#company formation in uk

[masllp]

Streamline Your Business Journey: Expert Company Formation in UK with MAS LLP

Embarking on a business venture in the United Kingdom is an exciting endeavor, but navigating the complexities of Company formation in UK can be a daunting task. That’s where MAS LLP comes in as your trusted partner, offering expert guidance and support to streamline the process of establishing your company in the UK. Here’s why MAS LLP stands out as the premier choice for Company formation in UK:

Comprehensive Expertise: With years of experience and in-depth knowledge of UK company law and regulations, MAS LLP brings comprehensive expertise to the table. Whether you’re looking to register a private limited company, a limited liability partnership (LLP), or a public limited company (PLC), our team of experts has the knowledge and resources to guide you through the process with ease.

Tailored Solutions: MAS LLP understands that every business is unique, with its own set of goals, requirements, and challenges. That’s why we offer tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of each client. Whether you’re a startup looking to establish a presence in the UK market or an established corporation expanding your operations, we work closely with you to understand your objectives and develop a customized approach to Company formation in UK that aligns with your vision.

Efficient Process: MAS LLP streamlines the Company formation in UK process to ensure a seamless and efficient experience for our clients. From preparing the necessary documentation to liaising with regulatory authorities and completing registration procedures, we handle every aspect of the process with precision and attention to detail, saving you time, effort, and resources.

Compliance Assurance: Compliance with UK company law and regulations is paramount to the success and longevity of your business. MAS LLP provides expert guidance and support to ensure that your Company formation in UK process is fully compliant with all legal requirements. We keep abreast of the latest regulatory developments and ensure that your company structure and documentation meet the necessary standards for approval.

Ongoing Support: Our commitment to your success doesn’t end with Company formation in UK. MAS LLP offers ongoing support and advisory services to help you navigate the complexities of running a business in the UK. Whether you need assistance with corporate governance, regulatory compliance, or strategic planning, our team of experts is here to provide the guidance and support you need to thrive.

Transparent Pricing: At MAS LLP, we believe in transparency and integrity in all our dealings. Our Company formation in UK services are offered at competitive, transparent pricing, with no hidden fees or surprises. We provide clear, upfront pricing information so that you can make informed decisions about your business without worrying about unexpected costs.

Client Satisfaction: At the heart of everything we do is a commitment to client satisfaction. MAS LLP is dedicated to providing exceptional service and support to every client, regardless of size or industry. We prioritize communication, responsiveness, and professionalism, ensuring that our clients receive the highest level of service at every stage of the Company formation in UK process. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an established business looking to expand into the UK market, MAS LLP is your trusted partner for seamless. Contact us today to learn more about our services Company formation in UK and take the first step towards realizing your business goals in the UK.

[mariocki]

An uncredited Jacqueline Hill appears as an unnamed Irish barmaid in The Vise: Death Pays No Dividends (1.5, ABC, 1954); in the UK, this episode wasn't seen until 1960 as part of ITV anthology The Crooked Path

[formationshuntt]

UK PLC Company Formation - Start Your Public Limited Company Today

Unlock the potential of your business with Formation Hunt's UK PLC Company Formation services. Benefit from seamless setup, expert guidance, and tailored support to establish your Public Limited Company. Start your journey toward growth and success today!

[kinjalpatel-businesssetupdubai]

Step-by-Step Process for Starting a Free Zone Business in Dubai

Dubai, renowned for its vibrant business landscape and strategic location, offers an attractive environment for entrepreneurs through its numerous free zones. These zones provide significant benefits, such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified administrative procedures.

If you're considering starting a business in one of Dubai's free zones, here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Determine Your Business Activity

Before diving into the registration process, define your business activity. Dubai's free zones cater to various industries, including technology, media, finance, and logistics. Each free zone may have specific activities it supports, so ensure your business activity aligns with the offerings of the free zone you're interested in.

2. Choose the Right Free Zone

Dubai boasts numerous free zones, each catering to different industries and business needs. Research and choose a free zone that best suits your business activity, budget, and growth plans. Popular free zones include Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), and Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA).

3. Select a Company Name

Choose a unique and suitable name for your company. The name should reflect your business activity and comply with the naming conventions of the free zone authority. Avoid using offensive or restricted terms and ensure the name doesn’t resemble existing businesses.

4. Apply for Initial Approval

Submit an application to the chosen free zone authority to obtain initial approval. This involves providing documentation such as a business plan, passport copies of shareholders and directors, and details of the intended business activity. The free zone authority will review your application and grant preliminary approval if everything is in order.

