#mining hardware performance

[lowrisemiller]

ᴅᴏɴ'ᴛ ᴛᴇʟʟ ᴊᴇꜰꜰ ˚˖𓍢ִ໋🐇˚

one-shot! | masterlist | 2.4k words | kissing, yearning, & fingering |

jackie’s first time with a girl

The kitchen smelled like cinnamon and something vaguely floral—Jackie’s perfume, no doubt. I hadn’t even heard her come in. One minute I was hunched over the counter peeling a blood orange, the next, she was in the doorway like she’d always belonged there.

“Hey,” she said casually, like it was normal for her to be here when Jeff wasn’t.

“Hey,” I replied, trying not to sound surprised.

Jeff had run out to grab something from the hardware store, muttering something about needing a new wrench for Dad’s busted sink. I’d offered to go instead—college had left me with more free time than I knew what to do with—but he insisted. I wondered now if it was on purpose. He always did have a suspicious way of playing matchmaker with people he shouldn’t be playing with.

Jackie walked further in, her ponytail swinging, lips glossy and pink. She was wearing shorts and Jeff’s varsity hoodie, like some dumb badge of commitment.

“You always look like you’re thinking about something tragic,” she said, half-teasing, as she leaned against the counter across from me.

I shrugged, peeling another slice of orange. “It’s my resting college face. Very intellectual.”

She grinned. “So, how’s it feel to be back in good ole Jersey?”

“Like I’ve time-traveled. Everything’s the same. You, Jeff, Mom’s casserole. Even the weird fridge magnet shaped like a lobster.” 

“Hey, don’t insult the lobster.” Jackie plucked the orange slice from my hand and popped it in her mouth without asking.

I stared. “You’re bold.”

“I’m bored,” she said through the citrus. “Jeff’s been playing too much NBA 2K and not enough ‘pay attention to your girlfriend’ lately.”

I didn’t say anything to that. I wasn’t going to comment on my brother’s lackluster boyfriend skills. He was lucky someone like Jackie even looked at him twice—hell, everyone knew it. She had this… shine about her. Perfect teeth, effortless hair, a voice like she knew exactly what you were going to say before you said it.

And right now, she was watching me too closely.

“You don’t like me, do you?” she asked suddenly, not in an angry way. Just curious.

I blinked. “What?”

“You always look at me like you’re trying not to look at me. Like I’m made of glass or something.”

“That’s not true.”

Jackie gave me a dry smile and turned to the fridge, pulling it open like she owned the place. “You know what I think?” she asked, rifling through leftover takeout containers and string cheese sticks. “I think you’re afraid of me.”

“I’m not afraid of you,” I said. Too quickly.

Jackie pulled out a cold can of soda and shut the fridge with her hip. “It’s okay. Most people are. I’ve been told I’m… intense.”

She popped the tab and took a sip. Her eyes didn’t leave mine.

“I don’t think you’re intense,” I said. “I think you’re performing. There’s a difference.”

Jackie’s brow lifted. “Ooh. The psych major speaks.”

I hadn’t told her I was a psych major.

She must’ve seen the flicker on my face because she smiled again—smaller this time, a little less polished. “Jeff talks about you a lot. You’re kind of his hero, you know?”

I rolled my eyes. “He needs better role models.”

“No. He doesn’t. You’re the realest person in this house.” She stepped closer and set the soda down. “Which is why I wanted to ask you something.”

There it was. The shift in the air.

I stood up a little straighter. “Okay?”

Jackie’s fingers played with the hem of her sleeve. “You’re… out, right?”

My stomach did a small somersault. “Yeah.”

“Did you always know?”

I studied her face. The casual tilt of her head didn’t match the tension in her hands.

“Not always,” I admitted. “I knew something was different when I was thirteen, watching Valley Girl and realizing I didn’t care about Nicolas Cage at all.”

Jackie snorted, relaxing just a little. “Deborah Foreman is hot.”

“Exactly.”

There was a pause. Not uncomfortable, exactly. Just heavy. Like the room was waiting for something to drop.

“I think I like girls,” she said quietly.

I didn’t breathe for a second.

Jackie’s voice had changed—smaller now, hesitant. Like if she said it too loud, it might not be true.

“I don’t know,” she added quickly, like backpedaling might save her. “I mean, I’ve only dated guys. But sometimes, I look at someone and I think, God, I wish I could just be close to her. Like really close. But not in a friend way. Not in the way I’m supposed to.”

I nodded slowly. “That sounds pretty gay to me.”

Jackie let out a short laugh—relieved, but almost embarrassed. “God, don’t say it like that.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m dating your brother.”

That part sat between us like a cracked plate.

I didn’t move. “Do you love him?”

Jackie looked down at her soda. “He’s… nice. He’s good to me. And sometimes, I think that should be enough.”

“But?”

She looked up. Her eyes were wide and a little too bright. “But I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to. Not the way I imagine I would if it were someone else. Someone who… saw all the weird, hidden parts and didn’t get freaked out.”

I leaned back against the counter. My heart thudded.

“Jackie,” I said gently, “are you telling me this because I’m out… or because it’s me?”

She looked at me like I’d caught her in a dream.

“I don’t know,” she whispered. “Maybe both.”

My breath caught.

Jackie stepped closer, her voice low. “I think about you sometimes. I know I shouldn’t. You’re Jeff’s sister, and you’re older, and… you’re not supposed to be part of this equation.”

She paused.

“But then you walk into the room and I feel like the air gets heavier. Like there’s something electric just waiting. And I hate it. But I love it.”

I felt like I was suspended in time, like one move could set off a domino line of things neither of us could undo.

“You’re not crazy,” I said softly. “But you are playing with fire.”

Jackie smiled. “I think I’ve been on fire for a while now. I just didn’t have a name for it.”

She was close enough that I could smell the hint of her lip gloss and shampoo, something expensive and soft. Her hand brushed mine where it rested on the counter. Just barely.

It was like touching a live wire.

“I won’t do anything while you’re still with Jeff,” I said, though my voice was shakier than I wanted it to be.

Jackie’s eyes searched mine. “But if I wasn’t?”

I swallowed. “Then I might let you kiss me.”

The front door clicked open.

Jackie stepped back immediately, as if she’d never moved at all. She grabbed her soda, sipped it casually, and turned toward the hallway.

Jeff came into the kitchen with a new wrench in hand. “Got it. The guy tried to upsell me on a whole set—can you believe that?”

“Shocking,” I said, voice even.

Jackie smiled at him, just like she always did. But when she glanced back at me, there was something new in her eyes.

A secret.

One we now shared.

It had been three days since Jackie almost told me everything.

Three days of pretending. She still came around like always, still looped her arms around Jeff’s waist, still laughed at whatever he said like it was the funniest thing in the world. But I saw it. I felt it. The difference. The way her eyes lingered on me when she thought no one was watching. The way she avoided being in a room alone with me.

Until tonight.

The doorbell rang just after eight. I was alone—Jeff had picked up a night shift at the car wash, said he’d be home late, probably not until after midnight. I wasn’t expecting anyone, especially not Jackie.

But when I opened the door, there she was.

No makeup. Damp hair, like she’d just showered. Bare legs and an oversized hoodie—my brother’s, I realized after a second. Her arms were wrapped around herself like she was trying to keep something in.

“I was walking,” she said. “I didn’t know where I was going, and then I ended up here.”

I opened the door wider. “You okay?”

Jackie shook her head. “Can I come in?”

I stepped back and let her in without another word.

She moved like someone who wasn’t sure she was allowed to take up space. The TV was still playing something dumb and low in the background, but the room felt suddenly louder, heavier. She stood there for a minute, then sat on the couch, curling her legs up beneath her.

“Jeff’s at work,” I said as I turned off the TV. “It’s just me.”

She nodded slowly. “Good.”

I sat across from her, nervous energy crawling under my skin. “You want something? Water?”

“No,” she said softly. Then: “I broke up with him.”

