#and i might be able to sort it under warranty???

[avocant]

why can i literally never get headphones which work for longer than a few months i honestly don't think i have had a pair that actually consistently works

[inevitably-johnlocked]

HI STEPH! How has your December been?

Hey Lovely *HUGS*

LOL do you want the "Tumblr happy place" version or the "might be a bit depressing" version??

Tumblr-mask version: It's been alright. We've got some snow now, and it feels a bit more Christmassy. Glad I'm on holidays and just enjoying the time off :)

Real life version: We've got some snow now, and I hate snow. And life's been a bit of a gong show for the past month or so. (cw below cut, medical, retail frustration, and depression mentions)

TL;DR: It's December. Hopefully the new year looks a bit more promising <3

As you all know, this kind of all started back when my job was very uncertain. I had a bit of a brief break when I got my raise and talked with the chief of staff. Few weeks, maybe, then just the desire to have a holiday started to kick in because I realized how EXHAUSTED I was.

I recently went though a pain in the ass experience with my car's manufacturer regarding a small repair on my car that was only supposed to be a one day thing and turned into nearly 3 weeks of me not having a car and them refusing to give me a rental because I don't have an "extended warranty" even though I'm still covered under a warranty. Because of the kind of person I am, this spiralled me into a nightmare scenario of me stressing about not having a car three weeks before Christmas, fighting with the dealership to give me SOME sort of compensation (and failing) and them not being able to tell me when I get my car back – I wanted it back before my Christmas break this week because I prefer to go out during the work week when it's less busy. Anyway, coincidence or not, the missing part MYSTERIOUSLY arrived two days after I escalated my situation with the head office telling them their customer service was shit (in a nicer way, of course, LOL), so I at least have it back now. But not an experience I would wish on my worst enemy, it was THAT stressful.

Leading up to Christmas, work was insane. We're short-staffed and just... no one was "feeling it" this year. We're all tired and we all just want holidays. I took off three extra days since I still had time to book off, so my holidays started sooner than everyone else, and I am so glad I did it. I'm not looking at anything work-related for the next two weeks, thanks.

I don't like winter at all where I live (it's always gloomy and wet; rarely any sun at all), and it feels like my brain is rotting from all the Christmas shit being shoved down my throat. There, I said it. I don't like Christmas, haven't since my dad passed away 2 weeks after Christmas over a dozen years ago. I like the aesthetics of it – the lights, the decorations, the hot cocoa and fancy drinks – but it's TOO MUCH for TOO LONG, and by the time Christmas is here I am DONE. I'm TIRED of people being SHOCKED that I don't like Christmas... ugh. PLUS my seasonal depression spikes badly at Christmas because all people seem to do is like to remind me how alone I am. Like thanks, appreciate it. UGH. The only thing I like about Christmas is that my work gives us 2 weeks every year between Christmas and New Year, and I spend most of that alone watching movies, drinking cocoa or playing video games. It's wonderful. I hear about everyone in my extended family having to visit all these people on Christmas day and I'm like LOL I'm in my jammies watching the Avengers, thanks, you keep that stress.

Christmas is EXTRA kinda poopy this year because one of my closest extended family members found out they have throat cancer at the beginning of November. They're in chemo right now and in good spirits, so I'm trying to stay positive about it, but it's hard to not think about, you know?

Discovering a lot about myself in therapy, and it's mentally draining. That's all I'm comfortable sharing right now.

I'm just all around TIRED and LONELY and feel like no one cares about me, y'know? I feel like I'm never going to be anyone who accomplished something worthwhile (and before y'all say it, my BRAIN LOGICALLY KNOWS THIS IS ALL FALSE, but my wires get crossed and the depression sinks in instead with the intrusive thoughts – My therapist finds it fascinating that I have this kind of awareness and she's trying to find a way to work around it). Some days are worse than others, especially in the winter in this city going on month 2 of no sunshine, UGGGHHH. Having moods that change with the weather REALLY fucking sucks.

AND I've been looking again at getting a cat, but I think I might have to once again put it on the back-burner, because my phone is finally crapping out (it's an iPhone 6S Plus, so it's OOOOOOOLLDD by today's standards) with the camera jittering and the battery barely lasting 4 hours in standby mode, so I might have to get a new one sooner than later. AND I also want to re-look at getting a mortgage again so I'm ready when the housing market inevitably crashes and I can get a condo cheaper than 500K :/ My rent is still cheaper right now because I'm so grandfathered in that I'm paying under 1000$ right now for rent, so staying where I am is the SMART thing, but I'm miserable because the space is too small now. ANYWAY, money. Can't get a cat right now AGAIN because of money. Ugh. I'm not broke by any means, I just.......... am so annoyed my single-person groceries have gone from 50$ a week to 150$ a week, and I HATE HATE HATE it. It's ridiculous. Finally get a raise but I can never catch a break, it seems :/ It's not Avacado Toast, Karen, it's the whole damned economy.

So yeah, that's basically it. I don't talk about myself that much here because I am a fairly private person. I don't like bothering people with my problems because I always feel like a burden. Sometimes, though, I just wish I had a human person I could visit regularly to chat with (that I don't have to pay for, LOL), is all. AND my blog is my happy place, so I try to keep it positive where I can.

Hope you're having a good month, and I hope the holidays treat you well <3

[digital-corruption]

Pieces of You Part 6

“I'm sorry, miss, but your phone is toast,” the woman at the phone store handed my brick of a phone back to me the next morning.

“You must be able to do something!” Hannah pushed. “She has important memories on there!”

“She had important memories,” the woman corrected. “It’s all zeroes now.”

“Can't you reinstall the operating system?” I asked.

“Uh, service might be able to, but this isn’t covered by your warranty,” the woman looked at me apologetically. “It will cost you a lot.”

“So I'd be better off getting a new phone,” I sighed. “What about the SIM?”

“I checked that too. It’s blank,” she confirmed. “I’m really sorry. Did you want me to give you a minute?”

“No, go ahead and set up a new contract,” I waved.

She nodded and walked off to start working on it.

“You know we really have to find him now so I can kick his ass,” Hannah commented.

“You’re just going to give up on the phone just like that?” a voice asked. I turned around to see some sort of cyber punk wannabe behind us with bright blue hair.

“It’s been bricked,” I frowned.

“So says the counter salesperson! What does she know?” the guy laughed. “You know, I could take a look at your phone for you in exchange for a coffee.”

“Yeah, like you’re not sus,” Hannah remarked. “Do you normally hang around phone stores waiting for girls with phone problems?”

I eyed the guy for a while and his stupid smile. “Vortex, how did you even know where to find me?”

“Vortex!?” Hannah looked at me shocked.

He seemed a bit surprised that I made him. “I wouldn’t be much of a hacker if I didn’t research my clients.”

“Care to explain how you knew my phone was bricked?” I glared.

He shrugged, “I kept trying to contact you and kept getting error messages. Then I found your phone wasn’t pinging. Going to the store where you picked up your phone first thing in the morning was the logical next step.”

I grabbed Hannah’s hand and pulled her away from Vortex and out the door hastily. Vortex followed of course, but Hannah’s car was close.

“Oh come on, I’m trying to help you!” he called out after us.

“It was you! You tried to hack my phone last night!” I snapped.

“Yeah well forgive me for being curious about your ‘target'! By the way, that’s some hefty protection you have- had on your phone!” he mused. “Almost like you have a guardian hacker watching out for you! You wouldn’t be two-timing us, would you?”

“Oh my God!” I hissed under my breath.

“Why would you need a second hacker? He wouldn’t be on the run, would he?” he teased.

I stopped at Hannah’s car and turned back to glare at Vortex, “Don’t you fucking dare!”

“My fee has gone up,” he grinned. “Either you pay or I see who else might be interested in buying my information.”

“You have nothing!” I yelled, yet panic started to set in. Did I royally screw up by involving Vortex?

“Don’t I? I know exactly what his bike looks like! I know where he is now!” he smirked.

“Do you?” a voice spoke from behind him.

Vortex turned and I saw a man with a black hoodie standing behind him. “What the!?”

“Why are you surprised? You must have known since you know where I am now,” the man mocked from behind a black face mask. “Vortex, I have more on you than you'll ever have on me. Or MC.”

“And yet you formatted her phone,” Vortex pointed out.

“You caught me off guard, it won’t happen again,” Jake threatened. “MC is under my protection. Always. So you can forget about trying to exploit her.”

Vortex sneered, then walked off past Jake, shoving his shoulder into him as he went. I stood there speechless in front of him.

“Sorry, I was angry when I saw him go after you two,” Jake turned to walk away.

“Don’t you dare!” Hannah yelled and stomped towards him. “You don’t have the right to appear and disappear when it is convenient for you!”

“I don’t make these decisions because they’re convenient!” he snapped at Hannah.

“Really? Because it seems to me you've been avoiding us because it is more convenient!” she argued. “It is easier to run than fight for what you want!”

“You have absolutely no idea, Hannah!” he turned away.

She turned to look at me, “Say something! Don’t just let him walk away!”

“Am I really under your protection?” I asked. It was the only thing I could come up with.

Jake turned back. I could see from the slight squint of his eyes that he smiled, “You are. Please don't get recklessly involved with other hackers though. We're not all ethical. Oh and please smash your old phone when you get a chance.”

“Argh! You two are hopeless!” Hannah rolled her eyes. “‘Jake, don’t go! I love you!’ ‘Oh MC, I love you too, but I must go brood in an abandoned building!’ ‘Don’t go, Jake! Let’s brood together!’”

I blushed at Hannah’s ridiculous re-enactment, “I don’t brood.”

“Neither do I,” Jake added.

“Uh, yes, you both do! Don’t deny it!” she insisted, then giggled. “And yet neither one denied that other part.”

I could feel my cheeks getting redder, and looked away.

“It doesn’t matter, Hannah. I am risking too much by being here,” Jake said regretfully. “I’m sorry, but I won’t endanger either one of you.”

“I can’t sleep at night unless I know you’re safe,” I commented.

“Ok,” Jake nodded. “I’ll find a way to let you know each night.”

“That would be nice,” I smiled.

“You’re happy with that?” Hannah frowned. “Well I’m not! I want my brother! Everyone talks about you like they know you! I feel like I hardly know you at all!”

“You know me better than most,” Jake assured her. “Our conversations in the past were real conversations.”

“Under false pretenses!” she corrected.

“I am sorry that you feel that way, but I cannot stay, Hannah. I really must go,” he shook his head. “I care a lot about you. About both of you.” He started to walked away then stopped and turned back. “I will restore the files I can once you have a new phone.”

[urban-homesteading]

Hey do you know what kind of tools I should buy if I want to move into a house? It won't have a yard yet, but fingers crossed for the future. Thank you!

Congratulations on the new house! Since you said that there's no yard yet, I'm going to focus only on tools I use inside my house and ignore gardening and lawn maintenance.

What tools should you have around your house?

So here's a pretty simple list that will cover most minor problems you will encounter.

Hammer

Cordless power drill

Screwdriver set (grab one with the ten basic sockets)

Drill set

Adjustable wrench

Level (bubble works, but I upgraded to laser and it makes life so much simpler)

Tape measurer

Utility knife

Flashlight

Extension cord

Step stool

Spare batteries

Toolbox (or even a cardboard box, just make sure you have somewhere to return your tools or they will escape to the four winds)

So how to acquire these tools while maintaining zero waste?

1) Start with your research

If you are completely unfamiliar with tool brands and the features available on tools, do a little research. Visit the websites for Sears, The Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards, True Value, Ace Hardware or any retailer that sells tools, and take a look at their new selections. Most websites organize tools in a straightforward way so you can easily find what you're looking for.

Head to a local store to get a firsthand look – many tools will be on display and out of the box so you can actually pick them up. You'll see the most-recent models, from low-end to top-of-the-line. Make notes on the prices and available features (especially relating to safety). This is your base from which to work when evaluating prices.

The next step is to look at online auction sites, such as eBay, to get an idea of prices for used tools. This gets a bit tricky because you'll need to really look at the age and condition of the tools as described by the seller. But again, make notes for a range of features and prices. Don't try to list everything you see – just make a list of price ranges for the tools, with notes on the variances in relation to brand. For example, for circular saws that range in price from $30 to $60, jot down what separates the bottom-priced tool from the top.

Head over to pawnshops as well. Pawnshops only buy items they know they can turn around and sell, so they won't have tools that don't work (everything they purchase is tested), and a pawnshop won't carry poor-quality brands. Also, the prices will accurately reflect the current value of tools in the marketplace. Make sure you visit operations that are members of the National Pawnbrokers Association, as these businesses abide by a code of ethics established by the association.

2) Name Does Matter (For the more expensive tools)

Now that you have an idea of what you'll expect to pay, it's time to consider how you'll evaluate and decide what to buy.

It used to be that if a name brand was good, it was good.  But I have found that the ‘good’ name brands have been sold so many times that most manufacturers are coasting on their reputation and they are the same quality as the ‘cheap’ tools.  Even worse, manufacturers will have different quality tools that are sold by different stores.  For example, a DeWalt power drill sold at a Home Depot will be better quality than a DeWalt Power Drill sold at Walmart because DeWalt will have two different manufacturing plants and they will send the lower quality ones to Walmart, since Walmart demands that DeWalt sell them to them at a cheaper cost or else they won’t buy from them at all.

My personal rule of thumb is buy cheap for the first one, then if you use it so long or so much that it needs replaced, buy expensive quality the second time.  This prevents you from spending hundreds on tools you’re only going to use a couple of times.

