#liner software

[jupiterbusinesssystems]

Streamlining Operations with Liner Agency Management Software

In today's dynamic logistics landscape, efficiency and accuracy are paramount. For liner agencies, managing complex operations involving vessel schedules, cargo bookings, documentation, and financial transactions can be a significant challenge. This is where the implementation of robust liner agency management software becomes crucial.

Liner agency software offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed specifically to address the unique needs of shipping agencies. By centralizing critical data and automating key processes, these solutions empower agencies to optimize their workflows, reduce errors, and enhance customer service. Features often include vessel schedule management, booking and documentation handling, freight tracking, agent collaboration tools, and detailed reporting capabilities.

The benefits of adopting liner management software extend across various aspects of the business. Improved communication between stakeholders, including principals, shippers, and consignees, leads to greater transparency and fewer delays. Automated invoicing and payment processing streamline financial operations, minimizing discrepancies and improving cash flow. Furthermore, efficient management of documentation, such as bills of lading and manifests, ensures compliance and reduces the risk of penalties.

While often considered a niche solution, liner agency management software is increasingly recognized as a vital component of the broader supply chain software ecosystem. Its ability to seamlessly integrate with other logistics systems, such as port management software and customs brokerage platforms, provides a holistic view of the entire shipping process.

For agencies managing multiple principals or operating across different geographical locations, agency management software functionalities within a liner software platform are particularly valuable. These features facilitate centralized control, standardized processes, and enhanced visibility across all agency activities.

In conclusion, investing in a tailored liner agency management software solution is no longer a luxury but a necessity for logistics companies seeking to thrive in a competitive market. By embracing these technologies, liner agencies can unlock significant operational efficiencies, improve customer satisfaction, and ultimately drive business growth.

[cozykhuwa]

Sister Pack: Part II by northern siberia winds [lips conversions 4t3]

🍰 latte lips

♡ polycount: texture so non existent polycount ♡ categories: lips ♡ custom thumbnail: yes ♡ recolorable: yes (2 channels) ♡ age groups: young adult female, adult female

🍰 lip color n1

♡ polycount: texture so non existent polycount ♡ categories: lips ♡ custom thumbnail: yes ♡ recolorable: yes (1 channel) ♡ age groups: young adult female, adult female

🍰 lip liner n2

♡ polycount: texture so non existent polycount ♡ categories: lips ♡ custom thumbnail: yes ♡ recolorable: yes (1 channel) ♡ age groups: young adult female, adult female

♡ I am not the original creator, I just converted the cc

♡ These may look slightly different from the original sims 4 ones since sims 3 and 4 features aren't the same (obv)

♡ Ensure to always read my TOU

♡ Credit has been given to the relevant users/softwares

💋latte lips

💋lip color n1

💋lip liner n2

🍰Patreon (alt) (FREE)

Feel free to tag me if you use these in your game, I'd love to see it! And if there is any problems don't hesitate to contact me <3

♡ @northernsiberiawinds for your beautiful work <3

♡ Blender 2.76, Photoshop 2021

Wanna buy me a coffee ☕ or even a slice of cake 🍰, feel free to donate via my ko-fi.

My Ko-Fi Page 🎀

Or sub to my Patreon!

💌 Thank you to everyone who is reblogging and supporting my content! Y'all are greatly appreciated!

♡ PERSONAL USE ONLY: My original cc & overrides are free for personal use in you Sims 3 game. DO NOT redistribute or claim as your own.

♡ CREDIT OF USAGE: If you share my cc in any way, please credit me.

♡ NO PAYWALLS: DO NOT put my cc behind any paywalls or adlinks such as linkvertise.

♡ REDISTRIBUTION POLICY: DO NOT reupload my cc on other sites. Please share my original download links to respect work put into my cc and spread the word.

♡ MODIFICATIONS: If you edit or recolour my cc, and want to share it, please give full credit where it's due.

[yapperblog]

Random dating Joost headcanons

SFW and NSFW. +18 only! rpf below, don't interact if you are not comfortable with that

SFW

loves when you come to watch his show, knowing your eyes are on him the whole time makes it even more exciting. Winks and smiles at you whenever he comes dancing closer to the backstage where you are standing.

watching the rest of the head-liners after his show at the festival together. To avoid getting recognised, you both wear facemasks or hoodies with the hood up, but it adds to the fun. You both get a drink, sing along and dance together.

if you were not traveling with him, you always stay up to wait for him to come home. He often comes back tired after multiple sets back to back late at night. He crawls in bed into your waiting arms, head falling into your lap. you run your fingers through his hair, rub his back, whispering sweet nothings to him. He tells you about the show and the after party, all the shenanigans he got up to with his friends, his voice gets quieter and quieter as you rub his back, it turns into soft breathing with him falling asleep in your lap.

loves laying on your chest holding you close to him. Makes him feel safe and loved.

lets you play with his hair, as you sit on his lap facing him, you messily style it into different hairstyles. You give him a middle part, or brush his hair completely behind his ears and take photos of him while giggling. He acts like he is not a big fan of it, but secretly loves the feeling of your fingers in his hair and just watches you have fun.

the photo of him you took with two tiny pig tales, pink bows on each side, does numbers on social media.

you want to see how he will look like with eyeliner? Say no more, he is up for it.

