#wine application error

[kevinmarville]

Have you ever had to wrestle with your machine just to make something work? Drop your story below. 👇#linux

[growth-opportunities]

She’s so sick of people thinking she’s dumb just because she has the biggest tits in the state

"And 'nother thing! You have any idea how hard it is to find bras for these things? 'slike they don't even make 'em! I try to get 'em custom made and they're like Sorry, miss, we don't take prank calls. Do these look like pranks to you?" Cassandra slapped the side of one of her tits, the impact rippling across her breast as it rested on the bartop. The bartender cast his gaze down at them, cleaning the same glass he had been for the better part of ten minutes. The neon OPEN sign in the bar window had been switched off for more than half an hour. All of the chairs except one were upside down on their tables. Any other night, he would have gone home already, but he wasn't about to kick someone out when they looked like that, both for his enjoyment and her safety. With how many wine bottles sat empty next to her, he wasn't fully certain her boobs would keep her from toppling over. So he did what any good bartender would do: he lent her an ear.

Cassandra lifted her head from her cleavage, pulling back her blonde hair out of her face. Her eyes traced a slow, wandering path upward to finally meet the bartender's face. "You wanna hic! you really wanna know what gets me?" The bartender nodded. "Jus' 'cause I'm blonde and I've got these gigantic titties, people think I'm dumb! I got PhDs, motherfucker! Plural!" Her fist slammed against the bar, shaking the empty wine bottles and sending a quake through her breasts. "As juicy an' jiggly as these things are, they ain't all natural beef! More than a decade of hormone research and tests and trial and error and trying to come up with practical applications so we can get funding! But I didn't are about any of that shit! It was all so that I could grow these!" Cassandra slid a hand underneath each breast, grunting as she did her best to lift it, letting them slip from her hands and flop back down on the bar. A ragged sigh deflates her, letting her chin rest in her cleavage. "'snot fair. It's not! I gotta... I gotta prove it to them... somehow. Gotta show 'em that I'm not some ditzy bimbo..."

Finally, the bartender was in familiar territory. He sifts through an internal catalogue, trying to cobble together some appropriate Bar Tender Advice(TM). The usual script about not caring what other people think mixed with a dash of 'No One Else Can Take away Your Accomplishments' thrown in for good measure. Sure, they were unusual accomplishments, but they were big accomplishments and he would find a way to make it fit. He took a deep breath to start his speech. "Well, you know-"

"I just gotta get even bigger! Then they'll know I'm the smartest!"

"...That's crazy, I was going to say the exact same thing."

[redflagshipwriter]

Check Yes ch 9 part 2

masterpost

That whole detour took a depressing amount of their allotted Dick-free time frame. Danny sulked about it a bit as Jason caught up to him and bumped his shoulder. Jason fished his phone out and clearly made a call to a restaurant, giving them an ETA and asking them for the meal Danny had asked for.

Well… Danny untensed a bit. He was willing to look at Jason again by the time that the phone call finished. 

“Wanna talk strategy?” Jason coaxed. 

Danny pursed his lips. “Is anything off limits?” he asked with a shrug. He spread his hands out. “I can fly, go intangible– most of my powers are more martial but those are really applicable.”

“I can’t do either of those things,” Jason said, “So unless-”

“I will just pick you up,” Danny cut him off. He flicked a glance up and down the other guy. “You weigh nothing to me.”

Jason seemed to experience a 404 error. Once he had rebooted he cleared his throat and his voice still came out a little peaky. “I think those things are fair, but we don’t wanna clear Dick totally, it won’t be any fun unless he thinks he has a shot at some points.” He cleared his throat again.

‘....Does he want me to pick him up?’ Danny looked Jason over as sneakily as he could manage. ‘He didn’t let me carry him up the stairs, but maybe that was different because we were play-fighting.’

He filed that very interesting question away for later and took a little mercy on his date. “What strengths does he have, what tactics is he gonna use?”

Jason whistled a long breath out from between his teeth and opened a door for Danny. “We should call Barbie and beg for her neutrality. He won’t go to tech immediately, but tracking us by cameras is always an option.”

Danny snorted and tossed his hair. “Not a problem,” he boasted. “I can short out any cameras in my vicinity.”

There was a moment of silence. “That sounds like it would make it really easy to spot our current location.”

Oh. Well. Heck.

“...Is this the restaurant?” Danny pushed open the door without waiting for an answer, bell jingling overhead.  

A sharp-eyed waiter in black and white saw them enter and indicated the back area with a gloved hand. “Thanks, France,” Jason said easily. He pulled out a seat for Danny without a thought.

Danny shared a moment of eye contact with France. Danny was intending to communicate, ‘Do you see this shit, France?’ France was a cypher. There was no hint of what he thought about this.

…Danny sat. “Thank you,” he said, a little confused by the gesture but pretty certain that this was the best response. 

Jason seated himself and gave him a distracted smile in lieu of a verbal reply. Shit. Fuck. He was hot. Danny flashed internal alarms at this. “Are you still interested in red wine, or would you like something else?” 

“Uhhh.” Danny decided not to say that he had no idea, he was basically copying the romantic date from The Lady and the Tramp. “I’d like to start with a water.” 

“Of course.” Jason glanced over at France, who inclined his head and left in a frankly shocking burst of speed. “I think that Dick will try to leverage the date against me, to embarrass me,” he said thoughtfully. He picked up a saltshaker and started toying with it absentmindedly. “He’ll think that I won’t want the other guys bothering us.”

Danny cocked his head. 

“I was thinking about cutting that out from underneath him, at the last second,” Jason explained. “Dick’ll probably have a couple contingencies around siblings.”

“Yeah, control the flow of information,” Danny agreed. “Do you think you can turn any of them against him?”

Jason pursed his lips. “Yes, but not predictably. It’ll depend who sides with who first. It’s not a fun game if they all play on the same team, so some of them will be willing to fuck him over.” He blinked and lifted his hands as France returned with a pitcher of lemon water and a plate of appetizers. 

It was a very serious war council, for all that it happened to be about the tactics Birds and Bats would use in a game of tag. Danny caught himself leaning forward, elbows braced on the table, to breathe in every word out of Jason’s mouth. 

“Don’t worry about the big guy though,” Danny faintly understood. He was glazing out a little bit, just watching Jason’s mouth move. There was a little bit of stubble that hadn’t been there at the start of their date a few hours ago. Danny wanted to touch it. “No way will they invite him to play, he hasn’t been fun for a decade.”

“Whatever you say,” Danny managed. Unbidden, one hand started to come up off the tabletop, reaching toward Jason’s jawline. Touchy touch touch.

“What- oh, we should take a photo for the group chat.” Jason pushed the food slightly out of the way and rested an elbow on the table to support himself as he leaned basically into Danny’s space. He used that hand to grab the hand Danny had been inching across the table and he gave it a squeeze.

He was. He was holding Danny’s hand again. Danny swallowed, hard. Was his pulse too fast? Could Jason feel that?

“Lean in a bit?” Jason was checking how they looked in his phone camera. 

Danny leaned forward agreeably, brain screaming static at him. He didn’t even bother to think about how he looked in the photo. It must have been fine because Jason made an approving noise and put the phone back down on the table. “I’ll send it to the group chat in about 20 minutes,” he said.

