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gay-artificer · 2 years ago

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curious about your thoughts on how lizard heads are able to emit light and pulsate the way they do. based on my (limited) knowledge i thought they would have chromatophores or smth similar on their heads which would allow their heads to flash colours and would be controlled via muscle contraction (which is why their heads lose colour when they die). that's just my take on it, but was curious to know your thoughts?

also, as a side note, is it alright if i include some of your theories/thoughts in the creature section of a rw lore document i'm writing? will give full credit of course!

Answering the second part first: Yeah go ahead! I don't mind at all

Now for the actual question: Lizards are very interesting because while controlled bioluminescence isn't uncommon, they have a few interesting quirks. Namely that it extends into the frills of the lizard, and persists even into the Saint ice age where lizards grow out either fur or feathers as adaptation against the cold. So we have something here that needs to be at least a little more flexible than we normally see! (or at least give a healthy amount of fictional flexibility) So that fur or feathers can have similar properties. Luckily, the game does give us an easy out of insanely diverse genetic modification, so saying 'they messed with it enough to do this and its still in the genes' works well enough. The rest of this is under the cut because its long! I'm not kidding. And obligatory note that I'm not an expert in the field of specialized skin cells.

So, Chromatophores, which I'm sure your thinking of in terms of animals like octopus and squid, are color focused- They don't actually emit any light on their own, although you can get an illusion of such in particularly flashy displays like you might see in a cuttlefish (Which often actively manipulate light reflection, but its not self-produced). Lizards in RW actually glow from their heads (as you can see in environments like shaded citadel or mole lizard flashes) so we at least have more than just something like chromatophores, which could control the presence of color through contraction (the 'on and off' switch') like you said. This method however would be complicated by the saint age of lizards with fur and feathers due to those mechanisms being skin based... which takes up the spot the feathers and fur would develop.

Now, in theory, you could work around this by creating 'bald spots' on the lizard where the glowing parts go instead and fur and whatnot that develops around that. But the in game models at least somewhat suggest the glow effect applies to the fur/feathers/frills as equally as the skin sections. So... interesting critter here depending on how true to the models you are!

The next question to that would probably be "are there any furred/feathered animals with bioluminescence" which the answer is... not really. We have animals in that group that fluoresce- which means that when exposed to certain types of light (usually UV) parts of the animal absorbs it and re-emit it back rather than just reflect, which results in a similar glow effect. Bioluminescence, in contrast, refers to self-produced light. They're similar, but fluorescence relies more on the environment since the light effect isn't produced by the organism itself, but rather an interaction. I would argue the RW lizards seem much closer to true bioluminescence, which means they have a self-produced chemical process going on.

(Theres also phosphorescence, which is mechanically closer to fluorescence, but due to the method by which its achieved the glow can exist after the light has been removed. This would be most glow in the dark toys that 'recharge' from being in light in the day. Interestingly... this is probably what the new lizard plushies do- so those particular lizards are phosphorescent!

The real question then, is what method of bioluminescence do lizards use, and how do they control it. Truthfully, control isn't that difficult- Some organisms, such as the flashlight fish, have small pockets of bioluminescent bacteria that are simply covered by things like specialized skin flaps. But often it just requires a form of cell signaling or internal regulation to stop and start the processes. We think fireflies do this by limiting oxygenation of the chemical fluids they use. Honestly a lot of the stuff isn't well known! Something else interesting about the lizards is that the glow is isolated (mechanically at least) to the head area, the rest of the colorful spots on the body in terms of in-game behavior are non-glowing. That actually makes things way easier in terms of control, especially since the body features are the most variable. The only exception to this is cyan lizards, who also have the glowing effect in their side spots- which are another consistent feature. The head also isn't strictly just 'on' or 'off' in terms of color- they have a third, which is a flash of white when the lizard is struck or injured. Given the means by which it shows up, we could guess that it might be a side effect of some sort of shock or damage interfering with the means by which the lizard controls its signalling. Of course, since the head flashing could easily be a means of communication, it could also be an intentional signal used for telling other lizards that its hurt and doesn't want to fight.

It terms of production though, there is really two possibilities- Either the lizards self produce and 'ignite' chemicals or enzymes that produce light or they have a symbiotic relationship with organisms like bacteria that do. I like to think its bacteria! Mostly because I don't think it would be too impossible to wacky genetics your way into those bacteria also being present in specialized frills in hollow chambers. We do also already have grounds for special bacteria/host interactions through Artificer- who's explosive saliva is a result of caustic bacteria in the garbage wastes. So if anything, we do know that the Ancients messed around with microbial symbiosis in organisms, and I could certainly see them making use of bioluminescence for a number of reasons (Because its cool).

Of course, its not impossible that lizards have self produced light and their skull has specialized cells for it, especially since the Ancients seemed to love doing... absolutely whatever they wanted with animal genetics. But microbial symbiosis is a big part of a lot of things. Being full of bacteria is the means by which we can even properly digest food! This is a long answer that covers a whole lot of random science, but its fun and interesting (to me at least). The real question is what does eating a neuron fly do to the slugcat that makes them glow...

#ask #rain world #rw bioposting

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anchorstamp · 2 years ago

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Witnessing Signatures: The Core Function of Notaries

Welcome to our blog where we delve into the heart of the notary public’s profession �� witnessing signatures. As notaries, we play a crucial role in the legal system, acting as impartial witnesses to the signing of important documents. Our commitment to integrity and accuracy is essential to uphold the credibility of legal transactions and protect the interests of all parties involved. In this blog, we will explore the significance of witnessing signatures and the responsibilities that come with it.

Key Responsibilities of a Notary While Witnessing Signatures

Verify Identity: Before proceeding with any document notarization, it is essential to thoroughly verify the identity of the signer. Request appropriate identification documents, such as government-issued IDs, passports, or driver’s licenses, and ensure that they match the name on the document. A UV Light Pen is a helpful tool in detecting fraudulent licenses by exposing hidden holograms. https://www.anchorstamp.com/products/notary-uv-light-pen

Ensure Voluntary Participation: Confirm that the signer is willingly entering into the agreement without any external pressure or coercion. A notary must assess the signer’s mental capacity to comprehend the contents of the document fully.

Inspect the Document: Review the document in question to ensure that it is complete, unaltered, and legally sound. Notaries are not responsible for the content or legality of the document, but it is their duty to verify its completeness.

Record Keeping: Keep accurate and detailed records of each notarization. Maintain a journal with essential information, including the date, type of document, names of the parties involved, and any relevant fees charged. Having a quality Notary Record Book or Notary Journal will aid in this effort. https://www.anchorstamp.com/products/notary-public-records-journal-book

Impartiality: Remain impartial and unbiased during the notarization process. Avoid notarizing documents that involve family members, close friends, or any transaction in which you have a personal interest. Being an impartial witness is of the utmost importance.

