#The designs themselves are specifically based off of the one in 15

[just-a-lesbian-octoling]

Fan edit for The Splat Chat/@geminired

these two are still stuck farrr in my brain so i decided to do this lol

Based off of Solace offering to carry around Aspen in chapter 17 (it's been on my mind since i reread it lol)

!!SOLACE AND ASPEN AREN'T MINE they're Geminis ^^!!

Find the wonderful beautiful world of The Splat Chat here! :

[thecoolerliauditore]

saw you mention gender for a bit - i wonder why grian is feminized so much? it's of course because of the feedback loop of fanon but how did it snowball so much? it would be funny if it's from him using the alex player model

I'm probably not the guy to ask for this just to be clear right off the back. I love observing fandom trends but I'm just not keeping an eye on Grian stuff more often than not. Grain (lol) of salt, blah blah blah.

So first off I think we should tackle what "feminized" means in this context because I can see that argument being made for both the default-ish generic young anime guy grian I have in my head when I think "fanon grian" and. well. arianna griande and the like (I'd argue cuteguy falls into this latter category)

I'm gonna start with the first one and use my own Grian as an example because I think he's pretty much as standard as you can go in the former category, and that's more or less on purpose. Pictured here in all of his tiny anime twink glory (next to Joel and Cleo who are also meant to be pretty short!)

So while I can't read the minds of other Grian artists, I can offer what went through my head when I designed mine and try to have a guess at how much other people thought the same.

First things first I do think this specific brand of Grian is "feminized" -- if you compare him to the CC. The goal at least for me was more to communicate youthfulness than femininity, but those traits tend to go hand in hand with male characters due to them having pretty much the same features (no facial/body hair is a big one).

Artists in this fandom tend to swing on the younger side, and people tend to base their designs unconsciously (or consciously tbh) on themselves or media they like, the latter being very likely to be media aimed at their age group and thus having a cast of characters around their age. Doesn't help that most popular animated things are made for younger audiences, so chances are most people are basing their art styles in media where the casts age range is 12-25.

For me I do think most of my designs have a little bit of added in youthfulness/femininity unless I Really want to get across age/masculinity. It's a lot easier to separate the 30 year olds from the 40 year olds if the 30 year olds look a bit closer to 20, doubly so when most of the stuff I like (and thus reference from purposefully or not) has casts full of 15 year olds. Alot of this also applies to the other younger men in my designs aside from Grian, like Joel who's next to him.

But Joel is still drawn with stubble and a bit taller than Grian, so what gives about Grian specifically?

For me personally, I draw everything with the Life Series in mind, especially Third Life in Grian's case. And the character who Grian plays off the most in that series, especially in Third Life, is Scar.

While I do think the aforementioned age factor also impacts a lot of Scar designs (as well as younger artists' tendency towards shyness when drawing muscles), I think most people see Scar's masculinity as a key trait of his. I think I'm kind of unique in that I take descriptions of their appearances ingame as somewhat canon (e.g. Scott being canonically referred to as "handsome") but Scar really lays it on thick with "Hot Guy" and the abs and so on that it's pretty much screaming for acknowledgement when you're designing him.

Grian is also short irl and this even gets mentioned by Joel in the first WL episode, so it made enough sense to me that should be something exaggerated with Desert Duo's designs to make them look better next to eachother.

This is also maybe getting a bit into headcanon territory but when I think Grian I don't necessarily think predator or brute force, I think of him setting his traps and giggling maniacally and manipulating what he wants out of people with his words instead of his sword. And him just being like. a little gremlin thing compared to his Big Strong Man partner in crime whilst also, actually being arguably the more dangerous of the two feels harmonious.

If we do a layer deeper into headcanon land, I've also always seen him as more frail and physically weak due to Martyn's concern for his safety and his own more anxious nature in 3L as one of the first players to really consider having to defend himself -- if you're dropped into a death game arena and you're the smallest one there, you would naturally be a lot more nervous than the big guys and come off as more "insane" for wanting to set up seemingly unnecessary defenses or striking first. (<-- this is why I don't talk about Grian much btw all of my thoughts regarding him are seeped in headcanons lol)

Alot of Grian artists are also Desert Duo artists and while they might not be operating by the same logic I am I have to assume there's some common points.

I've seen this meme used a lot when people make fun of other peoples DD art and it's almost always people with very little self-awareness. it's funny to me (and this probably could be its own discussion about queer tropes and xenophobia, but whatever haha funny it's literally them so true so true.)

One final note on this is I think this specific brand of twink Grian might be dipping in popularity? I've been seeing a lot more Grians that are chunkier or entirely throw out his anime-main-character-ness by making his glasses or curly hair heavily exaggerated. Which is cool I especially loveeee the more cartoony puff ball grians that have gotten more popular. Idk if it's necessarily in response to the anti-twink-propaganda or if it's just a new stage in Grian design development as we get further away from the Third Life Desert Duo meta, but it's fun and I think speaks the feminizing not really being an intentional trait and more of a consequence of other things.

As for CuteGuy/Griande I can't really offer as much insight since I don't really get the appeal either lol except that I think it's fun in the way drag is fun.

I think what a lot of people need to remember when they ask for more masculine designs is that masculinity irl is often synonymous with less customization. Alot of it is practical (like short hair obviously you can't style like long hair) and especially outside of queer circles a lot of it is just gender roles -- alot of men will refuse to wear literally plain mens t shirts if it's an eye-catching colour.

There's a great Derek Guy interview where he talks about how men tend to misunderstand what "fashion" is and how most cishet men actually care deeply about fashion. He makes the example of offering two pairs of jeans -- one is a regular pair of blue jeans that costs fifty dollars and another is free of charge but happens to be pink, and how most men despite "not caring about fashion" will go for the fifty dollar blue jeans.

If you want an example of mens fashion and its "boring" aesthetics made more to fit into a crowd than to stand out, just go on instagram and look at pictures of the Empires CCs together and watch the guys get absolutely mogged. This isn't me calling the men badly dressed (in fact I've actually noticed before that CC Joel is like. super well put together) but more of a statement on how womens clothing is designed vs how mens clothing is designed.

I know where my eyes go first, at least. (self indulgent note: Pearl is kind of an exception to the rule for reasons but I cannot say lest I betray my own moral code. however my eyes go to her first anyway because she is stunningly beautiful she could wear a potato sack and it'd work)

And while I don't agree with this sentiment (I actually loveee menswear deeply it's. a thing), in the world of fandom artists who typically are big fans of the gay gay homosexual gay and more into high-decorative, sexier stuff, clawing at any ounce of femininity that these men exhibit is probably an opportunity hard to pass on. This also happens with Jimmy on occasion I think, with stuff like the maid dress. And Ariana Griande is like Drag Drag, not just a dress but a whole persona, so that in combination with feeding into yaoi tropes for popular ships like Scarian and Grumbo, I'm not surprised there's such a gap between actual screentime and fanmade content.

Also is Griande even like. That popular anymore? I also don't think I've seen CuteGuy all that much unless it's DDVAU stuff specifically.