“Ngah,” Danny said intelligently. 

Luckily, the pasta came then.

[facts-i-just-made-up]

What are the "Grapes of Wrath" exactly?

It's a phrase inspired by a misreading of Revelation 14, in which an angel reaps the souls of humankind and forces them like grapes into a wine press, which expels the blood of God's anger to flood the world the the height of a horse's bridle.

The first popular phrasing in English with "The Battle Hymn of the Republic" as "The Grapes of Wrath" took the then-common Queen Anne Bible translation which suggested the "Grapes of Wrath" were physical objects despite the original Greek clearly stating this was a metaphor in Revelation 27, accurately translated, "To be clear this is all metaphor for why Rome can suck it. Fuck Rome. Jerks."

The term was further used by Ernest Hemingway for the title of his novel, "The Old Man And The Sea." Though future historians will believe this was also in error and I meant to type "The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck," no, I didn't.

In any case, the original phrase and its application were very much a product of their time and with changes in the church, the perception of sin, and culinary arts, the proper modern phrase would be more directly, "The Taquitos of Apathy," or perhaps in Calvinist circles, "The Oatmeal of Inevitability."

[dreamtheatre]

HIII! i saw ur doing marauders fics and i love ur dr who ones so i was wondering whether you could do a remus x reader? where reader is in love with rem but doesn't think he loves her back so gets into an arranged marriage but he has to win her back before its too late? if that makes sense!

The Bolter

Pairing: Remus Lupin x Fem!Reader Summary: Remus was your best friend, but when you finally work up the courage to tell him how you really feel, he doesn't respond and you bolt. However, when your parents set up an arranged marriage for you, Remus if forced to confront how he feels before it's too late. Word Count: 3.8K Warnings: None (?) spelling errors?

The Gryffindor common room hummed with the low, sleepy breaths of the castle. A small fire burned in the grate, dying embers painting the room in flickering hues of amber and wine red. Shadows stretched long across the stone floor, pooling beneath armchairs and climbing the walls like ghosts.

You sat curled into your usual seat by the fire, knees drawn to your chest, a blanket draped loosely over your legs. An open book lay forgotten in your lap, something about wandlore and its application in defensive charms, but the words swam uselessly before you, blurred by tired eyes and a weight in your chest that had grown heavier by the week. Or maybe by the year. Outside, the wind howled gently against the stained-glass windows. Inside, the ache was quieter, but no less brutal.

Remus Lupin was sitting on a comfy armchair just a few feet away, leaning back on one hand while the other absently flipped through a tattered copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard. He wasn't even reading it. Just skimming, eyes unfocused, mouth set in that slight, familiar line you'd memorized long ago.

Bored with the book, your eyes narrowed in on him. His hair was soft, rumpled from sleep or the wind or both. A lock had fallen over his brow. There was a tenderness in the line of his jaw, in the way his eyes followed the firelight like he was trying to catch a memory from the flames. He was beautiful, and he didn’t know it. Kind in a world that was growing sharper every day. And you had loved him for so long it didn’t even feel like a decision anymore. It was just something your heart had done without asking you first.

Still, you were too scared to open your mouth and say something in the fear that he would never see you that way. Not really. He had made it clear before that he considered you one of his closest friends, and you were scared that he wouldn't feel anything more. Especially when there were girls like Mary who flirted with ease, or girls like Lily who glowed with the confidence of being loved. Not when Remus was Remus, gentle and guarded and convinced, in that maddeningly humble way of his, that no one could ever truly love him once they knew the full truth.

The end of Seventh Year was approaching, meaning that everyone would be going their own ways soon. James and Lily wanted to get married as soon as they graduated, if the impending war did not interfere. You still had no idea what to do with your life. Your parents would want you to continue on to tertiary studies to become an influential figure in society, just as they were. Still, you were confused about everything. Being an adult seemed strange, and a part of you wished you could stay at Hogwarts forever.

“Why are you still up, dove?” Remus' voice was quiet and a little hoarse. You startled slightly and glanced up to find his eyes on you.

“I could ask you the same thing,” you murmured, leaning against the wall. He gave a small shrug, the kind that said sleep is hard these days. And maybe it was. The full moon was a week behind them, and he still looked like it haunted him. The pain hadn’t quite worn off.

“Couldn’t sleep,” you added vaguely.

“Nightmares?” he asked gently.

“No,” you replied. You.

Remus closed his book and stood slowly, crossing the rug to sit on the floor beside you. He moved like someone afraid to take up space. He was lanky, too tall for his frame, and too careful with every step. His jumper hung loose over his shirt, sleeves rolled up to his forearms, revealing faint old scars that peeked out like ghosts from beneath the wool.

“You’ve been distant,” he stated, voice so soft it barely reached you. He glanced around to make sure no unwanted listeners were near.

You stiffened. “Have I?”

Remus tilted his head slightly, frowning. “Not… intentionally. I just... you’re quieter. Even with Lily! And sometimes you look like you’re not with us.”

You blinked, caught off-guard by how much he noticed. Did he really pay that much attention? “I’ve just had a lot on my mind.” He nodded once as if he understood. Your breath caught as a rough hand delicately brushed against your jawline, and you silently hoped he couldn't feel how your heart leapt, just whenever he said your name. You hoped he didn't know how your stomach twisted when he smiled at someone else, or how you'd memorized the sound of his laugh and played it over and over again like a favourite record in your head.

You had planned not to say anything. To carry it with you, quietly, like you always had. But something about the way the firelight danced in his eyes, or maybe the way your name had just sounded on his lips, made it impossible to keep holding it in.

“Remus?”

He straightened slightly, the way he always did when he heard his name from you. “Yeah?You hesitated, pulse thrumming at the base of her throat. Your hands twisted the edge of the blanket in your lap.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you. And I… I think if I don’t say it now, I never will.”

He frowned faintly, concerned. “What is it?”

You looked down, then up again. The words burned at the tip of your tongue.

“I care about you," You tried. Remus' eyes didn't betray a hint of emotion.

"Yeah, dove. I care about you too."

"No, Rem, listen," You swallowed the lump. "I love you.”

The silence that followed was immediate and deafening. The fire crackled once. Somewhere in the corridor, a portrait shifted and muttered to itself. And still, Remus said nothing. His expression didn’t change. Not exactly. But something behind his eyes seemed to shudder.

You felt it as if a spell had slammed into your chest. The moment the hope crumbled. “You don’t have to say anything,” you whispered, already trying to smile. “I just needed to… to say it. That’s all.”

Remus opened his mouth, then closed it again. He looked down at his hands. “You shouldn’t.”

Your chest constricted. “What?”

“You shouldn’t love me,” he said, and this time his voice was rough, like gravel. “Not like that.”

You stared at him. The air around them seemed to freeze.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you, dove,” he added quickly. “You’re... one of my best friends. But I’m not someone people stay in love with. I’m not safe.”

Your heart broke so quietly it didn’t even make a sound. “I understand,” you whispered after a long moment. “Don’t worry. You won’t have to hear it again.” You stood then, numb, the warmth of the fire no longer touching her skin.

