#bridge milling machine

[jadiaashley]

can't drive out past those pine trees, saying my life is here & i can’t just run away ᨒ↟ 𖠰𖥧˚

[wanderersrest]

An Abbreviated History of Mecha Part 3.1: Do You Remember Love? (1980-1985)

Welcome back to An Abbreviated History of Mecha! Last time, we covered a small smattering of shows from the 70's. I tried to cover the big names, with a focus on the Holy Trinity (Mazinger Z, Getter Robo, and Mobile Suit Gundam). While the latter of the three will be showing up throughout this series, the other two will largely fade into the background. Do not mistake this for them no longer being relevant though, as there is a very good reason why they are part of the Trinity. Besides, they'll show up again in some capacity towards the end. This also ignores the fact that both Mazinger Z and Getter Robo would constantly get updates throughout the years, so to say that the other two were somehow lesser than Gundam is foolish.

What we DO see in the 80's though are mecha shows popping up left, right, and center. A lot of this is helped by the fact that the 80's are also a time in Japanese history where the economy was booming. OVAs also become a major thing in this time period, as do a lot of surprisingly influential series. As such, I will be covering 80's (and later the 90's) in multiple parts due to how many series come up in this time period:

Part one (this part) will cover the time period from 1980-1985

Part two will cover 1986-1990

Part three will cover pretty much everything directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino from 1981 to 1993 and will serve as a bridge between the 80's and the 90's

Oh, and let me reiterate something about Mobile Suit Gundam from the last point: Gundam wouldn't become successful until the 80's with the release of the compilation movies.

With that out of the way, let's transform and ROLL OUT!

Space Runaway Ideon (1980)

Coming off the heels of Mobile Suit Gundam, Yoshiyuki Tomino would follow it up with Space Runaway Ideon. Think of it as a classic giant robot series mixed with the style of war stories that would be more in line with Space Battleship Yamato or Mobile Suit Gundam. Do not let the brightly-colored giant robot fool you. Ideon is, to my understanding, one of the darkest entries in the canon of mecha. Ideon is also where the Itano Circus came from, so that's another reason to be aware of this series. More importantly, Space Runaway Ideon specifically would be the inspiration for one Hideaki Anno when he made a certain series that I will talk about in the future. Something about a young man needing to get into a robot something, I don't know.

Diaclone (1980) & Transformers (1985)

Remember when I brought up Microman (the toy, not the wrestler)? This is why.

In 1980, Takara would release the Diaclone line of toys as a spinoff to Microman. This series would be noteworthy due to its inclusion of transforming machines designed by one Shoji Kawamori (more on him soon). One of these machines would be the eighteen-wheeler known as Convoy.

In 1985, Hasbro would license out the Diaclone line among other Takara licenses for the surprisingly ambitious series known today as Transformers. The story would follow the Autobots, led by Optimus Prime (who Diaclone fans would recognize as Convoy), as they fight against Megatron and the Decepticons. Chances are very likely that if you're not thinking of the RX-78-2 Gundam when you hear the word "mecha," chances are likely you're imagining Optimus Prime.

Transformers' success in America and beyond would be so great that, in the 90's, Takara would end the Diaclone line and create a new line of toys, complete with accompanying TV series. That's another story for when we get to the 90's though, so stay tuned for that.

Beast King GoLion (1981) & Voltron (1984)

In 1981, the anime Beast King GoLion would air in Japan. GoLion itself would be pretty run-of-the-mill as far as mecha shows in the early 80's would be concerned. However, GoLion is worth mentioning as it would be one of the first anime properties that US showrunners would splice with other shows like it in order to make something for syndication.

In 1984, World Event Productions would splice Beast King GoLion with another mecha series, Armored Fleet Dairugger XV (1982), to create Voltron. And when it comes to combining robots, chances are very likely that one would think of Lion Voltron (or GoLion for those more familiar with the original) over something like Getter Robo or Voltes V. Voltron is an icon of the 80's, so much so that Voltron (specifically the lion version) would get multiple adaptations over the years, including but not limited to Voltron Force in the 2000's and Voltron: Legendary Defender in the 2010's, the latter of which I am told is a big part of Tumblr history. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if people considered GoLion/Voltron to be more of a US creation than a Japanese one.

Fang of the Sun Dougram (1981)

Starting in 1981, Ryousuke Takahashi and company would create Fang of the Sun Dougram. Building off the themes of Mobile Suit Gundam, Takahashi would begin to push the envelope in terms of what one could present with a military mecha series. Whereas Gundam's relative realism comes from how the One Year War affects the soldiers, Dougram would go further and show us just how the parties involved plan out their attacks and political machinations.

If you want to learn more about Dougram, I'd highly recommend Pyramid Inu's video on Dougram, as they're a big Takahashi nut.

Also, Dougram is of vital importance to a certain tabletop RPG coming up.

Super Dimension Fortress Macross (1982) & Robotech (1984)

In 1982, Shoji Kawamori and the people at Studio Nue would release Super Dimension Fortress Macross, a series that would explode in terms of popularity. Like Gundam and Dougram before it, Macross would give us a war story featuring giant robots. But unlike Gundam and how war has its tolls on soldiers, or Dougram with its focus on political machinations and realistic strategy, Macross would focus more on how love and culture can overcome conflict. Macross is notable not just for popularizing transforming robots, it would also bring idol singers into vogue.

In 1984, Carl Macek would be tasked by Harmony Gold to make Macross eligible for syndication. Doing the best he could, Macek would fuse Macross with two other series, Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross and Genesis Climber Mospeada, to create the controversial Robotech.

Why is Robotech controversial? To put it very shortly: Robotech would be the reason why the original Macross has never been brought over to the west, for reasons that we will see later. It's a shame too, since Macross is one of the biggest mecha franchises after Gundam. But, it should also be worth noting that Robotech, while controversial, is still important due to it being a major introduction point into mecha stories and anime as a whole for a whole generation of people.

Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu/Legend of the Galactic Heroes (1982)

In 1982, Yoshiki Tanaka's Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu, or Legend of the Galactic Heroes for us westerners, would be published. Over the course of ten volumes, the series would follow the exploits of the so-called Galactic Heroes, Reinhardt von Lohengramm and Yang Wen-Li, as the factions the two belonged to fought for control of the galaxy, with all of the politics and strategizing that ensues. Galactic Heroes is such a large and sprawling story that, when it came time to adapt it into an animated original video animation (OVA) series in 1988, it ended up becoming the longest-running OVA series of all time, clocking in at about a whopping 108 episodes in total. The series would also get another animated adaptation in 2018, Die Neue Theiss.

Armored Trooper VOTOMs (1983)

Following up on the success of Dougram, Ryousuke Takahashi would release the extremely iconic Armored Trooper VOTOMs in 1983. While Dougram was already a pretty grounded military robot in its own right, VOTOMs would take that concept to its logical conclusion. Here, VOTOMs were 4-meter tall machines that acted more like humanoid jeeps, and not only were they expendable, they were easily replaced. When mecha heads talk about realistic mecha series, VOTOMs is oftentimes brought up as the gold standard for this.

Panzer World Galient (1984)

Galient gif courtesy of Sakugabooru

Following up from VOTOMs, Takahashi would then follow that up with Panzer World Galient, a series that would trade out the military robots in favor for fantasy-flavored mecha. What's interesting to note here is that this would come out a year after a series called Aura Battler Dunbine, and I'd argue that both series would be the bases for later fantasy-inspired mecha series such as Magic Knight Rayearth and Break Blade.

Battletech (1984)

1984 would also see FASA Corporation release the first edition of its BattleTech ruleset. Rumored to have taken inspiration from series like Fang of the Sun Dougram, Macross, and Crusher Joe, BattleTech would become the poster child of the western giant robot aesthetic, that of the walking tank.

