#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]

[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!)

[inonibird]

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

[eff-plays]

AA wives: Astarion's asshole is the wrong color!! My self-insert would never eat his ass if that were this color. You're not letting me roleplay eating Astarion's ass even a little bit. This isn't a roleplaying game anymore it's a morality simulator. You're forcing morality into the game by making a point about only eating a certain color of ass. Also you're kinkshaming me so much. I'm an adult. I will harass you about this until you give in.

Larian, on their hands and knees wearing a dog collar: Yes ma'am right away ma'am please send us the exact hex code of the color you want it to be and we will change it posthaste

[clairedaring]

MY STAND-IN (2024) | 1.03

[caputvulpinum]

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.

[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

[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.

[thefreakandthehair]

(this is not at all based on my personal experience this week with a water main break and myself having grown up as a trailer park kid and my fiance as... not)

----

It's 2006 when Eddie and Steve buy a small little 2-bedroom house and all is going well until there's a water main break in their neighborhood. Thankfully, it's fixed quickly but there's something called a "boil water precaution" until the water company tests for bacteria, etc. The recording instructs them not to drink, consume, or really use the water much at all until they receive a follow-up with an all-clear. Steve has no idea what the fuck is happening or what that even means; meanwhile, Eddie just sighs, shoves himself off the couch, and trudges into the kitchen.

"What-- what are you doing, Ed?" Steve stares, confused, in the doorway of the kitchen. Eddie's got three big pots out, filling them with water from the tap, and sets them all to high heat on the stovetop.

"Boiling water? You heard the same automated call I did, right?" Eddie stares back at Steve, equally as confused but for different reasons.

"But, why don't I just, I dunno, go to the store and get a couple packs of water bottles? Or a big jug?"

Eddie freezes on the spot-- in all the many, many times he'd seen his folks and then Wayne boil water for him to drink, he'd never considered that as an option because it was never proposed as an option. Money was tight, boiling water was free, and that was simple math.

"I-- well, yeah. Huh. I guess, yeah, I guess we could do that." Eddie chuckles to himself, turning the burners off and feeling a slight sting of embarrassment. It's been years now, and he knows that Steve doesn't look down on him for his upbringing but reminders like this of how impoverished his childhood was compared to Steve's will always hit that tender spot in his chest.

Steve clocks the lack of eye contact, the soft voice, the hunched shoulders when he starts emptying pots over the dirty dishes they'd meant to wash but would now have to wait. He crosses the threshold of their little peach kitchen ("we are painting this room immediately, Steve") and takes the pot from Eddie's hands, pouring the rest out himself.

"Y'know, it's actually pretty cool that you know how to do shit like that. Make something from nothing, fix problems."

Eddie rolls his eyes, just a touch. "You do too, I was with you through the whole almost-apocalypse thing, remember?"

Steve huffs out of his nose. Of course he remembers that. That's how they'd ended up here in the first place, but that's not his point. Once the last of the three pots is emptied, Steve pulls Eddie into him, hugging him so tight and swaying him side to side until Eddie finally laughs.

"Y'know I love you, right?"

Eddie pushes back just enough to look at Steve with his warm eyes, salt and peppery hair starting to crop up just at his temple, and arms still wound tight around his waist.

And yeah, there are a few things Eddie Munson knows for sure: boil water if the pressure was cut off for too long, a can of beans and white rice make a damn good meal, and Steve Harrington? Well, Steve Harrington loves him.

[veil-ranger]

I was personally a bit disappointed with the cartoony feel of datv characters (and I specifically mean character models/textures, not the trailer) but guys have you seen the environment?! While it still has that DAI feel to it it's just so stunning and beautiful. Definitely a huge upgrade imo.

img source

[mel-is-genderfluid]

-Yeah....... Maybe I'm back with Crk...?

[sovonight]

why is so much of sewing just tracing and cutting and tracing again q_q i see why people get projectors and use adobe illustrator now

[werewolf-transgenderism]

it's just me and my hot pink power tools against the world