#Relevel Tests

[appsuggester]

Relevel By Unacademy app

The Relevel By Unacademy app is Starting your road to passing the exam of your dreams! The largest learning platform in India, Unacademy, is constantly working hard to improve your learning experience.

 On Relevel, job searchers may find a range of roles in their ideal company. Candidates must compete and participate in numerous rounds. Relevel conducts mock interview tests and gives best job opportunities to the candidates who passed all rounds.

However, by paying the corresponding tournament fee, you can only be permitted to participate once. Hence, Relevel is India’s first platform that democratises dream jobs for all candidates.

It creates high-quality HTML, CSS, and ReactJS code. Engage in employment interviews and choose the job that best suits you based on your interview results. Decals, fractions, and the number system. Simplification, HCF, LCM.

 Download Relevel by Unacademy App at App Advisor View

[kmaki]

Aviary Attorney Definitive Edition - Sound

Camille Saint-Saëns is the artist credited for the majority of the soundtrack, taking into account that he composed 'The Carnival of the Animals', it was a clear choice. Nonetheless, Aviary Attorney has a huge variety of music from famous composers all across the romantic era. Thirty-one tracks in total, including classics by Claude Debussy, Hector Berlioz & Georges Bizet to name a few!

Lyndon Holland was behind the arrangement and orchestration of the classical soundtrack and he did an incredible job.

To be honest, I'm not an incredible sound guy, and with the original Aviary release already sounding great there wasn't a lot for us to touch up. During testing, we found there were a few moments that had players adjusting the volume, either dialling up the quietest of birdsong or turning down the roar of a lion's theme. As a result, we've remastered the audio, carefully releveling each song on a case by case basis. Songs will still maintain their impact or delicateness but will feel more cohesive as a whole.

We've also included an all-new unlockable jukebox. Complete any ending and you'll unlock the ability to listen to any song from the soundtrack. Each of the 31 songs lists the in-game title, the original composition's title and original composer; if you find a track you enjoy you can look up the original composer's work!

[preciserestumping]

What Is House Releveling?

House Releveling is the process of lifting your home's foundation back to its original position. This fixes many problems that arise from unlevel floors, misaligned doors and windows, and other structural damage. If left untreated, these issues can worsen over time, resulting in costly and more extensive repairs. House leveling is a preventative measure that can save you money in the long run.

What Causes Unlevel Structures and the Need to Relevel A Home?

Many causes of uneven floors, sagging walls, and sticking doors and windows include intrusive tree roots, exterior plumbing leaks, and issues with the soil under your foundation. These problems can contribute to the sinking of your foundation and lead to a wide range of structural damage throughout your home, including cracks in the walls, uneven floors, and sagging ceilings. House leveling is a fast, effective, and relatively non-invasive way to repair these problems.

If your home has a slab foundation, the first step of house leveling is to perform a soil inspection. During this inspection, the soil is tested for moisture content. If the soil is too moist, it can cause the foundation to settle or crack. A professional foundation repair crew can use a pump to remove excess water from the ground around your home's foundation. They can also dig a hole to the footings and fill it with dry cement to create a stronger foundation.

When the foundation is stable, a professional team can perform underpinning of your slab foundation using either steel push piers or helical piers. These piers are drilled into the soil beneath your foundation until they reach a strong, load-bearing stratum. They are then used to lift your foundation back into place with hydraulic jacks. This method of house leveling can also be performed on block and beam foundations, though a different technique is used.

The process of leveling a house can be more involved depending on the type of foundation it has. However, the end result is always the same: a level and repaired foundation. This will prevent your house from sinking and can also fix problems like uneven floors, cracks in the walls, and sticking doors and windows.

Uneven floors and sagging walls are often the first sign that your foundation is settling. If you see these symptoms, it's important to seek professional help immediately. A professional house releveling service can repair the problem quickly and effectively. They will reposition your foundation to ensure it's uniformly stable, and they may even include crawlspace repair as part of the treatment. This can involve repairing floor and wall anchors, installing floor joists, and sealing the area with waterproof concrete to prevent recurrence of settling or cracking. This will protect your property's value and improve the comfort and safety of your family. For more information about how to level your home, contact a trusted foundation repair company in Houston. They will be happy to answer your questions. They will also be able to provide a free estimate for the work needed.

Precise Restumping & Underpinning successfully maintains a reputation for delivering quality, reliable and sound services to clients all over New South Wales, with a licensed builder that personally oversee all work.

[fundatouse]

Restoring Elegance: The Ultimate Guide to Paver Repair in Sarasota, Florida with Respectable Group

Sarasota, Florida, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant outdoor living, is home to a multitude of homes adorned with beautiful paver installations. While pavers add charm and sophistication to outdoor spaces, over time, wear and tear may necessitate professional repair services to maintain their pristine allure. Enter Respectable Group, the leading expert in Paver Repair in Sarasota, FL committed to reviving the elegance of your outdoor oasis.

The Importance of Paver Repair in Sarasota, Florida

1. Weathering and Erosion:

Florida's climate, with its intense sunlight and occasional storms, can take a toll on outdoor surfaces. Pavers, being constantly exposed, may experience erosion and fading, requiring expert repair to restore their original vibrancy.

2. Settling and Shifting:

The natural settling of the ground or the shifting caused by heavy rainfall can lead to uneven pavers. This not only affects the aesthetics but also poses a potential tripping hazard. Paver repair becomes essential to level and secure the paving surface.

3. Weed and Moss Growth:

The warm and humid climate in Sarasota provides an ideal environment for weed and moss growth between pavers. Respectable Group's Paver Repair services include thorough cleaning and removal of unwanted vegetation, ensuring a pristine appearance.

Why Choose Respectable Group for Paver Repair in Sarasota

1. Expert Assessment:

Respectable Group begins each project with a comprehensive assessment of the existing paver condition. Our experts identify areas of concern, from cracks and stains to uneven surfaces, laying the foundation for a tailored repair plan.

2. Precision Repairs:

Our skilled technicians employ cutting-edge techniques to address specific issues. From repairing cracks and replacing damaged pavers to releveling surfaces, Respectable Group ensures precise and lasting repairs that stand up to the test of time.

3. Quality Materials:

Using high-quality materials is integral to the longevity of paver repairs. Respectable Group sources top-grade materials to match existing pavers seamlessly, ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing result.

4. Enhancing Curb Appeal:

Beyond functionality, Paver Repair by Respectable Group is designed to enhance the curb appeal of your property. A well-maintained outdoor space not only elevates the aesthetics but also contributes to the overall value of your home.

The Respectable Group Advantage

1. Timely Interventions:

Timely repairs are crucial in preventing minor issues from escalating into major problems. Respectable Group prioritizes timely interventions, addressing concerns promptly to avoid extensive damage and costly repairs.

2. Customized Solutions:

Recognizing that every paver installation is unique, Respectable Group offers customized repair solutions tailored to the specific needs of your outdoor space. Whether you have a brick patio, concrete pavers, or natural stone surfaces, our team crafts resolving that align with your requirements.

3. Transparent Communication:

Communication is key throughout the repair process. Respectable Group maintains transparency, keeping clients informed at every stage. From the initial assessment to the completion of repairs, our team ensures a clear understanding of the process and timeline.

