#package integrity testing

[ccitusa]

In the pharmaceutical and medical device industry, sterility is a critical requirement. However, being sterile at the point of packaging does not automatically guarantee safety at the point of use. The real safeguard lies in ensuring the integrity of the package throughout its shelf life. Any breach in the container closure system—no matter how microscopic—can compromise sterility, inviting microbial contamination and putting patient safety at serious risk. While aseptic manufacturing environments and sterilization protocols are essential, they are not enough on their own. Package integrity verification is the final checkpoint that bridges the gap between product sterility and patient safety.

[syluses]

separation anxiety

⤷ caleb experiences a rut after a long time, and it just so happens that you’re in his path.

cw. 18+ smut, hybrid! caleb, knotting, dubcon if you squint, breeding, obsessive/possessive behavior, perv caleb, fem human! reader, ruts, size difference, also a lil breeding, 3.5k words because i physically struggle to write smut without a preamble, reader is ovulating and it triggers his rut this time for whatever reason

an. saw this trope going around & wanted to try it <33 he’s got that DAWG in him 💪 also i cant decide if hybrid caleb gives german shepherd vibes or samoyed vibes…. that moments post lives rent free in my mind tho idk (>_<)

𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔, 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔, & 𝒓𝒆𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅! (๑´ `๑)♡

Caleb would say he hates you for the time you’re gone, but it’d be a big fat lie. His love for you, big and bursting in his chest, deepens in the quiet windows where you’re present at work or running errands throughout Linkon before returning home to him.

There’s a permanence of you in his mind and being. He wants it no other way.

His devotion for you doesn’t necessarily drown him- no, you’re always there with a lifering waiting- but it certainly sweeps him up and threatens to.

He gets a bit ahead of himself sometimes, he’s aware of that; energetic, bulging at the seams with vigor; whether it’s an integral part of his personality or just a consequence of his breed, the pound he came from never quite knew. Your Gran never figured that out, either, and for as sweet and trying as she was, she soon realized she couldn’t foster him for long.

Because he was a big boy, hungry for attention and wired to please, well-meaning but oft over involved with personal space— and he brought a loaded package that your Gran just couldn’t sign her name off on, not after a few months, anyway. She tried her best before nudging him into your care, because she sure as hell wasn’t about to give him up to that squalid pound or the streets again- and besides, the mutt liked her granddaughter; all those visits she paid throughout the summer obviously endeared Caleb to her, and quickly.

You admit, it’s a mite difficult to juggle between long days at work, little tasks that drag you from point to point throughout Linkon, and your own personal life on top of caring for a hybrid stowed away in your shoebox apartment— but your grandmother was all but sapped of her energy then, turning to you for aid although she seldom ever did, and you’d always lend a hand where you could.

The mutt- Caleb, is his name (and you call it fondly even as he’s pawing at your thighs for attention or drooling on your collar)- has grown on you considerably in the past half year, anyway.

You won’t let him down or leave him at the curb. He’s yours. The red collar you bought him says as much, printed with your number on a silver plate, and he wears it not because you make him but because he’s proud of it.

He’s a good boy, he is. He always has been and for that you’re thankful.

Except, this week he’s… different.

As of a few days ago, it’s like he’s been testing the waters- and your patience- on just how far he can go before you tell him off or say bad dog. He must find them warm because he’s just been diving deeper as the week progresses.

You don’t know what to do. He’s oddly aggressive. It’s not rare at all for him to follow you all around your apartment, but he’s foregone the very last shred of respect for your personal space and nips when you try to push him away. Not hard enough to actually hurt- the yip you make is more surprised than anything when he pulls you back in and licks at the small red patch- but you look wounded at it.

Because Caleb doesn’t bite— he just doesn’t.

He wraps you up in seemingly endless embraces and breathes your smell in until he’s dizzy, laughing into your neck like a giddy child. He does this every time you try to leave for work and he’s made you late for it.

Maybe it’s just because you’re ovulating and a little hormonal, but it makes you quite sour and the mood stays even when you return in the afternoon. He’s never liked when you’re gone, sure, but he’s always been there to see you off at the door with a pout as you scratch behind his ear- more or less tame about it.

Your patience really frays at the odd uptick in his possessiveness, though. It’s hurtful.

You’ve always treated him less like a pet- a hybrid- and more like a friend, and you feel quite indignant for it when he growls and tells you that he hates the smell of other men on you, hearing none of your excuses that it’s ‘just coworkers’, glaring at you like some brainless extension of him. You feel less like a person and more like an object, a streetlamp in which he emerges from the shadows for just to piss on to show it belongs to him.

He’s touchy. Snippy. Glued to your side at all times. It’s concerning and frustrating and confusing all at once.

By the fifth day mark, on Friday night, you’re tuckered out by it and don’t question where he is when you return home early from a shift and he’s, uncharacteristically, not there to greet you.

A red collar however, laid on the floor, its tag glittering under dim hallways lights, strikes you as both curious and unsettling.

He never takes that off. No- says it’s his way of showing you and the whole world that he belongs to you, and— have you been too impatient with him lately? Brusque? Maybe you’re a little hormonal but it’s no cause to get short with him, even when he’s acting up, and what if he no longer wants you as his owner—

A gasp.

You find him in your bedroom, humping your pillow, yowling as he comes undone- unawares- and the walls spin as you nearly faint.

You drop your purse. “Caleb!” You shriek, and a visible shiver rolls down his spine as he turns around.

“Bad dog!”

✦

You sleep on it.

Well, you wash your sheet and your pillowcases- and then you sleep on it.

Maybe you overreacted. If anything, you should be grateful for what you walked in on because otherwise, he wouldn’t have known how to tell you he’s been going through a bit of a hot phase- the first of his you’ve experienced- and doesn’t know how to control himself.

You blush just thinking about it, shame knocking in your chest as your heart beats heavy. You feel awful for walking in on him for a number of reasons. One of them being he came all over your bed- and his tummy- and you had to clean both up through furious tears as you peeled your covers off the mattress and pointed him off in the direction of the bathroom, telling him to run the faucet and quick.

A pass of guilt, the fear of you being angry with him, made its round across his kicked expression but he held off on arguing.

For the first documented time in the whole week, Caleb appeared mellow- not agitated, restless, or tense- and rather crestfallen, and you noted it only vaguely as you irately turned on the washer.

Now, it’s in the forefront of your brain.

Well, if he’s been going through some kind of rut lately, it only makes sense he’d be all kinds of pent up, and that his release (albeit in an inconvenient way and place) would provide some relief.

It’s closer to noon when you finally exit your bedroom and meet him at the sofa- the same one you’d all but banished him to last night. He prefers to spend his nights with you, either curled up at your side or splaying his full weight over your back- a breed-relative habit, you’re sure. You’ve heard of some other kinds who enjoy a room to themselves or do just fine with the couch, on their lonesome— But not Caleb.

He looks tired but perks up when he hears you patter down the hall, violet eyes lighting when you timidly take a seat.

With a bit of hesitation, he inches closer until you sheepishly wave a hand and he barrels into your arms.

“Ah- Caleb-“

Before you can even apologize for your jumping the gun last night, he beats you to the punch. “M’ sorry. You don’t hate me for it, do you?” He sighs into your collar and you shiver, “I wish you could understand what it feels like- I wouldn’t have done it if it was somethin’ I could control, I hope you realize that.”

You swallow, digesting his words as you belatedly place a hand on his head to pet. He positively melts. “Y-Yeah,” you mumble back. “It’s okay. I actually wanted to say sorry too. I- I didn’t understand what was going on…”

A deep groan looses from his throat, his chest swelling with content as you itch that spot behind the furry ears say upright on his head. They give a few twitches as he leans against you and wraps his muscular arms around your middle, resting his chin by your shoulder.

“It’s my fault, though, not yours. I didn’t know how to tell you- I was worried you’d just end up scared’a me, or…”

His pause instills interest in you. Your fingers smooth back his brown locks, mussed from fitful sleep, and he sighs. “Or what?” You press softly.

You pull him back just enough to get a look at him, his cheekbones almost shiny with a dusting of pink. His thick brows furrow together.

“Or that you’d leave,” he whispers.

Your eyes widen. You lasso your arms around his neck and pull him to you, your head slotting above his shoulder as his fingers quickly move to support the position, one hand perched at your thigh and the other braced at your side.

“Nonsense,” you grumble at his ear, a bit angry at the suggestion. “I’d never leave you.”