5. Draft and Sign Legal Documents

Once you receive initial approval, draft and sign the necessary legal documents. This typically includes the Memorandum of Association (MOA) and other agreements required by the free zone authority. Legal documents outline the company's structure, ownership, and operational details.

6. Lease Office Space

Most free zones require businesses to lease office space as part of the registration process. Choose an office space that meets your business needs, whether it's a physical office, a flexi-desk, or a virtual office, depending on the free zone's offerings.

7. Submit Final Documentation

Submit the final set of documents to the free zone authority, including the signed legal documents, proof of office lease, and any additional requirements. The authority will review these documents and process your business license.

8. Pay Fees

Pay the required fees for business registration, office leasing, and any other applicable charges. The fee structure varies depending on the free zone, the type of business, and the office space chosen.

9. Obtain Your Business License

Upon successful review and payment of fees, the free zone authority will issue your business license. This license is essential for operating legally in Dubai and must be renewed periodically as per the regulations of the free zone.

10. Open a Bank Account

With your business license in hand, open a corporate bank account in Dubai. Most banks require the business license, company documents, and personal identification for account opening. Choose a bank that offers services tailored to your business needs.

11. Visa and Work Permit Application

Apply for residency visas and work permits for yourself and your employees. Free zones offer visa services that simplify the process. Ensure that you comply with the visa regulations and residency requirements set by the Dubai authorities.

12. Set Up Your Business Operations

With all formalities complete, set up your business operations. This includes hiring staff, setting up accounting systems, and establishing your marketing and sales strategies.

13. Stay Compliant

Adhere to the regulations and compliance requirements of the free zone. This includes renewing your business license, filing annual reports, and fulfilling any other obligations as specified by the free zone authority.

Conclusion

Starting free zone business setup in Dubai offers numerous advantages, from tax exemptions to simplified administrative procedures. By following this step-by-step guide, you can navigate the setup process efficiently and position your business for success in one of the world’s most dynamic business environments.

[efjconsulting]

How Can Formation and Company Secretarial Services Benefit Your Business?

Formation and company secretarial services, such as those offered by EFJ Consulting in the United Kingdom, play a crucial role in business success. These services streamline the establishment of companies, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and efficient corporation tax returns. By handling administrative tasks like filing annual returns, maintaining statutory records, and managing director appointments, we enable businesses to focus on growth and operational excellence.Our expertise ensures adherence to regulatory standards, mitigates risks, and enhances governance. Utilizing Formation and Company Secretarial services not only ensures legal compliance but also optimizes business operations for sustained profitability in the competitive market landscape.

[offshoregateways]

Offshore Company Registrations with Bank Account?

In today's globalized economy, businesses are increasingly looking beyond domestic borders to "optimize their operations", reduce costs, and gain access to international markets. One strategy that has gained popularity among entrepreneurs and investors is the establishment of offshore companies. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the concept of "offshore company registrations", their benefits, considerations, and the process of setting up an offshore company with a bank account.

Understanding Offshore Companies

Definition and characteristics of offshore companies

"Offshore companies are entities registered" in a jurisdiction different from where they conduct their primary business activities or where their owners reside. These companies often enjoy favorable tax treatment, regulatory advantages, and enhanced privacy compared to domestic entities.

Reasons why businesses choose to register offshore Businesses may opt for "offshore company registrations" for various reasons, including tax optimization, asset protection, confidentiality, access to global markets, and simplified regulatory requirements.

Legal and financial implications of offshore company registration While offshore companies offer several benefits, they also come with legal and financial considerations. It's crucial to understand the regulatory environment, tax implications, and compliance requirements associated with offshore operations.

Benefits of Offshore Company Registrations

Tax advantages Offshore companies often benefit from low or zero corporate tax rates, allowing businesses to minimize their tax liabilities and retain more profits.

Asset protection By holding assets offshore, businesses can shield them from potential legal claims, creditors, or other financial risks.

Privacy and confidentiality Offshore jurisdictions typically offer strict confidentiality laws, ensuring the privacy of company ownership and financial information.

Access to global markets Offshore companies can facilitate international trade and investment by providing a platform to conduct business across borders more efficiently.

Simplified regulatory requirements Some offshore jurisdictions have lenient regulatory frameworks, reducing administrative burdens and compliance costs for businesses.

Considerations Before Registering an Offshore Company

Jurisdiction selection Choosing the right jurisdiction is critical, as it determines the regulatory environment, tax implications, and overall suitability for the business's objectives.

Legal requirements and regulations Businesses must comply with the legal and regulatory requirements of both the offshore jurisdiction and their home country to avoid legal issues and potential penalties.