I'd be interested to hear my artist friends comment on this too since again I feel like I'm not the right person to ask lol. Take this as an invitation to yap I would be fascinated hearing your perspectives.

I also think his popularity and younger audience might be playing a big part in this especially in conjunction with the first point about drawing characters younger-looking but this is getting fairly rambly already lol

Go follow the menswear guy (@/dieworkwear) on twitter if you're interested in menswear btw he's very insightful and funny

[phantom-0-writer]

The Justice League had finally given the go ahead to officially form the Young Justice. Not that any of them were going to stop regardless of having permission. Since the Justice League had opened up their slots for more than the original six earlier that year, Batman thought it would be a good opportunity to use the Young Justice to help reach out and recruit some other heroes without drawing too much attention by going themselves. With protégés of most of the originals in the roster it was a solid plan.

They had been told about their newest "assignment" (if you could even call it that) earlier that day and they would be leaving in the morning. They were supposed to go meet a duo in Illinois (it was their base of operation even though they'd worked in other place). Phantom has been in the vigilante/hero scene for almost 10 years now, and Red Huntress started a few months after him.

Their names were well known, Dick had known of them even before he became Robin. But despite their national (maybe even International fame) little was actually known about the duo and the rumored Team Phantom that alluded to there being more than just the two. Dick had been a big fan of Phantom, and modeled a lot of his moves off of the super-powered hero.

Batman told them that they had already reached out the Phantom (Red Huntress had deferred them to him, and refused to speak with them afterwords) and he agreed to meet the YJ team and mentor them for a designated amount of time. There had been rumors in certain forums that the JLA had reached out to Phantom to be one of the original members of the league but he had turned them down. When Kid Flash had brought it up during the meeting, Batman refused to confirm or deny (which was proof enough).

The plan was for the YJ would stay in Amity Park for 15 days and learn from them, they would check in after that to see weather their stay should be extended. Specifically citing that their legendary teamwork would be incredibly beneficial to learn from to strengthen them as a team. The other plan, and equally as important, was to warm them up to joining the JLA ranks since a direct invitation hadn't been received favorably.

All that was thrown in the window when, three days in, the YJ, Phantom and Red Huntress get portaled to an unknown destination, with strange and unknown life(?) forms, with no supplies, no working communicators, and worst of all, no way back.

[mysticstronomy]

WHY IS VOYAGER 1 SENDING GIBBERISH??

Blog#391

Wednesday, April 10th, 2024.

Welcome back,

For months now, the most distant spacecraft to Earth – Voyager 1 – has been talking gibberish on the interplanetary 'radio'.

The repetitive jumble of 1s and 0s it's sending back to our planet, 24 billion kilometers (15 billion miles) away, has made no sense to scientists until now.

Turns out, officials at NASA just needed to give the oh-so-distant craft a bit of a 'poke' to ask it how it was feeling.

In response to a coded command sent in March, a computer onboard the Voyager called the flight data subsystem (FDS) has revealed where it hurts. This system wraps up the mission's all-important observations before beaming them back to Earth.

The system returned a software readout to Earth that scientists have now used to confirm about 3 percent of its memory is corrupted. Which is why turning the FDS on and off didn't resolve the issue back in November of 2023.

Based on the gobbledygook data the FDS is currently packaging, engineers at NASA suspect that most of the corruption is confined to a single chip in the computer's memory system.

In March, the Voyager mission team at NASA sent a so-called poke command to the FDS. Poke commands modify specific memory addresses, which is why gamers sometimes use them to cheat, by giving themselves unlimited lives or some such similar advantage.

In this case, the command allowed the engineers to prompt the system into using different readout sequences in its software packages in an effort to circumvent the problem.

Thanks to the FDS' response to the poke command, received 22.5 hours later, engineers noticed that one part of the system was returning some strange readings. They appeared to be in the wrong format, and an engineer on the team was able to decode them.

The mumbo jumbo signal contained a readout of the entire FDS memory system. Comparing this readout to one received before the issue arose, the Voyager team was able to locate the source of corruption.

No one yet knows what originally caused the corruption, but it could have come from energetic particles in space sparking damage, or simply sheer age.

Voyager 1 has gone above and beyond its initial mission, both figuratively and literally speaking. It was designed to explore Jupiter and Saturn and was launched all the way back in 1977, which means its computers are wildly outdated.

Originally published on www.sciencealert.com/

COMING UP!!

(Saturday, April 13th, 2024)

"HOW DID THE MOON FORM??"

[rikeijo]

Today’s translation #693

Brutus 2019/3/15, Fuuko Noda's essay

Part 1.

Before I started working on Yuri!!! on ICE, I only watched figure skating on TV once in a while. The Director, Yamamoto Sayo, and Kubo Mitsurou-sensei are huge fans of figure skating, so I was learning from them about it, at the same time as we were creating this show.

'In the matter of figure skating, I'm not willing to accept any compromises' - this strong deterioration of Yamamoto Director led us to work with many people, who are professionally involved in figure skating. And because of this, we couldn't make something that's only half-baked. We asked figure skating choreographer, Miyamoto Kenji-sensei to choose music and choreography for every skater, and record it. Based on that footage, we created the animation.

Recording this kind of footage before anime production, as well as asking Chacott, a maker of ballet and dance supplies, to design costumes for every skater, are both something that we have tried for the first time. We had to place a lot of very special orders that were specific for Yuri!!!, and this was very though work, but at the same time, I've learned a lot through it.

After recording of choreography was finished, we started working on the animation, using that footage as a reference. It turned out that it's impossible to properly express what we wanted to express, if we don't have the knowledge of very fine details of figure skating, such as if the edge of take off for every type of jump is the inside or the outside edge, or were the weight of the body is placed. Animators were studying the reference footage and footage of real-life figure skating competitions, in order to find the right way to express everything in animation.

In addition, to make the anime a little bit closer to the feel of watching a real-life figure skating competition, we asked ex-figure skaters for help. Yokoya Hanae-san was our technical supervisor, Oda Nobunari, Honda Takeshi and Stephane Lambiel appeared in the story as themselves. The power of these Legends is one factor that makes this show so charming.

[Notes: A short essay by MAPPA's (now ex-) producer, Fuuko Noda. Very interesting, because Brutus is a life style magazine, that normally doesn't touch anime, so you can see how Yuri!!! was advertised to non-anime fans (aka how they wanted people to see Yuri!!!). Of course, there is zero mention of Y&V relationship, LGBT themes etc.]

[cyberfunsupporter]

1,3,9,15 omori!!!

1) what otps in your fandom do you just not get?

answered here!

