#Slim Signage

[brood-mother]

I work in a plus size clothing shop and my new fave hobby is playing dumb when skinny people come in and ask if we have x item in "umm...normal sizes". Normal? Of course. We have it in 14-40, you're like a 16, 18 right? Oh a size 12...um no, we don't cater to your size, sorry........

[screenageblog]

Best Super Slim Digital Signage Screen

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[what-the-flux]

At long last, I can post the finished art! I had been sitting on it for some weeks, waiting for the inspiration to hit to write a short piece to accompany it. Definitely recommend full viewing.

oOo ----------------------------------------------------- oOo

Glittering motes of dust hung suspended in waning late afternoon light shining through the skylights. The upper levels of the City-Beneath-The-Cube were lighter and airier than outsiders realized, but the walls, planters and walkways of planed and etched stone that went down many stories made the whole of the place feel like some kind of precision-wrought canyon dotted with workshops, passages and arcades where the locals and laborers bustled.

(continued under the cut)

Lorr still knew this place well, despite the many years separating his former life and younger self from his current one. It hadn’t changed much, the smells and the noise were the same but he noted that there were new, more effective safety railings in the Public Commons and that the local favorite dive, Pi’s had updated their signage (finally).

The bounty hunter rubbed a hand across his face, closing his eyes momentarily as he let his ears take over, picking up all the sounds surrounding him. He would need to move further away from the Commons to better filter the urban background static. Lorr had just sent out his hawk Deputy to scope out the area in case they got lucky and found their mark momentarily out in the open. Both he and Deputy were already familiar with her, so that wouldn’t be difficult. Problem was, it also meant she’d immediately recognize the hawk for who he was and what it meant as well. A part of Lorr secretly hoped she’d get tipped off early.

Why did I agree to this? It wasn’t the money, not this time. Am I trying to make a point? She nearly got us killed and then ran for it. But I know her. Knew her. I can’t just erase all this history just because of one incident, one indiscretion can I? Maybe this is how I have to get through to her.

He sighed inwardly and braced against his spear as he rose from a crouch, the movement preternaturally smooth and deliberate, like a predatory animal. He looked down from his high vantage as he faced the section of the Undercube that was known to the denizens as the Plexus. It was a network of tunnels, access ‘ports, antechambers, quarries and dwellings that confounded natural senses of direction. Less public-facing, much more closed in and easier to hide. Or lose a pursuer.

The slim asura made his way down the ledge he was using to survey, walking along a catwalk only just wide enough to admit a mid-sized labor golem at most. His ears twitched and he sniffed, feeling the minute air currents of a service tunnel cleverly tucked behind a cleft in the worked stone. Still not certain this was were his mark had proceeded but knowing it would get him into the center of the Plexus quicker, he decided to go for it anyway. Forced to stow his spear in such close quarters, he kept a hand on his dagger as he stalked forward into the passage, the inside only dimly lit by a track of dim yellow quartz-lights along the floor.

Infrared imaging on his monocle made it easy for him to get an idea of the topography of the inner workings of the maze of service tunnels he found himself in, but he was careful to not rely on it solely. He stopped every so often, using his eyes and ears but also a generous amount of intuition to pick the correct course. Chambers became somewhat larger and more spacious as he passed golem foundries, making his way steadily downward. He was becoming more aware that he knew where he was going, it was like retracing steps from his childhood back to the colorful yet rundown living warrens and slums that he grew up in.

She wouldn’t go all the way back there, would she? Lorr was starting to think it wasn’t just him that was trying to make some kind of point.

The smells and noise were subtly changing and it wasn’t long before he found himself in the center of the Plexus. Part bazaar, part manufactory, it acted as the working class nerve center and was a riot of activity, industrial clamor and smells.

He was certain of where he was going now. He didn’t know why exactly she came all the way down here where they had all met in the early days before the nonsense with the Whispers and fighting dragons happened, but he was determined to find where this chase ended. He’d get answers, and if it meant having to fail his mission and come back to his current boss empty handed, then so be it.

[00127am]

SETLIST FOUR : give it up for viva la vida nine!

@ shangri-la as the lead singer of viva la vida nine, you have little interest in anything other than your band and stealing the attention of the crowd from any other competitors. until you watch rival lead singer of pantera, nakamoto yuta, preform. cocky, charismatic, cavalier nakamoto yuta. the same nakamoto yuta who you cannot stand (him and the way he makes your knees feel weak). after that, you're much more interested in stealing his attention (though you'd rather die than admit it).

THURSDAY, AMP 08:00PM

Ten nudges your shoulder, a cheshire grin plastered against his lips as he signs hello to you, tilting his head to get a better look at the scowl on your face. The delight he takes in his constant teasing is nearly palpable, visible in the soft squint of his eyes and the lopsided quirk of his dimples. His hair falls over his eyes in thin strands, blonde bangs long enough to skim the bridge of his nose. His roots are growing in, dark brown hair burning at his scalp and slipping underneath the brighter blonde that frames his face with a doting curve. Blue colored contacts blink back at you but they do little to mask the teasing lit in his eyes. 

“You really kicking me out?” His voice is still muffled, even with his cherry lips pressed up against your ear (sure to leave a vivid mark of his lipstick) and you find yourself biting back the hint of a smile. He can sense it too and you feel his lips curve into a broader smile, hot breath sticking to the curves of your ear and forcing a movement in your earrings. 

“Keep it up and maybe I will,” you try your best to sound annoyed but there's too much affection in your voice to mistake the statement as anything with veracity. 

Your response makes your bandmate hum, a low, baritone sound that mixes in too closely with the tuning of Johnny’s bass guitar for you to differentiate them. His fingers momentarily intertwine with yours, giving you a quick squeeze, before he’s raising his hands. Ten’s always had pretty hands, long fingers coated in tarnished gold rings and fingernails painted a vibrant color that always matches your own in some way or another. And when he signs with those pretty hands, he’s fluid and elegant. He signs the way he dances, each motion seamlessly flowing into one another to the extent in which you’re unsure of where one starts and the other ends. 

The way he signs Yuta’s name is clunky, unused and unpracticed. The signs are choppy, each syllable pronounced with a harsh movement of his hand. He didn’t have to sign it, you didn’t need any other indication that he was about to preform than the shift of the curtain and the whine of the mic. And unlike Ten’s signage of his name, Yuta is anything but clumsy and unappealing to the eye. 

If you heard the words that Ten was speaking against your ear and signing in front of you, you didn’t acknowledge them. So utterly captivated with the rival lead singer just a few hundred feet away that everything else has faded out with the sharp ring in your ears and the blur of your peripheral. Everything but him. 

“You sure you don’t like him?”

09:35PM

“What are you so focused on?” 

Johnny’s voice is just short of amusement, volume fluctuating with the strum of a few here and there cords from the band currently on stage--hooking up their instruments with the familiar squeal and whine of feedback. The question is directed to the lead singer who’s currently comfortably relaxed against the back bar of the venue, elbows digging into the wood paneling and head tossed ever-so-slightly back. His lips are pulling into a smug look of satisfaction, an expression otherwise unnoticeable if not for the benefit of knowing Yuta for so many years. There’s a cigarette held in between slim fingers and metal rings, unlit and crumpled as the blonde unconsciously toys with it as if he has forgotten it’s there in the first place. Not many things can make Yuta forget about a smoke. Not many people. In fact, his bandmate struggles to think of just one. 

And in classic, expected fashion: Yuta declines the privilege of a reply. But it doesn’t take long for Johnny to follow the line of his vision. Sliding over tousled hair and through crowds of groupies. Past the small security detail on the left and just before the barricade of the stage. Straight towards you. He grins, the full extent of his entertainment showing on his face as clear as day. Even though Yuta wasn’t looking, he could feel it. It’s enough to cause the smallest twitch in his eye as he readies himself for the inevitable, taunting comment. 

“Oh, I see,” he nudges the blondes shoulder, “Lead singer of Viva La Vida Nine,”

If anything were to get his acknowledgement in this conversation, it would certainly be the topic of recognizing you. Or, misidentifying you. Yuta turns partially, brows set in a downward line and lips pulled into a pout. Expression scrunched and eyes narrowed as he finally dignifies Johnny with a response. 