Educate Signers: Take the time to explain the significance of the notarization process to the signers. Clarify their rights and responsibilities in the transaction and answer any questions they may have. Conclusion Notaries carry the torch of trust and reliability in the legal system. Witnessing signatures is not merely a procedural task but a sacred duty that upholds the integrity of important legal documents. By following our core responsibilities diligently, we ensure that the contracts and agreements we notarize hold weight and legitimacy. Embrace your role as impartial witnesses and continue to be the guardians of authenticity in an ever-changing world. By maintaining your commitment to the core function of witnessing signatures, you protect the interests of individuals and businesses alike. A Notary Public fosters a community built on trust, integrity, and confidence in our legal system.

About the Author: Thomas McTague is the owner of Anchor Rubber Stamp Co. Inc. and www.anchorstamp.com with nearly 30 years of experience in the Notary Industry.

#Notary #notarysupplies #notarystamp #notarystampnj #notarypublic #notarypublicservice #notarypublicservices #newyorknotarysupplies #witnessingsignatures #witnessing #notary stamp #notary public #notary near me #notary services

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cleverhottubmiracle · 3 days ago

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Dressed in a white lab coat, Mélissa B. slips on thin cotton gloves and gently places a Zanzibar blue Hermès Birkin bag, its iconic orange box, a cloth dust cover, and various documents on her desk. She steps back to eye the $18,000 purse, hunting for any bulges or bends. She runs her fingertips along the top, then picking up her pocket-size magnifying glass, she leans in to examine a palladium plate on the flap. The logo has evolved over time, but the engraved text has remained sharp and well-defined, with the characters evenly spaced. “This is one of the key Birkin features to check,” she says.She shifts her gaze to the stitching, checking for consistency and uniformity. The four palladium feet on the bottom of the bag get a check to ensure they’re made of the same metal as the rest of the hardware, and that they’re hammered, not screwed, in place. Then she homes in on the zipper—ensuring it’s one made by Hermès in-house, with its distinctive H-shaped stopper at the end.Mélissa is among dozens of pokers and prodders employed by French luxury resale website Vestiaire Collective at its authentication center in the northern French city of Tourcoing. The facility, in a former wool-spinning mill, is the first and largest of five such locations the company runs worldwide. In the warehouse-like room filled with rows of desks and multiple garment racks on wheels, Mélissa and her colleagues examine bags, skirts, shoes, and myriad other luxury products listed on the site. They’re tasked with the Sisyphean job of detecting counterfeits coming from increasingly sophisticated operations, sometimes made with leather from the same tanneries and hardware from the same vendors as the originals.Mélissa (the company declined to provide many team members’ full names for fear they might be poached by competitors) lifts the Birkin to her nose, shuts her eyes and sniffs the supple leather from top to bottom, breathing deeply to take in the scent. “It smells almost sweet,” she says. Finally, she checks the bag’s box, examining it with a handheld UV light, and looks over the invoice and proof of purchase. “This one,” she says, “is very real.” Time elapsed: 15 minutes.Fighting counterfeiters is crucial to purveyors of secondhand luxury goods as their sales continue to rise—up 7%, to more than $50 billion, in 2024, according to Bain & Co.—outpacing the market for new luxury products. Vestiaire Collective’s revenue jumped 20% last year, though the private company declined to disclose its full results. Sales at the RealReal, a San Francisco-based rival that also has more than a dozen physical outlets, climbed 9.3% in 2024, to more than $600 million. And Vinted, Europe’s largest resale marketplace, launched a luxury category in 2023 that it says, without providing details, is thriving. With tariffs already raising prices for luxury goods imported to the US by at least 10%, and the risk they may go much higher, the secondhand market will likely keep growing.All the more reason to authenticate. In 2021 less than a third of the items Vestiaire rejected were spurned on suspicion of being counterfeit. Today it’s more than half. What’s more, the fakes in question aren’t the cheap knockoffs that line New York’s Canal Street or flea markets in Paris. The real issue is what the industry calls superfakes—copies that are nearly indistinguishable from the originals, making the efforts of the likes of Mélissa and her colleagues all the more challenging.Seized Counterfeit and Pirated GoodsThe Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development says counterfeiting goods is a $467 billion industry worldwide, with a significant portion of those products finding their way stateside. Last year, US Customs and Border Protection confiscated fake luxury items with a street value of $4.2 billion—mostly jewelry, watches, handbags and wallets. “That’s only the amount that was seized—the tip of the iceberg,” says Laurent Dhennequin, director of the Comité Colbert, a venerable trade group in Paris. His workload, he laments, has become “nonstop counterfeit.”Top brands such as Chanel, Hermès and Louis Vuitton have long resisted the secondhand market, fearing it would undermine demand for new goods and tarnish their tightly managed image of exclusivity—yet their goods are among the biggest sellers on Vestiaire and the RealReal. And lately, some luxury houses have started to embrace resale, however grudgingly. In 2021, Vestiaire began partnerships with five companies, including Alexander McQueen and Mulberry. That same year, Kering SA, the group behind Gucci, Saint Laurent and about a dozen other brands, spent €178 million ($203 million) for 5% of the reseller. “Preowned luxury is now a real and deeply rooted trend,” Kering’s chairman and chief executive officer, François-Henri Pinault, said at the time.One problem, though, is that there’s no global standard for authentication. And trademark holders do retain some control, forcing resellers to carefully calibrate their marketing language, says Susan Scafidi, director of the Fashion Law Institute at Fordham University in New York. “Luxury resale companies tend to tout their authentication processes or refer to goods as ‘authenticated’ rather than simply calling them ‘authentic,’” Scafidi says. “Their primary claims are about the processes, not the products.”Reseller StockX, for instance, used to assert the goods it sells were “Verified Authentic.” But now the company—which Nike Inc. accused of trademark infringement, counterfeiting and false advertising in a 2022 lawsuit that’s scheduled to go to trial soon—says its goods are “StockX Verified.” And when the RealReal launched in 2011, it insisted its goods were “100% authentic,” but now its marketing stresses its “authentication standards” and the site’s “authenticity guarantee.”Semantics aside, the best legal defence for resellers is simply doing their utmost to avoid fakes. That’s where Vestiaire’s Tourcoing authentication academy comes into play. New hires undergo at least 750 hours of instruction, learning about materials and production, the use of magnification tools and UV lamps, and the latest counterfeiting methods. After at least two months of studying the company’s 12-point authentication program, recruits specialize: shoes, clothing, bags, jewelry or accessories.Items reach Tourcoing either because a prospective buyer pays a €15 verification fee or because the item is priced above €1,000, which automatically triggers an assessment. And sellers are increasingly listing ultra-high-end luxury goods on the site. Recently, that included a lapis lazuli Cartier watch for €45,000 and an Hermès Himalaya handbag for €125,000—items that might historically have been auctioned at Christie’s or Sotheby’s.Vestiaire says it works closely with at least a dozen luxury brands, but confidentiality agreements prevent it from revealing the names of the companies. Victoire Boyer Chammard, the head of authentication, says that while cooperation varies from house to house, it ranges from assisting with complex appraisals to leading training courses in Vestiaire’s authentication academy.In exchange, she can offer an important commodity the luxury manufacturers can’t easily get: really good fakes. While Vestiaire must return to sellers any counterfeits it detects, it gathers data before it dispatches the goods. And more often than not, the sellers fail to take back the fakes they’ve tried to pass off as real, allowing Boyer Chammard to stockpile them for later analysis. “We have data we can share about the evolution of counterfeiting of their brand,” she says.Vestiaire says that after product submissions surged in 2019, it began to step up use of artificial intelligence, a harbinger of the tech-driven future of authentication. The European Union last year introduced legislation requiring all new textiles, electronics and furniture to contain contain IDs called Digital Product Passports. Chanel replaced its gold-edged, black plastic authenticity cards, which had accompanied its leather goods since 1984, with holograms and microchips embedded in bags that can be scanned to verify authenticity. And the Aura Blockchain Consortium, a nonprofit launched in 2021 by LVMH, Prada Group, Richemont and Italian fashion conglomerate OTB Group, has created standardised digital IDs with a proprietary blockchain. Prada uses it for authenticity cards that accompany its recycled gold jewellery purchases. After scanning the card, customers can verify (and transfer) ownership and access background information on sourcing and craftsmanship.Whatever the long-term solution, the more pressing question is: Will consumers even care? Prices for luxury goods have jumped an average of 54% since December 2019, according to HSBC Holdings Plc, with some handbags more than doubling in price. This greedflation, as aggrieved consumers call it, along with social media outrage about diminishing quality—crooked stitching, misaligned patterns, gold-toned hardware that tarnishes after a few months—has contributed to the rise of a dupe culture in which fakes have gone from taboo to cool.A third of US adults say they’ve intentionally bought counterfeits—anything from cheap knock-offs to copies that are almost indistinguishable from the original, according to The Business of Fashion, an industry publication. “The delight we’re seeing these days marks a big shift in attitude,” says Emilia Petrarca, creator of the fashion newsletter Shop Rat. She points to the fanfare around the “Wirkin,” a $78 faux Birkin bag from Walmart Inc. that sold out almost instantly last year. “Fakes,” she says, “have been memeified.”But if humans struggle to determine whether a bag or dress or shoe is authentic—with or without the help of technology—does it even matter? Luxury houses must justify their stratospheric prices with unassailable quality and desirable heritage, or watch as the once-clear distinction between authentic and counterfeit becomes irrelevant to a generation that values accessibility over exclusivity. For an industry built on image, aspiration and status, the most troubling illusion might not be the authenticity of products themselves but rather the belief that authenticity is worth a premium price.By Lindsey Tramuta Source link