Transform Your Outdoor Spaces with Respectable Group

Are you ready to restore the allure of your paver installations in Sarasota, Florida? Trust on Respectable Group for expert Paver Repair services that go beyond mere functionality, delivering results that captivate and endure. Visit respectablegroup.com to explore our services, request a consultation, and embark on a journey to revive the elegance of your outdoor oasis. With Respectable Group, your outdoor spaces are in the hands of professionals dedicated to excellence in Paver Repair.

[stonesdirect]

Patio Stones Maintenance 101: Tips and Tricks for Long-lasting Pavers

Maintaining the allure of your outdoor space isn't just about aesthetics; it's about ensuring longevity and durability, especially when it comes to your patio stones. These sturdy pavers can withstand the test of time, but only with proper care and attention. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the intricacies of patio stones maintenance, providing you with invaluable tips and tricks to keep your outdoor haven looking pristine for years to come.

1. Choosing the Right Patio Stones: A Foundation for Longevity

Selecting the appropriate patio stones is the first step towards ensuring their longevity. Opt for high-quality materials like natural stone, concrete, or brick, as they are not only visually appealing but also robust and resistant to wear and tear. Investing in durable stones sets the stage for easy maintenance and a prolonged lifespan.

2. Regular Cleaning: Banishing Dirt and Grime

Regular cleaning is paramount to preserving the pristine appearance of your patio stones. Use a mild detergent or a specialized stone cleaner to remove dirt, stains, and algae. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the surface. A gentle scrub with a soft brush or pressure washer can effectively eliminate grime, restoring your patio stones to their former glory.

3. Seal the Deal: Protecting Your Investment

One of the secrets to long-lasting patio stones is proper sealing. Applying a high-quality sealant creates a protective barrier, guarding the surface against moisture, stains, and harsh weather conditions. Ensure to reseal your patio stones periodically, especially in high-traffic areas, to maintain their integrity and prevent deterioration.

4. Weed Control: Keeping Unwanted Greenery at Bay

Weeds can be a persistent nuisance, disrupting the seamless beauty of your patio. Regularly inspect the joints between your patio stones and remove any weeds promptly. Utilize a weed killer or natural solutions like vinegar and boiling water to prevent weed growth. By eliminating weeds, you not only enhance the aesthetics but also extend the life of your patio stones.

5. Repair and Relevel: Addressing Wear and Settling

Over time, patio stones might settle or become uneven due to various factors, such as soil erosion or heavy usage. Regularly inspect your patio for any signs of settling or damages. Address any issues promptly by lifting the affected stones, adding or removing base material as needed, and releveling them. This proactive approach prevents further damage and ensures the longevity of your outdoor oasis.

6. Enhance with Strategic Landscaping: Maximizing Appeal and Longevity

Strategic landscaping around your patio stones not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to their longevity. Consider planting ground covers or grass around the edges of your patio. These plants act as natural barriers, preventing erosion and maintaining the stability of the surrounding soil. Additionally, well-placed shrubs and trees can provide shade, reducing the impact of harsh sunlight and prolonging the life of your patio stones.

7. Seasonal Inspections and TLC: Sustaining Long-term Beauty

Regular, seasonal inspections are crucial to the long-term beauty of your patio stones. Check for signs of wear, erosion, or damage after harsh weather conditions. Perform touch-ups as needed, such as resealing, cleaning, or weed removal. By addressing minor issues promptly, you prevent them from escalating into significant problems, ensuring that your patio stones remain a source of pride for years to come.

In conclusion, maintaining your patio stones pavers involves a combination of careful selection, regular cleaning, proper sealing, weed control, timely repairs, strategic landscaping, and seasonal TLC. By embracing these expert strategies, you can enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest, confident that your patio stones will stand the test of time. Follow these guidelines, and your outdoor oasis will continue to exude enduring beauty and exceptional quality, making it a cherished retreat for you, your family, and your guests.

[ozarkthedog]

Safe Keeping Part 2

Summary: Ransom needs you to hold onto his Pinky Ring.

Pairing: Dark!Ransom Drysdale x Reader

Warnings: NonCon, Abuse of power, Manhandling, Swearing, Sexual Assault, Fingering, Light Choking, Ransom being an asshole.

(The warnings will get worse as the chapters go on.)

Word Count: 1.8+k

Author Notes: This fic is getting intense people! Other than that, I’ve enjoyed writing this little fic out. There will most definitely be a Part 3, perhaps even a Part 4, but I can’t be certain. No Beta, all fuck ups are my own.

Reblogs and Likes are amazing! Feedback and comments are encouraged!

Safe Keeping Part 1

 Smoothing your dress down, you close your eyes and count to 10. Grounding yourself helped as you tried to remember the tasks that were at hand today. Nothing too intensive thankfully; a bit of dusting, organizing Harlan’s manuscripts, and making up the beds. Distracting yourself helped, but the feeling of the ring in your cunt always made you slip up.

The nerves were wracking your body, never knowing when Ransom would show up to “check” on you. Whatever that meant. Shaking your head, you started the day, but stopped yourself from just walking away.

You tested how the ring felt inside of you. You clenched down it, walking a few feet. Sighing with relief when it didn’t move. You’d have to be cautious of how you moved around today. It still felt like it would fall out at any time, so you clenched down on it with disgust.  

Marta and Harlan had arrived back home after their trip out. Marta was pleasant as always, asking you about your weekend, and chatting about Harlan’s appointment. You both made faces at one another when you told her Ransom was here to see Harlan. She hated him as much as you did, so it was nice to be able to vent.

Marta made her way into the house to start her day as you tidied up the kitchen. After, you made your way to the dining room. The expansive dining room was covered in rich wallpaper, wood carvings and a few lavish paintings. Getting out the duster you walked around the room with a slightly different gate. You hoped no one would notice.

As you reached up to dust the light fixtures, you felt the ring move a bit. Your body caved in suddenly and you squeezed your thighs together in dismay. The action sent the ring further up your pussy. It was such a distinct sensation, as it sent a light tingle through your body. Shutting your eyes in humiliation, you gritted your teeth and brought the duster up to the fixture in haste.

By the time you were done with the dining room, your pussy was getting tired from all the clenching it had to do. Racking your brain, you wondered if you could somehow steer clear of Ransom for the day and just take the ring out. Peering out of the dining room and into the adjoining rooms, you didn’t see Ransom at all. Figuring he was in the Study with Harlan, you bound for the bathroom very much looking forward to taking that horrid ring out of you.

Heading around the corner and into the bathroom, you went to shut the door when a foot stopped it from closing. Your hands gripped the door tightly as Ransom reveled himself by pushing the door open.

“What are you doing?”

You tried to shut the door, but Ransom easily pushed the door wide open. You stumbled back, catching yourself on the sink. “Hugh, I need to use the bathroom, please leave,” staring up at him when you heard the bathroom lock click.

Your heart beat picked up, eyes scanning for a way out, you backed up as far as you could go into the small room. Ransom just leaned against the door, crossing his arms, scrutinizing you. “Do you really have to use the bathroom or were you planning on taking my ring out?” Seeing right through your stupid plan.