“What? No,” 

Johnny returns Yuta’s puzzled countenance with one of his own, raising his brow as his tongue pushes against the bottom row of his teeth. He swallows, looking to his bandmate and then to you, and then Yuta, again, and then back to you. He blinks a few times before raising a thin hand, knuckles a soft red and veins catching on the dim orange hues of the bar. Johnny gestures in your direction, finger perfectly poised at the back of your head. “So you’re not staring at her,” 

And Yuta follows like a moth to a flame, eyes slipping against the flesh of the older man’s finger, skimming his nail, before meeting the forty-five degree angle of your jaw. He looks longer than necessary, a few seconds of a lingering glance which Johnny notes with a miniscule upwards dart in the corner of his lips (one that if Yuta had noticed he would have returned with a scowl). The confusion of the situation allows for leeway in an honest admission, words slipping out without a single thought on the matter. A confession met without penance. “Yeah, I am,” 

“Right. Yn. The lead singer of Viva La Vida Nine,” 

“No,” Yuta’s fully turned now, shooting Johnny an incredulous look that matches his tone, “That’s my fan,” 

The emphasis on ‘my’ doesn’t fall on deaf ears. Nor does the conscious (or unconscious) decision to use it. You’re not ours, not Pantera’s, but Yuta’s. And based on his tone, Yuta’s alone. Knowing you (or at least the stories about you), Johnny doesn’t think that would be a sentiment that you would find particularly endearing. He meets his bandmate’s gaze with an equally perplexed one, tone in disbelief and perhaps the slightest hint of vexation that is mellowed over by the amused lit to his words. “Your fan? Don’t tell me she’s the one who you’re all lovey dovey for,”

“I’m not lovey dovey,” it’s the wrong denial provided as Yuta waves him off lazily, rolling his eyes, “It’s just interest. Can’t I be interested in one of my fans?” 

My. Again. 

“Not when your supposed fan is the lead singer of our rival band,” 

And with those words being said (for what feels like the millionth time), Johnny swears he can hear the slightest snap in Yuta’s patience, a sharp sound that’s as clear as the strings on his bass. “She’s not the lead singer of Viva La Vida Nine. I met her after our last gig, I watched her the whole set. I’m telling you she’s-” 

“Yn of Viva La Vida Nine,” 

Your voice is entangled with the audible whine of the mic on stage, pulling Yuta’s attention with a harsh tug and the whisk of his eyes back to the center of the bar. He turned so quickly, so urgently that Johnny swears he got whiplash. An idea that bubbles laughter in the back of his throat, a sound that Yuta has all but cut out. There’s no bandmate, there’s no cheering crowd, no clink of the bottles at the bar, there’s nothing. Absolutely nothing. Well, but you. 

Yuta Nakamoto considers himself to be a rather practical man. He’s never worshiped anything. Never fallen into the thinly veiled trap of complete and utter obsession. He’s not an addict, not someone who is constantly chasing the adrenaline of a high. He sticks to what’s in front of him, what he’s good at, what can make a crowd scream or earn him a few more bucks then the last song did. He has never faltered with any desire. Any compulsion. Craving. Yuta Nakamoto is a practical man through and through. 

But, oh god, it’s taking all he has not to fall to his knees and worship you.

@ previous @ home @ next

🧾 © 00127am 2024

[gosmigenergy]

DANCE PARTNER

( Francisco ‘Fish’ Morales x F!Reader )

Summary: You begin to wonder why the hell Frankie would take you here until you find out that he has a hidden talent.

Rating: Fluff but like hot fluff?

Warnings: No use of Y/N.

Word Count: 2.1k

It was always hard to resist holding the guys’ hand when you walked down the street, you continuously had to remind yourself that you and Benny were the ones who were ‘boyfriend and girlfriend’.

Frankie’s broad hands were the most tempting.

He could sense you staring, he turns his head so he could question you.

“What’s wrong, Bunny?”

“Nothing,” you fluster, “just really want to hold your hand.”

He stuffs his hands in his jacket pockets, “Now you can’t.”

“You’re so mean.”

“We’re almost there,” he says, “and then you can hold my hand as much as you like.”

That brought the smile back to your face and that was something Frankie always liked to see. He was hesitant to ask you to come with him tonight, not many people know that he goes here though when he said comfy clothes and shoes you can move easily in, you didn’t sound so pleased.

Still, he had yet to tell you where you were going, the four of them seemed to do it all the time, they were lucky you were so willing.

It didn’t look much from the outside.

The building was a little run down and didn’t seem to have any visible signage, the windows mirrored to a view of the outside. Normally, you would try peering through even though you wouldn’t see anything, instead you decide against it, mostly to save the person opposite getting a ridiculous sight that they probably see all too often.

He knows that you’re trying to figure it out. Strolling to the door, he pulls it towards him before gesturing for you to go in.

Of course, you’re hesitant, practically tiptoeing to him with a furrowed brow. You lean to glance through the door and see nothing untoward but it doesn’t mean you don’t look at him with wide eyes.

“Don’t be scared.”

He follows you in and you stroll down the corridor before he tells you to take a right, you do so and go to the door at the end. Your hand hovers over the handle as you have a final glance at Frankie, who’s expression is soft and unassuming. A swift nod brings you to open the door and step through the threshold.

A woman squealing greeted you.

“Oh, a new face!”

You freeze.

The room is simple, red brick walls with a light wooden floor, fluorescent lights to make up for the slim windows that lined underneath the ceiling. There were maybe eleven or so more people there in a mixture of age ranges and you notice the woman speaking was wearing what appeared to be dancing heels and a light ruffle hemmed skirt.

Oh no.

“Francisco,” she glides over elegantly.

He places a hand on your lower back, guides you forward, into the room. All your instincts are telling you to run but there’s comfort in how he holds you, it’s either that or he knows you’re about to pass out.

“Hi Carmen.”

They lean in and she gives him an air kiss on each cheek.

“So nice of you to bring a friend,” she’s beaming at you.

“This is Bunny.”

“Bunny, Carmen.”

You go for a handshake however she takes it and pulls you close, giving you a similar greeting to Frankie. The temperature rises in your cheeks as you retreat to him, trying your best not to get as flustered as you do.

“Hi,” you squeak.

“Is Bunny your real name?”

“No, no,” you waves your hands, “just a nickname.”

Her eyes flit between you and Francisco, her one eyebrow arching before her lips form into a knowing smile.

“You two are going to make perfect dance partners,” she points a single finger to the two of you. “I can already feel the passion.”

You giggle nervously, “I hope so.”

Carmen gets distracted by the next person who comes in and Frankie guides you away to a set of chairs lined up against one wall. 

Your palms are sweaty, heartbeat starting to quicken. Someone once told you that your feet were like a dancer’s feet, your immediate response was that you wish you had because in reality, you had no rhythm.

“Sorry I didn’t tell,” he fiddled with the brim of his cap sheepishly.

“That’s ok, just didn’t realise you danced.”

“How’d you think I wooed my ex?”

“I thought you just showed her your pilot wings,” you shrugged.

He burst out laughing, the type that shook your whole body, almost brought tears to his eyes.

“Only Pope can be that smooth.”

You smile, “I wouldn’t put yourself down.”

The tips of his ears go red and he changes the subject, “So?”

“When were you going to show me your dance moves?”

“The opportunity has never arisen.”

You tilt your head to one side, “What about that night in the bar?”

The first night you met all four boys together, the shots Benny bought definitely went straight to your head and you found yourself on the dance floor for what felt like hours. Benny was your main partner, Will joined in once or twice but he stayed on the sidelines. Santiago ribbed him for it, Frankie merely wanted it to be a better scenario.

This was it.

“It wouldn’t have been my best.”

“What dance is this anyway?”

He cleared his throat, “Tango.”

Tango? He knew how you danced, loose limbed and swaying hips was as best you had, this was going to be intense. The groan you released was somewhat pained, this was not going to end well.

