#angular version comparison

[scoobit9]

Huge fucking Jooster dump you know the drill

[electrozeistyking]

Hi, I really like making little personalized references for characters I like when I get into things! I do this to figure out how I wanna draw them, and is a recent-ish development that I haven’t done a lot, but I really like character design and thinking about them! So I made some for Siffrin. How fun!

DO NOTE THAT THIS WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR LATER PARTS OF THE GAME. I did obviously tag it as such for the sake of others and it will be further down, but I figured I’d still warn you just in case. <:3

Now, without further ado, here’s “reference one!”

I’m personally gonna be using this in conjunction with Siffrin’s actual reference sheet (which I refer to as “notes” in mine!!) to make sure he look his best! I also wanted to make sure they’re “in line with canon,” yet still in my style and in a way I can be proud of.

Which isn’t that hard, since I’m usually always proud of my own work. I just like my own stuff. <:3

Due to the brim of his hat allegedly being bean-shaped (teehee), I thought it’d be fun if I carried that over to his torso/body. It’s not noticeable with a cloak in the way, nor when Siffrin’s standing straight up. Basically, the bean shape would only be revealed in certain poses.

(Coming up with that also made me say “Whoops! All beans!” out loud about Siffrin, btw.)

Additionally, I like giving characters is their own set of fangs. One character I draw has a gap between them and the rest of their teeth, one has prominent ones to make them more cat like on purpose — and for Siffrin, I decided to give them rounded ones.

I usually make fangs razor sharp, because I really like big ol chompers like that, so them being round is definitely a very unique thing for Siffrin to have. Well, at least at first.

I’m also a really big fan of certain design elements sticking around after something wild happens to characters… which brings us to “reference two.”

Well, if you’re not gonna be able to find any good references for this version of Siffrin, you might as well make your own, right??

The major thing I wanted to do with this Siffrin was to have him still feel like himself, but also give him somewhat of a unique design in comparison — by playing up elements I noticed during this scene.

Making this Siffrin feel as giant as they are was important to me. I went ahead and made their hat, face, hair and cloak longer. Made their shoulders broader, had them hunch over so they’d practically loom over everyone. Trying to appear smaller while still being an obstacle. Wanting everyone to stay here. Wanting their family.

I noticed that a lot of Siffrin’s hair seemed a lot more angular here, so I felt it crucial to use those shapes, but going a couple steps further and using them for his face as well… primarily his mouth and chin, of course. Which meant replacing those rounded fangs I gave him with a full set of sharper ones.

(I also wanted them to look like they’re too big for Siffrin’s mouth, so two of them — well, four? — will always peek out/fall past their lower lip. It’s like their teeth are not a comfortable fit whatsoever and it makes talking feel weird, but they manage.)

(They stick around after Siffrin “reverts back” or whatever we’re calling it. He never gets his round fangs back, but at least the ones he has now serve as a reminder that he got to the end. Might take some getting used to, though.)

(I also tried making their brows look a bit more angular? Can’t tell if they really come across that way.)

ANYWAY, I THINK I SHOULD STOP HAHAHA. I could go on and on all day, but I got other things to do and I think I’ve already explained enough! Just know that I get a kick out of putting love and care into character thoughts and designs. <:3

[cometcare]

MOOD MOOD MOOD MOOD MOOD!!!!!! 🌈🌸💖

personal ref sheet for her in my style/au, design notes + headcanons/differences under the cut !!!!! i love this animal…. the mold

Design notes:

- Practically OVERexpressive!! Face squashes and stretches to accentuate expressions, big big ol eyes!

- Her flower just kind of goes wherever, I draw her eyes so big they block her forehead 💔

- Both her and Doom have hypodontia, aka missing teeth! She has rat teeth in front, and sharp back teeth only visible when she opens her mouth wide

- Rounded shapes! Round eyes, round ears, round cheeks and cheekmarks (Doom’s cheekmarks are more angular and jagged in comparison)

- I usually draw her with her legs pressed close together, four feet are almost always visible and can point in whatever direction

- poses are usually curved with her chest out, contrasting with Doom’s slouch!

- thin body, build like a flexible rectangle

HCS for my au Shimmercare!! These are kind of disjointed, so it might just be rambles

- toxic positivity to Doom’s (understandably) toxic negativity, but the toxic positivity only applies to herself! The way she acts is partially genuine! But she always forces herself to act 110% happy, carefree, and innocent to the horrors because she knows Doom’s going through so much, and she’s so so scared of losing him. Worrying that if she let slip how miserable she is, Doom would feel helpless/like he failed her and break down further or worse, do something he can never take back. She also feels deeply selfish because she knows Doom is the one that actually has to do the killing, while she (as a nurse) ‘only’ has to watch

- Ironically, Doom would far far far prefer it if she actually talked to him about her problems instead of acting like the constant death and torture and misery she’s witness to every day is fine and like she’s completely unaffected! It would actually help him a lot to know that he can help her outside of doing Cuddles’ bidding to keep her alive, that neither of them are burdens to each other - or at least, they’re a burden to the other that they want to carry - but alas. They’ve been inseparable since they hatched but by god in the hospital era they aren’t communicating enough because they’re both being constantly traumatized every day

- Mood has severe compassion fatigue she doesn’t let on to the patients directly. She treats them all with kindness and gives them help and cute nicknames, but she can’t allow herself to actually care about most of them on personal levels because it’s broken her heart clean open too many times. When any of them can die from one day to the next and there’s nothing she can do at all. She has nightmares every night about all the friends and loved ones she’s lost, and that trauma is a part of why she’s basically at Doom’s side every waking moment - she’s absolutely terrified of him being hurt or hurting himself, and not being there to save him.

- ^ The compassion fatigue ties into her just doing doodles on the intake forms because none of it matters at all. “Don’t care, not one bit!” Why get attached when warnings do nothing until it’s too late, and the odds are incredibly high that the new patient won’t even make it through the first surgery? She favors Uni and Hemera out of all the other patients, because they’re the least likely to die in her mind and therefore the safest to care about

- She’s also very very anxious constantly, and tends to double/triple down on acting like things are Fine and Good when she’s spiraling

- Her favorite bands are Bird Town (Owl City) and whatever the Spinch version of Babymetal is.. Infantsteel?? She also loves chiptune and anime song covers on Kneetube. She’d love Ratsune Miku (<- Miku if she was a rat in sparklecare)

- Her favorite games are rhythm games, and games like Stardew! She has a tendency to hyperfixate *incredibly* hard however, and ends up optimizing basically every ingame day, setting up a whole detailed farm design, memorizing what goes where in each season and all the little easter eggs. She’d be super super intense to play with in games that aren’t meant to be intense

- I’m 99% sure the creator of Rem doesn’t want to be associated with SCH any more, so I’m removing her out of respect! Her role is taken by Nurse Snare, her and Mood are in toxic yuris together because I’ve been a Moodsnare believer for years untold (the adventures of hatergirl and lovergirl)

- Mood likes being around Snare because Snare is mean, as contradictory as that sounds. Mood doesn’t have to make herself act 10000% cheerful and happy and fine, because Snare doesn’t care, and even calls her annoying for it. She almost envies the way Snare doesn’t care about anything, even as much as she’s frustrated by it. She’s the only person Mood can properly feel free with, escape from the constant horror and fear of Doom’s death, fear of losing more patients and holding the world on her shoulders. Mood not having to worry what Snare thinks and vice versa. They get high and self-destruct together, and Doom worries constantly that Snare’s taking advantage of her, or that Snare’s a bad influence (even though Mood is a grown adult.) Snare’s not, and Mood reassures him, but Doom still wants her to be safe because they’re mutually overprotective for better or for worse! Sad rats -> 🐀🐀

- All of this is subject to change!!

[fr34k0n4l345h]

Easy Come, Easy Go

A Marble Hornets 1920’s au fic

Previous

͙✧˖*°࿐

Chapter Three — Moonbeams

Just how many years had passed since he last saw that face? Frankly, Jay had lost count. The version of Alex tucked safely away with the rest of his most sacred memories paled in comparison to the one before him. His soft features had grown angular and hard. His hair, which had once been overgrown and swooped across his broad forehead, was now tidy and combed back. Even his skin, which he fondly recalled as sun-kissed and littered with innocent bruises from days spent in the Alabamian vegetation, lacked much hue at all. The figure that stood apart from him wasn’t the Alex that he knew and came to love— the same one that mended his heart before shattering it into a million pieces— but merely a cast of what once existed, warped by success and money. Jay was acutely aware of how time affected people, however that didn’t stop his lanky hands from trembling at the sight of him.

”What are you waiting for, boy? Go on, get the good stuff, you know where it is. Be quick with it, c’mon!” Mr. Murphy eagerly encouraged the bartender. At once, the world around him resumed. Fabric moved, music danced in the air, glasses sparkled. Jay’s lashes fluttered in a desperate attempt to rehydrate the orbs behind his eyelids. At once, he spun on his heel and dipped past the swinging doors behind the bar stand. It was nothing more than a dimly lit walk-in pantry with walls lined with shelves filled to the brim with smuggled alcoholic goods. Blue eyes scanned the labels that surrounded him until he found the one he was looking for. He stood on the very tips of his toes in order to pull the highly sacred auburn liquid from its high shelf.

Jay examined the bottle in his hands. Real McCoy Rum; some of the most expensive stuff on the black market. His boss only brought it out when a person of high status visited the establishment. It felt surreal to be holding this bottle with the knowledge that it was his childhood best friend being served this highly sought over beverage. Who was he to make comments? He was just the bartender.