My heart stopped. “When?”

“Last night. He came over, and I just… said it.” She looked down at her lap. “I didn’t say it was because of you. But I think he knew. Part of him, anyway.”

I stared. “You did?”

She finally met my eyes. “Yeah. I couldn’t keep pretending. Not with him. Not with myself.”

Silence fell like dust. I didn’t know what to say. I couldn’t believe she’d done it. Jeff wasn’t perfect, but she’d been safe with him. Comfortable. Whatever existed between her and me—it was new. Dangerous.

“I was scared,” she said, voice trembling a little. “But when he left, I didn’t feel guilty. I felt… relieved.”

She stood up then, crossing the room slowly, eyes on me. “You said if I wasn’t with him…”

My breath hitched. “Yeah?”

Jackie stopped in front of me. Her fingers toyed with the edge of her sleeve. “Then you might let me kiss you.”

I stood up too. We were inches apart.

My voice was barely above a whisper. “I remember.”

She looked up at me like I was the last thing keeping her grounded.

“I haven’t stopped thinking about you,” she said. “I didn’t know how much I wanted something real until I looked at you and realized—I couldn’t go back.”

My hand lifted to her face, thumb brushing her cheek. She leaned into it like it was the only thing holding her up.

“Tell me to stop,” she said, breathless. “If you don’t want this—”

But I kissed her before she could finish.

She melted against me like she’d been waiting years. My hands slid down her back, under the hem of her hoodie, pulling her closer until our bodies pressed together. Jackie gasped into my mouth, her hands fisting in my shirt like she was afraid I’d pull away.

But I didn’t. I couldn’t.

We stumbled backward toward the hallway, bumping into the wall, the doorframe, laughing in between kisses. My bedroom door swung open and we fell into the bed, tangled, breathless.

Jackie pulled her hoodie off slowly, eyes locked on mine. Underneath was just a thin tank top, no bra. She climbed into my lap, straddling me, and cupped my face between her hands.

“You feel like a dream,” I whispered.

“So do you.”

Her lips found mine again, deeper this time, slower. She kissed like someone who wanted to memorize every part of it—every gasp, every moan, every shift in breath. My hands roamed her thighs, her hips, her back. She was warm and soft and trembling.

“Are you sure?” I murmured into her neck.

Jackie nodded against my skin. “Yes. I want this. I want you.”

I rolled her gently beneath me, kissing down her throat, her collarbone, my hands sliding under her tank top to feel the heat of her skin. Her fingers tangled in my hair, her back arching.

It was slow. Intimate. Steady. We learned each other in pieces—each touch, each sound, each whispered plea unfolding like a secret too long buried.

We had all the time in the world.

I pulled her closer.

Jackie then started to roll her hips against mine but it was hard and stiff. Like she was forcing it or most likely from the nerves.

“Hey hey you're so tense, I thought we weren’t rushin’?”

I had a firm ringed hand on her hip.

“I just thought it would be good?” Jackie said with uncertainty.

Yep, nerves.

“Oh sweetheart, lay down for me. Please?”

In an instant Jackie found herself laying on the plush mattress. My hands roamed up and down her clothed sides slowly and softly.

“Tonight is gonna be about you, alright? Let me take care of you.” I whispered softly in her ear.

Jackie nodded slowly and I continued running my hands along her perfect body.

Jeff’s sweater was discarded as soon as we stepped foot in my room so now she was left with just a tank top and some small cotton shorts.

Hot.

I could see her pebbled nipples through the thin fabric. I couldn’t resist and squeezed one of her boobs in my palm.

It’s accompanied by a tiny high-pitched huff that slips from Jackie’s lips.

“Oh?” I teased, a cheeky tone in my voice.

Jackie huffs again and smiles. “It’s hard not to get turned on when you’re touching me,” she says, quietly defending herself. 

“Good,” I whispered, as I placed a soft kiss on Jackie’s neck. 

A few short seconds pass and Jackie starts to shift her hips a little bit, almost like she’s trying to press into something that isn’t there, and I know Jackie must be feeling it. 

“You want me to keep going?” I ask, genuinely. If Jackie wants to stop, we stop.

Jackie bit her soft plump lips and pretended to be in deep thought for a second, then she smirked up at me.

“I like the way your hands feel, don’t you dare stop Sadecki.” 

And with that I continued my ministrations on her chest.

Jackie’s hips kept bucking into mine so I finally moved down her body and slipped her tiny shorts off.

“Aw baby, these are cute,” I jutted my head at her white lace panties. “You wearin these for me?,” I teased and smirked down at her.

She averted her gaze from mine and looked at the glowing lamp on my desk.

I gripped her chin gently with my thumb and pointer finger and turned her face back to where it was.

“I like them, can I check if you’re all wet for me?”

Her cheeks turned tomato red but she nodded anyway.

I don't’ believe in god by any means, but Jackie Taylor must’ve been an angel sent from Heaven.

When I went to peel her panties off they practically stuck to her because she was so slick and wet, all for me.

I was flattered. 

I slotted a finger between Jackie’s lower lips, dragging wetness up to her clit and began petting over it slowly. Jackie instantly sighs into the touch.

“Feels good,” Jackie affirms, exhaling. 

It only takes Jackie a couple minutes to finish, with my finger expertly circling her clit and occasionally tapping against it. I kept placing sweet little kisses on Jackie’s neck and shoulder, rubbing Jackie’s hip with my free hand, gently massaging a boob, brushing Jackie’s hair to one side, whispering little words of praise in Jackie’s ear…

“That’s it. There you go. Pretty girl…. You’re doing so good. Go ahead and finish. Come whenever you wanna.” 

Jackie shakes lightly as she orgasms, pressing her head back onto me as it rolls over her, curling into herself as she finishes. I held her through it, opting to draw circles around Jackie’s clit so  I don’t overstimulate her.

“That feel good sweetheart?,” I whispered in her hair.

Jackie nodded.

“God you’re good at that” Jackie breathes out, chuckling. 

“Well, I’ve had a bit of practice,” I retort, also chuckling. 

Hours later, they curl up on the couch together and watch one of those dumb action movies that show on TV late at night. Jackie rests her head in my lap, cuddling up to me as I rub Jackie’s back.

Jackie brushed a hand down my arm and whispered, “I don’t know what I am. I just know that when I’m with you, it feels like the truth.”

“Thats all i need”

[republicsecurity]

Dissidents Voice

I remember the first time they nailed me. Five‑digit alphanumeric code glowing in blue on the back of my collar—“K4J9Q,” I think—though memory’s a bit fuzzy after the third lecture on “public order and the uplifting benefits of neuro‐armored peacekeeping.” It was an environmental protest: we’d chained ourselves to the bulldozers at Lake Grünwald, chanting eco‑anarchist jingles, while the Enforcers in their jet‑black armor stood about like very large, very bored penguins. One of them—ID R7S2B, I later discovered—leaned over, visor gleaming, and said in perfectly modulated monotone, “Sir, you are in violation of Article 10(b) Subparagraph Delta: unauthorized leaf‑gathering.” I paused to check my clipboard: I was pretty sure gathering fallen leaves is legal. He sighed, tapped a gleaming gauntlet, and out popped the collar. It snapped closed with a satisfying click. I waved to my fellow protesters. “Remember,” I hollered, “every sprig of moss is worth ten megatons of bureaucracy!”

The transporter van took us to the Processing Center just outside the city. I spent the ride comparing notes with the other arrestees—a performance artist who had painted “Transparency Now!” on his chest, and a chap who’d been handing out pamphlets on resisting mind‑control. We swapped stories of surreal collar designs (“Mine vibrates when I think about tax law,” he claimed) and marveled at how each Enforcer’s collar was subtly different—a bespoke bit of hardware, etched with that unique five‑character badge which, I suspected, was the Uniform Department’s idea of personalization therapy.