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norajworld · 3 days ago

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digitalmore · 1 month ago

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#IFTTT #Digital More

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squidlykitten · 3 months ago

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Authorial April: Day 3

Did some more work on my cultural document, answering questions about life, death, and hatchlings in the Vincam Empire.

WORD COUNT: 2,226

What is considered a normal family unit? How extended is an extended family? How important are family connections and responsibilities?

Vincam "families", after leaving the Hatchery, are focused around work and function. A cohort would be the larger group that a Vincam is part of, such as the Shipwrights. A Vincam's cohort is considered a large part of their identity, and it informs the way that they interact with others both inside and outside of the cohort. Cohorts rise and fall in prominence depending upon how much output they are able to provide proportional to the input that they receive, their value and ranking determined by Elder Dorf, Chief Economist. As for size, it very much depends on what department they work in and how specialized their task is. There are also cohorts within cohorts. For example, all Soldiers might consider themselves to be part of the same cohort, but they are still split into squads headed up by a leader. Or within the Gandist cohort, there are those who work on external media versus those who work on internal works. The highest ranked among the Vincam will also belong to a warren -- the equivalent of a household. A warren generally consists of a superior, an Assistant, a Janitor, a Cook, and around one to three Juniors, who serve as backups for the Superior's position. Warren size tends to expand with power, with Assistants getting their own staff or an addition of a personal Shipwright, etc, etc as the superior can afford and has the clout to request. Those who do not live within a warren live within a barrack instead, where cohorts share a communal sleeping and living space during their off-hours.

What are the rites of passage in this culture?

The main right of passage within the Vincam colony is graduation from the Hatchery into a cohort. This occurs at a hatchling's final instar, which is around 13 years of age though it varies by gender. Upon finalization of their molt, the superior that ordered their hatching will be contacted and the hatchling will be presented to them. The superior will then test them by asking them to provide a variety of tasks, the nature and difficulty of which depends upon the cohort they are meant to enter as well as the demands of the superior themself. Due to the Hatchery's vigorous and thorough training, informed by the requests of those who order the hatchlings, it is very rare for a hatchling to fail this test. Rare, however, does not mean unheard of. Hatchlings who fail may be given another chance or possibly sent back into the Hatchery for further training, but the most likely outcome is that they will simply be discarded in favor of a newer hatch. Another rite of passage comes when a Vincam manages to reach 100 years of age, after which they are given a seat on the Elder's Council, along with the ranks and privileges associated with that position. This puts them above all others within their cohort, regardless of their previous rank, and elevates their cohort in the general hierarchy as well. Due to the rather violent nature of the Vincam lifestyle and general jostling for rank and resources, it is very rare that anyone manages to reach this age. Those who do are either well liked, genuinely very good at their job, or simply too terrifying to consider assassinating for their position. The Elder's Council advises the colony Mother, and are responsible for the general management and governance of all those beneath them within their specialty.

What customs surround a hatching?

In order for a crelean clutch to hatch, the eggs must first be brought into the light. While this task can be performed with a UV lamp, within the Vincam colony it is considered an almost sacred tradition to take them above ground to the meadow just outside their ancestral tunnels, so that the hatchling's first glimpses of the world will be the same as the thousands of years of Vincam. Unfortunately, the world above the tunnels has never been a particularly safe place for a hatchling to be, a situation only made worse by the general destruction and pollution of Crelea IV's surface following the Great Colony Wars. While the air and soil are beginning to heal, hatchlings who are not strong enough may still succumb to the toxins, unable to make the journey into the Hatchery tunnels where they will live the first thirteen years of their lives. This, too, is considered right and necessary to weed out those that even genetic engineering could not fix. Caretakers also take note of the method in which hatchlings emerge from their egg casing, as a common superstition amongst the Vincam assigns personality traits to the event. You can learn more about crelean hatch augury here.

Who is normally present for a hatching?

As a general rule, the only creleans present to witness a hatch are the Caretakers. In the past, Mothers and Daughters would sometimes take an interest in the event, especially if the clutch contained potal or Daughter eggs, but amongst the Vincam it has only been the Caretakers since the colony's move to the flotilla. Traditionally, the Caretaker cohort was made up almost entirely of potals, as they were considered uniquely qualified to care for the eggs. While it is true that potals often experience a strong nesting urge following a Flight, Vincam culture has shifted to accept nobles amongst the Caretakers, and even to prefer them due to their perceived emotional stability. It is difficult to say whether this shift comes from any kind of cultural enlightenment or if it is only the result of the lack of potal eggs within the colony, but regardless of the origin, the current Caretaker cohort is now almost entirely noble.

