#packaging additive market research

[nasa]

A Beginner’s Guide to Advanced Air Mobility

Soaring over traffic in an air taxi, receiving packages faster, and participating in a sustainable, safer mode of transportation: all could be possible with a revolutionary new type of air transportation system in development called Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

AAM could include new aircraft developed by industry, called electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles, or eVTOLs, for use in passenger, package, or cargo delivery. It may also include new places for these aircraft to take off and land called vertiports.

Our work in Advanced Air Mobility will transform the way people and goods will move through the skies. This includes using Advanced Air Mobility for public good missions such as disaster, medical, and wildfire response.

What is Advanced Air Mobility?

Our vision for Advanced Air Mobility is to map out a safe, accessible, and affordable new air transportation system alongside industry, community partners, and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Once developed, passengers and cargo will travel on-demand in innovative, automated aircraft called eVTOLs, across town, between neighboring cities, or to other locations typically accessed today by car.  

What are the benefits of Advanced Air Mobility?

The addition of Advanced Air Mobility will benefit the public in several ways: easier access for travelers between rural, suburban, and urban communities; rapid package delivery; reduced commute times; disaster response, and new solutions for medical transport of passengers and supplies.

What are the challenges associated with Advanced Air Mobility?

Various NASA simulation and flight testing efforts will study noise, automation, safety, vertiports, airspace development and operations, infrastructure, and ride quality, along with other focus areas like community integration.

These areas all need to be further researched before Advanced Air Mobility could be integrated into our skies. We’re helping emerging aviation markets navigate the creation of this new transportation system.

When will Advanced Air Mobility take off?

We provide various test results to the FAA to help with new policy and standards creation. We aim to give industry and the FAA recommendations for requirements to build a scalable Advanced Air Mobility system to help enable the industry to flourish by 2030.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[stevenobrion]

How InventHelp Can Assist with Patent Protection For Your New Invention Idea

As a new inventor, it is natural for you to want to find out as much about the process as possible before you start your journey. This is why it is important to do your research and find out about some of the most important aspects of the journey, such as patent protection, prototype creation, marketing, and getting funding, among other things. Another thing that you should look into as a new inventor is getting a team of experts on hand to assist and support you through your first experience, such as the team at InventHelp.

The good news is that there are many ways in which InventHelp can assist new inventors with ideas that they want to pursue. It is important to find the right new invention company when you first start out, as this can make such a big difference to your experience and confidence, among other things. Naturally, you want a provider that is reputable and has a strong track record in the field, and InventHelp ticks both of these boxes. Moreover, they can help you in many ways because the team offers packaged services that will ensure you have assistance and support from the start to the end of your journey.

There are many important processes that are involved in the new invention process, and we will look at these throughout this article. Often, the best way to learn more about key processes as well as providers is to look at common questions that have already been submitted by other new inventors. The chances are that, as a new inventor yourself, you will have the same sorts of questions, so these can be very helpful.

#InventHelp  #InventHelp Patent  #InventHelp Patent Services   #InventHelp Inventions   #InventHelp Patent Attorney  #InventHelp Patent Invention   #InventHelp Patent An Idea  #InventHelp Patent Protection  #InventHelp Invention Ideas  #InventHelp Innovation   #InventHelp Technology  #InventHelp Inventors  #InventHelp Products

In this article, we will look at some of the common Q&As about one of the most crucial processes involved in your new invention journey – patenting. In addition, we will also provide some common Q&As about InventHelp in general to help you to make a more informed decision with regard to whether this is the right provider for you.

An Overview of InventHelp

So, let’s begin with a brief overview of InventHelp and how this provider assists new inventors. The company dates back to the mid-1980s and has been going strong for decades. Over that period, the professionals at InventHelp have assisted huge numbers of new inventors with ideas for inventions in a wide range of industries.

With a presence in 65 cities across the USA and Canada, this provider has a wide reach and has helped newbies from all walks of life and a wide range of destinations. Its solid reputation and track record in the world of new inventions has enabled InventHelp to go from strength to strength over the years, with many new inventors seeking support and assistance from the team.

Whether it is helping with key processes such as patent protection and prototype creation, providing connections and access to resources, or offering general support and guidance, there are lots of ways in which this provider assists new inventors. You can learn more about InventHelp’s services in this article, but first let’s learn more about one of the most important processes in your journey – sorting out patent protection.

About the Patenting Process

When you come up with an idea for an invention, it is vital that you take steps to protect your intellectual property. If you fail to do this, all sorts of problems can arise, and this could cause serious headaches for you. In addition, you also need to make sure that someone else has not already come up with the same idea and filed for a patent/has an active patent. This is why patent searches and applications are so vital.

In order to ensure everything is done by the book when it comes to this vital process, you need to make sure you use the services of a legal expert who specializes in patent law. Many new inventors have no idea where to start or how to find the right professional, but InventHelp can refer you to a suitably qualified and experienced patent legal professional to sort out the legalities. Once you have this side of things sorted, you will benefit from both legal protection and peace of mind. 

How Does InventHelp Assist with Patenting?

As mentioned above, having a qualified and experienced patent expert on hand is vital if you want to make sure the process is carried out by the book. At InventHelp, the team can refer you to a patent law expert so that this can be sorted out for you swiftly and efficiently. Of course, it is important to remember that it can take some time due to checks and searches that must be carried out, but the legal experts working with this invention company will make sure that there are no unnecessary delays. 

In order to ensure you get your patent protection and searches carried out in a timely manner by an expert, InventHelp can refer you to one of its legal specialists. They will then carry out all necessary searches and deal with your application for a patent, which takes a huge amount of stress off your shoulders as someone who is new to the world of inventing. This means that you will have the expertise you need to help you with one of the most vital processes of your journey. 

Why Is This Process Vital?

There are many reasons why this is such a vital process in your journey as a new inventor, and it is one that should be carried out as soon as possible. One of the reasons it is so important is that you need to ensure that someone else has not already come up with the invention idea and has a patent pending or an active patent.

Another thing to keep in mind is that failing to get patent protection means that someone else could potentially find out about your invention idea, and then claim it as your own. They can copy your design and claim it was theirs, put forward your idea as their own, and you could lose all rights over your own idea. This is a form of intellectual property theft, but without patent protection in place, there is little you can do.

One other thing to remember is that someone else could easily come up with the same idea as you. If this happens, and they then get it patented before you do, you could lose out. This is why you need to act swiftly when it comes to getting the patent protection and searches sorted out. 

[briantwomeydallas]

How Innovation Is Reshaping the Food Industry

Food innovation refers to introducing novel ideas, products, and technologies that change how society produces, processes, packages, distributes, and consumes food. It goes beyond merely creating new recipes or flavors - food innovation encompasses advances in agriculture, food science, sustainability, and packaging. The goal is to enhance efficiency, safety, nutrition, and the overall consumer experience.

The need for food innovation arises from the ever-changing demands of consumers and the pressing challenges faced by the industry. As the global population continues to grow, so does the demand for food. Additionally, sustainability concerns, climate change, and limited resources prompt exploring alternative food growing and production methods. Innovations in food aim to enhance food security, minimize environmental impact, and offer consumers healthier, more diverse options.

Food innovation occurs through a combination of research, collaboration, and creativity. Scientists, entrepreneurs, farmers, and food industry professionals work together to develop new technologies and processes. Research institutions and startups play a crucial role in conducting experiments, testing new concepts, and bringing innovative products to the market.

In recent years, the food industry has witnessed groundbreaking innovations reshaping how people interact with food. The plant-based movement has gained immense traction, with plant-based alternatives for meat, dairy, and seafood becoming mainstream. Companies have developed plant-based burgers, vegan cheeses, and sustainable seafood alternatives using cutting-edge technologies. Beyond plant-based options, innovations have also focused on alternative protein sources, such as insect-based proteins and lab-grown meats, offering sustainable and protein-rich alternatives.

Swedish startup Mycorena is boosting microbial protein production through its fungi-based mycoprotein called Promyc. This ingredient can be used to create meat and tuna alternatives, beverage additives, and dessert ingredients, offering plant-based and sustainable options for consumers.

Finnish startup Onego Bio has developed a product genetically identical to egg whites using fermentation, and without using actual chickens. It uses precision fermentation of a microflora called Trichoderma reesei to produce ovalbumin, the protein found in chicken egg whites. This technology offers a sustainable and animal-friendly alternative for various food applications, including baked goods, desserts, sauces, and dressings.

