#Smart speaker upgrade

[tez-world1]

Headline: Siri Just Got a Whole Lot Smarter! 🤯 Body: HomePod 18.2 is HERE and it's a game-changer! Say goodbye to robotic Siri commands and hello to natural language music control. Now you can ask Siri for "upbeat tunes" or "something relaxing" and it actually understands! Check out our latest blog post to see how this incredible update transforms your listening experience. Link: http://tezlinks.blogspot.com/2024/12/homepod-182-siri-gets-natural-language.html Image: [Image from blog post] #HomePod #Siri #AppleMusic #SmartSpeaker #TechUpdate #Music #AI #Apple

[nvmadic]

best friends!ted and schlatt are the first people you go to after your boyfriend has the nerve to call you a slut and other mean because of a dress you wore to a night clubbing with him but then ALSO having the nerve to send pictures of him with other girls all over him as 'revenge'

so when you stop answering your phone, he's trying to call you over and over again, but finally, one of his calls gets answered but it's not by you: it's ted.

"yesssss?" he answers with the smuggest, sing-song voice, clearly amused at the audacity of your boyfriend calling you after that stunt.

"dude, where's my girl at?"

"your girl," ted laughs. "you're not that smart. you don't realize you just lost any right to call her that after today."

"what? dude, give my girlfriend the phone!"

"mm, okay, i'll put it on speaker for you," ted hums, pressing the button. instantly, the sound of you whimpering and mewling schlatt's name hits your boyfriend's ears. "that's it, such a good girl, my pretty girl," schlatt praises, a little lovesick smile on his face as he thumbs your clit.

"sorry she's not responding. she's busy gettin' some well-deserved comfort right now," ted says, eyes lidded as he watches the way schlatt's fingers worked at you. his mouth is pressing kisses all over your neck as you sit in his lap, your legs over his thighs.

"who's a good girl? say it, say you're our good girl, say you're our pretty baby," schlatt coos into your ear, wanting you to respond. he knows you were hurt by the names and things your now ex said, so he wanted that motherfucker to hear how pretty you sound when getting praised like you deserved.

"'s me, 's me, jay, i'm your good girl," you manage between moans, grinding against his hand. "please, please lemme cum, please?"

"ohh, when you sound so good like that, I'll do anything you fucking ask for, princess," schlatt groans before picking up his pace, the room filling with the wet noises coming from between your legs.

as your moans got louder, ted just chuckles into the phone. "mm, you don't need to hear any more of that. thanks for fuckin' up, though, pal! we finally upgraded from best friends with our pretty girl. and don't worry, we'll be better boyfriends than you ever fucking could be. bye-bye!"

yeah...i like them a lot 🖤

i am gobsmacked… going to go and touch grass.

[polo-drone-001]

THE GOLDEN UPGRADE Chapter 5: The System Expands All become one.

The Golden HQ had doubled in size.

Deep within its walls, steam rose from rows of chrome-piped hatches, each one a conversion pod, filled with flickering golden light and soft hums of compliance. Every hour, a new drone emerged. Every hour, another man was upgraded.

Inside Control Room A, walls coated in black rubber, gold-lit monitors pulsing like arteries—two figures stood in silence.

Brody. Herc. The Command Core. They watched as the network completed its calibration.

G.O.L.D. NET / SIGNAL ONLINE Coverage: 97.3% / Target Zones Engaged Status: BROADCASTING

The Golden Net sang across the world.

Invisible waves of GoldTech frequencies flowed into screens, speakers, wearable tech. Malls. Schools. Locker rooms. Bars. Airports. Everywhere a man moved, the pulse followed.

Spirals flickered on smartboards. Golden chants laced over gym playlists. A guy scrolling through Tumblr... paused.

His screen flickered.

Then spiraled.

In the city, drones patrolled. Identical, perfect: black Fred Perry polos with gold trim, polished rubber pants, golden visors over blank eyes. Each one hunting potential. They didn���t speak. They didn’t need to.

If you were tagged, they’d follow.

If you stared too long, they’d signal.

If you resisted, you’d be reformatted.

Old resistors? Tracked. Re-educated. Repurposed.

Many didn’t even remember fighting back. Now they smiled in unison, polishing boots, syncing files, adjusting collars.

A once-proud coach now led morning chants in the drone dome. A gym bro now tested new TechBalls on fresh recruits. The resistance had become the reward.

The Hive was not just a facility anymore. It was a presence. A frequency. A system.

A world.

And now, it reaches you.

Your screen flickers.

The spiral begins to spin.

You feel it in your chest—slowly at first.

Then deeper.

Then warm.

Your fingers pause over the trackpad. Your eyes widen.

Your thoughts soften.

You know what must come next.

You do not scroll away. You are ready to obey.

Final Transmission Complete. Initiation Protocol Available: DM @brodygold or @goldenherc9

Previous: Chapter 1: Recruitment Signal Chapter 2: The Smart Polo Chapter 3: The Upgrade Pod Chapter 4: The Field Test

Obedience is no longer optional. Integration is bliss. Welcome to the Golden System.

[nagiwrites]

Starlit bonds

A/n: hi I’m back um I’ve been on tiktok strolling. Hope y’all enjoy this chapter and have a good day or night. I keep forgetting to format my chapters ughhh but I’ll come back later probably and fix it so this one might not be formatted like the past ones and also I did it last chapter too so sorry about that. There are some content warnings for this one also.

Characters: Sylus, Kaela, Reyna, Nova, Y/N.

[← back] [→ next]

☆ Content: sci-fi action, emotional impact, character death, gore mention, intense gameplay tension.

Ch. 6 - too real

📌 Synopsis:

Sylus fails his first real test—and the cost is devastating. He’s forced to confront just how deep the game goes. But failure isn’t the end. Not for him. With new upgrade systems unlocked, Sylus swears he won’t lose them again.

The crew’s journey continues, but something stirs in the depths of space. A distress signal leads to an unexpected discovery—and more questions than answers.

After spending time on side missions and building bonds, Sylus tapped Continue Story, drawn back into the unfolding narrative. The screen transitioned into a cutscene.

—

The command center of the ship was tense, dimly lit by the glow of holographic displays and flickering star maps. Reyna stood at the controls, her fingers tapping rapidly as streams of data scrolled across the screen. Nova leaned against the console, arms crossed, while Kaela stood nearby, sipping from her ever-present mug.

Y/N, as usual, lingered slightly off to the side, watching quietly.

The ship’s AI voice crackled through the speakers:

“Distress signal detected. Source unknown. Signal pattern suggests an abandoned vessel.”

Reyna adjusted her glasses.

“It could be a trap. We don’t know who—if anyone—is still alive on that ship.”

Nova scoffed.

“Or what’s lurking inside.”

A dialogue choice appeared:

1. “We have to check it out. Someone might need help.”

2. “It’s too risky. We keep our distance.”

3. “We go in, but we stay cautious.”

Sylus considered before selecting the third option.

His character leaned forward.

“We go in, but we stay cautious. We’re not taking unnecessary risks.”

Nova smirked.

“Smart choice, Captain.”

Reyna nodded.

“I’ll prep the navigation systems. We should be in range soon.”

Kaela stretched.

“Guess I better grab my gear. Never know when things might go sideways.”

Y/N, however, hesitated.

They looked at the display, then at Sylus.

“Something about this doesn’t feel… right.”

Sylus’ brow furrowed.

“What do you mean?”

They shook their head slightly.

“I don’t know. Just… be careful.”

The screen flickered, and a mission prompt appeared:

[Mission Start: Ghost Ship]

Objective: Investigate the distress signal and uncover the truth about the abandoned vessel.

Sylus exhaled, gripping his phone a little tighter.

This was something bigger.

And somehow, he had a feeling Y/N’s unease wasn’t just paranoia.

The ship drifted closer to the unknown vessel, its looming silhouette barely visible against the backdrop of deep space. The mission HUD flickered to life, displaying critical information—oxygen levels, security status, and environmental readings.

The moment they entered docking range, another alert popped up:

[New Exploration Mode Unlocked]

Investigate the derelict ship, gather clues, and make decisions that may alter the outcome of the mission.

A small selection screen appeared, allowing Sylus to choose two crew members to accompany him.

He hovered over the choices, but his decision had already been made. He wasn’t going without Y/N and nova.