Mentally cursing yourself, you bit your lip out of anger. You looked at the ground, not knowing what to say. “Seems as though I got my answer, you sneaky bitch.”

Your eyes threw daggers at him, but suddenly switched to fear as he came closer. Grabbing your right arm, he slammed your body against the porcelain sink. Yelping out as the hard porcelain dug into your pelvis, he snaked a hand around to your mouth silencing you.

“Shut up.” He said as he grabbed your left hip with a harsh grip, pushing his full weight onto you. He ground your pelvis into the sink even harder making you wince and letting out another high-pitched whine.

The hand covering your mouth slipped to your throat and you instantly froze up, waiting for him to cut your air off. “Don’t make another fucking noise. I’m warning you.” He gritted out as he locked eyes with you in the mirror. You couldn’t tear your eyes away from his cold glare.

All you could muster was a pitiful head nod. He smirked at your submission as his left hand slid from your hip down to around your ass, kneading it through the flimsy material. You grimaced at his touch, feeling dirty with his paws on you.

“You’ve got such a nice ass. I bet you love to get fucked in the ass.” He ground his hardening cock against you, letting out a low hiss. You tried to pull away, but his grip on your neck tightened and he stared you down again in the mirror.

Suddenly he hooked his hand under your knee and brought it up to drape on the edge on the sink, leaving you exposed. You felt like the sink would crumble under your hands you were holding on so hard.

“Time for your inspection.” He smiled at your wickedly. You dropped your eyes to the sink below you, you couldn’t look as he molested you. Ransom thought otherwise.

“Look at me.” He demanded of you, jostling you slightly by your neck. Whimpering, you did as you were told. Meeting his eyes in the mirror, he held your gaze as he brought his warm hand to your pussy lips. He gently rubbed your cunt all over enjoying your discomfort. Grinning as he brings his hand up in front of your face, “Oh, what do we have here?” Your eyes go wide as you notice his fingers are wet with your juices.

Struggling again you groan out, “Hugh, that’s not what it looks like.” Feeling ashamed at your body’s reaction of having that god forsaking ring inside you.

“I think it’s exactly what it looks like, you Dirty Little Slut.” You cringe as he brings his fingers back to your wet pussy and slowly plays around with the tight opening. Your left leg shifts a bit out of pain at the angle your being forced in as he teases your pussy. “Let’s make sure you can be a good girl and follow directions.” He slowly slides two fingers into your cunt, stretching it out as you clench your jaw out of repulsion.

His eyes lock to yours as he finds his prize hidden away in your hot center. “There we go,” he says condescendingly. “That wasn’t too hard was it?”

Your jaw aches as you shake your head from side to side. His fingers are still deep inside your cunt, releveling in the warmth. Mustering up the courage to speak you grit out, “Well, it’s there, can I put my leg down please?”

His eyes narrow at you. He doesn’t like your tone. “No”, he declares harshly and pulls his fingers out only to push them back in roughly. Jerking up from the force you almost fall face first into the mirror but the hand around your neck yanks you back to his chest.

With your leg halfway on the sink and your body being held against Ransom, you had nowhere to go. Hands leaving the sink you grasp at his wrist for leverage. His breath at your ear now, hot and sultry. The only sound is his thick fingers forcing themselves into your channel, your slick making obscene wet sounds that slap off the tile walls.

“Let’s make this more entertaining” he says mockingly. “I’m going to get this cunt nice and wet. I want to watch you struggle to keep it in while you do your chores.” Snapping his hand up into you at a faster pace, you mewl out at the feeling.

Closing your eyes, you struggle to not give into his abuse on your pussy. His thumb swipes over your clit making you gasp and wiggle harder against his body. He groans as your ass nudges his cock, making him work your sensitive clit even harder.

Grunting out, “N-No”, you try to shake your head in his grip, but he wasn’t having it. “Be a good girl, cum on my fingers.” He says, unrelenting his pace.

You feel yourself on the edge with each swipe of his thumb and every pull of his fingers. He’s hitting your g-spot with every thrust, as the heavy ring rubs against your smooth walls sending extra unwanted sparks through your system.

Ransom tightens his grip, cutting off your air and spits harshly in your ear “Do as your told, Slut.”

Your eyes bug out, mouth opening with a silenced gasp as your body shakes violently.

Wanting the torture to end, you give in. An intense wave hits your body as you cum hard against Ransom’s hand. His hand slips lightly allowing you to gasp in air and he lets your body rest against the sink. He gives your soaked cunt a few more thrusts “For good measure” he says.  

Grasping the sink hard again, you slide your numb leg to the ground feeling it tingle as you push yourself up onto two feet. When you look up at Ransom once again in the mirror you see his hand in front of you, “Clean me up.”

You part your lips; his slick fingers slide over your tongue and to the back of your mouth making you gag slightly. He studies your face as you clean his fingers of your slick, embarrassed you cast your eyes downward. Groaning he slips his fingers from your wet mouth, clears his throat and step back letting you finally have some space.

He grunts out at you, “You’re not allowed to clean yourself up. I want to see how hard you’ll work to keep that ring in your cunt.”

You try to argue, not wanting to spend the day with your pussy covered in your slick.  

“Get back to work”, He orders before unlocking the door and shoving you back out into the hallway.

Standing in the hallway you gather yourself; you cringe at feeling your slick turning cold against your skin. Steadying yourself you go to move into the foyer, but you feel the ring slip up inside you. You stop moving out of fear and clench down trying to keep it still. It stays motionless as you take another step, making you calm down slightly, but now you’re always aware after what just happened in the bathroom.

If all the “inspections” were going to be like that, you were terrified.

You want to leave. Your nerves are fried. You wish to not be apart of this dreadful situation but you’re stuck. You have no power. All you can hope is that Ransom will get bored with this horrific game and leave you be.

Closing your eyes, you take a deep breath, mentally preparing yourself to continue you on with the tasks at hand. Swallowing down your fear, you walk carefully to the staircase and ascend the steps one by one, not taking any chances with the ring nestled up inside you.

[nuttersincorporated]

I think what bothered me most about Pacific Rim Uprising is that it had such good characters. They deserved to be in a better movie than this. I’m including the new characters in this, they all deserved better. ALL OF THEM… with the exception of Hermann who was handled well.

Be warned: spoilers ahead

Mako Mori fails the test named after her. She doesn’t have a story arc, her relevance to the plot is only through her relationship with Jake and how he reacts to her pointless death.

Besides Jake morning her in ONE scene, she is barely mourned and mostly forgotten after her death. Mako deserved better than being relegated to Man Pain™ to make Jake grow up and take responsibility.

Newt… why? Just why would they do that to him? He’s just a mind-controlled puppet now and he never brakes out of it.

Charlie Day did an amazing job with what he was given to work with but it was so little. The emotion when he releveled the truth to Hermann felt so real. I wanted him to fight it more, have him not really aware of what he was doing and then break out of it Avengers 1 style or have the kaiju/jaegers hybrids be done some other way.

What’s worse is that nobody, other than Hermann, seems to care about what’s happened to Newt. They don’t feel any remorse or wished they’d seen the signs earlier and helped him. He’s just the enemy now.