Also due to a messy copyright situation, BattleTech would also get tied up with Harmony Gold due to stolen designs. This legal back and forth would eventually be the reason why Macross would be unavailable outside of Robotech to this very day, though at one point the legal nonsense got so out of hand that, if I remember correctly, they tried to also bar FASA and their successors from using mechanical designs from Dougram and Crusher Joe (even though they did not have the rights to either series).

Blue Comet SPT Layzner (1985)

Blue Comet SPT Layzner is a 1985 series created by Ryousuke Takahashi. The series, from my superficial glancing of the series, would be the first major Gundam-like series to come out. It should be noted that, prior to this, the only major Gundam series to exist prior to 1985 was the original Gundam. Unfortunately for Layzner, 1985 would be the year that Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam would air, which is generally considered to be the most popular Gundam series in the franchise.

Conclusion

As we get further into the 80's, we will begin to see more and more stories show up that would be a part of the mecha canon. The latter half of the 80's is where we see the rise of the OVA which, as I mentioned briefly with Legend of the Galactic Heroes, will be where we see a lot of OVA series pop up. We'll also see couple more western productions, along with an appearance by a certain Blue Bomber.

This is a work of fiction, but in ten years? Who knows?

[one-of-many-journeys]

Day 14 (1/2)

Lone Light

Up with the sun, of course. Most of the others in the inn did the same, being travelling hunters, even a couple of Banuk I saw stumbling around in puddles of their own spilled drink last night. Impressive. I spotted smoke and the red skull flags of a bandit camp next to a rock arch on the road. Nil was there. Is he following me, or just returning home to his homeland?

As usual, we took them out silently at first, targeting their snipers and the alarm, then the gunner, using his heavy weapon to pick off the rest in a hail of metal.

Nil is...concerning. He participated in the Red Raids, which I guess I knew, him being an ex-soldier for the Carja, but since then I've learnt more about the terror of those times for the Nora and other tribes. I can't figure him out. He volunteered a confession for his brutality during the war and served a sentence in prison. Makes more sense to lock dangerous people up than just send them away, make them someone else's problem, but I can see what Teersa meant when she called Nora practices humane.

I'm not sure if Nil was always the way he is now, but the way he tells it, it was in prison at Sunstone Rock that he honed his outlook on the world. He doesn't care who he kills, as long as he gets to do it. It's a thrill for him, it seems. Strangely he seems perfectly content to let me take the lead in the camps. Is he testing me? Looking for a spark in my eyes that he feels in his own? He wants me to enjoy it too. Maybe...maybe I do. A well executed hunt is always fulfilling, and the lives of the people in these lands would be better off without this red smoke stain with its warring and plundering. Maggots, Nil called them.

I wouldn't feel this way killing innocents, of course. I've only ever killed killers, people who kill for sport or personal gain. There's justice in that. I know there is.

Meridian from over the rise, and a huge machine stalking the area to the right—a Thunderjaw. I've heard of them, Erend mentioned them. One of the new, deadly machines brought forth by the Derangement. Rested a while in some nearby ruins.

Things got greener the further I rode down toward the river. I stopped my mount at a crossroads, the way to the city being crowded and narrow, stocking up on herbs by the riverbank.

The view from the mountain path.

There was an encampment at the top of the mesa loaded with traders milling around with their wares, carts of food, fabrics, machine parts and wandering animals. The way to the city was blocked by guards, searching all stock that passed through. I heard mutterings that even Carja were being searched, something about keeping all outlanders away. Hard to tell what was law and what was only hearsay. I'm not going to let these Carja stop me from getting to Olin.

There was a huge, golden complex of towers atop an edifice separate from the city proper. Must be the Sun King's residence. With the way Irid and the other Carja talk about him, I guess I can't be surprised—they worship him, but how can one man be deserving of all that wealth? The people out here have sweat on their brows and mud on their soles.

I rested in the camp, hoping to wait out the commotion at the bridge entrance.

No such luck. I figured I'd have a better chance slipping through in Carja clothes (scrounged up the shards to buy their silks), but my Nora Seeker mark and weaponry will probably give me away. The bridge was a marvel of construction: huge chain pulleys hoisting moving platforms up and down.

The disguise was no use anyway, there was a line of guards waiting at the city gates who stopped me immediately. They told me that Ersa had been murdered by Shadow Carja. Gera told me a little about them so I wasn't completely clueless. The Carja are in the midst of a civil war, and Erend has been promoted to captain of the vanguard in his sister's place. It's a shame. I would have liked to meet her.

When I asked the guards to summon Erend, they might have turned me away there and then if Erend hadn't happened by himself, stone drunk. He agreed to let me search Olin's cabin, since he's out of the city on a delve. Did he hear about me? I guess he has no reason to believe I'm alive anyway.

Erend led me through the city, the entrance crowded with Carja and Oseram, heavily armoured. It was loud, stunk of spices and manure, crammed with the cries of sellers, but it was beautiful. So tall, felt like I was going to strain my neck taking in the turrets and domes and overhead walkways, blue flags and hanging ivy swept up in the breeze.

Erend wasn't too happy with the mob gathering in the city, demanding vengeance for Ersa's death. He cussed out the herald and they dispersed. I've heard people whispering of the new Sun King's supposed weakness when it comes to retribution before now, and it seems the sentiment is stronger here in the city.

Searching Olin's apartment. It was huge, decorated with mosaics and embroidered drapings, lounges and beds and shelves full of trinkets. His treachery has made him wealthy. Breaking through a vault door to his hidden basement, I found a map and journal proving Olin was a traitor and that the killers were targeting me. I also found a message, the killers holding his wife and child hostage, urging him to obey. So he was coerced...it doesn't change anything.

I guess what befell the Nora was my fault, in a way. Olin just happened to be there, and he saw me. If I never went up and spoke to him...Where would I be? Would my boon for winning the Proving have been granted? I would never have seen that image of the short-haired woman, that's for sure, and would be forbidden from leaving the Sacred Lands to search for an antidote to the corruption barring me from the door in the mountain. None of this was worth the lives lost, of course, but maybe this was the only way I was ever going to find the answers I've been seeking all my life.

I found Olin's location among the evidence, but before I could leave Erend begged me to use the Focus to search the field where Ersa and her soldiers fell to the Shadow Carja. Maybe I shouldn't have told him about the Focus. Then again, he granted me access to the city and to Olin's house. I should return the favour.

Meridian by night. Fire dancers, then I was attracted to a beautiful, mournful chorus and came upon an open rooftop, a pyre in the centre surrounded by singing sun priests. I wonder if Irid is here somewhere. There were many worshippers, and the altars around the circumference of the space each held artefacts and sigils of a different tribe. Shrines to commemorate those lost in the Red Raids.

There were many at the Oseram shrine, many more at the Carja, a few Banuk. None prayed for the Nora. I sat there, not sure if you could call it praying. The weapons and armour of the dead were on display. I turned and saw one of the sun priests watching me from the edge of the chamber.

His name was Naman, and he was seeking help in clearing sites of worship for a Banuk and an Utaru (the first I've seen) who had come to mourn their own. I agreed to help. At first I didn't really understand the spectacle of it all. Such showy rituals do nothing for the dead. Naman said they're for the living, that they help us to represent the feeling of grief, give it form. Does that separate it from us, in a way? I remember the flowers and artefacts at Rost's grave, his feather cape slung over the headstone as if it was his own body, unyielding, carved with runes of life and memory. It's still in me though, the grief. Those were Nora rituals. What are mine?

I think I'm too practical for ritual anyway; too bitter for prayers.

The spire. In the night, it's even clearer that it's machine made, the way it glimmers along trace faultlines.

Tired, but there's so much to see in this city. I'll stop by the Hunter's Lodge next. As much as I'd like to stay here on the empty outlook under the stars, I think the priests will kick me out soon enough.

[raindropssys]

GUYS! going on a little adventure to see ghost towns / old buildings / etc...!

walked across a 139 year old bridge

found a 1980's pepsi machine

and another, likely from the '70s

a 150 year old mill

and now we're eating at a diner with a 50's theme! oh, i am in my element as they say!!!