3) Where To Buy

You can start your shopping by revisiting some of the places you accessed when doing your research. Clearly you'll save money on shipping if you go to a local operation or an individual. Remember to test and examine tools closely no matter where you shop.

Pawnshops As mentioned earlier, pawnshops are a good bet for buying tools. You're going to find better-known brands that are probably on the higher end of the quality and price spectrum. Although, you're going to have little to no negotiating room on price compared to if you were buying from an individual.

Thrift Stores A thrift store may be a little less reliable for quality, and you'll probably find a lot less availability, especially at a thrift store that obtains its wares through donation. However, those that aren't donation-based aren't going to want to develop a bad reputation by selling inferior items.

Live Auctions Check local notices for potential auctions in your area. You may have a good chance of finding quality tools, but “auction fever” may set in, and you could wind up overpaying if you are bid up. These may be a good source for large equipment.

Garage Sales You could score the best deal at a garage sale, as the seller may be less likely to know the value of the tools being sold. Sellers will also be more open to price negotiation, and you can offer a bundle price for several items. Quality is going to be your biggest concern, so look these tools over really well.

Flea Markets These are similar to garage sales when it comes to negotiating, but the seller at a flea market will probably be more knowledgeable on price. Some flea market vendors have access to surplus or closeout suppliers, so you could see a potential mix of newer and older tools that haven't sold well at retail.

Classifieds Search online or newspaper classifieds under the equipment and tools categories. You may see a set or combination of tools listed as one price, which can be a good deal. As with garage sales, look these tools over carefully.

Online Websites offering tools are almost too numerous to mention, but eBay is certainly one that comes to mind. Check the seller ratings and reviews when shopping on auction sites. You'll also want to take a look at Amazon, which offers a lot of items, both new and used. Overstock.com, for example, has surplus items and may be a good source for refurbished items. You can often get limited warranties.

Retail Speaking of refurbished items, you may do well by looking at the clearance aisles at hardware stores and home centers. Sometimes they will heavily discount tools that have been returned. Check the reason for the return because it can be merely cosmetic.

4) Be an Inspector

On corded power tools, examine the electrical and basic mechanics of the tool. Aside from plugging it in and turning it on, thoroughly inspect the cord. Look for any visible defects, such as a crimp (what looks like a big dent), or if the cord is bent at a severe angle. A thick wad of electrical tape will be a big tip-off that something might not be right. Also take a look at where the cord meets the tool to see if it's heavily worn or loose. Closely examine the prongs of the plug. A slight bend on one of the prongs isn't a big deal, but if the metal looks heavily worn at the bend, it may be close to failure. And don't forget to check out the switch to see if it is loose or cracked.

Cordless tools present their own challenge. If you've ever looked at the price of replacement batteries, you know they can be quite pricey. Some are very expensive in relation to the cost of a new tool and can be as much as half or more of the cost of a new tool. Plus, it's hard to tell if the battery will hold its charge for any length of time. Sure, it may work fine in the short time you test it, but it's difficult to determine if it will hold a charge for longer than a few minutes. Only opt for cordless tools that you know are at most a couple of years old. Refurbished units are your best bet here.

With both corded and cordless power tools, be sure all the parts and guards are there. It's a bonus if the case and operating manual are included (although you may be able to find a copy of the manual on a tool manufacturer's website). You can easily find replacement accessories, such as saw blades, for many tools because the standards for accessory sizes are pretty consistent.

While you can't exactly take a small screwdriver and dismantle a power tool to look at its inner workings, you can search for a few telltale signs that all may not be well. Be prepared to use all five senses.

Take at look at the motor vent area of the tool (which looks like little slits in the housing). Ideally, you want this to be free of any sort of dirt, grime or buildup – a tall order for a used tool, but a good indication of how well it has been maintained. While inspecting this area, look for any burn marks or smoke trails (take a peek at the switch area as well). These would be clear indications that there's been an electrical problem. But just in case the evidence of a fire has been cleaned up, give the vent area the old sniff test for odor of smoke.

Keep the focus on this area and turn on the tool. You don't want to see smoke or sparks emitting from the housing. Notice how the tool feels in your hand while it's running. Look for intermittent operation or jerkiness. Yes, a power tool will vibrate in your hand, but you should be able to control it. If it feels like the tool could jump right out of your hand, there could be issues. Listen to the tool. Is it making erratic sounds or grating noises? Think back to other tools of the same type you're inspecting. Does the used tool sound significantly different?

You can look for specific things such as the movement of the blade in a circular saw or table saw. With the tool off and unplugged, move the blade around to see if there is a significant wobble to its motion. An old blade may be the culprit, but the arbor (the metal rod on which the blade is attached to the saw) may be bent. It would be difficult to replace and not worth purchasing the tool.

These tools will be a pretty good head start and will enable you to repair most minor work around your home.  

[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

[worldvehiclespot]

Exactly How To Check A Used Automobile'S Background Prior To You Pick It

Before you purchase a secondhand car, it is actually regularly a really good suggestion to check out the auto's history and get the full story. Here's how to ensure you are actually not acquiring swindled. Buying a second hand auto is an excellent option if you require a new set of wheels, yet don't have 1000s of dollars to drop on one thing new off the lot. It's quick and easy to acquire fooled when you get a pre-owned automobile. There are lots of scary tales concerning people getting autos along with serious mechanical issues or even determining their new car was stolen from its own initial manager. Car tax check - understanding your car tax, made simple that is actually why you need to inspect your vehicle income tax and past history.

Therefore, just how perform you secure yourself when purchasing a used auto? You utilize the VIN to research its own past as well as make a knowledgeable selection concerning purchasing.

Just What'S A Car History Check As Well As Why Is It Necessary?

When buying a second hand car, you need to always determine the automobile's vehicle identification number. A vehicle identification number is a string of 17 letters and also amounts that act as a vehicle's social security amount. No pair of autos possess the very same vehicle identification number, thus you can utilize it to look up a car's record. When you seek out a VIN, you obtain access to details like sign up, recalls, company records, and also much more.

You can discover a vehicle's vehicle identification number through viewing the chauffeur's side face door or even at the front corner where the windshield satisfies the control panel. VINs are actually likewise tape-recorded on an auto's insurance title, enrollment, as well as card. It's best to find the VIN yourself and also break a photo along with your mobile phone instead of taking the VIN from the seller, undetected.

Why Should I Inspect the VIN When Acquiring a Vehicle?

You should regularly check out the vehicle identification number before you purchase a brand-new or pre-owned vehicle. When you do this, you receive a simple past history of the auto, consisting of insurance claims of fraud, damages, or accidents. Think of steering a swiped automobile off the great deal. That is actually a harsh instance, but certainly not unheard of. If you run a vehicle history check, you may steer clear of a few of these major concerns.

A VIN inspection utilizing car checker additionally exposes if something occurred to the automobile that could jeopardize its own potential to operate securely. You may also obtain solution records for the vehicle as well as learn if it's possessed routine routine maintenance, like oil changes.

If you are actually obtaining a vehicle from a respectable dealership, they offer you a vehicle identification number record for free prior to you get the auto. Your sales representative must look at the record along with you. The document will supply you along with tons of details on the automobile, consisting of the number of proprietors it is actually possessed, any sort of mishaps it is actually been actually associated with, any kind of insurance coverage professes that have been actually filed on it and whether it's experiencing an open recall.

What Should You Seek in a Vehicle's vehicle identification number File?

If the dealership possesses given you an automobile's record file, what should you seek? There is actually typically a considerable amount of information therein, however below are the best crucial factors you ought to consider.

Is It Legal?

You won't possess to worry about whether the car is lawfully accessible for purchase if you're buying coming from a respectable car dealership. If, meanwhile, you're purchasing from a private manager or even a possibly unethical dealership, see to it the auto has a free of cost and definite title. The vehicle identification number report educates you if a vehicle has ever been mentioned taken.

The Number of Previous Managers

The VIN report shows how numerous previous managers an automobile has actually had. If it's had 2 or even more, this could be an indicator that one thing's incorrect from it-- robotically or typically. You might yearn for to receive a second point of view on whether the vehicle's match for acquisition if you observe this.

Possesses It Been in Any type of Mishaps?

A collision can affect an auto in lots of means. Vehicles that have remained in mishaps might have comprehensive damages, even though it isn't noticeable to the nude eye. If a vehicle's resided in a crash, make sure it is actually secure to steer, and all issues have been mended.

Similarly, cars that have resided in incidents deserve less than cars that have not. That means an accident can affect both the acquisition price and also resell value. You could be able to work out a lesser price to purchase a car that's remained in an accident. Having said that, you'll likewise have to sell it for less money. A car past history record are going to give you particulars on any kind of incidents the automobile has resided in and also the level of the harm. You need to total car check.

Has It Been Looked after?

Many vehicle identification number documents present a car's upkeep records. You may see when and exactly how often it obtained regular care, like oil modifications or tire turnings. If you're purchasing a second hand auto, it is necessary it was actually well looked after through its own previous owners. Or else, you may experience sizable repair work costs more quickly than you prepared for.

Are There Any sort of Guarantees or recalls?

A vehicle identification number record likewise shows any sort of available recalls on a vehicle model. Most of the moment, a dealership looks after recall repair services absolutely free, so you won't have to worry about a callback costing you amount of money. Having said that, it's important you learn about visible repeals, therefore you recognize any sort of danger when functioning the motor vehicle.

The VIN document additionally includes whether the auto is still under guarantee. A service warranty can spare you cash on any pricey repairs that arise.

[loki-zen]

a thought about the tattoo consent form I signed

When going in to get my tattoo, I had to sign a form that said that not only did I not have any physical conditions that might make getting a tattoo riskier (e.g. haemophilia, anything immunocompromising), but also that I did not have (I can’t remember the exact wording but this is as close as I can recall) “any condition which might impact my decision-making or exasperate my emotional response to anything which might unavoidably go wrong.”

Basically, the way it was worded, it could arguably have covered any mental health condition, neurodivergence, and more. 

I just said I didn’t and moved on, because at that point in the proceedings it was already clear that the receptionist viewed the consent form as a meaningless bureaucratic council-enforced requirement rather than something that actually looked out for the safety and satisfaction of customers. 

(I believe that, in her view, the things that actually ensured the safety and satisfaction of customers were:

the professionalism of the artists, which is policed by reputation

that studio’s own policies, which include what is effectively a warranty on new tattoos entitling you to free touch-ups as long as you properly care for them)

But like - I don’t know that I know anyone with a tattoo who doesn’t arguably fall under the category described by that question.

To be fair, I don’t know what would have happened if I’d checked yes. But I think there’s at least a chance I wouldn’t have got my tattoo, and I imagine that for that reason, many people who maybe ought to check yes if they’re being honest do not. Which makes the whole thing kinda meaningless. (Except perhaps to protect the studio from lawsuits; not sure how much it would help but this may well be the actual point of the practice.)

What I would have liked to be able to say was:

Yes, I have conditions that can affect my decision-making and my emotional responses. I know that there might be a period of time when this tattoo drives me fucking crazy just because it is New and On Me and can’t be gotten off. I know, like anyone else, that there’s a risk that I’ll one day change my mind.

I understand all these things and am choosing to do this anyway, because I want to, and I think my odds are pretty good. I have the right to do that, and nobody is more qualified to assess how my neurodivergence will play into this stuff than me.

I think it’s messed-up that that wasn’t an option (that I was aware of), and that there’s probably a link between that sort of thing, and the phenomenon of things that were presumably meant to protect people ending up as just authority-mandated box-ticking exercises that no one takes seriously.

Tangent: I am aware that people with diabetes and cancer and such do get tattoos, because I’ve seen people talk about them - are regulations different elsewhere? Are there certain artists who take higher risk clients? Or is everyone just lying on the forms?

[likehi5]

Hiring a Local Basement Contractor: Remodeling, Finishing & Waterproofing

Basement professionals lead the range of contractors. You can find a company that offers broad finishing services. Or you can find some experts who complete the job piecemeal, starting with a waterproofing company and then flooring, electrical, and plumbing pros.

You need to know how to find the right contractor, what to ask, and how to work with him. This guide can help you whether you want to finish your basement or just add waterproofing.

When You Hire A Contractor To Finish A Basement

Basement extension is often the most cost-effective option to add square feet to the floor plan of your home, but it can only work well if you take the time to find and interview specialists.

Completing your basement is a great investment in time and money, and the rewards can be even more significant. Hiring the right expert will add a significant amount of living space while increasing the value of your home by about 70% of the project cost.

Professionals hired usually take care of

• Flooring

• Insulation

• Building Walls, and

• Finishing the Ceiling.

You may need to hire subcontractors to provide waterproofing, plumbing, or electricity services. Ask your contractor if they specialize in these services in advance.

Hiring Tips in The Research Phase

Some contractors offer you the choice of flooring in the basement and help you assess the advantages and disadvantages. Others simply expect you to make all the design and material decisions. Know what to expect before hiring an expert.

When you start looking for a professional to help you complete the room, look for a few special things to help you find the right expert:

• Set Your Budget: Finishing your basement expenses between $10K and $50K and more, so it’s crucial to know what you can afford.

• Go Beyond The Price: Take the extra time to view photos of each company’s previous work to avoid choosing an inferior professional.

• Look For Online Reviews and Ratings: Especially on independent sites such as HighFive Listings.

• Check License and Insurance Information.

• Pay Attention To Communication: This is a large and often lengthy project. Make sure that the company you choose respects your wishes.

