees.

They reached a shaking hand to their communicator and called for Right Hand. Something was definitely wrong.

Hearing no answer, they tried again, but the last thing they heard was static before darkness took them.

----

Right Hand kept glancing at the clock while keeping an eye on the radar. A storm would likely head in their direction, but probably not for another 30 minutes. As it was Leader had already been gone for 10 minutes, but Right Hand didn't dare bother then when they were pissed at the climber. It was a recipe for disaster. Besides, the proximity sensors were showing that Leader was working on the back left wheel.

Another 5 minutes passed and Right Hand was beginning to get worried. That storm was definitely going to hit.

'Hey, Leader. Sorry to bother you, but I think that storm is coming our way. I think we've got another 15 minutes. Do you need some help?'

There was nothing but static. It wasn't necessarily surprising. Leader often didn't answer Right Hand, especially if they offered help. They checked the sensors again. Leader was now by the right back wheel.

Another 5 minutes passed and Right Hand made up their mind. Angry or not, Leader would need their help to finish up and get them out of the storm's path. Besides they had already exceeded the recommended time for being out on Cetus' surface.

Right Hand affixed their suit and depressurized the chamber. The sudden wave hit them and their stomach clenched. It was HOT.

They worked their way to the back of the climber, but noticed a distinct lack of noise. No shovel scraping sand, no clangs from Leader hitting the vehicle, or muffled curses.

As they rounded the corner, Right Hand gasped. Leader was face down in the sand and slowly being buried as the wind blew more and more on top of their body.

'Shit. Shit. Shit!'

They rushed to Leader's side and began tapping on their helmet. Right Hand cursed at the lack of response. They looked to the horizon and saw the storm was now visible and growing closer. They needed to get inside the climber now.

Right Hand stooped and pulled Leader into a fireman's carry. They would have to ride out the storm inside the vehicle and hope that the seals didn't come loose.

As carefully as they could, they placed Leader on the floor and repressurized the chamber. Right Hand ripped their helmet off and then Leader's.

Right Hand felt for a pulse and let out a small sigh. It was strong, but way too fast. Further inspection revealed skin that was far too hot and dry. Not to mention the fact that Leader was out like a light.

An examination of Leader's suit showed that the cooling systems were broken and probably had been for some time. The communicator was fried and the seals were worn. But at least the heat alarm works, Right Hand thought wryly.

The climber shuddered as the storm finally hit and the emergency lighting switched to red. Holding their breath until they were sure the seals would hold, Right Hand resolved to go get some cool towels and water. If they were lucky, the secondary transmitter was still functioning and they could get a distress call back to the ship.

'They definitely need to start sending us equipment that works.'

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

Apologies, I know this one is probably double the max recommended length, but I didn't feel like I could cut it down! Please let me know if I missed any CW tags. Day 3 done!

[secretseacat]

Last night in the wee hours I got up and went out to the stoop to watch the lunar eclipse. Very quiet and still out. Then there was a little trundling shape in the dark making its way across the lawns. As it crossed under the streetlamp, I saw it was a possum, and it turned off the road at my house. Last year I had replaced a broken concrete sidewalk with a winding path of stone pavers leading up to the house, and the possum took that path nearly all the way up to where I was. I said "hello" and "you're coming awfully close" because I wasn't sure if it saw me sitting on the shadowed stoop and didn't want to spook it if it decided to come closer. After a couple more steps it stopped about a person length away, paused there for a few seconds, and then turned around and unhurriedly walked right back down my path to the street. Set off the neighbor's motion sensor light and made its way back off into the bushes. I was worried that I had offended it by remarking on its proximity, so I called out "I love you!" but it was gone. Looking back up at the sky, I saw the moon had just entered totality, dim and red.

[checkoutmybookshelf]

Artemis Fowl and That One Time Opal Koboi Went Full Disney Villain

Ah yes, the book that explores the aftermath of trying to mind-wipe Artemis Fowl and the consequences of assuming that just because your archnemesis is in a coma, they're not plotting their revenge. It's no secret that we stan Opal Koboi in this house, but uhhh...not gonna lie, she makes that REALLY DIFFICULT in the early chapters of this book. Let's talk Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception.

