#code Similarity Checker

[codedetect]

Accurate Code Plagiarism Detector for Developers

Designed for developers, Codequiry’s code plagiarism detector delivers accurate results to help identify copied or suspicious code in projects and assessments. It supports maintaining originality, whether in academic environments or professional development workflows. With precise detection and clear reporting, Codequiry is a trusted solution for educators, code reviewers, and engineering teams aiming to ensure authenticity and uphold high coding standards efficiently.

[americangirlstar]

Raquel Reyes may be a descendant of Samantha for AG's 40th Anniversary

2026 will be American Girl's 40th anniversary, and with it the anniversary of Samantha, Molly and Kirsten. As much as we love all three of the girls, it's undeniable that Samantha was the breakout star of the group, who was literally used as American Girl's icon for ages. Even in semi-retirement, she's still very much the face of the company and everyone remembers and loves her stories of acceptance, family, fistfighting the patriarchy and unionizing.

Recently, 2026's Girl of the Year, Raquel Reyes, and her starter collection (maybe full collection? Looks a bit small tho) has leaked. And it is looking very likely that she is either a Samantha fangirl or a straight-up DESCENDANT of Samantha Mary Parkington.

Leaks and discussion under the cut.

Got these photos from this reddit post from @/Phsyical_Occasion_57, Lord knows if it'll stay up tho so I'm reposting the relevant images below.

Now, at first, just seems like a preppy Girl of the Year. We've had pink and girly GOTYs for the last two years so a little disappointing, but I'm sure our tomboy sports girls will have their day. But no, what attracted people's attention was THIS.

Two black-and-white photos in her trunk, one of Samantha Parkington in a fancy outfit, the other seemingly of Parkington manor.

Now, she could very well just be a fangirl like Z Yang; it would fit with the meta we know she established. BUT. The black-and-white photography implies it may be a historical image rather than a printed photo of a character she likes, and we ALSO know that precedent for AG characters growing up was tested out with Julie in the graphic novel and McKenna in Lila's books (more on that later). There's also been speculation that American Girl in-universe is a company that depicts actual historical figures from their world, as Z makes a reference to "the real Nanea" when she makes her Nanea stopmotion. So this could be confirming that by having a descendant of Samantha in the same universe as Z and the other modern dolls.

But the picture isn't all– her collection is EXTREMELY Samantha-coded. Firstly, the pink-and-white and florals, obviously, but that could be for any girly girl. But let's look at her specifics.

Raquel's outfit, first– it's EXTREMELY evocative of BOTH of Samantha's Meet outfits. The bow is obvious, but the checker pattern on both is highly reminiscent of Samantha's main arrival outfit, with the pink and shorter skirt being very similar to her BeForever design. Both dresses also share the puffy sleeves with her. Raquel's shoes also have red bows like the BeForever outfit and Samantha's belt.

She also has a gold bow bracelet and golden heart necklace beside the Samantha portrait; while neither seem to show the detail on Samantha's brocade, it could be reversed or a different necklace simply meant to match old photos. In any case, it's EXTREMELY similar to her BeForever necklace.

She seems to be interested in Pickleball (basically tennis if y'all don't know), but her pickleball set and dress are labelled as for Piney Point, somewhere Samantha frequented in Samantha Saves the Day at her summer house.

Her floral dress is also VERY BeForever Samantha– so while not very historically accurate, VERY accurate for what AG envisions a modern-style Samantha to look like. The hat above the dress as well is definitely something I've seen in Sam's collections before.

Also compare both the floral dress and her meet outfit to Samantha's Harlem Fashion Row outfit from the 35th anniversary.

Her accessory bag also brings to mind Samantha's handbag and floral handkerchief accessories.

But that's just aesthetics– let's also take a look at that photo of Samantha. What's right next to it?

it's a recipe for Peppermint Ice Cream.

So at the VERY VERY least, Raquel is a Samantha fan. But the black-and-white photo and seemingly """handwritten""" recipe imply that she may be straight-up related to our very own Samantha Parkington. This, along with the fact that 2026 will be the 40th anniversary of American Girl, highly implicates a more-than-baseline connection between them.

And it's not just that; I think American Girl has been lowkey testing the waters for this since 2020. [Maybe even before, but Z was a bit of a rush-job I don't think they thought through.]

Back in Covid days, when Courtney dropped, there was a lot of disappointment around her design, including from me. Mostly the fact she was another blonde-haired blue-eyed white girl, but not even an interesting-looking one; she was nearly identical to Maryellen. When she first was leaked, people started rumors that she may be related to Maryellen as copium, maybe even her daughter. [photo from @/BookJockey1979 on reddit]

Obviously this wasn't what happened, but I think American Girl noticed the interest around such a thing. The next tested the waters of family dolls with Corinne and Gwynn being sisters– and that seemed to work out for them fine. Then, it was Lila Monetti being the student of McKenna, the 2012 Girl of the Year. Not only was that something fans loved, they LATCHED onto that so excitedly. And while it's definitely not the reason Lila is such a bestseller– her cute design and adorable collection is probably to blame for that– it probably helped the older market that wouldn't otherwise look her way and got Lila basically free social media publicity from fans. And AG is very social media-present.

I think the final test was 2024's Julie and the Blue Guitar. The graphic novel details a girl in modern times trying to track down an adult Julie, and eventually succeeding and meeting her. This was the first time we'd seen an adult historical character (unless you follow the Caroline or GrandMarie theories, which are faaar from confirmed), with the oldest anyone had ever gotten being Samantha's 16 in the Titanic book. And reception to this book was very positive. At the very least, nobody threw a fit; while it's only got 4 reviews on the official site, all are 5-star, with the same level of it's 5 amazon reviews. The most reviews I could find were on Goodreads, which has a 4/5 from 65 reviews right now. So if that speaks to anything? It was probably AG's last test before they gave the go-ahead for Raquel Parkington-Reyes.

Having Raquel as Samantha's descendant is also a genius marketing strategy; JUST from the initial reddit leaks, I've seen comments on both reddit and instagram saying they already are planning to buy Raquel based on the Samantha connection alone. Not only is she pandering to the nostalgia market, not only is she pink and frilly like Mattel loves (and what sold well with Lila), but she's also finally a non-white Girl of the Year, so the "AG So White" demographic isn't pissed. The name "Raquel Reyes" is very hispanic, she has the same face-mold as Maritza, and she has a medium skintone. Right now the name is very popular in Brazil and the United States, and MyNameStats.com says that 63% of people named Raquel that they've gathered are of Hispanic or Latine origin. All of this heavily implies that Raquel will be latina, which is great since the last latina doll of the year we had was Luciana (and Maritza as our last modern, who barely had advertisement).

So Raquel is nostalgia-bait for the collectors, extremely girly and frilly for the child doll-collecting market (or at least what Mattel thinks it is) and isn't a third white GOTY in a row, so it mitigates our frustration at AG's lack of diversity. Pretty much, everyone wins, and Raquel is gonna be their major cash cow for their anniversary year.

And I can't wait.

[cityof2morrow]

Mod Organizing & Load Order Shenanigans

Published: 5-1-2024 | Updated: N/A MOD ORGANIZING During the [first] "pandemic summer," I started reorganizing my game folders. I also started  a "conflict management" list, containing all the known conflict info from download pages, new conflicts I discover while playtesting, etc. It's 44 pages long at the moment....a testament to my unapologetic mod addiction. I encourage all simmers to keep a list like this. It’s very reassuring (and handy!) to be able to look up known conflicts or keep track of mods which have been merged (duplicate files can break your game FAST!).  **I won’t be able to share mine at this time but most of my info comes from the same pages where I download CC/mods - shout out to the creators who take the time to include this info.

MY LOAD ORDER(S) I number my folders and use mostly lower case filenames to force the load order I want – these were the most important changes I made re: how I maintain a heavily-modded-but-still -very-functional game. With few exceptions, this has been much more effective than keeping track of the number of z's and cases. It also means I don't need to rename downloaded files - I just put them in the right folder. When I played exclusively on mac, I learned that numbering the store cc folders was the ONLY way I could get all the content to work. I never figured out why but I imagine it was because the mac series doesn't include expansions required for some of this content.

DETAILS (the codes) I put that grad school debt...I mean...those grad school research skills to good use and made up my own codes. Here they are... 0= files needed in every save aka my "essentials." These include repair files, shader/UI files, CEPs, global probes (like scriptorium, money globals, inteen checker, inventory checker, etc).

1= mods that do NOT need a load order, some OFB-themed sets I want to keep separate from other CC - like the #co2bellabrand or upcoming #co2cdkseries stuff.

