#len function in excel

[records-of-a-slacker]

So I was writing the AngstyTM part of my fic and Cale's Record is basically going complete bonkers during his fever and he's got all sorts of fun little whump-y symptoms (hallucination, coughing up blood, nosebleeds, throbbing headaches, etc., all that fun stuff) and while writing up symptoms, I remembered my photography class where they talked about Red Eye Effect and the thing about Cale's eyes being reddish-brown and thought. huh. maybe that could be a symptom for Record overuse.

According to google,

We know from the novel that Record functions by using his eyes (no duh but hold on) and eyes work by absorbing light (it's more complicated than that but biology really isn't my subject in this case). Since red eye effect roughly happens because your eyes are absorbing too much light, for example usually because you looked directly at the lens when flash was on, so they need to restrict the amount of light that goes in and reflect the rest, I figured the same could be applies to record. So when Kim Roksoo is overusing record and therefore probably absorbing too much light, a physical sign of his overuse would be shown through his eyes faintly glowing kinda red on the surface.

Someone smarter than me please elaborate or add on, but I just thought it's a very fun headcanon, especially during his team leader years. Because can you imagine Kim Roksoo, in addition to his scary aura, also has red fricking glowing eyes. Can you imagine being some mafia boss guild leader thing and then The Company comes for an inspection and he's looking around your desk and his eyes start glowing fricking red as he questions you. Can you imagine being some random employee, walking down the office because you're stuck doing overtime, and then there's just this guy sitting in the dark in front of a screen on excel or something and he turns around ans his eyes are glowing. Red. at 3 AM.

I imagine because of this he'd get tons of more fun nicknames, but I bet with the Soos and his old team they're like "hey the demon's been summoned again" and someone just comes in and drags Kim Roksoo away from whatever he's doing and forces him to take a nap and shut his eyes. "Kim Roksoo did you stay up late reading fantasy novels again." Kim Roksoo, with glowing red eyes like a demon king pouring hot water into the whole box of coffee beans instead of his mug. "No."

I honestly bet Choi Jungsoo just thinks it's kinda cool. And when he transmigrates as Cale we know he doesn't use Record as often, he started really using it at the directory. So can you imagine Alberu Crossman, Sun of the Roan kingdom, opening a zoom call from resident island-exploder and not only has he unbuttoned his whole shirt his eyes are glowing red.

Alberu: I knew you were the devil but what the hell

Cale, drowning himself in cold water: What are you talking about

And if you're his enemy? Locked up in a little dungeon when young master silver shield strides in, looks at you with the scariest expression imaginable, and his eye start glowing red as he lists every crime you've ever done and hand that vicious 30-year-old looking guy beside him a knife and now you're wondering if you really ended up in hell and the person in front of you is the devil himself incarnated by the gods. Little did you know even the gods are freaked out by this delusional little guy.

[ddarker-dreams]

mini love report — scaramouche

relationship health diagnosis — 50%*

symptom one — deeply insecure

for all his bravado, scaramouche is acutely aware that he's unpleasant to be around. he'd ask if you hit your head recently after hearing your confession. initially, he regarded you with suspicion (and loathing, that's what this churning in his stomach has to be). his beauty has been praised for centuries. traditionally, when his admirers draw closer, they're put off by his brutal honesty. he subjected you to the same treatment. instead of running for the hills like you probably should've, you stuck around. he compared you to a 'cockroach infestation.' very charming.

beneath this veneer of vitriol, he's internally panicking. he's irritable when you're around and wretched when you aren't. his underlings don't know which is worse. he was at a loss when he realized you genuinely weren't bumbling back into his life for his appearance or status. seriously, what is wrong with you? it'd be easier to understand if you had some grand ambition in mind, using him as a means to an end. without this excuse to hide behind, he feels... vulnerable. uncomfortably so.

everything he gets attached to is taken from him. he's forgotten, abandoned, discarded when his worth is found lacking. you could find someone else. someone kind, open, and warm. someone who isn't him. it's terrifying, a thought that makes his skin writhe. especially since, should this premonition come to pass, even he doesn't know what havoc he'd wreak...

symptom two — clingy

once scaramouche likes you, you're his person. not even in a strictly possessive sense (although there's plenty of that), but you're essentially all he's got. he's around more often than he isn't. he insists that without him, your 'stupidity would do you in,' so he considers his hovering a 'necessary evil.' this is for your sake! strictly yours. not his, no, whatever gave you that idea? a bit presumptuous, don't you think?

his habit of acting as your second shadow relates to his aforementioned insecurity. whether he realizes it or not, he's always trying to prove his worth to you. tasks you mentioned dreading will find themselves completed, he'll drag you outdoors if you've been overworking yourself, and he silently sits freshly cooked meals beside you. he once cut vegetables into heart shapes, only to feel so embarrassed, that he diced them into a dusty substance.

symptom three — unconditionally supportive

so long as it doesn't take you away from him, he'll help you accomplish anything you want, good or bad. this is what could come to him most naturally. he loves the thought of you relying on him. it makes him feel wanted, like he's fulfilling a role no one else could in your life. it doesn't have to be material items either. if you're struggling with an issue and come to him for advice, he's noticeably pleased, like a cat that got the cream. you sought him out, you value his input.

he excels at putting together plans and breaking them into doable steps. next-level executive function. you might not want to consult him if you've gotten into a disagreement with a friend, but if you're struggling to know where to get started on a project or goal, he's got you covered. he'll wave off any of your doubt, flicking you on the forehead and grumbling that 'it's doable, just leave it to him.'

primary area of concern

scaramouche views the world from a bitter lens. whereas some try to see the best in others, he sees the worst. this skepticism that's built up over centuries isn't going to disappear overnight. he'll make assumptions about your behavior that aren't necessarily true. he won't come outright and tell you his concerns either, the idea is foreign to him. it ends up falling on you to dispel his misconceptions, which can be an exhausting endeavor.

integrating him into your life proves to be a challenge as well. he can fake a sweet, friendly personality, but he'd only do that for interactions he sees value in. namely, leaving a good impression on your parents/any seniority figure whose approval is meaningful to you. he isn't trying to build a real connection, he just knows it'd be advantageous to win over those who you could you against him. he has no qualms about manipulating them either. he'd do this outside of your purview so you remain none the wiser.

prognosis

it isn't a smooth road. there'll be times where his words cut deep and his involvement in your life feels suffocating. he isn't sure what he's doing and it shows. however, when he extinguishes the light in your eyes, he stills his traitorous tongue. the guilt gnaws at him incessantly. it's a self-fulfilling prophecy on his part — by fearing that he can't make you happy, he's more susceptible to doing just that. should you stick around, this loop isn't destined to repeat forever. his trust in you will build. it's a fragile thing, sown in soil unconducive to growth. be tender in your nourishment and the roots will coil themselves around you.