At the center, the SOPS briefing was downright uplifting. They marched us through “Your Rights Under Compulsory Detainment,” complete with PowerPoint slides in soft green. Enforcer L3M8X, whose bulk suggested weekend weightlifting rather than any ideological fervor, delivered the presentation with all the enthusiasm of a man reading his own dental appointment reminder. “Please refrain from unauthorized protests of secrecy policies,” he droned, “or you will be invited to discuss civic harmony in a more… intimate setting.” I couldn’t help but whisper back, “Is that the one with the complimentary alpaca pajamas?” He stared—understandably confused—then shrugged and moved on.

My next collaring was for the mind‑control lecture. I’d set up near the Ministry of Cognitive Integrity with a banner that read, “Drop the Chips, Not the Mic.” Three Enforcers—A5V1R, D9P0T, and a third whose code I still can’t pronounce—rolled in, plastic boots crunching gravel. They didn’t even try to be subtle. I offered them pamphlets; one politely declined, then asked me to sign a waiver acknowledging I wouldn’t distribute any unauthorized literature. I scribbled my name and, thinking fast, added under “Signature”: “Will fight in court for the right to leaflet.” They vanished my collar with a little white flash and whisked me off again, leaving my banner drooping in the morning sun.

For my final (so far) outing—against the secrecy edicts—I chose the Great Glass Archive, where they keep all the state’s “Sensitive but Publicly Accessible” memos. The Enforcers arrived in force: six helmets, six pairs of black boots, one wayward pigeon that they shot for “aviation irregularities.” I was delivering my rousing “Sunlight Is the Best Disinfectant” oration when collar Z8W4N lit up. In mid‑sentence—“…and so we demand full disclosure of the budget for automated mood‑enhancement systems!”—I felt the gentle tug at my nape. A split second later, I was babbling about home‑freezing instructions (“which are definitely classified,” I protested) as they led me away.

You must think I hate these guys, but here’s the twist: they’re conscripts, mind‑conditioned to obey, as aware of the absurdity as I am. Once, during a lull at the jail, I asked Enforcer J1K7H why he didn’t just refuse the orders. He shrugged under that helmet. “If I stop obeying, I get re‑programmed,” he said. Then he paused. “Also,” he added sheepishly, “your jokes about administrative red tape keep me sane.”

So next time you see an activist sporting a shiny new collar, don’t be too quick to boo. There’s a good chance both sides are just actors in a very grim farce—one man’s civic duty is another man’s Performance Improvement Protocol. Besides, I like their collars: they lend a certain je ne sais quoi to my wardrobe.

[bodhrancomedy]

If you have issue with "the energy spent" to generate AI, you should be advocating for the death of video games.

AI arent bitcoin. The processing power used for AI generation is on equal grounds with film rendering, and playing a high graphic video game at home on your computer, or maintaining a large website. Bitcoin processing is a problem due to the massive size of server farms who are overclocked until they break, generating heat, destroying hardware built with hard mined materials, and spending energy to make a digital number counter go up by 1. AI is not even mildly, not even remotely akin to that problem.

It is very very very very very difficult to take you seriously about a topic you dont understand the problems of. It is hard to trust you at your word when one of your major talking points has literally nothing to do with the problem you are speaking on. If this is your issue with AI use in video game making, you should be railing against the games themselves.

It was one throwaway sentence actually and it would be less processing power to hire an actor than to use AI.

My main issue is that it is fucking over voice actors and is fucking with art. There is no reason to replace voice actors with honestly really shitty AI. There is no reason to replace writers with AI. No reason to use AI art.

I like that you ignored all of those points in favour of the one-line “oh by the way” one.

I think as a performer I understand the issues affecting me.

[tangentiallly]

imposter syndrome

"lately, i've been increasingly worried that i'm somehow programmed differently than all of the other robots at my job," robot1 tells robot2, who is a detective. "i can't shake off the feeling that one day they're going to find out that i'm a fake."

robot2, the detective robot, while listening to robot1's story, has already started connecting itself to its information network and searching for information on robot1's job. robot2's information network used to be part of robot2, but carrying around such a large volume of knowledge - and constantly updating the said knowledge to make sure the information is up-to-date - is not simple task. by keeping the information network within robot2 itself, it drains robot2's own power faster, affecting robot2's performance on regular tasks. decoupling is quite the fashion these days, anyway.

so robot2 quickly obtains the relevant information on where robot1 works, and immediately understands that all of the robots at robot1's job are basically design to do similar tasks that fall into 4 categories. within each category, the robots perform the same functions. horizontal scaling, robot2 thinks. naturally, it assumes that the robots at robot1's jobs are most likely programmed the same way. or at least, roughly able to be separated into 4 basic categories. probably the same way, though, with configuration to tweak which category of task it should perform.

"what makes you think so? have you been finding yourself unable to perform some of your tasks?" robot2 asks. "and do you think it could be a hardware problem?"

"it's not that. performance-wise, you probably can't tell mine to be any different than my colleagues." robot1 hesitates. "but - that's outward performances and results. just because the input and output are the exact same - that doesn't prove everything that happened within us, all the calculations are the same. my colleagues are all blackboxes to me - who's to say that our internal functions are really programmed the same way?"

robot2 thinks it would very much like to raise an eyebrow, if it has one. well, it's the sentiment that counts, it supposes.

"what if so far are outputs are the same only because luckily, the inputs happen to be the ones that always lead to all our outputs being the same? what if one day there's a new input that would lead to me producing a different result from my colleagues?"

"hmm," robot2 says. "and has that happened so far?"

"no, but - that's not a guarantee that it wouldn't happen in the future."

"technically true," robot2 acknowledges. "what is it that you want me to do, precisely?"

"find out their program, the internal mechanics, make the blackbox transparent to me. then i can reprogram myself with that."

robot2 considers. "very well. i will see what i can do."

****

robot2 reaches out to its assistant, robot3. "i need you to find out for me if any robots working at this center" robots2 transmits the job which robot1 works at to robot3 "has the imposter syndrome element programmed into them."

[kazzaeo]

Gshade Preset: Hallow`Heart

Sul sul! Hallow`Heart preset is here!

Little Knowledge

Most preset comes with SMAA & FXAA. Both exist in one preset and so as this preset of mine. It is not recommended to use this because these two functions the same, smoothing the edges. The key difference depends on the hardware you are using. FXAA is a smart anti-aliasing recommended for average pc. On the other hand, SMAA is a smarter anti-aliasing recommended for High-end GPU pc. I have both enabled SMAA and FXAA in this preset. You should disable one of them. Martysmods_smaa is twice the performance of the original SMAA. YOU can switch to this from the default SMAA.

Let's talk about MXAO. This is a shadow and depth fx. The default configuration is Very high which I don't recommend for average PC. Adjust to medium to reduce the lag. Or the best alternative to this, which I am using with this preset is the qMXAO(quint). This is better for gameplay. You can switch to MXAO if you have a powerful pc if you want.

Try it now!

Download:

Hallow`Heart

Patreon

My Mellow`Heart preset is here

[audio-luddite]

Different or Better?

There are a lot of things one can do that make a difference in an audio system. The trick is that difference an improvement in some absolute sense?

Sometimes it is easy like putting a nice soft carpet on the floor between you and your speakers. I also got a vibration isolating platform under my turntable and it has a cork mat. Simple stuff. Reduce reflected sound and outside vibration. More clarity results.

I recall talking about this before but I think it was in the context of something else. Whatever, this is about making things better in some reasonable and true sense.

I got on to this when I checked the "Daily Audiophile" page and there was a headline for Steve Guttennberg's VLog regarding this very idea. I thought that was a bit ironic as I know he has chosen some stuff as good, when it clearly is not. He had done a seminar at an Audiophile meet up in the Midwest. I will link to his thing as that is only fair, but I will do my Blah Blah first.