*As per usual with sequels and books that aren't the first in the series, spoilers abound below the break.*

Opal Koboi being hated by her entire engineering class in college--Foaly included--is most easily and canonically chalked up to systemic fairy sexism. I'm not here to dispute that charge, because there was absolutely airy sexism involved, but I submit to you, dear reader, that the fact that Opal had matered cleansing comas by age 14 and could literally study in her sleep might have also had something to do with it. Although if it had, Foaly might not have been so lackadaisical about letting Opal rot in the J. Argon clinic.

Let's just take a minute to appreciate that cloning herself and plotting a breakout from a stupid secure mental health facility with ADDED LEP SECURITY is the BACKUP plan. Because hot damn honey, replacing yourself with a clone requires a level of planning that is like, fourth-level chess master with a flair for the dramatic--and we'll get back to that flair for the dramatic in a second, because it is fully on display for every single one of Opal's three main plots in this book.

Her first main plan is to get revenge on Holly and Root for disrupting her plan to become Empress of Haven by framing Holly for Root's murder by tricking Holly into taking a practically impossible shot to disarm an explosive device that was strapped to the Commander's chest and broadcasting video but not audio of the whole event to the LEP. Like, Opal. My girl. That is simultaneously brutal and dramatic of you.

And the thing about the entire scene is that it's really, really damn well written. I got this book on release day, and bawled all the way through this and I think the next couple of chapters. The extra cruel thing that Opal did here was choose a murder weapon that there was precisely ZERO hope of coming back from. Holly may have managed a four-minute healing for Butler in the last book, but as (I'm pretty sure) Foaly says, "magic doesn't work on melted slop." The bomb Opal strapped to Root's chest doesn't just kill him, it collapses the chute tunnel behind Holly as she makes a desperate bid to escape in time to rescue Artemis from another bomb. There was no way to bring Root back from this, and because Opal is a high-drama nemesis, Root is of course suffering the whole way down. The bomb is strapped to his chest using octo-bonds, and Opal spends the entire scene remotely tightening them, slowly crushing Root's chest while Holly stands six feet away to stop the proximity sensor from blowing them both to kingdom come. Root's death is brutal, painful, and Holly spends the entire rest of the book mourning him. It is HEARTBREAKING for a middle grade death scene, and really hella extra for a middle grade villain.

Opal's plan for revenge on Artemis is a bit less moustache-twirling, but not by much. She has clocked that Artemis is really into art theft since his mind wipe, so she gets to The Fairy Thief before he does and plants a bio-bomb tracker in the painting tube that will activate once the tube is opened. So her plan was for Artemis to die in a moment of ironic triumph while Holly looked on. Because oh yeah, Holly bails on the explosion in the Haven chute just barely in time on the hope and prayer of saving Artemis. Unfortunately, Holly gets to the hotel just in time to see the bomb go off. Artemis is fine because Butler is just that damn good, but Holly is having arguably the worst day if her life.

As she collapses to the roof of the hotel trying to process the fact that three of the most important people in her life have just been murdered in front of her--and the niggling worry that the sweet spot might not have been real and she might have just flat-out killed Root herself--who shows up to gloat? Opal goddamn Koboi. In tow Opal has a second bio-bomb for Holly that she barely escapes by containing it with her helmet. As a bonus side effect, Ark Sool and everyone in the lower elements thinks Holly is dead now, because all her vitals flattened simultaneously as the bomb fried her helmet. So now Foaly is also having a terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day.

And in a brief sidebar: Opal might be a dramatical cats villain, but we love her. We DO NOT love Ark Sool, because his ass made Foaly go over the footage of Root's death with a fine tooth comb to try to prove Holly's guilt, and even Foaly almost breaks because he literally has to slow-mo through the footage of Root being blown to hell multiple times. Like, Foaly just has PTSD now. That's just a thing that Ark Sool casually did to the centaur who is almost single-hoofedly standing between humans and the People. NICE GOING, ASSHOLE. We hate Ark Sool.