*the universe has tried (and failed) to wrench you apart (0-20) your friends are praying that you'll break up (21-40) 'well it could/has be worse' bargaining mindset (41-60) a lil messiness as a treat (61-80) pure and wholesome (81-100)

[dangermousie]

Honestly, being a period woman SUCKED! Because Manman has a good marriage by arranged period marriage standards; even an excellent one. But Noseless is back stirring trouble and lying about Qiaos doing stuff (and faking evidence) and Manman cannot storm in there and demand her husband invite her cousin like he planned to before this mess or even ask point blank wtf is going on. Nope.

Like having to scheme for a good time because husband might be angry and she cannot demand from ruler or husband in that hierarchy, just manipulate (not even in a bad way.) Thank you for the modern era.

The thing is, WS is being perfectly lovely - he doesn't blame her for anything (huge progress!), he's not even screaming "your fam!" (he sounds more disappointed than angry) but like - she cannot invite her cousin and cousin-in-law without his permission and he's fully within his rights and not even being unreasonable in that world and yet my mind breaks trying to imagine that sort of situation in any functional modern marriage. THANK YOU PROGRESS.

This is an interesting question but an even more interesting answer because it's quite qualified, isn't it? "right now" is quite different from "always."

She is saying this 10% because she's a decent person and 90% because she knows this is a way to maintain the balance/appease the situation.

I am so angry on her behalf and Da Qiao's behalf and Bi Zhi's behalf. I get why WS is acting the way he is and he's not even unreasonable but I still want to smack the shit out of him because I like him, but I watch this whole thing through Xiao Qiao's lens.

No she can't. She's not an orphan you picked from the dumpster - in fact the marriage IS because of her family.

Yup, that ain't the face of the woman who is gonna ditch her fam, sorry.

[beansprean]

colin robinson: truly the windows update of men <3

My Familiar’s Ghost part 75

Masterpost

See the latest pages on Patreon!

(ID in alt and under cut)

ID: 1a. Close up on a small projector with light beaming out of its lens. 1b. Waist up of Colin standing in front of the fireplace in the fancy room, holding his laptop in one hand and gesturing behind him with the other, where a vinyl screen has been lowered. A color coded excel sheet with a list of vampires on the y axis and known familiars on the x axis is being projected on it. Each name is highlighted either red, green, or gray. Colin grins and says, 'For everyone's convenience, I've made a handy-dandy excel sheet cross-referencing known familiars with their current or former vampire masters. I would like to highlight the vampires G-man here killed in his recent rampage; no doubt they left some familiars out of work, haha!' 1c. Close up on the excel sheet as an error pops up that says 'this value doesn't match the data validation restrictions defined for this cell'. Offscreen, Colin continues: 'As you can see here, I-oh, darn. Hang on, I think I'm on the wrong cell. 1d. Repeat. Another error pops up over top of the original that says 'there's a problem with this formula'. Colin says, 'Whoopsie! Didn't mean to hit that, haha! Butterfingers over here!' 1e. Repeat. Another popup with the original error appears on top. On top of that, an error that says 'runtime error 7: out of memory'. On top of that, an error that says 'not enough resources to display correctly'. Colin mutters to himself offscreen: 'Let me see, uh...tab...function...nope. Control plus...s? Oh, I think I took a screen shot. Gotta remember that one, heh!' 1f. Repeat. Another error appears on top saying 'microsoft excel has stopped working. hang on while windows reports the problem to microsoft' with a loading bar. Colin says, 'Oh, dag nabbit. Excel, who approved this vacation time?'

2a. Close up on Laszlo slumped in the loveseat, head propped up on a fist with half-closed eyes blearily focusing on the screen. Behind him, Nadja is holding Dolly's body over her head like earmuffs to block the sound of Colin's voice, her mouth open in a frustrated groan. Dolly has her palms over her own ears. Offscreen, Colin chuckles in delight and says 'Don't worry, I can get her going again. Let me try to reset...' 2b. Close up of Guillermo leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, eyes closed as he nods off. 2c. Close up on Nandor leaning back in his chair, eyes closed and mouth slack as he resists sleep. Colin continues offscreen: 'Ope. That was restart. Oh, uh... 'configuring windows updates'... Well, hopefully that won't take too long. 2d. Reverse shot, wide, of Colin standing by the projector screen as Nandor suddenly sits straight up in the foreground, eyes squeezed shut and face turned away from Colin toward the viewer. He whips his left arm out toward the projector screen and shouts 'Enough!' The screen bursts into flame, startling Colin who had been tapping fruitlessly at his laptop. /end ID

[centrally-unplanned]

Okay, finished Andor - not gonna lie, it wasn't great? Season 2 was weaker than Season 1 I'd say. It was not bad at all to be clear, it is solidly "good" - I am very hype-biased here, responding to the very high praise I saw from most circles. On to the deets:

--- The strategy gaps in the world-building became much more apparent this season as more of the plot rested on larger scale shifts in the dynamic of the rebellion that were increasingly unexplained. At one point mid-season the crew is now living on Yavin after a time skip, and they are mentioning that they are "finally building a real army". Since when? Why? How? How did the preceding efforts of the rebellion lead to that? Why was building a real army ~3 years ago impossible? This is ostensibly the story of the early rebellion, but after Aldhani the rebellion is a bunch of one-off missions, often meeting failure, that simply seems to "work" anyway.