He pushed past the pantry doors, which swung shut behind him with a low groan. To his surprise, a familiar face stood on the other side of the counter. He was grinning ear to ear with his signature toothy grin and chatting up a storm with the bar owner, Mr. Murphy. A grin that charming could swoon a nun. It was none other than Brian, the mysterious bar-goer (and supposed clothesman) from the other night. Their eyes met as he approached the talkative pair.

”Birdie,” Brian called out to him. “We meet again. It’s nice to see you.”

“Likewise.” Jay responded as he approached the bar and placed the bottle of liquor on the polished wooden bar top. He could feel the shadows beneath his eyes hanging heavier than ever. Observant eyes skimmed over the bartender’s thin form. He could feel his gaze— the attention made his skin writhe.

”Pour me a glass of that rum. On the rocks, please.” Brian’s subtle honey accent rang through the air. At that, Jay looked up, an expression of surprise flickering over his face. The customer caught on almost instantaneously.

”Oh, it ain’t for me.” He chuckled. “It’s for the boss.” He jammed a thumb in the direction behind him. The direction of none other than Alex Kralie. If Jay’s body wasn’t currently as stiff as a wooden plank, his jaw would’ve fallen to the floor. Could it be? That this man was the one and only Alex Kralie’s subordinate?

“I see,’’ He responded tentatively. “coming right up.” Muscle memory kicked in. He moved to unscrew the seal at the top of the bottle. His hands moved with quick and fluid motions as he shoveled cubed ice from the bulky ice box just below the counter, then filled a stocky glass. He poured the alcohol overtop, watching as the ice rose and clinked around in the liquid. Jay slid the glass across the table top.

”Thank you. Now, if you could open up a tab for Kralie and write it up, that’d be swell.” Brian requested, his attitude as polite as ever upon taking the chilled drink into his hand. Jay didn’t respond as he grabbed the notepad from his apron to scribble down the tab. Writing the surname felt surreal. It was as if his mind simply refused to accept the fact that he was here.

The bartender looked up from the notepad and watched as Brian left the bar to trail the man clad in luxurious blue. Some things weren’t adding up. Jay wasn’t normally one to believe the hype or rumours that often circulated these spaces. He found them pointless and blatantly ridiculous. The rumour that Brian may be a clothesman seemed even more absurd now. What law enforcer would be the escort or assistant to a man as powerful as Alex Kralie to a place as illegal as Mr. Murphy’s speakeasy? It seemed to be nothing more than an inexcusable desire for drama. At least, that was the easiest explanation to digest.

—

The night carried on as it usually did. The only difference was the glaring elephant across the room; his first love and last heartbreak, dancing with a dame. She was a beauty, that was sure. Her smile was elegant and pristine, illuminating her dainty features each time she laughed. She was your typical feminine heart-throb. Jay could see the appeal. He tried to refrain from staring, but he couldn’t help but be pulled to the attractive couple.

Her husband’s demeanor was.. odd, to say the very least. He didn’t emote more than a smirk. Even then, any show of joy was a rare sight from him. His eyes wandered the room like he was bored. They were dull and devoid of any life or interest; disconnected.

Alex continued to drink. Jay would pour one rum after another, passing it off to Brian each time. It seemed the pit in the business man’s stomach was bottomless. The alcohol didn’t seem to have much effect on the man at all. Not that he could see from a distance, at least. Eventually, the bottle of expensive liquor would run dry. By then, the night had begun to lull to a halt. Frivol customers trickled out of the hidden establishment until the only life that remained were staff, performers, and Alex’s small party.

“C’mon darling, you look tired. We ought to head home.” He overheard the blonde lady say to her husband, who waved her off.

“Go on without me. I need to pay the tab.” Alex would brush her off. The woman parted her lips to speak, but was promptly cut off. “That’s final. Brian, take her home or hail her a taxi for me.”

Upon being called, Brian would appear at the dames side. Her red painted lips downturned in a subtle disheartened pout in clear disapproval of her husband’s choice, but she was submissive. She made no further protest. She linked arms with the assistant and was swiftly escorted towards the staircase that led to the city on the surface. Her eyes lingered on Alex for a few moments before her gaze was inevitably torn away from him. The band left behind them after collecting their tips for the night.

That left three.

Jay could feel his heart begin to race in his chest. He didn’t know where to look, in fear of accidentally recreating the chilling moment he’d experienced when he initially met eyes with Alex. For that reason, he settled for making himself busy with tidying up the bar, ensuring that every glass that had been utilized was cleaned and polished to perfection. Nevertheless, no matter how much he tried to hide from reality, the fact of the matter was that Alex was approaching the bar. There was no escaping now.

”Good evening. I’d like to close out my tab.” An oh-so-familiar voice stopped in front of him. The bartender felt every fiber in his muscles tense. He was shocked at first, like a deer in headlights. Then, all at once, his customer service facade kicked into action.

”Uh, yeah, sure. Let me just..” He reached for the tablet in his apron, all the while avoiding the other man’s gaze. He felt the paper material in his hand and flipped through the pages. “And that’s for..”

”Alex Kralie.” Alex finished his sentence for him.

Jay felt his blood run cold.

Shaky hands turned each individual page until he reached the one he was searching for. All of a sudden, his mouth felt painfully dry. It was as if he’d just swallowed a handful of sand. Jay couldn't deny it; he was terrified. Beyond afraid of looking into those hollow eyes and catching a glimpse of the painful past. He wondered if the man even recognized him— and if he did, what would his reaction be? Disgust? Hatred? Perhaps indifference? He couldn’t make a prediction, but he didn’t look forward to finding out.

He tore the page out of its binding and slid it across the table. The transaction was silent. Alex knew. It was obvious in the way they avoided each other’s gaze like it was poisonous. The money was placed on the counter top. A fat stack of leafy paper. He cleared the imaginary blockage in his throat as he took the cash and turned away to stash it in the register.

“Have a good night.” Alex murmured, nodding his head towards Jay. With that simple acknowledgement, he turned and began to make his way towards the exit.

“Kralie, my friend, where are you going?” Mr. Murphy called out to the man, as chipper as ever. “Please, feel free to stay longer and chat! This establishment ain’t the same without you, don’t you agree Birdie?” A thick arm found its way around Jay’s shoulders, causing him to tense up like a frightened feline. His boss was oblivious to the unaddressed tension between the two.

“I apologize Murphy, but I must be off to take care of some business. Thank you for the service, as always.” Alex dismissed the jolly man and made no attempt to halt in his hurry to leave. With a wave of his hand, he was headed up the steep staircase. Just like that, Alex was gone.

Mr. Murphy deflated a little.

”No worries! Good night to you, sir!“ He sheepishly boomed through the empty establishment. He pulled away from Jay, giving his shoulder a fatherly squeeze before dropping his hand. “Go on and get yourself home, boy. I’ll take care of the finances.”

Jay nodded his head. Before he could even make an attempt to leave, however, Mr. Murphy’s wide frame blocked his path.

“Be careful out there, will ya? I mean it.” Suddenly, that jolly attitude of his melted into one of gentle, genuine concern. It was almost protective in nature. Jay stared into his employer’s green eyes. At that moment, unspoken words were traded. Words of mysteries, murders, and dangers lurking in the city's darkest allies.

“I know. I will, sir. Don’t worry about me.” Jay responded, pressing his lips into a thin line in a half-assed attempt at a smile.

“Good— and make sure to eat more. You’re skin and bones, kid!” The older man exclaimed as the bartender pushed past him. A forced chuckle escaped his parted lips. It wasn’t that he disliked Mr. Murphy’s concern for him. It’s just that he was utterly wiped out. He no longer had the drive nor energy to humor the man.

”Yeah, yeah. I will. See you later, boss.” Jay bid his boss goodbye before traveling up the creaky wooden staircase. He pushed opened the unsuspecting doors that led to a narrow alleyway sandwiched between two unsuspecting businesses. The chilly yet humid Alabamian night air prickled at his exposed skin, causing goosebumps to raise on his forearms and neck. Perhaps he should have brought a jacket.

He hugged himself as he meandered out of the alleyway in a pitiful attempt to shield himself from the cold of the night. A dog barked in the distance, which bounced off of the concrete jungle all around him, making its origin point impossible to detect. It was a full moon tonight. The lamp in the sky acted as a guide on his path.

As he walked, he couldn’t help but think back to his interaction with his childhood best friend. His mannerisms were strange, but Jay couldn’t necessarily blame him for acting awkward. He never seemed like the type to fancy energetic places such as the speakeasy. Perhaps he’d been dragged there against his will by his wife. But, if that were the case, then why did he send her home with his assistant? Just where was he headed in such a hurry? Where in the world could a man like him be off to so early in the morning? The sun hadn’t even begun to peek out from beyond the horizon. It was unlikely that there were any businesses open at this hour. While it was possible he just didn't understand the rituals of a successful entrepreneur, Jay couldn‘t help but feel like there was something funny about the timing of it all.

God, he felt sick to his stomach. He could vividly recall how void Alex’s eyes were as they bore into his own. They seemed lifeless. There was not a hint of emotion behind them; not even an essence of surprise. He just seemed.. tired. Bored, even. Something about his eyes were uncanny. He could feel them even now, creating an uncomfortable crawling sensation down his spine that he could not shake.