Now, Opal's track record for successful plans in this book seems to have begun and ended with cloning herself and having the Brill twins break her out of the Argon Clinic, because her revenge plan is 1 for 3, and her backup revenge plan just gets WILD. On discovering that Holly and Artemis suvived, Opal captures them and drops them in a defunct theme park that was human wonders of the world themed and is currently overrun by trolls. And the really wild thing is that Opal had to have either done this before or else has the best freaking team in the world, because the exits are newly blocked and there are little screens with gloats on them scattered throughout the whole park. Holly and Artemis do escape, but it would have definitely easier if the LEP hadn't mind-wiped Artemis, because he was definitely not working with a full deck and kept trying to just *wait out the delusion* instead of actively running from trolls with a taste for human flesh. None of that is ideal, but thanks once again to Butler and Mulch, Artemis and Holly live to foil Opal's big main plan.

The TLDR on this plan is to throw humans and fairies into a massive war by exposing the fairies when they try to sneakily scupper a human attempt to mine the mantle for power. This involves a lot of warheads and phsyics and attempts to direct a metric ton of molten metal eating through the earth's crust. For being the objectively highest stakes plot, the book doesn't spend a whole lot of time on this, and I can't blame them. Opal going full vengeful dramatic villain is WAY more interesting. Unfortunately, Holly and Artemis do manage to thwart Opal, who has the meltdown of all meltdowns right before she spends a week as a human child on a farm--for complicated reason that I cannot be bothered to explain here, because Opal Koboi is objectively too fantastic and dramatic to deserve that...except for how she kind does deserve that for what she did to Commander Root.

Ark Sool probably also deserves it, because he doesn't let Holly attend Root's funeral, and proceeds to bury her in internal affairs investigations. We really, REALLY hate Ark Sool.

So overall, this book really marks a turning point/new beginning for Artemis and Pals, and this book is where Opal Koboi arguably shines brightest because our girl is UNHINGED and we love to watch it happen. Even if we do start watching it through tears.

[voltz321]

Why Electric Lawn Mowers Are the Future of DIY Lawn Care

Introduction to Electric Lawn Mowers

Benefits of Using Electric Lawn Mowers

The environmental impact of switching to an electric lawn mower is one of the strongest arguments in favor of doing so. Electric mowers have no emissions, in contrast to gas mowers that release dangerous pollutants. This enhances the quality of the air surrounding your home in addition to helping the environment. Electric mowers also require less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts and don’t need air filters, spark plugs, or oil changes. Electric mowers are more user-friendly than gas ones because they are lighter and easier to handle, and they can be started with a single button.

Selecting the Right Electric Lawn Mower for Your Needs

Think about things like your lawn’s size, the terrain, and your preferred power source when selecting an electric lawnmower. Because they have an infinite runtime, corded models are perfect for smaller yards, but they do need to be near an electrical outlet. Larger lawns can benefit from cordless models, which offer greater mobility but have a shorter battery life. The mower’s cutting width, adjustable cutting heights, and capacity for side discharge, bagging, or mulching are important features to check for.

Ease of Use

Another benefit of electric lawn mowers is their user-friendliness. For homeowners of all ages and physical capabilities, they are the best option because they are typically lighter and more manageable than gas-powered mowers. Additionally, a lot of electric mowers have push-button start systems, which do away with the need to pull a cord in order to start the engine. For people who struggle to start traditional pull-start mowers or have mobility issues, this feature is especially helpful.

Electric mowers are quieter than their gas-powered counterparts and also easier to start. In addition to making mowing more enjoyable, the lower noise levels lessen the possibility of upsetting nearby residents. Those who live in neighborhoods with noise restrictions or in close proximity to other people should pay particular attention to this.

Safety Features

When using any lawn care equipment, safety is an important factor to take into account, and electric mowers have many benefits in this area. They do away with the possibility of fuel leaks and spills, which can be dangerous for the environment and the user. In addition, the dangerous fumes that gas-powered mowers release are not produced by electric mowers, lowering the possibility of breathing in hazardous substances.

Numerous electric lawn mowers come with safety features that prevent unintentional starts, like automatic shut-off upon handle release. In order to prevent potential hazards, the mower can modify its speed or stop completely. Certain models additionally come equipped with sensors that identify obstacles or changes in the terrain.