[queeniecook]

The Grant Legacy - Generation 2 - The Second Act - Part 1

It has been four months since Este was born. It is now October and there have been some happenings in the lives of Vera, her family, friends and enemies.

The Grant-Vatore Household- Hendford-on-Bagley

Este is now four months old. Caleb has quit his job at the graveyard to be a full-time stay at home Dad. He doesn't want to miss a precious second of his little girl growing up. Vera has started back, part-time, at the Vet Clinic with Zoe Frenz handling a lot of the day to day operations. It's been a bit rough for Vera to be away from her daughter but Caleb makes sure to take Este to visit Mommy on a regular basis when Vera is at the clinic.

Josie did indeed get to meet Este. This is Josie hanging out with Este shortly before Josie crossed the rainbow bridge in her sleep at the very end of September. The whole family misses her terribly, especially Vera. She and Josie had been together for many years.

Lucky also misses her furry pal and has been feeling a bit down with no one to play with. She's grown close to Este, rarely leaving the infants side when she is home. Vera is having a hard time with the idea of finding another cat to take into their family. Caleb has suggested maybe a puppy for Lucky to play with instead. Vera is torn because she's always had a feline around since the moment she entered the world.

Otherwise, things are going well for Vera and her family. They haven't heard a peep out of James since before Este was born, which they find odd but maybe he's gotten bored and moved on?

The Grant Household - Sulani

AJ has grown into a child and it's turning out to be quite the responsible young man. Mew Mew is still his constant companion when AJ is at home, despite turning into an elder kitty. Apollo enjoys helping his son with his homework when he's not at his job as a Cog in the Machine in the Engineer career.

Naya does her best to try to help AJ with his school work as well, but she's become very busy with her career. She's made it to Ensemble Author in the Style Influencer Career. Being a bit older than Apollo, Naya feels like she only has so much time left to make her mark in the fashion industry before she's considered "washed up". It's led to a few issues between the high school sweethearts as Apollo feels Naya's career is taking up time she should be spending with her family. Naya feels Apollo don't understand her viewpoint because he's fine if he never advances in his career. He's just happy being able use his love of science at work and help provide for his family.

The Zhu/Volkov Household - Moonwood Mill

Once AJ became older, Lily decided that although she loves AJ it was time for her to return to Moonwood Mill and to her pack. She still visits AJ when she gets the chance to. She also keeps in touch with Caleb and his family, along with Lilith. They have all made progress in their relationships with one another though they may never be as close as they once all were.

Another development in Lily's life is love. She never thought it would happen at her age but Kristopher declared his love for her once she returned. She has always had feelings for him since she met him all those years ago and he helped her find who she's really meant to be. Kristopher's adopted son Jacob is thrilled that his Dad has finally found someone, especially since it's Lily, who has always been a mother figure to him. Rory, Kristopher's adopted daughter, acts like she could care less.

The Vatore Household - Forgotten Hollow

Despite Lilith's infidelity with Vladislaus Straud, Jackson has chosen to forgive his maker when he saw that she had nothing to do with the Count once Lilith came clean to him. She even went as far as to have Dakota Laws place a spell on the Vatore estate grounds so Count Straud can't step foot on the property, let alone slither into Lilith's bed. The vampire duo have reunited and are trying to make things work between them. Jackson has even started working again as a writer's assistant. He's made great strides in controlling his blood lust thanks to Lilith and his friendship with Lurch.

Lilith is glad that Jackson has forgiven her and thrilled to have not only a new niece in her life but contact with a cousin she thought was lost to her forever, Lily. Yet still there's a ache in her non beating heart that thinks of a certain pipe organ playing vampire that lives across town.

Nacho is living in the lap of luxury for him, considering he came from the streets. Lilith spoils him rotten, buying him whatever his furry little heart desires whether it's tuna fish or crab. Jackson has also started warming up more to him and Nacho enjoys the scratches the male vampire gives him when Jackson returns home from a day of work.

The Lewis Household - Brindleton Bay

August and Aubree got quite the surprise when Aubree when into labor in September.

Twins! Little Edgar Allan and Emily, named after two of Aubree's favorite poets. The couple was obviously shocked. Little Emily had hidden behind her brother everytime Aubree went to have an ultrasound done. To say the couple wasn't prepared would be a accurate statement. Caleb helped them out by rushing to buy an extra set of everything in the nursery.

August has cut down some of his hours of work as a Mailroom Technician at Landgraab Industries, while Aubree is about to return from maternity leave to her Editor in Chief job. Given they have not only the twins but their dog Thor and their cat Bette Davis to feed, they can't afford not to work. They are considering hiring a Nanny to help take care of the twins.

The Laws/Ambrose/Gates Household - Brindleton Bay

Jillian is five months along with her and Dakota's first child. Jillian still has her job at the local bookstore while Dakota has just been promoted to a Private Fourt Class in the Army. In an attempt to save some money, they approached Joey with the idea of moving into a smaller home. He agreed and so they moved across town. Joey still has his own room, which Annabel Lee has also claimed as hers while Jillian and Dakota now share a room. The third bedroom in the house has been turned into a nursery. While Jillian was scared at first to be pregnant so early in her relationship with Dakota, now she's excited. Dakota is as well, he never misses a Doctor's appointment and hopes he can make it to all of them as work allows. Their relationship is doing well and they feel it's growing stronger each day.

Dakota hasn't give up his quest to find out where in the world Thaddeus Laws is, especially now that he's going to be a father, but the trail has run cold. Dakota knows his so called Father is alive but Thaddeus certainly doesn't want to be found it seems.

Joey is now an Medical Assistant and is happy that he gets to work with Doctor Annalise Blake. Despite her being a vampire, she has a lot of medical knowledge and is a pleasant being to be around. He's grown very close to the families' cat, Annabel Lee. He swears she understands everything he's saying to her. He's always heard most cats do whatever they want but if he tells her to go eat her food or don't jump on the stove, it's hot. The cat actually listens to him.

Sadly Joey hasn't had much luck in his love life. He's gone on a few random dates here and there but none of it has turned into anything more. He's starting to wonder if he just isn't meant to be with someone.

[gallerygossipgirl]

Straddling Identities at Shutter and Strum

I am excited to share that I got the special opportunity to visit Shutter and Strum a few days before opening so I could get eyes on the exciting new exhibition they have on display.

Upon entering, you really get a feel for the incredible community space Shutter is. Free resources line the doorway; flyers for darkroom classes, art books, punk show posters and free narcan. This is not merely an art space—this is a community-driven initiative that cultivates safety through creativity.

Mostly young people work here, milling about, fixing crooked frames or setting up the DJ booth in back. These kids are part of Shutter and Strum's program that supports at-risk youth by armoring them with creative and managerial skills. What they do at Shutter is nothing short of life changing, for many of them.

Alongside all of that, they also host an exceptional exhibition space for community artists to share their newest works. Shutter has alot of good going on.

As I stepped into the gallery’s main exhibition space, I was greeted by a series of work that felt refreshingly distinct.

The white walls are tightly packed with soft ink paintings, each sandwiched between wood planks. Upon investigation, I recognize the work as suminagashi. This is an ancient Japanese technique where the artist carefully floats sumi ink on water then captures the natural patterns by dipping paper along the water's surface.

Maybe 30 suminagashi paintings line the walls, each uniquely different in their soft swirls. With this technique, the artist can lightly manipulate the sumi, but in the end, the design is defined by where the water takes it. What makes suminagashi so compelling is its inherent balance between control and surrender. The artist's only job is to capture the path nature makes, not to design it.

Beyond the paintings, a large wooden chime sculpture cuts through half the room. This structure is reminiscent of fūrin chimes but it is not being blown gently in the wind, as it would in its natural environment. Here, a small machine connected by rope gently toussles the chime, clanking the wood planks together to create a hollow sound throughout the space. The hum of the machine is palpable, and though a small wooden box attempts to obscure its mechanical workings, the presence of technology is undeniable.

