#Buying and Installation:

[vorbisx]

Replacing physical buttons and controls with touchscreens also means removing accessibility features. Physical buttons can be textured or have Braille and can be located by touch and don't need to be pressed with a bare finger. Touchscreens usually require precise taps and hand-eye coordination for the same task.

Many point-of-sale machines now are essentially just a smartphone with a card reader attached and the interface. The control layout can change at a moment's notice and there are no physical boundaries between buttons. With a keypad-style machine, the buttons are always in the same place and can be located by touch, especially since the middle button has a raised ridge on it.

Buttons can also be located by touch without activating them, which enables a "locate then press" style of interaction which is not possible on touchscreens, where even light touches will register as presses and the buttons must be located visually rather than by touch.

When elevator or door controls are replaced by touch screens, will existing accessibility features be preserved, or will some people no longer be able to use those controls?

Who is allowed to control the physical world, and who is making that decision?

[floccinaucinihilipilificationa]

[inonibird]

Why, I got lost at C̶̥̆ö̵̯́ṅ̸̬v̸̯̌e̴̲͘r̵͙̐g̶̑͜e̵̘͊n̵͐͜c̸̨̀è̶̡ ̷̟͊S̴͎̓t̵͎͂a̴̠͊t̵̟͝i̷͙̐o̴̖̓n̷͕̂, how are you?

[finiel]

here's what i think hera would look like if goddard futuristics had designed a visual representation of her, like a vocaloid :3

(edit: view my design notes here!)

[ra-vio]

this blog is 11 years old now 🎉

I drew the siblings ever to celebrate as usual

[clairedaring]

MY STAND-IN (2024) | 1.03

[asexualbookbird]

25 in 2025

Sigh. I've been bullied. I guess. I did a big swing and a miss on last years list, but I have a Plan this time. A Theme. A Goal. This will be mostly comprised of my Illumicrate books so I can decide if it is in fact worth it to keep my subscription going until the Alecto edition gets announced. If I don't actually enjoy the majority of the books in these boxes then what's the point, yknow?

So here's this years color key:

Green - Carry over from last year (not carrying over every missed book, which probably means I should just get rid of them huh)

Purple - Illumicrate books

Blue - I own these in physical form, but they're not from Illumicrate

Labyrinth's Heart by MA Carrick

The Faithless by CL Clark

The Art of Prophecy by Wesley Chu

The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri

City of Bones by Martha Wells

Witch King by Martha Wells

After the Forest by Kell Woods

Voyage of the Damned by Frances White

Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen

The Phoenix Keeper by SA Maclean

A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft

Until We Shatter by Kate Dylan

Mistress of Lies by KM Enright

Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto

A Sorceress Comes to Call by T Kingfisher

The Bone Shard War by Andrea Stewart

The Last Hour Between Worlds by Melissa Caruso

The Spare Man by Mary Robinette Kowal

He Who Drowned the World by Shelley Parker Chan

All Those Explosions Were Someone Else's Fault by James Alan Gardner

The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne

In the Ravenous Dark by AM Strickland

A Conjuring of Light by VE Schwab

PHEW. Okay. A fw things to note. A Dark and Drowning Tide is an Illumicrate book, but I didn't pay for it. A friend gave it to me after I skipped that month because she wasn't interested. I always look up book spoilers and skip if I'm not interested and if I'm uninterested in any of the stuff I'll skip even if the book seems neat. That month the box was full of fandoms I didn't care about, so my friends said "here, take my copy" and I said "yay! Free book!"

The Last Hour Between Worlds I think was also an Illumicrate book? They do fanart for it so I assume it was at some point. I did not get it. This is not the IC edition. I was not thrilled about The Tethered Mage so I was going to get this out of the library. Then my mom bought it for me for the holidays. So yay! Free book!

I think I would also like to keep track of books I purchase this year. I'd like to cut down on buying books that I won't love. So I'd like to utilise my library more. Win win, I think! And that seems easier than a full out ban since yeah sometimes I do enjoy little treats! Books purchased for other people do not count, obviously.