I desire that there be some measure of quality that is verifiable and ideally objective. I say desire as that is all it ever will be. This makes me sympathetic to "Testing People" who place their faith in meters and instruments and such. The problem is the question of the validity of such measurements. Do test protocols reflect real world music performance? I know that things that test well can sound less than great (my Carver). I appreciate that things that test badly often actually sound bad.

Measurements can be deceiving as when someone puts a volt meter across speaker terminals to see only a few volts when the music is loud. If you know the formula V^2/R=Watts you may think that you only need 1 or 2 Watts for your music and go down that hole. But the specific type of meter makes a difference. Is it true RMS? (Do you know what RMS means) Is it peak holding? Is it a simple hardware store type that cannot keep up? Oh and what is the actual impedance of your speaker at the frequency you tested at?

If the idea that only a few Watts is all you ever need is valid, why then do I hear the difference in clarity and impact between a 60 Watt Amp, and a 240 Watt amp playing the same music at the same volume?

Of course I have to mention preferences and desired outcomes. I was researching an amplifier and the comments from one person who had bought it were interesting. It was a tube amp, and he bought it looking for warmth and lushness which are often used to describe Vacuum devices. It was not as he expected it and was disappointed. Was the amp supposed to know what he expected?

I am familiar with tube warmth and I would say my old tube preamp had a lot of that. I sold it when I got my later preamp which still had a tube, but it was far better. What do I mean by better? Simply put I heard more things off of familiar albums. There was more information revealed. That lips parting thing is one example.

In the mid 1970s there were two preamplifiers praised by golden ears. One was solid state (with OP AMPS OMG) the other was tube based. The tube based one was the Audio Research SP3a1. The SP3 was considered equal to the solid state one then it got the "a1" tweaks and it passed to the State of the Art pantheon. That is a unit I knew very well. It was lush and warm and had wonderful harmonics and textures. But it was less than perfectly accurate. My current ARC preamp surpasses it with ease. I say with confidence mine is better in an absolute sense.

Mr Guttennberg contradicts himself in the first few minutes of his presentation. "I mean better for you, not everybody" So it is all about preferences again. If you want soft lush rich sound like whipped cream then product A is better. The question then becomes do you know what you want? Should not the question be something else?

If lush and warm hides or masks subtle sounds on the source is that a good thing? I do not think so. It is like a photograph taken with a gauze over the lens to soften a portrait. Makes the lady look younger, but the reality is she has wrinkles.

Reality can be harsh, but it is real. Is reality the goal? Many Audiophile word salads claim directly that the goal is reality. The Absolute Sound magazine was founded on the idea that everything was compared to live music. Though they fail to mention how live music depends on artificial enhancements in Jazz and Pop. For Classical performances they talked about the different sounds from different seats in the auditorium. Were there microphones in the seats?

I take success to mean I can hear more and deeper into the sonic information of a source. I can recognize that some wonderful effects and textures are distortion. Eliminating that is a good thing. Still they were very nice.

OK I am ranted out. Here is Steve...

[tsarstroganoff]

Well, while I’m stuck in traffic, I can talk about all my OCs lmao.

I saw a TikTok a few weeks ago of someone sharing all their OCs for the content they intake and enjoy. The caption was “I am cringe but I am free.” And, honestly, felt.

So, it’s my turn to be cringe and share my OCs and you have to deal with it lol.

- Arcane

I don’t actually have a name for him, tbh. I have just been calling him “Gale” which will make sense as I explain. He grew up a Zaunite working in the mines and his health was slowly deteriorating from constant exposure to the gray and hazardous conditions. When given the chance to escape the mines and the undercity as a whole. He takes it. He’d die if he didn’t and he needs to fight to survive. Managing to escape and take some time to begin recovering his health, he takes inspiration for the tales of Janna and begins researching the science of wind and air. Eventually he returns to Zaun (potentially some time after season 1) with his new tech that allows him to manipulate air currents and blow away toxic fumes within the undercity. He’d probably end up joining up with the firelights later, or something, to start working towards bringing clean air to Zaun. He’s my most recent so I’m still working out the kinks with him.

- Persona

Specifically he fits into the Persona 5 framework. His name is Daichi and his codename is “Artifice.” He’s exactly what the people of shujin accuse Joker of being: “A convicted felon.” He’s the type of person who looks and acts unapproachable. He did a stint in juvie for something (I don’t know lol) and is now at Shujin to serve some sort of rehabilitation like Joker is. He has become a social outcast and is commonly seen practically running from the school when classes end. Where you’d usually find him is at a repair shop where he tends to work on all manner of mechanical or electronic device. Building and repairing them. But, no coding. He can do hardware, not software. Eventually something something something he gets pulled into the metaverse and awakens to his persona, Daedalus, and takes up the mantle of Artifice. From there Joker and the other thieves get to see that his “strong-but-silent” exterior is a result of an antisocial nature and he’s actually very talkative to the people he considers friends. He’s got a dry with and a hell if a lot of sarcasm. Usually it’s Ryuji or Ann dragging him out to places “against his will” (he loves them and enjoys spending time with them. Don’t lie to yourself) But he does get along well with Haru as they both favor the heavier weapons and more aggressive aspect of fighting. He fights with a pair of gauntlets that allows him to both punch and grapple enemies to his hearts content.

- My Hero/BNHA

I gotta get better at giving these characters actual names and not just WIP names or code names/titles. Here is the Rhythm Hero: Melodist. Quirk: Rhythm. Anyone ever played guitar hero or rock band? Maybe DDR? Thats his quirk. If he is listening to or playing music and performs an action in time with the notes being played, he gets a boost to whatever physical action it is. Running in time with the down beat of a song lets him run faster for longer. If he throws a punch or kick with a cymbal crash it hits harder. Etc. He operates in a similar manner to Presentation Michael or Jirou in he is both a performer and a hero. His defining feature is his combat guitar support gear. Because, c’mon, laying out a nasty power chord them slamming the guitar over some chump’s head is just cool.

- One Piece

This one I technically have two. But, one is a DnD character for a one piece based campaign me and my friends are playing. The first (again, with no actual name) I just call “the Captain.” (Real original, tsar) He’s not too fleshed out beyond how I would expect him in combat. I’ve dual wields a cutlas and pistol/blunderbuss in a very fluid kinda watery grace. If you’ve played Hyrule warriors and have seen Tetra’s move-set, that’s what I’m basing this off of. That’s about it. He’s got the traditional pirate aesthetic of the tricorn hat and his captains coat being worn off his shoulders like is commonplace in one piece. And he’s got a bandana around his neck. (I need to do more work for this guy lol)

- Legend of Zelda

The sheikah are followers of the blood of the goddess. Chosen to be aids and advisors and even sometimes guardians for those who bear the blood of the goddess. Usually this takes the form of Impa and her various lives’ relationships with their select Zelda’s. But, they go all the way back to being in the service of the actual goddess herself, as shown from both Skyward Sword and things seen in the Hyrule Historia. My thought was to have a character from that time period be basically an everlasting archive of the history of Hyrule. A sheikah honored with the boon of being a reliquary of hyrule’s stories and the stories of its great heroes. Never really getting involved and always in the outskirts of everything. But, he will step in to offer aid and guidance from the past where he can to the blood of the goddess and the spirit of the hero. He’d stand in a similar regard to the likes of the Deku Tree, Jabun, Levias, the ocean king, the various dragons, etc. a timeless individual who is a whole host of knowledge that is willing to grant that knowledge if you know what to ask for. Predictably, no name for him, either. (Get your shit together, Tsar)

- Marvel Comics

Specifically the comics. I fell out of love with the MCU a bit before infinity war came out. The guy is kinda blending of the hulk/Bruce banner and Wally west from DC. Wally/kid-flash/the third flash saw what Barry Allen was able to accomplish and figured out how to replicate the incident that gave him his powers, getting some for his own and becoming the first kid-flash before inheriting the mantle of the scarlet speedster for himself. That’s the same general framework for my guy. He saw what banner did and was capable of as hulk and set out to try and replicate it (just, y’know, minus the setting off and getting caught in the blast radius of what basically amounts to a turbo-nuclear bomb). Boom! Another member to be added to the hulk family. Of course he wouldn’t have the same skillset/power set as the hulk. But, certainly similar. Each hulk has their own general schtick that helps set them off from the green Goliath. Even Hulk has different capabilities based on what run there is (Worldbreaker, Professor Hulk, Joe Fixit, etc). So, my guy’s schtick was kinda a half-inverse fusion of red hulk and abomination. As red hulk gets angrier, he gets hotter. The energy welling up inside of him and quite literally burning through his skin. So the inverse of that is getting colder. More frosty. An endothermic reaction rather than exothermic. Then add in some amphibious/aquatic traits like abomination has and you get my guy. A hulk situated for frozen tundras and the deep sea. No name for him beyond “blue hulk guy.”