in general loves every activity that involves you being as close to him as possible. Watching tv? he is right next to you, big spooning you or putting your legs on his lap. He needs to be touching you at all times.

an insane amount of inside jokes between you two. Sometimes you only need a glance at him and you both already know what the other is thinking and without saying a word, you burst out laughing at the same time.

he is your biggest hypeman. No matter if it is a small or a big project, he is ready to hype you up and give you all the motivation and affirmation he can. Sometimes it's cheesy phrases, but it works nonetheless. Even if you are simply picking out an outfit for the day, he is there to cheer you on. Hugs you from behind as you are looking into the mirror, covers you in compliments and kisses.

he is a workaholic, spends most of his free time either working on his ipad or in the studio, his brain always going a hundred miles an hour thinking of new ideas for the album or the tour. But he always makes time to plan a date with you, even if you have been dating for a couple of years, each date brings a thrill and you both crave spending quality time together.

loves when you join him in the studio while he is working. He says having you close brings inspiration ho him. You let him do his thing, while you sit on a sofa reading a book or scrolling on your phone, once in a while you hear him hum a melody to himself, while recording it to remember it and potentially use later in a song. Or he plays around with different sounds on the software. When he asks you for a rhyme to a word, you are excited to help him brainstorm. After a few hours he joins you on the sofa, burying his face into your neck kissing softly, while you suggest ideas of what to order for dinner.

loves being taken care of. it can be something small, like you bringing him a plate of food while he is deep into his work, or lather up shampoo into his hair in the shower, gently washing his day away. as you step out of the shower, you wrap a towel around him, drying him off. You lead him into your bedroom, he's had a long day, his eyes are already heavy with sleep, all he wants is to wrap his hands around you, your scent filling his nose and close his eyes.

says "I love you" as often as he breaths and it never looses the heavy meaning behind those words. He means it every time and you always make sure to say it back.

you send him a photo of the belt with a fun chunky buckle you found at the thrift store with a message "do you want me to get this for you? thought it fits your style." A smile spreads across his face, he loves that you thought of him.

gets you matching bracelets. He has your initials and you have a J.K. engraved. Often brings your hand, the one you wear the bracelet on, closer to his chest, sometimes he doesn't even seem to notice he does it, just wants it closer to his heart on an instinct.

facetimes you when he is in a car on his way to a show, sometimes it's short just to see you and hear your voice, or longer calls when he is traveling to another country. He tells you all about his day, asks questions about you. If his friends are also in the car, it becomes a group yap session. You team up with one of them to jokingly make fun of Joost for something he said or did that day. Laughter fills the room through your phone.

the biggest tease in the world. If you are shorter than him, he will use it to an advantage every chance he gets, like holding things you need above your reach. He is a better dancer than you, so he often ends up lightheartedly laughing at your attempts to replicate his dance moves. He loves that you can match his energy and understand his humour.

you tease him back as much. With every shared joke he falls inlove with you even more.

NSFW

as often as he is tired after the show, as if on a flip of a coin, he can also be wired with energy. If on a usual day the sex is great, after the show, both of you high on adrenaline, it is a 100 times better.

sometimes you don't even bother getting home first, you do it in his little room backstage. As soon as you lock the door, his lips collide with yours, hands find your waist to bring you flush against him. Shameless moans fill the room, you both know it's only the people you trust also backstage and no one will walk in.

always tries to make sure you cum first, he gets off on your pleasure. When you came or he feels you are close, he looks into your eyes asking for consent, you nod and he lets loose, hugs you as tight to him as possible still holding your hips and chases his own release, letting out heavy breaths and groans.

loves seeing your face while having sex, his hairy chest and stomach flush against yours, necklace dangling in your face with each thrust.

but also becomes absolutely entranced watching his dick slip in and out of you. If you let him cum inside, he sits back on his heels to watch the cum drip out of you, a reminder of what you just did. He will try to collect it all and push it back in hearing your moan. He likes to think he is not possessive, but doing this can absolutely get him hard again.

if he isn't cumming inside, he loves to do it on your chest or stomach.

because he loves being close to you as much as possible, it often ends in him up getting horny.

his hand slowly sneaking under your t-shirt while you are watching tv together him being a big spoon. A whimper falls from your lips as you feel him palm your tit and lightly pinch your nipple. It gets you in a mood really fast. You will have to rewind the show you were watching, as it was long forgotten when you end up getting pounded from behind or riding him.

loves having you sit on his lap. You are at your friends place on a private patio, he is smoking a cigarette, both of you in a conversation with your friends. His hand slips from your waist to your upper thigh and rests there for a while until he starts rubbing soft circles and grabbing at the soft exposed skin because of a skirt you are wearing. You turn to face him, a smirk spreading on his face, you already know you are in for a fun time when you get back home.

if you are not on his lap, but sitting on a chair beside him, his hand always finds your thigh or he has to be holding your ankle. He is also fine with just holding your hand intertwining your fingers. It grounds him and serves as a reminder that you are his and next to him.

seeing how much he loves the bracelet with his initials you are wearing, you get a necklace with a small pendant that says "klein" in cursive and decide to surprise him with it. To say he loved it, is an understatement, he kept getting hard round after round while looking at it dangling on your neck. (got carried away and wrote the whole thing on this Necklace)

[things-about-cars-in-posts]

what do you like about cars?