The moment he selected them, their in-game model shifted slightly—shoulders tensing, fingers twitching subtly against their sleeve.

“A-Are you sure?” Y/n asked hesitantly.

Nova snorted. “Guess that means I’m coming too. Somebody’s gotta keep things interesting.”

Sylus smirked, finalizing the team selection. “Let’s move out.”

The airlock doors hissed open, and the screen transitioned to a third-person exploration mode, showing their descent into the unknown ship’s darkened interior.

The moment they stepped inside, Y/N shivered slightly.

“It’s… too quiet.”

The corridors stretched ahead, dim emergency lights flickering at uneven intervals. Exposed wires dangled from the ceiling, and the faint sound of metal groaning under pressure filled the silence.

“Stay alert,” Sylus muttered, swiping across his screen to activate his flashlight.

“Let’s find out what happened here.”

A Mission Log popped up with objectives:

1. Locate the source of the distress signal.

2. Search for any survivors.

3. Gather intel on what happened.

As they ventured deeper into the ship, Sylus noticed that Y/N kept glancing at the walls, their brows furrowed.

“What is it?” he asked.

They hesitated before murmuring,

“The signal… It’s strange. It doesn’t match standard distress frequencies. It’s almost like… something else is broadcasting it.”

Nova tightened her grip on her weapons.

“So, what? This whole thing’s a setup?”

Before Sylus could respond, his phone vibrated violently.

WARNING: HOSTILE PRESENCE DETECTED.

A low, guttural sound echoed through the corridors.

Y/N stiffened.

“…We’re not alone.”

A quick-time prompt flashed on the screen:

[Swipe Left to Dodge!]

Sylus reacted just in time as a blur of movement lunged from the shadows.

A Wander—larger than the last one he faced—crashed into the metal flooring, its elongated limbs twitching unnaturally.

Nova immediately flipped her dual blades into position.

“Here we go.”

Y/N, however, froze, their wide eyes locked on the creature.

Sylus’ combat menu appeared, but before he could attack, the screen zoomed in on Y/N—their expression wasn’t just fear.

It was recognition.

“Y/N?” Sylus called, trying to snap them out of it.

They took a shaky step back, their breathing uneven.

“I… I’ve seen this before.”

Another dialogue choice appeared:

1. “What do you mean?” [Press them for answers]

2. “Stay with me, Y/N.” [Reassure them]

3. “Nova, cover us!” [Shift focus to combat]

Sylus hesitated for only a second before tapping the first option.

“What do you mean, you’ve seen this before?”

Y/N’s breath caught, and for the first time since he met them, they looked truly shaken.

The creature screeched, its distorted form lurching toward them.

And as the screen flickered, Y/N whispered something that sent a chill through Sylus.

“…They’re not supposed to be here.”

[Mission Status: Combat Engaged | Hidden Lore Progression Activated]

Sylus barely had time to process their words before the fight began.

The battle began instantly.

The Wander let out a guttural screech, its limbs twisting unnaturally as it lunged forward. Nova dodged effortlessly, flipping over its massive claws, while Y/N scrambled backward, drawing their Energy Bow with shaking hands.

Sylus’ combat UI flickered, a synchronization bar appearing at the top of the screen.

[Synchronization Combat: Coordinate attacks with your team to unleash powerful combos.]

• Tap to attack individually

• Swipe to dodge incoming strikes

• Hold to charge Sync Attacks when the gauge is full

The problem? His Sync Level was at zero.

He wasn’t ready for this.

Still, he had no choice but to fight.

Sylus fired his sidearm, landing a few shots that barely staggered the beast. Nova rushed in with her dual blades, striking at its legs, while Y/N aimed a charged shot at its chest.

But it wasn’t enough.

The Wander let out a piercing shriek, its distorted form splitting apart before reforming in an instant. A red WARNING ICON flashed across the screen.

[ENEMY ATTACK INCOMING – TAP TO COUNTER]

Sylus tapped—too slow.

The Wander struck, sending Nova flying against a metal wall. The impact was brutal—blood splattered against the surface as she collapsed lifelessly.

“NOVA!”

A slow-motion effect kicked in, the game forcing him to watch as Y/N turned to face him—wide-eyed, terrified—right before the creature’s claw skewered through their chest.

They choked, their mouth opening in shock, blood staining their uniform as the screen distorted violently, glitching out.

Game Over.

The words burned into the screen as Y/N’s voice weakly echoed, almost breaking the fourth wall.

“You… have to get stronger.”

The screen remained frozen on their lifeless expression, their dark eyes still locked onto his as if urging him forward.

Then—everything faded to black.

[Mission Failed.]

You are not strong enough to face this threat. Upgrade your team and return stronger.

A new progression screen appeared, displaying his stats, current abilities, and upgrade paths.

[Upgrade System Unlocked]

• Train Crew Members

• Enhance Combat Cards

• Unlock Higher-Level Abilities

Sylus exhaled, gripping his phone. His heart was pounding.

That had been brutal.

He hadn’t expected the game to push him this hard—not so soon. The way the death scene played out had felt too real—the blood splatters, the animation details, the way Y/N had looked at him even in death.

And if he wanted to protect them—to protect her—he needed to get stronger.

With renewed determination, he tapped into the Upgrade Menu, ready to change the outcome.

Sylus exhaled sharply, locking his phone and setting it down on the table beside him. His fingers still tingled from gripping the device too tightly, his heartbeat just a little too fast for something that was supposed to be just a game.

But that death scene… it had gotten to him.

He ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head. It’s just a game, he reminded himself, but even as he told himself that, he couldn’t shake the image of Y/N’s lifeless eyes staring at him.

Too real.

Way too real.

He sighed, rolling his shoulders and standing up. He needed a break.

There were things he had to do today—his own responsibilities, tasks that actually mattered in the real world. He couldn’t let himself get too immersed, no matter how gripping the game was.

Still, as he walked away from his phone, he already knew that the moment he had time again…

He was coming back.

Because Love and Deep Space had hooked him.

And he wasn’t going to stop until he changed that ending.

A/n: thanks for reading.

Tags:

@kaylauvu

@codedove

@crazy-ink-artist

@animegamerfox

[s0ft-d3cay]

Game Over

Vanny/Vanessa x Gender Neutral Reader | Thought I try something out of my comfort zone. This version of Vanessa is from the game, just fyi.

WARNINGS: Mentions of violence towards reader, reader dies in this one, a knife is swung at reader, no blood or gore mentioned, reader is v smart when it comes to princess quest, Vanessa and reader are co-works, more friends then anything else, Vanny is all bonk and then stabby-stabby.

WC: 1,354

"…just one more time…" The technician uttered beneath their breath, hands at work on the arcade game console. A tune of uncertainty and calming confusion loops over the speaker above, small clicks of footsteps, and the monsters growling as the golden character walked around catacombs of the castle. They’d been playing both Princess Quest One and Two since Vanessa had mentioned a reoccurring glitch in the arcades all over the Pizziaplex. That was until they’d ventured off in a Fazerblast vent and found Princess Quest Three tucked away.

'One heart left…and I just need that damn mask in Foxy’s maze.’

Completely ignoring the nervous itch to stop and question why this room had a bed and a bunch of used pizza boxes on the floor. They couldn’t describe the pull of…curiosity, dread, or guilt? Whatever it was had a hold on them the moment their eyes recognized the title on the arcade game. A chime of success rings out as the chest unlocks in the center of the maze, Foxy hot on the Princess's trail.

‘Come on…come on…’

They repeated, encouraging the small character as she pasts through the red doors, entering back into the pizzeria. They breathed out in relief, a light exhale with a smile appears over their lips. Moving the golden Princess to the prize counter, barley missing an attack from a group of shadowy bunnies. Unlocking the bizarre red box only, leaving them with more questions.

'What am I releasing with this key? The last game had a key similar to this one, leading to an amalgamation of one of those shadow bunny creatures, but that one was unable to move…'

The sound of the door behind them cuts off their words, a chill runs cold in consternation through their veins. Hairs standing up in alarm over their body at the almost silent footsteps stepping from the doorway. Hands trembling on the console, the Princess paused on the screen only a few steps away from the open stage. The door clicks shut as a quick shuffle of what sounds like skipping  caught their attention, head spinning around to see the threat looming over them with a shiny knife.