Questions To A Contractor Who Is Completing A Basement

When the first investigation is complete, contact all the companies that meet your criteria and ask several specific questions:

• What experiences have you had with the basement finishes?

• Are you registered, licensed, and insured with the state?

• Will a permit be required for this project, and can you help me obtain it?

• How much time do you think the project will take?

• Will, you offer cost options for various materials?

• Which part of the project will you complete and which will have to be awarded to subcontractors?

• Will you manage and supervise local subcontractors?

• Do you have references to previous works that I can contact?

Following this last question, you will find references for each company that still meets your criteria. Knowing which questions to ask each customer can help you to recognize the quality of the work.

• Were you satisfied with the project?

• Was the work done on time?

• Were there unexpected expenses?

• Would you use this contractor?

• Would you recommend this professional?

Find The Best  Basement Remodeling Companies

Your basement might already be finished, but it needs complete renovation work. In this case, it is worth working with an expert who specializes in remodeling.

This professional will work as a general contractor, and perform specialized tasks such as waterproofing, electrical, and sanitary work. Unless you plan to change the room layout, these tasks will not be as important as in the case of basement finishing.

What Renovation Professionals Should Look Out For:

The most important decision you make when you embark on a basement remodeling project is to select your contractors. When deciding between many companies, price should not be your only concern. Rather, take these steps to drive a balance between quality and budget:

• Set A Price Range: With an average basement remodeling expense of about $20K, knowing what you can afford should be the first step.

• Start With A Wide-Ranging Search: Write down a list of contractors in your area who can potentially do the job.

• Pay Attention To Customer Reviews: Online reviews and ratings are a great approach to narrow down your search.

• Check Your License and Insurance: Consider only experts who have the necessary papers.

• Use Your Judgment: Given the length of the project, you must be able to get along with the workers on your property.

What to Ask Basement Renovation or Remodeling Services

The first steps above should have left you a few companies that meet all the criteria. Contact them and ask some specific questions to evaluate their qualifications:

• How long have you been renovating basements?

• What formal training did you have for this work?

• Do you belong to any professional associations?

• Do you have a state-issued license and registration?

• Are you insured?

• Do you give written guarantees?

• Can you evaluate how long it will take?

• Will you offer options for different materials?

• Do you have any references I can contact?

Once you have references from previous clients, ask them several questions to get a feel for their experience with the professional.

The Choice of A Basement Waterproofing or Repair Pro

Not all renovation projects are aesthetic, some are just necessary to keep your home dry. A basement waterproofing company can ensure this with a variety of solutions, ranging from installing indoor sump pumps to French outdoor drainage.

A couple of companies offer all services, but well trained in one or the other. Some of these work is done directly within your foundation, so it is essential to find an expert with the appropriate expertise.

First Steps in Selecting A Contractor

Reputation is the key to this kind of professionalism. Any work that involves your foundation needs someone who knows exactly what it is doing. The cost of sealing your basement can cost you $10K or more. Make sure the money is spent wisely.

• Know Your Problem: It could be just a $500 solution, or you might need a new foundation. If in doubt, ask for free foundation repair estimates.

• Do Your research: How many professionals in your area can do the work you need to keep your room safe and dry?

• Check Reviews and Ratings: High ratings are great. In-depth reviews that detail the work for a client are even better.

• Check Licensing: Do not work with someone who is not licensed and registered with the state.

• Understand Warranties: Consider only companies that back up their talk of quality with a guarantee that they can solve problems.

Ask Professionals Who are Waterproof, Sealed, or Repair

The interview process is critical. If you bring companies out to make you an offer, sit down for a few very specific questions to help you determine their quality.

• What’s your estimated timeframe for the job?

• How many years are you in the business?

• Have you had faults with the systems you installed? What went worse, and how will you settle it this time?

• Would you suggest exterior or interior waterproofing, and why?

• Which sump pumps would you recommend if any? Where would you fit them?

• Why do you think your proposed project would be the right solution for me?

• Do you offer assurance and what does it cover?

• Can you provide any references for past work like mine?

Answers to these questions tell you almost everything you need to know. Look for honest answers that acknowledge past mistakes, but also a way forward to ensure that this doesn’t happen again. Experience shines via in some of the more specific questions, even if you’re not a waterproofing expert yourself.

DIY (Do It Yourself) vs. Hiring A Basement Professional To Remodel or Refinish

The first question most homeowners need to answer is whether they need to hire an outside professional. In most cases, the answer is yes. If you are an expert on one of the following topics, you may be able to save some money by doing it yourself.

Can I Finish My Basement?

You can finish your basement, but only if you have extensive knowledge of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and general contractor. Start by contacting your local municipality to gets any essential permitting.

Be prepared to detect potential problems as soon as you start working on walls and floors. Also, the project takes time. If you only work on weekends, it is common for this sort of project to take two years or more.

Can I Frame My Basement?

Do you understand how to install a floating wall? The answer to this question is central to understanding whether you can frame your basement.

Simply installing a few 2x4s is not enough. The floor under your foundation, and therefore your cement floor, will expand and contract over time. Floating walls ensure that this movement does not seriously compromise the integrity of the structure of your home. Therefore, working with a specialist is important.

Finishing Basement Walls Yourself

The finishing layer over your wall frame needs to take floating walls into account. Whether you want to install drywall or wood paneling, you need to make sure you leave enough room for an expanding and contracting floor.

It requires precise knowledge of how much space to leave on the floor and how to anchor the wall. Most homeowners are unfamiliar with this process, so it is best left to licensed contractors.

How to Install Basement Floors

Installing your basement floor is similar to other levels of the house, with a few additional complications.

• Moisture: You must keep your floor dry in a room with potentially high humidity.

• Obstacles: You must protect the integrity of your French drain indoors or other types of existing waterproofing.

If you are unsure about both, hire a professional.

Finishing Basements With Low Ceilings

On the level below your living space. They complete the space, but they must also have easy access to all the sanitary facilities and electricity that flows into the house. That’s what makes drop ceilings so popular.

You need to know exactly how much space you need to leave, how to support all your ceiling beams, and how to avoid power lines. Work with a contractor who can help you.

FAQs

What Can I Predict From My Company For Basement Finishing?

What you can expect from your finishing company depends on the exact professionals you hire. Some will sit down to plan the detailed floor plan and choice of materials with you; others will expect you to make those decisions.

Regardless of this, your contractor expects you to clean the room and rid it of debris and clutter. Make their work as easy as possible by providing them with easy access to and from the basement. If the contractors are going to be exceptionally dusty, as after sanding drywall, get some carpet parts from a store and place them in a path to the door.

Are Basement Finishing and Remodeling Professionals the Same?

Many, but everyone, basement remodeling experts are the same or offer comparable services. Finishing specialists tend to do remodeling work as well, but remodeling specialists cannot always finish a room. That’s because the procedure tends to be more difficult and involves more subtasks. Be sure what you’re looking for when hiring one or the other to avoid confusion.

Is it Worth it To Finish a Basement?

The completion of your basement is worthwhile, both for the resale value and for the additional living space. It is the easiest way to add livable spaces to your house without building an addition.

How Should I Business With Basement Contractors on My Property?

Proper etiquette can make everyone’s job easier on a major home improvement project, and these contractors spend most of their time out of the way. It’s very convenient for everyone involved, but it’s very important to keep the lines of communication open throughout your project.

Brewing a large pot of coffee and giving a cup to your crew is one of the best things a homeowner can do when making a major renovation. It doesn’t cost you much, but it lets your crew know that you appreciate the work they do. Homeowners who bring a little warmth to their contractors often get ten times as much productivity or even small extras back for free.

How Can I Get a Cheap Basement Remodel?

When it comes to basement projects, cheaper is not always better. Low quality work can threaten the integrity of your home and pose future dangers to everyone living in it. A few cost-effective points can help you optimize your budget:

• Get multiple quotes to make sure you get reasonable prices from all companies.

• If you are qualified, you should do some of the work yourself.

• Organise experts such as electricians or plumbers, rather than leaving it to the general contractor for a fee.

• Choose your materials wisely, such as vinyl over ceramic tiles.

Where Can I Find Remodeling and Basement Contractors Near Me?

In any part of the nation where most houses have basements, finishing professionals are easy to find. You also need to make sure you work with qualified experts. HighFive Listings allows previous customers to post reviews, comments, and reviews of the company they have chosen.

[parttimemattress]

I saw your comment about mattresses (not made to be used, just made to be sold), what is a better alternative?

I wish there was a good, ethical alternative to the mattresses that are manufactured today, but the options are sorely limited (consumption under capitalism, etc.) If you’re willing to be a little weird though, I can give you some advice on how to be as economical as possible.

A mattress is a layer cake, and all the stuff inside is enclosed within a component called the mattress case. Most mattress cases are sewn shut, but some companies produce mattresses with zipper cases. This is a very good thing for us. The zipper case isn’t entirely necessary for our purposes, but it will make your life easier later.

Ok, so you need a new mattress. You have a lot of options of course. You can go to the store, you can shop online. It’s all the same shit mostly manufactured by the same handful of companies and then resold. There are some small mattress manufacturers who do it themselves...sort of, but that’s a story for another day.

Buy a bed that is comfortable. If you sleep on your side, get something soft as hell. If you sleep on your back, get something sort of soft or medium. If you sleep on your stomach (please stop sleeping on your stomach) get something firm. but really, stop sleeping on your stomach. If you can, get something with a zipper case so you can get at the guts easier. Investigating the mattresses will reveal which have zipper cases and which don’t.

Don’t spend an arm and a leg. I recommend something with a pocket coil system because they are nice in my opinion. If the gauge is higher than 15, don’t buy it. 14 is good, 13 is better. If the sales rep doesn’t know the gauge of the coils, find one that does and ask for the spec sheet to verify. 

DO NOT BUY FROM THE CLEARANCE SECTION! Those can be used beds, and that is one fast way to ruin your whole life for a few years.

BUY A WATERPROOF MATTRESS PROTECTOR! It’s a surprise tool that will help us later.

Now, the things we intend to do to this bed on down the road will definitely, egregiously void the warranty. Don’t worry about it, most bed warranties aren’t worth the paper they’re printed on. Get ready for high crimes and misdemeanors.

PUT THE PROTECTOR ON YOUR MATTRESS! Wash it occasionally if it gets stained. Air dry it or dry it on low to no heat in the machine. Line dried laundry always smells better.

Sleep on your mattress. Break it in. It will probably suck for a few weeks to a month. Your body needs to acclimate and the foams and shit need to start breaking down.

Please don’t jump on the bed. Treat it like a piece of furniture that has a direct impact on your health, because it is. The part of the mattress we need to sort of baby is that coil system. It will last basically forever if you treat it well and just sleep on it. I mean, of course you can also fuck on it, but don’t do acrobatics on it, ok?

Now here is the fun part. Eventually the foam layers of your bed will break down to the point where they suck and aren’t comfortable any more.

DO NOT BUY A NEW BED. You don’t have to. If the mattress you bought has a zipper case, you can just remove the shitty broken down layers and replace them with new ones. Where do you get new ones? Well, you can shell out good money for sheets of foam from fabric stores, or you can go direct to the foam manufacturer (there are plenty in the continental US if that’s where you’re at) and buy cheaper from them. 

You can get any sort of foam you want. Gel foam. Memory foam. Typical polyurethane foam is made to different ILD levels, which stands for Indentation of Load Deflection. The higher the number, the harder the foam is. The softest foam I deal with is usually a 15, while the foam that makes up the base of the mattress is in the 30s to 40s.

Buy layers based on that and your budget. Have fun with it!

But, what if you couldn’t get a bed with a zipper case? Well, here comes the weird bit. You can remake your bed into anything you want. You already paid for the most expensive part, the coil system, so as long as that is still in good shape, you can remake him, better, faster, stronger than before.

Find your closest contract sewing company that offers mattress components and get in touch with them. They’re the enormous firms that produce most of the components that mattress companies use in their beds. A lot of sewing contractors will produce cheap, zipper closed mattress covers, some even with nice quilted tops. I don’t mean a zipper closed mattress protector, I mean the literal cover, the thing that encloses the guts of your mattress, all the coils and foam.

Contractors don’t usually do small runs, some do, but almost all of them have factory seconds and fuckups that would cost them more money to fix than to either throw away or sell at cost. Be very very nice when you call, inquire about purchasing a mattress cover and get yourself whatever size mattress cover as the bed you have. DEPTH IS IMPORTANT! How tall is your current mattress? You need the cover to be a little taller than that.

When you have the zipper close mattress cover, you need to get at all those guts inside your bed. There is a tricky and easy way to do this which is also fun at parties.

All mattresses are sewn shut in the same way. At  the head of the mattress, usually near the middle, or just to the right of middle, there is a tiny thread that sticks out between the topmost panel and the edge paneling. It may take some searching, but that thread is there. It is ever so slightly loose. If you pull on it just right, you can unravel the stitching around the whole top of the mattress like an old sweater and it is one of the most satisfying things in the whole world.

With great power comes great responsibility. Now you know how to unravel anyone’s mattress and ruin their day.

WARNING! WEAR GLOVES: All the guts of the mattress are probably going to be further encased in what is called the “fire sock.” It is a federally mandated case that is fire resistant. There are two common kinds, one that is chemically treated and one that uses fiberglass. In either case, just to be safe, you may as well wear gloves when handling it. You might need to cut it to get to the stuff inside. Some fire socks are embedded in the mattress case, so you might not even need to worry about this. I have handled thousands of fire socks with my bare hands with no ill effect, but I thought I should mention this to cover my bases.