2= mods that require a hard load order. As @episims writes HERE, this only works for mods with non-game-breaking conflicts between them. Only the last mod in the sequence will retain ALL its intended functions. The code for this section goes like this: [number]-[what the mod deals with in-game; i make sure to consider alphabetical order]-[load order number] -name of the mod(s)

I have several global mods that need to load as close to LAST as possible. These folders all start with "2-z-[load order #]-." The "2" tells me they need to load in a certain order and the "-z" makes them load after all the other #2 folders.

See Object Freedom 1.02 (@fwaysims, 2023) and Shiftable Everything (@lamare-sims, 2022) both load at #78? I don't have them BOTH in game at the same time, but giving them the same number ensures that the right load order stays no matter which one i'm paying with. 3 = build mode and neighborhood deco/defaults

4= buy mode

"ts1," "ts3," and similar labels = content that was converted for Sims 2.

5=CAS/bodyshop

OTHER DETAILS I also label folders with certain "type codes" - these tell me things like whether they add permanent data to my saves (custom memories, careers, foods, etc. do this) or whether they are maxis-match. Here are some examples:

-BIN = mod files which go in the program folders -DEF = default replacement -MEM = this content includes custom memory data -MM = maxis-match or an add-on for default game furniture -ADD = content that is not maxis-match -NPC = this content includes or changes one or more NPCs -FIX  or -EDIT = this is a fixed or uniquely edited version of a pre-existing mod -BETA and -TEST = this mod is unfinished and/or a test version Remember, conflicts do not always mean something has to be removed from your game, nor are all conflicts unresolvable. No matter what kind of method(s) you use to organize your game – it’s just important to try/have at least one in the cut.

CREDITS Thanks: Episims, PleasantSims, and all simmers who include load order/conflict notes. Sources: Beyno (Korn via BBFonts), EA/Maxis, Forcing the Load Order of Mods (whoward/Pick’N’MixSims, 2021 via sims2tutorials), Image(s) (Alexander, 2016), Offuturistic Infographic (Freepik).

...Oh and yes...I AM in fact an INTJ/Capricorn.

[gracev0609]

Success & Sacrifice

A Josh Kiszka fic for Spooky Season 🎃

A gracev0609/ @lipstickitty collaboration.

Warnings: 18+ Only, Minors DNI, rituals, blood, fictional ancient scripture, dark magic, a hint of possessiveness, mentions of sex, mentions of periods

WC: 5k+

The things we do for love...

🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️

It wasn’t always like this- the screaming crowds, flashing lights, elaborate stage set up. In the beginning it was just four young boys scared out of their minds, playing in their parents’ garage or for a crowd of less than 20 people in a local bar or similar scene. All the glamour came later, and Josh could say that it didn’t happen overnight, but that would sort of be a lie.

Josh, Jake, Sam, and Danny knew they had something special between the four of them from the time they first started playing music together. Even just jamming, they could feel it in their bones that it was meant to be the four of them. The hard part was going to be convincing everyone else of that, paying their dues to get to where they wanted to be. But it was Jake’s dream, a dream he shared with the younger two, so Josh was determined to play his big brother role wholeheartedly and make it happen.

Jake had been so overwhelmingly excited coming to the other three boys and telling them that they’d booked a few nights at a local bar, sort of a trial period to see how they did. These local spots only held 50 people or so maximum without cramming them in and breaking fire codes, but they had booked them. They knew if they could take these first few crowds by storm, no matter the size of the audience, sooner or later word would travel and more people would come and see them play. With enough packed shows, they could book bigger venues, and just keep growing onward from there.

The boys were so anxious before those first few shows, the excitement and nerves swirling in their stomachs and building up the anticipation. Sam and Danny weren’t even old enough to be in the bar they were playing at, big black X’s on the backs of their hands making it glaringly obvious. They all wished one another good luck before they took their places, knowing all they could do now was play the way they had been and pray that people liked them.

The first night went as well as they could’ve hoped- no one booed, a few of the more intoxicated patrons were loudly singing along to a few of the covers they played. At the end of their set there was some scattered applause, one of the most beautiful sounds they’d ever heard. They thanked the crowd and made their way off of the little makeshift stage back towards the front of the bar. Buzzing with excitement, they thanked the manager for giving them the opportunity and loaded back up in Josh’s car to head back home.

The second night, the boys were expecting a similar response to the first, expecting it to go relatively smoothly once again. Unfortunately, it was the middle of the week so there were less people in the building to begin with and the ones that were there weren’t very enthusiastic. A few people were loudly having conversations over their instruments, a couple people exited the bar altogether and there was no singing along or movement from the remaining crowd. Trying not to be discouraged, they continued to play their hearts out, determined to give them the best show they possibly could. Once again they thanked the crowd, spoke briefly with the manager, and then headed back home, this time with much less excited chatter and banter.

The next morning Josh woke to find his twin already sitting up in his bed, blankly staring out the window, the Michigan foliage just beginning to change hues. His expression was blank, veering on the side solemn.

Pushing his hair back from his face, tangled from sleep,” Are you okay Jake?’

Jake's head turned, his naturally sleepy eyes finding Josh's,” ‘mfine. Jus didn't sleep well.”

Josh stared at the blue checkered flannel comforter still bunched in his lap,”Okay…”

Jake turned his body, facing Josh,” Do you think we can do this? Like really do this? Maybe I should just focus on school instead, try to go to a university like you want to.”

“No! This is your dream Jake! A few shit shows doesn't mean you should give it all up to go be an accountant.”

“I could never be an accountant. Im shit at math.” Jake chuckles.

“You want this right? You want to play music?”

“It's everything I've ever dreamed of, Josh. I want to share my talent with the world, create music that speaks to people.”

“Then it'll happen! No one can deny your passion. This is your destiny, you were meant to be a rockstar.”

A shy smile crept onto Jake's face,” I hope so. I want this more than I've ever wanted anything.”

“I know it'll happen.”

🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️

Ever since Jake confided in him that he was unsure about his music an icky feeling settled in his stomach. Jake couldn't give up on his dream so easily, he won't let him. The road to being a successful film director won't be easy, but drive and determination will get you anywhere. Josh decided to drive two towns over to the venue they played at last, ask for another slot, another chance to bring people in the door. He'd beg if he had to. Forty five minutes later he was back in his car feeling smaller than he ever had. The manager said there wasn't enough draw, not enough interest, and not enough liquor sales to bring them back. The rain picked up on the drive back, his car's shoddy heat not enough to warm his bones. He decided to stop at the cafe in town to get a hot beverage, maybe it'll provide the comfort he's searching for. As Josh sat at his table he kept thinking about how defeated his twin looked. He didn't want Jake to go to school and get wrapped up in something that would make him miserable. He had to try, something. Anything. Jake's dream was on the line. Grabbing his to-go cup he sauntered to the bookstore down the street, maybe there was something there that would help him. Perhaps a book on the music business, or music marketing, or hell Booking Gigs for Dummies. Once inside, he shook his shoulders, trying to shake off the cool autumn rain. He could feel his denim jacket soaking the sweater he wore underneath. Gripping his cup tighter he made his way to the business section, he was grasping at straws here. Frowning under the dim lighting in the small town bookstore he didn't see anything that particularly stood out to him as exactly what he was looking for. But to be honest, he wasn't exactly sure what he was looking for. Pulling a few titles that looked like they could hold some useful information, he scanned and scanned.

His tea had since gone cold and frustration was starting to overtake him. He pulled one more book out, something about running a small business, when something else fell out with it. The book was small, but old. Ornate gold symbols decorated the red leather cover. Picking it up he studied the book, the title in a foreign language he didn't understand. His brows furrowed as he felt that uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach, something was compelling him to open the book. Flipping through, there were words he didn't understand. Until they suddenly moved and morphed into ones he could understand. Words on the page stuck out to him like bright neon signs. Magic. Devotion. Sacrifice. Success.

Gasping Josh dropped the book, this red leather bound book could contain all of the answers he was looking for. Quickly he shoved it in his jacket pocket, before exiting the store. His feet started to run, carrying him to his car as fast as he could. He needed to study the passages now. Maybe this could help Jake.

Sitting in his car, still in the parking lot, Josh flipped through the pages of the worn leather bound book scanning for anything useful. Finally, midway through the book his gaze landed on the word success in large bold lettering. It looked far more promising than anything else he’d seen so far so he went to the top of the page and began reading. “In order to reap the success that rightfully belongs to you, you must bind your blood to the spell. Through this sacrifice you will find what you desire.”

There wasn’t much else on the page in the way of words but there was a simple illustration below the passage, depicting a man standing at an altar, hand bleeding into the chalice on the altar before him. There were a few different herbs scattered around the altar also, most of which Josh thought he could identify. Though part of him was skeptical, the blind devotion to his brother far outweighed that part and he thought, if it doesn’t work, no harm really done. But if it does… well, he didn’t want to get his hopes up just yet. But he’d come this far after all, he’d be damned if he didn’t try.