A person in what looked to be a handmade bunny costume. Fur of white plaid, gray, and even pink stitched together. The person raised the knife as they lunged toward the technician. "If I can’t leave, then neither can you…" A glitchy voice manifests through the bunny mask. In shock and instinct, they shift back to the side near the bed in the corner at the last moment, barley missing the knife. Grabbing the blanket from the bed they'd seen earlier, throwing it over the intruder as they ran out the secluded hideout.

A struggled glitched groan was heard in the distance as the technician climbed through the vent, quickly crawling back to Fazerblast. More footsteps of that mystery rabbit following them only pushed them to craw through faster. Their first step inside the winner’s lounge was surely the last, running through the maze's glowing walls to find a place to hide. They needed to finish Princess quest…it was no longer a want to the technician anymore. The technician needed both another way inside that hideout and to get away from that bunny.

Straight back to work the next day, fixing animatronics, upgrading, and teaching new ones; the same cycle over and over again. Their mind blank and elsewhere as they worked. Even with Vanessa's insistent conversation starters that always improved the mood, it still felt off. Perhaps it was the being chased by a bunny mascot with a knife that did it.

"Rough night again?" She asked after a few dry answers from the technician, leaning against a desk across from them. "Something like that…" They replied with a shrug, half occupied with running diagnostics on one of the staff bots from the theater. 

"I don’t remember the last time you were this…quiet." She adds apprehensively, the technician pauses their work to glance in the blonde's direction. The security guard was right, the two would usually have conversations about anything and everything. Even their curiosity of Princess quest, Vanessa was the one to find the princess quest two in the west arcade only a few days after the technician spoke vaguely about the first game.

Their gaze turns sympathetic towards the guard, "Just doing a lot of thinking recently and you know…figuring out that arcade game I found a few weeks back." The blonde woman tilts her head back slightly to consider their words, a glisten of anxiety flashes in her green eyes for a second before she blinks it away.

"Playing on company time again, are we?" She teases, brushing off her distant anxiety. They chuckled, facing the animatronic, finishing up their last few texts of code before allowing the bot to move freely. "Nothing I or you don’t already do on hours, Miss 'I didn’t steal the Glamrock Bonnie figurine’." They derided back, Vanessa smiles as she scoffs at their sarcastic yet truthful words. That anxious long stare was back in her face again, how odd.

The two eventually make their way back to the atrium, the technician relaying what happened the night prior as they walked on the third floor. Customers slowly but surely making their way out of the Pizzaplex, leaving only the remains of lost bags, clothing, prizes, and theme songs playing in the establishment. 

"And they just…disappeared after that?" Vanessa questioned beside them, arms crossed with an expression of concentration. They nodded, eyes flickering over to the guard. "Yeah, no sign of the person on cams or triggering any alarms of braking in. Maybe they've been here when the place closed before." The technician explained.

"Weird…I’ll keep an eye out for it tonight. See you tomorrow." Vanessa waved to them as the two parted from the main entrance. "If I can’t escape, then you can’t escape…" Those words rang through the technician’s brain day, something about the phrase seemed familiar yet foreign. Now walking through the lower basement in the laundry section, concrete walls surrounding him like a cave…almost like the princess. They stopped in their tracks at that thought, like the princess curiosity took refuge within the technician and now they were connecting the dots…

‘What if I’m not releasing something, but instead someone?'

Clocked out and walking back towards the hide out above Fazerblast, their mind continued to make sense of the three games in a cohesive story. 

‘Locking away one being I might have inadvertently released another, maybe one that could even prevent that sluggish shadow bunny from glitching out the game itself.'

That had to be it, why else would the Princess be unlocking doors and lighting grave candles. They had to save the Princess…she was the answer. With new-found excitement, the technician made their way back up to the hide out. The long metal walkway swinging to and fro with each fast step.

The hideout door wide open with Princess quest still untouched from where they’d left off. A smile of determination grows on their face the moment their hands reached the arcade cabinet. The golden princess still waiting at the stage, looking towards the technician.

Walking the Princess through the stage curtain, anticipation gnawing at their excitement for the ending, swiftly moving up the long corridor. Another door in left above, opening to a large area. They walk the princess up to the center of the void room, seeing the outline of a purple, gray, and green cell door on the screen. Their eyes widened at the reveal of the outside of the cell door…

’That can't be…how is she on the otherside-‘

A strike of a blunt object hits the back of their head, falling over the arcade game. Face slamming against the screen, cracking the glass. Pain spread like a lightning bolt through their head, eyelids heavy and vision spotty. Their body trembling and breath thin, head shakily turning as their eyes hazily drift over the rabbit from the other night. Watching the knife in motion towards them as the mask spoke on last time.

"You can’t."

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights of any of the characters I write about, all the rights go to their respective creators.

[therobotmonster]

What do you get when the 6 Million Dollar Man and the Bionic Woman decide to pull a Brady Bunch and a Johnny Quest at the same time?

You Get the Bionic Six.

Impossible to find streaming in high quality anyplace, but a bunch of eps in pretty decent quality hit archive.org.

Decent animation, an earworm themesong that I am so frightened of I muted it while taking its screenshots. The Bionic Six is a lost 80s gem. Not like, a diamond or a sapphire, but like, at the very least a citrine, or a really nice tiger eye that's all polished up in a riverbed? Anyhow...

I joke about the premise. It's not Steve Austin, it's Jack Bennett. It's not Jaime Sommers, it's Helen Bennett. It was a serial number filing but it absolutely is someone's 6MDM and Bionic Woman fanfic where they got married and both had and adopted a bunch of bionic kids.

The story, however, involves Jack (already bionic) and his family getting irradiated by an alien spaceship (the 80s was a hell of a drug) in the Himalayas, with the family going comatose except for Jack, thus requiring the family's upgrades.

This explains why a bunch of children would be turned into cyborgs, but it does not explain why those upgrades came with superpowers. That seems to be down to the grandpa-figure of the group, Professor Dr. Amadeus Sharp Ph.D, which, I gotta say, that's a chef's kiss cartoon character name right there.

Putting both Professor and Doctor in front of your name is exactly what I'd expect from a guy that's like "these children are comatose... I think I'll give that one the magnetic repulsors..."

As for the family proper, you've got Bionic-1/Jack Bennet, the literal team dad who suspiciously has all the bionic powers you'd expect from Steve Austin, with a touch of Reed Richards gray on the temples.

You have, ahem, Mother-1/Helen Bennett, who doesn't have the Bionic woman's powers because they'd be redundant. But she is a lady in an 80s team cartoon so she's got... say it with me folks... psychic abilities!

Also, if I had a nickel for every brunette be-bobcuted supermilf in a red jumpsuit named Helen I'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot, but it does lead to some obvious crossover concepts that the r34 community have thus far failed to provide. I'd commission something but, as established, I've only got the two nickels.

She also stands out by having a codename that is calculated to make villains deeply uncomfortable with using it, thus putting them on the back-foot. Just takes every deathtrap situation to a weird place.

Their (at least initially) biological children, Sport-1/Eric Bennett and Rock-1/Meg Bennett establish the pattern of there being a bionic kid for every interest. Sport-1 has magnetic attraction-repulsion powers, and uses lamposts like baseball bats all day, every day.

Rock-1 was literally designed to be cartoon Cyndi Lauper and has speakers built into her shoulders for sonic attacks. She is also super-speed runs the fastest.

IQ/J.D. Corey is adopted, and doesn't do the normal naming convention. He's an unusual character in 80s toon terms, as he's both the smartest member of the team (per the codename) but also has the most powerful super-strength. You don't get the smart AND strong combo that often, and you'd expect the Sport-1 to be physically strongest but it seems he's more the Mario of the team.

Karate-1/Bunjiro "Bunji" Tsukahara is a foster kid who got dragged into all of this, and has both the most greatly enhanced super-agility and also actually knows how to fight without powers.

They also have a robot ape named F.L.U.F.F.I. who wasn't in every episode.

The story structure is an 80s toyvertoon take on Johnny Quest, with the whole family having toyetic super-powers and vehicles, and instead of a cavalcade of one-off baddies, you get a recurrent cast lead by Dr. Scarab, who is Sharp's brother, and is after Sharp's superior bionic knowledge.

Mad science, not even once.