Reduced Maintenance

The fact that electric lawn mowers require less maintenance is one of their biggest benefits. To keep gas-powered lawn mowers operating smoothly, they need to have their oil changed, air filters changed, and spark plugs maintained on a regular basis. Depending on how long the mower lasts, these chores may be expensive and time-consuming.

In contrast, electric mowers require less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts. It is not necessary to deal with carburetor problems, change the oil, or replace the air filters. The only routine upkeep needed is to make sure the battery is charged and to keep the blades sharp. The mower lasts longer thanks to this less maintenance, which also saves time and money.

Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Electric Lawn Mower

[marckindustries]

Marck Industries: Trusted Manufacturer of Premium Elevator Spare Parts

Why Reliable Spare Parts Matter in Elevator Systems

Elevators are essential in modern buildings—transporting people and goods swiftly and safely. Downtime due to broken or worn-out parts isn’t just inconvenient—it can impact safety, building efficiency, and tenant satisfaction. That’s why having a dependable source of high-quality spare parts is vital.

What Sets Marck Industries Apart

1. Decades of Expertise

With years of experience in manufacturing elevator components, Marck Industries understands the stringent requirements of vertical transportation—ensuring every part is engineered for precision, durability, and compliance with international safety standards.

2. Comprehensive Product Portfolio

From mechanical to electrical systems, we supply a full range of elevator parts, including:

Controller boards & PCBs

Inverter and VFD units

Proximity switches & sensors

Door lock and safety gear

Brake assemblies & drums

Buffers, rollers, and pulleys

Cabin fixtures: buttons, display panels, handrails

3. Precision Manufacturing

Utilizing CNC machining, injection molding, and automated PCB assembly, each component is produced to exact tolerances—ensuring fit and function with OEM performance or better. Strict quality checks, including EN 81, ASME A17.1, and ISO audits, guarantee consistency.

4. Certified Quality & Safety

Marck operates with certifications to:

ISO 9001 Quality Management

CE marking and compliance

Adherence to EN (Europe) and ASME (North America) elevator safety codes

These credentials ensure safe, global-grade parts.

5. Custom Solutions & Adaptability

Recognizing that every elevator system is unique, Marck Industries excels in custom engineering—from tailored connectors and cables to complete PCB re-engineering—while maintaining cost and lead-time efficiency.

Benefits of Partnering with Marck Industries

Advantage

Impact

High Uptime & Quick Delivery

Minimize downtime with rapid part replacement and fast shipping

Competitive Pricing

Optimized production lowers costs without compromising quality

Global Support Infrastructure

Sales and technical teams available round-the-clock across regions

Extended Product Warranty

Confidence via long-term warranty and support packages

Serving Diverse Market Segments

Residential Buildings: Reliable replacements for passenger-lift maintenance.

Commercial Complexes: Durable components suited for high-traffic usage.

Industrial Facilities: Heavy-duty parts designed for freight and goods lifts.

OEM Collaborations: Contract manufacturing aligned with global elevator brands.

Quality Control & Testing Procedures

Each batch undergoes:

Incoming Material Inspection (IQC)

In-Process Monitoring (IPC)

Performance Testing: Load, endurance, vibration, and electrical tests

Final Audits & Certification

Partnering with Marck: How It Works

Initial Consultation Understand your system specs, OEM models, and usage patterns.

Quotation & Sample Approval We provide detailed proposals and offer test samples for validation.

Order & Production Ranging from small spare lots to mass production, with regular updates.

Technical & After-Sales Support Including troubleshooting, field assistance, and prompt RMA processes.

Ongoing Relationship We offer lifecycle support—even for legacy elevators requiring obsolete part replacements.

Elevate Your Operations with Marck Industries

Your elevator fleet deserves nothing less than reliable, certified parts that stand the test of time. Choose Marck Industries for precision, safety, and peace of mind—backed by technical excellence and global service reach.

Ready to discuss your parts needs? Contact our sales team or request a quote through the Marck Industries website today.