A shriek in the distance shook him from his pondering. Like a deer in headlights, he froze, feet planting into the pavement beneath them. Pale blue orbs scanned the empty street before him. The night was still and calm. There was not a hint of life for hundreds of miles. For a moment, Jay wondered if the lack of sleep was finally driving him mad. Then, he heard it again. This time, it was a pathetic cry. He couldn’t make out any words. Human instinct told him it was a person in danger.

For his entire life, Jay hadn’t been the best at staying in his own lane. He was meddlesome— intrusive in many cases. it was a trait of his that he couldn’t escape. Whilst in this moment, human nature screamed at him to turn the other way and run for his life, that curiosity of his pressed him to explore the situation. He gravitated towards danger like a moth to flame. His feet began to move on their own volition, carrying him steadily down the sidewalk.

There was another yelp. This time, he could pick out some words.

“Please, stop!” A masculine voice begged. It sounded weaker than before. Adrenaline coursed through his veins. His feet carried him faster towards the sound.

He stopped just before a large opening between a tailor shop and a café. He could hear the sound of scuffling from down the alleyway, which prompted him to peer his head around the corner. The darkness seemed endless. Past the void, he could hardly make out two figures. One was of substantial height whilst the other was average. There was a visible struggle for a moment. Then, the smaller silhouette slumped to the concrete like a heavy sack of rocks. All was quiet except for the labored breathing of the perpetrator ahead.

Jay watched with wide eyes in awe of what he’d just witnessed. Was this the entity that Brian had warned him of earlier? The one causing family members to vanish or turn up dead? He was petrified, afraid that if he moved then he’d be next.

He knew he couldn’t hide forever.

The figure slowly turned. The moonlight reflected off of a pair of lenses which sat upon the nose of the man. Jay felt his breath catch in his throat. The two were still for a few passing moments. A staredown, daring the other to make the first move. He was fully capable of running, but his legs refused to move. He wanted to disappear into the night atmosphere and escape the apex predator, but his body was frozen.

The sound of soles against pavement sounded, bouncing off of the brick walls of the enclosed area. The figure was so fast, he hardly had the time to process the events that were transpiring before a royal blue sleeve shot out from the shadows and grabbed him by the collar whilst the other pressed something wet and sharp to his throat.

Jay grabbed onto the wrist of the stranger, nails digging into flesh in a futile fight for life. The scent of copper filled his nostrils, causing his empty stomach to churn. But nothing was more sickening than the recognition that filtered in his mind upon seeing the features of the attacker. An angular nose and broad forehead, splattered with remnants of maroon substance, as if Da Vanci himself had flicked a devilish red paint across his face. His lip curled in a snarl like a wolf to its prey. His brows were angled deeply towards his bloodthirsty eyes— eyes he nearly couldn’t identify at first, as they were blinded by an emotion he couldn't quite identify. No amount of hatred could change his memories of those eyes.

“Alex..” Jay whispered, his voice quaking.

Alex faltered. He could feel the grip on the collar of his vest loosen ever so slightly; his crinkled features relaxing if only a little. A brief silence fell between them. The pressure of metal pressed against Jay’s throat began to soften. For the first time that night, he saw emotion flash across Alex’s face. Horror. It was evident that through his haze of violence, humanity peaked through and an epiphany was achieved. The veil lifted.

“Jay..?” Alex’s voice was soft. It was akin to that of a frightened child. God, it made his chest ache. Jay parted his lips to speak, but was promptly interrupted when the hand grasping his clothes shoved him away. He stumbled, nearly losing his footing.

“Alex—“

“Leave. Now.” His voice cut through. Jay could only stare, wide-eyed and in shock. Something was emerging from the end of the alleyway. Something impossibly tall, yet somehow reminiscent of a human’s form. He was hypnotized by its presence.

“Alex, wait—“

“NOW!”

The abrupt incline in volume made him flinch. Alex was cradling his blood painted face in his hands, fingers threading vicariously through his now untamed hair. His shoulders rose and fell with each panicked breath he took. Jay could hear a faint ringing in his ears, accompanied by the rushing of blood pumping through his vessels. He took a few experimental steps backwards. When he determined that his legs were stable enough to run, he took off at the speed of light. The soles of his shoes pounded against the pavement, carrying him away from the crime scene and the sight of Alex Kralie coated in another man’s blood.

As he made his escape, an unmoving figure donned in tan watched the scene unfold from across the street. Witnessing every detail. A single audience member to the shitshow that was Jay’s reality.

[accio-victuuri]

once upon a time, we were all going 👀 over ZZ’s hidden necklace and the alleged ring tied to it. then after that — nothing. it went unsolved. now, people have noticed him wearing what seems to be a necklace, but the string of it looks more like a rope.

2020 2023

while i do understand the speculation of some that this may be his version of “bone necklace” and how it may be holding the ever so elusive bjyx promise ring lol — my personal deduction is that it’s not. yeah, it would be wonderful if it was and i don’t think we will ever know but to me there is a more rational explanation, knowing what type of “jewelry” XZ sports during his personal time. when he’s not wearing gucci or other really esspensive pieces at events, the regular person XZ prefers his jewelry to be more meaningful.

( photo source showing times it was worn & visible )

Everyone knows his red rope, given to him by his mom for good luck when it was his zodiac birth year, and he’s always been wearing it. he said, “my mom gave it to me, i have to keep wearing it.” Then another more recent one is the beaded bracelet, which from what i can remember is also for protection. something that you can blessed at a temple.

A popular guess is what’s tied to it is a jade. So it’s a jade necklace. What’s the meaning? I found this helpful article to support this speculation. It just makes more sense and more “on brand” for ZZ to wear it because of this reason:

Whether someone gave it to him or if he picked it up on one of his travels, we don’t know. but a “gentleman like jade” is so him. it’s the kind of person he tries to embody.

Anciently, superior men found the likeness of all excellent qualities in jade. Soft smooth and glossy, it appeared to them like benevolence.

Fine, compact, and strong—like intelligence.

Angular, but not sharp and cutting—like righteousness.

Hanging down (in beads) as if it would fall to the ground like (the humility of) propriety.

When struck, yielding a note, clear and prolonged, yet terminating abruptly—like music.

Its flaws not concealing its beauty, nor its beauty concealing its flaws—like loyalty.

With an internal radiance issuing from it on every side—like good faith.

Bright as a brilliant rainbow—like heaven.

Exquisite and mysterious, appearing in the hills and streams—like the earth.

Standing out conspicuous in the symbols of rank—like virtue.

Esteemed by all under the sky—like the path of truth and duty.

( Confucius ; Book of Rites )

The times we have seen him wear it, his clothes were too loose to make out if there was pendant shaped thing. However, the recent photo shoot appears to give us a better view.

For comparison, p1 is the composition. that rope like string and a jade pendant. his is surely not that big, but you get the point. p2, it may just be a crease of his clothes but it’s a good approximate of a “pendant”.

-END.

[stopthatfool]

You said don't get you started on Ice's helmet or you'll be mean... please be mean. Please be mean to him. What is so disastrous about his helmet design?

my time has come. i will be mean to him. (thank you for getting me started on this. it bothers me every time I watch top gun.) this is also gonna be so long. yippee!

stopthatfool's issues with Tom "Iceman" Kazansky's helmet! aka this bad boy right below. (I'm sorry if anyone loves Ice's helmet, it's just not for me)

The placement of his name. WHY is it on the side? Both him and Slider have their names on the side. That makes me think it's a squadron thing? (the VF-213s) but regardless i don't care cuz i think it's stupid. (again sorry if someone thinks its genius. ok i'll stop apologizing)

My biggest issue with the fact it's on the side is that it creates this uneven weight distribution. The side with his name feels considerably "heavier" than the side without.

And the thing i don't understand is that Ice's name is evenly numbered!! He could fit 3 letters on either side of the line that comes down the helmet! the letters wouldn't be unevenly distributed, so I don't know why he felt the need to put it there!!

Here, I have "annotated" his helmet and provided other viewpoints of his helmet!

The font/typeface! Ice.. is that ARIAL?? and it's not even bolded??? so not only is his name to one side and weirdly small... it's skinny and unbolded. (like you're THE Iceman. Don't you want your name big and bolded? I shouldn't be searching for your name when you're Mr. Iceman!)

Looking at his helmet head-on, part of his name isn't even visible.. like ok ICEM!

And then! There's this weird switch up in the shapes and line types that he used-- the angular and sharp points of the lightning bolts and the half circles surrounding the squadron logo (is it a logo?? idk im gonna call it a logo)

What i think Ice is trying to do here is create a "connection" between the circular part of the logo and the lightning bolts as the bolts go all the way to the back of the helmet... but in my opinion... it's not working. like at all.

The comparison between the harsh lines of the bolts and then the curves is just kind of hard on the eyes (for me anyway). I just don't know where to look. Should i be following the leading lines of the lightning bolts? Or the curves of the half-circle things? Or should I be following the line of the lightning bolt in the logo?

And all throughout that... i barely end up seeing the name on the helmet.

Continuing off the logo... for Top Gun 1986, Ice and Slider are in the VF-213 squadron, but the movie switched the logo to the VFA-25s that looks like this on their flight suits-

(yes that is the best quality image i could find from the movie my bad) So why does the logo on his helmet look like this???

WHY do the fingers look like that. they look like hotdogs im so sorry. (logistically it was probably easier for the decals to be printed and then applied like this. but. we're not talking about technicalities here. right now i'm tearing apart the entire composition of Ice's helmet.)