Anyway, now you can remove all those internal organs from your mattress, ditch the old shitty layers, be horrified at the look and smell of oxidized, desiccated polyfoam, and start rebuilding your bed. Have a friend help you and it’ll go smoothly. Unzip the new case, put the coil system in first (it might be encased in a layer of high ILD base foam, which will make this easier) then layer your other foams on top of that. Test out how each layer feels and design a bed that feels right for you. Zip up the case, put your protector and sheets on it, and enjoy your bed forever and ever.

Of course, you don’t have to fill it with more foam if you don’t want. You can experiment with layers that feel good to you if you can get them in the right dimensions and if they will fit in the case you bought.

As a final addendum to an already way too long reply to a simple question, I will reiterate what I’ve said before: your mattress is just one component of sleeping well. Exercise, mental health and stress reduction are much more important than your mattress. When your material needs are met and you’re able to self actualize and express your full potential, you sleep better. 

Ok, thanks for the question.

[bestdogcratesfor2020]

Top 5 Best Ever Dog Crate & (Kennels) for Separation Anxiety (High Anxiety Dog Crates For 2020)

Best ever Dog Crate for Separation Anxiety (2020) dogs are one of the most love-able creatures on earth without whom our life is incomplete. Every dog owner wants to provide their dogs with best and every facility.

If you are a pet-enthusiast and want to know about the best dog crate for Anxiety which can tick all the right corner whether its comfort-ability or security then keep on reading and learn about some of the best dog crates online with us. These dog crates are created by keeping in mind all the necessary aspects.

 Dog Crate and (Kennels) for Separation Anxiety:

These dog crates and Kennels are suitable and reliable for all types of dogs including adults and small. If you want to spend your money on the thing that actually worth it then you should consider one of these.

Dog crates need to be port-able and easy to carry so that you can take them without any effort during traveling. We have a big collection of dog crates along with awesome features which will make your life easy. You should consider any of these according to your own choice.

Best Dog Crates and Kennels of 2020:

To know what is the Best Dog Crates and Kennels see this outstanding list.

1- Best Dog Crate- Midwest I-Crate Cage

Features:

This (Midwest I-Crate Cage) Crate works best in the time when you are about to train your puppies.

The Crate is made with the dividers installed inside of the Crate in order to allow the puppy to move freely in the available Crate space.

This Crate works best until the puppy grows into an adult dog.

The Cage comes in the two-forms one is the single door style and the other comes with the double door style.

If yours Dog belongs to a big dog type the ideal Crate Dimension is 42 lengths by 30-inch width by 28-inch height every Crate comes with the whole year of money back warranty.

The Metal with which the Crate is made is best-safe for your dogs even if you are away from your house.

The Manufacturer installed two-super strong latching bolts for each door that cause sliding motion per door which ensures safe and secure home for your dog.

This is a very port-able dog crate and you can be traveled along with you anywhere you go.

Specification:

18 inch with divider

30-inch crate along with the divider

48 inch with the divider

22 inch along with the divider ( single door)

36 inch along with the divider ( single door)

42 inch with divider

48 inch with divider (single door)

24 inch with divider

22 inch with divider

36-inch divider

Conclusion:

This is the Crate for you if you are in the middle of training your puppies.

Advantage:

Wide space so that puppy can move freely.

Available in single-door and double-door style.

Safe Environment for your dog.

This is a por-table Dog Crate and can be carried easily anywhere.

Money-back guarantees for one year.

Disadvantage:

It does not work for the adult full-size dog.

Metal connectors need improvements as they connect the sides together.

It can be damaged if you have strong dog.

Edges are slightly sharp which can hurt your dog. 

2- Best Dog Crate- The Ultima Pro Crate

 Features:

It comes with a leak-age proof pan.

The crate is made up of a tough metal-body which makes it the strongest Crate in the Category.

Specially designed (Arranged) for the pet owners who are fond of traveling and prefer to take their pets everywhere they wanted to go.

The Crate is good for the big dogs are the ones that have a heavy build due to its high port-ability it can be placed anywhere in the house, it can also be packed in a more compact form so that it won not take much space in the house and you will fold it if the pet is not around.

Specification:

This crate comes in Seven different sizes.

It has dur-able dividers so that you can adjust the space inside of the Crate according to your requirement.

The total weight of the Crate is maximum 37.5 pounds.

Conclusion:

To be honest most of us want to own that Crate which is extra durable so that we don-not have to spend our money over and over again if you are such type of person then the Ultima Pro Crate is the best recommended for you.

Advantage:

This is a most durable and strongest Dog Crate.

Includes a leak proof Plastic Panel.

It’s easy to carry with you anywhere.

It’s easily adjust-able during the growth of your Dog.

Best Dog Crate is available in Seven different sizes with ideal weight.

Disadvantage:

There is no such dis-advantage of this product the only thing that needs improvement is the gate wires which can be made stronger.

This Crate is limited opening capacity of doors.

3- Wood Dog Crate End Table

Features:

The wood of this Crate similarize with teak.

The manufacturer has created this beautiful Crate in two different shades so that you can choose the one that compliments your house interiors the best.

The door of the Crate is installed in such a way so that it can rotate-inside to making it easy for your dogs to access it without making a fuss.

You can buy the wood Crate in two different sizes one is best for the dogs that are under 45 pounds.

The second is for the dogs that are of heavy built dogs that are anywhere from medium to large up to 80 pounds to be exact.

Specification:

This Crate is super ventilated making it easy for your dog to breath during its time in the crate.

One good thing about this Crate is that it is covered with mela-mine that makes it water-proof and easy to clean.

Besides that this wood crate is odorless even in the conditions when the dog is undertrained.

At this point you might be wondering what this crate seems to be overpriced than the rest of the crate but keeping in mind the quality of the wood from which this is created.

The dimension of the medium Wood Dog Crate is 29.7 inch length by 21 inch width by 24.2 inch height where-as the dimension of the large dog crate is 39.6 inch length by 27.2 inch width and 27.3 inch height.

Conclusion:

A wooden dog Crate is also a very beautiful piece of furniture the wooden crate is made up of elite-quality wood and is crafted keeping in mind the modern day interior decoration furniture.

Advantages:

Ventilation is good as compared to other dog crates.

It’s a water-proof Crate which becomes easy to clean.

Available for both categories small and adult dog.

Your dog can move easily without limitation.

Disadvantages:

Wood can break if your dog is strong.

Puppies can chew the wood planks.

Overall there are no such cons of this product the only possible con of this product is its wooden structure which can be cracked and damaged.

4- Best Dog Crate for Separation Anxiety Dog-mate Vari Kennel

Features:

The body of this Crate is made of the heavy duty plastic which ensures that the crate won’t lose its shape.

There are four different dog crate sizes with a slight increase in the price.

The menu-facture provides the buyer with two color options that are taupe and black.

If you are someone who travels a lot through plane then this crate is best for bringing your pet-friend on the journey.

This plastic dog crate meets with most of the air lines flying standards so it is easy to say that it is the safest crate for your furry friends during flight.

Best Dog Crate for Separation Anxiety Specification:

Following are the four sizes of Dog-mate Ultra Vari Kennel

The first one suits perfectly to the 25 to 30 pounds dogs the price of this crate is very normal.

The second one is perfect for those dogs which weight around 30 and 50 pounds be aware that carrying this specific crate for the dogs that are heavier than this weight can actually lead to breakage of the crate.

The third category of crates is for the dogs that weigh between 50 and 70 pounds.

The fourth and the last crate made by Dog-mate works well for the dogs that weigh anywhere between 70 and 90 pounds this is the best dog cages for cars.

Assembly of this crate is super-easy and can be done by any member of the family besides that it comes with easy to open the latch.

Conclusion:

This is one of the most widely-used crates all over USA. This crate is not only loved by the owners but also by the dogs.

 Advantages:

Plastic body of this dog crate will re-main in its shape fo-rever.

It’s available in different sizes for both types of pet small and adult dogs.

It’s a port-able kennel which can be easily carried any-where.

It’s Easy to assemble without any tools.

Disadvantages:

Over-all there are no such cons of this product but the only thing which needs improvement from the menu-facturer’s side is the size which can be increased for better use.

Plastic can be broke down if your dog is strong.

5- Elite Field 3 Door Folding Soft Dog Crate Indoor and Outdoor Dog Home (Best XXL Dog Crate)

 Features:

With Elite Field 3 Door Foldin sturdy metallic-body and soft edges this crate is perfect for both indoors and outdoors.

The manufacturer has designed three doors in the crate so that your dog can easily access the inside and don’t feel stuck.

You can also zip the doors when your pet friend is in a mood for sleeping.

The fabric of this crate is water-proof and also doesn’t accumulate any sort of odor which makes it super easy for you to clean.

Specifications:

The Manufacturer has designed, the crate with weaving mesh-panel in the middles so that your dog can stay ventilated at all times.

The alignments and folding of this Crate are very easy and don’t require much mental effort.

The manufacturer also provided the buyers with a swindle bag in which you can carry the, Crate without any-difficulty.

Other than that, there is an extra-large dog crate option of colors for you to.

The crate is available in 5 different sizes and dimension, chooses according to the size and weight of your pet.

You will also get 2 years of warranty which claims if you are unsatisfied with the quality of the Crate then all your money will be returned with an application of terms and conditions.

Conclusion:

At times metal and wooden dog crate, are difficult to move as these are pretty heavy. A good thing about this crate is that it is made up of fabric, which makes it easy for you to move and store it any-where in the house.

Advantages:

It’s an ideal Crate for strong dogs as it has a metallic-body.

The Elite Field has three doors which can be easily accessible for your dog.

It’s a water-proof Crate which can be cleaned easily.

Respiration is good so, that your Dog can easily breathe.

It can be easily carried anywhere during traveling

Disadvantages:

If your dog is not well-trained for Crates then it can create a problem.

If your dog is extra strong then he can easily chew, the zipper-lining which can be torn.

[prorevenge]

Two malicious compliances equals one pro revenge.

TL;DR at the end.

Several years ago, Barry, my boss, did a job for BigDaddy Construction, and got screwed. It wasn’t a huge amount of money, a couple of thousand dollars, but screwed is screwed. Basically, he accepted BigDaddy’s word on something that they denied later. Barry consulted his lawyer, and was told that since the issue was not in writing, that any legal action was likely to fail, and even if he won, that the legal costs would exceed any settlement. And BigDaddy basically said, “My lawyer can beat up your lawyer.”

Barry then asked what every lawyer likes to hear, “What should I have done differently?”

Fast forward to 2017. BigDaddy is soliciting bids for a new restaurant called FancyAss. Barry submits a bid for supplying and installing door hardware, things like doorknobs, emergency exit bars, door closers that pull the doors shut…and 3 Automatic Door Operators (ADO’s). An ADO is something you have seen before, it has a metal plate with a wheelchair logo mounted on the wall, when you press it, a motor opens the door. It’s designed to allow people with limited mobility to pass through a doorway.

Barry wins the bid, and calls a meeting. He is handling this job personally. All communication with BigDaddy is to go through Barry, and ONLY Barry. If someone from BigDaddy calls and says, “Nice weather, isn’t it?” we are to reply, “I wouldn’t know anything about that, let me transfer you to Barry’s line.” Under no circumstances is anyone from BigDaddy to be given Barry’s cell number. And the after-hours on-call techs are only to return the call and say that Barry will be in touch in the morning. Violation of any of this will be grounds for immediate dismissal for cause, is this perfectly clear?

A few weeks go by, and we get a call from “GC”, who not only is running the job for BigDaddy, but is BigDaddy’s son. He’s an entitled shitball of a tyrant, with anger issues and a vocabulary that relies heavily on profanity. I’m calling him “GC” because that’s his job title, General Contractor.

For those who don’t know, a GC is responsible for ensuring that everything gets done on a construction site in the correct order. For example, if you are building a bathroom, first you put up the wall studs, then the electrical is run and the plumbing supply lines are roughed in. next the drywall goes up, then the tile, and the baseboards. The walls, ceiling, and trim get painted, then the cabinets, light fixtures and switches are installed. Lastly the plumbing fixtures go in. So you can see, a GC has to deal with several different subcontractors and co-ordinate their efforts. It’s a stressful job, and you need the co-operation of the various people….and it’s hard to get people to work with you if you’re screaming swear words at them, something GC never figured out.

This might be a good time to give you a visual of the restaurant layout. This is by no means to scale, just a sketch to give you an idea of what’s going on.

There are 3 ADO’s to be installed, 2 on the entrance and one on the handicapped washroom. The conventional washrooms are down a set of stairs on the right, and by law, there has to be a washroom available for people using wheelchairs, marked as HC on the drawing. This is on a bit of a corridor of sorts used by the servers to bring food in and dishes out. The partitions separating the corridor are about shoulder-high, separating the corridor from the seating area, which is what the circles with 4 chairs represent. These are tables, booths, etc., with a smattering of service stands for order entry, and bits and pieces like extra cutlery.

The décor was fancy, and meant to resemble a Victorian Gentlemen’s Club, with oak throughout, and thick carpets on the floors. Worthy of mention is the feature wall at the front, with alcoves for displaying sculptures, and places to hang paintings.

So GC calls us, and they are ready for the ADO’s.