There are also some books I'd like to reread this year, mainly The Bone Maker because I've been saying that since I read it the first time. And honestly, I've been chasing the same vibes and haven't been able to match it (Godkiller got close!).

As usual, I reserve the right to pretend this post doesn't exist, but I think I've set myself up for success here :)

I don't know who hasn't done this by now @logarithmicpanda ? Have you?? Consider yourself tagged >:3c

oh right I was bullied tagged by @bigcats-birds-and-books

[veronavillequiltingbee]

Anyway, popping out of retirement to say that I will try to update MM Lighting Mod and Cinema Secrets to the Legacy Collection folder structure.

Give me some time (unless someone beats me to it)

[flagellant]

The more I think about Wildmender the more I grow invested in it. It's a fascinating interpretation of terra nil and solarpunk since so often the genre is fundamentally rooted in settler-colonialist philosophy, and even games which are intended to be the opposite of that--terra nil comes to mind as the obvious one--just end up actually revealing a different side of the factorio problem, because terra nil is an incredible impersonal restoration of ecological systems. Terra Nil acknowledges climate destruction on a global catastrophic scale and it accepts the responsibility to fix that, but it isn't shown as a human act, nor does it really allow itself the realism of just how terrifyingly impossible the task is to try and literally fix the entire world. Its game structure is supposed to be the anti-factorio but its puzzle structures focusing on efficiency and robotic engineering patterns of rewilding end up feeling more like a dialogue than an inversion. It's trying to say that the idea of humanity as fundamentally destructive is wrong while it doesn't actually ever address the human element.

And then there's fucking Wildmender. A game where you are a single human child in a world of endless wasteland and death, where the only other things are ghosts who remember a halcyon era and the hubris that ended it, wraiths which are consumed by their own greed and destruction of the land for their cursed immortality, and a couple god statues. The entire map is just ceaseless grief, filled with the literal dessicated remains of all the biodiversity that came before the countless disasters. And it's a big fucking map.

And then...the game gives you a shovel and a sickle and a mirror that shows the wraiths what twisted reflections they've become.

And the game says, "The entire world is waiting to be better, and the only way to do that is by doing it yourself, long and hard and hopeless as it seems."

I cannot emphasize enough how overwhelming the task you're handed. There is not a single speck of life left in the world. You are given a shovel and a water bottle and just...expected to do something about it. To look at the literal endless wastes and think you can heal it.

This is what Wildmender cherishes that Terra Nil denies: This is an impossible task for you alone. But it has to be done...and you can actually do it. The way you can turn sand into soil and dig irrigation channels is beautiful. Every single scrap of land that you reclaim is something you had to do on purpose. You had to do it yourself. You had to actively choose how to do it.

And the game makes the reward of even just getting a bit more water into the sand feel like victory. Your starting oasis turns from soil into lush and beautiful meadows--sure, technically instantaneously by doing magic on a specific type of plant. But it took me 4-5 hours before I got there. You have to travel so far into the desert to learn how to grow grass again, and then you realize that this endless hostile wasteland is a fraction of the map you're given. And you look at this sudden profusion of meadowy grassland surrounding your spring and despite how sudden it feels you remember how big the world is. You made more progress in a minute than you did in 5 hours and it's not even a speck on the map. How the fuck is this gonna happen?

And the answer is by accepting that it's going to take a long fucking time and a lot of hard work.

That's how it's gonna happen. Get to work.

[smart-heating-hub-ltd]

Best Combi Boiler Prices: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

Choosing the right combination (combi) boiler for your home can significantly impact your heating efficiency and overall comfort. With numerous options available in the market, understanding the best combi boiler prices and what you get for your investment is crucial. At Smart Heating Hub Ltd, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Combi Boiler?

A combi boiler is an all-in-one heating solution that provides both hot water and central heating directly from the boiler. Unlike traditional boilers, combi boilers do not require a separate hot water cylinder or cold water storage tank, making them ideal for homes with limited space.

Factors Affecting Combi Boiler Prices

Several factors influence the cost of a combi boiler, including:

Brand and Model: Reputable brands with advanced features typically cost more.

