#and then be like 'but don't worry construction regulations will still exist'

[captainjonnitkessler]

Average anarchist when asked if they actually have a plan to protect vulnerable people after they dismantle the state or if we just have to consider it an honor to die for the revolution

[ofdragonsdeep]

18: Hackneyed

Lacking freshness or originality.

Ar'telan had seen all of this before

(DAWNTRAIL SPOILERS for the ENTIRE msq. You have been warned.)

The dread had been building in his stomach long before they stepped through the gate.

All the information they had added up to something horrific, at least in Ar'telan's opinion. The Regulators, the evaded questions, the machine's hunger for energy. He had braced himself a long time ago.

Their arrival had been hurried, spurred on by the nature of the threat, but now his companions paused to debate the best course of action, and Ar'telan found himself awaiting the final call. Sitting in the plaza by the Leynode and taking in the sights.

There was a faint tune on the air, carried by whatever arcane mechanism animated the dead, an irritating distraction in his ears. In the distance, he could see the sights laid out before him - a sprawling city not unlike old Alexandria, an imposing castle, a volcano which he hoped was fake, and a small explosion of greenery, tucked away behind the rest of the zones. The same mechanical soldiers which had slaughtered people with impunity in Everkeep manned stalls selling trinkets for imagined coin to manifested ghosts. They all greeted the party with a cheeriness that belied the nature of the place.

Fake. All of it fake. Hollow and meaningless, a projection in electrope to ease an unending afterlife. It was so replete with electrope that the ground hummed when stepped on, just like the pathways in Solution Nine.

They had fought wars over electrope, Sphene had said. The weapon that had rent the ground so violently a cauldron of levin still simmered in the ruins had been built of electrope, to secure electrope. And she - no, not Sphene. Preservation had built their eternal paradise out of the very thing that had necessitated its construction to begin with. How many thousands had died for the electrope that made up this plaza? Were their memories preserved here, too, sucking more aether from the system?

"Ar'telan! We're going to canal town." G'raha seemed cheerful, at least, although Ar'telan was sure it was at least somewhat because he wanted to study how the electrope worked. "Are you alright?"

"Yes. Don't worry about me," Ar'telan replied, nodding to back up his statement. He was more worried about Erenville, who had gone very quiet since their arrival, even by his standards. this was not Ar'telan's first horrific recreation of life, although this time he dearly hoped would be the last. Every time he hoped the same.

---

Walking the streets of Canal Town did not help.

He had spoken to a few of the 'residents', trying to get some idea of what it was like to be an Endless. From their stories, they spent the majority of their time stored as data on the terminals, only manifesting when aether allowed. There were always new things to experience, and they did remember their time, but there was a strange dispassion to it. The idea of being trapped, ephemeral, unable to do anything but aware of being, seemed horrific to Ar'telan. Then again, perhaps they only noted their time in the terminals by the spaces between when they walked around.

They were not dead, precisely. They were no longer alive, but they still remembered. Still experienced. Everything they encountered in Living Memory was pre-ordained by the system, a neatly packaged saccharine existence, but they lived it. Ar'telan had stared at the gondolas, being rowed on their redolant way across the canals, and wondered how many people had died to fuel the nostalgia.

He considered it a nightmare. The threat of death had been very real in recent years, but the idea of not even being allowed to truly die when it came made horror crawl up his throat at the thought. Stored in perpetuity, nothing but data and emotion, every moment logged and planned, trapped in a creation that tried to evoke simplicity and joy and ran on blood.

He wondered if they had even thought about it, when they had first planned it. That the memories stored here would only ever increase, and it was only a matter of time before there were more dead than living. Only a matter of time before even basic maintenance of the systems needed more aether than the natural deaths could provide.

Why, why, had they not found some other source? At least if it had been powered by the levin crackling across the dome, he could have made his own peace with knowing he would never choose this afterlife, and watched the others without judgement. But they knew. They knew that they lived an existence fuelled by death. Knew that Sphene was planning something that could only be a massacre on a grand scale, and simply did not worry about it.

Were they allowed to? They felt alive, when he spoke to them, but could he say with certainty that the machines which sustained them even let them dissent?