A part of you hoped Remus would reach out to stop you, but he just watched as you bolted up the stairs towards your dorm.

...

It started with a letter. It was not delivered by owl, but by a family friend in a pressed cloak and stiff expression, handed off to you in the middle of a quiet Sunday afternoon at Hogsmeade.

You turned the envelope over once, then again. Your name was inked in your mother’s careful handwriting. Inside, the parchment smelled faintly of lavender, like it had been tucked away in a drawer with sachets and secrets.

Dearest, Your father and I have spoken at length about your future. The world is uncertain now, and safety is not something we can afford to take for granted. We’ve been approached by the Greengrasses with an offer for an arrangement we believe is both practical and considerate of your well-being…

Your hands went cold.

Elias Greengrass is a respectable young man from a reputable family. He graduated from Hogwarts two years ago and has joined the Ministry’s security division. More importantly, he is willing to protect and provide for you, no matter what comes.

You stopped reading as your pulse thundered in your ears. An arranged marriage. The very phrase made your stomach twist. It was something your mother used to joke about in passing at tea - “We’ll just have to marry you off to a charming young wizard before the war eats everyone alive” - always followed by laughter, always brushed off like fiction.

Now it wasn’t fiction. Now it was real.

A knock came at your door before you could even breathe, and you straightened as Professor McGonagall appeared at the door to your dorm, your mother close behind.

She entered without waiting for an answer, and the Professor closed the door behind. She looked the same way she always did. Regal, unbothered, bearing the calm cruelty of someone who had long ago convinced herself that love was a luxury.

“We’re not forcing you,” her mother said, though her tone suggested otherwise. “But this is a rare opportunity. A good match. He’s kind. Intelligent. He's well-bred.”

“You're speaking like he's a creature at an auction," You said, your voice barely above a whisper. "I don’t even know him."

Your mother tilted her head. “You’ll have time to. And he told me himself. He’s looking for a partner, not a trophy.”

“What if I already…” you paused, unsure why the words stung so much.

Her mother gave her a look, soft but tired. “You mean the Lupin boy?” Heat rushed to your cheeks. “He’s not even on the path to employment. He’s sickly, unstable-”

“Remus is not unstable.”

“And he hasn’t come for you. Has he?” That silenced you.

Your mother stepped closer, brushing a hand against your cheek the way she used to when you was little. It should’ve been comforting, but it wasn’t.

“I know this isn’t what you dreamed of,” she said gently. “But dreams don’t last long in times like these. Elias is willing to fight for you. That has to mean something.”

Much to your discontent, it did mean something that this Elias boy wanted to get to know you and 'fight for you', in your mother's words. Remus hadn’t even tried.

The engagement was announced two weeks later in the Daily Prophet. A small, tasteful notice, tucked beneath a headline about another Death Eater raid. Your name was printed beside Elias Greengrass' in looping, ceremonial script. Your hands shook when you saw it. You hadn't told anyone yet, and your parents had went off announcing it to the world. Two pureblood families unioned once more.

The first person to mention it at Hogwarts was Mary. “I didn’t even know you were seeing anyone,” she said, mouth agape. “Is it true? An actual arranged marriage? Like, pureblood-girl-meets-war-hero?” You smiled politely and made some vague comment about tradition and family expectations. It felt like lying with your whole face.

Lily, who had pulled you aside after class the next day, hadn’t been so casual. “Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked, hurt flickering behind her eyes.

“I didn’t want to talk about it,” you sighed, running a hand through your hair. “Still don’t.” Lily didn’t press further, but her silence said enough.

And Remus…

Remus didn’t say anything at all, and it felt like the worst thing that ever happened to you.

James and Sirius had said their parts, all 'fuck-the-pureblood-tradition', and Peter, Marlene, and Dorcas had all congratulated you. Still, Remus didn’t come to you. Didn’t write. Didn’t knock on your door. He passed you in the corridors, his gaze unreadable, his expression neutral.

Meanwhile, your fiancé was everything he promised to be.

Elias Greengrass was polite and dutiful. He wrote three times a week. Perfect, long letters about training and the future and the Ministry’s plans to protect young wizarding families. He signed every note with 'yours', and you hated how kind he was. It made everything worse.

Elias wasn’t cruel. He wasn’t selfish. He just… wasn’t Remus. And it still hurt that Remus had let you go.

You clutched another one of Elias' letters in your hands, which felt cold. Maybe this was all you had left.

...

Remus told himself he didn’t care.

It was easier that way. Easier to focus on NEWT prep and full moons and patrol shifts with James than to think about your hands in someone else’s. Her laugh in another man’s home. Your eyes, that once looked at him like he mattered, softening for someone with a stronger name and a brighter future.

Worst of all, it was his own fault. He'd watched you walk away and hadn’t said a thing. Had sat there like a coward while you poured your heart out and then gently shoved it back into your chest, cracked and bleeding.

And now you were engaged. Engaged. He couldn’t even say the word aloud. The Prophet announcement had hit him like a brick to the ribs. Not that he told anyone. He’d stared at your name in print and then turned on his heel and walked away like it hadn’t cleaved him clean down the middle.

Sirius had tried.

“You’re really not going to talk to her?” he asked that night, legs flung over the arm of the couch in the Gryffindor common room, watching Remus with a look that bordered on worry.

“What would be the point?” Remus muttered, flipping a page of his textbook without reading a word.

“I don’t know, mate. Maybe to say ‘congrats on ruining both your lives.’” Remus didn’t even blink, and Sirius groaned loudly. “You’re such a bloody idiot.”

“Thanks.”

“No, I mean it.” He swung upright and tossed a cushion at Remus’ chest. “You’re the cleverest person I know. You could’ve said anything, and instead you gave her a rejection monologue like you were some tragic Victorian poet. You pulled a bloody Darcy and froze.”

Remus set the book down. “Victorian poetry is good. And I didn't know you read.”

Sirius crossed his arms and huffed. “Tell me, what’s more complicated than letting the person you love walk into a marriage she didn’t choose?”

“She did choose it.”

Sirius barked a bitter laugh. “No, mate. She settled for it.”

Remus looked away, jaw tight. “I told her not to love me.”

“You don’t get to decide that. You don’t get to tell someone not to love you and then act shocked when they don’t wait around to be hurt by you.”

The words hit hard because they were true. And because they sounded too much like what Remus told himself every night before sleep finally, finally claimed him. That he didn’t deserve you. That he wasn’t safe. That if you knew everything - how the full moon really felt, what the scars looked like beneath the charm work, how every inch of him was made of shame and grief and fear - you'd leave anyway. So maybe this way, he told himself, it was better.

After all, you chose someone who could promise you a life and a future that wasn’t marked by pain and clawed flesh and whispered rumors.

He stopped eating dinner in the Hall, stopped answering half the questions in class. Even James, who normally let him brood, started to hover, concern knitting his brows every time Remus came back from the library at 3 a.m, pale and twitchy. He’d grown sharper. Quieter. The ache in his chest a constant, gnawing thing. The moon loomed closer each night, but for once, it wasn’t the thing he feared most. What he feared was losing you. Fully. Completely. Watching your life unfold without him in it.

That night, Remus sat in the Astronomy Tower alone, legs dangling over the stone edge, eyes fixed on the stars.