The last end of the gallery holds a wooden shelf packed full of dorodango mud sculptures on wire stands. Dorodango is a process of compressing soil and pigment together into spheres. These beautiful orbs bookend the exhibition with their intense stature amongst simple display. They feel like the physical embodiment of what the sumi paintings are touching on; navigating materials sourced from nature to speak on the self.

Jonathan Nishimoto is the artist here, a fairly new name to the art game in Colorado Springs. Nishimoto is an entrepreneur, adventurer and tradesman more likely found tinkering with 3-D printing or laying flooring with his local construction crew. He was a volunteer fire fighter, a high school science teacher and student of physics all in another life.

According to his social media, Nishimoto got into his creative practice just a few years ago as a way to navigate the grief around his father's passing. He craved a way to reconnect to his Japanese roots and the traditions left behind, now that his father had gone. Through mediums like origami, kintsugi, and dorodango, Nishimoto has found ways to honor and explore these traditions, and suminagashi now serves as that bridge between past and present.

The references to those traditional techniques are quite obvious in this show, but there is a contemporary and fresh feel that's palpable. The mix of such organic materials, work that may be better suited in a space of prayer or meditation, blended with the apparent use of technology, motors and ropes, feels like a nod to who Jonathan is.

A young, Japanese American creative with alot going on. A person balancing multiple identities and multiple lives; one immersed in the creative arts industry and one drawn to the serious business of science and tech. To be all these things means welcoming the interdisciplinary layers that are often deemed opposites, not collaborators.

At first, I was unsettled by the mechanical intervention in the chime piece. It seemed like this was not a job for a buzzing piece of metal. I now realize this discomfort is likely intentional. We live in a time where the old and new constantly collide, where our identities are not fixed but constantly evolving.

More than ever, we have to know who we are and tell our stories as such. As multi-identifying people, it's distinctly important to fight the boxes that define us.

This work straddles all of who Nishimoto may be. There is a distinct nod to tradition steeped in cultural pride all while there is a mechanical and hardened force at work. Just as we are shaped by the traditions that came before us, we must also adapt and redefine ourselves in the face of an uncertain future. The machine’s presence is a reminder of the inevitable pull of progress, even as we cling to the comforting patterns of the past.

Perhaps that is where the shows title comes from, Mono no Aware. This translates roughly to " A bittersweet beauty found in impermanence." Essentially, it's a sensitivity towards fleeting things.

This exhibition is not only a celebration of cultural heritage but also a recognition of the complexities and contradictions that define us as individuals.

The art speaks to the necessity of embracing both the past and the future, acknowledging that sometimes, we gotta let go and let the sumi flow.

Jonathan Nishimoto's exhibition Mono no Aware opens February 7th and will be on view at Shutter and Strum for the month of February on weekends and by private appointment.

2217 E. Platte Ave, Colorado Springs.

More information on the show here!

Xoxo

Gallery Gossip Girl

[binniesoob]

My very professional review of Things I Can't Say I LOve by OnlyOneOf

bare with me, i had a long day working and studying and all my two braincells left can do is singing "addict to you- addict-" and thinking about that very specific frame of yoojung from the dOpamine mv (more on this later).

not a single bad song in this album i fear.

things i can't say i lOve (instrumental)

went straight into my sci-fi dystopian cyberpunk playlist. the sound is sooo cool to me!! it's giving ateez ngl (affectionate). love the fact that it's not too rough on the ears and has that airy (?) ending. i've replayed it an embarrassing amount of times already... watch it being one of my most played songs this month 💀

dOpamine

since the preview i suspected i was going to enjoy this title track a lot and more than seOul drift, and i was right! i really like the contrast between the industrial sounds and percussions of the verses reminiscing of chrOme hearts and the guitar in the pre-chorus and bridge (that made me levitate btw). the build-up is nice 😌👌 it's on the ooo chillier side aka perfect for me yay

give me the lOve, bitxx

the sound is giving alternative rnb (too tired to know for sure), so i was sold already 😋 she's the brighter sister of "mirage", the toxic one of "suit dance", and the chiller one of "gaslighting". she sits at the same table of "time machine", "desert" and "heartbreak terminal", and i love this for me because i love all these songs 😎

i might be completely wrong about all the associations above though ... my mind is playing a mashup remix of all of them at this point lol

O

nothing better than a slow sexy rnb-ish sound with percussions to make me happy 🤌 the sound production is so cool again, idk how to articulate words more than this rn, but all the various sounds work perfectly together and with ooo's voices 😌👌 talking of voices... kb's deep register esp in the beginning!! more of this in the future please and thank u 🙌 mill mini-rap followed by junji higher note!! can't seem to hear enough of yoojung tho 🧐👂 and that's a crime also because this is my fav track of the album 😠 i'm gonna look for a color-coded lyrics vid to check 🤨

gravity

this song is sooooo gooooddd ahhhhhhhh really my vibe once again 🤭 the chorus is so cute <3 and nine and junji in the bridge 😮💨 i am levitating 🕴 tbh i see it as a perfect chiller title track too, if ooo had made a bright, cute concept, the genre of vibes that love 119 by riize and inbloom by zerobaseone are for example, but chiller 🤔 also, I CAN HEAR MY MAN YOOJUNG CLEARLY HERE THANK U

time for my current ranking:

O

gravity

dOpamine

give me the lOve, bitxx

in conclusion, i really missed my boys ☹ more than i thought i did tbh! i'm so happy we finally have new music from them 🫶🏻 there's no better way to start the new year~

this is all for now because i am too tired to write anything more 😴

let me know your thoughts!! 🫶🏻

[benihana-circumcision]

large machine cell, the one with the bridge mills and the 25 foot tall horizontal 4axis, is currently thick with a coolant humidity that smells potently of non-estrogenated monster-addict cum. it's in my fucking sinuses dude

[msn-04iinightingale]

Archange

Helios Classified Location

The two girls sat beneath the canopy of a tent. One, the older, is 15, the other, the younger, only 10. The younger clutches a stuffed bear to her chest. The hot desert wind blows around the salt flat, mixing the smell of salt with sacred incense. A scattering of Word personnel mill about checking instruments, mostly scientists, but some military. 

In the plain beyond the small clutch of tents, a mock city has been built. And in the mock city, are the Gestalts. Six of them, controlled by a command vehicle parked alongside the tents, ready and waiting.

“Begin test now.” says a tall, serious looking man in a labcoat. He adjusts his glasses briefly, sparing the two girls only the briefest of glances. The girls for their part are focused on the city.

—

The black and orange Waneta dropped from the sky like a missile. The Gestalts turned their weapons to the sky. Too slow. The Medium LAM transformed, barely slowing down as it did, firing its jets just enough to avoid destruction. It slammed into one of the Gestalts from above, crushing it. The Waneta fired its LRMs into the flank of the closest Gestalt, following it with spearing the “cockpit” with the ER Large Laser shot. It dodges the incoming fire from the other Gestalts, ducking in and out of cover and firing lasers with pinpoint accuracy. It downs two more Gestalts before one clips the handheld ER Large Laser. The Waneta discards the damaged weapon, firing LRMs and the Small ER Laser into the attacker. The fight finishes with the Waneta putting its clawed hand through the processor of the last Gestalt. 

The battle took 3 minutes. The Waneta sustained no damage.

—

“Test concluded.” The man in the labcoat says, adjusting his glasses. He looks to one of the scientists beside him, working furiously at a computer console.

“The data collection went off without a hitch.” The scientist announces. “At this rate we’ll be ready in a week, tops.”

The man with glasses grunts in response, watching the black and orange Waneta begin to walk back toward a waiting prefab machbay hanger. 

“Indeed…if we were just satisfied with mock battle combat data, that is.” The man rubs the bridge of his nose with his fingers.

“We will need real proper combat data for this to work.” He says, turning to the scientist. “Besides…do you think Archange will be satisfied fighting glorified practice dummies?” The man nods in the direction of the approaching LAM.