I think you knew, upon asking this, that I could only ever have answered with either an ironic one-liner or a dozen-part novel. And unfortunately, this is already the second line, so novel it is. So then, without any further ado than the literal half year that’s gone by since this was asked, let's go.

1. Engineering matters

At the end of last year (aka when I started writing this, yikes) my dear old iPhone 6S moved on to a new home because it simply wasn't keeping up with me anymore. (And again, I was using an iPhone 6S in 2023. If I say a phone is too slow, it's too slow.) I had plenty of criteria for the replacement: a smallish screen not overboard on resolution, ideally a physical media control button and/or vibration toggle, repairability, a FUCKING AUX JACK... Something like the Sony Xperia 10, whose only real issue is marketing so trash you've only just now learned Sony never stopped making phones.

And yet...

This fancy wallpapers-sporting foldable is a Motorola RAZR 5G, a phone whose too-big screen already broke (though at the edge due to adhesive issues) and those who dared try warn repairing it will be as hard as phone repairs get. Why the fuck did I buy this? Well, because it has something more important than the aux jack, proper sizing, and good cameras: it made me go “That’s so cool!”, and when’s the last time a phone made you say that? It's the cusp of a new technology, and whether it becomes the future of phones, a future of phones, or just a weird footnote, it is an island of interesting in a sea of boring. And sadly, even this island is rapidly sinking. The drive for new form factors has already boiled down to the same two phones and their evolution is sinking into the usual millimetric proportion tweaking, camera rearranging, touchscreen expanding, case material switching, fingerprint sensor moving, and spec improvements not even manufacturers can come up with use cases for. I mean, seriously, how does the iPhone 15 differ from a software-updated iPhone X (which is apparently not pronounced "x", so I guess the iPhone Twitter)? Nothing is new. Nothing is tackled differently. The user experience does not differ. And why should it, when iPhone users will get a new one out of habit anyway and many are so tech illiterate moving a button could hospitalize them? Five generation newer and 150% faster are numbers you basically have to trust, because they don't make a difference that matters.

But in cars? 150% faster will matter alright. Even just looking at it. Cars are a visceral experience to even witness, let alone ride in or drive, and the frantic engineering pursuits for performance and overall capability actually have impactful real world implications beyond "some pockets will bulge 1mm less". And their engineering involves so many fields that there’s always a breakthrough going on somewhere - which leads to another reason their engineering is so interesting: there’s simply so much of it that anyone interested in engineering will find something for them, no matter their level or sector of expertise! Interested in mechanics? Well, obviously you’ll have a field day! Aerodynamics? Don't even get me started! Electronics? You're getting more goods by the year! It spread from engine management to safety assists to infotainment to ergonomic adjustments to even suspension and aerodynamics! Sound design? Even just working on the way engines sound is a profession of its own, let alone making these barrels of metal and glass propelling themselves at triple digit speeds through hundreds of explosions a second things you can comfortably have a conversation in - and that's not even mentioning horns and chimes! Hi-Fi? We’ve spent most of a century trying to get concert hall sound from a tiny tin can where everyone sits off-center and everything bumps and shakes around and you have maybe room for two components* a third the normal size and speakers can only be in a handful of places you wouldn’t want them which may well be the next room over**!

And this is just engineering.

*Like everything in the car world, there are exceptions to that

**For those unfamiliar, subwoofers, the speakers dedicated to, indeed, sub-bass, due to their frequent humongousness are often installed in the trunk.

[gcholdtrops]

introducing new test muses to the bunch !! like for a one-liner and specify one of them please :3

min seojun, 23 - student who majors in data science and freelancer ( software )

kwon eunbi, 25 - hair stylist with her own parlor and wine euthanistic

kang daehyun, 26 - journalist, focusing on celebrities and their whereabouts, little brother to daeho

kim soobin, 25 - student and gardener, for the rich people in the area, roommate to yongguk

lee youngjae, 28 - police officer, on patrol around the streets and does a lot crime scene evidence

kang daeho, 29 - private detective, mainly missing people cases; older brother to daehyun

[hellocaitlinash]

The Mermaid Princess (CC List)

I was super excited for the new live action 'The Little Mermaid', and I decided to make some cc inspired by it when I couldn't find much out there (especially for base game - the mermaid outfit is a dress, no Island Living needed). I started on most of these before seeing the film, but I tried to make adjustments after watching it.

This is the first time that I've made cc for The Sims 4, so I did the best I could with recoloring existing meshes (a HUGE thanks to those creators!). I made a few cc items way back when for The Sims 2 or 3, but it's been a while. I really enjoyed the process, so hopefully you'll see more creations from me in the future!

The meshes for the recolors are linked below, and the recolor files are attached on Patreon for free (no subscription needed). You'll need both the mesh and recolor for them to work. Let me know if you have any issues, and I'll see what I can do to help! If you created any of the cc that I used and would like me to credit you in a different way, please reach out to me.

Download her from The Sims 4 Gallery. You will need to check the box to allow cc to see the listing.