3) have you ever unfollowed someone over a fandom opinion?

omg yes. like in general yes i definitely have. for o-mori specifically though i didn’t follow & unfollow any specific person but i used to reblog this one person’s fanart all the time but then i saw that they shipped p/hotobomb so i blocked them instantly like omfg i was so annoyed

9) most disliked character(s)? why?

i genuinely like everyone but basil omff i hate him so much. he is so awful he ruined sunny’s life i do not care i think back on what he did now and i just can’t defend it like personally i just can’t esp cause i love sunny so much and what he did to sunny (albeit indirectly) was so fucked up. i can’t believe anybody forgave him hshxjdhfh i also find his personality and design so grating idk its just you can tell omo-cat is a fujo based off his design and that’s not a good thing.. love fujoshis always!!!!! keep fetishizing those men but omo-cat is the WRONG kind of fujo😭💀

15) unpopular opinion about the game?

the real, true ending to me is sunny and basil killing themselves. i want sunny to be happy so badly but based off where he was as you play the game, i think the guilt would get to him. he’d kill himself absolutely. and basil would too. what they did was something that’s just so impossible to deal with and you can’t really tell anybody, and just. based off how they are? they couldn’t live through it. they’d die and to me that honestly seems like a happy-ish ending for sunny. it sucks and i want him to live and be happy but at least he can see mari now :(

[amaiguri]

The Sha Hir'za

CW: Arachnophobia, Spider-like humanoids

The band of desert between the North and South is colder than most of the South, but lives in the rainshadow of the Upper Continent. Getting nearly no water from rain, there is some mist that rolls off the ocean along the coast along with rivers which shift irregularly with rain in the Upper Continent. Giant sandworms, spiders, and hydrophobic extremophiles categorize the desert biosphere — with the Sha Hir'za (“Spiderfolk” or “the Spidren”, as the humans call them) forming an intricate wandering society based around these wandering rivers and underground tunnels. The Sha Hir'za are universally seers and can see the possible futures, as such many conversations and conflicts only happen “hypothetically”.

Millenia ago, the Sha Hirza Ni were enslaved by the Demons for their silk and Futuresight. With their prayers, they wove Yssaia's 15th God, Shamahim, who led them back into the desert, where the Demons would not be able to chase. Mostly, the Sha Hirza Ni have kept to themselves, out of sight and mind of the rest of the world.

In the wake of the War's end, however, some tribes wish to increase contact with humans in both the North and South -- while others still remember the threat of the Demons deep in their cultural memory...

I actually just revamped the Sha Hir'za to be more Jewish-inspired recently with the help of grimCordinator over on Discord. grimCordinator is a queer Jewish writer who's been deeply involved in fandom spaces and creative works for years. She's been invaluable in making the Sha Hirza Ni and will continue to be involved in all aspects of their creation on my end! I also worked with a disabled Jewish narrative designer, named Abbigail, on their culture, who suggested things such as the Sha Hir'za being the only Yssaian God without a human form as well as having them eat Kosher! Thanks to them both! The old stuff I wrote when I was like 15 and it was acting sort of like a mind palace where I stored all the stuff no one had told me about the rise of the Muslim Empire in the desert. But the thing is, I just don't know anyone from that cultural heritage in real life and I had to realize I'm not necessarily the person to de-stigmatize that specific group in the Middle East. While the old stuff wasn't like violently racist (and I think there were lots of good ideas in there!), I just wanted to make my work more kind, authentic, and empathetic to the lived experiences I was drawing on. And now, the Sha Hirza Ni culture is much richer while still reflecting a real-life desert culture!

If you're curious, here's some of the old art, which I'm still proud of but it doesn't accurately reflect the ecology or culture anymore.

[jesuis-melodrama]

Excuse me please, I have a question that I would like to ask. What do you think the Gabriel Agreste brand would look like in real life, or just in general? I ask this because I'm a newbie when it comes to fashion and because I want the fic that i'm writing, Émerveiller, to tid bits of fashion in it. I want to really understand how to talk about Gabriel as a brand and fashion in in my fics. I want to write a Gabriel who does Haute Couture and not Fast Fashion. How I write him will be up for debate, but the part that I really don't want to get wrong is the fashion aspect. I say this because fashion itself is an integral part of Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir so for my Miraculous fic, I really want be close with my writing of Gabriel as the brand and other fashion oriented characters.

I ask this of you because when I read your fics you have seem to have a way with describing fashion that I really like. Especially when talking about the Gabriel brand or talking about the things that Lila and Adrien wear.

Sorry about asking this her, but I couldn't find the ask on your other blogs. You don't have to answer If you don't want to just wanted to get this out there.

Also this Regaluns_Imagination the who wrote Émerveiller if your wondering.

Thank You, Regalun.

Not, it's completely fine, I'm quite happy to answer any question related to fashion.

Opinion first: Miraculous Ladybug is a show centred on fashion, but I personally don't think it does so particularly well, because a lot of the fashion is abysmal and because fashionable character never get a chance to show their talent. Marinette, for example, makes one-off hats and honestly uninspiring unisex fashion lines and Gabriel, even though he owns a fashion maison, there's never any episodes devoted to his career. Adrien walks down the catwalk wearing the same suit in three seasons. Fashion isn't a focus in Miraculous Ladybug, it's a backdrop for the superhero business. In fact, I think fans are a lot more fashion-focused than the writers themselves, a lot of their designs do surpass canon.

Back onto topic: If you want to write haute couture, you should know that it's not just a fashion term to be thrown around, there's strict guidelines on what kind of fashion can be considered haute couture. The Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture is a French governing body who, alone, has the power to decide what can legally be sold as haute couture. Fashion houses has to follow strict rules such as:

Designs must be one-of-a-kind, and the buyer must attend up to five fittings.

An atelier that must employ at least 15 full-time staff.

50 original designs must be created during each biannual fashion season.

Not all luxury fashion is haute couture. Dior, CHANEL, and Fendi are haute couture. Bulgari, Loewe, and Acne Studio are not. A big thing about haute couture is that it must be one-of-a-kind. No buyer wants to spend around 25,000 euros on a dress only to realise someone else can wear it as well. All the dresses and suits you see on the MET Gala red carpet, for example, are haute couture made for that specific celebrity only. They now own the dress and its design, and no one else can ever wear something similar.

Haute couture is also, rightfully, accused of being Euro-centric. Because of its demands and Paris-based governmental body, most fashion houses considered haute couture are French, Italian, and Spanish. The only Asian haute couture designer I know is Yuima Nakazako.

Haute couture is different from prêt-à-porter, or ready-made fashion, where the clothes are mass-produced in general sizes such as small, medium, or large, and your favourite pair of Versace pink satin pumps can also be someone else's favourite pair of Versace pink satin pumps.

According to Thomas Astruc, Gabriel Agreste is as famous as Jean-Paul Gaultier, Yves Saint Laurent, or Michael Kors. But that statement doesn't give us an idea of how Gabriel designs, only what kind of fashion designer he's as famous as.

Personally Gabriel Agreste seems like the very classic Parisian, black-and-white chic to me. I also do think YSL when I see him, but only because Adrien would look amazing in Saint Laurent.

In a lot of my fics, Adrien wears YSL's legendary smoking jacket and Wyatt harness boots.

I hope this helps and let me know if you need any more help :).

[capsicrew]

Cleaning up a bunch of files off my computer, and came across this document I wrote some time back and never posted. Trying to catalogue the civilizations out in space based on in-game information. I would've wrote this a few months before 6.1 came out, but I don't think any lore was added in this realm since--even in the Omicron quests. Other than the Mandervilians and PuPu, but we're still waiting on the conclusion of that saga.