He thought about your first conversation in First Year. You'd been reading upside down on a bench, hair tied in three different knots and a smudge of ink on your nose. He’d sat beside you because you didn’t ask questions. You just looked at him and smiled.

He thought about the way your voice cracked when you said, “I love you.” How you'd stood there trembling and brave, and how he, being coward that he was, had crushed her with silence.

He thought about a life without you, and for the first time, the idea made him sick.

“Are you going to the wedding?” Peter asked over breakfast a few mornings later.

Remus blinked. “What?”

Peter, halfway through a scone, looked mildly confused. “The wedding? McGonagall mentioned it at the staff table. I think they’re letting her finish school early. Her family wants the ceremony before summer starts.” Remus stared at him, numb.

James set down his pumpkin juice. “You okay, Moony?”

Remus was already on his feet.

Because suddenly, it wasn’t about what he deserved. It wasn’t about shame or fear or scars.

It was about you. And if he didn’t fight for you now, he would lose you forever.

...

It wasn't a downpour, but the raindrops felt slow and sorrowful. The sky hung low over the castle, a curtain of grey that matched the heaviness in your chest. Each step on the gravel path felt deliberate, a beat in the funeral march of your heart. You were headed toward the quiet warmth of an expensive dinner you didn’t ask for, with a man you barely know, wearing a smile you stitched together like a wound poorly bandaged.

Your cloak clinged to your shoulders as you ponder your fate. Elias was kind and faithful. He didn't have the dark mark, nor did he preach blood supremacy like he lived for it. In that way, he was a good man. Your parents certainly could have done way worse than this.

Suddenly, he emerged from the mist as if summoned by your heartbeat, his figure carved from damp stone and stormlight. Remus was standing there with rain dripping from the ends of his hair, face pale and drawn, like the ghost of the boy you loved.

And suddenly, the ground didn't feel solid anymore. There are no words at first. You had imagined this moment once. A hundred times, even, but not like this. Not with him looking at you as if he’s seeing you for the first time and the last all at once.

You wondered if the rain is hiding his tears. Or if he was simply past the point of crying. You couldn't tell. His eyes were hollowed out like someone who’s been awake for countless nights.

The silence grew sharp around you, edged like broken glass, before Remus decided to speak.

"Please don't go see him," his voice sounded small.

"You don't get to choose that." You retorted, but everything seemed to drown out in the sound of the rain and your heart beating in your chest.

“I know! I just…” He stepped closer, as if proximity could mend what he’s broken. “I have to say something before it’s too late.”

“You’re months too late.”

“No. I was a coward. I didn’t say it then, but I... I have to say it now.”

You shake your head, rain dripping from your lashes. “Say what, Remus? That you changed your mind?”

He swallows. “That I love you.”

For a second, the only sound is the rain tapping against the cobblestones, and the ragged rhythm of your heart cracking open again.

“No.” Your voice was hoarse. “You don’t get to say that to me now.”

“I mean it.” Remus pleaded.

“Where was this-” Your voice broke. “Where was this when I was begging you to care? When I stood in front of you and gave you every part of me, and all you said was I’m sorry? You're bloody selfish, Rem.”

His expression shattered. “I didn’t think I was enough,” he whispers. “I thought you'd be safer without me. That you deserved someone better.” You scoffed, but he continued. “You were the only thing I ever wanted. When I saw that Prophet announcement I felt like I fell through ice.”

"Well, you came back alive, didn't you?" You blinked through the blur of tears and rain. “I tried to stop loving you, Remus, Merlin, every time I thought about you my life flashed before my eyes."

“I know,” he said desperately. “And I let you go. But I... I can’t stand the thought of you marrying him. Not when I know you don’t love him.”

“You don’t know anything,” you snapped, but your voice wavered. You were shaking, but not from the cold.

“I know you still wear the bracelet I gave you,” he said softly. “Even when you think no one notices.” You glanced down, and sure enough, the woven threads are faded, nearly threadbare. You had forgotten it was still there. “I know,” he adds, “that every time I walk away, I wish I’d turned around.”

He stepped forward tentatively. “I’m so sorry.”

You let the silence stretch between you, throbbing like a bruise.

“I’m not forgiving you, Rem.” you whispered, voice low and shaking. “Not yet.”

“I don’t need you to.” His eyes shone. “I just need you to know that I’ll wait, dove. For however long it takes.”

You glanced to the darkened tiles before your eyes rose to meet the boy who flinched from love because he thought it was a weapon. The boy who let silence answer for him because shame spoke louder. The boy who finally came back.

And you, the girl who always ran, you stayed.

“I’m not going to marry Elias,” you whisper.

Relief crashes over Remus' face like sunlight breaking through storm clouds. “You still love me?” he asks, barely audible, almost insecure.

Instead of answering, you closed the distance and placed a tentative kiss on his cheek. You swore you could feel his muscles tensing from your touch, but eventually he relaxed and a soft hand rested on your waist.

The kiss that followed wasn't sweet or gentle, but raw and desperate. A stitched-up wound that dared to be opened again. It tasted like rain and ruin and the faintest edge of redemption. When it ends, you’re both breathing like you had survived something... and maybe you had.

Rain still clung to your lashes, but the storm inside you had quieted. In his arms, time unraveled, looping through every bruise and every beautiful mistake that brought you to finally be with him.

"Rem?"

"Yes, dove?"

"Can we go back to the dorms?" You asked almost sheepishly. "It's freezing out here." With a quiet laugh, Remus took out his wand and summoned an umbrella from Merlin-knows-where, holding it over the both of you and wrapping his free arm around your shoulders, letting you lean on him as the two of you walked back towards the Castle.

end

xx dreamtheatre requests are open!!

[quidell-fics]

Black Myth: Wukong Patch 1.0.12.16581 Notes

Source click here

Version: 1.0.12.16581

**Update Time: December 10, 2024 16:00 (UTC+8)**

**NOTE: Epic Games Store Version will receive the patch first, but it will also be rolled out gradually on other platforms.**

**What to Know Before Patch Installation**

* Due to the platform's update mechanism, your computer will need to reserve a larger amount of free disk space for temporary storage of the update files.

* If you have installed any mods in the game, installing the patch may cause compatibility issues. This could prevent you from launching the game or triggering error pop-ups during gameplay. We recommend uninstalling the installed mods and verifying the integrity of the game files before restarting the game

* If you encounter unusually large update sizes during patch installation, or if the game gets stuck, crashes, or fails to start after installation, please refer to the [Installation/Patch] on our official website.

* **All new items introduced in this patch will not be required for any game achievements.**

# Major Updates

**New Gameplay: Challenge**

*"It's tough to confront the old rivals anew, but the Great Sage will always prevail!"*

* After completing the game at least once, the Destined One can find "Challenge" at any Keeper's Shrine.

* There are two types of challenges available: "**Return of Rivals**" and "**Gauntlet of Legends**".

* "**Return of Rivals**"

* The Destined One can challenge a former opponent to a duel, choosing from three levels of difficulty.

* If any opponents remain undefeated in the main game, the corresponding rematch will be unavailable.

* "**Gauntlet of Legends**"

* The Destined One can battle against multiple opponents in succession, using customized curses to tailor the difficulty.

