#much more Windows user friendly since it looks much more like that

[domain-expand-me]

My work amount has finally lessened, so here I am.

Imagine being MILF/DILF and the different sorcerers and curses are obsessed with you.

Aged up characters, reader is in their 40s, because when I say milf/dilf, I mean it.

This is more of an introduction, let me know if you want something more about a specific character.

Imagine living in a small house you got for cheap, and on accident near the Jujutsu campus. You aren't a curse user, but you respect the spirits because you grew up with a superstitious parent or grandparent. And because you're hot and have a nice personality, the curses tend to leave you alone.

Maybe they just end up hanging around your place, because who wouldn't wanna stick around to watch a hot milf/dilf walking around in nothing but a pair of shorts and a too tight t-shirt.

After moving into your home, cursed energy started getting concentrated around your home, much to the worry of the sorcerers at the campus. They might assume you are an illegal curse user or somehow summoning curses. Imagine their surprise when Gojo and Nanami pull up to see curses clustered around the window, being peeping toms.

The curses are easy to get rid of, as it's nothing too extreme. Gojo being Gojo would want to see what they were so distracted by, and he almost ends up pulling his blindfold up to get a good look, because there you are. Walking around your home in a pair of way too small shorts and what was probably once a band t-shirt. It's so washed out that the print is gone, and the fabric is way too thin.

Nanami would grumble and be annoyed about Gojo being a creep, until he meets you too one day when you are bringing groceries in. Being the gentleman he is, he helps you carry it all inside, and he can't explain why he gets so red afterwards after you squeezed his bicep and complimented his muscles.

You don't really understand why these two handsome younger men, because they are much younger than you, keep hanging around your place. In your own eyes you don't think you are too attractive, if at all, maybe you're divorced, or you lost your last spouse somehow. Your kids are all grown up and out doing their own thing. You aren't as fit as you once were, having kids does that to a person.

If you're a dilf, maybe you have the blessed dad strength and dad bod, maybe you've worked a physically taxing job for most of your life, so now your body is worn down enough that you have to do something else. The muscle still lays there though, under the layer of chub on top.

If you're a milf, you would have given birth to your kids once upon a time, and the baby weight never truly went away. The stretch marks and other signs of age are one of the things you feel insecure about, but little do you know, it only makes you more attractive in the eyes of your admirers.

That is to say, in your own eyes, you aren't a catch. So you don't understand why Nanami shows up on your specified shopping days or gardening days, or why Gojo shows up almost begging for your attention. You end up just assuming they are being nice, and since your kids don't visit you much anymore, you let them(mainly Gojo) invade your home.

Imagine meeting their students, most likely a result of Gojo dragging them along. They're younger than your own kids, so you can't help but find yourself caring about them. When Yuji starts stuttering and sputtering when you hug him, or when Megumi goes bright red when you place a hand on his forehead to check it he has a cold, you fear you may have overstepped your boundaries.

In reality it's because when you hug Yuji, your breasts/pecs press up against him, especially if you are somehow taller than him and he ends up with his face in-between your chest. For Megumi it's because when you lean down, the collar of your shirt has a tendency of sliding down, showing off more cleavage than you realize.

When Todo gets dragged along you assume he's just another friendly young man, as he's going out of his way to be so helpful. You don't notice the way the other students glare when Todo shows you how to stretch your shoulders and legs because your muscles have been acting up.

If it's when Yuji still had Sukuna sealed inside him, poor Yuji won't hear the end of it. Sukuna would be saying the most lewd things about you, claiming you are teasing them on purpose with the clothes you wear or how you act. Yuji's had to grip his own wrist when Sukun tried to take over to grope you when you were bent over grabbing something.

If you end up meeting Choso, you immediately find yourself caring for him. He barely has to be introduced before you pull him inside, place him on your couch, wrap him in a blanket and bring him snacks. He just looks so sad and like he needs to be loved on. He wouldn't completely understand the deep attraction he has for you in the beginning, and it's only after he gets help from others that he understands. They all just sigh and pat him on the back all "welcome to the club brother"

I could go on, but this is already long.

[sophiamagia]

Not So Friendly Competition

A Damian Wayne x SpiderWoman Reader

Author's note: Hey! This is a request by a very respectful user with great prompt ideas. I ran to google docs when I saw their request. If @bisexualbitchsgotass wants to keep requesting, they’re always welcome <3 Anyways, have a great night and I hope you enjoy it, and let me know what you think of the 2nd POV? Also, sorry it’s so long I locked in 😓🙏

Warnings: dominance switch, competitive kink, p in v, light degrading, porn with plot, 

Synopsis: SpiderWoman and Robin were famously always head to head. You enjoyed reading about yourself in newspapers, watching your wins on television. Figuring out a case before he did, and getting to arrest a villian just minutes before he even arrived. The tension presented was thrilling for the both of you. Or…maybe he was feeling a different kind of tension. 

NSFW Content ~ NSFW content ~ NSFW content ~ NSFW content ~ NSFW content ~ NSFW content ~ NSF 

            You panted, shooting another web from your wrist and flexing your muscles to keep swinging from building to building. Your free hand tugged on your mask, making sure the skintight material was properly placed on your head. It was almost midnight, and you could barely see through the thick fog that lay over Gotham City. You left the comfort of your bed within seconds as you received a tip of a nearby crime. By nearby, you mean a few miles out. 

More well known Vigilantes like Robin or Batman weren’t always concerned with the common jewelry store robbery, but you knew better. This had become a game, one which you were beginning to master. You spent your time in school calculating his next move, planning your next play. You were a rather smart person, if not academically. Figuring out any crime before he did was a concept you’d like framed in his own manor, in Bruce Wayne’s office, if you could put it there. Not to mention,

It was hot when he lost, because losing made him feel inferior. Feeling inferior made him frustrated. A very good kind of frustrated.

You lightly land on the ground, the agile DNA of a spider assisting in your stealth. Slowly, you scale the brick wall of the shop, slipping into a window of the second floor. You’ve seemed to have found yourself in the security room. Convenient. The security guard wasn’t in the room. Assuming the worker was on break, or perhaps going to the bathroom, you lock the nearest door and take a seat in front of the screens. No activity yet…just a bored teen at the front desk, on her phone. Been there, right?

A moment passes, and you eventually pull out your phone as well, your attention span far too short to watch a screen that wasn’t the entertaining light of your device. You scroll through a group chat, reading up on the texts you missed. Mostly your friends sharing pictures of their cats. You save a few, and exit the chat. You then click on a certain contact with a heart next to it, reading the last few messages.

Almost done with class, Habibi? I can have someone pick you up early if you’d like.

I’m fine Dami. I plan on stopping by at a grocery store for a snack before I go home anyways. See you later?

Yes, see you. I love you.

Love you too <3

Your heart swells at the messages, a smile unknowingly creeping onto your face. He was so cute, thinking you had given up on beating him to a crime ever since he caught a huge mafia leader a week ago. You would beat him. You would catch as many bad guys as you needed to in order to prove you were a better hero. 

CRASH

You jump in your seat, quickly pocketing your phone and looking at the security cameras. Three robbers, all wearing masks and carrying pretty good quality guns. You stand up, watching them put a glock to the teen’s head, forcing her to comply as the other two men start shoving everything they could see into a bag. Without wasting too much time, you run down, interrupting the fight. You’ve been SpiderWoman for about four years now, you’ve got it in the bag.

“Are we shopping? Because, girls, there are enough cute rings for us all,” you chuckle, shooting a web to the man holding the glock, quickly taking the weapon into your own hands. The two men clearly recognize you, and try to make a run for it. You shoot two webs to each of their backs, yanking the men to the ground, and causing them to drop anything they tried to take. One man hits his head on a table and appears knocked out. The first man runs full force, getting a good punch to your side. With annoyance, you use your webs to quickly pin him against the wall. Before the last man could do anything to get back up or fight back, you handcuffed him to the table leg. With a sigh, you checked the time, your other hand rubbing your rib, where the jerk hit you.

1:09 AM

Son of a bitch, the grocery stores are closed by now. Where the hell will you buy your recovery snacks from now? A small voice breaks you from your thoughts of ramen and candy.

“Uhm…do I like…call the police now?” The teen from earlier asked. You tilted your head back at her.

“Girl, did you not press the panic button when they came in?” 

“Uh…no. I didn’t.” The girl responds with a small shrug, chewing some gum with her mouth wide open, at least that's what it sounded like. With a sigh, you reach behind her desk and press the big red button, allowing the loud sirens to turn on, lights flashing as you speak again.