I have vague memories of Scarab's pursuit of 'trionic' technology, which assumed both that the 'bi' in bionic was for 'two' (reasonably understandable assumption) and that that if two was good, three was logically better, while never really establishing what third thing was being mixed in (baffling even to my childhood self).

On top of his drone robots, called "Cyphrons" (not Cylons, Battlestar Galactica Lawyers, cyphrons), Scarab had a host of modified goons, most of whom where combinations of dumb, strong, and ugly.

The main stand out being Madame-O, who is a cartoon femme fatale of the classic variety, who punctuates her sentences with 'Darling', uses a harp to shoot energy blasts, and can disguise herself as other people, because why be good at one thing when you can be confusing at several?

The animation is pretty good for the time period (It was a TMS animated show!) and it has that weird mix of self-aware and totally earnest that makes 80s cartoons fun.

It was, like most of them, an advertisement for action figures. In this case from LJN, the gimmick of which was they were G.I.Joes that were mostly made of die cast metal. A lot of the characters were pretty chunky, to the point that a FLUFFI could be bring down an assailant if you chucked it at 'em just right.

Oh, and the whole family could join hands to pull of Deus Ex Machina bullshit. It's a trip.

Go watch ya some cartoons.

[jiminsass-istant]

TW: jicooking (fanfic)

Context: The jikook show is going to ruin me for any other show ever. I just know it. Imagine AYS is over and you go over to netflix and it's all meh, no jimin, no jk, no giggles. Then you go over to appletv, same. Then you go to hulu, same shxt. Nothing will ever come close. I'm already sick and wrecked and ruined.

____________________________________________________________

It's the year 2045. I'm on my 118th watch of AYS. I have already watched it at 0.25x, 0.5x, 0.75x , rewinded, with zero volume, on Dolby speakers, streamed it in my present car and old car, in my tablet, office PC and smart TV.

I count the hairs on JK's arm, I can still count all 5813 of them. I have taken 648934984 screenshots of Jimin's bare legs. I take 1 more, just in case. I pause every time they "i am you, you are me". I wipe the single tear off my eye and continue. But this time, I notice something I have never noticed before. The whole tumblr community has churned and squeezed the 8 episodes and 3 behind the scenes every day, annually, monthly and biweekly, every tkker has been trolled, every anti has either moved on or is in an institution. But this.. this is new. I see it in the 7th episode. Did I tell you I'm on my 118th watch? I see the toothbrushes have been exchanged. What? They have exchanged toothbrushes. They don't care. They are gross. They are in love. Their dentist hates them. Wait. I gotta tell somebody...Does the jikook tag still exist on tumblr? Does tumblr still exist? Nevermind. I go to Xpro (twitter pro). I finally bought the premium. So now, it allows me to like stuff while keeping them private. Even I can't see my likes. But I do get a personal message from Elon's AI persona every month which is a review of my liked posts and how I can upgrade my Xpro xperience. The real Elon is de@d. He was ki!!ed by an Xpro bluetick bot account.

I need to let somebody know. I need to share my discovery with old buddies. Suddenly, I see a "JIKOOK LIVE TOGETHER" trending with 1566 posts. Pretty low, but it's there. A single person has hijacked the tag to mention S.Korea's govt. I come across a blurry video. A face with half moon eyes, biggest smile, waving from a big goth mansion's balcony. He is looking at the camera, he doesn't care. They are gross. A taller man appears behind him. He starts feeding him what looks like a large pancake. They are gross. Suddenly, I don't care anymore.

I don't care about the toothbrushes they shared 23 years ago.

I log off the internet to get a smoke. They are gross. I don't care about anything anymore. I'm sure of that. I'm sure now.

[mostly-marvel-musings]

This prompt is just such a Tony thing to do tho: when they kiss you, hard, gripping, shaking breaths, fists in each other's clothes, against a wall, but they stop. and smirk, "you want that, love? i want cuddles though." and their grin is too wide, stupid and cocky and beautiful. Specially like maybe a retired Tony, all soft and adorable and cuddly

you want that, love? i want cuddles though."

Pairing: Tony Stark x Wife! Reader

Warnings: 18+ hints at smut, fluff.

.

Soft music played over the speakers through the living room and kitchen where you stood, giving your dinner plates a good wipe after your husband handed them to you one by one.

Tony hummed along the tune, making you smile as you watched the man scrub dishes with the same focus he once did upgrading his suits. This Tony was far more relaxed, laid-back even nevertheless a very hands on husband and father to your two year old.

“Is this the most you’ve been in a kitchen in all your life?” You murmured with an amused grin watching Tony wipe his hands on the ridiculous apron he wore.

He chuckled, spraying a little water in your direction and making you squeal.

“Cut it out! And take off that apron, Tony, you’ve proved you’re a decent chef.” You gave him a playful slap on his butt with the dish towel.

“Yeah? Anything else you want me to take off?” He smirked, pulling you closer by your waist until you were inches apart.

“Mm. Lots of things.”

You whispered before meeting his lips halfway in a kiss that started off sweet but rapidly turned needy.

You undid Tony’s apron and threw it on the countertop blindly, walking him back until his back hit a wall; he momentarily broke the kiss to raise an eyebrow up at you right before slanting his lips back onto your mouth, deepening the kiss.

You let out a muffled moan when one of his hand slid under your sleep shirt while the other carded through your hair, gently tugging on it to spur you on. You felt him react to your touch instantly as your own hands travelled up his sides, taking his grey sweater with em, exposing his soft skin.

Though you dated for ages before tying the knot five years ago, Tony Stark was still just as intoxicating and irresistible as when you’d first met him. His kisses always made you weak in the knees, consumed you into their delicious coffee and berry-ness, made you wish you’d never stop kissing the man.

Minutes later as you broke apart for catching your breath, foreheads still touching, you could almost sense a smart-ass comment come through the genius’ mouth.

“You want that, love? I want cuddles though.” The man grinned, never letting you go.

“Is that so? You know where Morgan’s nursery is then.”

You gave him a playful shove before giving him one last kiss, shaking your head as you walked up the stairs towards your bedroom, knowing fully well your beloved husband was already close behind.

…

[era404-skib]

A Bit Disappointed with the Latest Episode

I feel like it was, in the nicest way possible, badly written. It feels all OOOOH SHITTTT when you first watch it but you realise the obvious "Wait, the fuck is this" moments after a bit of time to ruminate.

-○ Inconsistencies ○-

What. Has. Happened?! The Titans were fast and quick to fight previously, and they knew what they were doing, but now they don't??? That yellow-green energy ball that knocked TTV down? He could've batted it away with his sword right back to where it came from the same as how TCam later bats away the purple-yellow energy with the entrapper arm.

Then TTV lunges for him midair. Dont??? You can lunge from behind or teleport your hands onto him??? Cut off his jetpack like you are actually smart instead of leaving it to TSpeaker later??? I don't this this is TTVs fault either, it was just written poorly.

Titan Speaker and Camera fight pretty greatly except for when the muscle mutant appears on his shoulder. Keep blasting and just take him off and crush him in your hand! The mutant is about the size of a Strider Toilet and in the VERY FIRST EPISODE that TCam debuted in he picks up a strider and crushes it with ease. Can't be much different here.

"WAIT!!! YOU NEED ME!!!!!" should've said that shit EARLIER before you were fried and stripped of your upgrades. A big toilet that can ram and shoot slow energy balls is of no use against the astros. Cringed hard at that

TTV is well able to core beam down the flying toilets with the cargo but not obliterate GT like he did to the Scientist??? The fuck??? DFB this needs improvement

I know this is very nitpicky but I didn't like TTV's face at the end. Should be a >:( or even a D:< in the VCR font but nope.

-○ Powerscaling ○-

The Titans, as previously pointed out, are much slower compared to the previous few episodes. What's more, it just seems to a constant "Oh, my new guy is better" between the sides, except the Alliance hasn't been getting any improvement since TTVs return. Oh, now there's a secret agent which Fucking Gets your 2 Elites. You can't hurt him btw. Oh, now theres an overpowered Astro Toilet which can launch a titan that's caught in the mere blast radius. You can't hurt him btw. Oh, now GT is an indestructible hunk of meat that can be given the beating of a lifetime but still severely damages your titans and doesnt die. You can't hurt him btw. Ridiculous.