I like version of the logo on their flight suits soooo much better! It's got more "rhythm" and flow to it that the lightning bolts lack! Plus no hotdog fingers.

Ok ok, now on the colour scheme. The harsh and bright blues I don't mind. Like yeah, you're The Iceman, punch me in the face with blue. I can forgive that. The thing that really bothers me.. is the silver/grey base of the helmet.

It's this really harsh grey that really doesn't help with the already harsh blues. I think he should've continued with the blue he has going. cuz this grey ain't working, king.

Ok, anyway. Since I should be studying, I'm obviously doing anything but studying. So i redesigned ice's helmet. ya idk.

it's kind of wonky.. but whatevs (ignore how the lightning bolt on the side view doesn't line up with the front view) (and ignore the inconsistences in the lettering. i was lazy and did it by hand)

I also didn't want to completely change/get rid of the aspects of Ice's helmet. So the changes aren't huge (except for maybe the name placement/"font")

ok I changed the background colour (finally, it's less all up in your face now) I continued with the blues and lessened the intensity just a little bit. I really wanted his name to be front and center!

Now the colour scheme is also consistent. No random black lettering (again, in arial???) there's now black in both his name, the outline of the lightning bolts and the logo!

Now his name is evenly distributed! See how it fits on either side of the line that comes down the center of the helmets from '86? See how you can actually see his whole name? See how it's heavier and fits the whole "iceman" theme better? (at least in my opinion)

Come on, Ice! You should've used the leading lines provided by the lightning bolts to guide people to your name! There's now a fun little overlapping moment!

(ignore how i forgot to dot one of the i's in distribution whoops)

No more weird half circle things! No more conflicting leading lines! But! I decided to extend the arm of the squadron logo to continue the line of the lightning bolt as it moves backward. I think this makes the circle of the logo fit better, while simultaneously creating that "connection" he was trying to get in his actual design.

The lack of half-circle things also allow for the logo and lightning bolts to just "be." There's no distraction. it's not overly "busy" anymore (like maverick's helmet). It's simple, but he's The Iceman! He doesn't need it to say/have more!

And the use of the "actual" logo seen on Slider and Ice's flight suits creates that sense of movement that was absent before! Plus no hotdog hands!

Is this new proposed design perfect? Absolutely not! The logo and the lightning bolts still create a weird point of almost intersection that still bothers me. But I think fundamentally, there's always going to be issues with these two components: the circle will never quite fit in, and the lightning bolt the hand is holding will always "cut" the whole thing in half, creating a weird separation in the helmet, that will always bother me.

Anyway, this was a lot of fun! (I love being mean to these guys. they need their egos brought down a couple pegs!)

[sonic-love-island-official]

Shadow (Bio/Character design ramble)

Behold, my sweet baby. Boy, do I have a lot to say about him. And some things I want to say about him can't really be incorporated fully into the fic, so what better place to infodump than here ?

Info under the cut x

Shadow is a 28 year old ex-G.U.N. agent. He was 'born' within the ARK, but moved to Westopolis later in life to rediscover his (then lost) identity. He joins Rouge on the Island with the intention of being her moral support.

Being a more reserved character, Shadow arrives full of scepticism, but with an indescribable, intricate set of standards. Shadow is the kind of man who knows exactly what he wants from a partner and a life going forward. He is stubborn to deviate from his plan of settling down and hoping to raise a family with someone who doesn't make him feel uncomfortable in his own skin. Normally on edge or awkward, Shadow typically struggles to interact with new people, but once he becomes comfortable with someone, he lets his true colours shine (both to his benefit and detriment). He can be gentle, deeply caring, passionate, even. However, he can also be sly, sharp-witted and harsh at times. Regardless of how anyone perceives him, Shadow's strong sense of identity drives him to pursue what he wants to have in his future. But having something entails having something to lose…

External design choices !! (visual appearance - incl. formation of base sim, references taken, makeup choices, fashion style… etc.)

You will never know how much time I spent trying to perfect this man 😭 Again, I immediately took inspiration from his Sonic Adventure 2 character design because he is both so striking in appearance but also has this soft cuteness (which initially did not make it into his sim version, until later modding the game). Along with Rouge, for Shadow I had a distinctive creative vision and although I can never make a sim exactly how I imagine them in my head, Shadow's design came close enough that I can't complain too much.

The real tough thing with Shadow came down to translation. Shadow has incredibly sharp/angular features that replicating it accurately in the sims would destroy any realistic appeal for his character in a more human form. So, my compromise was to do the best I could, while still keeping Shadow's features relatively human enough so he wouldn't look like he crawled out of a nightmare. Of course, I chose to keep the angle of his eyes and brows, but softened the degree to something still recognisable and so it didn't warp any of his other facial features. I kept the red colour of his eyes too. I could have went down a more realistic route, but I just thought it was so iconic of his character that without them, he'd just look weird. Same can be said for his makeup, actually. I gave him a simple black liner that runs from the top lash line, into the bottom and through his waterline, pairing that with a subtle red eyeshadow that mimics the red, triangular accent in the outer corners of his eyes (looking at sim Shadow without either of those is jarring, believe me). His nose I made a little pointed, characteristic of all the male hedgehogs. As for everything else ? It was purely up to my interpretation and working within the limitations of the game.

I couldn't get anything that was similar to Shadow's upturned quills, so I went for a hairstyle with a little bit of volume, just so there was enough resemblance. The hair I used was from the Supernatural pack (which is notorious for ugly CAS items, in my opinion) and surprisingly I don't hate it as much as when I first picked it. The red streaks are in his hair, but a little muted in comparison to the reference pictures, due to the fact it looked ridiculously bad when I tried the accurate, bright red streaks. I also wanted Shadow's sharp features to carry through into the base structure of his face, hence why he has a more squared jawline than what is seen on some of the other characters. He used to have more prominent cheekbones, but that that feature was softened out significantly after the modding (again, another 'for the best' situation). Overall, Shadow version 1 (pre-mod) wasn't all that attractive but once we got that visual overhaul for all the characters, he looks quite Pretty (I call him 'babygirl Shadow' due to his softer features). His skin tone evened out heaps better than before and looks quite lovely in-game <3

Over time, I've come to really appreciate Shadow's sim version !! He portrays everything I wanted him to be. Displaying a lot of his iconic features, while also representing my further, more abstract intentions for his character. Occasionally he makes expressions that do make him look a little older than the other characters and depending on who he's with, he can look the total opposite and look sweet, gentle and youthful. Other times he looks straight up creepy and all of these things blend so well for his character to an extent where it's both joyful and comical to witness. Nevertheless, I adore him, could you tell ;-;

*I forgot to mention here that although Shadow's sim does not have many tattoos (again, the selection we're given in TS3 is horrific and impossible to work with), he does in the AU. The red triangle designs on his forearms and calves are carried over (except they're not solid, rather more detailed with fluid lines and coils), his/the symbol of the Black Arms adorns his chest and creeps up to his neck and he has a small flower tattoo in memory of Maria <3

Shadow's fashion falls under three categories:

Stereotypical 'bad boy' outfits (leather jackets, boots, torn up jeans etc.)

Outfits typical of the show (plain t-shirts, baggy pants, chains, sneakers)

Outfits I personally think Shadow would pick and feel/seem comfortable wearing (tidy button-ups, dress pants/straight leg jeans)

They're pretty interchangeable throughout the series but the idea is that Shadow morphs to the expectation of being a Love Island contestant and wears things to fit that, but over the course of the series, gradually drops the act and becomes more himself. In any case, it gives a lot of variety and opportunity to try different clothing styles on Shadow and that in itself is fun to play with. Sometimes we even surprise ourselves seeing what items actually suit Shadow and which don't.

Internal design choices !! (personality, characteristics, psychology)

I am such a nit-pick when it comes to how Shadow is characterised in both official Sonic media and in fanworks. The two things that annoy me most is:

He's stuck in this constant loop of reliving his trauma, finding a sense of closure and learning/moving on from it. Repeatedly. He learns these beautiful, relatable life lessons and then. Forgets it. And has to do it all over again. For no real reason. (06 made that annoyance seem not as bad, seeing as Shadow had moved forward in his life but still kept to his ideals… but of course, they had to go and ruin that for him, didn't they 😒 Leading into my next point-)

He's reduced down to Edgy and Has No Friends

I am so so sick of seeing both of these things ?? So, I'm mostly just serving myself by helping Shadow along in this AU to be neither of these things because it doesn't at all fit the premise of the series. Most of the characters are a wild blend of their portrayals throughout Sonic media, so shitty Shadow pops up on occasion (for justifiable reasons, though) but primarily I've cherry-picked his better portrayals to represent him in the series, like the more introverted, soft-spoken Shadow from SA2 and Heroes, as well as the more level-headed, matured Shadow seen in 06. Of course, I don't write all of Shadow's moments in the series, as this fic is co-written alongside my sister, but my best efforts go towards representing Shadow in a way that makes him seem like Just A Guy.

Shadow enters the fic in a completely different stage in life. He's put his past behind him and is looking towards a brighter future. Naturally, he hasn't let his past go entirely and more so made a sense of peace with it. Here and there, there are a few blips where that is not the case and shows some of his old wounds haven't fully healed, but that's to add the ✨realism✨. The idea for Shadow is that he was once in a far worse state than when he entered the Island, but he isn't perfect. He has his own arc to go through, but for once it's fairly disjointed from his canon-typical baggage.