“Just make sure to tell the police it was me,” You were going to get your credit for this. That’s one more point for you. What was Damian doing right now? He is probably exercising, maybe even in bed, getting his beauty sleep. But he sure wasn’t capturing criminals like you were.

…

You collapsed into your bed, turning on the small heater of your apartment. You took a short shower and were now ready for some self-care time. Silk pillowcases comfort your hair as you lay back, snuggled in blankets. Headphones come on, and Instagram reels are comfortably positioned in front of your face. Fighting crime, silently beating Damian, followed by a comfy doom scroll to end the adventure. Perfect Friday night.

An hour passes, and you begin to feel drowsy. Taking off your headphones, and plugging in your phone, it was time for a comfy sleep. 

You hear light tapping, followed by your spider sense telling you something is wrong. Goosebumps appear on your body quickly, as well as a bad tensing feeling. Was someone in your house? Were you about to fight someone in a sports bra and sweatpants? You immediately grab your phone, trying to text Damian, until you see an unopened message.

Let me in, Habibi.

Calmness, as well as annoyance, fills your very soul. No need to fight off evil in sweats tonight. You get out of bed to go to the front door, only to be startled by a figure in your literal window. Still in full Robin-attire, Damian looked through the glass. The window was unlocked, but he politely waited for you to let him inside. You crack open the door with a nod, laying back on your bed. His deep voice greets yours as he slips through your window, already taking off his gear.

“A petty jewelry store robbery? You’re ridiculous,” You felt a huge smile start to cross your lips. He took off his mask, gorgeous green eyes meeting yours, a contrast to his tan skin. With an innocent voice, you respond.

“I was simply passing by and I saw it go down. Just…Helping the community,” You chuckled, making a spot on the bed for him. Damian didn’t seem amused and ran a hand through his hair with a sigh. He leaned over the bed, speaking slowly.

“That jewelry store isn’t even in this development, and it’s pretty damn far from school. You went right home after classes, so I know you didn’t happen to stop by. That’s cheating. You’re only allowed to stop what you know about or happen to see. You can’t go out of your way to desperately try and beat me…” His voice was low, and full of irritation. Faces inches away, you confidently answered.

“It’s not cheating. Maybe you should try harder…otherwise you wouldn’t be two points behind…” You whispered, a small smirk gracing your lips at the way he glared at your response. 

He shoved you back on the bed.

“Do you think you’re cute? It’s not funny, the way you desperately try to beat me…” He uttered, easily moving over you, trapping you in. He was frustrated, that much was easy to tell. You lifted your leg between him, checking for a bulge, which you easily found. He let out a huff when he felt your knee pressing into his crotch, “I should be patrolling right now, Habibi…”

“I think Batman has got it handled tonight, hm?” You reach up, pressing a small button on his earpiece to turn it off. He was likely patrolling with Batman or Nightwing, and the earpiece was their way of communication. He wouldn’t be wearing it if he was alone tonight. You spoke again, mischief in your tone, “Maybe that’s your excuse…”

“Excuse for what?” he snapped, his tone coming on harsher than expected. The stress of a teasing girlfriend and life as a rich-kid-vigilante was real. You knew he wasn’t really upset with you, especially if we’re going off the tent in his pants that your knee still pressed against. Leaning up, your lips attached to his neck, slowly and gently kissing down his tan skin. You were met with a loud sigh, his neck immediately dropping forward into your shoulder. His arms wrapped around your waist, both of you rolling to the side. You hummed in happiness, placing more sweet kisses along the neck and up to his jaw.

“You’re almost ten points behind me…” He suddenly whispered, his low voice tingling in your ear. You slowly pulled back, looking unamused.

“I stopped a robbery like, an hour ago,” You corrected, and a devilish grin spread across his face.

“I stopped a bank robbery and helped a woman cross the street on my way here, but maybe you should…try harder,” He whispered, and you rolled your eyes. Seriously? A whole ass bank robbery? Helping an old lady cross the street was just to rub it in, too. You sat up slightly, your irritation now growing.

“You’re a real bitch when you want to win. If anyone’s desperate here, it’s you.” You snapped, glaring at him. He grabbed your hips, pulling you onto his lap where he was still lying down.

“Come on, baby. Just admit it,” He uttered lowly, his hands sliding up and under your top. That stupid smirk still hadn’t left his face.

              “Admit what? That you’re better than me or something?”

              “No, admit that you’re into it.”

              “What?”

              “Admit it, Habibi. It turns you on watching me compete with you. You like it when I flip you over and take you the way I want because you’ve beaten me again. Admit you’re a slut,” he whispered the last sentence directly in your ear, and any comebacks you had before quickly drained out.  

               Your lips were slightly parted in surprise. Did you like it when he did that? Was it more arousing when he was rougher and angry with you? Was it a slutty thing that you loved when he was rough?

               Maybe.

               “Now, will you be a good girl and admit you’re my slut? That you like when I fuck you?” He asked slowly, one hand sliding down to rub your clit through your clothes.

               Now, most people would likely give in and just let him do what he wanted so that both of you could be pleased as soon as possible. But arrogance is a core element of who you are, so of course you shook your head no.

               However, a strong stroke of his fingers made your dignity waver. 

               “Give me what I want, Habibi…” he uttered, not bothering to give more than lazy strokes of his middle finger. His gaze was unamused, yet animalistic. He was waiting for you to give in, to let him strip you naked so he could indulge in his beautiful fantasies. He spoke again, “do you want me to make love to you?”

                 Make love? 

                 “Yes…I do,” you gave in. Come on, he said make love. That was hot and romantic…

                 “Yes what, Habibi?”

                 “Yes…please?” You guessed, and he grinned. His hand lifted your hips, tugging your pants down. You helped him out, also taking off your shirt and quickly moving to his belt. While taking off articles of clothing, he flipped you over. Your arms hooked around his neck in the familiarity, your legs automatically parting for him. His breath was already rapid, his cock leaking at the sight of you underneath him. You chuckled and spoke again.

                 “Excited, loser?” His eyes quickly shifted to a glare as he looked down at you. He was leaning on his hands and knees over her and shifted to his elbows so your faces were inches away. You grinned up at him, staring at his lips. You let out a little giggle of excitement when you felt the length of his cock rub against you. 

                 “Let’s see who the loser is after I make you cum first…” he uttered lowly, and all you could think about were those pretty lips and how they moved so subtly when he spoke to you. You spoke again.

                 “Hm, yeah? Another little challenge of yours?” You asked smoothly. He really was quite the competitive guy. You opened your mouth for a witty comment, but a moan left your lips when you felt something hard plunge inside of you. Your thighs shivered as he settled in, a good 6 ½ inches was always such a delight to have.

                  He saw the way your brows furrowed when the pleasure filled your body. He twitched at the sight of your eyes rolling back just a tad bit when he rolled his hips. Grinding was just as good as ruthless pounding in your opinion. 

                  “No, keep those eyes on me…Open them,” he uttered, tilting his head down to brush his nose against yours. He dug his teeth into his lip as your eyes looked up to his, like a siren glaring at a sailor. Your glare was a result of the pleasure and determination to win. Typically, sex with Damian was hot and sweet. Usually slow and relaxing, as it should be. But when a loser and winner was at stake, it wasn’t slow and steady anymore.

                  Hard, fast, and heavenly was a good way to describe how this felt. Two rounds in and your legs were shaking. They were already sore from being SpiderWoman, but being bent over and getting that good spot hit over and over again was…

Fuck.

                  You let out another pitiful moan, your free hand fisting the sheets. His hand intertwined with yours, pushing it into the sheets with every thrust. Sounds of slapping and hot breaths filled the usually peaceful room. You were sweaty, your body hot and knees aching from being bent like this. He was on his knees behind you, taking you from the back. Your ass was up, chest and head resting on the sheets. 

                  “Say it again. Whos the fucking winner?” Damian asked breathlessly, his free hand gripping your hip to make sure you kept moving back into him. He kept his hips thrusting relentlessly into you, panting and sweating. His black hair stuck to his forehead, his tan, lightly freckled muscles flexing and relaxing as he moved.

                  “You…” was the only response you could muster, before a groan. You grit your teeth, eyes shutting as you feel that sweet tingle begin in your legs. Your core finally relaxed as you came, the white cream slowly dripping down your leg as he came soon after. 