Banking and financial considerations Access to banking services is essential for offshore companies. However, some jurisdictions may have restrictions or challenges in opening and maintaining bank accounts.

Costs involved in setting up and maintaining an offshore company While "offshore company registrations" offer potential cost savings, businesses should consider the upfront and ongoing expenses associated with incorporation, administration, and compliance.

Risks and challenges associated with offshore operations Offshore companies may face risks such as regulatory changes, political instability, reputational damage, and increased scrutiny from tax authorities.

Steps to Register an Offshore Company with Bank Account

Conducting thorough research Before proceeding with offshore company registration, businesses should conduct comprehensive research on potential jurisdictions, legal requirements, and service providers.

Choosing the right jurisdiction Selecting a jurisdiction that aligns with the business's objectives, preferences, and industry requirements is crucial for successful offshore operations.

Hiring professional services Engaging legal, financial, and other professional services is advisable to navigate the complexities of "offshore company registrations" and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

Preparing and submitting necessary documents Businesses must gather and submit the required documents, such as identification proofs, business plans, and incorporation forms, to the offshore jurisdiction's authorities.

Opening a bank account for the offshore company Securing banking services is an integral part of "offshore company registrations in UK". Businesses should approach reputable banks in the chosen jurisdiction and fulfill their account opening requirements.

Compliance with ongoing regulatory requirements Once the "offshore company" is registered and the bank account is opened, it's essential to maintain compliance with ongoing regulatory requirements, including filing annual reports, tax returns, and other obligations.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Regulatory compliance issues Navigating complex regulatory frameworks and staying compliant with evolving laws and "regulations can be challenging for offshore companies". Seeking professional advice and regular updates on regulatory changes is essential.

Banking restrictions and challenges Some offshore jurisdictions may "face banking restrictions" or challenges due to regulatory scrutiny or international sanctions. Exploring alternative banking options or engaging specialized banking services can help overcome these challenges.

Tax implications and controversies Offshore companies may face scrutiny and controversies related to tax avoidance or evasion. Maintaining accurate records, adhering to tax laws, and seeking tax advice from experts can mitigate tax-related risks.

Reputation risks associated with offshore entities Offshore companies often face stigma and negative perceptions due to associations with tax evasion, money laundering, or illicit activities. Maintaining transparency, ethical business practices, and good corporate governance can help mitigate reputational risks.

[theprivatewolf]

Move To Dubai From UK: A Complete Guide

If you’re considering a move to Dubai from the UK, you’re embarking on an exciting journey that offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and economic opportunities. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been an attractive destination for expats and entrepreneurs alike. This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview of what it takes to move to Dubai, whether you’re an expat or planning to set up a business in this vibrant emirate.

Understanding the Opportunity:

Before you make your move, it’s crucial to understand the opportunities and lifestyle that Dubai offers. Known for its thriving economy and incredible cultural diversity, Dubai has become a global business and tourism hub. Research the job market, lifestyle, and cultural aspects to ensure this move aligns with your goals and expectations.

Planning Your Move:

Moving internationally requires meticulous planning. From securing the necessary visas and permits to finding accommodation and schools for your children, creating a comprehensive checklist will help you stay organized throughout the process.

Setting Up a Business in Dubai:

Dubai’s business landscape is incredibly dynamic, and the government has introduced numerous initiatives to attract foreign investment. Whether you’re starting a new venture or expanding an existing business, understanding the process of setting up a company is essential.

Choosing a Business Activity:

You’ll need to identify the type of business activity you intend to undertake in Dubai. The UAE classifies activities into different categories, each requiring specific licenses and permits. This decision influences various aspects of your business, including licensing costs and requirements.

Choosing an Organizational Structure:

Dubai offers several business structures, including free zone companies, mainland companies, and offshore companies. Each structure has its own advantages and considerations. Depending on your business objectives, you should choose the structure that suits you best.

Registration of a Trade Name:

Selecting a unique and appropriate trade name is a fundamental step in establishing your business. Dubai’s authorities have specific guidelines and procedures for registering a trade name, ensuring that it complies with legal requirements.

Costs and Fees for Licensing:

Understanding the costs associated with licensing and permits is vital for financial planning. Licensing fees can vary depending on your chosen business activity and location, so be prepared to budget accordingly.

Business Setup in Dubai as a Freelancer:

If you’re considering a freelance career in Dubai, you have options available. The UAE government has introduced freelancer permits, making it easier for individuals to work as independent professionals. This can be an excellent option for expatriates with specialized skills.