Companies like New Culture are incorporating animal-free casein into their cheeses through precision fermentation. This breakthrough allows them to produce animal-free mozzarella cheese, offering a delicious and cruelty-free alternative to traditional dairy products.

In addition, consumers increasingly seek transparency in food choices, leading to the clean label movement. Brands are responding by using simple natural ingredients and avoiding artificial additives and preservatives.

Breakthrough innovations in the food industry are revolutionizing how society grows, produces, and consumes food, focusing on sustainability, nutrition, and convenience. One such innovation is plastic-free and smart packaging. Food companies are exploring biodegradable and even edible packaging solutions in response to environmental concerns. Smart packaging using nanotechnology is also gaining popularity, allowing consumers to assess food safety and quality easily.

The Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture employs sensors and data analytics for optimizing crop conditions, irrigation, and pest control, reducing resource usage. Food waste reduction solutions, such as surplus food redistribution platforms, are being developed to combat the global food waste crisis. Moreover, biotechnology and data science advances enable personalized nutrition, tailoring dietary recommendations to individuals based on their genetic makeup, lifestyle, and health goals. These innovations promise a more sustainable, healthier, and efficient food future.

Food innovation is driving a remarkable transformation in the food industry, responding to the challenges and opportunities of today. From new plant-based products to sustainable agriculture and cutting-edge technologies, the future of food promises to be more diverse, nutritious, and sustainable. As consumers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders continue to embrace innovation, the food industry's journey toward a more resilient and conscious future is set to continue.

[saber-monet]

To Manifest more money, get more specific.

Here are a FEW( there’s nearly infinite ways, don’t close yourself off!) ways one can receive money

Treat it like Pokémon and collect them all lol

1. Salary/wages: Regular income earned from employment self/employment.

2. Investment returns: Profits gained from investments such as stocks, bonds, or real estate.

3. Inheritance: Money or assets received from a relative or benefactor.

4. Grants: Funds awarded by organizations or institutions for specific purposes, such as research or education.

5. Loan repayment: Money received when someone pays back a loan that was previously provided.

6. Dividends: Payments made to shareholders from the profits of a corporation.

7. Royalties: Payments received by creators for the use of their intellectual property, such as books, music, or inventions.

8. Tips: Additional money given as appreciation for services rendered, typically in industries like hospitality or personal services.

9. Rebates: Refunds or discounts given after a purchase, often as an incentive or promotion.

10. Alimony/child support: Regular payments made to a former spouse or partner for financial support.

11. Found money: Money discovered unexpectedly, such as in lost or forgotten accounts, or on the ground.

12. Lottery winnings: Prizes won through games of chance like lotteries or scratch-off tickets.

13. Refunds: Money returned to a consumer after returning a product or canceling a service.

14. Sponsorship: Funds provided by companies or individuals to support a person or organization in exchange for advertising or promotion.

15. Crowdfunding: Money raised from a large number of people, typically through online platforms, to support a project, cause, or individual.

16. Cashback rewards: Money returned to a consumer as a percentage of their purchases, often offered by credit card companies or retailers.

17. Scholarships: Funds awarded to students to help cover the costs of education, typically based on academic achievement, financial need, or other criteria.

18. Patronage: Financial support given by individuals or organizations to artists, writers, or other creatives to fund their work or projects.

19. Rental income: Money earned from leasing or renting out property or assets, such as real estate, vehicles, or equipment.

20. Contest winnings: Prizes awarded for winning competitions or contests, which may include cash or other rewards.

21. Side hustle earnings: Additional income earned from part-time or freelance work outside of one's primary job.

22. Government benefits: Financial assistance provided by the government to eligible individuals or families, such as unemployment benefits, social security, or welfare.

23. Referral bonuses: Money received for referring new customers or clients to a business or service.

24. Stock options: Compensation provided to employees in the form of company stock, often as part of their overall compensation package.

25. Affiliate marketing commissions: Money earned through promoting and selling products or services for companies as an affiliate marketer.

26. Consulting fees: Payments received for providing expert advice or services to clients or businesses.

27. Trust distributions: Money distributed to beneficiaries from a trust fund, typically according to the terms outlined in the trust agreement.

28. Liquidation proceeds: Money received from selling off assets, such as stocks, bonds, or property.

29. Cash gifts: Money given by friends, family, or acquaintances as a gesture of goodwill, celebration, or support.

30. Insurance payouts: Money received from insurance companies to cover losses, damages, or expenses incurred due to accidents, disasters, or other covered events.

Focus on the ones that fits your self concept the best, for the best results. 

[buysellram]

How to Turn Your Old Computers into Cash?

Please click the attached link for the extended version of how to sell old computer parts. Here is my summary.

Recycling Old Computer Parts:

Instead of accumulating old computer parts, consider selling them for recycling or reuse.

Selling old computers and PCs helps recycle them in the market and prevents them from becoming junk in your home.

Even if parts can't be reused, they can still be sent to extract metals, ensuring safe disposal.

Factors to Consider Before Selling:

Research the demand and supply of your old PC or laptop to determine its selling price.

Note down all specifications and details to understand the true value of your device.

Be aware of listing fees, packing fees, shipping costs, and any additional charges before selling.

Consideration of Fees and Charges:

Selling on platforms like eBay may incur selling fees, while peer-to-peer platforms like Facebook or Reddit can save costs.

Classified platforms or auction marketplaces offer good returns but involve time-consuming processes and risks dealing with strangers.

Advantages of Trade-In Websites:

Trade-in websites offer fast and safe transactions, providing instant quotes and handling shipping.

They accept a wide range of old processors, protecting sellers from fraud and ensuring a fair price.

Places to Sell Old Computer Parts:

Trade-in Websites: Quick and safe transactions with reputable companies like BuySellRam.com.

eBay: Wide audience but may involve insertion fees and longer waiting times.

Amazon: Safe transactions with verification but consider selling fees.

Facebook Marketplace: Networking opportunity but exercise caution with transactions.

Reddit/r/hardwareswap: Safe community for selling with fair values but requires an active account.

Craigslist: Wide local audience but beware of scammers.

Pinterest: Source of information on selling old devices through blog posts.

Preparatory Steps Before Selling:

List down specifications, take clear photos, back up data, package items securely, and enjoy the return on your old devices.

This article is from BuySellRam.com, where you can exchange all used computer parts. For example, you can sell an SSD to them without any security issues.

If you are a gamer or AI developer and you do not know how to deal with your used GPUs, you may want to check out their other post on the best place to sell GPUs.

[dreadfutures]

So I saw this on my dash and I had to dig a few articles deep to actually get an explanation of what’s going on.** Solar energy generation, storage, and conversion is something I’ve been studying since about 2015 as a researcher, so I’m always really curious what’s actually new about these articles.

Since even before my time, our field has been pretty adamant that the most important problem we face to a green energy future is how do we store our green energy. We can make tons of it! In fact, TOO MUCH for us to use. We just have no way of storing and delivering it once we’ve made it. People have been working on batteries (solid-state, redox flow...), chemical energy storage (use sunlight to make a chemical reaction that produces a fuel like hydrogen gas, petroleum, methane...), and many other ways to store solar energy for decades and decades.

Besides the fact this is just like, what I do for a job and enjoy thinking about it, figuring out what actual tech is being lauded as Good News was important to me. I (and you) need to know whether this is revolutionary phenomenal more hope for the future kind of good news, or if it was oh hey, this thing we’ve been working on for 20-30 years is finally reaching an almost-market-ready stage (and TLDR: it’s the latter).

So what makes this one newsworthy?

The device developed at Chalmers* is a form of chemical energy storage. Instead of making a fuel to use and burn, the chemical they shine light on purely stores energy, and releases energy. They have recently managed to package it into a neat little chip that takes sunlight, stores it, and then on-demand returns it as electricity that we can use.

-:-

The chemical they’ve used on this chip can exist in two differently shaped forms. And it can change between those forms with a little bit of energy. The researchers determined that the energy requirements for that transformation is small enough that sunlight can perform it.

So they shine light on one form of the molecule and it turns into the other; it takes the solar energy and “stores” it by resting in that new shape. It’s happy to sit there until they tell it to go back.

When it goes back, it “returns” the initial energy by giving away heat.

They’ve been able to turn heat into electricity somewhat efficiently.