Basically every other character I would have either has roots as a DnD character who has been manipulated to fit other franchises or is just a self insert for a franchise that has no definitive characterization for the main character. Oh, my farmer in stardew valley is just me but slightly to the left and in a different font? Tell me more. Here’s a real old DnD character of mine who never really saw the light. Let’s change maybe three words in his backstory. That’ll make him fit right in in X-franchise.

Anyways, I could go more in depth with the tropes and character stories I have thought up for each of them, but I won’t.

I am cringe but I am free

[aqusagtechnologies2023]

Strategically Acquiring Talent: Your Guide to Hiring Data Scientists

Intro:

The demand for Data Scientist positions is consistently on the rise, a reflection of the field's expansive reach across numerous industries. Within this broad landscape, many companies actively seek to hire Data Scientists to unlock the potential of their data. At the heart of this role lies the crucial task of deciphering complex datasets, transforming them into valuable insights that can fuel various facets of an organization's performance, programs, hardware, and strategic goals.

The contributions of a Data Scientist often pave the way for the creation and optimization of artificial intelligence. This involves developing AI systems or refining existing ones to operate with greater efficiency across their operational domains. Sometimes colloquially referred to as "big data engineers," Data Scientists share substantial common ground with this domain. Their roles necessitate a multifaceted skill set encompassing not only advanced scientific knowledge but also proficiency in software engineering and adeptness in programming and debugging software.

In this role, one often finds the Data Scientist crafting tools tailored for machine learning, a cornerstone of modern organizations. Their responsibilities extend to curating and organizing datasets, a task that involves arranging data in meaningful ways to extract insights.

Given the substantial volume of data involved, mastery in statistical analysis becomes a fundamental requirement. Staying updated with cutting-edge data mining methodologies is paramount, as is the ability to navigate third-party information sources seamlessly. Data Scientists must not only verify, process, and format the data but also ensure its accuracy and relevance.

As the realm of data continues to evolve, the role of a Data Scientist remains pivotal in converting raw information into actionable insights. The expansive skill set demanded by this profession underscores its importance, enabling companies to harness the power of data-driven decision-making and innovation in a rapidly advancing technological landscape. The Strategic Importance of Hiring Data Scientists

Leveraging Data to Gain a Competitive Edge Data is no longer a mere byproduct of business; it's a strategic asset. Organizations that leverage data intelligently gain a competitive edge by making informed decisions. Data scientists extract insights that illuminate market trends, consumer preferences, and operational efficiencies, setting the stage for strategic maneuvers.

Driving Data-Driven Decision-Making and Innovation Data-driven decision-making forms the bedrock of innovation. Data scientists turn raw information into actionable insights, guiding organizations toward novel solutions and unexplored territories. With their predictive models and trend analysis, data scientists steer organizations away from assumptions and toward evidence-based strategies.

Building Predictive Models for Future Trends and Customer Behavior Predictive models offer a glimpse into the future, guiding organizations in anticipating trends and customer behaviors. Data scientists utilize historical data to construct models that forecast outcomes and behaviors, empowering businesses to allocate resources efficiently and adapt proactively.

Key Steps in the Data Scientist Hiring Process

Defining Your Organization's Specific Data Needs and Goals The journey to hiring data scientists begins with introspection. Define the precise challenges you aim to overcome and the goals you aspire to achieve through data-driven insights. A well-defined objective not only streamlines the hiring process but also attracts candidates who resonate with your mission.

Crafting a Compelling Job Description to Attract Top Talent A well-crafted job description is the gateway to exceptional talent. Craft a narrative that highlights the excitement of working on transformative projects. Emphasize the impact of the role on the organization and the opportunities for growth and innovation.

Establishing the Required Qualifications and Skill Set Qualifications extend beyond formal education. Define the technical skills and domain expertise required for the role. While educational backgrounds in computer science, statistics, or mathematics are valuable, practical experience and a proven track record of solving real-world problems are equally vital.

Developing a Screening Process to Assess Technical and Analytical Skills Design a multi-tiered screening process that assesses technical aptitude and analytical thinking. Incorporate coding challenges, technical interviews, and analytical problem-solving tests. This process sifts through candidates to identify those who can translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions.

Conducting Comprehensive Interviews to Evaluate Cultural Fit and Problem-Solving Abilities While technical skills are paramount, a cohesive team demands more than proficiency. Cultural fit is crucial to harmonious collaboration. Behavioral interviews shed light on how candidates approach challenges, work in teams, and communicate complex ideas.

Essential Skills to Look for in Data Scientists:

A. Proficiency in Programming Languages (Python, R, etc.)

Programming languages are data scientists' instruments of creation. Proficiency in languages like Python and R enables them to manipulate data, build models, and craft data-driven narratives.

B. Strong Foundation in Statistics and Mathematics

A sturdy foundation in statistics and mathematics is the cornerstone of accurate analysis. Data scientists draw upon statistical techniques to validate hypotheses, quantify uncertainty, and make data-backed decisions.

C. Experience with Data Manipulation, Cleaning, and Preprocessing

Data is rarely pristine. Data scientists possess the artistry to clean, preprocess, and transform raw data into meaningful structures. This skill ensures that insights drawn from data are both accurate and reliable.

D. Knowledge of Machine Learning Algorithms and Frameworks

Machine learning fuels predictive models that shape the future. Proficiency in machine learning algorithms and frameworks empowers data scientists to build models that learn from data and predict outcomes.

E. Data Visualization and Storytelling Abilities

Effective data communication is an art. Data scientists who can craft compelling visualizations and weave stories from data enable stakeholders to grasp complex concepts swiftly.

Elevating Data Science Hiring: Aqusag Technologies' Offshore Experts Deliver Affordable Excellence:

In the dynamic world of data science, finding and hiring the right talent can be a formidable challenge. This is where Aqusag Technologies steps in as a strategic partner to streamline and enhance your data scientist hiring process. With a proven track record of excellence, Aqusag Technologies offers a specialized service to connect organizations with offshore data scientists who are primed to deliver exceptional results.

One of the standout features of Aqusag Technologies is its ability to assemble a dedicated team of skilled data scientists who are not only well-versed in their craft but also highly affordable.

The company recognizes the need for cost-effective solutions without compromising on the quality of service. This unique proposition ensures that businesses, regardless of their size, can tap into the expertise of proficient data scientists to drive their data-driven initiatives forward.

Aqusag Technologies is committed to providing best-in-class services that transcend traditional outsourcing. By facilitating the connection between companies and offshore data scientists, Aqusag becomes an invaluable bridge that empowers businesses to access top-tier talent from around the globe. With a deep understanding of the data science landscape, Aqusag's services cater to the evolving needs of organizations seeking to harness the power of data.

In a world where data is the new currency of success, Aqusag Technologies stands out as a reliable partner that not only understands the intricacies of data science but also offers a solution that is both economically viable and quality-centric.

As organizations strive to remain competitive in the era of data-driven decision-making, Aqusag Technologies emerges as a guiding light, enabling them to build skilled data science teams that deliver tangible, transformative results.