Navigating the Regulatory Landscape:

Compliance with local regulations is paramount. Dubai has specific rules and regulations governing various business activities. Familiarize yourself with the legal and regulatory framework to ensure smooth operations.

Living and Working in Dubai:

Dubai offers an unparalleled quality of life with a strong focus on work-life balance. Understanding local customs, healthcare, education, and accommodation options will help you adapt to your new surroundings.

Dubai’s growth and opportunities continue to attract people from around the world. By following this complete guide, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on your journey to Dubai, whether for personal or business purposes. Make the most of this vibrant city and enjoy the experience of living and working in one of the most exciting places in the world.

M.Hussnain

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[mariocki]

Inspector Morley, Late of Scotland Yard, Investigates: The Case of the Scarlet Letters (1.3, WGN-TV, 1952)

"Mr. Mullins, I have in my possession sixty-eight letters, none of which has begun to outlive its usefulness. I'm quite prepared to admit that blackmail is risky, but then murder has its disadvantages too - that is why I gave up murder."

[befuddledcinnamonroll]

We Are and the evolution of Thai BL tropes

The QL discord started a rewatch of My Engineer a few weeks ago, and damn, has it been an interesting experience. At the time I originally watched My Engineer, there was little that stuck out to me, because so much of what happened felt so incredibly common in a lot of the (admittedly rather limited) number of BLs being produced. It felt like pretty standard fare.

But going back and watching it in juxtaposition with We Are airing has been so fascinating. This genre has been evolving, y'all.

As much as we all joke about always getting more university BLs, there is something to be said for a format that can be used as something of a metric for the genre. And though there's only four years between My Engineer and We Are, seeing them both at once gives me such an incredible appreciation for the direction the genre is going in, the impact of having more queer voices involved in the creation of QLs, and how there's a lot of good we can find in seemingly simple spaces.

Obligatory disclaimer: This is just my perspective and subjective interpretation of what I have seen as a BL viewer of some time; also I don't have time to go in and do a university deep dive, so this isn't a real analysis, but more of a brief writeup of observations.

Trends are not black and white, of course, there is a spectrum. I'm sure we'll suffer through more Dinosaur Loves. At the same time, having such predominant production companies as GMMTV putting effort into hiring queer creatives and subverting old cliche tropes is an encouraging thing. (Especially as they were the creators of the original university trendsetting BL with Sotus).

Note: For newer QL viewers, I highly recommend @absolutebl for brushing up on trope history. For university BLs in particular, this post and this post are great starting primers.

Let's talk tropes!

Ok, one more note - some tropes are being what I would consider subverted, some more adapted to a newer framework, and some just played with - I'm going to talk about how they appear to me, but I'm not going to be super pedantic over it, because this is just for fun.

Trope: Bullying/hazing behavior

This did not age well in My Engineer, and I would guess hasn't aged well in a number of BLs (and other media, because the whole "he's mean to you because he likes you" bullshit has been around forever). Not just because the behavior was shitty, but because it was played off in the script as cute, and implied that it was completely justified for the seme to do whatever he wanted in his pursuit of his uke.

(There was also quite a strong tone of internalized homophobia, with the lead feeling more comfortable in expressing his interest through harassment than honest emotion, but the show never actually engaged with that in any meaningful way.)

We Are sets up a very traditional enemies to lovers/bullying start to the story, with Phum taking advantage of Peem's economic situation to make him his "slave".

And yet... there's some important elements here that make this more than the standard use of the trope.

Phum keeps it pretty light in his bullying behavior, and clearly is using it more to keep Peem around as company, versus the kind of bullying in My Engineer, where Duen is literally hit by a car, and yet still expected to keep jumping to Bohn's whims.

As soon as Phum realizes he really upset Peem by leaving him waiting at the mall, he genuinely feels awful about it. It's clear that his intent is not to cause harm, and that he has a conscience. He wrestles with his feelings on it quite a bit, and it ends up being the thing that gets Phum to finally express an honest emotion with Peem.

And most importantly, the script does not let him off the hook. His behavior is bad, and is identified as such by the writing. Peem pushes back and is shown to be right to do so, Beer openly says he disapproves.

So instead of a cliche story beat that's used just to start the action, or a seme who's allowed to do whatever he wants because "passion" (blech), we're seeing it used for characterization, giving us important beats about who both Phum and Peem are in how they engage with each other through the use of the trope.

Trope: Obsessive/jealous behavior

Oh, this one was painful in My Engineer. Duen couldn't even talk to another human being without Bohn getting jealous and angry and dragging him away.

Phum gets jealous, particularly around Kluen, but what makes it feel so subversive here are two key things.