The scientist watches the LAM for a moment, before shaking their head.

As it approaches, the two girls spring to their feet, relief clear across their faces, the two hurrying to meet the mech at the mechbay. 

The man with the glasses shakes his head slightly, bemused.

“I’ll make sure they stay out of trouble.” He says, following. “I want to see how Mihaly is doing anyways.”

“Of course Doctor Schroeder. Blake be praised.” Replies the scientist, resuming their diligent work.

“Yes, indeed, Blake be praised…” Schroeder replies, saying the phrase by rote rather than conviction. Not that it showed. Schroeder was never one to emote, for any reason. It got in the way of his work.

—

The hanger was a bustle of activity, with mechtechs checking the LAM for damage, and prepping a replacement ER Large Laser module. Schroeder watches as the hatch of the mech opens with a hiss, and the pilot emerges, removing his neurohelmet with shaking hands and handing it to a waiting technician. 

Mihaly Dumitru Margareta Corneliu Leopold Blanca Karol Aeon Ignatius Raphael Maria Niketas A. Shilage, callsign Archange, was an old man. Schroeder wasn’t sure if his age or the countless battles he had taken part of weighed more heavily on his body. Either way, they had both taken their toll on him, as two medical staff helped him down out of his machine, and onto solid ground. The two girls, his grandchildren, helped him to a waiting seat alongside the hanger wall. Schroeder watched as he gave an affectionate pat on the head to Alma, the younger, and Ionela, the older, once he was seated.

“...I never get used to it.” One of the techs mutters nearby. “The way he can push a mech like that and walk away.”

Schroeder nods slightly, taking an offered medical readout from one of the medtechs. It was what he expected. The forces being applied to Mihaly’s body each time he used a mech were…well…it was a wonder he was still alive. They would need to work on that. Fortunately, the piloting suit they were designing for that purpose was almost ready. The next round of tests would see if it worked.

Passing the readout back to the medtech, he returned his attention to Mihaly and his grandchildren. They were seated around him, happily chatting with him, while the old man sat and relaxed his damaged body. 

Not for the first time, Schroeder wondered what his stake in this was. He supposed it didn’t matter too much, as he watched the grandfather listen to his grandchildren, and stare at the LAM being worked on by the techs. 

Schroeder brought up his personal datapad and keyed in a message to HQ.

/PROGRAM EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS, REQUESTING PERMISSION TO BEGIN LIVE COMBAT DATA GATHERING PHASE.

He sent the message, and waited several seconds.

/PERMISSION GRANTED. BEGIN PREPPING FACILITIES AND PERSONNEL TO MOVE CLOSER TO THE FRONT LINES. BLAKE BE PRAISED.

Schroeder nodded to himself.

Blake be praised indeed…

[2kkiupdates]

New Worlds: Overview (0.120d)

No information anywhere, no routes, no maps. All I had was determination and a need to know what was new. That being said, with the new 0.120d update came a host of new worlds to explore! 

As always,  all names in brackets are placeholder names I’ve come up with in order to more easily differentiate these worlds!

(Blob Tower)

Accessed through the twisted streetlights near the Monochrome Street Entrance.

A very simplistic world! First thing you see when you enter is a locked door. To get through it, you must get to the bottom of this tower.

Going down the floors, you might notice sheets of paper lying around. These seem to be drawings of strange creatures.

After seeing the last one in the bottom floor and exiting the room, you will notice soemone killed the NPC that was previously standing there.

If you follow the bloodstains, you’ll have to survive a chase through all the floors with new obstacles and a static-blob chaser.  (I don’t have any pictures because i was kinda busy running for my life...). Once you reach the last door, you will be treated to a little cutscene showing that you now have a green key.

The door that the key opens has... nothing! It’s a bit underwhelming, but perhaps we’ll see new connections added in future updates!

(Pastel Shoal)

Accessed through the door to the left in the second-floor of the Spaceship.

A very cute and calming world! The blue and pink hues are very soft and sweet. Some NPCs are seen milling around, more notably three humans: Surf Bro, Green-haired Girl and Brown-haired Girl.

There are also three cones leading to the water that imply this might be a future connection. Near the upper side of the world is another connection, this time fully functional: it’s a golden fence with a gap in the middle. This leads to (Pastel Heaven).

(Pastel Heaven)

Accessed through the gate in (Pastel Shoal). Also thorugh Fantasy Island (Method unknown).

A small, looping world with pretty pink clouds and carpets. Some angelic NPCs similar to those in Fantasy Island are milling around, together with a poodle and a squirrel (both winged). Cute!

(Waterlogged Bridges)

Accessed through the upper left corner of Tesla Garden (Industrial Waterfront).

Short world that begins with a wooden bridge. Crossing it, you will first see a blue NPC behind a dumpster.

Bringing out the Chainsaw, however, seems to convince her to leave, showing she was hiding behind that dumpster because of her injuries and deformities.

Going forward, a small traditional house and a child appear.

If you equip the Grave effect, the child seems to have a bit of a neck problem.

If you enter the house, six futons lie on the floor, five of which are occupied. You can sleep in the empty one! you can also chainsaw the other five and sleep to see their spirits glaring at you in your sleep.

Going further right from here will bring you to a small dock and a boat.

Following the path, which is littered with white ghostly figures coming out of the water, you’ll reach a broken grate.

(Hydroelectric Power Plant)

Accessed through the broken grate in (Waterlogged Bridges).

Once you enter this area, you’ll have to keep going in the boat for a while in a sewer-like section until you reack a dock and a doorway. This will take you to a section with flickering lights.

Not much is interesting in this part, since it ends up being a mostly straight path, except perhaps the vending machine.

Eventually you’ll reach a lit doorway.

Going through here will take you to the Power Plant per se.

Going up the ladder and through the door, you’ll end up in a small workshop zone with very cozy lighting!

If you go down, however, yo’ull see a fenced-off exit and an enormous turbine (which you can interact with to see fully).

(The Mall)

Accessed through the right exit in Flo’s Shop in Graffiti City.

A sprawling mall with a variety of shops and food stalls! Apart from the shops where you can’t interact with anything, there are a few points of interest. First of all, there’s an octopus hairdresser!!

There’s also a sales clerk that will chaneg appearances depending on which effect you have equipped! They do so with almost all effects with varying results, so here are a few examples:

There is an arcade (or gambling area, however you want to see it) where a girl occupies one of the machines. Two cones block off an exit, marking a possible future connection.

This place is great for getting difficult-to-get food items like pizza (previously only available in Virtual City) or Takoyaki!! Make sure to check out all the food vendors!

Neon Suburbs

Accessible through a rainbow warp in Monochrome School.

A vast, looping area filled with flashing neon colors and creatures! You can walk on the “tree leaves”. Only two things of note in this area: first of all, there’s a warp blocked off by a cone, so maybe we’ll see more of this area in the future.

And lastly, there’s a warp identical to the entrance somewhere else in the map.

Going through this door will take you to a rave party, with many creatures dancing to their hearts’ content! You can drink the punch, and if you interact with the giant npc sitting in the sofa it’ll switch the music! 

As a side note, try using the Marginal effect in here. It’s... curious!

Marble Ruins

Accessible through the backstage in the theatre in Snowy Village.

An extremely pretty world to me personally, this pristine and elegant place is vast and a bit maze-like. By roaming around, you can find a fossil, a mural and a gold-and-blue clock you can admire.

There are other things scattered around, like a tiny garden, but if you explore enough eventually you’ll come across a small exit. Going through it will lead you to a path over the water where shadow fish swim in the foreground, and afrter that you’ll find a statue of a praying figure with four arms.

Going further from here, there’s a strange device in the winding path after this section.

Once you reach the end, there is a staircase adorned with stained galss windows. As you go up, however, these windows become more and more deteriorated...

At the top is a doorway that takes you to a beutiful starry night sky and some cones that mark a future connection.