Something hard, then, prods at your middle- too fleshy to be something in either of your pockets- and you stiffen at the realization as it comes a beat too late.

Caleb’s voice is breathy at your ear, low, his tail thumping on the cushion. “Yeah?” He murmurs, a pang of heat stirring in your belly at the sound. Suddenly aware, you gently go to push at his broad chest but he stops you with an imploring look- although the desire, brewing in dilated pupils, isn’t lost on you- and musters a pout.

It looks out of place, the wholesome gaze marred by hunger as it reshapes his puppyish look.

“Even when I am no better than a bad dog?”

Your brow quirks, “I didn’t mean it,” you whisper, wide-eyed as his eyes bore into yours. Every micro expression you make is being catalogued and noted with utmost care, his pink tongue darting out to wet his chapped lips as they grow dry.

“It’s okay if you did,” he murmurs back. “I’m just glad I have you around to remind me of my place…” Long, slim fingers reach up and you watch, unseeingly, as they stroke your cheek, his other hand creeping dangerously close to the waistband of your sleep shorts.

He chuckles, but the humor wanes quickly.

“Otherwise, I’d always be misbehaving. Do you even know what you do to me?” His voice is meaningful, torrid, as he draws in and the tip of his nose brushes with yours. You can’t find it in you to move as your thighs- the ones he slithers a singleminded hand in between- begin to roil with unexpected warmth.

You plant a hand to his chest, shying away, “C-Caleb-“

“Don’t worry,” he says sweetly, “M’ not gonna hurt you. I just….” He lets out a sigh, long and perhaps just a bit exaggerated- but it has the intended effect on you. You purse your lips and feel a trace of guilt twist in your heart.

“You drive me crazy. Y-Your smell- I don’t know why this is happening, either. Honestly? I haven’t had a rut in a couple years. But this…”

Caleb lets out a soft noise of pleasure, lending his full weight to you when he breathes you in and shakes.

When he speaks next, his words come out raspy and so low you hardly register them as his breaths grow labored- they’re all you can hear as the living room space shrinks down to just him and the knuckles that dare to dip into your panties.

“This is just too unfair. You won’t leave me hangin’, pretty,… w-will you?” Breathy. With an undeniable streak of need. You can’t miss the lust that usurps the softer parts of him and makes him look less puppyish and cheerful and more wolfish, calculating.

And, well, when he puts it like that, how could you?

✦

He doesn’t fuck you on the couch. He takes you to your bed and fucks you there like a lover would.

He fucks you deep and fast- to his credit, he doesn’t hurt you, staying true to his word, but the possibility of bruises becomes a nearer thing when he folds your legs back and his grasp becomes constricting, plunging in and out of your cunt with rapt focus. Indigo eyes glow with something feral, like you’ve given him no choice but to claim his ownership over you through sloppy kisses and clinking teeth as he pounds into you, driven him into a corner- but his touch turns worshipful when he presses his forehead to yours and moans.

“Ah- y-you feel so good, so tight,” he compliments, words almost slurred. His pupils expand and he looks no different than a drunken, babbling man, his cheeks a rosy red.

His murmurs are wet against your lips as they graze and mush with his, Caleb’s face so close to yours that his lashes tickle your brow as he gawks at you, so entranced by whatever it is he’s seeing to look away.

A fluffy tail sways unevenly behind him and touches your leg on occasion, almost like it’s trying to curl around you, prickling and eager. Every part of him gravitates to you. You’re the ground beneath his feet. Fertile land.

“And you’re all mine, okay? Nobody else’s. I want you to wear my scent- to carry me with you no matter where you go. You have to promise me you will- mmph- That sound good-?

“C-Caleb—“

You groan when he stuffs himself deeper inside and you swear you feel his length throb inside your walls, stretching. The veins running along his shaft carve out a new pathway in you, one special and just for him, as his balls- heavy and fat, with a hell of a lot to give- slap against your ass. Slick oozes out from the squelching seam of you, coating his thick cock but you still struggle to accomodate his size despite the lubrication.

He’s made to make you feel as if you’re losing your mind. You snatch your jaw with your own hand to keep the flurry of high-pitched sounds from spilling out lest they embarrass you, but he shoos it away and cuffs your wrists with a hand splayed over them.

“Nah- I wanna hear you, baby. You can’t keep holdin’ out on me like this... I’m giving you my all right now, so it should be pretty obvious that you can do the same, yeah?”

A mewl punches out from your lungs half a second later and he seems quite contented at that. He sighs, closing his eyes, saying,

“I’ve been good all along. Can’t you play the part, too? I just want you to see how much I really love you,” his confession is by no means considered casual what with the passion in which its conveyed, but you can’t help but feel it’s a little sudden, said a little too quickly, and you wonder if he means what he says or if the rut is responsible for all these novel, amorous feelings in him.

I mean, he’s probably too wrapped up in the moment to even contemplate his own admissions as they all spew out—

“Caleb, too big—“ you gasp, cutting him off, and he lets out a strangled kind of noise when your walls clamp around him.

Holyfuck holyfuck holyfuck do it again, he wants to say, suffocate me, but nothing comes out and he realizes after a long second that his vision has whited completely. He can’t see anything; he’s in a fuzzy, dazzling world with the blinders on and all he can smell and feel is you- your scent, sugar sweet and about as inviting as a barstool pulled out, envelopes him and he can’t breathe. Can’t speak.

He fucks into you with reckless abandon, huffs you in like it’s his final breaths, and then lets it all go without care for anything else. Far as he’s concerned, everything he knows is defined by you. This is a give and take relationship: he actually gives a damn about your opinion of him and takes all you have to offer.

He’s in love, puppyish and clumsy but fuck you lead the way and lead him on.

“Shh, I know,” he rasps out, steaming up your neck like a fogged window pane as he insinuates himself there. Your whole body feels like a furnace, burning up for him as he opens you up and tucks himself inside.

“I know it’s big, but you gotta be ready for-“ he clips his sentence short, thinking better of it.

He wants to warn you of his impending knot- the one that’ll no doubt leave you yelping and writhing away from him- you certainly deserve as much of a foreword to it, but part of him is just so terrified you’ll reject him or deny him the priviledge of shoving it inside you and fuck he can’t have that.

Caleb’s nothing if not loyal. He’s also nothing if not selfish. That’s always been a wriggling bug he’s tried to stomp out but it remains in the baser part of him, only amplified by the intense rut that came right out of the blue.

He wants you singing his name and bonded to him (or as much of a bond the two of you can form), and so that’s what he’ll get.

He’ll apologize later, and you will forgive him. So all’s fine.

“Y-You can take it,” is the simpler thing he settles on, and you let it pass, because between the fat cockhead splitting you apart deliciously and the sweet, somewhat perturbing nothings he gushes at your ear, you’re deaf to most of everything.

But when you come- unexpected and sharp, overwhelming your senses as your hips ruck up and he has to pin you down in place and ride it out with you as you cream around him- the scream you let out rings in your ears and so does his ferocious grunt. It’s loud and you’re so numb as seconds pass that feel like eons; pointed teeth teasing at the squishy chunk of your shoulder, invoking a buried sense of alarm.

And then he’s biting down hard- not just nipping- the pleasure thankfully driving off the pain as he ploughs inside, muffling a string of curses as he picks up his pace. Caleb gets sloppier and sloppier and then he’s burning white-hot inside you and moaning like a pornstar, pelvis juddering as he comes.

“Mmh- f-fuck- Good girl!” he rewards with half a brain, fucked out into perfect oblivion, and for a second you wonder why his voice sounds more meant for comfort than praise- until you expect him to pull out but he doesn’t, something big and round forming at the base of his cock that has his eyes fluttering back as it pops in. He goes boneless on top of you as every limb of yours stiffens and coils around his broad back.

You scream his name. He shivers.

It feels enough to shatter your mind- the pain searing you, but the ghost of pleasure that creeps up along your nervous system makes you go like jelly beneath him, helpless to whatever he’s got planned for you.

“C-Caleb, you-!”

“Yeah, a bad dog, a bad dog,” he stammers, whimpering at your earlobe, “I know, baby, I know. Just- don’t shut me out, okay? I- It’ll be over soon, just- ah- loosen up around it, okay? It’ll feel so much better that way. Just… hold on to me.”

“I-It hurts-!”