==

Organized in the order Meteion listed them. The cutscene where she gave her report cut away from her dialogue several times, so many planets are never described;

1: "Traces of civilizations found--structures believed to have served as domiciles. No extant life-forms detected." "The Nekropolis" location in Ultima Thule.

2: "Ruined remnants of buildings scattered across star, surface of which is encased in ice. Presence of life could not be verified." Possibly the "frozen star" mentioned by Omega?

3: "Evidence of large population centers akin to cities recovered. No extant life-forms found--only their lingering essence." Based on its location name in Ultima Thule, this is the home of the Ea. At another point, referring to no numbered star in particular, Meteion says: "One race had concluded that finite time was the root of all woes. Aspiring to shatter its shackles, they went in search of infinity. They discovered nothing is infinite, and that neither time nor death could be cheated. Disillusioned, they gave up on the future--and themselves." Which sounds similar to the Ea's predicament. One Ea refers to their planet as "Sadr IV."

4: "Edifices surmised to be abandoned residences found. No extant life-forms detected. Deadly plague or extreme environmental degradation likely to have led to mass extinction." Description sounds similar to the state of the Greboluff, the first area of the Dead Ends. But that star is designated as 6, not 4.

5: Unknown.

6: The planet of the Greboluff, based on its location name in The Dead Ends. A race of aquatic creatures brought war upon the 'shorewalkers' and became the dominant species. However, the creation of their tools of war soon had consequence on the planet's oceans, destroying its biosphere and reigning disease upon the world.

7: Unknown. However, the alien "fish" called Class Twenty-Four, which has 24 legs and 20 spines is described as being from this star. It's Fish Log entry indicates that this creature is *the* main civilization of 'Ostrakon Hepta' with which Meteion met. No mention of how this civilization/star met its end is made. No other fish in Ultima Thule make specific mention of their planet of origin, if any, except the few specifically associated with the dragons or the Ea.

8: "Star found in state of violent conflict. Contact successfully made with inhabitants, but deployment of weapons of mass destruction resulted in total annihilation of local population shortly thereafter." Second area of The Dead Ends wherein the society had eradicated disease, but threw itself into constant war. It seems that much of society came to be held under a single nation called the Global Community. However, various peoples, called Freedom Fighters in the dungeon, opposed them. In the end, the Global Community created 10,000 Peacekeepers (the second boss) which used an AI to maintain global peace--which included destroying its creators, who now also stand against them.

9: "Star is a barren desert. No identifiable flora found. Bones of living beings resembling men discovered beneath sands, but determination regarding their intelligence inconclusive." No other information available.

10: Unknown.

11: Unknown.

12: Unknown.

13: Unknown.

14: Unknown.

15: "Local civilization once flourished under auspices of higher power. Said power later laid waste to civilization in fit of rage. Upon revealing this to me, entity elected to self-terminate in lieu of providing answer to question. No other intelligent life-forms found."

16: Alphatron, home of Omega and the Omicron, as designated in Ultima Thule. Meteion doesn't discuss this star specifically at any point, but we know plenty about it's history through Omega, and the other quests in Ultima Thule.

17: The final area of the Dead Ends, the people of Ra-la. By however means, the people of this world rid themselves of sorrow and reached a state of perfection and paradise. In their perfect state, they lost any will to justify their existence, and lost the joy of life. Without mentioning a specific numeral, Meteion mentions of one star, "One race had discarded all things that gave rise to sorrow, hoping to have only joy. They found joy lost its savor in the absence of sorrow, and lost their will to live." Which sounds like it describes the people of Ra-la. Its been hinted at both in-game and by the devs that this was the pathway that the ancients could've been heading towards, and its likely Meteion recognized this, too. (Note from the future; we now know this race is known as the Nibirun.)

18: The Dragonstar, in Ultima Thule. Specifying no number, Meteion says thus; "One race had renounced war and devoted itself to the enrichment of its people. They were conquered. Though they destroyed the enemy in reprisal, they could not regain their former glory." This sounds similar to the state of the dragons and their star.

19+?: It's never specified how many Meteia were created, nor how many more stars they visited. Stars designated numerical codes only exist up to 18. When they form the Endsinger, though, there are a lot more than 19 birds.

Others: ?: "One race had striven to create a world bereft of animosity. They renounced relationships to avoid interpersonal strife, and in so doing brought about societal collapse" No known star matches this description.

?: "One race had renounced war and devoted itself to the enrichment of its people. They were conquered. Though they destroyed the enemy in reprisal, they could not regain their former glory." Though not 1-to-1 a description of the Dragonstar's history, as we know it, this description could easily be their own, as I pointed out above.

?: "One race had concluded that finite time was the root of all woes. Aspiring to shatter its shackles, they went in search of infinity. They discovered nothing is infinite, and that neither time nor death could be cheated. Disillusioned, they gave up on the future--and themselves." Well describes the state of the Ea.

?: "One race had discarded all things that gave rise to sorrow, hoping to have only joy. They found joy lost its savor in the absence of sorrow, and lost their will to live." The Ea also mentioned wanting to do away with "all sorrow," but no mention made of having lost joy--only their delusion with the finality of existence. This description also fits the society seen in the 3rd area of The Dead Ends, the people of Ra-la.

Deneb III: The Ea mention this planet as one that had been destroyed by "panic-induced cataclysm" much like Etheirys is approaching. Perhaps its one other planet that Meteion had already struck with the "final days" before she or another reached the Ea. No other description is given.

Gordhona: One of the planets conquered by the Alphatrons. Apparently they are silicon-based lifeforms, and were thus difficult for the Alphatrons to detect. No information on the star after Alphatron's invasion are known. Don't even know if Meteion was here or not. But since it was the first planet the Alphatrons visited, I'd guess it is/was close to Alphatron.

"Ypupîara": An alien "fish" available in Ultima Thule. It's Fish Log entry says that Meteion encountered it in the depths of space, associated with no specific star. The log speculates that they may have once been part of a star's civilization, but since lost their mental faculties.

[ashish2345]

How to Choose the Best Coffee Espresso Machine for Your Home or Office

A good espresso can be the highlight of your day, whether you're enjoying it at home or offering it to your office colleagues. With the rise of home brewing, more people are seeking to replicate café-style espresso at home, making choosing the right coffee espresso machine essential. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or just a casual coffee drinker, a high-quality coffee espresso machine can elevate your coffee experience. In this guide, we will explore how to choose the best espresso machine and why coffee espresso machines might be a great fit for your brewing needs.

1. What is a Coffee Espresso Machine?

A coffee espresso machine is specifically designed to brew espresso, a concentrated coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans under high pressure. These machines are often more powerful than regular coffee makers, as they need to generate the high pressure required for authentic espresso brewing.

Key Features of a coffee espresso machine:

Pressure-Based Brewing: To make an authentic espresso, the machine must generate enough pressure, usually between 9-15 bars, to extract flavors from the finely ground beans.

Espresso-Specific Features: Espresso machines often come with features such as milk frothing wands and steam pressure for cappuccinos or lattes.

Customization: Many espresso machines allow you to adjust the strength, temperature, and size of the shot.