                 His pace finally slowed, and he gently pulled out of you. You loosely rolled onto your back, shivering as cum dripped out of you. He saw you panting as well and grabbed a cloth from the bottom drawer of your nightstand. He was already cleaning you off, the tiredness overcoming you. 

                 “You ok?” He muttered, trying to sound nonchalant. You opened your eyes and made eye contact with him, and he had a sort of worried yet relaxed expression. You nodded, and he put the cloth aside to lay next to you. You ruffled his hair, and he closed his eyes to let you.

                  “You win sex but I’m still a better hero…” you whispered, and a small smile showed on his face.

“Go to bed.”

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Sorry this took so long cutie pies, I lost inspiration halfway through the smut. Hope you enjoyed my long ass writing lol

Requests always open

[ms-demeanor]

Hello! First, I wanted to say thank you for your post about updating software and such. I really appreciated your perspective as someone with ADHD. The way you described your experiences with software frustration was IDENTICAL to my experience, so your post made a lot of sense to me.

Second, (and I hope my question isn't bothering you lol) would you mind explaining why it's important to update/adopt the new software? Like, why isn't there an option that doesn't involve constantly adopting new things? I understand why they'd need to fix stuff like functional bugs/make it compatible with new tech, but is it really necessary to change the user side of things as well?

Sorry if those are stupid questions or they're A Lot for a tumblr rando to ask, I'd just really like to understand because I think it would make it easier to get myself to adopt new stuff if I understand why it's necessary, and the other folks I know that know about computers don't really seem to understand the experience.

Thank you so much again for sharing your wisdom!!

A huge part of it is changing technologies and changing norms; I brought up Windows 8 in that other post and Win8 is a *great* example of user experience changing to match hardware, just in a situation that was an enormous mismatch with the market.

Win8's much-beloathed tiles came about because Microsoft seemed to be anticipating a massive pivot to tablet PCs in nearly all applications. The welcome screen was designed to be friendly to people who were using handheld touchscreens who could tap through various options, and it was meant to require more scrolling and less use of a keyboard.

But most people who the operating system went out to *didn't* have touchscreen tablets or laptops, they had a desktop computer with a mouse and a keyboard.

When that was released, it was Microsoft attempting to keep up with (or anticipate) market trends - they wanted something that was like "the iPad for Microsoft" so Windows 8 was meant to go with Microsoft Surface tablets.

We spent the first month of Win8's launch making it look like Windows 7 for our customers.

You can see the same thing with the centered taskbar on Windows 11; that's very clearly supposed to mimic the dock on apple computers (only you can't pin it anywhere but the bottom of the screen, which sucks).

Some of the visual changes are just trends and various companies trying to keep up with one another.

With software like Adobe I think it's probably based on customer data. The tool layout and the menu dropdowns are likely based on what people are actually looking for, and change based on what other tools people are using. That's likely true for most programs you use - the menu bar at the top of the screen in Word is populated with the options that people use the most; if a function you used to click on all the time is now buried, there's a possibility that people use it less these days for any number of reasons. (I'm currently being driven mildly insane by Teams moving the "attach file" button under a "more" menu instead of as an icon next to the "send message" button, and what this tells me is either that more users are putting emojis in their messages than attachments, or microsoft WANTS people to put more emojis than messages in their attachments).

But focusing on the operating system, since that's the big one:

The thing about OSs is that you interact with them so frequently that any little change seems massive and you get REALLY frustrated when you have to deal with that, but version-to-version most OSs don't change all that much visually and they also don't get released all that frequently. I've been working with windows machines for twelve years and in that time the only OSs that Microsoft has released were 8, 10, and 11. That's only about one OS every four years, which just is not that many. There was a big visual change in the interface between 7 and 8 (and 8 and 8.1, which is more of a 'panicked backing away' than a full release), but otherwise, realistically, Windows 11 still looks a lot like XP.

The second one is a screenshot of my actual computer. The only change I've made to the display is to pin the taskbar to the left side instead of keeping it centered and to fuck around a bit with the colors in the display customization. I haven't added any plugins or tools to get it to look different.

This is actually a pretty good demonstration of things changing based on user behavior too - XP didn't come with a search field in the task bar or the start menu, but later versions of Windows OSs did, because users had gotten used to searching things more in their phones and browsers, so then they learned to search things on their computers.

There are definitely nefarious reasons that software manufacturers change their interfaces. Microsoft has included ads in home versions of their OS and pushed searches through the Microsoft store since Windows 10, as one example. That's shitty and I think it's worthwhile to find the time to shut that down (and to kill various assistants and background tools and stop a lot of stuff that runs at startup).

But if you didn't have any changes, you wouldn't have any changes. I think it's handy to have a search field in the taskbar. I find "settings" (which is newer than control panel) easier to navigate than "control panel." Some of the stuff that got added over time is *good* from a user perspective - you can see that there's a little stopwatch pinned at the bottom of my screen; that's a tool I use daily that wasn't included in previous versions of the OS. I'm glad it got added, even if I'm kind of bummed that my Windows OS doesn't come with Spider Solitaire anymore.

One thing that's helpful to think about when considering software is that nobody *wants* to make clunky, unusable software. People want their software to run well, with few problems, and they want users to like it so that they don't call corporate and kick up a fuss.

When you see these kinds of changes to the user experience, it often reflects something that *you* may not want, but that is desirable to a *LOT* of other people. The primary example I can think of here is trackpad scrolling direction; at some point it became common for trackpads to scroll in the opposite direction that they used to; now the default direction is the one that feels wrong to me, because I grew up scrolling with a mouse, not a screen. People who grew up scrolling on a screen seem to feel that the new direction is a lot more intuitive, so it's the default. Thankfully, that's a setting that's easy to change, so it's a change that I make every time I come across it, but the change was made for a sensible reason, even if that reason was opaque to me at the time I stumbled across it and continues to irritate me to this day.

I don't know. I don't want to defend Windows all that much here because I fucking hate Microsoft and definitely prefer using Linux when I'm not at work or using programs that I don't have on Linux. But the thing is that you'll see changes with Linux releases as well.

I wouldn't mind finding a tool that made my desktop look 100% like Windows 95, that would be fun. But we'd probably all be really frustrated if there hadn't been any interface improvements changes since MS-DOS (and people have DEFINITELY been complaining about UX changes at least since then).

Like, I talk about this in terms of backward compatibility sometimes. A lot of people are frustrated that their old computers can't run new software well, and that new computers use so many resources. But the flipside of that is that pretty much nobody wants mobile internet to work the way that it did in 2004 or computers to act the way they did in 1984.

Like. People don't think about it much these days but the "windows" of the Windows Operating system represented a massive change to how people interacted with their computers that plenty of people hated and found unintuitive.

(also take some time to think about the little changes that have happened that you've appreciated or maybe didn't even notice. I used to hate the squiggly line under misspelled words but now I see the utility. Predictive text seems like new technology to me but it's really handy for a lot of people. Right clicking is a UX innovation. Sometimes you have to take the centered task bar in exchange for the built-in timer deck; sometimes you have to lose color-coded files in exchange for a right click.)

[petercapaldi-press]

Peter Capaldi: 'You don't just play the Doctor, you represent him' The Telegraph

INTERVIEW

12 September 2015 6:00am BST

Chloe Fox

'What do you say we have dinner in the Tardis?’ Peter Capaldi, aka the 12th Doctor, is looking at me from over the top of his Wayfarer sunglasses with a bird-like intensity; head cocked to the side, a mischievous light in his beady blue eyes.

Fresh from the set (a nearby solar-panel factory in Cardiff that has been dressed up as the kitchen of a spaceship where a monster has been trying to eat everyone in his path), dressed in skinny black jeans and a T-shirt, with his trademark Dr Martens boots, Capaldi crackles with exactly the same combination of fierce intelligence and nervous energy as his Doctor – a darker, edgier, slightly more unpredictable version of what has come before.

This will be Capaldi’s second season at the helm of a sci-fi television show that, now in its 52nd year (with a 16-year hiatus from 1989 to 2005), is the longest-running in history. Distributed to more than 200 territories worldwide, viewed in the UK alone by an average of six million per episode, adored by its legions of obsessive ‘Whovian’ fans, Doctor Who is nothing short of a global phenomenon.