* This mode can be difficult, as some old opponents may surprise with new moves. Proceed with caution!

* If any opponents remain undefeated in the main game, the related gauntlet will be unavailable.

* Completing any gauntlet rewards players with new rare treasures.

* Medicine: "Glimmering Scale Pellets" and its formula;

* Drink and Soaks: "Sour Wine", "Frost-Enduring Chrysanthemum", and "Robust Antler";

* Curios: "Stone Tiger Tally", "Ever-Burning Palace Lantern", and "Fragment of the Ocean-Settling Pillar";

* Equipment: "Three Hill Crown";

* Weapons: "Qing Mallet", "Fanged Cyan Staff", and "Leeching Centipede Staff".

**New Game Feature: Journeyer's Chart (Map Function)**

*"Let the chart chart the journeyer's journey."*

* A remarkable one has captured these landscapes, organizing them into charts for guidance and marking.

* A Journeyer's Chart can be unlocked when the Destined One first enters Black Wind Mountain and meets the Keeper.

* Afterwards, for each new territory reached, a "Journeyer's Chart" can be purchased at the Keeper's Shrine.

**New Equipment: Armor Set of Opulence**

*As the year comes to a close, we wish all Destined Ones an early Happy Chinese New Year! May you have joy and prosperity all year round.*

* Four special armor pieces have been crafted to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year.

* After installation, all Destined Ones can claim these directly through "Trailblazer's Gift" at any Keeper's Shrine.

**New Music Library Functions**

* "Black Myth: Wukong Soundtrack Selection" has been added as a new soundtrack application (some tracks are not available for export due to copyright restrictions).

Please note: Due to configuration issues on EPIC, purchasers of "Black Myth: Wukong Deluxe Edition Upgrade" may experience delays in receiving the soundtrack selection. Your patience is much appreciated.

# Bug Fixes

# Bosses

* Fixed an issue where yaoguai chiefs "The King of the Kingdom of Flowing Sands and His Son" might not drop the spirit of "Second Rat Prince" upon defeat.

* Fixed an issue where "Kang-Jin Star" would die unexpectedly under certain conditions.

* Fixed an issue where "Zhu Bajie" could not be defeated during a certain phase.

* Fixed an issue where yaoguai king "Yellow Loong" would get stuck underground in certain situations.

* Fixed an issue where some skills of yaoguai king "Yellow Loong" could not be interrupted even after being seen-through.

* Fixed an issue where yaoguai chiefs "Cloudy Mist, Misty Cloud" would continue attacking players while in invisible state under certain conditions.

* Fixed an issue where yaoguai chief Lang-Baw-Baw could not engage in combat under certain conditions.

* Fixed an issue where some skills of "Erlang, the Sacred Divinity" would deal abnormal damage to the Destined One.

* Fixed an issue where the Destined One could engage in the battle with "The Four Heavenly Kings" in forms other than "Stone Monkey" under specific operations.

* Fixed an issue where the Destined One could be blocked by an invisible wall, preventing him from entering combat in certain situations.

* Improved the grappling performance of yaoguai king "Yellow Wind Sage".

* Reduced the invulnerability duration of "Green-Capped Martialist".

* Enhanced the effectiveness of the vessel "Wind Tamer" against yaoguai chief "Non-Void".

* Improved the combat experience with yaoguai chiefs "Cloudy Mist, Misty Cloud".

* Improved the combat experience with yaoguai chief "Emerald-Armed Mantis".

* Improved the combat experience with "The Great Sage's Broken Shell".

**Levels**

* Fixed an issue where Zhu Bajie did not appear in Mount Huaguo under certain conditions.

**Protagonist**

* Improved the experience when the Destined One consumes multiple medicines consecutively.

* Enhanced the experience of Varied Combos and Charged Heavy Attacks.

* Optimized the description of Transformations-related Talents.

* Fixed an issue where the damage detection of Spirit Skills persisted indefinitely under certain operations.

* Fixed an issue where the animation of Life-Saving Strand could not be triggered when the Talent had taken effect under specific operations.

* Fixed an issue where "Bull King's Mask" could gain Focus even when attacked during invincible states (Doging, Perfect Dodging, or Seeing-Through).

**Interactions**

* The Music Library progress bar now supports dragging.

* Control customization for Keyboard & Mouse now supports mouse side buttons.

* Fixed an issue where the Sprint button icon would not display in Controller Type B's layout.

* Fixed an issue where the Inventory interface might not display content under certain operations.

* Fixed an issue where the UI could become misaligned under specific operations.

**Sound and Subtitles**

* Fixed errors in some sound effects.

* Fixed abnormal voice playback for certain yaoguai kings.

* Optimized the volume of certain sound effects.

**Performance**

* Fixed occasional crashes for some users after enabling DLSS frame generation.

* Fixed screen flickering issues for some users after enabling XeSS.

* Fixed a memory leak issue under certain conditions.

* Fixed crashes caused by outdated drivers.

* Optimized performance for numerous scenes and boss fights on medium and low-end configurations.

* Enhanced the performance of Full Ray Tracing on GeForce RTX.

**Localization and Other**

* Added language support for Turkish.

* Added and improved translations for Portraits in several languages.

* Corrected translation errors and fixed issues with spelling, capitalization, and terminology consistency in several languages.

* Improved the translation of lyrics in several languages.

* Enhanced the quality of some English voiceovers and their synchronization with subtitles.

* Improved text display in several languages.

[keitaiware]

📁 Resamplers on MacOS.

For this tutorial, we will be running resamplers on OpenUTAU for MacOS. There are several steps to this process before we can start manipulating the files. These steps include, installing Homebrew, and installing Wine. Do not worry, for this tutorial I will also be showing you how to Homebrew your Mac, and how to install the latest version for Wine. Before we get into this process, I need to clarify that it is only possible on MacOS 13.7.1 (Ventura) or later, as Homebrew has discontinued its service for any older versions of MacOS. So without further ado, let’s begin.

Section 1, "Installing Homebrew."

To install Homebrew you will need to head over to the Homebrew website.

https://brew.sh/

From here, you will want to copy the installation command, and open Terminal. If you are not familiar with Terminal, it is in your Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

In the Terminal control panel, you will want to paste the installation command into the console. It will begin running the installation.

The installation will pause and ask for your computer’s passkey. Input the passkey and the installation will continue.

If you are on Intel, after it installs the, “X code command line tools,” it may run into a fatal error when updating the Homebrew install. Do not worry, head over to, System Preferences > Security and Privacy, and scroll down until you see, "allow install--sh.” Select OK to continue.

Now it will run the rest of the install and you have successfully Homebrewed your Mac.

Section 2, "Installing Wine."

In order to install Wine, head to the WineHQ website.

https://github.com/Gcenx/macOS_Wine_builds/releases

Download Wine Staging from the Github releases page.

Drag the Wine Staging .zip to your desktop and extract.

After extracting the zip, run the Wine Staging application.

The Wine installer will run into an error since it is an external application downloaded from the internet. Head to System Preferences > Security and Privacy, and allow Wine access to run. After this, Wine will be installed to your computer.