Josh gathered all the supplies he’d need for the ritual- the altar, the chalice, a blade to get the blood flowing, the various herbs, the candles, and the red wine. He found a secluded place in the woods where he wouldn’t be disturbed, he needed to complete the ritual without being interrupted or held back. He felt almost desperate in his need to do this.

With the black tablecloth spread out on the ground, Josh placed the altar overtop of it and lit candles all around it, the flickering flames dancing and creating shadows all around him. He carefully placed the herbs where they needed to go then rubbed his sweaty palms on his jeans. He poured the red wine in the chalice, a little over half way full, then replaced the cork and set the bottle aside. The book sat next to him, his gaze flicking back and forth between the illustration on the page and the altar cloth before him, making sure he had everything in place.

Once he was certain that everything was perfect, Josh took a deep breath to center himself before reaching for the small switchblade. Holding his breath for a moment he made a small slit in the pad of his thumb with the edge of the blade, hissing at the sight of the red beads rolling down its surface. He flipped the knife closed and let it drop to the cloth below him, holding his bleeding hand over the chalice and making a fist, letting his essence flow into it, swirling with the dark red liquid already in the cup. He wasn’t sure just how much blood was necessary so he squeezed as much as he could from the small cut, hoping that was enough to do the trick.

The book didn’t say anything about it, but he figured saying something couldn’t hurt, manifestation and all that. “I want- no, I need- to make this band work for my brother. It’s his dream and I have to make it happen. If I can’t…” he let himself trail off, not sure how to end the thought anyway even if he knew someone was listening.

🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️

Josh stood from the dinner table, grabbing his plate and putting it in the sink. Family dinner was wrapping up and they were planning on going out to the garage to rehearse their newest material. As Josh turned off the faucet Jake's phone rang in his pocket. He watched as Jake furrowed his brow and fished his cell phone out,” Hello? Yes, this is Jacob Kiszka.”

He watched as his twin chatted with the person on the other end, as the minutes passed Jake's smile grew.

“Yes! Oh my god,yes. Thank you so much for this opportunity. Yup, yup. We'll see you Friday at ten.Yup. Bye!”

Jake snapped his cell phone closed, ending the call, “HEY BOYS!”

Sam and Danny emerged from the living room asking Jake what was wrong.

“Nothing's wrong. Guys… That was Rich. Rich from Lava Records. We just got offered a record deal!”

The two younger men erupted in cheers and a smile spread on Josh's face at the realization. The spell had worked! Jake was getting his dream, if Josh had anything to do with it.

“Josh! We're getting a record deal!!” Jake cheered, wrapping his arms around his twin squeezing him tightly.

In the time between Jake getting the call about the record deal and the day they were supposed to go sign, the call started to feel a little like a dream. Like at any moment they could wake up and it never happened. Despite the boys’ anxieties, Friday rolled around and everyone was getting dressed in their best clothes to go meet with the label. They were all feeling the familiar sensation of nerves swirling through them, but they knew this could be the beginning of something big.

Their parents insisted on going along, wanting to make sure the boys weren’t getting screwed over. When both families’ cars had parked outside the office, everyone piled out and made sure they had everything they needed, nervous good luck wishes exchanged between them all.

The meeting went better than any of them could’ve imagined- the deal they were offered was excellent, especially for four young men just starting out in their careers. Their parents combed through the contracts thoroughly, searching for anything they may need to object to, but came up blank- everything looked good. After they got the go ahead from their families, the boys signed the contract, their grins stretched across their faces so wide it almost hurt.

Once all the paperwork was squared away, the only thing left to do there was discuss next steps. Recording, booking more shows, getting more exposure, interviews, all the basics of what they needed to know and do in order to be successful. They absorbed everything they were hearing like sponges, wanting to ensure they were doing everything right.

Finally, every order of business had been attended to and they were shaking hands and exchanging goodbyes, still riding the high of their excitement all the way back home to Frankenmuth. They had their next few shows and events scheduled and somehow they knew things would be different. These would be their best shows so far, they could feel it.

The boys’ intuition had been spot on, those were in fact the best shows they’d played thus far. Packed shows, the crowd engaging with them, people being excited to hear them play. They couldn’t believe the difference between their first few shows and now, it was like a complete twist of events and they were overjoyed about it. They were just enjoying the moment and hoping their good luck would continue.

After their first show playing under the record label, they were booked for an interview for a local radio station before the following show. They were terrified, never having really spoken in public to that extent before, but it was about the music. They knew they could talk all day long about the music.

That interview got amazing reviews, tons of listeners tuned in to hear and the band was getting some buzz online. They started feeling even more confident that things would work out.

The next show was incredible, possibly even better than the first and they were feeling on top of the world. The next one went pretty well, and the one after that was just okay. Their playing was still where it always was, but the crowd wasn’t as interested as they were before. Josh felt dread in the pit of his stomach, maybe his little ritual wasn’t working anymore.

Josh’s worst fears were confirmed when the next couple interviews they were scheduled for got canceled unexpectedly. Low ratings was the only reason they were given. This definitely wasn’t what he was expecting when he’d performed the ritual. Was this the book’s idea of success? He scoffed at the thought, deciding he was going to get to the bottom of why the hell the spell suddenly wasn’t working. He’d given the blood, damn it, why wasn’t it working?

Later that night Josh found himself back in the same place where he’d performed the ritual, with the altar set up the exact same way. The old leather bound book sat in front of him, splayed open to a random page. Clearing his throat, he began to speak, “What the hell, why isn’t it working? I bound my blood to the spell, that’s what you told me to do!” His voice growing in volume until he was nearly shouting. In any other situation he might feel silly for yelling at a book, but he had a sense that this particular book might in some way hear him and his desperation to save his brother’s band was consuming him.

A sudden gust of wind blowing the trees startled Josh from his speech, a few orange tinged leaves falling to the ground with the force. “Fuck!” He gasped, looking down at the ground and seeing the pages of the book flipping wildly, too fast for human hands to be turning them. Finally it stopped, coming to rest on its intended page.

“You must continue giving the blood for the spell to continue to work. It’s power weakens with time- only more blood will strengthen it.” Josh read the bold print from the page out loud, groaning softly when he realized this wasn’t just a one and done situation.

Knowing this was pretty much going to be his only option if he wanted to save the band right now, Josh decided to accept the fact that he’d have to give more of his blood. What other choice did he have? Begrudgingly he picked up the blade once more, making a bigger cut this time right across his palm, and let his blood flow into the chalice, setting up the offering for whatever beings or spirits were behind making this kind of magic work.

‘Blood magic’, flitted through his brain, allowing himself to briefly ponder the kind of power such a being might possess while he let his blood flow into the wine filled chalice. He thought maybe he didn’t give enough last time, figured that maybe if he gave more each time, he could go longer between rituals and that may be his best bet unless he wanted to do this every few weeks.

When he started to feel a little dizzy, whether from the blood loss or all in his head, Josh made a tight fist and let the blood clot figuring that had to be enough. Closing his eyes he let his chin drop to his chest, trying to center himself but ultimately ended up angry again.

“So I just have to keep doing this forever?!” He shouted, whether it was to no one or someone, something, he didn’t care anymore. This was his shot to make his brother’s dream come true and he’d basically have to exsanguinate himself to do it. His irritation was finally bubbling over, burning hot as he screamed his frustrations to the sky and trees around him. “There’s only so much blood in my body. What the hell am I supposed to do?” By the end of his tirade, he’d run out of steam, still feeling a little weak from losing blood, and let his voice fade out to a mere whisper. A couple frustrated tears slipped down his cheeks and he wiped them away, if this was what was required of him then he’d just have to suck it up and do it, he could make that sacrifice for his twin. He’d already done it once before, what was a few more times?

Another strong gust of wind whipped the trees around, autumn leaves falling all around him.

Lifting his head he saw the pages in the book turning like they had before, finally coming to rest on its desired page in just the same way it had done before.

Rolling his eyes Josh decided to read this page as well. Something obviously wanted him to, even going so far as to physically point it out to him. This page however made a grin stretch wide across his mouth, hope bubbling up inside of him. This could work, this could help him- a spell that would allow him to harness the power of the divine feminine energy, the fertility of a woman, and turn it into his sacrifice.

Letters morphed on the page, swirling and changing until the word Hathor appears on the page. Josh furrows his brow, speaking the name out loud.