The music is also extremely pretty and calm! The perfect ending to this journey through the 0.120d worlds. They were many and very extensive, but overall I really liked them!! My personal favorite was Marble Palace, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for them!

[forgottenyear]

[for the curious: the tangent I deleted from the previous post, in its entirety]

My Rockwellian idyll memories are of coming up with ingenious ways to amuse myself and others. Ingenious, of course, because the unfused part played a big role. We discovered long-wave resonant frequencies and toppled massive dead trees in the forest (for a kid who was suspected of having anorexia to topple a tree they could barely wrap their arms around, this was exciting – potentially deadly, too) (and Mythbusters totally screwed that one up in their Nicola Tesla’s earthquake machine episode). I am sure I have listed other things we did, floating down river on ice, making a form of atlatl or trebuchet from a maple switch to fling apples long distances, failing to cross a small pond on stilts, among other amusements.

I have described the town as the land that time forgot, not just because the town was as out-of-touch as many small towns, but because there are few Norman Rockwell paintings that could not have been set in this same town (not the one of Ruby Bridges, although the very first black family ever only moved to the town at the time I was growing up). The town stopped changing when the railroad discontinued passenger service. Most public buildings were built by, and named for, the family that owned the mill which had closed just after the great war. The vice principal of the grade school (which was originally built for all grades, to replace the one-room schoolhouses that still dot the woods) was called Mrs. Crabapple (not her real name). Many teachers knew kids because they had also taught the parents, and probably went to school with the grandparents. The plow factory donated the school’s massive, segmented-beam, flagpole. The post office was in the five-and-dime and so the proprietor of the store was also the town postmaster.

[simplisticcapital]

Ohio Loans for Small Business

Equipment in Columbus, Ohio: A Guide to Heavy Machinery Sales, Rentals, and Service Solutions

When it comes to powering Ohio’s construction, mining, forestry, and agricultural projects, few names are as trusted as Equipment Company. With a legacy spanning over 70 years, the company has become a go-to source for heavy machinery sales, rentals, and service throughout Columbus and beyond.

Whether you're a contractor launching a major infrastructure project, a landscaper in need of compact machinery, or a business owner seeking reliable equipment for long-term use, this guide will walk you through the essentials of buying, renting, and maintaining heavy equipment through Equipment in Columbus, Ohio.

Introduction to Equipment Company and Its Legacy in Ohio

Founded in 1952, Equipment Company in Columbus Ohio is a full-service dealer for some of the world’s leading heavy machinery brands. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, it operates multiple locations across the state and prides itself on delivering “the best equipment, backed by the best product support.”( Ohio loans for small business )

The company’s Columbus branch serves as a hub for:

• Heavy machinery sales

• Short- and long-term equipment rentals

• Field service and in-shop repairs

• OEM parts and maintenance support

• Specialized solutions for construction, forestry, aggregate, and more

With deep local roots and national brand partnerships, Columbus Equipment bridges the gap between world-class machinery and regional know-how.

Types of Heavy Equipment Offered: Excavators, Dozers, Cranes, and More

Columbus Equipment offers a vast inventory of heavy machinery suited for diverse applications. Whether you're managing site prep, road construction, or timber harvesting, they’ve got you covered.

Most Popular Categories:

• Excavators & Mini-Excavators

• Bulldozers

• Wheel Loaders

• Skid Steers

• Crushers & Screeners

• Cranes & Lifting Equipment

• Trenchers & Compactors

• Forestry Machines (Feller Bunchers, Mulchers, etc.)

• Material Handlers

• Hydraulic Attachments

Both new and used equipment is available, giving buyers flexible pricing options based on their project size and duration.

Industries Served: Construction, Forestry, Mining, Roadwork, and Agriculture

Equipment serves Ohio’s most equipment-intensive sectors with industry-specific solutions and machines engineered to meet exacting demands.(sba in ohio )

Construction & Infrastructure:

From site grading to demolition, contractors rely on excavators, bulldozers, and compact track loaders for every phase of a build.

Roadwork & Paving:

Pavers, milling machines, and compaction rollers are critical for Ohio’s growing transportation network.

Forestry:

With Ohio’s active timber industry, the company supports logging operations with Morbark and Komatsu forestry machinery.

Aggregates & Mining:

Crushers, conveyors, and screening equipment help mining companies maximize uptime and throughput.

Agriculture & Land Management:

Compact equipment, utility loaders, and specialty attachments serve the needs of farmers and landscapers alike.

Columbus Equipment’s knowledgeable team can tailor recommendations to fit your industry and operating environment.

Equipment Rental vs. Purchase: Which Option Is Right for Your Project?

One of the biggest decisions a business faces is whether to rent or buy heavy equipment. Columbus Equipment makes both options accessible, and understanding the benefits of each can save time and money.

Benefits of Buying:

• Long-Term Savings: Better return on investment over time

• Full Ownership: Ideal for frequently used core machinery

• Customization: Purchase-specific attachments or add-ons

Benefits of Renting:

• Lower Upfront Cost: No down payment or financing needed

• Flexibility: Use specialized equipment only when needed

• No Maintenance Costs: Columbus Equipment handles service and repairs

When to Rent:

• Short-term or one-off projects

• When trying out new machinery

• If cash flow is tight or seasonal work fluctuates

The Columbus location maintains a large rental fleet of newer-model machines, regularly inspected and maintained to factory standards.

Maintenance, Parts, and Support Services Available in Columbus

One of Columbus Equipment’s standout features is its dedicated service and support department, which helps keep machines running at peak performance.

Available Services:

• 24/7 Field Service with mobile technicians

• In-House Repair Shop for diagnostics and overhauls

• Preventive Maintenance Plans

• OEM Parts Inventory for Komatsu, Morbark, Takeuchi, and more

• Equipment Monitoring via Komtrax (telematics system)

For buyers, this means faster turnaround on repairs, less downtime, and extended equipment life cycles.

Top Equipment Brands Carried

Columbus Equipment partners with industry-leading manufacturers known for innovation, durability, and performance.

Key Brands:

• Komatsu – Excavators, dozers, wheel loaders, and intelligent machine control

• Takeuchi – Compact track loaders and mini-excavators

• Morbark – Forestry and wood recycling equipment

• Sennebogen – Material handlers and lifting solutions

• Wirtgen Group – Road construction machinery

• Manitowoc/Link-Belt – Cranes and lifting equipment

Access to these brands ensures that you get cutting-edge technology and dependable performance for any project.

Tips for Choosing the Right Equipment Dealer in Columbus, Ohio ( Small business loans ohio )

Investing in heavy equipment is a major decision. Here's how to choose the right dealer:

1. Reputation Matters – Columbus Equipment has over 70 years of service excellence in Ohio.

2. Parts and Service Availability – Choose a dealer with local support to minimize downtime.

3. Rental and Financing Options – Look for flexibility and tailored financial plans.

4. Training and Product Support – Columbus Equipment offers operator training and telematics to maximize machine usage.

5. Inventory Depth – The more options, the more likely you’ll find exactly what your project needs.

Conclusion: Power Your Next Project with Equipment in Columbus, Ohio

Whether you’re launching a new construction project, managing a forestry operation Simplistic Capital, or expanding your agricultural fleet, Equipment in Columbus, Ohio offers the machines, expertise, and support you need to get the job done right. Their commitment to quality equipment, expert service, and customer satisfaction makes them a top choice for professionals across the state.

Start your journey today—visit their Real estate investing ohio Columbus branch, request a quote, or browse available equipment online to find the solution that matches your business needs and budget.