“Ngh, shhh…” He trembles out, shifting to sample a broken mewl from your lips, cupping your jaw with all the love in the world and staring at you as if you told the sun to rise this morning. “Be a good girl and take it, mm? Your pussy’s squeezing me so tight, I think she wants it too, but she has to relax a little first, yeah? Mm… I could give you a whole litter of pups. Give your Gran a bunch of cute lil granbabies to drive her crazy.”

You choke on your own spit, the brunet letting out a near delirious chuckle at the idea and your reaction to it before his brow gives a wince, your walls instinctively trying to push his swollen knot out.

“Wha- Caleb, is that even-?”

“I don’t know,” he kisses your forehead tenderly, his tail giving a heavy, excited thump behind him on the bed as you grab the sheets for dear life and they wrinkle, pinched like your conflicted expression.

“But I’ve been dyin’ to try it out for myself.”

[sealtickaus]

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[gauricmi]

Essential Guide to Packaging Testing: Ensuring Product Integrity

Packaging testing is an indispensable aspect of product development and distribution, aimed at safeguarding the integrity and safety of packaged goods.

Understanding Packaging Testing: Packaging testing is a comprehensive evaluation process that examines the performance, durability, and protective capabilities of packaging materials and designs. It involves subjecting packaging to various simulated conditions and stressors to assess its ability to withstand real-world challenges.

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Mechanical Testing: Mechanical testing involves subjecting packaging to physical forces and stresses, such as compression, vibration, and impact. These tests simulate the rigors of transportation and handling, helping identify weaknesses in packaging that could lead to product damage or failure.

Environmental Testing: Environmental testing assesses the ability of packaging to withstand exposure to various environmental factors, including temperature fluctuations, moisture, and light. By subjecting packaging to accelerated aging and environmental stressors, these tests evaluate its stability and resistance to degradation.

Get More Insights On This Topic:  Packaging Testing

[fireflowersims]

Sissysims' sins against the scenegraph

This is a small follow-up to my initial post covering the code theft commited by @sissysims. In that post, I presented my proof in the form of a YT video. While that video started off private, I decided to make it public for various reasons, which I will not outline in this post.

I first want to express my gratitude to all those who left comments, reblogged and liked my post. Your support means the world to us. I'm so happy that you as a community are so supportive in this. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you to all of you. ♥️

Now, this post is going to focus on just one thing: her incompetence at object creation, because honestly, it's bad. It's really bad. It would feel immoral not to discuss it.

This is just a glimpse and for all you object creators out there: I'm warning you, it's graphic.

How to create an object for dummies.

So, this is the simplest explanation I can give on making a new object. This is the basic process you follow for basically most things you will make: open up SimPE, open up the Object workshop and press open. Select your file and choose "clone". Leave the settings alone, defaults are fine. Give your new object a nice name and description. Be sure to give it a unique object name. Now do all your visual modifications by modifying the existing scenegraph resources (GMDC, TXTR, etc) and give your object a new GUID (making sure to update MMAT's). Now fix integrity, save your file and done. You can test and preferably you'd also compressorize.

So what did sissysims do wrong?

Simply said: everything. I have reasons to believe she has never followed a basic object creation tutorial. The mistakes she makes are mistakes that can be avoided by actually learning how to clone an object. Here is a small summary:

Not cloning anything, instead copying the file she wants to modify and opening that in SimPE

Not changing the object name. I have never seen her touch the fix integrity button

Using other people's meshes and textures. How? By way of opening up their files, noting down the 3D Object Name, extracting the scenegraph resources (GMDC, GMND, CRES, SHPE, TXTR, TXMT, MMAT) and putting them inside the package she's modifying (and modifying the 3D Object Name in the original package). I have not seen her open up a GMDC file or import or export a mesh or texture. She does not modify any of these scenegraph files afterwards.

Not updating the MMAT's with new GUID

Not cleaning out unused resources (see: the scenegraph fuckery above)

Never fixing integrity.

Sadly, this is not just the case with my vendor. It is all her projects. This is how she creates objects: she has never learned the proper way to create objects and thus she steals other people's hard work instead.

Pictured: the instructions provided for messing up my vendor. Note how she specifically instructs to extract resources from your mesh source. Not export. No: extract.

Pictured: the results of said messed up procedure on another creation of hers. Note how the gmdc of her object is literally identical to the gmcd of Michelle's original mesh (only credited in a readme, not in the post itself)

Why is this an issue?

This is not just an issue of someone being bad at creating objects. This is someone teaching others this messed up method that comes down to stealing other people's work. I believe that this is actively damaging to our community and newcomers' skill development. Her video teaches people bad modding habits. Her video ENCOURAGES people to use this method to make fundamentally flawed, fundamentally dysfunctional objects.

She claims to be wanting to make modding more accessible, but this video of hers is not helping with that in any shape or form. You need to know what you're doing in order to teach someone and her object creation skills are below the level of someone who followed a tutorial ONCE.

Ya know, I could make a video teaching people Serbian. I don't know anything about that language. It's Slavic I guess. I don't even know how it's pronounced, but I sure as hell could tell people that whatever sequence of sounds is coming out of my mouth is Serbian. And that using my tutorial you can have nice conversations with Serbians! Doesn't mean I should though. It would be misrepresentative, offensive and actually damaging to anyone who is serious about wanting to learn Serbian. The same principle applies to sissysims teaching modding.

I want to learn how to make objects and mods tho!

Good news, there are a lot of great tutorials out there by people who do know what they're doing (unlike sissysims). For basic object creation I would highly recommend this tutorial by Azaya/ @skulldilocks at Garden of Shadows. It's the tutorial that got me started with objects and it has plenty of pictures. If you follow this tutorial, you will be ten times better at object creation than sissysims is

For BHAV modding there is no better place to start than Echo's tutorial. I can also highly recommend @midgethetree's resources page as well as all the useful information @picknmixsims has on his site.

What now?

I will keep working on even better vendor code, which I hope to get to a testable state very soon. It's clear that there's interest in this sort of object, and the new vendor base will allow for a lot of flexibility in gameplay. Once I get it to a good working state, I will make a tutorial on how to make your own: a tutorial that'll actually tell you the why. If you can clone objects (the proper way), you will be able to make a vendor.

Also, please don't engage with sissysims in her youtube comments, not even to "defend our honour" or to say something about the theft. She knows what she did and has presumably received a tumblr notification that I mentioned her (again).

I am sissysims and I don't like this

Well, you have a lot of nerve "teaching" people to mod when you clearly don't know what you're doing. I encourage you to stop stealing other people's work and educate yourself (see resources above).

[feinecutasy]

Straightening up the records

“Stupid”, I curse as I sniff the first pair of musty trainers.

I work for an interrealm conglomerate that provides scented ubersolutions. You know, humans love buying those scented candles that smell like the abandoned garden of some junior apothecarist. Morons, all of them. Like, the scents aren’t even real. They’re still, static, lifeless, worthless! We cater to the warlockry-aligned, and thus it is natural that what we produce are superior. It’s called ubersolutions for a reason. ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ can be imbued with ᴀɴʏ ꜱᴄᴇɴᴛ. Bodies, clothes, spells, minds, thoughts, concepts. From tiefling-scented fireballs or halflings' leaf rain cubes to modifying a human’s olfactory sense so that they smell a goblin’s crotch whenever they see a banana. What’s more, an object once imbued will smell as if it’s actually producing the scent itself. Granted, the subsidiary company that I’m working for only makes human and human-adjacent products for mid- and low-end sectors. But hey! Our line of work requires no less integrity and arcane knowledge than those of the other professionals working in the outer realms.

Two days ago, some fruity producer from Nagoya had ordered 16 pairs of sports shoes as part of the preparation for his upcoming unreality show where humans and homunculi compete in some obscure obstacle course. But not just any normal sports shoes, the ones we have in store have been worn by famous human athletes from all over the opaque world. ᴏʀɪɢɪɴᴀʟꜱ. The wear and tear and stains are still here. Some of them still retain the smell of dirt and grime, one pair even carries with them the peculiar mixed scent of spilled beer and piss. Although the lads from sales did inform our client that some cleats would suit his’s contestants better, he still ended up ordering normal trainers. 13 of them – a mix of Pamu, Ekin, Azix and Ripoc – are already packaged and ready to be thoroughported to the Japanese hub. The problem? Those scatterbrained SOBs from procurement had fucked up the records of the Valdidaß batch when it was shipped to the thoroughport last month. To make matter worse, the higher-ups decided to use aether clamps instead of mana seals to preserve the scents of all products categorised as “non-fungibly imbued”. This means that any forensic technique applied on a pair of stinkers to find out who its original owner is would risk tampering with the emission mechanism, or worse, the scent.