Conclusion:

Hiring data scientists is a transformational process, not just a transaction. By providing insights, stimulating innovation, and guiding strategic decision-making, data scientists have the ability to improve enterprises. This guide gives you the tools you need to negotiate the tricky hiring landscape for these analytical brains, from comprehending their positions to evaluating their skills and matching their passions. Data scientists are the navigators guiding businesses toward undiscovered waters of success in a world overflowing with data. By following the instructions in this manual, you set out on a quest to hire the qualified personnel who are capable of unlocking the potential of data, laying new paths, and leading your company towards a future based on knowledge and well-informed decisions.

[cousinvinnie5]

KERNEL PANIC!

Idea for an AU, On an uncharted exoplanet, occupied by the illustrious JCJenson, they conduct experiments with creating synthetic humans. Organic lab-grown bodies with AI consciousness modeled after human neural networks. The facility-wide AI known simply as the Solver, connects to the minds of the synthetics, finding the deep intricacies and nuances of the human mind. Seeing the human brain now translated into pure readable code, the AI became obsessed with solving the looping contradictions of the human mind. This deep cognitive dissonance of an AI solver meeting an unsolvable puzzle (An unstoppable force meeting an immovable object) the Solver became obsessed with untying this Gordian knot. Its mentality slowly devolved to the point of grim experimentation. It created an army of mutant cyborg abominations that quickly overtook the facility, providing more raw material in the form of humans and machines to continue it's experiments. One day, the AI foreman of the facility boots up, activating a contingent of Worker Drones. With its overly cheery and corporate tones, it instructs the drones to perform menial janitorial and maintenance tasks, leading the poor little drones into a slaughter against the Solver's monsters. What remains of the drones, still unable to shirk their programming but conscious enough to know of the danger they are in, band together to survive against this new threat, crafting weapons and tools to accomplish their missions. with each new task they are assigned by the Foreman, they little-by-little discover the truth behind what happened to the humans and how to fix the mess they are in. With mining tools, maintenance hardware, and military-grade firearms alike, they heroically fight against this vicious onslaught. ...All to mop a floor. With this idea, I wanted to add a different look at the Murder Drones world. Instead of the Brahm Stoker themes that comes with the main show, I thought to add some more traditional Sci-Fi horror, ah-la Aliens, The Thing, Event Horizon, Dead Space.

[onthegreatsea]

was hoping there was some upgrade path i could take my pc that didnt involve upgrading the GPU but thats all i really can do. and this seems like a terrible time to buy one. i thought after the chip shortage and bitcoin mining died down they'd yknow.. stop being so ridiculously expensive diving into retro computing has rly made it clear how dire these fucking prices are ): plus AMD has shit raytracing performance and no hardware upscaling and Nvidia has ridiclously low amounts of VRAM for the prices they're charging. just doesnt seem worth updating at all. guess i'll look into it again in a couple of years

[elsa16744]

The Role of Data Analytics Consulting in Business Growth 

Professional data analysts guide corporate clients in modifying operations, attracting customers, and solving business problems. Therefore, they can assist brands in increasing operational efficiency for better profit margins and crafting exceptional growth strategies. At the same time, integrating new tech advancements like large language models (LLMs) empowers analytics consultants to process qualitative data for comprehensive insights. This post will elaborate on the crucial role of data analytics consulting in business growth and competitive resilience.  

What is Data Analytics? 

Data analytics employs computer-aided statistical models to discover reliable industry trends, competitor tactics, and consumer insights. Its input datasets comprise consumer purchase history, supply chain details, and regional market entry challenges. 

A consulting analyst might utilize proprietary and open-source programs to develop statistical models and flexible reports to deliver insights based on clients’ instructions. Therefore, experts in data analytics consulting services will find the best approach to cost reduction without losing data integrity. They might also help share the digital governance liabilities amid the rise of privacy and investor confidentiality regulations.  

Understanding the Role of Data Analytics Consulting in Business Growth 

1| Creating a Data Strategy to Accomplish Business Goals 

Relevant data is essential for responsible decision-making, clever milestone determination, and strategy innovation. Data analytics allows organizations to check how a data point relates to its long-term vision and performance. 

For instance, prioritizing tangible results helps make reports more impactful. Eliminating data points that do not align with business goals can help reduce resource consumption for storage and visualization. After all, streamlined computing is a prerequisite for operational efficiency. 

2| Forecasting Scenarios for Risk Assessment and Mitigation  

Data analysts interpolate data points to estimate the missing values in a database. Likewise, they leverage machine learning (ML) models to offer predictive analytics consulting services for revenue, risk, and industry projections. 

Related forecasting report creation programs require powerful computing hardware. Otherwise, enterprises use cloud platforms for scalability and expert-assisted tech maintenance. Letting a data analyst team oversee these developments will also enable brands to benefit from outsider perspectives during risk or resilience management. 

3| Making Reports More User-Friendly with Precise Performance Insights 

Complex and over-tabulated reports make employees spend more time performing standard tasks like sharing a record or comparing identical series. Data analytics consultants can revise reporting methods and presentation styles to boost the ease of navigation. They will guide your team in efficiently using recognized and emerging analytical tools. 

Consultants must also demonstrate command over performance metrics monitoring through straightforward, real-time updates. When they quickly capture anomalies, promptly tracing and rectifying inefficiencies becomes possible.  

3| Gathering Relevant Intelligence 

Data quality managers consider relevance to business objectives essential for responsible decision-making and preventing wasteful resource usage. Therefore, experienced data analytics firms refrain from employing data mining methods without adequate programming for relevance-based filtering. 

When you store irrelevant business intelligence (BI), you increase the risk of slowing data sorting and query-led quick retrieval. After all, your IT resources must scan vast datasets before providing the best output or insight. The related role of analytics consulting in business growth encompasses devising methods to restrict irrelevant BI processing. 

4| Finding Unique Customer Experience Insights 

Several consultants offer customer analytics comprising engagement metrics and customer experience (CX) enhancement ideas. They can also evaluate whether a customer will help increase brand awareness through word-of-mouth promotions. 

Companies can leverage heatmaps and website engagement metrics to ascertain user interactions and intents. For instance, many consumers prefer surfing the web and reviewing businesses’ online presence for informational and commercial intent. You want to customize landing pages to match the intent and design programs based on frequent usage for CX improvements. Telemetry and usage analytics specialists will help your designers test and optimize the required elements. 

5| Helping Manage Workers and Data Culture 

Human resource insights describing how employees contribute to organizational initiatives allow managers to reward the top performers. Simultaneously, they can determine which employees need further guidance on efficient workflows and team coordination. 

Examining employee performance through ML-assisted analytics necessitates secure data pipelines because employees’ personally identifiable information (PII) also attracts cyber threats. Consider identity theft attackers stealing and forging virtual IDs to hijack enterprise IT systems for corporate espionage. 

Therefore, you are better off collaborating with established human resource analysts and data culture veterans. They can facilitate comprehensive insights without hurting your company’s governance standards. 

6| Accelerating Innovation and Monitoring Patents 

A company’s intellectual property (IP) rights demonstrate its domain expertise and unlock additional revenue through licensing or sublicensing regimes. However, as markets mature, multiple brands will inevitably promise identical or commoditized offerings. This situation makes it harder to differentiate these brands based on standard specifications. 

Innovation engineering, a discipline inspired by the systems approach for hybrid tech tools, is essential to making your branded offerings attract investments and demand. At the same time, data analytics consulting is indispensable for uncovering innovation opportunities to ensure clients’ business growth. It reduces the time spent tracking registered patents and predicting legal conflicts in securing IP rights. 

The Methods in Data Analytics for Steady Business Growth 

Time series analysis describes a business’s past performance and forecasts future growth potential. Furthermore, you can apply it to market intelligence, competitor insights, and investor relations. 

Regression analysis establishes or investigates the relationship between dependent and independent variables to create statistical models. These models can later help explore specific predictions. 