Sphene couldn't. Her voice had cracked as she had made her proclamations, determined though she was. Her hesitance had always been there, though he hadn't known the reasons for it at the time. She had to sustain this place. And maybe it did not tamper directly with the memories of the Endless, but none but Cahcuia had even thought to question a system that they clearly understood.

Maybe that was why they didn't try to stop them as they walked up to the terminal.

---

The banal horror picked at him.

None of the residents of Castle Town seemed to pay any heed to the grey, featureless expanse that Canal Town had become. Those few that lingered in the grey, empty streets seemed more inconvenienced by what they knew as the cessation of everyone they had come to know. Committed, even in their final moments, to the idea of paradise.

Then there was Otis. It was not Otis. The true Otis had been contained entirely within his machine body, as Ar'telan understood it, which meant he had been reconstructed piecemeal to star in this idyllic vision. Indeed, the fact that he did not remember Ar'telan or Wuk Lamat at all only confirmed it for him.

Was Sphene still herself, below the programming? How much of her had made it into the Endless? Was there anything left of their gentle Queen from her mortal life at all?

How many others were only there as an idea of someone else's making?

Did it influence the machines? The chances of being manifested at the same time as someone you knew? He had helped reunite those lost lovers, one who had grown old with a hole in her soul she had no name for, but what if she hadn't held out for an impossible dream? Would they have passed each other by, or would she have conveniently forgotten?

He hated it. He hated it so much.

---

By the time they reached the Windspath Gardens, Ar'telan was ready to leave.

The background music had faded to a tinny, mournful note, churned out by only one of the four areas with very little strength. Behind him, the dull, empty grey painted a path they had cut through with the most final kind of death. Sphene hadn't responded. Couldn't, perhaps. And the people in the final zone carried on with their days, casual remarks about what once had been when the aether was plentiful their only acknowledgement of how anything had changed.

The others had been moved by what they'd seen. Wuk Lamat had been able to say a goodbye that the living Namikka had never got to experience with lucidity. Krile had been able to meet the parents who had left her on the Source, desperate for her to grow up free of the horror they were party to - and though their souls had long since been cycled through the system, and the memories had lasted not long after, it had done Krile so much good to see them. Ar'telan had kept his peace on what he thought of the place out of respect for what they were going through, but it did not change his view.

The mask had only slipped for a moment when G'raha had confessed he understood how Preservation had got here. But he had still kept his silence.

Erenville's discomfort he understood. Cahcuia had died without ever seeing her son again. Her memories saw him now, and asked him to kill her again. She knew what it meant, of course she did. But she was the only one he had seen in the entirety of Living Memory who had confessed that their not-life, confined to this fairytale and sustained with the lives of others, was no way to live.

Erenville had done it, in the end. Ar'telan had stood next to him as he did, and they had not exchanged words, but Ar'telan had known he needed someone to support the choice.

---

Ar'telan stared at the Meso terminal, topped with a lovingly-rendered image of Queen Sphene. Listened to the announcement over a crackling tannoy to an empty realm.

She was so desperate to save them. Every one of her subjects, who she knew so deeply, connected to her in the web of electrope that united everyone in Living Memory. She had sworn that they were precious to her, each and every one. That their survival meant everything to her.

So desperate to save them, that she could not save herself. And in so doing, proved the lie of saving every one of them. What did her life, her history, her feelings matter, when weighed against the world?

This, this one simple notion, was the only part of it Ar'telan understood.

[firstflooradditionsnorthshore]

Blending with the Neighbourhood: Character Homes & First Floor Additions North Shore

Sydney's North Shore boasts a rich architectural heritage, with charming character homes lining many streets. These homes, often Bungalows, Federation terraces, or California bungalows, hold a unique character and contribute to the distinct charm of the area. However, when considering a first-floor addition, homeowners might worry about compromising the aesthetics of their beloved character home and disrupting the overall streetscape.

Fear not! With careful planning and a commitment to respecting the existing architecture, a first-floor addition can seamlessly blend with your character home and enhance the overall value of your property, while still capitalizing on the stunning North Shore views. Here's a comprehensive guide to navigate the design process for a First Floor Addition North Shore that complements your character home and integrates harmoniously with the neighbourhood.

Respecting the Architectural Style:

Understanding Your Home's Character: The first step is to understand the specific architectural style of your character home. Research the era it was built in and identify its defining features. Bungalows are known for their wide verandas, weatherboard cladding, and gabled roofs, while Federation terraces showcase ornate fretwork, high ceilings, and bay windows. Knowing these details will guide you in designing an addition that complements the existing style.