And thus, the only shapeshifter from the Audit department – that’s me! – is up to save the day. My task: to straighten up the records. Test the trainers, find out the identities of their original owners, single out the 3 pairs to be shipped to Nagoya and send the data along with proof of work to middle management through our internal channel. My boss has so gracefully teleported the whole mislabeled batch to my house, which means my overtime already started 17 minutes ago. So here I am, with 10 identical – and by identical, I mean worn, dirty and smelly – pairs of Valdidaß Top 10 ÆU size 45 lying neatly in my teeny-weeny pocket-dimensional bedroom.  

I pick up a pair at random and take a whiff. These seem new compared to the others, and relatively less as rank. Still in my casual clothes – protocols require us to undress before shifting, but I’m too lazy for that – I delve in deeper. The damp smell of grass, dirt and sweat invades my nose at once. And my body, with its innate magical power, reacts almost immediately.

My lanky frame starts to bulge out with lean, toned muscle, filling up my black t-shirt nicely. My facial bones twitch and shift to match the face of the athlete. The skin on my face tightens and the hair on my head starts to grow inward and compresses itself, revealing a crew cut that nicely accentuates my now smooth, youthful face. My cock thickens and pushes out a little bit, the veins on it becoming less prominent. Further down begins the thickening of my thighs, accompanying which is the elongating of my legs. My quads bulge immensely, each head gaining more definition as they grow. I feel itchy for a moment. Seems like a few fresh scars have manifested on the skin of my upper legs. My buttocks expand outward, becoming two large, firm globes of muscle. The increased mass causes my jeans to strain somewhat against the new contours of my lower half. Finally, my calves buff up and my feet get slightly larger until they reach the ideal size to fit into these bad boys.

Nice bod. And a pretty interesting one too. The lad has a birthmark at the base of his dick and left thumb stubbier than right. I glance at the mirror to see a young human athlete with warm blue eyes looking back at me. Judging from the build, might probably be a footballer. But not someone famous enough for me to recognise. Besides, I’m pretty sure we only procured from footballers imbued cleats, not trainers. I have to check the database … Yup, that’s him. He has a beard now, and has grown his hair out somewhat. But a search for some photos taken around the time this pair was first registered did result in current ‘me’. So, this must be Erik Bepunkt, an up-and-coming gymnast from Köln. I quickly pull up the company’s ERP app, note the data, then send to Slakk a selfie of young Erik in black t-shirt, tight white jeans and tattered trainers.

Onto my next pair. I quickly grab the one next to me and sniff. Fuck, this is ɪɴᴛᴇɴꜱᴇ. Now, I may be a bum, but my experience as a shapeshifting auditor is unmatched amongst my peers. That whiff I just took – that’s real business. I have to take off all my clothing, or else things will definitely get torn off. T-shirt – off, Erik’s smelly trainers – off, jeans – off, undies – bird set free.

Still staying as the young gymnast, I energetically absorb the characteristic foulness into my lungs. Right away, my spine shoots up, earning me an extra foot. Muscles continue to accumulate on my already athletic frame that I copied from Erik. They swell and firm up across my chest, shoulders and arms, giving me a lean but powerful physique. My waist and legs remain roughly the same as before. My arms, however, have noticeably extended outward, greatly increasing my arm span. Perhaps the owner of these reekers was a rower. Or a swimmer. But the next stage of my transformation would cast doubts on that theory. A thick layer of coarse hair sprouts across my newly broadened back and pumped-up chest down to my washboard abs. Cthulhu’s tits this guy is ʜᴀɪʀʏ. My cock twitches a little as it adjusts to its new proportion. Smaller than Erik’s, but still not too shabby. My Ericesque baby face matures, my hair recedes and my jawline becomes more defined as stubble shadows my cheeks and chin.

The shifting is complete. Now that I have a closer look, the build is definitely that of a swimmer. But this amount of body hair combined with the receding hairline tells me that he’s no longer competing. I just need one quick check in the mirror, and … Holy shit, it’s Antoine Plucinski. He’s the coach of the French Olympic swimming team! And his protégé just won a gold medal too! Finally, some progress. Unlike some other cretins who share with the humans the incomprehensible mania towards football, my heart has always belonged to the water. To swimming, diving and sea monsters alike. Well, it’s not everyday you get to shift into an OG MVP. But that’s just one part of my excitement. This pair of trainers is marked to be sent to Nagoya, and that means I’m allowed by management to do some “enhancement” work.

My company is world-renowned for producing the freshest scents. Tch, all marketing gimmicks. If you think the lingering smell of those funky Satyrspel coats on the market was sealed exactly when those hairy bastards were too busy fucking each other, then the company duped you good. Truth is, most of the time the freshness is artificially enhanced. Aye, I know it’s not authentic. But you are delusional to think that the cosmic gem-hoarders care about your demand for authenticity. How is it actually done? Well, industrially, the fleshweavers would grow a bunch of samples in their conjuratory, stimulate the samples to the extreme, then bind them with the items. But for a one-off job like this, a shapeshifter like me with some knowledge of imbuement will suffice.

I delicately remove the aether clamp with my ectoplier. Minutes later and I have already put on a full set of sportswear, with my feet neatly snuggling beneath the dank trainers. No socks, of course. Gotta optimise the process as much as possible. I head downstairs to the summoning room. The golem accepts my prompt, and just like that, the empty street of Chiangmai opens up before my eyes, with its blazing sun hovering above my head.

Then I start running.  

ʜᴜꜰꜰ. It’s nice to stay in one form like this. No flashy magic, just nature (well, conjured nature) and a human body. How wonderful, the feeling of sweat naturally dripping down my body without any fleshweaving stimulants.

ʜᴜꜰꜰ. But I dread the moment I have to say goodbye to Antoine here. I hate changing forms constantly. It’s exhausting and makes me feel dizzy.

ʜᴜꜰꜰ. To think that there’s 8 more pairs of trainers left to be processed – 8 more records to be fixed – I can’t help but let the hatred for my job boil up inside me.

After this gig I’ll ask for a raise.

And maybe spend my vacation in Vanaheim as a double-dicked Latino centaur.

[merakiui]

Hi Mera hope you had a wonderful day night!

I was wondering who you thought, out of the test boys, would be the most likely to try to steal you away from your partner? (Also can I be >_< Anon?)

Hi hiiii, >_< anon!!!! :D omg this is a fun question!!! I think these are the characters who would try to steal you from your partner:

✧ Riddle - if your partner is anyone from Octavinelle (i.e. the trio), Riddle is working overtime to find a way to get you out of there... T^T he will not have you succumb to the bad influences that are the Leech twins and Azul. Riddle has such strict criteria a person must meet in order for them to even be perceived by him as your partner, and no one's managed to earn his approval yet, thus your current partner is not worthy of being called your partner. Quite ironic how he's the only one who can fit into his own criteria. Perhaps he's just destined to be your boyfriend after all. :)

✧ Ace - it's for such a shallow reason, too. He just wants what he doesn't have. T_T especially if you're Deuce's partner. Ace just likes to be a menace, but in being a menace he unintentionally falls for you and now he's really determined to make you his.

✧ Trey - he does it so subtly!!!! You won't even know Trey's aiming to steal you from your partner when he packages leftover baked goods and sends them your way or when he texts you good morning/good night. He's just being friendly, but Trey knows the way to anyone's heart is through delicious food (his boy-next-door charm is just an added bonus). He's hard at work learning all of your gastronomic preferences so that he can effectively win your affections. That, and he's surprisingly discreet with his flirting (whether he intends to be or not).

✧ Cater - it really depends with Cater. He's so good at being a social butterfly, and he knows just how to pop in and snatch you away from your partner for fun photo ops. He just loves being around you, so much so that he may end up third-wheeling you and your partner. He invites himself into your life and before you realize it you're hanging out more and more with Cater than you are with your partner. But it's okay! You don't really need your partner anyway, do you? Not when you have Cay-Cay!

✧ Leona - he knows he's king in Savanaclaw, so it's absolutely mind-boggling to him that you'd settle for some herbivore at the bottom of the food chain. Leona doesn't even have to try very hard to steal you from your partner. He has such an enticing, confident energy about him. That, and no one's going to try to go against the Leona Kingscholar. You might as well start calling yourself (Name) Kingscholar now because your partner can never hope to compete with Leona. <3

✧ Ruggie - also another one that's situation-dependent. If Ruggie truly does like you, then he's willing to exert the energy to come up with a sly scheme to separate you and your partner. He's very good at it, too. Immensely sneaky. >:) you'll never even know he was the reason for the inevitable split.