[cleverhottubmiracle]

In the sophisticated world of haute horlogerie, the relationship between a discerning gentleman and his luxury watch dealer has evolved into something far more nuanced than a simple transaction. Like a master tailor who understands the cut of your character or a sommelier who reads your palate before you speak, today’s elite luxury watch dealer serves as both curator and confidant in the intimate dance of acquiring timepieces that transcend mere functionality.The Swiss Symphony: Understanding Luxury Watch CraftsmanshipThe heart of any luxury watch beats with centuries of Swiss precision engineering. Within the case of a Patek Philippe Calatrava or an A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia lies a mechanical universe where hundreds of microscopic components work in perfect harmony. The perpetual calendar complication alone requires over 300 individual parts, each machined to tolerances measured in microns.Consider the mesmerizing dance of a tourbillon—that hypnotic rotating escapement visible through an open dial. Originally invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1795 to counteract gravitational effects on pocket watch accuracy, today’s tourbillon serves as both functional marvel and aesthetic spectacle. Brands like Vacheron Constantin and Jaeger-LeCoultre have elevated this complication into pure art, with hand-engraved bridges and jeweled movements that capture light like precious gemstones.Horological Heavyweights: The Titans of TimekeepingThe luxury watch landscape is dominated by manufactures whose names carry the weight of centuries. Rolex remains the undisputed king of recognition, with their Submariner and Daytona models achieving iconic status that transcends horology. The waiting lists for a steel Daytona or GMT-Master II can stretch years, transforming acquisition into an exercise in patience and relationship-building.Meanwhile, the Holy Trinity—Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet—represents the apex of horological artistry. Patek Philippe’s Nautilus, with its distinctive porthole design by Gérald Genta, has become the ultimate status symbol, commanding prices that often exceed six figures at retail. The Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet similarly revolutionized luxury sports watches with its octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, proving that stainless steel could command precious metal prices when executed with uncompromising excellence.The New Guard of Timekeeping ConnoisseursWorking with a knowledgeable luxury watch dealer becomes essential when navigating this complex landscape. These experts understand that contemporary collectors seek more than brand recognition—they hunger for stories, provenance, and mechanical innovation. Independent manufacturers like F.P. Journe, Greubel Forsey, and MB&F push horological boundaries with avant-garde designs and complications that challenge traditional watchmaking conventions.The relationship between collector and dealer mirrors that between a model and their most trusted photographer. There’s an unspoken understanding, a visual language that develops over time. Your luxury watch dealer begins to recognize whether you’re drawn to the clean minimalism of a Lange 1 or the baroque complexity of a Franck Muller Crazy Hours.Investment-Grade Timepieces: When Passion Meets PortfolioThe modern luxury watch market has transformed into a sophisticated investment arena where certain timepieces appreciate faster than traditional assets. Vintage Rolex Daytonas, particularly those with exotic dials once considered undesirable, now command astronomical prices at auction. Paul Newman’s own Daytona sold for $17.8 million, forever changing perceptions about watch collecting.Smart collectors understand that limited production runs and discontinued models often drive appreciation. Richard Mille’s radical approach to materials—using carbon TPT, forged carbon, and even sapphire crystal cases—has created an entirely new category of luxury sports watches that sell for hundreds of thousands while maintaining multi-year waiting lists.The Theater of ComplicationsBeyond basic timekeeping, luxury watches showcase humanity’s obsession with measuring celestial movements and earthly activities. A minute repeater chimes the hours, quarter-hours, and minutes on demand—a complication so complex that master watchmakers spend months assembling each one. Brands like Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin guard these skills jealously, with their minute repeaters commanding prices exceeding half a million dollars.Annual and perpetual calendars transform the wrist into a portable astronomical computer, tracking months, leap years, and moon phases with mechanical precision. The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual combines a flyback chronograph with perpetual calendar, creating a symphony of complications that represents the pinnacle of German watchmaking excellence.Materials and Innovation: Beyond Gold and SteelContemporary luxury watchmaking pushes material boundaries with space-age alloys and ceramic composites. Hublot pioneered the use of carbon fiber and ceramic in luxury sports watches, while Richard Mille incorporates materials from Formula 1 racing and aerospace applications. Titanium cases offer strength-to-weight ratios that make complex watches surprisingly comfortable for daily wear.Even traditional materials receive modern treatment. Rolex’s Everose gold—their proprietary rose gold alloy—maintains its warm hue permanently, while their Oystersteel uses 904L stainless steel typically reserved for aerospace and chemical industries.Building Legacy, One Timepiece at a TimeThe relationship with your luxury watch dealer ultimately becomes part of your horological journey. Each acquisition represents careful consideration of movement provenance, case materials, dial execution, and long-term collectibility. Whether you’re drawn to the stark elegance of a Cartier Tank, the tool-watch functionality of an Omega Speedmaster Professional, or the avant-garde styling of an Urwerk satellite display, your dealer helps navigate these choices with expertise and intuition.These relationships develop over years, built on trust, market knowledge, and shared appreciation for mechanical artistry. Your dealer learns whether you prefer in-house movements over modified ETA calibers, whether you appreciate decorative finishing on hidden components, and how complications like GMT functions or regatta timers might enhance your lifestyle.The bottom line: Luxury watches represent the intersection of art, engineering, and personal expression. In an increasingly digital world, these mechanical marvels connect us to centuries of craftsmanship while serving as intimate daily companions. The right luxury watch dealer doesn’t just facilitate transactions—they guide you through a world where time itself becomes art, where mechanical complexity creates beauty, and where every tick connects you to horological heritage that spans generations.Like this:Like Loading... Related !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' Source link

[norajworld]

In the sophisticated world of haute horlogerie, the relationship between a discerning gentleman and his luxury watch dealer has evolved into something far more nuanced than a simple transaction. Like a master tailor who understands the cut of your character or a sommelier who reads your palate before you speak, today’s elite luxury watch dealer serves as both curator and confidant in the intimate dance of acquiring timepieces that transcend mere functionality.The Swiss Symphony: Understanding Luxury Watch CraftsmanshipThe heart of any luxury watch beats with centuries of Swiss precision engineering. Within the case of a Patek Philippe Calatrava or an A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia lies a mechanical universe where hundreds of microscopic components work in perfect harmony. The perpetual calendar complication alone requires over 300 individual parts, each machined to tolerances measured in microns.Consider the mesmerizing dance of a tourbillon—that hypnotic rotating escapement visible through an open dial. Originally invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1795 to counteract gravitational effects on pocket watch accuracy, today’s tourbillon serves as both functional marvel and aesthetic spectacle. Brands like Vacheron Constantin and Jaeger-LeCoultre have elevated this complication into pure art, with hand-engraved bridges and jeweled movements that capture light like precious gemstones.Horological Heavyweights: The Titans of TimekeepingThe luxury watch landscape is dominated by manufactures whose names carry the weight of centuries. Rolex remains the undisputed king of recognition, with their Submariner and Daytona models achieving iconic status that transcends horology. The waiting lists for a steel Daytona or GMT-Master II can stretch years, transforming acquisition into an exercise in patience and relationship-building.Meanwhile, the Holy Trinity—Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet—represents the apex of horological artistry. Patek Philippe’s Nautilus, with its distinctive porthole design by Gérald Genta, has become the ultimate status symbol, commanding prices that often exceed six figures at retail. The Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet similarly revolutionized luxury sports watches with its octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, proving that stainless steel could command precious metal prices when executed with uncompromising excellence.The New Guard of Timekeeping ConnoisseursWorking with a knowledgeable luxury watch dealer becomes essential when navigating this complex landscape. These experts understand that contemporary collectors seek more than brand recognition—they hunger for stories, provenance, and mechanical innovation. Independent manufacturers like F.P. Journe, Greubel Forsey, and MB&F push horological boundaries with avant-garde designs and complications that challenge traditional watchmaking conventions.The relationship between collector and dealer mirrors that between a model and their most trusted photographer. There’s an unspoken understanding, a visual language that develops over time. Your luxury watch dealer begins to recognize whether you’re drawn to the clean minimalism of a Lange 1 or the baroque complexity of a Franck Muller Crazy Hours.Investment-Grade Timepieces: When Passion Meets PortfolioThe modern luxury watch market has transformed into a sophisticated investment arena where certain timepieces appreciate faster than traditional assets. Vintage Rolex Daytonas, particularly those with exotic dials once considered undesirable, now command astronomical prices at auction. Paul Newman’s own Daytona sold for $17.8 million, forever changing perceptions about watch collecting.Smart collectors understand that limited production runs and discontinued models often drive appreciation. Richard Mille’s radical approach to materials—using carbon TPT, forged carbon, and even sapphire crystal cases—has created an entirely new category of luxury sports watches that sell for hundreds of thousands while maintaining multi-year waiting lists.The Theater of ComplicationsBeyond basic timekeeping, luxury watches showcase humanity’s obsession with measuring celestial movements and earthly activities. A minute repeater chimes the hours, quarter-hours, and minutes on demand—a complication so complex that master watchmakers spend months assembling each one. Brands like Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin guard these skills jealously, with their minute repeaters commanding prices exceeding half a million dollars.Annual and perpetual calendars transform the wrist into a portable astronomical computer, tracking months, leap years, and moon phases with mechanical precision. The A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual combines a flyback chronograph with perpetual calendar, creating a symphony of complications that represents the pinnacle of German watchmaking excellence.Materials and Innovation: Beyond Gold and SteelContemporary luxury watchmaking pushes material boundaries with space-age alloys and ceramic composites. Hublot pioneered the use of carbon fiber and ceramic in luxury sports watches, while Richard Mille incorporates materials from Formula 1 racing and aerospace applications. Titanium cases offer strength-to-weight ratios that make complex watches surprisingly comfortable for daily wear.Even traditional materials receive modern treatment. Rolex’s Everose gold—their proprietary rose gold alloy—maintains its warm hue permanently, while their Oystersteel uses 904L stainless steel typically reserved for aerospace and chemical industries.Building Legacy, One Timepiece at a TimeThe relationship with your luxury watch dealer ultimately becomes part of your horological journey. Each acquisition represents careful consideration of movement provenance, case materials, dial execution, and long-term collectibility. Whether you’re drawn to the stark elegance of a Cartier Tank, the tool-watch functionality of an Omega Speedmaster Professional, or the avant-garde styling of an Urwerk satellite display, your dealer helps navigate these choices with expertise and intuition.These relationships develop over years, built on trust, market knowledge, and shared appreciation for mechanical artistry. Your dealer learns whether you prefer in-house movements over modified ETA calibers, whether you appreciate decorative finishing on hidden components, and how complications like GMT functions or regatta timers might enhance your lifestyle.The bottom line: Luxury watches represent the intersection of art, engineering, and personal expression. In an increasingly digital world, these mechanical marvels connect us to centuries of craftsmanship while serving as intimate daily companions. The right luxury watch dealer doesn’t just facilitate transactions—they guide you through a world where time itself becomes art, where mechanical complexity creates beauty, and where every tick connects you to horological heritage that spans generations.Like this:Like Loading... Related !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments);if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script',' Source link