Note that this is thematically relevant because our characters are making huge life decisions based on the value of their sacrifice to said rebellion. The show keeps telling me Cassian is special, sometimes quite literally with some force destiny stuff. But I can't say that what I see on screen makes that true - he doesn't accomplish very much in Season 2 that seems important because (in part) nothing has context for importance.

--- Along the same vein, the ending arc has a big fight from the senior rebel leadership about how everyone hates Luthen and doesn't trust him, how he was ruinous, paranoid, etc. And while I can't say that is false from a personal lens, I have no clue why the people individually saying that would believe it. We never ever see Luthen steer the Rebellion wrong, let his paranoia ruin a good opportunity, etc. He is callous and ruthless, sure, but absolutely not a purveyor of bad intelligence. Did I miss an episode? Authentically, it felt like I did. The last time Bail Organa & Luthen "interacted" it was Luthen correctly calling out that one of Bail's squad was a traitor who was gonna murder Mon Mothma! What are you talking about, man? This whole fight was drama-for-the-sake-of-drama, very stupid.

--- Another related point, I think a lot of main characters just have a lack of agency because the Rebellion is accomplishing so little. Particularly the aforementioned "Cassian Destiny" thing - that is 100% banking on events in Rouge One, he just doesn't accomplish that much here and it comes off as cheesy. Mon Mothma has this too - does her big speech do anything? Not that we see on screen, and at Yavin she does no real leading.

--- The "Rogue One" issue is I do suppose inevitable in a prequel - all of this film is building not to a finale, but a "rising arc" that culminates in Rogue One. That is an issue because A: Rogue One is very, very mid as a film, and B: the main character of Rogue One is Jyn Erso who does not appear in this show! It is an awkward bridge.

--- Was Ghorman destroyed? It seemed like it was gonna be destroyed. They never told me!

--- I don't wanna be a full hater though - the Ghorman Massacre episode was excellent, for example. They definitely know how to set up scenes that balance resistance with futility. And I really liked the set-up concept of their naïveté being exploited by the Empire for false flag operations. Ironically, the Empire has a lot more agency and so they are somewhat more engaging to watch - they want to build a Death Star, their members want to climb the hierarchy or in Dedra's case have a vendetta against Luthen, etc. So we get to see the mechanics of how the empire functions repeatedly - how it controls information, how it overrides local authorities, how its elite jockey for influence, etc.

--- I like Nemik's manifesto and using it as the backdrop for Partagaz's suicide. It is ofc "standard" rhetoric, but authoritarian power is weak because it is unnatural, that is true! Partagaz's knows it, he always has, it is his entire character! Sometimes you line shit up right, 10/10 moment.

--- Kleya best girl, I very much enjoyed the "pivot" at the end from Luthen to her as an arc choice - a simple trick but making the stoics break under the weight of things works really well to emphasize the stakes.

I do appreciate that the primary focus of the show is the characters, it isn't about them "being heroes" per se, I wouldn't change that. They don't have to be in the driver's seat. But someone I think had to be to make the events cohere into a true story. Still a solid show, would recommend; I do wish this was more of a comeback for the beleaguered Star Wars franchise though. I can't be too mad for people finally getting a B-tier show after years of lesser output and hyping it to A-tier out of relief.

[right-there-ride-on]

Sbr is only mildly morally ambiguous and that’s okay

okay so the title is misleading 🫣 this is just a short examination of Johnny v Valentine (and Johnny & Valentine) with a little analysis of the confrontation.

for me valentine’s defining character trait isn’t his patriotism but that’s he’s a massive fucking liar. excellent writing for a politician. the only promise he ever kept was the one he made to lucy not to harm steven. and even then valentine is also super vindictive, so even though he didn’t kill him he made sure to torture him a little. Valentine is not at all the magnanimous man he presents himself to be and the constant discrepancy between his words and his actions proves that. when he’s trying to trick johnny into ending the rotation he hits all correct appeals but johnny knows in his gut that this man is a liar.

sometimes ppl act like sbr proposes a huge moral quandary about valentine’s intentions and whether he was the one “walking the righteous path” all along. but there’s really not. that’s Johnny’s internal battle. Since nick’s death johnny believed himself to be a curse / burden / bad person, but through the race he undergoes several trials that end in self-improvement and learning to have grace with himself. by the end of the narrative Johnny has evolved into someone who does have the strength of character and integrity necessary to judge the actions of someone else, whether he believes it or not, and regardless of whether he feels the right to. So yes, johnny was right to kill valentine. there’s no ifs or buts about it. the true brutality and cruelty of Valentine’s ideal world was very clearly portrayed in the way D4C Love Train functions. the corpse appeared to ‘choose’ Valentine by granting him Love Train, but at the same time it was also healing Johnny. if we look at the corpse through the lens of it primarily being a tool used to achieve the collector’s desires, we see that it empowered both Valentine and Johnny and indirectly or not set them on a collision course with each other. Perhaps there was a question of who was ‘righteous’ for the corpse itself, but the narrative itself tells us over and over again that it’s Johnny.

look at it this way. Johnny, who for most of his life believed he was spiritually and later physically damaged beyond hope, was empowered through the corpse and ended the narrative with a new chance at life. Valentine, who desired a world where not just America would prosper, but where he would be the head of said prospering state, and embody the power behind it, was granted the ability to achieve that world. Yet during their confrontation, the callous cruelty and negative consequences of Valentine’s vision is made apparent over and over again. First with Lucy, then with the innocents killed ‘somewhere else’, and lastly with Gyro and Johnny. Valentine’s actions always betray the truth of his intentions; once he proposed the deal, should Johnny have accepted, he intended to backstab Johnny and kill him the moment he got what he wanted. If he had truly been the ‘righteous one’, he would have kept his word and left Johnny alone once the rotation was reversed. But leaving Johnny alive would have meant he was no longer the most powerful man in the room, and that idea is something Valentine can’t stand.

Valentine is not a good person with good intentions. He claims to care about America, yet throughout the story discards his men and citizens like bugs (consider the train engineer). His actions continually demonstrate the reality: Valentine is power-hungry, petty, vindictive, ruthless, and above all else, a manipulative liar.