Nate Lambert deserved more than being given a stupid sort of love tringle with Jake and woman who’s name I don’t even remember. He was treated with respect by the story the rest of the time so, why this?

Jake Pentecost deserved better than only growing up as a character because his sister died. Why couldn’t he have grown up after realising that innocent people were in danger or his drift partner, Nate (who he doesn’t even try to pretend he doesn’t have at least a crush on), got hurt because he wasn’t taking things seriously.

On that note, why did Jake have to be Stacker Pentecost’s son again? Was it really a necessary plot point other than to make him sad when Mako was killed off? They didn’t actually do an awful job of making him a part of the family and explaining away why he wasn’t in the first movie but they still had to rewrite things to shove him in there.

To get Jake out of trouble at the start of the movie without him being a Pentecost, why not have Nate argue on his behalf, for old times’ sake. Mako agrees not to charge Jake on the condition that he takes up his old job and Nate has to babysit him. That would have made them both annoyed with each other and given Jake more of a reason, in his own mind at least, to act out.

Or if Jake had to be a Pentecost, they could have made him Stacker’s nephew? Mako doesn’t want the Pentecost name associated with Jake’s behaviour. So, she tries to make him grow up. Imagine him greeting Mako as, “Hey Cos! Look I know I messed up but just get me out of here and I promise you’ll never hear from me again.”

If Jake really had to be Stacker’s son, why couldn’t we have had him drift with Mako?

Again, why did Jake and Nate need a love tringle?

Amara Namani should NOT have been put in the training programme to become a jaeger pilot. Even if they did want her in the program, why make her face bullying from an older, bigger girl for getting into in so easily and then struggling to drift.

She built a working, one-person jaeger by herself out scrap AND IT WORKED! Why couldn’t Amara have been made an engineer. She’s clearly good at it and can even recognise what company specific tech comes from nothing but a quick glance. She could have still fought in one of the jaegers when the time came, Liwen did after all (remotely controlling one to save the day still counts).

Also, why did this movie act like being an engineer is a bad and embarrassing thing? They make the giant robots that the pilots fight in! FUCK ANYONE WHO THINKS THEY SHOULD LOOK DOWN ON THE ENGINEERS! I’ll come back to this point later cos it really annoyed me.

On the other hand, Amara could also have been a scientist. Let her work with Newt and Hermann. She’s interested in the biological side of things too and was super excited to dissect/dismantle the kaiju/jaeger hybrid.

Another disservice they did to both Amara AND Mako was by treating Amara like Mako’s replacement. Her backstory is almost exactly the same as Mako’s, it’s revealed about two scenes Mako’s death and in the same way as Mako’s. The only real difference is that we actually see Amara’s family die and didn’t get adopted afterwards.

If they wanted their backstories to be so similar, couldn’t they have kept Mako alive and have her bond with Amara? NOPE! THEY NEVER MEET!

Then there’s Cadet Vik… hell, were they trying to make her completely unlikeable because if so they succeeded!

This movie fails the Mako Mori test WITH Mako Mori but at least it passes the Bechdel test, right? Well yes it does pass the Bechdel test but only because it has Vik bullying someone younger and smaller than her and hating on engineer for no reason (yep, we’re back to the engineer thing).

Vik’s behaviour and antagonism towards Amara is completely unjustified. Yes, she suddenly likes Amara later for no reason but it’s too little to late. She also never gets called out on looking down on the engineers. What is her beef with them? Yes, piloting a giant robot to protect the world from monsters in a cool and important job but she wouldn’t be able to do that without the engineers who make those robots.

Finally, we have Liwen Shao. She’s set up as the fake out villain before the reveal of the ‘twist’ that Newt was behind what was happing. After the ‘reveal’ is made, yes, she hangs around and even has her heroic moments but we know next to nothing about her as a character.

She’s super rich and behind the drone project but they never explore why she started that project. Did she lose someone in the war and wanted to make sure it could never happen again? Was this just business to her?

For that matter, what are her likes and dislikes? I know that she’s a demanding boss and that she doesn’t like people speaking her language unless they speak it well and that’s it!

TL;DR Pacific Rim Uprising has a lot of good characters who deserved to be in a better movie than this.

[dancingnlancing]

What Job should I pick for Stormblood?

Oh man oh man. I've been salivating over the newly announced gauges and abilities for almost every single job. I'm super pleased with the direction they seem to be moving in, although playing the game will be imperative for a true analysis of what's to come. Since I started playing at 2.x release, I've always played my own personal holy trinity: Black Mage, Warrior and Dragoon. Needless to say, I intend on maining one of these three again. However, there is another class that I played around with and did enjoy the concept of. Summoner. The addition of dreadwyrm trance added a level of engagement I felt was sorely needed from it's somewhat primitive 50 iteration. And while I had my fun with Summoner in heavensward from time to time, I never was quite good at the rotation so I stopped playing it. But now... Now they can summon MOTHER FUCKING BAHAMUT. HOLY FUCKING MOTHER MARRY JESUS CHRIST. I joked about it a lot, actually. Seeing them implement this is... A dream. I friggin' love dragons. Like... when I was a kid, I had Dragon everything. Dragon sheets, dragon clothes, dragon toys... if you've ever taken a trip to my art gallery on Deviant Art (Dekuinthelake if you are curious), you'll see it's just oozing with draconian love. Being able to HAVE A HUGE BAHAMUT MINION is soooo enticing. Anyone agree? On the other hand, the concept and attire of Black Mage's has been something I've loved for a very long time. Heck, I even have a bumper sticker on my car that's the Black Mage sprite from FFV, and at one point I was considering getting the same branded on my skin. BLM has traditionally been lost in design choices since the beginning of Heavensward. Enocian didn't last long enough, so they changed it. At first thunder was a useless DoT. As you level some spells become totally useless and clog up space on your bar. It's just a mess of not knowing which direction to go, in my opinion. There is no telling what it will play like now from what little I've seen. Teleporting back to lay lines will be nice. It's my hope that this teleporting ability won't be chained to players and lay lines, but you'll still have the option to choose. I was so disappointed the first time I leveled black mage to 60 at the launch of HW. It just didn't feel thematically like the black mage I expected. They are elementalist death wizards-- dark, hidden. Their power saps from the very world around them. Fucking radical. I was hoping for more spells revolving around those similar themes. At 70, it seems that they are getting more time mage esque abilities, and I'm not sure if, for me, that sells the job fantasy I loved so much in older games which 14 is trying so hard to exploit. (Speaking of final fantasy 5 they totally jacked the multiple worlds plot thread entirely from that game. I mean SHEESH.) Dragoon is tricky... I love the way it plays at the moment-- very reminiscent of Feral Druids from WoW which I adore. Likewise, I also Role-Play Dragoon and really like the story behind them. The new blood of the dragon gauge has me incredibly curious for how it will actually work. What triggers it to turn red? That eye opening animation is freaking beautiful. However, I do worry there will be too many abilities and this may bog down the natural rhythm it has currently. In my opinion, the rotation feels very natural and the ability weaving makes the long global cooldowns that tend to slow down other classes far more bearable. Elusive Jump is possibly my favorite ability in the game, however, I do hope they decrease its cooldown. A confirmed downside for me is the armor set they have opening patch. I'm of the opinion that those head wings look mighty stupid. It's still better than the HW artifact set which... Asswings. Dear god I hate asswings. Shifting to a more neutral topic, Warrior seems perfectly stable with its update. The rage bar adds some much needed visual fidelity to the abilities, and four fell cleaves makes me drool. Warrior has and likely always will be my favorite tank. I'm a hot head in actuality, and the idea of a super powers axe wielding angry dude is slick-- at least to my sensibilities. I am, however, cautious to be a tank first for many reasons. First of all, I do like to use long DPS queues to get stuff done. I like multi-tasking, and I feel more relaxed to have breaks in between instances on most days. Also, I'm probably an averagely skilled player, and raiders hold tanks to incredibly high standards I rarely meet. No one has ever been mean about it really, but I'm self conscious and insecure of doing anything I'm not good at. It's hard to really speculate at this point what jobs will truly feel like to play until they release notes, and eventually the game itself. For a number of reasons in HW, I lost steam for the game after leveling black mage, hating it, then having to relevel with horrible levequests and fates to play an enjoyable class, dragoon. FF14 isn't perfect, and the somewhat bare and unpolished launch it's first expansion really highlighted some failures on the development department. That being said, they were put under a lot of pressure, given a poor budget and over worked. This time around, it seems the team has had a lot better a time, which will probably end in a more refined product and launch for Stormblood. As someone who always maxes out all the classes, it's a pretty exciting prospect to possibly discover new styles of play I like, and in general the FF14 crew seems to gradually be becoming more competent in designing an MMO. Needless to say, I'm very eager to get my hands dirty and test out everything they've created. Until launch, though, I'm perplexed by the question: What Job to play first?