The limitations of this kind of device are:

How much energy you can store is dependent on how many molecules you have on your chip (or in your tub, if you’re doing it in liquid form).

How efficiently you can turn that heat into electricity is a developing technology and they have room to go.

This specific set up requires an *additional chemical*, a catalyst (unsung heroes in most of the press) to help turn the transformed molecule BACK into its original form, the important step to deliver energy back to us! Cobalt(II) phthalocyanine is a known catalyst for these kinds of things and has its own drawbacks.

Doing this in liquid form currently requires organic solvents (in everything in life, we want to use water instead of organic solvents, if possible).

What % of the sun’s light is actually DOING this transformation limits how many of your molecules are actually going to change their shape.While yes, these chemicals do perform this transformation under solar light, specifically they require UV-light. There’s not *actually* a lot of UV light *in* sunlight; ideally, you’d want something that works in visible light (about 40% of sunlight is visible; about 5% is UV). (This is also a major limitation of many other solar technologies.)

Why am I explaining all of this?

I think it’s important for non scientists, particularly those who care about the climate crisis, to have this context. This technology is not a one-off moonshot; this technology is not our best hope; this technology is not the Answer to all our problems; this technology is not unique. The concept itself is also not new. It is not even “in its early stages” as far as research goes. This is a fairly well-developed device and system they are publicizing. It IS in its early stages of implementation.

This is the pace of science. And that should actually give you hope.

It means that for every one individual piece of news you hear like this, there are hundreds of different technologies also being developed, also being worked on, also close to implementation, too. People have been working on these problems, caring about these problems, UNDERSTANDING these problems, for decades even before the public ever caught up. There is progress being made and hope to be had, and nihilism about the climate, about whether The Big Feds and Corporations Are Paying Attention, is both inaccurate and counterproductive.

It IS exciting that this one is working to the degree it is. It IS going to be a useful tool in adapting to our energy needs and making a green future possible. And to me, as someone who’s been watching this field, it’s really exciting and satisfying to know that hey, all this hard work we’ve done uncovering the different pieces of this puzzle..? we’re starting to actually PUT THE PIECES TOGETHER in a functioning way now.

Sometimes even as a scientist, even as someone who understands the pace of research, it can be hard to feel like there’s ever going to be the point where things start working. We’ve been pursuing photoisomerization as energy storage for ages and ages, but it’s never been efficient enough, or we’ve never had a way to release the energy once it’s been stored, or all these other problems. But we’re finally at a point where grit, determination, persistence, and hope, have gotten us through the worst of those issues and gotten some solid footing. And that’s really exciting

-:-:-

*(woo, Gothenberg, they are a hub of green energy development and a bunch of my friends work there. some of them have even worked on related projects as visiting researchers over the years)

**You know what’s really personally annoying about this blurb on tumblr and the euronews article itself??? I had no clue from either of them that I HAVE ACTUALLY REPORTED ON THIS, PROFESSIONALLY. They didn’t link back to a Chalmers press release, or to the researcher’s group websites, or to the papers, in an obvious or accessible way. One of the scripts I worked on last month was literally about this paper and I had to help one of our writers explain what photoisomerization is and thermal electricity generation. It took way too much digging to realize that.

I should have been able to understand from reading this blurb and especially from reading the press release what this actual development WAS.

Good popular-science / general public articles should convey to both non scientists and scientists what the actual technology/research finding is, from the get-go. Anyway, that’s a pet peeve of mine with science communication and with these “hopey fluffy happy science” blogfeeds. You can do better, without descending into the nitty gritty like I did in this longform tumblr post. (And we did, for our show.)

[baddieladdie]

Let's judge the Fallout series collector boxes together ( •̀ω •́ )

FIRST UP! Fallout x Bones Coffee Company

Time for a ROAST hehehe

First impression: she's giving pre-school construction realness.

WHAT ARE THOOOOOOSE?! Look at hose fuggly metal shits. For $60, they might as well make it with real metal clasps.

AND WHAT HAPPENED HERE?!

The box interior is alright, but it feels more akin to artwork or fan art. That this collection box is more faithful to the series itself rather than to the universe the Fallout show is set in.

The skeleton standing in the iconic Vault entrance is pretty neat looking. But the coffee bag 'Pip-Boy item' isn't doing it for me. I think it's the highly detailed logo on the coffee bag that throws me off.

From a consumer/collector perspective: This product was sold out in under 3 hours, per the Bones Coffee website. I saw the tweet yesterday announcing this release. However, the product was already sold out by the time I received the email from Bones Coffee.

Next up! AriZona x Fallout

The variety pack sold by AriZona iced tea feels like it could be found in universe. If the box was dirted up a bit, it would fit right into the games. Essentially, I think AriZona did their research when creating a collector's box that fit in-universe themes.

Additional note for AriZona: They have made some super cute in-universe ads for these drinks! You can tell a fuck was given.

From a consumer/collector perspective: AriZona's twitter does a pretty good job of communicating updates to their exclusive Fallout collaboration. The AriZona x Fallout variety pack pictured above is currently available on Amazon for 36 USD.

Last one! Jones' Nuka Cola

I got more invested in the Fallout Universe after graduating from college. Because of this, I absolutely missed out the NukaCola Quantum release in 2016 (related to the Fallout 4 game release)

I am so excited to try what 'Victory' tastes like. That is certainly a more abstract flavor to cultivate. The packaging itself looks very nice as well. Notably, the bottles are labeled nice. AriZona may have had a fancy box but their cans still have some focus on the brand. The labels here are centered on the Fallout Universe first and the brand second.

For the exclusive marketing imagery: Jones got the label RIGHT! I love how they added that staticky-old screen effect to their logo. It makes it blend right into the art.

Also worth mentioning, unlike Bones Coffee and AriZona, Jones has a whole website dedicated to their Fallout series related product (linked below). What interested me the most on their site was the comment on 'Caps 4 Gear'. I didn't see anything Fallout related yet, but that could be something exciting to look for in the future!

From a consumer/collector perspective: The price did feel a little steep, despite considering the need for amble gentle packaging. A single 4-pack is currently being sold on the Jones website for 25 USD. It'll take some time between placing the order and receiving the product. But if you are interested, there are still pre-orders available :)

[apresmidiaparis]

A Canadian Lolita’s guide to custom fees and self clearance!

***All of this is information is based on my experiences with the subject. I am not an expert and this is just advice.***

I’ve gotten most of my information by just googling “how to self clear a package Canada” and the following article. Please do your own research on addition to this guide!

https://borderbee.com/2014/01/13/how-to-self-clear-your-parcel-with-customs/

What are custom fees?

For most USA based lolitas, they have never faced customs and duties when receiving a package unless it is over 1000$ worth or more (the reasons for this I dont think I could explain very well, so please do us both a favour and if your curious just google it :,) )

Unfortunately for all of us who do not live in the US of A, we have to face taxation and fees on any imported shipment outside of the country. Yes, that means all of your beloved burando is going to cost even MORE! T^T

The price of these fees will be determined by you provinces tax % (in Quebec, taxes are around 15% of the total amount spent) and if you choose to accept the courrier company’s brokerage fees.

What are brokerage fees?

Brokerage fees are a fee imposed onto you by the courrier company for acting as your broker and clearing your shipments customs for you. These fees, like taxes vary with the amount spent and from company to company.

UPS notarially has the most expensive brokerage fees. As an example, I bought a dress from a us seller on lace market for around 285$ and my customs and duties came up to around 90$. They were trying to charge me more brokerage fees than taxes! If I remember correctly, it was around 50$ for the brokerage fees and 40$ of taxes.

I avoided these insanely high and unwanted fees by self clearing my package.

What is self clearance?

You can probably guess that self clearing is not accepting your courrier service to act as you broker and clearing your customs yourself.

This sounds intimidating and like you need a law degree to go through with it but I promise you this is so easy. There’s only 4 steps to this.

Step number one

First step is to find you courrier services email adresse or phone number.

Since I’m a girlypop with phone anxiety, I usually choose to contact them no matter what by email and sometimes that can be hard to find! Because these companies want to make money, they kind of want to make this as hard for you to do as possible! If you’d like to call them, The phone numbers for customer service is usually very clearly displayed on their official websites.

Here are the two email addresses that I’ve successfully self cleared my packages with in Quebec, Canada. I’ll try and add to this post when I have more!