We arrive, and install. By the terms of the bid, it’s BigDaddy’s responsibility to supply dedicated 120v electricity for the ADOs and to run the 12v wires from the activation plates to the top of the doorway so they can be connected to the circuit board for the ADO. This wasn’t present at the time of the install, so he ran an extension cord to power the ADO, and used a wireless transmitter and receiver to trigger it. All of this was specified in the bid, which said that we could install, and then return to hook up the wires once they get run. Barry came and supervised the tech installing the ADOs personally. When GC signed off, buried in the description was a line or two referencing the relevant sections of the bid.

When GC signed off on the handicap washroom install there was a line noting that BigDaddy assumes all responsibility for compliance with the relevant building code section.

GC didn’t bother to read what he was signing, just scribbled a signature and took his copy. Barry made certain the tech was right beside him when GC signed off.

Malicious Compliance #1

It’s about 2 weeks before opening, and they are in the finishing stages. Barry gets a frantic call from GC that none of the ADO’s are working, and they need these to be functional, or they won’t get their occupancy permit. Barry heads down the next day with the tech.

Barry: “Well, I found the problem.” GC: “So fix the fucking problem” Barry: “There’s no 120v run to the doors, and there’s no 12v wires to hook up the buttons.” GC: “You didn’t run the power? Why didn’t you run the power?” Barry: “It’s not in the scope of work in the bid. You’re supposed to do it.” GC: “Why didn’t you tell me that when you were here the first time.” Barry: “I did, and you signed off on it.” GC: “Where’s the fucking electrician? Electrician, get your ass over here.” Electrician: “What’s up?” GC: “Why isn’t there any power for these door operators?” Electrician: “It’s not part of my scope of work.” Barry: “There’s some good news…” GC: “What?” Barry: “If we use wireless for the buttons, we won’t need 12v wires. I’ll have to bill you for it as an add-on, but once you get me 120v, these ADO’s will be working.”

NOW GC realizes how fucked he is. The interior of the restaurant is 90% complete, and there is no power to a critical part of the building. Without it, no permit. BigDaddy has fucked up big time, assuming that either Barry or the Electrician would run the wires, and not putting it into the scope of either bid. The electrical panel is in the back of the kitchen, and there’s no way to bring 120v to the front entrance, except across the ceiling, which would be nearly impossible. All of the lighting and the ornate false ceiling was already in. Even if he was able to magically do that, he would either have to run a metal conduit down the surface of the feature wall, or rip out a good chunk of it, run the wires, and reinstall it. The handicap washroom ADO wasn’t as much of a problem, since it was closer and the wires could be run through the false ceiling. The section that contained the handicap washroom also had offices and storage with a t-bar ceiling, unlike the main room, that had 20 foot ceilings. The electrician charged GC big dollars for the extra work.

Malicious Compliance #2

Remember the handicap washroom? When the building inspector came to do a pre-check, they discovered that the square footage of the washroom, minus the area taken up by the in-swinging door, was less than the required minimum. They needed a quick fix, as dismantling the washroom, moving a wall, and relocating the plumbing fixtures would be too expensive, and would take too long. So GC decided to reverse the swing of the door, and have it swing into the corridor, rather than into the washroom. This had a really bad effect on the operation of FancyAss once it opened, as any time someone wanted to use the washroom, the door blocked the flow of servers in and out of the kitchen. And people are lazy…even able bodied people were prone to using this washroom as it was closest. I don’t know what the conversations between FancyAss and BigDaddy were like, but I imagine they were pretty intense….but who gives a fuck. GC signed off on that, too.

And Barry got to invoice for a whole new ADO, as the original was a “pull” style, and reversing the swing meant that a “push” style was required.

Pro Revenge

GC called a few days after discovering that the entrance doors needed 120v, to tell Barry that the 120v was available. Barry heads down with the tech to check it out.

In the vestibule was a heater known as an “air curtain”. It’s a big heater, designed to push a high volume of warmed air into the vestibule, to mitigate cold outside air entering the restaurant. It pulls a significant amount of electricity every time it kicks on, and GC had tied the 120v for the entrance door ADO’s into the same circuit.

Barry explains that the bid specified that the ADO’s require their own dedicated circuits, one for each. GC responds that he doesn’t give a shit, hook the goddamn things up, so Barry does, and has GC sign off again. Only this time buried in the sign off sheet is an acknowledgement that by not providing dedicated circuits, all warranties are void, and subsequent service would be billable. Just like usual, GC scribbles his signature and takes his copy without reading it.

These ADO’s are finicky about power. There’s a motor (obviously) controlled by a circuit board that determines how fast the door opens, how long it stays open, how fast it closes, how much force is used, that sort of thing. If it takes a spike in power it fails, and the ADO no longer functions.

A power spike blows a fuse and damages one of the components of the control board. This is replaceable, and the part is worth about 30 bucks. The control board can be fixed in about half an hour, with another half hour on a scope to make certain everything is good. Barry had sent one of the techs to the manufacturer to be certified in rebuilding the board, even though our standard was to just ship them back to the manufacturer and get a replacement.

Sure enough, a couple of days later GC calls in a panic. They have the final occupancy inspection scheduled for the next day, and one of the ADO’s at the entrance is down.

GC: “Your fucking ADO isn’t working. Get down here and fix it.” Barry: “Okay, but this isn’t covered under warranty. It’s billable.” GC: “What the fuck are you talking about? It’s not even been a week and it’s broken. It’s warranty.” Barry: “No, warranties were all voided when you didn’t provide clean power.” GC: “Fuck that. Get down here and put in a new ADO.” Barry: “It doesn’t need a new ADO. It needs a new control board. And I can get a new control board from the manufacturer in 4 to 6 weeks.”

GC loses his mind. There’s no way he can delay the opening of FancyAss for 6 weeks waiting for a part. He calls Barry every name in the book, threatens legal action, etc.

Barry responds, “Look GC, I have a control board on the shelf that was rebuilt by a factory certified technician. I can let you have it at 80% of the list price of a new one, and I can have it installed by noon tomorrow. Do you want the rebuilt, or the new part, and do you agree that this is billable as per the terms of the bid?”

GC: “Yes! Just get the fucking thing fixed by tomorrow!”

Now Barry knows that GC and BigDaddy were going to fuck him just like they did years ago. That ended up being a “I never said that” dispute. What GC didn’t know was every time he called Barry, the call was recorded. You know the “This call may recorded for quality assurance purposes” that you get when you dial in? Well Barry never used his cell phone, never initiated a call, and every time GC called in it was recorded and archived. Every. Single. Time.

Sure enough, another couple of days go by, and an ADO goes down again. Barry asks if GC is good with the rebuild, gets confirmation, removes the blown part, installs the rebuild, then takes the blown control board back to the shop and rebuilds it.

A new control board is $750.00. The rebuild he’s charging $600.00, for a part that maybe costs $75 to get back into shape. The bid specified that non-warranty service was $125/hr minimum 4 hours, so tack on another $500.00 for labour, and it takes maybe 45 minutes to install a new control board and dial it in. So every control board replacement was generating $1,100.00.

There were 27 blown control board swaps in the first 2 months. GC called in every one of them, and Barry got his verbal approval. If someone from FancyAss called in, we gave them GC’s number, and said that we could only come and fix it if GC was the one to call it in.

Then Barry gets a call from Daddy of BigDaddy wanting to know what this invoice for almost 30 grand is for. Barry explains, and a meeting is called, Barry brings his lawyer, and all copies of the sign-off sheets, as well as transcripts of every conversation he had with GC. It becomes very apparent that GC fucked up large, and that Barry had every “I” dotted and every “T” crossed.

BigDaddy is glaring daggers at GC, and basically tells Barry that if he wants to get paid, he’s going to have to sue for the money.

Barry smiles, and slides his ace across the table. It’s a Contractor’s Lien against BigDaddy, FancyAss Restaurant, and Massive Realty Company, the owners of the building.

Here’s the thing. FancyAss was owned by Internationally Famous Chef (IFC), who makes his living getting Very Important People to invest in opening a new restaurant. This is a place where they go to be Very Important, and bring their business contacts with them. After a short time, when the restaurant is the happening place in town, the investors sell the place, and cash out large. IFC sticks around, helps with the transition, and makes a percentage of the restaurant’s profits for the use of his name. He’s built an income stream with the investor’s money, and the investors make a nice return.

Only now they can’t sell, with a lien on the place. And these investors have rabid fucking pitbulls as lawyers. Hell, some of them ARE lawyers.

See you in court, BigDaddy. Only you’re not facing Barry’s lawyer, you’re facing a whole new level of legal expertise. Have fun with that.

Barry got his revenge, and then withdrew service based on the disputed invoice. He’s the only company allowed to service and install this brand of ADO as he has a protected territory from the manufacturer, and does seven figures worth of business with them a year. The only other companies anywhere nearby were warned off by the manufacturer, who even relayed the fact that BigDaddy had called them directly looking for service, and they referred BigDaddy to Barry.

Barry will definitely get paid, as it’s a standard to hold back 10% of the payment to a construction company for a year, and the holdback will definitely cover the invoice. So FancyAss will pay Barry and then take it out of BigDaddy’s holdback. Either that, or they will sue BigDaddy into dust, and force BigDaddy to cough up and settle the lien.

Who knows what company BigDaddy picked up to cover the ADO’s. Barry has friends in the industry and warned them all off, but there are asshole competitors, and Barry didn’t say a thing to them. Maybe BigDaddy is screwing over one of the competition, and what hurts his competition, helps Barry.

What makes this deliciously Pro? You think maybe, just maybe, Barry, who has decades of experience in the industry, might have had an Electrician friend that could show him the Electrical bid? And that maybe Barry knew from the beginning that there was no provision for 120v in either package? Or that the washroom was too small? Or that GC, a corner cutter, would take the easy way out and hook the ADO’s into the air curtain?

Way to go, Barry. Nicely played.

TL;DR A subcontractor complies with a bid, to the letter, and covers his ass in all correspondence, General Contractor ends up paying big dollars for their error, allowing subcontractor to recover money he was screwed out of years ago.

(source) (story by balles_de_acier)

[orokinarchives]

Solaris Civilian Dialogue

(Fortuna hype banner)

The message that greets outworlders who arrive in Fortuna is as follows:

Howzit, Outworlder! Welcome to Fortuna, nerve centre of Nef Anyo's attempts to terraform Venus, and home to the Solaris rig jockeys who make it all happen. Talk to the local reprobates for all your quasi-legal needs! If you're looking to hit the Orb Vallis, talk to Eudico. Fortuna: it ain't much, but it's home… provided you can handle all the noise comin' from the vents.

We All Lift Together

The Solaris anthem is "We All Lift Together", a song that encourages them to keep working even in adverse conditions. Its rhythmic beat helps them keep time while working, and its message is a core part of the Solaris identity. Various Solaris can be heard humming it as they go about their work, and when the Tenno arrives in Fortuna for the first time, they are able to hear the entire song being sung by the Solaris community.

Cold, the air and water flowing Hard, the land we call our home Push to keep the dark from coming Feel the weight of what we owe

This, the song of sons and daughters Hide the heart of who we are Making peace to build our future Strong, united, working til we fall

[first two stanzas repeat]

And we all lift And we're all adrift together, together Through the cold mist Til we're lifeless, together, together

Solaris Female 1

"What do you reckon it's like being… being brain-shelved? Just… dark, I reckon."

"Seals failed around his chest-plate. Off-gassed coolant got into his eyes. Down three days, he was. He's blind. Gonna be a long, hard road coming back from the interest on that eye."

"I pay me seed each and every five cycles, straight outta me account. I make me good intentions, and know the Order of Profit safeguards me prosperity!"

"The firestorms, the freezing temperatures, the toxic coolant, the wildlife… what do the Taxmen get outta this? Why are we doing this? Everything here wants us dead!"

"Word is we're shipping in some animals now. Some kinda safari park for Nef Anyo. I guess the resurrected native specimens weren't cutting it."

"That visitor, wot talks in riddles, she stopped me the other day. Thanked me, she did, for that which I am yet to do. I asked her wot? She said, rewritin' future history, by pausing a stranger! I suppose that's what I'm doing this moment, innit? [laughs] Oh. Oh, I don't like this. I best get back to work."

"If you want me to work faster… it'd help me if I knew what I was looking for."

"Got done bundling a fatboy bound for some pleasure dome. Mainly fabrics, lots of sealed containers. A few of them, well… a few of them were sobbing."

Solaris Female 2

"I don't give a fig they're Corpus-endorsed, one more witness for the Order of Profit comes around my hab early in the cycle, they're gonna find me waiting with a shotgun, ready to void some muckin' warranties!"

"I'd scrub me wetware before they shelve me and no mistake. Scrub a few of them, too, right out."

"Solaris United, uppity sorts who think they know how things should be. That's why they can't see things how they are. Things are as they should be!"

"Look, you can breathe coolant for twenty years, or, come with me! Merc-mercs need backup! Six-month run popping zits near Mercury. Come back flush! Easy money, old mate, easy!"

"Me boyfriend broke up with me yesterday. [chuckling] He's smart, he's handsome, his optical receptors have been malfunctioning for months. He told me: 'I'm seeing someone else.' I said: '[scoffs] I'm over HERE!' [laughing]"

"Look, he's really there for you on a good day, sure. But he's always there for you on a bad one."

"You wanna wish for heaven? Go right ahead. But any history book will tell ya, what waits at the end of that dream… every time… is straight-up genocide."

"Wanna know how you die, kid? One day at a time, that's how."

Solaris Female 3

"Timbrake failed. Canal 4 near went gaseous. Imagine that windin' through the alleyways. Not everyone's a full conversion. What airborne Orokin coolant does to meat-lungs? Oof."

