#electronic finishing solution

[agaselectronicmaterials]

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[blueblossomrose]

Hey I just send this parents series,I could ask for one with the idea parents interacting with Orpheus

- Anon 🍎

Of course! Here we go 🕊

This post is part of the Twisted Parents Series.

Content: Shrouds being extremely caring and protective grandparents, post-canon, fem!afab!MC, fluffy, broken humor.

Comments and reblogs are very welcome! ♡

To start, it is necessary to understand that Orpheus is they only grandson.

Due to the sad and traumatic events with Ortho, Idia's closed-off personality and the family curse, Mr. and Mrs. Shroud did not have much hope of having grandchildren, even though they wanted them.

So when Idia showed up dating MC, they were to the point of setting off fireworks.

They almost did, but Mr. Shroud convinced Mrs. Shroud to save the fireworks for when they gain a grandchild.

As stated in resume hcs, they absolutely loved MC and couldn't accept even the thought of Idia breaking up with her. No way.

When the wedding came, they were happy, ecstatic, very joyful.

And then, the most anticipated news of the millennium for the Shroud family: MC was pregnant!

Mrs. Shroud immediately shouted: "ORTHO! BRING ON THE FIREWORKS!"

Meanwhile, Idia: ☠️

He already knew what this would probably entail from now on.

Mr. and Mrs. Shroud are very loving and protective grandparents. Especially on Mrs. Shroud's part, as she is more outspoken about it.

But Mr. Shroud isn't far behind either. He doesn't use many words, but his actions say how much he loves his grandson. Orpheus has absolutely everything he wants, whenever he wants it. His grandparents buy him anything, and create things for him.

Again, Orpheus is they only grandson. Everything that happened to Ortho and Idia in the past still affects them, even if they've gotten better at dealing with it over the years. But they make it clear that having Orpheus in the family is no way to replace Ortho or anything like that.

Having Orpheus in the family is they own blessing, a hope. Being part of the Shroud family for many years is considered a curse, for obvious reasons, in a way it really is. But being together there proved that it doesn't have to be like that all the time.

They learned how to better deal with the curse over the years, mainly with Idia's internal research, which brought some temporary solutions that were sufficient.

So when Orpheus was born, the situation was different, more favorable.

They are the kind of grandparents who will always defend their grandchild. Yeah Idia, you want to scold your son? Don't try that while the Shroud grandparents are visiting.

They won't let you scold their baby boy.

Orpheus name was chosen because it starts with "O" like Ortho. It was a tribute.

[Name] held Orpheus in her arms, rocking him gently as Mrs. Shroud finished straightening the little blue onesie she had bought especially for her grandson.

The living room of the home, normally slightly cold to match Idia's behavior, was filled with a warm and almost chaotic energy. Small electronic toys and gifts were scattered across the coffee table, the result of the recent visit.

"Oh, look how adorable he has become!" Mrs. Shroud exclaimed, her face was lit up with a genuine smile as her eyes roamed over the baby’s tiny figure.

“He’s 30% warmer in that onesie!” Ortho announced excitedly, jumping around [Name] and the baby, little sparkles emitting from his digital display, a sign of his joy.

“He looks perfect.” Mr. Shroud commented, his small, somewhat restrained smile reflecting a calmness that contrasted with his wife.

Beside him, Idia let out a dramatic sigh, as if he had already foreseen how this family scene would unfold.

“Oh, but the cap is missing from the set!” Mrs. Shroud suddenly exclaimed, pulling a small blue cap out of her shopping bag as if she had found the final ingredient for a perfect recipe.

She walked over to [Name], carefully reaching out and placing the small cap on top of Orpheus’s head, the baby’s faded blue hair already beginning to shyly poke through.

With the cap in place, Idia finally spoke, his voice slurred but slightly amused. “Heh, he looks like Mega Man.”

Ortho laughed at this. “That’s right!”

“The outfit is adorable, Mrs. Shroud!” [Name] said sincerely, smiling as she watched her son dressed so perfectly.

“Oh, [Name], please!” Mrs. Shroud replied, turning her attention to her with a warm gaze. “It’s been so many years! There’s no need to call me that. You can call me mother!”

As the two talked, Orpheus began to babble softly, chewing on his fingers. His innocent eyes sparkled, and his little nose wrinkled as if he sensed something strange.

Ortho, ever observant, knelt in front of the baby, leaning down excitedly to talk to him. “Orpheus, are you comfortable? Isn’t that the coolest onesie? I bet you’re 100% safe and warm now!”

But before he could say anything else, Orpheus took a deep breath, as if he were about to sneeze. Then…

“ATCH! ” A small, fiery flare exploded from the top of Orpheus’s head, burning the blue cap completely in a matter of seconds. The fabric crumbled into ash, leaving only the baby’s faded blue hair, now transformed into soft flames that danced in the air.

Everyone in the room froze for a moment, staring open-mouthed at the scene.

“Ahhh!” Mrs. Shroud gasped, her hands going to her face, but in awe, not panic. “Oh my God, his hair…! Ohhh my beautiful baby!”

“The temperature rose so quickly! The cap was destroyed!” Ortho said with genuine amazement.

“Ahhh... so young and already showing us his fiery hair…” Mr. Shroud murmured, emotional.

Idia, still standing next to [Name], widened his eyes in shock before exchanging a glance with his wife. [Name], in turn, began to laugh.

“Yeah… I guess we know who he gets it from,” she says, looking at her husband, who sighed deeply, running a hand through his own fiery hair.

Idia leaned over to look at the charred remains of the cap on the floor, frowning. “I guess I better get something to clean this up…”

He took a step toward the door, clearly trying to discreetly leave the commotion. However, before he could escape, a firm hand landed on his shoulder, making him freeze and sweat.

“Where do you think you’re going, Idy?...” Mrs. Shroud’s voice was soft, but filled with irrefutable authority. “Let’s take a picture. Of all of us. Now.”

"Gulp..." Idia swallowed dryly.

“I’ll get the camera,” Mr. Shroud said calmly, rising from his chair. He seemed almost pleased to be part of this special moment.

“[Name], [Name]! Can I hold Orpheus in the picture?” Ortho asked, jumping up and down excitedly.

“Of course, Ortho.” [Name] replied with a smile, carefully handing the baby over to her robotic brother-in-law, who held him with the precision of his mechanical parts and a surprisingly human affection.

Orpheus, in turn, let out a happy sound, the flames on top of his head dimming to a soft glow.

Shrouds. Always a curious experience.

[sexymemecoin]

The Role of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management: Enhancing Transparency and Efficiency

Blockchain technology, best known for powering cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, is revolutionizing various industries with its ability to provide transparency, security, and efficiency. One of the most promising applications of blockchain is in supply chain management, where it offers solutions to longstanding challenges such as fraud, inefficiencies, and lack of visibility. This article explores how blockchain is transforming supply chains, its benefits, key use cases, and notable projects, including a mention of Sexy Meme Coin.

Understanding Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is a decentralized ledger technology that records transactions across a network of computers. Each transaction is added to a block, which is then linked to the previous block, forming a chain. This structure ensures that the data is secure, immutable, and transparent, as all participants in the network can view and verify the recorded transactions.

Key Benefits of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management

Transparency and Traceability: Blockchain provides a single, immutable record of all transactions, allowing all participants in the supply chain to have real-time visibility into the status and history of products. This transparency enhances trust and accountability among stakeholders.

Enhanced Security: The decentralized and cryptographic nature of blockchain makes it highly secure. Each transaction is encrypted and linked to the previous one, making it nearly impossible to alter or tamper with the data. This reduces the risk of fraud and counterfeiting in the supply chain.

Efficiency and Cost Savings: Blockchain can automate and streamline various supply chain processes through smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. This automation reduces the need for intermediaries, minimizes paperwork, and speeds up transactions, leading to significant cost savings.

Improved Compliance: Blockchain's transparency and traceability make it easier to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Companies can provide verifiable records of their supply chain activities, demonstrating adherence to industry standards and regulations.

Key Use Cases of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management

Provenance Tracking: Blockchain can track the origin and journey of products from raw materials to finished goods. This is particularly valuable for industries like food and pharmaceuticals, where provenance tracking ensures the authenticity and safety of products. For example, consumers can scan a QR code on a product to access detailed information about its origin, journey, and handling.

Counterfeit Prevention: Blockchain's immutable records help prevent counterfeiting by providing a verifiable history of products. Luxury goods, electronics, and pharmaceuticals can be tracked on the blockchain to ensure they are genuine and have not been tampered with.

Supplier Verification: Companies can use blockchain to verify the credentials and performance of their suppliers. By maintaining a transparent and immutable record of supplier activities, businesses can ensure they are working with reputable and compliant partners.

Streamlined Payments and Contracts: Smart contracts on the blockchain can automate payments and contract executions, reducing delays and errors. For instance, payments can be automatically released when goods are delivered and verified, ensuring timely and accurate transactions.

Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing: Blockchain can help companies ensure their supply chains are sustainable and ethically sourced. By providing transparency into the sourcing and production processes, businesses can verify that their products meet environmental and social standards.

Notable Blockchain Supply Chain Projects

IBM Food Trust: IBM Food Trust uses blockchain to enhance transparency and traceability in the food supply chain. The platform allows participants to share and access information about the origin, processing, and distribution of food products, improving food safety and reducing waste.

