#all I DO know is I bought a warranty from the store when I got it soooooooo 🤞🤞🤞

[imwritesometimes]

not me getting up super early today to call the store where I bought my fridge last year cause something's already wrong with it but the store doesn't open until 10am 🙃

[monadoboy16]

I’m done with DKOldies

Okay, this is goanna be a very long essay, but it’s necessary to do so.  DKOldies has come under fire for selling overpriced “refurbished” consoles when they are filled with dust and debris.  As some big-name YouTubers like Jacob R called them out.  But, to add even more fuel to the fire, DKOldies has been blocking people for exposing their practices on Twitter and removing related comments on their Facebook and YouTube shorts.  As a result, I will no longer be using their store to buy any retro gaming items for any future VintageTech episodes about old game systems.

Now, will I be censoring any mention of DKOldies on my YouTube channel?  Well, yes and no.  I do have plans on censoring any warranty stickers in the  PSP episode of VintageTech, but, due to the length of episode 10, I will not be removing the shoutout to DKOldies. Now, the only things I bought from that site are DS games, Metalic Rose DS Lite (Cosmetically Flawed), Some Atari Cartridges (I gave them a pass on the ones that didn’t work properly due to these cartridges being over 40 years old) surprisingly, another paddle controller, two PSPs, and two UMDs.  In addition, I got a GBA Cartridge and a PlayStation 2 8MB memory card, but that’s it.

Now, as for alternatives for DKOldies, this essay will explain four of them.  The first and obvious choice is eBay.  That site allows users to sell items or auction them. They can use photos of the items they’re selling, in addition, they can state the condition of the item whether it’s working or not (for electronics at least), so you should keep this in mind unless you want to fix the item in case if it’s not working.  However, I should point out that DKOldies did have an eBay store, so avoid them at all costs.  In other words, eBay is your safest choice for getting old tech and retro games.

Next, there is Retrospekt, which does sell refurbished items.  Retrospekt sells refurbished vintage items like Game Boys, VCRs, Film Cameras, and Polaroid Cameras (which is where I first heard about Retrospekt). In addition, they also sell custom-made items made of vintage internals. That’s where the Pepsi Polaroid 600 came from as seen in both The Mud and Friends episode One Shot Instaroid and Episode 14 of VintageTech.  Therefore, Retrospekt stays true to its name of actually refurbishing items compared to DKOldies.

If you prefer to do actual shopping rather than online shopping, we have Goodwill.  Now the best Goodwill store depends on your preference. Some are awesome, others not so much. Of course, if you’re collecting retro games and vintage electronics (besides DVDs and VideoCassettes), I recommend you shop at a Goodwill that has a section called “The Grid” like the one in Rockingham.  In addition, there are also The Grid stores across the country.  In other words, Goodwill is good compared to DKOldies’ Badwill.

Finally, I never knew about this online store until recently, we have Gameroom.  This one is like DKOldies, but better, they not only sell games but also DVDs and Monitors.  In addition, they sell not only the Atari 2600 but also the other systems Atari has produced.  They also sell Next-Gen gaming systems, as I saw an Xbox Series S and X for sale. Now, I never bought anything from that site yet, but by the time the season 2 premiere of VintageTech begins production, you know where my source will be alongside eBay.  In the end, DKOldies is dead to me, I prefer eBay, Retrospekt, Goodwill, and Gameroom as my go-to places for buying retro gaming stuff and old tech in general.  

If you’re currently following DKOldies on any social media site, please unfollow them as best as you can.

[purefandomonium]

Part 8: Extended Warranty

Heeeeey more chapters! I got the sudden urge to write a bunch all at once so I can finally start posting again. I'm trying to stay 2-3 chapters ahead before post any. Hope you enjoy!

***

She supposed it was only a matter of time. This must have been the “strange feeling” Red had begun mentioning recently. If only she’d seen it for what it was: foreshadowing.

The GameBoy was done. Toast. The internals had finally burned up from constantly running. The old thing just couldn’t handle it anymore. It shouldn’t have been as much of a shock as it was. And yet…

Now she was left with a burnt out GameBoy and what she hoped was a still-functioning copy of the haunted Pokemon Red. She felt bad for him. He’d likely had little to no warning before his world went dark. The power had been out for at most several hours but she hoped he’d be alright in there until she could get a new console.

Right… It was just a matter of finding one. The spare she’d gotten via trade wasn’t in the best state from all her meddling trying to make the microphone work. She didn’t want to risk plugging Red into that lest he become even more broken. Her computer was an option, but she wasn’t sure putting Red into something that modern and powerful—compared to the GameBoy anyway—would be a smart move. She could check the game store she bought him from, only she doubted she’d find a console cheap. She’d already used up the last of her summer money to buy Red’s cartridge in the first place. She really didn’t want to talk to anyone else in school to convince them to give one up either. The first trade had at least been with someone she was on relatively neutral terms with. She didn’t know who to ask now.

Except for her parents. It was a coin toss as to whether or not they’d indulge her request. Maybe… Maybe they’d feel guilty about never spending time with her? Maybe she could sweet talk Mom, who could then convince Dad…

Leann’s feet carried her downstairs. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door to her parents’ office. They took turns sharing it, as her father tended to most of his business away in an actual office while her mother was more self-made and worked from home the vast majority of the time. She hoped she wasn’t walking in on a meeting.

“Mom?” Leann cracked the door open and peeked inside when there was no answer.

“Yes?”

She opened the door fully as her mother turned to face her. “You’re not too busy, I hope? I need to, uh, ask you something.”

“No, it’s fine. What’s wrong?”

Ok. Now for the fun part. “Well… you know how I spent the summer working odd jobs so I could save up for stuff?” She waited for the nod before continuing. “Well, I used it to get some games and stuff, but now my GameBoy died…” She hoped she didn’t look like a desperate idiot. She certainly felt like one, asking her mother to re-buy her a kid’s toy so she could continue talking to the spirit-entity-thing that resided in one of the games for it. Not that she’d tell her all that. “I, um, don’t have the money to get another one at the moment.”

“Well, how much does another one cost?”

Leann’s eyes widened at her stupidity. Why didn’t she check first? “Um… It… It varies. I was gonna check the same store I went to for any. It just, uh, depends on what type and all that.” She met her mom’s gaze and they just stared awkwardly. “Can I go find out and get back with you? I promise it won’t be too much. I don’t even need anything extra with it. All I need is the console. Please?”

Maybe it was the guilt of ignoring her daughter that made her agree so quickly. Leann would tell herself that for as long as she needed to.

“…Alright. Go take a look and let me know, ok?”

“Seriously?!”

“Mmhmm.” She turned back to her computer.

“Thanks, Mom! You’re the best!” Leann didn’t wait for any sort of answer as she turned and rushed to get her shoes on. She wasted no time bounding out the door and to the game store about ten minutes away if one was walking.

Which she ended up doing after only a couple minutes.

Stepping into the slightly stuffy air inside, she went up to the counter and waited in the short line. Finally, “You wouldn’t happen to have any old GameBoy consoles, would you? Doesn’t matter what kind.” Although an SP would be nice. She always wanted one of those. It had the added benefit of being rechargeable by default too, so no more rigging. Maybe it would last a little longer than its predecessor.

“Mm. I’ll have to check.”

She waited as he disappeared into the back, brimming with nervous energy. It was ridiculous to get her hopes up but she’d spent too much time with Red to give up any opportunities she had to bring him back. The odds they’d have one were slim, and they only lessened at the possibility of a newer version.

It seemed the odds were in her favor when the clerk returned with a dusty box.

“You’re in luck; there’s an old SP. It’s pretty dinged up but it still works great. The damage is just cosmetic.” He let her take a look at it and even loaded up a game for her.

Leann couldn’t hide her grin. To top it all off, it was even red. How fitting. “How much is it?”

“It’s one-eighty-four.”

She grimaced. Probably not terrible, but it was still pretty scratched up. “Do you mind if I call my mom real quick? She’s paying so it’s her say. I’ll be right back.”

He shrugged and set the box beneath the counter while she stepped outside. The phone couldn’t ring fast enough. “Mom!” she barked out with too much excitement. “They have one, it works, but it’s, um, it’s one-eighty-four.” The sigh she received in response was disheartening.

“I’ll be down in a few.”

Leann gasped as the line went dead. This had just become the best day she’d ever had. Now the only thing left was making sure Red was ok.

Five minutes and some haggling later, and Leann walked out of there with a new console and her mom saved thirty bucks. She made sure to thank her immensely on the way home before going upstairs to lock herself in her room.

Her hands shook as she plugged the console into the charger and inserted the cartridge. She watched in anticipation as it booted up and the regular Pokemon Red intro played. Something she hadn’t seen in almost a month as Red grew more and more aware. Her finger hovered over the start button.

Everything froze. The music crackled before cutting off. The images on screen glitched save for a single text box that appeared.

RED: WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!

Leann heaved out the breath she’d been holding as the messages continued to appear.

RED: What did you do?!

RED: Why did you turn it off?!?!

She cursed, realizing she could no longer speak with him, the microphone still rigged to the broken GameBoy. There was no way she was going to risk damaging this one too. Red’s panicked tantrum wasn’t helping and she snapped, “The game died you dumbass!” She hushed herself and tiptoed to her door to poke her head out and see if her mom heard. She could faintly hear her voice, on a conference call no doubt. She shut the door again.

“Great. Now I have to figure out how to talk to you again. Spelling takes way too long.”

RED: What do you mean the game “died?”

She froze. “…What?”

RED: You said the game died. So you didn’t turn it off?

“I… no. Wait… Can you hear me?”

RED: Um, yeah? Did you forget all your meddling?

“Red…”

RED: So how long until you get the charger fixed? I don’t want to go out like that again.

He… How was he able to…?

“Red,” she said again, voice a whisper. “The plug didn’t fall out. The actual GameBoy died. You shouldn’t… be able to hear me right now.” Still, she found herself checking over the SP for any signs of tampering that would suggest a microphone was installed.

RED: …What are you saying…?

“…I’m saying that the GameBoy I was using burned up. It must have overheated or something. The one your cartridge is plugged into right now is a completely different console. I just got it.” Surely it had been fate that had allowed something so convenient to happen. Whatever it was, she was grateful.

RED: …I see…

RED: I didn’t even notice. You sound the same as always.

“I shouldn’t sound like anything though! That’s what’s c—weird about it.” She almost said creepy. That likely wouldn’t go over well and she was glad she caught it.

RED: It’s strange…

RED: I think staying awake for so long has made me stronger somehow.

RED: My head feels much clearer… And I can even hear you without the microphone!

“Yeah…” She couldn’t tell where this was going anymore. It made sense; the longer the game stayed on, the more Red’s mental awareness improved. And Red had been awake for quite some time now. Much longer than he ever had been before, no doubt.

If this kept up, would he eventually be able to free himself?

“Well… I guess I don’t need to worry about rigging a new mic, huh?”

RED: No. There’s no need.

RED: …I’m sorry I yelled before.

“Huh? Why? It’s no big deal.” She had read his initial reaction as fear and panic, not anger. It seemed like Red was used to going into constant comas. Most players probably just turned the GameBoy off when they were done playing. That couldn’t have been good, blacking out like that for indefinite amounts of time. Maybe that was why it had taken him so long to reach this point.

No wonder he’d been so distraught.

She watched the game return to its normal state, Red seemingly running out of things to say. It appeared he’d rather things continue on as normal. She pursed her lips and shrugged, figuring she may as well allow it.

Today had been something else, but at least it was almost over.

Part 7: here Part 9: here

[haruka89]

The first thing you should do if you buy any kind of electronics used is check the laws re warranty for used products in your country/jurisdiction. Here, for example, it's 12 months iirc.

Then you'll probably want to stick to professional sellers. Private sellers usually have some kind exemptions re warranties and other things you don't want to deal with.