“You’ll be fine, cariño…”

That was new, it made you blush.

“Just follow my lead.”

Carmen clapped her hands to draw everyone’s attention to the front.

Frankie took your hand and guided you into the centre, nestled in between the lines that had already formed. You were grateful he hadn’t positioned the two of you at the front, in the line of fire for demonstrations or audience participation.

The lesson started with a warm up, some stretches to loosen the body where your muscles protested with being elongated to the floor and your bones cracked in some questionable places. Then the class moved onto practicing the basic steps, slowly at first before she picked up the pace and played some music to match. However Frankie was the perfect distraction, your steps falling out of time with everyone else as your eyes drifted to how his hips seemed to move in ways you hadn’t noticed before.

“You doing ok there, Bunny?”

Carmen’s gaze found your face amongst the throng and you blink at her, nodding feebly when you realise she’d caught you.

When you look back to him, he’s already checking you out, his feet still moving with precision. You pierce your lips as his smile widens and makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. Shaking your head, your eye line returns to your feet as your mind tries to count yourself back in.

“Alright, it’s time to nab yourself a partner.”

His hand instantly enveloped yours.

“Ready?”

“No,” you laugh nervously.

“Like I said earlier,” he smiles, “just follow my lead.”

He pulls you further to the side so the pair of you take up your own space, just on the outskirts of an unevenly distributed circle. His right hand wraps around your frame and he flattens his palm against your back before drawing you closer. You place your left hand on his shoulder and you breath, trying to slow down your heart rate. He squeezes your hand three times as he searches your face, your expression relaxes when you meet his big brown eyes.

All of you run through the steps and your eyes flick to the floor with every one.

A hand coming to your chin made you jump, Carmen had snuck up behind you and lifted your head back up, Frankie tried not to laugh.

“With such a handsome man in front of you, why are you looking at the floor?”

The question was rhetorical, she disappeared as quickly as she’d arrived. Instead of relaxing back into it, your limbs stiffened and he began to struggle to guide you.

“Bunny, you need to relax.”

You let out a held breath, “I’m trying.”

The hand on your back gently rubs up and down.

“Close your eyes,” he said calmly.

“I’ve already been told off once for not looking at you.”

“If you trust me, you’ll let me lead.”

You take a shaky inhale and allow your eyelids to flutter shut, breathing out as Frankie hugs your frame nearer.

“Now,” his voice is low, “Focus on me.”

Your face scrunched for a moment as you tried to concentrate. It was the hand you were holding you that caught your attention, with it’s light embrace as it steadily hung midair, skin slightly rough after years of heavy use. The other that was pressed firmly on your back, warmth spreading through the fabric of your top, the taut shoulder muscle under your own.

“If you want to add a little something, remember you can shape the lady over your leg.”

Carmen’s voice caused you to misstep.

“Block her out,” he whispers into the shell of your ear.

His breath teases your neck, the whiskers that line his jaw grazing your cheek as he pulls back and you swallow as the saliva builds. The temperature between you rises and you can see the sweat building on his chest where his collar bones meet in the middle.

Was it supposed to be this hot?

The two of you continue like this for a few more steps before he lunges back and instinctively, you lean your shoulders and neck back to hold yourself strong. He straightens up and carries on with the basics.

“That’s my girl.”

Your pussy clenches around nothing.

When he decides to do it again, you open your eyes, lids heavy as you attempt to come back into the room. You allow him to keep moving you, bending you in ways you only had done when you’d had sex with any of them. Though you were sure he was stretching you just to show off, the wink he gave cementing the fact.

“Are you allowed to spin me?”

Glancing over his shoulder, he clocked where Carmen was in the room and noted how distracted she was by a couple who couldn’t get in sequence. He’d been to enough classes to know how to spin you, knew it would take about nine seconds at the most. It should be a quick enough in and out that she wouldn’t even notice it happened.

“Take another two steps back, I’ll do the rest.”

You do as he says, arm stretching your body away from him. He gently tugs your arm and you do a spin, giggle as he coils an arm around you and leans your frame back. Quickly, he returns you both to the original position and carries on as before. He tries to ignore the two star pupils who were rolling their eyes at you.

“Right! Time for a cool down.”

The last ten minutes was a free for all, Carmen put on music, there was no steps to follow, no necessary partners, everyone was just expected to dance.

For you and Frankie, it wasn’t much of a cool down.

The pair of you used it as an excuse to get as close as possible, he pressed his chest against your back and moved his hips in tandem to yours. Your hands roamed what part of his body they could reach, grabbing his arms to wrap them around your waist, his palms smoothing over your hips.

If he wanted you to always focus on him, you would do gladly.

You were aware of judgemental eyes but you’d reached a point where you didn’t give a shit. This whole lesson was too formal for you, this was the kind of dancing you could get on board with and it made you wish Frankie danced with you that night at the bar.

He practically growled in your ear when the music stopped.

Unravelling himself from you, he pluck his hat from his head and ran a hand through his curls.

“So,” he fixed the cap back into position, “did you enjoy yourself?”

You hum, “Kind of forgot how much of a turn on it was.”

Grabbing your arm, he stops you in your tracks to turn and face him.

“Are you saying —“

He watches your teeth sink into your bottom lip.

Carmen was the type of dance teacher who prided herself in ensuring all who students left satisfied. She talked to each individual and listened to them until they had nothing more to say before moving onto the next person. It was only after a few conversations that she realised she was two people down.

“Have any of you seen Francisco and Bunny?”

[electrospherevaults]

A Dance With My Clone

[Find other stories from the 2024 Friday Writing Challenge here]

Cloning had recently been defined as an illegal theft of the soul. Not unexpected an outcome, really; ephemeral cloning lacked the charm to hold imperfections – they thought of these bodies made of flesh and marrow and blood as cheaper machines, and thusly they were stuck in a valley of uncanny gestures and stiffer movements. They were automatons, the same ones that would collapse when ordered to conduct an orchestra when all they were programmed for was to shove coal into a steam engine – except they breathed.

She understood that flesh and blood held more than that, however. Sure, it was true that the technology always operated under a veneer of grime and slime, a grey morality as she called it, through which bad men got away with doing worse things than they would be normally allowed to do. And if you proved you enacted against a clone and the original person was unharmed, was the crime still of the same significance? It was no surprise that so many parts of the known galaxy had long enacted such strict laws against the practice.

But she was lonely. An only child, a single heiress to the House of Fern – one of the oldest known names in the galaxy – and her daddy, whom she had loved very much, passed away suddenly in his sleep many years ago. More debts remained from him than friends, and thusly young Amelia Fern had to get crafty quickly.

And the rest, as they say, was history. She performed the first cloning, willingly, and she performed the first public appearance with her own clone. They danced under the moonlight together, two droplets of water identical to each other, observed by both top scientists and top men the entire night. A reproduction so perfect had never been achieved before.

A reproduction.

The word held importance. To create a copy of yourself is considered anathema in most major religions, but Amelia Fern argued that a reproduction held merit. She reasoned that without reproductions many pieces of art would have been lost to history, to rot and decay, and we would have forgotten what made us who we are. She saw her clone in the mirror and saw not just another being of flesh and creation, but an art form perfected. She saw herself perfected. And she saw not just friends and family, but company for the rest of her life, now stretching beyond her wildest imaginations.

And now her empire was to crumble in one swift signage, one flick of the wrist done kilometers away.

Sir Johnsen knocked on her door. He knew Amelia had stopped consuming the news through modern means, and relied more on others to relay them to her. The House of Fern had re-established itself as an untouchable modern bastion of progress and art. Why would the commoners’ law affect her again now? Johnsen rang the doorbell and knocked with more force.

She finally opened the door. Her slim cheeks and her red bow as familiar as ever.

“Amelia, I-”

“Mistress Fern is awaiting you in the lounge, Sir Johnsen.”

“Ah,” Johnsen responded, recognizing Amie the maid. A grave mistake. He left her his coat and his hat, and proceeded further inside the mansion. He did not need to address the help Amelia had cloned out of herself to help around the manor. The last heir of the House of Fern instead concerned herself with more pressing manners, such as lounging by the sofa, feet on the pillow next to her, sipping on a singular glass of wine from the second bottle she had just ordered Amie to open for her. She raised her glass and welcomed him with a big courteous smile. He relaxed a bit.