[vobinhoodie]

Users and ethics

What is a user?

A user is someone that uses the product or service in question.

What are attributes?

Users can be grouped by attributes. There are many kinds of attributes out there, and too many to count. Attributes can help us create personas. There are personal attributes that exist, such as: Age, Ethnicity and Gender. But there are also other attributes that exist such as Skill Level. Developers’ and Designers’ expectations of their users skill sets/levels need to be managed.

Think: do your users have domain experience? Domain experience - e.g. if you are designing a menu for a Japanese restaurant, does your user know what obento and ramen means?

In addition, your users may have experience with your competitors’ products, this may influence their expectations of your product.

Where can we find users?

We can usually find users in the place/setting where the product is meant to be used. For example, Google Maps users can typically be found walking along the street or sitting in a parked car, those using the Hungry Jacks Shake to Win app can be found in a popular Hungry Jacks restaurant.

Why is it important for us to identify the right users?

It is important for us to identify the right users so that we know how to design our product and who to include in our user testing.

Identifying a User

•How do you know who will be using your product?

•Remember that users are: –Anybody that will be gaining value from your product, by completing a task within your product.

- From lecture slides

Feedback:

Getting feedback is humbling and helps designers improve their product. Implementing changes based on feedback helps developers ensure that their product is on track in a business and design sense.

Embrace feedback - it is your best tool.

When doing user testing and getting feedback, it is important to identify within the feedback what is signal and what is noise. Users’ feedback is not the rule. The key is to know when user feedback is useful or relevelant.

Negativity is not productive.

Both users and developers can be negative. Sometimes it is best to know what works and go from there.

Examples of types of users you may encounter during user testing:

Information overloader: - Gives too much information - You are required to filter through the information given to find relevant ones.

Control Freak: - Is overly pedantic about controls and features - Tries to run the test - May attempt to create their own questions

Devil’s advocate: - Will try to find problems wherever they can - You need to determine whether these are actually problems

How to get feedback?

Using paper protoypes, surverys, interviews, usability tests. Focus groups and log analysis (Usability engineering).

For testing leverage on social media, friends, peers, competitors and talk to all of them.

Research ethics:

Ethics in user tests? Pressures on a user: Performance anxiety, feels like an intelligence test, comparng self with other participants

If your experiment involves human participants (indirectly or directly) it must be approved by ethics board.

Boards will ask:

- Are participants identifiable or re-identifiable?

- Is some form is deception involved?

- Are participants aged less than 18 years?

- Are participants cognitively or emotionally impaired?

- Do participants belong to a cultural/minority group? Do participants consider themselves to be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people?

- Does the procedure used in the research involve any experimental manipulation or include the presentation of any stimulus other than question-asking?

- Do the questions asked include personally sensitive and/or culturally sensitive issues?

- is there a power-dependency relationship between researcher(s) and participant(s) e.g. the doctor/patient or teacher/student relationship?

- Selection of tasks and participants

- Time and location of test

- Use of participants’ personal information

- Presentation of results

- Will data be - stored in a secure location? - stored for 5 years after publication of research findings? Only accessible to the researchers?

Treat Users with respect:

Time - don’t waste it

Comfort - make the user comfortable

Informed consent - inform the user as fully as possible

Privacy - preserve the user’s privacy

Control - the user can stop at any time

Surveys

You fill many out, it is tempting to think you know how to write them.

Creating a useful and reliable survey is tricky, you have to ask the right questions but you have write concise questions and use impartial words.

Preference for multi-choice over free text as it is much easier to answer. Use multiple choice for concrete factual questions: e.g. Which kind of milk do you usually buy? - Low-fat  - Full Cream

http://www.uxforthemasses.com/online-survey-questions/  

The Likert Scale - features a range of responses, e.g. The Learning Hub is easy to use: - Strongly agree - Agree - Neither agree nor disagree - Disagree - Strongly Disagree

Survery errors

- Coverage error: Do you get to everyone using your system, - Sampling error: if you talk to a sample, some error - Non-response error: survey the correct people, but what if not all answer? - Measurement error: people don’t answer accurately.

Measurement error

- Ask factual questions people often answer themselves? Generally no problem.

- Ask questions people need to think about? The way you ask the question could influence the answer.

- Social desirability (answer so as to be viewed favourably) - Self administered - Interviewer

- Acquiescence (bend to the “view” of the question) - “Individuals are more to blame than social conditions for crime and lawlessness in this country” 60% agreed. - “Social conditions are more to blame than individuals for crime and lawlessness in this country” 57% agreed.

What is a Task?

A task is work that needs to be done.

Defining tasks:

- What are the subtasks involved?

- Where exactly would the task be performed?

- How often do you think the task would be performed?

- How long should it take on average?

More importantly...

- How is the task learned?

- How would a fresh user understand your design?

- Is it intuitive? Refer back to identifying your users and their expectations

- What else could go wrong?

Talk to your users about the tasks involved in using your product, they may suprise you with the feedback they give. 