Simply enough, I want to allow Shadow the opportunity to develop connections — to make new friends (Rouge is his one pre-established friend), to express love. He has so much potential to be soft and kind and selfless and loving, without being locked behind bars of Edge and past horrors. As an introvert, he expresses things in his own subtle way that isn't easily understood by everyone, but he's constantly making the effort to show he cares for the people important to him.

Fun facts / trivia :

Shadow is older than Sonic by three years in this AU purely due to the fact that Shadow's character is more lore-heavy than Sonic's. Additionally, they're both at different stages in life, shown by their behaviour and actions and that, I feel, should also be realistically represented in the ages given to them. There is so much discourse surrounding Shadow's 'age' (now retconned) and it's exhaustingg.

Shadow's time in the Villa reveals some interesting themes around social relationships, such as making/maintaining friendships as an adult (a topic I find incredibly real and unique to this project)

I couldn't fit this anywhere else, and it might be a little self-serving but I allude to the fact that Shadow is on the aro/ace spectrum, which is a wild contradiction from the expectations of the show. We've also kept the genders of his previous partners vague-ish. Firstly due to the Twitter Takeovers, where Shadow has never expressed a gender preference (I think that's correct ?) and that's a detail I wanted to remain loyal to. Secondly, I didn't want to tie him down to any specific gender preference ?? I thought it banging just to leave it as is, because it does give some moments within the series an extra impact. Nevertheless, Shadow specifically doesn't experience sexual attraction and rarely/infrequently experiences romantic attraction. Alas, there seems to be this mutual consensus that Shadow's a bit of a horn monster and… funnily enough, I agree with that too- So AU Shadow's sexuality is incredibly layered and somehow it all still makes logical sense :)

There is a lot of Shadow's lore that transferred to the AU in a creative/slightly more realistic way, but I can't talk about it here, else this post will be longer than what it already is

[tmbgareok]

Hi Flans! I was listening to the interview thing with Scott Aukerman and I felt compelled to dispute your point about Captain Beefheart merely being code for liking Frank Zappa, which I'm not sure is entirely true.

My view is that while their work is obviously intertwined in many ways (the Bongo Fury album and Zappa's production of Trout Mask Replica, for example), and I'd guess most people (myself included) first find out about Beefheart through his Zappa connection, I'd say Beefheart was/is fundamentally his own artist with his own influence and his own thing going on. I'm largely cool with a lot of Zappa's stuff (mostly the early Mothers records) but I'd call myself more of a straight-ahead Beefheart fan, particularly a fan of the angularity of much of his music (definitely a HUGE influence on the more nervous side of new wave, like early XTC) and the internal logic Don Van Vliet had to make all the disparate parts in his songs fit together through the cacophony. Even his more accessible albums like Safe as Milk and Clear Spot are a very left-field version of commerciality. It's outré, obviously, but without being haughty or off-putting (at least not in the way Zappa is off-putting), like Zappa’s work (arguably) tends to be. Certainly not mean-spirited or condescending, like Zappa’s work usually is. Beefheart comes across to me as warmer and much more joyous, plus a hell of a lot more fun to listen to.

That's my own personal Hot Take, though. I understand this is all egregiously unimportant, and will probably baffle A LOT of people who aren't familiar with this stuff (sincere apologies to those people), but it's a topic I have an Opinion on, so sorry for the long-winded paragraph. All the best!

JF: It's a fine hot take, but the discussion was not making a comparison. I was just saying "I like Beefheart" was rock critic code for Zappa, and that has been observable the 35 years I've been actively doing interviews and reading reviews. (I probably was guilty of it myself.) And listen to the knowing laughter from everyone in the room when it came up. It's a thing.

While Zappa has always had tons of fans, Beefheart has long been considered by critics as more "artistic" and far easier to defend to non-believing folk that often find lyrics in Zappa song puerile, sexist or just gross.

[denimbex1986]

'In Italy, according to American television, the sunlight is always golden, the seas are azure blue, the flora is every shade of green, and the marble statues scattered across city piazzas are always creamy white. Ripley rejects all that. With a chilly, textured black-and-white palette for the boot-shaped country in which con man Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott) reinvents himself, Netflix’s Patricia Highsmith adaptation becomes one of the most conceptual, visually uncompromising TV shows of the year. Steven Zaillian’s version of Ripley is fascinated with the 16th-century Italian Baroque painter Caravaggio, so famed for his use of contrasting light and dark that he spawned stylistic acolytes termed the Caravaggisti. Once the series establishes the comparisons between Tom and the Old Master, it becomes clear that Ripley itself is a kind of Caravaggisti, an experiment in black-and-white that relies on motifs to reflect its central character’s ominous alienation. That approach is thematically appropriate, sure, but it also absolutely rips.

Longtime collaborators Zaillian and cinematographer Robert Elswit engage the eye with reflections, shadows, and patterns, push the limits of the frame with ultrawide compositions and dueling foreground and background images, and go to bat for the discomfiting power of negative space. Every frame of Ripley deepens the series’ emotional disquiet and visual splendor, and Italy has rarely looked this beautiful or cruel. Here, a list of 37 setups, frames, and moments in Ripley that would blow Caravaggio’s mind (and already did mine).

Tom as abstraction, monster, creep? Yes to all! Look at how often Ripley presents him as the the outline of an intruder, dissolving others’ tranquility or secrecy before disappearing into the darkness from whence he came like a specter in the night. The shadows enveloping him as he enters Carlo’s lair of stolen goods is a personal favorite.

“It seemed like everywhere we went there were stairs,” Zaillian said of location-scouting and shooting Ripley. Those flights take on special meaning as Tom moves up and down and up and down in his chase for a comfortable life. The labyrinthine caves of steps he climbs in Atrani to find Dickie isn’t as starkly angular as the apartment staircase he later encounters, but the general idea of Tom needing to move through these spaces to literally and figuratively end up where he wants to be holds, his desire for upward mobility physically rendered over and over Ripley’s eight episodes. And for people who aren’t Tom, the pentagon-shaped stairs Inspector Ravini takes to the morgue for Freddie’s autopsy make it look like he’s descending into Hell.

M.C. Escher’s impact! Ripley’s repetition and refraction — the reality-challenging lines of train-station stairs and post-office boxes, Tom’s reflection in Dickie’s balcony glass doors, the misshapen edges of cobblestone streets — remind us that Tom, trapped within systems of order he’ll need to manipulate in his journey toward becoming a mid-century Narcissus, isn’t who he says he is. The series’ established visual language is so clean and rigid, it’s unsettling when Ripley breaks its own code, as it does when Tom tosses the scarf Marge knit for Dickie over an elevated walkway onto the disjointed stone pattern below. The scarf is an interruption that Tom, and Ripley itself, can’t abide.

Yes, Ripley is in black-and-white. But its gradients are so rich and deep, you can easily imagine the garnet-maroon-scarlet-sangria-rust shades of blood gushing out of Dickie’s and Freddie’s bodies, washed away by Tom in his sink or discarded in his bathtub, and — in the series’ most jarring shot, a rare instance of color — tracked around his apartment building by the cat who knows what Tom’s been up to. The series is also inundated with religious imagery, and there’s a delightfully macabre quality to how Freddie’s body falls with his arms outstretched as if he’s Christ on the cross, a sacrifice Tom has to make to become his desired self.

Italian architecture, it’s neat!

In a series where the main character experiences a sort of epiphany about art, creativity, beauty, and God when looking at the paintings of Caravaggio, the viewer will, of course, have to behold said Caravaggios. Ripley depicts the works, including The Seven Acts of Mercy (ca. 1607), The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew (ca. 1599–1600), David With the Head of Goliath (ca.1605–10), and a replica of 1609’s Nativity With St. Francis and St. Lawrence (the original was stolen in 1969), in a way that reinforces Tom’s own smallness against the large-scale paintings and ancient, holy buildings that house them. He’s a tiny figure absorbing it all, the spaces gigantic around him, the shadows dark and dense. The finale’s flashback to Rome, 1606, where police find Ranuccio Tomassoni’s body and pursue Caravaggio for his murder, is also unbelievably lush with its lighting, particularly in the flickering fire of lanterns and the blood oozing out of Tomassoni’s wounds.

Here’s Ripley taking Caravaggio’s lessons and applying them to itself. Look how the light seemingly appears and disappears out of nowhere, illuminating or darkening its subjects without announcing its source. Tom’s hand, now wearing Dickie’s ring, seemingly floats in shadow, and he glows from within when sitting on the ferry. The light in his imagined face-off against Bokeem Woodbine’s detective streams in from nowhere, an angle later mirrored when Tom hangs up the Picasso he stole from Dickie. An early shower scene in New York City, when Tom is still living at the crummy boardinghouse, gives us both extremes, with the light from the showerhead forming a kind of halo around Tom’s head and the churning water emerging from the shower drain an excess of murk. It’s striking and unnerving, which is basically Ripley’s whole thing.

Tom is always grasping, watching, reaching, his want communicated best in moments that maximize the rule of thirds. Ripley ends by asking us, “Who is Tom?”, and these images, with their visual emptiness and loaded yearning, are an unforgettable answer.'

[welovenissan]

Which One To Choose: Nissan Juke vs. Nissan Qashqai

Choosing between the Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Juke is a hard decision, but hopefully, this helpful guide will sort you out

Nissan’s two mighty small SUVs have been among the most popular models sold in ever since they graced our roads.

Not just because their looks shocked the average person because they were so angular and so not British, but because they were actually good. Really good.  

But which is right for you? Hopefully, our comparison review will help you to make a sensible and informed decision. 