Material Harmony: When selecting materials for your addition, prioritize those that echo the existing ones. For example, if your home features weatherboard cladding, consider using the same material or a compatible alternative like timber for your addition. Similarly, match brickwork or stonework if those are prominent features of your home's exterior.

Roofline Continuity: Maintaining a consistent roofline is crucial for a cohesive look. Replicate the pitch and style of the existing roof for your addition, ensuring a seamless visual flow. In some cases, a slightly lower roofline for the addition can create a visually pleasing layered effect.

Balancing New with Old:

Modern Touches with a Nod to Tradition: While respecting tradition is important, you can incorporate some modern elements for a fresh look. Consider features like large picture windows for expansive views or sleek metal railings for balconies. However, ensure these elements are integrated subtly and don't overshadow the character of the original home.

Preserving Existing Features: Whenever possible, try to preserve existing features that contribute to the character of your home. This could involve incorporating original windows or doors into the new addition, or restoring any decorative details during construction.

North Shore Specific Considerations:

Council Regulations and Heritage Overlays: Many North Shore suburbs have strict council regulations and heritage overlays in place to protect the character of the area. These regulations might dictate specific design guidelines or limitations on the size and style of additions for character homes. Consulting with a local architect or builder familiar with First Floor Additions North Shore regulations is highly recommended. They can guide you through the approval process and ensure your design complies with all necessary requirements.

Streetscape Harmony: Consider the overall streetscape when designing your addition. Observe the neighbouring homes and ensure your addition complements their character as well. Maintaining a consistent architectural style on the street contributes to the cohesive charm of the North Shore.

Additional Considerations:

Function and Flow: Beyond aesthetics, prioritize functionality and flow in your design. Ensure the new space connects seamlessly with the existing layout of your home and caters to your lifestyle needs. Consider open floor plans and strategic placement of doorways to create a sense of spaciousness and connection.

Interior Design: The interior design of your addition should complement both the existing character of your home and the new architectural elements. Opt for a timeless style with subtle nods to the era of your character home. Natural materials like timber and light colors can create a sense of openness and warmth.

Sustainability: Incorporating sustainable features into your addition is not only good for the environment but can also be financially beneficial. Explore energy-efficient windows and doors, water-saving fixtures, and skylights to maximize natural light. Some councils might offer rebates or incentives for incorporating sustainable features in renovations.

Budget: Setting a realistic budget is crucial for any renovation project. Factor in costs associated with design fees, council approvals, permits, materials, labor, and potential unforeseen challenges. Discussing budget limitations with your architect or builder early on can ensure your vision aligns with your financial resources.

FAQs:

Do I need an architect for a first-floor addition to my character home?

While not always mandatory, consulting with a qualified architect with experience in First Floor Additions North Shore can be highly beneficial. An architect can help you navigate council regulations, design an addition that seamlessly blends with your character home, and ensure structural integrity.

What are the typical costs involved in a first-floor addition?

Costs can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

Size and complexity of the addition

Materials used (luxury materials will naturally cost more)

Labor costs

Council fees and permits

Unexpected challenges that may arise during construction

Expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to 師10,000 per square meter for a first-floor addition on the North Shore.

How long does it typically take to complete a first-floor addition?

Construction timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the project and council approvals. Generally, expect a first-floor addition to take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to complete. However, a qualified architect or builder can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific project details.

Conclusion:

A well-designed first-floor addition can breathe new life into your character home on Sydney's North Shore. By respecting the existing architectural style, incorporating modern touches thoughtfully, and adhering to council regulations, you can create a beautiful and functional addition that seamlessly blends with your home and the surrounding streetscape. Remember, with meticulous planning, a commitment to heritage, and the guidance of experienced professionals, you can achieve a first-floor addition that enhances your character home's charm, value, and your enjoyment of the captivating North Shore lifestyle.

First Floor Additions Sydney

First Floor Additions Inner West

[brightshutters]

7 Reasons to Choose Patio Door Plantation Shutters

Patio doors are a fantastic addition to your home and the center of attention in any space. The large area of glass not only provides access to the porch or patio and has a beautiful aesthetic. They offer an excellent outside view and let in plenty of light and air, but they must be taken care of properly to be helpful. Patio door plantation shutters perform excellently. These shutters blend in with the sliding glass doors thanks to their transparency, creating an exquisite and refined impression.