2. Types of Coffee Espresso Machines

Choosing the right coffee espresso machine depends on your preferences and how much control you want over your brewing process. There are several different types of espresso machines available, from entry-level machines to more advanced models. Here are the main types:

1. Manual Espresso Machines

Manual espresso machines offer the most control over the brewing process. They are popular among experienced baristas and coffee enthusiasts who enjoy the ritual of making espresso by hand. You will need to manually operate the machine, from tamping the coffee grounds to controlling the pressure and timing.

Pros: Maximum control over the brewing process, produces high-quality espresso when used correctly.

Cons: Requires skill and experience to use effectively, takes longer to brew.

Best for: Coffee lovers who enjoy the art of brewing and want complete control over their espresso.

2. Semi-Automatic Espresso Machines

Semi-automatic machines are a great choice for both beginners and experienced coffee makers. They automate the extraction process, but you still have to manually control the grind, tamp, and dose. These machines typically feature programmable settings that allow you to control the shot time, making them a good middle ground between manual and fully automatic machines.

Pros: More convenient than manual machines, but still offers control over the brewing process.

Cons: Still requires some practice and skill to make the perfect shot of espresso.

Best for: Coffee enthusiasts who want some control without the complexity of a manual machine.

3. Fully Automatic Espresso Machines

Fully automatic espresso machines are designed to handle every part of the brewing process for you. These machines grind, tamp, brew, and froth milk with minimal intervention. Simply push a button and let the machine take care of the rest.

Pros: Extremely easy to use, fast, and convenient.

Cons: Less control over the brewing process, higher cost.

Best for: Busy coffee drinkers or those who want a hands-off espresso experience.

4. Super-Automatic Espresso Machines

Super-automatic espresso machines are the most advanced and user-friendly options. They not only handle grinding and brewing but also clean themselves automatically. These machines offer one-touch brewing and milk frothing, making them perfect for those who want a fully automated, barista-quality espresso.

Pros: One-touch brewing and automatic cleaning, very convenient.

Cons: Expensive, fewer options for customization.

Best for: People who want a truly hassle-free espresso-making experience.

3. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Coffee Espresso Machine

Before purchasing a coffee espresso machine, there are several important factors you should consider to ensure you choose the best one for your needs:

1. Your Brewing Preferences

Think about the type of espresso drinks you enjoy. Do you prefer a traditional espresso, or are you more of a cappuccino or latte person? If milk-based drinks are your go-to, look for a machine with a good milk frothing wand or automatic milk frothing capabilities.

Milk Frothing: If you enjoy cappuccinos or lattes, choose an espresso machine with a steam wand for frothing milk.

Shot Quality: Ensure the espresso machine you choose has high pressure (at least 9 bars) for authentic espresso shots.

2. Budget

Coffee espresso machines come in a wide range of prices, so setting a budget will help you narrow down your options. While manual and semi-automatic machines are typically more affordable, fully automatic and super-automatic machines are generally more expensive.

Entry-Level: Semi-automatic machines are usually more affordable and offer great value.

Mid-Range: Fully automatic machines provide convenience and ease of use at a moderate price.

High-End: Super-automatic machines can be pricey, but they offer the most convenience and consistency.

3. Size and Design

Consider the size and design of the machine, especially if you have limited counter space. Coffee espresso machines vary in size, so you want to ensure that the machine fits in your kitchen or office without overwhelming your space.

Compact Models: If space is limited, look for compact espresso machines that are smaller and more streamlined.

Larger Models: If you're looking for a machine for office or commercial use, a larger machine with more features might be necessary.

4. Ease of Use

Some coffee espresso machines are simple and user-friendly, while others require more technical knowledge. If you are new to espresso making, opt for a semi-automatic or fully automatic machine with user-friendly interfaces.

Touchscreen Controls: Some modern espresso machines feature digital displays and touchscreen controls, making them easier to use.

One-Touch Brewing: Fully automatic and super-automatic machines often offer one-touch brewing for the ultimate convenience.

5. Cleaning and Maintenance

Proper cleaning and maintenance are vital to ensuring the longevity and performance of your espresso machine. Some machines come with self-cleaning functions, while others require manual maintenance, such as descaling.

Self-Cleaning Features: Many modern espresso machines feature automatic cleaning cycles to make maintenance easier.

Descaling: Look for machines with a built-in descaling alert, as regular descaling helps prolong the life of the machine.

4. Popular Coffee Espresso Machines for Home and Office Use

Here are a few coffee espresso machines that stand out for their features, performance, and reliability:

1. Espresso Machine X1

The Espresso Machine X1 is a semi-automatic espresso machine that delivers high-quality espresso shots with a sleek design. It is perfect for those who enjoy hands-on brewing and want to take their coffee-making skills to the next level.

Key Features: 15-bar pressure, steam wand for frothing milk, adjustable shot size.

Best for: Espresso enthusiasts who want control over the brewing process.

2. Automatic Espresso Machine Y2

The Automatic Espresso Machine Y2 is a great option for those who want a fully automated brewing experience. With built-in grinders and milk frothing capabilities, this machine delivers a fresh espresso shot with the push of a button.

Key Features: One-touch brewing, automatic milk frothing, customizable settings.

Best for: Busy professionals or coffee lovers who want quick, convenient espresso drinks.

3. Super-Automatic Espresso Machine Z3

The Super-Automatic Espresso Machine Z3 is the epitome of convenience and quality. With one-touch brewing and an automatic cleaning function, it’s ideal for those who want top-tier coffee without the hassle.

Key Features: One-touch brewing, self-cleaning, milk frother, adjustable grind settings.

Best for: People looking for a fully automated and consistent espresso-making experience.

5. Conclusion: Why Choose a Coffee Espresso Machine?

Choosing a coffee espresso machine is an important decision for coffee lovers who want to elevate their brewing game. With so many options available, it's essential to consider factors like brewing style, machine features, and budget to find the perfect espresso machine. Whether you’re after full control with a manual machine or prefer the convenience of a fully automatic model, coffee espresso machines offer a wide range of choices that can suit every coffee preference and lifestyle.

[govindhtech]

Skate City: New York & More! 15 New Games Now Available

Skate City: New York, Talking Tom Blast Park, Gears & Goo, and FINAL FANTASY IV (3D REMAKE)+ are among the fifteen new titles that have joined the service.

Apple is releasing new games this Christmas season for everyone, including family and friends who want to play games together and lone gamers. Subscribers may anticipate 15 new games on Apple Arcade, such as Talking Tom Blast Park, FINAL FANTASY IV (3D REMAKE)+, Gears & Goo (Apple Vision Pro), Skate City: New York, and more.*/€

Apple Arcade, a family-friendly gaming service that is accessible via the App Store, is the ideal way to enjoy enjoyable gaming sessions with loved ones. All 250+ games in Arcade’s amazing library are free of advertisements and in-app purchases, and they can be played on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro. In recent games like NBA 2K25 Arcade Edition and NFL Retro Bowl ’25, players can take on the roles of their favorite sports stars; in Balatro+, a deck-building game inspired by poker, players can score the highest hand; in Sneaky Sasquatch, they can sneak around as a cunning Sasquatch; or in hundreds of other games from their favorite genres.