Styling

You wouldn’t be wrong for thinking the Nissan Juke for sale is a spaceship at first glance.

Ever since it came out back in 2010, this small crossover has been the car of choice for small families and those wanting to experience the world of SUVs without getting a really big car. 

What makes the Juke so popular is its size and vast familiarity. It’s on the same level as a Ford Fiesta or Mini Cooper when it comes to recognition, which has really helped the brand become popular over here. 

On the other hand, the Qashqai comes across as a more serious version of the Juke. Not only is it a larger car, sitting in Nissan’s model line-up as a fully-fledged SUV, but it also feels more grown-up.

The most recent generation comes with more chrome body parts, higher-quality trim and an overall better interior. But it’s also available in some bright colours, so it’s not all that serious.  

What are they like to drive?

If you’re looking at buying a small crossover or SUV then there’s no doubt you’re after a smooth and easy ride.

Well, thankfully both the Juke and Qashqai offer just that. 

Nissan’s Juke SUV for sale is a very easy and fuel-efficient car to drive.

Because of the raised driving position, it’s even easier to see what’s in front of you – and that can be really helpful when navigating tight roads or reversing into a parking space.  

Early versions were available with both petrol and diesel engines, but newer models only come with the former – which we’d say is the better engine choice for this car anyway. 

Like the Juke, the Qashqai benefits from a higher driving position but it takes it one step further with a really great suspension setup, which ensures the car is really smooth over bumpy surfaces.  

It’s quiet too, despite having either a petrol or diesel engine under the bonnet.

But out of all the choices on offer, the smaller engine is the more desirable, mainly because it’s smoother, happier to rev, quieter and more economical.  

Interior and technology

With both these cars being Nissans, you can expect their interiors to be somewhat similar.

Both cars feature the brand’s NissanConnect infotainment system which is easy to use and crisp to view.

Newer Juke and Qashqai models get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto too, if you don’t fancy using the car’s system and just want to hook your phone up.  

There are many trim levels available on Juke models, including the Visia trim that gets you air-con, sports seats and six airbags.

Moving up is the Acenta, which has Bluetooth, a USB port and climate control. 

Tekna+ models get a DAB radio, air-con, cruise control, heated front seats, climate control and more – it’s really all you need. 

The Qashqai is also available with a variety of trim levels, ranging from the Visia to the top-spec Premiere Edition.

But no matter which one you opt for, you won’t be disappointed because the interior quality is on a par with its German alternatives. 

Boot space and practicality

If boot space and practicality are what you desire, then you'll admire the Qashqai.

Being a full-size SUV, you expect there to be plenty of space back there – and there is.

Its boot measures in at 504 litres, growing to 1,447 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

On top of this, there’s lots of space available for backseat passengers and plenty of cupholders and storage solutions too. 

But just because the Juke is smaller doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not big enough.

In fact, it’s far from it. Its boot measures in at 422 litres, which is impressive for a small crossover SUV, and rear legroom isn’t too compromised.

Sure, it’s not as roomy as its larger sibling, but it’s still plenty for most people.  

Safety and reliability

Being a well-established Japanese brand, both these Nissans are going to be very reliable cars.

All of the petrol and diesel engines used are really solid and will continue to run smoothly for many, many miles to come. 

In terms of safety, both the Juke and larger Qashqai scored a full five marks following their most recent Euro NCAP crash testing.

This also showed great adult and child passenger safety scores – perfect for family cars. 

Dimensions:

Nissan Juke

Length: 4210mm

Width: 1800mm

Height: 1577mm

Boot space: 422 litres

Find a used Nissan Juke in South Africa.

Nissan Qashqai

Length: 4425mm

Width: 1835mm

Height: 1625mm

Boot space: 504 litres

Verdict: Nissan Juke vs Nissan Qashqai: which should you buy?

When it comes down to it, either way you go, you won’t be disappointed.

We’re sure you’ve come to a conclusion yourself after reading this, but if not, perhaps our verdict will help. 

We’d recommend choosing the Nissan Juke if you’re after something that’s nimble, not too big and sits nice and high on the road.

After all, there’s nothing worse than feeling cramped and small on a big motorway. 

However, if you’d rather have more space and extra practicality, then the Qashqai is by far the better choice.

This is a full-sized SUV that offers great levels of safety, is reliable and fits most families really well.

Have you ever seen a Qashqai and Doctor Who’s Tardis in the same room? No, because they are both the same practical vehicle.   

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Shared from https://thenissanfan.home.blog/2023/12/16/which-one-to-choose-nissan-juke-vs-nissan-qashqai/

[carpe-duem]

He's gone from Sisyphus to Lazarus

"He's gone from Sisyphus to Lazarus" is the phrase Wendy utters in Don't Starve together if Maxwell aka William Carter resurrects someone. And as soon as I found out about it, I just couldn't get it out of my head, it's like this... it's an amazing thing, so unlike the quotes of other characters, that I think about it too much. And I'll make you too.

Wendy, a girl with very dubious views for a twelve-year-old or-whatever-her-age-is and a predilection for quoting various kinds of literature. We are interested in the latter today. And she says about Maxwell "He's gone from Sisyphus to Lazarus" when he gets a resurrecting heart for the player. And what struck me so deeply in this phrase that I have not been able to get it out of my head for the third month? Well, first of all, she compares Maxwell's past with Sisyphus, and Maxwell is actually very, VERY mephistopheles-coded. Judge for yourself - in the text of the game itself, he is called a "demon". We have art with him and Wilson, where he hands the exhausted hero an apple - what is it if not an allusion to original sin? Several characters turn to him, although he still appears to the player as an NPC, as a "demon". Wigfried in one of the quotes (the attacker) says "I sense Loki's influence in ...(nickname)" and Loki is a character kinda related to Mephistopheles, they basically qualitatively similar, and Wortox, literally a demon, tells Maxwell "You have no power over me" (although, this, of course, is already far-fetched), and in the end, even his name is a reference to a thought experiment called "Maxwell's demon".

However, they say that outwardly he is based on Woland from the master and Margarita, although our antagonist also has the most obvious features of Mephistopheles - both a charismatic grin and sharp, angular facial features. "....growth was <...> high <..> he was wearing an expensive gray suit, foreign shoes in the color of the suit. Looks like he's in his forties. The mouth is kind of crooked. Clean-shaven. The eyebrows are black, but one is higher than the other. In a word, a foreigner." – there is some similarity, you must agree, even a part about a foreigner, given the fact that William is an immigrant from England, and among the hypotheses of Ivan Bezdomny (his pen name means "homeless") and Berlioz about the origin of Woland, there was also "An Englishman," Bezdomny thought, "look, and it's not hot for him in gloves" - but Woland in turn is also the image of Mephistopheles, which Bulgakov does not even hide, only a black poodle on the head of a cane is worth something, so we find ourselves at this point anyway. Yes, a trickster, yes, "part of that pover which eternally wills evil and eternally works good," but still, a demon is an image with a clearly negative connotation. And it is all the more surprising to see a comparison of his past with Sisyphus. Sisyphus is a character in Greek mythology, certainly not a positive one - a sinner who is forced to roll a stone uphill forever as punishment for his actions - he, according to one of the most common versions, chained the god of death Thanatos(or even Hades), thus defeating death itself, and stopping the death of people all over the globe for some time, and after his own death, with the help of cunning and deception, he returned back from the kingdom of Hades to earth, for which he eventually paid. And yet, remembering Sisyphus, we do not remember his actions during his lifetime - because, strictly speaking, the version of the myth that I have given is only one of several, there are several more where the actions of Sisyphus are described much more... cruel and socially unacceptable, I would say - for example, in another, less popular version, Sisyphus received his punishment for committing rape, but somehow Sisyphus in culture is primarily a symbol of hard, endless, fruitless work and cruel torment - there is a stable expression "Sisyphean labor" existing for a reason. Comparing someone with Sisyphus, we almost say what we feel for this person... pity? sympathy? And it's somehow very beautiful and touching, in my opinion. As you can see, such a character as Sisyphus is surprisingly far from the already familiar Maxwell-demon-Mephistopheles bundle, mentioned by other characters every now and then, which is simply amazing if you think about it a little longer. We see that Wendy characterized Maxwell, the Maxwell who was on the throne of shadows - if we consider this phrase of hers as a metaphor for all his being in the Constant- in a very peculiar way. In general, I must say, Wendy is an amazingly astute child - for example, her phrase about chess pieces, where she says about the queen "She holds the true power, here", and about the king "Alas, the king is but a figurehead, at best", very well reflects the situation with the rulers of the Constant, and such there are many examples.

[motorandauto]

2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Expert Review: Drive, Performance & Specs Tested

The automotive world is witnessing a revolution, and the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 stands at the forefront of this electric transformation. With its bold retro-futuristic design and cutting-edge technology, this electric crossover demands attention on every road it travels.

Striking Design Meets Practical Innovation

The Ioniq 5's distinctive pixelated lighting signature and angular bodywork create an unmistakable presence. What appears as a compact hatchback in photos reveals itself as a spacious, mid-sized crossover in person. The 2025 model refines these design elements while maintaining the head-turning aesthetic that made the original so popular.

Inside, the minimalist cabin offers a refreshingly different approach to luxury. The flat floor and sliding center console create a lounge-like atmosphere, while sustainable materials throughout reflect Hyundai's commitment to environmental consciousness. The dual 12.3-inch screens provide crisp information display without overwhelming the clean dashboard design.