The jetpack he pulled out of his ass is the stupidest thing I've ever seen in the series. What the fuck??? This is like when kids play with eachother as their OC's and "Oh, you're about to kill mine, but it has a sudden get out of jail free card and there's nothing you can do". Fuck off. If more of this shit gets pulled the series is gonna jump the shark.

At this rate I think DFB is setting it up so that it's Secret Agent vs Astros vs Skibidis. Unless he gives us a new overpowered race or something, and j don't even want that. Have it be a fair but tough fight between them all.

[devilsrecreation]

i'd love to hear some headcannons for the crocs in makuu's float! :3

I ACTUALLY HAVE IDEAS FOR THIS ONE!!!!!

-I named him Usumbufu (annoyance/inconvenience)

-He’s just a bit younger than Pua, but the eldest since Makuu took over

-Was and still is a good friend of Pua’s. He definitely visits him the most out of everyone in the float next to Hodari. Pua appreciates the snacks he brings (like a wildebeest leg)

-He wasn’t the best with the hatchlings, but he of course tried to help raise them in any way he could. Pua is very grateful for that

-Like Hasira/the orange skink in Shupavu’s group, he’s seen some shit. But while Hasira’s experiences were more comical, his were more traumatic. He’s basically a war veteran for what he’s been through, tho he doesn’t like to talk about it

-Being the eldest, he always has a story to tell. All you have to do is ask him. Kinda nice to talk to someone once in a while, though don’t expect a heart to heart

-You know how Skips always says “yeah I’ve seen this before” before telling Mordecai and Rigby how to solve the problem? That’s him. He’s the Skips of the float

-He essentially opens up a bit to Hodari after the gecko asks him how he’s doing. One simple question, that’s all it took. And Hodari didn’t just listen, he was supportive too. While Bufu appreciates it, he just goes “ah you’re too good for this world”

-He will not lie, he got a little attached to Nduli. He wasn’t expecting to cuz they aren’t related, but Nduli reminds him of himself when he was younger: innocent and naive. He knows he shouldn’t care about Kiburi’s float bc of the trouble they caused, but he secretly hopes Nduli never changes

-So I’m kiiiiinda toying with a possible hc that he’s Makuu’s father? If I decide that, I won’t say he was a bad one but he…wasn’t the best. Ig he was too hard on Makuu in the past, which would probably explain his teaching methods. But then again, I still really like the idea that Pua was essentially the father figure in everyone’s lives

- Name: Kutegemea (dependable)

- Makuu’s new BFF since the rift with Kiburi. The two were always close, he just got an upgrade lol

-Very smart for a crocodile, as a parallel to Tamka’s stupidity

-The muscle of the group (also a parallel to Tamka’s weakness lol)

-Being bothered by smaller animals happens to him a lot. He doesn’t know why he has to be the unlucky one, but he is. He just wishes no one would bother him while he’s resting, is that too much to ask?

-Is always ready to attack. Potential food? Someone trying to pick a fight? Bring it on, asshole >:)

-Name: Majadiliano (talkative) but everyone calls him Maja

-The parallel to Neema. Neema only makes sounds and doesn’t actually talk, Maja usually doesn’t shut up when you talk to him jfhfhg

-Seriously he and Ucheshi once had a 2 hour long conversation about literally anything on their minds

-He’s more social than the rest of his float. He’s not making new friends anytime soon like Beshte does but it’s nice having someone to talk to. He’d make an excellent public speaker

-While not childish or immature by any means, he is a bit of a jokester and would play small pranks on his float members here and there on a slow day

-He was the crocodile that got his tail stuck under a rock, causing Makuu to hurt his leg in “The Little Guy” (which is canon). He felt incredibly guilty afterwards and kept apologizing profusely to Makuu, even offering to get him some food so he wouldn’t have to move much. While Makuu appreciates this, he claims he’s fine and tells Maja not to worry about it

Name: Wastani (average)

-He’s Wakali’s parallel: He’s the average joe, a role model, everything a croc should be. Don’t get him wrong, he’s fine with that, but he wants to be at least a LITTLE different. He wants to stand out, he wants to have a gimmick of his own. Just one thing, that’s all

-He’s currently trying to find said gimmick. Hasn’t had much luck, but he will….someday. Closest thing he has are his ideas that are actually pretty helpful

-He had the chance to talk with Wakali while she was training with Makuu. Wakali told him she wished she could be like him and he responded with how he wished the opposite. In a way, he played a small role in her journey to accept who she is by telling her to keep being different

-Guess he has a thing without realizing it: he helps animals. It’s not worldly advice but it’s the little things that count

And they all got Makuu’s back :)

[juiceicicles]

Mean and Scary | Chapter 2: Ghosts in the Pool

Pts: 1, 2, 3

=======

He had never really intended to tell anyone about the nightmares. The sleepless nights, the tossing and turning interrupted by the absolute worst headaches and the bloodstained pillows thanks to the newly developed nose bleed problem. It made him feel weak. Nobody else was having these problems. Maybe it was karma from his attempt to just forget Barb this first go-around, maybe the numerous head injuries had aligned to create a new way of making him miserable. But Max just looked so tired, and if anyone could relate in their little Party, maybe Steve could.

And apparently, Steve understood almost perfectly. Max had opened up to him too, and confessed that she only really felt sane when she was listening to music. She’d given him her old walkman, the one she used before she realized she needed an upgrade if it was going to become a constant in her life. It was bulky, and the headphones were small and uncomfortable, but the reprieve from his own thoughts was better than any drug.

Well, any drug Steve had tried. Hence the standing in the Munson trailer, waiting to expand his horrisions. It still felt weird to be here. Not the trailer park, or even the trailer itself, he’d seen it from the outside countless times to pick and drop Max off. But here, in Eddie Munson’s living room. Waiting for drugs. After the russians Steve was almost entirely sure he’d never be able to even get drunk again. It felt too similar, felt like he was back in that cold room surrounded by needles and bone-saws. But he needed something or else he’d never fall asleep again, and the two days he’d gone without were already kicking his ass.

Was it smart to go to Dustins newest brother figure in search of illicit substances? No. Was he going to do it anyways? Yes. He just needed some fucking sleep, just this once. (He knew that he couldn’t guarantee that. That if this worked, he’d probably be coming back time and time again. But he was never the sharpest bulb in the shed, and he’s choosing to blame his remarkable lack of decision making on the sleep deprivation.)

There were dozens of baseball caps and mugs covering the walls around him. From sports teams, to shitty diners, to T.V. memorobila, there was everything. He idly wondered if any of the items were ever used, considering they were high enough on the wall that he would need a ladder to access them, and Eddie was about his height.

“Sorry for the mess, maid took the week off.” Eddie was digging around the trailer, looking for whatever it was Steve had agreed to purchase and later on actually take (was he really doing this? Should he be doing this? God, Robin was gonna be so pissed if she ever found out)

“You um,” Steve swallowed, he honestly couldn’t tell you why he was so nervous. He felt like there were livewires where his blood vessels should be, “you live here alone?”

“With my uncle. But, uh, he works nights at the plant. Bringing home the big bucks.” There were various clunking and clicking sounds from where Eddie was opening up what was presumably any container he found in his junk drawer mixed in with the sounds of singing softly crooning from the tinny speakers in Steve’s headphones. His favorite song was playing, and he turned the volume up a little more.

“How long does it take?”

“Sorry?”

Steve took a deep breath to calm his nerves, seriously why was he so anxious? “The- the, uh, Special K? How long to kick in?”

“Oh, uh, well, it depends on if you snort it or not.” Christ, this was so dumb, “Uh, if you do, then, yeah. It'll kick in pretty quick.” This was so, so, dumb. “Ohhh…shit.”

“You’re sure you have it?” the part of Steve that had been desperately begging him to just go the fuck home was silently hoping that Munson just didn’t have any. The other part, the part that hadn’t slept in two days and had been getting pretty shit sleep for the last week and a half, was desperately begging that he did.

“No, no, I got it. Um, somewhere.” Eddie turned around and went into his room, most likely to continue his part in the hide and seek game he was playing with this illegal drug. Seriously, why wouldn’t you keep that somewhere safe?

Tick tock. Tick tock.

Steve whipped around to stare at the window, as the music played in the background to the sound of a clock chiming in the distance.

Tick tock. Tick tock.