Phum's jealousy has a purpose here, it's not just for drama's sake. It's not the cliche seme doing whatever he wants and being treated as justified. It's deliberately being used to explore his insecurities, and give him a challenge to overcome. Phum doesn't stomp over and drag Peem away, he retreats, he hides. When his jealousy causes him to lash out at Peem, he is immediately aware he fucked up.

And again, the script is making it clear that this behavior is not ok. Peem chides Phum when he acts unkind to Kluen, and Beer makes it clear that the solution is not petty behavior, but actually figuring out a way to communicate his feelings with Peem before he misses his chance. This is portrayed as a barrier for Phum to overcome in order to be with Peem, not an expected part of a romantic relationship.

Trope: Friendship group

There are not enough words to express how much I love the friendship group in We Are. To be fair, this is one of the better historical tropes. We've gotten a lot of amazing friend groups, even in mediocre BLs.

But it's still different in We Are, for one simple reason. In most university BLs, the friend group is a supporting structure. But here?

The story lines may be about the romance, but the point of We Are is the friendship.

I will die on this hill, y'all.

I don't have enough time to go into it fully here, but this show is a love letter to friends. It's a tribute to finding the people who see the real you and have your back unconditionally. Who cheer your successes and commiserate over your defeats, who pick you up when the world knocks you down, who call you out when you make mistakes, and push you to be better.

And romance is lovely, but all of these budding relationships are about being friends first, and then lovers, because that friendship is just as important as everything else, if not more.

Trope: Pink milk

Lol, ok, kinda kidding, kinda not. I know we all got mad over the drink wastage, but also check out these visuals - it's about diversity baby!!

TanFang speed round

My two little trope-busting bebes. These two are already so beautifully non-traditional in their composition, but I love how frequently they are used to make fun of and play with tropes just on their own.

Introduced as pining crush/friend's older brother pair, but actually secret enemies to lovers.

Grumpy/sunshine pairing, where the sunshine used to be a fighter, and grumpy smiles when he thinks no one is watching.

Wound-tending where they keep poking each other instead of acting soft.

Openly mocking the jealous boyfriend trope.

Setting up the possessive trope when Tan doesn't pick up Fang's calls, only to immediately have Fang question if he's being unreasonable.

Setting up their own cute eating scene for kicks.

"First time" sex scene making it clear this is anything but their first time.

Tan holding Fang down in the cliche possessive pose, only for Fang to take the agency of kissing Tan. (And overall saying eff off at the cliche top/bottom roles old BLs were such a fan of).

In Summary

I'm sure there are more tropes that will come to me, and we do still have 5 episodes left of We Are, so there are some potential trope uses that I am keeping an eye on. This is by no means an all-inclusive list.

But I wanted to write this, because I was genuinely shocked to realize how different my My Engineer watching experience was this time compared to my first time. How over the last few years I'd come to expect more thoughtfulness in my QL media, even in the ones that seem shallow on the surface.

Considering how fast and furious the QLs are coming these days, it's easy to forget how recent it was that we were much more starved of content. And I think sometimes we forget to take in the big picture, of how far we've come in just a few years.

Critique is always going to be important, of course, it's part of what helps us make progress. At the same time, it doesn't hurt to take a moment to look around and see some good in where we are.

@sailorbryant thanks for the push to get this written! Feel free to add thoughts!

[formationshuntt]

Why Formations hunt Stands Out as the Best Company Formation Agent in the UK

Discover why FormationShunt is the best company formation agent in the UK. From expert guidance to seamless setup, we ensure your business starts on the right foot. Explore our services today!

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

Y'all know I'm not one to save celebrity news without reason: There's some excellent analysis done in this article about air quality and airborne disease.

Macbeth: cancelled due to “illness” The eagerly anticipated production of Macbeth, starring David Tennant in the title role at the Harold Pinter Theatre, has cancelled four consecutive performances this week due to “illness within the company.” The latest cancellation, announced just two hours before curtain, left audience members disappointed, including those who had traveled internationally and rearranged work schedules.

Among affected ticket holders, some expressed frustration on social media about the late notice and lack of clarity. Twitter user @clairebobcat voiced a common sentiment:

"Ticket holders were notified at 5:45 this eve. Really short notice considering illness has been ongoing since Friday. All best wishes to the cast—illness can’t be helped, but very shoddy treatment of ticket holders. Travel money & Annual leave wasted."

The ongoing cancellations reflect broader challenges facing the theatre industry in the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The arts still in crisis due to Covid A survey by Theatre Washington reported that while 58% of Washington, D.C. theatre patrons once attended performances six or more times per year, only 31% have done so since reopening. Almost half of patrons surveyed now attend just three times or fewer, and nearly 68% cited fear of Covid-19 exposure as a primary reason for staying away.