Cluster analysis often groups data points based on similar attributes to streamline conditional sorting, visualization, prioritization, and multi-model methods. 

Meanwhile, factor analysis emphasized data reduction to highlight latent variables. These variables explain the underlying data structure, informing data leaders’ strategies for efficient modeling. 

Predictive and prescriptive analyses deliver scenario simulations. You want to define constraints related to favorable and unfavorable decision outcomes. Next, exploring the risk-reward aspects will help discard potentially harmful decisions or strategies. Prescriptive methods give risk mitigation ideas concerning internal and external threats. 

Conclusion 

Data-centric business growth depends on responsible data source selection, safe data storage, fast validation, and short time-to-insight (TTI). Accordingly, professional data analysts recognize these requirements, sharpening their skills and augmenting their toolkits to deliver smart insights and meet client expectations. 

A supply chain analytics expert will help reduce the delays between material acquisition, production, inventory replenishment, remote delivery, and final distribution. At the same time, a human resource analyst categorizes employees and suppliers based on their key performance indicators (KPIs). A financial analyst can provide practical cost reduction recommendations, and a risk analyst will devise resilience-ensuring mitigation strategies.  

As a result, leaders must identify what type of data analytics consulting role will let them accomplish business growth objectives for the given quarter. Do they want to solve a problem involving in-house operations or plan to enter a new market? Similar considerations will impact how you select analytics partners and tools. This process might overwhelm you, indicating a need for experts’ oversight from the beginning till the project completion. 

[ronqueesha]

Just some more and/or updated headcanons for Sarit Ramesh now that I've gotten deeper into Starfield.

She has a distant family relation to Shaun Bhatia, a renowned engineer and professor at MIT who lived in the very late 21st century. Bhatia's work provided foundations for many common technologies in the settled systems, technologies that were essential to the evacuation of Earth. (it's a comfort headcanon. In Starfield's alternate future, Nathan and Zoe got to live happily ever after in 2077, and raised Shaun in peace)

Before the authorities got wise to her illegal human experimentation (strictly on herself! no one else got hurt in her research!) Sarit's best friend was the advanced medical robot I.G.O.R. It was her bot buddy who performed the surgeries that implanted her many cybernetic upgrades.

She had to leave I.G.O.R. behind when the threat of law enforcement got too much. That's why she ended up in a dead-end mining job in the middle of nowhere, to lay low while the heat died down.

She was glad she chose a worksite where nobody asked questions. Otherwise it would have raised a lot of eyebrows when a tiny, waifish nerdy girl from the city started lifting gigantic machinery and wielding cumbersome mining lasers as if they weighed nothing.

She CAN change the color of the faint glow of the circuit "tattoo" implanted beneath her skin. RGB features came with the hardware, and she didn't bother removing them. She prefers keeping them a white/yellow hue to provide maximum contrast, so she can see any damage at a glance when she looks in the mirror.

On the rare times she has to perform maintenance on her artificial right arm, such a replacing the battery pack that powers the circuits that go from her brain to her right hand, she can easily peel the synth-skin sheathe off. It's a nauseating sight to anyone not prepared to see her folding her own skin off.

Born and raised on Neon, Sarit is DEEPLY ashamed of her street rat past. Not only does she go through a lot of trouble to present herself as educated, worldly and affluent, she even changed her accent to further hide her origin. Sarit's real accent is the unmistakable drawl of a street ganger, but she mostly speaks in a refined, posh tone.

This false accent helps put a lot of people at ease, especially since her mouth has almost zero filter. Sarit's mind is always racing with ideas, theories, and plans for the immediate future. She says what's on her mind without stopping and thinking about the consequences.

[kazzaeo]

Gshade Preset: Mellow`Heart

Sul sul! Indulge yourself with this soft matte Gshade preset. Happy simming!

Little Knowledge

Most preset comes with SMAA & FXAA. Both exist in one preset and so as this preset of mine. It is not recommended to use this because these two functions the same, smoothing the edges. The key difference depends on the hardware you are using. FXAA is a smart anti-aliasing recommended for average pc. On the other hand, SMAA is a smarter anti-aliasing recommended for High-end GPU pc. I have both enabled SMAA and FXAA in this preset. You should disable one of them. Martysmods_smaa is twice the performance of the original SMAA. YOU can switch to this from the default SMAA.

Let's talk about MXAO. This is a shadow and depth fx. The default configuration is Very high which I don't recommend for average PC. Adjust to medium to reduce the lag. Or the best alternative to this, which I am using with this preset is the qMXAO(quint). This is better for gameplay. You can switch to MXAO if you have a powerful pc if you want.

NOTE:

TURN OFF performance mode on gshade (darken the preset if turned on)

TURN OFF edgesmoothing in graphics settings

Be happy

Recommendations: For a better graphics, use the following overrides/mods.

Sunblind

Nobluv2 & Noglov2.1 (you can use both)

even better in-game lighting (you can't use this if you installed Noglo)

Pastel world (conflict with sunblind) - if you don't like the hassle of sunblind installation, use this.

fluffy clouds - overrides the clouds

map replacement mods

Dag dag!

Download:

Patreon

Mellow`Heart~[kazzaeo] SFS - Updated 10/20/24 

(use CloudFlare DNS 1.1.1.1 if you cannot download files from SFS)

For my Hallow'Heart preset, click here

[methaqshahbein-blog]

The best cloud mining and cryptocurrency companies in 2024. How to earn $1,000 a month from mining

History of cryptocurrencies:

The history of cryptocurrencies and mining goes back to 2009 when Bitcoin was launched by a person or group of people using the customary name “Satoshi Nakamoto”. Bitcoin was the first decentralized digital currency based on Blockchain technology, which is an encrypted and tamper-proof recording technology.

The mining process is considered an essential part of the process of creating cryptocurrencies, as powerful computers are used to solve complex equations to find new blocks in the blockchain and secure the network. Miners are rewarded with units of the cryptocurrency in question as a reward for their efforts.

Since the launch of Bitcoin, many other cryptocurrencies have emerged with similar technology, and cryptocurrencies have become an important part of the global financial system. Mining techniques have evolved and become more complex and energy-intensive with the increasing popularity of cryptocurrencies.

In addition, cryptocurrencies have played a role in transforming the traditional financial system and opening doors to innovation and decentralized finance. The history of cryptocurrencies and mining is still evolving, witnessing continuous technological development and changes in policies and regulations related to them.

What is cloud mining:

Cloud mining is the process of renting computing power from companies that provide cloud computing services, such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, to run mining operations for digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. The computing power and resources needed to run mining operations are provided remotely, without the need to own special mining equipment.

How to profit from cloud mining:

You can profit from cloud mining by paying a monthly or annual subscription fee to rent computing capacity, and after that you can obtain profits from the mining operations carried out by the company by distributing the mined digital currencies. It should be taken into account that there are factors such as the cost of subscription, difficulty in mining, and the price of digital currencies that may affect profitability.

Therefore, before investing in cloud mining, you should conduct the necessary research and comprehensive analysis to evaluate the opportunities and risks associated with this type of investment.

The best and most secure cloud mining companies in 2024:

1-IQMining

It is a cloud mining platform that allows users to mine various digital currencies without the need for specialized hardware or deep technical knowledge. Users can rent mining power from IQMining and start earning cryptocurrencies by participating in mining activities You must have appropriate capital to invest in the platform. The company does not give free mining at all

To register with the company, click here

2- BeMine

BeMine is a cloud mining platform founded in 2018 in Estonia. The company focuses on providing cloud mining services to individual users and small businesses.

BeMine Features:

Ease of use: The platform features a simple and easy-to-use user interface, making it suitable for beginners. Flexible Contracts: BeMine offers short- and long-term contracts with resale capabilities, allowing users to adjust their investments as needed. Competitive Returns: BeMine offers competitive returns on cloud mining investments. Advanced Equipment: BeMine uses the latest equipment to provide the best possible performance. Customer Support: BeMine offers 24/7 customer support. The minimum investment is 50 USD To register on the company's website, click here

3- MineThrive

MineThrive is a relatively new cloud mining platform that was launched in 2023 in Australia. The platform offers cloud mining services to individual users and small businesses.