If you prefer shopping offline, there's probably at least one store if you're in a small city. They might also sell online, especially after covid, so you can get an overview of what they have before you go there.

Still check their reputation, though.

Unless they're an electronics chain, they might also specialize in things like repairs and/or selling computer parts like RAM, CPUs, motherboards, etc etc. In that case they will actually know what they are talking about if you ask for recommendations and advice, which is useful if you don't have a tech friend.

The place I get my refurbished computers from also let me chose my operating system that one time, in case you want something not-Windows like me. (I'm distantly related to one of the employees, though, so...) They might be willing to fulfill some wishes like partitioning your hard drive (splitting your single physical drive into 2+ not-physical drives) which is useful for keeping operating system and personal data separate for backup and reinstalling purposes. Asking can't hurt.

Re ports, be sure you know what you want and how you use your computer. If you want to connect any external devices (keyboard, mouse, monitor, speaker, printer, cabled internet) more ports and different kinds is better. There has been a tendency to connect everything via usb, especially since usb c, and towards less ports during the last decade. That means you either need one or several usb hubs (there's a word for hubs with different ports i can't remember) to connect everything you might want connectes and/or special adapters. All of which are additional costs.

Also, do you want a cd/dvd/blu-ray player? A sd card reader? Something else? If you don't want to shell out for external ones, make sure your new computer has them.

It might not seem important, but anything you connect externally? Is likely to block a port you want to use for connecting your smartphone or storage device or anything else. A lack of non-usb ports rarely means more usb ports to make up for the specialzed ports. (There was some grumbling a decade or so ago, when a macbook or something had, like, 2-3 usb ports total, iirc.)

Also, the last computer I bought from them? I got that in 2012 and it was originally from 2008-09. It's still running fine and I can still watch youtube videos, though higher end graphics/video work likely wouldn't be possible with current software. (I'm also using a linux operating system that's light on resources.)

How to Buy a Computer for Cheaper

Buy refurbished. And I'm going to show you how, and, in general, how to buy a better computer than you currently have. I'm fairly tech-knowledgeable, but not an expert. But this is how I've bought my last three computers for personal use and business (graphics). I'm writing this for people who barely know computers. If you have a techie friend or family member, having them help can do a lot for the stress of buying a new computer.

There are three numbers you want to know from your current computer: hard drive size, RAM, and processor speed (slightly less important, unless you're doing gaming or 3d rendering or something else like that)

We're going to assume you use Windows, because if you use Apple I can't help, sorry.

First is hard drive. This is how much space you have to put files. This is in bytes. These days all hard drives are in gigabytes or terabytes (1000 gigabytes = 1 terabyte). To get your hard drive size, open Windows Explorer, go to This PC (or My Computer if you have a really old OS).

To get more details, you can right-click on the drive. and open Properties. But now you know your hard drive size, 237 GB in this case. (this is rather small, but that's okay for this laptop). If you're planning on storing a lot of videos, big photos, have a lot of applications, etc, you want MINIMUM 500 GB. You can always have external drives as well.

While you've got this open, right-click on This PC (or My Computer). This'll give you a lot of information that can be useful if you're trying to get tech support.

I've underlined in red the two key things. Processor: it can help to know the whole bit (or at least the Intel i# bit) just so you don't buy one that's a bunch older, but processor models are confusing and beyond me. The absolutely important bit is the speed, in gigahertz (GHz). Bigger is faster. The processor speed is how fast your computer can run. In this case the processor is 2.60 GHz, which is just fine for most things.

The other bit is RAM. This is "random-access memory" aka memory, which is easy to confuse for, like how much space you have. No. RAM is basically how fast your computer can open stuff. This laptop has 16 GB RAM. Make sure you note that this is the RAM, because it and the hard drive use the same units.

If you're mostly writing, use spreadsheets, watching streaming, or doing light graphics work 16 GB is fine. If you have a lot of things open at a time or gaming or doing 3d modeling or digital art, get at least 32 GB or it's gonna lag a lot.

In general, if you find your current laptop slow, you want a new one with more RAM and a processor that's at least slightly faster. If you're getting a new computer to use new software, look at the system requirements and exceed them.

I'll show you an example of that. Let's say I wanted to start doing digital art on this computer, using ClipStudio Paint. Generally the easiest way to find the requirements is to search for 'program name system' in your search engine of choice. You can click around their website if you want, but just searching is a lot faster.

That gives me this page

(Clip Studio does not have very heavy requirements).

Under Computer Specs it tells you the processor types and your RAM requirements. You're basically going to be good for the processor, no matter what. That 2 GB minimum of memory is, again, the RAM.

Storage space is how much space on your hard drive it needs.

Actually for comparison, let's look at the current Photoshop requirements.

Photoshop wants LOTS of speed and space, greedy bastard that it is. (The Graphics card bit is somewhat beyond my expertise, sorry)

But now you have your three numbers: hard drive space, RAM (memory) and processor (CPU). Now we're going to find a computer that's better and cheaper than buying new!

We're going to buy ~refurbished~

A refurbished computer is one that was used and then returned and fixed up to sell again. It may have wear on the keyboard or case, but everything inside (aside from the battery) should be like new. (The battery may hold less charge.) A good dealer will note condition. And refurbished means any flaws in the hardware will be fixed. They have gone through individual quality control that new products don't usually.

I've bought four computers refurbished and only had one dud (Windows kept crashing during set-up). The dud has been returned and we're waiting for the new one.

You can buy refurbished computers from the manufacturers (Lenovo, Dell, Apple, etc) or from online computer stores (Best Buy and my favorite Newegg). You want to buy from a reputable store because they'll have warranties offered and a good return policy.

I'm going to show you how to find a refurbished computer on Newegg.

You're going to go to Newegg.com, you're gonna go to computer systems in their menu, and you're gonna find refurbished

Then, down the side there's a ton of checkboxes where you can select your specifications. If there's a brand you prefer, select that (I like Lenovos A LOT - they last a long time and have very few problems, in my experience. Yes, this is a recommendation).

Put in your memory (RAM), put in your hard drive, put in your CPU speed (processor), and any other preferences like monitor size or which version of Windows you want (I don't want Windows 11 any time soon). I generally just do RAM and hard drive and manually check the CPU, but that's a personal preference. Then hit apply and it'll filter down.

I'm going to say right now, if you are getting a laptop and you can afford to get a SSD, do it. SSD is a solid-state drive, vs a normal hard drive (HDD, hard disk-drive). They're less prone to breaking down and they're faster. But they're also more expensive.

Anyway, we have our filtered list of possible laptops. Now what?

Well, now comes the annoying part. Every model of computer can be different - it can have a better or worse display, it can have a crappy keyboard, or whatever. So you find a computer that looks okay, and you then look for reviews.

Here's our first row of results

Let's take a look at the Lenovo, because I like Lenovos and I loathe Dells (they're... fine...). That Thinkpad T460S is the part to Google (search for 'Lenovo Thinkpad T460s reviews'). Good websites that I trust include PCMag, LaptopMag.com, and Notebookcheck.com (which is VERY techie about displays). But every reviewer will probably be getting one with different specs than the thing you're looking at.

Here are key things that will be the same across all of them: keyboard (is it comfortable, etc), battery life, how good is the trackpad/nub mouse (nub mice are immensely superior to trackpads imho), weight, how many and what kind of ports does it have (for USB, an external monitor, etc). Monitors can vary depending on the specs, so you'll have to compare those. Mostly you're making sure it doesn't completely suck.

Let's go back to Newegg and look at the specs of that Lenovo. Newegg makes it easy, with tabs for whatever the seller wants to say, the specs, reviews, and Q&A (which is usually empty).

This is the start of the specs. This is actually a lesser model than the laptop we were getting the specs for. It's okay. What I don't like is that the seller gives very little other info, for example on condition. Here's a Dell with much better information - condition and warranty info.

One thing you'll want to do on Newegg is check the seller's reviews. Like on eBay or Etsy, you have to use some judgement. If you worry about that, going to the manufacturer's online outlet in a safer bet, but you won't quite get as good of deals. But they're still pretty damn good as this random computer on Lenovo's outlet shows.

Okay, so I think I've covered everything. I do recommend having a techie friend either help or double check things if you're not especially techie. But this can save you hundreds of dollars or allow you to get a better computer than you were thinking.

[saltysodacracker]

January 4th, 2024.

10:08pm quality control.

I want to tell the story of how I got an entire new 1,000 credit for lululemon for free. There is a policy within in the store where if your leggings are pilling or have some kind of manufacturing flaw. Like the threading comes undone, or whatever it maybe they have to give you an exchange and give you a new one. Doesn’t matter what the product is. I kept these leggings for nine years that did not even fit and got to pick out new ones that fit and in a new different colour. Some of the clothes I even bought on clearance, but were valued significantly higher than what I actually paid for them. So knowing this simple hack I never will buy another brand of clothing but this brand for that reason. I have a lifetime warranty on my clothes. They might be 98$ for a pair of pants, however 10 year later and worn out they are still valued the same… At that rate your saving a crap ton of money. This is why people need to stop supporting fast fashion like SHEIN, urban planet, Walmart, and Ardene among others. Even thrifting something is better than supporting companies that are literally linked to sweat shops. On top of that maybe consider is it better deal to pay 5 bucks for a shirt that is really bad quality and maybe get a month use out of it or save that 5 bucks up for a few months and buy a nice top that has the quality to back up the price? For me it is quality over quantity. I do not want a lot of anything anymore even clothes. There are some girls I have seen on the internet that collect huge unnecessary quantities of the same jacket different colours or the same brand and have many wallets just different colours. While there is nothing wrong with that, to me as a consumer I really think it is a waste of money. It also seems super selfish to me to have too much of anything.

With that all being said, I wanted to share a story that happened to my cousin who works for Lululemon in a very large city. She said she was running the till and in any store they have they don’t have enough people working the tills or space for all the people. My cousin watched this guy come into the store and look at some pants and checked out the different variety of colours. He found a pair of pants he liked and looked my cousin dead in the eyes from across the store and said out loud, “I should run out of here with these, but I am just gonna walk,” and he proceeded to steal these 100$ pants right in front of everyone and there was nothing anyone could say or do about it. This really baffled me. But they are taught that if someone wants to steal from them to just let them and not engage or chase after or even call the police. She has only been working there 5 months and she has seen this happen probably 12 times she said in those months. Well what does the company do? Who pays for the pants? We the loyal consumers do. So essentially the more people steal the more the clothes go up in price or get taxed harder. If you do purchase from them get your money worth and recycle the pants for new ones. Why not? If they are going to ruin it for the honest people that pay the price a person should get a free pair regardless. Either way I am going to support them even though the founder was extremely racist and called the company Lululemon for the reason that certain cultures can’t say the name because of how many l’s are present in the name. He found it funny that when they would try to say the word they would mess it up every single time they attempted at it.

Besides all this I just think the fashion industry as a whole is super interesting based on how much something costs and how economically useful the product is. Some high fashion like Prada, I am so unsure as to why some people would pay such a high price for something that is not only ugly, but not even remotely useful. That kind of ties into the idea of what is art and how much art should cost. It can be a scribble on a piece of paper and stupid people will pay millions for something so ugly that a toddler could have created even better.

Just think about what you are purchasing in any light as a consumer. Is it worth the price you are paying? Is it morally acceptable? Do you think you will use it more than once? These and many more factors I consider before I purchase anything that has to do with fashion, accessories and even decor. Sometimes I even ask myself instead of paying a lot of money for something especially a brand name, can I in good faith create this with my own hands? Would it be cheaper to source my own materials? Can I make the quality any better than it already is?

[gharpedia2023]

Interactive Panel Prices Unveiled: Your Simple Guide

Hey there! So, you're on the hunt for an interactive panel, and you're wondering why they come in all sorts of price tags, right? Don't worry; I've got your back. Let's dive into the world of interactive panels in a way that even your grandma could understand.