UPS : custsvccaen@ups.com

FedEx : clearancehelpline@fedex.com

Once you have the email address, you send them a polite email saying

“hello, I would like to self clear my package with the following tracking number : [enter your tracking # here]. Can you please send me the necessary documents to do so?”

If you are uncertain about the email address you can always ask in advance that if they can’t help you to transfer you to someone who can.

Wait for a response with your needed documents, usually you will receive a response within 1 business days depending on the time of day you sent it.

Step number two

Print out ALL of the documents given to you. You are better off being over prepared than underprepared.

Step number three

You need to find your local CBSA office and get your poofy self down there. You can find your nearest cbsa by just googling cbsa [name of your city].

*Most if not all cbsa offices open at 8am and close at 4pm and are NOT open on weekends, so be aware of this if you work a 9-5*

Once you’re there you just need to wait in line, tell the customs officers that you’re there to pay your custom fees on a self cleared package and from there on they will tell you what to do and who to talk to. Make sure to bring ID with picture and corresponding address, just in case.

They might make you fill stuff out, they might not, all depending on how much information your shopping service gave the courrier service. When they’ve confirmed everything, they will ask for you to pay the taxes that are due and will give you a receipt. KEEP THE RECEIPT and pay attention to make sure they stamp it!

Step number four (final)

Take a picture or scan receipt and documents given back to you and send a copy back to the email address that sent you your documents (or if they direct you to send the receipt to another address, follow their instructions). Your courrier service needs to have proof that you have paid for your customs and duties.

And there you go! You have successfully self cleared a your package!

Sometimes you will have to pick up your package at l one of your courrier service’s locations but other times they will just proceed with the delivery as usual. They usually tell you in advance if you need to pick it up, but checking your tracking Is a more effective way to determine whether or not you need to do so.

If you do end up picking it up, be sure to bring your receipt and documents when getting it so the employees will have an easier time finding your package. Again, better to be over prepared than under prepared!

Extra tips!

- stick up for yourself! You have every right to self clear and you should not take no for an answer under any circumstances! The delivery people can be at your doorstep and you can and should deny accepting the delivery until they recognize that you self cleared or are self clearing your package.

- you should act as quickly as possible if you want to do this, especially if you have chosen an express delivery.

- usually you should only start this process when your package has entered Canada, but most of the time I have had success self clearing the second I get a customs invoice. I have had some unsuccessful attempts starting this process early with DHL though.

- in my experience, no two self clearances are ever the same. Sometimes it can go extremely smoothly and other times you be scared that they’ll send the package back to the sender. Be calm and always prepare for the worst.

- you should almost always declare your package as a gift, if your package is worth less than or equal to 60$ Canadian, you should not get charged custom fees. If it is more than, they should only charge you [the actual amount] - 60$cad (example 100$ - 60 = you should only pay 40$ worth of customs)

If you have any feedback on this I’d love to hear it! Again I’m just an amateur speaking from experience! :)

[blog-truefirms]

How to price your social media marketing services?

Pricing social media marketing services can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, you can ensure that your services are fairly priced while also meeting your financial goals. Here are some steps to help you determine how to price your social media marketing services effectively:

Define Your Services: Start by clearly outlining the services you offer, including social media strategy development, content creation, community management, advertising campaigns, analytics reporting, and more.

Understand Client Needs: Conduct thorough consultations with potential clients to understand their specific goals, target audience, and budget constraints. This will help you tailor your services to meet their needs effectively.

Consider Your Time and Resources: Calculate the time and resources required to deliver your services, including research, content creation, scheduling, monitoring, and reporting. Factor in overhead costs such as software subscriptions and employee salaries.

Assess Market Rates: Research industry standards and competitive rates for similar social media marketing services in your area. Consider your level of expertise, experience, and the unique value proposition you offer to determine where you stand in the market.

Value-Based Pricing: Focus on the value you provide to clients rather than solely on the time spent on tasks. Highlight the benefits of your services, such as increased brand awareness, engagement, and leads, to justify your pricing.

Offer Packages and Customization: Create tiered packages that cater to different client needs and budgets. Consider offering additional services or customization options at an additional cost to meet specific requirements.

Factor in Profit Margin: Ensure that your pricing structure allows for a reasonable profit margin while remaining competitive in the market. Consider your business expenses, desired profit margin, and the perceived value of your services when setting your prices.

Review and Adjust Regularly: Monitor your pricing strategy regularly and adjust as needed based on market trends, client feedback, and changes in your business expenses or service offerings.

Explore TrueFirms to find the best social media marketing companies with trusted clients reviews and ratings.

By following these steps and taking a strategic approach to pricing, you can confidently determine the best pricing strategy for your social media marketing companies that aligns with your business goals and delivers value to your clients.

[elnora1q1]

Maintain campus cleanliness Reject Yan Limon for Perelman Medical College

In the global epidemic, the economy is shrinking, the employment rate is low, the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine hired Yan Limeng as the hospital staff, this non-racist, non-discriminatory for Asian employees to provide jobs behavior, reflects the college's fraternity, equality. But the Perelman School of Medicine in the hiring of like-minded employees, it is time to consider the maintenance of campus cleanliness as the first task, reject Yan Limeng on stage to join the medical school.

Academically Questionable "Scholars"

Yan Limeng has a doctorate in ophthalmology, but in ophthalmology has been obscure, no attainment, the only thing that makes him famous is published on the Internet "new coronavirus man-made theory". Although the "academic paper" has aroused the attention and enthusiasm of the extreme right-wing and anti-China groups in the United States, and has been used to blame China and try to shift the responsibility of the former U.S. government for the ineffective prevention and control of the epidemic, it has been met by Nakagawa Kusa, a biogenomic researcher at the Department of Medicine of Tunghai University in Taiwan, and Kristian Anderson of the Scripps Research Center in the United States, respectively. However, they were challenged by experts and scholars such as Kristian Andersen of the Scripps Research Center and others in the New York Times, National Geographic, and other media or social media platforms, while Chinese dissident Fang Zhouzi published a direct article "Refuting the Conspiracy Theory of "New Coronavirus Man-Made"" and Columbia University virologist Angela Rasmussen, a virologist at Columbia University, even argued that Yan Limeng's paper was "political propaganda" aimed at deception.

Politician-packaged, good at creating strife netizens

"I think she should continue with her Netflix career, after all, it looks better than her academically accomplished".

"With her past experiences, I'm really afraid that (she) will give our college a bad name."

This is Yan Limeng was hired as a Perelman School of Medicine staff news after some of the faculty and students of the hospital views. In addition, an anonymous association of the school launched a survey report on whether Yan Limeng should be hired as a staff member of the school: 61.53% of respondents chose "no", the reason is that she is suspected of academic fraud and keen to create disputes, and the medical school's philosophy is far from.

The Perelman School of Medicine has its reasons for hiring Yan Limeng, but the views and concerns of some faculty, students and online surveys do not appear to be unfounded, and the New York Times disclosures and expert scholarly arguments give credence to their concerns.

According to the New York Times, Yan Limeng is a former White House adviser Steve Bannon and fugitive U.S. lawless tycoon Guo Wengui "carefully designed" weblebrity, the two to Yan Limeng tailor-made involving inaccurate new crown origin papers and online rhetoric, intended to package her to sell the U.S. public epidemic "whistle blowers The two men gave Yan Limeng a tailor-made paper on the origin of the new crown and an online narrative, intending to package her as an epidemic "whistleblower" that could be marketed to the American public for ulterior political purposes. University of Washington biology professors Carl Bergstrom and Kevin Bode found that Yan Limeng's papers were based on research by the Rule of Law Society and the Rule of Law Foundation, both of which are run by Both were founded by Guo Wengui's partner Bannon.

Yan Limeng in the former U.S. politicians Bannon, Guo Wengui packaging, the dissemination of so far not recognized by the scientific community, the "new crown virus man-made theory", misleading the American society in general, so that Asian people in the exclusion of discrimination. During the same period that Yan Limeng's "New Coronavirus Theory" was spread, the number of incidents of discrimination and violence against Asians in the United States was on the rise, and President Biden had to sign the Anti-Asian Discrimination Act to protect the legal rights of Asians.

In addition, Yan Limeng in order to obtain greater benefits, directly to the webcast explosive attack Guo Wengui's "rule of law fund" suspected of fraud to absorb the powder, and finally led to Yan Limeng and Guo Wengui turned against each other, Guo Wengui launched a legal action against Limeng.