[bojinmedicalinstrument]

Cannulated Drill Innovation for Orthopedic Surgery

Revolutionizing Orthopedic Precision: The Advancements of Cannulated Drills in Modern Surgery

Cannulated drills, a cornerstone of orthopedic and trauma surgery, have undergone significant technological advancements in recent years, offering surgeons unprecedented precision and efficiency in complex bone procedures. These hollow-core tools, designed to guide wires or screws through bone structures, are now integral to procedures such as fracture fixation, joint replacements, and spinal surgeries, with their evolution addressing longstanding challenges in heat management, material durability, and procedural accuracy.

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Core Design and Functional Innovations

Cannulated drills are characterized by their hollow design, enabling the insertion of guide wires during surgical navigation. Modern iterations typically feature a distal conical tip for precise bone penetration and a proximal T-shaped handle for ergonomic control. Constructed from high-grade stainless steel or titanium alloys, these drills balance strength with biocompatibility, reducing the risk of corrosion and ensuring compatibility with imaging systems such as fluoroscopy.

Key advancements include:

Thermal Management: Traditional drills often generate excessive heat during operation, risking bone necrosis. Newer models integrate irrigation channels that circulate sterile fluids to maintain safe temperatures, mitigating thermal damage.

Modular Configurations: Interchangeable drill heads (ranging from 2.5mm to 6.5mm) allow adaptability across diverse surgical scenarios, from pediatric fractures to adult reconstructive surgeries.

Sustainability: Reusable designs, combined with autoclavable components, align with global healthcare sustainability initiatives by reducing medical waste.

Clinical Applications and Outcomes

Cannulated drills excel in minimally invasive procedures, where precision is paramount. For instance, in tibial fracture repairs, surgeons utilize these tools to place screws within sub-millimeter accuracy, significantly shortening recovery times. Studies indicate a 25–30% reduction in operative duration due to reduced reliance on intraoperative imaging adjustments, alongside a marked decrease in post-operative infections attributed to minimized tissue disruption.

In spinal surgeries, the drills’ compatibility with robotic-assisted platforms enhances trajectory planning, enabling safer screw placement in anatomically sensitive regions. Additionally, their application in joint replacements ensures optimal implant alignment, reducing long-term complications such as loosening or misalignment.

Technological Synergy and Future Directions

The integration of smart technologies is reshaping cannulated drill functionality. Emerging systems incorporate real-time feedback mechanisms, such as torque sensors and depth indicators, to prevent over-penetration or slippage. Researchers are also exploring nanotechnology applications, such as surface coatings that enhance antibacterial properties or promote osseointegration, inspired by innovations in implant materials.

A notable trend is the convergence of surgical tools with digital navigation. For example, AI-driven systems are being tested to predict optimal drilling paths based on preoperative imaging, further minimizing human error. Such advancements mirror broader industry efforts to merge hardware precision with data-driven intelligence.

Market Growth and Industry Impact

The global market for cannulated drills is expanding rapidly, driven by rising orthopedic conditions linked to aging populations and sports injuries. Analysts project a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7–9% over the next decade, with demand particularly high in regions facing increased fracture incidence rates. Regulatory approvals, including FDA and CE certifications, underscore the tools’ safety and efficacy, accelerating adoption in both developed and emerging healthcare markets.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite their advantages, challenges persist. Surgeons emphasize the need for continuous training to master advanced drill systems, particularly those integrated with digital interfaces. Additionally, cost remains a barrier in resource-limited settings, though reusable designs offer long-term economic benefits.

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Conclusion

Cannulated drills exemplify the synergy between engineering innovation and clinical necessity. Their evolution from simple mechanical tools to smart, adaptable systems highlights the transformative potential of medical technology. As research continues to push boundaries—from material science to AI integration—these devices will remain pivotal in advancing orthopedic care, ensuring safer, faster, and more sustainable surgical outcomes worldwide.

[displayslcd]

Discover the benefits and advantages of Avionics Displays

iDisplays provides a wide range of Avionics Displays. They are the specialist supplier of displays and embedded solutions for industrial and military users worldwide. Avionics Displays work in conjunction with diverse other avionics systems improve situational awareness as well as flight safety under the complete range of flight and ground conditions such as bad weather, low visibility, turbulence, and high-density traffic.

They are manufactured to be both compatible with legacy technology as well as open source in order to work with future software upgrades. These features enable us to stave off obsolescence and also reduce lifecycle costs, saving thousands of dollars in development costs as well as thousands of hours in development time.