What's an Interactive Panel?

Think of an interactive panel as a massive touch screen. It's like a super-sized tablet, but instead of playing games or scrolling through your social media, it's used for learning, presenting, and collaborating in schools and businesses.

Cracking the Price Code

Interactive panel prices aren't just pulled out of thin air. A bunch of things go into setting that number:

Size: Bigger screens, bigger price tags. It's like ordering a small pizza versus a large one.

Resolution: Higher resolution means crisper images. The fancier the resolution, the more you'll pay.

Touch Tech: There are two kinds: IR (infrared) and capacitive. IR is more budget-friendly, while capacitive is pricier but super precise.

Operating System: Like Android or Windows, some panels use Android, which is cheaper than Windows.

Connectivity: More ports and connection options? That's gonna cost you a bit more.

Bells and Whistles: Some panels come with built-in cameras, speakers, and fancy pens. These cool extras drive up the price.

Brands and Warranty: Big-name brands and longer warranties mean higher prices. It's like buying a designer bag versus a regular one.

Installation: Don't forget about setting it up! Professional installation can add to the cost.

Software: Sometimes you'll need to buy software separately. It's like purchasing apps for your phone.

Customization: If you need something special, it might be pricier. It's like asking for a custom-made cake instead of a store-bought one.

How Much Are We Talking?

Okay, now that we know what makes these panels cost what they do, let's break down the price range:

Entry-level panels (55-65 inches): Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500. These are like the economy class of interactive panels.

Mid-range panels (65-75 inches): These fall in the range of $2,500 to $5,000. It's like choosing a mid-range car.

High-end panels (75-98 inches): Get ready to spend $5,000 to $10,000 or even more. These are the luxury models.

Custom or Specialized panels: Prices can be all over the map. It's like commissioning a piece of art.

FAQs on Interactive Panel Prices

I bet you still have some questions, right? Don't worry; you're not alone. Here are some common questions:

Why are interactive panels more expensive than regular TVs?

Interactive panels have special tech for touch and are designed for different purposes, which makes them costlier to make.

Are there any cheap interactive panels?

Yup, there are budget-friendly ones, but they might have fewer features.

Is there ongoing maintenance cost?

Expect some maintenance costs for repairs, but they're usually quite durable.

Can I use a regular TV instead of an interactive panel?

You can make a regular TV somewhat interactive, but it's not the same as a dedicated interactive panel.

Do interactive panels come with a warranty?

Most do, but the warranty terms can differ between brands.

How often should I upgrade my interactive panel?

It depends on how much you use it, but they typically last a good few years.

Can I haggle for a better price?

Sometimes you can negotiate, especially if you're buying several panels.

What's essential when picking an interactive panel for school?

Size, resolution, and compatibility with educational software are crucial for schools.

What's the difference between IR and capacitive touch technology?

IR is cheaper but less precise, while capacitive is pricier but super accurate.

Can I use an interactive panel without the interactive features?

Sure, you can use it as a regular screen, but it might be overkill.

There you go! I hope this has made the world of interactive panel prices a bit clearer. Remember, it's not just about the price; it's about finding the one that suits your needs and budget. Happy shopping!

How can I get my interactive panel fixed?

If it needs repairs, reach out to the manufacturer or a certified service provider.

Can I use any stylus or pen on an interactive panel?

Many panels come with their interactive pens, so stick to those for the best experience.

Is there any difference in price between panels for education and business use?

While there can be differences between brands and models, the price doesn't strictly depend on the intended use.

Are there any discounts for schools or government agencies?

Some brands offer discounts for educational institutions and government agencies, so it's worth asking about.

How can I find the best deals on interactive panels?

Shop around, compare prices from different vendors, and keep an eye out for sales and discounts.

Can I install an interactive panel on my own?

You could, but it's often better to have a professional handle the setup for proper calibration and installation.

What power does an interactive panel need?

Most panels use standard electrical power, like your everyday TV.

Can I update the software on my interactive panel?

Yes, you can often update the software to get new features and improvements.

What's the typical lifespan of an interactive panel?

The lifespan can vary, but a good one can serve you well for several years with proper care.

Can I use my interactive panel as a touchscreen for my computer?

Many interactive panels can work as external touchscreens for computers, making your work more interactive.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right interactive panel isn't just about the price. It's about finding one that fits your needs, whether it's for teaching, presenting, or collaborating. Hopefully, these simple explanations and FAQs have helped you navigate the world of interactive panel prices. So, when you're shopping for one, remember, it's not just about the numbers; it's about finding the perfect fit for your budget and requirements. Happy shopping!

[biggest-gaudiest-patronuses]

So I (finally!) bought a pair of really good noise cancelling headphones, and it has changed my life! It's the fanciest thing I've bought in years, so to recoup some of the cost, I’ve researched & written a little essay based on my experiences with extreme noise sensitivity.

Hypersensitivity to sound is something I’ve dealt with all of my life, but I only recently found out it's medically known a Hyperacusis. (Please note this is a separate condition from Misophonia.) If you consistently struggle to cope with noise, the info below could be helpful! I’m including a link to my ko-fi, and I will be answering questions in the notes.

(skip to the bottom to read fun facts about my tax return and/or street organs vendettas!)

DISCLAIMER: I am not a professional, this is based solely on my experiences as a patient, and on what I have read and been told by professionals. Please notify me if you have corrections or concerns about accuracy!

BACKGROUND: Sensitivity to sound is a common type of sensory issue. While anyone can experience such issues (most people, for example, might be bothered by loud music in a crowded restaurant), some people are more sensitive than others, to the point it becomes a quality-of-life aka a medical issue.

If you consistently struggle with environmental stimuli that other people aren’t bothered by (background noises, bright lights, certain textures and tastes, etc), to the point it causes daily discomfort or limits the environments you can be in, I recommend reading about Sensory Processing Disorder.

SPD and sound sensitivity are both super common in autistic folks (like me!), but allistic (non-autistic) people can experience them too. Weep, ye prisoners of mortal coil, for none are safe, nothing sacred, not in this thy most accursed tomb of human flesh!

Anyway.

SOUND SENSITIVITY or HYPERACUSIS: Noise issues are particularly difficult to navigate in a world that is increasingly...noisy. The relatively new phenomenon of constant overhead music in restaurants, grocery stores, shopping malls etc—all of this means that public spaces are increasingly inaccessible to people with auditory issues.*

As a kid, nothing quite triggered sensory overload/meltdowns for me like the constant exposure to noise I couldn’t control—the background chatter of other kids in the lunchroom, the constant noise in public spaces, being trapped in the car with the radio on.... I had so many fights with my siblings about the car radio, and who got to choose the music.**

But it’s not just loud sounds that are the problem. As an adult who lives alone and works from home***, I’m lucky enough to be able to avoid loud environments most of the time. This does wonders for my general levels of anxiety and discomfort. But even in a mostly controlled environment, I still experience problems. Because part of sound sensitivity is that even normal or quiet sounds can feel loud and intrusive. Here are some “normal” sounds that can cause me discomfort (ranging from annoyance to outright pain, depending on the day):

refrigerator/AC/ceiling lights humming

dishwasher/washing machine noises

ceiling fan making that damn ceiling fan noise

faint sounds of traffic

riding in a car

other people having a normal conversation in the background

someone talking to me in a perfectly normal inside voice

Unfortunately, even in a “controlled” environment, many triggering noises can’t be controlled. And many parts of life can’t be lived in a controlled environment. This presents...some incredibly freaking annoying problems. Luckily there are solutions!

Sorta.

There are sorta some solutions.

They are imperfect, but they help.

TREATMENT: And now I have something rather shame-faced to admit. In all the years of managing my symptoms, it never once occurred to me to see a hearing specialist for my issues with sound. I wasn’t even aware that treatment options exist, because none of my other doctors mentioned it. Instead, I’ve spent years finding my own coping mechanisms and tools, with help from therapists and psychiatrists, but without ever consulting an audiologist/ENT. It was only while researching this post that I found out that was even an option, holy shit.

So it turns out I am going to be making an appointment with my local ENT practice. shit.

Apparently treatment options include sound/acoustic therapy, systematic desensitization/exposure therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, sound machines, and other options that I had no idea even existed, goddammit.

MANAGEMENT: In the meantime, here are my current coping mechanisms. I’ve relied rather heavily on hearing protection, which is very useful when used in moderation. Unfortunately, it can cause its own problems: it’s important not to overuse hearing protection, because in the long-term this can increase your sensitivity. So again: a useful tool, but be careful not to overdo it.

With that in mind, here are some of the coping strategies I’ve used over the last decade to manage my symptoms. This is not a perfect system and you should contact your local ENT clinic for better, long-term solutions, but in the meantime here are some tips I use to just get myself through the damn day:

Regularly spending time in a quiet controlled environment, to allow my nervous system to decompress.

Wearing earplugs, (I use two different grade, depending on the level of noise prevention I need), and always carrying an extra pair in case I need them unexpectedly. I bought a 50 pack for $7 and put spares in all my bags and jacket pockets.

(I mostly use Mack’s Ultra Soft, but there are so many types and materials and brands, including foam, silicone, wax, custom moldable etc. Even if you have trouble wearing things in your ears, you might be able to find something comfortable.)

Similarly: hearing protection earmuffs, the kind used in gun ranges and on construction sites. I bought mine online for $10. they look like normal wireless headphones, so I've never gotten comments when wearing mine in public (other than “cool heaphones” bc i added skull glitter stickers).

Sometimes I wear the earmuffs on top of earplugs, when life is just too damn LOUD.

Listening to music w/ earbuds or headphones is a great way to balance out background noises, especially if you can find soothing playlists that help you concentrate. Also useful to put in just one earbud when you need to pay attention in class/at work.

Pro tip: if your hair is long enough you can wear wireless earbuds without anyone knowing.

White noise, rain noises, ocean noises etc can be helpful! Some people like whale songs although personally this activates my primal fear response

Active noise cancelling headphones: the reason I wrote this post to begin with—I finally bought a pair! As in, a really good pair! As in, a depressingly expensive pair with noise cancelling technology that actually WORKS, holy shit. I probably need to wear them a little less at home (bc overprotection causes problems in the longterm) but they have absolutely transformed my ability to go out in public and i never ever want to take these suckers off again please take a power screwdriver and nail these to my head, bury me in the sweet sweet shroud of silence. holy canoli and cream puffs I want to marry form a civil partnership with these headphones. Plus they have a bunch of features, like being able to control the level of noise cancellation, so I can hold a conversation or be aware of some ambient noise for safety reasons.

Oh, and also they play music I guess?

Sorry sorry I promise this post wasn’t supposed to be me shilling for Big Electronics. I’m just excited, I’m an excited flabby little ball of expired flubber. ANC headphones aren’t a perfect solution, and I still sometimes wear earplugs underneath, and I will always be uncomfortable some of the time, but for me it’s been a big step.

Unfortunately the cost of good quality ANC technology means this isn’t an option for everyone, and the (much cheaper) gunshot protection earmuffs I mentioned earlier still provide an impressive amount of protection and bang-for-your buck (maybe even an equal amount of protection, if you can find ones that fit well). But if noise consistently prevents you from enjoying public space and life in general, and you’ve already tried earmuffs & earplugs and find they don’t offer enough comfort/convenience/protection, and if you’re in a position to save up for a one time non-necessity purchase of $150+, noise cancelling headphones are an option to be aware of. (Please always check the return policy so you can try before you buy. I ended up buying and returning 2 pairs before finding what worked best for me. And please look for a retailer that offers an extended warranty. You want those motherforkers to last).

There are cheaper options available, including some under $50. The ones I tried didn't work as well as my hearing protection earmuffs, but some people report good experiences, so that is something to consider. it's always good to know your options! Passive noise canceling is another affordable alternative.