Source: RMIT lecture notes

8:41pm - Tuesday 30th of May 2017

My notes on Week 2 of the User-Centred Design course at RMIT

[alteraeon]

The seventh annual Summer Solstice Celebration of Alter Aeon still ongoing! We decided to extend it for another weekend so everybody has a chance to finish the event quests! The summer event will now end the morning of Monday, July 8th. Here's a summary of recent coding updates we did in June: Critical skills for the thief class were rebalanced, meaning that the balancing of all six classes is now complete. Skills and spells have been spread out more evenly, and each class's abilities now require roughly the same number of practices The druidic mooncatcher skill is now fully developed and implemented. Mooncatchers can be filled and then sealed, transforming them into moondust, a spell component with unique properties. Areas can now have a geology type set. Certain minerals are more common in some geologies than others. This should help players find particular minerals more easily. Shopkeepers that randomly restock herbs will only load herbs from the sector they are located. This should help non-druids find certain herbs more easily, especially for jobs. Druid called animals can be fed by giving them preferred foods. This helps them recover from combat. They have strong preferences for certain foods, so while a black bear may eat a wide variety of foodstuffs, a moose will not eat fish, nor will a mountain lion eat fruit. Instead of tripping, called alligators now perform a "death roll" against badly wounded opponents. This attack does a high amount of damage and heals the alligator a little, but it can only be used against creatures near death that are smaller than the alligator. The thief feint skill will now lower and reset cooldown timers for flourish and crippling strike. It is now possible to directly improve the quality of crafted objects with profession points. You must know the skill necessary to craft the item to at least 90% (or excellent). The news command now displays when double exp system events are under way. Here is a list of code changes coming up in July: Sea-based boarders like crawling octopi, giant crabs and hostile merfolk will be up and going. Changes to dread portent and soulsteal to make them interact more smoothly and behave more fairly in groups. Streamlining job processes. Jobs generate a lot of lag, and the solution is to create standing lists of mobs and objects eligible for jobs that updates every day, much in the same way that fame does. Making content from the news command to be visible on the main website. Last month we opened the Valley of Sacerdotes, a level 41 autogroup zone for the plane of Crepuscula. Redferne's Floating Palace and the new Dragon Tooth research center have been finished. Everything has been releveled to level 28 and many new quests have been added to merge it all up together. Players can talk to Gimthen in Dragon Tooth to start it all. Our world builders hope to make several more quests that will aid the transition of players from Archais to the mainland. Furthermore, work has begun in earnest to build the Palace of the Dragon Emperor, which will be a multizone level 41 group 7 autogroup instance in Suboria. Large groups of high level players will be able to test their mettle against the elite soldiery of Suboria, as well as solve puzzles in the catacombs beneath the palace. Work on the palace is expected to continue into late fall or early winter. In other parts of the realm, work continues on the Nightmare Plane solo and group 4 zones, a new island for the continent of Gianasi and a new port city for the continent of Ramanek. The goal is to finish these in time for the Halloween event. Speaking of events, our next event will be for the Feast of the Sacrifice in mid-August.Stay tuned to our Youtube channel for more updates! Check out our July update here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud7-7PqXOqE

[innateprosperity]

Are Essential Oils Safe for Scars and Pain?

The essential oils market is getting as big as the cosmetic industry itself. But as the use of these products continues to grow by leaps and bounds, especially for treating scars and pain, questions about safety are definitely prone to arise. So, today’s question is: how safe are essential oils? And, are they good for treating scars and pain?

A post recently reviewed on Health Line by Bobbie Sue Whitworth, a team member of the Health Line community relevels that many people end up having issue with essential oils for failure to observe the safety measures before application.

Safety depends on several factors

As the essential oil market continues to grow, so do concerns about whether these highly concentrated plant extracts are safe for common use. Many consumers are unaware of the potential risks of using essential oils in their wellness, beauty, and cleaning routines.

Many people turn to topical oils for their skin healing or pain-relieving properties. However, if administered improperly, rash and other side effects may occur.

Read Full Article Here

This means one thing: never use essential oils without paying attention to the safety measures provided by the manufacturer.

Assuming you’ve observed all the safety measures, another question from MONQ pops up. Can essential oils really help with pain?

Essential Oils for Pain

Chronic pain is debilitating, and can quickly begin to affect all areas of an individual’s life, making it tougher to accomplish typical everyday tasks like exercising, eating healthy, or maintaining good posture. Whether you work at a desk all day, a construction site or overseas as one of our brave military members, if you suffer from chronic pain, your body will begin to wear out. The good news is that there’s a natural way to put some pep back in your step – through essential oils, which have been used for over 5,000 years.

Read Full Article Here

According to the site, only a handful of essential oils actually help to relieve pain. Examples include Lavender, Chamomile, and Sandalwood.

And what about scars, can essential oils help with these? According to Dr. Josh Axe, the founder of Dr. Axe website, essential oil can help those scars go away.

Essential oils can help to prevent scars

Essential oils can help to prevent scars by encouraging optimal skin healing or possibly help to fade scars by encouraging the regeneration of skin at a cellular level. What essential oil gets rid of scars? Whether you’re dealing with a minor scar or a keloid, these plant-derived oils are some of your best options.

Read Full Article Here

Again, stick to what matters, really. That means using only the essential oils recommended for treating scars, while – of course – sticking your nose on the safety measures.

Conclusion

As long as you follow the safety guidelines that you should when using essential oils, they should be safe to use as recommended. Always, always, always patch test to see determine how your skin reacts before full use.

Are Essential Oils Safe for Scars and Pain? is republished from: Innate Prosperity Your Health & Well being Guide

[savvywriting]

The Time of a Healer

Hey there. This is a story I wrote for my creative writing class, enjoy!

January 4th, 2017

I was used to staring at the floor by now. I seemed to be able to hide myself by memorizing the dents and scratches on the school’s tiled floor. I’d like to believe that by keeping my head down I was invisible. Of course, that’s not realistic. I’m still found. Her voice slashes my view away from the school’s shoe base. When I say “her” I refer to the vain of my existence, the one person whose words are equivalent to being stoned with rocks.

Kata.  

           She’s the bully loved by many. Kata somehow tears down my self-esteem on a schedule, but is still applauded for her stellar grades, and above beyond volunteer hours. You’d think that someone with that royal level of popularity would have something better to do than verbally shred me like an expired license. She’s always able to make a window of time for me. She’s able to because I’m me. Julia Azar. Julia whose skin under her eyes are darker than a haunted house on Halloween. Julia who’s not seen for her talents, but for her small physical abnormality pointed out by the champion of beauty at school. Julia Azar is the girl who’s under eye skin resembles a night sky without stars.

           “Do you just not sleep or something?” Kata laughs, “or are you clumsy enough to get two black eyes?” Her words move the tectonic plate layered in my brains, resulting in a violent shake of my confidence.

           Later on, my mom finds me in a fort of self-hate. The mirror in my ballerina pink room is covered with a bedsheet, and I’m reading a magazine article on painting my face with concealer. Her soft drum beat of her footsteps becomes louder, and somewhere in my mind I register it. Though, I am too engrossed in a feeling of familiar failure to react. My mom’s French manicure grabs the teen-beauty-heartthrob-collage of words from me. I’d say my reaction of teenage annoyance is valid.

            My mom is always the person who I come to, and she still manages her composure. She’s always so strong for other people, therefore my hero. Yes, my mom is my hero.

           Her eyes bounce to the magazine article, the concealer in my hand, and then to me. Only now there’s something new sparkling in her eyes, and I can’t decide if I like it or not.