Privacy Control

If you have a patio door that leads directly out to a street or sidewalk, plantation shutters are an ideal way to maintain your privacy. The louvers can be adjusted for maximum light and visibility control, giving you the perfect privacy without sacrificing natural Sunlight. Plus, the hinges and panels block out curious eyes from the outside, so you don't have to worry about people peeking in at inappropriate times. 

Aesthetic Appeal

Plantation shutters give your patio door a classic look while providing essential function. Whether you prefer white or stained materials, they come in various colors and finishes to complement any home décor. Matching these shutters with existing window treatments creates a cohesive look throughout the whole space, welcoming visitors into the home. 

Diffuse Sunlight

You don't have to worry about too much sun when installing plantation shutters on your door; even when wide open, they will still provide shade or subdued light in areas that need it most. In addition, because of their unique adjustable nature, plantation shutters can also be used as indirect lighting solutions to brighten up dark spots in your home naturally and beautifully!

Durable Materials

Wood is always a timeless choice when selecting building materials for your home, such as window and door fixtures like plantation shutters with solid frames that stand firm against potential storm damage while warding off UV rays throughout all seasons with their weather-resistant coating finish. For example, specialty-cut aluminum models are incredibly tough and built to last for years – perfect if you're looking for durability and protection without sacrificing an elegant look! 

Easy Installation & Maintenance 

Installing new patio door plantation shutters onto windows is easy if you take time during preparation and use reliable tools like levels and drills. They can also easily attach to pre-existing shades within minutes for quick updates without removing them permanently! For maintenance purposes, such wipes usually do the trick when wiping away dust particles.  

Controlling Temperature & Humidity Levels 

Outdoor plantain louvered shutters protect from more than just prying eyes; they also act as excellent insulators to regulate temperatures within your space efficiently by blocking out hot air during summer days while providing extra insulation during winter months too! This means lower heating costs in colder climates and extra humidity regulation help keep rooms well-balanced year-round, vital for optimal indoor health - no matter what season it is! 

Versatility & Flexibility 

The flexibility of outdoor plantation shutter designs makes them attractive universally; not only do they compliment traditional homes with their sleek hardwood construction, but they offer contemporary options as well, along with modern styles ranging from highly simplistic single panel constructions up multiple operable sections made with adjustable louvers on both ends - allowing perfect light control indoors regardless its size or shape doors!

[redphlox]

Tenko's tears; Touya's wounded inner child

As I've mentioned before, crying serves various purposes, two of which include emotional regulation and forming social connections. Tears signal "I'm sad and I need help" and usually elicit concern from others. But, for Touya and Tenko, tears didn't fulfill these needs. When Tenko cried, the adults around him tried to distract him from his pain or change how he responded to his abuse instead of defending him or confronting his father Kotaro. They meant well, but in the end it didn't help Tenko and he felt alone. No one validated his pain; he was seen, but he wasn't helped. The same thing happened to Touya, who was seen crying, and crying, and crying, but his parents refused to acknowledge the root cause of his pain because it would mean facing their own mistakes. His tears, his cries for help, never got him the help he needed and never made him feel better.

Even as adults, Dabi and Shigaraki weren't listened to because they didn't display socially acceptable feelings such as sorrow or regret, and they weren't dealing with their trauma in a socially acceptable way, like crying. Shigaraki told Endeavor, in front of Deku and Bakugo, that heroes only hurt their families, but it wasn't until Deku saw a glimpse of Tenko that Deku decided Shigaraki was worth saving because little Tenko’s tears humanized him and made him relatable.

While this is a turning point in the manga, the way it came about insinuates that certain unspoken conditions exist that need to be filled before victimhood can be validated or someone is deemed worthy of help. Not everyone is equal, and not everyone's pain will be good enough in hero society. This warrants the questions the League of Villains keep asking: who are heroes here to save? Who is it that needs saving? Where do you draw the line? Are villains not people too?