“I heard about the ruling,” he said, tone almost hushed, feeling as if he was being watched. “I thought I would pass by and check on you.”

“You need not to worry, dear,” Amelia responded. “Business will keep booming.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” She brought the glass to her lips, a few drops spilling on her dress below. Johnsen, ever the pretend-gentleman he thought himself to be, turned his gaze away. She smirked once she was done. “You would be surprised by how many senators and lords still seek a body. Some even choose to have a body double even! Imagine that depravity, dear Johnsen!”

“I see…” he said hesitantly, taking a look around. He coughed, and he then saw Amelia right in front of him, offering him her glass, with the lipstick still printed on its lip. He brought it closer. The wine had a sharp taste, and her smile was even sharper, laughing the bitter aftertaste of those mushed grapes with joy.

“Don’t forget, my dear,” Amelia said, as she poured herself another glass, “that we made this business together. You were the last one that stayed loyal to my ailing father, may the gods rest his soul, and it was also your idea to pursue this trade.” He turned around, but she only smirked. “I am not complaining! A lady from one of the most esteemed houses of these lands does give a lot of credence – and I do love my sisters running about and helping me around my manor.”

She turned to look towards the maid, the one who had answered him at the door. She offered a gentle smile back to her mistress. He could only feel ambivalence about the creature; she was not Amelia, no matter how much she dressed them like her. In the end, he could only let out a weary sigh. “I am glad you are taking all this in much better humour than I am, because frankly…”

He stopped and turned around. Only a slight giggle followed after him. “Always the pessimist,” she retorted with some slight indignation and scorn in her voice. Gauloiserie wine was not for those faint of heart, or stomach – and gods knew if she has had anything to eat all day. “How about we change the subject…”

Johnsen turned to look at her. Music started playing. Eulenlieder. He winced.

“Would you like to dance?”

“I will see you in the morning, Amelia, after you’ve sobered up.”

He walked out the door after grabbing his coat in a hurry. And she laughed as she awaited his frustrated arrival in the morning. But until then, the night was young, and the bottle still half-full. “Amie,” Amelia dictated, leaving her glass on the floor as the music picked up. “Dance with me.”

Amie, who up until this day had never refused a call from the mistress she shared a face with, complied. She opened her arms, assuming the position, and took on the lead. Perfectly practiced, exceedingly well performed. A step left, a nudge right, a swing and pirouette – the former ballerina knew these rhythms well. She knew the rhythm her mistress dictated. It was said that Eulenlieder had been their mother’s favourite, the one she danced on her wedding day. This was the same dance that made her and Amelia famous too; a rhythm they knew by soul, through beating heart to beating heart, exercised out in the open on the ballroom of the Fern Mansion that fateful night all those years ago. She was not the Amie that danced with Amelia; she couldn’t have been. But Amelia did not mind. She preferred it that way, some might say. Not before long, they settled into their rhythm, dancing together as they had danced hundreds of thousands of times before. Amelia, the daze from her wine slowly replaced by the comfort of her perfume adorned by the maid that she made in her own image, laughed gently.

“You remember our first dance, my dear Amie? You remember how we swooned them together, just you and me?” She allowed herself to fall, to be caught by her hands. Amie never let her down. She never let her fall. She never let her go. She laughed, charmed as she hung in mid-air, her maid holding her so delicately and so assuredly. She pulled her back up, and they continued their slow dancing. The song was coming to an end. “You were, by far, my finest creation, my dear,” she said as she rested her head on her shoulder. Amie let her. She was shaking, feeling her breathing against her neck, the delicate hands they shared still intertwined. Her mistress closed her eyes. She instead turned her gaze away, out towards the glass window. She saw her reflection combining with hers; two drops of water that splash against glass on a rainy day, now finally conjoined. They formed a greater whole, what Amelia called a greater purpose.

She spent a long time swaying gently with her to the left and to the right, her mistress lulled by their rhythm that the proximity of familiarity afforded. She knew her, after all; she was her, after all; it was always her, after all.

Before she knew what transpired, she snapped her neck like a twig.

The last heiress of the House of Fern collapsed on the floor. The rain outside intensified. From the rooms adjacent, more maids came out; valets and waiters and staff Amelia kept in order to afford her still luxurious living, without having to change the amount of people that stayed in this manor.

After all, it was only her.

[roxnpens]

Firefly

Chapter Three: Welcome to MY house

TW: [mention of alcohol] [slight violence]

If those are triggers for you please be careful or wait for the next chapter. Thank you bunnies 😘

Chapter summary:

You enter the Last Drop to find the rebellion - what you actually find is trouble.

Thanks to @silcoitus for Betareading my mess of words 🥰😘

Taglist: @juniper-sunny @deny-the-issue @fantadym @mmartos @astudyincontrasts @averagecrastinator @ace-of-zaun @artwithvivien @zaunitekiwi @x-amount-verbs @chaoticlicense @silcosentropy @silcoitus @sirenofzaun @spoczkot @beardedladyqueen

___________

Welcome to my house

Buckle up tight

Everybody sings and drinks and laughs

And gets high

It's a country music

A little soul

It's a rock 'n roll rodeo

We don't tolerate no sittin' around

Everybody's dancin', groovin'

And getting on down

So before you come in here with some kinda attitude

You better read the house rules

Your gaze snaps up to the green neon light ahead of you. The rather messy pub signage states: "The Last Drop." You huff to yourself, how fitting when so many people in the Undercity drown their sorrow in booze. But hey, you’re here for a rebellion and not for a drink, so this part shouldn’t be a problem. Your hair partly falls on your shoulder now and you’re glad that the black blouse under your coat didn’t get wet. Today, you didn’t wear your signature red tie, simply because it was time to wash her. This good luck charm was a parting gift from Vice - may Janna keep him safe up there. He died surprisingly last year and since Topside didn’t want you there (and you don’t like Topside) you couldn’t attend his funeral.

The rain had ended during your episode of inner torture of your past, so that you could walk the last meters to the entrance without using the hood of your coat over your head.

You enter the Last Drop and are greeted with a sight to behold. The bar was rather empty, the stools were old and received an Undercity treatment to hold people again. Most of the tables were scratched and some sort of broken. The bar itself had the lowest of all low possible standards: no mats on the floor, glasses stacked in a way that made any good bartender puke and the bottles were standing on the ground, so a bug could get in there anytime.

Yeah, maybe I shouldn't get a drink here… what does Vander actually know of the bar business when he lets so many rookie mistakes happen?

But the thing was… the bar couldn’t hold your attention. You were surrounded by ten or more grim faces, all of them scanning you top to bottom. You know that gaze. It’s a "are you an undercover Enforcer or are you just lucky with your fancy clothes"-gaze. All people from the Undercity knew it. You stepped slowly into the bar, your boots make a creaking sound while you slowly walked up into the room.

You mustn’t show weakness now or the jackals will eat you alive…

So you straightened up your body and stood calmly in the entrance of the bar.

"If you want a drink then ask for one. If you don’t, walk out again little girl. This is not the kindergarden," said a voice at the counter of the bar.

You take a closer look at the man who just opened his mouth. He was lean, skinny even, but his slim body seems to be muscular and defined. He had rather long hair which he messily knotted up to a bun at the back of his head. The man wore typical clothes for Undercity people: a shirt that was ripped up and stitched back together, messy, dirty, brown pants and simple boots with metal caps.

A mine worker huh? But he seems very skinny to be a mine worker - maybe he just started? Well you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. You of all people should know that better.

But the most noticeable thing about him was not his mouthy attitude, it was his entrancing eyes. A color you have never seen before in the Undercity… it's a… seaweed green? No. A dark blue? Also, no. It is a cerulean tone - changing color from blue to green depending on how the light hits his iris.

You were so entranced, that you forgot what he said.

"Did I stutter little girl? Get a drink or get out!!" he said in a harsher tone this time.