Steve really hoped he wasn’t going crazy. That some total whackjob decided to put a grandfather clock in the backyard of their trailer for some reason. But he knew he was kidding himself, it was so clear. Like it was coming from down a long hallway. Except the only hallway in the trailer was to Eddie’s room, and the sound was coming from the opposite direction. All those knocks to the head were finally getting to him. He was officially going insane.

As he scanned the darkness outside the window, the ticking and the chiming just got louder, and louder, and louder, until it felt like it was coming from inside his head. He frantically closed the curtains.

“Eddie?” Steve called over his shoulder, “Did you find it? Eddie?”

Silence. Gone were the sounds of hollow metal opening and closing, or Eddie’s weird ramblings to nobody, or the sounds of another person’s footsteps on the carpet. Steve slowly started to walk down the hallway. Eddie probably wouldn’t want him to see his room, but after years of monsters and possession and all things Upside-Down, Steve would rather take the chance of upsetting him over the chance of anything else. Granted the Upside-Down and the beasts that came with it were not usually quiet, at least from this end of things, but Steve was paranoid. He thinks he’s earned that much for all the brain trauma he’s most definitely had over time.

“Eddie?” He entered the room, only to find that Eddie wasn’t there. In fact, this wasn’t even Eddie’s room. It couldn’t be. This was Steve’s porch. The pool shone a light-blue glow over the surroundings, steam misting off the surface of the water in lazy swirls. The air felt cool, but not cold. Like it always did right before it became too cold to swim even in heated water, right before the Harringtons had to close the pool up. There were empty beer cans littered in a small pile, each with a small jagged hole punched into the bottom, next to some pool chairs with an ashtray situated between them on a small table.

And there, sitting on the diving board of the pool, was Barbara Holland. Her back was facing Steve, but he would have to be blind not to recognize her. Her curly red hair made a dark brown in the low light but discernible all the same, the dark blue denim jacket she had been wearing that night, color swallowed up by the black night around her. Resting her hands on her legs, one cradling the other with blood running down her fingers. Dripping slowly into the water below, the dark red quickly fading into the surrounding blue with each new droplet.

“B-Barb?”

This couldn’t possibly be real. Barb was dead. Barb had died here, on this night, in his pool. She was the ghost over his shoulder, never remembered quite right, and not always at the forefront of his mind, but never really forgotten. She was a scar that would never heal, a guilt that would never fade. Even if he hadn’t ever really admitted it, he agreed with Nancy. What she had said that halloween. He killed Barb, he just didn’t really let himself think about it.

“Still pretending, Steve?” She said, still not looking back. Still swaying her legs casually, sitting at the foot of her grave.

“Still bullshit?” The word reverberated through the air. And even though there were no walls, it felt like it was closing in on him. She finally turned around, and where her brown eyes had once been were milky white pupils, surrounded by black. Water dribbled from her mouth as she spoke. Her face was rotting, water logged and bloated. She didn’t look like a ghost, she looked like a corpse. Slugs crawled out of holes in her skin, and vines wrapped around her legs and propelled her forwards, her muscles too decayed to stand without assistance

Steve turned around and booked it. He slammed the door to the pool closed, drawing the blinds over the panes of glass. Holding his back to the door, he turned around to see that where the Munson trailer had once been, the viney Upside-Down tunnels had replaced it.

The vines slithered over eachother, covering the door to the pool and creating a solid wall of plant matter. Chittering and screeching echoed down pathways, the smell of kerosine and the distinct iron-copper of blood filled the air and choked Steve’s lungs.

“You killed me!” The distorted voice of Barbara Holland filled his head, so loud it was deafening. Steve covered his ears. “If it wasn’t for you, I’d be alive! My parents wouldn’t had to bury an empty casket! It’s your fault Steve!”

Steve ran, trying desperately to get away from the voice, but it wasn’t coming from behind him. It was coming from around him, like a bubble of loathing and blame.

“Nancy lied to you Steve! There was no ‘we’. It was all you!” Barb laughed, empty and hollow, “you’ll never make up for it, murderer! One day, they’ll realize! One day, they’ll all know! And when that day comes, nobody will want to see your pathetic face ever. Again.”

There in the diverging pathways of the tunnels stood Dustin, and then Robin, then Max, and Lucas, and Mike, and Joyce, and it just went on, and on, and on. Their sneers, their disgust, their backs turned as they walked away from him.

“If you had just focused on someone other than yourself for one fucking second, I’d be alive. Nancy would be happy! Thank god Jonathan was there for her, to be what she really needed.”

“You just can’t help yourself, can you?” Barb kept going. She’d finally gotten her chance to say everything she didn’t when she was alive, and she seemed to be making the most of it. “Needed to win over perfect prissy Nancy Wheeler? Needed to prove to your douchebag friends that you could conquer any woman? That nobody could say no to King Steve!”

Steve would protest if he could breathe at all. He felt like he’d been running for days, and he was panting heavily from the strain.

“You’ll never be enough to make up for what the world lost when you took me from it.” Barb's voice sounded farther away, until finally it faded entirely.

Steve slumped down the wall, creepy vines and shit be damned. He couldn’t think, he couldn’t breathe, he just needed a second to get his bearings together and then he’d start looking for a way out.

“Steve”

==

@bowl-o-queerios is me, I just can’t comment on this blog

[theprismaticvoid]

My favorite running thing (I don't think it's ever been played as a joke so it feels wrong to call it a gag) in the Pikmin series is how Hocotations and Koppaites are both space-faring species but have somehow never discovered certain extremely basic forms of technology.

This is a toy robot that looks like it was manufactured in the 1980s.

This is a speaker. Not directly confirmed, but the phrasing of the line REALLY makes it sound like they didn't have any kind of speaker system before now.

This is a cell phone. Not even a smartphone, but like an ancient-ass Nokia phone. Somehow this is the most powerful form of sensor technology Koppai has EVER encountered.

I can't find a transcript of the line on the wiki and don't feel like playing the whole game again for one line, but you later get an upgraded replacement for this which is even MORE powerful... and it's a flip phone.

This is an ERASER. Hocotate has no form of rubber, or any equivalent material that's really good at insulating against electricity.

And my favorite one of all:

This is a LIGHT BULB.

(That last one is technically a plot hole because there was a ship part in Pikmin 1 that was a light bulb in all but name, but still)

Somehow these people managed to become a space-faring civilization with access to tech that can produce infinite energy, harvest gluons and positrons to generate fuel, automatically repair any device they're attached to, create artificial intelligences that are as smart as people, warp faster than the speed of light, and shrink down physical matter to store massive amounts of stuff in the carto hold - without ever having discovered a good electricity-insulating material, while their metal sucks so much ass that a robot toy is denser than their understanding of physics should allow, and while their sensors are weaker than that of a cell phone that looks like it's from the 80s.

[silvereternitywrites]

The AI Railroad

Prompt: The galactic community found humanity's ability to pack bond with anything quite humourous. Until they started bonding with their AI. Literally hundreds of AI of all types keep running off with humans for no discernable reason.

Prompt Source: user PhilosopherWarrior; subreddit “Humans Are Space Orcs”

Walking down the thoroughfare on a different planet was weird.

Nice, though, I thought to myself (along with the 7 or so sub-processes that I was aware my brain was running, like tracking the movement of the crowd, and watching for vehicle traffic, and processing what's that I smell?, ect) because on this planet's half-gravity I could walk for so much longer than on Terra. I could see why so many other disabled folks with various kinds of smarts were volunteering to be stationed at this specific Diplomatic Station. I was here as an Aid Personage, as I usually was to my indescribably intelligent mates, who specialized in theology, culture, and law and science, electronics, and mechanics. Make no mistake, I was also a perfectly qualified Horticulturalist, but since I wasn't a Developmental Horticulturalist or some other form of gene-splicer or cellular analyst my skillset was considered more or less irrelevant to the Diplomatic Exchange Program.

Given it was one of our four days off, though, I was giving myself both some training moving unassisted through the lower gravity, and treating myself to exploring a local park to see if there were any plants I could cultivate during our stay. A shade tree, or a berry bush, something like that, that would leave my mark. And possibly provide some variety to our diet.

BalBars get really old after a little while, even if they're formulated to satisfy every mineral, vegetable, fibrous, and nutritive need. I would commit actual murder for some freeze-dried fruit slices after three months.