This new plot point of Deku being moved by Tenko’s tears also brings into light how isolating and demonizing it is for Dabi not being physically able to cry. He compensates for this – because remember, crying regulates your emotions, and if you can’t cry you turn to other coping mechanisms for self-soothing – by telling himself and others that he doesn’t care about anything or anyone. He copes with his emotions by smiling and grinning, by not getting too attached. He takes an offensive approach through keeping a distance from people by insulting them and being rude. However, his quirk’s link to his emotions betrays him and exposes his true feelings: his flames became hotter after Twice died and his flames turned white while confronting Endeavor. Dabi, despite everything, still cares and feels deeply.

So, how is Dabi supposed to be seen and understood and saved if he can’t prove that he has feelings if he can't cry? Why would he even want to cry, since crying never helped him? All Touya did from the age of four was cry for help, literally, and yet he was ignored and neglected. It wasn't Shigaraki's words that moved Deku, it was the unintended display of emotion through crying, which is something Dabi can't do even if he wanted because his tear ducts are burnt as a result of being so heartbroken over his father not showing up to Sekoto Peak. The irony is ugly and upsetting to witness – overwhelming feelings of abandonment and worthlessness almost killed Dabi ten years ago and now, when the story implies he desperately needs to cry to be seen, he can't, and therefore he's still alone and will continue to be alone.

But wait – he cries tears of blood, doesn’t he?

I think that if he’s caught in a vulnerable place, if the right people (Natsuo) meet him or if he is finally validated and seen and understood (Shouto), those tears of blood would come out and he’d finally be eligible (as gross as that sounds) for salvation, for understanding, for sympathy like Shigaraki. Feelings serve as evidence to society that villains are human too, and Dabi must first be considered a human. It seems that salvation, like the attention Touya received from his father, is conditional. Touya's wounded inner child and status as an abuse survivor will be the ticket to his redemption IF he can be vulnerable and express his pain physically to the younger generation of heroes, because talking about his past hasn't helped and won't help. Even now, as noted in 304, people still weren't sure why he became a villain even though he literally explained why in his pre-recorded broadcast. Dabi, or his inner child, has to show evidence he is still emotionally suffering because his words won't suffice for society or heroes. Honestly, this framing is personally distressing and frustrating because it pushes a bad victim vs good victim mentality, especially in light of Rei commenting that Shouto, who she burnt and forgave her nonetheless, is their family's hero.

Don't get me wrong. Shouto has done nothing wrong to warrant this suffering, and I think it's great that Deku is determined to save everyone within his reach. This makes sense as his role as protagonist. With that said, it's unsettling to me how drastically different he's reacting to Shigaraki compared to how he responded to Dabi by comparing him to Endeavor and implying Dabi is worse for not trying to be better. Before anyone jumps down my throat, I know Deku intervened because he was worried about Shouto, and that Deku is 16 and young. My point is that the narrative and the writing is setting up a problematic view of victims by having the main character nitpick who deserves to be saved based on this societal construct that people must first qualify or prove themselves. Shigaraki shouldn't have had to show his trauma receipts or be relatable for Deku to want to save him. Shigaraki didn’t even expose his inner child on purpose – Deku caught a glimpse of that without Shigaraki’s intention.

Let me say this another way. Imagine if you had to present yourself as sympathetic to a firefighter, an ambulance worker, or a doctor before receiving their help. It would be unprofessional and highly unethical for these professionals to turn you down because you don't fit the image of someone who needs help, someone who's not "sick" enough, whose house isn't burning hot enough, whose injuries aren't "bad" enough. So why do heroes, as a group of public servants, have these unwritten rules and preconceived notions about what a victim looks like? I understand that people are more likely to provide services if you're nice to them (you catch more flies with honey, etc) and that everyone has biases etc, but this isn't a core value of the helping professions or public servants. It's unethical to discriminate and assign varying levels of care based on how someone treats you or others around them. People in need are people in need, and that's that.

As of now, it seems like the manga is on route to support the League's complaints by supplying evidence that their disillusionment with society isn't unfounded - even Twice, who died crying at the hands of a hero part of the older generation, was not considered a person before he was considered a villain. But maybe if he had come across a hero from the younger generation, someone who recognized his tears as human despite his criminal record, he wouldn't have met the fate he did. It seems that the older generation of heroes don't take tears or emotions into account, which is why Tenko and Touya were shrugged off. But the younger generation will go out of their way to help anyone who needs help, but only if they prove themselves or make themselves sympathetic.