The UK is facing unprecedented rates of long-term illness due to long Covid, a condition marked by symptoms including post-exertional malaise, cognitive impairment, and cardiopulmonary dysfunction.

Public health data shows that over two million people in the UK are affected by long COVID, with more than 10% of Covid cases resulting in prolonged symptoms.

High-profile performers, including Alyssa Milano and Matt McGorry, have spoken publicly about their struggles with long Covid, shedding light on the profound and lasting impact of the illness.

Protect the Heart of the Arts In response to these issues, Protect the Heart of the Arts, an advocacy organisation for members of the performance community with long COVID or who are clinically vulnerable, has offered to donate a HEPA air purification system to the Harold Pinter Theatre, which is staging Macbeth.

Glenda from the group told the Canary:

"It’s unsustainable, unethical, and we can’t afford to accept it as occupational: our employers, unions, regulatory bodies and politicians have to address the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic head-on.

Beyond key vectors (hospitals, schools, prisons), creatives are uniquely vulnerable, especially within live formats, alongside venue staff and audiences; not to mention all within said categories who’ve been marginalised, nor the walk-back of digital programming."

The organisation argues that improved air quality could help reduce health risks for cast, crew, and audiences, potentially preventing further cancellations.

Covid isn’t over – as Macbeth inadvertently shows “We may not know the exact illness affecting the Macbeth cast, but we do know that Covid is a serious vascular disease requiring extended recovery times,” noted Charles Waltz, founder of Protect the Heart of the Arts:

"Reinfections weaken immunity to other pathogens, so without measures like air purification and adequate recovery time, we risk ongoing illness cycles that could impact health and stability across the industry. Clean air and flexible recovery policies are essential to protect the performance community’s long-term health."

[commodorez]

I still believe the craziest form of computer program storage format from the 1980s is the cassette tape. Logical I get it but to store entire programs on little tape (that I only remember using to play music) is just crazy to me. Idk

Agreed, cassette tape for data storage was really clever. The concept had its heyday was the 1970s in a wide variety of encoding schemes for different computer platforms. It did persist into the 80s, mostly in Europe, while the US switched to floppy disks as soon as they were available for systems. The majority of my Ohio Scientific software is on cassette.

Talking with UK vs. US Commodore 64 users in particular will highlight the disparity in which storage mediums that were commonplace. I've got a few pieces of software on tape for mainly the VIC-20, but I rarely bother to use it, because it's slow and annoying. To be fair, Commodore's implementation of data storage on tape is pretty rock solid relative to the competition. It's considered more reliable than other company's but Chuck Peddle's implementation of the cassette routines are considered quite enigmatic to this day. He didn't document it super well, so CBM kept reusing his old code from the PET all the way through the end of the C128's development 7 years later because they didn't want to break any backward compatibility.

The big thing that really made alot of homebrewers and kit computer owners cozy up to the idea was the introduction of the Kansas City Standard from 1976. The idea of getting away from delicate and slow paper tape, and moving towards an inexpensive, portable, and more durable storage medium was quite enticing. Floppy disk drives and interfaces were expensive at the time, so something more accessible like off the shelf audio tapes made sense.

I've linked two places you can read about it from Byte Magazine's February 1976 issue below (check the attribution links).

You might recognize a familiar name present...

There are a few ways to encode binary data on tape designed to handle analog audio, but the KCS approach is to have 1's be 8 cycles of 2400Hz tone, and 0's be 4 cycles of 1200Hz tone. I say cycles, because while 300 baud is the initial specification, there is also a 1200 baud specification available, so the duration of marks vs spaces (another way of saying 1's and 0's), is variable based on that baud rate. Many S-100 computers implemented it, as do a few contemporary proprietary designs.

The big 3 microcomputers of 1977 that revolutionized the industry (Apple II, Commodore PET 2001, and Tandy TRS-80 Model I) each have their own cassette interface implementation. It kept costs down, and it was easy to implement, all things considered. The Apple II and TRS-80 use off-the-shelf cassette deck connections like many other machines, whereas the original variant of the PET had an integrated cassette. Commodore later used external cassette decks with a proprietary connector, whereas many other companies abandoned tape before too long. Hell, even the original IBM PC has a cassette port, not that anybody bothered to use that. Each one used a different encoding format to store their data, rather than KCS.

Here's a sample of what an OSI-formatted tape sounds like.

And here's a Commodore formatted tape, specifically one with VIC-20 programs on it.