Valentine’s patriotism is the motivation behind his actions, but his brutality and deceptiveness defines those actions and is evident in everything he does. The implicit reason Alt!Diego failed was because he believed Valentine. By the end of the story there shouldn’t be a question on whether Valentine or Johnny was in the right. Valentine was the villain and he needed to be defeated. His ‘righteous’ world was, unequivocally, wrong.

[the-far-bright-center]

Re: Obitine and Anidala

I originally wrote this in response to @marvelstars' excellent post on the subject, but I wanted to share it again because it's one of many topics in which I have a differing view from the prevailing fandom perspective.

Above all, it truly drives me nuts how the fandom pits these two relationships against each other. I'm a die-hard Anidala shipper and when I first watched TCW, I was DELIGHTED by the Obitine ship. I saw nothing about it that made me think it was supposed to be viewed as somehow 'better' or more 'ideal' than Anidala. I only ever saw it as a relationship that was more suited to Obi-Wan's character and personality. Not to mention that Padme and Satine are presented as friends who get along well and go on adventures together to right political wrongs, much in the same vein that Anakin and Obi-Wan go on their many military exploits together. The story sets them up as two couples who, in an a more ideal timeline, would be besties who go on double dates together. In my opinion, fandom's insistence on viewing them through the lens of 'which one is a 'morally better couple' is completely missing the point. Personally, I see them as two sides of the same coin.

Since @marvelstars' post was specifically about these two couples as they relate to the idea of commitment to the Jedi Order, I also focused on that angle. Imo, the way Obitine's relationship panned out made sense for their characters and context. Just like Anidala's makes sense for theirs. Obi-Wan and Satine met each other as young adults and had a whole year 'on the run' together before having to say their farewells, whereas Anakin and Padme first meet as children, then re-meet and fall in love over a short span of time, and then suddenly their world is at war and they are facing imminent, possibly indefinite, separation. That's why they marry while still remaining in their respective Jedi and Senator roles, because they feel it might be their only chance to have anything resembling the family they both long for. They understand that they might not survive the war. Whereas Obi-Wan and Satine had first met when Satine's world was already enmeshed in civil war, and then they parted once peace was reestablished and their lives were no longer in immediate danger. And when they meet again during the Clone Wars, it's a wholly different scenario and things have drastically changed (she is the head of a neutral system, he is already established as a general in a war she is opposed to). They are also older, in their 30s, while Anakin and Padme embody the headstrong impetuosity and passion of young love. So it's not as though Obi-Wan and Satine are going to drop everything and enter a committed relationship/marriage in that context in the same way Anakin and Padme do in theirs (when, notably, Anakin is still a padawan and about to be sent to the frontlines to fight in a war for the first time).

As mentioned above, when I was watching TCW I never thought that the purpose of showing both of these relationships in contrasting-parallel to one another was somehow to demonstrate that one was more 'sacrificial' for remaining in the Order and giving up the relationship while the other was more 'selfish' for trying to have both at the same time. Rather, what I feel the story is actually saying is something completely different. It's important to remember that both of these relationships involve a Jedi and the political leader to whom he had originally been assigned as a bodyguard. What is the significance of that? Well, I would argue it's more than just a romantic trope. When I watch Lucas-era Star Wars, I'm always aware that the characters have both an immediate role in-story as well as a symbolic function. Satine, a pacifist, can be seen to represent Peace. Padme, as a Senator, stands for Justice and the rights of the people. And what is it that Obi-Wan says to Luke all those years later? That the Jedi were 'the guardians of Peace and Justice in the old Republic'. This strikes me as hugely significant. Especially if we understand that the Jedi Order had lost its way as of the Prequels-era. While the fandom focuses on which couple is 'better' because of how their relationship affects each Jedi's respective commitment to the Order, I see it from a completely different angle. My understanding is that the Jedi's TRUE purpose (in relation to their role within the Republic) was actually to dedicate their lives to protecting Peace and Justice and those who truly upheld these ideals in the galaxy. Obi-Wan and Anakin's actual callings in life should have been to protect Satine and Padme, whom they loved. Whether this manifested in a more chivalric, courtly love scenario or an outright marriage is immaterial. Rather, what matters is that being a Jedi and dedicating their lives to these women due to their love for them was not incompatible with their role as protectors and defenders of the galaxy, but was in fact the truest expression of it. The so-called 'commitment' to the Order itself was never truly the point, and that's the tragedy of the Prequels-era. Because it was the Order that had by this point forbidden love and family, and which had embroiled Obi-Wan and Anakin and the rest of the Jedi in a war that went against their own principles. A war that, it could be argued, ultimately lead to the deaths of both Satine and Padme, and with them Peace and Justice—the very values that the Jedi were supposed to protect and serve.

[whencyclopedia]

Dolia: The Containers That Made Rome an Empire of Wine

The ancient Roman love for wine is well-known, but how was all that wine stored? In “Dolia,” Caroline Cheung puts dolia, the largest ceramic storage vessel made in the ancient world and capable of holding a thousand liters of wine, at the center of the ancient Roman wine trade for the first time. Best suited for scholars and students, this book explores the lifespan of dolia and the people who made, used, and paid for these massive vessels through a range of archaeological and literary evidence.

Caroline Cheung, an assistant professor of Classics at Princeton University, seeks to fill a rather large gap in the scholarship of the ancient Roman wine trade by centering the storage vessels themselves, the dolia (sing. dolium). Historically, these supermassive ceramic vessels, capable of holding well over a thousand liters each, have been understudied and overlooked. Combining various archaeological and literary evidence, Cheung argues that dolia formed the backbone for the Roman wine trade and that their development was the key factor in satisfying the Roman thirst for wine from the 2nd century BCE to the 2nd century CE. She pays particular attention to the many people involved in every step of the dolia industry and how dolia can function as a lens into the intersections of wealth, social mobility, and labor. The book focuses on three case-study sites in west-central Italy: Cosa, Pompeii, and Rome with its port Ostia.