Every month, Arcade releases new games for gamers to try out, while millions of Apple customers enjoy themselves while playing their favorite games throughout the holidays.

Skate City

The ultimate skating experience can be found in Skate City: New York by Snowman and Agens, where players navigate the famous streets of the Big Apple and learn hundreds of tricks in authentic settings. January 9 is the game’s debut date.

Features:

Characters and skateboards that are customizable

Engaging and realistic challenges situated in well-known New York locales

Options for coming up with unique trick combos

Talking Tom Blast Park 

On December 5, gamers may join Talking Tom and his companions in an epic struggle to defend Blast Park from the cunning Rakoonz in Outfit7’s Talking Tom Blast Park. Players must destroy waves of Rakoonz and their rubbish with ridiculous blasters like the Duckinator and Power Plunger in order to bring joy back to the park.

Features:

Several stages with progressively difficult barriers

Power-ups and special abilities for every individual character

Collaborative gaming for enjoyable team activities

FINAL FANTASY IV 

Square Enix’s FINAL FANTASY IV (3D REMAKE)+ is a stunningly restored game with enhanced gameplay, voice acting for event sequences, and upgraded visuals. Players have grown to adore the Active Time Battle system, which was initially introduced in the popular fourth game of the venerable FINAL FANTASY series. On December 9, the game will premiere.

Features:

Numerous puzzle levels with different degrees of difficulty

Problems involving mechanics that call for strategic thinking

Many chances to improve answers and hone methods

Gears & Goo

Gears & Goo, Resolution Games’ newest base-building and tower defense game, uses spatial computing for interactive aspects. Starting on January 9, Apple Vision Pro will be accessible on Apple Arcade.

Features:

Amazing 3D animations and visuals

New controls designed specifically for Apple products

A gripping tale with endearing characters and rich heritage

Boggle: Arcade Edition, PAC-MAN 256+, Hot Wheels: Race Off+, Barbie Color Creations+, and Little Cities: Diorama (Apple Vision Pro) will come out on December 5; FF IV: THE AFTER YEARS+ on December 9; and Gears & Goo (Vision Pro), Three Kingdoms HEROES, FINAL FANTASY+, Trials of Mana+, Rodeo Stampede+, and It’s Literally Just Mowing+ on January 9. All of these exclusive games will be released on Apple Arcade in the upcoming months.

The App Store‘s Apple Arcade tab has further information. Check out these popular games on the App Store for more fantastic titles to enjoy this Christmas season. This Christmas season, there are a ton of fun ways to play games on Apple platforms.

In conclusion

The new holiday games that Apple Arcade has added highlight the company’s goal of offering a wide variety of excellent games for gamers of all skill levels. The platform keeps securing its position in the gaming industry with notable games as Talking Tom Blast Park, Gears & Goo, Skate City: New York, and the beloved FINAL FANTASY IV (3D REMAKE)+. Because of these games’ distinctive genres and styles of play, Apple Arcade is a great option for both die-hard gamers and families seeking affordable, entertaining Christmas entertainment.

Apple Arcade’s new games this season provide a broad range of high-quality, ad-free games. Apple Arcade is one of the greatest Apple game apps because to its growing collection and family-friendly features.

Read more on Govindhteh.com

[justafeweggnoodles]

I had completely forgotten that Lizzie has a previous pin release I missed / didn't get cause too expensive (don't remember which). This makes me wanna get her new merch pins more, but these are not cheap pins. I collect enamel pins and it would probably end up being the most expensive of my collection simply because of the shipping.

The base price is decent, it def is a more expensive pin (around $27) but I have seen more expensive enamel pins, the current most expensive in my collection was $30. BUT it is limited edition merch, which means it will cost more.

Most enamel pins sold by small creators or distributors tend to cost between $8 and $15, but I have seen pins with in a 5 - 30 range (the merch pins sit within this, which I think is great :D I am not criticising Lizzie's pricing, I just wanna talk about this lol). You can find pins within this price range on Etsy, at certain stores (ie Dangerfield), at convention / festival stalls, places that have gift shops like museums and zoos.

Enamel pins sold by op / thrift shops as well as company / store merch ones, surprisingly tend to be 1 and 10 dollars. This is strange in my opinion, but go off ig. You can find these at op shops if u are willing to search and find a lot of cancer council pins, they can also be find as merch for random companies / stores but they are even harder to find.

Free enamel pins (the best kind :D ), they tend to have bad designs tbh. You can get them by doing specific activities, some schools give them for doing certain things, these require doing stuff. Lost pins, I have one or two pins given to me by others because they were found lying on the ground at a place I frequent. The most recent's back is missing, which I actually how I lost my only missing pin.

Pins with friction backers fall of the most, the butterfly looking ones next then ones with bars. Please keep this in mind so you don't lose one's that are precious to you. I know someone who superglued their pins in place, it works. If you want to have them on a bag and not move do that. BUT you can't remove them easily.

You can buy pin backs by themselves but they tend to be kinda expensive (not individually but for only needing 1 or 2 they end up being the same as an enamel pin). Which can leave pins unusable when only the back falls off or you can only find the front.

For the storage of pins I would recommend jewellery boxes, not the ones you buy for storing jewellery but the ones they come in. They usually have magnetic lids and have foam inside. Stick the pins in them and put the backs in a different container. This could be a problem if you lose all the backs so keep them together. the main flaw is that you can't see them and it doesn't work for ones with bar backs.

For display I haven't manage to execute anything but a hanging piece of fabric would work.

Thanks for listening to me ramble about my collection :D :D :D

[goldislops]

Jensen Huang says he wants Nvidia to be a company with 100 million AI assistants

Shubhangi GoelOct 14, 2024, 7:15 PM AEDT

I-hwa Cheng/Getty

* Jensen Huang says he hopes Nvidia will be a 50,000 employee company with "a 100 million AI assistants."

* Huang described a future where Nvidia can use AI assistants across every division to raise output.

* Tech leaders, including Google and Salesforce, are also investing in AI agents.

Jensen Huang says that he hopes an army of artificial intelligence employees may one day help boost Nvidia's productivity.

"I'm hoping that Nvidia someday will be a 50,000 employee company with a 100 million, you know, AI assistants, in every single group," Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said on an episode of the "Bg2" podcastreleased on Sunday.

Huang described a future where the technology giant will mass deploy AI assistants, also called agents, across every division to improve output. AI agents break down a task into multiple smaller steps, each tackling a specific task to achieve a broader objective.

The CEO said that he interacts with AI agents himself, and like many other tech companies, Nvidia already uses agents for cybersecurity, chip design, and for software engineering.

"AIs will recruit other AIs to solve problems. AIs will be in Slack channels with each other, and with humans," Huang said. "So we'll just be one large employee base if you will — some of them are digital and AI, and some of them are biological."

Huang also said that while AI will change "every job," deploying it in companies can secure employment instead of hurt it.

"When companies become more productive using artificial intelligence, it is likely that it manifests itself into either better earnings, or better growth, or both," the CEO said. "When that happens, the next email from the CEO is likely not a layoff announcement."