Who raises the children? At what age do they begin to be educated or trained? By whom? Are they considered mini-adults? Do they dress differently from adults? If so, when do they change to adult dress?

Hatchlings are raised in large groups known collectively as a “hatch” and looked after by the cohort known as the Caretakers. The lead Caretaker, the Hatchmaster, is in charge of determining which and how many eggs go into each hatch, a figure that is dependent upon the needs of the colony. As hatchlings take 13 years to reach maturity, there is a fair amount of guesswork involved in selecting the number of hatchlings, and an incorrect guess can lead to the discardment of perfectly good hatchlings at the end of their Hatchery days.

For the most part, they are treated like ignorant adults. Hatchling brains develop very rapidly, a natural process that is assisted and sped up by their biotech implants. However, their language takes a bit longer to develop. Vincam language is polytonal, consisting of a fundamental that makes up the general “words” of the language, a first overtone that conveys emotion, and a second overtone that is used as a voice of authority (singable only by nobles, potals, and alates). Hatchlings are born only with the ability to sing the first overtone, with the fundamental developing during their third instar. This does limit their communication ability outside of written language, but Caretakers have developed a fairly intricate system of hand signals to communicate with younger hatchlings. This system is sometimes still used by adult Vincam when it is necessary to communicate in the vacuum of space or when song is otherwise inconvenient.

Due to the fragility of their unhardened chitin, hatchlings wear loose garments made of soft natural materials. These garments are dyed in the colors of their intended cohorts, which helps Caretakers to identify which hatchlings need to be attending which trainings. Also due to this fragility, corporal punishment is not an option for errant hatchlings. In its place, various shaming techniques are used, the most common of which forces the hatchling to take their meals in a large cage suspended above the communal mess hall, where all of the hatch can see. Amusingly enough, this cage has been around for centuries and was once used to display the prisoners of the colony, back when the entire colony still lived on Crelea IV.

Most of a hatchling’s early life consists of going to various trainings on the duties they will be expected to perform during their life within the colony, regular checkups with the Healers to determine the rate of integration with their biotech implants, eating in the communal mess hall, and occasionally attending shows and performances of Vincam current events and history.

What customs surround death and burial?

Upon death, a corpse is considered a person and treated as such until the uploading of their implant’s data. Throughout their lives, Vincam develop and increasingly close bond with their implant, which processes their thoughts, memories, and emotions. Eventually, an “echo” is formed, an AI personality that the implant uses to interface with the host and whose personality reflects the host’s inner self. The older a Vincam becomes, the greater the chance of divergence between the self and the echo, which can sometimes create problems of internal strife and other behavioral issues. This splitting effect is one of several reasons that most Vincam do not make it past their thirties, let alone grow old enough to become an Elder.

The colony has always treated body retrieval as a priority following battles, both to retrieve the valuable implants and keep them out of the hands of their enemies, as well as to ensure that a Vincam’s echo is properly escorted to the Collective, a massive database of Vincam knowledge and history, whose physical servers are located deep in the ancestral Hatchery tunnels. As a result, death is often euphemistically referred to as “going Home,” since the vast majority of Vincams will never see Crelea IV again after leaving the Hatchery. The uploading ceremony itself depends upon the cohort, though generally it involves the cohort gathering together to escort their fallen one final time towards the Healer’s wards. Once an echo has been uploaded and archived, the body is stripped of its implant and then incinerated.

The implants of fallen Vincam are then wiped clean of their former data and returned to Crelea IV to be reimplanted into a waiting egg. While this data scrub should remove all lingering memories from the previous host, there have been reports of vague bouts of déjà vu and sensory ghosting, a phenomenon that tends to get worse the longer the implant is in use. In very rare cases, full “echo ghosts” have occurred, where the host experiences a full second personality within their mind that is not a copy of their own. Depending on the severity of the divergence between host and implant, these hatchlings may find themselves discarded to avoid stability issues between the host and the implant. Most implants have an effective lifespan of 200-300 years, though they have been known to last longer with careful care and maintenance. Technological advances have also begun to push this expiration date further. Higher caste Vincam are more likely to receive fresh implants versus a recycled one.

When meeting someone, how are they greeted — wave, handshake, bow, some other gesture? How did the greeting gesture originate (example: shaking hands to prove one’s weapon hand was empty)?

Greetings vary quite a bit by age and social caste, but there are some universal gestures that are recognized. When greeting a fellow member of your cohort with whom you share a similar rank, it is customary for Vincam to press their foreheads together and gently tap the tips of their antennae. This serves the dual purpose of a greeting and of reinforcing the communal scent bond that marks a pair as members of the same cohort. This is considered to be a somewhat juvenile and overly enthusiastic greeting, similar to a human running up to their best friend and giving them a hug. It is most commonly practiced among drones.

A lover's greeting is similar in a way, though far more rare as it is traditionally only performed between a matched pair, promised for a Flight. This gesture starts with the friendly forehead press, and then shifts to the side until the two creleans are pressing the base (also known as the scape) of their antennae together. This greeting leaves a lasting scent-mark on the other, strong enough to be noticeable to the rest of the colony. In a way, this allows the pair to carry the other with them throughout the day, similar to a human wedding ring.

For a more formal greeting, a Vincam might incline their head towards the other, with the depth of the nod indicating the amount of respect and deference owed to the other. An up-nod of the head would indicate a claim of superiority, though it is considered somewhat pompous to do so, even if you are entitled to authority over that person.

Salutes are also used among the military castes, which is performed by pressing the left hand firmly against the chest, the right arm held at the side, and antennae crossed over one another. This gesture is generally given to one's superior officer, and there are those outside of the military castes who demand it of their subordinates simply to appease their own ego.

#my writing #chains of command #authorialapril2025

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sunaleisocial · 3 months ago

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3 Questions: Visualizing research in the age of AI

New Post has been published on https://sunalei.org/news/3-questions-visualizing-research-in-the-age-of-ai/

3 Questions: Visualizing research in the age of AI

For over 30 years, science photographer Felice Frankel has helped MIT professors, researchers, and students communicate their work visually. Throughout that time, she has seen the development of various tools to support the creation of compelling images: some helpful, and some antithetical to the effort of producing a trustworthy and complete representation of the research. In a recent opinion piece published in Nature magazine, Frankel discusses the burgeoning use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in images and the challenges and implications it has for communicating research. On a more personal note, she questions whether there will still be a place for a science photographer in the research community.

Q: You’ve mentioned that as soon as a photo is taken, the image can be considered “manipulated.” There are ways you’ve manipulated your own images to create a visual that more successfully communicates the desired message. Where is the line between acceptable and unacceptable manipulation?

A: In the broadest sense, the decisions made on how to frame and structure the content of an image, along with which tools used to create the image, are already a manipulation of reality. We need to remember the image is merely a representation of the thing, and not the thing itself. Decisions have to be made when creating the image. The critical issue is not to manipulate the data, and in the case of most images, the data is the structure. For example, for an image I made some time ago, I digitally deleted the petri dish in which a yeast colony was growing, to bring attention to the stunning morphology of the colony. The data in the image is the morphology of the colony. I did not manipulate that data. However, I always indicate in the text if I have done something to an image. I discuss the idea of image enhancement in my handbook, “The Visual Elements, Photography.”