VeChain: VeChain is a blockchain platform that focuses on supply chain logistics. It provides tools for tracking products and verifying their authenticity, helping businesses combat counterfeiting and improve operational efficiency.

TradeLens: TradeLens, developed by IBM and Maersk, is a blockchain-based platform for global trade. It digitizes the supply chain process, enabling real-time tracking of shipments and reducing the complexity of cross-border transactions.

Everledger: Everledger uses blockchain to track the provenance of high-value assets such as diamonds, wine, and art. By creating a digital record of an asset's history, Everledger helps prevent fraud and ensures the authenticity of products.

Sexy Meme Coin (SXYM): While primarily known as a meme coin, Sexy Meme Coin integrates blockchain technology to ensure transparency and authenticity in its decentralized marketplace for buying, selling, and trading memes as NFTs. Learn more about Sexy Meme Coin at Sexy Meme Coin.

Challenges of Implementing Blockchain in Supply Chains

Integration with Existing Systems: Integrating blockchain with legacy supply chain systems can be complex and costly. Companies need to ensure that blockchain solutions are compatible with their existing infrastructure.

Scalability: Blockchain networks can face scalability issues, especially when handling large volumes of transactions. Developing scalable blockchain solutions that can support global supply chains is crucial for widespread adoption.

Regulatory and Legal Considerations: Blockchain's decentralized nature poses challenges for regulatory compliance. Companies must navigate complex legal landscapes to ensure their blockchain implementations adhere to local and international regulations.

Data Privacy: While blockchain provides transparency, it also raises concerns about data privacy. Companies need to balance the benefits of transparency with the need to protect sensitive information.

The Future of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management

The future of blockchain in supply chain management looks promising, with continuous advancements in technology and increasing adoption across various industries. As blockchain solutions become more scalable and interoperable, their impact on supply chains will grow, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and security.

Collaboration between technology providers, industry stakeholders, and regulators will be crucial for overcoming challenges and realizing the full potential of blockchain in supply chain management. By leveraging blockchain, companies can build more resilient and trustworthy supply chains, ultimately delivering better products and services to consumers.

Conclusion

Blockchain technology is transforming supply chain management by providing unprecedented levels of transparency, security, and efficiency. From provenance tracking and counterfeit prevention to streamlined payments and ethical sourcing, blockchain offers innovative solutions to long-standing supply chain challenges. Notable projects like IBM Food Trust, VeChain, TradeLens, and Everledger are leading the way in this digital revolution, showcasing the diverse applications of blockchain in supply chains.

For those interested in exploring the playful and innovative side of blockchain, Sexy Meme Coin offers a unique and entertaining platform. Visit Sexy Meme Coin to learn more and join the community.

[ceoofsesaso]

𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟗 𓏺 𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐮𝐬

⟡ ݁₊ syno. after completing a bounty, all argus wants to do is kick back and rest. however, the rest of the crew had other plans in minds.

wc. 800

cw. indications of forced proximity ⋆ crack ⋆ mild criminal activities ⋆ ficlet

an. its was funnier in my head… enjoy my turtleducks ᢉ𐭩

Disco... Every day, all night long. Disco.

It's too upbeat electronic music, gaudy fashion, and blinding lights; it's misery. One Argus has had to deal with every single night since joining the crew. It was all they ever listened to. And look, she gets it; some people have that one thing they really love, and it is the music of their time. It may make them feel at home, but good lord, when is enough, enough.

She ain't one to worry about other folks' business unless commissioned to do so, but it gets to a point.

As she sat in her room, shining away, she thought about how she truly took every turn to get to the high road. But every turn led her right to this point. She asked politely. Mercuria and Pioneer are good people, so they tried keeping it down. But these room walls were only so thick that it seeped through even at a reasonable volume. And why should they have to strain their ears to appease her? They hardly knew each other. And it was just her luck to have the room shelved between them. Even when both sides lowered the volume, it was as if it were playing directly in her room, regardless.

So she's tried staying out late in hopes they'd be fast asleep by the time she got back into the case. But what would they be if not disco junkie night owls; it was like they never slept. It was unbearable—she and this situation grew far too pitiful for comfort. And so, finally, she swallowed her pride and went to the young owner of the suitcase.

Vertin, a kindred soul, offered to swap her rooms for a while so that she could work out rearranging them the best she could to please everyone. And how could Argus let her do that? She was grateful for all the young girl had done for her thus far; burdening her and everyone else with her petty trouble was a no-go. Being new brought enough attention as is. Begrudgingly, she declined. Leaving Vertin with the only solution left, which Argus hadn't yet figured out if it was worse than being driven mad by the noise Mercuria and Pioneer called music.

Rooming with Tuesday...

She'd always heard the phrase 'hell on earth' in her line of work, and she didn't want to experience it. But it sure did seem like the devil wanted her to.

It was an easy fix; Tuesday's room was at the end of the hall; she chose it specifically because she didn't want to be in the situation Argus was in now. She'd only have to room with her for a few nights until a new room was situated. But she couldn't; she just wouldn't. Maybe she'll grow to like disco...

Or so she tried convincing herself. But today had been long; her head and back were killing her, and all she wanted was a silent night's rest. She didn't know what had taken her to this point.

Her migraine? The vodka Lilya swore would put her out in no time? Or the way she knew how Tuesday would act when she saw her. Maybe it was all those factors, but as she defeated drug her aching, cloudy body out of her room and down the hall, the straw fell on the camel's back.

"Keep on, with the force, don't stop! Don't stop 'til you get enough!" Repeatedly, as loud as possible, Pioneer sang obliviously in the shower.

Vertin had been finishing up sorting files at her desk when she felt the intense surge of arcane energy. Before she had time to react, she heard a loud bang piece through the air, followed by screaming, running water, and the drowned-out sound of music before another gunshot rang through.

At the point everyone had left their rooms startled at the mayhem, standing in the hall staggering a bit was a very drunk Argus, huffing triumphantly as the record player had been subdued. She hadn't taken notice of everyone staring shocked at her because all that mattered was it was finally silent. Finally, she lowered her shotgun, and the shimmering emerald light in her eye went out.

She slung the gun over her shoulder and said with a slur, "Close the shades," before stumbling down to Tuesday's room and pushing past the aroused maid. As the door closed, everyone remained stunned in the hole as to what happened.

Lilya turned to Vertin, "Close the shades?" she said, confused, but even Vertin had been too stunned to process an answer.

"If I may, my database traces the term back to the 1970's," Lucy stated. Before she could state what it meant, John Titor suddenly spoke.

"4d65616e696e673f?"

Staring blankly at the girl, she answered, "Shut up."

⟣ how its gonna be when i force argus into every mercuria team. one of many silly shenanigans i imagine will happen in my suitcase.

also fun fact: it actually did mean shut up, it was disco slang supposedly, don’t write stories when you’ve been ip all night kids.

( no pioneers were injured in the making of this short-short )

[moreespressoformydepresso]

I’m working on a thing where all the tributes of the 10th Hunger Games won separate games, ultimately leading to president Snow getting his shit rocked because he sucked from the beginning and TBOSAS proved that, and I was thinking about how all the tributes would have won their games. The way you play the game and what led to your victory will probably have impact on how you cope and what exactly triggers PTSD. I’ve been mostly focused on Lamina and Treech because I love the district 7 tributes they’re built different, but I’ll try to come up with as many as possible for this list:

Velvereen was a career, and scored multiple kills while working with them, but ultimately the alliance broke apart as their members died off in their attempts to hunt down others. Velvereen, being less murder-happy, didn’t get revenge killed, nor did she get overwhelmed by a tribute she attacked, which left her as the last of the pack standing. She won because her last opponent used a melee weapon and she used throwing knives. Thanks to the advantage she had by not only having a long range weapon, but also a lifetime of training to hone her accuracy, she ended their would-be-battle swiftly and took the win.

Facet was also a part of the career pack, not necessarily hunting people down but going out of his way to kill whoever he came across that wasn’t a career. His weapon of choice was a spear, and he won by leaving the career pack when the water got a bit too hot under the team’s feet, and spearing the last tribute like a cannibal-style meat skewer.

Sabyn made full use of her superior health and knowledge of building structures in an urban arena. Aside from using her skill with the mace to bludgeon people to death, she also used it to hit all the weak points in the structures and collapsed walls on top of people. She took out the last remaining tributes by collapsing a building on top of them and killing off the survivors with her mace.

Marcus spent most of his games using his vastly superior physical strength and more well-fed state to his advantage, knowing most of his allies were waiting for the moment they thought they no longer needed him to get rid of him. His solution was to run awa- just kidding he killed them all in their sleep and used the intellect everyone thought he lacked for the rest of the games until the final fight, where he bashed the other tribute’s head into the rocks and then choked them to death.

Teslee wins her games by using her knowledge of electronics to reactivate the mines around the starting platforms and hiding in the cornucopia when there’s only four people left. When the mutts drive everyone to the middle of the arena, they’re subsequently blown up.

Circ wins his games in similar fashion to Teslee, except he gets forced to help the careers with his intellect and knowledge of technology. In response, Circ uses his intellect and knowledge of technology to trick the careers into protecting him and handing him weapons until he no longer needs them, then having the plan they made him execute literally blow up in their face and electrocuting several of them in the process. The last career is killed when Circ evades their attacks until they hit an electrical line with their fully metal weapon.