"Me and an old mate traded shifts. I did his, he piked on mine. Repo? Hah! That dip-faced mucker won't have any parts left to repo, I find him."

"The Order said I could consolidate me debt by refinancin' me rig, use it as… equity? I think? But now they say I owe more 'n ever, so I got myself extra shifts. Gonna dig meself out the old-fashioned way, like me Ma almost did."

"Some legless repo mucker comes crawling up to me. 'Credits, miss? Credits to me debt?'. Told him, 'Take a shift like the rest of us. I work for meself, not the likes of you.'"

"Me old man got brain-shelved when I were a lad. Didn't make the payments. His brain-case is still there, locked up by the Taxmen, waiting for us to pay off his old rig. Never happenin' in me lifetime of course, but me sprogs might get to meet their granddad someday. When they's grandfolk themselves."

"Want work, gonna need a rebuild. Rebuild costs credits, go into debt, debt means they own ya. So you wanna be free, gotta earn that now, means you gotta work more, more work needs more upgrades, more rebuilds. Means more debt, always more debt. Working me whole life to buy freedom from the debt I bought to buy the freedom to work, to buy me freedom! And we're so proud to be working for it. So stupid proud."

"Solaris United? I don't know what that is. I'm gonna head back to work. Don't talk to me. Leave me alone."

"The only difference between a friend and an ambidexter is opportunity. There's not a person alive wouldn't sell you out for the right price."

"Quills, you see 'em everywhere these days, you know where to look. Corner of your eye, pullin' strings."

"Wait. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Slight the brakes there, champ. You telling me there's something under Venus?"

Solaris Female 4 "Pumps will need some parts low on go-go juice. Tractor's inbound, need a snappy refill. Come back."

"You know him? He's an overly-polite man with a gun tattooed on his neck. Someone that cluey may be able to integrate. We can't afford to pass on able hands. Not at the rate we breed."

"Me father went missing in the Grineer invasion of Mars! P'raps you were there, Tenno? P'raps you saw him?"

"Duviri? Holier than thou. And enough scratch to treat barons like concubines. That's who we're really working for, mark me words."

"Little Duck says she found something! A Void gate! That mean anything to you?"

"Hah, keep telling yourself you're free, and you'll never escape. Workin' as intended, am I right? [scoffs]"

Solaris Female 5

"Welcome to the habs, kid. Nothing works, but anything can be arranged."

"There's an agent down by the Spillway 19, get ya what ya want. Gib-faced mucker is a side-mouth ambidexter though ever there was one. Don't tell her nothing you don't mind getting back to the Taxmen."

"This cove's wooing me, he is. Unexpected visits, gifts of sealant, parts for that extra manipulator I wants installed. A romantic he is, a real fancy-monger."

"Hey, he's not too smart, but he can lift things."

"What role this site played in Orokin history is uncertain, but the ties are clear."

"Oh, my family don't worry 'bout me. I was never gonna make it."

Solaris Female 6

"I've been a rig jockey, tractor jockey, Rail agent, worked Abigail for a slum executive more than once. Worked all kinds of jobs in all kinds of places. Never met a good person, or a bad one. It's just folks, friend, everyone's just folks."

"Hey! Smoke the brakes. I've avoided being picked up for repo for a fortnight now. I've learned the rules."

"Transported this Duviri once, got talkin'. Told me about the… this… what-whatsit? 'Nominative determinism'. What you get named steers how you turn out. Maybe that's why the Corpus name some of us, not our kin. Is that loopy?"

"Piece of advice? Don't make no waves, don't beg no losers, and get off this backwater planet as soon as you can!"

"Hey! Friend! Spare a few credits?"

"There is another way! What they don't know is the only thing keeping me alive! Something's gonna fall like rain, and it won't be flowers."

"Dictators, profiteers, sadists. These are souls that do not survive death."

Solaris Male 1

"I'm Solaris n' proud, as are all me clan. The repos, the wasters, those adrift in the byways – digustin'. No pride to any of 'em. I work 'ard. Me old man worked 'ard, an' his old man afore 'im. No time for those'd rather muck in the streets. Me? None."

"Checked into the machine shop to get me mic serviced. Can't bloody sleep, cause I can't turn the bloody things off."

"Ach, we work hard now, and for sure we suffer, but all will be forgotten in the coming prosperity. Nef Anyo watches over us. The Order of the Prophet, too. Life is profit, ain't it what they say?"

"Self-employed, me rear end. Only thing I own is second-stage toxic shock, the water I'm treadin', and a head full of bad dreams."

"Bunch of kids makin' a clubhouse in the ducts. Gotta call security. That racket they call music is a needle in my receptors."

"Gonna find me a recess and close me shutters for five. I'd mainline caff to get through this shift, but they upgraded the canisters and me gastro-compatibility upgrade ain't due til next week."

"So, the Corpus get here, right? Place is a firestorm. They turn the old Orokin terraforming back on, and presto. Within a week we got plants and animals ain't nobody ever seen. I'm tellin' ya, either the tech is hiding something, or the planet is."

Solaris Male 2

"I could join the Order of Profit, sure. Donate half of what I earn and trust it'd come back to me ten-fold. Or, I could just grab a gun. Right?"

"I got hazmat upgrades to take the risky work, sleep upgrades so I can work more to pay off the upgrades – I make a payment, they say I ain't even covered the principal!"

"Oh, we've got plans, see? Our youngest – we're not gettin' him modded. No rig, see? Gonna use the money to get him educated, get him placed in the establishment. Twenty, maybe thirty years from now, we'll have family on the inside, doin' us favours! That's how we're gettin' debt-clear!"

"Yeah, Rail agents. They're tractor jockeys. Solo contractors specialising in speed runs, rapid deliveries, smuggling, stiletto jobs. They've cut more deals with more bureaucrats than you've had hot dinners. You'll know a Rail agent tractor when you see it: overclocked reactors, wide-bore engines, zero acceleration governors – every design choice screams 'death wish'."

"Oh, I know the Rails, better than any of these muckers! Routes only I know, contacts only I have. I'm outta here. I've got me old man's tractor. I'll make me own way, as a Rail agent!"

"Warframes? We saw one once. Cost me a leg and me friends their lives. Fear… it is a sad life that is lived with its invisible curriculum."

"Me optics are gone, but I can't let on. I needs the work, can't take the time off and I sure as hell can't afford replacements. I'll just muddle through. Traffic control's easy enough work."

"Worked seventy years to get this far, and proud to say my body debt's half paid. Praise the Order! Life is profit."

Solaris Male 3

"Granddad's been dead for years. But we're still working to pay off his rebreathers, the kind with three-stage hexo-filtration. Pricey, but not much on resale. Some day we'll get clear. Not in me lifetime, but maybe me kids'. That's why I got me parts cheap, keep the overhead low, give 'em a shot at getting clear."

"For sure I upgraded me new toxin seals. Only got paid off the old ones, mind. As me old man used to say, 'In a good cause, there are no failures, only todays.' Me lucky day's just around the corner."

"Guts! Ain't ever gonna pay off me refit like this. The rates just keep going up!"

"That there rig jockey's abigail for Fastboy, runs Hab 12. Fastboy gives the say-so, the abigail… he might not kill you, but you'll spend a cycle or two wishin' he had. Know how to use those upgrades in ways the manufacturer never intended."

"Some of them Ostrons around? Why they'd leave a place like Cetus to come to the System's armpit I gots no idea. Must like the smell of coolant. Nice enough folk though."

"I don't care about about a badge. It's not right and they're not getting away with it. Listen to your enemies, for the Void is beckonin'."

"You don't mess with that group. It'd be like going up against your nightmares, and their lawyer. Can't wait to meet 'em. Check the guns."

"Tenno? They here because of that oxium scam we pulled on Eris?"

"Here's how you land where I'm at: get to two bad days, drop off all your hope, and keep on driving."

"Ah no, she rejected him like a bad kidney! Ahh, there's nothing I wouldn't do for that woman."

Solaris Male 4

"No, I'm not muckin' local. Tractor jockey, mate. Silver-plated Corpus contract. I'm up there. Hear this: I've got stars mate, I've got stars."

"Chek-chek. I've got a long-haul tractor. Bundled out, needs a gimbal for a rotating gunnery hatch. Anyone got their ears on?"

"Ran a load of organics out to Cetus. They got a heavyweight Grineer problem. Copycats got the city pinned, and you don't even want to know what comes out of the lakes at night."

"You live as a Rail agent long enough, you see things that change you. I know a place. A hidden place. Home to creatures that never were. Species prevented from evolving by the rise of our own."

"Made a delivery to a Duviri pleasure lake, once upon a time. Airships positioned to blow spore from fragrant forests towards the Magnate's dining barge at suppertime. Me? I got a boot in the left quarter actuator for staring at his wife too long."

"Affirmative. Triple-digit Rail agent needs action dock on a backstroke. Inbound with acceleration trauma. Come back."

"Tool cart to Bay 12. Jockey blew out posterior hydraulics. Yeah… hero tried lifting above his grade."

Solaris Male 5

"Repos. Work hard, or that's how you'll wind up. Arms repossessed, legs repossessed, eyes… repossessed. Work hard, earn your rig, and… you'll be fine."

"You hail from Acheron? I have a brother there! Here, a gift for you! [pause] I'm not selling it, it is a gift! Thank you friend. You are most welcome. Say, might you loan me a couple of hundred credits? [pause] But, I have given you a gift! You would take that from me, and offer nothing in return? Criminal! Brigand! Thief!"

"I'm adrift, outta work, washed up. They can't take me coin, so they coming for me parts."

"Hahaha! Not to worry, plenty more vertebrae where that came from!"

"Help a cove out, guv'ner. Buy bonds? I was a thrower, best in the biz. And I've been adrift for cycles. Buy bonds? 0.13% goes toward paying off what little is left of me decrepit rig. Buy bonds? I don't clear the interest, I don't buy back me organs, it's brain-shelving for me for sure. Buy bonds, eh? Buy bonds?"

"Seen that character floating around, talking in riddles, or not at all? They say she's one of them Quills. Where they go, things change, so they say. And when the things change, me mucker, it's folk like you and I get caught in the cogs."

"Me contact says they found a stash of Orokin-era nav charts. He tells me they mark sites that do not exist on current maps. Most intriguing. I'll pay you well, but you must submit to a memory wipe."

Solaris Male 6

"Signed me tractor to a triple-digit convoy gone wide-bore for one of the Mercury asteroids. Emergency resupply. Got there way too late. Whole installation had gone crater-faced, zits everywhere. Never seen so many heat sigs. Flagged it as a no-go and left it to the mercs. Infested. Damn, give you nightmares."

"I piloted a fatboy outta Mars bundled up with some off-planet fauna. Something about a safari park."

"I made quite a mistake with that captain. Not the kinda thing you can easily undo. When you've made peace with the world, then everything becomes a game, friend. Cetus taught me that."

"Deadheaded me tractor two hours ago, empty. Sold the full manifest. Now it's just me and a bottle for the next cycle and a half. Cheers!"

"Get on the winning team! This place? It's isolated. The other Corpus? They want Nef Anyo to fail. That means ain't nobody gonna stop Solaris United takin' this whole place from him. Savvy?

"Rail agent? Ha! Jockeying meat wagons is where the money's at. Drop in, grab the breathers, and leg it. Easy."

"Merc-mercs. Mercantile mercenaries. Corpus! Slick and shiny and a pain in me rear."

"I can get ya half price on a full tank of go-go juice. Interested?"

Ostron Female

"If you want to change, accept who you are. Now will you reconsider what you are about to do?"

"I hear your words, but I see you in your silences."

"The quieter I am, the more I hear. The more I hear, the wiser I become. The wiser I become, the quieter I am."

"Offworlders commonly think of themselves as one person. This is an error in thinking, surah. You are many people! This is why it is important to remain simple – so as not to confuse the many people you consist of."

"Social pressure drives modification, modification drives profit, profit drives debt, debt drives control! These Solaris, they are all working to pay off their bodies, which they sold to the Corpus, to work for the Corpus, to pay off their bodies, which they have never owned! Oh, I weep for them."

Female Corpus Broadcaster

"Charity encourages laziness. Do not donate to charity. Direct your financial compassion to the Order of Profit."

"It's cold outside. Warm yourself with the teaching of the Order of Profit. Rates apply."

"A few days off? Interest accrued? Now you're in a fight you cannot win. Who can you turn to? The Corpus Solaris Order of Profit. Plant a seed today! Life is profit, profit is life."

"Each cycle, ask yourself: 'Can I work just one percent harder?' The answer is always: yes!"

"Success: it's not for losers."

"Life is profit, profit is life."

"Corpus: looking out for you, as we have always done."

"Use downtime effectively. Rest, and put in a solid shift's work tomorrow."

"Had some bad luck? Need a financial boost to cover the interest? With over 300 repayment models, we're sure to assign one that's right for you."

"The street corner wretch, lacking sensors, limbs, dignity. Weeks away from brain-shelving. The wages of indolence. Fight proudly for your body, Solaris, and work."

"Be on the lookout for non-conformists. Accurate reports earn substantial rewards!"

"Increase your usual donation to Corpus Solaris Order of Profit. A larger seed makes for a larger harvest. It just makes sense!"

"You work hard, and deserve better. Our instalment plan options provide peace of mind while keeping you happy and housed in the rig of your dreams."

Male Corpus Broadcaster

"A friendly reminder that consorting with anti-Temple dissidents carries a non-negotiable penalty of full-body repossession and mandatory brain-shelving. Report any suspicious personnel for a 0.63% remuneration bonus! Keep Fortuna clean."