EA ID: pixellefaire

CC Download (Patreon)

Skin Details

Eyebrows 15 by RemusSirion

Patria Nosemask N04 by Pralinesims

3D eyelashes ☆*:｡Part 5 by Miiko

Topaz Face Highlight by Nesurii

Serena Skin Overlay by Miiko

Skin Details by Kismet Sims

Tinsel Overlay (forehead) by lamatisse

Fraise Moles by pea-milk

Mouth Preset 06 by StretchSkeleton

MMSIMS Preset Ear 1 by MMSIMS

Whisper Eyes (default) by dangerouslyfreejellyfish

Makeup

Lipstick: Florence Makeup Set by Kumikya

Lip Liner: Cupid's Kiss Lip Kit Collection (LOVE LIPLINER #2) by peachyfaerie

Eyeshadow: Stalker Eyeshadow by Twisted Cat

Blush: Sunbloom Blush by virtygo

Any outfit specific makeup is listed below

Mermaid Dress

Dress Mesh: Mermaid Costume by Ms Blue

Recolor download link below

Hair: tessa twists V2 by sheabuttyr

Kiss the Girl Dress

Dress Mesh: Juliet Dress by Sandrini Feierabend Sims

Recolor download link below

Shoes: Shoes: Braided Sandals by Dissia Kitten Heel Lace Up Ankle Boots by Jius

Hair: (Left) SOLSTICE Hemi Scarf by greenllamas fae hair by greenllamas

(Right) Nova Hair & Bandana by wildlyminiaturesandwich

Farewell Dress

Top Mesh: Aitana by laupipi

Recolor download link below

Skirt Mesh: Maxi Skirt Boho Tiered by Asaym

Recolor download link below

Shoes: Kitten Heel Lace Up Ankle Boots by Jius

Hair: tete twists V3 by sheabuttyr

Ballgown (I added this one for fun)

Dress: Alexandra Dress by Sifix

Hair: Mel Hair by dogsill

Lips: Dark Hour Lipstick by TwistedCat

Shipwreck Dress

Dress: Maxis Base Game Dress

Recolor download link below

Hair: london locs (femme frame) by sheabuttyr

Corset and Bloomers

Bloomers: Maiden Set by SimGirlz

Corset: «nemesis» corset by clumsyalien

Hair: london locs (femme frame) by sheabuttyr

Other Mods

Poses:

Modeling Pose Set 3 by Katverse

CAS Pose Cheerful 01 by Ms Blue

CAS Pose Gloomy 01 by Ms Blue

Sim'ply Shy CAS Poses by idavt

Lighting:

NoBlu v2 by luumia

NoGlo v2 by luumia

Radiance Shader Preset by MissLollypop

DOWNLOAD (Patreon)

This requires the GShade software

[paracosmicka]

Hey! I love your art so much 💖 I wanted to ask what program you use for 3D modelling?

aw thank you!! :3

and to answer your question i’m going to warn you this is going to be kinda long because i’m gonna use this post as an excuse to show my 3D models that aren’t awful (sorry lol).

i actually use two different programs, both for different purposes, but you don’t need to get both, it really depends on which kind of modeling you want to do.

1) the first is called Nomad Sculpt on the iPad, you do have to pay for it unfortunately but it’s definitely one of the best modeling apps for the iPad. i know Blender is free but my computer is really old and doesn’t run the program very well, and at this point i’ve already gotten used to nomad sculpt.

anyway tho, i use it for art-related things like the obvious 3D models, but recently i’ve been playing around with just making scenes to use as references for my drawings. they’re not anything impressive, most of the time i actually use it to make little figurines to print and turn into earrings/little friends that sit in my room just for fun.

i’m gonna show this first bc they look cooler once they’re printed and colored (also you can tell i printed mini crowley and aziraphale when my sonadow hyperfixation started bc i never actually painted crowley) (he’s just kinda sitting there oops).

the little red guys are actually my favorite bugs (goliath beetles), i made them about a year ago but i still wear them like every day.

and here’s what they look like in the app, it’s a little intimidating but once you get used to it it’s actually kinda fun just playing around and seeing what you can do.

2) the second program i use is Shapr3D (also for the iPad, but i think they made an update where you can run it on windows/mac). you also have to pay for this as a subscription which sucks, i’m only able to use it since the engineering program i’m in pays for it.

Shapr3D is one of the many CAD software programs out there, but it’s nice bc it’s very beginner friendly and very easy to use. CAD is mainly for architecture/engineering but i honestly think more 3D artists should give it a try. it’s really nice once you get the hang of it and (i’m probably biased bc i’m a student) i honestly prefer it over just normal modeling software because i feel like you can be a lot more creative with it.

right now for my engineering class, our semester final is to design and present something that’s functional, and we can either explain the math behind it or just 3D print it and demonstrate how it works, and i’m making a functional mini model of “the rack” trap from Saw III (i’m not psychotic i swear i’ve just had a Saw hyperfixation for 5 years).

i’m definitely gonna post it when it’s finished just bc i’m already excited with how it’s turning out, but for now here’s a couple at-home projects i’ve done:

(above) i have a bunch of wet liners and i designed a stackable holder thingy with bolts between the shelves and a little cute star screw to fasten it at the top.

(above) i also made a few rotating brush holders at home (bc the ones that actually rotate are like $40 for some reason) by buying a set of small sphere bearings at home depot for like $5 (that’s what those little metal things are inside the third one, i took it apart bc i don’t know how to put a video and a picture in the same post) (just pretend they’re spinning rn).

anyway that’s all!! if you actually read this whole thing i love you so much bc engineering and design is one of my special interests so thanks for letting me tell you about the silly things i’ve made :3

[lordnot]

Getting around to watching The Game Awards.