Q: What can researchers do to make sure their research is communicated correctly and ethically?

A: With the advent of AI, I see three main issues concerning visual representation: the difference between illustration and documentation, the ethics around digital manipulation, and a continuing need for researchers to be trained in visual communication. For years, I have been trying to develop a visual literacy program for the present and upcoming classes of science and engineering researchers. MIT has a communication requirement which mostly addresses writing, but what about the visual, which is no longer tangential to a journal submission? I will bet that most readers of scientific articles go right to the figures, after they read the abstract.

We need to require students to learn how to critically look at a published graph or image and decide if there is something weird going on with it. We need to discuss the ethics of “nudging” an image to look a certain predetermined way. I describe in the article an incident when a student altered one of my images (without asking me) to match what the student wanted to visually communicate. I didn’t permit it, of course, and was disappointed that the ethics of such an alteration were not considered. We need to develop, at the very least, conversations on campus and, even better, create a visual literacy requirement along with the writing requirement.

Q: Generative AI is not going away. What do you see as the future for communicating science visually?

A: For the Nature article, I decided that a powerful way to question the use of AI in generating images was by example. I used one of the diffusion models to create an image using the following prompt:

“Create a photo of Moungi Bawendi’s nano crystals in vials against a black background, fluorescing at different wavelengths, depending on their size, when excited with UV light.”

The results of my AI experimentation were often cartoon-like images that could hardly pass as reality — let alone documentation — but there will be a time when they will be. In conversations with colleagues in research and computer-science communities, all agree that we should have clear standards on what is and is not allowed. And most importantly, a GenAI visual should never be allowed as documentation.

But AI-generated visuals will, in fact, be useful for illustration purposes. If an AI-generated visual is to be submitted to a journal (or, for that matter, be shown in a presentation), I believe the researcher MUST

clearly label if an image was created by an AI model;

indicate what model was used;

include what prompt was used; and

include the image, if there is one, that was used to help the prompt.

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pcmcollectibles · 5 months ago

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How to Verify the Authenticity of Signed Sports Memorabilia

Signed sports memorabilia holds immense sentimental and financial value for fans and collectors alike. A signed jersey, baseball, or photograph can serve as a cherished connection to your favorite athlete or team. However, the high demand for these collectibles has led to a flood of counterfeit items in the market. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, knowing how to verify the authenticity of signed sports memorabilia is crucial.

What’s the Importance of Authenticity

Authenticity is the foundation of any valuable sports collectible. A genuine signed item not only carries sentimental worth but can also be a sound investment. On the other hand, a fake item diminishes its value and could lead to significant financial loss.

Why Authenticity Matters:

Protect your financial investment.

Ensures the item’s sentimental and historical value.

Build trust if you decide to resell or trade.

By verifying authenticity, you safeguard your collection and contribute to maintaining integrity in the sports memorabilia market.

Know the Common Authentication Methods

Professional authentication is one of the most reliable ways to verify the legitimacy of signed sports memorabilia. Reputable companies use detailed processes to certify items, giving you peace of mind.

Certification companies

Look for respected names in the industry, such as:

PSA/DNA - Uses forensic techniques to verify signatures.

Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) - Known for its expert analysis.

JSA (James Spence Authentication) - Offers fast and reliable services.

Fanatics Authentic - Works directly with athletes for signed merchandise.

Holograms and Certificates of Authenticity (COAs)

Many signed items come with holograms or COAs issued by authentication companies.

Ensure the COA includes details about the item, the signing event, and the company’s contact information.

Research the Seller or Source

The credibility of the seller plays a significant role in determining whether the signed memorabilia is genuine. Take time to research the source before making a purchase.

Tips for Researching Sellers:

Reputation - Check reviews, ratings, and testimonials.

Affiliations - Legitimate sellers often partner with reputable authentication companies.

Return policy - A clear return policy indicates confidence in the authenticity of their items.

Transparency - Sellers should provide detailed information about how and where the item was signed.

Avoid sellers who refuse to share authentication details or provide vague responses about the item’s origin.

Examine the Signature Carefully

Closely examining the signature is a crucial step in verifying authenticity. Pay attention to details like handwriting style, pen pressure, and the overall look of the signature.

What to Look For:

Consistency - Compare the signature to verified examples. Athletes rarely alter their singing style.

Pen strokes - Authentic signatures often have natural starts and stops, while fake ones may look shaky or overly perfect.

Placement - Athletes typically sign in designated areas that enhance the item’s display appeal.

Ink quality - Check for smudges or inconsistencies that might indicate authenticity.

Pro tip - Use online databases or certified items from trusted sources to compare signatures.

Consider the Context of the Signing

Understanding the context in which the item was signed can provide valuable clues about its authenticity.

Key Questions to Ask:

Was it signed at a public event or a private signing? Items signed at events often have accompanying documentation.

Does the seller provide proof of the signing? Look for photographs, videos, or event tickets as evidence.

Is the item a limited edition? Limited-edition collectibles are more likely to come with detailed authentication.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Technology has made it easier to verify signed memorabilia. Tools like UV lights, magnifying glasses, and online resources can help you spot forgeries.

Tech Tools for Verification:

UV light - Some authentic items include invisible markings or holograms visible under UV light.

Magnifying glass - Reveals inconsistencies in pen strokes or hidden details.

QR codes and online databases - Many authentication companies offer online verification tools. Enter a serial number or scan a QR code to confirm authenticity.

Look for Red Flags

Knowing the common warning signs of fake memorabilia can save you from costly mistakes.

Common Red Flags:

Suspiciously low prices - If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Generic COAs - Be wary of COAs that lack specific details or come from unknown companies.

Mass-produced items - Authentic autographs are unique. Large quantities of identical signatures are a red flag.

Unwillingness to answer questions - Avoid sellers who evade questions about the item’s authenticity.

Verify Limited Edition or Rare Items

Signed sports memorabilia that claims to be part of a limited edition or rare collection requires extra scrutiny. For such items, documentation is crucial.

How to Verify Rare Collectibles:

Check edition numbers - Ensure the number matches official records.

Research provenance - Trace the item’s ownership history.

Contact experts - Consult with collectors or appraisers who specialize in rare sports memorabilia.

Authenticate Vintage Memorabilia

Vintage signed memorabilia often requires a different approach to authentication, as older items may lack modern holograms or COAs.

Steps for Vintage Authentication:

Analyze aging - Look for signs of wear that match the item’s age, such as faded ink or discoloration.

Consult experts - Vintage pieces may need specialized evaluation from historians or authentication experts.

Compare with historical examples - Look for similar items signed during the same period.

Consult Collectors and Forums

Collectors’ forums and online communities are excellent resources for verifying signed sports memorabilia. Experienced collectors often share insights and can help identify forgeries.

Benefits of Joining Collector Communities:

Access to expertise - Connect with knowledgeable members who can evaluate your item.

Shared experiences - Learn from others’ successes and mistakes.