Capaldi, 56 at the time of casting (he’s 57 now), was the oldest Doctor to debut since the very first doctor, William Hartnell, did so aged 55 in 1963. To some, his was a slightly left-field casting. His immediate predecessors, David Tennant and Matt Smith – 34 and 26 respectively when they got the job – were younger, twinklier, more user-friendly versions of the Time Lord. And yet, Capaldi’s older, more volatile incarnation – who shows zero tolerance towards all things romantic – very quickly won his way into Whovian hearts across the spectrum. ‘A class act’, declared The Daily Telegraph. ‘A fantastic, fascinating lead performance,’ said Digital Spy.

By the time series eight (his first) ended – with a thrilling denouement in which the Doctor was made President of the World and his arch-nemesis, the Master, was reincarnated as a woman (brilliantly played by Michelle Gomez as a sort of malevolent Mary Poppins) – Capaldi’s rightness for the role was established.

‘What I wanted to do, I suppose, was remind people of the alien-ness of the Doctor,’ Capaldi says. ‘Doctor Who isn’t a human being, you see. He’s a creature of the cosmos. His social skills aren’t great. He doesn’t care very much if people like or dislike him, because people aren’t his thing, you know?’

We are now sitting in the Tardis – surely the most thrilling interview location of all time – where Capaldi, who is nearing the end of nine months of filming series nine, looks touchingly at home. Often, between thoughts, he gazes reverentially up at the ceiling as if it were the vaults of a church. Long legs crossed, jacket off, vampirically pale, thin hands wrapped around the pot of Wagamama noodle soup that is his supper, you can see glimpses of the boy who penned endless fan letters to the show’s producers and who applied for presidency of the Doctor Who Fan Club aged 14.

In person, Capaldi is a much gentler, more rarefied presence than you might expect, especially if you were a fan of his brutally funny spin doctor, Malcolm Tucker, in Armando Iannucci’s Bafta-winning political satire The Thick of It. He speaks quietly, with an elegant Glaswegian drawl. Questions are answered thoughtfully and with a real interest, even though they are probably questions he has been asked dozens, if not hundreds, of times before. ‘Am I enjoying myself? Hmm, let me see… Am I enjoying myself?’ he says, looking around a set that has been specifically customised to suit the personality of his more retro, 1960s-style Doctor – a glass table here, a hexagonal window effect there. ‘Well, just look at this place,’ he says, with a sweep of a long arm. ‘How on earth can I not be enjoying myself?’

Capaldi concedes, however, that the first season was ‘terribly nerve-racking for me because not only was the job new, but I was also getting a level of attention that I simply wasn’t used to’. And in filming the second series, the challenges, he admits, have morphed – in true Doctor Who style – into something else.

‘I don’t feel I’ve nailed it yet – from an acting point of view, I mean,’ he says. ‘I don’t yet feel that I know how to do this. Quite who the Doctor is remains mysterious to me – which is of course as it should be – but one of the biggest challenges that I’ve found, and am finding, is that you have to sort of be able to spin on a penny. You have to be able to go from pantomime to tragedy, from domestic to epic, within a single scene. You have to keep the ball in the air, and you have to remember,’ – and here he grins wryly – ‘that The X Factor is on the other channel. You have to remember that there are people watching in America, you have to remember that, as much as you want to apply your mature acting instincts, there are actually lots of children watching. You’ve got to cover all these bases, and make it exciting and interesting too. It’s a great challenge – and, by the way, I really don’t say that lightly – and one which I care very much about getting right. Because it’s big, isn’t it? It’s really big.’

When Capaldi speaks of the weight of responsibility that comes with such an iconic role, he shifts imperceptibly into the second person, as if distancing himself from its magnitude. ‘It can be quite intimidating when you look down, do you know what I mean? Because Doctor Who exists on quite a big scale, in terms of its importance to the BBC and to its fans. You don’t just play Doctor Who; you represent him. You represent the 50 years in which he has meant an awful lot to an awful lot of people. And the weight of it – and I really would never want to seem ungrateful – is that it is continual. It is very, very nice because people always greet you with a certain affection, but it is basically every day, everywhere you go.’

When Capaldi got the job, one of his first actions was to pick the brains of his predecessors. ‘I knew David a little bit but I didn’t know Matt at all,’ he explains. ‘They were both very kind, very generous and refreshingly honest. They both made it quite clear to me that the role would bring, shall we say, a greater visibility, and they gave me very good advice as to how to handle it.’

First and foremost, retain a sense of humour at all times. ‘It’s all showbiz silliness really,’ he says, laughing. (On the day his casting was announced on a prime-time BBC special hosted by Zoë Ball, he was given a codename – Houdini – and bundled, gangster-style, into a chauffeur-driven car with a blanket over his head.)

‘Peter has a large anti-bullshit-ometer inside him,’ says his friend, the actor Richard E Grant (who starred in the short film Franz Kafka’s It’s a Wonderful Life, which Capaldi wrote and directed and for which he won an Oscar). ‘And because his fame and recognition have come relatively late in his career, his hilarious cynicism about the yo-yo nature of showbusiness abides.’

Take Comic-Con, for instance. A couple of weeks before our meeting, Capaldi – along with his co-stars and the Doctor Who writer Steven Moffat – flew out to the convention in San Diego for a promotional event. For the two days before the convention started, Capaldi was doing press in his hotel. Wherever he went, he was accompanied by six security guards. ‘Six! Can you believe it?! And they all kept telling me that I couldn’t leave the hotel because, if I did, I’d be mobbed. And then I’d look out of the window and all I’d see would be this little Yoda walking down the street. So eventually I’d had enough and I said, “Come on, guys, you’ve got to let me go,” So they did – although the heavies came with me, of course. And, do you know what? Not a single person recognised me. Not one.’

Unsurprisingly, this wasn’t to last. The group sat down for dinner and, before long, queues were forming for selfies. Which was when Capaldi’s second code for coping came into play: ‘Just enjoy it.’

He understands the obsessed fans, because he himself was one of them. Teased at school for being a sci-fi geek – he was given the derogatory nickname Moon Man because of his obsession with the moon landings – the young Capaldi was far from cool. Not that he cared too much, because he was also very loved. ‘It was very safe, full of delights,’ he says of his early childhood in a tenement block in the Springburn region of Glasgow. His parents – Italian-born Gerry and Irish-born Nancy – ran a cafe in the bottom of the tenement, from which they operated an ice-cream-delivery business.

Family were everywhere: both grandmothers, plus uncles, aunts and cousins all lived in the same block. There was lots of noise, laughter, spaghetti, a Beatles soundtrack and, of course, Doctor Who. ‘To me, it was like a fairytale,’ he explains of his childhood obsession. ‘It had that quality of darkness that you find in a Grimm’s fairy tale: this strange creature of a man who takes you on all these adventures, but who always keeps you safe. That’s absolutely what I want the children who watch my version to feel.’

For Capaldi, Doctor Who is inextricably linked to his childhood. ‘It will always be a part of me,’ he says. Earlier this year, just before he was due to start filming the current series, Capaldi’s beloved mother – who had sent him the Doctor Who annual every year, well into his adulthood – died. It was a source of great pride to her that his visits to her hospital bedside were always accompanied by the happy squeals of just about every nurse in the hospital, coming to catch a glimpse.

Growing up, he didn’t really know what he wanted to be; he just knew he didn’t want to join the grey ranks of ‘depressed-looking souls standing at the bus stop in the rain every morning’. In those days there was only one place to go if you didn’t want to be like everybody else: the Glasgow School of Art.

Submerged in an ethos of creativity, Capaldi embraced the beginnings of punk. He was lead singer of a band called the Dreamboys – who mercifully changed their name from the Bastards From Hell (and whose members included Craig Ferguson, of The Late Late Show fame) – and he also began to harbour dreams of becoming an actor. One night, in 1983, he got home drunk to his Glasgow flat to find his costume-designer landlady chatting to the film director Bill Forsyth, who saw enough promise in Capaldi’s innocent charm to cast the 25-year-old opposite Burt Lancaster in his Scottish seaside fable Local Hero.

A decade, and a few bit parts later – most notably as John Malkovich’s manservant in Dangerous Liaisons – Capaldi wrote and directed the aforementioned short (in which his actress wife, Elaine Collins, co-starred with Richard E Grant) and, totally unexpectedly, won an Oscar.

For a brief, glittering moment, Hollywood beckoned (the couple bought a house in Crouch End, London, with the proceeds from a Miramax option on a feature-film idea) but then, as so often happens in Hollywood, the lights went off again.