"You may qualify for pay-cycle advances at newly reduced rates. Inquire today!"

"Good news! You still have jobs. Carry on."

"Tired hands are honest hands."

"There is no failure, only indolence. There is no futility, only parasitism. There is no defeat, only sloth."

"Fortuna, a message from the teachings of the Temple of Profit. With an open heart: give. With a tranquil mind: give. With conscience clear and unburdened: give. Give, that Nef Anyo might smile upon you, and all the work you put your manipulators to. Give. Give. Give."

"Nef Anyo would like to congratulate those who accepted mandatory cleanup duty in the toxin zones. Enjoy your 2% rebate on lung replacement."

"Need to down-cycle and feel good? Reward yourself with a donation to the Temple of Profit. Feel the prosperity."

"What is interest, if not a measure of Nef's trust in you? What is bodily repossession, if not the mark of one who cannot be trusted? What is it to betray the trust of he who has made a place for you by his side? It is to be unworthy of the name 'Solaris'. Heads high, workers of Fortuna, and be worthy."

"Nef's table is set, and your chair awaits high above. How long will you keep him waiting?"

"Limb and organ repossession happens. Safeguard your most valuable asset: you! Purchase repo insurance today."

[Navigation: Hub → Dialogue → Solaris Civilians]

[arthurhwalker]

Lenovo Yoga C640 Mini-Review

Disclosure: I attended Lenovo TechWorld 2019 in Beijing as Lenovo’s Guest. I sat in a super fan / brand advocate seat, and attended in that capacity. Lenovo asks that, as part of my participation, I follow all FTC disclosure laws relative to sponsored content. All opinions are my own.

Disclosure: Lenovo did not ask me to review the Lenovo Yoga C640. I asked them, specifically, for the access because I’d like to see more LTE-equipped 2-in-1 form factors (with a pen stylus) come to the US market. I’m writing this piece out of my own selfish desires to that end. ;-D

While I was in Beijing, attending Lenovo TechWorld 2019, I had the opportunity to borrow a Lenovo Yoga C640, WiFi version, for a couple of days. For the person that travels often, or works on the go a lot, I think this device is going to be ideal. Allow me to elucidate further on that notion. ;-D

Hardware Options

There are two versions of the Yoga C640, a WiFi Version, and an LTE Version. I mention this up front because configuration between them differs in ways beyond just WWAN connectivity. The WiFi version has an Intel i3, i5, and i7 10th Gen U series processor option, while the LTE has only i5 and i7 processor options.

If all you care about is battery life, get the i3 WiFi version, with a 300 nit screen display option might be the way to go. Lenovo claims up to 20 hours of battery life, depending on configuration and power management settings. Haven’t been able use a C640 long enough to test the claim, but I’d say something close may be possible.

For more details about specs:

Lenovo Yoga C640 WiFi

Lenovo Yoga C640 LTE

Overview     

The Yoga C640 is small for a 13” 2-in-1 form factor device, when held in the hand, but has some rigidity and heft, weighing in at just under three pounds. The top cover is flat aluminum, while the bottom chassis is rubberized PC+30% Glass Fiber. The lid is perfect for accepting stickers, or just looking nice (or as nice as any laptop without stickers is able), while the textured surface of the deck won’t slip around in your lap, on when held in the hand. This, in both tablet and laptop modes.

There is a slight color disparity between the top and bottom chassis pieces, but you have to hold it in the right light to tell. Otherwise, the difference is tactile, and welcome. It makes for a nice bit of utility in a device that is clearly designed for travel, and on the go usage.

IO is really well thought out, as well as the placement of the power button. The way the vents look on the back make me think there is some sort of different cooling methodology with this machine. I didn’t have tools to open it up and peek, but it ran remarkably cool, even when I was copying a large file.

The capacitive touchscreen accepts input from a Wacom AES pen stylus. The latency and accuracy is great for handwritten notes, good for photo editing and similar, and decent for digital artwork. I wouldn’t recommend this as a digital artist’s primary rig. However, as a travel rig, for prototyping and brainstorming ideas, it would be perfect.

There is a reason I believe this is true.

Lenovo Support arranged for me to make use of an LTE-equipped Yoga Book C930 for a month, while I traveled, and it was very handy. No hunting for WiFi, or tethering my smart phone, just pop it open and go. The Yoga Book C930 is around 999 USD, is often sold out, and the LTE version is only available in Europe.  

The C640’s price point makes this a relatively low stakes option. 999 USD buys a fully loaded WiFi version. Not sure what the LTE version price will look like when it hits the US. I think one could get the i5, 8 GB RAM, 256 SSD LTE version for under a thousand, particularly if one is patient for sales and coupons.

The current warranty options for the Yoga C640 are interesting. You get one year of Depot Warranty Service, standard, with a bump up to four years being the only other option (as of writing this), for Onsite, Premium Care, and Accidental Replacement services. Lenovo understands who they are making this device for, and why they would probably choose to buy it.

A short word about performance. I wasn’t able to push the machine as hard as I would have liked, opening a PSD with fifty layers or anything like that. However, I did all the other things; painted with large size brushes in high DPI canvases, applied filters to print resolution images, and similar. The Yoga C640 wasn’t snappy, but it was more than acceptable at handling those tasks.

If I was on the road, brought the C640 Yoga as my travel rig, and had to use it for more demanding work, I wouldn’t regret carrying a lighter rig.

Conclusion     

This is for the college student that throws their laptop in a bag every day, and needs a digital notepad as well as a means to generate text. Or, it’s for the traveler that needs a 2-in-1 LTE equipped form factor. The C640 is low stakes, with a premium support coverage option.  

I think my only complaint is that it charges with a 45w round tip AC adapter. I find them kind of tacky. However, they are still pretty ubiquitous. If you had yours confiscated from checked luggage crossing through International borders (which happened to a colleague recently), it would be cheap and easy to get another one. Depending on how you travel, and where, this might be a bonus.  

Lenovo’s Yoga line continues to impress. The value of the features one gets for their money remains pretty high. If Lenovo can continue to bring the quality up, with warranty service to match, creatives, students, and travelers will have solid options besides just Thinkpad.

Everyone likes to have options.

[zerohour1974]

The Grumpy Git Returns 2

Why is the Tech world so fundamentally broken?

Hello readers I’m back after a major hiatus.  What on earth is going on in the world of technology.  It’s all going to hell.

You might think what the hell am I on about.  It seems things in the industry are completely broken and for all the complaints out there no one seems to do anything about it.

Here are just a few examples...

1) Apple releases Mac Pro with a basic price tag of £5000

What on earth, I would understand such a price point if this was an amazing all singing all dancing machine, but its not.  The basic system is an i5 system.  Seriously then everything else can be upgraded by Apple or exclusive dealers or it invalidates your warranty and the machine locks you out using the T2 security chip.

Now Apple have been on shaky ground regarding tech for a number of years which problems such as lowering sales of iPhones because by the time they release them they have already been superseded by the competition.

Apple used to be seen as the innovative company of the world, the kings of aesthetic and cool.  Now even the hipsters of the world are thinking Apple products are too expensive and not really giving much to the world.

It doesn’t help that every MacOS version is now more like iOS and they are locking you further and further into the Apple Garden.  What i mean by that is blocking anything that is not in the Apple Play Store, not supporting hardware (Nvidia graphics cards, Wi-Fi etc.) and now preventing upgrades.  Which is alienating their customers...

No one is going to buy the Mac Pro one because the price is ludicrous.  Two everyone is speculating Apple is going to change to using ARM processors so the whole system is probably about to change.   People got bitten with PPC, only for Apple to switch to Intel and abandon PPC.  So they will not get away with it twice.

Apple admit too being a $1 trillion company but how long will it last considering you are further and further alienating your own customers.    Now don’t get me wrong there will always be a hardcore group of loyal Apple consumers, but you have to wonder is it enough to keep Apple where it stands.

Personally given their listed losses it looks like the bubble is starting to burst.  But equally getting back to the point who seriously believed a £5000 desktop would be seen and thought wow that’s a good idea.  The mind boggles.

A lot of people are now building Hackintosh machines because one its cheaper to do so and two for less money you probably get more power than the Mac Pro.  Crazy.

2) Software companies putting out totally broken games as full releases at full price.

This one is pretty obvious I can site many examples her but of course probably the biggest known was of course Bethesda’s Fallout 76.  Now I’m not going to reiterate its story there has been plenty of coverage about it on YouTube.

Now before anyone starts yes I accept there is Early Access programs on Steam and the likes but they at least admit up front that the item you are purchasing is not the final game and may be subject to change.

However we are seeing more and more companies putting out games that require huge day one updates of several gigabytes.  DLC breaking game elements in major ways and live services either not working or not being able to cope with the loads.

Now I admit I am not a programmer and maybe someone who is in the game will be able to shed a better light, but it seems these major corporations such as EA, Ubisoft, Activision Blizzard and more are making millions off the backs of programmers who are expected to deliver higher and higher standard stuff in less and less time.

These guys are being forced into working extraneous “crunch” hours being put under immense stress and not really seeing much in the way of benefits.  They seem to take a lot of abuse if the programmer refuses.

2019 showed many cases of ex-employees reporting abuse.  Now I know some could be put down to sour grapes but there is a lot to be said about there is no smoke without fire.

It seems many programmers are complaining about their immense pressure to perform.  As I said I’m not a programmer so I can’t really say I know.  They seem to have no representation in their corner to help them such a union and because a lot of them are freelance many corporations see them as disposable.

This to me is ludicrous.  Without these programmers most of these corporations would not have a product to sell and equally wouldn’t exist.  So why treat them like dirt, you are cutting off your nose to spite your face.

Also for all things like Fallout 76 proved for all they released a half arsed game and took controversy.  Not once has someone said that this practice is unacceptable.

If you bought a Television and when you turned it on it showed BBC1 and BBC2 only and the rest was coming later in a software patch update.  You would complain vehemently and take back the television for your money back.

So why can software companies get away with releasing a half finished product.... Which moves us on to...

3) New Linux phones been released unfinished

Linux phones are the latest and “greatest” thing since sliced bread if you believed the hype.  Security conscious phones that don’t report everything about you, kill switches to disable base bands so you can’t be monitored at all times and of course its Linux based so the operating system is free.

All sounds good and hence why Purism Librem 5 and the Pine phone both have had a major interest shown in them.

Given all the concerns raised recently regarding Google and how it uses its data and problems such as the many data leaks of various sites.  Privacy regarding your data is being raised.

Ironically Microsoft who have admitted they are having Windows 10 report back data are not in these investigations.  But hey ho.

However its not the fact its Linux that’s a problem for me.  I like Linux but what i don’t get is this new concept of the phone is taking longer than we thought and people are worried.  SO what we will do is supply you your phone but most of the software doesn’t work but in the next few months we will implement various features to get it working.

They even give them titles such as the Pine Phone Braveheart Edition or the Librem 5 Spring.  Basically a broken p[hone which you have paid money for hoping that eventually it may work.

Once again these phones are hardly cutting edge so even if they do get it working.  Half of the tech is at least a generation back.

Now I understand creating a phone and its OS from scratch is hard work     and such processed take time.  However giving you a shell of a phone and leaving you to wait for the rest is a bit much.

This is similar to the TV but in this case because Linux is open source.  Your TV now only has two channels and they want you to write the next bit of the code to sort the programs out.  They say it’s a learning experience.

I’m waiting for someone to build a house and then if you want any windows, heating or electric you have to have to either build it yourself or wait for an upgrade.  Madness.

4) Live services...

When I started in computing my first machine was a ZX Spectrum 48K it wasn’t amazing but it was a computer.  You bought games, you could program it and it was yours to do with as you pleased.

Modern day systems both in the computing world and console world you are signed into agreements that no matter what the machine is.  The code involved is the property of X company and although you physically own the machine you can not amend it, alter it,  complain about it or they can withdraw your rights to said systems and lock you out.

What? I own a machine but if I do anything beyond your limitations you will sue me.  How did this become a thing.

It was bad enough with Intellectual Copyright bullshit but this is getting ludicrous.

They have since took it one step further in games now several of them will not allow you to play them unless permanently connected to their servers or pay an ongoing subscription fee.

Which equally they can close at a moments notice because they decide they don’t like it and you have no recompense.  How many games have we heard have been just abandoned by their publishers.

Especially in the MMORPG genre.  Games are no longer purchased like tapes with physical medium as now most are download codes in physical cases.  If you actually get a physical DVD you are lucky.

However it doesn’t mean squat if you buy the game and the servers no longer exist.  Several games have managed to allow people to have their own private servers but many of them don’t exist.

How is this allowed to exist.  How are the computer industry allowed to sell products which have no guarantee.  Also why is no one questioning this...

If Valve decide enough was enough, they were sick of being blamed for the controversial games been stuck on its site by asset flippers etc., and decided to close down the service.

Sure they would have to give people notice but beyond that they have no obligation to make sure you have access to the games you bought.  This to me seems a dodgy game.

And with more services such as the Epic Games Store, UPlay, Origin,  and Google Stadia this is only going to get worse.

We need some form of legislation to prevent this from happening.  We are losing more and more data everyday on the internet due to leaks, server closures and companies just going out of business.  Very little of this software and data is being archived so is lost.

This is a problem.  Now I understand people saying it’s my game. But equally you have been paid for said game and now they are saying we cant use it or access it.

Something is fundamentally wrong here.