Hathor, goddess of music, joy, love, sexuality and femininity. As soon as Josh's eyes reached the word femininity more words appeared on the ancient paper. Instructions on how to celebrate her, to channel her power Josh must reach an altered state of mind on the twentieth day of the month, gather an offering and perform the spell. Double tapping on his phone he checked the date, the Twentieth of October. He needed to do the spell now if he wanted it to work! Pushing himself to his feet he runs down to his parents liquor cabinet, grabbing the bottle of Captain Morgan he makes his way back into his room back to sit in front of his altar. Flicking the screw cap off he took a pull of the spiced amber liquid. A grimace spread on his features, a face of disgust before taking another gulp. One more to power through before he figured his mind was altered enough. His eyes scanned the page to find instructions for the offering, words flashing across the paper, Paint your face with three marks across your skin. One for the father, one for the mother, and one for the child. Josh thought quickly before rifling through their bag of cosmetics they used for shows, grabbing a silver creme eyeshadow stick he marks three dots across his cheek bones. Looking back at the page more words appear, Flow the burgundy wine into the chalice, meld it with your blood. Reaching forward Josh grabs his switchblade placing another open wound onto his palm letting the scarlet drips flow into the chalice. Once the blood stops flowing he looks back to the page, Place chains of silver and gold into the chalice and wear them proudly around your neck as a sign of devotion. Josh's eyes light up as he remembers the silver moon necklace and the gold sun necklace he and his twin received recently. Quickly he grabs them and places them into the dark red liquid. Once more he looks at the page, a spell to speak aloud formed on the page. Josh breathes deeply before speaking, his voice growing more confident word by word,” I offer this sacrifice to the mighty goddess Hathor. I welcome and accept her, I pledge my devotion and humbly ask her to do my bidding. Harness your godly powers to help us succeed and we will worship you with every song and melody we create.”

Josh held his breath for a moment while nothing changed, his anxiety increasing by the second. Finally the page in the book went blank, soon after being replaced with new ones, “I accept your offering, child. I can sense the strength of your devotion. What is it that you desire?”

He gasped, sputtering for his words for a few seconds before recovering, “Oh! Oh my- thank you, Hathor, for the honor of your time and your assistance. I-I need a way to harness the blood of the women around us as well as those who attend our shows to replenish the success spell- but only the blood they would already lose each month, I can’t hurt anyone.” He stumbled over his words just slightly, knowing he was speaking with an actual goddess.

Once again the page was wiped clean before fresh print appeared, “Continue outwardly showing your devotion to me, child, and it is done. Proudly bathe yourselves in the colors of silver and gold and I will know.”

Tears rolled down his cheeks once more, this time happy tears as he knelt before the altar. “Thank you, Hathor. Thank you.” He picked the book up and pressed a kiss to the old, tattered page of the book that had become his saving grace. He watched for a moment to make sure the goddess had nothing more to say before gently closing the book, lovingly clutching it to his chest.

He couldn’t wipe the grin from his face as he cleaned up his mess, knowing things were going to change.

🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️

Jake pulled his phone from his pocket, a few texts from friends and family wishing him well for the show that was about to start, his eyes flicking to the corner of his screen, in forty minutes. Wandering through the halls behind the stage he made his way to Josh's private dressing room. Without knocking he twists the metal door knob, stepping inside he notices the room bathed in candlelight. Josh's back was to the door, there he was sitting in front of candles, an old bronze chalice and a leather book in his lap. Josh turned at the waist,”Jake? What are you doing in here?”

Gazing at the altar his twin had set up in front of him, the flickering candles, the herbs and crystals and the ancient tattered looking book in his lap and the chalice filled with dark liquid, there was one thing that was glaringly obvious. He was performing a ritual.

"W-what are you doing?" Jake stammered watching Josh's hands move in practiced repetition.

"A ritual obviously, my dear brother." He smiled as the tip of the switchblade poked his thumb.

"W-why? What for?"

Josh's eyebrows furrowed," You wanted success correct? I made it happen. Just needed a little blood sacrifice, the ethical way of course."

Now Jake's eyebrows dipped," What does that mean Josh? You didn't ki-"

"No of course not! I'm not a psychopath," he runs his bloodied thumb around the rim of the chalice on the table," You've surely heard the rumors about the women who come to our show, and their periods."

Josh lifts his eyes from the chalice," That's how I get our blood sacrifice Jake."

“Their periods? How Josh that doesn't make sense!” Jake deadpanned, he barely believed his eyes.

Josh dips his golden sun necklace into the chalice, deep red dripping from the metal,” The ancient text in my lap, and Hathor.”

Josh secures his necklace against his chest, red liquid slowly running down his sternum before absorbing into the black velvet of his jumpsuit.

“Please Josh you've gotta give me more than that.” Jake pleads, a wave of something unnerving washes over him as he watches Josh, so practiced and repetitive. This was something he's done many many times.

“You wanted success so badly, I couldn't let it slip through our fingers! So I sought out otherworldly help. The spell for success needs blood, and after awhile I couldn't supply it all myself. So, I channeled Hathor , a goddess, and she er, manipulates, the women's periods that come to see us. To give us the blood sacrifice you see. I wouldn't hurt anyone.” His smile bright trying to calm Jake's uneasiness.

Just then Josh's door bursts open Sam and Danny barging in, an unlit pre roll in Sam's hand,” Do you guys… wanna .. smoke this. What the fuck is all of this?”

Josh rolls his eyes, thankful that he was able to finish his ritual,” It's a ritual, worship.. an offering all of that stuff.”

Jake furrows his brow his brain fully catching up to the information he was given,” Wait, so how does Hathor do all of this? Hey - is this the reason why you got really into yoni worship and tantric shit that you would not shut up about?”

Josh laughs, a loud gleeful sound,” Too many questions Jake, but I don't really know how she does it, she just does. It's all apart of the spell and the worship- it's why I never take off my jewelry and our tours have been so themed in silver and gold.”

Josh looks around, Jake seems to be absorbing all that he told him and Sam and Danny look confused. Josh opens his mouth to start explaining but Sam cuts him off,” Hey, would I be able to light this off of the candles or would that piss Hathor off?”

Josh motions him to go ahead when Danny speaks up,” So… I don't know about Sam here but I want a recap. Why are you performing a ritual Josh?”

As they pass the joint around the room Josh recounts years past, how he was determined to make Jake's dream come true. How he sacrificed his own dreams to make sure that Jake would succeed. Josh tells him that he is bound to the band, the book, and the spell. It's his deal that he made so he's the one who has to uphold it.

Josh exhales with a cough,” So, that's what you all walked in on. I was finishing my ritual, to keep our success.”

Jake speaks first,” So, you needed a blood sacrifice,”

“The ethical way!” Josh interjects.

“Ethically, so you use their period blood for the sacrifice.”

“Exactly, I mean they bleed every month anyway.”

Danny smirks, choking back a giggle,” What's the harm in making some of them a little early, they ruin their panties at our shows regardless.”

Sam cackles, his loud stoner laugh echoing in the small space, Josh giggles,” Why did you think most of our audience is women?”

Sam scoffs,” I thought it was because they think we're hot!”

Jake runs his hand down his face, still grappling with the new information,” Josh… When you said you had a pre show ritual I thought you meant like meditation not an actual pre show ritual.” Smiling he continues,” You know that the rumors think that it has something to do with me and ‘the way I fuck my guitar’. But it's been you the whole time! Damn, you were really helping my ‘sex god’ image.”

A knock at the door broke them from their game of twenty questions, a muffled “Five minutes boys!” Coming through the door. Tamping our their lit substance they then file out the door when Danny puts his hand on Josh's shoulder,” Wait, you're the reason why it seems like every woman I hook up with after these fucking shows has their period?”

Josh giggles, a bit bashful,” Caught me!”

Danny rolls his eyes,” I'm sending you all of my ‘cleaning fees’ from now on. I've had to pay for a lot of replacement sheets because of you.”

The show was drawing to a close, the first few notes of Farewell for Now ringing out into the stadium. Josh looked out to the crowd, every face with sparkling eyes and a smile a mile wide. Turning his head to the left he found Jake, red sweaty and tired, but the look on his face was priceless, the content smile on his face from completing another incredible show was something else. Deep down Josh knew that everything he had done was worth every bit of the success and sacrifice.

🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️

Taglist 🎃 @joshsindigostreak @losfacedevil @josh-iamyour-mama @vanfleeter @myownparadise96 @emeraldvanfleet @sanguinebats @lilbitx @kissthesun-gvf @musicislove3389 @kultavalo @iluvjoshkiszka @grassmowersstuff @jazzyfigz @fleetingjake @cheersdannyx2 @lightsofthe-living-gvf @peaceloveunitygvf

I also want to thank you guys! This is our biggest tag list yet and we are so excited! 🧡

[heavenshardware]

thinking about heras and maxwells characters paralleling each other in regards to their autonomy and i just. aughhhh this is gonna be long and incoherent so i’m apologizing now

the obvious, both of them begin their careers at goddard by being forced into a corner. with hera being threatened with lobotomization/“decommission” and maxwell being stalked and harassed by goddard for 6+ months until accepting their offer, there was forethought put into their acceptance of [lack thereof] control over their autonomy. they both share loud inferiority complexes coded (literally and figuratively) into them by society with quiet superiority complexes. they both know they are capable of something greater, but are unable to do so due to social isolation, giving them the inability to ever advocate for themselves. the main reason kepler even brings her on the hephaestus mission is because she is incredible at talking to things that aren’t human (and i believe in an ama Somewhere agresti shares that maxwell forming friendships with People is incredibly rare). hera shares a similar language barrier; she is expected to be able to fully and effectively communicate with everyone around her no matter the circumstance despite having never had any social experience. she’s been isolated and hidden on purpose, to formulate her language in a way that is passive. both of them have also had to fight to prove that they deserve to exist [as women] in the roles that they reserve. maxwell is well aware that she lacks autonomy in field that (as far as i have heard about within wolf specifically) is male dominated which is why kepler is easily able to pull her in with the promise of control. hera, additionally, is also convinced to work with the hephaestus with the promise that she will have control over her existence within the ship.

which is why the second they meet they immediately feel a deep trust within each other. there is an immediate fundamental understanding of who they both are and how they came to be. their whole lives they’ve been playing chess in a world full of checkers, and someone else finally comes to them, sitting down completing their set of chess pieces.

in memoria, even though maxwells primary motivation is to get hera working again, she really spends the entire episode kind of projecting onto her.

being inherently broken is a theme in both of their pasts. with maxwell refusing to share anything about her family outside of the fact that she has a restraining order against them as well as pryce designing hera to have an anxiety disorder to ensure she could never reach her full potential, it is safe to assume they could have trouble asserting themselves. with hera it is internal, but with maxwell it is fairly external. despite maxwells betrayal, they both help each other become better. they make each other feel heard and they have nothing to hide. they don’t have to tone themselves down in order to interact. even though maxwell ends up siding with the si-5 in the s3 finale, her and hera both help each other come to the conclusion of who/what their common oppressor is, forever changing the way they interact with those who suppress them

[leumasme]

You can now get an Ad-Free, Tumblr-Live-Free version of the Tumblr Android app

I've been writing some Patches for the Tumblr app in the ReVanced framework, and they just got released in the ReVanced patches Pack, so you can install them too! No computer is needed, and everything is open source, meaning anyone can look at the code and verify that it's not malicious.

Patches

Disable Dashboard Ads (Currently not perfect - doesn't block blazed and doesn't block Tumblr's own "Sponsored" posts that aren't real ads, like the ones that are just a cat sitting in front of a Tumblr logo)

Disable Tumblr Live (Fully and forever!)

Disable "Enable notifications when this person posts" popup

Disable "You can send gifts to people" bubble

Disable the update checker (Tumblr annoys you to update if you're on an old version, who knew?)

Maybe more to come. Please suggest new ones!

Installation

I'm not good at writing beginner-friendly guides, so this one might be hard to understand if you're not a somewhat experienced user - there's already a bunch of guides for ReVanced, and they have a support discord where you can ask for help. I encourage anyone to write a better guide for this.

First we need to download and install the ReVanced Manager. You can get it here: https://revanced.app/ Just download and install the APK.

Just like with any android app download that doesn't use the Google play store (or similar stores), you'll get some warnings that the file could be dangerous (since it's an app installer package), and you'll likely have to give your browser or File explorer permissions to install apps.

Next, we'll need a Tumblr APK to patch it. We usually can't use your already installed Tumblr since it's a Split-APK, and ReVanced doesn't really support those. Get one from APKMirror (preferred) or alternatively from APKPure (often doesn't have all app versions). Make sure you're selecting the download to a normal APK, not a Split-APK/XAPK. Also probably don't download a version that has alpha or beta in the name.

If you downloaded the Tumblr apk, don't install it. Open the ReVanced Manager we installed earlier, click Patcher->Select an Application->Storage (bottom right)->Pick the Tumblr APK you just downloaded.

Now you can de-select patches if you want, but the default is fine, it includes all patches made for Tumblr. Then click Patch in the bottom right and wait for it to finish. Before you install the patched Tumblr, you'll have to uninstall the old Tumblr since they have the same package name but our patched one isn't signed by the Google Play Store. So uninstall the Tumblr app now (and probably save/reblog this post if you're on your phone right now so you don't lose it), then switch back to the Manager and click Install to install the patched app.

Yay, now you have patched Tumblr. Everything should work as normal otherwise. If you're reading this in the (far) future and Tumblr ever updated the app and broke the patches and no one updated them to work with newer versions, you can use an old Tumblr APK and it should keep working forever. Right now, I am using v31.5.0.110 and everything is working fine.

Tell me (asks/dms/rbs) if anything is broken or you have more ideas for patches I could add. I have like 10 followers so no one is gonna see this without reblogs. Oki bye!

[the-deadcode-utau]

UTMV DEAD CODE AU Ramblings

⚠️WARNINGS: talk of body disfigurement, mental issues (?)

DEAD-CODE DEFINITION: A section of code in a program that is not used or accessed during the program's operation. It can refer to code that is never executed, or code that is executed but has no impact on the program's output. It’s a deceptive element that can be found in software projects. It can waste time and memory, and often goes unnoticed. Removing dead code can change the program's output and create bugs, so compilers are usually conservative when removing it.

AU DETAILS:

The Dead Code AU (or the DC) is a small pocket/“mini-verse” that is composed of unused, discarded, or thrown away code from other AUs/timelines.

The small pocket contains characters, music, objects, and backgrounds; which is glitched into the Dead Code area when the timeline is started, reset, or overwritten.

When things are transferred into the Dead Code, the effects can be mental or physical. The glitch will mainly affect actual characters and their souls/bodies, although music and objects can also be affected.

Some examples of the effects are: missing certain physical features, glitching soul/body, glitched magic (can have positive or negative effects), and insanity/negative mental symptoms.

Unused V.S. Discarded Codes

Unused Code— When code never ran in the timeline it was made for when the timeline started. Whatever isn’t used to begin with is an Unused Dead Code.

Discarded Code— When code is removed or replaced when the timeline resets or is overwritten. Whatever is no longer used is a Discarded Dead Code.

Unused Codes are a lot more stable, due to it never being in its timeline and never becoming physical. Discarded Codes are a lot more likely to be unstable and mentally unsound(if it even can be) due to being ripped away from its timeline without warning.

Environment and Community

The environment is very similar to the OG Undertale timeline, however some parts are more dangerous and glitchy than others. As far as the people who are in the DC know, the surface doesn’t exist.

The more dangerous parts include Hotland and The Core, as the unloaded chunks of magma and rock makes it hard to traverse.

Because The Core in the Dead Code is not functioning properly due to the transition to the DC, the ventilation system has been compromised. Any scientists who are able have been tasked with studying the area and fixing The Core.

More medically knowledgeable people are tasked with helping others who have been affected/disabled by the transformation. They are working on finding ways to restore others to their original forms, however no positive results have been recently reported.

As the Dead Code grows, so does its community. There has been a very simple government program established, with some laws and regulations to keep things orderly.

Most ‘citizens’ in the DC are assigned a patch or pin to wear that resembles an unloaded texture (pink and black checkered pattern), it symbolizes safety and stability for those who wear it. (Stable + Unloaded Patch, SLP)

For the more unstable and mentally unsound, the caution tape pattern is used. It can be shown in different ways such as jewelry, belts, clothing, etc. It symbolizes danger and power for those who wear it. (Unstable + Dangerous Patch, UDP)

Most people have a SLP, but it’s not uncommon for some to have both. If they do have both it’s most likely that they’re unstable but not that dangerous or powerful and vise-versa.

[yourtoradorasextendedwarranty]

Is that "evil fact checker" user that's constanly appear under your post an actual person or some AI. Their whole thing just seems to be ask to chat tp wich i'm not sure if is reliable.

Essentially what they do is a type of prompt and to chat GPT normally have the program answer everything for them. Except they've attempted to make an argument saying that chat GPT does not get its information from CNN or other sources. Which is factually inaccurate because a lot of the sources that chat GPT uses is based on scraping data from websites that get their news from CNN and other similar sources.

And that's the point. Chad GPT isn't even an ai. It is a machine learning program that gets the bulk of its information from scraping a variety of different sources. A lot of those sources, get THEIR sources from said mainstream sites. What's even more important is that chat GPT can be convinced to change its opinion on something based on you telling it to. Also, this not counting the fact that you can code inject into it. So it can be smug as he wants to be, all the while being factually incorrect.

[spawksstuff]

De's Military Service

The National Archives and Records Administration is a great website for military records, especially old ones. Some have been digitized and some have not (and some were burned in a fire in 1973, presumably what happened to my great grandfather's records). I was searching for the two training films De was a part of besides "A Time To Kill" (I am determined to find them!) and decided to see if his record was on there, and sure enough it was. Even though it's a public website, I still blacked out De's Serial Number (his SSN was already blacked out) although I don't think anyone could do anything with it since its been so long and as he had no children, any potential VA benefits wouldn't be a factor today or in the future.