Cheung organizes her book thematically to draw out each step in the life of a dolium. After the introduction, Chapter Two traces the development of the dolia industry from the 2nd century BCE to the height of the Roman Empire. Chapters Three to Six detail the various uses of dolia on farms and villas, as part of a complex trade system in the Mediterranean, and cities. Chapters Seven and Eight then turn to how dolia were maintained, repaired, and eventually reused and abandoned. Cheung concludes in Chapter Nine with reflections on studying dolia and their legacy today.

Cheung does a masterful job of marshaling a truly staggering amount of archaeological and literary evidence to make this book possible. From the largest dolium-tanker shipwrecks to the smallest epigraphic stamps and tax records, Cheung excels at drawing out the particular importance of each piece of evidence. Some of the most interesting moments in the book are when she slows down to focus on a specific site or detail amidst the wealth of information she provides, such as in Chapter Four, when she draws out the story of the Sestius and Piranus families as examples of how wealthy families could take advantage of different stages in a dolia-based wine trade to accrue wealth and influence. A slate of images and figures also complements her prose well, including full-color plates of many images in the book.

At times, however, Cheung seems to struggle with her two competing priorities of exploring the life of a dolium from production to abandonment and examining the ramifications of dolia on the Roman wine trade and Roman imperialism more broadly. Her prose sometimes switches quite abruptly between the two, leaving the reader to try to pull together disparate threads of the narrative. In focusing mainly on west-central Italy, with only a brief foray into southern France and Spain, Cheung’s narrative can feel quite restricted, leaving out as it does the rest of the Mediterranean world, let alone the rest of the Roman Empire. Some discussion of what we do know about dolia outside of the book's case study areas would have been worthwhile to help provide a fuller picture of the role of dolia across the Mediterranean. As the first step in synthesizing much of this material, this book is a very needed addition in illuminating the crucial role dolia played in the Roman wine trade.

Cheung is one of the few scholars working on dolia currently, and perhaps the only one synthesizing the material on such a broad level, and her mastery of the material shows in this book. In centering dolia in the narrative of the Roman wine trade, Cheung takes a completely different tact to previous studies of this topic with great results. She argues persuasively why dolia deserve to be seen front and center in future scholarship. This book demonstrates the value of studying the logistics of the Roman wine trade just as much as the Romans’ love of wine itself.

Continue reading...

[starsisstars]

☆ My Top 10 Game Scenes: Honorable Mentions ☆

A little bonus round so I can finish the list tonight!

Navigation: ☆ Intro ☆ 10 ☆ 9 ☆ 8 ☆ 7 ☆ 6 ☆ 5 ☆ 4 ☆ 3 ☆ 2 ☆ HMs ☆ 1 Spoilers For: Please Be Happy, The World Ends With You, Final Fantasy 7, Final Fantasy 7 Remake (Part 1), In Stars and Time Content Warnings: Death and mortality

Honorable Mentions

I have a few different items that didn't make the list that I still felt like including here! These aren't in any particular order aside from matching the order in the collage above.

Juliet at Cosette's Grave (Please Be Happy): A very raw emotional scene that stands out in an otherwise pretty cozy game. I've seen lots of immortal angst, but personally have yet to see it through the lens of a parent watching their child grow old. While mainly here just because the scene is a very good cry, it does also do an excellent job of explaining a lot of the issues Juliet has when you explore them later in her route.

Joshua's Composer Reveal (TWEWY): I like the final showdown between Neku and Joshua in general, but specifically the reveal of Joshua as composer always stands out to me as one of the only plot twists in media that really really got me, haha. I was so convinced this mfer was the Composer until he "died," so getting narratively juked by this will always stand out in my brain.

Sector 7 Plate Aftermath OR Honeybee Inn (FF7R): I'll be real with you. Honeybee Inn might have made this list if not for the fact I would have felt so guilty putting in that scene when the same game has such an emotional sequence after the plate collapse. I just really like seeing that edgelord humiliated, okay?! Is that so wrong?! I was absolutely hysterical watching it for the first time and laughed so hard when I played it proper I had to reload a save for the sake of my perfect combo in the minigame. Anyways, as for the sector plate fall I love Barret (my favorite when playing the original back in the day, possibly still now) so his reaction searching for Marlene in the remake makes me feel things. He's such a good dad... Generally while I'm not sure about how I feel about the plot changes in the remake it does the emotional scenes and dialogue (funny or serious) quite well.

Suspicious Quest Finale (In Stars and Time): Definitely the closest item to making my list, and the lack of ISAT here is probably a shock to anyone who knows me. That said, I tend to enjoy ISAT more as a whole than finding any particular scene exceptionally better than the rest. The final hug, boss fight, and ending as well as the SAY IT sequence are all quite good contenders but I think if any scene tends to crop up in my brain the most from ISAT it would actually be the ending of the sus quest. For such an emotionally repressed character, it feels like a great reward for a quest that requires a good deal of effort to let him have ONE moment of actual self-reflection as he wonders why they don't want Odile's help. It really says a lot about both Odile and Siffrin's characters and is perhaps one of the most telling moments in the entire game about what Siffrin's thought processes are like and how their repression actually functions; he not only doesn't voice his opinions but also refuses to let them in at all. They truly haven't realized their wish in this scene but still in their gut hate themself for it.

[science-lover33]

Exploring the Intricacies of the Respiratory System 🫁💨

Welcome to my Tumblr blog, where we embark on an exciting journey through the intricate world of human anatomy and physiology. Today, we're focusing our lens on the respiratory system – a wondrous network of organs and tissues that orchestrates the exchange of gases essential for our survival. So, fasten your seatbelts as we venture into the fascinating realm of respiration!

Anatomy of the Respiratory System: A Symphony of Structures

At its core, the respiratory system consists of a highly organized ensemble of organs and structures working together seamlessly. This symphony of components includes the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and, of course, the lungs. Each of these elements has a crucial role to play in the intricate process of breathing, ensuring our bodies receive a constant supply of life-sustaining oxygen while effectively eliminating carbon dioxide.

The Alveoli: Tiny Powerhouses of Gas Exchange

Now, let's zoom in on the alveoli, the star players in the respiratory system's performance. These microscopic air sacs, nestled deep within the lungs, are where the real magic happens. Through the process of diffusion, oxygen from inhaled air enters the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, is expelled from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. It's here, at this cellular level, that the respiratory system's vital exchange takes place.