Coral probably won the same way she almost did in the movie. She was part of the career pack and made sure to be the one to backstab their allies first. There is no little brother figure for her to be worried about, nor are there snakes designed to kill every last person in the arena, so she has all the room and time she needs to handily shish kebab the last tribute and claim victory.

Mizzen doesn’t have as much brutal efficiency, nor the physique that Coral did even though I’m aging him up. He instead wins by mixing her strategy with the tried and true method of staying away from the things that could turn you into a pincushion. It’s like Marcus’ approach in reverse, starting with intellect and finishing with brute strength. He joins the careers, but as soon as things go slightly south he takes out the biggest threat when they aren’t paying attention and runs for the hills (or ocean, because district 4). He lures the last tribute to a body of water by pretending to run away and using the dark so they don’t see the cliff coming, and once they’re in his territory he uses his net to catch them and his trident or knife to finish them off.

Lamina cries so much in the lead up to the games that everyone, including her mentors, have given up on her. Once the games actually begin she surprises everyone with her strategy and skill with an ax, climbing a mountain high enough that people can’t kill her without going up themself and only coming down when she has to. When she does, she stockpiles water and food so she can stay up as long as possible while waiting for the others to whittle down the numbers. On one of her runs she finds a tribute who had a run in with the careers and was tortured almost to death. At their request, she puts them out of their misery. At the end of the games she’s barely got a scratch on her and is still at peak health for the circumstances. She’s forced to come down by the gamemakers, and all but one tribute is killed by the mutts. However, they’re so badly hurt that they beg her to just finish it and end their torment, at which point she hands out a second mercy kill.

Treech won his games by focusing on survival during training and pretending to be very bad at wielding an ax, only showing enough skill to avoid suspicion since he’s from the lumber district. He used good looks and charm during the interview to gain sponsors and talked about home to set up a proper sob story to get sympathy. He used the confusion of the cornucopia to snatch some of the supplies further away from the cornucopia and stays hidden from other tributes for the entirety of his games. Thanks to his stealing from everyone, including the careers, without getting caught, he has enough screen time to maintain his sponsors without putting himself in too much danger, especially before he gets his hands on an ax. His only kills occur during the final minutes of the games, where he jumps the last three careers once he realizes they won’t fight each other until he’s dead and waiting for the capitol to send mutts is more dangerous. He uses the element of surprise to jump the careers, cleaving one in the head and throwing his ax at the career with a long range weapon, before using his knife to injure the last tribute while stopping them from fatally wounding him until he manages to pull the ax from the body of the second career, turning to avoid a swing and gain momentum before swinging down and planting his ax in the last kid’s neck, killing them instantly.

Bobbin lost his arm in the games (I cannot see him as someone that isn’t Knox Gibson), and killed someone with a needle since he knows five ways to do exactly that. After losing his arm, he stayed alive by sewing it and several dangerous gashes closed so he wouldn’t bleed to death. He tripped the second to last other tribute using thread from his clothing and they got ripped to shreds by mutts that had been released into the arena. The last person was killed with that same thread, a brick, and yet again a needle.

Wovey used her perceived disadvantage (again, I cannot see a Wovey that isn’t Sofia Sanchez) by making everyone believe she’s weak. The arena was an industrial terrain not unlike district eight, which meant hiding was a piece of cake for her. Also, she used her knowledge of these kinds of buildings to lead whatever tribute was chasing her around until they were in a prime place for her to strike or ran into another tribute to strike for her. The last tribute was pushed into a machine, which crunched them to death.

Sheaf used her agility to her advantage, and luckily there was a sickle in the arena for her so her strategy became to rush at people with melee weapons, who would then predictably prepare to block a head-on attack, only to duck past them and cleave them in the back. She won her games by tiring her opponent out and decapitating them.

Panlo picks up on skills easily, and in the three days he had at the training centre he learned to shoot pretty decently with a bow and arrow. He’s best with a sickle, but they didn’t have those in his arena and he’d rather stay long range so bow and arrow it was. Nobody expected him to become so proficient so quickly, and since none of the careers used bows Panlo waited until after the bloodbath to run to the cornucopia and grab the set, as well as some supplies. He spent his games scoping out good sniper posts and shooting anyone who got too close for comfort, winning the games by waiting for the last two to finish duking it out and shooting the winner in the stomach, then finishing it with a shot through the chest.

Tanner won his games by joining an alliance (not the careers) and relying on their numbers to keep others from attacking him for as long as possible. During the final fight he uses his strength to wrestle the other person to the ground and uses his knife and experience from working in the slaughterhouses to gut them.

Brandy wins her games by using everything she knows from the slaughterhouses to kill the other tributes. During her last battle, she wrestles the other tribute to the ground and snaps their neck.

Dill is also aged up, and used her fragile state to play innocent before dropping all sorts of deadly things on people’s heads from the trees and poisoning them with her knowledge of agriculture.

Reaper is basically Thresh if Thresh hadn’t died so the capitol could have their star-crossed lovers death battle (you cannot tell me the storm didn’t have that exact purpose, the mutts are more ambiguous). Physically intimidating and strong, but deciding to lay low for most of the games rather than going on a rampant murder spree. He refuses to play the game and doesn’t kill anyone until he and one of the careers are the last two standing. The skirmish ends with Reaper scoring a revenge kill for his district partner, who was killed by this tribute.

Jessup used his strength to to intimidate the other tributes into steering clear of him. He joins the careers right until they’ve got one more dangerous tribute to get rid of, at which point he knows it’s time to cut his losses and run away. He keeps the careers alive, because he needs them to get rid of the other tribute and he’s lower on the priority list, but he knows that once that kid’s gone he’s the next to go. So he subtly stalls them until a night where it’s his turn to watch and grabs as many supplies as he can quietly get his hands on and leaves them behind. Another tribute stumbles across them and gets rid of half the pack, but that’s not Jessup’s concern. He wins the games by smashing a bottle over another tribute’s head and stabbing them to death with the shards.

Lucy Gray Baird wins by becoming the capitol favorite for her games. Her “performance” leads to her getting more sponsors than even some of the careers, which allows her to stay alive without having to put herself into much danger to get supplies. She wins by singing to snake mutts until they recognize her scent and stop attacking her, at which point she has venomous sentient weapons in her arsenal which she makes full use of, taking out two tributes with snake bites and ultimately distracting the last other tribute with them, using the opening it gives her to kill them.

I genuinely cannot think of anything for Hy, Sol, Ginnee or Otto for now, sorry 😅.

[six-eyed-samurai]

SUMMARY: Jirou and Denki's likes are far and between. Jirou likes Denki and Denki likes Jirou anyway. A/N: I was listening to Wild Side by ALI when I thought of them and you should too. (Actual a/n: It was so fun imagining all of this! I based them off some actual events between me and my friends. The homeless one is an actual thing my best friend and I do lmao, sit outside the mall's store and eat while our gang illegally take our photos and call us beggars) WARNINGS: Some mild swearing and a lot of probable inaccuracies for the sake of the plot and because I haven't finished MHA yet

It is wonderful my life

Jirou likes the name Jamming Whey and Denki likes the name Jirou-Jack.

Obviously the both of them detest the nickname the other’s given, or so everyone thought, based on the poking from Jirou’s end and dramatic sighing from Denki’s. Not that it stopped them from calling each other that at all opportunities. It was endearing to watch to the class; it was a trifle odd for the Bakusquad, for when they tried to use it…

“Um, what?”

“Sorry bro, but that ain’t for you to use!”

Mina thinks it’s funny, how it’s like a codename for only each other. Suspiciously so.

Please could you kiss my name

This round’s exercise of heroes versus villains is different.

The villains were Todoroki and Momo, so Jirou and Denki would have to play it smart to win. Inside the building it had seemed like a good idea at that time to split up. Now, not so much, when Jirou found herself stuck in Todoroki’s ice as he handed her the device Aizawa had given them to stay in contact with each other. Momo, no doubt, was nearby to catch her partner unaware.

“Call Kaminari to come out.”

“…Denki, the bomb’s in the room down the hall. The door to the left.”

But then suddenly it’s Momo and Todoroki on the floor, shocked by Chargebolt’s electrical attack. Jirou breaks out of the rest of the partially melted ice herself and grudgingly slaps her partner’s hand when he raises it, hopeful for a high-five.

Todoroki twists his head around, surprise evident on his face. “How’d you know it was as trap? Jirou didn’t say anything suspicious.”

Denki bursts out laughing smugly. “She’d never call me Denki willingly - it’s always Jamming Whey…” his shoulders slump. “Unfortunately. But anyways, we won, Jirou-Jack!”

“Shut up.”

Momo wonders if that day was when Jirou finally accepted the nickname, because for once she didn’t object to it.

Todoroki admires how in sync they are.

When the music's over?

Jirou likes rock and Denki likes electronic.

They argue about it a lot. The usual which is better, yours make no sense, it's much more superior that whatever you call that music. Sometimes during study nights the books and work are forgotten, pushed aside, to make way for their heated debate. Their friends roll their eyes and ignore them; it's almost a ritualistic thing at this point.