Boiler Size and Output: Higher output boilers are more expensive but necessary for larger homes.

Energy Efficiency: Boilers with higher efficiency ratings may have a higher upfront cost but save money in the long run.

Technology and Features: Smart controls, quiet operation, and advanced safety features can add to the price.

Installation Costs: The complexity of the installation and the installer’s rates can significantly impact the total cost.

Average Combi Boiler Prices in 2024

Here's a breakdown of the average prices for some of the top combi boiler brands in 2024:

1. Vaillant Combi Boilers

Price Range: £900 - £1,600

Popular Models: Vaillant ecoTEC Plus, ecoFIT Pure

Key Features: High efficiency, smart thermostat compatibility, Quiet Mark accreditation

2. Worcester Bosch Combi Boilers

Price Range: £1,000 - £2,200

Popular Models: Greenstar i, Greenstar CDi Compact

Key Features: Award-winning customer service, high energy efficiency, easy-to-use controls

3. Ideal Combi Boilers

Price Range: £700 - £1,400

Popular Models: Ideal Logic+, Ideal Vogue

Key Features: Compact design, high efficiency, long warranty periods

4. Baxi Combi Boilers

Price Range: £650 - £1,500

Popular Models: Baxi 800, Baxi Duo-tec

Key Features: Robust construction, easy installation, excellent customer support

5. Navien Combi Boilers

Price Range: £1,000 - £1,800

Popular Models: Navien NCB-E, Navien NCB-H

Key Features: High efficiency, advanced condensing technology, smart control systems

Installation Costs

Installation costs can vary widely depending on factors such as:

Location: Prices may be higher in urban areas.

Complexity: Replacing an old boiler with a new combi boiler can be straightforward, but additional work (e.g., updating pipework) can increase costs.

Installer Rates: Choose certified and experienced installers to ensure quality work.

On average, installation costs for a combi boiler range from £500 to £1,500. It's advisable to get multiple quotes and ensure the installer is Gas Safe registered.

Tips for Getting the Best Combi Boiler Prices

Shop Around: Compare prices from different suppliers and manufacturers.

Check for Deals and Discounts: Look out for seasonal promotions, trade-in deals, and manufacturer discounts.

Consider Long-term Savings: While high-efficiency boilers might have a higher upfront cost, they can save you money on energy bills over time.

Consult with Experts: Get professional advice to choose the right boiler size and model for your home.

Conclusion

Investing in a new combi boiler is a significant decision that can improve your home's heating efficiency and comfort. By understanding the factors that influence combi boiler prices and comparing the best options available, you can make an informed choice that fits your budget and needs.

At Smart Heating Hub Ltd, we are committed to helping you find the perfect heating solution. For personalized advice and professional installation services, contact us today. Let us guide you to the best combi boiler for your home in 2024.

[tedwardremus]

The final Harry Potter book should have ended with the International Confederation of Wizards coming to Britain and setting up criminal trails for not just death eaters but ministry employees

[hoshinop]

悪の嫁入 arts ☆ - by ★のP！

(My AU that I created when I was bored)

・ 災害子フカセ - Saigaiko Fukase　　　・ 鏡王レンネ - Kagamiou Lenne

"Fuck you" "I love you too, darling☆"

Silly sketches (and the manga thing again) ☆

this AU is something I'd create in TikTok because I was writing a song (that I guess I'll never be posting since I can't really use their voicebanks (if you understand me)). If you guys want, I can post more about this AU!

I absolutely love this one.

it is the "cover art", by the way

As I said, cover art. (this is an app to hear downloaded audios, you can't find it anywhere)

[mxxnlightwriting]

So... because I finished going over my editor notes for my upcoming release, I've decided to give myself an early Christmas present and that means I bought Stardew Valley after thinking about doing it for the past 4 years.

Now... should I play it or should I continue working on getting this blog organised? I won't write today because I've been feeling pretty miserable with my writing (I'm just tired, that's why) so I plan on having a relaxing evening!

[andrevasims]

Is Anadius a "credible source?"

Genuinely I mean, I only know Anadius makes TS3 re-packs which doesn't inherently create a sense of authority.