Got to say: the amount of pure smugness on display in the trailers, the presentations, the acceptance speeches

standing in stark contrast to the state of the gaming industry in 2024

is a combination of annoying and just sad.

And it's not even the "Look at this match 3 mobile game educating people on climate change" or "Sure things are absolutely abysmal out there for gaming developers and programmers. But this guy is giving them free resume building software" moments. It's that we've seen the same trailer over and over for the last decade with the beautiful landscapes, the soaring, epic soundtrack, and the witty one-liners by the characters. But can you tell me why this game is going to be fun? How it's worth my time when 95% of every other game with the same presentation ended up being a dud?

Maybe let's start with how you are going to make an Overwatch-like compelling when Blizzard itself can't even manage that anymore.

[jupiterbusinesssystems]

Streamlining Operations with Liner Agency Management Software

In today's dynamic logistics landscape, efficiency and accuracy are paramount. For liner agencies, managing complex operations involving vessel schedules, cargo bookings, documentation, and financial transactions can be a significant challenge. This is where the implementation of robust liner agency management software becomes crucial.

Liner agency software offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed specifically to address the unique needs of shipping agencies. By centralizing critical data and automating key processes, these solutions empower agencies to optimize their workflows, reduce errors, and enhance customer service. Features often include vessel schedule management, booking and documentation handling, freight tracking, agent collaboration tools, and detailed reporting capabilities.

The benefits of adopting liner management software extend across various aspects of the business. Improved communication between stakeholders, including principals, shippers, and consignees, leads to greater transparency and fewer delays. Automated invoicing and payment processing streamline financial operations, minimizing discrepancies and improving cash flow. Furthermore, efficient management of documentation, such as bills of lading and manifests, ensures compliance and reduces the risk of penalties.

While often considered a niche solution, liner agency management software is increasingly recognized as a vital component of the broader supply chain software ecosystem. Its ability to seamlessly integrate with other logistics systems, such as port management software and customs brokerage platforms, provides a holistic view of the entire shipping process.

For agencies managing multiple principals or operating across different geographical locations, agency management software functionalities within a liner software platform are particularly valuable. These features facilitate centralized control, standardized processes, and enhanced visibility across all agency activities.

In conclusion, investing in a tailored liner agency management software solution is no longer a luxury but a necessity for logistics companies seeking to thrive in a competitive market. By embracing these technologies, liner agencies can unlock significant operational efficiencies, improve customer satisfaction, and ultimately drive business growth.

[robotslenderman]

Man enshittification has sent me down a tech rabbit hole and I really appreciate the skills I'm developing and the way they've enriched my life.

Don't like Spotify so I got SpotDL. Fuck paying god knows how much for streaming programs I'm barely using, I'm learning to torrent that shit. I set up a killswitch and a split tunnel and everything. I know people keep saying that you shouldn't pirate books but I got fed up with Amazon letting me buy stuff only to take it back and not let me read it any more without a refund, so if I can't get something from the library or the second hand book fair I absolutely pirate that shit now because FUCK the "you won't own anything and you will be happy" economy, I don't care if you're a struggling independent or a juggernaut I am NEVER letting that happen again. As soon as I can figure out Calibre I'm stripping the DRM from my legal ebook collection so I can hold on to it. Fuck Amazon.

I bought a new ereader because fuck Kindle and I didn't have to get a subscription and FUCK SUBSCRIPTIONS, I have two three subscriptions and one is two bucks a month for iCloud and the other is for YNAB because it saves me more money than it costs (and the last one is my local gym). I bought a handheld PC and installed Apollo and Moonlight and Playnite so I can stream games directly from my desktop PC so I can play them at higher settings, and I want to install Tailscale so I can do it even when I'm not at home, should the internet connection cooperate. But also I still have to learn how to get it to cooperate with PureVPN because I have port forwarding set up there with a killswitch for my torrents, and I don't know if I CAN make them play nice but I'll give it a go. I'm going to learn about wake on LAN so I can try and turn on my computer remotely so I can still access it when I'm away and the inevitable circuit breaker events happen without having to nag my brother into turning on my computer. I want to learn how to dual boot Linux for my next build but no idea if I'll be able to get it to cooperate with Moonlight lmao

Anyway even though my budget app saves me more money than it costs, the Mormons who run it are absolutely squeezing its users so I went. fuck it. new app time. and I found some open source software online that basically runs the same and still requires a subscription but this time instead of fifteen bucks a month it's two bucks a month, and it requires setting up a server on some website I've never heard of but it was easy and I did it, and there's no app I have to use a web browser but it's mostly set up now, I just have to do battle to export my YNAB budget and import it into Actual Budget and then I'm spending less than five bucks a month on subscriptions that aren't the gym.

I feel like I've slowly turned into an anti consumption kind of person without even meaning to. I still buy a lot of things brand new, but I very rarely buy things that I don't actually need in some way. I've started thrifting clothes, I get tech second hand or refurbished. I don't like to waste the bin liners at work so I won't use the bin in the store room at work because if I do the cleaners will empty it even though it'll only have whatever I threw out in there so I always bring my rubbish to the front desk and use that bin instead. I'm learning to cook so I can finally make food nice enough I stop buying fucking lunch. I want to one day buy an apartment on a tram line in Melbourne so that I don't have to use a car, but before I get there I'm using my mother's car until she either wants it back or it dies. One thing that'll bug me about being on my own is that I'd be producing a lot of food waste as groceries are sold in portions meant for households, not single people, so I want to get a chest freezer so I can reduce that as much as I can, but that's years down the line.