After performing these two steps, we will then prepare the environment for the resamplers. Inside of Terminal we will want to begin a new session and run the installation for Wine Crossover.

brew tap gcenx/wine brew install --cask --no-quarantine wine-crossover

After running these two commands your environment is set!

Section 3, "How to run resamplers on MacOS."

Now that you have installed both Wine and Homebrew onto your computer, we will now begin the process for installing the resamplers into MacOS. Before we get started, I will like to clarify that for this step we will be converting the executables (.exe) into .sh files. That will be the result we want in order to run resamplers. Here is how.

1. From the OpenUTAU github release page, download the "Mac_Additional.zip." This will be the package we use to convert the resamplers into .sh files.

Mac_Additional.zip

2. Before we get started, let’s find the version of wine that you have installed.

For Intel MacOS . . .

Perform CMND+SHIFT+G, to locate the directory. Now input the following path, /usr/local/bin/. What you will be looking for is either Wine32 or Wine64. Depending on what you have will be important information for a future step. Remember this!

For Silicon MacOS . . .

Open Terminal and run the following command.

which wine

After running this prompt you will receive the location of your Wine installation. *( eg. /opt/homebrew/bin/wine ) Please copy this location as it is very important for the following steps.

3. Download the resampler of your choice, for this tutorial, I will be installing TIPS. Extract the resampler, and run OpenUTAU.

4. Drag the resampler.exe into the OpenUTAU window. It will then ask you if you want to install as a resampler or wavtool, select the resampler option since that is what we are working with today.

5. Extract the Mac_Additional.zip, by extracting it, it will generate a, “moresampler.sh,” file. Rename the file after the resampler you will be working with, *(eg. TIPS.sh ).

6. Open this file with textedit by double-clicking, or right-clicking. Select, “Open with textedit.” Now we will edit the .sh file with resampler's information.

7. Locate the, “moresampler-0.8.4/moresampler.exe” in the relative path and delete it. Replace with only the resampler name, eg. “TIPS.exe.”

For MacOS Intel . . .

In the field for, “exec /usr/local/bin/wine32on64“ replace the Wine extension with your version of Wine. This will look like, “exec /usr/local/bin/wine64,” since my computer is running Wine64.

For MacOS Silicon . . .

In the field for, “exec /usr/local/bin/wine32on64“ replace this field with the location of your wine installation. This will may like, “/opt/homebrew/bin/wine." It should look like this!

9. In OpenUTAU, to quickly access the resampler folder, select the, “help,” tag, and, "Open Logs Location." We will not be working with the logs, from here you will open the resampler folder.

10. OpenUTAU will have already generated a .sh file for TIPS.exe in this scenario. With the edited TIPS.sh on your desktop, drag and drop it in the resampler folder, and replace.

11. Return to OpenUTAU, and select, “CLASSIC,” in the resampler field, and to the right there will be a cog icon. From here you will be able to select your downloaded resamplers.

If this is your first time running the instance, Wine will be running the executable in the background for the first render. This will take awhile.

There you have it! You can repeat this process and download as many resamplers as you like.

[essektheylyss]

I might be wine drunk right now bit how chill you are with wasps even though one is bugging (hehe) you and you have been stung before just seems so good to me!! Like I donot know you but I feel proud thst you care enough about a wasp to stay kind! I always freak out cause I was stung omce and now these critters scare me but, I'm trying, and I think I wanna be able to act like you. Around wasps. Very positieve sweet post, thanks :) Just wanted to say, I like your attitude about them little yellow bugs :) (I checked for spelling errors but there might still be many, sorry)

Haha I'm glad it was appreciated! I don't know when I became really chill around critters, but I did realize recently that I have become that person who's like "Ugh it would be so much simpler to just kill this bug in my house because it's in an inconvenient place, but no, I feel morally obligated to catch it and let it outside 🙄" haha. The thing about a lot of stinging flying insects is that they generally won't sting unless they're disturbed (i.e. a bee had climbed into my jacket sleeve in an orchard, so when I put it on, it freaked out, validly—though there are some hornets that are a bit more aggressive) so I try to keep it cool and stay aware of where they are near me, and it's worked pretty well so far!

We did have to get rid of a hornet's nest recently that was next to the front door, which I did not enjoy, but there are limits to interactions. Actually, I just read A Honeybee Heart Has Five Openings and am currently reading Braiding Sweetgrass, and both of them have some applicable discussions of interacting with nonhuman life (and the first with bees in particular), so highly recommend checking one or both of those out if you're interested!

In general though I tend to let the urban wildlife do what they're doing, and don't move too quickly around them, and normally that cuts it, though I do draw the line at the squirrel that tried to steal my lunch the other week. -_-

[circle-girls-tower]

💯 one for each!

While the main application of her magic is heaving large amounts of stone and shaping it, she can control gemstones as well.

This has lead to her playing with coagulated rubies and sapphires and such like putty on the jobsite when she's nervous.

She likes Siobahn's blood some of the most out of all the Sisters, but the nature of Siobahn's office being sunshine 24/7 makes getting it an issue.

Does not like crowds, or noisy places like bars or clubs.

The winter gear is just a fashion choice, she can be just fine entirely naked in sub-freezing temperatures.

She was actually kinda skinny until she joined the Sisterhood, at which point the abundance of food and her lack of control around it caused her to balloon.

Her brain comprehends abstract and stylized designs poorly. The pictures of fruits on Siobahn's wine bottles still register as blobs of color and indistinct lines first.

Always knows which way is north.

Is one of the wealthiest sisters. It's all tied up in a system that you need a great deal of mundane financial knowledge and contract magic to even try to touch.

Siobahn calls her Maggie.

Siobahn is allowed to do that because she gives her wine.

Do not call her Maggie.

Her system has no means of processing capsaicin, so spicy food doesn't exist to her.

While she is human and Sisters do have a slightly expanded lifespan, she's got another century in her, bare minimum, as another effect of basking in growth magic constantly.

While she is aware of this, she underestimates how much she has left, pegging herself at 50 to 70 years left.

She has twin brothers!

She's an elf that is absolutely beyond rare for them

But in her designs, she often includes water erosion in her plans, so any stone fountain or decoration won't be "finished" for about 60 years once it starts running.

She can increase her muscle mass, lard mass, and other parts of her body to enhance their function, but she cannot, under any circumstance, alter her skeletal structure. Returns an error, effectively, when she tries to do so.

[kessielrg]

Installed Wine on my Linux machine, so now I can use .exe applications- which means I can use yWriter again. There are three fics I have projects for, and one even managed to have its cold open written today! For anyone who wanted more of the Knight!Ventus fic (Someone to Watch Out for You), enjoy the spoils under the read more!

(this doesn’t mean the fic is coming anytime soon- I’m just trying to organize my thoughts again)

. . .