When, after the best part of 15 years spent taking whatever hand-to-mouth acting jobs he could get – a Ruth Rendell Mysteries here, a Foyle’s War there – Capaldi got the call to audition for Armando Iannucci, he didn’t get his hopes up. In fact, the whole audition experience was so turgid and long-winded that, by the time he actually met Iannucci himself, Capaldi was simmering with rage; a rage that was to change his life by landing him the part of Malcolm Tucker.

Contrary to common belief, Malcolm Tucker was not based on Alastair Campbell. He came instead from Hollywood, from the American agents and producers – ‘malevolent forces in Armani suits’ – that Capaldi had witnessed, first-hand, barking foul obscenities down the phone at people. His ‘failure’, it turned out, had not been for nothing.

If the success of The Thick of It was a door opening for Capaldi, Doctor Who has been a floodgate from which there is no going back. ‘Would I have appreciated it as much if it had happened 20 years ago?’ he muses. ‘Almost definitely not.’

Happily, the timing of his success suits Capaldi’s life. With his wife now working as a television producer (she gave up acting for a more financially reliable line of work) and their daughter, Cecily, at university, Capaldi can be based in Cardiff from Monday to Friday and return to family life at weekends. ‘And it’s a shock when I do,’ he jokes. ‘Because I’m certainly not allowed to be number one on the cast list there. Here I spend all week with people taking me everywhere I need to go, checking I have everything I need, driving me the three minutes to and from my lovely waterside apartment to the studio, making me endless cups of coffee, loving me wherever I go; and there I am expected to have my feet on the ground. But I don’t want my feet on the ground, goddammit!’

He is too gracious to say it, but Capaldi is definitely tired and homesick. With 13 episodes a year, not to mention the promotional whirl, being the Doctor is more than a full-time job. He has even developed the same knee complaint that had Matt Smith – ‘who is about 12, for God’s sake!’ – on crutches at their first meeting. ‘It’s something to do with running down corridors and turning round very quickly to deliver lines,’ he says, laughing.

Nevertheless Capaldi is uncomplaining. ‘All this will come to an end, you see,’ he says, looking around him at the Tardis. ‘It might just be my Scottish melancholia, but the very first day I found out I’d got the job, I started to feel sad that one day I would not have it; that there would come a day, in the not too distant future, that I wouldn’t be Doctor Who any more. And that is why I try really hard to get as much out of it as possible. Because one day I’ll just be an overweight has-been, trying to get a meeting with Jenna Coleman [Clara, the Doctor’s companion] and being ejected from a Doctor Who Convention in Bolton for being drunk and disorderly. I mean, this is surely my high point, isn’t it?’

Doctor Who returns to BBC One on September 19

[kingshovelbug]

im sorry but i need to geek out somewhere and screaming into the void on tumblr is less likely to get me flayed than on twitter, especially if i get terms wrong. plus i can do a read more and yall can click into the tech talk if you want to verse it bombarding your twitter timelines

so idk if i only liked it or if i actually put it in my queue but i saw a post that talked about a few pieces of tech that focus on user repairs and being sustainable (fairphone and frameworks laptop) and after doing some more research into what they have to offer i actually really excited that these products are finely hitting the us market and that people are moving away from the belief that super smooth streamlined glassy = the future. being able to reliably repair and keep what you have alive verse throwing the whole thing away when maybe all you needed to do is add more ram to your current laptop (something that i would do with my laptop to keep using it for a few more years if it wasnt glued shut and i was at risk of cracking the screen) or swap out a fuse.

i know big corporations dont like it but i truly do believe with how much tech we use on a daily basis that the way that we are going to be more environmentally friendly is to move back to tech that we can hang onto for as long as we can and to recycle and then reuse what we cant. like with the frameworks laptop. i saw that they just partnered with coolermaster to create a case specifically so that you can reuse you motherboard, cpu, etc and make a portable workstation. you could dual wield with the laptop you just upgraded if you want to dedicate specific tasks to one or the other. they also specifically mentioned that you could screw it into the back of a monitor and create your own all in one. guys thats cool as shit??? if you had a 3d printer and some time you could even create that yourself

on top of the actual hardware part moving to open source programs when your able. when i update my desktop i plan on running linux. it might have a learning curve compared to windows but in terms of performance??? ive heard that it runs smoother even on older machines, that its more efficient because isnt running stuff in the background that tracks your data and shit. now i understand that not everyone can do that because there are some programs that dont play nice with linux but for my needs at least it does everything i would need it to. and maybe a couple years down the road we do figure out how to run these programs on certain flavors of linux since its open source and people fiddle with it so much. (still looking for alternatives to like word and excel though, i use google docs since its free but i want to move away from them as much as i can too since they laid of their youtube music team (i believe?? it might of been a different branch) for trying to unionize)

if anyone knows of any other smaller companies that actually focus on sustainability and user repairability please let me know. theres certain pieces of tech that i think are now unfortunately behind a software repair paywall, things that used to be just machines and are gaining more bells and whistles like cars and refrigerators if that makes sense. but the more we push for these things to be repairable by us the consumers id hope that would change, or there would at least be options that dont need specific companies to repair them or else they blow up

[ivorydragoness44]

“Blush” Part Two Morgie le Fay x Merlin’s Kid! Reader

(A/N: A collaborative piece between @where-dreamers-go and @ivorydragoness44 for a continuation of two magic users who are crushing on each other: Reader who is headmaster Merlin’s kid attending Merlin Academy and Morgie, son of Morgana le Fay. Warnings: Awkward teenage-hood, mention of snakes, and use of (Y/N) for your name. Also Lain translations: facti sunt inanimati (become inanimate) / Ego amo te multum (I like you a lot) / acceptus (welcome/pleasing) Word Count: 4,740 words)

An outdoor common area wasn’t crowded during your lunch time. Various seating and tables welcomed anyone outside of class time. The open area distributed voices into an easily ignorable murmur.

Your usual go-to reading spot in a comfy armchair was exactly what you needed after you had finished eating. Some time to yourself. Time to get a head start on assignments or study. You did neither.

A large volume on momentum spells sat upon your lap. There it laid open to the same two pages for the past ten minutes.

How did I not notice before?

You had been searching through any reliable memory for nearly twenty-four hours since Bridget had cleverly hinted of Morgie’s crush on you. In turn, you realized your own stirring feelings for him in such an odd fashion.

How could I not know my own feelings? You wondered. I know when I’m happy or anxious, impatient, sad, or surprised. Definitely surprised. These feelings were obvious.

Blinking, you retained nothing from the pages before you.

How could you?

You had such a confounding and unanticipated revelation. It was as if you were questioning everything around you as it looked fresh and altered in a way.

Am I in the beginning or all ready in the middle of these feelings? You sighed. I just want it to make sense.

Not that there was much reason for your scurrying between classes the day before. All wrapped in your own mind and hardly making so much as a glance at anyone around you.

That anxious feeling and fluctuating levels of anticipation followed you into a new day. Always on the look out for a specific magically inclined student.

Two more classes and then he’ll be in that one. It’ll be fine. It was fine yesterday.

A sway of greens and black caught your eye from further away. Passing chairs and laughing fairies.

Recognizing the figure only made your heartbeat pick up into a rhythm that made your fingers twitch.

Thoughts whirled in your mind and the large room felt too warm.

I can’t.

Picking up your belongings you dashed around the armchair and sped out into the closer hallway.

I need a quieter place to study anyway, you reasoned with yourself. Your feet took you down a familiar path and soon you had your sights set on a corner seating area. It’s totally normal to sit here, you thought, I’ve done it before. No one really comes here unless they need to. It’s a big school.

Indeed, it was a large academy.

But, who else would sit outside the Headmaster’s office to study other than his offspring? Probably no one.

You sat a bit too upright against the cushions.

I just need to focus. That’s a skill.

Yet shame rose to your cheeks and chest as you considered your escape. A move quite cowardice.

The truth was simple: You were unprepared for the new situation. Having near romantic feelings, more than friendly, towards Morgie was not something you foresaw. The weather, sure, but not a crush. Not int the least.

All you could do was hope to get through the rest of the school day as smoothly as possible…and maybe see Morgie. Maybe.

⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎

Many questions could be asked within the halls of Merlin Academy. None were deemed silly, mostly.

Why is it called ‘butterflies’ when my stomach flips from seeing (Y/N)? Morgie thought while he strolled to class. They’re nice flips.

Hopping over someone’s school bag, Morgie chuckled and quickly surveyed the common area with its tall windows. He saw the same students chatting animatedly, practicing magic, and keeping close to those they knew.