I never really set out to become this person I've become but I feel good about it. I'll never be able to opt out of capitalism but I can still reduce how much I participate in it by buying refurbished and second hand, and reducing how much I toss. I found a store yesterday at work that has books out, encouraging people to donate some and take others, and I might go back this week and take some of the books I bought from the second hand book fair that I've read to make some more space. After I read them I pirated my favourites so I'll always have them on my device now anyway, but I don't want to throw them out, I'd rather let someone else have them and then pass them on in their turn.

[mirqmarq428]

Powershell syntax is not confusing

(you are just confused because posix compliant shells have corrupted your mind)

> do-action -param "string" $variable (do this first) [type]value

To declare a function:

function do-mythings {

param([int]$argument)

$argument + 5

}

> do-mythings -arg 5

10

That's all you need to get started.

Numbers are just numbers.

Inline math just works. Parentheses for order of operations.

Strings you put in quotes - double quotes allow interpolation, single quotes don't. This is the same as sh.

All variables are prefixed with $s. Even when declaring them. This makes slightly more sense than sh.

A region in {squirrelly braces} gets the [scriptblock] data type. It's like a lambda but comprehensible by mere mortals.

if (test) {success} else {fail} - the test is always executed first because (). Success and fail conditions only depending on the test. They're script blocks. No weird special syntax, if may as well be a user function.

Functions can be named anything, but the convention is Verb-PlaceThing. Not case sensitive.

Named arguments are specified with a single hyphen, like MIT Unix software (xorg for instance). If there is only one parameter the name is optional, etc. Param names can be abbreviated as long as they aren't ambiguous. This is also easy to follow with your own functions, unlike in sh (fricking hate getopt).

Types are inferred dynamically because it's easier to write scripts that way. If you need to force something (variable, expression, whatever) to have a specific type, put it in [brackets] beforehand. The type names are the same as c# and every other post-algol language. For comparison, posix shell only has one type, String.

To make an array, @(item1, item2, etc)

To make a hashtable, @{

key1 = val1

key2 = val2

}

Adding strings concatenates them together. Adding numbers adds their values. If this is not satisfactory, declare their types and it will work.

All expressions are technically objects with properties and methods. $var.property returns the value of that property. $var.invokeMethod() runs the method, which is just a function built into that data type by some poor intern 20 years ago.

Pipes (|) work similarly to sh, but transfer objects. The current object in the pipeline is always the variable $_.

As a bonus, here's a one-liner for opening Internet Explorer on Windows 11 (they lied, it's still there, they will never remove it)

(new-object -com "InternetExplorer.application").visible = $true

COM is an old windows api. Com Objects are just instances of apps. We open internet explorer as a com object.

The parentheses sets that as an expression, and its return value _is_ the exploder. It has properties like visibility, which is $false by default. This is boring so set it to $true. Now we have a real working instance of an app they've been trying to remove for years, because they can't actually remove it merely hide it away. As long as the windows api can parse HTML, this will still work.

[sngl-led-auto-lights]

Why do some car manufacturers make it extremely difficult to change a headlight bulb, sometimes requiring a trip to the dealership?

Why Some Car Manufacturers Make Headlight Bulb Replacement Difficult Replacing headlight bulbs in modern vehicles can feel like navigating an engineering maze, often requiring specialized tools or dealership intervention. This complexity stems from design priorities, regulatory compliance, and advanced technology integration. Below are the key reasons and their implications:

Advanced Lighting Systems

Modern vehicles increasingly use adaptive headlights (e.g., auto-leveling, cornering beams) and integrated LED arrays or laser modules instead of traditional bulbs. These systems are tightly controlled by onboard computers and sensors. For example: Adaptive Headlights: Adjust brightness and direction based on steering input or road conditions. Even minor misalignment can disrupt the entire system, requiring recalibration with proprietary software.

Integrated LED/Laser Modules: Often soldered into sealed assemblies rather than using replaceable bulbs. Replacing them may necessitate swapping the entire headlight unit.

Engineering and Aesthetic Trade-offs

Manufacturers prioritize sleek, aerodynamic designs and compact packaging, which often result in tightly packed engine bays and headlight housings: Space Constraints: Headlights may be fused with grilles, fenders, or bumper components. Accessing the bulb might require removing the wheel well liner, battery, or air filter housing.

Proprietary Fasteners: Custom clips or screws demand specialized tools, discouraging DIY repairs.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety Standards

Strict homologation rules (e.g., SAE, ECE) mandate precise beam patterns, brightness, and alignment. To ensure compliance: Tamper-Proof Designs: Manufacturers discourage aftermarket modifications by sealing systems or using non-standard components. Non-OEM parts risk failing inspections or causing glare hazards.

Self-Leveling Requirements: Adaptive headlights must maintain proper alignment with the road, which can only be reset via dealership diagnostics.

Profit and Service Model

Dealerships and certified repair shops benefit from locked-in servicing: Software Dependencies: Adaptive systems require proprietary diagnostic tools (e.g., OEM scanners) to reset error codes or recalibrate sensors.

Warranty Control: Manufacturers may void warranties if non-certified technicians attempt repairs, steering owners to dealerships.