Market trends - Stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in the memorabilia market.

Invest in Professional Appraisal Services

If you’re still unsure about the authenticity of an item, a professional appraisal can provide definitive answers. Appraisers with experience in sports memorabilia use advanced tools and methods to assess an item’s legitimacy.

When to Use Appraisal Services:

For high-value items or rare collectibles.

Before selling or insuring an item.

When authenticity is in question despite other checks.

Role of Trustworthy Platforms

Purchasing signed memorabilia from reputable platforms can significantly reduce the risk of fraud. Many platforms work directly with athletes or certified sellers to ensure authenticity.

Verifying the authenticity of signed sports memorabilia is a crucial step in protecting both your financial investment and your sentimental attachment to the item. If you are looking for signed sports memorabilia online in USA, PCM Collectibles is the best option.

#sportsmemorabilia #autographedmemorabilia #footballmemorabilia #collectibles #memorabilia

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luckysingh1999 · 5 months ago

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5 Questions to Ask Your Rose Oil Manufacturer Before You Buy

Rose oil, also known as rose essential oil, is a highly prized and luxurious ingredient used in perfumes, skincare, and aromatherapy.

Its value and effectiveness depend heavily on the quality of the manufacturing process. If you're planning to purchase rose oil, whether in bulk for your business or for personal use, choosing the right manufacturer is crucial.

Here are five essential questions to ask your rose oil manufacturer before making a purchase.

1. What is the Source of Your Roses?

The quality of rose oil begins with the roses themselves. Different regions produce roses with distinct aromatic profiles and oil yields.

For example, Bulgaria and Turkey are renowned for their high-quality Rosa Damascena, while Morocco is famous for its Rosa Centifolia.

Ask the manufacturer:

Where do you source your roses?

Are the roses organically grown or conventionally farmed?

Can you provide details about the soil and climate conditions?

Knowing the origin of the roses helps ensure that the raw materials are of premium quality and cultivated in an environmentally sustainable way.

2. What Extraction Method Do You Use?

The extraction method directly affects the purity, potency, and therapeutic value of rose oil. The two most common methods are steam distillation and solvent extraction:

Steam distillation produces pure essential oil and is the preferred method for aromatherapy purposes.

Solvent extraction creates rose absolute, which is often used in perfumery but contains trace amounts of solvents.

Questions to ask:

Which extraction method do you use?

Can you explain the steps involved in your process?

How do you ensure the oil retains its natural properties?

Transparency about the extraction method gives you confidence in the product's quality and suitability for your intended use.

3. Do You Provide Certificates of Analysis (CoA)?

A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is a document that provides detailed information about the chemical composition of the rose oil.

It ensures the product meets industry standards and is free from harmful contaminants.

Ask the manufacturer:

Do you provide CoAs for your rose oil batches?

What specific tests do you conduct (e.g., GC-MS analysis)?

How do you ensure quality consistency across batches?

Reviewing a CoA helps verify that the rose oil is pure, unadulterated, and of high quality.

4. Is Your Manufacturing Process Environmentally Friendly?

Sustainability is becoming a critical factor in choosing suppliers.

Rose oil production can be resource-intensive, with thousands of rose petals needed to produce just one ounce of oil. Ethical manufacturers implement eco-friendly practices to minimize their environmental impact.

Questions to consider:

Do you use sustainable farming and harvesting methods?

How do you manage water and energy consumption during extraction?

Are you certified by any environmental or fair-trade organizations?

Choosing a manufacturer with sustainable practices aligns your purchase with environmentally conscious values and supports ethical production.

5. What Packaging and Storage Solutions Do You Offer?

Proper packaging and storage are essential for maintaining the quality and longevity of rose oil.

Essential oils are sensitive to light, heat, and air, so manufacturers should use appropriate containers.

Ask the manufacturer:

What type of packaging do you use for rose oil?

How do you ensure the oil remains stable during transport and storage?

Do you offer customization options for bulk orders?

A reputable manufacturer will use dark glass bottles or other UV-resistant materials to protect the oil from degradation.

Final Thoughts

Asking these five questions will help you evaluate rose oil manufacturers and ensure you invest in a high-quality product.

A trustworthy manufacturer will not only provide detailed answers but also demonstrate a commitment to transparency, quality, and sustainability.

By doing your due diligence, you can confidently choose a rose oil supplier that meets your needs and upholds the standards you expect, whether you’re creating luxury perfumes, and skincare products, or simply enjoying the benefits of pure rose oil.

If you're in the market for premium rose oil, take the time to research potential manufacturers thoroughly. The quality of rose oil is worth the effort, as it can make all the difference in the final product or experience.

#bulk rose essential oil #rose oil bulk

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deshpandeisha · 1 year ago

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Measuring Gel Documentation System Market Growth and Sizing Potential for Business Expansion

The global gel documentation system market size is expected to reach USD 389.7 Million in 2028 and register a steady revenue CAGR between 2021 and 2028, according to latest analysis by Emergen Research. Some major factors driving market revenue growth are increasing emphasis on genomic and proteomic research, major prevalence of infectious diseases and genetic disorders, and rapid technological advancements in gel imaging systems. Gel documentation system or gel imaging system is a type of laboratory device required for visualization, analysis and documentation of proteins, nucleic acid, and antibodies in different types of gel media, which include acrylamide, agarose, Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF), and nitrocellulose gels.

The report studies the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Gel Documentation System market and its crucial segments. The supply chain disruptions and economic instability have negatively impacted the growth of the market in several key regions. The report offers an in-depth analysis of the market size, market share, and market growth and its estimation through the forecast years on the basis of the COVID-19 crisis. The report examines the recent COVID-19 crisis and its impact on the global market. The report explores the present and future impact of the pandemic and provides an insight into the post-pandemic market scenario.

Download Free Sample Report of Global Gel Documentation System Market @ https://www.emergenresearch.com/request-sample/806

The study outlines the rapidly evolving and growing market segments along with valuable insights into each element of the industry. The industry has witnessed the entry of several new players, and the report aims to deliver insightful information about their transition and growth in the market. Mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, agreements, product launches, and joint ventures are all outlined in the report.

The leading market contenders listed in the report are:

GE Healthcare, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific, LI-COR Biosciences, Endress+Hauser Management AG, Vilber Lourmat, Scientific Digital Imaging plc., Bio-Techne, Cleaver Scientific, and Azure Biosystems

Research Report on the Gel Documentation System Market Addresses the Following Key Questions:

Who are the dominant players of the Gel Documentation System market?

Which regional market is anticipated to have a high growth rate over the projected period?

What consumer trends and demands are expected to influence the operations of the market players in the Gel Documentation System market?

What are the key growth drivers and restraining factors of the Gel Documentation System market?

What are the expansion plans and strategic investment plans undertaken by the players to gain a robust footing in the market?

What is the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Gel Documentation System market and its key segments?

