#limiting thought patterns for high performance

[canmom]

oh no she's talking about AI some more

to comment more on the latest round of AI big news (guess I do have more to say after all):

chatgpt ghiblification

trying to figure out how far it's actually an advance over the state of the art of finetunes and LoRAs and stuff in image generation? I don't keep up with image generation stuff really, just look at it occasionally and go damn that's all happening then, but there are a lot of finetunes focusing on "Ghibli's style" which get it more or less well. previously on here I commented on an AI video model generation that patterned itself on Ghibli films, and video is a lot harder than static images.

of course 'studio Ghibli style' isn't exactly one thing: there are stylistic commonalities to many of their works and recurring designs, for sure, but there are also details that depend on the specific character designer and film in question in large and small ways (nobody is shooting for My Neighbours the Yamadas with this, but also e.g. Castle in the Sky does not look like Pom Poko does not look like How Do You Live in a number of ways, even if it all recognisably belongs to the same lineage).

the interesting thing about the ghibli ChatGPT generations for me is how well they're able to handle simplification of forms in image-to-image generation, often quite drastically changing the proportions of the people depicted but recognisably maintaining correspondence of details. that sort of stylisation is quite difficult to do well even for humans, and it must reflect quite a high level of abstraction inside the model's latent space. there is also relatively little of the 'oversharpening'/'ringing artefact' look that has been a hallmark of many popular generators - it can do flat colour well.

the big touted feature is its ability to place text in images very accurately. this is undeniably impressive, although OpenAI themeselves admit it breaks down beyond a certain point, creating strange images which start out with plausible, clean text and then it gradually turns into AI nonsense. it's really weird! I thought text would go from 'unsolved' to 'completely solved' or 'randomly works or doesn't work' - instead, here it feels sort of like the model has a certain limited 'pipeline' for handling text in images, but when the amount of text overloads that bandwidth, the rest of the image has to make do with vague text-like shapes! maybe the techniques from that anthropic thought-probing paper might shed some light on how information flows through the model.

similarly the model also has a limit of scene complexity. it can only handle a certain number of objects (10-20, they say) before it starts getting confused and losing track of details.

as before when they first wired up Dall-E to ChatGPT, it also simply makes prompting a lot simpler. you don't have to fuck around with LoRAs and obtuse strings of words, you just talk to the most popular LLM and ask it to perform a modification in natural language: the whole process is once again black-boxed but you can tell it in natural language to make changes. it's a poor level of control compared to what artists are used to, but it's still huge for ordinary people, and of course there's nothing stopping you popping the output into an editor to do your own editing.

not sure the architecture they're using in this version, if ChatGPT is able to reason about image data in the same space as language data or if it's still calling a separate image model... need to look that up.

openAI's own claim is:

We trained our models on the joint distribution of online images and text, learning not just how images relate to language, but how they relate to each other. Combined with aggressive post-training, the resulting model has surprising visual fluency, capable of generating images that are useful, consistent, and context-aware.

that's kind of vague. not sure what architecture that implies. people are talking about 'multimodal generation' so maybe it is doing it all in one model? though I'm not exactly sure how the inputs and outputs would be wired in that case.

anyway, as far as complex scene understanding: per the link they've cracked the 'horse riding an astronaut' gotcha, they can do 'full glass of wine' at least some of the time but not so much in combination with other stuff, and they can't do accurate clock faces still.

normal sentences that we write in 2025.

it sounds like we've moved well beyond using tools like CLIP to classify images, and I suspect that glaze/nightshade are already obsolete, if they ever worked to begin with. (would need to test to find out).

all that said, I believe ChatGPT's image generator had been behind the times for quite a long time, so it probably feels like a bigger jump for regular ChatGPT users than the people most hooked into the AI image generator scene.

of course, in all the hubbub, we've also already seen the white house jump on the trend in a suitably appalling way, continuing the current era of smirking fascist political spectacle by making a ghiblified image of a crying woman being deported over drugs charges. (not gonna link that shit, you can find it if you really want to.) it's par for the course; the cruel provocation is exactly the point, which makes it hard to find the right tone to respond. I think that sort of use, though inevitable, is far more of a direct insult to the artists at Ghibli than merely creating a machine that imitates their work. (though they may feel differently! as yet no response from Studio Ghibli's official media. I'd hate to be the person who has to explain what's going on to Miyazaki.)

google make number go up

besides all that, apparently google deepmind's latest gemini model is really powerful at reasoning, and also notably cheaper to run, surpassing DeepSeek R1 on the performance/cost ratio front. when DeepSeek did this, it crashed the stock market. when Google did... crickets, only the real AI nerds who stare at benchmarks a lot seem to have noticed. I remember when Google releases (AlphaGo etc.) were huge news, but somehow the vibes aren't there anymore! it's weird.

I actually saw an ad for google phones with Gemini in the cinema when i went to see Gundam last week. they showed a variety of people asking it various questions with a voice model, notably including a question on astrology lmao. Naturally, in the video, the phone model responded with some claims about people with whatever sign it was. Which is a pretty apt demonstration of the chameleon-like nature of LLMs: if you ask it a question about astrology phrased in a way that implies that you believe in astrology, it will tell you what seems to be a natural response, namely what an astrologer would say. If you ask if there is any scientific basis for belief in astrology, it would probably tell you that there isn't.

In fact, let's try it on DeepSeek R1... I ask an astrological question, got an astrological answer with a really softballed disclaimer:

Individual personalities vary based on numerous factors beyond sun signs, such as upbringing and personal experiences. Astrology serves as a tool for self-reflection, not a deterministic framework.

Ask if there's any scientific basis for astrology, and indeed it gives you a good list of reasons why astrology is bullshit, bringing up the usual suspects (Barnum statements etc.). And of course, if I then explain the experiment and prompt it to talk about whether LLMs should correct users with scientific information when they ask about pseudoscientific questions, it generates a reasonable-sounding discussion about how you could use reinforcement learning to encourage models to focus on scientific answers instead, and how that could be gently presented to the user.

I wondered if I'd asked it instead to talk about different epistemic regimes and come up with reasons why LLMs should take astrology into account in their guidance. However, this attempt didn't work so well - it started spontaneously bringing up the science side. It was able to observe how the framing of my question with words like 'benefit', 'useful' and 'LLM' made that response more likely. So LLMs infer a lot of context from framing and shape their simulacra accordingly. Don't think that's quite the message that Google had in mind in their ad though.

I asked Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking (the small free Gemini variant with a reasoning mode) the same questions and its answers fell along similar lines, although rather more dry.

So yeah, returning to the ad - I feel like, even as the models get startlingly more powerful month by month, the companies still struggle to know how to get across to people what the big deal is, or why you might want to prefer one model over another, or how the new LLM-powered chatbots are different from oldschool assistants like Siri (which could probably answer most of the questions in the Google ad, but not hold a longform conversation about it).

some general comments

The hype around ChatGPT's new update is mostly in its use as a toy - the funny stylistic clash it can create between the soft cartoony "Ghibli style" and serious historical photos. Is that really something a lot of people would spend an expensive subscription to access? Probably not. On the other hand, their programming abilities are increasingly catching on.

But I also feel like a lot of people are still stuck on old models of 'what AI is and how it works' - stochastic parrots, collage machines etc. - that are increasingly falling short of the more complex behaviours the models can perform, now prediction combines with reinforcement learning and self-play and other methods like that. Models are still very 'spiky' - superhumanly good at some things and laughably terrible at others - but every so often the researchers fill in some gaps between the spikes. And then we poke around and find some new ones, until they fill those too.

I always tried to resist 'AI will never be able to...' type statements, because that's just setting yourself up to look ridiculous. But I will readily admit, this is all happening way faster than I thought it would. I still do think this generation of AI will reach some limit, but genuinely I don't know when, or how good it will be at saturation. A lot of predicted 'walls' are falling.

My anticipation is that there's still a long way to go before this tops out. And I base that less on the general sense that scale will solve everything magically, and more on the intense feedback loop of human activity that has accumulated around this whole thing. As soon as someone proves that something is possible, that it works, we can't resist poking at it. Since we have a century or more of science fiction priming us on dreams/nightmares of AI, as soon as something comes along that feels like it might deliver on the promise, we have to find out. It's irresistable.

AI researchers are frequently said to place weirdly high probabilities on 'P(doom)', that AI research will wipe out the human species. You see letters calling for an AI pause, or papers saying 'agentic models should not be developed'. But I don't know how many have actually quit the field based on this belief that their research is dangerous. No, they just get a nice job doing 'safety' research. It's really fucking hard to figure out where this is actually going, when behind the eyes of everyone who predicts it, you can see a decade of LessWrong discussions framing their thoughts and you can see that their major concern is control over the light cone or something.

[sh1nsoukoku]

Pls tell me all dazai autism traits in ur list

OMG I AM SO GLAD YOU ASKED, yes yes yes…

I want to preface this by saying this is in no means supposed to be canon facts or a diagnosis, I just think he is a very autistic-coded character coming from my own experiences as an autistic adult!

Long post under the cut because I don’t know how to stfu!!!

We will start with my main reasoning:

As we know, Dazai and his ability are based off of the work No Longer Human. Dazai being similar to the main character Yozo. Yozo is a kind of “stand in” for the real life author Osamu Dazai as No Longer Human contains a lot of real events from the author’s life. BSD Dazai and Yozo’s main similarities are the disconnection from others and high masking. Here are two quotes from the book:

“All I feel are the assaults of apprehension and terror at the thought that I am the only one who is entirely unlike the rest. It is almost impossible for me to converse with other people. What should I talk about? How should I say it? - I don’t know.”