Safety and Durability Considerations

Sealed Assemblies: Protect sensitive electronics from moisture and dust, ensuring longevity and UV resistance.

Electrical Complexity: Modern bulbs (e.g., HID, LED) require precise voltage regulation. Incorrect handling can damage the vehicle’s electrical system or reduce bulb lifespan.

Key Takeaways Factor Impact on DIY Replacement Advanced Tech Requires calibration tools and software Regulatory Compliance Tamper-resistant designs Aesthetic Design Tight packaging limits access Service Incentives Encourages dealership dependency

Advice for Owners: Consult Manuals: Some models allow bulb access via hidden panels.

Invest in Professional Help: For adaptive or laser systems, dealerships ensure compliance and safety.

Avoid Aftermarket Modifications: Non-homologated parts risk fines or accidents.

While frustrating, these design choices reflect a balance between innovation, safety, and market dynamics. For complex systems, dealerships remain the safest (if pricier) option.

[jayextee]

Duke Nukem 3D (1997, Saturn)

Shake it, baby.

After stumbling my way through Saturn Quake, it seemed the due diligence on my part to also play Lobotomy Software's other two Saturn shooters, so I figured I'd get Duke out of the way first. A little explanation for that is required.

I don't like Duke. Not a lot. I don't like BUILD-engine games, with their fatal doors and almost equally-fatal hitscanners who can spot the player, aim, and fire with nigh-pinpoint accuracy as soon as their field of vision is breached. I don't like the high damage almost everything seems to incur, I don't like being murdered by a cutscene explosion from a wall a foot to my virtual side. Fuck all that noise, gimme some DOOM or something. Well, not Saturn DOOM, obviously. Exhumed, then.

Well, okay, so Exhumed is going to be my reward for playing through this piece of shite, alright?

K, so. In brief; Saturn Duke doesn't use BUILD, instead being made from scratch in Slavedriver; the engine powering Exhumed (and also Saturn Quake). It has coloured lighting the original game didn't. It also has lower-resolution sprites and textures, missing levels, larger levels split into two, less one-liners, Duke can't reduce his speed of locomotion down to a walk nor crouch, there's less interactive scenery, and what levels are there have been simplified a bit.

Them's the facts out of the way, and I probably made the whole experience seem wretched. In fact, that's exactly what I steeled myself for; having played the PC version via Steam and whatever the PS4 thing I own even is in the last few years left that familiar BUILD taste in my mouth even now. But I was ready.

Then I started playing. And something unexpected happened. I started having fun (big shoutout to PandaMonium on YouTube for an excellent ongoing series of videos about Saturn games, by the way). Saturn Duke doesn't feel like a BUILD game. But it's quick and twitchy like one, albeit with some simplifications to the proceedings and some delightfully-judicious autoaim.

And y'know what, I think a lot of my fun comes precisely from the simplifications made to get this sucker running on console.

Switch puzzles are often simpler; squishy, deadly rotating sectors are now static and much easier to jump on; and so on and so forth. Sure, that may in some people's eyes strip a lot of what Duke Nukem brought to the 1990's FPS table, but I argue it's still got the weapons and the jetpacking around and it's still balls hard.

It's just, y'know, less fiddly and played with an excellent controller on the best-kept-secret cool console innit.

Rockin'. 4/5

[bourtange]

book project

thought i posted this here but i couldn't find it so apologies if this is a repeat. my eighth grade english teacher had us do "book projects", which were book reports except instead of writing a report we would do a creative project to talk about the book (you could never do the same type of project twice—do a diorama once, you can never do one again). one time i read michael crichton's "the andromeda strain" and since i was a huge fan of both weird al and the b-52's, and we had a scanner, a color printer, and rudimentary photo editing software at home, i rewrote the lyrics to every song on the b-52's' 1989 hit album "cosmic thing" to instead be about aspects of the novel and printed up new liner notes and even a fake "cd" out of paper. the album was renamed "toxic thing" and iirc i renamed the b-52's "the b4-it's-2-late". if i ever dig it up in my closet or something i'll post it

[floatingcatacombs]

Patlabor is On Lock

12 Days of Aniblogging 2023, Day 3

While Gundam is the most recognizable mecha anime I got into this year, most of my time was really spent working my way through the Patlabor franchise, and it’s quickly become one of my favorites. I’ve always loved the quiet moments in mecha shows, which makes sense considering I started with Macross and live for the bridge bunny gossip and off-duty downtown hangouts. Patlabor is built with this downtime at its core, operating with more of a slice of life mentality than anything else.

A lovable cast is crucial for making this work. Thankfully, Noa Izumi is a wonderful and unique protagonist, a scrappy soft butch who’s in it for the eroticism of the machine. The first Patlabor opening is a love letter from Noa to her mecha, and I get it! The AV-98 Ingram is an iconic design, with its asymmetric bunny ear antennae and shoulder lights and comically oversized revolver that requires the right hand to pop out in order to draw, exposing the arm wiring in the process. This is a show clearly written by first-generation mecha otaku, and plenty of time is dedicated to showing how the Labors have to be transported and recharged, how the movement software depends on reinforcement learning, showing off corporate model revisions, and of course repairs in the hangar.