Huang added that humans will be needed to pick between "trillions" of problems and decide what to solve, while bots can later help automate solutions. This will lead to hiring more people as the company becomes more productive.

Nvidia, which makes graphic processing units that have recently seen an explosion in demand, has emerged as one of the main winners of the AI investing craze. Huang, who started the company in 1993, has seen his personal fortune take off as a result of the company's success — he stands at number 11 on the Bloomberg Billionaire's Index.

Huang joins a list of Big Tech executives betting on AI agents to get ahead.

Related stories

In September, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff said the company is making a "hard pivot" to Agentforce, which lets users build custom AI agents that can interact directly with customers. The agents are meant to be more advanced than AI chatbots and can be used with other Salesforce products.

And Google CEO Sundar Pichai said in May that the company is working on developing AI agents with more capabilities.

"They're able to think multiple steps ahead and work across software and systems, all to get something done on your behalf and, most importantly, with your supervision," Pichai said in May, days before the company's I/O conference.

The AI agent space is one even startups are getting their hands on, with somebuilding tools for others to build agents, while other companies are creating agents for various uses themselves.

[apratments]

Are there any special offers or discounts currently available for Birla RR Nagar?

Exploring Special Offers and Discounts for Birla in RR Nagar

Birla RR Nagar In the bustling landscape of Bangalore’s real estate market, Birla  latest project in RR Nagar stands out as a premier choice for homebuyers and investors. Known for their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, Birla has once again crafted a residential project that promises luxury, comfort, and convenience. One of the most appealing aspects for prospective buyers are the special offers and discounts that Birla is currently offering for their RR Nagar project. This blog will delve into these offers, providing a comprehensive understanding of what makes investing in Birla RR Nagar not only a wise choice but also an economically advantageous one.

1. Overview of Birla RR Nagar

Before we dive into the special offers, let’s take a closer look at what Birla RR Nagar has to offer. Located in the serene and well-connected neighborhood of Rajarajeshwari Nagar (RR Nagar), this residential project is designed to cater to the modern urban lifestyle. The project features a range of housing options, including spacious apartments and luxurious villas, set amidst lush green landscapes and equipped with world-class amenities.

2. Special Offers and Discounts

Birla RR Nagar is known for making homeownership more accessible through attractive offers and discounts. Currently, they have several enticing promotions for their RR Nagar project:

A. Early Bird Discounts

One of the most common and lucrative offers in real estate is the early bird discount. Birla is providing substantial early bird discounts for the initial set of buyers. These discounts can significantly reduce the overall cost of the property, making it an excellent opportunity for those ready to make an early investment.

Percentage Discount: Early buyers can avail themselves of discounts up to 10-15% off the base price.

Limited Period: This offer is typically available for a limited time or until a certain number of units are sold, encouraging prompt decision-making.

B. Flexible Payment Plans

Understanding the financial burden of purchasing a home, Birla RR Nagar offers flexible payment plans to ease the process. These plans are designed to spread out the financial commitment over a period, making it more manageable for buyers.

Construction-Linked Payment Plans: Payments are made in phases, aligned with the construction progress, reducing the financial strain on buyers.

No-Pre EMI Offers: For certain periods, buyers might be exempt from paying pre-EMIs, offering further financial relief during the construction phase.

C. Stamp Duty and Registration Fee Waivers

A significant upfront cost in real estate transactions is the stamp duty and registration fees. Birla RR Nagar is offering to cover these costs for a limited number of buyers, which can lead to substantial savings.

Waiver Amount: This could range between 5-7% of the property’s value, depending on local government regulations.

Conditions: This offer might be available for specific types of units or under certain conditions, so it’s advisable to check with the sales team for detailed terms.

D. Special Financing Options

Birla RR Nagar has partnered with several leading financial institutions to provide special financing options for their RR Nagar project. These options are tailored to offer better interest rates and loan terms for buyers.

Reduced Interest Rates: Preferential interest rates that are lower than the market average.

Quick Loan Approvals: Faster processing and approval of home loans, making the buying process smoother.

E. Free Home Upgrades

To add value to the purchase, Birla RR Nagar is offering free home upgrades and customization options. These could include premium fixtures, modular kitchens, and high-end flooring, enhancing the overall living experience without additional costs.

Interior Upgrades: High-quality finishes, upgraded kitchen appliances, and bathroom fittings.

Customization Options: Personalize the layout and interiors to match personal preferences.

F. Loyalty Programs and Referral Bonuses

Birla RR Nagar values its existing customers and offers loyalty programs and referral bonuses as a token of appreciation.

Loyalty Discounts: Additional discounts for repeat buyers or existing customers looking to invest in a new property.

Referral Bonuses: Monetary rewards or discounts for referring new buyers who successfully purchase a property.

3. Benefits of Investing in Birla RR Nagar

While the special offers and discounts are compelling, it’s also important to understand the inherent benefits of investing in Birla RR Nagar:

A. Prime Location

RR Nagar is one of Bangalore’s rapidly developing areas, known for its excellent connectivity and infrastructure. Proximity to major highways, IT hubs, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities makes it a desirable location for families and professionals alike.

B. World-Class Amenities

Birla RR Nagar offers a plethora of amenities designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents. These include:

Clubhouse: Equipped with modern facilities for social gatherings and recreation.

Swimming Pool and Gym: State-of-the-art fitness center and swimming pool.

Green Spaces: Beautifully landscaped gardens, parks, and walking trails.

C. Sustainable Living

Birla emphasizes sustainable living practices. The RR Nagar project incorporates eco-friendly designs, energy-efficient systems, and waste management practices, promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.

D. Trusted Developer

With a legacy of trust and excellence, Birla RR Nagar is known for its commitment to quality construction, timely delivery, and customer satisfaction. Investing in a project by such a reputable developer ensures peace of mind and a secure investment.

4. How to Avail These Offers

To take advantage of these special offers and discounts, prospective buyers should:

Visit the Official Website: Check Birla official website for detailed information on current offers.

Contact Sales Team: Reach out to the sales representatives for personalized consultations and site visits.

Financial Planning: Assess financial readiness and explore the financing options provided by Birla.

Legal Consultation: Ensure all legal documents and agreements are thoroughly reviewed before finalizing the purchase.

5. Conclusion

Birla RR Nagar presents a golden opportunity for homebuyers and investors, not only because of its prime location and world-class amenities but also due to the array of special offers and discounts currently available. These incentives make it easier and more affordable to invest in a high-quality residential property. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or someone looking to upgrade your living space, Birla RR Nagar offers something for everyone. Don’t miss out on these exceptional offers – make your dream of owning a home in one of Bangalore’s most sought-after locales a reality today.

For More Information Visit, Birla RR Nagar 

Related Links

Birla Ojasvi RR Nagar

Birla RR Nagar

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[bizeebookkeepertx]

Maximizing Tax Write-Offs with Bizee Bookkeeper LLC: Expert Tips for Small to Midsize Businesses

Navigating the complexities of tax regulations can be a daunting task for small to midsize businesses. One of the key strategies to reduce tax liability and improve financial health is to maximize tax write-offs. At Bizee Bookkeeper LLC, we specialize in helping businesses identify and utilize every possible tax deduction. With over 15 years of experience, our team of seasoned bookkeeping professionals is dedicated to ensuring your business leverages all available tax benefits. Here are expert tips from Bizee Bookkeeper LLC to help you maximize your tax write-offs.