Medication: A final tool in my toolbox, which for me personally has helped as much as every other method combined. Like, a lot, it’s helped a lot. It turns out some anti-anxiety medications can also help sensory issues. There’s not much research on this, and I only discovered it firsthand when a medication my doctor prescribed for anxiety ended up significantly helping my sensory issues. I no longer need medication for anxiety, but my psychiatrist still prescribes that same medication off-label for my sensory stuff. Ask your psychiatrist to research your options (they will probably have to do some digging to find relevant research, but you deserve to know all your options, even the obscure ones). Fyi, the medication I use is in the benzodiazepines class, but there are other options for those concerned about dependency or side effects.

(I'm also told anti-anxiety supplements may be helpful, though I haven't tried this yet. If you're on prescription meds, always talk to your doctor about contraindications before taking anything over-the-counter.)

So there you have it, my main coping strategies for sound sensitivity! They are not a replacement for medical treatment (except that last one which is in fact...medical treatment), but I find them helpful and I hope some of you will too! I’ve struggled for a long time, and I’m very pleased to have reached the point where I can just do things in public. Eating out in loud restaurants? I can do that now, and even enjoy it, holy shit! I can comfortably travel in cars for hours at a time, and walk around shopping malls and grocery stores with overhead music, and, and —and just exist. It is so so freeing, to feel like maybe, after everything, you are actually allowed to just exist in a world that wasn’t really designed for you.

Again, be careful not to overuse hearing protection—the goal is to allow you to be less uncomfortable and to function better, but if you find you are becoming more sensitive to noise, it is time to dial it back a notch. Or maybe consider listening to music (at a reasonable volume) to block out background noise instead.

*(This also includes people with hearing loss and related issues, btw. While that’s not my area of knowledge, I would welcome it if any of my HoH followers want to share their experiences.)

**A sign of sensory issues that parents often miss is when a child complains about music being too loud—but has no problem listening to their own music at high volume. This is because music that is already familiar to the listener (and that the listener enjoys) is much easier for the brain to process, since it knows what pattern of sounds to expect. Loud music that they get to control can be soothing for people with sound issues, especially when it blocks out background noise and sensations. This is why repetitively playing the same songs can be a helpful form of stimming.

***(working on this blog, actually. since it’s my only source of income, my 2020 income tax return literally lists my occupation as ‘Tumblr Blogger.’ Oddly, my parent didn’t feel this achievement was worth including in the holiday family newsletter.)

bonus fun fact: Charles Babbage aka “father of the computer” may have been autistic and hypersensitive to sound. He definitely had a huge problem with public noise pollution, and spent his later year waging a war on street musicians (and organ grinders in particular).

(bc like, yeah. screw organ grinders.)

Sometimes when I’m out in public and the overhead music is particularly unbearable, I’ll take a moment to look up to the sky and scream out: “HE TRIED TO WARN US! THE FATHER OF COMPUTERS TRIED TO WARN US!!! we should have listened, sweet heaven we should have listened!”

except i don’t scream it, i say it very quietly under my breath

(i have issues with noise)

so yeah that is my short essay. and here is the ko-fi goal

k ciao i gotta go pick out glitter stickers for my headphones

[ms-demeanor]

You know what’s funny is whenever I make a tech post I get people going “this is blatantly untrue” and I get people going “this is really good information and everyone needs to know it” and the dividing line is how much time you spend with people who are tech literate.

Yep, I would tell my computer savvy friends where they could get keycaps and fix their keyboards; I don’t even have to bother telling my computer savvy friends how to run a fifteen year old laptop because we’re all pretty good at it.

But GODDAMN I just read a response to my “cheap computer season” post that claimed that it was totally reasonable to run a macbook from 2010 and

Look.

That’s not a reasonable thing to tell a student who needs a functional computer to do research and write papers. (have fun trying to find installation discs from when the OS was still named after cats and have fun trying to get a browser to get along with that OS)

You know why most people bring me laptops with missing keys? Because the key got ripped off by their two-year-old and damaged the soldering in the keyboard and I have no idea it’s going to be “oh, yeah, that’s a ten dollar fix” or “sorry, that’s going to be an hour and a half to disassemble and reassemble and we’ll have to order you a new keyboard specific to that model out of new old stock” and the thing is the second one is much, much, much more common in my experience than the first.

Do I think you need to replace a laptop when the bezel is cracked? No. I also don’t carry my laptop powered on in the bag with a flashdrive sticking out of the USB port. Customers do weird things that I don’t understand and when a customer tells me they want me to fix the bezel they think it’s a twenty-dollar snap-on repair because they have no idea how this works and then they get mad at me when I explain “no, you’ve gotta have this specific piece of plastic, these haven’t been made in five years, and you might be better off buying a used model online than trying to track down a new bezel.”

So here’s the thing: Can Macs get viruses?

There are three answers here.

“No, of course not, Macs are made to be virus-proof”

“Macs need antivirus protection because, while it is less common than infections for PCs, there are types of malware that can infect macs and it’s worthwhile to guard against that”

“tEcHnIcAlLy a virus has to be self-replicating and IOS’s file management system [or some other bullshit] prevents that so TECHNICALLY Macs can’t get viruses and what you need is anti-malware software if you need anything because you’re fairly likely to have security through obscurity”

I’m aware of the third position and voicing the second position to people who believe the first position.

YES TECHNICALLY YOU CAN KEEP A COMPUTER RUNNING INDEFINITELY AND YES IT’S TOTALLY POSSIBLE YOUR LAPTOP WILL LAST TEN YEARS.

“Well if you treat it right and run it well it’ll be in great shape for a long time”

YES THAT IS CORRECT DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MANY PEOPLE WHO DON’T WORK ON THEIR OWN CARS DRIVE AROUND WITH THE OIL CHANGE LIGHT ON FOR MONTHS?!?

Tons of people in the world today use computers. They use computers every day, they use computers at home and at school and at work.

Tons of people drive every day. They use cars for fun and for commuting and for their jobs.

That doesn’t mean that all (or even most, or even half) of the people using these things is any good at keeping them running, or even has the barest idea of how to start tracking down a problem.

Someone in the notes of that post described a green line on their screen and thought that was a symptom of hard drive problems. I don’t have the hours in the day to catch this person up to speed on why a display issue on a laptop isn’t indicative of hard drive issues.

Do you know how much people think it’s going to cost to get data off of a broken drive? Not “won’t power up” not “won’t spin” but “I dropped this and part fell off and now it won’t power up or spin and also the platter is chipped”? I’m going to have to send that shit to a clean room and the customer is *staggered* that it might cost more than a hundred dollars to get their data. “Outrageous, what kind of blackmail operation are you trying to run here, just plug it in and get my pictures.”

A year or so ago I was at Jiffy Lube (ew). I’d been shooting the shit with the mechanic when a parent and child rolled in in a panic. And they should have been panicking! They’d thrown a fucking rod because they’d been driving with no oil in the car for god knows how long because neither of them had had the oil changed in the two years they’d owned the vehicle.

*I* can keep a 30-year-old car running. I can put a belt back on an engine in a dark parking lot with a wrench and a headlamp. I can drop a gas tank and replace my fuel filter and thumb my nose at the mechanics who tried to upsell me on “replacing your old, worn-out air filter” the day after I’d popped a new one into my truck.

These folks couldn’t keep a new car running with three alarms telling them what was wrong.

*I* can power up my 2005 macbook running Leopard and use garage band to record a song or do some design work on my copy of Adobe CS3; I can kludge its FF3.5 browser into playing nice with the internet and accept that it’s going to be a slow piece of shit.

The lady who called me confused by the fact that the password to her email was different than the login information for her grocery store rewards account will not be able to function if she gets a pop-up that says she’s using an outdated browser and will think it’s a virus if her bank won’t let her log in on that browser.

And you know what, I’m kind of sick of this attitude.

I would *fucking adore it* if computers were actually easy to repair; I’d love it if you could run new OSs on old hardware (especially on macs because I think apple are kind of shitheads about planned obsolescence).

But you know what, no, most people *CAN’T* reasonably expect to use a ten-year-old computer and have pleasant experience of it. It’s going to run slow. It’s going to shut down when they don’t want it to. The battery is going to swell slightly with the heat and your touchpad is going to go nuts. Your USB ports will stop working. Standard wear and tear that most people don’t know how to protect against and don’t know how to repair is going to make it harder to use AND software requirements will outstrip the hardware capabilities of the computer.

If your old computer sucks it’s not your fault. If you can’t happily use a 10-year-old laptop to do your homework that’s okay, it wasn’t designed for you to use it that way and YOU SHOULDN’T FEEL GUILTY ABOUT IT.

Because that’s kind of what a lot of these “well anybody should realistically be able to run a laptop from 2010″ responses comes down to: if you need new hardware you’re just not doing it right. If you have to replace your computer you didn’t make good choices when you bought it. If your battery dies it’s because you didn’t take care of it.

No. No. No. No.

This shit is A) designed to fail and B) actually really hard to keep running (hey how many blown capacitors do you think someone has to have on their motherboard before you say it’s not their fault for wanting to replace the laptop)

ALSO SOMEONE IN THE RESPONSES OF THAT POST LITERALLY SAID THAT IF YOUR BATTERY DIED AT THREE YEARS IT WAS BECAUSE YOU WEREN’T DOING THE DRAIN CHARGE CYCLE RIGHT AND FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU. It’s discharge cycles and heat, motherfucker; they are going to fail at some point and people shouldn’t feel bad if their batteries stop working after a couple years.

UGH.

You shouldn’t have to be a mechanic. You shouldn’t have to be a computer technician. Yeah, your shit will last longer if you know how to take care of it but, fuck. Imagine you were still using internet speeds from 2010. Imagine all your devices still had USB 2.0. Imagine you couldn’t log onto your online bank because your hardware won’t run he software that your bank recognizes because the hardware manufacturer decided it won’t support the older hardware.

What I was trying to get across in that initial post was “computers fail, and they fail pretty frequently; your life will be better and you will save money if you plan on replacing them at a regular interval and have reasonable expectations in terms of cost and failure. So buy a cheap computer now because you’re probably going to need one at some point”

And now I’ve got to Do A Yell about how there’s no ethical consumption under capitalism and it’s unreasonable to expect tired, overworked, broke people to become experts in computer repair in order to do their homework or play the goose game.

FUCK THAT.

IT’S CHEAP COMPUTER SEASON MOTHERFUCKERS. LAPTOP FAILURE RATES INCREASE AT THREE TO FIVE YEARS AND DESKTOP FAILURE RATES INCREASE AT FIVE TO SEVEN YEARS. RIGHT NOW THERE ARE DISCOUNTS ON NEW COMPUTERS AND IT’S CHEAP TO GET AN EXTENDED WARRANTY.

LIVE LONG AND PROSPER AND WORK ON COMPUTERS IF YOU WANNA AND PLAN TO REPLACE REGULARLY IF YOU DON’T WANT TO WORK ON COMPUTERS.

ALSO CHANGE YOUR FUCKING OIL YOU’RE PROBABLY DUE.

[ixellent]

Making a little collection post about these things that have helped me since the supply chain got fucked up really bad and also just in general! A lot of these are YT videos but some have supplementals I’ve added. DON’T WAIT until you need something to learn how to do it if you can avoid it. But this is not a list of “apocalyptic how-to’s”, we aren’t learning to make paper from scratch or sew our own clothes, we can’t all can our own veggies (and canning materials are short anyway), this is a list of depression-era-style fixes and right-to-repair concepts!

I know a lot of people who just can’t be assed to fix anything and that’s fine because then I get to have it and I do want to fix it. 