Draft Registration:

This address is right on the beach. His employer is "Cooper Arms" which is down the block from the residence address. Cooper Arms is where he got his elevator job. I don't know if this is before or after he crashed in their basement. He's 21 here, so this is sometime in 1941. Notice the signature on the bottom. The clerk most likely made him put in "Jackson" since that was his "official" name. Blue, Blonde, light complexion, and 150 lbs.

10 March 1943 Long Beach Press Telegram

The newspaper article where De got on the bus to go to Basic. (Mentioned in "From Sawdust to Stardust"). (Article was saved in my "military" folder instead of "newspapers", which is why it wasn't posted before.)

Payroll RAAF, Roswell NM 30 Apr 44

I don't know why this was included in his record, but I love finding records like this so I included it.

Going from left to right, 3 Mar 43 (date drafted). 0 is Years of Service (it's weird in the military: if you're in, but below 2 years, you're still considered having 0 years of service until you hit that 2 year mark, at least on pay records). With the comment under his name, it appears De stopped an allotment in February, and they are now reimbursing him for taking it after he wanted it stopped. If the codes are the same as today, an "F" Allotment is to a charity or emergency assistance fund. Blacked out is his Serial Number. The 6.60 is for an "N" Allotment which is life insurance. 3.75 is for "Class A pay reservations" which is a war bond as far as I can tell. 1.50 is for "Government Laundry."

In the second picture, I could not decode what the 10.35 was for (T/A). So he was due 65.65, but they collected the 1.50, leaving him with 64.15. He signed (with "Jackson" now) saying he received that money.

Separation 28 Jan 1946 -

After VE and VJ day, the First Motion Picture Unit was shut down and some of the unit was sent to Colorado to wait for their separation orders.

Separation Qualification Record

Lists his military jobs, basic information, and a summary of military occupations, which would likely have been useful for returning GIs to get a job doing something similar to what they did in the service, for example, radio technicians, communications, etc. The address on Normandie is where he and Carolyn started renting right before they got married.

Page 2 (Backpage), Military Education, Civilian Education and occupations. Again all of this would be helpful for returning GIs.

Honorable Discharge Certificate

WD AGO Form 53-55 - Official Separation Form

Basic information. Same address on Normandie as above. Blue eyes, but now Brown hair and weight is 165 (Guess 3 meals a day and all the PT helped him out 😂 Or Carolyn made him some good food 🤣). No. Depend-1, this is number of dependents, being spouse or children, or even at this time parents as the rules were more lax on supporting your parents.

Block 21 Civilian Occupation "Checker" - I'm unsure about this but according to "From Sawdust to Stardust" De told them he was an "entertainer." Box 35 is Immunizations, which continues in Box 55. I'm surprised by how late he got these. Perhaps the Army gave priority to those going overseas first and then the rest got them. Nowadays you get the majority at Basic Training if you don't already have them.

Served 2 years, 10 months, and 13 days, and was a Private First Class upon discharge. Reason for separation is basically "surplus." Pay Data was his final pay plus some travel money, and his insurance continued for another month.

Block 34, right thumb print. Box 55 Remarks: the continued immunizations. Inactive service is while he was waiting to board the bus to Basic, (the time between when he was notified he was drafted and the day he officially was).

The "6 Days lost" is throwing me. Usually "Days lost" means you weren't able to work because you made a bad choice (like you're hungover, or you did something incredibly stupid and hurt yourself, causing hospitalization, or you didn't show up for most of your shift) but I can't see De being too hungover to work or not showing up. However, there is the story of him, George Reeves, and another soldier getting lost in Colorado, pushed a car into the nearby town, and when they couldn't get the hotel owner to open up, they broke in and slept on the floor. They were drunk after drinking a bottle of bourbon trying to stay warm. The sheriff came by and took them to jail for the night. There's also the story of George Reeves getting recognized in Colorado at a hotel and decided not to spend the night because he got mobbed (De was with him). A sheriff pulled them over for something and decided to put them in jail for the night. I don't know if these two stories are the same or not, one was in the book and one was in a newspaper article, but if it made them late or made them miss a shift, that would count as being absent, (but not AWOL, which would have been much more serious). Also I don't know if the furlough time was considered "lost time". It's possible all of this was and it added up to the 6 days.

The 4 Discharge Emblems were pins issued to be worn on the uniform once someone was discharged. Since there was a clothing shortage, service members were authorized to wear their uniforms even after they were discharged (mostly while traveling home). The Discharge Emblem proved that they weren't away from their unit, that they were allowed to be wherever they were. ASR score was a rating given to service members to list who got discharge papers first.

De signed and he was now a Veteran and a civilian. Back to Carolyn at Normandie and Paramount.

[nitrosodiumaltcontroller]

Rough Idea Generation - Card Games and Board Games

While I usually just do three ideas and choose one after a little deliberation, the brief this time feels very open-ended, and I want to create a good amount of ideas for both video games and more physical ones.

Game 1 - Battle Cards

The idea for this game is somewhat inspired by my vague understanding of Magic: The Gathering, despite the fact that I have never played it, and only know a few rules - this will be rectified with more research if I decide to create this game. Two players will start with a small deck, drawing more from a pile at the end of their turns. During their turns, they can play any cards from their deck, which will be primarily monsters with their own abilities.

This is an example of what the cards could look like. They have an Action value in blue, and a Health value in red. The Action value represents how many moves that card can use - the player could play Maul twice, or Terror once, before their turn ends. The square next to each ability reflects the dice score (six-sided) required to successfully play the action. For example, Maul requires a score of two or more, so rolling 1 means the action fails and must be reattempted. Health would be displayed using tokens per enemy, but other token modifiers could be added, such as extra Action points or a +1 to every dice roll. These could also be "relic cards" or something similar, which are played either before or instead of monster cards. Perhaps each player has a few choices on their turn: the placing phase, where they use Relics or place new monsters onto the field; and the battle phase, where they choose a monster card to use until its abilities are exhausted. The accessibility of the game will come to light with no overt colour-coding. The base card I made is not great for this, but realistically a final version will use stripes and other patterns to signify what represents what.

Game 2 - Compact Wargame

This idea for a game mostly comes from my prior attempts to make "Chess 2". I like chess for its simplicity, but I always thought some more mechanics could make it interesting. Some pieces being able to shoot, having territory control, and city-building mechanics are among my various ideas I want to replicate. And you might say, 'if I want to play a wargame so much, why don't I just play something like Warhammer?' And the answer is that it (and games like it) are way too complex and expensive.

Here we can see that a starter set is 112 dollars. To justify that amount of money, you need to be very invested in the game and setting. Meanwhile a chess set is only about ten pounds. I think this is something of an unseen accessibility problem: financial accessibility. If you are disabled, you have probably already spent a lot of money on all the previously mentioned accessible controllers and addons, and you probably do not want to spend a hundred pounds' more. Then there is the issue of space. The more complex a game is, the bigger box it comes in, and the larger space has to be cleared to set it all up on a table or floor. This is difficult enough for most people, but if you are disabled and space is already taken up by ramps, handrails and other household modifications, storage becomes a problem. I should specify, this is not a game overtly made for disabled people, but its simplicity will make it easier for everyone to play it. My main mechanical ideas involve resource management through certain tiles that generate resources as long as you have 'captured' them with a piece, larger units like siege towers and ballistae being able to be constructed using these resources, and the ability to make squad stacks by literally stacking pieces on top of each other. They will be like draughts/checkers counters with symbols on top to reflect their class. Once again however, this is all preliminary ideas, and may be changed.

Game 3 - Modern Day GURPS

For some context, GURPS is the Generic Universal Roleplaying System, which is a one-size-fits-all system for tabletop games. It can be used for any setting (fantasy, sci fi, etc), and while I have never used it, research has told me that it is very in-depth and complex. Any possible skill a character may need to use, from computer operation to shipbuilding, is added as a separate attribute. While this sort of thing does make it universal, it will also require both GM and players to keep track of a lot of numbers. I want to create a similarly universal system, but a much simpler one - something for people that have never done any sort of TTRPGs before. My main idea is that attributes that will fluctuate regularly during a campaign, health, mana points, armour etc. will be displayed using counters, meanwhile more static skill-based attributes that only change every few sessions will be written numerically on a character sheet. Items such as weaponry, armour, and story-relevant trinkets will be represented by cards, showing relevant information such as the amount of damage a weapon will deal. Enemies will also have cards that detail their HP and damage, but these will mostly be for the GM. I plan for the cards to have fairly simple and easy-to-replicate designs, so that a GM can create more themselves for specific uses.