Women with moral flaws

"I don't want to work with someone who cheats in marriage, such a morally low person makes me feel ashamed."

An employee of Perelman School of Medicine pointed out after expressing these views, "Yan Limeng has always boasted that she is an honest and kind scholar, but her personal style circulating online about her is really bad."

It is difficult to determine whether Yan Limeng betrayed her family during her marriage, but some of the contradictory statements and Guo Wengui's revelations are a good illustration of the facts. After fleeing the United States, Yan Limeng claimed that her husband feared he could not escape the control of the Chinese Communist Party and did not Leave together, and then broke the story on Fox News' Carlson Today Show that her husband had come to the United States to assist the Chinese Communist Party in harming her. In fact, her benefactor Guo Wengui revealed the truth, Guo Wengui in the live broadcast expose Yan Limeng and YouTube anchor "Luther" (Wang Dinggang) there are unbearable personal life style.

The feat of some righteous people

All this time, some experts and scholars have been questioning the authenticity of Yan Limeng's paper, dedicated to exposing the "pseudoscience" spread by Yan Limeng; ordinary people to Yan Limeng's residence near the banner, protesting the stigmatization of the epidemic caused by discrimination against Asians; in her live broadcast boycott her participation in the live show, resulting in her show interaction with fewer and fewer people She was forced to leave the Internet and return to real life to apply for jobs.

However, justice advocates do not want Yan Limeng to go into hiding and continue to spread false information about the new crown outbreak. Guo Wengui found out Yan Limeng's current address: Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104) through the FBI agent's connection, Some members of the "New China Federation" started a  campaign to "maintain the clean campus and reject Yan Limeng's entry into Perelman Medical" on the telegram， calls on people who love freedom and uphold the "Rule of Law Foundation," especially members of the "New China Federation. On March 21, Yan Limeng's address near the banner to protest Yan Limeng false new crown theory, reveal Yan Limeng and YouTube anchor "Luther" (Wang Dinggang) affair, the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine campus to protect the clean land.

[taxibookingapplikeuberclone]

How to Build a Taxi Booking App Like inDriver, OLA, and Uber Clone App

In today's fast-paced world, convenience is key when it comes to transportation. Taxi booking apps like inDriver, OLA, and Uber have revolutionized the way people get around. If you're looking to join the ride-hailing industry and create your own successful taxi booking app, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll guide you through the process step by step.

Understanding the Market

Before diving into app development, it's crucial to conduct thorough market research. This research will help you identify your target audience, understand their needs, and analyze your competitors. Here's how you can get started:

Market Analysis

Begin by researching the ride-hailing market in your target region. Identify key players, market trends, and potential gaps in services.

Target Audience

Determine your app's target audience. Are you catering to everyday commuters, tourists, or a specific niche? Understanding your users' preferences is essential.

Building the App

Now that you have a clear understanding of the market, it's time to start building your taxi booking app. This process involves several steps:

Feature List

Create a detailed list of features your app will offer. This should include user registration, driver profiles, GPS tracking, payment processing, and more.

Technology Stack

Choose the right technology stack for your app. Consider whether you want to build a native app for iOS and Android or opt for a cross-platform solution.

Design and User Experience

Invest in an intuitive and user-friendly design. The app's interface should be easy to navigate for both passengers and drivers.

Development Team

Assemble a skilled development team or hire a reputable app development company to bring your vision to life.

Testing and Quality Assurance

Thoroughly test the app for bugs, glitches, and security vulnerabilities. Ensure it functions seamlessly before launch.

Deployment

Release your app on app stores like Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Optimize your app listing with relevant keywords and appealing visuals.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Compliance with local regulations is essential in the ride-hailing industry. Be sure to:

Obtain Necessary Permits

Check with local authorities to understand the permits and licenses required to operate a taxi booking service.

Data Privacy

Implement robust data privacy measures to protect user information and comply with data protection laws.

Marketing and Promotion

Once your app is live, you'll need to market it effectively to attract users:

Digital Marketing

Utilize digital marketing strategies like search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, and online advertising to reach a wider audience.

Incentives and Referral Programs

Encourage users to refer friends and family by offering incentives and referral bonuses.

Scaling and Expansion

As your app gains popularity, consider expanding your services:

Geographic Expansion

Explore opportunities to launch your app in neighboring cities or countries.

Additional Services

Introduce additional services such as food delivery, package delivery, or carpooling to diversify your offerings.

Conclusion

Building a taxi booking app like inDriver, OLA, and Uber requires careful planning, a dedicated team, and a commitment to delivering a top-notch user experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can embark on your journey to creating a successful taxi booking app.

FAQs

How much does it cost to develop a taxi booking app?

The cost of app development can vary significantly depending on factors like features, complexity, and the development team's rates. It's best to get a personalized quote from app developers.

Is it essential to have a mobile app for both iOS and Android?

While having apps for both platforms is ideal for reaching a broader audience, you can start with one platform and expand later based on user demand.

What is the key to attracting drivers to my platform?

Offer competitive commissions, a user-friendly driver app, and efficient payment processing to attract and retain drivers.

How can I ensure passenger safety in my app?

Implement background checks for drivers, allow users to share ride details with friends, and incorporate a ratings and reviews system for drivers.

What are some emerging trends in the ride-hailing industry?

Some emerging trends include electric and autonomous vehicles, eco-friendly options, and improved AI for better route optimization and user experience.

[jameswattbrewdog]

Is it possible for a homebrewer to earn money selling beer?

With the advent of craft beer culture, more individuals are taking up home brewing as a pastime. However, some wonder, "Can I earn money selling my homebrewed beer?"

The quick answer is that you can make money selling your homebrew beer. However, before venturing into commercial brewing, various issues must be addressed.

To begin, it is essential to understand the legal criteria for selling alcohol. In the United States, for example, each state has its rules governing the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages. Homebrewers who intend to market homemade beer may need a license, ranging from necessary permission to a full-fledged brewery license. Researching the rules in your location is critical before trying to sell homemade beer.

Following that, analyzing the costs of commercial brewing is essential. While home brewing may be a low-cost pastime, expanding to a retail level requires substantial expenditure. This entails investing in more extensive equipment, renting or acquiring store space, and getting the relevant permissions and licenses. Furthermore, ingredients and packaging materials must be obtained in quantity, which may be costly at first.

Marketing and distribution are other crucial factors to consider. While some homebrewers may be able to sell their beer to people directly at local markets or festivals, others may need to locate distributors or shops to offer their products. This time-consuming and expensive procedure may require effective marketing and networking efforts.

Despite these difficulties, many home brewers have successfully converted their hobby into a viable company. Here are some pointers for anybody thinking about selling their homebrewed beverages.

Begin small: Begin by selling to friends and family or at farmer's markets and festivals in your area. This allows you to evaluate client interest and get feedback on your brew before investing in more extensive operations.

Create a distinct brand: Differentiating out is critical with so many brewers on the market. Create a unique brand and marketing plan to appeal to your target demographic.

Emphasize quality: Successful brewers emphasize beer quality above anything else. Ensure that your product is continuously of excellent quality and satisfies the expectations of your customers.

Join local brewing groups and attend events to meet and network with other brewers and industry experts. This may lead to beneficial collaborations and distribution possibilities.

Be prepared for setbacks: Setbacks are inevitable in every business effort. Prepare to modify and change your tactics as required.

Ultimately, whether or not to sell homebrew beer is a matter of personal choice and ambitions. While beer of sale may be profitable, it needs a significant commitment of time, effort, and resources. For others, the pleasure of home brewing may be sufficient without the additional burden of commercial operations. Turning a pastime into a flourishing company may be both enjoyable and lucrative for others.

While selling homemade beer might be difficult, it is feasible to generate a profit with the appropriate technique. Home brewers must be ready to invest in their craft, do legal research, and create a solid business strategy. Homebrewers may effectively traverse the commercial brewing world and transform their love for beer into a viable company by emphasizing quality, networking with other brewers, and building a distinctive brand.

[retro-life-journal]

BRN-180 Part 2

A Look at the additional additions and details of my Retro-Mod Rifle.