He opened his eyes to pitch black darkness. His next instinct was to growl in contempt. He was alive. He was aware. And, above all else, he hated that he could recognize this place when it shouldn't have been possible. The young man got up from his resting spot with relative ease. He raised his arms in stretch as he mumbled to himself, "How annoying. Being brought back here..." Despite this, he did not immediately leave. Instead he turned his attention to the only building on this excuse of a world. It was not the castle he remembered, but that could easily be chalked up to whatever his master had done in the past. He had been resting for a long time, after all. Things were bound to change. But this? This was a display of power beyond just what his master had been capable of. The young man gave a smirk. He knew the other master that could have  created such a building- it would have been within her title to do so. With nothing to lose, the young man started toward the entrance to this castle of oblivion. Perhaps he'd find something interesting- something that would tell him where his other half was. There were things that needed to be done now, and finding that persistent light had to be one of them. "Do not take another step forward," a voice from behind the young man demanded. The young man gave a smirk as he turned around. "And just what are you going to do to stop me?" he asked with a good measure of smugness laced in his voice. "I've been asleep for a long, long time. I need the exercise." The man standing before him had silver hair and wore a long black coat- much like the one his master once wore. If anything, this man almost reeked with the same essence his master had. Darkness. That man before him no longer possessed a heart, and all that remained was a body of darkness that retained its will of the previous person that was once there. The young man's hands clenched. If he had to fight through this man, then so be it. There was no way he would go along with anyone so easily now that he was free from the child's heart. "I understand that you will be... difficult." the man told him. "I am also aware of why you are existing now when your previous form has long since been exhumed from this world." "Bold of you to assume I was ever 'real' to begin with." "True." the man agreed, much to the young man's surprise. "But that is not why I'm intervening with you. I've met the boy your being was tied to. I have also met another anomaly that came from his heart during that critical moment days ago. Come with me. Join in your master's vision with Organization XIII. You can shape the boy's Nobody into a creature that will allow more light to fall into the will your master wished for." The young man snorted. "No thanks. I'm not going to babysit some brat because 'my master' said so. If you're here, that means he isn't. Catch my drift, old man?" The man gave a smirk. For a moment, the young man expected a fight. "Very well." the man said instead. "Then may I propose something else entirely? I know where Ventus is. I know that you wish to seek him, as all darkness must seek light. The fight that could have once transpired between you will not beget the x-blade should you meet again- that time in fate has passed. Instead, you could... bring to light other parts of Ventus that still lay dormant. Histories of memories that could make you stronger as well. Regardless, you will need to be prepared for the next Keyblade war. Join the Organization, or find Ventus. There is no room for error, Vanitas." "Well," the young man entertained as he withdrew his Keyblade, "If those are my only options... then I guess it's time for a family reunion."

[rohan9794]

Bottle Capping Machine: The Ultimate Guide to Efficient and Secure Bottling

What is a Bottle Capping Machine?

A bottle capping machine is a mechanical device used to apply caps or lids to bottles in a precise and consistent manner. These machines are designed to handle a wide variety of cap styles including screw caps, snap caps, ROPP (Roll-On Pilfer-Proof) caps, press-on caps, and corks. They are a critical component in automated and semi-automated bottling lines, enhancing production speed and ensuring airtight sealing.

Types of Bottle Capping Machines

1. Manual Bottle Capping Machine

Best suited for small-scale operations

Low cost, easy to use

Requires manual placement and tightening of caps

2. Semi-Automatic Bottle Capping Machine

Operator places the bottle and cap manually

Machine tightens or seals the cap

Ideal for medium-sized production lines

3. Automatic Bottle Capping Machine

Fully automated bottle and cap feeding

Perfect for high-volume operations

Integrates with conveyor belts and bottle fillers

4. ROPP Capping Machine

Used for aluminum roll-on caps

Common in liquor, wine, and pharma industries

5. Snap Capping Machine

Designed for press-fit or snap-on caps

Popular in the cosmetics and food industries

6. Induction Cap Sealing Machine

Uses electromagnetic induction to heat and seal foil inside the cap

Provides tamper-proof and leak-proof sealing

Key Applications of Bottle Capping Machines

Pharmaceutical Industry

Bottling of syrups, pills, supplements

Ensures hygienic and tamper-evident seals

Food and Beverage

Capping for juices, sauces, jams, dairy, and oils

Prevents leakage and preserves freshness

Cosmetics

Sealing bottles for lotions, creams, perfumes

Requires aesthetically perfect seals

Chemical and Agrochemical

Handles acidic or corrosive liquids

Demands robust and secure sealing mechanisms

Benefits of Using a Bottle Capping Machine

Enhanced Efficiency: Cap hundreds of bottles per minute with minimal errors

Improved Product Safety: Leak-proof and tamper-resistant seals protect consumers

Consistent Sealing: Maintains brand integrity and regulatory compliance

Reduced Labor Costs: Minimizes manual handling and fatigue

Flexible Design: Works with multiple bottle shapes and cap types

Quick Changeover: Adapt quickly to different production runs

[digitalintern81]

How to Apply for France Tourist Visa from India

Planning a vacation to France—home to the Eiffel Tower, lavender fields, and charming vineyards—is an exciting experience. However, before you can indulge in croissants and café culture, Indian citizens must secure a tourist visa. If you're wondering how to apply for France tourist visa from India, this blog will guide you through every essential detail.

Understanding the France Tourist Visa

France falls under the Schengen region, which means you need a Schengen Tourist Visa to travel there for leisure purposes. This visa allows short-term stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) and is suitable for sightseeing, visiting friends/family, or attending cultural events.

Key Requirements for France Tourist Visa from India

Before initiating the application process, gather the following documents:

Passport – Valid for at least three months beyond your return date with two blank pages.

Visa Application Form – Complete and sign the Schengen visa form accurately.

Photograph – Recent passport-sized photo with white background as per visa specifications.

Travel Itinerary – Round-trip flight bookings and hotel confirmations.

Travel Insurance – Coverage of at least €30,000, valid in all Schengen countries.

Proof of Funds – Bank statements for the last 3-6 months, income tax returns, or salary slips.

Cover Letter – Explaining your travel purpose, duration, and intent to return to India.

These requirements are standard for anyone researching how to apply for France tourist visa from India.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for France Tourist Visa from India

Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa

Although you're applying for a France tourist visa, make sure your itinerary doesn't include activities that might require another visa type, like studying or business.

Step 2: Book Your Appointment

Schedule your appointment through the official visa application center. Appointments must be made prior to visiting the center, and walk-ins are not accepted.

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

Fill in all the details on the Schengen visa form online or download it and complete it manually. Double-check the information to avoid errors that may lead to delays.

Step 4: Collect Your Documents

Ensure all required documents are organized and up to date. Missing documents can result in rejection.

Step 5: Attend the Visa Appointment

Arrive on time for biometric data submission and document verification. Carry both originals and photocopies of your documents.

Step 6: Track Your Application

Use the reference number provided to track the status of your visa application online.

Step 7: Receive Your Visa

Once approved, your visa will be stamped on your passport. Make sure to check the validity and duration mentioned before booking final travel arrangements.

Tips for a Smooth Visa Application

Apply early – Start at least 4-6 weeks before your travel date.

Maintain consistency – Ensure that all details across documents match.

Have a strong cover letter – Clearly state your intent to return to India after the visit.

Keep extra copies – It’s good practice to keep photocopies of important documents.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to apply for France tourist visa from India, the process becomes a lot more manageable. Following this step-by-step approach can help you avoid delays and increase your chances of approval. Whether you're exploring the cobbled streets of Paris or sipping wine in Bordeaux, preparing the right documents and starting early will pave the way for a smooth journey.