At the sight of a familiar shade of blue, Morgie felt those butterflies.

(Y/N)! Morgie came to a halt as he watched you speed walk through a threshold with a large volume tucked against you. I wonder what spell book they’re reading now. Or history book.

Being gifted with magic himself, Morgie knew almost exactly how knowledgeable and skilled you were. Magic ran in both of your families. Strong and well-known.

A mental image of your eyes shining in magic filled him with a tickling warmth.

Very magical, he thought dreamily.

⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎

Mathematics class; intimidating to some, aggravating for others, and a welcomed challenge by few students.

Sitting in the front row of desks made it easier for you to take diligent notes. Goodness knew how important it was for you, child of the knowledge-seeking Merlin. Especially when you continuously fought the urge to check windows’ reflection.

It was just the right lighting. The perfect cloud cover outside. A subtle way to have a look at the classroom.

So what if you were curious?

I’m just checking. That’s all, you thought as you glanced over to Morgie’s reflection.

After twenty minutes of repeating the action every so often it could no longer be considered ‘checking’. No, you were studying Morgie. Observing how he presented himself in class, a learning environment. He didn’t interrupt. Expressive, but not loud.

By the end of class, your notes could had been neater. An easy task for later.

You took your time leaving class. Slowly packing your belongings where they ought to be in your bag. Yet your eyes had began a habit.

You wanted to see him more. To see what might happen.

Is that a side effect of having a crush on someone?

Could you truly call it studying, something you were confident in doing?

Morgie squeezed passed a taller student while heading for the door. It was when he reached it that he looked over his shoulder and caught your gaze.

In the time it took you to hold back your gasp, Morgie had a flush rise up his neck.

Oh.

In a flash, Morgie left the classroom.

You blinked.

What does this even mean?

⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎

Too much thumping. Too warm and flighty.

Morgie had never shoved and bounded down a hall so fast. Not for avoidance anyway. He had no idea what came over himself.

Eventually stopping underneath a tree, Morgie breathed in the fresh air.

Why does my face have to get so warm? He thought while fighting the urge to hit his forehead on the tree trunk.

Uliana’s words from the day before rung in through his head: “A villain shouldn’t be blushing; not over an honors student.” She had seemed so bewildered then by Morgie’s reaction to you.

It wasn’t as if it was his fault. He didn’t make himself blush on cue, nor did you. If Morgie had it his way, no one would had been able to tell how he liked you. He didn’t want them to.

But (Y/N) probably knows, Morgie thought. They’re too smart not to know I like them. His heartbeat increased steadily.

Seeing your figure ascending a set of stairs took a short gasp out of Morgie.

I could say something.

The youth leapt from out of the foliage, took a few steps, and stopped. His chest felt like it was shaking with the rapid thumps of his heart.

Morgie swallowed. Hazel eyes watching nervously as you walked out of sight.

Maybe another time.

⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎

A whole week passed with just as many assignments and suggested readings. Knowledge was gained and some sleep was lost. Studying for a text was involved.

Maybe I’m getting better at this, you thought.

Leaving your final class of the day, you held your head a little higher and had a slight bounce to your step. Days were looking up, more positive. Magical, one might say.

You had good news to share with your father, Merlin, and Bridget had given you a copy of a cookie recipe. All good things.

And I’m pretty sure Morgie had looked at me in class today, you thought with a giddy smile.

Oh, that crush of yours? You one hundred percent knew you liked him.

Did you figure out when those feelings started? No, and that bit irritated you. You really wanted to know in order to figure out the details. But your mind liked to keep some secrets it seemed.

On route to your dorm, you avoided the sea of students. Each gathered in various sized groups to socialize after a long day.

You wanted to put your books and all away in your room first. It was a wonder how much you could fit into one bag.

Walking into a near deserted hall with mid-afternoon lighting gave you an odd sense of awareness. No distractions moving about or unpolished enchantments to dodge. It was you, your surroundings, and your senses.

Through those senses, it was easy to notice someone trotting up behind you. Not too fast, but also with intent.

“Hey.”

Your eyes widened a fraction at the sight of Morgie slowing to match your pace.

“Hi.” You greeted lightly and did a quick glance behind him.

He came alone.

This is a bit new.

“How’d you do on the exam?” Morgie asked and gingerly bit his bottom lip.

“Better than I thought. Thankfully. I spent enough time studying for it.”

“I know.”

You looked forward briefly and asked, “How about you? How’d you do?”

“Near perfect.” He nearly smiled from ear to ear. His chest stuck out just enough.

A swell of pride unmistakably grew within you.

“That’s great.” You said, grateful to have an easy conversation. “I’m not surprised.”

Was that too much?

Walking alongside Morgie was quite new. Welcomed and almost peaceful. What blasted all that into the stratosphere was the delighted grin brightening Morgie’s face.

Oh. You could feel your heart squeezing and your own smile widening.

All major smiles dropped once the pair of you reached a staircase.

“I’ll…see you later,” Morgie took a step away.

“See you.” You gave one last smile and started the ascent. Even with eyes focused on the steps ahead of you, you were aware of Morgie’s gaze following your movements.

Definitely a more positive day.

⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎

Time and one’s innermost desires didn’t always line up as one hoped. Not even with magic.

Morgie had thought his time was perfect, but there were other factors he forgot to take into account.

This could be better, Morgie thought, or worse.

Morgie had followed his band of fellow villains in line for lunch. Stomachs hungry and eyes trained ahead was the usual standing for the students.

For Morgie, however, his fingers twitched and he was much too aware of every movement he made. He could hardly help it. Making an impression and standing out to you kept him on his toes.

You were standing behind him talking with someone. A fairy who was asking for wand advice, apparently.

They’re a really good listener, Morgie thought as he kept waiting to hear your voice. They might be smiling. He managed not to turn around. Even teenagers with magic had some self control. More so, gaining the attention of the other villains wasn’t something he wanted at that moment.

Suddenly, inhaled sharply as he felt the slightest movement of air behind him. You had almost touched him.

Standing so close together in line felt like the best and the worst thing all at once. Morgie could hardly breathe in a normal manner.

“Hey,” Hook tapped Morgie on the shoulder.

His eyes glanced over to the pirate captain. Soon he met the others’ gazes.

“Are you sick?”

Morgie shook his head.

“The line shouldn’t take that long,” said Hades.

“It could be faster.” Uliana pointedly looked ahead.

After quiet observations of Morgie le Fay, the villains turned back around as the line moved up. He was thankful for the lack of questions. Perhas they had thoughts on the weekend ahead. Morgie sort of did.

Hearing your cheerful laughter practically roll through his nervous system reenergized him like a potent potion. He pulled at his thin scarf.

I need to do something.

⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎

After a rainstorm everything felt alive and…wet.

Nearing the end of your lunch period you had dried off a part of the seating at a table in a courtyard and got to work fixing your notes. Earlier in the day, one of your teachers had spoke faster than you would had preferred. At least the cramp in your hand ebbed.

If they weren’t in a rush to finish the lesson today, you thought, my notes wouldn’t look like a total lopsided disaster trying to keep up. Picking your pen up, you had an idea. Why can’t I let my pen write for me? A mixture of a locomotive spell and personification. It could work. Worth a shot, you thought and set down the pen.

A quick shake of your arms to stay loose, and you straightened your posture.

Any spell started with an intention. With yours set, you spoke clearly and allowed your gift to charge. You had done spells since you were little. This one could be considered a light exercise.

One you completely goofed up when the sight of Morgie le Fay walking by with his hazel eyes already gazing at you threw off your concentration.

“Oh, goodness.”

The pen in front of you didn’t move.

 A startled scream drew your attention to your real mistake. Across the courtyard, a stone bench scampered by a group of students.

“Blast it.” You hit the table and leapt from your seat.

“(Y/N)!” Jasmine and Aladdin shouted, both rushing away from the animated furniture.

“Sorry!” You ran after the bench as it fled form you in a gallop. “Stop!”

⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎

Merlin Academy allowed magic in the curriculum. No question about it, with a wizard as its headmaster. It was then, expected by most, to see magic nearly everyday, given the various students’ skillsets.

“That looks like fun,” Hades commented on the running bench, Maleficent nudging his arm in disapproval.

“Maybe they like mischief after all.” Hook said to Morgie and peered to his friend. “Morgie?”

No one was beside him. Not anymore.

Moving as fast as his legs could take him, heart pounding, Morgie ran through an alcove. He had a simple plan: cut off the animated bench’s path and stop it before it caused you any harm.