I could go on with further points such as large corporations closing Software Studios making games and complaining they sold 7 million copies and didn’t sell 10 million copies. Major tech companies refusing to pay taxes but want tax breaks from major governments but that can be the topic for another day.

As I said the tech world is fundamentally broken and needs a shake up.  Why are we paying the price for their inability to sort out their problems.

Until next time ...

[porsche-macan-reliability-blog]

Porsche Macan Reliability

Best Buy Used Auto Tips

Nowadays, more and more individuals are tempted to get previously owned automobiles. With a lot of monetary selections readily available and also cars and trucks "living longer," many people just opt to acquire secondhand automobiles. Find out more about Porsche Macan Lease Deals As a matter of fact, lots of wise consumers contend that getting secondhand autos is just the same as buying brand-new ones if the buyer understands how to purchase previously owned vehicles.

Porsche Macan Reviews 

  So, to help those that desire to acquire an automobile but can not manage a new one, right here are some of the very best pointers that could be implemented when acquiring an utilized automobile. 1. Study It is very important for a private to perform some research study when getting previously owned autos. By doing this, the buyer will certainly be able to recognize the perfect make and also design to purchase, the sort of efficiency to looks for, and the costs of used cars and trucks in the marketplace. In addition, the risk of getting secondhand cars and trucks is reduced if the purchaser knows the vital details to think about when getting previously owned autos. 2. Inspect the vehicles history The cars and truck's history will certainly offer the purchaser some solid info regarding the performances, repair work, as well as issues of the auto. So if you CONTAINER uncover some history it would be to your advantage. In this way, the customer will have the ability to contrast as well as differentiate one cars and truck from the other. 

Porsche Suv Macan

There are instances where made use of autos are being offered because of some past mishaps or unfavorable experiences. Customers may consider a lot more if the cars and truck she or he will purchase has a background similar to this one. 3. Examine the safety and security attributes What extra could you expect with a used car yet it does not necessarily suggest that the purchaser will neglect the availability of safety features in the cars and truck. By all means, an ideal cars and truck has to have safety and security features, whether it is old or new. According to some reports, practically 80% of the mishaps are increased since security attributes are not readily available in the automobile. 4. Buyers need to be wary about the records that are included when buying secondhand cars and trucks. Buyers should be sure that the automobile is not stolen, there are no liens on the lorry, which the one who joined the "Proof of purchase" is real supplier and also the possessor of the building. 5. Before acquiring a used auto, it is best to meticulously examine the general problem of the auto initially. Buyers need to watch out for any kind of rust or damage; the tires should be checked, and so on.

Porsche Macan Lease Specials 

  Undoubtedly, getting a made use of vehicle could be really laborious. However, it will offer the purchaser some complete satisfaction and also assurance that just what he or she has purchased is a good buy.Getting Versus Leasing A Vehicle

If you are taking into consideration whether to acquire or maybe lease your next auto and which would certainly manage you the very best deal, many consumer professionals agree that from a purely monetary element you will certainly be much better off in acquiring your following cars and truck. Obviously paying money in complete is the very best possible situation since with this choice you would prevent any kind of sort of financing charge. But also for the substantial bulk of us as well as for the scope of this short article we'll take a look those acquisitions or leases that involve financing. In the short term leasing might look attractive to you due to the fact that regular monthly lease repayments will more than likely be less compared to the monthly repayments of an acquisition agreement. Why? Because with a lease you are basically just paying for the part of the auto you are going to make use of. 

Lease Porsche Macan 

 It's sort of like splitting the price of a pizza with somebody. You are only paying for the items that you are going to consume. In auto terms the component that is left over in a lease is called the recurring value of the cars and truck. The greater the residual worth of the car the much less of the automobile you will use throughout the lease so you payments for the component that you do make use of (the lease) will be reduced. Commonly lease durations are 24, 36, or 48 months. Do not sign up for a lease past 48 months. Really anything past 36 months is pressing the value of the lease. Do not allow the vehicle salesman get you right into a longer lease just because they make your month-to-month settlements look extra attractive. Bear in mind time prices you money and the automobile's residual value will certainly drop as well as you loose all the advantages of leasing as well as still be entrusted to absolutely nothing in the end. For some drivers the cars and truck buying choice isn't based totally on profits numbers. As well as this is fine. It's purely individual. Leasing does afford you the capacity to always be driving a new vehicle. A car that is within a couple of years of the most recent body style and technology. 

Porsche Macan Hybrid 

 A cars and truck that is always under the manufacturing facility service warranty. For the person that has approved the fact that they enjoy remaining in a newer automobile which car settlements is just another regular monthly expenditure, after that why not obtain one of the most car for the cash? After that leasing might be a great choice. If this is your individual preference the other 2 concerns you must respond to are the amount of miles a year do I drive and how difficult on autos am I? The gas mileage inquiry could truly come back to haunt you if you are not cautious. Individuals who remain in new cars and trucks and hence delight in driving them and revealing them off extra will have a tendency to drive them much more. Be extremely careful with you gas mileage. Reviewing your designated gas mileage on your lease can wind up costing anywhere from 15 to 30 cents per mile past the lease gas mileage allowance and also this could get excruciating quickly. In the majority of leases you can buy additional gas mileage up front at the time of the lease but remember if at the end of your lease you have not utilized all your miles, you don't obtain that cash refunded back to you. I pointed out a bit previously you have to think about exactly how well you treat your automobiles. Only you will certainly understand this as well as you need to be truthful with this one. Do not assume that you could transform your lease vehicle in at the end of the lease with the car in sub par problem. If you do, you could be analyzed reconditioning fees that might end up being instead substantial.

Porsche Macan S Review 

  In summary, from a simply economic point of view purchasing your next new vehicle is the best over the long run. Yet, cars and truck with cars and truck ownership, so much personal choice, and also individual concerns enter play. If you assume leases look eye-catching, be absolutely specific concerning your mileage you will certainly drive. Take great treatment of the auto. And also lastly get in touch with your insurance policy representative first to earn certain that you don't give back the cash you conserve in regular monthly payments to your insurance provider.

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Investing in a Digital Camera? Avoid an error With 7 Insider Points

So, you're ready to buy a camera, huh? Maybe it's a, it would be the fourth. It might still be an overwhelming and confusing venture. Because of so many digital camera models available today ranging in price from under $100 to over $7,000, it might feel as if you will find A lot of CHOICES! Many individuals begin the process by investigating full functionalities and operations of Ten to twenty cameras in "their budget," however that is determined. Some individuals discover that process too frustrating and buy the very first digicam that "looks" right. Personally, I'm an analyzer. Being a professional photographer, when I start analyzing digital cameras, it's like unleashing a sumo wrestler with an all-you-can-eat buffet... there is no stopping me. But, for that typical consumer, understanding the digital cameras features alone just doesn't cut it. People would like to know What are the FEATURE DOES FOR ME! Whether you go the feature/function route or not, you'll find 7 insider tips that will help save you money and avoid getting the wrong photographic camera on your purposes. Tip #1: How to Get the Best Prices on Cameras Wherever you are in the investigation/buying process, eventually you can this step. If you want to obtain a digicam, the most effective costs are on the net. Whether you've purchased anything on the internet or otherwise, there are specific INTERNET BUYING STRATEGIES which will save you money, time, and aggravation. When selecting ANYTHING on the web, only look at the ENTIRE cost of the "digital camera + tax + shipping," Not only the price tag on the digital camera. Here is the best way that compares "apples to apples." Once you see the top ENTIRE cost, do not immediately purchase it from that vendor! You can find key INTERNET inquiries to answer: May be the photographic camera in stock? There is often a mysterious correlation relating to the cheapest digital camera prices and cameras being Sold-out. You dont want to order your digicam after which have it lay on backorder for 3 months, does one? Does your Nikon (Minolta, Canon, etc.) include a USA warranty or perhaps it what is called "grey goods?" You would like to verify it's actually a USA warranty, unless you don't mind being forced to service it internationally. If it is grey goods, you WILL NOT be capable of service it in america. When ordering your digital baby, beware of costly add-on accessories that may be needed eventually, but they are suggested with this "special order promotion time" at 200% with the normal price. Tip #2: Professional or Prosumer... Which is Good for you? Let's begin with clarifying our terms. An experienced camera is a dslr, while a prosumer is simply the rest. Because context, by no more 2005, digital SLRs may be purchased for $600 - $8,000 (Canon and Nikon, a minimum of). The true secret points to consider are:

If you intent to shooting night photos or other pictures in low-light situations, many prosumer digital cameras take good quality photographs at ISO 100 or 200. However, to look at good pictures in lower light at ISO 400 or 800 will typically have to have a dslr. Otherwise, digital "noise" will likely have too large a direct impact on display quality. If you're planning on taking flash photographs at distances higher than 10-12 feet from your subject, an external flash unit needs to be used. Along with the only way another flash unit can be utilized along with your digicam is always to attach it in your camera's hot shoe. Every professional photographic camera carries a hot shoe. Many prosumers also do, but NOT Every one of them. Salespeople often attempt to sway consumers faraway from professional video cameras into prosumer models, proclaiming that digital SLRs have so many complicated features that they are hard to use. Measuring only half correct. Digital SLRs are usually made to allow people to take pictures easily while using more automatic settings OR to use the advanced features when they are comfortable the process. Tip #3: What is an easily affordable Digicam? "Affordable" digital cameras have a tendency of developing your budget happy, but disappointing the photographer inside you. Don't disregard the ergonomics from the camera. Would be the controls easy? Comfortable? The amount of buttons or levers have to be simultaneously set before getting the actual result you need? In case you are upgrading from the more affordable digital camera, don't believe that spending more or having more features will automatically make you happy. Always check out you. An easily affordable digicam isn't affordable in the event you turn out not making use of it! The brand new camera is much more than prone to operate differently than your older model. Will the new camera have controls which can be counter-intuitive? Things like that will frustrate someone enough to not use their photographic camera. Safer to find out details like these before as opposed to as soon as the purchase. Tip #4: Do not be Tricked by Digital and Optical Zoom. Only One Matters. Here's the conclusion: Optical Zoom may be the only thing that's important. Although some salespeople might argue using this type of, when choosing searching for camera, my suggestion is usually to COMPLETELY IGNORE ALL DIGITAL ZOOM FIGURES. Digital zoom has simply no influence on having the ability to have a photograph of the distant subject by zooming in onto it. The reason salespeople like to include optical focus the equation is because advertising loves to supply you with the digital camera's "zoom factor." Multiply a 3X Zoom by a 5X Optical Zoom, along with a 15X Zoom factor... a totally worthless and MISLEADING number!! Tip #5: Will be the Discount Digicam an excellent or Bad Idea? The most important consideration when thinking about a discount digital camera (or another digital camera, for instance) would be to think about: "WHAT IS Come about?" Many consumers begin by first falling in love with an electronic digital camera then become pleased or disappointed having its capabilities (usually as soon as they buy it). I'm proposing something outlandishly radical... have the process the alternative WAY. First, ask yourself some basic questions: So what can I do with all the camera (and do not say "take pictures")? Precisely what are you most considering - the rare family snapshot, landscapes, macro work, heavy flash use, the above? Just how much use does it get? (Twice yearly, or once weekly?) Precisely what is most significant if you ask me: display quality, camera size, camera weight, durability, telephotos/wide angle lens, etc.? Determined by your responses to these questions, a discount digicam will probably be your best choice or even a complete waste of greenbacks. A "no-name" discount photographic camera is usually a logical choice, based on  what your photographic goals are. Try not to think a $49.95 Brand X camera will almost certainly run you $49.95! You also have to incorporate within the cost for at least some accessories, such as memory, batteries, bag, and lens protector. Tip #6: When are Small Digital camera models an ideal Choice? Despite impressions to the contrary, small cameras (generally known as compact digital camera models) can be popular. They're convenient to carry, usually loaded with features, and take respectable photographs. We need to remember that SMALL Does not imply UNDERPOWERED. Some benefits of going tiny are: less bulky, easier to transport, less conspicuous (less inclined to "walk off"), and so they often compare favorably with larger cameras within the feature and price categories. A number of the pitfalls of going small include: possible trouble physically operating a few of the camera's controls, less inclined to support an external flash, as well as the physical size can limit a number of the available features, like image manipulation. Tip #7: Megapixels - What's Fact; What's Fiction? Megapixels is among the most mentioned (and misunderstood) terms in the world of cameras. Let's sort through some facts and misperceptions, to help you create a more informed purchasing decision. Taking better digital photography involves more than just creating a camera which has a lot of megapixels, even though you wouldn't realize that listening to digicam salespeople. Megapixels is simply one aspect in creating better photo digital portrait photography. And, you cannot see it alone. You should consider other photographic camera features. How soon or slow the camera's shutter speed may be set is vital. Employing a tripod, to be able to manually set the white-balance control, inside them for hours pre-programmed modes to aid in tricky lighting situations are very important factors in achieving better portrait digital photography. Do not get the thought that megapixels could be unhealthy, or irrelevant. This is simply not TRUE. There exists just one area where more megapixels can establish better photo digital portrait photography results. If everything else is the identical, more megapixels will provide GREATER FLEXIBILITY TO CROP A photo whilst still being turn out having a sharp clear photo. And, cropping photographs can produce a whole world of difference. Cropping will be the eraser on the digital pencil. Conclusion People will make investing in a camera easy decision or a life-long project. With there being numerous models, brands, and features; it could get pretty confusing. You will not ever understand all the FACTS to really make the "best decision." But, basic 7 tips, you will be aware what really matters for your requirements. For additional information about nikon digital camera dealer take a look at this website.