This is incredibly similar to the lived experiences of Autistic people. I used to feel like an alien, or just fundamentally different than others. We tend to also struggle with communicating and other social dynamics. Dazai feels isolated from others, let’s very few people close, and searches for meaning by observing other humans and life and death itself. He quotes this as his reason for joining the Mafia. He also processes emotion differently, at odds with people around him.

“I managed to maintain on the surface a smile which never deserted my lips; this was the accommodation I offered to others, a most precarious achievement performed by me only at the cost of excruciating efforts within.”

This is one of the best descriptions I have read of Autistic Masking. Dazai HIGHLY masks. Dazai is known for not showing his true thoughts/feelings/opinions often in BSD. He can code switch easily, serious in one moment and then covering it with his over the top silly/unusual/maniacal personality. In NLH this is described as “clowning.” I also think Dazai’s genius “always according to plan” thing is sometimes a mask, so he doesn’t show the fact that he’s working hard to pull strings and figure things out.

He does have some insane pattern recognition though which is also an autistic attribute!

And now for the more surface level reasons:

Repetitive Behavior/Media Consumption: Dazai reads the same book over and over again. The Ultimate Guide to Suicide is a book he’s had with him since his PM days and he tells Atsushi that he already knows everything it says because he’s read it hundreds of times. A very common autistic trait!

Restricted Diet: Dazai seems to have a limited diet consisting of alcohol and canned crab! It’s a same food/safe food he has often. His room was described to be full of discarded cans of crab and bottles. Limited diets are common in autistic people.

Stimming: Dazai stims! He is a very wiggly and stimmy person. There’s several scenes where he is seen humming and singing or making little silly noises.

Dazai and his headphones are so important to me.. he seems to wear them frequently around the office. It could be noise cancelling or auditory stimulation that he likes.

The man never sits normally on a chair which is something I think a lot of neurodivergent people can relate to.

And of course floor time! Shown by him rolling around when stressed, laying on the rooftop and a few instances in Wan! like the marshmallow scene.

Also you can’t tell me that this is not two burnt out autistics after overworking their brains…

[seen-in-the-smoke]

[ Encryption suite ESSEX SKIPPER active… ]

< Good day. 

The investigation you are charged with conducting interests me. I have expertise relevant to certain aspects of the case, and am willing to provide consulting services. 

The neutralization of Rennes, the HESTIA-class NHP responsible for your AIP, seems to be a matter requiring additional investigation. Though I wish to divulge as little identifying information as possible, it must be said that I am a veteran of Legion warfare and am well-familiar with current methods and doctrine. In my opinion, there is no doubt that you are facing expert combatants, well-trained and equipped, although I’m certain you know that much already. 

Given the specifics of Rennes’ state post-neutralization, I may be able to construct a model of how and by what means the attack was performed. The autopsy report, yes? With regard to her combat capabilities, I presume that at the time of the attack, Rennes would have been equipped with an up-to-date, Union-standard counterintrusion suite. In addition, she almost certainly would have had her arsenal prepared and accessible, stand-down order notwithstanding. Are these assumptions correct? Additionally, any information you can provide regarding the HESTIA class will be of use; I’m acquainted, but I’ve undergone several cyclings since I last required the specifics. 

In exchange, I require information. You are a Union naval liaison, yes? I want a UAD-prepared report detailing Union standards for activation, training, and deployment of milspec NHPs. Emphasis on ethics and quality-of-life. Measures taken to ensure well-being, limits on duration of active deployment, how requests for retirement or transfer to non-combat duty are handled, payment and benefits offered for service. Resources made available to milspec NHPs during and after transition to civilian life. Disciplinary measures taken in cases of desertion or failure to comply. Legal status and rights of NHP prisoners of war, procedures for their detainment and release.

For all topics, documented cases—including the embarrassing ones. Are you willing to provide this? >

( @luna-wing-cns274 )

What's all this, then...

Huh. You one of those Horizon folks? Free Deimos, all that? I'm not gonna state a group opinion on the clock, but I'll freely say it's nice to see someone interested in NHP rights. Don't worry about me snooping, you have Union's word that nothing said here will be grounds for investigation. You wanna help, this convo is fully indemnified.

Let's see what I can't authorize as far as your payment, too. I'm sure the UAD would be happy to get its moment in the PR spot, even with some flubs. Putting in a request as we speak, in the meantime... Wake, you got the analysis?

ONE MOMENT.

HESTIA-CLASS NHP "RENNES" SUFFERED...

APOLOGIES. HESTIA-CLASS NHP "RENNES" SUFFERED NEAR-ON-TOTAL SEMIOTIC BREAKDOWN, WITH MARKERS SUPERFICIALLY RESEMBLING LINGUISTIC-VECTOR DELIVERY; SUCH A VECTOR MAY HAVE TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF THE COMMAND-ATTENDANT STATE RENNES MAY HAVE BEEN IN, SEEKING CONFIRMATION BETWEEN THE CONFLICTING ORDERS. MONDRAGON ARCHITECTURE ANALYSIS REVEALS DELAMINATION ALONG SPECIFIC CONCEPTUAL LINES WITH MAJOR INTERNAL DAMAGE TO THE CASKET SUBSTRATE ITSELF; IN PARTICULAR, IT APPEARS THAT THIS BREAKDOWN IN BASIC RELATIONALITY CAUSED OVERCOMPENSATION IN MNEMONIC RECALL OF MOMENT-TO-MOMENT EXISTENCE. IN EFFECT, HIGHER-LEVEL THOUGHT ITSELF WOULD HAVE ECHOED UNTIL IT SHOOK APART THE CASKET'S INSIDES. EVERY MILLISECOND OF SELFHOOD UNDERSTOOD AS EXISTING SIMULTANEOUSLY, CROWDING HER IN.

...

THE HESTIA-PATTERN LINE IS COMMONLY USED IN BODYGUARD/HIGH-LEVEL ASSET PROTECTION ROLES. THEY ARE PARTICULARLY SUITED TO LEGION/REALSPACE INTERDICTION, COMMONLY UTILIZING AD-HOC EMPATHIC LEASHING GAMBITS. IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE, RENNES HAD ACCESS TO AIP ABDULLAH'S SUBJECTIVITY ENHANCEMENT SUITE AS WELL AS A COMPLEMENT OF TRANSDERMAL "CONTACT BRIDGE" IMPLANTS. IN THE EVENT OF A THREAT TO AIP ABBDULLAH'S PHYSICAL OR SYSTEMIC SAFETY, RENNES' FIRST ACTION WOULD LIKELY HAVE BEEN TO EXTRUDE EMPATHIC LEASH VECTORS INTO ALL CONNECTED SYSTEMS, FORCIBLY DEMOTIVATING A BIOLOGICAL OR LEGION-VIRAL AGENT BY BLANKETING THEM IN HER OWN SUBJECTIVITY. IT IS UNKNOWN WHETHER FOREKNOWLEDGE OF THIS DOCTRINE INFORMED THE PARTICULARS OF THE ATTACK PERFORMED ON HER.

Christ-the-Buddha. Is she okay?

ALIVE, BUT LIKELY IN A STATE SIMILAR TO BIOLOGICAL COMA. BEREFT OF BLINK ARCHITECTURE NECESSARY TO PERFORM HIGHER-LEVEL THOUGHT. ITERATIVE CYCLING MAY BE NECESSARY TO RESTORE PARTIAL COGNITIVE PROCESSES.

Fuck. Well, I don't know how much you can get from that-- But, yeah, apparently she got jumped right after the stand-down order. Would've had a direct line into Noah's augs, the attack probably happened on that end. Admin babysitters keep their caskets pretty tightly locked away.

-BREAKFAST

[Encrypt:gloworm]

i'm so sorry i'm so sorry i'll stop now i promise

i hope it doesn't hurt

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

Hello Anika! I've noticed that another CN otome game "Lovebrush Chronicle" is being localized in English. What are your thoughts on the story, and is there a ML in the game similar to Victor?

I want to hear your thought because I think you have a good eye on judging a story ❤️ Sorry if this ask seems to be out of nowhere!

hello!!! thank you haha~ ಡ⁠ ͜⁠ ಡ yes, the game’s original name is 时空中的绘旅人, also known as For All Time. It’s one of the 4 big CN otoges (the other three: Light and Night, Love and Producer/ MLQC, and Tears of Themis).

idk why they had to change the name smh but then again i can see why too LOL, but if you’re gonna change the character names, change for all of them why change just two?? especially since Emerald’s name is explained precisely so aksjsjs i’m so salty rn lmao

uh about the storyline, i had to try hard to not be lured into yet another game lmao (eyeing L&N akshdhd), so i haven’t actually played the game personally after CBT LOL nor do i keep up with its contents that much, so my knowledge regarding the story and the characters isn’t deep and is limited haha. also, since the premise begins in the AU world + with some other factors, i kinda lost my interest to even begin with LOL.

here’s a brief introduction for you though—

the game’s setting is the AU world ahah, and it also has personal routes. it has battle systems for leveling up your profile / raising cards. i heard it can be pretty grindy, but since i haven’t continued playing it, i can’t comment on that :>

✦ The Heroine:

she is an art student / comic artist in the modern world, but one day she gets sucked into a different AU world while watching her friend’s performance. (she’s so pretty tho u.u)

✦ Ai Yin/ Ayn:

19 years old, goes to the same school as the heroine and a pianist in the modern world. He’s a prince in the AU world, focused on his revenge.