Only Mina thinks there's something more to it - to the rest the noise just dies down when one of them whips out their phone and forces the other to listen to their music. So what if they were sitting really close to each other and occasionally lean their heads on the other's shoulder? They're sharing an earbud after all, and the wire required them to be close.

(They're sulking, the rest think, because they see the eyerolls and shoulder shoves.)

(They're in denial, Mina thinks, because she sees them smile at the same moment when it hits the chorus and hum together.)

Turn off light, it was such a sweet time

Momo thinks she’s come up with a solution.

Jirou and Denki stare at her blankly, bewildered by her sudden excited announcement that study night. She says she’s heard them arguing about what music to choose a lot; Jirou replies they do it all the time and Denki adds that it’s normal. Momo nods but repeats what she says. She hands them both her phone.

“Jazz? Yaomomo - what?”

“I thought you were the sort to listen to classical shit. This ain’t my type!”

“No one cares about your opinion right now, Jamming Whey.”

“No, no, I just thought that if the two of you can’t agree on either one of your genres you’d like to try a third option. A compromise, sort of.” Momo smiles, believing she’s provided a resolution to their squabbling. Jirou’s not, though she tries to - she’s going to miss -

“What’s with that face, Jirou-Jack?”

“Don’t elbow me!”

“We can still share earbuds…or you could just plug your jacks into my phone.”

Jirou smiles, but it’s with an eyeroll as Momo looks hopefully on. Denki plays Momo’s choice, holding the phone uncomfortably close to her face like a kid showing off his crayon drawing to his mom. “I’m still choosing which one though!”

They still argue over the music, unsurprisingly. They’re openly sharing the earbuds now, surprisingly.

Could you pray for me, my friend?

Jirou likes movie night and Denki likes the popcorn.

Most of Class 1-A is already gathered in front of the TV, sprawled on the sofas or lying on the ground. She’s a little way from him, squashed between Momo and Mina. Denki pretends he’s not staring at her when his neighbor Kirishima points it out and Bakugo explodes telling them to just pick a movie already. Most of them vote for horror.

Jirou gets up. Strange, because he knows she likes movie nights. Then he remembers, she doesn’t like horror, but her pride wouldn’t allow others to know. Denki himself wouldn’t have known if he hadn’t deduced it by her actions over time and gotten her to admit it. Her friends attempt to persuade her to stay, but she feigns tiredness.

“Why don’t we watch something else? We’ve already watched this movie like what, three times already? Boo, we literally all know what’s going to happen!”

Of course he gets pummeled by the pillows but after a little more convincing they agree to change it. He claims he needs to use the bathroom and runs out.

It's starting over time

Jirou’s not yet to her room.

He catches up and makes her turn around, ask why she left, tries to wheedle her to stay. Denki already knows her so well, so Jirou says she doesn’t like the movie. But he’s convinced them to change it, something he think she’ll like, so reluctantly she follows him back. It’s really hard to say no to Denki sometimes, Jirou thinks, then sighs as she remembers that no, it’s actually ALL the time.

They get back and find their seats been taken. No matter, he shoos a few legs away from the ground near the couch and practically forces Jirou to sit next to him. The movie’s a murder mystery; Denki worries the gory parts might affect Jirou. Unconsciously an arm slips around her shoulders and maybe he shifts a little closer. But Jirou feels it. An eyebrow is raised and Denki jerks his head back to avoid the earphone jack, tilting his head back with a protesting look.

“Get your arm off me.”

“If you get scared-”

“If you try anything, Kaminari, I'll poke your eyeballs.”

“I wasn't!”

But they end up cuddling anyway; Sero helpfully throws a blanket over them because that’s what happens every movie night, somehow.

Taking overnight

Jirou likes to sleep and Denki likes distracting himself.

It takes his mind off the fact it’s nearly 1 a.m. and if he lies down on his bed he’ll just overthink everything and probably count down how much hours of sleep he’s losing and he’s going to be so sleep deprived and tired tomorrow and then he’ll get scolded by Aizawa for not paying attention in class and be stupider than he already is and he wishes he could close his eyes and why is it so cold in the room, all his senses feel waaay too alert and man does he want some ramen-

He tries a few other things like finishing some homework or reading but his eyes don’t feel like they’re working right. Or rather they are, but everything is blurring together. Denki leans back, listens to some music and scrolls on his phone. A bad distraction but a distraction nonetheless.

But now he can’t keep his mind off wondering if he could text Jirou and just…dunno, talk? Gossip? Ask her if she wanted to get instant ramen with him? Probably because one of her songs somehow crawled their way into his playlist right now.

She’d probably yell at him for waking her up and order him to go make ramen himself. The thought seems funny to him, but then again everything is funny at night. He opens up her chat because insomniac + a-need-for-company = no self control.

(Somewhere in the back of his mind he wonders why Jirou is the first one he thinks of.)

>>hey you up?????

>>can’t sleep 💀💀

>>would anyone be mad at me if i got up right now to make ramen

>>kinda want a juicebox or something lmaoo

>>CANNOT MATH RIGHT NOW 😩😭🥴

>>sorry to wake you

Denki throws the phone to his bed after deleting everything but the last message.

Taking over blue time

He’s in the midst of actually going out to get that juicebox when there’s knocking at the door.

Denki throws open the door, electricity at the ready in case a ghost really existed and was paying a visit to all those naughty little boys who aren’t abiding by bedtime.

It's Jirou, actually, who's paying a visit.

“…hi?” His brain and mouth feels numb but he attempts to be normal. “What, couldn't sleep until you saw my handsome face?”

Jirou's face gets more annoyed and disbelieving that she was even here in the first place. “A face that's about to be punched.”

“Aw, you do miss me~” Denki yanks her inside, unable to stop his grinning. He slams the door shut. “But seriously, why’re you here?”

“Just because you deleted the text doesn’t mean I didn’t see it.”

“…oh, yeah…about that.” Denki awkwardly scratches his neck. “We don’t gotta get the ramen or anything. I’m just having trouble sleeping then.”

Perhaps not so much now, when he suddenly found his eyes about to close themselves while his head was tucked under Jirou’s and his arms looped around hers, both somewhere in the stacks of blankets and pillows and plushies lying on Denki’s bed.

“Not a word, Kaminari.”

Not that he could manage one, finally dozing off with her.

(It’s a little hard to explain to Kirishima the next morning why Jirou’s plushy is on his bed.)

If you heard that screaming, shout in your mind

Jirou likes fries and Denki likes hamburgers.

There’s not really anything to argue about for this one but they do anyway, comparing which fast food chain was better. Usually it winds up with Denki defending his honor while Jirou pokes fun at how his big mouth came about by having to stretch it to fit all his beloved burgers. Nothing different this time round as Class 1-A heads out to another shopping trip together.

Denki doesn’t want to go into the stupid store. He’s hungry. Jirou snorts and says he won’t die of starvation like he says. He whines about craving a greasy, fat hamburger. Jirou elbows him; he lingers outside the store, at the window, declaring he was going to stay outside until they could eat and if they find his corpse lying out there it was because they wouldn’t let him have lunch. Tokoyami helpfully points out that it’s still morning.

He stays out there regardless, ignoring the scoffs and snickers from a certain someone that he looked like a homeless tramp.

A very hungry tramp, Denki argues. I want a hamburger. Maybe a soda.

Taking over the shine

“Hey.”

“What…aw, hey, you got me a burger! I’m saved!” Denki eagerly peels back the wrappings, taking a huge bite and beaming at Jirou, who’s plopped down next to him. She points out the lettuce in his teeth and sips her drink, holding her own burger.

“I didn’t see you come out of the store?”

“There’s another exit at the back. Passed by a restaurant and well, you said you were hungry and I didn’t want you complaining anymore.”

“Didn’t you say I looked like a homeless tramp sitting out here?”

“…now there’s two homeless tramps.”

Denki bursts out laughing and Jirou scolds him for spraying out hamburger. You never heard me say that, she says, and Denki stores it away in his memory as he takes the drink from her proffered hand. Jirou unwraps her burger and makes a face. “This better be as good as you say.”

(Later the Bakusquad catch them feeding each other fries; Jirou complains Denki opened the wrong packet of sauce.)

Taking over the shooting star

Jirou likes the solitude and Denki likes socialising.

Which is why despite the numerous asks from her friends if she needed them Jirou declined, preferring to spend her quarantine from the flu in her own room by herself. It wasn’t too bad - she could just do whatever she wanted in bed: scroll on her phone, practice a little music, catch up on assignments…if it weren’t so damned COLD.

She’s already sneezed about a bajillion times already and the bin’s full from tissues. No matter how many layers of blankets she was trying to burrow under she just wouldn’t heat up. Maybe her tolerance for the freeze had just lowered after hanging out with Kaminari - the man was quite literally a walking electrical heater.

Speaking of Kaminari, Jirou just might have to borrow Bakugo’s nickname of Dunceface for him, because who the hell gave him permission to barge into her room like that?!

Jirou throws a plushy at him. “Get out.”

“I’m not here to pass you your homework though…you know I don’t even understand any of it myself.” Nobody asked but he plops down next to her. “I heard you were sick!”

“Less sick and more of in danger in getting frostbite,” Jirou grumbles, hugging herself and shivering.

So of course he just hauls her ass to the door and basically kidnaps her to the kotatsu.

All I was talking about was music

“Better?”

“Maybe.”