Performance That Impresses

The 2025 Ioniq 5 offers multiple powertrain options, with the top-tier dual-motor AWD variant delivering an impressive 320 horsepower and 446 lb-ft of torque. This translates to 0-60 mph times of approximately 5 seconds – athletic performance that belies its practical nature.

More impressive is the Ioniq 5's 800-volt electrical architecture, allowing for ultra-fast charging capabilities that can take the battery from 10% to 80% in just 18 minutes under optimal conditions. The extended range models now offer up to 303 miles of EPA-estimated range, addressing one of the few criticisms of earlier versions.

Driving Dynamics

Behind the wheel, the Ioniq 5 delivers a driving experience that balances comfort and engagement. The low center of gravity provides exceptional stability, while the responsive steering offers more feedback than many competitors. Multiple regenerative braking levels, including a one-pedal driving mode, make city driving particularly enjoyable.

The suspension tuning skillfully manages the vehicle's substantial weight, soaking up road imperfections while maintaining composure through corners. Highway cruising highlights the impressively quiet cabin and effective driver assistance systems.

Technology and Practicality

The 2025 model introduces Hyundai's latest infotainment system with faster processing, enhanced voice recognition, and seamless smartphone integration. The augmented reality head-up display projects navigation directions onto the road ahead, keeping drivers' eyes where they belong.

Practicality hasn't been sacrificed for style. The flexible interior can accommodate five adults comfortably, while the 27.2 cubic feet of cargo space (expanding to 59.3 with seats folded) rivals many larger SUVs. Thoughtful touches like the vehicle-to-load function allow the Ioniq 5 to power external devices, from laptops to camping equipment.

Final Verdict

The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 represents the compelling future of electric mobility. It successfully balances striking design, practical innovation, and engaging performance in a package that stands distinct from conventional crossovers. With competitive pricing and Hyundai's comprehensive warranty, it presents a strong case for drivers ready to embrace electric driving without compromise.

Read our full breakdown with detailed specs and comparisons | View our design analysis | Explore technical specifications

[paperclips37]

This has been sitting around on my laptop for nearly five months.

Ending is not coming swiftly apparently. Enjoy the first part if you like! (Maybe it'll give me some drive to finish it.)

-----

Riley was working on her latest generation of facial recognition. Working on the flaws of current software's in use by various governments and security agencies. Ones that had key flaws in identifying variances in skin tones that were not white. Typical. Riley had acquired several tech companies versions. All highly flawed. Inherently biased against POCs. The supposedly best in the world were failing in comparison to her coding. She stared out the large bay window of her office as she ran another test sequence on her version in comparison to her liberated copies. Her new office had a rather nice view of LA. Mattie had decided that a department head deserved a plum office. A felon to department head in 7 years. Time had a funny way of changing in unexpected ways. Then Desi had walked in looking white as a sheet. The typical stoic agent was trembling as she sat down opposite Riley. Her face betrayed a lack of sleep. Riley waited quietly taking a sip of water. Desi’s bouncing combat boot echoed in the quietly humming room.

‘I heard you talking to Mac about some advancements you guys had made into the analysis of the data from his LIDAR telemetry. About detecting previous accidents or.... impacts.’ Her voice was cautious and small. So unlike her usual clipped biting wit.

Riley remembered the conversation. Reese had been asked to consult on the next generation of Mac’s LIDAR. Any excuse for military men to have a gab he joked, winking at her. She, Mac and Reese had been having a lively debate in the canteen. Reese, always colourful in his engagements had Riley in pieces laughing. Mac was determined to improving the LIDAR further with engineering alone. Reese and Riley had disagreed. Reese was entirely pro instinct and experience. Riley was trying to get both men to understand that her analysis programme would aid everyone involved. Bridging the gap. She’d made a point about recent data from the Kopet Dagh region. Her programme had found inconsistencies between the official records and what the LIDAR data had indicated. Several reports of downed aircraft in the area were nowhere to be seen in the telemetry. If she incorporated her analysis software in conjunction with data mining of the official records they could start verifying or disproving incidents in the field. She hadn’t been aware of Desi in the vicinity so focused on the debate.

‘Yeah I am making progress. Even if Mac is being uniquely stubborn about it.’ Mac had thrown himself into his work of late with a hyperfixation that was on the verge of being concerning.

‘He’s been trying to distract himself. Since... the bariatric treatment. He’s struggling.’ Desi’s voice was reserved, small. Her tone wasn’t uncaring but it wasn’t overly concerned. Like her focus was elsewhere. Riley didn’t know what to make of it. The setting sun lit up her office in dark reds and oranges. Desi stared into the sunset unseeingly. Her angular face lost to something else.

‘That’s not why I’m here. You mentioned the Kopet Dagh region?’ Desi’s eyes finally met Riley's. Tears started slipping down Desi’s face. Riley stood and moved to the chair nearest her. She leaned in towards her friend. Unsure if she could touch her or not.

‘Yeah I’m checking the telemetry we’re getting versus the official records. Now if I find any discrepancies I start digging for answers. See if the I can find the truth.’

‘Is there evidence of- of a downed helicopter in the vicinity of Ashgabat? Or any downed aircraft? Fall 2016.’ Riley leaned back in her chair scrutinising Desi. The tone was desperate. Grieved. Lost even. Riley stared at her stoic friend. Watching as Desi’s hands twisted in her lap.

‘When you mentioned the Kopet Dagh I had to ask around. In 2016 someone I... ah.’ Desi swiped tears away from her face. Riley had never seen her so distraught. ‘I lost someone I cared about in that crash. But then you said that there was no evidence of that.’ Desi’s chest was heaving with the pain. A deep pain.

‘Who did you loose?’

‘His name was Evan Baxter.’ Desi’s eyes drifted pack in time. ‘We met in the sandbox. Jack introduced us. It wasn’t love at first sight but our first op... We had that moment. That singular moment and I was never the same.’ She sighed sadly. One hand pushing back her dark hair. The dwindling light making the serious moment feel all the more intimate. Intense.

‘He was everything to me. My partner. My best friend. When I lost him. It broke me. And I’ve never fixed it.’

‘Shit Des.’ What else could Riley say. A significant part of Riley was rather irritated that after nearly 4 years of knowing each other she didn’t know about any of this. But another part of Riley. The part of Riley that struggled with her feelings understood. The part of her that put things in that box. So much of this reflected on herself.

‘His black hawk was supposedly shot down in 2016. His body was never recovered and I never got over it.’

‘Supposedly shot down near the Ashgabat region.’ Riley’s brain struggled to process the information. Silence reigned. Behind them, her laptop beeped indicating her comparison analysis was done. She ignored the ringing tone. Desi finally lifted her eyes up to Riley’s. Her heart broke for her friend. The pain of loss they all knew far too well. Combined with the lack of answers. It must be hell. Riley had haunted the dark net in the months after Jack’s death. Trying; desperate really to find some scrap of evidence he was out there. That he’d faked his death. Or someone else had. It had been the worst day when she’d had to admit all hope was lost. Hollowly sitting at her rig. Hands finally stilled. The dam on her grief had given way. Her heart shattering in her chest. She couldn’t remember how she’d gotten home. Woken up to find Mac and Bozer passed out on her couch. The emptiness of loss felt a little less hollow seeing her family. A reminder that she wasn’t alone. Answers gave solace to the living. Maybe Riley could get the dead to speak to her.

Or resurrect them.

Just this once.

‘I’ll triple check everything in the area.’ Desi grabbed her hand, ability to speak seemingly gone. All Riley could do was squeeze back.

[realworldhncproject]

‧͙⁺˚･༓☾UPDATED WEB DESIGN ☽༓･˚⁺‧͙

This is the unedited front page of Displate's website. It looks a little boring, and the text doesn't catch my eye, neither do the small featured posters. Below I marked all of the changes I wanted to make

The banner at the top is a countdown for promotional offers, yet blue doesn't give me a sense of urgency at all. I thought I should change the colour to something bolder, or something more out-of-place to get the users attention

I was also determined to enlarge each title displayed on the right, since that will make it a focal point, and encourage users to scroll through that section, seeing all new and popular releases.

I will also try moving the tabs from the top, and line them up along the edge of the page, on the left side. That placement on the top is unusual, and it's a little hard to navigate over it with my eyes.

I was inspired to move the search bar to the left and icons to the right because of Google's interface. I think it's really iconic and easy to navigate placement. It's definitely a successful design, and I will try to achieve the same level of success while making my own redesign of Displate's webpage.

I noticed there's a limited edition tab. I had to look very closely to see it. I should put emphasis on it, since customers might be interested in limited edition posters but might not notice this section at all if they're skimming the page.

I wanted to change all of these thumbnails to poster illustrations themselves, rather than a demonstration of what they'd look like on your wall. First, a customer should be shown the possible product and wonder "how will that look on my wall?". Displate is really successful in showing customers what their purchase will look like in their home, but they aren't very good at inciting them to try it out and experiment. Putting the illustrations over the thumbnails would allow them to be curious, and follow a "show, don't tell" philosophy.

I started experimenting with colours, and making the flash sign brighter. I thought all of these colours are too soft, though green really stood out against the white background. Still, it didn't suggest urgency. I aimed for orange, a colour that's not too bold and not too soft, but dark enough to put emphasis on the " FLASH SALE " aspect.

Below is an example of the updated web page with the changes I wanted to make. I think the right side looks a lot better.