Breathing Mechanics: The Art of Inhalation and Exhalation

But how does it all come together? Breathing, a seemingly simple act, is a complex process guided by the contraction and relaxation of specialized muscles, primarily the diaphragm and intercostal muscles. These muscular movements manipulate the volume of the thoracic cavity, creating changes in pressure that facilitate the flow of air in and out of the lungs. Understanding the mechanics of breathing is fundamental to comprehending various respiratory disorders and their potential treatments.

Regulation of Respiration: A Symphony Conducted by the Brain

The respiratory system doesn't operate in isolation; it's under the watchful eye of our central nervous system. The medulla and pons, two regions of the brainstem, serve as the conductors in this symphony of breath. They continuously monitor factors like blood pH, carbon dioxide levels, and oxygen levels, adjusting our breathing rate and depth to maintain the delicate balance required for optimal body function.

Recommended Resources to Dive Deeper:

Book: "Principles of Anatomy and Physiology" by Gerard J. Tortora and Bryan H. Derrickson - This comprehensive textbook provides an in-depth exploration of the respiratory system, complete with detailed illustrations and accessible explanations for all levels of learners.

Article: "The Physiology of Respiration" by Stephen A. Ernst and John R. Helliwell - Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, this scholarly article offers an authoritative look into the physiological mechanisms of respiration, making it a valuable reference for those seeking in-depth knowledge.

Book: "Respiratory Physiology: The Essentials" by John B. West - For a concise yet informative journey through the key concepts of respiratory physiology, this book is an excellent resource, perfect for those looking to grasp the essentials of the subject quickly.

I hope this extended entry has sparked your curiosity about the intricate workings of the respiratory system. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you'd like to explore another captivating topic in the realm of medicine and biology! 🌬📚

Here is my YouTube channel where you will find interesting videos, here is the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system

Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe

[onecooooooolcat]

on today's excel shenanigans we have set out to determine the longest consecutive number of days we've listened to a song. we found this neat formula on microsoft from someone who had a similar desire. i cant figure it out exactly as in why the diff functions are used but it works n i've modified it to count rows instead of columns bc thts how my data is

=MAX(FREQUENCY(IF($A2:$U2=1,COLUMN($A2:$U2)),IF($A2:$U2<>1,COLUMN($A2:$U2))))

that one finds the number of times the number repeats consecutively

=IFERROR((LEN(TEXTJOIN("",1,A2:U2))-LEN(SUBSTITUTE(TEXTJOIN("",1,A2:U2),REPT("1",W2),"")))/LEN(REPT("1",W2)),0)

and that ones finds how many reps of the consecutive sequence there are

[cr1mson5returns]

my fav version of tim drake is similar to the post of yours that made me follow you

my fav tim drake is that time he got an uncle to avoid adoption taken to the extreme. hes never been robin, not a bat, but he does follow them on patrol taking pics and occasionally intervening and they cant quite manage to stop him. hes dick grayson's nemesis because he no matter where he is, all he can think about is finally getting that kid to sit down and eat a proper meal and take a nap. jason comes back from the dead and tim has been deterring batman from violence with a squirt gun instead of a robin and jason almost hates him more for it. damian thinks he is an excellent operative, held in high esteem by his grandfather, and at first tim doesn't know what to make of that but then starts putting him to use for shenanigans. you get the idea

Oh, God, but Tim maintaining a professional relationship with Ra's al Ghul is everything I've ever desired? This weird old undead motherfucker is constantly bugging him about joining up and being his right-hand man and conquering the unruly world together and bringing peace and justice once and for all, blah blah blah, but Tim just isn't interested in that. Sounds like a lot of responsibility to have at his age, frankly. He's good just calling in the occasional favor and redirecting Batman's fury with the League of Assassins.

Also, like...I've officially started tagging these things "morally gray tim drake has my heart" because he does, y'all. He does! I do so very much enjoy the interpretation of Tim Drake as a morally gray character regardless of age (but especially in the Red Robin run) and I do think it's a valid way lens through which to see him.

The thing that makes Tim stand out to me is this undercurrent of tone to everything he does which implies that he views himself as inconsequential to the narrative. I might be in the minority here and that's fine(ish), but I've always thought about what would drive an emotionally abused and neglected 13-year-old child to try everything in his power to save his hero from killing himself and/or becoming public enemy #1. And maybe I'm projecting, but it always seems to come back to: "Well, I don't trust anyone else to be capable of doing it." He tried to talk to Dick, and Dick wouldn't take Robin back up, but Nightwing wasn't what Batman needed. And sure, they could've waffled about and tried to find someone else to be Robin. But Tim was right there and in the absence of anyone else he felt was qualified to do it, he just...did it.

Tim sees Batman (and Nightwing and Robin by extension) as being so incredibly significant to the overarching narrative. He knows that Batman doesn't really reduce crime, not in a city with local politics as corrupt as Gotham. He knows that it doesn't functionally matter if Batman gets this guy and not that guy, because it all shakes out the same. When there's a huge crisis, when Gotham City needs a symbol of everything that's still good here, still worth saving, Batman shows up and saves the day. Batman isn't allowed to succumb to human flaws like grief, despair, and outrage. People need him to mean more than that. Tim will do whatever it takes to secure and maintain that almost otherworldly level of heroism for Batman. If it gets him dirty in the process, he doesn't mind. Tim Drake won't be remembered. Batman will.

Of course, this is also why I think it's so fucking funny that Tim is at a point where he's just throwing death wish ideas at a wall until something sticks and hollering at the universe, "JUST KILL ME ALREADY!!!!"

[movierankingreviews]

A Review of “Ballerina: From The World of John Wick (2025)”

John Wick is one of my favourite modern action franchises. John Wick: Chapter 4 is easily one of my favourite action movies of all time and served as a satisfying conclusion, as far as I was concerned. Ballerina is the first spinoff in this universe, and I definitely had some concerns going in. The first red flag was the director, Len Wiseman. Known for Underworld, Live Free or Die Hard, and that awful Total Recall remake, he wasn’t someone I had full confidence in. Then the film got delayed by an entire year, and Chad Stahelski, the director of the John Wick movies, reportedly stepped in for reshoots. So the question is: does Ballerina stick the landing, or was this franchise best left alone?