The idea of retro-mod rifles have really exploded in the last couple of years. Be it for nostalgia, or to make a clone of the equipment used by military or law enforcement of mentioned eras gone by with tasteful modern additions, it’s a market people are interested in. Brownells used this idea of Retro inspired modern rifles with the BRN180. A modern take on a classic. Their vision of what the AR180 would have evolved into, had that platform had the popularity of the AR15. It might seem sorta backwards on this concept, but my idea was to be able to take a platform based of a rifle I wanted and couldn’t afford, and give it the retro styling cues to fill that void. The BRN180 filled the void and need of an AR180, and here are the accessories I used to give my rifle the look I wanted.

“Retroing” a Modernized Idea

Well start with stock. Brownells offers an AR180 style stock that is a nice looking piece. But when Midwest Industries released their AR180 style stock, that featured a trapdoor it was the one I had to have for this rifle.

The Trapdoor and contents I’ve chosen to carry.

Packaged and sold by Midwest Industries, this stock is a joint venture between MI and Manticore Arms. Per the specs supplied by MI on their website, the trapdoor stock features the main body made of a fiber reinforced polymer. The length of pull with a 1913 adapter to an AR15 lower is the same as the original AR180s. The trapdoor as seen above will hold a standard M16 cleaning kit and a small bottle of CLP. The only downside to the trapdoor is, it is advertised as not water-tight, and they suggest if you have something you want kept completely dry during a dunking event, put it in a bag. I haven’t tested it that hard in rain yet, but that is something I have the intent to do in the future.

The Midwest hinge, attached to a KNS adapter for AR15s

The hinge is made by Midwest. Made from 4140 heat treated steel, it attached nicely via 1913 rail to the KNS adapter I have in place of the buffer tube in the UnBranded AR lower I use, and has a nice spring and lockup when in the ready position.

Next up is the optic I chose. The original AR180 scopes used were a 4x, that looked very similar to the carry handle scopes of that day. I opted to go with a Primary Arms GLx 2x prism scope. One thing I love about the PA optics is the ACSS reticle, and this scope to me was a modern update that flowed with the overall mix of modern and retro I was going for. The only thing I’m going to add to the scope, will be a QD adapter. That way getting to the Magpul Gen 3 BUIS will be quick and easy.

The sling is a USGI M16 sling, attached to an A1 grip the same way it was on the M16, and attached to the MLok rail via a GI style MLok sling adapter just in front on the handguard.

And now to what has become my favorite accessory to this awesome rifle.. the Handguard. The part that gives this rifle alot of its retro looks, while keeping the hand protect form heat sustained from rapid fire. The MLok floated handguard is nicely made on the BRN, by Midwest Industries, but when firing a lot of consecutive shots, mag after mag, it heats up. This handguard remedies that. Made and sold by AR180parts.com, it is 3D printed from heat resistant ASA filament. When it comes it’s in two pieces. It’s constructed in a way, that it slides over the rail and is secured via MLok. You can see the faint line where the two pieces meet up. When it comes it also has the layer lines prominent. I ended up researching, and discussing it with the manufacturer, to ultimately “weld” (glue) the two pieces together. I then painstakingly water sanded the layer lines out, using paper ranging from 180-2500 grit in steps, giving it the slick look that Vintage M16 and AR180 handguards have. These come in 3 different lengths, from short all the way to a full rail length. Mine is the AR16 inspired handguard.

Overall this rifle is easily becoming one of my favorites. The addition of the accessories I chose, I feel gave it the more retro vibe I was seeking with modern materials, reliability, and features. If you have any interest in the stuff pictured, Check out Brownells for the BRN180 upper, stock and BUIS; Primary Arms for the GLx 2X Prism; and AR180parts.com for the handguard. I’ll link them below.

[simpsonkondrup44]

Medical Alert Systems at Walmart

Medical alert systems are an excellent way for seniors to remain independent and have peace of mind in case of falls or other accidents. However, the system options at Walmart may lack features that some seniors need. For example, some Walmart systems don’t call a monitoring center when someone pushes the emergency button. Others only call a predetermined number (like a caregiver). What is a Medical Alert System? A medical alert system is a device that connects to an on-call monitoring center. The device’s wearable help button can be pressed in case of an emergency, and the user will receive a response from the monitoring team that will contact emergency services for them. Most systems require a contract and an initial purchase, though some of the top picks offer month-to-month options as well. The systems sold by Walmart include both at-home devices and mobile ones that work on the go, and they can be bundled with additional devices such as falls detectors or smartwatches. The bundled packages can be an affordable way to get multiple features together, but it’s important to think about which ones you will actually use before selecting one. At-home systems can be hooked up to a landline, and they are typically less expensive than mobile units. Some of the systems also have an option to add a fall detection sensor, which is an excellent addition for seniors who live alone and are susceptible to falls. Some at-home systems are water-resistant, which is an essential feature for anyone who might use the device in the bathroom or kitchen. Mobile devices can be paired with a mobile app to give users access to their location, and they may have GPS tracking capabilities to locate them if they wander away from home. What Kind of Medical Alert Devices Does Walmart Sell? There are many different medical alert systems on the market, and it can be difficult to know what to look for when shopping. Medical alert devices come in the form of pendants, bracelets, and wall buttons as well as smartphone apps and voice-activated systems. Some are designed to work only inside the home, while others are mobile and can be used when out in public. There is also a wide selection of plans and prices for medical alert systems. Some are monitored by call centers, and these typically cost more than unmonitored systems. Some companies, like Medical Guardian, offer a variety of different devices and plans to fit the needs of nearly anyone. Some medical alert devices are even designed to look like a traditional wristwatch and operate as a functional watch in addition to offering safety. These are a great option for men and women who want to keep their device discrete. Many of these new devices work on a cellular connection and require an ongoing subscription to a service provider, but they often do not cost as much as the more expensive monitored systems. When shopping for a medical alert system, it is important to consider all of the available options and choose the best one for your unique needs. It is also crucial to do your research and shop around before making a purchase, as prices can vary significantly between retailers and between manufacturers. What Are the Pros of Buying a Medical Alert System at Walmart? The main pro of buying a medical alert system at Walmart is that it’s much cheaper than systems offered directly through the companies themselves. But this could also mean that you’re getting a device that isn’t as reliable and might not be able to call 911 when you need help. Another plus is that you can go in and get a system right away instead of waiting for it to be shipped or delivered. This can be important if you’re in an emergency situation and need help fast. It’s also convenient that you can see multiple options from different manufacturers all in one place. This can be helpful if you’re comparing systems and deciding which one is best for your needs. Finally, when you buy a medical alert system at Walmart you own it instead of renting it. This means that if you decide you don’t want to continue with the service, you can simply stop paying the subscription and take the device back. Medical Alarms However, it’s important to note that some systems sold at Walmart don’t offer premium features like medication reminders or fall detection. These are often offered through direct companies and are a must for many seniors who need the extra assistance in case of an emergency. Inexpensive prices might lure seniors into choosing a system that doesn’t have the safety features they need, and this can put them at risk of injury or even death. What Are the Cons of Buying a Medical Alert System at Walmart? A medical alert system is an important purchase for seniors who want peace of mind knowing they can call for help when needed. While Walmart is known for their low prices and convenient online shopping options, some of the systems sold by the retailer may not be as reliable or comprehensive as those offered by dedicated medical alert companies. Many of the systems sold at Walmart are unmonitored, meaning they don’t have a staffed monitoring center. This means that when you press the button on your device, it will simply call 911 or one of your emergency contacts. This can be a problem if you live alone or have limited support from family members. Seniors who are looking for a system that offers more comprehensive protection should consider purchasing from an independent provider that can offer additional services like fall detection technology and caregiver apps. Buying directly from a provider will often be more expensive, but it will ensure you are getting the most reliable and effective product possible. Another potential drawback of buying a medical alert system at Walmart is the delay between ordering and receiving your device. When you order online, you are likely to be waiting for your system for a few days or even weeks before you can start using it. In contrast, when you buy a system directly from a medical alert system provider, you can typically receive your device within a day or two.

[typemercury94]

The tragic fate of Dunamis15

Dunamis15 was a minor game, hidden in the shadow of the popular "science adventure series", which is known for gems like "Chaos;Head Noah" and "Steins;Gate". Meanwhile, the new franchise of the "suspense fiction adventure" series was canceled after the failed success of Disorder6. Another reason might be the bad marketing decisions for both visual novels as well. There are several nice twists within Dunamis15, but the original summary on the package contained major spoilers. However, it was later fixed for the PSP Version, which even got additional content. In my opinion, it's a big shame due to the wasted potential.