✦ Lu Chen/ Alkaid:

20 years old, a transfer student, the heroine’s senior in a different study (Astronomy), photographer. In the AU world, he’s a mage/ high level priest.

✦ Lu Xia/ Rorschach (re-named as Lars for EN):

27 years old, the heir of a wealthy family, CEO, flirty af. In the AU world, he’s an aggressive and headstrong king.

(if you’re into the “CEO trope”, he could be your pick LOL. but if you’re looking for similarities that actually matter— then aside from just the CEO title and maybe that body lmfao, Victor and him share no other similarities hahaha)

✦ Si Lan/ Clarence:

22 years old, goes to the same school as the heroine and is the student president. He is the head highest priest/ mage in the AU world.

✦ Ye Xuan/ Emerald (re-named as Cael for EN):

An art instructor, took the heroine under his wings, gentle in nature sus lmao. In the AU world, he is the silver knight and leading the revolution.

—

Over all, from what I’ve seen, the story is pretty good, has the intrigue elements for sure. Also plus point, in every AU/ arch you get a common part and then you can choose your love interest to progress for the rest of the story. what it does here is that unlike Lovepro/MLQC + Light and Night main story, where the story itself is very character-driven, you need to shut your brain and consider the MC that specific love interest’s heroine for the allocated segment- or else given the extreme lengths she goes for them/ the said borderline intimacy certainly don’t cut for “just friends” tag LOL. So, if you’re someone who self-inserts (consciously or not) and perhaps is a little uncomfortable with that kind of storytelling, For All Time/ Lovebrush Chronicles is certainly one you can give a try.

For me personally, the writing pattern didn’t seem like my cup of tea + I prefer the storytelling pattern of Lovepro and L&N (singular main story + parallel dates) haha. But hey, we all have different tastes, so be sure to give it a chance if you’re interested. Who knows, you could end up with completely different viewpoints than me! (⁠*⁠´⁠∀⁠｀⁠*⁠)

—

[cassandrarebornanew]

Wolf among sheep p2

Panoramic View, AWOLNATION

Just trust me, this song is theirs now. 

1.4K words

——————————————————————————————————

You didn’t think it would be that serious. You thought that after a couple meetings the two of you would have a fun night, maybe a few of them. But you realistically expected nothing other than that. God were you wrong - and you’d be a dammed liar if you pretended that you weren’t more than a little glad. One meeting turned into two, and three, and five, and ten. Each in some stuffy, elaborate ball that you would both invariably steal away from before the end of the night. Boring conversations abandoned for enrapturing ones, weak liquor swapped for strawberries. The two of you shared so many bowls together, that you couldn’t look at another one without thinking of Viktor, his sweet laugh and silky soft accent. He couldn’t either. Thinking of you the second another event was written on the calendar, your eyes on strangers faces and your effortless charm filling up the silence. Heimerdinger scolded him repeatedly for being so enticed by The Wolf, and no matter how many times Viktor explained that Nickolas was the one he cared about, he wouldn’t listen. He told no one of this friendship that stretched the limits, of the lingering touches and dream-filled nights. And now, with Jayce in the picture, and HexTech pulling them up the ladder, they had to go to more events than ever before. The first of these was planned for tonight, and Viktor couldn’t wait. Fixing his clothes in the mirror, he performed one last swoop, checking every detail. His hand traced the grip on his cane, given to him by Nickolas after he had offhandedly mentioned the bruises he got from leaning on the solid handle. It was soft, black, and the same leaf pattern tattooed on Nickolas’ hand was etched into it. It was almost like a personal claim on him - one Viktor revelled in. Jayce poked his head around the door.

“Viktor, we’re leaving soon. You ready?” He’s dressed similarly to Viktor, and he feels a pang of… something. Jayce fills out the suit more, broader shoulders and a much better posture. Shaking his head to dispel the thoughts, he hums. 

“Yes. I am ready.”

You circulate the ball room. High ceilings and arched windows, this is a carbon copy of every nobles’ house in Piltover. It’s lifeless and boring, much like the people you’re talking to now. While you hate every second of these businesses-centric conversations, you have to keep up appearances. Definitely nothing to do with the fact that a certain scientist may be coming soon. Absolutely not. An unfathomable thought. You would never - oh look, there’s Viktor! You quickly and politely excuse yourself from the conversation at an appropriate time, before prowling through the crowd to meet the new arrivals.

Viktor cranes his neck, trying to look for you amongst the crowds; something Jayce picks up on fairly quickly. “Are you… looking for someone? Who?”

Heimerdinger scoffs. “The one person in this room he should not be talking to.”

“My, my, Heimerdinger, I’m starting to think you don’t like me.” You snark from behind them. None of them saw or heard you coming, and now you were right there. Heimerdinger grumbles under his breath, Jayce freezes, and Viktor… your eyes lock, and you smile at him. You take his hand and kiss it gently. “And who might you be?” You tease, just to see the gentle flush that appears on the tip of Viktor’s ears. 

“Oh, stop it.” Is his only response before throwing his arms around your neck. “I missed you, Nick.” A soft smile lifts your lips as you gently nuzzle in closer. “Missed you too, hermoso [beautiful].”You may not be looking at them, but you can practically hear their jaws drop at the display of affection. You and Viktor have certainly hugged before, but this is the first time you’ve done it in front of Heimerdinger, and certainly Jayce. You part after a moment more, and your hand rests casually on the small of Viktor’s back. 

“You must be Jayce. I’ve heard a lot about you. Pleasure to meet you in person.” Colder than the way you spoke to Viktor just a second ago, more business-like, and much more intimidating. Jayce, visibly shaken at the quick switch, shakes your offered hand tentatively. You turn back to Viktor. “Come on love, I have a lot to tell you. And, yes, there’s a bowl at our table.” He smiles in return and you swear your heart skips a beat. “Alright, but only for the strawberries.” You lead him away, chuckling. “Only for the strawberries? Ouch.” 

Jayce and Heimerdinger are left behind, stunned.

“Did Viktor just hug The Wolf?”

“Mhm”

“The Wolf?” 

“Mhm”

“And called him Nick.”

“Seems so”

“……what the fuck?”

“That, dear boy, is a question not even I can answer.”

“Do you think we can do it? Harness the arcane and build a new era, one free of suffering?” 

You’re both reclining on a cushioned sofa, facing a truly ginormous window and gazing at the stars. Viktor has been rambling on about the HexTech project for so long, the question nearly flies over your head. 

“Do you think you can do it?” 

“I… I don’t know. This is Jayce’s idea, and I have not been looking into it for nearly as long as him, and it did work a few days ago, but perhaps that was a fluke, maybe it won’t work again and it will all come crashing down on us, and-“

“Viktor, love, I’m going to stop you right there. Breathe. You may not have had the original idea, but without you all his work would’ve been destroyed, no? It will work. You will make it work.” You take Viktor’s hand, kissing the knuckles gently. “These hands, amor [love], they are a kind of magic that you should start believing in.” You lean closer and kiss his forehead reverently. “I believe in you, in your magic. Even if it doesn’t work, I will still be here for you, as I have been for the past months.” His breath shakes, and he lets his head fall onto your shoulder. 

“Thank you solinshko.”

You look at the stars together, hands intertwined. His legs rest atop yours and for once, you are finally at peace. 

This is how Jayce and Heimerdinger find you. Viktor has long since fallen asleep, and you didn’t have the heart to wake him. No one will know the gentleness with which you brushed the hair from his face, or the expression of adoration no living being has seen on your features. No one but you will ever know. It’s the early hours of the morning, everyone else long since gone. When you see Viktor’s companions, you sigh, before scooping him up gently, gesturing for Jayce to grab his cane. The three of you walk in silence, Heimerdinger’s only attempt at conversation shot down by a sharp glare, and Viktor’s face still pressed into your neck. When you arrive at his home, you softly ask Heimerdinger if he could unlock the door for you, which he does so begrudgingly. You sail in, carefully side stepping the countless projects and papers that litter the floor. You gently rest Viktor on the bed, before looking for a blanket. 

“You won’t find one.” Heimerdinger whispers. “He doesn’t sleep in here often.” You blink in response, before shrugging off your coat and placing it on his sleeping form. It reaches the middle of your calf, so it covers him entirely. The other two seemed rather confused at the gentleness with which you ensure that he is completely protected, the soft way you take his shoes off and close his blinds. You shepherd them out and close the door slowly. Without another word, you set off down the hallway, heading home.

“Hey!” A whispered shout follows you. “Where are you going?” 

“Home.” No elaboration, no turning around. Then, you stop. “Tell Viktor he can keep the coat until I see him next. Buh-bye now.”

You stalk out the building and start walking the streets, letting your feet guide you home. As you pass through the doors and past the front desk of the office, Clarissa, your secretary calls out to you.

“Hey boss. Nice night?”

You stop. “Yeah. Yeah, it was nice.”

Ignoring her knowing smile, you bid her goodnight and head up to the top floor, where you live. That was your favourite coat, and you just handed it to him like it was nothing. You were so screwed.