Bonus Negotiating tip for "getting to yes” on FB marketplace: say “thanks in advance, God bless” at the end of your initial message. Don’t forget to capitalize God. 😉 ● How to Darn Socks by Last Minute Laura - I want to add to this that it’s okay if you don’t do this perfectly or if it seems ugly when you’re finished, it’s probably still going to work fine! Embroidery needles and thread (sometimes in the form of a kit) are EASY to find at thrift stores, and especially used art supply stores. Related: 50 Hand Embroidery Stitches by Handiworks ● Simple Guide to Electronic Components and Soldering Basics by BigClive - Soldering is so so so handy to have some basic knowledge and skill in. I use it to do Gameboy mod kits but it also helped me feel confident in replacing little burnt out fuses, capacitors, etc. If I could have found a replacement relay I would have fixed my kettle! Pick up a multimeter if you can! Learn to use it! Related:  Soldering Is Easy comic by MightyOhm, and pretty much any Nintendo repair video, I recommend starting out on doing a simple shell swap or a gameboy IPS kit and going from there when it comes to electronics. Do not do a Joycon shell or a DS first.

● How to Replace an iPhone SE Screen by JerryRigEverything - There are a ton of videos or written tutorials for almost models of devices. I put this not because no one has ever heard of replacing your phone screen (lol) but because it is increasingly difficult to repair devices and with EXACTLY the right parts.You will often have to find your year model or even serial number and then do research on which parts are compatible/behave - usually someone will already have done the legwork so you’re like “aha this is the battery that will work in my 1st gen Paperwhite ereader”. Many phones and devices have pain in the ass adhesives so you “can’t” fix them. Do yourself a favor and get a good, plastic safe spudger and prying tools. Related: iFixit kits which are better than ever, Jailbreaking with Hexxa Plus ● Fix a KitchenAid Mixer that isn’t Spinning by ereplacementparts - I bring in this one because sometimes a scary, seemingly broken expensive item can be bought for very little and fixed very easily. There’s a YT video for like EVERYTHING. You will quickly learn to recognize how things GET broken and what their most likely problem is. I buy “untested” vintage point and shoot cameras all the time and usually they literally just need a new battery lol. Lots of things just need cleaned or need new grease or something, or have a broken trace/burnt fuse/broken plastics etc. See Soldering above. ● Oil Change on a TW200 by tdubskid - This is just to stand in as an example of some regular maintenance and familiarity with your vehicles. Not everything is as easy as a good ol’ Tdub but it’s worth getting the owner’s AND service manual for your vehicles so you can at least take care of it well so that it needs LESS maintenance and know when it is need of maintenance and how urgent it is even if you cannot perform it yourself. Plus, again, tons of YT videos and forum threads. Note: I highly recommend that if your vehicle is under warranty of any kind you don’t do your own oil changes/service or get service anywhere except certified dealerships until that warranty expires. Related: How to Change a Tire (plus jacking it up) by Chrisfix (this is a great full walkthrough! I KNOW most people have never done this - and check your spare once in awhile too)

● Learn to use hand tools and power tools safely. Go ask a family member or a friend to show you how to use them, I’m sure anyone who has them would LOVE to help you and show you what they’re working on. Get a manual impact philips screwdriver and a regular old rubber mallet and thank me later. See if someone’s grandpa is getting rid of their extra wrenches and sockets. Pick up cheap name brand power tools and their accompanying (watch the voltage) batteries and chargers when you can. People will act like you have to “pick a system” and have all one brand but who gives a fuck dude, I don’t. Get a little metal/wood hacksaw and a metal/wood file. Get safety goggles and some coated grip work gloves. Get a cheap soldering iron and some lead-free solder wire (and a fan lol.) Get a set of torx bits/drivers. Don’t be afraid to ask people how to do things. Give away or sell your tools when you don’t use them anymore. Last one but this is very important: Put stickers all over your toolboxes!

[vagrantblvrd]

Jaskier working for Geek Squad or something - look, he doesn’t know how he got there either, okay.

He was just working a crappy job stocking shelves in a consumer electronics store to pay the bills between gigs when one of his one of his friends begged him to cover a shift for him and apparently they were shorthanded and he did a decent enough job to get reassigned.

Anyway.

His coworker and the other people in the department who know what they’re doing don’t care because he’s good at the front end side of things dealing with customers while they fix shit in the back and go out on calls and whatnot. The supervisor doesn’t care because whatever, and he can always call his coworkers or just Goggle something if someone comes in and he’s the only one there at the time. (Also, he’s a master at bullshitting his way through anything, so that helps.)

But then one way there’s this guy, right.

Absolutely stunning with the white hair and gold cat eye contacts which is a look, don’t get Jaskier wrong. Also, did Jaskier mention stunning? And also gorgeous and this voice - when he talks, which. Okay, strong silent type, he can work with that because gorgeous.

(Also he knows he saw the teeniest, tiniest smile on his face a few times in there, and it was glorious each time.)

But this guy, Geralt, going by the form he filled out - is technologically challenged. Or maybe technologically cursed would be a better way of putting it???

Anyway, the first time he comes in it’s because he needs a new phone.

Bought a phone when his fell in a lake or something, he mentioned water damage and actually seemed embarrassed about it which, seriously, did things to Jaskier’s heart okay, but anyway.

No way of salvaging the poor thing and technically he’s a few days past warranty - didn’t go in for the company’s extended coverage which Jaskier gets. It’s expensive as hell, but hey.

He looks around to make sure no one’s looking - never mind the security cameras everywhere, but it’s the principle of the thing - and grins at the look Geralt gives him because he knows it’s an act, but hey, okay, hey.

Anyway.

Jaskier does Geralt a favor and replaces the guy’s phone even thought he really shouldn’t, and does a half-assed job of trying to sell him on the extended warranty coverage.

“I mean, it’s a nice thing to have if you’re accident prone like I am,” he says and goes on a ramble about his own adventures with technology.

Geralt hm’s at him but passes on the extended coverage and Jaskier just shrugs because yeah, no, he gets it.

He spends the rest of his day with this little smile on his face because favorite new customer, okay, best.

Life goes on, mind numbing nonsense of work and life and a few gigs with his band in there. Reports of monster attacks here and there and the officials making statements of bringing in authorities on the matter he doesn’t pay too much attention to.

And then!

Geralt shows up at his work again, this time with a busted laptop, and are those bite marks on it???

“Dog,” Geralt says, completely straightfaced even though the toothmarks are huge and what kind of idiot does he think Jaskier is and don’t give him that look you jerk. “Big, big dog.”

Jaskier stares at him for a long moment.

Geralt stares back.

“Uh-huh,” Jaskier says, and pulls up Geralt’s account.

Thankfully the laptop is still under warranty - no salvaging it the same as his phone - and he gets him set up with a new one.

Geralt is like a kid, Jaskier swears. Practically daring him to ask because it’s pretty obvious whatever ate the laptop wasn’t a damn dog, but he’s made of sterner stuff and doesn’t fall for it. (He wants to though, so bad.)

There’s a chance they can save whatever is on the harddrive, so he sends the laptop to the back for one of the others to deal with and chats with Geralt to wait on the verdict.

(They both ignore the incredulous reactions from the back, all along lines of “What the actual hell?” and so on as Jaskier asks how things have been and gets hm’ed at in response or one of those teeny, tiny smiles.)

Anyway.

It goes on like that for a while, Geralt coming back in for another phone - this one looks...melted???

Like.

How.

Coming in to pick up orders for one of his brothers who also seems to be as technologically cursed as he is.

And there’s that one night where things are slow and Jaskier’s in the back with the rest of the Geek Squad-like people who are drinking on lunch - don’t be a narc, Jaskier - and lamenting dealing with Geralt and his brothers.

As in it’s a whole thing for them, these bastards, and word has it that it used to be worse when their dad was in whatever business they’re in too?

Anyway, he gets to hear past horror stories and is utterly delighted and a little horrified and also, okay, also.

Not an idiot because there are just too many stories of phones and whatnot getting dunked in water or whatever, laptops and the whatnot coming in with bitemarks and occasionally an actual tooth - “Yeah, if you fin one in their stuff make sure to set it aside becuase they’ll want it back,” and it’s just.

Not the normal wear and tear even for someone in a home with pets, so.

Hm, indeed.

Still, it’s all whatever to him because as much as a headache as Geralt and his family is for the Geek Squad-like team, they’re delightful.

(Jaskier’s met Eskel and Lambert too, and it’s really kind of funny how someone will got get Jaskier to deal with any of them the moment they walk into the store because no, okay, no. Enough of a headache fixing their tech when they can, they can’t also handle talking to these horrible people who don’t take care of their stuff and also the three of them like Jaskier and just. He’s the one people get when any of them are in the store.)

Anyway, the night he’s walking to his car after a gig and there’s a monster attack - all over the news for the past week - and he gets rescued by Geralt and is like, oh, okay, everything makes sense now before he passes out because the whatever it was clawed him up a bit and anyway.

He wakes up at Geralt’s place surrounded by worried witchers and a sorceress and also this girl he swears he’s seen at a few of his gigs? Adorable kid with white hair and green eyes and oh, of course she’s Geralt’s kid, and anyway.

Awkward explanations and even more awkward flirting and Jaskier just being, huh, because of course this is his life now and also yes.

(Eventually he does get Geralt and the others to invest in the extended warranties on their tech because monsters tend to eat them or they get dragged underwater by a monster with their phones in their pockets and it’s just more cost-effective in the long run.)

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Edited to add MORE SHENANIGANS.

[allisonreader]

A basic break down of the three-five main sewing machine types. (Ignoring industrial machines because I don’t know much about them.)

Why am I writing a breakdown of the different machine types? Because there are so many different ways to refer to different things in sewing and it can all be correct. So I’m explaining things in the terms I used to try and make things a little bit clearer. 

Mechanical- A mechanical machine is a machine that does not have any computerized components. These days they are typically powered, but they’re what you think of when you think of a sewing machine. They classic style so to speak. Mechanical machines are the ones the started it all. Whether it was an old treadle machine that you got going with your feet or a hand crank model, or it plugs into the wall and goes with a foot control (or a rearstat as the Hutterites call it). They’re typically your most basic machine and there aren’t that many options out there any longer for them. 

Computerized- A computerized machine is a machine that has a computer board in it to control at least some of the functions of the machine. These are the most common machine these days. There are a lot of people who are concerned about computerized machines, but they’ve also been around for over 30 years now and there are still some of those old ones working, In general, a computerized machine isn’t going to give you anymore trouble than a mechanical machine. If there’s going to be a big problem with the board it’s most likely going to happen right away within the warranty time, or as the machine nears the end of it’s life. There is, of course always exceptions to this, but generally speaking the computer part itself will not go before the machine is worn out if you do a lot of sewing. Sometimes these machines can be call electronic. 

Embroidery- Embroidery machines are all computerized machines. There’s sort of three classes of embroidery machines. There are the embroidery only machines, which only do in the hoop embroidery. “Hybrid” which will do both your regular sewing as well as in the hoop embroidery. These machines generally have a removable embroidery arm on which the hoop attaches to for embroidering and is removed for when you’re sewing. Then there are the multi-needle machines that are a touch more on the industrial side that are most typically bought if someone has a business that they’re using it for.

Serger/Coverstitch- A serger is different from a sewing machine in that it cuts the edge of your fabric while wrapping anywhere from 2-4 threads around the newly cut edge of your fabric. This machine gives you the clean edge like most of your store bought clothes have. A coverstitch machine can either be it’s own machine or be a part of a serger. The coverstitch will do a chain stitch as it uses only one looper instead of two like a serger. Coverstitching is most often found on athletic wear, like the hem of a shirt or sweat pants.

Long Arms- These are your big quilting machines that go on a frame. There are also machines called mid arms which are a little bit smaller and go in a sit down table. These machines are the ones that stitch through all the layers of a quilt. The long arms you can even get software and robotics to quilt patterns for you.

So that is my quick or not so quick breakdown of the broad categories of sewing machines that are out there.

[littlechinesedoll]

Long Apple rant. 