[xyzdental]

Why Dental CAD-CAM Machines Are Changing Dental Restorations

Discover how dental CAD-CAM machines are transforming dental restorations by delivering faster, more precise, and more durable results. This cutting-edge technology allows dentists to design and mill crowns, bridges, and veneers right in the clinic—often in a single visit. Patients enjoy improved comfort, accuracy, and aesthetics without the hassle of multiple appointments or messy impressions. Learn why more dental practices are embracing CAD-CAM systems to provide efficient, high-quality restorative care and why this innovation is reshaping the future of dentistry. Experience the next level of dental restoration technology today!

[dentsma]

The Rise of Multilayer PMMA Temporary Prostheses: Revolutionizing Dental Restorations

In modern dentistry, temporary prostheses play a critical role in ensuring patient comfort, aesthetics, and functionality while awaiting permanent restorations. With advancements in digital dentistry, multilayer PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) has emerged as a game-changer for temporary crowns, bridges, and dentures. This blog post explores why temporary prostheses are essential, compares multilayer versus monolayer PMMA for patient options, and outlines the streamlined workflow from intraoral scanning to final multilayer PMMA prostheses. For dental labs seeking high-quality materials, we’ll also highlight why Dental Lab Shop is a go-to source for multilayer PMMA blocks.

Why Temporary Prostheses Are Essential

Temporary prostheses serve as interim solutions during the transition from tooth preparation to permanent restoration. They are vital for several reasons:

Protection: Temporaries shield prepared teeth or implants from sensitivity, bacterial infiltration, and damage, preserving the underlying structure.

Aesthetics: They maintain a natural smile, boosting patient confidence during the healing or fabrication period.

Functionality: Temporaries restore chewing and speech capabilities, ensuring patients can maintain their daily routines.

Occlusal Stability: They help stabilize the bite and prevent tooth migration, ensuring proper alignment for the final restoration.

Evaluation: Temporaries allow dentists to assess fit, function, and aesthetics before crafting permanent prostheses, reducing adjustments later.

Temporary prostheses are typically needed for weeks to months, depending on the complexity of the case, making material choice critical for durability and patient satisfaction.

Multilayer vs. Monolayer PMMA: Patient-Centric Options

When selecting materials for temporary prostheses, PMMA is a popular choice due to its versatility, biocompatibility, and ease of milling. However, multilayer PMMA offers distinct advantages over monolayer PMMA, especially for patient-focused outcomes.

For patients seeking a balance of aesthetics, durability, and comfort, multilayer PMMA is the superior choice, particularly for extended temporization or anterior restorations.

Digital Workflow: From Intraoral Scan to Multilayer PMMA Prostheses

The integration of digital dentistry has transformed the fabrication of temporary prostheses, making the process faster, more precise, and patient-friendly. Here’s a step-by-step workflow leveraging intraoral scanners and CAD/CAM technology:

Capture Digital Impression:

Use an intraoral scanner (e.g., Medit, 3Shape, or Planmeca) to obtain a high-resolution 3D digital impression of the patient’s oral anatomy.

Share Data with Dental Laboratory:

Transmit the digital impression file (STL format) securely to the dental lab via a cloud-based platform for real-time collaboration.

Design Prosthesis in CAD Software:

Import the digital impression into CAD software (e.g., Exocad or 3Shape) and design the temporary prosthesis, aligning it with the multilayer PMMA block’s shade gradient for optimal aesthetics.

Mill Prosthesis Using CAM:

Send the design to a CAD/CAM milling machine (e.g., Amann Girrbach Ceramill Motion 2, Zirkonzahn, or Sirona CEREC) to mill the multilayer PMMA block into the temporary prosthesis.

Finish and Polish:

Polish the milled prosthesis to a high gloss using standard dental polishing tools, leveraging the material’s smooth transitions for minimal adjustments.

Deliver and Place Prosthesis:

Send the finished temporary prosthesis to the dentist for placement, typically within 24–48 hours, and cement it using resin-modified hybrid cement for secure retention.

This digital workflow reduces turnaround time, enhances precision, and improves patient outcomes compared to traditional methods.

Source High-Quality Multilayer PMMA from Dental Lab Shop

For dental labs seeking top-tier multilayer PMMA blocks, look no further than Dental Lab Shop. They offer a vast in-stock selection of multilayer PMMA materials compatible with open systems, and Zirkonzahn, Amann Girrbach, and CEREC systems available. Available in Vita 16 shades, these blocks ensure seamless shade matching and natural aesthetics. Dental Lab Shop’s multilayer PMMA is designed for superior millability, high strength, and easy polishing, making it a reliable choice for temporary crowns, bridges, and dentures. For more details, visit their reference page at Dental Lab Shop.

Conclusion

Multilayer PMMA temporary prostheses represent a leap forward in dental restorations, offering unmatched aesthetics, durability, and patient comfort compared to monolayer PMMA. Coupled with digital workflows—leveraging intraoral scanners, CAD software, and advanced CAD/CAM milling machines—dental labs can deliver high-quality temporaries in record time. By sourcing multilayer PMMA blocks from trusted suppliers like Dental Lab Shop, labs can meet the growing demand for lifelike, long-lasting temporary restorations. Embrace this technology to transform smiles and elevate patient care.