Avionics Displays consisting of “smart” displays that are equipped with video input only displays, embedded processing, as well as smart displays with video configurations for both military and civil applications. These display products are flying globally on numerous aircraft types such as civil trainers, fighters, civil, transports, military transports, and military helicopters, and special purpose surveillance and search and rescue aircraft. The displays are made available in a huge range of sizes and in square, landscape and portrait orientations with various formats, human interface controls, configurable functions, and electronic interface options.

Avionics displays can boost flight safety and situational awareness in a wide range of conditions, such as low visibility, turbulence, and bad weather.

Some of the benefits of avionics displays are:

Enhanced situational awareness: These displays can help pilots see runways, taxiways, as well as some other airport features that make it easier to navigate at crowded airports.

Improved safety features: These displays help pilots calculate landing distances more accurately, which can assist them meet FAA and EASA mandates.

Ground proximity warning: The offered displays can alert pilots if their aircraft is in danger of hitting the ground and an obstacle.

Combined vision systems: The offered displays can overlay sensor data with an out-the-window view that assists pilots land at airports in low visibility.

High resolution screens: Theyuse high-resolution active-matrix liquid-crystal displays in order to ensure information is clear.

Glass cockpit upgrades: They can replace legacy CRT displays, enhancing functionality and resolving maintenance issues.

3ATI Displays are used in a wide of aircraft like military, commercial, and general aviation aircraft. They are used for a variety of purposes. These displays find wide applications in airspeed indicator, altimeter indicator, vertical velocity indicator, primary engine indicator, engine/system indicator, and alternate engine indicator.

[impexautoglass]

Impex Auto Glass: Premier Bessemer City Auto Glass Service You Can Trust

Need a fast, flawless windshield replacement in Bessemer City, North Carolina? Looking for a reliable shop that handles auto glass repair near me plus precise ADAS calibration—all in one visit? Impex Auto Glass has you covered. Dial 888.477.0888 now and discover why local drivers keep us in the Google “Top 3 Pack” for Bessemer City auto glass repair.

Complete Auto Glass Solutions for Bessemer City & Gaston County

Windshield replacement & crack repair—OEM‑quality glass, lifetime workmanship warranty

Door, quarter & back glass swapping—perfect fit for every make and model

Advanced Driver‑Assistance System (ADAS) calibration—post‑install camera recalibration on‑site

Mobile auto glass service—we can meet you at home, work, or along I‑85 for maximum convenience

Insurance claim assistance—from paperwork to direct billing, we make it painless

Whether you commute to Charlotte, cruise downtown Bessemer City on North 14th Street, or explore Kings Mountain National Military Park, a clear, structurally sound windshield is essential. Our certified technicians restore that factory‑fresh safety in a single visit.

Why Impex Auto Glass Tops the Local Search Pack

Local expertise – Serving drivers across Bessemer City, Gastonia, Dallas, Cherryville & Kings Mountain since 1999

Speed & flexibility – Same‑day appointments, average windshield swap in under one hour

Mobile ADAS specialists – We recalibrate Lane‑Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning & more right in your driveway

Transparent pricing – Competitive rates with no surprise fees; ask about our cash‑back offers on insured jobs

Five‑star reputation – Hundreds of verified reviews rave about our punctuality, clean work areas, and friendly techs

When Google’s algorithm weighs proximity, prominence, and relevance, Impex checks every box—helping us rank consistently in the coveted local “3‑Pack” for searches like “auto glass replacement Bessemer City” and “windshield repair Gaston County”.

Mobile Windshield Replacement: We Come to You

From morning drop‑offs on East Virginia Avenue to evening soccer practice at Stinger Park, we know your schedule is packed. That’s why our fully stocked service vans stretch across:

28016, 28034, 28021, and surrounding ZIP codes

Highway 161, U.S. 74 & I‑85 corridors

Industrial sites, school parking lots, and residential neighborhoods

A quick call to 888.477.0888 and our dispatcher will book a time—often same day—so you can keep life moving while we restore crystal‑clear visibility.