This is regarding an issue where the biggest reseller of Apple products in my country, does not want to replace a woman’s Macbook with factory defect, which arose within a month of usage. The MacBook in question is a MacBook Pro M1 bought in March 2021. She’s had a very terrible time with Apple support, and they kept her laptop saying they were waiting for parts, kept transferring it from one repair shop to another, and blamed her for not returning the laptop within 7 days (which is the law), when the defect only arose a month later. The MacBook still isn’t repaired and she still hasn’t gotten her MacBook back yet.

The issue I think, with the MacBook the PowerMac Center won't replace is not because it's out of the seven day replacement period, but because they literally do not know how to repair the MacBook. The new MacBooks probably have zero reparability. Also because PowerMac Center has shit customer service. Feeling Apple Store. 

I had an Acer laptop break down three months before the warranty expired. Went to Acer in Paco, Manila, told them the problem, and left my laptop there. After about a day or two they said the problem was the motherboard. They replaced it and I got it back a few days later. Replacing the motherboard is like already giving you a new laptop. And they didn't charge me anything. I took it back about a month later to have it cleaned out just before the warranty expired. Didn't charge me anything. Easy as pie.

If "Apple Geniuses" in the US or "engineers" here in the PH knew how to fix your defective/broken MacBook, they can give it back to you in no time. But they don't know how to fix it, because Apple designs these machines to be as difficult to repair as possible, or impossible to repair, so that when it breaks, you have no choice but to buy another one. They do this by soldering everything in, using proprietary screws so that you can't fix the device yourself, and serializing parts so that you can't use them to repair other devices. They said they're waiting for parts from Singapore. These parts probably don't even exist. I don't even think they produce parts in Singapore. The company that manufactures parts for Apple products are both in Taiwan. 

If you want to know more about how Apple Products have shit reparability, please visit the following people on YouTube: Louis Rossmann, Hugh Jeffreys, and Jessa Jones from iPad Rehab. Please support Right to Repair. 

There has been news that Apple is claiming it didn’t hit targets because people were having their iphones repaired instead of buying new iphones (read it here: https://www.apple.com/.../letter-from-tim-cook-to.../...) 

And then when you go to Apple Genius Bars to have your Macs checked out, they’ll overestimate the repair for your laptop and just tell you to buy another one because it’s too expensive to repair it, even if the actual repair just takes shoving a good connector back into its slots.

Louis Rossmann is a person fighting for Right to Repair and he despises Apple to his very core that his mission is to fix every MacBook he can get his hands on just to spite Apple ahahaha I love him. 

Here are some of his videos: > Here’s a video from cbc news where they consult Louis after going to the genius bar “Genius Bar caught ripping customer off ON CAMERA” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XneTBhRPYk&t=1s

And another girl being ripped off by the Genius Bar saying they can’t repair her laptop, when the problem was they just didn’t shove the battery connector back into the motherboard well enough: https://youtu.be/K1A9y4S60kg

Jessa Jones from iPad Rehab also has been repairing and retrieving data from iphones that genius bars/apple centers claim cannot be retrieved or saved: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPjp41qeXe1o_lp1US9TpWA

Also check out Hugh Jeffreys who fixes iPhones and shows you that iPhones serialize parts so that you can’t have parts replaced on newer iPhone because the phones disable themselves when new parts are placed in https://www.youtube.com/user/hughydo

I’m NOT that much of a hater, because I use a MacBook and an iPhone for work, and an iPad for personal use and media consumption, and I’m a cheap fuck so I’ll never really get my own mac or a new iPhone (I have an iPhone 6 Plus) but these practices are insane. 

But I get why people use it. It “feels premium” and “is designed so well” and “the ecosystem works so well with each other across all devices” and of course, “I look so cool using it.” I also acknowledge that Apple has made considerable leaps and bounds when it comes to technology and their ecosystem, but that doesn't mean I don't think it's shit. And they keep competitors on their toes (also burning them to the ground when they enter a new market—bye Tiles), but holy shit these practices, man. 

Apple also claims that they're going green right? But if they don't let you repair and they don't repair their devices, what happens to all the other broken devices? That all goes to a landfill. They want to go green and save paper by not giving you a charger in the box? Well it takes more boxes and more plastic when you buy that charger either from them, or from an online store. It takes more boxes, more plastic, more bubble wrap, more gas!! More emissions!! To deliver that charger to you!! THAT’S NOT GREEN AT ALL. Just because they're "reducing their footprint" doesn't mean it's going be the same for everybody else that's fulfilling their jobs to get the thing to you, the user.

There was an issue where they sued a disposal company for repairing and reselling all the working iPhones they gave to them to destroy. Why destroy something that can be repaired or still used? Granted they have the right to sue cos the disposal company didn't do as asked, but why would they have all those working devices destroyed? Because they don't want you to repair your Apple device. They want it to stay broken so you buy a new one. You can read that here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/.../apple-geep-iphone.../

Basically, Apple still wants control over the device you bought from them. It’s like saying you buy a car from Ford, but you can’t use tires that aren’t from Ford, because if you do use tires from Bridgestone, the car won’t work. And if you bring the car to Ford, they’ll say they can’t fix your tires, so you have to buy a new car. That’s fucking stupid.

some more stuff on right to repair to help you understand it: 

MKBHD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTbrXiIzUt4

Linus Tech Tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvVafMi0l68

Louis Rossmann: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Npd_xDuNi9k

Also a video from Linus Tech Tips where Apple refused to fix their iMac Pro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-NU7yOSElE

[seeminglyseph]

I have actually managed to keep money in savings these past few months... I have debt to pay off, but I already have a budget for paying bills it doesn't help to dump all my savings and still be in debt. This way I pay debt and save for like... a computer or new office setup...

Mom asked what I want for my birthday all I can really think of is saving for a good computer and a good gamer chair... I really am kicking myself for not thinking about chairs having weight limits when I bought one on amazon and had it break just outside the warranty date... I'm not even above the highest weight on the chair anymore but oh well... I like the wide base and room to curl up with a blanket...

I forgot I need 2 25x25 frames for the critrole maps I got. I'm sure people who feel comfortable going into stores can find those for under $100...

I wanna get piercings and tattoos but I'm afraid of going out to places... maybe piercings wouldn't be so bad 'cause it's not sitting for hours gaining a big open wound...

Or I want one of those big like... build a bear or "life sized" bulbasaur plush. A big cuddly one. Idk I like plush toys... they're good for when you feel lonely and want to remember someone cares about you.

Maybe for my Birthday someone will shame the ex friend in front of her family as a gift of petty villainy. "You emotionally tortured and almost outed your best friend while his father died 'cause you were grumpy about moving. Here are the transcripts because you did it all through text and email, since you were too much of a coward to even face him while you came up with ways to make him feel worse." Wish I could make her know how close she came to ending a life...

Anyway everything is a mess right now and I don't know what I want. So much stuff in life depends on other people and i just... don't feel like i can depend on other people. The people i can count on i don't want to burn out. I don't want them to start hating me too. And you talk about trauma and it's like "you need people who don't treat you like a burden" like okay I'll go pick some of those up at the store. I'll be sure to go find some people who actually like me and want to be there for me when things get hard. There's a huge fucking supply of those, I am just too fucking loveable can't find anyone who doesn't adore me despite how much I am able to do for them. Though they will add "you have to kiss a few frogs before you find a prince" but like it feels like the trauma of kissing frogs is far from worth whatever a prince has. I don't want to be raped or abused again and abuse has happened so often that I just feel like... that's what I get. That's all there is for me. Whether people say I deserve it or if it's true or what, i don't have enough positive features to attract positive people. And on the topic of deserve, what kind of people deserve the trouble I cause?

One day I hope someone values me, and my absence would be noticed. So many people have left holes in my life, they meant so much to me and my life existed as a whole with them in it. Without them you can see where the tapestry is missing chunks. Maybe it's selfish but I hope I make a hole in a few tapestries when I go.

[rixxy8173571m3w1p3]

Mamihlapinatapai Or The Season Of Longing

A/n: Here is another fic. Since it's been raining like crazy and I have spent way too much time indoors because of the weather, I decided to write this. The poem featured in this fic is called Lluvia by Jorge Luis Borges. I finally figured out how to put things under the cut so that my followers don't have to scroll through a large post 😅 It's another piece set before Doofus Rick and the reader were dating. Feel free to check out the other fics in my Masterpost.

In this fic the reader isn't the only one longing

___________

Imagine that instead of a blue sky, there was an off white, almost grey sky, and what should've been wispy white clouds were blankets of rumbling thunderstorms without a drop of rain; that was how you thought you might've felt. There was a name to this feeling, but you weren't sure what to call it; as though you were missing something you couldn't place; not sadness or grief, but whatever came in between. No, nothing bad had happened, and there hadn't been any disagreements between you and Rick, but something did occur which fed this alien feeling. It seemed that only a few days ago you were alright, but then you invited him over and he had a chance to look over those books you had mentioned. That day he had returned home from work and came over right after; offering his best of smiles and a piece of candy from his labcoat pocket as soon as he crossed the threshold of your doorway; it was nothing out of the ordinary, but it was charming all the same.

With swiftness, you had led him to your hallway closet so that you could bring down the box of books sitting on the upper shelf; that was where you kept a great portion of your father's old books. Father had been a fan of languages and botany, but ventured into the bizarre mystery from time to time; being a master of neither, you had hidden them away for a later date; mostly because the memories were more disheartening then they space they took up. With all your might, you stood on the tips of your toes in a vain attempt to reach, but your fingers barely brushed the edge of it; you should’ve just used the step ladder. It was Rick's small huff of effort which alerted you to his nearness as he unexpectedly stretched up and grabbed said box when you had a little trouble. Goodnaturedly, he carried it towards the kitchen while you took a moment to calm your girlish heart.

Coaxed away from your thoughts by the dusty cardboard and the delighted guest, you nodded lightly to give him the go-ahead to help himself. His gentle presence made him a joy to study; not in the way he examined things in the world or of the world, but in the way one does when fascinated by a butterfly or a fresh bloom hidden in an otherwise barren bush; he was a miracle. With care he pulled out one book after another, glancing through their pages and making piles for which one's he'd like to borrow. In a way he seemed to belong to this house; as though what wasn't found within pages of novels could be sought, and felt beyond reason; flowing calmly and relished in these favorable moments. Although it wasn't much, and that borrowing books could be of little consequence except to the reader itself, you hated to see him go.

Now thinking of it days later, you found yourself wondering about its significance as well as a plethora of other things as you walked to the store and back. You hadn't needed anything in particular, but you felt slightly better being outdoors; the fresh air allowed you to believe you could think better. The sounds of light traffic and grass being cut somewhere along in the neighborhood felt timeless as you walked around the corner, almost home. The wind blew, rustling your clothes and you narrowly lost the receipt that hung out of your pocket, but that didn’t bother you.

Rain clouds were rolling in from the west and you hoped it wouldn't rain before you reached home. And the closer you got, the more you could see the familiar house of your lovable neighbor. A smile couldn't help but stretch across your face at the thought and you hoped he was home so that you could ask if he'd had a chance to look those books over but that alien feeling bloomed again; the sinking, drowning, heavy feeling. How you wanted to be with him despite what reason thought was logical. The dance of your heart would've loved nothing more than to place a dozen or more kisses upon his smile lines while he stammered into the next week. Oh, your foolish heart had taken on a personification of its own these days; speaking and thinking of itself and it's wants like a second brain; draining you whenever it appeared.

Yet, before you knew it you had reached home and dropped off what you had bought before stepping out again. From your front yard, you could see that he was in the garage and you questioned whether you should go over and attempt to alleviate this feeling; it’d vanish whenever you were with him. You must’ve stood there thinking for a while as to what ought to be done for the pitter-patter of rain broke this trance-like state and you ran back towards your front porch. How silly you have become as of late with this strange crush of yours. Weren’t you past these sort of schoolgirl feelings? Perhaps, but it was more than that.