The game will probably use a square grid system to calculate range. Characters and enemies will probably be represented by fairly abstract tokens, just to show where they reside spatially. Of course, being a universal system, anything can be used. Accessibility-wise there is no real gimmick - I will just refrain from too much colour-coding.

[codedetect]

Future Trends in Java Code Plagiarism Detection

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[asherspeaksword]

Joining the Hazbin Hotel OC Grind,,

Anyways, This is Duffy ! Back on Earth he was Vox's assistant, their dynamic is similar to Harvey and Donna from Suits! Duffy and Vox Dynamic

Duffy knows Vox from the inside out, Knowing what he wants, knowing what he likes, anything and everything. Vox likes having Duffy around since he knows what he likes and how long they've known each other. Though it might be because of another thing to.. Duffy is a fire lion because of his Pride, and boldness, He's your guy if you need anything, he has a checkered handkerchief to his right, that is on purpose it's handkerchief code. XP

Anyways I might also hop on with the Hazbin Hotel OC blogs as well,, If I do I'll reblog and @ it, I have a lot more OCs in store,, (Cue the 9 other ocs i have conquered up..)

[mintymemesandrpshop]

Tips from a grocery worker/foodsafe certified waiter!

The temperature 'danger zone' for food and drink is 40-140F, with 2 hours being the limit without refrigeration/cooking.

Open container, Public Intoxication, and Driving Under Influence are all separate broken laws. Establishments that serve alcohol in the US are required to cut you off the moment you are visibly drunk. 'Open container' can also be a misnomer and vary by state- bottles and cans in anything less than a glued blox may need to be in a bag.

Raw flour has E. Coli bacteria, factory farmed eggs will have salmonella due to poor hygiene (sitting in their own shit).

Speaking of eggs, grocery eggs are 2 weeks old due to needing to properly settle to a baking standard. Eggs from a local farmer may be safer, but will also be somewhat different and not have enough air for baking until they are also that age.

Steak is safe to eat rare due to its thickness and proximity away to any nasties in the body waste; hamburger is not. Burger is ground up with various cuts and intestines so needs to be cooked properly well done. Chickens are too small to have this effect, so salmonella is a risk no matter what. Pork is somewhat in between, as there is a risk for trichinosis, but the larvae are much easier to spot, making this start to go extinct in domestic pigs.

Dogs and Cats in general cannot have spices or seasonings, grapes, chocolate, or milk.

Most creatures are lactose intolerant due to the fact that they will not grow up into 1000 lb animals. Goats however, are closer to human size so their milk and cheese is more digestible. Smaller animals will need dilluted goat's milk, into a custom formula. (your grocery store may have this in a can, powdered.)

Pasta noodles mainly exist to hold sauce flavor in proportion; thicker noodles like rotini are usually recommended for thicker sauces such as tomato/marinara.

It is safer for pizza chefs to not wear gloves, actually! Gloves cannot be washed, only changed, and they are trained anyways to not touch someone's food once cooked. Cooking trays/pans, industrial sized knives, spatulas, and boxes all make this possible.

Humans are very dense and weighty creatures proportionally, that they can essentially tank a lot of poison damage that other animals cannot. This is one of many reasons we are not picky eaters as a whole!

Kids instinctively dislike bitter foods due to not having grown up into this said tankiness; vegetables and things that may be good for them can taste like poison, and they cannot tell the difference yet.

Electric Kettles are more efficient at boiling water than stovetops. I'll let the video guy speak for himself, but they boil water directly rather then heating a pot/pan which then heats the water. This is great for things such as small meals, partially unclogging drains, or heating bathwater.

Keurig or similar machines do not boil the water for your coffee! They heat to 100 degrees, so if your town has a boil order up, do not pour unboiled water into their tanks!

Large packs of water and soda often have bar codes on the top- you may not have to lift them if a laser-gun can get involved!

chicken nuggets from the golden arches are beer battered, the way fish are. They're fish-fried chicken.

Grocery Register Belts can have some really dumb design- with the computer /register itself taking up half the width of the goddamn belt. Keep your food safer by loading the belt heavy to light if you can- or light to heavy. Also, putting your food in a straight line towards the checker. You cannot trust the infared camera to stop the belt unless your items are opaque- your beer will crush your bananas in front of them unless they can slide over the scanner zone. You will prefer a fixable scan error until we can perform alchemy.

Fruits and Vegetables have 4 digit international trade codes! unless you know what breed your apple is or are bad with numbers, these are probably easier to input if you happen to be ringing these up yourself. It is perfectly possible for a self-check system to sell you the wrong kind. Same thing with the numbers on a bar code- they also work, if your code is faded or corrupted. (or, for whatever fucking reason a brand decides, light colors like silver, or cute shapes. those suck. looking at you, bud fucking weiser with your fucking ribbon.) The laser guns are a bit more accurate than the belt as a second resort.

[forthedancingandthethriving]

"Root, it just occurred to me." SMG4's voice came from the kitchen, as the kids were in the lobby, playing some games. "Where do you live?"

Root pauses and tilts her head. ".. Pardon?"

The Guardian peeks his head out of the kitchen, raising an eyebrow. "Where you live. I just remembered that after that whole.. thing with Morris that you said you were going to find somewhere to live. Where is that?"

"I've been wondering, too." Lily remarks as she moves a checker piece on the board she and Bowser Jr are playing on. "I mean, you've never invited us over."

"Oh.. hehe..!" Root giggles nervously and rubs the back of her neck. "It's just.. It's a little.. small, you know?" She smiles nervously. "Plus, well.. y'know! Haha..!"

All the kids slowly stop what they're doing and look at the young girl, clearly not buying what she was laying out. Everyone knew, despite how much Root denied it, she was a terrible liar. She sucked at it.

Root purses her lips, and at seeing the expectant look SMG4 was giving her, she slowly shifts onto her knees and starts to tap her fingers together. She mutters something, though she keeps her voice intentionally low. However, that doesn't stop Sage and Lil Coding from hearing her, who both look shocked.

"What'd you say?" Cody raises an eyebrow, an ear flicking.

Root mutters again, slightly louder, and this time Cody and Bowser Jr hear her, and both of them look shocked as well.

"Root..." Lily sighs, exasperated.

"I've.. been staying in the alleyway behind that one restaurant.. And living in some of those dishwashers that they leave out." Root finally speaks up, not looking at anyone.

It gets so quiet that one could hear the sounds of Swag terrorizing someone across the kingdom.

"You.. what?" Lily slowly narrows her eyes.

Root holds up her hands, frowning. "W-Well, I just..! I-I didn't want to burden anyone, p-plus no one was really trusting of me then!"

"Root, I mean this as respectfully as possible, but you're disabled." Sage frowns, holding up her hands. "You are not capable of living alone, much less in an alleyway. Regular human adults can barely accomplish that."

"I.. I know that." Root sighs, looking down. "But it's fine, really! I mean.. I've got three dishwashers now and.." She shudders, feeling a sudden coldness where her vision was more blurry. "She's.. glaring at me.. isn't she?"

"Her and dad." Lil Coding informs her.

Root feels hands grip she shoulders, and she's turned to look at Lily, who is glaring at her with cold fury. In the background, she can see SMG4 bearing a similar look.

"You are going to have a room here." Lily speaks, voice so calm it makes Root shiver. "And you are not going to argue about it. Got it?"

"G-Got it!" Root squeaks out, nodding.

"Sweet!" Lily cheers, pulling away and looking back at her dad. "So, which room can she get? Maybe one on the bottom floor?"

Root let out another squeak before falling onto her back on the floor.

"She's dead." Lil Coding deadpans.

"NOOOOOOO-"

[runicmagitek]

Hi there Runic!

I was wondering your opinion on using Scrivner to draft fics vs using Word? Like pros and cons? (Some of the articles online are so confusing! >//<‘)

Thanks so much for the ask, anon! And also thanks for your patience; I wanted to give this some thought, hence the wait.

I primarily use Scrivener and have been using it for a little over a decade. I also use Word during the final phase of edits. I'll list some of my favorite features of each one, followed by the cons.

Scrivener

Organizing a story in Scrivener is where it shines the most. For a longer story, you can break things down by chapter and easily move them around as needed. For me, I use a single file for all my fics and breakdown folders by fandom, then by ships. The use of status markers and labels and custom meta-data, while initially daunting, are also super great to flag what state your draft is in along with any other indicators you wish to use. For me, I like marking if fics are for an exchange or a gift for a friend. I've even customized the meta-data so I can plug in potential tags and ratings as I go!

Snapshots is a neat function that makes a copy of your current file. I use it with each new phase of editing, in case I need to refer to an older version. It's super easy to switch back and forth between snapshots, plus there's a preview to show what has been removed or added from the last version!