On‑Site ADAS Calibration Done Right

Modern windshields are more than glass—they’re sensor platforms. After replacement, cameras powering Lane Departure Warning or Traffic Sign Recognition must be calibrated to millimeter precision. Impex Auto Glass uses state‑of‑the‑art mobile calibration rigs that meet or exceed OEM specifications, ensuring your Subaru EyeSight, Ford Co‑Pilot360, or Honda Sensing system performs exactly as the factory intended.

How to Book Your Bessemer City Auto Glass Appointment

**Call** 🔹 888.477.0888 to receive a free, instant quote

Share your VIN for rapid parts matching and insurance verification

Pick in‑shop service at our nearby Gastonia facility or choose on‑site mobile repair anywhere in Bessemer City

Relax while our NGA‑certified techs handle the install, cleanup, and calibration—usually in 60 minutes or less

Hit the road with restored safety, a spotless ride, and a lifetime warranty in your inbox

When you search “auto glass Bessemer City NC,” you deserve an expert who answers the phone, shows up on time, and leaves no mess behind. That’s the Impex promise. Click the link at the top or call 888.477.0888 today—and see why Gaston County drivers make us their first choice for windshield repair and replacement year after year.

[salvationrepair]

Front Camera And Proximity Scanner Plastic Bracket Compatible For Iphone 6S Plus

High quality iPhone 6s Plus Front Camera & Proximity Sensor Plastic Brackets are required for your screen replacement. They are held in place with little rubber brackets that attach to the front screen. When you remove them from the old screen you will not be able to move the Plastic Brackets that attach them. You will need the new brackets to complete the transfer. We recommended for…

[rjlocksmithsandiego]

Emergency Locksmith Encinitas: Why Modern Cars Need Specialized Locksmiths?

If you have been locked out of your car or lost the key fob, your first thought would be to call the emergency locksmith Encinitas. However, calling any locksmith may not help you. In some cases, you might need locksmith to help with advanced vehicles while for other cases you need someone who can reach you immediately. The modern cars possess complex security systems that require professional training to ensure they can work with cutting-edge vehicle technology. Let’s take a look at all the reasons modern cars would require specialized locksmiths and why they provide different services. This will also help you understand why getting in touch with a professional can get you the best service. 1. In case of traditional car keys, you need to consider the mechanical lock alone. However, if you are looking at cars that were manufactured after 2000, you might be working with transponder keys or smart key fobs. These devices communicate with your car’s computer using the radio frequency signals or encrypted chip. In case the communication doesn’t work, the car would not start or unlock. If such a key fob is lost or broken, you cannot get it repaired at the hardware store. You need commercial locksmith Encinitas CA who can program the new transponder keys or replace the smart key fobs. You should also look for a locksmith who is trained to work with the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system. The professionals have the necessary diagnostic equipment with programming tools that you generally find at the dealerships at an affordable rate. 2. The modern vehicles are very secure, which means you can ensure they are not stolen. However, it becomes a challenge when you are locked out. In some cars, they also provide encrypted immobilizer system that is designed to prevent unauthorized access and hotwiring. These encryptions are designed specific for the brand, and this simply means that every brand has a separate encryption. The professional and specialized locksmiths are updated with the variations and constantly evolve with the software. So, you need someone who is well-versed with accessing or reprograming the encrypted systems without putting your car electronics at risk. 3. A lot of modern cars rely on push-button start or keyless entry that use proximity sensors. You need a trained emergency locksmith Encinitas that can help you when the push start mechanism malfunctions or your key fob doesn’t work. They can diagnose the system failures or reprogram the fob. They can easily reset and replace the onboard security modules as well. In this case, the locksmith will not just help unlock the door, but also ensure the ignition of the vehicle is functioning properly and safely. 4. The different brands work differently and their security protocols are also different. They have their own security protocols, chip technology and programming requirements. In some cases, the professional locksmith would also need manufacturer-specific authorization code. The specialized locksmiths have full authority to the databases, security portals and diagnostic networks. This allows them to access the vehicle PIN and key codes. The locksmiths can also interface with the car’s ECU or BCM.

The commercial locksmith Encinitas CA can help you unlock the door manually and they can ensure speed and cost efficiency as compared to the dealerships.