If (Y/N) wanted it to be running amok, they wouldn’t be panicking. A logical thought for the teenager keeping an ear for any sign of the likely misbehaving bench.

Sunlight poured into an opening of a walkway intersection, and Morgie skidded to a halt when he heard your aggravated shouting in Latin. The corner of his lips curved up.

“Come on,” Morgie murmured in a ready stance.

Rhythmic thuds came closer and closer.

Gray stone tumbled around the corner.

“You,” he kept his hands raised, “facti sunt inanimati.”

 A jolt and stiffness hit the bench, stopping altogether. Echoes of its last movements faded into the building.

“Ha.” Morgie gave the bench a good look-over. “Nice try.”

In the next moment, you rounded the corner with determination. Your objective had been completed without you. It stood to reason why your surprise built as you slowed to a stop by the bench.

Backlit from the afternoon’s warm sun and your gaze on Morgie, he found himself speechless.

“Morgie,” you inquired between intakes of air, “did you… Did you stop it?”

He nodded, heartbeat increasing.

A grin brightened your face. “Thank you.”

Morgie stuck out his chest proudly. He could feel himself grinning.

“You, uh, you didn’t have to.” You gave the stone bench a light tap with your shoe.

“I wanted to.”

An expression and emotion came over you, one Morgie couldn’t quite read. You weren’t angry or disappointed. It was neither sadness, irritation, or disgust.

The longer he studied you the more you stood there in wonder.

Should I walk closer? He thought, glad to not be blushing.

“(Y/N),” Fay had scurried into the covered walkway. “Are you all right? Oh! You got it.”

You had turned around to face the fairy, “Actually…”

“It’s all right. I messed up with my wand again yesterday. But, perhaps, we can move the bench back. Somehow.”

“Levitation could work,” you suggested with a cute tilt of your head.

“Yeah. Excellent, (Y/N).”

Standing quietly, Morgie’s heart had a small leap of warmth whenever your name was spoken. A spark of excitement.

“Morgie,” you said looking over your shoulder, “I’m glad the bench didn’t cause you too much trouble.”

“It would’ve ran away if it knew what I can do.” He replied feeling more confident.

“I’m sure.” You smirked playfully.

Not so deep down, Morgie really wanted to keep the conversation going despite the new task ahead, Fay standing right there, and an upcoming class. He could probably come up with something.

“Uh.”

Both you and Morgie looked to Fay as she stood waiting with her wand at the ready. Patient as she was, Fay appeared confused at your interaction.

Good. She doesn’t need to know.

“I have to run.” Morgie leaned forward and allowed his magic to alter his eyes. “You can catch me later.”

After witnessing surprise on your lovely face, Morgie took his leave. Blushing was the last thing on his mind this time.

⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎

Warm afternoon sunlight made the headmaster’s office cozy and nowhere near intimating. It could also be the familiarity and the sheer number of books in your father’s office. Not particularly a surprise for you.

The actual surprise came earlier when you decided to talk to your father about what had been nagging at the back of your mind.

If only you could get yourself to that topic.

“You heard about that?” You cringed, slouching into your seat.

“I did.” Merlin said calmly as he sipped his tea. “It’s not often a stone bench runs around the academy. Oh, don’t take it to heart. Mistakes happen. We can learn from them.” Ever the understanding and intelligent man. Anything could be a lesson in his view.

Now’s as good a time as ever, you thought apprehensively.

“I…was distracted.” You admitted quietly, nervously.

Setting down the teacup, he looked at you pointedly.

“Well now, you know better than that.” He cleared his throat, “especially with others around.”

“I know. I know. It’s just… It doesn’t make sense,” you rambled on, “it’s like one day everything’s normal and then… Oh, goodness.” You sunk further into the furniture a little embarrassed. “I have…feelings for someone.”

Merlin chuckled, “I see!”

“But I don’t know when it started so that I can know fully why.”

“Very illogical and confusing. You might never know.”

“What?”

He continued to chuckle happily. “There’s no logical explanation for this.”

You grumbled, thought half-heartedly with how your father was in such a good spirits.

“A most befuddling thing.”

⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎

Late in the evening when crickets started chirping and owls were starting their day, villains mingled in an enormous rotting eel. An excellent place as any to hang out after school at the black lagoon.

Moods were high and shared as the motley crew recalled the chaos you enchanted bench caused. A real highlight of the day.

“I’ve never seen a fairy fall into bushes before,” Maleficent snickered with a swirl of her hair.

“Or a wave of students diving out of the way.” Hook laughed along with the others.

“Who knew (Y/N) could cause such glorious chaos.” Uliana added gleefully.

“Speaking of fleeing,” Hades turned to Morgie. “Where’d you run off to? You missed the fun.”

“I caught up with (Y/N).” Morgie replied as all attention fell to him.

“Oh, you spent time with Merlin’s goodie goodie?” Uliana teased playfully. She wasn’t oblivious to how Morgie acted around you.

Feeling more confident and a tad bashful, Morgie added, “I think (Y/N) and I could cause some mischief together.”

“Now that I’d like to see.” Uliana said positively.

“Merlin’s child without a book? How shocking,” Maleficent said and patted Hades’ arm.

“They mustn’t be afraid of the dark,” Hades said casually.

“Aye, but how much do they like it?” Hook questioned and looked to the young sorcerer.

Morgie breathed in slowly. “I’ll have to find out.”

⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎

Sounds of water and chirping of birds ground you after what felt like the longest class of the semester. An exaggeration of course. But being by a water feature with friends between classes helped ease your mind.

“Is there a world where you’d consider not being in honors classes? It would give you some freedom.” Jasmine smiled encouragingly. “Or do you like a challenge?”

You shook your head, laughing. “I like learning. Is that so bad?”

“You’re not trapped in expectations are you?”

“Trapped? No. Trying to ignore them? Definitely.”

“I have some experience with—No!” Her words broke into a yelp as she looked down to where you both stood.

“Oh!”

A cream colored snake slithered over your shoe. Not a large one, and it hardly had any weight to it at all.

Odd, you thought and bent down to inspect the creature.

“Be careful.” Jasmine said from a couple of steps away.

“I will,” you squinted and almost laughed once you made a discovery. “Oh? It’s paper.”

“What?”

You chuckled and held out your hand. The parchment, very much enchanted, coiled upon the palm of your hand.

“Will it bite?” She inquired.

“What bites?” Aladdin showed up, almost out of nowhere. His gaze went from Jasmine to where hers was locked. “Are you planning to trick someone?”

“No.” You Brough your hand closer to you and added, “I’ll check it out. No worrying, all right?”

“All right.” Jasmine relented. “I’ll see you in class.”

Giving a wave to the happy pair, you departed for some seclusion. It was truly a good thing that the academy was large and not a simple rectangular building.

This is not a trick, you thought as your mind quickly narrowed down who would enchant paper to be a snake. Those thoughts only made your heart rate quicken.

As inconspicuously as you could manage while not fast-walking, you ducked behind a tree full of branches to obscure yourself from view. The last thing you wanted was a nosy student popping up behind you.

“Alright,” you exhaled and held the ‘snake’ up. “Do you have a message for me?”

With a shiver and nod, the paper snake unrolled before its serpentine enchantment subsided.

“Huh.”

Heat rose to your chest and neck.

It is form Morgie.

Your eyes had looked to the signature first before reading his message in its entirety.

(Y/N), Ego amo te multum. In my chest there is a hum every time I see you and hear your name it’s fluttering and warm and all the same. It’s new and acceptus and I wish you and I were an “us”. Please reply yay or nay. If negative, destroy this letter today. Morgie

Hardly knowing if you were breathing properly or what time it was, you read the letter two more times. You had to be certain you weren’t mistaken. Your heart threatened to burst! metaphorically, of course.

Morgie le Fay did like you! It wasn’t just a misreading of situations. He liked you a lot.

Him writing in Latin may had got you a little flustered, but you’d manage.

Quickly with shaking hands, you folded the letter and stashed it into your bag.

Yup. This is new. Befuddling maybe. You thought as you attempted a few calm breaths. He likes me! A wide smile curved your lips. Oh, wait, wait. I need to reply. Reply…and say what?

⭐︎ ⭐︎ ⭐︎

As with each weekday, the rest of the school day went by. Each spare moment gave you a chance to breathe more consciously and time to contemplate what to write back to Morgie. Obviously, you would. It needed to be written just right.