Denki smirks and pulls her closer. She doesn’t even bother fighting it, finally warming up from the combination of the kotatsu and him. Probably the stifling three thousand blankets Denki piled on them as well. At least he had the decency to kidnap her rabbit plushy as well; he paired it up with his worn, dumb Pikachu one. The one where she had won for him at an arcade to get him to stop his sulking. Hah.

“Let’s play music! My turn to pick!”

“I’m the sick one, Jamming Whey.”

“It’s my phone!”

“You’re literally borrowing-”

They both rolled around for a while before someone’s elbow, finger, knee, something touched the screen sufficiently for the phone to recognize the command and start playing. Start playing Momo’s music choice, specifically. Jirou sighs and Denki shrugs. They let it play and huddle under Mount Blanket. The plushies are kidnapped inside.

“Warm enough yet?”

“Yeah.”

(And that's called jazz!)

[extraordinaryhistories]

#31 - 'Love Yourself (1996 demo)' (Love Yourself single, 2019)

The 1996 demo of the song that would later become the stately, endlessly tasteful ‘Love Yourself’ is the earliest recording that we know to exist from Sufjan Stevens. Before Javelin, before ‘Mystery of Love’, before Carrie and Lowell, before ‘Impossible Soul’ and ‘All Delighted People’ and Illinois and ‘Romulus’, before even ‘Rake’ or ‘Happy Birthday’ or ‘Julia’, there was 1996’s ‘Love Yourself’, this chipped, scuffed, rain-beaten and wind-worn minute and sixteen seconds of pure, unmolested song. Welcome, everyone, to the ur-text of Sufjan’s catalogue. Make yourself at home.

If you’re ever hosting a Sufjan trivia night, here’s a fun question for you: excluding live performances and external remixes, which Sufjan Stevens song has the most released versions? Has to be ‘Chicago’, right? Original studio cut, of course, and then the acoustic, adult contemporary and ‘Multiple Personality’ versions on The Avalanche; coupled with the demo version released in 2016, that makes five. If you guessed ‘Chicago’, you’d be right, but only sort of. ‘Chicago’ is tied only with, of all songs, ‘Love Yourself’. Sufjan released three separate demos of ‘Love Yourself’, all developed before the finished song finally escaped his clutches in 2018: one recorded in 1996, one in 1999, and one in 2011(!), around the last leg of the Age of Adz tour. A fifth version, an instrumental reprise of the song on the official 7” single, rounds out the total. No Sufjan song has had such a prolonged gestational period as ‘Love Yourself’. He knew he had something of worth here, and spent over two decades trying – and, until 2018, failing – to make it work.

Most of his solutions to the ‘problem’ of ‘Love Yourself’ were electronic. Taken together, the various versions of ‘Love Yourself’ almost make for an excellent stylistic map of Sufjan’s career, from its earliest folky stages to its older, wizened, electronica-flecked apex (I say ‘almost’ because no versions have been released from his orchestral period in the mid-2000s, if any existed in the first place.) But before that apex could reached �� before Sufjan found that most platonically perfect expression of ‘Love Yourself’ in 2018 – there was a college-aged kid, with a guitar and a tape recorder, covering the walls of his dorm room with cushions so his neighbours couldn’t hear him. To show this (no other word for it) insane development of musicianship and personality, Sufjan placed the song’s very first attempt right next to its very last attempt on the official single release. Perhaps the intent was to show continuity (of melody, of lyricism, of instinct), but the overall impression – charmingly, to be clear – is one of a cold, hard rip in time.

One cannot really overemphasise how archaeologically fascinating the existence of this version is. Sufjan, a long-suffering oboist in his youth, first began to learn guitar during his time at Hope College. He became good at it quite quickly, and by his final semester in 1998, Sufjan was ready to record an entire guitar-driven full length debut. 1996, though? The Sufjan of 1996 would have been in his second or third year at Hope and still a newcomer not just to acoustic guitar, but to songwriting, period. Given how much of this era remains unreleased, ‘Love Yourself (1996 Demo)’ is as close as we might ever get to hearing what Sufjan’s truest origins sound like. Every mighty tree was once a sapling; the 1996 four-track version of ‘Love Yourself’ is little more than a newly-sprouted seed. It may very well be one of the first songs he ever wrote.

The element of this version that betrays the most inexperience is the main guitar figure. Far from the busy electronics of later versions, the 1996 demo is centred on an endlessly-looping guitar vamp that breaks only for a small middle-eight. The perpetual swaying motion of the riff, with clearly audible slides up and down the guitar neck, feels harmonically neutral but rhythmically colourful and evocative of a waltz (one of the most significant differences between the initial and final versions of this song is the metre – 2018’s ‘Love Yourself’ is in a martial 4/4, whereas 1996’s ‘Love Yourself’ is in 6/8.) Considering that this riff was probably borne out of necessity – one imagines that a later take on this same arrangement would have included more chords – it is a surprisingly unique figure, one that effectively conveys warmth and soft golden light. Small guitar overdubs add texture, including one left-channel overdub at around fifteen seconds in that glides along with a genuinely pretty counterpoint. Do not confuse youthful simplicity with a bankrupt composition! It’s a song that could not have come from Sufjan at any other point in his life (quite like ‘Jamila’ in that sense.)

Most of the other pieces that would later make up 2018’s ‘Love Yourself’ are here, albeit in a truncated form. The melodic refrain, although sung in a weedy register and modified slightly to fit the 6/8 metre, is nearly identical to future iterations. Its lyrics likewise have the same general thrust, except there are less of them, and they are more repetitive. ‘Love yourself / You are the one thing I needed’ was clearly perfect enough as a mission statement to carry through, unaltered, all the way to 2018. That right there is the main take-away; the rest is noise.

But ‘Love Yourself (1996 Demo)’ has one clear rhetorical difference to the final version. It is a subtle one, but it’s there, and there is an argument to be made that it gives this demo a lyrical edge. There is an urgency of message to the 1996 version that isn’t replicated elsewhere – more insistence, more of a genuine sense of concern and care. Fewer lyrics exist here, but the ones that do are direct and mantra-like: ‘Love yourself,’ ‘Hold yourself’, ‘Change yourself’, ‘Make a shelf’, and, finally, ‘Love myself.’ It is as if Sufjan is legitimising the main message through repetition of structure. He knows it’s a hard conceit to stomach, so he’ll keep saying it until the words begin to sound true. Sincerity through simplicity – with 1990s Sufjan, it’s the name of the game.

There are two moments in particular here that stand out as tangibly different to the final version. The first: ‘Change yourself / Love yourself.’ Obviously the change in question might just be the act of transmuting one’s self-hatred into self-care; richer ways to read the song’s middle eight exist, though. The notion that changing parts of the self is ultimately not possible, and if itis then it’s tantamount to conceding defeat, is a myth. There is something liberating in admitting that certain portions of the tapestry of your character – ego, arrogance, envy, self-consciousness – are not what you want to contain within you. Changing yourself can very well be a path to loving yourself (or, expressed differently, making yourself more loveable.) It’s a surprisingly mature and worldly conclusion for a young man like Sufjan to reach, and seeing it in this early version of ‘Love Yourself’ is a real pleasure. Its omission from the final cut is a tragedy.

The second big difference: the ending. ‘Love Yourself (1996 Demo)’ has a narrative structure that is simple, effective, and not present in the 2018 song. Future versions of ‘Love Yourself’ have their gaze directed entirely outward: this song is an anthem for you, the listener, and nobody else. The 1996 demo is the only rendition to turn that gaze inward, and it does so in the very last lines of the song: ‘Love myself / I am the one thing I needed’. I am a very big fan of this sentiment as the rhetorical climax of the song and am perplexed as to why Sufjan thought to remove it in future versions. The change of address is a classically strong, satisfying narrative moment; it gives the illusion of a defined narrator with their own hopes, fears and need for affirmation. Suddenly the sentiments in ‘Love Yourself’ feel less platitudinous, more personal. Irrespective of all that, ‘Love myself / I am the one thing I needed’ is just a good and true message. We can get so easily caught up in the desire to affirm others that we forget to affirm ourselves. If you believe in everybody’s fundamental goodness and then recuse yourself from that same belief, what’s the use in that? It can only start with you, remember.

There are a good number of Sufjan fans who prefer this tiny, embryonic seed of a ‘Love Yourself’ to the giant, assertive redwood that it would eventually become. I do not consider myself among that group, but I absolutely understand their argument. Every other version of ‘Love Yourself’ feels like a massive (and massively impersonal) rah-rah anthem. It fits the song, to be sure, but embiggening the sound naturally causes the little things to get lost – things like the hug of a good friend, say, or the pleasure of making a small, attainable goal. All those things are contained in ‘Love Yourself (1996 Demo)’, a thoroughly earnest vehicle for sentiments that speak less to the world and more to you. And if that’s what it takes to get the message through, this is the version for you.

Back in a time before Javelin, before ‘Mystery of Love’, before Carrie and Lowell, before ‘Impossible Soul’ and ‘All Delighted People’ and Illinois and ‘Romulus’, before even ‘Rake’ or ‘Happy Birthday’ or ‘Julia’, when the only Sufjan fans were his family and his friends and himself, the phrase ‘love yourself’ might not have meant more – but it certainly meant something different. Something smaller. Something just for you.