1. Keep Thorough and Accurate Records

The foundation of maximizing tax write-offs is maintaining accurate and detailed financial records. Proper documentation ensures that all eligible expenses are accounted for and can be substantiated during an audit. Keep receipts, invoices, and bank statements organized and easily accessible.

At Bizee Bookkeeper LLC, we emphasize the importance of consistent and accurate bookkeeping. Our services include organizing and categorizing expenses, which not only simplifies tax preparation but also ensures that no deduction is overlooked.

2. Understand Deductible Business Expenses

To maximize your tax write-offs, it’s crucial to understand what qualifies as a deductible business expense. Generally, any cost that is ordinary and necessary for your business operations can be deducted. This includes:

Office Supplies and Equipment: Items such as computers, printers, paper, and office furniture.

Utilities and Rent: Costs associated with running your business premises.

Travel and Mileage: Business-related travel expenses, including transportation, lodging, and meals.

Marketing and Advertising: Costs for promoting your business, including website expenses, advertising campaigns, and marketing materials.

Employee Salaries and Benefits: Wages, bonuses, and employee benefits like health insurance.

Our experts at Bizee Bookkeeper LLC can help you identify and categorize these expenses accurately to ensure they are fully deductible.

3. Take Advantage of Home Office Deductions

If you operate your business from home, you may qualify for home office deductions. The IRS allows you to deduct a portion of your home expenses, such as mortgage interest, rent, utilities, and insurance, based on the percentage of your home used for business purposes.

To qualify, your home office must be used exclusively and regularly for business. At Bizee Bookkeeper LLC, we assist clients in determining the appropriate percentage of their home expenses that can be deducted, ensuring compliance with IRS guidelines.

4. Leverage Section 179 Deductions

Section 179 of the IRS tax code allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and software purchased or financed during the tax year. This provision is designed to encourage businesses to invest in themselves by making it more affordable to buy needed equipment.

This deduction can significantly reduce your taxable income, but it comes with limits and conditions. Our team at Bizee Bookkeeper LLC can help you understand the specifics of Section 179 and determine which of your assets qualify.

5. Utilize Retirement Plan Contributions

Contributing to a retirement plan, such as a SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, or 401(k), not only helps you save for the future but also provides valuable tax deductions. Contributions made to these plans are tax-deductible and can significantly lower your taxable income.

For small business owners, establishing a retirement plan can offer substantial tax benefits. Bizee Bookkeeper LLC can guide you through setting up the right retirement plan for your business and ensure that contributions are properly documented for tax purposes.

6. Deduct Health Insurance Premiums

If you are self-employed, you can deduct health insurance premiums for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. This deduction is available even if you do not itemize deductions on your tax return.

At Bizee Bookkeeper LLC, we help our clients maximize this deduction by ensuring all eligible premiums are included and correctly reported.

7. Plan for Depreciation

Depreciation allows you to deduct the cost of expensive business assets over their useful life. While Section 179 allows for immediate expensing, traditional depreciation spreads the deduction over several years.

Understanding the nuances of depreciation can be complex, but it can lead to significant tax savings over time. Our experts at Bizee Bookkeeper LLC can develop a depreciation schedule that maximizes your deductions while ensuring compliance with tax regulations.

8. Consider Start-Up Costs

If your business is new, you can deduct up to $5,000 in start-up costs and $5,000 in organizational costs in the first year. Start-up costs can include market research, advertising, and expenses related to setting up your business.

At Bizee Bookkeeper LLC, we help new businesses identify and document start-up costs to ensure they take full advantage of these initial deductions.

Conclusion

Maximizing tax write-offs is an essential strategy for reducing tax liability and improving the financial health of your business. By keeping accurate records, understanding deductible expenses, and leveraging available tax provisions, small to midsize businesses can significantly lower their tax burden. At Bizee Bookkeeper LLC, our experienced professionals are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of tax deductions, ensuring that you capitalize on every available opportunity. Let us handle your bookkeeping needs so you can focus on growing your business with confidence.

[brandonmcadory17]

When it comes to college football and other sports, I cannot continue to be a loser in sports because of somebody's feelings about a team and for something that has absolutely nothing to do with the other. For the Detroit Lions, Houston Astros and the Michigan Wolverines in college football have been easily getting a lot of success because I rightfully calling out biases and cheating and people from the conservative side of social media just hates that, so they use anything as an excuse to cut me off by unfollowing me for simply being vindicated on a variety of topics while having the audacity to refuse to hold themselves accountable for disrespecting me at the same time. I have a right to not have anything to do with Detroit because people on Detroit are just flat out disrespectful. I would have been okay with going to a Lions game if the fans and other people didn't have the audacity to disrespect me in any kind of way, but I chose not to and I have a right to refuse to go to a Lions game because of the people in it and all they do is ruin the experience and this is why I prefer to tune into college football instead of the NFL. Speaking of college football, I like Michigan State football and I have been a fan of Spartan football for 15 years and I've never seen a lot of hatred towards Michigan State in my entire life, specifically not to this degree. Personally speaking, Mel Tucker is at fault for simply himself into a position to get set up by Brenda Tracy and I can't justify harassment in the workplace by any stretch of the imagination, but Brenda Tracy actually set Mel Tucker up and made it seem like he was the one that's going after her and set him up in a way to get him fired because she didn't like him. It wasn't a big deal as she somehow made it to be a big deal.As far as the entire situation goes it clearly never should have been reported in the first place because Mel Tucker didn't do a damn thing to Brenda Tracy and it's all designed for the media to have a sports bias against Michigan State and it's just a reminder that sports should not be predicated based on feelings by other people and I'm starting to see a pattern to where people who hate Michigan State so much just simply don't want to see a repeated success with 11- 1 records for Michigan State and it's because of occasions that have absolutely nothing to do with all of Michigan State's sports program and it's likely because of the fact that the media clearly has a bias towards Michigan State and is trying to incentivize atrocious sports, so they might as well just say that hate Michigan State because of me. It's clear to that people who Michigan State clearly didn't like the outcomes of the 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2020 and 2021 college football seasons. What's sad about sports, particularly college football is that people have a tendency, including those I'm the media, to hate Michigan State because of me and it's clear that they refused to see exactly the same 11-1 successful season in 2022 and still refuse to see the exact same success in the 2023 season like Michigan State has done in the 2021 college football season and he didn't even have to listen to Detroit Lions fans, Houston Astros fans and University of Michigan Wolverine fans. It's a shame and it's sad that God has been listening to people on social media that personally doesn't like anything that's to me and that's calked being selfish It's not even about being fair in the Big Ten, certain college fans just simply hate what I have to say about other school having scandals such as Arizona State University, University of Michigan and University of Nebraska. In conclusion, I plan not to have anything to do with college sports anymore until college sports are clean and normal by not having to listen to other sports fans because of their feelings and having such a high level of integrity because this time what's happening in this decade so far has gone extremely way too far.