You came to your senses and started to explain yourself. "Actually, I was sent here by Vander. He told me to get here after he told me about a rebellion that he wanted to start. He also told me that you guys need help. So - here I am."

The young man with the cerulean eyes started laughing, stood up from where he sat and slowly walked up to you, his walk purposely slow.

"Yeah, sure and let me guess, after that Vander gave you some candy… right?" His uppish tone was downright disgusting and his fiendish smile made it even worse. Standing right in front of you, he towered one head over you, looking down on you like you had seen in a man already… to demonstrate his superiority.

You were so disgusted by him that you couldn’t hold yourself back anymore.

"Well usually you start a conversation by stating one's name, boy. But it seems like nobody ever taught you about good behavior. So go back to your cup of milk and let the adults talk.

I was sent here by Vander and I don’t care if you believe me or not. I’ll wait here till he returns and maybe he can take your head out off your ass." You’ve gone too far. You know that the moment you finished your last word.

The man with the cerulean eyes took you by the collar of your coat, clearly angry with what you just said.

“You’re quite sassy for your age, little one. But we’re ten men against one tiny little girl,” he says - never letting go of the collar of your coat.

“Wrong…” you answer him with a snickering smile. “I see nine men and a boy, who clearly has read too many bad boy novels. You know - no one buys that.”

The man's face twists in anger as his cerulean eyes take a color of darker green, raising his fist to punch you straight in the face. You take your defensive stand and wait for him to move first. The other men rose from their sitting position, ready to aid the man when a thunder of a voice boomed throughout the room.

“SILCO - FOR FUCK'S SAKE, LEAVE HER!!”

It was Vander standing in the entrance with a commanding aura around him.

The man with the cerulean eyes—or Silco or whatever his name was—looks up to Vander, yet he doesn't let go of your jacket collar for a moment. From his demeanor, you could clearly see that Silco has respect for Vander.

“The little girl came in here with an attitude… I was just about to get her straight on that matter… and I will follow through with that…” Silco's lowered fist now raises again and before Vander could lose another word, he went on to almost punch you. But you had other plans. You block the incoming fist, grabbing him by the wrist, then you step closer to him, put your forward foot behind his forward foot, and with a little bit of force, send him flying over your hip and onto the ground.

Since you were quite angry from getting called a girl, you used a little more force than necessary, and the arrival at the ground knocked the air out of Silco's lungs. As trained, you sit down on his upper arms - ready to give him payback and then his gaze hits you…

His face was slack, in shock and his eyes were almost pleading for mercy - as he clearly figured out, that he is no match for you. It was almost heartbreaking how vulnerable he looked…

“Told you not to do that, Silco…” Vander laughs and starts going behind the bar. “…Hey let go of Silco, would you? We still need him; he is one of the few people who still is able to work and earn money for our cause…” he continues.

You slowly let go of him and he stays on the ground - baffled and propped on his elbows.

“What the fuck… just happened…?” he managed to get out before getting back on his feet.

Now you look each other dead in the eye.

Silco speaks first, “Don’t think I'll let you do this again.”

“Don’t think you'll stand up a second time, when I'm alone with you…” you reply.

This new companionship surely is not off to a good start….

Song: Christian Kane - House Rules

[ghostoffuturespast]

🐤🦉

Thanks for the ask! 🧡

[questions here]

🐤a mystery quote

It is slim pickins’ with the lil’ chicken:

“She was secretly makin’ plans to run you out of camp if you didn’t take her back.” “Sure you weren’t hopin’ for a rebound?” A sound smack echoed. “Ow!” “Can it, will you!”

🦉 a clever quote

Sometimes I like writing jokes that take 12+ chapters before they get to the punchline… This was one such instance. Also, Grandpa and that daddy bit, and not folding her laundry... There’s actually a part two to both of those jokes but it's gonna be a hot minute before we circle back around to them:

V leaned forward surveying the blinking neon signage over the door and the suggestive wares in the windows. Her lips parted slightly. “Wow. A sex shop.” She turned to give River a look. “It’s only our first date, detective. You know drinks and dinner go a long way.” River noted the sarcasm and looked out the corner of his eye. “I’ll remember that if there’s a next time. My CI works here. Neil’s the proud proprietor. He knows everyone, he’s nosy as hell, and a coward to boot.”

[shinrakotls]

#SAKAMOTODAYS148leaks

"Stan" {as in fangirl}

Lead Colour Pg.1

Editor's Note: Toramaru is a wanted person at the Exhibition! While in a pinch, with JAA assassins on her tail, Sakamoto appears! Sakamoto: No idea what's happening but there sure is a lot of commotion going on. Toramaru: Sa.. Sakamoto...

Lead Colour Pg.2-3

*From right to left, featuring Nagumo, slim Sakamoto, Shishiba & Hyo's spikey hair. They're inside the train it seems..* *SAKAMOTO DAYS has reached 4 million copies in circulation.* *Sneak preview of Volume 15 cover, featuring Kumanomi!*

Pg.1

Editor's Note: Wanted by the JAA!! But then Toramaru encountered Sakamoto!! Sakamoto (thinking): This girl is the one from back then.. During the JCC transfer exam.. Sakamoto, recalling the keychain (of himself) that Toramaru had: She's.. my super-fan!! Sakamoto: Why were these guys after you? Toramaru: ... I- I wonder why too..

Pg.2

{*This page was missing from the source*}

Pg.3

Sakamoto: !! Security Official: Found her. Sakamoto: So they're targeting you because you're an assassin sent here by Slur..? Toramaru: Sakamoto... Toramaru: You should stay as far away from me as possible. Toramaru: There's a bomb inside me.. If it blows up, you will get caught in the explosion. Sakamoto: Bomb..?

Pg.4

*Sakamoto slams his hand into a pillar* Toramaru: !? Toramaru: Saka... Sakamoto: Uzuki... How could you have fallen so low..

Pg.5

Sakamoto: We're leaving. Toramaru: What..? Toramaru: No way that's happening! Toramaru: They have sealed all the exits! Toramaru: Forget it.. It's okay... Toramaru: You'd go that far to fight all the assassins in this building in order to save me?! Sakamoto: Don't worry. Just stay close to me.

Pg.6

Toramaru: Oh okay.. Err.. Hmm.. Sakamoto: ? Toramaru (monologue): Looking at him again now.. He's just a middle-aged.. fat man... Toramaru (monologue): Forgive me, Sakamoto.. You are no longer my idol.. Text for Slur: Current Idol Toramaru (monologue): But seriously... are these two really of the same age?! Time can be cruel... Sakamoto: Anyway, we gotta move. We're standing out too much. Toramaru: Hmm.. Toramaru (thinking): You're the one who's standing out.

Pg.7

Security Official: I've got eyes on the girl! She's with some fat dude! Security Official 2: Lure them to the area in the back! Security Official: Roger! Security Official 2: That guy is waiting for them right there.. Security Official: Ah, that guy! Sakamoto: Your school uniform stood out too much so we'll wear this instead. Toramaru (thinking): A matching outfit..? Civilian: That's a nice daddy-and-daughter pair! Toramaru (thinking): So embarrassing.. We're not like that at all!

Pg.8

Cashier: Two T-shirts and one origami. That'll be 7,520 yen. Toramaru (monologue): A velcro wallet?! Not cool!! Oh, stop tarnishing my old memories of you any further please! Toramaru (monologue): I wonder if he remembers.. that I've met him a long time ago.. I thought he was so cool back then. But now... Toramaru: Thank you, Sakamoto, you've done enough. Toramaru: I've already come to terms that I'll die a super-fan of Slur-sama. Toramaru: Thinking again, it's not so bad. I'd be happy to die for him..

Pg.9

Cashier dude: I'll pack this. *Cashier dude slips his hand inside the bag* Sakamoto: Toramaru, back away. *Cashier dude suddenly shoots using the handgun hidden inside the bag. Sakamoto manages to dodge though* *Sakamoto reaches for a sword keychain from the shelf* Toramaru: Huh?