[buckywritessometimes]

apathy.

apathy (noun): lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

It’s an odd word.

It’s short, rounded. It’s cut off too soon—it seems as though apathetic is the correct version, but really, they’re both correct, simply different forms of the word—and leaves your tongue poking out uncomfortably between your teeth when you finish rolling it through your mouth.

He didn’t like to think of himself as apathetic. Depressed, maybe—perhaps that would be the technical diagnosis dropped on him by a psychologist who’d buried their nose in the DSM who-knows-what-number and decided it’d qualified them to tell a story from the half-true snippets of his life he’d chosen to share.

But apathetic? Apathetic was a man’s version of a dog’s post-surgery lethargy after removing chocolate or raisins from their aching stomach; hardly an improvement, too reminiscent of a being he considered to be lesser than in every way.

He didn’t have any passions, not anymore. As a young man, perhaps; he’d studied for years to get his doctorate, after all; and sure, that work had left him a renowned professor at Columbia University, of all places. A PhD, tenure, dozens of written and critically-acclaimed papers—to any complacent onlooker, he had a life worth living, a life jam-packed full of purpose so complex that the average man would look at his day to day work and marvel at the fact that not only had he gotten it done, he’d gotten it done well.

But he hated it. He hated it all. Hated the quiet scritch-scratch of his students’ pencils on the tests he was required to hand out (“No electronics,” he’d sullenly chide, slinking through the exam hall aisles as he half-heartedly noted each error made on every student’s paper) and how it dug irritatingly at his eardrums; hated the “pleasant” chit-chat he made with his colleagues; hated the research he had to do for papers on a topic that hadn’t interested him since he was a stupid, rosy-cheeked, deluded-with-life twenty-something, attending college day and night with the fervor of a wolf chasing a fawn through the forest.

He’d tried everything.

Therapy, assigned to him by an enthusiastic psychology professor next door, had simply pissed him off—all three of the therapists he’d met with (Mark, Dana, and the ever-detested Joshua) had a youthful fire in their eyes, regardless of their true age, that left him longing for something easier than the muddied-up world he’d thrust himself into all those years ago. He was disinterested in their suggestions of coping mechanisms or breathing exercises, hated their attempts at diagnosis (God, they weren’t even doctors), and disliked the feeling of sitting in an office when he wasn’t the one behind the desk and in charge. He’d ditched it after going through all three therapists in less than a year, and since had refused to ever consider it again.

The drugs he’d been prescribed made him feel worse. Xanax didn’t fix the anxiety, Remeron left him angry and tired, and even the Vicodin given to him after a surgery just made him laugh at the stupidest of things, laughter he resented for the ridiculousness of it.

Alcohol, too, was a solution he’d tried his hand at for too many years to be healthy—but he’d never liked the taste, and found the woozy daydream-like daze it’d thrust him into day after day to be deeply uncomfortable. He didn’t like to lose any more of the wisps of control he felt he still had.

In short? Over the years, he’d had no choice but to accept that he was simply a mess made of low motivation and an absence of emotion.

Recently, though, his world had shifted. Tilted haphazardly to the left, causing everything imaginable to cascade around him until a hurricane made of the universe swirled around him, with his own body planted firmly in the eye of it all.

A god was speaking to him. This much, he was sure of. He could feel it in the way his eyes were primed to look upwards, in the murmured predictions to himself that he found quickly came true, in the tingles of his fingertips and the pulling of his lips that urged him to smile at everyone and everything he passed.

He would hear Her, too, in the whispers that dove from the skies to his ears, leaving him flinching but renewed with a level of confidence that was impossible to describe, though it wasn’t for a lack of trying—he’d spent hours trying desperately to convey to his students, of all people, the revelations gifted to him by a beautiful, powerful woman, all to no avail. Their young faces would stare blankly back at him as though he’d spoken a great deal of nonsense—but it didn’t anger him, not like the therapy, or the exams, or the world he’d found himself stuck in before.

Since meeting Her, everything had been imbued with a beautiful new sense of meaning. Everything had changed, gone from minor irritants to a reminder that he was alive, entrusted with an ability not granted since the fabricated days of Joseph Smith, and tasked with the first thing he’d held a passion for since he was twenty five and obsessed with ancient wars and battles.

She was beautiful, kind—but undeniable powerful. He could see it in the burning behind Her eyes, in the flexing of Her fingertips when he said something in the wrong tone.

Her skin was a pale, so pale that She might’ve even been gray, if he’d been able to get close enough to examine Her hands—but as it was, She’d dissipate into a fine, sky blue mist the second he overstepped his bounds and got within a foot of Her.

She’d first appeared to him at a faculty meeting, striding in with a comfortable power behind Her stance and taking the empty chair next to him, before She casually turned to him and informed him of his new place in her new world.

It was in that moment that he felt the fog that had surrounded him for years had finally, slowly, begun to release him, its curled, tendril-like fingertips releasing their grip on his soul.

He’d quickly realized that the people around them couldn’t see or hear Her, earning him uncomfortable stares from his colleagues and whispered rumors swapped at the water coolers in every teachers�� lounge.

But he quickly learned to disregard all of it. It didn’t matter.

The world had been born anew, and he was at the helm of the new era.

[artbyrobot]

Avoiding Back EMF Feedback Need for BLDC Motor Controller

I had a eureka moment recently that I wanted to share. So basically I was thinking that I may not need to read back emf from a BLDC motor in my custom motor controller. Instead, I can have it just mindlessly advance the motor at a fairly low power mode by default and a default speed of advancement of the rotating electromagnetic field. Without feedback, it may overshoot, rotating faster than the output shaft and thereby skipping some turns. That is the reason why people want to read the back emf to avoid that issue and instead only advance the electromagnetic field forward at just the right moment - the zero point crossing moment. But I was thinking about it and realized that is not really necessary. For this application, if skips start happening, it doesn't really matter. To the degree that skips are happening, the motor will stop advancing the load with its winch system and this will show up when readings are taken by the potentiometer measuring the final joint angle. If alot of skips were taking place, the advancement of the potentiometer would not match the angle it thought it would be at were no skips involved and this would tell the motor controller that it has been having skips and give it an idea of how many skips as well based on the divergence of projected joint angle by now and actual joint angle by now. So then it would turn down the speed a bit or turn up the amount of on time of its pwm and thereby put more force into the rotating magnetic field to give a bit more oomph to the motor. It would then track progress by way of the potentiometer again and see if that solved it. If it still is skipping a fair amount that could indicate the load is more than expected or there is a jam in the system or it just needs more power and it could turn up the power more and slow the speed down more on its rotating magnetic field overall speed and try again. Rinse and repeat until it finds the sweet spot or finds out it simply cannot lift the load because its too heavy or there's a jam in the pulleys or w/e. So in a way then this would give it collision detection as well as the ability to have an idea of how heavy loads are based on how much it had to slow down and add forces to get the joint to move. I then see no real need to implement ANY back emf reading NOR any need for hall effect sensors etc to monitor rotation progress. The potentiometer on the final joint the motor is actuating is enough clues to tweak the rotating magnetic field to our satisfaction. By eliminating the back emf circuitry we greatly simplify the schematic of the motor controller, suffer negligible performance hit, and eliminate a lot of processing for the microcontroller chip handling the logic of many bldc motors simultaneously which means it can handle more bldc motors by itself. It doesn't get bogged down so much by having to read in all the zero point crossings as part of its routine. This saves on processing demands and processing speed demands. Getting this all to work in real time and perfecting it will require a fair bit of trial and error but this is how I'm seeing it working out and my proposed solution for simplifying things. I think it should work great! I'm excited to have much more dumbed down circuitry like this and to get to working on this soon. Just have to finish making my pulleys and then this electronics development can get underway again. That's why I've been thinking ahead about it a fair bit since it seems I'm likely nearing the end of solving the pulleys situation soon.

[shankhachil]

Countdown to JEE (Main): Week 2/33

I've done a lot this week! Hit almost all the topics I wanted to. You'll notice that there are some topics I've covered but not solved questions for — these are the ones I studied for the first time and/or made notes for.

Other than that, I have my school unit tests from next Wednesday, so there's that. Sadness.....

Test results:

Test at physics tuition center: 116/120, rank 1/67! Yay!

Aryabhatta National Mathematics Competition: score unknown, result expected on 10/07/2024.

Topics covered:

Physics: Potential and Capacitance; Electromagnetic Waves, Waves on a String; Modern Physics; Gravitation; Electromagnetic Induction (6/3)

Chemistry: Chemical Thermodynamics; Atomic Structure; Chemical Equilibrium; Halogen Derivatives; Solid State (5/3)

Mathematics: Differential Equations; Area Under a Curve; Applications of Derivatives; Determinants; Complex Numbers; Ellipses; Hyperbola; Binomial Theorem; Functions (9/3)

Questions solved:

Physics: - FIITJEE Electrostatics* module, Assignment section — 56 questions, 52 correct - Allen Potential and Capacitance module, O1 and O2 — 88 questions, 77 correct -FIITJEE JEE (Main) archives, Electromagnetic Waves — 12 questions, 10 correct - Allen Waves on a String module, O1 and O2 — 67 questions, 59 correct - FIITJEE JEE (Main) archives, Modern Physics — 40 questions, 34 correct - Allen Gravitation module, O1 and O2 — 61 questions, 55 correct Total: 383/60 questions, 287 correct *FIITJEE includes Potential and Capacitance under Electrostatics, while Allen does not.