✧ Azul - it's tako. Envy and greed are such a potent, destructive combination, and he wants you all to himself.

✧ Jade - he's willing to play the long game. Jade will make your partner wish they never even fell in love with you. He is so refined and ruthless in the way he goes about pursuing you while also pulling strings to slowly but surely integrate himself into your life. Your partner won't stand a chance.

✧ Floyd - he's quick with it. No mind games or elaborate cons needed. He'll beat your partner up and collect you in the aftermath.

✧ Jamil - he's doing everything behind the scenes, and it all comes together in a devastatingly neat package. Jamil keeps track of his lies, expertly weaving a web that ultimately leaves you ensnared and partner-less in the very end. You don't need to worry about details. Jamil will be vague and terse about it. :)

✧ Kalim - he does it unintentionally (or maybe he's fully aware of it). Kalim has so much love for you, so it hurts him when he sees how happy you are with your partner. :( he wants to be in that spot! He wants you to call him your boyfriend and he wants to be able to hold and kiss you and take you on dates. He lavishes you with extravagant gifts under the guise of friendship and constantly shows up to your dates. It's pure coincidence, but Kalim has a way of making you and your partner feel so suffocated because neither of you can ever get a word in with him. In the aftermath of your heartbreak, Kalim's there to pick up the pieces.

✧ Vil - ooooo Vil....... he has so much to say about your partner. So many critiques to give. He is the biggest hater when it comes to your relationship. It should be him you call your beloved, not that sorry spud who calls themself your partner. Vil knows his worth and that it’s pointless to compete when he will ultimately be the victor. He constantly checks up on your social media to see if that taken status ever changes, but it will in due time. Vil knows how to play this role flawlessly.

✧ Rook - it's Rook. If Rook doesn't drive your partner away because of how strange he is, then he will stalk you from the shadows until paranoia and dread nearly consume you and drive you into isolation. You'll spend less time with your partner because now you're too afraid to go out, lest you run into your stalker. Rook will come to collect you soon. He shan't make the love of his life wait any longer!

✧ Epel - maybe he's trying to prove that he can get a partner, or maybe he's just feeling competitive knowing that your partner has you and he doesn't. Epel knows he should be your partner, so he's determined to win you over, even if it means he has to act, Great Seven forbid, cute to achieve his goals.

✧ Malleus - it's likely unintentional. Perhaps a passing comment about how he's interested in you and suddenly all of Diasomnia is vowing to bring you and Malleus together. Whoever was dating you immediately breaks up with you when they find out Malleus is crushing on you. There are just some battles you shouldn't fight...

✧ Lilia - love is war, so Lilia might play a little unfairly when he finds himself enthralled. He can't help it for being so devilishly cute! Of course you'd fall for him and his adorable charms, too. Who wouldn't? He's old, so he has plenty of experience in the art of romantic warfare. He's determined.

✧ Neige - it is absolutely intentional and he's so obvious about it. >_< Neige is so obsessed with you!!!! He wants you all to himself, so could your partner do him a favor and break up with you so that Neige can have you instead? :D and no one could possibly say no to Neige! He's just so sweet and so famous and he could ruin your partner with his sheer influence alone. But he won't. <3 so long as he gets to have you hehe.

✧ Rollo - he disapproves of everyone you date. It doesn't matter if they're a decent person; he dislikes them regardless. Anyone who isn't him is undeserving of being your partner. Only Rollo can fill that space, and he fully intends to do so in his own little ways. You'll tell your partner that you're only joining the student council president for breakfast because you want to be friendly, but it's during these meetings where Rollo acts like his charming, cordial self. He reserves rare smiles for you and is genuinely upstanding and sweet. But only for you. And soon you'll fall for him. At least, that's what he hopes will happen. If not, he can resort to drastic measures. Anything for you.

[vintage-tech]

useful information: How to get a USB Blu-Ray player to work on your computer

Not a post about vintage technology, just an explanation of what you think might be simple to do but isn't: There are Blu-Ray players that plug into your computer by USB, and you discover that just plugging it in doesn't make it work* in the same manner that CD-RWs or DVD-RWs are automatically recognised and function. You will see "BR Drive" in My Computer and the name of whatever movie you have inserted, but that's as far as you're able to go.

*There is software you can buy to make a Blu-Ray (internal or external) function, sure, and if an internal came with your computer it's likely already installed -- but if you're like me you don't have that software, you're cheap and won't pay for software, and you want to use what you have installed already or find free solutions.

Looking in the Blu-Ray drive's package, there's not a lot of info about what you're supposed to do. The above no-name Blu-Ray player cost $40 from a popular website; name-brand ones can set you back $120 or so. Looking around online for those instructions, I never saw the whole set of directions in one place, I had to cobble them together from 2 or 3 sites. And so here I share that list. To keep out of trouble, I'm not linking any files -- Google will help you.

Get VLC, the free video player available for pretty much any operating system. Thing is, it doesn't come with the internals to make it work with Blu-Ray even if when you go to the Play Media menu there is a radio button for selecting Blu-Ray.

Get MakeMKV, a decoder for reading Blu-Ray disks. This had been totally free during the beta testing period but it's come out and has a month or two trial period you can work in.

Get Java if you don't already have it. Reason for this is, the menu systems on Blu-Ray disks uses this... technically it's not required, however it does mean you don't have options such as special features, language and sound changes, or scene selection if you don't have Java installed; insert a disk, it can only play the movie.

Get the file libaacs.dll online so you have AACS decoding. I am told it hasn't been updated in awhile so there may be disks produced after 2013 that won't work right, but you won't know until you try.

There's a set of keys you will also want to have so that the player knows how to work with specific disks, and so do a search online for the "FindVUK Online Database". There will be a regularly-updated keydb.cfg archive file on that page to pick up.

Got those three programs installed and the other two files obtained? Okay, here are your instructions for assembly...

In VLC: go to Tools, Prefs, click "show all"… under the Input/Codecs heading is Access Modules then Blu-Ray: Select your region, A through C. You can change this if you need to for foreign disks. Next related action: go to My Computer and C:, click into Program Files and VLC, and this is where you copy the libaacs.dll file to.

In MakeMKV: click View, then Preferences, and under Integration - add VLC.

Confirm that Java is set up to work with VLC by going to the computer's Control Panel, going to System Properties, and into Environment Variables. Click System Variables, and click New to create this key if it doesn't already exist: … Name: Java … Value: [the location of the Java 'jre#.##' folder... use Browse to find it in C:\Program Files\Java]

Let's go back into My Computer and C:, this time go to Program Data, and then do a right-click in the window and select New and Folder. Rename this folder "aacs" (without the quotes), and then you click into it and copy the keydb.cfg file here.

REBOOT.

And now you should be able to recognise Blu-Ray disks in your player and play them. Three troubleshooting notes to offer in VLC:

"Disk corrupt" -- this means MakeMKV has not decoded and parsed the disk yet, or that you don't have the libaacs.dll in place so that it can decode the disk. ...After checking the VLC folder for the DLL to make sure, launch MakeMKV, then go to File, Play Disk, and select the Blu-Ray drive. Now it will grind a bit and figure out the disk's contents.

A note appears when a movie starts saying there will be no menus, but the movie plays fine -- Java isn't running. ...Invoke Java by going to the Java Settings in Start: Programs. You don't have to change anything here, so Exit, then eject the disk and put it back in to see if the movie's menu now appears.

Buffering between chapters, making the movie pause for a few seconds? There is a setting for this but I need to find that info page again for where that is. (If you find it, tell me where it is!)

I don't claim to know a lot but if you have any questions I might have some answers or suggestions. So far I've watched "Office Space" and Disney's "Coco" without any issues beside occasional buffering.

[copperbezel]

Zephyr Slip

At the end of last year, before I'd begun working on Bit Cobalt, I ran into some paleoart of Austroraptor, a dromaeosaur (raptor) from Argentina. Austroraptor is one of the largest dromaeosaurs, with a long, narrow, Big Bird snoot, conical teeth that probably point to fishing, and small forelimbs, as well as leg proportions that hint at a runner. Much of the paleoart I saw depicted Austroraptor in waterbird colors, which gave it a soft and friendly appearance, immediately my new favorite dinosaur.