           “We need to discuss something” her eyes announce with the words dancing in her exhale of breath. I don’t think I like this new gaze.

           My mom sits me down and over the next hour I realize that my family is either certifiably insane, or thinks I’m very gullible. My mother says that according to my genetics my dark under eye circles makes me some kind of ancient healer. This type of healer tends to injuries and emotional damage of those hurt in selfless acts. If this was true, I’d basically be a mythical badass. Sadly, I think my mother is doing some weird analogy to make me feel better; deeper truth to trigger confidence. Throughout my mother explaining my glorifying Lebanese heritage she sees my expression of continuing disbelief.

           Finally, she sighs out “I understand you think I’m lying to you,” I let out an eye roll, “but you’ll see the truth tomorrow.” I’m then wrapped in a comforting awkwardly positioned hug. I’m separated from the loving embrace as my mom lightly walks out of my room, closing the door behind her.

           Hours later, I’m staring at my ceiling. It’s funny how at school I look down, but I end the day looking up. With my tranquilizing floral duvet neatly creased around me, my pillow opens my dreams.

           I feel the light on my eyelids before they open. I feel the hot sun resting on my skin. I feel the warmth dancing through my bones. I do my typical morning routine of procrastinating through thoughts to opening my eyes. As I think I realize that my room is always cold in the morning. Anxious curiosity tears my vision open.

Horror seeps around me as I realize this is not my room.

I’m covered in a light cotton sheet, now sitting up on an oak bed. As my vision focuses I see that the room I’m in is covered in patterned curtain like fabrics. If I wasn’t horrified, I’d probably recognize the beauty of the room. However, I am terrified. Suddenly over aware of every one of my senses, hear feel a gush of wind and the quiet sound of someone walking in through the curtain.

“Hi Julia” a soft yet confident voice says as I sharply whip my head around. It’s a young woman speaking, she can’t be older than nineteen. Her stained oak hued hair goes to her shoulders of the small frame. A stormy sky gray contrasting silk and linen dress covers her lightly tanned body. What I notice most is her face. What I notice immediately is that under her dazzlingly shaped hazel eyes are darkly tinted skin. That’s a first to see, I think. Despite her peculiarity of a facial feature, she is absolutely beautiful.

“I’m assuming you’re confused” she smiles. I slowly nod my head, unable to have the paralyzing intimated thoughts roll off my tongue.

“I’m Beth,” she begins “I know your mother told you the story of your eyes last night. I don’t blame you for not believing her, it sounds like a prank a first.” No kidding. “I can tell you’re putting the piecing in your head together right now” Beth kindly humors, “Your mother told you the truth. You’re a healer, you have abilities to make the world a stronger and loving place. You can heal the heroes, you’re a true gift.”

“I’m really overwhelmed” I’m able to admit. I can admit it, because despite the insanity of the situation I feel so right­.

“I’ll tell you what’s going on, and then you ask away,” Beth sits on the bed I’ve unknowingly occupied “although I doubt you’ll have any questions. Our girls rarely do.”

She speaks swiftly yet comfortingly now. “You’re currently here with eleven other girls, two mentors, and I –the guide. We’re all bound together by our spirit, physically shown through our under eyes. Outside this structured tent is a hidden dessert. We’re invisible to the outside world and provided with everything we need. Despite the climate surrounding us, you’ll never be too hot, or too cold for that matter. Starting today, you’ll be learning how to capture your gifts and control them to heal our patients. When you’re training here is complete, you can choose to go home or travel where needed as an official healer. Training usually lasts eight days. Any questions now?”

Despite the confusion that an outsider may acknowledge, I have no questions. It’s almost is I’ve always known this, and I just got a refresher.

So I shake my head, feeling my lips tug up while doing so. Beth back beams at me.

I’m then given a small tour of the site and introduced to the rest of the group. After I’m given an identical outfit to Beth and all the others, the training begins.

The training hasn’t been brutal. In many narratives, the protagonist will talk about how much harder the training is than they would ever expect. At first I was mildly concerned that I would be put in a situation that I couldn’t handle, but that didn’t happen. I’ve been here for six days now, and so far everything has come naturally to me. Every tradition and ritual has easily floated through me, empowering me. For the first time in so long, I’m not thinking about my appearance. Instead I’m thinking about who I am on the inside, and how I have a purpose.

I actually feel beautiful, which is why I’m making the decision to continue my work as a healer.

I’m now sitting with Beth and the two mentors, Roan and Maxine. Around me are curtains similar to the ones in the tent I woke up in. Fascinating patterns that leave me curious are blowing towards me by the presence of the wind. Everything feels so right.

“Today we’ll be discussing your test, should you pass the journey of healing may begin” Maxine addresses. Maxine had the darkest shade of red hair, and always sported a new henna tattoo every day. Roan had long wavy sandy blonde hair running down her back, and had her always had her nails painted. The nail polish reminds me of my mom back at home. I’ve noticed that I’m seeing people for more than just their under eyes. I see so much more in people, which I pride.

“This will test your ability to heal both mind and body, and use will power in your emotions” Maxine finishes.

“There are some girls who are unable to complete this test, it is extremely difficult” Roan warns.”

“I’ll do my best,” I smile through my anxiety.

“Julia your test is to heal the spirit of Kata Anderson,” Maxine’s voice cuts through my newly found confidence. I’m gazed at with empathy by the three women in the room.

“Julia, your final test is to be selfless to someone who has been selfish” Beth informs me calmly.

“She’s the reason I hated my appearance a week ago” I find myself whispering, horrified.

“She has been horrible to you, we know” Roan tells me softly, “but the true value of a healer is being able to help anyone and everyone.”

“Julia, she has problem which will be releveled.” Beth says quietly as she lightly squeezes my shaking hand, “if you help her you will become a healer.”

I take deep breath full of knowledge and nod my head, feeling insecurity resurface.

 I’m sitting on a bench in a park. I think it’s kind of funny, because so many event happen at parks in stories. A first kiss, a heart to heart, friends making up, slow walks, playgrounds… it just keeps going. This however is none of that. What’s about to happen is not the Disney land fireworks of a first kiss, or romantic comedy where you run into an old love. This is going to be a forced interaction of misery. I don’t even know why I’m here, but I’m here. I’m here sitting on a wooden bench breathing the crisp Sunday morning air, and I’m waiting.

Time ticks and steadily continues, and so does the waiting. I’m watching a toddler playing with her mother. She’s dressed in an outfit she obviously picked out herself, and can’t be more than three. Her father is pushing her on the swing, calling her beautiful princess, while her mother takes pictures with her phone. The little girl’s giggles and squeals surround my mind, reminding me of my family dinners. The dinners filled with laughter and horrible puns about food, the rare time when I don’t think about my appearance.

I’m still contently watching the family dynamic when my eyes focus in on Kata sitting on a similar bench watching the scene too. Only while I have a small smile on my lips, she has small tears on her cheek. Kata’s face is blotchy like kid’s painting experimenting with reds. Small dots of mascara dot under her lower eyelashes, and her blonde hair is limply falling past her back. For the first time ever, she doesn’t look like the arrogant yet loveable perfect student. She’s not on her perfect stand, instead Kata’s on a bench crying.