You sunk into your wicker bench and listened to the sound of the rain as it hit the roof and walkway. The earthy scent of the lawn and the splash of puddles as cars drove by was a welcomed distraction. A nap didn’t seem like such a bad idea. Yet, gentle footsteps and the sound of a closed umbrella woke another sort of feeling within you; that of hope.

“Golly, it - it sure is raining cats and dogs t-today.” he commented.

The words were out of your mouth as soon as you were aware of him; of this creature who walked out of a daydream. “I didn’t think I’d get to see you.”

“Huh? Are you alright? Did s-something happen?”

“I'm fine,” you answered; all at once conscious of him and your surroundings. “it’s just...I thought about coming over to ask if you checked out any of the books but it started to rain.”

“Th-that's part of the reason I'm here,” he confessed. “I-I had noticed you went out for a-a walk and wanted to make sure you had come home safely.”

“As you can see, I made it back in one piece. Although, I did get my hair wet. Though, that's the least of my problems.”

“Do you mind if I-I-I take a seat?”

Patting the space beside you, you nodded. “Not at all.”

He set his umbrella to the side before he seated himself and turned towards you. His warmth radiated from him and being as tall as he was, the bench might’ve been too low to the ground since his legs seemed to stick out too much, but he made no complaint. From his inner labcoat pocket, he pulled out a small book. “I thought y-y-you might enjoy this.”

“A book?”

Handing it to you, he commented. “I thought y-you might enjoy this collection of poems. I um - I bookmarked my favorites but I'd like t-t-to know what your thoughts about them would be.”

You knew this whimsical creature was well-read in many respects, but you hadn’t given much thought to the possibility of including works of a more abstract nature. “Sure, that sounds lovely. Though, I hope you don't mind me asking. Do you read works like this often? It's not because I find it strange. Honestly, I find it fascinating and wonderful that you would even consider it, but I ask because I thought….well, I thought you only read serious works related to your work.”

Scratching the back of his neck, he explained. “I read whenever I-I-I find the time and it uh - it usually doesn’t matter what the subject may be. In the pursuit of knowledge, one reads everything. For example, th-the terms and conditions for some computer programs or limited warranties at times list amusing reasons why y-you might be able to get a replacement for a damaged product. It keeps things interesting.”

“I see. It certainly makes sense.”

With a smile, he sighed with contentment as he looked towards the street. “Boy, th-this weather reminds me of a certain poem. It's called um - it's called Lluvia. That's the Spanish word for rain.”

“That's right,” you remembered; his last name should’ve been a reminder enough. “you can speak Spanish. I forget sometimes since you only talk to me in English. So, tell me, how does this poem go?”

“Please forgive me since my Spanish is a-a little rusty.”

Taking a deep breath, he recited calmly. “Bruscamente l-la tarde se ha aclarado, porque y-ya cae la lluvia minuciosa. Cae o cayó. La lluvia es una c-cosa qué sin duda sucede en el pasado. Quien la oye caer ha recobrado, el t-tiempo en que la suerte venturosa. Le r-r-reveló una flor llamada rosa y el curioso color del c-colorado. Esta lluvia que ciega los cristales, alegrará en p-p-perdidos arrabales. Las negras uvas de una parra en cierto. Patio que ya no existe. La mojada, t-tarde me trae la voz, la voz deseada, de mi padre que vuelve y que no ha muerto.”

You stared at this man, amazed by his fluency and ability to fascinate you with the simplest things. Yet again, a reason to be marveled by him. “Whoa, I don't know what you said, but it sounded beautiful when you said it.”

Turning towards you, his smile seemed brighter than usual albeit a bit sheepish. "It's n-nothing special."

"But it is, especially since you can think and speak in more than one language. I can't do that."

"I-I can teach you if you'd like."

"No, that's okay. You're busy enough as it is, but I appreciate the thought. You really are so incredibly smart."

"And you…eres maravillosa."

"What?”

His smile faltered a bit, and he thought to himself for a bit on what he was about to say before his smile returned; albeit more gently. “Eres amable y-y dulce. No soy digno de una amiga como tu.”

“Rick,” you started; confused as to why there seemed to be some sort of admission that you weren’t able to understand. “all the poetic talk is lovely, but I don't think it's fair if you reply in a way I can't understand."

"Si pudieras entenderme," he sighed, wringing his hands in the nervous way he did. "me pregunto qué creerías si te expresara cuánto me preocupo por ti."

Raising from the bench, he said to himself. "Si puedo llegar a la luna, algun dia podria...¿Q-que estoy haciendo?"

"Rick?"

“I’m o-okay. I uh - I zoned out there for a second. I’m sorry.”

“Really? Are you sure?”

“Yeah. I’ll be fine.”

He studied you for a moment longer; a world of words unsaid in his melancholic glances. Was something secretly hurting him like it was hurting you? You could only wonder as thoughts were drowned out by the sound of the rain.

———————————-

It was warm and comfortable with him sitting beside you. His presence always provided a sense of calm that was softer and sweeter than that of the sedatives that eased your anxiety. Why you could fall asleep right here if it weren’t for that fact that you’d be mortified if you allowed it to happen.

“Are you a-a big fan of the rain?” he wondered.

This question had come after a half-hour of companionable silence. “Hmm, it’s not the rain so much as the memories that accompany it.”

“Do y-you want to talk about it?”

“Only if you don’t mind hearing it.”

“I-I don’t mind.” He reassured you.

“Well,” you started. “my dad enjoyed rainy days since he said the plants almost seemed to smile when rainwater hit their leaves.”

“Th-that’s a nice thought.“

“Yeah, I thought so too. When it rains like this, and I’m watching it fall,” you softened; feeling lighter because you had someone to share your thoughts with. “it feels like I’m looking through a curtain. It’s not completely see-through, but the shapes I can see appear softer and more mysterious like how you must’ve appeared when you showed up. Too bad I wasn’t paying attention.”

Oh, you did not just say that out loud. “Or something like that.” You added.

If he had noticed you had tripped over your words then he gave no indication of it. “Gosh, I-I never thought of it that way b-before. I usually see it as part of the pr-precipitation cycle and it smells nice, doesn't it?”

“It does. I wouldn’t mind bottling up this scent, but then it might lose what makes it special.”

Yet, if you could bottle up his scent, it would’ve been nice to keep nearby just in case you wanted a little piece of him.

“That um - that reminds me,” he brightened. “I had baked some mandarin scones before walking over tonight, and I-I-I thought you’d like t-t-t-t-to try them but I didn’t want to risk them getting wet. I-I thought we could share some over tea tomorrow if that’s alright with you.”

Tea time with Rick was like what others did over rounds of drinks; it was to unwind and talk about the day; minus the drunkenness and the unforeseen embarrassment. “Don’t you have to work tomorrow?”

“Gee, I um - I was supposed to, but there was a shift change. Actually, I have a shift t-t-tonight in a-about an hour, but I had wanted to make sure you were alright before I left.”

“Why?”

“Because I-I thought you were going t-to walk over.”

So he had thought the same thing. “Oh, well like I said earlier I had planned to or thought to, but the weather put a damper on things.”

“Yeah.”

“Though, isn’t it funny that we both had the same thought?”

He smiled at that. “It's because gr-great minds think alike.”

What right did he have to be this adorable you thought. All you could do was smile up at him and fight the urge to run your fingers through what appeared to be soft hair; as odd as you had initially thought his haircut was when you met him, you couldn’t imagine him any other way. Still, drawn to his bright, kind eyes, you wondered if you were being attracted by some invisible force to test the limits of this friendship, and yet you knew well enough that now wasn’t the time. Following a slow blink of his, you mentioned without looking away. “Now that we have gotten to see each other, it's probably time to let you go. I wouldn’t want you to be late for work.”

“Y-you’re right.” he straightened; jumping up on his feet with much more agility then seemed possible for someone so mature. “Until next time.”

There he was leaving again when you didn’t want him to. Still, you had no right or claim to him. At least, not yet. “See you tomorrow.”

Grabbing his umbrella, he motioned to open it but paused, and slowly, but surely turned back; his smile almost boyish. “Gosh, I-I will see you tomorrow, right?”

Clutching the book of poems to your breast, you giggled. “Whichever way it may be, we will. I promise.”

Fin

[anogete]

In Between

Hi, folks.  I’m sorry I have nothing to offer as far as fic goes.  Things have been... ::sigh::  You know, I don’t know what things have been.  Not good, not bad.  Just... things.  I wanted to talk--get things out of my head--this morning, but I realized I don’t have a person/outlet who can accept these things right now.  So, I will put them here for anyone who cares to read them.

1) My car blew up.  Well, the engine did.  I was on my way back home with groceries last Saturday, and I lost all ability to accelerate and brake.  So, I puttered out on the side of the road and waited to be saved.  The issue may be covered under the warranty so I had it taken to the dealership.  They’ve had it for a week and still don’t have answers for me besides an offer to lend me a car for free until they can figure out what to do with my car.

2) This deserves it’s own point, though I almost included it on the first point.  I’ve never bought a car without my grandmother.  She was under five feet tall and had a tendency to wear sweat pants and Christmas sweaters year-round.  She smoked Winston Lights and carried a purse covered in rhinestones.  The car salesmen didn’t know what hit them because she wasn’t at all the sweet old lady who would roll over and accept their first offer.  She was hard to read and she wouldn’t give an inch.  She also wouldn’t tell them what she was willing to pay.  No counter offers from her; she’d just tell you to “do better.”  Anyway, she worked her magic when I bought all three of my cars.  When I realized the problem with the engine was serious and might require me getting a new car, I went into a mental tailspin.  Yeah, yeah, I was worried about fitting it into my budget and all that, but mostly I couldn’t seem to cope with buying a car on my own without my grandma there to hold my hand.  I’m almost 39 years old and the thought of doing this without her had me sobbing in the floor.  Except, I didn’t realize my tailspin was due to my grandmother at first.  At first, I just thought I was incapable of handling stress.  Maybe that’s still accurate.

3) While we’re talking about expensive-ass shit, I knew the air conditioner and furnace on this house needed to be replaced sooner rather than later when I bought it last February.  It looks like the time has come.  I managed to find a nice man with very odd hair (think a longer version of the Prince Valiant hair-do, but bright white) through my boyfriend’s dad.  He does this for a living and said he’d give me a discount and do for $5,000 what other places were telling me would cost $9,000.  So, that’s happening next week.  I have the money, but the idea of writing a $5,000 check makes me want to puke.  Ugh.

4) The days are running together.  I’m working from home.  I can’t complain, though.  I’ve got it better than most.  I’m alone all day.  I have a library with a desk.  I can go downstairs and make tea or lunch in my own kitchen.  I’m getting paid my full salary with bonuses.  I can pretty much make my own hours.  The company I work for is taking the pandemic seriously and has told us that we can all work from home until we feel comfortable returning to the office.  Their timeline for “normal” is months.  I don’t think I’ll be back in the office until late summer, if that.  Those who want to return are permitted to, but they can’t use the public areas (kitchen, conference rooms) and have to abide by some strict safety requirements.  And they can choose when and how often they go into the office, working the remainder of the time at home.  So, better than most.

5) I’ve been doing this social distancing thing since March 19th.  It’s not difficult for me.  On good days I’ll exercise (I have a Peloton) before logging into work around 9am.  On not-good days (which seem to be more often than not), I’ll skip the exercise and just log into work early.  Work keeps me busy and I spend a decent amount of my day on the phone with clients.  I go to the grocery store once a week, but I order for pickup.  Someone else does the shopping for me and loads it into my trunk.  This is nothing new.  I’ve been shopping that way for years.  Now it’s just harder to get my usual pickup slot because everyone else has joined the party.  I do miss taking a break from work and leaving my office to grab a coffee and sit outside on a bench downtown.  I guess I could do that outside my own house, but it just doesn’t feel the same.