There are a ton of compiling options for when you wish to export your story as a Word doc or a PDF or even for epublishing. I don't use this too often, but I have lots of friends who do and it makes proper formatting really simple.

There is a focus mode that removes all the UI stuff and just shows you the words. If this didn't exist, I wouldn't be able to write anything lolsob.

You can set target goals for each document or even the entire file. And if you have multiple documents in a single folder with word count targets applied, Scrivener will add them all up and give you a total target estimate. Really handy for planning out how long your story will be!

THERE IS A DARK MODE THEME.

Word

The grammar/spelling checker is a lot more robust in comparison to Scrivener.

Sharing your Word document and sharing notes/comments with beta readers is a LOT easier in Word. It's similar to how Google Docs works with leaving comments, replying to each other, and marking them as resolved.

Copy-pasting from Word into AO3's rich text preserves the formatting, whereas I've had a lot of wonky issues going from Scrivener to AO3.

Text-to-speech, while kinda weird, is a godsend when I want to read out loud a fic before posting, but don't have the energy to do so.

If you have Word, you likely have a Microsoft subscription, which means you have access to OneDrive, which makes for VERY easy backups. Plus you can get Word on your phone and work off that and your computer seamlessly at no extra cost.

THERE IS ALSO A DARK MODE.

Hokay, now for cons.

Scrivener

Scrivener is not free. It is a one-time fee of $60~. That said, if you participate in NaNo and win, you can get a discount code (I believe it's 50% off?)

It was originally made for Macs, but then a Windows version was developed. The team behind Scrivener is very small and it took… forever to get the Windows version up to speed with the Mac version. There are still some differences between the two, but thankfully both versions are on the same page. Jumping off of this, there is an iOS version, but no Android version.

If you wish to back up your Scrivener stuff, you can only really do that via a Dropbox account. Also, I believe it's not possible to open the same file on different computer types. So if you have two computers (one Mac and one Windows) and want to open the same file on both, it's not really going to work. In my experience, I've also run into issues getting things to sync and open when using two Windows computers. So if you're planning to bounce around different computers/laptops/etc., definitely keep this in mind.

On top of that, for every device you want Scrivener on? You need to pay for that.

Scrivener has got one hell of a learning curve, too. I've been using it for so long and am STILL discovering new ways to use it. It can be intimidating, even after you go through all the tutorials.

Word

This also costs money, but sadly is not a one-time fee AND you need to invest in a bundle plan instead of just getting Word. Home subscriptions range from $70 to $100 a year, depending if you're getting it just for yourself or for your family/friends to use too. For me, I use it with my boyfriend and we use all the programs a bunch, so it works out well for us. This might work for you too if you're interested in having access to things like Excel and OneNote and cloud storage. But if you just want Word, that's not really feasible.

I haven't experienced this because I've stopped writing novel-length stories in Word, but I've heard from friends that the program slows down after 30k words or so, which is unfortunate and frustrating.

Furthermore, you can't really transition from file to file in Word as you can in Scrivener. You'd need to manage the folders on your computer outside of the program.

Word isn't really designed for book formatting. You CAN do it, but it takes some extra work on your end to format things accordingly, whereas Scrivener has a bunch of built-in features to help with that.

Microsoft is A LOT bigger than the Scrivener team, thus there are frequent updates. And because of that, you need to perform more updates to the program and might even need to reacquaint yourself with features and UI changes.

I hope this helps! Regardless of which program you wish to use, I hope it goes smoothly and you have a blast writing your stories on it!

[serankpro]

How to Update PHP in WordPress: A Complete Guide for a Faster, More Secure Site Updating PHP in WordPress may not sound like that newsworthy topic, but absolutely must be done. PHP is a language that runs your WordPress site: older versions can slow you down while keeping security vulnerabilities open and create incompatibilities with other plugins and themes. This guide will cover everything you need to consider when working on PHP in WordPress from start to finish in a safe and effective way.

What is PHP, and Why Should One Update It? Let's first look at some basics before moving to the steps:

PHP is a programming language through which WordPress is built. All those themes, plugins, and core files, basically, run on PHP.

By virtue of being newly released, PHP versions are better and are fast and supported.

Time and again, an outdated PHP leads to slow load times, errors on your site, and the like: security vulnerabilities. Updating PHP doesn't update your tangible WordPress content; it just upgrades the software that makes it all work more efficiently. Check Your Current PHP Version First thing first, make sure you identify which PHP version your site is running currently. How to check:

Through WordPress Dashboard: From WordPress, go to the admin panel, Tools > Site Health > Info, and under the Server section, you will see your PHP version.

Via Hosting Control Panel: Most hosting providers usually display their version of PHP directly in their dashboard (cPanel, Plesk, or other custom panels). Why Updating PHP Is Vital for Your WordPress Site Still wondering why you should care? Here is what updating PHP will do for you: Better Performance:

Newer versions of PHP, such as PHP 8.2 onwards, are considerably faster. What this means is fastidious speed in loading your pages, better SEO, and happier visitors. Improved Security: Each new release fixes security holes found in older versions. Therefore, if one is running an old version, he is basically leaving his site open to known exploits. Plugin and Theme Compatibility: Since many plugin and theme developers support only the newer versions of PHP, by not upgrading, you may find some features aren't working properly. Future-Proofing: In the best experience possible, WordPress recommends using the most recent PHP version supported by your hosting provider. Back Up Your Site Before doing anything, make sure to back up your website. Sometimes, updating PHP can cause incompatibility issues with older plugins or themes, so it is wise to have a full backup so you can restore your site just in case. How to Back Up:

Do a backup using a plugin like UpdraftPlus or Duplicator, for both your files and the database.

Or, check your host service for backup options-Most hosts offer daily backups you can restore from. Test PHP Compatibility You now need to check for compatibility between your current setup—plugins, theme, custom codes—and the newer PHP version. Tools for Testing:

PHP Compatibility Checker: Plugins capacity like "PHP Compatibility Checker" from WP Engine scan your site for all potential issues really going to arise prior to your update of php.

Staging Environment: If your host does provide a staging environment, give the site a try with the new PHP version in that environment. Update PHP Version via Hosting Panel

Now, the main event: updating PHP itself. How you do this update depends on your hosting provider, but most will follow a similar process. For cPanel Users:

Log in to your cPanel dashboard.

Look for "Select PHP Version" or "MultiPHP Manager".

Select a domain you want to update.

Choose the latest PHP version available (say, PHP 8.2).

Save or apply the change. For Managed WordPress Websites: Managed hosts such as Kinsta, WP Engine, SiteGround, or Bluehost typically offer a PHP update option with a single click in their hosting dashboard. Please, refer to your hosting documentation for more information. Test Your Website Thoroughly After completing a PHP update, go ahead and check your website thoroughly:

Frontend Pages: See that everything looks as intended and loads fine.

Admin Dashboard: Go through menus, publish a post, update plugins, etc., with the system, and watch out for any errors.

Contact forms, eCommerce pages, and more: Check if vital functions still work correctly. If anything appears wrong, do not worry! Most errors after updating PHP usually arise because of outdated plugins or themes. Fixing Common Problems Here are a few simple steps in case you find yourself with a problem: White Screen of Death/500 Error:

Revert from a backup, or downgrade your PHP from the hosting panel.

Find out which plugin/theme is causing the conflict. Plugin or Theme Issues:

Ensure all plugins and themes are up-to-date.

If issues remain, then replace outdated plugins with counterparts that are currently being maintained. Keywords for Smooth PHP Update Update Everything First: Before you go on upgrading from a version, it pays to have your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated. Use Staging: One big reason to test in a staging environment is to root out anything that might break before you push the changes to production. Reach Out to Your Host: There are times when you might not want to upgrade PHP yourself; many hosting providers will assist you with this. Reasons to Keep Your PHP Updated: By now, you realize that upgrading PHP is not simply a tick-box action but rather an enormous improvement of performance and security. Let's do a brief recap:

Speed: These are important criteria involving loading time and should result in the increasing of SEO ranking and user experience.

Security: Known security disclosures are patched so your site remains secure.

Compatibility: Ensures that your plugins and themes, If any, keep functioning well.

Peace of Mind: Having an up-to-date PHP version guarantees that your site is fundamentally sound. Take Charge of Your Site's Health! Upgrading PHP in WordPress is one of those things that might sound overly intimidating for some but is really one of the most simple changes with weighty impacts on the security and performance of your website. Ideally, performing compatibility testing on the codebase of your website, backing up the website, testing it, and updating through the hosting control panel are setting the website up for success in the long run.

This really is the ideal time. Back up the website, do the compatibility testing, and update our PHP. Would you ever get stuck or are unsure, please ask for support from the hosting provider support team! Ready to take your website to the next level? Partner with a trusted Digital Marketing Company in Chandigarh to boost your WordPress site’s reach and drive real results!