Browse Full Report Description + Research Methodology + Table of Content + Infographics@ https://www.emergenresearch.com/industry-report/gel-documentation-system-market

Emergen Research has segmented the global Gel Documentation System market on the basis of type, type of care, and region

Segments Covered in this report are:

Product Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018–2028)

Instruments

Software

Accessories

Light Source Outlook (Revenue: USD Million; 2018–2028)

Light-Emitting Diodes

Laser

Detection Technique Outlook (Revenue: USD Million; 2018–2028)

UV Detectors

Fluorescence

Chemiluminescence

In conclusion, the Gel Documentation System Market report is an exhaustive database that will help readers formulate lucrative strategies. The Gel Documentation System Market report studies the latest economic scenario with value, drivers, constraints, growth opportunities, challenges, demand and supply ratio, production capacity, import/export status, growth rate, and others. Additionally, the report also undertakes SWOT Analysis and Porter’s Five Forces Analysis to study the leading companies.

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chintuyadav · 1 year ago

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Protect Your Eyes and Privacy with Pxin Monitor Privacy Screen Guards

In an era where digital devices have become an indispensable part of our lives, protecting our eyes from harmful blue light and maintaining privacy has become more crucial than ever. Enter Pxin Monitor Privacy Screen Guards, the ultimate solution to safeguarding your eyes and data privacy while enhancing your viewing experience.

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chandutiwar · 1 year ago

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Protect Your Eyes and Privacy with Pxin Monitor Privacy Screen Guards

Website: https://pxin.in/product-category/monitor-privacy-screen-protectors/

Keywords: monitor privacy screen guard, monitor privacy filter

#Monitor_privacy_guards #Monitor_privacy_screen_guards #Monitor_privacy_filters #Monitor_anti_glare_screen_guards

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helheimsurvivors · 4 months ago

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I would have loved to see more of Yggdrasil. Would you like to start, Stigandr?

Helheim had three living sectors, the Prison Sector, the town of Hel and the Greenhouse.

...Ásgerðr. We called it Ásgerðr, though it's simpler to call it a Greenhouse, as that's what it was.

Those in the Prison sector were prisoners sent by I assume the Asgardians. When they first sent prisoners and until about 10 to 15 suns before Odin's disappearance there were Asgardians sent every few decades. The Asgardians were guards and caretakers and gardeners, they took care of the children of the Prisoners. As the years went on the Asgardians started being seen as historians, they told us about the planets and we told them of ours.

The town outside of the prison sector was Hel. Everyone inside looks gray, ghostly, more like a corpse than a person. We're sharp and built to survive. We're raised in houses we change every five suns-

We only see the sun once a year on Hel, it's how we count them. Your age is how many suns you've seen. Stigandr and I were both born on the same Sun and have seen twenty Suns after it.

Yes. Every five suns until your twenty fifth sun you move homes with those of your age. Once you reach your twenty fifth sun you are taken to the small greenhouse in Hel to pick any fruit you wish. Fresh fruit is rare in Hel, we mostly eat a nutrition paste. The choosing of your fruit marks adulthood and you move to live with those of your chosen job.

Ásgerðr is past a mountain range and a volcano from Hel and the Prison Sector. We call them the barren lands. Everyone in Ásgerðr, which is a giant greenhouse, is purple due to the UV lights we use for the plants. The exception is those from Hel who we call Ghostlings or Ghostly ones or Living Ghosts.

A title the Bifrost took too seriously with me.

Yes. There are up to five families for a plot of farm land, you can either marry into a family and their plot or be taken in by another family and their plot if you are a ghostling. Should the Bifrost not have eaten the system them Stigandr would have likely been brought into our family by my mothers and we would have been treated as twins.

My family is one of the eldest and as such we are the last left to care for our plot. We also handle the history of Helheim and Ásgerðr. I have some of my Mama's seeds and all of Mother's historical documents and Stigandr is helping me with Hel's history as well. Helheim will not die as long as we live.

We are seen as children until our twenty fifth sun as well, that is when we get our job, usually one taken from one of our parents or if you are the only child you are encouraged to find a lover to take the responsibilities of one of your parents for when said parent passes. My mothers taught me both of their responsibilities, teaching, gardening, welcoming and our history. As the only child of the eldest plot I was called Ásgerðr's Princess. They sent me in our only ship which only had room for one because of such title.

They sent you because they believed in you, Eydis. Not just because you were their Princess.

I may be able to answer more specific questions if you have them. It's nice to talk about home.

It is.

How have you survived so long after the Bifrost? How long has it been for you? We're unsure how long it's been for us. Time is weird, we have no way to track it.

Have you been alone all this time?

Hello there, my name is Eydís, I'm from Helheim, as is my traveling companion Stígandr, who died during the destruction of Helheim by the Bifrost, yet somehow appeared on my ship-

You're rambling, Eydis.

Oops! Sorry.

I- I recognize your name, Lyfrassir Edda, that's the name of the inspector whose report Kóri heard, she handled our only radio. Your report is the reason why I live. I wanted to thank you.

We were told by someone else that there are other universes about this place, so I don't know if you're the Lyf whose report I heard, but either way I wanted to thank you. In at least one universe your report saved someone.

-Eydís (@helheimsurvivors)

Oh, not your Lyf, unfortunately. The destruction of Yggdrasil… it was a long time ago, for me, and I know there were bo other survivors. Glad that… glad you got out, though. Glad the report helped somewhere.

Ghosts are… not unheard of, with the Bifrost. I’ve seen a few myself, though they are less… physical. And I haven’t heard them speak, yet. I’ve talked to another version of myself who has been able to talk with them, before, though, so your situation isn’t exactly strange.

#rainbow rambles #garden princess eydis #bifrost ghost stigandr

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forensicfield · 4 years ago

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UV Light

Ultraviolet (UV) illumination techniques are used for multiple purposes in forensic science examinations. It includes; Duplicate Paintings, Forged Signatures, documents in question, ink examination, latent fingerprints examination, detecting ink stains and identifying trace of body fluid at crime scene or on clothes. Continue reading

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#forensic science uv light #questioned document examination under uv light #questioned document in uv light #ultraviolet light #uv light #uv light in forensic science #uv light uses #wavelength of uv light

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fortune-fool02 · 4 years ago

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Time is Precious

Jason Kolchek x male reader

Summary: With the recent horrors that they had all experienced and witnessed, [Name] decided it would be useful to record the information of those monsters. In doing so, Jason checked up on him.

Warning: Light angst, fluff and comfort.

This is my first time trying to write for Jason Kolchek so feedback is highly appreciated. Thank you!

Please enjoy.

Time had buried this place deep beneath the sand and dust, an attempt to remove any evidence of this temple ever existing in the documents of history, and yet it reminded those unfortunate enough to stumble upon it that it still existed. A place where blood had stained the stone of the temple and countless lives were slain within its many, many walls.

Every aspect of this temple was against them, and yet they pushed on to survive. To climb out of this pit of Hell and feel the sunlight on their skin again. To be freed from its cage. Lieutenant Colonel Eric King had brought [Name] along on this mission due to his study in archaeology, as he believed there could have been something of importance in his knowledge that would have been valuable to the team. And he was glad he did now with their current situation.