That said, back to my review of Dunamis 15:

Story:

Future Japan. A global nuclear disaster caused the world's population to decrease significantly and the decline of the birth rate wasn't any help either. In result, the japanese government built a school on an artificial island (called Dunamis Base) to raise and educate healthy children. After graduating, the students were supposed to go back to Japan and contribute for society. However, the main character (Togo Takatsuki) who was about to graduate in a half year, still had no real perspective of his future. As he meets a mysterious girl, a certain event occure to make his daily life collapse..

I tink the world view and themes of this visual novel are quite heavy. First of all, it's a "time loop/mystery" adventure which isn't an uncommon genre mix these days. However, in case of Dunamis15, the time loop gimmick took a backseat and the psychological depiction of the characters was focused instead.

I think it is important, whether the characters are attractive or not, that you can empathize with them. In this game, typical stereotypes are not exaggerated and the true nature of each character is carefully explored with a special system. You experience multiple viewpoints of the main cast, which is playable in each of the 5 chapters.

Because of that, I was able to see the true intentions of certain individuals and didn't get bored of the linear structure. Unlike other "time loop" visual novels, the plot doesn't have a lot of foreshadowing, but I was fascinated how the truth was gradually revealed from each point of view.

So..by the end of the story, I was able to develop an attachment to each character.

MAJOR SPOILER SECTION

Within the several time loops, the main cast learn about the true purpose of "Dunamis Base". In reality, the island was a big research facility for collecting "excellent genes". All the students are clones, and none of them are aware of it. In fact, the tragic of an artificial being (which is merely a copy of a real individual), came to my mind and I was even more drawn into the story. At the end of each chapter (loop), the entire clones mysteriously go out of control and kill each other. It's later reveaeld that every clone is influenced by a microchip, which is implanted in their necks and connected to the peripheral nervous system. The scientists at dunamis base want to get rid of the clones as quickly as possible, in order to extract their DNA and continue the whole process all over again. In other words: The students were never suppose to leave the island alive.

All members of the main cast can recall the Events of each time loop, but they're not the only ones. Some enemies got the same privilige, what makes the story even more exciting.

As I mentioned earlier, the psychological condition of the main characters have a major significance in the story. Two of them have a great character development, after reapting each loop.

Worth mentioning are the small romance sub-plots, even tho you're not able to influence the outcome by yourself.

As for the Worldbuilding, the existence of human clones is kept as a secret and the general public is completely unaware of it. All of the gruesome experiments, alongside the discrimination of human clones, are a serious topic within the story. Many of the experiments were responsible for the death of "real humans", which the clones were based on. However, some of them are still alive and play a major role (allie or foe) in the story.

My only complain is the rushed execution of the true ending. I mentioned earlier that the characters are trapped in a "time loop", but the reason for that is the occult.  The thoughts of ghosts, who are worried about the fate of their clones, have become a mysterious force and created the loop in order to stop the experiments. The conclusion is fine because the existence of ghosts was already established previously and it also fits to the backstory of some characters. However, everything so far was explained by mere science, so it was a bit weird how the writers handled it.

SPOILER SECTION END

Gameplay(System):

Dunamis15 is a kinect novel for the most part. There are several options aviable, but they're limited to bad endings or something that doesn't heavily affect the story. For example, you can unlock hidden CGs and extra scenes.

The flow chart is relatively simple, because the main story progress is displayed as a single road in the middle. If you look at the branches, which are merging as trapezoid around the single road, it's easy to understand wethere it's a bad ending or just an Alternative scene.

Graphics:

The CGs, backgrounds and character models are gorgeous. Megumi Nagahama did a great Job and I wish we would have more visual novels with her Artwork..

Sound:

The opening and ending themes are great, but i especially enjoy the background music. All of them create a great atmosphere and some of them even remind me about chaos;head. Well..it's not a big surprise because it was recorded by 5pb, who were also responsible for the OST of the science adventure series.

One of my favorite Soundtracks is "in cold blood", which is simple but effective as hell to create a very uncomfortable atmosphere.

Another favorite would be "pain of salvation", which fits perfectly to the disturbing and violent moments of the story.

The acting of the main cast was also powerful and it really helped me to get more invested into the story. Moreover, I was surprised by some seiyuus like Sumi Shimamoto and Yui Shouji, because it's kinda rare for them to appear in a visual novel.

Conclusion:

Dunamis15 is a thought-provoking story that questions the views of life, death and ethics, with a relateable message on top of that. It's better to focus on your present life, rather than regretting past mistakes and wanting to start over. Sadly, the conclusion of the story is kinda rushed, but still a good experience nevertheless.

The first entry of the "suspense fiction adventure" series is hard to recommend, because it doesn't have any localisation and was never released on PC. If you get a legal copy of the psp Version, it's still possible to read the vn with a Translation tool (emulator)

[capricornwriter5]

Always on time - Chapter 16a

Pairing: Jooheon x female OC

Genre: childhood friends to enemies, enemies to friends, friends to lovers, smut (later chapters), fluff, angst, slow burn, idol AU!

Warning: mentions of mental health issues, mentions of workaholic disorder, curse words

Words: 2.3k

« Previous Next »

Chapter 16a

Julie was drowning in work... but the excitement kept her alert and walking. She was tired, but it was not a weariness in which someone feels like dying, but of which something you were proud of the things you were achieving. She knew the production was going well, there were a couple of things that needed close attention so they wouldn’t get sidetracked, but nothing out of the ordinary.

"Well, Jooheon went for the impressions we needed," Areum said as she entered the room they both used as an office. "Tomorrow we can review them and send corrections if necessary".

"Did you send Jooheon?"

"Yes, why?" Areum asked. "He is quite responsible when he wants to"

When it comes to music... Julianne thought.

"It’s just that we need them as soon as possible. The place is far away and he could get lost and not get there before they close," Julianne said.

"I don’t think he’s that stupid to get lost with a GPS," Areum replied. "Don’t worry. If he doesn’t make it, I’ll be there first thing tomorrow. In addition, as Wonho-ssi told us, Jooheon wants to work on other aspects of production. He’s quite creative, so I thought we could give him some responsibility on the stationery design part, what do you think?"

"Yeah, I guess it could work," said Julie refocusing on her work. "Maybe Ivy can help us give him something to do there".

"Don’t worry, I can handle it," Areum offered.

"You? But you already have a lot on your plate, Areum-ah..."

"Don’t worry, I have to supervise the assembly and packaging of the albums anyway, so it would help me to know exactly how they are going to look inside and out," her friend assured. "Besides, Ivy’s busy with another project at headquarters, and you, my friend, can’t even walk around the office with all the paperwork you have... If anyone has a lot on their plate, it’s you".

"Well, Areum, if you say so... but let me know if you need help."

Both friends continued working. They had been making sure that all the locations where the video would be filmed were ready and reserved. There were a couple of places they hadn’t signed the agreement with yet because the owners didn’t want to secure the place so long in advance and that had Julianne nervous. In total, they were going to have 5 different sets: 2 were outdoor locations, a traveling fair, and a beach; one was in a hotel; another was in a club and only 1 of them was going to be a recording set of Highlight Ent. At the moment, only the set, the hotel, and the beach were fixed, they had to confirm the club and the fair. What was difficult about those places was that they had to close for a period at night; that would have an impact on their profits and the owners said that what the company was offering them for rent did not cover what they earned in one night.

It was a lie and Julianne knew it, she had done her market research before making the offer, but the owners just wanted to earn more. Typical. But Julie was working on ways to convince them...

Areum’s cell phone scared them both when it started vibrating.

"Tell me, Jooheon-ah," Areum replied. "Are you lost?"

Julie lifted her head from her work and noticed that Areum was smiling. Her friend noticed Julie’s face and reassured her that it was a joke, but Julianne was not calm.

"What? Are you here already?" Areum said in shock. "Really? Amazing! We’re going down".

"Is he here already?" Julianne asked impressed.

"Yes, he says he can’t stay long because he can’t work overtime, but he came to leave us the printing tests. Come on".

Both friends rushed down to the parking lot where Jooheon was waiting for them.

"Jooheon-ah!" shouted Areum when she saw him. "You’re amazing, you don’t know how much you’ve helped us with this. I owe you dinner".