So I drew an Austroraptor and then a robotic one, adding a quail topknot or ahoge feather, and started to think about making a transforming figure that would change from this animal into a humanoid robot. But a transformation from cute robot girl to cute robot girl, except one of them is a dinosaur, seemed a bit redundant, and there would be compromises in both directions that would detract rather than add.

But a couple of months later, I saw a particular motor scooter and something clicked, and the game was on. I love motor scooters, and they're a fantastic accessory for other figures on the shelf. I went through two foamcore prototypes to nail down the transformation, making it as simple and sturdy as I could manage and making sure both modes would scale well with other 1/12 scale figures.

I also started collecting some reference images for details I could nab and integrate, and to nail down the scaling of the scooter.

After I had something that worked, I drew up some concept art for both modes and started modeling. I was able to streamline the design a couple of steps further in the 3D model, and then it was all carving up shapes, fine tuning, etc. Probably the longest phase of modeling was after I had my model roughed out into shape, but needed to build the joints, firm up the edges, define all the contact surfaces, and apply subdivision surfaces. I found it useful to rig the model and set a couple of animation steps in Blender for the two modes so I could simply page back and forth between them.

I had to set the design on the back burner while I worked out the kinks with my 3D printer and built my last couple of projects. Then I made a test print to identify any trouble spots, and after a couple of tweaks to get the feel right, it was time to print and finish the real thing. Zephyr Slip is the first thing I've printed in "color", and thanks to some dyes I need to experiment with more, she won't be the last. That means a much more durable finish for parts that have to slide against one another or clip into place. I did add a gloss coat to some surfaces of the black elements, but it shouldn't show chipping much. (Unlike the kickstand, thanks to my terrible decision to paint its feet.)

Like my previous figures, Zephyr's eyes (and console) are just printed gloss paper under a coat of gloss varnish, and her headlights and taillights have some clear resin poured in over the paint and cured into place for lenses.  Cutting plastic windows like the ones on my Vertigo GT for the lower headlights didn't have the same effect, so they got the same clear resin treatment. The decal designs themselves were made in Blender, because I've given up on Inkscape's interface, but I think they came out okay.

The joints are almost exclusively 3mm ABS rods, although her hip joints are Kotobukiya Hexa Gear joints, which gave me a sturdy pin and hinge in a compact package and without visible pegs. I'm looking into options to make the pegs show less while being easy to remove for the construction and painting process. Despite some care with the tolerances, I did have to widen some peg holes and mush some pegs during assembly to get her pose well and snap together tight into either mode. But everything does clip solidly into place, resulting in a really playable figure. 

As my first fully transforming figure and also my largest, Zephyr Slip is definitely the biggest figure project I've tackled so far, and I'm extremely happy with the results. Posability is probably her weakest area, but she can pounce and emote, and with her solid handfeel and satisfyingly snappy transformation, I'm happy with the design. 

Paleontologically, I've followed most of the proportions of the real animal, although her torso should be a little bit longer, and her tail half again as long. She should also have visible first fingers, and I'm playing into the paleoart meme of bare snouts on dromaeosaurs that shouldn't have them. The proportion of thigh to shin is exaggerated, and the tail should have some left-right sway even if it's inflexible in the vertical axis. But it pleases me that she is both a roughly accurately scaled Austroraptor, and also a fairly realistically scaled scooter (if a bit chunky).

As always, due credit to @aprilpowered and Workbenchmaniac for support and feedback along the way, as well as Nemocyte (Tumblr | Twitter), whose feedback helped me to work out (among other things) the articulation needs of a theropod figure, something I'd never had to think about before.

[sombritas-des]

Body count

Remember that weird story i told you i forgot what was about..well... this was just a weird idea so...enjoy? --

Its been a harsh day for both, who would have thought the underwound side of the barren hills holds such horrors,from underground labs with deadly machinery,  walls decorated with containment pods that hold multiple specimens and many things that wanted both dead. Beheaded in the heat of the battle had lost their current vessel although multiple corpses were on the ground they somehow managed to get the worst one. Drifter nose kept wrinkling all the way back to the entrance, even covered by the face mask the smell was something uncomfortable.

The Beheaded raises a shoulder, their expression playful. "everything alright?” beheaded signed “ You seem uncomfortable, Drifter."

The Drifter's eyes narrow slightly, his gaze flicking away. "I'm fine. Just...getting used to the new you."

The Beheaded's signs flash with amusement. "Ah, but that's the thing - I'm still me. You're just noticing the packaging."

The Drifter's expression softens, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Guess you're right. You're still the same reckless, stubborn...one I've grown accustomed to."

The Beheaded's signs warm with affection. "And you're still the same worried, cautious... I've grown fond of."

As they continue to traverse the treacherous way back beheaded kept noticing the small details about Drifter discomfort.The Beheaded eye land on the pod, and their gaze lingers on the preserved body within. They can't resist a sly comment, knowing the Drifter's unease with deceased hosts.

"Fine, you win. I'll take this one," the Beheaded signs, pointing at the pod.

The Drifter's eyebrow shoots up, confusion etched on his face. "What? No, Beheaded, we don't need—"

The Beheaded's signs cut him off, their tone playful. "Oh, come on. This one's in better condition than my current...fragrant vessel."

The Drifter's expression turns wry, knowing the Beheaded's current body does have a rather...pungent aroma. He shakes his head, resigned.

"Suit yourself. But don't say I didn't warn you."

The Beheaded's signs flash with excitement as they approach the pod, their inner essence already reaching out to claim the new host. The Drifter watches, a mix of amusement and trepidation on his face, knowing that the Beheaded's antics will never cease to surprise him.

The Beheaded's bow fires a precise shot, shattering the pod's glass and striking right in the eye of the preserved body within. The fatal blow is swift and merciful, and the Beheaded's homunculus form leaps from their current host, leaving the worn-out body to crumple to the ground.

With an ethereal glow, the Beheaded essence navigates the corner of the pod, homing in on the new vessel. They enter through the arrow wound, their form dissolving into the body's systems.

The Drifter watches, a familiar mixture of awe and unease, as the Beheaded essence integrates with the new host. The body twitches, muscles flexing as the Beheaded presence takes hold.

As the Beheaded's eye flicker back to life, their new body rises, the movements are slow at first, legs scrambling as they leave the pod, they stood up towering slightly over the Drifter. Their eye gleam with a mischievous spark, and their voice is low and smooth.

"Ah, much better. This one will do nicely."

The Drifter shakes his head, a wry smile on his face. "You and your taste for the dramatic, Beheaded."

The Beheaded's eye flash with amusement, their new body stretching, testing its limits. "Hey, when you've got a reputation for recklessness, you've got to maintain it."

The Beheaded continues to taunt and tease the Drifter, their body language flashing with mischief as they gather their clothes from the previous host. They hold up a shirt, examining it with a critical eye.

"Ah, looks like I'll need to get this tailored. This new body is a bit more... substantial than the last."

The Drifter can't help but notice the similarities between the Beheaded's new vessel and their own physique. Same race, similar build, but the Beheaded's new body is taller and more athletic.

The Drifter's eyes flicker with a mix of emotions - unease, curiosity, and a hint of envy. They quickly look away, clearing their throat.

"Yeah, well, let's just get out of here. We've got what we came for."

The Beheaded grins, their eye flashing with amusement. "Oh, come on, Drifter. Don't be shy. Admit it, this new body is an upgrade."

The Drifter's face remains stoic, but a hint of color rises to their cheeks. "Just move, Beheaded." drifter spoke as he simply re-adjust the cloth on his face.

With a chuckle, the Beheaded follows the Drifter, their new body moving with a fluid grace that's hard to ignore. As they exit the lab, the Beheaded can't resist one final tease.

"Hey, Drifter? You can be my tailor. I'm sure you'll love getting up close and personal with this new body." The Drifter's facepalms, a deep grunt escaping his lips as he tries to hide his embarrassment. "Let's just leave," he mutters, his voice muffled by his hand.

The Beheaded chuckles echo through the lab, their amusement trailing behind them like a shadow. "Oh, this is priceless! Drifter,you have to see your face, I'll have to remember that one!"

As they approached the entrance, the Drifter quickened his pace, eager to escape the lab and the Beheaded teasing. The Beheaded follows, their new body moving with a confident stride, their antics still flashing with mirth.

"Come on, Drifter! Don't be so serious! I'm just trying to break the tension!"

The Drifter pushes through the doors, revealing a bright, sunlit world outside. He takes a deep breath, feeling the warm air fill his lungs, and strides forward, leaving the lab and the Beheaded's jokes behind.