Chemistry: - Allen Chemical Thermodynamics module, S1 and S2 — 40 questions, 37 correct - R. N. Sarin, Atomic Structure — 18 questions, 18 correct - R. N. Sarin, Chemical Equilibrium — 11 questions, 11 correct - Allen Halogen Derivatives module, JEE (Advanced) archives — 24 questions, 22 correct Total: 93/60 questions, 88 correct

Mathematics: - Allen Differential Equations module, O1 — 30 questions, 25 correct - Allen Area Under a Curve module, Do Yourself 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and O2 — 51 questions, 46 correct - FIITJEE JEE (Main) archives, Applications of Derivatives — 45 questions, 39 correct - FIITJEE JEE (Main) archives, Determinants — 22 questions, 17 correct - Yellow Book, Complex Numbers, single-choice questions — 20 questions, 17 correct - Pink Book, Ellipses, single-choice questions — 16 questions, 14 correct - Yellow Book, Binomial Theorem, single-choice questions — 15 questions, 12 correct - Pink Book, Hyperbolas, single-choice questions — 21 questions, 18 correct - Allen Functions module, O1 and JEE (Main) archives — 48 questions, 44 correct Total: 268/60 questions, 232 correct

GRAND TOTAL: 744/400 questions, 607 correct

Upcoming tests:

23/06/2024 (next Sunday) — Allen monthly test. Topics: Kinetic Theory of Gases; Physical Thermodynamics; Electrostatics; Potential and Capacitance; Current Electricity; Electromagnetic Induction; Alternating Current; Electromagnetic Waves; Waves on a String; Sound Waves; Ray Optics; Wave Optics; Circle; Functions; Differentiation; Applications of Derivatives; Indefinite Integrals; Definite Integrals; Area Under a Curve; Differential Equations; Matrices; Silicates; Molecules That Do Not Exist; Coordination Chemistry; Metallurgy; Electronic Displacement Effects; Halogen Derivatives; Atomic Structure; Chemical Equilibrium; Solid State; Solutions; Chemical Kinetics; Chemical Thermodynamics. Yeah. I've no idea how I'm going to finish the syllabus in time, since I haven't even started Coordination Chemistry, Metallurgy or Alternating Current — they finished the classes in Allen before I even joined the batch. Anyway, let's see.

That'll be all till next week — see you again!

[beep-beep-imma-sheep]

After spending a few hours without electricity, again, let's rate the experience according to what time of day it gets cut.

12pm - 1pm.

⭐⭐— The heat can get bad :/. Eating may be delayed (electric stoves are a solution for gas problems but not for electricity ones) and if you work with anything electricity-related / electronic devices (computers, for example) you lose a minimum of around 2-3 hours of work. Also, if you didn't save your progress you'll need to start over.

2pm-5pm

⭐⭐ — Very weird time for lights to go out. Roughly the same complaints as the 12pm - 1pm, the only difference is that in this one is more likely the electricity comes back again when it's already night.

6pm - 8pm

⭐ — HORRIBLE. Would not recommend. Heat can get pretty bad at night, too. Since it's dark, you can not do anything but wait. Or sleep. But how can one sleep with plagues and heat, hm? Again, dinner may be delayed and, on top of that, you probably end up tired in the morning because you have to wait till light comes back so you can, idk, take a bath (if you have a bomb- or however you guys call it, is like a small engine that pumps water, a lot of apartment complexes use it), iron clothes, wash dishes, finish (home/)work, or any other chore you do at that time.

8pm-8am.

— What kind of sicko are you to put innocent souls through the suffering of human flesh? Why, I ask, why would you revel in the pain of millions of humans that have nothing but a wish to live their mundane, everyday lives in peace, like some kind of ill intentioned monster? Is this entertainment for you, you hideous beast? are we but buffoons in your eyes? Are our tears what fuels your twisted desire of control and conquest? Was it the price of your position? The devil's request in exchange to please your insatiable thirst for blood? Are we but lambs you keep barely alive to use as an offering to the flames below? You're a psycho, but my words mean nothing to you, because you have stripped yourself from all the humanity that could be inside of you. A heart? That must be a concept beyond your grasp, for it is your only duty to keep working for Satan, and to keep submerging yourself in luxuries in an attempt to fill the void where once your soul was. But let me assure you, it have long been erased from existence. And when the devil sees no longer use in you, you'll pay for every single one of your sins.

8am - 11am

⭐— Honestly a bummer, what a horrible way to start the day. The complaints about delayed eating and work apply, too.

[agaselectronicmaterials]

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[pricklyest]

I have a professor this semester who's like yeah I'll let you finish your missing work even though I don't think you'll be able to finish it in time but I have no problems with you trying but then has all but flat out refused to give me the github access I need in order to finish it and at the same time he decided 1 week before our final exam that it was going to be in person on paper instead of at home electronic like he usually does and ofc all of the testing rooms at disability services have been fully booked for finals week for over a month and he keeps offering me half assed "solutions" for my accommodations and I keep being like actually here's why that won't work and at this point I really think he's just not giving me homework access so he doesn't have to figure out testing accommodations for me

I love to be a disabled person

[ririumuwashere]

'My Spiderling' 2/?

Let's just say this was previously on an unannounced hiatus

Yesterday had easily been one of the most agonizing days of the year for all animatronics in the Pizzaplex. A golden chance in which not one, not two, hell, not even three but seven kids had their birthday all on the same day.

 As DJ MM’s systems boot up he vaguely recalls Freddy having sent him a message detailing just how absolutely trashed the rest of the Pizzaplex was. Which DJ can now see as a reason for the fact that they will not be opening today. That of course rarely happens but it’ll take the Cleaning Bots hours to even get the Pizaaplex usable again.  

His joints click in use as he sits up and looks up. His systems do a quick diagnostic check before he hears your signature footsteps. The fast scuttling noise grows near as he looks up to find you staring down at him from one of his tunnels. Flashing the colors on your abdomen and doing a small dance. Your way of telling him good morning he’s come to understand. Raising your front arms and waving them, as you gesture to his back he grimaces. Yes… He recalls vividly now how messy he is. While you did try to clean him up yesterday he is still rather unkempt. Which unfortunately means you still have work to do once again today and he bows his head in apology over that. But you as usual wave it off and gesture for him to bring his hand ever closer.

It takes him a moment to realize what you intend to do but once he notices he brings his hand close enough for you to climb upon. Once he does so he brings you close enough to hop onto his back. Pulling out a company-provided and branded rag and bottle of clean solution to get the spilled soda and snack crumbs out from his joint crevices. 

Clicking and chirping as you talk to him. You relayed the state of the rest of the Pizzaplex as you soaked the rag. Scampering across his back and rubbing the rag across the metal creases between his legs and arms. Taking care to remember the joint of his neck as well. Your touch was gentle and diligent as you scrubbed away the gunk and filth from his exterior. Chirping happily and smiling as you did so. 

Despite the fact that it would likely take hours to get him in the right condition for him to do so much as move you were persistent in getting him to said condition. And he was happy enough to sit still and let you do so. Knowing just how testy you could get if he were to interrupt your work with something other than a conversation. Somehow when you had first arrived he had thought you wouldn’t enjoy talking to him.

Although he was quickly proven wrong with just how much of a chatterbox you were. Almost always having something to say and not being all that fond of the silence. You had told him many times before that it always felt deafeningly loud, and that you needed something to cut in between it lest you lose your motivation. DJ’s eyes widened at the sound of a loud electronic yawn and he soon perked up. He rarely spoke out loud to anyone besides you and Freddy but that wouldn’t stop him from looking over his shoulder to ask if that was you. “Was that you, little one?” A meek nod is all he needs to confirm his suspicions and his booming laugh rang out a moment later as he reached a hand to rub a finger over your head. 

He raises a bushy brow as he reminds you. “You know you can take a break, right?” You simply nod and insist on finishing up with cleaning him. Using the excuse that you only had a few more sections before he was back in working order. But the pause you had in between your words for another yawn made him squint at you incredulously. But nonetheless, he dropped the topic knowing you wouldn’t give in to your ‘Puny mortal-like exhaustion’ you had called it once before. 

Although he did of course notice when you slowed down on your intense scrubbing session. Your movements grew increasingly sluggish as time went by until he could no longer feel your insistent scrubbing. The sensation was replaced with a sudden weight upon his back that made him peer over his shoulder once more to check up on you. And just as he had suspected would happen you were fast asleep on his back. Your hands curl closer to your upper abdomen prompting him to pluck you off his back and rest you in his palms. 

He could have told you ten times over that this would happen but it was always a workout to get you to listen to warnings such as those. A through and through workaholic he’d call you. But now he was more keen on watching you snore in his hands and nudging your cheek gently. His eyes went wide for a moment when your hands reach and grab his finger. A small smile stretched across his face after the shock had passed. Gods were you insufferable when you were ready. 

882 words

[dh5ryxhgbctgr]

Global Aluminum Knob Market Trends and Future Growth Analysis 2024 - 2031

The global aluminum knob market is experiencing substantial growth, driven by the increasing demand for lightweight and durable components across various industries. Aluminum knobs are widely used in consumer goods, electronics, automotive, and furniture, making them essential in contemporary manufacturing and design.