Scribbles of notes were left in the wake of [Name]’s pen, writing down what he had learnt of this place, of the creatures that stalk and hunt them, with the aid of their surprising ally, Salim. [Name] had no quarrel with Salim, stating that he was no solider, just a simple archaeologist. Not that it mattered anymore.

“Creatures seem.... vulnerable to....UV lights.... as observed the skin... will burn.” The words softly left his lips as he wrote them down, recalling the few occasions of witnessing this. What was once his little journal for writing down the whispers of history and culture had now become their guide of survival. The things that happened here have to be recorded for their own safety as well as to help those who come across it at some point. A pocket watch sat beside the notebook open, the hands still as no ticking was heard from it. The gears inside of it long hushed, the time locked. He never had the desire to change the battery or to have it fixed. In fact, he didn’t want it to be fixed. That moment of time was precious to him.

“Hey, [Name].” The sound of Jason’s voice pulled him from his notebook and thoughts, a soft smile on his lips.

“Hello, First Lieutenant.” the [Hair colour] man greeted, setting his pen down for a moment to relax and stretch his fingers, allowing them to rest for a moment.

“For the last time, Jason’s just fine. No need to be formal.” Jason set his gun aside and plopped himself down on a spare chair from the side, joining him at the desk and sparing a glance at the notebook. “Keepin’ track of this shit show?”

“Yes. Someone has to. You never know when a small detail may be the thing that saves our lives.” [Name] moved and closed the journal, setting the pen on top and stretching his arms, stiff from his time sitting hunched at the desk, scribbling down everything he could. Jason’s eyes shifted from the journal to the pocket watch and raised an eyebrow. The item seemed to be in good condition, well cared for and treasured. Especially by how it seemed to shine in the light around it, giving the indication it was recently polished.

“Gift from someone?” He questioned, nodding towards the timepiece. For a moment, he caught a flash of something past [Name]’s [Eye colour] eyes, and his soft smile weaken somewhat. Stitches of sorrow seeping their way into that smile as if recalling a painful memory.

“Of sorts. Yes.” Since the moment he was introduced to [Name] by Eric before this Hell happened, Jason has always seen him with this soft smile, a warmth and gentleness in his eyes, mirroring his soul. But there was something else. Something behind all that gentleness, like a nettle hiding among flowers. With care, he gently picked up the pocket watch, carefully handing it to Jason as if it would shatter if handled roughly. Jason took hold of it, matching [Name]’s care to not damage it, and admired it. “My father gave it to me for my graduation.” A fond memory of [Name]’s. Seeing the proud smile on his father’s face as he showed him his diploma and certificate. Jason noticed the inside of the pocket watch had some writing engraved.

‘To [Name], I couldn’t be more proud of you, my son. Love Dad.’

“It’s sweet. Your dad must be proud of what you’ve done.” Jason handed it back to him, noting how [Name] held it, gazing down at it with that gentle look.

“He was. But his time came to an end a few months back. I was at my first dig-site that day.” Sympathy fluttered in the marine at that, knowing that hearing the news must have been hard for him. [Name]’s eyes remained on the pocket watch, his voice soft but slowly filling with a weight that welled in his chest. “It just stopped ticking at this time. I didn’t think much of it until I got home and found out. I was told he died at the exact time this stopped.” He rose it to Jason, looking up at the marine. A small tear brimming his eye. “I keep it like this to remember him. To remember happier times.”

Jason couldn’t help the soft sigh and handed [Name] a piece of cloth to dry his eyes with. Then offered a comforting pat on his shoulder. “You’re a good man for doin’ that, [Name]. I promise you, we’ll get outta this Hellhole.” That cleared away the sorrow that lingered in [Name]’s eyes, thanking Jason for the cloth and comfort as he pocketed the timepiece, thankful for Jason’s company. “Also, you should consider turning those notes into a story. Maybe make us the amazin’, heroic and strong stars?” The two shared a chuckle at that,

“Ah yes, a horror story filled with monsters.” [Name] smiled, amusing the idea before he stopped and focused on Jason. “Jason, do... do you mind if we... hug? I know it’s strange to ask but I could really use the comfort. Please.” That seemed to throw Jason off guard, not in a bad way though.

“Sure. C’ere.” [Name] smiled and wrapped his arms around him, relaxing in the comfort of another. Jason couldn’t help but smile also, enjoying it himself, after he pushed the awkwardness away and actually held the man.

“Thank you, Jason. You’re a good man and marine.” [Name] pulled back, smiling again. For a moment, those words made Jason’s smile grow a little.

#jason kolchek #house of ashes #jason kolchek x reader #house of ashes x reader #the dark pictures anthology #the dark picture anthology #male reader #jason kolchek x male reader

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trans-lykanthropie · 1 year ago

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Actually you know what, let's use this as a chance for a learning experience. Sit down and stop biting each other, I've got slides

So one of the key aspects you learn in the first few weeks of training to be a restorer is writing things called OPUS/FOCUS documents. The idea is to get you in the habit of looking at an object and working out the sequence of event that had to take place for it to arrive in the condition it it. I forget what the acronym stands for but the concept is that you start at the top of the document with the object in front of you, in my case today it's a painting, and you work backwards through the life of the object and finish with the raw components. It's actually pretty tedious and for a painting would be insanely complex, but as an example let's use this object here

So you'd start with what you can see and work backwards, in brief you'd writing something like:

Ceramic sherds adhered with gap fills

Sherds collected, gap fills produced

Ceramic pot broken

Ceramic pot fired in kiln

Glaze applied

Clay slip applied, design painted

Pot formed on pottery wheel

Raw clay collected

That's a very basic version but you get the idea.

So let's look at the painting I got yesterday:

The main problem is the customer wants this put in a box frame, so the entire canvas is visible, but previously it was in an ordinary frame and now has 'discolouration' around the edge of the painting. My boss told the customer that I could 'clean' the painting to remove said 'discolouration'.

So imagine that a painting in a frame has been on display in sunlight and exposure to the air for a number of decades. Where would we expect the dirt to be and for changes in colour to occur? On the area of the painting exposed to the elements? Or the area of the painting previously hidden under the edge of the frame?

Of course the answer is the former, typically (kind of) the area that was previously under the edge of the frame is more representative of the original appearance of the painting by virtue of the fact its been hidden from direct exposure to UV light and accretion of dirt. However even this is questionable because the paint at the edges of a painting tend to be thinner and we're not even addressing possible acidic damage from the wood.

The point being: THE AREA UNDER THE FRAME IS LESS LIKELY TO BE DIRTY THAN THE EXPOSED AREA

Now my boss would've known this if he'd studied restoration, which of course he hasn't, or if he'd called me to ask, which of course he didn't. So he, in his infinite wisdom of thinking he knows how art restoration works because he spoke with me about it a few times, has made grand promises to the customer that I now have to disabuse them of because HE DIDN'T CONSULT THE ART RESTORER ON STAFF BEFORE MAKING SAID PROMISES.

Why do I even bother, honestly

Grrrrrrrrrrrrr I'm absolutely hanging on by a thread emotionally right now and I do not need whatever bullshit the boss is pulling

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