I reordered the tabs and added a countdown below the "limited edition" section. This would better mark it's importance. I think moving the search bar to the left and the profile to the right was not as successful as I thought, but maybe they just need to be lined up better. I made a quick sketch to display my thoughts clearer.

This looked a lot better. I was just missing structure, and I'm glad I caught onto that detail.

While I know I shouldn't rebrand and rework their logo, I really think they should change it, as it would pull the harmony of the website together. The angular look is meant to show ruggedness of metal.

After comparing my reworked website and the original, I realised I liked the top placement of the tabs. I returned them to their places and just enlarged the text to put more emphasis on them. I also noticed the profile icon being so far from the search bar made the website look a little bit disjointed, so I returned them to their original places too. I also made a dark version of the website. White is a little overly-friendly. Considering their target audience, the gamers, it'd be better to also make a dark theme of the website. Gamers are always more likely to use darker apps, like Discord over Facebook Messenger, for example.

Another thing I noticed, is that the logo is a little small. The original sizing is the figure in the centre. "Metal posters" can also be omitted or placed somewhere else, as shown on the figure on the left.

Clearer size comparison below.

⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂

Here is a final comparison between the original and reworked website. After reviewing the whole post once more, I made some minor changes. I realised that the tabs did not look bad lined up on the left, they only looked bad before since they weren't centred. I also added a graphic around the limited edition tab to bring even more attention to it. I also settled on moving the profile and search bar away from each other.

[centizen]

We, at Centizen aim to give the best products and services to our clients. So, when questioned about the best component libraries in the market, we rolled our sleeves for you, and researched the top libraries available. Here is a brief report on the top library files, Angular Material vs PrimeNG.

Angular Material

Angular Material is a UI component library, owned by Google and used by developers. The components are reusable and customizable. Angular official component library implements Google’s Material Design, built with Angular and Typescript. The UI components serve in a descriptive format with their Lines of code as an example. It also facilitates learners and beginners to incorporate individual components from this Bit Scope.

A peak of Angular Material UI Components

Descriptive Code for the Components

PrimeNG

PrimeNG is a comprehensive component suite that includes over 70+ UI components and is popular among organizations such as eBay, FOX etc., However with the available number of components, it still does not allow developers to customize. Similar to material, Prime NG provides you with templates and code below them.

When to use Angular Material?

When focused on performance over themes & styles.

Advantages

Effective documentation provides clarity for components and their respective codes.

Widely effective because of its ability to customize the pre-available designs as per our needs.

Disadvantages

Still a Beta version meaning under constant enhancement and experimentation can put a strain on a long-term project.

Comparatively fewer controls/components as compared to Prime NG.

The themes available are one quarter in comparison to Prime NG.

Caution: Using more than one library (from both Angular & Prime NG) simultaneously, complicates the code.

When to use PrimeNG?

When designs and appearance mean more to your project.

Advantages

From the diverse options available, adding a series of libraries for different UI requirements can be avoided and thus comparatively less complicated code.

e.g. Options for a Date Table

Sorting, filtering, lazy loading, in addition offers column toggles, column reordering, in-cell editing, expandable rows, row and column grouping, CSV Export, etc.

The Components are provided with a decent number of events and properties with a certain level of customization.

Disadvantages

Inconsistent API — the features present in one component, but completely absent on another.

Not beginner-friendly. As most customizations do not come with the package. Well, versed experts can include basic elements inside the source code.

No proper explanation/documentation about the available components.

Things to consider before you choose Angular Material vs PrimeNG !

Whenever we use a similar package, we indirectly use angular material as a base. The same goes for all software built on Angular material.

Summary

For custom software development at Centizen we researched about Angular Material vs PrimeNG over a notable period of time. However even after almost a year and a half, Angular Material manages to hover PrimeNG. The main reason would be that Angular lets people customize with basic elements added with the clear information of what it does and what can be expected whereas PrimeNG is abstract about it which makes it difficult for beginners.

[aravind002]

OnePlus 12 vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra A Comprehensive Comparison

The fight between front runner smart devices warms up along with the launch of the OnePlus 12 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Each devices stand for the peak of engeneering coming from their particular brands, using groundbreaking features, strong efficiency, as well as stunning styles. If you're torn in between these two goliaths, this extensive contrast is going to assist you determine.

Additionally, our experts'll touch upon personalization options like skin layers, with brand names such as Gadgetshieldz delivering cost effective and also top notch modifications to maintain your tool looking new.

Concept as well as Construct Premium OnePlus 12 The OnePlus 12 features a streamlined, light in weight layout with a metal structure as well as a frozen glass back. OnePlus has concentrated on functional designs, guaranteeing the phone feels great in palm. Its balanced design as well as polished sides make it stand apart.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra The S24 ULtra keeps its vibrant, angular style, along with superior materials like Gorilla Glass Victus 3 and also an aluminum framework. The gadget feels strong and also glamorous but could be a little burdensome for those with smaller sized hands due to its size as well as body weight.

Judgment: If you choose a lighter, extra ergonomic phone, the OnePlus 12 could match you a lot better. However, for those who desire a durable, superior feeling, the S24 Ultra pioneers.

Present OnePlus 12 The OnePlus 12 boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED display along with 2K resolution and a 120Hz flexible refresh price. The show delivers lively colours, strong african-americans, and remarkable luminosity, making it best for games adn interactives media.

Samsung Universe S24 Ultra The S24 Ultra includes a slightly much larger 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X show wiht QHD+ resolution as well as a 120Hz refresh cost. Samsung's screen technology is recognized for its first-rate shade accuracy and outdoor presence, specifying a higher benchmark.

Decision: BOth display screens are actually magnificent, yet the S24 Ultra outlines ahead of time along with its somewhat bigger monitor as well as industry-leading shade calibration.

Performance OnePlus 12 Powered through thge Snapdragon 8 Generation 3 chipset, the OnePlus 12 deals blistering efficiency. Matched with around 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM adn UFS 4.0 storage, it takes care of multitasking, gaming, as well as hefty applications very easily.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra The S24 Ultra is furnished along with the Snapdragon 8 Generation 3 for Galaxy chipset, a slightly improved version of the regular Generation 3. While it discusses comparable primary design, the "for Galaxy" version supplies minor functionality enlargements.

Judgment: The S24 Ultra has a minor edge in fresh functionality, however thge difference is actually imperceptible in regular use.

Cam OnePlus 12 The OnePlus 12 features a triple-camera setup:

Key Sensor: fifty MP with visual picture stabilization (OIS). Ultra-Wide: fifty MP along with a large field of view. Telephoto: 64 MP with 3x visual zoom. The cam device is co-engineered with Hasselblad, providing natural different colors duplication andd enhanced low-light functionality.

Samsung Universe S24 Ultra The S24 Ultra stuffs a quad-camera setup:

Main Sensing Unit: 200 MP along with innovative OIS. Ultra-Wide: 12 MP. Telephoto: 10 MP (3x optical zoom). Periscope Zoom: 10 MP (10x visual zoom). Samsung's video cameras master versatility and also long-range photography, due to its periscope zoom lens.

Judgment: The S24 Ultra is the crystal clear winner for photography enthusiasts, especially those that need long-range zoom functionalities. However, the OnePlus 12 is actually adept and also delivers great photograph quality for daily usage.

Battery and also Asking for OnePlus 12 The OnePlus 12 is actually geared up with a 5,400 mAh electric battery and sustains blazing-fast 100W wired charging as well as 50W cordless charging.

Samsung Universe S24 Ultra The S24 Ultra houses a 5,000 mAh battery along withh 45W wired asking for as well as 15W wireless charging.

Judgment: The OnePlus 12 supplies faster asking for velocities, making it more convenient for customers on the move.

Program OnePlus 12 Running on OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14, the OnePlus 12 gives a clean, quick, as well as customizable user knowledge with marginal bloatware.

Samsung Universe S24 Ultra The S24 Ultra manages One UI 6, which is actually also based upon Android 14. One UI is actually feature-rich as well as highly personalized but features even more pre-installed apps.

Verdict: Both use superb program expertises, but OxygenOS attract those that choose a cleaner interface, while One UI is actually best for users who like comprehensive attributes.

Price OnePLus 12 OnePlus continues to install its crown jewel as a value-for-money proposal, supplying high-end components at a veyr competitive rate.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra The S24 Ultra comes at a superior, showing its additional functions like the S Pen as well as evolved camera functionalities.

Decision: For budget-conscious purchasers, the OnePlus 12 gives much better market value without considerable trade-offs.

Customization and Skins Both devices are spectacular, however they're prone to blemishes as well as scratches. Personalized skin layers are an excellent method to protect as well as personalize your phone without including majority.

Gadgetshieldz uses budget friendly, top quality skin layers for both the OnePlus 12 adn Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Their skin layers are actually precision-cut, simple to administer, as well as can be found in a variety of structures like carbon fiber, matte, leather, as well as wood. Certainly not only do they improve grip, but they also keep your gadget appearing pristine.

If you're seeking a cost-effective means to make your phone attract attention while keeping it shielded, Gadgetshieldz is actually a great possibility.

Final thought Deciding on between the OnePlus 12 and the Samsung Universe S24 Ultra depends on your priorities:

Select OnePlus 12 if you wish a value-for-money flagship along with rapid charging, a tidy UI, and exceptional day-to-day functionality. Choose S24 Ultra if you need a top-tier camera, improved efficiency, anbd additional functions like the S Pen. No matter which unit you choose, brands like Gadgetshieldz ensure you can safeguard as well as customize your financial investment along with premium skins at a cost effective cost.