But the Beheaded is hot on their heels, their chuckles and words still echoing through the air. "Oh, this is far from over, Drifter! "

Drifter at some point had enough of beheaded antics, without a words he swiftly grabs both of the Beheaded's hands, gently but firmly, to halt their signing and teasing. The Beheaded eye sparkle with amusement, but they don't resist, enjoying the rare moment of physical contact.

With his free hand, the Drifter taps on the Holo screen of their drone, programming the teleportation coordinates to the town. The drone's screen flickers to life, displaying the familiar interface.

The Beheaded's signs falter, their hands still clasped in the Drifter's, as they gaze up at him with a hint of surprise and curiosity. For a moment, their usual antics are forgotten, replaced by a glimmer of connection.

The Drifter's eyes meet the Beheaded's, a fleeting sense of understanding passing between them. Then, the world around them dissolves into a swirl of colors, and they vanish into the teleportation sequence, leaving the lab and its secrets behind. As the teleportation ended they both simply strolled back to the guardians base,drifter hand kept the beheaded’s at bay,beheaded waited until they both entered the secure space of the guardians base as they let drifter sink into the revelation. “Did you realize I don't need those to communicate anymore, right?” beheaded asked with a teasing voice.

Drifter eyes met the beheaded’s as he had enough “ Beheaded could you please just shut your mout-” Drifter stopped mid sentence as his brain stopped with the realization, he looked at beheaded once again.This time for good.

A head, beheaded has a head. Besides the still raw empty eye socket the head was alright, no fire or that intense light that always stare at the drifter. Beheaded simply looked back at him, a mocking smile playing on their lips.

This was new…oddly new, but at the same time…it was interesting --- Yeah this came randomly i remember now, dunno what triggered but dunno in my brain it made sense at the time. Now it feels wonky but part of me just wanted to share it so yeah, tell me if it feels weird...dunno uugh (this might be gone at some point)

[sentientcitysurvival]

Basic Linux Security (Updated 2025)

Install Unattended Upgrades and enable the "unattended-upgrades" service.

Install ClamAV and enable "clamav-freshclam" service.

Install and run Lynis to audit your OS.

Use the "last -20" command to see the last 20 users that have been on the system.

Install UFW and enable the service.

Check your repo sources (eg; /etc/apt/).

Check the /etc/passwd and /etc/shadow lists for any unusual accounts.

User the finger command to check on activity summaries.

Check /var/logs for unusual activity.

Use "ps -aux | grep TERM" or "ps -ef | grep TERM" to check for suspicious ongoing processes.

Check for failed sudo attempts with "grep "NOT in sudoers" /var/log/auth.log.

Check journalctl for system messages.

Check to make sure rsyslog is running with "sudo systemctl status rsyslog" (or "sudo service rsyslog status") and if it's not enable with "sudo systemctl enable rsyslog".

Perform an nmap scan on your machine/network.

Use netstat to check for unusual network activity.

Use various security apps to test you machine and network.

Change your config files for various services (ssh, apache2, etc) to non-standard configurations.

Disabled guest accounts.

Double up on ssh security by requiring both keys and passwords.

Check your package manager for any install suspicious apps (keyloggers, cleaners, etc).

Use Rootkit Scanners (chkrootkit, rkhunter).

Double SSH Security (Key + Password).

Disabled Guest Accounts.

Enabled Software Limiters (Fail2Ban, AppArmor).

Verify System Integrity via fsck.

Utilize ngrep/other networking apps to monitor traffic.

Utilize common honeypot software (endlessh).

Create new system-launch subroutines via crontab or shell scripts.

Ensure System Backups are Enabled (rsnapshot).

Check for suspicious kernel modules with "lsmod"

[ccitusa]

While microbial ingress testing has been traditionally used to assess pharmaceutical package integrity, its limitations make it less effective in modern quality assurance programs. Vacuum Decay and MicroCurrent HVLD offer superior, deterministic alternatives that provide faster, more accurate, and non-destructive results. By adopting these advanced technologies, pharmaceutical manufacturers can enhance product safety, ensure regulatory compliance, and improve overall efficiency in package integrity testing.

[simpishly]

I've been on a Get to Work kick recently, specifically playing in the medical career. The biggest pain in my plumbob has been the total lack of in-game resources to help doctors diagnose illnesses. EA basically just forces your Sims to run every single test, sometimes more than once, in an often unsuccessful attempt to get down to a single diagnosis.

With this mod, have your Doctor Sims use the "Research Health Reports on Medical Journal" interaction on a computer (or "Add New Studies Info to Medical Journal" at Levels 7+). Once the action is completed, a notification will pop up listing all eight illnesses and their possible symptoms! You can use it as a reference to observe and more quickly diagnose patients.

NEW! You may also be interested in my new and improved version of this mod that integrates illness symptom lists more smoothly into the diagnosis process. Click here to check it out!

(I also edited the existing research buff description for grammar and updated pronouns.)

This mod requires Get to Work. DOWNLOAD @ SIMSFILESHARE simpishly_EP01_ResearchForIllnessSymptoms.zip To install, simply place both the .package and .ts4script file in your Mods folder, up to one sub-folder deep.

[sealtickaus]

Assessing Sachet Seal Integrity: Methods and Importance

Sachets are widely used for packaging various products, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Ensuring the seal integrity of sachets is crucial to maintaining product quality, safety, and shelf life. Seal integrity testing is a critical step in the manufacturing process to detect any defects that could compromise the contents of the sachet. This article explores the methods and importance of sachet seal integrity testing.

Importance of Sachet Seal Integrity:

The seal of a sachet serves multiple purposes, including:

Product Protection: A secure seal prevents contamination, moisture ingress, and exposure to oxygen, which can degrade the product's quality and efficacy.

Shelf Life Extension: Properly sealed sachets help extend the shelf life of products by protecting them from external factors that could cause deterioration.

Safety Assurance: For pharmaceutical and food products, seal integrity is essential to ensure consumer safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

Methods of Sachet Seal Integrity Testing:

Several methods are used to assess the seal integrity of sachets. Each method has its advantages and is chosen based on factors such as the type of product, production volume, and regulatory requirements. Some common methods include:

Visual Inspection: Visual inspection is the simplest and most cost-effective method for assessing sachet seal integrity. Operators visually inspect each sachet for any visible defects, such as incomplete seals, wrinkles, or tears. While this method is subjective and relies on human judgment, it can quickly identify obvious defects that may compromise seal integrity.

Peel Strength Testing: Peel strength testing measures the force required to peel apart the sealed edges of a sachet. This method evaluates the strength of the seal and its resistance to opening under stress. A higher peel strength indicates a stronger seal, while a lower peel strength may indicate a weak or defective seal. Peel strength testing is commonly used in industries where the integrity of the seal is critical, such as pharmaceutical packaging.

Burst Testing: Burst testing assesses the integrity of the sachet seal by subjecting it to internal pressure. The sachet is filled with air or another gas and sealed before being subjected to increasing pressure until the seal fails. Burst testing helps identify weak seals that may rupture under pressure, compromising the contents of the sachet. This method is particularly important for products packaged in sachets with a gas-flushed atmosphere, such as coffee or snacks.

Vacuum Decay Testing: Vacuum decay testing is a non-destructive method for assessing sachet seal integrity. The sachet is placed in a vacuum chamber, and the pressure inside the chamber is reduced to create a vacuum. Any leaks in the sachet seal allow air to enter the package, causing a change in pressure that can be measured and analyzed. Vacuum decay testing is highly sensitive and can detect leaks as small as a few microns in size.

Helium Leak Detection: Helium leak detection is a highly sensitive method used to detect extremely small leaks in sachet seals. The sachet is filled with helium, and a mass spectrometer is used to detect any helium that escapes through leaks in the seal. Helium leak detection is often used for high-value or critical applications where even tiny leaks could have significant consequences, such as pharmaceutical packaging.

Importance of Sachet Seal Integrity Testing:

Ensuring the seal integrity of sachets is essential for maintaining product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. Some key reasons why seal integrity testing is important include:

Product Quality: A secure seal protects the contents of the sachet from contamination, moisture ingress, and exposure to oxygen, helping maintain product quality and freshness.

Consumer Safety: In industries such as pharmaceuticals and food, seal integrity is critical for ensuring consumer safety and preventing contamination or tampering of the product.

Regulatory Compliance: Regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and EMA, have strict requirements for seal integrity in pharmaceutical and food packaging. Seal integrity testing helps manufacturers demonstrate compliance with these regulations and avoid costly recalls or fines.