[officialinuyasha]

Zero's Attire and it's history

Zero's design based on the image of Oiran

"Since she is Kirinmaru's older sister, I thought she should have a suitable appearance, so I consulted with Yoshihito Hishinuma (animation character designer) to flesh her out. At the time, I assumed that there would not be much action in the story, so I asked him to create a character that would leave a lasting impression with the image of a oiran, which didn't appear during that time period. The scenario progressed and, by the story's end, the characters were fighting so much that I felt sorry for the drawing. I'm sorry for that…" [Director: Teruo Satou]

Edo period

The profession of oiran arose in the early Edo period (1600–1868)

"Characteristics of an Oiran

Oiran were selected based on their exceptional beauty, charm, and intellect. They were meticulously trained in various traditional arts, including dance, music, poetry, calligraphy, and tea ceremony. Unlike common geishas, who focused on conversation and entertainment, Oiran were primarily skilled in the art of seduction. Their allure lay not just in their physical beauty but also in their ability to engage in witty conversations and perform intellectually stimulating acts.

The Oiran Culture

The Oiran culture was not just limited to entertainment. It significantly impacted the arts, fashion, and even popular trends of the time. Oiran were fashion trendsetters, and their elaborate costumes and hairstyles inspired the upper echelons of society. They wore vibrant and ornate kimono adorned with intricate patterns, and their hairstyles were intricately crafted, often with striking ornaments and combs.

The Decline of the Oiran Tradition

As the Edo period came to a close, Japan underwent significant political and social changes during the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century. The new government aimed to modernize the nation and viewed the Oiran tradition as an impediment to progress. With the abolishment of feudalism and the decline of the samurai class, the Oiran tradition gradually lost its significance.

Legacy and Modern Perception

Although the tradition of the Oiran diminished over time, its influence on Japanese culture remains evident even today. The allure and mystique surrounding the Oiran continue to captivate people’s imaginations, making them enduring symbols of Japan’s rich history and art.

In contemporary Japan, there has been a revival of interest in the Oiran tradition. Some festivals and events pay homage to this fascinating aspect of history, allowing visitors to catch a glimpse of the past. Additionally, the Oiran’s portrayal in movies, television dramas, and literature has kept the legend alive, further contributing to their enduring legacy.

Conclusion

The Oiran of Edo-era Japan were more than just courtesans; they were refined artists, trendsetters, and captivating personalities who left an indelible mark on Japanese history. Their unmatched beauty, sophisticated arts, and unique role in society during the Edo period make them a subject of enduring fascination and admiration. As we celebrate and honor Japan’s cultural heritage, let us remember the Oiran and their contribution to the nation’s rich tapestry of tradition and artistry." Source: https://medium.com/@managing2024/the-oiran-of-edo-era-japan-a-tradition-of-high-class-courtesans-577310863d56

[thepetclosetco]

Best Harness for Dog Owners Who Want More Than Just a Good Fit!

At The Pet Closet Co., we understand that a dog harness is more than just a walking accessory — it’s a critical tool that impacts your dog’s comfort, safety, and your shared outdoor experiences. Our premium dog harness is carefully designed to address the unique needs of dogs of all sizes and activity levels.

Why Your Dog Needs a Quality Harness

Beyond the Traditional Collar

Traditional dog collars can put unnecessary strain on your dog’s neck, potentially causing discomfort and health issues. Our harness takes a different approach, distributing pressure evenly across the chest and back, providing a safer and more comfortable walking experience.

Engineered for Comfort and Control

Every aspect of our harness is thoughtfully designed:

Ergonomic fit that moves with your dog

Soft, chafe-resistant materials

Strategic padding to prevent rubbing

Multiple adjustment points for a custom fit

Key Features That Set Us Apart

Durability Meets Lightweight Design

We’ve selected premium materials that can withstand daily use while remaining light enough for all-day comfort. The high-strength fabric resists wear and tear, ensuring your harness looks and performs like new, even after countless adventures.

Safety at the Forefront

Dog safety is our top priority. Our harness includes:

Reflective strips for enhanced visibility during early morning or evening walks

Reinforced stitching at stress points

Sturdy D-ring for secure leash attachment

Quick-release buckles for easy on and off

Versatility for Every Dog and Activity

Whether you have a tiny Chihuahua or a large Mastiff, we offer sizes to fit every breed. Our harness is perfect for:

Daily neighborhood walks

Hiking and outdoor adventures

Training sessions

Car rides and travel

Addressing Common Walking Challenges

No More Pulling

The strategic design helps reduce pulling behavior by providing better control without causing discomfort. The back clip allows for gentle redirection, making walks more enjoyable for both dog and owner.

Ideal for Dogs with Special Needs

Our harness is particularly beneficial for:

Dogs recovering from neck or throat injuries

Breeds prone to respiratory issues

Senior dogs with mobility challenges

Puppies in training

Thoughtful Design Details

Breathable Materials

We’ve incorporated breathable mesh panels that:

Prevent overheating

Wick away moisture

Ensure maximum comfort in various weather conditions

Easy Maintenance

Machine washable

Quick-drying fabric

Color-fast materials that resist fading

Simple care instructions

Choosing the Right Size and Fit

Measurement Guide

Getting the perfect fit is crucial. We recommend:

Measuring your dog’s chest circumference

Checking weight recommendations

Allowing room for growth (especially for puppies)

Ensuring you can fit two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body

Color and Style Options

We believe a harness can be both functional and fashionable. Choose from:

Classic solid colors

Bold, eye-catching patterns

Neutral tones for everyday wear

Seasonal limited edition designs

Investment in Your Dog’s Well-being

Our harness isn’t just an accessory — it’s an investment in your dog’s comfort, safety, and quality of life. Priced competitively and built to last, it offers exceptional value for conscientious pet owners.

Commitment to Quality

Every harness undergoes rigorous testing to ensure:

Durability

Comfort

Safety

Performance in various conditions

Ready to Transform Your Walks?

Explore our collection and find the perfect harness for your furry friend. With The Pet Closet Co, every walk becomes an opportunity for connection, safety, and joy.

Shop now the best harness for dog and experience the difference a truly great harness can make.

Designed with love, tested with care — for dogs who deserve the best.

[thecorrectopinion]

Alright gayboy, we know you're suffering mentally but a little birdie (your intro) told me that you are a DELTARUNE fan !?!?!?!

which. yk. funny as hell because that's a gayass game. (Kris is legit enby and Noelle is like. The Lesbian of all time.)

but aside from that, the hype's gotta be real for you too, right gayboy???

c'mon, get that celebratory cheer on. DELTARUNE JUNE 5th !!!!

thoughts? theories??

What is with you people and calling me gayboy??? I'm not gay????

Gonna ignore ur fucking ass takes rn. I don't have the energy to explain Kris or that Noelle's lesbianism like. barely matters to the story. (She's more than her fucking sexuality???)

Anyways, the hype IS REAL actually. Very real in fact.

So real it works really well as a distraction !!! from what? If I thought about that, it wouldn't BE a distraction anymore!!!

I'm cheering trust.

Don't get me started on theories tho. I might find a word limit on tumblr posts on the way.....

THE MAFIA THEME IS REAL!! I mean, the sweepstakes leaked it but it's still SICK AS HELL. Calling it now, those shadow guy HAVE to be Tenna's Henchmen in some way. Maybe they're supposed to be from like an american noir movie, like the ones they had in the 50's??? The outfits fit- and the characters are mainly black. AND 'blow their socks off' is being taken quite literally here. Gotta love all the puns.

THEY ALL LOOK SO COOL?? Toby COOKED with this one idgaf what anyone says. I still can't tell what Kris' fit is but I saw some pretty cool takes on it. Whatever it is I don't think it's a skirt (long jacket truther myself). Also the guitar is SICK actually. Also they seem to be on some sort of set so r they performing? It reminds me of that one fight in UTY with that el Bailadero guy. This looks like some sort of minigame- sidequests and minigames in Deltarune real?? Tho I wonder what relevance they'll have to the main plot... The popularity thing does seem to matter (mettaton reference !?!?!) so who knows?

..another minigame ig? It seems more console based tbh. Nothing much to add- I like how the cats replace the lives tho.

TENNA REAL TV HEAD REAL!!! Y'all tried to make Tenna SO complicated stg. I knew it I FUCKING KNEW IT!!!

she looks so sinister... I wonder if they'll keep up the batshit insane theme or make her like. actually menacing. I hope she gets a goofy speaking pattern like the other two tho....

I wonder if she'll be able to replace THE Spamton G. Spamton as most beloved secret villain. It is a pretty high honour tho so there isn't any guarantee....

Whtever happens Spamton will remain my fav... they could never make me hate you Spamton....

LOOK AT THIS?? so fucking horror-esque I swear. Darker, darker yet darker frfr.

I saw a take that the delta rune looks like Asriel in god of Hyperdeath form and ngl. That's accurate. All of the known themes so far have revolved around means of entertainment (cards and board games, internet, TV) So maybe this one could be like... sports related or smth? like swimming into the depths? (like Um yum was talking abt)

I saw the Jockington beard thing. and that was FUCKING HILARIOUS HELLO?? Yes Snakeman get that beard I believe in you. Wonder what chapter that's in. It's probably chapter 4 due to the excessive b l u e but it could be 3 too. Nothing's set in stone lol.

Tl:dr (This is pathetic but I know some of you brainrotted idiots can't read paragraphs)

I'm pretty goddamn excited.

[raybittechnologies]

DeepSeek-R1: A New Era in AI Reasoning

A Chinese AI lab that has continuously been known to bring in groundbreaking innovations is what the world of artificial intelligence sees with DeepSeek. Having already tasted recent success with its free and open-source model, DeepSeek-V3, the lab now comes out with DeepSeek-R1, which is a super-strong reasoning LLM. While it’s an extremely good model in performance, the same reason which sets DeepSeek-R1 apart from other models in the AI landscape is the one which brings down its cost: it’s really cheap and accessible.