If you're looking to simplify your travel planning, consider using a trusted visa service provider who can assist you from start to finish—right from document preparation to appointment booking.

[krownkastle]

Creative Print and Art Solutions in California

In the ever-evolving world of branding and visual storytelling, businesses in California are in constant pursuit of artistic partners who can bring their ideas to life with precision and professionalism. Among the most sought-after services are Production Art Services Los Angeles and the work of Print Design Specialists California USA. These creative disciplines have become essential to companies looking to stand out in competitive markets through print, packaging, and promotional materials that leave lasting impressions.

Why Production Art Services Matter in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a city where design meets entertainment, and every visual element counts. From product packaging for luxury brands to promotional graphics for the entertainment industry, Production Art Services Los Angeles ensure that every artwork is properly formatted, color-corrected, and ready for print or digital release. These services go beyond aesthetics, focusing on technical accuracy, industry standards, and timely delivery—especially crucial in deadline-driven industries like film, fashion, and retail.

Professionals offering production art services work behind the scenes to adjust final layouts, refine vector files, and prepare digital files that printers can use without errors. Whether it's refining typography for billboard ads or adjusting dielines for custom packaging, production artists ensure flawless execution. Their expertise often bridges the gap between a designer's concept and a printer's output.

The Role of Print Design Specialists Across California

California is home to a broad spectrum of businesses that demand high-quality print designs—from Silicon Valley tech startups to Hollywood studios and Orange County retailers. Print Design Specialists California USA play a pivotal role in creating materials that align with each brand's voice, strategy, and market. These specialists are not just graphic designers; they are experts in print mediums and understand how ink, paper, and design interact in real-world applications.

They work on projects such as business cards, brochures, product packaging, posters, retail signage, and more. Their responsibility is to craft visually compelling print designs that remain consistent across marketing channels. They know which printing techniques to apply, whether offset or digital, and they advise clients on finishes, coatings, and substrates that enhance both the look and feel of printed items.

Bridging Creativity and Technical Precision

A great print project is the result of collaborative synergy between production artists and print design specialists. In California's fast-paced creative economy, this collaboration ensures that a brand's visual messaging is both creatively engaging and technically correct. For example, a custom wine label in Napa Valley needs compelling design to attract buyers, but also must adhere to legal print specifications. That’s where the teamwork between designers and production art professionals makes a difference.

Whether it's a product launch in San Diego or a billboard campaign in Los Angeles, having access to both Production Art Services Los Angeles and Print Design Specialists California USA can elevate the success of a marketing campaign. Their combined skills help brands maintain consistency, reduce costly print errors, and accelerate time to market.

Choosing the Right Creative Partner in California

Finding a reliable and experienced creative team in California can feel overwhelming due to the number of available agencies and freelancers. However, a few key considerations can guide your decision: look for teams with a strong portfolio, technical expertise in both digital and print media, and the flexibility to handle custom requirements. The best partners will not only deliver attractive visuals but also consult with you at every stage—from design concept to final production file.

To achieve impactful design results, it’s important to collaborate with teams that understand your vision and translate it into tangible print success. Whether you need signage for a trade show or branded packaging for retail shelves, working with a full-service agency that offers both production art and print design solutions will ensure a seamless experience.

In conclusion, if you're seeking premium creative support in California, especially for visual communication, Production Art Services Los Angeles and Print Design Specialists California USA are the professionals you need to bring your brand to life. 

[esspronbreathalyzer]

Measure alcohol content accurately with advanced digital breathalyzers

When it comes to determining the alcohol strength in beverages and other samples, accuracy is crucial. Whether you’re a brewer, bartender, safety officer, or a consumer curious about the alcohol content in a drink, Esspron’s precision content analyzers provide the reliable results you need. With these advanced tools, you can confidently measure alcohol content in various liquids with ease and precision.

Esspron’s measure alcohol content analyzers are designed to offer high levels of accuracy across a range of applications. From alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and spirits to industrial liquids and lab samples, Esspron’s devices ensure precise measurements in seconds. Equipped with cutting-edge sensor technology, these analyzers detect alcohol concentration with minimal error, making them ideal for both professional and personal use.

Whether you are running a bar and need to verify the alcohol content of your stock or conducting experiments in a laboratory, Esspron’s analyzers offer the flexibility and accuracy you require. The devices are easy to operate and provide clear, instant readings, removing the guesswork and human error associated with manual methods.

Esspron’s precision content analyzers work through advanced algorithms that calculate alcohol concentration based on the sample’s specific gravity, refractive index, or distillation point. This means you can expect scientifically validated results that are in line with industry standards, whether you’re testing wine fermentation or verifying a cocktail's strength before serving.

For those in the food and beverage industry, Esspron’s analyzers help ensure compliance with health and safety regulations by guaranteeing that the alcohol levels in products are within the legal limits. In laboratories, these devices are invaluable for ensuring that alcohol concentrations in samples are accurately measured for further analysis or research.

Esspron offers models that cater to different user needs, from handheld portable versions for on-the-go testing to more sophisticated benchtop analyzers for high-precision measurement. These devices are calibrated to ensure consistent results and long-term reliability.

In conclusion, if you need a dependable way to measure alcohol content, Esspron’s precision content analyzers offer the speed, accuracy, and convenience you require. Whether you're in the food and beverage industry, conducting scientific research, or simply curious about your drink, Esspron provides the tools for precise alcohol measurement every time.

[simmyemmy]

For Linux Simmers Running TS2:LC on Steam

It's funny that right when I was getting into Linux is when the big buzz about running TS2 through Wine started going around. I was never a victim of pink soup myself but am afflicted by the intense need to play my silly little games on every system possible, and it just so happens I bought a 2017 Macbook Air to run Linux Mint on. I had seen TeaAddict's video where she used Lutris to play the game, but I wasn't able to get LC working on Lutris through Steam but since I have a Steam Deck remembered that it runs games through its own version of Wine called Proton. Observations from my experience installing it so far below:

If you go to game settings for TS2:LC in your Steam library under compatibility you can try (I used version 9.0.4) and I was able to get it to work decently on my Macbook. It doesn't run as good as on my desktop of course but I only really noticed a problem with camera controls and edge scrolling. This is without mods.

Obviously I wanted more! I craved mods! Unfortunately the way Proton works is it makes a separate file path to mimic the Windows one so I had to scour my file system to find the Documents and Program Files TS2 folders. I ended up just searching the computer to find the folders and made linked folders (kind of like shortcuts) and put them on my desktop. I've managed to get CC and CEP working.

Currently the secondary programs are a work in progress. Each game has its own little Proton set up so I can't just install the Body Shop installer .exe through Steam. I did a search and found a reddit post talking about protontricks, a program that uses proton outside of Steam, to install a second program within a primary program's profile. I managed to get the installer to work with manual install once I figured out the proton file path for my game folder.

I've not been able to get it to run yet, it ran an error saying "Direct3D returned an error: D3DERR_INVALIDCALL! The application will now terminate”. According to another reddit post I need to get the DXVK vulkan support working, this is still a work in progress. I will update with my progress but wanted to share so other people that purchased TS2 through steam can get the game running on Linux with mods.

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