First off, Ana de Armas, who plays the lead role of Eve Macarro, is terrific! She showed great action potential in her limited screen time in the James Bond film No Time to Die (2021). Here, with a full two-hour runtime, she gets to truly showcase her action chops, and she absolutely delivers. She’s phenomenal in both the stunts and the fight choreography, all while remaining a convincingly badass presence. While her mission is one of revenge, similar to John’s, she’s definitely more expressive and emotionally open, which I appreciated.

I also loved the film’s acknowledgment that she’s physically weaker than most of her male opponents, so she has to fight smart. In many of the action scenes, you don’t see her mowing down enemies like John Wick; she gets beaten up a lot. Instead, she uses clever tactics and tools to gain the upper hand, which results in some truly creative action set pieces. There’s an excellent, albeit ridiculous, grenade scene that’s so dumb it’s brilliant. There’s also a fun sequence involving ice skates and a phenomenal flamethrower moment that was just glorious! The second and third acts are packed with action, so the pacing never drags. Plus, Le Castle Vania returns with some banging new tracks that really elevate the intensity of the fight scenes.

That said, the first act is a bit slow. It takes a while to get going, as it focuses on Eve’s origin and her training. It’s justified, but still noticeably slower. Once the revenge plot kicks in, though, the film shifts into high gear. As for my gripes: I found the villain group Eve is after to be a bit too ridiculous, even for the John Wick universe. It’s unclear how they function, and while they’re supposedly mysterious, they somehow have huge numbers. I know this is a world where nearly everyone’s an assassin, so maybe I shouldn’t overthink it, but I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.

Plot-wise, it’s mostly a straightforward revenge story, which is fine. However, there’s an interesting revelation in the third act that the film frustratingly does nothing with. It could’ve created a more interesting conflict for Eve but ends up going nowhere. John Wick himself returns, and while his cameo in the first act makes sense, his appearance in the final act does not. At the end of Chapter 3, he was betrayed, injured, and hell-bent on vengeance. Ballerina is set between Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, so it doesn’t make sense for him to be involved in this at all, he should be in hiding. To make matters worse, his appearance overshadows Eve and adds nothing to the plot. It’s clearly a reshoot added for fan service. Even the ending of Ballerina mirrors that of one of the previous John Wick films, which felt a bit lazy.

Nevertheless, Ballerina is a successful spinoff that captures the same absurd and thrilling energy of the John Wick series. I enjoyed it immensely and am definitely looking forward to future entries!

For more reviews like this visit:

https://movierankingreviews.blogspot.com/

[activeblogs]

Fujinon ZK19-90mm T2.9 Cabrio Zoom Lens Review

Fujinon ZK19-90mm T2.9 Cabrio Zoom Lens Review

For professional broadcast house and independent cinematographer use, as well as for cinema performance and flexibility, Fujinon ZK19-90mm T2.9 Cabrio lens is the go-to choice. Pros and distributors such as The Broadcast Store always talk about it due to its dependability and ENG-style functionality.

Designed to support Super 35mm cameras, the ZK19-90mm leverages the wide-to-telephoto zoom range flexibility with the accuracy, cinematic appearance demanded by today's content creators. From film and television production, commercials, and live broadcast productions, the ZK19-90mm offers clean, reliable images with low distortion.

Engineered for mobility and usability, the lens reconciles optical performance and manufacturing efficiency. It belongs to the Fujinon Cabrio line, which has worked to marry the finest ENG and high-end cinema.

Features:

Focal Length: 19mm to 90mm — suitable for wide-angle and mid-telephoto applications

Aperture: Fixed T2.9 throughout the zoom range

Mount Type: Industry standard PL mount

Sensor Coverage: Super 35mm (31.5mm image circle)

Weight: Approximately 2.85 kg with servo

Servo Unit: Field removable for ENG-style handheld application

Focus Rotation: 200° for glitch-free pull focus techniques

Compatibility: ARRI LDS & Cooke /i metadata systems compatible

Advantages to Filmmakers and Videographers

The ZK19-90mm isn't another lens—it's a durable tool designed to handle diversified applications. These tremendous advantages are some of the greatest reasons it surpasses experts:

Professional-Grade Optics

Delivers 4K-ready sharpness with reduced chromatic aberration

Minimizes focus breathing for silky-smooth racking between subjects

Built-In Servo Drive

Used as a broadcast zoom lens with a zoom rocker

Removable, reserving the lens for ENG and cinematographic configurations

Ease of Use

No on-the-fly lens change required—perfect for high-speed shoots

Lightweight and compact for easier handheld or gimbal use

Use Cases

No matter your broadcast studio, commercial video, or independent film, the ZK19-90mm can be shaped to fit your needs. Its hybrid structure excels at:

Narrative Production of Film

Commercial and TV Shoots

ENG-Style and News Broadcast

Documentary filming

Live Event coverage

Why the Fujinon ZK19-90mm is a professional's choice

Pro professionals worldwide rely on this lens for image quality and build. Directors like the aspect of being able to shoot a myriad of different situations through one lens without compromising on quality.

The Broadcast Store is recommending it to rental facilities, studios, and independent producers seeking a high ROI purchase. It offers:

Repeatability at focal lengths

Lighter equipment load due to its one-box design

Robust build construction appropriate for demanding production conditions

Bullet Point Summary

Wides to medium telephoto (19-90mm)

Uniform T2.9 aperture

Lightweight servo removable

Universal compatibility with standard cine accessories (0.8 pitch gears)

Metadata protocols (LDS & /i) integrated

Used by The Broadcast Store for broadcast and film

Conclusion

The Fujinon ZK19-90mm T2.9 Cabrio Lens is not only a cinema zoom, but also an all-around unit that has been built to withstand the extreme demands of professional DPs in film, television, and broadcast. Its adaptability to accommodate both cinema and ENG-style shoots makes it an all-inclusive package for a wide variety of content creation.