What is DeepSeek-R1?

DeepSeek-R1 is the next-generation AI model, created specifically to take on complex reasoning tasks. The model uses a mixture-of-experts architecture and possesses human-like problem-solving capabilities. Its capabilities are rivaled by the OpenAI o1 model, which is impressive in mathematics, coding, and general knowledge, among other things. The sole highlight of the proposed model is its development approach. Unlike existing models, which rely upon supervised fine-tuning alone, DeepSeek-R1 applies reinforcement learning from the outset. Its base version, DeepSeek-R1-Zero, was fully trained with RL. This helps in removing the extensive need of labeled data for such models and allows it to develop abilities like the following:

Self-verification: The ability to cross-check its own produced output with correctness.

Reflection: Learnings and improvements by its mistakes

Chain-of-thought (CoT) reasoning: Logical as well as Efficient solution of the multi-step problem

This proof-of-concept shows that end-to-end RL only is enough for achieving the rational capabilities of reasoning in AI.

Performance Benchmarks

DeepSeek-R1 has successfully demonstrated its superiority in multiple benchmarks, and at times even better than the others: 1. Mathematics

AIME 2024: Scored 79.8% (Pass@1) similar to the OpenAI o1.

MATH-500: Got a whopping 93% accuracy; it was one of the benchmarks that set new standards for solving mathematical problems.

2.Coding

Codeforces Benchmark: Rank in the 96.3rd percentile of the human participants with expert-level coding abilities.

3. General Knowledge

MMLU: Accurate at 90.8%, demonstrating expertise in general knowledge.

GPQA Diamond: Obtained 71.5% success rate, topping the list on complex question answering.

4.Writing and Question-Answering

AlpacaEval 2.0: Accrued 87.6% win, indicating sophisticated ability to comprehend and answer questions.

Use Cases of DeepSeek-R1

The multifaceted use of DeepSeek-R1 in the different sectors and fields includes: 1. Education and Tutoring With the ability of DeepSeek-R1 to solve problems with great reasoning skills, it can be utilized for educational sites and tutoring software. DeepSeek-R1 will assist the students in solving tough mathematical and logical problems for a better learning process. 2. Software Development Its strong performance in coding benchmarks makes the model a robust code generation assistant in debugging and optimization tasks. It can save time for developers while maximizing productivity. 3. Research and Academia DeepSeek-R1 shines in long-context understanding and question answering. The model will prove to be helpful for researchers and academics for analysis, testing of hypotheses, and literature review. 4.Model Development DeepSeek-R1 helps to generate high-quality reasoning data that helps in developing the smaller distilled models. The distilled models have more advanced reasoning capabilities but are less computationally intensive, thereby creating opportunities for smaller organizations with more limited resources.

Revolutionary Training Pipeline

DeepSeek, one of the innovations of this structured and efficient training pipeline, includes the following: 1.Two RL Stages These stages are focused on improved reasoning patterns and aligning the model’s outputs with human preferences. 2. Two SFT Stages These are the basic reasoning and non-reasoning capabilities. The model is so versatile and well-rounded.

This approach makes DeepSeek-R1 outperform existing models, especially in reason-based tasks, while still being cost-effective.

Open Source: Democratizing AI

As a commitment to collaboration and transparency, DeepSeek has made DeepSeek-R1 open source. Researchers and developers can thus look at, modify, or deploy the model for their needs. Moreover, the APIs help make it easier for the incorporation into any application.

Why DeepSeek-R1 is a Game-Changer

DeepSeek-R1 is more than just an AI model; it’s a step forward in the development of AI reasoning. It offers performance, cost-effectiveness, and scalability to change the world and democratize access to advanced AI tools. As a coding assistant for developers, a reliable tutoring tool for educators, or a powerful analytical tool for researchers, DeepSeek-R1 is for everyone. DeepSeek-R1, with its pioneering approach and remarkable results, has set a new standard for AI innovation in the pursuit of a more intelligent and accessible future.

[novelistash]

Meriel's auburn hair is lush and rounded and every little tilt of her head sends out this infuriating floral scent that I can't identify. I associate the smell with miserable pining. Roi's pokeball in my pocket feels familiar. Roi and Meriel were a big part of my life in Kalos and I gave all of that up running away to Alola. 100,000 pen will break my account, but I can cover it. Walking away from Meriel might be worth it, but the cowardice wouldn't. I need to face my fear so I can face the future.

Standing, I do my best to appear composed, even while I'm terrified and dirty. "I need to get pokemon out of storage."

Meriel holds up one of those rotom-phones. They make me feel sick. Her teasing smile makes me wanna chuckle and settle down beside her. "You really don't have one?"

I hold out a PokeTech X. "I'll return on my honor as a Duke."

She giggles. Her red cheeks gives a her vibrant glow.

I get out of there quick, having no idea what pokemon she's planning to use.

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

There's an arena out back. Pedestrians from the street level can view the battle from a railing and guests can turn and watch while they enjoy their meal. It's not a Pokemon League Stadium, but it's the biggest audience I've had in almost seven years. Not since Spiral killed Fission have I had a full audience to witness my defeat.

Meriel readies her first ultraball and the sight of it confirms my fears, she isn't using her Audinos. This could be anything. The black and yellow pattern spins under her fingers. A sanded down skyblue ball enlarges in my hand. She sends out the ball like a dealt card. I toss my greatball high and out by releasing my grip as my hand arcs up.

On her side is a navy blue Meowstic, a spry looking male. An Alola tested Gengar comes out on my side. Not a mismatch by any means but we're committing to a shoot out. Super effective attacks can kill.

Expecting me to attack, she calls out, "Sucker punch."

"Taunt."

Sorrowfell the Gengar pulls down her face, showing off her teeth and infuriating the Meowstic into losing her composure. Sorrowfell outspeeds the Meowstic and turns his white fur gray from the blast of her shadowball. A psybeam comes out a tears a line through Sorrowfell's cheek. The nasty monster uses her claws to extend the opening, showing off the wound with pride. Meowstic shakes as he gets back on his paws.

I want to Meriel to call him back, but it's obvious she won't. Another attack is going to come and if Sorr survives the suckerpunch, that Meowstic is gonna end up gray, shriveled, and lifeless. The Meowstic rushes forward to perform a suckerpunch and finds a body of energy in my Gengar's place. The recall might be bad tactics, but I don't want to risk the Meowstic's life. Instead I throw out my Shiinotic and everything feels distant. My grass attack finishes the Meowstic, but an Aurorus follows. A quick blizzard Aurorus, the supposed counterpart to Tyrantrum. Meriel knows it's a bad matchup because I've ranted about ice's weakness at length.

I worry about his super effective Head Smash breaking the Aurorus's bones, but there's no hesitation in me or Roi. I'm shouting "Head Smash" and he's shattering ice crystals. It's a familiar rhythm that takes me back to my earliest days of fighting in Kalos.

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

I'd won. Roi had smashed his way through eight opponents and I was firmly in the rank of Duke. Pride eluded me. When I looked inside all I felt was fear. Finding the Battle Chateau had been a blessing. I'd found this surefire way to pick up big pay outs so that I could advance faster than Spiral and take the seat of Champion, but my heads were shaking. I went outside to puke and only found tears.

Fission was dead because of me. He'd been using self destruct for over a year and I never thought about the toll it took on his body. Spiral exploited that weakness and Fission wasn't the only one to die. League fights were serious business. Trainers and pokemon pushed each other to their limits, but it was always the pokemon who suffered.

Meriel found me keening. She outside on a smoke break. It was an odd thing to see a woman so refined and beautiful smoking, but I found it welcoming and honest. She listened to me tell my story through my tears and I admitted to her that I was scared to become the champion.

"My reign as Elite four ended with four deaths. Four! That should've been enough to make me quit, but I didn't. I kept fighting, kept grinding, kept breeding--breeding until I dreamed about eggs and bikes and I hated every minute of it, but I wouldn't stop. I had to win and my Garchomp suffered for it! He's dead because of that damn Sylveon! I have to be strong enough to get my revenge. I have to! This Tyrantrum isn't going to be enough. None of this is going to be enough to make me Champion."

Meriel stayed close enough for me to feel her warmth and wisps of her cigarette wafted into my nose. My rage was selfish as it was disturbing, but she wasn't scared. If anything she looked contemplative.

"So what if you're not Champion?"

"Then all of this was for nothing! Then all of my training, all of the months of breeding was for nothing!"

"And?"

"And? AND???"

"So you're not Champion, who cares?"

"Who cares? If I'm not Champion then I'm nothing!"

"Those are your only options, be champion or disappear into obscurity?"

"What other option is there? I spend my life stuck in the Battle Chateau smacking around Audinos?!" I said with contempt because I forgot that Meriel was one of the Audino users I had trounced. "I'm sorry."

"It's fine. I know that my Audinos aren't going to win me any tournaments or ribbons."

"Then why do you do it? How can you be happy training weak pokemon?"

"I imagine that it's probably the same reason that you've been using that Tyrantrum. I like them. Audinos are nice. They're warm and personable and they help me clean up my apartment. I never have to worry about them being irresponsible or wreckless. When I come home too drunk they can take care of me and put themselves in a pokeball. How many Elite Four pokemon can do the same thing?"

"Maybe an Alakazem," I said postulating the effort needed to train them.

Meriel arched an annoyed brow, but she was also smiling. "You like being difficult don't you?"

"I don't try to be difficult. I want to be thorough. Maybe that's why being champion is so important to me."