The hardest part is forcing myself to stand up. My bones are trying to glue me to the wood, and my brain is screaming “DANGER”. Somehow though, once I start walking it becomes easier. The same feeling that happens when I’m in the secluded desert while I’m healing overcomes. Before I know it, I’m sitting on the bench with her.

Kata looks at me, and for a half second looks as if she’ll throw an insult at my face, but she doesn’t. Instead she speaks in small curiously quivering voice.

“Where were you last week?”

I wasn’t expecting that. Why would the sun of the solar system notice a small ring around Saturn?

“I was visiting somewhere I might be moving to soon” I half-truth.

           Kata’s eyes grow as big as the Grinch’s heart.

           “You’re moving?” she asks, shocked.

           “Well yeah, I mean maybe.” My mind is swimming in more confusing waters now.

           “But if you move… what will I do?” her voice is in a whisper, more to herself than me.

           Here it is, what might help me pass my test and be rid of her forever, “What’s going on?”

           I expect her to darkly laugh or roll her eyes. Instead she looks over at the playground family, who are now beginning to walk away. The girl on her father’s back and the mother throwing her head back in laughter off of something that was said.

           “I’ve never had something like that before,” gesturing towards them “my mom still has to approve my outfits.”

           “Why?” I ask, my voice now expressing my confusion.

           “Appearance is everything, my family lives by that. My appearance never seems to match up though.”

           “But Kata, I mean… you’re perfect.”

           Now she lets out a dark laugh, but it’s quieter than expected. Honestly the laugh resembles an ironic chuckle. Kata doesn’t respond to that verbally, instead shaking her head once while a few salty tears make their way down her face.

           My shock is wearing off and I’m able to say something that has more than a ‘W’ word.

           “I think you’re beautiful,” I start off softly as she continues looking at the playground, “I mean everyone does… If anything I’ve envied you for years.”

           Kata’s head stays bowed but she whispers “That was the point.”

           “Wait-what?” I find myself saying out loud instead of in my head.

           “I wanted someone to be jealous of me, to think that highly of me,” Kata looks at me before she continues, “You were shy and seemed insecure, I thought a jab or two might boost my confidence. And well- it did. The way you’d look at me like I was above you, it made me feel beautiful when nothing else did. I guess I got a little carried away, and before I knew it middle school and most of high school had gone by. It went by so fast, too fast.”

           I don’t know what I feel, let alone what to respond. Is this real?

           “God,” Kata throws her head back in a groan, “I don’t even know why I’m telling you this! We’ve never even had an actual conversation.”

           Right then and there I’m hit with an odd type of energy, like I know exactly what to say. So I say it. “I’ve recently made some new friends who’ve helped me realize that life has so much more to offer than looks. When I surround myself with people like that, I feel unstoppable.” I say honestly. “And you have so much more than your looks. Maybe that what your family thinks comes first, but it’s not. The teacher’s like you because you’re a good student and volunteer a lot, other kids like you because your funny and just likeable. I mean even after the stuff you’ve said to me, I can’t help but like you,” I chuckle, “pretty weird.”

           Kata then lets out a laugh, the same genuine one you can hear from across the cafeteria.

“People really think that?”

           “I wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true” I laugh back, “it’s not like I owe you anything.”

           Then Kata looks at me, not in the judgmental eye glance way. In a humanizing big eyed childlike way.

           “I never thought you were ugly, to be honest I didn’t think about you in a physical appearance way at all. Just a selfish intention on my part.” She admits.

           My ears ring at those words. “Just remember that there’s a lot about you other than you’re looks, and you’ll be just fine.”

           Kata smiles at me,

           I smile back.

  It’s not until later that I realize that I had done my job, I healed. I didn’t even notice I was doing healing either, it all just happened. I know I can go back to my mom, back to school, back to Kata, and things would be different. Now though, that’s just not my home. My home is where my gifts are needed, and there’s nothing left for me in a building for eight hours a day. As I’ve told my mentors, it’s time for me to move on.

           I’m ready to start my new voyage through the waters of change.

[dynemech]

(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upwHhQWi2uo)

Low Natural Frequency DIT-AM Series AntiVibration Table

Dynemech started its journey in the year 2000 with a goal to provide cost effective vibration isolation technology and anti-vibration machinery mounting solutions to Indian industries for Precision Machine Tools/Metrology Equipments. Dynemech has designed a number of Anti-Vibration Solutions to achieve vibration and shock isolation over a wider frequency range with lower transmissibility and optimal machine performance.

Continuing with the same aim, Dynemech this year introduces low frequency anti vibration table series DIT-AM designed and manufactured indigenously. DIT-AM Series AntiVibration Table launched in IMTEX 2017 (STALL NO. B-106 HALL NO.3C)  damps most of the incoming vibrations above 6 Hz. Quality and performance  are at par with imported Vibration Isolation Tables but prices compatible to Indian market, thus making in more accessible to our manufacturer's and research institutions.  

The top platform and equipment are supported by four or six membrane air springs depending upon the size of table and the load it has to support. Three point leveling system ensures stable and quick leveling of the tabletop platform. It has two chambers - load and the damping chamber. A thin diaphragm lifts the load upon charging the air spring. The damping can be controlled using external valve to some extent. A back pressure relief valve releases excess air from the system. The levelling during setup is done using Screw Support DLM mounts under each leg. DLM mounts are assembled with a special designed insulation plates  DP1 or DP3 which damps higher frequency incoming vibrations. The self levelling is done by plunger, piston mechanism. The top platform self levels  itself to the  repeatability of  + 0.15mm for any load changes on the surface. The top granite plate has grade 0 flatness accuracy. It is suitable for trouble free usage of all Metrology, Optical and Precision Measuring and Testing Equipments like Profile Projectors, Microscopes, hardness testers, roundness testers, Gear profile testers, surface roughness measuring machine, Contour Testing Machine, Surface Plates even in high vibration zones like shop floors itself for in process measurements.

Salient Features.

1. DIT-AM Series of AV Table provides  stable operating conditions for high precision measuring instruments.

2. It incorporates high performance vibration isolation. Lowers Natural Frequency in the range of 2.5 to 3 Hz. It damps most of the incoming vibrations and ensures smooth working of all precision equipments even in the high vibration area.

2. Top surface plate levels itself to the repeatability of + 0.15mm for any load changes on top of the granite surface plate to ensure immediate relevelling. Continuous air supply of up to 6 bar is required.

3. Three point leveling system ensures stable , quick leveling of the table top with vibration cancellation

4. Damping can be adjusted using an external valve.

5. The leveling during setup is done using Screw Support DLM mounts under each leg which also damps most of the high frequency incoming vibrations. Ensures dual vibration damping

6. The top surface plate has grade 0 flatness accuracy ideal for Quality Control Laboratories.

7. Back pressure relief valve releases excess air from the system.

8. Suitable for Metrology equipments, Optical equipments, Microscopes,Balances and all types of precision measuring and testing equipments

 For more details contact :

Dynemech Systems Pvt. Ltd.

sales@dynemech.com

Contact: +91-9810760131,+91-9911145131