Pg.10

*Sakamoto pierces the arm of the cashier dude & manage to disarm him & takes the handgun* Toramaru: ...! *Two assassins suddenly start shooting at Sakamoto from behind him*

Pg.11

*Sakamoto turns around & uses the cashier dude as his shield. He shoots the two guys on their legs.* {Yoooo these should be real gun & real bullets! Finally tubby Sakamoto shot real rounds!} Assassins: GRK!! *Sakamoto knocks out the cashier dude* Sakamoto: This way! Toramaru (thinking): Wow...

Pg.12

Signage: Early Assassins (in Japan) Area *Suddenly a masked ninja appears from behind a tapestry he was concealing himself in. He begins to attack Sakamoto. He carries a kusarigama weapon -> sickle-and-chain weapon; used by characters like Tenten & Hisagi* Sakamoto, with a pen: !! Sakamoto (thinking): Kusarigama?! (Sickle-and-chain weapon?!)

Pg.13

*Ninja dude hurls the weapon toward the two of them but they manage to dodge away* Ninja: This area is my home ground.. There's plenty of ninja tools that I can use.. Ninja: Did you know? The assassins in early-era Japan were all ninjas... Introduction Note: Ninja Assassin -> Nin-Nin Man Toramaru (thinking): This guy is a joke but he's strong..! Sakamoto (thinking): Is that so...

Pg.14

Nin-Nin Man: Heh! You think you can turn that into a chain?! Nin-Nin Man (thinking): You're making fun of me! Nin-Nin Man: Hurk!! Sakamoto: Huh....?

Pg.15

Nin-Nin Man: ... I'm not done yet! Nin-Nin Man: I'll show you what ninjas are made of! *Sakamoto aims & throws a shuriken-like origami toward Nin-Nin Man who was preparing to swing his katana at Sakamoto*

Pg.16

*Nin-Nin Man's katana broke in half* Nin-Nin Man: With only an origami... Sakamoto: Toramaru... Idolising someone is not a bad thing. Because everyone lives their lives idolising someone else.

Pg.17

*More security officials are running toward them* Sakamoto: But it would be even better if you could invest some of those feelings... for yourself. Toramaru: ...! Sakamoto: Be your own idol. *Sakamoto whacks every single security official with ease*

Pg.18-19 (double spread)

Text at the huge painting behind Sakamoto: Gods of Killing, by John Paichy {Very beautifully drawn illustration by Suzuki. Sakamoto was nicely positioned so it looks like he has wings, and the painting title kind of pointed to him as being the "God of Killing"} Toramaru: Idolise.. myself..? No, no! Toramaru (monologue): I choose Sakamoto!! Sakamoto (thinking): She doesn't get it... Toramaru, on her knees(?): God! Editor's note: Idolise (someone) not because of their appearance but their personality!!

{The source I normally go to is no longer providing me the raw scans so I have to fall back on whatever i could obtain from the jpn leakers. Since they use raw scans from Scanpiea, there are some dialogues that got cut out and also missing pges so that's not on me. Thank you.}

[screenageblog]

A Guide To Digital Signage Advertising Display And Signage Screen

Digital signage advertising displays are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and sorts. Numerous top brand companies provide commercial-grade solutions that may support a variety of uses, including interactive storefront displays, technology for corporate meeting rooms, and digital restaurant menus. 

But even though the choices can be confusing, Total Idea Integration is here to assist you in selecting the genuine quality for your company. Screenage supported some of the biggest, most branded companies in finding solutions that can handle any application or amount of demand.

What Is A Digital Signage Advertising  Display?

An electronic sign called "digital signage advertising display" is used to instruct audiences and consumers inside of stores. It makes use of an LCD to engage, instruct, and educate surrounding viewers. 

By employing Screenage digital signage advertising display, you can reach a larger potential audience than you could have anticipated thanks to digital signage. Retail establishments, eateries, hotels, businesses, public transit, and many more employ digital signage screen.

Screenage Best Slim Outdoor LCD Advertising Display

Screenage offered Wall mount waterproof IP65 high brightness outdoor digital signage advertising display. Additionally, they offer flat LCD displays, which are delivered straight from the producers. Possess the necessary certifications and quality assurance.

Slim Outdoor LCD Advertising Display are affordable, dependable, and provide a significant return on investment. Screenage outdoor LCD advertising screens are carefully created with features like best-quality protective glass so that you may display your advertisement during any changing season, such as the summer, winter, or rainy season. 

Screenage Slim Outdoor LCD Advertising Display are protected against the elements, completely sealed so that water cannot enter the inner circuits, and secured against dust, giving the audience the ideal visual experience.

Features Of Slim Outdoor LCD Advertising Display

Slim Outdoor LCD Advertising Display Use a sunlight-readable, industrial-grade display that is simple to read. Top-Notch Outdoor Digital Display Solutions That Catch Eyes Temperature regulation The screen and other internal components are kept at the ideal working temperature by internal fans, ensuring a long and dependable life for your display.

Here are some features of Slim Outdoor LCD Advertising Display:

High Brightness:

Excellent high visibility brightness.

Security Lock:

With the exception of the special key, all connectors are locked and cannot be opened.

Anti-Glare Tempered Glass:

Passengers won't ever see reflected light from any angle thanks to strong anti-glare tempered glass.

Weather Proofing:

All weatherproofing outdoor purpose design.

10 Watt LoudSpeakers:

Passengers can hear what you want them to hear thanks to two 8 ohm 10 watt external loudspeakers on the side of the vehicle.

Lifting Bolt:

Screenage installed two sturdy lifting bolts on the top of the kiosk out of concern for both carry-on issues and safety.

Why Choose Screenage Outdoor Digital Signage?

The outdoor digital signage from Screenage is the ideal approach to get the name of your company in front of potential customers. In this way, Screenage will offer you the best displays that are bright and power-efficient with an excellent picture for sunlight visibility in the event that you need an outdoor screen display for your company.

Outdoor digital signage is important because it can increase the visibility of a business, brand, item, service, or event. Purchasing a reputable digital signage software is necessary if you want to convert your outdoor signs to digital.

Change the way you communicate knowledge to others. Display crucial information on screens. Leading brands rely on Screenage's Outdoor Digital Signage Display. Increase sales and expand your business with the best digital signage displays for both indoor and outdoor use.

[interactiveflatpanelsupplier]

How to Use Digital Menu Boards for Your Restaurant?

 In the ever-evolving landscape of restaurant technology, the 21.5 inch Digital Signage Menu Board stands out as a game-changer for food service establishments. This innovative solution combines cutting-edge display technology with user-friendly features to revolutionize the way restaurants present their menus and engage with customers. Let's delve into the key features that make this digital menu board a must-have for modern eateries.

Resolution: Typically offering Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) or higher

Color Depth: Often supports 16.7 million colors for vibrant and accurate representation

The high pixel density of the display means that even small text is legible from a distance, allowing customers to easily read menu descriptions and prices without straining their eyes. This clarity is particularly important in fast-paced environments where quick decision-making is crucial.

Arotouch Intelligent (ShenZhen) Technology Co.,Ltd

Website: https://www.arotouch.com

Email: Bella@arotouch.com

WhatsApp: https://wa.me/008618578623258.

Brightness and Contrast Another aspect that contributes to the crisp visuals is the optimized brightness and contrast ratio. These features ensure that the menu content remains visible and attractive even in varying lighting conditions throughout the day.