Approved by The Broadcast Store and used by production experts, the ZK19-90mm boasts superior image quality along with handy features such as servo removable and standard industry mount. It's not only a lens—it's your trusted partner on the journey along your creative journey.

Whether shooting a feature film or a live production or broadcast segment, this lens is poised to give you good output.

[sirtaliesin]

Hmmm Jason and Etrigan dealing with some no magical tech; either some stuff wayne tech made, batman found or just general everyday tech?

This took me a bit, but the first thing I thought of was Jason shopping for a mobile phone. Thank you for the suggestion!

Phone Shopping

This was absolutely ridiculous.

Jason looked from one display to the next, mood shifting between irritation, disbelief, and bewilderment. He needed a mobile phone not a computer. Placards with an array of photographs and cheerful blurbs sat next to the variety of models on display. Proudly declaring excellent camera quality, recording features, excessive storage, and a number of functions that didn’t seem necessary on a phone.

Most of the models on display seemed to take the actual function of a telephone as secondary at best. If they considered it at all. Looking between the touchscreens and the model numbers, a sense of regret pooled in his belly. He recalled the conversation he’d had not more than a week ago that had necessitated this outing. That he really did need a mobile phone for when he was out, especially since the last model he’d had suffered an unfortunate demise via hellfire more than a year ago.

The lamentation that he hadn’t brought one of his friends with him was short lived. Bruce, while fairly knowledgeable about these things, would have drawn far too much attention. Zatanna might have been a more reasonable choice, but he couldn’t bring himself to bother her about it either.

“Can I help you find something sir?” The salesperson Jason had been studiously avoiding asked.

“Perhaps. Do you have anything less,” Jason gestured to the variety of smart phones with Wayne Tech logos, “Complicated?”

“We have a new model with a very sleek operating system just over here.” The young woman – Jason noted her name tag read Andie – said while she led the way to a different display near the counter.

The newer models were, like the rest, overly complicated smart devices with fragile screens and boasting excellent cameras. Jason felt a headache forming. The young woman was talking to him again, describing the benefits of a telephoto lens and a higher megapixel rate, excellent battery life, and enough storage for his needs. What those must have been by the estimation of whoever designed that handheld computer, Jason couldn’t even imagine. The only thing she’d said thus far that had any appeal was the long battery life.

“Um, I was thinking of something a little more utilitarian.” Jason hazarded, trying to shift away from the sales pitch for the shiny new model.

“Oh? We do have some very basic models as well, Wayne Tech’s older models are perfectly serviceable-“

“Do you have anything that doesn’t have a touch screen?” Jason interrupts.

“Without? Well, we have some flip models-“

“Could I see those please?”

Andie tilts her head and gestures bemusedly to the opposite end of the store. Furthest from the door, Jason notes. Not exactly hidden, but certainly not the bright eye-catching displays of the smart models. They are far more utilitarian and familiar, more akin to his old phone than any of the cameras that also allowed one to make a call.

“I think this will do just fine.” Jason says finally, picking out a simple flip phone. It has a camera still, but at least it has buttons. Easier to use if he couldn’t see, and he was certain he’d be less likely to destroy it.

Andie rings up the purchase for him and helps him change over his number with a smile. Jason contemplates the dark glass panes of the other devices on display as he leaves. The black mirror surfaces that wink to life with glowing colour aren’t terribly appealing.

Three months later, after a particularly complicated trip to New Hampshire, Jason returns home to find an unassuming box on his kitchen table. A note in a familiar hand tucked under it.

‘Just try it out. -Bruce’

Jason ignores the new Wayne Tech smart phone for another month on principle.

[ildbuilder]

ILD builder - Redefining Real Estate excellence

ILD builder officially known as International Land Developers is a renowned real estate company committed to innovation, sustainability and customer satisfaction. With a legacy of delivering high-quality development, ILD builder has set benchmark in residential, commercial, commercial, industrial and retail infrastructure. The company’s focus on modern architecture and smart urban planning has made it a trusted name in the industry.

Commitment to quality

ILD builder has always prioritised high construction standards, aesthetic appeal and functional designs. Each project reflects a deep understanding of the evolving needs of home owners and businesses which ensures a blend of luxury, comfort and convenience. The company believes in transparency, timely project delivery and innovative design solutions.

Key projects and development

· Residential projects- ILD builder has developed Prem housing communities that offer a harmonious blend of contemporary architecture and green spaces. These projects cater to diverse customer preferences from luxury apartments, affordable housing.

· Commercial spaces- the company has successfully built business hubs that support corporate growth and entrepreneurship. These spaces are designed for efficiency, accessibility and modern work environments.

· Industrial infrastructure- ILD builders has played an important role in developing state of the art, industrial township by providing businesses with a sustainable and well planned infrastructure

· Retail spaces- ILD has also entered into retail development by creating shopping and entertainment destinations that cater to Urban customers

Customer centric approach

ILD builder strongly believes in maintaining long-term relationship with its customers by ensuring trust and reliability in all its detailing. Some of the companies score principles are.

· Transparency and integrity- clear communication, and honest dealings with stakeholders

· Quality assurance- using upgrade materials and employing best industry practises and construction

· Sustainable practises- incorporating eco-friendly designs, energy, efficient structures, and green spaces in projects

· Timely project completion- ensuring timely positions and seamless project project execution

Leadership and vision

The success of ILD builder is attributed to visionary leadership of the team of export professionals who were dedicated to crafting in innovative real estate solutions. The company continuously strives to enhance urban living through smart infrastructure and digital integration.

Future expansion plans

ILD builder looks ahead and its focus remains on expanding its footprint in emerging real estate markets by developing smart cities and enhancing its sustainability efforts. The company in visions of future were modern real estate harmonise with environmental consciousness by ensuring a better quality of life for future generations.

Conclusion

With a proven track record of delivering excellence, ILD builder continues to ship India’s real estate lens with projects that define urban living. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has ensured that it is placed as a leader in the industry. As only builder progresses, it remains, dedicated to creating spaces that inspire and transform the way people live and work.