6) A few months ago, a husband and wife who are clients came in to meet with me at my office.  They’re in their 80s and both were having trouble walking.  They parked in the garage next door and couldn’t find the elevator to exit.  I walked over and escorted them to our office building.  They were both struggling with walking and the wife (Rose) had been fighting lung cancer for a couple years, so I suggested they wait outside and I’d valet their car once we were done.  The thought of making the trek to their car alone was painful to me because it was a monumental struggle for them to walk down a hallway.  Their daughter-in-law called me two days ago.  Rose passed away two weeks ago.  The husband, a former literature professor for a university, was in the hospital with four broken ribs because he’d fallen shortly after Rose’s passing.  He was a Jewish child in Nazi Germany during the war.  He’d told me stories about hiding from the Nazis, surviving off of tree bark and whatever he could find in the forests.  He also jokingly told me that he’d live until he was 120.  Now, it looks like he won’t survive the year.  He and Rose would tease each other all the time, but you could see all that love between them. Whenever I’d call him, he’d ask me in that wonderful accent to wait while he got “the boss” on the phone as well.  Rose thought it was silly that she was “the boss,” but she humored him.  You know, they’re shorties, too.  Five foot, nothing.  Just like my grandma.  Hearing that Rose was gone and Dr. (he’s a PhD) was likely soon to follow just broke my already fragile heart.

7) Fragile heart, huh?  Yeah.  After the car situation and the realization that one day I’m going to have to do big life things without having my grandma to help me, I was feeling pretty raw.  But I’ve been trying to be responsible and do things I’ve been putting off lately.  So, I gathered up all those medical bills from Ferguson’s illness last September.  (Ferguson was my soulmate little chihuahua mix that I had for over 13 years.)  I had pet insurance on him and hadn’t bothered to make the claim because I couldn’t handle it.  But it’s been almost a year so I pulled out the invoices, which were over $2,000, and logged into the website and starting inputting the info to file the claims.  The little box asks for a description of why I took him to the vet.  And answering that question just brought back all that shit like a wave.  I remember reading this nice description of grief and how it is like waves.  At first they’re big and they knock you around and you can’t breathe.  But over time they get smaller and you learn how to navigate them.  Still there, but manageable.  Filling in that box resulted in a bit of a tidal wave that knocked me on my ass.  My boyfriend came home to find me sobbing at my desk like a lunatic..  He’s... not so good with emotional shit.  And I usually keep it bottled up so that no one knows what’s going on inside me.  But some days...  Some days it just overflows.  So, after confirming that nothing terrible had occurred and that I was reliving September 2019, he slowly backed out of the room to leave me with my grief-wave.

8) I want to be one of those succulent people.  You know, the ones who have succulents lining their windowsills.  The dining room and kitchen windows are full of this oddball little plants.  The boyfriend hates it, but I told him he’d have to deal.  I’ll die on this hill.  I’m a succulent lady.

9) I’ve been reading memoirs or, rather, memoirs through collections of essays.  I don’t know if it’s the mental state I’m in or if social distancing has got me subconsciously reaching out for life beyond my head, but I can’t seem to read much else.  I loved Liz Phair’s Horror Stories.  I’m reading The Book of Help by Megan Griswold right now.  I’m determined to procure a signed copy of What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker by Damon Young.  He did a virtual event for a local bookseller recently and they have signed copies available for purchase.  I just need to muster up the will to call them and ask them to hold one for me.  The little snippets of their life and experiences via these memoirs through essays bring me some measure of comfort.

10) I tried to watch Euphoria on HBO.  I managed to make it through the first episode, but I don’t think I can watch more.  I can’t relate, but that normally isn’t a necessity for an enjoyable story.  Maybe it’s just too depressing for me right now.

11) I binged Dollface on Hulu and wish I had more to watch.  Parts of it hit me hard.  I’ve always had trouble maintaining friendships, period.  But maintaining friendships while in a relationship has been damn near impossible for me.  Just like Jules.  Except, I’m not nearly as cool or gorgeous as Kat Dennings.  And I have no friends in this city to go back to.  Just friends at work. 

12) I haven’t worn makeup for 2 solid months.  I’m starting to miss it.  I found old selfies I’d taken in which I don’t recognize myself.  Did I ever look like that?  I must have since here is photographic evidence.  I look like shit now.  I’m forever in yoga pants and a hoodie with half-wet hair from the shower.  Maybe putting on a pair of jeans and a cute shirt and some makeup will make me feel like a human being again.  Maybe I’m not doing as well as I thought in quarantine.  Huh.

13) I hope you all are well.  If you’ve sent me a message, I’m so sorry for not responding.  My mental state has been delicate lately and the silence from me has nothing to do with your kind words.  I promise I read and treasure and appreciate anything that is sent to me.  I’m also sorry for having no offering of fic or a promise of something to come.  I haven’t written since last summer.  It’s been almost a year.  I guess I’m in a dry spell.

14) Since I’ve been struggling with loss/grief lately, I’ll leave you with a quote from Philip Pullman, taken from his novel The Amber Spyglass.  It’s about death, I suppose.  Or maybe just a transition to something else entirely.  It’s nice to think of my grandma and Rose and my sweet, sweet love of a dog falling in the raindrops and riding on the wind through tall grass.  If it wasn’t raining, I’d take my computer outside right now.

“Even if it means oblivion, friends, I'll welcome it, because it won't be nothing. We'll be alive again in a thousand blades of grass, and a million leaves; we'll be falling in the raindrops and blowing in the fresh breeze; we'll be glittering in the dew under the stars and the moon out there in the physical world, which is our true home and always was.” 

[starblazerm31]

The Arcana HC Main 6 As Retail Workers

So I’ve worked retail the majority of my working life.  Took things I’ve seen and applied it to the characters of The Arcana.

Asra

He's that one guy who gets along with (almost) everybody.

Works hard, moves with ungodly speed.

Leaves pranks scattered around the back room.  Waits patiently for a yelp followed by a "Dammit, Asra!!"

Did Asra just clear that pallet in fifteen minutes?!  Yes, he did.

Customers love him.  He's very helpful and polite, even to Karens...ESPECIALLY to Karens

He's one of those guys who knows exactly where everything in the store is.

He's also that guy who is ALWAYS stoned at work, but no one can tell.

Takes longer breaks than he should, but no one cares because he's so damn good at his job

Brings an amazing homecooked lunch.

Started laying down heavy spices on it when it started to get stolen.

It didn't get stolen again.

Nadia

She's the general manager.

God level customer service skills.  Her store's surveys are always overflowing with positive customer satisfaction scores.

She's one of those rare gems of a boss who gets work done but also retains the respect of her team.

Her store looks immaculate.

She's kinda stern on dress code.  You represent this store, you gotta look sharp.  Did you even comb your hair today?  Wash your face?  Brush your teeth?  She notices.

Karens beware.  She can see through your shit.

She doesn't tolerate customers abusing her team members.  You're yelling at an employee?  No reason is a good reason, but there had better actually be a problem.  Otherwise, enjoy your store ban.

Takes care of her team.  We have a really big sale coming up that is expected to fill the store with customers.  Amazing food and ALL THE SODA will be provided in the break room.  Enjoy!  Hey, you seem really down today.  Do you need to talk?  Let's go to my office where you can vent.

Asra, Julian, this is the second time I've caught you two loafing.  Please get back to work.

Actually gets out there and works with her team.  It's a truck day?  Nadia is out there pushing stock with them.  The cash registers are backed up?  She logs on and starts ringing people up.

Doesn't take District's bull.  No, that's a terrible plan for my store.  Why?  Because it impedes on *proceeds to list a mile and a half's reasons as to why corporate's new plan is a terrible idea*

Julian

He's not fast, but he sure is efficient.

He's one of the guys always having to take huge items to customers' cars.

One of the best in sales.  He knows tons of random facts about tons of things in the store, is good with people, and is honest.  Yeah...you might not want that one, honestly.  This one is made by a better manufacturer, has really positive ratings on Amazon, and comes with a warranty.

Is the guy most likely to reply "I'm with a customer, can someone else get that for me?" when called on the walkie.

Smokes (Vapes) with Asra and Muriel during lunch and after work.

Can always be found on top of a ladder in the back room.

Never seems to stop moving...  It is said that only Nadia has seen Julian loaf.  But then again, Nadia sees everything.

There are five Monster Javas in the break room fridge.  They are all Julian's.  Ah, so THERE's where that energy comes from...

Works here part/full time while going to med school.  Damn, dude.

Is usually the recipient of Asra's pranks.

Gets constantly asked if he can pull something down from a high shelf by a customer/fellow employee.

Muriel

The other guy hauling big items to people's cars.

Head of the truck line.  Dude can toss boxes like no one else.

Knows that the store would indeed be fucked without him (And Nadia is painfully aware of this too), so he loafs and hides when he feels like it.

Tries not to interact with customers much.  When he has to, he does so begrudgingly.  He'll tell them what they need to know, then shuffle away quickly.

Can usually be found high up on a lift, fiddling with something or bringing down a huge pallet from back stock.

The master of spill cleaning.

He's the powerhouse that comes on to the sales floor with two huge pallets of dogfood stacked as tall as he is, and he still manages to get it all stocked on the shelves before anyone really notices.

If he doesn't know where something is, he is quick to hand the customer off to another team member...the thing is, he knows where everything in the store is.  Muriel...

He is the guy who is really mysterious to other co-workers.  They will huddle together in groups and titter about him while watching him lift something really heavy.

Hangs out with Asra a lot, and knows exactly where he hid his pranks.

He and Asra take way too many tok-erm-smoke breaks.

Portia

Works the customer service desk.

Super polite to everyone, but salty enough to use that politeness to make Karens look like idiots.

Takes care of her cashiers.  She makes sure they have enough change, enough rolls of receipt tape, and keeps up with each one's break periods.

She allows the cashiers to keep a drink at their register, as long as they don't drink in front of customers.

No one stands around bored.  There really is plenty to do.  Restock the candy and gum.  Wipe down your register.  No one likes a gunky pin pad.

Is usually the one making all the calls on the walkie.

Multitasking queen.  Ringing up refunds while calling for carry-outs on the walkie AND taking phone calls?  Yes, Portia can.

Complaints come to Portia before they go to Nadia.

Like Julian, she never seems to stop moving...

Store re-shop (the stuff people leave lying around and return for refunds) gets sorted quickly and efficiently.  And she makes sure the store team know when they have re-shop for their department.

Keeps up with store goals.  Sales goals, credit card sign-ups, website referrals, everything.

Lucio

Assistant Manager.

No one can freaking stand him.

When he leaves, you can guarantee one of the team members is hissing "Man, I swear I'm gonna quit, this is BULLSHIT!"

Best salesman on the floor (pretty much the only reason he still has this job), and he makes sure everyone knows it.  Your customer bought the vacuum and bags?  Cute.  I got a lady to buy a 60" HD flatscreen, video cables, sound system, AND sold three-year warranties on them all.  Mmmm...smell that commission.

He's that manager that can completely demoralize a good situation.  You got all the stock put out an hour and a half early?  Good job, guys!  Now get to work on the new displays for the month.  And remember...I'll be checking on each of you to point out your mistakes.

When he's not oppressing the store team, he can usually be found in his office browsing his phone.

The only reason he doesn't hand out pointless write-ups like candy is because Nadia won't let him.

The Karen asskisser.

The intended recipient of Asra's pranks.

Tried to get Asra, Muriel, and Julian in trouble for smoking, but Nadia quickly told him that they did more work and held more influence in this store than he ever would.  In short...they weren't replaceable.  He was.

Was the person stealing Asra's lunch.  Spent the rest of the day running to the bathroom.  He never touched Asra's lunch again.

@bazzpop @alongtherailway @i-am-arcana-trash @count-lucios-titties @ilyasterisk @apprentice-grace @arcanathots @arcanamemes @the-arcana-fluff-and-stuff @ryanthatsgay