Brightness: Usually ranging from 300 to 500 nits, adjustable for different environments

Contrast Ratio: Typically 1000:1 or higher for deep blacks and bright whites

The combination of high brightness and strong contrast ratio means that your menu items will pop, catching the eye of customers and enticing them with appetizing visuals of your dishes. Image Quality Enhancement Many 21.5 inch Digital Signage Menu Board come with built-in image enhancement technologies that further improve the visual appeal of displayed content:

Sharpness enhancement

Dynamic contrast adjustment

Color temperature controls

These features work together to ensure that food photos look as delicious on screen as they do in real life, potentially increasing customer interest and sales. Easy-to-read 21.5 inch screen size The 21.5 inch Digital Signage Menu Board strikes an ideal balance between visibility and space efficiency. It's large enough to display a comprehensive menu with ease, yet compact enough to fit comfortably in various restaurant layouts. Optimal Viewing Distance The 21.5 inch size is particularly well-suited for typical restaurant environments:

Close-range viewing (1-3 meters): Perfect for counter service or small cafes

Medium-range viewing (3-5 meters): Ideal for casual dining areas

Long-range visibility (5+ meters): Suitable for larger spaces with proper content scaling

This versatility in viewing distance makes the 21.5 inch Digital Signage Menu Board adaptable to different restaurant sizes and layouts. Space Efficiency Despite its ample display area, the 21.5 inch screen maintains a slim profile:

Typical depth: 1-2 inches

Weight: Usually between 5-10 pounds

Fast food templates

Fine dining layouts

Café and bakery designs

Bar and pub menu styles

These templates serve as a starting point, allowing you to quickly set up your menu with a cohesive and attractive design. Customization Options While templates provide a solid foundation, the real power lies in the customization capabilities:

Color schemes: Adjust colors to match your brand

Font selection: Choose typefaces that reflect your restaurant's personality

Image placement: Easily add and position food photos

Dynamic elements: Incorporate animated transitions or video content

Switch between breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus automatically

Highlight seasonal specials or limited-time offers

Adjust pricing or item availability in real-time

This dynamic customization keeps your menu fresh and relevant, potentially increasing customer engagement and sales. Multi-Language Support For restaurants in diverse communities or tourist areas, the ability to display menus in multiple languages is invaluable. Many customizable templates support:

Easy language switching

Simultaneous display of multiple languages

Localization of prices and descriptions

This feature can significantly improve the dining experience for international customers and potentially broaden your customer base. Remote content management capabilities The ability to manage content remotely is perhaps one of the most revolutionary features of the 21.5 inch Digital Signage Menu Board. This capability transforms how restaurants update and maintain their menus, offering unprecedented flexibility and efficiency. Cloud-Based Management Systems Most modern digital menu boards utilize cloud-based content management systems (CMS) that allow for:

Real-time updates from any internet-connected device

Centralized control for multi-location restaurants

Secure access with user permissions and roles

This cloud-based approach ensures that your menu is always up-to-date and consistent across all your digital displays. Update Frequency and Ease Remote content management dramatically reduces the time and effort required to make menu changes:

Instant updates: Prices, item availability, and descriptions can be changed in seconds

Scheduled content: Plan menu changes in advance for promotions or events

Bulk updates: Make changes across multiple menu boards simultaneously

This agility allows restaurants to be more responsive to inventory changes, pricing adjustments, and customer preferences. Content Scheduling Advanced scheduling features enable restaurant owners to automate menu changes based on various factors:

Time of day (e.g., breakfast, lunch, dinner menus)

Day of the week (e.g., weekend specials)

Seasonal offerings

Special events or holidays

Automated scheduling ensures that the right menu is always displayed at the right time, without manual intervention. Analytics and Reporting Many remote content management systems also offer analytics capabilities:

Track which menu items are viewed most frequently

Analyze the effectiveness of promotions and specials

Monitor system performance and uptime

Point of Sale (POS) systems for real-time price and inventory updates

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software for personalized promotions

Kitchen Management Systems for synchronizing menu availability

[interactivewhiteboardsupplier]

How to Use Digital Menu Boards for Your Restaurant?

  In the ever-evolving landscape of restaurant technology, the 21.5 inch Digital Signage Menu Board stands out as a game-changer for food service establishments. This innovative solution combines cutting-edge display technology with user-friendly features to revolutionize the way restaurants present their menus and engage with customers. Let's delve into the key features that make this digital menu board a must-have for modern eateries.

Resolution: Typically offering Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) or higher

Color Depth: Often supports 16.7 million colors for vibrant and accurate representation

The high pixel density of the display means that even small text is legible from a distance, allowing customers to easily read menu descriptions and prices without straining their eyes. This clarity is particularly important in fast-paced environments where quick decision-making is crucial. Brightness and Contrast Another aspect that contributes to the crisp visuals is the optimized brightness and contrast ratio. These features ensure that the menu content remains visible and attractive even in varying lighting conditions throughout the day.

Brightness: Usually ranging from 300 to 500 nits, adjustable for different environments

Contrast Ratio: Typically 1000:1 or higher for deep blacks and bright whites

The combination of high brightness and strong contrast ratio means that your menu items will pop, catching the eye of customers and enticing them with appetizing visuals of your dishes. Image Quality Enhancement Many 21.5 inch Digital Signage Menu Board come with built-in image enhancement technologies that further improve the visual appeal of displayed content:

Sharpness enhancement

Dynamic contrast adjustment

Color temperature controls

These features work together to ensure that food photos look as delicious on screen as they do in real life, potentially increasing customer interest and sales. Easy-to-read 21.5 inch screen size The 21.5 inch Digital Signage Menu Board strikes an ideal balance between visibility and space efficiency. It's large enough to display a comprehensive menu with ease, yet compact enough to fit comfortably in various restaurant layouts. Optimal Viewing Distance The 21.5 inch size is particularly well-suited for typical restaurant environments:

Close-range viewing (1-3 meters): Perfect for counter service or small cafes

Medium-range viewing (3-5 meters): Ideal for casual dining areas

Long-range visibility (5+ meters): Suitable for larger spaces with proper content scaling

This versatility in viewing distance makes the 21.5 inch Digital Signage Menu Board adaptable to different restaurant sizes and layouts. Space Efficiency Despite its ample display area, the 21.5 inch screen maintains a slim profile:

Typical depth: 1-2 inches

Weight: Usually between 5-10 pounds

Fast food templates

Fine dining layouts

Café and bakery designs

Bar and pub menu styles

These templates serve as a starting point, allowing you to quickly set up your menu with a cohesive and attractive design. Customization Options While templates provide a solid foundation, the real power lies in the customization capabilities:

Color schemes: Adjust colors to match your brand

Font selection: Choose typefaces that reflect your restaurant's personality

Image placement: Easily add and position food photos

Dynamic elements: Incorporate animated transitions or video content

Arotouch Intelligent (ShenZhen) Technology.,Ltd

Website: https://www.arotouch.com

Email: Bella@arotouch.com

WhatsApp: https://wa.me/008618578623258.

Switch between breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus automatically

Highlight seasonal specials or limited-time offers

Adjust pricing or item availability in real-time

This dynamic customization keeps your menu fresh and relevant, potentially increasing customer engagement and sales. Multi-Language Support For restaurants in diverse communities or tourist areas, the ability to display menus in multiple languages is invaluable. Many customizable templates support:

Easy language switching

Simultaneous display of multiple languages

Localization of prices and descriptions

This feature can significantly improve the dining experience for international customers and potentially broaden your customer base. Remote content management capabilities The ability to manage content remotely is perhaps one of the most revolutionary features of the 21.5 inch Digital Signage Menu Board. This capability transforms how restaurants update and maintain their menus, offering unprecedented flexibility and efficiency. Cloud-Based Management Systems Most modern digital menu boards utilize cloud-based content management systems (CMS) that allow for:

Real-time updates from any internet-connected device

Centralized control for multi-location restaurants

Secure access with user permissions and roles

This cloud-based approach ensures that your menu is always up-to-date and consistent across all your digital displays. Update Frequency and Ease Remote content management dramatically reduces the time and effort required to make menu changes:

Instant updates: Prices, item availability, and descriptions can be changed in seconds

Scheduled content: Plan menu changes in advance for promotions or events

Bulk updates: Make changes across multiple menu boards simultaneously

This agility allows restaurants to be more responsive to inventory changes, pricing adjustments, and customer preferences. Content Scheduling Advanced scheduling features enable restaurant owners to automate menu changes based on various factors:

Time of day (e.g., breakfast, lunch, dinner menus)

Day of the week (e.g., weekend specials)

Seasonal offerings

Special events or holidays

Automated scheduling ensures that the right menu is always displayed at the right time, without manual intervention. Analytics and Reporting Many remote content management systems also offer analytics capabilities:

Track which menu items are viewed most frequently

Analyze the effectiveness of promotions and specials

Monitor system performance and uptime

Point of Sale (POS) systems for real-time price and inventory updates

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software for personalized promotions

Kitchen Management Systems for synchronizing menu availability

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Sleek and Stylish: Videri Canvases for Seamless Digital Display Integration!