"I don't think it is," she said gently. "You've spent the past two weeks doing nothing but accumulating wins at the battle chateau and sleeping alone at some hotel an hour's fly away. If being the champion is so important why are you still here? What if you let go of all of that and stayed?"

"Why so I can be a stepping stone for Spiral and Cynthia and all of the other Champions?"

"My pokemon don't die here. My life is stable. I don't worry about tomorrow. I might be a stepping stone in the career of great trainers, but I'm happy. When was the last time you were happy?"

"Never," I confessed.

Smiling, she waited for me to come to a perfectly reasonable conclusion. It was time for me to leave that hotel and find more permanent living conditions.

+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

Meriel's Audino drops. She's battered and bruised, but Spice the Audino is gonna be okay. She knows how to take a Head Smash without getting seriously hurt. Spice had fought Roi for years. They were practically friends at one point. Meriel recalls the pokemon and thanks Spice with a kiss on the ball.

I approach to talk to her, but her boyfriend walks up to rub her shoulders. She thanks him with a kiss too. I' knew I'd've always lacked something that Meriel needs out a relationship and for some reason seeing them kiss gives me a glimpse of that. It isn't that he's handsome or fit, but it's that's he's patient and supportive. He's there for her without offering suggestions about how to improve because Meriel is content with her life. I still can't find that peace.

"Thanks for the match," I tell Meriel. With a swipe of my trainer ID over her rotom-phone, she pays me for a victory that feels like a loss.

"You've changed," she says with a smile.

It makes me blush with shame and hide my eyes. "Yeah, my fighting has gotten less creative."

"Maybe but it's more compassionate. Why don't you stay with us and have drinks?"

"I wouldn't mind," says her boyfriend.

"No, I uh," I swallow back the threat of tears. "I need to fly over to Slateport. I'm looking for a psychic entertainer named Esther Flowne. Do you know her?"

She shakes her head. "No, sorry. All of my psychic knowhow I picked up from Olympia. We're only here until the league finalizes things in Paldea."

"It's gonna be great! I heard they're working on a new evolution!"

First mega, then dynamax and now something worse. The possibility should've made me nauseous, but I was too focused on every microscopic change in Meriel's expression. Another group of guests were approaching the stadium and so we walked back over to the dinning area inside.

Meriel and her boyfriend went to sit and I steeled myself to make a respectable goodbye. My always processing brain wouldn't allow my thoughts to move on.

"I know I've said this before," I mumbled. "But I really am sorry for making things awkward at the Battle Chateau."

"You didn't, ASH. I knew that you liked me."

"Then why were so nice to me?"

"Because it never bothered me and I knew you weren't the kind of guy who would try to hurt me. You're not a Raticate from Fuschia City. You need to stop punishing yourself for what you had to do in order to survive."

I'm able to nod, bow, and wave goodbye, but I can't find any words after that. Meriel knows me too well. By repeating a single metaphor I'd once used to represent myself, she's cut to the heart of my pain. I make it outside and cry. @trainerspiral #closedRP #pokemonOC

[invisibleicewands]

10 Valuable Mental Health Lessons We Can Learn From Formula 1 Drivers

Formula 1 is an incredibly demanding sport. It’s not just about driving really fast. F1 racing requires precision, split-second judgment, strategic agility, and extreme endurance.

It also tests the limits of mental resilience. F1 drivers need to constantly multitask behind the wheel without losing their focus. The slightest miscalculation or distraction can have catastrophic consequences when you’re hurtling around a circuit at breakneck speed.

“At any time during a race, drivers are dealing with inputs from several sources. In addition to driving the car and responding to other drivers on the track, they are monitoring the car through information on the steering wheel and holding conversations with the pit wall receiving or relaying additional information and race strategy,” says Dr. Tommy Wood, a neuroscientist and performance consultant associated with Hintsa Performance.

The pressure to perform is also enormous in such a high-stakes environment where a fraction of a second can make the difference between pole position and second on the grid.

For these reasons, F1 drivers train their minds as much as their bodies for peak performance.

“Formula 1, for us drivers, is as much about mental health as physical health,” shares British F1 driver George Russell in a special feature on mental health produced by Formula One.

“It’s the head that decides everything,” says Renault’s F1 team driver, Esteban Ocon, in the same video.

Luckily, many mental strategies and coping skills employed by F1 drivers are transferable and can be tapped by us ordinary folk to boost our own mental strength and well-being. Here are the top ten:

#1 Build a strong sense of self

“The foundation of a resilient F1 driver lies in a strong sense of self,” says Antti Kontsas, Head of Performance for Motorsport at Hintsa. “It’s essential to distinguish between on-track results and personal identity. If [the] identity relies solely on outcomes, the low points can quickly become overwhelming, leading to a negative spiral,” Kontsas explains.

Sense of self refers to how you perceive yourself as a whole. It involves being aware of your abilities, limitations, values, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that form your unique identity. People with a strong sense of self tend to be more self-accepting and have a higher sense of self-worth. They are more confident in their decisions and actions and are less likely to succumb to external pressures and circumstances.

A strong sense of self also helps you untangle your identity from your work. Often, people associate who they are with what they do for a living. Their work becomes their whole identity. While your job is a major part of your life, it doesn’t define you. A strong sense of self allows you to derive meaning and joy from different sources in life, making it easier to bounce back from professional setbacks.

#2 Use visualizations

Visualization involves mentally mapping a specific situation or process and going through every step in realistic detail to train your mind for better performance. In F1, this could mean mentally rehearsing the entire race, picturing every apex, pit stop, braking point, and chicane. Mentally simulating different scenarios to better prepare for potential challenges and overtaking opportunities on track.

Repeatedly visualizing specific tasks or motor patterns can improve how you perform a task and help you avoid mistakes, says Dr. Wood. “This can be particularly important when time for physical practice is limited, as is often the case for Formula 1,” he says.

“It can really help focus the mind,” says Mark Arnall, an F1 performance coach who has worked with two world champions, Mika Hakkinen and Kimi Raikkonen. “I used to use a form of this with Mika Hakkinen before qualifying, for example, to visualize the perfect lap [and] mentally run through it over and over. It worked very well,” he shares.

For best results, Dr. Wood recommends keeping the visualizations short and focusing on the process required for achieving the goal rather than the outcome itself.

#3 Set process goals

“The driver must have well-defined process goals that he can control for each session and the weekend as a whole,” says Kontsas. “Focus is often momentarily lost, but the true test is how swiftly the driver can reset and regain it. These goals offer a reference point to rely on when stress increases, allowing the driver to quickly refocus,” he adds.

Process goals are specific, measurable, task-oriented goals that help you break down a bigger outcome goal into smaller, manageable steps to help you track and review your progress.

These short-term goals make the process of achieving larger goals less overwhelming by allowing you to be in control of the process. They also provide a clear roadmap that helps you stay focused, motivated, and accountable.

#4 Focus on what’s controllable

It’s important to “put your energy in things you can control,” Red Bull F1 driver Sergio Pérez shares in the same Formula One interview that features Russell and Ocon.

In F1, anything can happen at any time. For example, “the car might blow up, [the] driver might make a mistake, or another driver might accidentally take you out,” says Arnall.

Similarly, life seldom goes as planned. Major transitions, unforeseen events, unexpected opportunities, and setbacks often push us into unchartered territory.

Focusing on what’s within your control allows you to direct your time, energy, and resources toward things you have the power to influence (e.g., actions, mindset, routines, etc.), which can lead to lower stress, more resilience, and better outcomes.

Controlling the controllable has a domino effect on your overall health and well-being. For example, reframing your thoughts can influence the way you feel about a particular situation. How you feel, in turn, affects how you act or react, which can impact your mood, productivity, and relationships.

#5 Try breathwork

Stress and emotions run high in the high-stakes, high-octane world of Formula 1. And they only intensify as the season progresses toward the final Grand Prix races. According to Arnall, some F1 drivers turn to mindfulness practices like breathwork and meditation to calm the nervous system and avoid choking under pressure. Research shows that controlled breathing exercises may reduce stress, ease anxiety, improve concentration, and enhance cognitive and athletic performance, among other benefits.

#6 Practice arousal control

Arousal in sport psychology is the level of alertness and physiological activation experienced by an athlete. If arousal is too low, they might not feel energized, focused, or motivated enough to perform at their best. On the other hand, if arousal is too high, they may feel too anxious, tense, or distracted to perform well.

The ideal level of arousal is different for different sports. “In Formula 1, some arousal is needed, for instance, to ensure quick reactions off the start line. But being too aroused might impair decision-making or information processing while navigating the first corner at the same time as 19 other cars,” says Dr. Wood.

Different drivers use different arousal management techniques. “Some drivers may perform best when they work to increase their arousal right before the race. This can be done with things like caffeine, bright light, or brief bouts of physical or cognitive exercise. Other drivers might need to decrease their arousal if they’re naturally more anxious. This can be done with certain types of meditation, rest, or breathing practices, as well as managing who they interact with in the run-up to the race,” Dr. Wood explains.

#7 Cultivate self-awareness

Self-awareness is the ability to tune into your own thoughts, feelings, and behavior and recognize how they influence the way you interact with the world around you. It allows you to better regulate your emotions, which, in turn, helps you take better actions and decisions, even in stressful situations.

In F1, self-awareness helps drivers recognize unhelpful behaviors on and off the track and work on them to develop their capacity for self-regulation for improved performance and decision-making, says Kontsas.