Overview of Aluminum Knobs

The global aluminum knob market is poised for continued growth, fueled by the increasing demand for lightweight, durable, and aesthetically pleasing components across various industries.

Aluminum knobs are small, typically cylindrical or rounded fixtures made from aluminum, designed to facilitate user interaction with devices or furniture. Their lightweight nature, resistance to corrosion, and aesthetic appeal make them a popular choice in many applications.

Types of Aluminum Knobs

Industrial Aluminum Knobs

Designed for machinery and equipment, these knobs are engineered for durability and functionality.

Often feature textured surfaces for better grip.

Furniture Aluminum Knobs

Commonly used in cabinets, drawers, and doors, these knobs come in various designs and finishes to enhance aesthetics.

Available in decorative styles for modern and traditional furniture.

Electronic Aluminum Knobs

Used in various electronic devices such as audio equipment and appliances.

Often designed with precision for smooth operation and tactile feedback.

Market Drivers

Growing Demand for Lightweight Materials

The increasing emphasis on reducing weight in various applications, especially in automotive and aerospace industries, is driving the demand for aluminum knobs. Their lightweight properties contribute to overall efficiency and performance.

Aesthetic Appeal

The aesthetic versatility of aluminum knobs is propelling their use in furniture and consumer goods. Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating stylish and customizable designs, making aluminum knobs an attractive option for end-users.

Environmental Considerations

Aluminum is a recyclable material, which aligns with the growing trend towards sustainability. The ability to recycle aluminum without degradation in quality is encouraging manufacturers to choose aluminum knobs over other materials.

Regional Analysis

North America

North America is a significant market for aluminum knobs, driven by a robust manufacturing base and high demand from the automotive and furniture sectors. The region's focus on innovation and quality further supports market growth.

Europe

Europe also plays a critical role in the aluminum knob market, with many prominent manufacturers and designers located in the region. The demand for aesthetically pleasing and functional designs is high, particularly in the furniture and home appliance industries.

Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness rapid growth in the aluminum knob market. Countries like China and India are experiencing a surge in manufacturing activities, particularly in electronics and automotive sectors, driving the demand for aluminum knobs.

Key Players in the Market

AluFlex

A leading manufacturer specializing in high-quality aluminum knobs for various applications, known for its innovative designs.

Hafele

Offers a wide range of aluminum knobs for furniture and hardware solutions, focusing on aesthetics and functionality.

Dura Knobs

Known for its industrial-grade aluminum knobs, Dura Knobs provides durable solutions for machinery and equipment.

Future Trends

Customization and Personalization

As consumer preferences shift towards personalized products, manufacturers are increasingly offering customizable aluminum knobs. This trend is expected to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction.

Smart Technology Integration

The integration of smart technology in various applications is likely to influence the design of aluminum knobs. Future knobs may incorporate features such as touch sensitivity and integrated controls for electronic devices.

Sustainable Manufacturing Practices

With the growing emphasis on sustainability, manufacturers are likely to adopt eco-friendly practices in the production of aluminum knobs. This may include using recycled materials and implementing energy-efficient manufacturing processes.

Conclusion

The global aluminum knob market is poised for continued growth, fueled by the increasing demand for lightweight, durable, and aesthetically pleasing components across various industries. As technological advancements and sustainability trends shape the market landscape, stakeholders must innovate to meet the evolving needs of consumers. With a focus on customization and smart integration, the future of aluminum knobs looks promising, ensuring their relevance in the manufacturing and design sectors for years to come.

[king-of-wrath]

Here's how to remove any need for "God", any god-like character or supreme deity to be in charge of Heaven while still answering all the big world-building and lore questions

1.) The universe wasn't created by the will of any super-powerful entity. Instead, a cosmic event like the Big Bang just happened and among the first intelligent beings were the elder angels. Whether they became sentient at the same place and time or would find each other, it could go either way

2.) These elder angels didn't create every single thing in the universe, from the smallest electron to the largest galaxies. Instead, the elder angels built upon the foundations already laid by nature---according to what they wanted the universe to be

3.) As time went on, the elder angels created servants to carry out their will across the universe. The elders had set instructions on what these servants were to do, how they would do those things and where. This is where named angels such as Sera and Lucifer would come in

4.) After countless other planets and solar systems were formed and/or given life, the elder angels created Earth---which was to be both their masterpiece and the finishing touch of this universe. By coordinating their servants and combining their powers, learning everything they did across the aeons, they made Earth to have all the right conditions for advanced life to prosper

5.) In the original plan, humanity would grow and learn on Earth until eventually outgrowing this cradle and spreading across this vast universe. Heaven would lend some assistance when needed and offer guidance, but stay out of everyday affairs and keep themselves semi-anonymous

6.) This just did not sit well with roughly half of Heaven, for various reasons both ideological and personal. Rebellion happens, but the elder angels and those loyal to them won---banishing the rebels to Hell and deciding that any humans who go against their designs would share the same fate

7.) With the opposition banished and the remaining angels submitting to their "betters", the elder angels became convinced that everything they did was right and that their orders had to be completed to perfection. As time went on, the elders would recluse themselves from managing both Earth and Heaven and leave their servants with more responsibilities

8.) As this sorry state of affairs continued unabated---especially when the elders rarely gave instructions---the different groups/departments of Heaven came to be increasingly reliant on their direct superiors for leadership. This would result in departments not working together and the leadership exerting more control over their subordinates

9.) Eventually, Hell began to greatly surpass Heaven in terms of earthly influence and population. Heaven's actual management begged the elders for a solution, but the council was completely deadlocked and no one on the council was willing to compromise (such was their arrogance). Knowledge of this crisis was kept secret for fear of causing panic and potentially weakening Heaven before an outright invasion

10.) With no decision after so long and no sign of one coming soon, either Sera herself or her superior decided "Kill them". Obviously, someone must have thought "Hold on a sec. If we just barge in with guns blazing, we might actually provoke a war. How do we know if Lucifer and the Sins are actually responsible for this or if humanity's just gone astray?" and negotiations with Hell for a "temporary solution" would take place

11.) TL;DR Lucifer could not give a rat's shit about mankind after seeing all the horrible people being thrown into exile with him, but demanded that Heaven strictly limit the "population control" to sinners (since that was apparently the Big ThreatTM rather than Hellborn demons alone)

12.) While Sera would attend these initial negotiations and however many afterwards, she came to the (wrong) conclusion that nothing could be achieved by them and that the exterminations were the ONLY solution. Instead, she would send Adam in her place---knowing he wouldn't ever agree to anything Lucifer could suggest. As a massive cope and to sleep each night, Sera kept telling herself "I did what I had to". Nothing changed for many centuries and no one challenged Sera about this because no one but Sera knew

13.) Now, Heaven has zero idea of what makes a person "good" because they were never told because only the angels reviewing people's lives knew and their standards were as outdated as they were near-impossible to meet, but they never questioned it because they are blindly loyal. This became very apparent to everyone when the Princess of Hell showed that a sinner was actually making progress. When Adam did his sing-songy fucky-wucky of SPILLING THE GENOCIDE BEANS, the angel in charge of keeping Heaven blissfully ignorant (Emily) said "Hold Le Foque Up" and directly challenged Boss Sera on her bullshit

14.) In the aftermath of Charlie's appearance in court, ripples in the stagnant pool that is Heaven grew to become waves. As more and more angels heard this news, it became increasingly difficult for Sera alone to contain---prompting her to seek help suppressing what she called "dangerous rumors". Eventually, the story of Angel Dust was whispered into the ear of one angel tasked with reviewing the many thousands of lives ending each day. This angel began to question everything they were told, eventually deciding to look into the life-stories of the Hotel Gang (because they thought "If my leaders can do something wrong, maybe I DID do something wrong")

15.) Eventually, this "judge" would read Pentious' permanent record and deduce that yes, he did indeed deserve to go to Hell. But given that Angel Dust was shown to have improved, they decided to peek down at his soul from Heaven---right when Pentious did his heroic sacrifice (however anti-climactic it was). This judge then decided "Well, that surely doesn't seem like a Bad Guy thing to do! Maybe Hell's Princess is onto something! Redemption APPROVED!" -Stampy stamp stamp-

16.) Now Pentious, A SINNER, is roaming around Heaven (presumably with Emily's support) and telling every angel who will listen the story of his life, that of the other Hotel guests and Charlie's mission. Those waves I mentioned earlier? They're making Noah's Flood look like splashes in a kiddie pool

17.) Still, Charlie has to keep proving Heaven wrong. Sera and whoever else might think this is Rebellion 2: Hotel Boogaloo will try to stop her and Emily's efforts before outright riots are happening inside the Pearly Gates. Should enough of a fuss be kicked up or a number of lead angels be convinced to support Charlie's cause, the elder's bickering might be interrupted by some powerful revelations and truly revolutionary ideas

And that's how we can go from there: no Jehovah, no problem! Heaven isn't bad because Big Boss YHWH is a prick, but because Heaven is run (incompetently) by a bunch of bureaucratic assholes who are full of themselves and surrounded by Yes-Men without the spines to question their leaders!

You're welcome, Vivienne Medrano and Jeff Bezos' gluttonous wallet