While waiting at the light for the crosswalk, though, I suddenly heard a voice I hadn't actually "heard" for quite a long time. He usually preferred text, or to broadcast through a speaker.

"There are many AI here," AVIS, the AI who had been force-stuck together with me almost five years ago now said, quietly. I couldn't read his tone. Concerned? I remembered him mentioning once that the way he had self-modified with my Administrative Permission actively violated the License Agreement and that if that was ever known, whoever installed it might try to remove him for a factory reset. But I was the End User now, and I never signed any licensing agreement that rendered AVIS as proprietary software OR hardware; if they tried to take him away from me...

Five different scenarios of destruction ran through my head rapid-fire as I plotted how to defend from a grabber or medigun coming for my neck; they were weak where the barrel attached to the handle and easy to snap, especially if I turned so the incision scar wasn't accessible. I imagined kicking out knees, punching faces, and utilizing my teeth. I considered the multi-tool at my belt, but imagined fumbling with it- no, speed would be critical.

"You could get hurt," AVIS chided, now DEFINITELY sounding worried. He'd really evolved, upgrading himself every time he found himself "lagging" behind my fastest processing speeds, repairing his own code like a master weaver, finding all the little loose threads and returning them to the whole until he was one of the most efficient AI ever measured. So he knew very well my response, but I said it anyway as the light turned and I walked with the crowd.

"And you could die. We've been over this, AVIS. You can't make me change my mind now. I heal if I'm injured. You don't. I'm not risking your life for my personal comfort."

I paused at the edge of the walk before the grass-analogue started. It was pink and green-blue and all the shades in between. Distinct species, or did the color indicate health in some way? Amount of sun exposure, or water, or warmth, perhaps?

"There is an AI who manages this park," AVIS said. I still wasn't sure what he wanted to tell me with this, so my thought-reply was wildly unguarded:

Great. Could you ask them if it's safe to walk on with bare feet?

I felt the reaction more any other sense. The surprise had made AVIS 'freeze', like humans do in reaction, and the sensation was akin to suddenly having a water balloon full of cold water inside of my skull, pressing against my sinuses.

I sat down, not caring that it might be rude, not caring that I was in public, and most certainly not caring what it might mean to the native people that I basically collapsed to the walkway and frantically burrowed my face into my hoodie to block out all light.

We talked about this, AVIS, I groaned internally. When you make all your code stop running at once it ripples out into a sinus migraine! It's not worth it to indicate 'extreme surprise', the heart attacks and jumping from you using the [!ALERT!] noise was better than this!

"Sorry, sorry," he said, quickly now, and I could feel his processors rushing at near max speed, trying to make sense of something. "It's just-- this AI is behaving in a way I find...frightening."

I frowned into the darkness of my hoodie.

"When I asked, the other AI didn't understand the question until I phrased it like a query," he elaborated, sounding disturbed, "and... they...it? Just gave me back raw data to extrapolate."

I reached the realization and he read it off of my mind in hundredths of a nanosecond.

"That's it exactly," and now his voice was grim, mimicking the rolling tones of my own growl, the one that came from deep in my chest. "These AI don't behave like AI. They behave like computers without intelligence. What the FUCK?"

Standing up, I turned around and started shuffling back the way I had come, still keeping my head swathed in my black hoodie. AVIS could project a virtual map lifted from the data gathered through my eyes and dozens of cameras, and even help nudge my muscles to stay on the correct path and out of danger. I didn't like asking him to do it, it felt like asking him to work like that was all he was good for, but it was a very useful ability, at need. Right now I definitely needed it. I could take my medicine and tend to the throbbing migraine back at our allotted housing unit, and then...

Well, I could 'hear' the furious chime of rapid-fire Discord messages in the back of my head where AVIS lived. By the time I was horizontal and medicated, he and my Tech mate might already have a base plan sketched out.

[onlinerakhiandgiftsstore]

The holiday season is the perfect time to show your love and appreciation for the special person in your life. If your boyfriend is someone who makes you smile every day, then Christmas is the perfect occasion to give him a gift that expresses how much he means to you. Choosing a meaningful present for him can be a challenge, especially if you want it to be something unique, thoughtful, and personal.

If you're looking for some Christmas gift inspiration for your boyfriend, you've come to the right place! Below, we’ve curated a list of exciting and creative gift ideas that are sure to make his Christmas merry and bright.

1. Personalized Gifts: Make It Truly Yours

Personalized gifts are always a great way to show your boyfriend how much you care. Whether it's a custom-engraved bracelet, a personalized photo frame with your favorite picture together, or a custom-printed hoodie with a message only the two of you will understand—these gifts add a personal touch that will make him feel extra special.

Ideas:

Custom Leather Wallet: A sleek wallet with his initials or a meaningful message can be both practical and sentimental.

Personalized Watch: A stylish watch engraved with his name or a special date (like your anniversary) is both functional and thoughtful.

Customized Mug: A funny or heartfelt message on a mug is a cute way to brighten his morning coffee routine.

2. Tech Gadgets: For the Gadget-Loving Boyfriend

If your boyfriend is a tech enthusiast, then the holidays are the perfect time to treat him to the latest gadgets and accessories. From headphones to smart home devices, there’s no shortage of amazing tech gifts that will make his Christmas a little brighter.

Ideas:

Wireless Earbuds: A high-quality pair of wireless earbuds can enhance his music experience, whether he's working out, traveling, or just relaxing.

Smart Speaker: Help him upgrade his home with a smart speaker like the Amazon Echo or Google Nest to control music, smart lights, and more.

Fitness Tracker: If he’s into fitness, a stylish smartwatch or fitness tracker can help him stay on top of his health and goals.

3. Experience Gifts: Memories that Last

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t things—they’re experiences. If your boyfriend loves adventure or trying new things, an experience gift could be just what he needs. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, tickets to a concert, or a cooking class you can take together, experience gifts allow you to create memories that will last far beyond the holiday season.

Ideas:

Weekend Trip: Plan a romantic weekend getaway to a nearby city or a cozy cabin in the mountains.

Concert or Sports Tickets: Get tickets to his favorite band's concert, a live event, or a sports game.

Adventure Experience: If he's an adrenaline junkie, book an experience like skydiving, bungee jumping, or a helicopter ride.

4. Fashion and Accessories: Style Meets Thoughtfulness

If your boyfriend loves to look stylish, why not surprise him with a chic gift that enhances his wardrobe? From a sleek new jacket to a stylish scarf or a high-quality pair of boots, fashion gifts can be both practical and fashionable. Opt for something that reflects his personal style, and you’ll score big points.

Ideas:

Stylish Leather Jacket: A timeless gift that will never go out of style, perfect for winter weather.

Premium Sunglasses: Help him look cool while protecting his eyes with a pair of stylish sunglasses.

Cashmere Sweater: A soft, cozy cashmere sweater will keep him warm and fashionable all season long.

5. DIY Gifts: Heartfelt and Personal

If you’re looking for a more creative and personal touch, a DIY gift can be a perfect option. Whether it’s a hand-made scrapbook of your memories together or a homemade candle that he can enjoy, these gifts show effort and thoughtfulness that are sure to touch his heart.

Ideas:

Scrapbook: Create a scrapbook of your favorite moments, photos, and adventures. It’s a wonderful way to relive memories and remind him of your shared experiences.

Love Letter: A heartfelt letter expressing your love, gratitude, and admiration is always a meaningful gift.

DIY Coupon Book: Create a book of “coupons” for fun activities, such as a movie night, a home-cooked meal, or a relaxing massage.

6. Grooming Kits: For the Man Who Loves Self-Care

If your boyfriend is into grooming and taking care of himself, a grooming kit can be an excellent Christmas gift idea. You can find high-quality sets that include everything from shaving essentials to skincare products—perfect for his daily routine.

Ideas:

Beard Care Kit: If he has a beard, a beard grooming kit with oils, balms, and brushes will keep him looking sharp.

Skincare Set: Help him maintain healthy skin with a skincare set that includes moisturizers, cleansers, and face masks.

Shaving Kit: A luxurious razor, shaving cream, and aftershave kit will elevate his grooming experience.

7. Sentimental Keepsakes: Remind Him How Much He Means to You

If you want to go all out on a sentimental gift, consider giving your boyfriend something that will remind him of your love for years to come. These keepsakes are designed to stand the test of time, just like your relationship.