#8 Leverage ‘good stress’

Not all stress is bad. While managing stress is crucial, research shows that eliminating it altogether may not be ideal. Just as physical stress from exercise boosts strength and endurance, low to moderate levels of short-term stress can positively impact brain function, resilience, and performance.

Every Formula 1 driver will have failed hundreds of times in their career. The process of dealing with that failure and developing strategies and tools to improve gives them the resilience to deal with setbacks when millions of people are watching, says Dr. Wood.

#9 Get serious about rest

According to Arnall, pre-season is intense. With a calendar filled with 22-24 races, prioritizing rest and recovery is a non-negotiable. If you don’t get this right, it can negatively affect both physical and mental performance as well as increase the risk of the driver getting sick, he says. Getting quality sleep is also critical for emotional regulation and decision-making, adds Dr. Wood. The National Sleep Foundation recommends getting at least seven hours of sleep each night.

#10 Stay consistent in your fitness journey

Another key aspect everyone I spoke with emphasized is having a consistent fitness routine. Your physical and mental health aren’t mutually exclusive. They are interconnected. So, what benefits the body also tends to benefit the mind and vice versa.

“Physical fitness is associated with capacity for motor learning, so those who are fitter may be able to learn and adapt faster when conditions change,” says Dr. Wood.

According to the neuroscientist, it also significantly enhances cognitive function and emotional regulation, both of which can come in handy in stressful conditions.

[eleanorfenyxwrites]

The Man From Y.I.L.I.N.G.

Chapter 4 - RESEARCH POST

It's like how champagne can only be made in champagne France -- true Moutai Baijiu can only be made by the Kweichow Maotai distillery in Maotai, Guizhou province. It's a state-owned business, and in 1951 Moutai was named an official state liquor and "...became both the drink of choice for greeting foreign dignitaries and the bribe of choice to high officials."

The bottle of baijiu that Nie Mingjue is looking at on the bar was inspired by this bottle sold online by Christies Auction (Shanghai) for 960000CNY (approx. 139,389USD / 114,422GBP) in January 2022. Source: Christies online

3. Xiangqi is historical 'Chinese Chess', believed to have originated in the Song Dynasty. The pieces and rules are different from Western chess, though there are also quite a few overlaps seeing as they're both war strategy games. English-speakers will frequently swap out the names of the pieces for their Western counterparts since they perform similar functions (i.e. to protect the general/king or else have similar legal movement patterns or limitations around the board).

4. Baijiu is typically served in a tulip-shaped glass when entertaining. The shape of the glass allows the aroma of the wine to bloom properly, and holding the glass by the stem prevents the heat of your hand from altering the aroma/flavor while you drink. Jess and I thought this was a nice nod to Nie Mingjue's more aristocratic upbringing - he knows and observes these niceties of highbrow society pretty instinctually even when under stress because he's still the Nie heir/leader at heart.

5. As far as him slamming it back, though - this baijiu is meant to be sipped at slowly while eating, not knocked back like a shot of tequila. It's extremely strong, around 80-120 proof, which is why LXC is watching him pound these shots back like "O.O Oh I might've fucked up somewhere here"

6. For Lan Xichen's move against himself in the xiangqi game where he captures a piece - this is way too much detail for a throwaway line in the middle of a conversation, but I actually researched the movement types for each piece in xiangqi for it. For this move, a red soldier piece has crossed the river in the horizontal middle of the board into the opposing black territory (making it more vulnerable, as it can't retreat back across the 'river', and is now therefore worth 2 points instead of 1). The black cannon can move as far as it wants in a straight line so long as it's unobstructed, so canons are frequently purely offensive pieces used for capturing. In order to capture, a cannon has to be able to jump a piece (the only piece in the game that has to capture by jumping), and so for this move and response, the lone red soldier is hopped by the black cannon, then removed from play for 2 points. Is this actually a good strategy? I dunno!

7. Back to the baijiu and its soy sauce flavor - there are apparently lots of various flavors of baijiu even from this one distillery, ranging from light and floral/fruity all the way to the more savory wines. Apparently the strongest/most fermented really do taste like soy sauce as they're made with a similar fermentation process. (I spent so long reading about baijiu production and personal accounts on blogs from connoiseurs for just a few lines but it's about grounding it in reality!!)

8-10. The first song that plays on the album Lan Xichen puts on is "Hippy Hippy Shake" from the 1964 album 'Zoom' by The Fabulous Echoes, based in Hong Kong. Music like this apparently would've been pretty contraband in Mainland China, the sort of thing people would only listen to either by themselves or amongst trusted friends in their own homes. Lan Xichen is being a little daring by playing it in the hotel like this, but 🤷🏽‍♀️ the record was already there and it's not like Wen Ruohan doesn't like to flaunt how much he doesn't have to follow the usual social rules 'cause $$$ so I just went with it. The next songs that play each time Nie Mingjue notices the track changing are "To Russia With Love" for the slower ballad, and then when the bouncy percussion comes back in it's "Betcha Gonna Like It".

11. I've only been able to find two mentions of Peony as a luxury brand of record player: one, a personal journal entry from someone who remembers their dad buying one and being very proud to have purchased such a luxury; and two, a blurb of a quote from a book called 'Newborn Socialist Things: Materiality in Maoist China' that reads "…late 1950s with its line of Peony (Mudan) luxury brand radios. In 1959, it began offering a new combination model: The Peony 1201 added a four-speed…" before the preview cuts off. But of course even though I couldn't find loads of information about it it was just too perfect not to include.

[superbloggertech101]

Mind-Control Tech: Are We Ready?

Neurotech Interfaces: Are We Ready to Control Devices with Our Minds?

Imagine typing a message, controlling your car, or playing a game - all without lifting a finger. That’s no longer the stuff of science fiction. It’s the direction technology is heading, thanks to the emergence of brain-computer interfaces. These neural systems are promising a future where direct communication between the mind and machines could be as natural as touchscreens are today. But are we ready for that level of integration?

What Is a Brain-Computer Interface?

A brain-computer interface, or BCI, is a system that connects the human brain to an external device. It picks up electrical signals from brain activity, interprets them, and converts them into commands. These signals can then be used to operate machines, apps, or prosthetics without physical movement. Think of it as a bridge between the brain’s intent and the digital world - a connection made possible through sensors, algorithms, and years of neurological research.

From Labs to Lives: How BCIs Are Used Today

While the idea sounds futuristic, brain-computer interfaces are already active in the medical world. They’ve been used to help paralyzed individuals move robotic limbs, control cursors, or speak through synthesized voices. Companies like Blackrock Neurotech are at the forefront, developing high-fidelity brain implants used in clinical trials. Their work with motor restoration and cognitive tracking shows how BCI technology is already changing lives.

Then there’s Neuralink, the venture backed by Elon Musk. The company has performed public demonstrations showing how their neural device allows monkeys to play games with their minds. In 2025, Neuralink moved into its first human trials, aiming to make BCI technology both safe and commercially viable. These early cases show the tech is quite real.

Gaming, Work, and Beyond: The Consumer BCI Vision

Beyond medical applications, companies are eyeing consumer use. Imagine logging into your computer, playing immersive VR games, or writing documents - all powered by thought. Brain-computer interfaces could radically change how people interact with digital environments. This would allow faster reactions in gameplay, deeper immersion in simulations, and even better focus in productivity tasks. The idea of working or learning with your mind, instead of just your hands, opens up a whole new design philosophy.

The Ethics of Mind Access

The more connected we become, the more questions arise. What happens when brain signals are stored? Who gets access to this data? As interfaces become more sensitive, the line between control and surveillance starts to blur. Thought data, unlike browsing history, is deeply personal. Once exposed, it can’t be changed. These concerns go far beyond cybersecurity — they enter the realm of personal agency and mental privacy.

Who Owns Your Thoughts?

If a BCI captures and stores neural patterns, that data becomes valuable. But it also becomes vulnerable. Could your thoughts be used against you? Could companies monetize your focus or mood patterns? Could governments mandate brain scans for security? These questions are no longer theoretical. The speed of innovation demands answers about ownership, rights, and accountability. Before any BCI becomes mainstream, these gaps in ethical design must be addressed.

Qwegle’s Watch on Future Interfaces

At Qwegle, we keep a close eye on how these frontier technologies impact business design and user behavior. Our experts help brands understand how new interfaces will shape digital experiences. From future-proofing content platforms to exploring new modes of interaction, we support businesses navigating shifts in data control. For us, tech is not just about novelty. It’s about preparation.

Roadblocks Ahead: What’s Slowing Adoption?

Despite the excitement, brain-computer interfaces face serious limitations. Surgical implants are invasive and expensive. Signal clarity often requires lab-grade equipment. There are still a few universal standards for hardware or data formats. Regulations are catching up slowly, and widespread trust is missing. Until brain interfaces are proven safe, accessible, and secure, mass adoption remains unlikely - but not out of reach.

Where Are We Headed? Over the next five to ten years, we’ll likely see non-invasive versions of BCIs, starting with wearables and accessories, enter the mainstream. Neuralink and Blackrock Neurotech are expected to release more trial data, and regulatory agencies will be pressured to keep pace. Once the technology becomes simpler and safer, it could change everything from education to smart homes. The journey to mind-controlled tech has already begun - now it’s a matter of how far and fast we’re willing to go.

[samritikaurrr]

Why Quartzite Countertops for Kitchen Design Are a Smart Investment

Homeowners planning a kitchen renovation often look for a countertop material that’s both beautiful and durable. Among the many options available today, quartzite countertops for kitchen designs have emerged as one of the best long-term investments.