I won't subject you to the whole program, or we'd be here all day. The initial single tone that starts the segment is called the "leader", I've truncated it for the sake of your ears, as well as recorded them kinda quietly. I don't have any other tape formats on hand to demonstrate, but I think you get the idea.

You can do alot better than storing programs on tape, but you can also do alot worse -- it beats having to type in a program every time from scratch.

[kinjalpatel-businesssetupdubai]

Are you looking for Company Formation UAE ?

Looking to set up a company in the UAE? Setting up a company in the UAE is an attractive proposition for many entrepreneurs and businesses looking to capitalize on the region's dynamic market. With the right guidance and a clear understanding of the processes involved, you can successfully establish and grow your business in UAE market. If you're considering a Company formation UAE, a free zone business setup, or an offshore company, Kinjal Patel is a Top business setup consultant in Dubai offers personalized guidance and comprehensive support to ensure a seamless business launch, helping you navigate the complexities of the UAE market with ease.

[thenightshadowqueen]

Livestream Watchthrough Thoughts (14-12-2024)

I loved this stream! It was a lot of fun, despite the heckler (they made some great jokes out of it, but it’s still a shitty thing to do), and… Yeah, I don’t have much else to say before I start my thoughts, other than I made a new tag for my watchthrough thoughts, because I’ll probably be making these again. They’re really fun to make, and it seems like there are some people who enjoy reading them, too, so it all works out quite well.

The audio is great!!!

“Lovely little Luke Manning” I love that this is a new thing Sam seems to be doing

Tom has his head in his hands a minute in… this is going to be a good show

Honestly, just settling in and listening to Sam’s intro is so comforting (can you tell my autism likes repetition?)

“I’m taking the joke about German train stations out of my head, because Tom doesn’t want everyone to hate me” this intro has had some edgier jokes and I’m here for it

Callback to the Prime Minister’s First Day!

“I almost understand everything you say!” He said it so earnestly

I know it’s a different tunnel, but… Cliff, is that you?

AJ inserting what’s meant to be a one-off atmosphere-setting singsong and then Sam making him change it over and over is peak SFTH

We made it all the way through munchkin land with Luke without a short joke—amazing!

“Your performance” okay fuck this guy (slight overreaction? …No.)

(They are doing a really good job of handling the heckler, though)

I love the new format of Letters!!!

“Jonathan Rolex” I genuinely have no idea if this is a real person involved with creating Rolex watches (I assume not, but I do not know anything about this sort of thing, so I could be wrong)

“How fucking dare you” Luke is amazing at picking tones of voice; he sounds so politely offended and it’s great

Ooh, we’re breaking the… It’s not really the fourth wall, but kind of?

“You’re. In. …Words.” I love AJ

“Yay!” That was so sweet; Tom is amazing

I love when they do this accent (I’m not sure what part of the UK it’s from and now I fear I’m living up to American stereotypes (I swear I used to know, but I’m exhausted and it’s been a minute since I looked it up))

“Shut the FUCK UP!” Fuck yeah Sam and AJ!

Also Sam indirectly calling the heckler an ass is iconic

“For a wise man, you’ve got to work on your mime” I love it when they insult each other (look insults are a love language, okay, and I like seeing people have friends)

“Tell me a little bit about gold, then” I love that AJ took not knowing what frankincense was (which I assume was genuine, although it could have just been a bit) and turned it into a running joke with the gold

This is so confused and I love it

“I’m Frank; it’s my incense” we can always rely on Tom for wordplay

“Then I put down the hammer” fucking plot twist, Luke, good god

“Cheryl is now…” “Knocked out.” Honestly, I thought they were going to go for ‘dead’, so it’s better than it could have been

“This is becoming a regular occurrence” Tom???

“Is this a robbery, Aaron? Are you robbing the company?” “Only if you force me to get the gun out of my pocket.” This show is gold

“You also have another gun, which is clearly in your belt” I really thought that we were going… somewhere else with that

I’m the tiniest bit sad we didn’t get two lesbians (but obviously I’m also very happy with the scene we got)

Honestly ‘in the round’ is a hilarious suggestion

“I don’t know how to cry. My childhood was bad.” Sam

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Wes Anderson film, but their impressions are always top tier

Luke desperately trying to get Sam to actually understand the Spanish and Sam just failing is amazing

“Get yourself... a drug problem” SAM

Is it a SFTH show if Sam doesn’t unbutton his shirt?