Brand Reputation: Products with compromised seal integrity can lead to customer complaints, negative reviews, and damage to brand reputation. By ensuring the seal integrity of sachets, manufacturers can uphold their brand reputation and build trust with consumers.

In conclusion, sachet seal integrity testing is a critical aspect of the manufacturing process for products packaged in sachets. By employing various testing methods, manufacturers can ensure that sachet seals are strong, secure, and free from defects. This helps maintain product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance, ultimately enhancing consumer confidence and brand reputation.

Click Here for Information: https://sealtick.com/food-sachet-packaging-leak-testing/

Contact Us For More Information

Phone Number : 03 9540 5100

Fax Number : 03 9551 5541

Email : sealtick@bestech.com.au

Addresss: Unit 14 44 Garden Blvd Dingley VIC Australia 3172

[motorspexx]

2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 - Full Tech Specs and Performance

The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 marks a new benchmark in American supercar engineering, combining advanced aerodynamics, powertrain innovation, and motorsport-derived performance.

At its core is the LT7 engine, a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with a flat-plane crankshaft. This engine produces 1,064 HPr at 7,000 rpm and 825 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm, making it the most powerful V8 engine ever by GM.

The LT7 is a significant evolution of the naturally aspirated LT6 found in the Corvette Z06. Key changes include forged aluminum pistons, strengthened connecting rods, and twin 76 mm ball-bearing turbochargers integrated into the exhaust manifolds. The engine also features an anti-lag system that maintains boost pressure during throttle lift-off, ensuring immediate power delivery when re-engaged.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a dual-clutch 8-speed transmission that has been reinforced to handle the increased torque. Chevrolet estimates 0 to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 215 mph. In private testing, the 2025 Corvette ZR1 has achieved verified runs over 230 mph, including a peak of 233.

Standard models of the 2025 Corvette ZR1 feature a front splitter, underbody strakes, and an active rear spoiler. With the available ZTK package, the ZR1 gains a large fixed rear wing, dive planes, and additional carbon-fiber components. Combined, these upgrades provide over 1,200 pounds of downforce.

Chassis tuning includes Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 and a track-optimized suspension geometry. The ZR1 is equipped with Michelin tires—20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear. Braking is handled by carbon-ceramic rotors, measuring 15.7 inches in front and 15.4 inches in the rear, with electronic brake boost providing consistent stopping power.

Cooling performance has been enhanced through several functional design elements. A center-mounted intercooler evacuates heat through a vented hood, while additional ducts in the front fascia and rear quarter panels direct airflow to critical systems. Roof and rear window have been optimized for thermal management.

2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 – Technical Specifications

General Informations Model: 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Body style: 2-door coupe, mid-engine layout Platform: GM Y2 (C8 architecture) Drive type: Rear-wheel drive Production location: Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA

Powertrain Engine code: LT7 Configuration: 5.5-liter V8, twin-turbocharged, dual overhead cam, flat-plane crankshaft Displacement: 5500 cc Induction: Twin 76 millimeter ball-bearing turbochargers integrated into exhaust manifolds Maximum horsepower: 1064 horsepower at 7000 rpm Maximum torque: 825 pound-feet at 6000 rpm Redline: 8000 rpm Fuel delivery: Direct injection Cooling system: Intercooler with hood vent, front and side intake ducts, roof-integrated airflow, and rear-quarter cooling channels Special features: Anti-lag system, forged aluminum pistons, reinforced connecting rods, dry sump oiling system

Transmission Type: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic Final drive: Strengthened limited-slip differential

Performance Estimates 0 to 60 miles per hour: 2.3 seconds Quarter mile: Estimated 9.5 seconds with ZTK package Top speed: Electronically confirmed runs over 230 mph, with a recorded maximum of 233 mph

Chassis and Suspension Front suspension: Short/long arm configuration with Magnetic Ride Control version 4.0 Rear suspension: Multilink setup with Magnetic Ride Control version 4.0 Braking system: Carbon-ceramic rotors, 15.7 inches front and 15.4 inches rear, with electronic brake boost Steering: Electric power steering with variable ratio

Wheels and Tires Front tires: 275/30 ZR20 Rear tires: 345/25 ZR21 Tire options: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S standard, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R optional with ZTK package Wheel sizes: 20 inches by 10 inches front, 21 inches by 13 inches rear Construction: Lightweight forged aluminum

Aerodynamics Standard aero: Front splitter, underbody strakes, active rear spoiler Optional ZTK package: Fixed carbon fiber rear wing, front dive planes, additional carbon fiber components Downforce: Exceeds 1200 pounds with ZTK configuration

Dimensions (estimated) Overall length: 182.3 inches Overall width: 79.7 inches Overall height: 48.6 inches Wheelbase: 107.2 inches Curb weight: 3750 to 3800 pounds depending on configuration

Interior and Technology Driver interface: Digital instrument cluster, performance data recorder Seating options: GT2 and Competition Sport seats Infotainment: Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Premium with 8" touchscreen Audio system: Bose sound system Driver aids: Launch control, performance traction management, customizable drive modes

Optional Packages ZTK Track Performance Package includes track-optimized suspension, Cup 2 R tires, and high downforce aerodynamic components Carbon Fiber Package: carbon trim elements on exterior and interior

MSRP Starting price above 185,000 US dollars

[henrysjohn]

Gutter Cleaning Services: Protecting Your Home from Water Damage

Maintaining clean gutters is essential for preserving your home’s structural integrity and preventing costly repairs. Professional gutter cleaning services offer a practical solution to remove debris, ensure proper water drainage, and extend the lifespan of your gutter system. This summary highlights the importance, benefits, and considerations of hiring gutter cleaning services to safeguard your property.

Why Invest in Gutter Cleaning Services?

Clogged gutters can lead to overflowing water, which damages roofs, erodes landscaping, and causes basement flooding. Over time, stagnant water attracts pests and promotes mold growth. Gutter cleaning services eliminate leaves, twigs, and sediment, ensuring gutters function efficiently. Experts also inspect for issues like rust, leaks, or sagging sections, addressing minor problems before they escalate.

Benefits of Professional Expertise

Opting for gutter cleaning services provides advantages over DIY efforts. Trained technicians use specialized tools, such as high-pressure vacuums and gutter scoops, to clear blockages safely and thoroughly. They follow safety protocols to avoid ladder-related risks, a common hazard for homeowners. Many gutter cleaning services also offer gutter guard installation, reducing future maintenance needs.

The Process of Gutter Maintenance

A typical gutter cleaning services visit begins with a detailed inspection to identify problem areas. Technicians manually remove debris before flushing gutters and downspouts with water to test flow. They also check for structural issues, tighten loose brackets, and realign misaligned sections. Post-service, providers often share a report outlining gutter condition and recommendations.

Choosing the Right Provider

When selecting gutter cleaning services, prioritize licensed, insured companies with positive customer reviews. Transparent pricing—often based on linear footage or property size—is crucial. Look for providers familiar with regional challenges, such as heavy rainfall or frequent storms, to ensure tailored solutions.

Cost-Effectiveness and Long-Term Savings

While gutter cleaning services involve upfront costs, they prevent expensive repairs like roof replacements, foundation fixes, or mold remediation. Many companies offer seasonal discounts or maintenance packages, making biannual cleanings affordable. Regular upkeep also enhances gutter durability, delaying the need for full replacements.

DIY vs. Professional Gutter Cleaning

Though some homeowners attempt DIY cleaning, gutter cleaning services ensure comprehensive results. Professionals spot hidden issues like rotting fascia boards or pest nests that untrained individuals might miss. Their expertise minimizes the risk of accidental damage to gutters or roofing during the process.

Post-Service Maintenance Tips

After using gutter cleaning services, consider installing gutter guards to reduce debris accumulation. Trim overhanging branches and schedule annual inspections, particularly before rainy seasons. These steps help maintain optimal performance and extend the lifespan of your gutter system.

Environmental and Aesthetic Benefits

Beyond functionality, gutter cleaning services enhance curb appeal by preventing unsightly stains from overflowing water. Proper drainage also protects flower beds and soil from erosion, preserving your landscaping investments.

Conclusion

Investing in professional gutter cleaning services is a proactive measure to protect your home’s value and structural health. By ensuring efficient water drainage, you avoid costly damage to roofs, foundations, and interiors. Regular maintenance, paired with expert care, provides peace of mind and long-term savings.