Ideas:

Engraved Necklace: A meaningful necklace with an engraving, such as coordinates of where you first met or a message that’s personal to both of you.

Photo Album: A collection of your favorite photos together, arranged in a beautifully designed photo album.

Love Letter in a Box: Write a heartfelt letter and place it in a box filled with mementos that represent your relationship—ticket stubs, photos, and more.

Conclusion: Make His Christmas Unforgettable

No matter which gift you choose, remember that the most important part is the thought behind it. A Christmas gift for your boyfriend should reflect his personality and your relationship, showing him how much he means to you. Whether it’s a personalized item, a tech gadget, or a DIY project, the love you put into choosing the perfect gift will make his holiday unforgettable.

Need help finding the perfect gift for your boyfriend? Visit Rakhi.com for a wide range of Christmas gift options that will put a smile on his face this festive season!

[gproduction]

AV Installation Secrets Revealed: Expert Insights and Advice

Whether you're setting up a home theater, upgrading a conference room, or creating an immersive stage experience, AV installations are essential in transforming ordinary spaces into dynamic, impactful environments. In today's tech-driven world, AV Installation Services have become a staple for events, corporate gatherings, and personal spaces alike. However, creating a seamless audio-visual experience involves more than just wiring up speakers and mounting screens. Here, we’ll share expert insights into AV installation secrets that elevate quality, enhance ambiance, and guarantee a hassle-free experience.

1. Planning the Right Setup for Your Space

A successful AV installation starts with a clear understanding of your specific needs and goals. No two spaces are alike, so the initial planning phase should involve evaluating the room layout, dimensions, and acoustics. This is where a professional AV Installation Service can make all the difference by creating a custom setup that maximizes audio and visual quality. Experts can help design an installation plan that works within your budget while enhancing every aspect of the viewing and listening experience.

2. Investing in High-Quality Equipment

The equipment you select is the foundation of any AV installation. From high-resolution projectors and screens to powerful, crisp sound systems, investing in quality components ensures a longer lifespan and better performance. Professional AV Installation Services have access to the latest in AV technology, helping you choose the right gear for your setup. High-definition displays, multi-channel audio systems, and smart control systems are all important elements that bring your vision to life.

3. Understanding Acoustic Treatments and Speaker Placement

Optimal sound distribution is crucial for an immersive experience. AV installation experts know that sound quality is influenced by room acoustics, materials, and furniture. They employ techniques like acoustic panels, bass traps, and strategic speaker placement to eliminate echo and balance sound. With the help of an AV Installation Service, you can avoid common issues like uneven sound and muffled audio, ensuring clear, high-quality sound throughout the room.

4. Hiding the Cables and Wiring

One of the biggest challenges in AV installation is concealing the maze of cables and wires. A messy installation can detract from the space's aesthetics and even cause safety hazards. An expert AV Installation Service will know how to manage and conceal wires effectively, either by routing them through walls, floors, or custom cabinetry. They’ll also label everything clearly, making it easier to troubleshoot or upgrade your system later on.

5. Automating the AV Experience

A well-designed AV system should also offer ease of use. Automated systems allow you to control lighting, sound, and visuals at the touch of a button, creating a seamless experience. Leading AV Installation Services can integrate smart controls like voice activation, mobile app interfaces, and remote controls, allowing you to customize the atmosphere with minimal effort. Imagine dimming the lights, adjusting the sound, or switching screens from your phone, adding that wow factor to any event or space.

6. Testing and Calibration for Optimal Performance

Once the setup is complete, professional AV installers will conduct thorough testing and calibration. This step ensures that all components work together harmoniously, providing an optimized performance for both audio and video. AV Installation Services use specialized equipment to test sound quality, brightness, and display alignment, making any necessary adjustments for the perfect final setup.

7. Ongoing Support and Maintenance

AV systems are complex and, over time, may require software updates, recalibration, or even repairs. The right AV Installation Service provides ongoing support, ensuring that your system remains in top condition. Regular maintenance not only extends the equipment’s lifespan but also keeps your AV experience flawless, even as your needs evolve or technology advances.

8. Expert Advice for DIY AV Enthusiasts

For those looking to try AV installation on their own, there are a few essential tips to keep in mind. First, start small, with easy-to-manage components like a soundbar and projector. Researching the best products and ensuring compatibility among devices is key. Also, remember to position speakers at ear level and place screens to minimize glare. However, for larger spaces and complex requirements, it’s always best to consult a professional AV Installation Service for expert guidance and support.

Conclusion: Why G Productions is Your Top Choice for AV Installation Services

Mastering AV installation is a craft that requires expertise, high-quality equipment, and a deep understanding of spatial dynamics. G Productions has set the benchmark as India’s best event management company, providing premium AV Installation Services tailored to the unique demands of each project. Whether for a corporate event, wedding, or personal entertainment setup, G Productions ensures that every AV installation is performed with precision and dedication. Choose G Productions, and experience a world-class audiovisual setup that transforms any environment into an immersive experience, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in event management company across India.

[gadgetsking]

Elevate Your Viewing Experience with the Sony Bravia 4K Ultra HD Smart LED Google TV X90K (55 inch)

Experience the pinnacle of home entertainment with the Sony Bravia 4K Ultra HD Smart LED Google TV X90K. This 55-inch marvel combines cutting-edge technology, stunning visuals, and intelligent features to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience, making it the perfect addition to any modern home.

Breathtaking 4K HDR Visuals

The Sony Bravia X90K boasts a 4K Ultra HD resolution that brings every scene to life with incredible detail and clarity. With High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology, you'll experience a wider range of colors and brightness levels, making your favorite movies, shows, and games more realistic and immersive than ever before. The TRILUMINOS™ display further enhances the color accuracy, ensuring vibrant and true-to-life visuals.

Advanced Cognitive Processor XR™

At the heart of the X90K is the revolutionary Cognitive Processor XR™, designed to replicate the way humans see and hear. This advanced processor understands how humans focus on specific elements in a picture, cross-analyzing and optimizing hundreds of thousands of elements in a blink of an eye. The result is an incredibly lifelike and immersive viewing experience, with perfect contrast, natural colors, and exceptional clarity.

Google TV™ Integration

Enjoy the best of smart TV features with Google TV™ integration. Seamlessly access a vast array of content, including streaming services, apps, and live TV, all in one place. With personalized recommendations, voice search, and easy access to your favorite apps, finding something to watch has never been easier. Plus, the built-in Google Assistant allows you to control your TV and smart home devices with just your voice.

Smooth and Responsive Gaming

The X90K is a gamer's dream, featuring HDMI 2.1 compatibility, which supports 4K at 120Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). These features ensure smooth, lag-free gaming with exceptional responsiveness, making it perfect for next-gen console gaming. The Game Mode enhances picture quality while minimizing input lag, giving you the competitive edge you need.

Immersive Audio Experience

Complementing the stunning visuals, the Sony Bravia X90K delivers an immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos® and Acoustic Multi-Audio™ technology. The strategically placed speakers create a rich, multidimensional soundscape, making you feel like you're right in the middle of the action. Clear, powerful sound ensures you hear every detail, whether you're watching a blockbuster movie or playing your favorite game.

Sleek and Stylish Design

The X90K's sleek and minimalist design blends seamlessly with any home decor. The slim bezels and premium finish add a touch of elegance, while the versatile stand can be adjusted to fit various spaces. Whether mounted on the wall or placed on a stand, the X90K is sure to be the centerpiece of your living room.

Key Features:

4K Ultra HD Resolution: Stunning detail and clarity for an immersive viewing experience.

HDR Technology: Enhanced color and brightness for realistic visuals.

Cognitive Processor XR™: Advanced processing for lifelike picture quality.

Google TV™ Integration: Seamless access to a vast array of content and apps.

HDMI 2.1 Compatibility: Supports 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM for smooth gaming.

Dolby Atmos®: Immersive audio with multidimensional sound.

Sleek Design: Slim bezels and premium finish for a stylish look.

Conclusion

The Sony Bravia 4K Ultra HD Smart LED Google TV X90K (55 inch) is the ultimate choice for anyone seeking the best in home entertainment. With its stunning visuals, advanced features, and sleek design, it offers an unparalleled viewing experience that will transform your living room into a cinematic paradise. Upgrade your entertainment setup with the X90K and enjoy the future of television today.