In today's digital world, businesses need more than just functional displays – they need displays that seamlessly integrate into their environment while showcasing content in the most captivating way possible. Videri Canvases, available at Abcom, offer exactly that. These stunningly thin, sleek displays are designed to blend effortlessly into any space, allowing your branded content to take center stage without the bulkiness of traditional TV screens or monitors.

Let’s explore why Videri Canvases are the perfect solution for businesses seeking a modern, stylish, and highly functional display option.

Ultra-Thin Design for Modern Aesthetic: One of the standout features of Videri Canvases is their sleek, ultra-thin design. Unlike conventional screens that can feel bulky and out of place in a carefully curated space, Videri Canvases are designed with a focus on aesthetics. These displays are so thin that they almost become a part of the architecture, seamlessly integrating with the surroundings. This makes them ideal for environments where design and style are just as important as the functionality of the display.

Whether you’re outfitting a retail store, hotel lobby, or corporate office, Videri Canvases provide a sleek, modern look that enhances the ambiance rather than detracting from it.

Seamless Integration for Any Space: Videri Canvases are not just visually appealing; they are also highly adaptable to different settings. Their slim profiles and versatile mounting options mean they can be installed just about anywhere – from walls to custom-built displays. This flexibility ensures that they fit naturally into various environments, whether it’s a high-end retail space, a chic restaurant, or a modern office.

By blending into the background, Videri Canvases allow your branded content or advertising to stand out. This seamless integration ensures that your messaging is the main focus, without the distraction of clunky display technology.

Superior Visual Quality: In addition to their aesthetic appeal, Videri Canvases deliver stunning visual quality. These digital displays are designed to showcase vibrant colors, sharp images, and smooth motion, ensuring that your content looks its best. Whether you're displaying product advertisements, promotional videos, or dynamic art, Videri Canvases bring your content to life with crisp clarity and rich detail.

Their ability to support high-definition visuals makes them perfect for businesses that rely on strong visual communication. From retail outlets to museums, these displays enhance the overall experience by creating captivating and immersive visual environments.

Energy-Efficient and Cost-Effective: Another reason businesses choose Videri Canvases is their energy efficiency. These displays are designed with power consumption in mind, using energy-saving technology to reduce operational costs over time. For businesses running multiple displays across different locations, this efficiency can make a significant difference in overall energy expenses.

Additionally, their long-lasting durability and easy maintenance mean lower overall costs in the long run. With fewer breakdowns and reduced need for replacements, Videri Canvases offer a cost-effective solution for businesses seeking to maximize their display investments.

Versatile Applications: Videri Canvases are versatile and can be used in a variety of applications. Here are some examples of where these sleek displays can be put to work:

Retail Stores: Showcase products or sales promotions with eye-catching visuals that attract customers and enhance the shopping experience.

Corporate Offices: Use digital signage to share company updates, event information, or even display dynamic art in your lobby.

Hospitality: Create a welcoming environment in hotel lobbies or restaurants by integrating digital canvases that blend effortlessly into the décor while displaying useful information.

Museums and Galleries: Enhance exhibits by using Videri Canvases to display dynamic content that engages visitors and provides additional context for art or history pieces.

Future-Proof Your Business with Videri: As digital signage continues to evolve, businesses need solutions that are not only effective today but also adaptable to future technologies. Videri Canvases offer just that – a modern, stylish, and powerful display solution that can grow with your business’s needs. Their versatile nature and advanced technology make them a future-proof investment for businesses across industries.

Conclusion: Why Videri Canvases are the Ideal Display Solution

For businesses that prioritize both design and functionality, Videri Canvases provide the perfect solution. Their ultra-thin design, seamless integration, superior visual quality, and energy efficiency make them a top choice for modern businesses looking to enhance their visual communication. Whether you’re in retail, hospitality, or corporate settings, Videri Canvases offer a stylish and effective way to engage your audience and elevate your brand.If you’re ready to upgrade your digital display experience, contact Abcom today to learn more about how Videri Canvases can transform your business. Let us help you integrate these cutting-edge displays into your space for stunning, impactful visuals.

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Key Considerations When Purchasing LED Screens for Outdoor vs. Indoor Applications

LED screens have become vital to advertising, entertainment, and announcement dissemination. Whether you want to enhance your enterprise signage, build an immersive event experience, or exhibit vibrant content, picking the correct LED screen is vital. Yet, the considerations for buying LED screens for outdoor applications vary immensely compared to indoor ones.

This article explores the key factors when selecting LED video wall panels for both environments.

Let's dive in!

Brightness Levels

Outdoor LED Screens

Outdoor environments are subject to varying light conditions, including direct sunlight. Hence, outdoor LED screens must have heightened brightness grades to guarantee visibility. Examine for screens with a brightness brilliance of at least 5,000 to 8,000 nit.

Indoor LED Screens

Due to steady lighting necessities, indoor environments generally need inferior brightness grades. A brightness scope of 500 to 1,500 nits is usually satisfactory. Extreme brightness indoors can generate eye strain and ache.

Weather Resistance and Durability

Outdoor LED Screens

Outdoor screens must withstand harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind, dust, and temperature fluctuations. Ensure the LED video wall panels have an IP65 or higher water and dust resistance rating. The casing should be robust, and components should be able to operate in a wide temperature range.

Indoor LED Screens

While indoor screens aren't required to be weatherproof, they should still be long-lasting. Assume screens with sturdy structures to resist accidental effects, specifically in high-traffic locations like shopping malls or airports.

Installation and Maintenance

Outdoor LED Screens

Outdoor installation can be more complex due to environmental factors. Consider screens that are easy to install and maintain. Features like front or rear access for maintenance can be beneficial. Working with an experienced LED display manufacturer can ensure proper installation and support.

Indoor LED Screens

Indoor screens often have more flexibility in installation options, such as wall-mounted, hanging, or free-standing setups. Ensure the screens are lightweight and slim to blend seamlessly with interior designs.

Cost Considerations

Outdoor LED Screens

Outdoor screens are typically more costly due to extra components like weatherproofing and higher brightness. Nevertheless, investing in quality LED video wall panels from a reputed LED screen manufacturer can save money by decreasing maintenance costs and expanding the screen's lifespan.

Indoor LED Screens

Indoor screens can be more cost-effective, but prices vary based on resolution and size. Balance your need for high-resolution displays with your budget constraints.

Customization and Scalability

Choose an LED display manufacturer that offers customization to fit your specific needs. Whether you require unique shapes, sizes, or configurations, the ability to customize ensures the LED screen meets your project's requirements. Additionally, consider scalability if you plan to expand or upgrade.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right LED screen for your application involves carefully considering various factors unique to outdoor and indoor environments. From brightness and durability to pixel pitch and installation, each element plays a vital role in the performance and effectiveness of your LED display.

Partnering with an experienced LED display or LED screen manufacturer is essential to successfully navigating these considerations. They can provide expert guidance, high-quality products, and reliable support to ensure your investment delivers the desired impact.

About the Author: Founded in 2012, Cinstar Electronics is a Chinese LED display manufacturer dedicated to designing and providing high-quality LED products and competitive solutions for various applications. Our team are industry veterans with at least 5 years of experience and have managed thousands of LED projects from rental events to commercial installations. Our products have been exported to over 40 countries and used in high-profile installations and events worldwide.

Cinstar makes no effort to insist on the business principle of “Honesty, Integrity and Responsibility” and is committed to being a trusted LED display manufacturer and integrated service provider. Cinstar has highly comprehensive product lines that cover a wide range of applications like commercial advertisement, the entertainment industry, corporate events, award ceremonies, conferences & meeting and monitor rooms etc. All our LED products are CE, UL, ETL, and FCC certified and compatible with European and American markets.