Going back to the human characters, Noa’s work partner Asuma is clearly the more passive one within their dynamic, and it’s sweet to see that played out sincerely. And then there’s Kanuka Clancy, the stern weirdo badass from New York who’s constantly swearing and dropping one-liners in English. She’s the obvious breakthrough character of the show, and also the perfect opposites-attract pairing for Noa if you’re the kind of person whose yuri meter went off the charts during their drinking contest episode. Most of Patlabor’s cast seem fairly one-note at first, and one of the great tricks of the show is giving them just a little bit more depth than you would expect. Pretty much everyone, even the most jokey characters, eventually get a standalone episode or two that further sketches them out and offers real interiority. Captain Goto is another fan-favorite, and it’s definitely his mixture of laziness and wicked perceptiveness that does it, plus his main character billing in the movies.

SV2 may be a law enforcement unit, but this really isn’t a police procedural at the end of the day. These guys are the bum department out in the sticks who everyone hates, and the upside of that is that SV2 gets stuck with the oddest of jobs instead of cop work. Sometimes that’s dealing with a runaway military prototype, other times it’s arguing with the insurance company. The best kind of episodes are the ones that take almost entirely on base as everyone tries to solve a problem of their own making, like an Ingram falling into the sea or the mechanics getting into a fight with the only restaurant that delivers to them.

A main plot does eventually emerge, with a shadowy company developing a mysterious jet-black Labor piloted by a child who is the girlish boy to Noa Izumi’s boyish girl. The Griffon is sleek and curvy and has superiority in the water and air – it’s a machine designed to defeat Ingrams, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Yoji Shinkawa looked here when designing Metal Gear RAY. Automation is a fundamental ideological enemy of mecha – faceless mass production and artificial intelligence mean an end to the era of personal combat. Even Patlabor, a warless series, dips its toes into this idea in the later episodes, with Noa and the mechanics alike worrying that the neural networks in their new Labor models will make them redundant.

Overall, this show is hilarious and sweet and clearly loved by an older generation of otaku. So why didn’t I hear about it earlier? Partly it’s on me for not hanging out with the right mecha fans online for a while. But if I had to guess, it’s also because Patlabor is one of those works that’s straightforwardly, unobjectionably good in a way where it already says everything there is to be said about it. You can have near-infinite arguments about Zeon ideology or mobile suit powerscaling online, but there’s only so many times you can say “yeah, Noa Izumi, love that girl” precisely because everyone agrees. It can also be hard to pitch things by their vibes in a genre known for adrenaline and intrigue. Patlabor’s vibes, for the record, are immaculate.

I'm probably gonna be chasing the high of cel-era sunsets forever

Mecha’s also a bit looked down upon from the outside. Anything that makes it into the larger conversation has to be understood as “elevated” or a “genre deconstruction”, even if the very first Mobile Suit Gundam is already about Amuro’s trauma and PTSD from being made into a child soldier. This elevation is actually happening to the second Patlabor movie as we speak - it’s becoming increasingly discussed as a major component of Mamoru Oshii’s filmography, divorced from its source series and instead compared to his subsequent Ghost in the Shell movie. Funnily enough, Oshii’s contributions to the Patlabor TV show are actually the more lighthearted gag episodes.

A lot of recent Patlabor retrospectives have drawn attention to the artist’s collective Headgear, established and owned by the series creators so they would be able to retain the rights for the franchise. This structure is fairly unique for the anime industry and probably only makes sense for established creatives, but it does seem to have worked out great for them, providing financial stability and strong creative control over the franchise. This allowed Patlabor to thrive in the relative wasteland of late 80s TV anime, a time when even Gundam had fled to the OVA market.

That being said, it does take Patlabor switching back to OVAs to truly spread its wings. The New Files are a conclusion and continuation of the TV series that are willing to move at their own pace, resulting in some dramatic and surprisingly thoughtful stories. It’s genuinely touching to watch Goto and Nagumo try and fail to communicate their feelings for one another in a very restrained episode as thick with long-stewing emotions as it is empty space. Of course, the very next episode has half the cast get stuck in the sewer labyrinth underneath their base and there’s a bunch of Wizardry references. Oh, Oshii.

The Patlabor movies fully lean into this melancholy and uncertainty, and it’s a welcome evolution for the series. The first movie still ends with an all-out action set piece in a half-built mecha factory that stands in for the Tower of Babel, but the second one stays serious the whole time through, going as far as pivoting to a more realistic artsyle. It’s a challenging film. The politics are all-encompassing but fairly straightforward, as Oshii effectively infodumps a presentation on the postwar history of the JSDF throughout. Instead, what the makes the movie so difficult is its willingness to face the end of an era – the Cold War is over, the bubble economy has popped, and the former members of SV2 have all gone their separate ways. The conditions that have created Patlabor, both internal and external to the show, have dissipated. And the movie makes it clear by having the military stage a raid on SV2’s headquarters, tearing their Labors to shreds with gunfire in a beautifully animated act of desecration.

After watching her be a lovable mecha dweeb for 50 episodes, it hurts a bit to hear Noa Izumi say that she doesn’t want to be that girl obsessed with robots for the rest of her life! These characters are growing in such a way that will remove them from the focus of the narrative, and it’s a movie about letting go just as much as it is about looking towards an uncertain personal and national future. I love Miyazaki’s Porco Rosso, but the fact that Oshii put this out just one year later paints a delicious contrast between the two directors with regards to escapism versus reality with regards to militarism. There's some great interviews from the era where they're just taking potshots at each other about all this.