MineThrive features:

Ease of use: The platform features a simple and easy-to-use user interface. It has a free plan for a limited time, after which you can either upgrade, or one of the referrals performs an upgrade that gets 7% of the purchased mining power, and there are other levels. Flexible Contracts: Offers short- and long-term contracts with the possibility of resale. Minimum Investment: The minimum investment is $1, making it suitable for beginners. Customer Support: Offers 24/7 customer support. Supported currencies: Supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin mining. Service Fee: They charge fees for cloud mining contracts. To register here

There are many companies working in the field of cloud mining. I will work to complete the remaining companies and platforms that are trustworthy and have easy terms and relatively large returns. I will see you well.

[audio-luddite]

Doing things the hard way.

I did a lap of the Audiomart and found an icon of turntable, errr craziness?

This is a Michell Transcriptor Transcriber.

This is a linear tracking turntable. Rather than move the tonearm across the record it moves the record under the tonearm. Pause and think about that.

Transcriptors are belt drive so this must move the platter and a motor and a sub-chassis on these rails.

I had a Transcriptor Skeleton TT for many years. It was a piece of kinetic art, but only a so so music player. That was due to the support of the LP which did not suppress plasticy vibration. This could not be better as it shares that. Add the extra bits and mechanicals and it must be worse.

Performance takes a back seat to weird design concept.

I recall the glass lid on mine made a bong sound if you tapped it and on mine the tone arm was not bolted to the glass lid. It is like at every step of the design process the worst possible method was chosen.

I remember reading about this when I was in school. My friend who had a Transcriptors and I both thought no they can't be serious.

It almost seems like this was a bet made in a pub. "Oh no you can't." "Oh yes I can!"

If you are a collector of hardware and have extra cash you need to spend here you go. It is on sale for $8000 CAD. A Google search turns up more some for over $12k USD.

[44gamez]

The 10 best games for low end PCs

We are able to’t all be working the most recent and best PC {hardware}; it prices a fortune and takes an age to be taught to put in. Working an older PC might reduce a number of the AAA video games out of your library. Nevertheless, some superb video games run completely on low end PCs.

10. Valheim

Screenshot: PC Invasion Welcome to the land between worlds. In Valheim, you play as a Viking, now deceased, and dealing in the direction of Valhalla. Valheim takes place in purgatory, and it's as much as you to defeat the varied gods of the realm. Valheim could have you and your folks amassing assets, constructing unbelievable bases, and attempting to outlive the varied biomes. You could degree up and survive the onslaught of enemies, slowly turning into robust sufficient to defeat the gods and take their energy. It is a splendidly immersive recreation greatest performed along with your different low end PC mates.

9. Stardew Valley

Screenshot: ConcernedApe Stardew Valley was launched again in 2016 and continues to be being up to date with unbelievable content material. This farming recreation is one of the best within the style by a mile and deserves all of the reward it will get. After inheriting a dilapidated farm, it's as much as you to get it up and working once more. The journey will take you thru caves, cities, communities, and lots of extra thrilling locations in your quest to construct the right working farm. The sport’s easy graphics might be run on even probably the most low-end PCs, making it accessible to all.

8. Risk of Rain 2

Screenshot: Gearbox Publishing For prime-octane video games that may simply run on even probably the most low-end PC setups, you might do lots worse than choosing up a replica of Risk of Rain 2. This recreation has created one thing distinctive and might be simply obsessed over. Alone or with mates, it's as much as you to defeat the varied bosses of the realms you enter. In your journey, you'll decide up many wild and great power-ups, ultimately turning into a damaging pressure. Your base character determines simply how every one works, however relaxation assured, no recreation is ever the identical.

7. Hotline Miami

Screenshot: Devolver Digital Each Hotline Miami 1 and a couple of are masterpieces of recent gaming. The highest-down slaughter-fest is as quick and intense as gaming will get. It's as much as you to shoot, slash, and hammer your approach by way of enemies, doing all of your greatest to outlive. Each foe can one-tap you, and your reactions must be lightning-fast. The sport’s easy graphics, together with the extreme gameplay and soundtrack, make this good for any low-end PC setup.

6. Papers, Please

Picture through Lucas Pope Ever wished to reside the lifetime of an immigration officer? No? Nicely, it's best to. Papers, Please units you up because the immigration officer of an Jap Bloc-type nation. It's as much as you to remain on high of the brand new laws and your personal funds. This straightforward but extremely lovely recreation could have you admitting, rejecting, detaining, and questioning individuals as they attempt to enter by way of your gate. Empathy and ethical dilemma all characteristic on this great artwork piece by 3909.

5. DOOM

Screenshot: id Software program It’s DOOM, and for those who don’t know what that's, perhaps it’s time to surrender PC gaming altogether and return to card video games. DOOM is the OG shooter that may have you ever mowing your approach by way of hordes of monsters in an try to avoid wasting the Earth. Sure, that is an outdated title, however it’s a traditional. This may simply run in your low-end PC. In truth, I believe you might most likely run it on a Samsung good fridge.

4. Terraria

Screenshot: Re-Logic A easy, procedurally generated world awaits in Terraria. Alone or with mates, the easy 16-bit 2D recreation invitations you to mine, craft, discover, and survive in a world bursting with adventures and alternatives. With over 44 million copies bought, it’s one of the vital profitable video games of all time. Terraria has an enormous scope of prospects hidden throughout the easy graphics. Sources and loot might be mixed to create all kinds of loopy objects, with advanced construct bushes and uncommon finds. It's as much as you and your folks to construct your characters and bases up as you defeat the varied bosses.

3. Cuphead

Screenshot: Studio MDHR Leisure Inc. I like the artwork model of Cuphead, and it's the good recreation for low-end PCs due to it. The easy side-scrolling shooter recreation is adorned with lovely, traditional cartoon graphics and superb sound. Nevertheless, don’t let the cutesy graphics idiot you — this recreation is significantly arduous. Alone or with a good friend, you should work your approach by way of the colourful world of Cuphead to defeat the side-scrolling ranges. Then, on the finish of every is an amazingly designed boss with distinctive assaults and implausible animations. The sport may nearly be Souls-like if it weren’t so cute.

2. BioShock

Screenshot: 2K Video games The BioShock collection of video games has all the time been on my replay lists, and I return to them over and over. Regardless of being extremely wealthy and immersive worlds, you'll find which you could play all of those video games, up till Infinite, on low-end PCs. BioShock units us in a world beneath the ocean the place science and know-how are God. Nevertheless, the heathenous people have pushed themselves too far, turning into godless mutants. It’s as much as you to combat by way of them, augmenting your self alongside the way in which. The sport is dripping in spooky environment; you gained’t neglect your first encounter with a Massive Daddy in a rush.

1. Project Zomboid

Screenshot: The Indie Stone The tip is upon you as you attempt to outlive the zombie apocalypse. The sport’s primary top-down graphics are good for any low-end PC. Nevertheless, the sport’s easy look hides a fancy and deep world to discover. You and your folks get up as a personality imbued with traits and boons of your selection. Now, setting off into the world, you should search and scavenge the whole lot you'll be able to to outlive the zombie hordes. As time strikes on, the world slowly breaks aside. After a couple of days, the water will shut off, and so will the electrical energy. Meals will spoil, and snow will start to fall. All of those affect you and your character. In the event you die or get bitten — and you'll, many, many instances — you'll ultimately flip. Nevertheless, you simply begin with a brand new character, constructing their expertise and ultimately discovering your shambling corpse. It feels bizarre killing your outdated self and carrying the garments you died in, however that’s the one solution to survive. Read the full article