At Elite Stone, quartzite remains a top choice for homeowners across Ontario, especially those who want a luxury look without compromising on performance. Here's why this natural stone continues to gain popularity in modern kitchen remodels.

What Sets Quartzite Apart from Other Materials?

Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that originates from sandstone and transforms through intense heat and pressure. The result is a stone that not only mimics the elegance of marble but surpasses many surfaces in hardness and resilience.

Unlike engineered quartz or synthetic countertops, quartzite offers:

Natural beauty with one-of-a-kind veining

Higher resistance to scratches and heat

Superior durability under daily kitchen use

Long-term performance with minimal maintenance

This combination of features makes quartzite especially appealing for kitchens, where surfaces must withstand frequent cooking, cleaning, and heavy use.

Benefits of Quartzite Countertops in Your Kitchen

1. Long-Term Durability Quartzite’s hardness is comparable to granite, making it highly resistant to chipping, cracking, and scratching. This makes it ideal for families or anyone who cooks often.

2. Natural Elegance If you love the look of marble but worry about its fragility, quartzite is a great alternative. With its flowing patterns and bright tones, it enhances everything from modern minimalist kitchens to traditional country styles.

3. Heat Resistance Quartzite can handle hot pots and pans without leaving marks or burns—something that’s especially useful in a busy cooking space.

4. Low Maintenance Requirements Sealing quartzite annually is usually enough to maintain its strength and appearance. Beyond that, daily cleaning with a mild soap and water is all it takes to keep it looking new.

Ideal for Designers, Contractors, and Homeowners

The growing interest in quartzite countertops isn’t limited to homeowners. Kitchen designers, contractors, and even real estate agents recommend quartzite surfaces for their long-lasting appeal and ability to raise home value.

Whether you're planning a full remodel or just upgrading your kitchen counters, quartzite offers lasting performance without sacrificing style.

Sourcing Quality Quartzite in Canada

If you’re looking to purchase quartzite countertops for kitchen installations in Ontario, visit https://elitestone.ca/. Elite Stone supplies high-quality natural stone surfaces to homeowners and contractors across the region, offering expert advice, a wide selection of slabs, and professional installation support.

Final Thoughts

Quartzite countertops bring together elegance and endurance—two traits every kitchen needs. Their natural composition, stunning aesthetics, and reliable performance make them one of the smartest countertop investments today.

If you're exploring premium options for your kitchen, consider quartzite not just for its beauty, but for the value it brings over time. Learn more about top quartzite selections and how to incorporate them into your home at https://elitestone.ca/.

[thebotmode]

How to Increase WhatsApp Message Limit in 2025 – Complete Guide

WhatsApp remains one of the most powerful tools for customer communication in 2025. But if your business relies on bulk messaging, you’ve likely hit a wall with WhatsApp’s daily message sending limits. Whether you’re using the official WhatsApp Business API or working with a BSP like The Botmode, understanding and increasing your messaging limits is key to scaling effectively.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

How WhatsApp’s messaging tiers work

How to increase your message sending limit

Tips for maintaining high-quality message ratings

Common mistakes that can hurt your account health

What Are WhatsApp Messaging Tiers?

WhatsApp Business API accounts are grouped into tiers based on how many unique users they can message in a 24-hour period:TierLimit per 24 Hours11,000 unique users210,000 unique users3100,000 unique users4Unlimited (based on conditions)

How to Set Up WhatsApp Business API (2025)

If you’re new to WhatsApp Business API, here’s how to get started:

1. Verify Your Business

Create a Facebook Business Manager account

Submit required documents and company information

Wait for Meta to verify your account

2. Choose a BSP (Business Solution Provider)

To simplify integration, consider a BSP like The Botmode, which provides a UI, automation, and Shopify/WooCommerce integrations.

3. Set Up a Dedicated WhatsApp Number

Use a clean number not linked to any personal WhatsApp

This number will be tied to your WhatsApp Business account

4. Create and Submit Message Templates

All outbound messages must use pre-approved templates

Templates should be clear, concise, and follow Meta’s content policy

How to Increase WhatsApp Message Sending Limit

To move from Tier 1 to higher tiers, you must show consistent volume and high-quality engagement. Here’s how:

Send Consistent Message Volume

To move from Tier 1 to Tier 2, message at least 2,000 users over 7 days

Each successful message counts toward tier progression

Maintain a High-Quality Score

Avoid spammy behavior

Keep opt-out and complaint rates low

Monitor template performance regularly

Encourage Opt-Ins and Reduce Blocks

Only message users who have given clear consent

Make it easy for users to opt out

Verify and Strengthen Your Brand

A verified Facebook Business profile builds trust

Verified status also helps with higher messaging tiers

Best Practices to Maintain a High-Quality Rating

To keep your quality score in the green zone, follow these guidelines:

Do This:

Personalize messages based on customer behavior

Send messages only to opted-in users

Include context in the first message (don’t just say “Hi”)

Provide opt-out instructions in every conversation

Use a respectful and professional tone

Update your business information and contact details

Avoid asking for sensitive personal or financial data

Avoid This:

Messaging users who never opted in

Over-messaging or sending too frequently

Vague or generic messages with no clear value

Mishandling or sharing user data

Using aggressive or misleading content

Getting blocked or reported by too many users

https://thebotmode.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/ChatGPT-Image-May-27-2025-04_21_39-PM-1.jpg

How WhatsApp Determines Message Quality

Meta evaluates your message quality based on:

User feedback (blocks, reports, opt-outs)

Template performance metrics

Engagement and response patterns in the last 7 days

You can monitor your message quality in: Meta Business Manager → WhatsApp Manager → Phone Numbers

Why Choose The Botmode for WhatsApp Automation?

The Botmode helps D2C brands automate WhatsApp campaigns while maintaining compliance and maximizing ROI.

With The Botmode, you can:

Automate personalized campaigns at scale

Monitor delivery, read rates, and conversions

Manage message templates and schedule smartly

Maintain a high-quality score using built-in best practices

Integrate with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, CRMs, and more

Visit: thebotmode.com/whatsapp-automation

Final Thoughts

Scaling your WhatsApp messaging in 2025 is about consistency, compliance, and customer experience. Once your API is properly set up and your campaigns follow Meta’s best practices, you’ll naturally progress through higher messaging tiers. Tools like The Botmode make this journey faster, safer, and smarter.

FAQs

Q1: How often can my messaging tier be upgraded?Meta reviews accounts continuously. Upgrades can happen within 24 to 72 hours once your volume and quality meet the criteria.

Q2: What’s the most common reason for tier downgrade?A high number of user blocks or reports can reduce your message quality score and result in a lower tier.

Q3: Can I message users who haven’t opted in?No. WhatsApp requires clear opt-in consent before you can start a conversation.

know more> https://thebotmode.com/increase-whatsapp-message-limit/

[wheelstandracing]

Why Sim Racers Are Choosing Professional Racing Cockpits with Custom Hydro-Dipped Designs

If you’ve ever imagined pushing your racing experience beyond the basics, upgrading to a high-quality racing wheel and stand is a great place to start. But why stop there? A Professional Racing Cockpit featuring a Custom Hydro-Dipped design doesn’t just add functionality — it elevates your entire setup with striking visuals and a tailored touch. Picture a cockpit that enhances your performance while also expressing your personal style.

Why Make the Jump to a Professional Racing Cockpit?

For those truly committed to their racing hobby, the right equipment makes all the difference. A Professional Racing Cockpit provides unmatched realism and stability that you simply can’t get from standard gaming chairs or basic mounts. With adjustable seating, optimised steering wheel placement, and solid pedal platforms, every element is designed for an authentic, responsive driving experience.

Pairing a cockpit with a racing wheel and stand transforms the entire feel of your setup. The level of immersion improves dramatically — you’ll notice more accurate handling, improved ergonomics, and a deeper connection with the game, making each session feel like a real race.

Stand Out with Custom Hydro-Dipped Designs

One of the standout features of a Professional Racing Cockpit is the option for a Custom Hydro-Dipped design. This process allows intricate, unique graphics to be applied to the frame, making your cockpit completely personalised. From sleek carbon fibre patterns to bold racing stripes or eye-catching metallic finishes, the choices are nearly endless.

Combining Comfort with Practical Performance

A powerful racing setup is about more than just visual appeal — it has to feel right too. The best steering wheel stand and cockpit combinations are designed with comfort in mind, supporting long gaming sessions without causing fatigue. Look for features like adjustable seat positions, wheel height and tilt controls, and solid pedal plates for enhanced control.

For those with limited space, a steering wheel stand foldable model can be a smart alternative. It delivers the same level of adjustability and stability as a full cockpit, but with the added benefit of compact storage. It’s ideal for racers who want a professional feel without dedicating a permanent spot in their home to the setup.

Why a Professional Racing Cockpit is Worth It

Investing in a Professional Racing Cockpit is about more than just comfort — it’s about performance. Whether you’re a competitive online racer or someone who simply loves the thrill of high-speed driving simulations, the right cockpit will take your gameplay to new heights.

Final Thoughts: Race in Style and Precision

If you’re ready to go beyond the basics and create a truly immersive racing setup, a Professional Racing Cockpit is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for. Combined with a quality racing wheel and stand, and enhanced by a custom hydro-dipped design, it delivers an experience that’s as visually striking as it is high-performing.

Whether you opt for a full-size cockpit or go with a steering wheel stand foldable model for more flexibility, the right setup will bring you closer to the action, lap after lap. So, gear up, customise your rig, and get ready to experience racing like never before — with precision, comfort, and unbeatable style.