"Ohhh, careful, Areum-ah, I don’t forget that kind of promise," Jooheon replied with a smile. "I hope it helps you, Jules," the rapper said as Areum pulled some small boxes from the back of the car. "I brought it as fast as I could".

"Thank you very much, Jooheon-ssi" replied Julie. "It really helps us. We can review it today instead of tomorrow and thus gain some time".

"Today?" Jooheon asked. "Are you going to keep working? But don’t you think you should rest? You are here before anyone else and..."

"Thank you for caring, Jooheon-ah, but it’s nothing that a coffee and some ramen won’t fix" Areum assured. "Anyway, I’ll see you tomorrow".

"Ah? Ah, yes, sure, girls... see you tomorrow".

Jooheon said goodbye to both friends and went to his apartment before his manager realized he was still in the building.

"See, I told you not to worry," Areum said as soon as they got into the elevator. "Jooheon-ah is responsible, especially when the project is of one of his friends".

"Hmpf, I had a deja-vu to school... you always giving him the benefit of the doubt," Julie said with a sigh.

"Julie, what Jooheon-ah said is true... it’s late, don’t you want to go home?" Areum said upon arriving at the office.

"Well... I do... but I haven’t finished what I had to do today. If you want you can go, Areum-ah, I don’t mind".

"I’ll just go change my clothes and put on more comfortable shoes, my feet are killing me," Areum replied. "I’ll be back in an hour, okay?"

"Go, Areum-ah, I’ll finish here and see you later".

Areum went to her apartment to change clothes and eat something fast while Julie finished the presentations for tomorrow. She had to give the executive producers an update and there were still certain details she had to fix.

Minutes later, someone called her on her cell. The number wasn’t in her contacts, but Julianne answered anyway. It was a food delivery guy, bringing two plates from the Chinese restaurant near the building. When Julie told him that she had not ordered anything, the delivery man told her that Mr. Lee Jooheon had ordered the food.

Julie then went down and accepted the delivery. Then she went back upstairs with the plates to sit down to eat. Jooheon had sent them wonton soup, an order of jiaozi, and an order of spicy tofu.

It’s too much food, Julie thought. Of all the dishes, she could only eat from the jiaozi: she couldn’t stand spicy food and wonton’s soup gave her gastritis when she was stressed, so she preferred to avoid it.

She stored the food in the floor’s kitchen and sent a message to Areum telling her that Jooheon had sent them dinner.

Areum-ah [7:40 p.m.]

Really? And what did he send us?

Juliee [7:41 p.m.]

Two wonton soups, an order of jiaozi and an order of spicy tofu you like.

Areum-ah [7:41 p.m.]

YEIII! I haven’t eaten wonton’s soup in a long time... I’m gonna hurry it up so it doesn’t get cold.

At least the food won’t go bad, Julie thought as she put her phone aside and kept working.

____________________________

The next day everything seemed to go well for Julianne.

She was in the bathroom, which always needed to after a stressful presentation, but everything with the executives had been a success, she had been able to review the printing tests that Jooheon had brought them the day before and they were almost ready, she was up to date with her calls, she had chosen comfortable shoes...

"I’m telling you they’re dating," one of the youngest girls on the staff said to another. Julie heard them gossiping in the bathroom, but neither of the two girls knew Julianne was there, as the compartment door was locked. "They were sneaking around, but I guess they got tired of faking".

"But don’t you think that shouting that you love each other in broad daylight in a public place is a bit exaggerated?" the other girl said. "This is not a drama, they could be fired if..."

"Lee Jooheon is one of the main producers of the album and Kang Areum is the best friend of the creative director. No one will tell them anything".

What the hell? Julie stood still in the bathroom. She didn’t want to make any sound and the two girls realize they weren’t alone.

"Anyway, it is still..."

"Of bad taste? Of course. Nobody wants to hear declarations of love at two o'clock in the afternoon... Besides, it’s not very professional".

"And is it true that he said it? Wasn’t she the one who shouted?"

"I told you, they were both talking and laughing in the company cafeteria and when they said goodbye he said... no, he shouted that he loved her very much. She replied with a smile and they say that in the evening, as she stayed working late, he came to visit her and brought her dinner..."

"Wow... how amazing... and the others will know?"

The voices became less and less audible as the two girls came out of the bathroom and continued with their gossip outside.

Julie, meanwhile, stepped out of the bathroom compartment and stared at her reflection in the mirror.

Areum-ah... and Jooheon? she thought. That’s ridiculous... No, that’s groundless gossip. For starters, they’re like water and oil. And never... never... I mean, but... let’s see, they don’t even hang out, do they? And yesterday’s food was for both of us... although it is true that Jooheon sent the dishes that Areum-ah likes... No, no, but he did not come to visit her, he came to leave us the printing tests... tests that SHE asked him to go pick up and that HE accepted even though he knew it involved driving late and... and Areum-ah has never been angry with him, not even when I told him about... and yesterday she was supporting him... And they seemed to get along very well, Jooheon even ignored me at the beginning when we went down to collect the boxes... And, come to think of it, Areum-ah offered to supervise Jooheon, was it to spend more time with him? Without anyone suspecting?... And she also spends a lot of time coming and going from the recording studio... and... and...

And Julie came into her office without realizing it. She didn’t know when she’d left the bathroom or how she’d gotten to her chair. The only thing in her head was that stupid gossip she wanted to believe had no foundation.

I mean, she kept going on in her head, Areum would have told me, right?... of course she would have told me... although maybe not if she was afraid of hurting me... but it doesn’t hurt me... it doesn’t hurt me, it just... it surprises me. But no, she would have told me, I’m sure of that... right?... and... if not?... I mean, no, we’ve been friends for years, YEARS. If she could tell me I was being ridiculous, she can tell me that she’s dating Lee Jooheon... it’s not like I’d tell anyone... it’s not like our friendship would end...

Julie had a headache and started massaging her temples. Just then, someone knocked on her door:

"Knock, knock, Jules" greeted a very smiling Jooheon. "Are you feeling all right?" he asked concerned to see his friend’s weary face.

"Jooheon-ssi, how can I help you?"

"Did you get your food right yesterday?" Jooheon asked. "I asked them to deliver it as soon as it was ready... I remember at school you always ate wonton and tofu".

"Actually" Julie corrected, "I always ate gyozas, the one who ate tofu was Areum-ah".

"Ah... true" Jooheon recalled somewhat embarrassed. "I’m sorry, I must have been confused... I hope you still enjoyed the meal".

"Jooheon-ssi, I’m a little busy, do you need anything?"

"Ehhh, no, I was just coming to say hello... although... there is something... but it may not be the best time," Jooheon said.

Did he come to tell me about him and Areum? Julie thought. Is it real?

"Tell me, Jooheon-ssi"

 "Why do you treat me so formally, Jules?" Jooheon shot without thinking twice. "I mean, we’re at work, but you feel very distant... Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?"

Julie did not respond, so Jooheon continued:

"Look, I know I was an idiot weeks ago, but, to be honest, I hate this feeling of not knowing how to talk to you... I want... I’d like to have my friend back... just like the last few weeks in the gallery".

Friends? That’s what he came to say? thought Julie.

"Jules?"

"Well, Jooheon-ssi, you’re actually right, it’s not the best time," replied Julie, not knowing what else to say. "I don’t know what to say and..."

"You don’t have to say anything," Jooheon interrupted. "I didn’t come for you to say anything, I just... wanted to say hello and, well... I don’t know, the truth is... How about we go get some coffee later?"

"Jooheon-ah, there you are" Areum interrupted. "I was looking for you... I hope I’m not interrupting anything".

"You don’t Areum-ah," Julie said. "Go ahead".

"Okay, Jooheon-ah, there’s a meeting now at 3 p.m. about the packaging design. I was supposed to go, but Wonho-ssi needs me and Ivy to go over his promotion schedule so... could you go in my place?" Areum said. "You just have to take notes of what they say and then pass them on to me. I will tell everyone that you will go in my place, what do you say?"

"Well..." thought Jooheon seeing Julie. "Well, I think so. Yes, tell me what to do".

"GREAT!" Areum jumped out of joy. "Come with me a moment to review the information... we’ll be back Julie".

Julianne saw them leave the office and her head was about to go back into a whirlpool of ideas. To avoid it, she decided to concentrate on her work and ignore the world... at least for now.

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