“Calm down” Sam is amazing

“I think I’m going to give Luke the most appropriate book that I've ever given him...” “I Want that Twink Obliterated” oh my god (also, like... I can’t believe that’s a real book) (I absolutely can)

“Pretty sure that's the title of one of our fanfictions” well I’m sure it’s going to be now (also I know they know about the fandom and fandom activities but it still kills me whenever they talk about it)

“Will you please stop trying to have a conversation?” I love that Luke and AJ are just messing up the way the game is meant to work

“Chapter fourteen.” “How did you know we're filing for bankruptcy?” Tom that was an amazing save

This was actually surprisingly wholesome considering the title of Luke's book

The five seconds of pure holding-back-laughter staring between Sam and AJ at ‘egg’

Sam

“I’m going to fuck you up, sun” as a person whose chronic illness gets worse in heat, I don’t think Tom has ever said a more relatable thing

“Well, aren’t we standing in two bland positions” Tom is great

“Here we are. The two men in the world with the longest penises, touching tips.” Well that escalated quickly

I know snake eyes is a dice thing, but... Snakehips?

“Calm down” pt. 2; I love Sam (although I do hope it doesn’t actually bother him)

“If you kiss me now” being interrupted by a kiss is brilliant timing

Also AJ’s still wearing the bracelet ❤️

Fucking hell, Sam (him just grabbing Luke unprompted like that caught me so off guard)

“I’m putting this in a museum” Tom???????

“Now, am I saying ‘see it, say it, sort it’ or ‘see it, say it, sorted’?” “Well, based on that poster, I think it's ‘sorted’.” Look, as an American, I am grateful for the clarification (also hi, SNftHitW)

“The next station is Cockfosters.” “That's not on the Metropolitan Line.” I said in my last watchthrough that I love when AJ makes an unimportant mistake and Sam latches on to it, and I stand by that statement. (Also, they mention Cockfosters station a lot; is that a particularly popular stop, or do they just pick it because it has a memorable name?)

“Yes, well, he does make a lot of promises, doesn’t he?” Oooh, drama (and sass)

“Good evening and welcome to Chip Harrington. I’m Chip Harrington—” Is Chip Harrington related to André Beetroot? (Also I love Chip Harrington already)

I realise AJ stumbling over his words is probably an accident, but I feel like it’s important characterisation for Chip

Also is Chip Harrington grown-up Chip from the Cardboard Stegosaurus? (Seems unlikely, but it’s possible)

Luke causing trouble is the best

“Be very scared” wow, what a news reporter

I adore the way AJ just said ‘~metropolitan~’ (and Chip Harrington and André Beetroot are definitely related, because that was almost a Beetrootian accent slip)

Luke as a child does the most adorable, innocent little faces, and it kills me

“Oh, I needed to tell you something...” see now i really want to know what that was

Luke’s abduction technique is… interesting

“I’m going to copy your face” Luke???

“Just because I fucked your wife Cassandra—” plot twist! (“You didn’t know that.”)

“I was going to give you anaesthetic before I did this; now I’m not so sure” Sam taking his cues from the audience’s response and going “kinky” killed me

“I’ve always thought you were a handsome fellow” hello (god damn it, another niche ship to add to the collection)

“These noisy streets” I love Tom’s passive aggressive way of calling out the people talking at the back

“You always say ‘this is Chip Harrington, and I’m Chip Harrington’, but it’s actually called the news?” I love Tom’s character, and I don’t think we got a name for her, but she deserves one

“I’m Chip Harrington” look he may not have any idea how but he’s trying to help

“I thought you were going to say anal” Tom

Okay so Sam’s acting as Luke’s character pretending to be Sam’s character is incredible

Tom’s baffled/disgusted face as he tries to figure out where they are is everything

“I need to be outside at all times” I know this is meant to be a bit character, but I’m genuinely really intrigued by this storyline

I can’t be the only one who feels like Chip and the mum have a bit of chemistry…

AJ messing up his name after saying it a thousand times might be my new favourite thing

I know we talk a lot about AJ’s singing—as we should—but Sam is also really good

“It’s like that, but really much weirder” AJ is amazing

Chip Harrington is the best

This is chaos

Honestly Tom’s character is a great mum

“There’s a man out on my lawn who won’t shut the fuck up” I love Tom

I genuinely think the mum might be the most sane character we’ve ever gotten

“The audience will ~never know~” god damn it, I’ve been entrapped by another play

I love that the Underground Murderer didn’t actually kill anyone

Tom and Sam’s high-pitched-voice bit at the end is amazing

“We’ll never see some of you ever again. Hopefully that motherfucker.” Fuck. Yes. Sam!

I really hate that they had to deal with that heckler (but they did do an amazing job)