Morgie liked you and you liked him. For once in your life, you needed to fully express that in words. No more avoidance. Time had come to admit your emotions.

A little intimidating, but he took a big step—a chance. I can do the same, you thought as you walked into your dorm room. Your safe place. No more hiding. It took me long enough to figure out how I feel. I can do this.

So your writing began. Many scratched out marks and revisions later, the reply to Morgie’s confession was complete.

Morgie, How could I reply with a simple Yay? My dear Morgie le Fay Ego amo te multum. I have found where the hum comes from. It’s from oneself being incredibly happy. I have it too. You may have my reply, YAY And I’m keeping your letter. Affectionately, (Y/N)

Thankful to have finally written with a steady hand, you folded the letter and enchanted it to fly as a bird. Speedy delivery for the sorcerer who would without a doubt be hoping for a reply.

Poor Morgie had to wait hours all ready. I hope he doesn’t think I burned his letter, you thought anxiously. But if he didn’t have hope or bravery that I might feel similarly, then he wouldn’t have sent the letter in the first place. Oh, goodness, how do people deal with this?

All you could do was pace the floor of your room.

What else could you do?

Your thoughts were no where settled to do anything academic. So you waited.

Waited for what exactly? You were not certain.

Anything and everything could happen. Even nothing.

Just breathe. You did your part. You leaned against your bed. Then again, there are no instructions for these sort of…illogical things.

About ten minutes since you had sent out the letter, there came an unfamiliar knock on your door. It spooked you as if you had been sitting in the dark alone.

Apprehension to disappointment of another person and nerves overcame you then. There was only one way to find out who knocked.

Be brave.

You walked up to the door.

Unless it’s Ella returning my book…

Upon opening the door, you were doubly happily surprised to see a beaming Morgie with very tidy hair, holding a single flower. The sort of flora that grew around the school grounds.

“Hi.” Morgie stood almost completely still.

“Hi. What are you doing here?” You asked with a grin.

“I wanted to see you.”

Your chest swelled with warmth and all you could do was stare at him, the body who liked you back.

Hazel eyes peered passed you and Morgie tilted his head.

“Why do you have crumbled paper all over your desk?”

Looking over your shoulder briefly, you laughed. “The first few drafts of my reply.”

“Oh,” Morgie raised his free hand to reveal a piece of paper. “Like this?”

“More rambling and messy because I was nervous, but yes.”

“Affectionately nervous?” A smirk upturned his lips slowly.

“Happily so.”

Beaming, Morgie took a step forward, but stopped as he was unsure of your reaction or preference of closeness. He looked ever so adorable. A letter from you in one hand a flower held in the other.

A hug I can handle.

Taking a step back into your room, you held out your arms and beckoned him in for a hug.

Morgie didn’t waste a second of your invitation. The two of your embraced. All nervous jitters forgotten. Enjoying the affection from the other with all the giddiness, warmth, and comfort that came with it.

“I really, really like you,” Morgie whispered onto your shoulder. His arms embraced you a little tighter, emotions shown freely.

I could hear that on repeat.

“I really, really like you,” you said, happy your voice didn’t crack. “Maybe we could do something this weekend?” Your bravery had come out full force.

Was there anything to be nervous about anymore in regards to your feelings?

Morgie leaned back to look at you with bright eyes.

“Yeah! Anything.” His excitement level escalated.

“Anything?”

“Anything,” he insisted. “A walk, a prank, trying a new spell, causing mischief, or dinner.”

“You’ve had time to think about this.”

“All day and when I ran here.”

“You ran?”

“I wanted to see you,” he repeated and finally offered you the flower.

You accepted the flower without hesitation.

Perhaps your time and future with Morgie would be something like that. Beautiful and unexpected. More than anything, you knew it would be magical.

~~~

(If you love my writings and want to support me, I have a Ko-Fi where you can buy me a coffee. I would be eternally grateful. coffee

Best wishes and happy reading.)

~~~~~

[autolenaphilia]

It's remarkable how easy Linux Mint is to use, compared to Linux's general forbidding reputation. It was really easy to set up for me who has no coding knowledge. I had to fiddle with the boot order in my BIOS a bit but no biggie. Follow the installation guide on the website, and you will be fine. You can boot from an USB too, and test out the OS before installing it and wiping your drive. Transfer data to an external drive before you do.

And you probably won't have much trouble once it is installed either. The default settings are reasonable, and can be changed. It's a very easy to use OS. I have had no problems doing most of the ordinary things I use an OS for. My most used programs on Windows was already things like Firefox, VLC media player and Libreoffice on windows, and they function just as fine on Linux Mint (and are indeed installed by default).

Gaming has given me some trouble, but honestly Lutris has solved most of them. Granted I run mostly so old games on this laptop that Scummvm and dosbox is a solution for many of them. And installing 32 bit libraries has solved others (running the command in this link in the terminal solved so many issues alone). I play very old games, if you can't tell.

Sure, part of how Mint is so user-friendly is that it imitates Windows graphical user interface. But to be honest, it does mean users coming from Windows are already used to the interface. And Mint imitates only the parts of it that work, like the taskbar. And Microsoft has had a bad habit of making the gui look like a phone or a tablet for years now, so Mint does a Windows-like gui better than Windows at this point.

Mint is better than Windows in being a user-friendly operating system in general. Windows being spyware and full of bloatware is well-known and LInux gets away from that bullshit. And just how polite MInt is about updates is a massive improvement. No forced reboots here while an update takes ages to install.

Mint is a long-term support distro, which means it focuses on stability over the latest updates to packages and programs, introducing updates not when they are first released, but after a while when any bugs have been ironed out. And that improves the OS's stability a lot, which I value over getting bleeding edge updates. If you want updates as soon as they happen, and are willing to tinker a bit to fix things, there are other distros which use a rolling-release model.

It is less demanding on the hardware without compromising functionality. Like the majority of Linux distros takes up way less space on the drive and less memory compared to Windows, you can get more life out of an old computer this way.

There are so many older computers that still function fine hardware-wise, but since the specs on that hardware are too weak to switch to a newer more-resource hungry version of Windows, the machines are abandoned because the OS ends up unsupported and unsafe to use. Windows 10 support is going to end in 2025, it might be extended, but the end of w10 support is going to be a blood bath for this very reason. So many computers can't meet the specs for Windows 11 that the switch will be painful. And I would urge you if you are affected by this to upgrade to a LInux distro instead of getting a new computer just for windows 11.

[grannie-nasty]

you didn't specify what kind of ask so you get story time

so about four months ago i accidentally installed Linux Mint on my computer.

it wasn't actually accidental, i just like saying that. But i didn't really mean to do it when i started out so like wasn't it kinda accidental?

So windows 10 is hitting end-of-support in fall of 2024 and windows 11 sucks, like--UX sucks, increased processor/ram demand sucks, invasive built-in spyware sucks, windows 11 sucks. So, in order to still have a modern OS that receives security updates and shit, I was looking at user-friendly linux distributions (or "distros" if you wanna use The Slang) to switch to instead.

A lot of distros (most of them? (all of them?)) are able to be run from a copy on a flash drive, which lets you run the operating system (at a slight performance hit) as a way to be like "okay--will this generally be a tolerable environment for me to operate a computer?" and the same flash drive doubles as installation media

now given my introduction you might be immediately thinking of this as the "this is where she accidentally installed Mint instead of just trying it out" but no, no! It goes deeper.

So i tried out Mint and decided this works as well as any other, But! I wanted to be able to use some programs from my windows PC during a transitional period while i was learning how Mint worked in more detail, and maybe keep the windows around as a non-internet-connecting game-playing OS. Also I didn't want to have to reinstall every single one of my games which was a lot of data.

So i was trying to set up dual-boot, where you choose which OS to boot at the moment of startup. Unfortunately, I was kind of inept (much less competent than I am now): linux OSs tend to use a different way of organizing files on a disc than windows likes to and... as i was trying to set up my disk so that I could install mint in a partition of it, one of the steps was to reboot the computer (still within windows).

I shut down the computer, and when i tried to turn it back on... it stalled at a step, with windows basically saying "yeah, I can read the disk enough to show you this message, but otherwise i can't read the disk where the OS lives and boot up." and uh

It might have been possible at that point to undo what I'd done and return to the windows OS to regroup and try again... but i was stuck with searching shit on my phone with its uncomfortably small screen and slow-ass page loading so it was hard to look up how to undo what i'd done... and all the data on the disk in question was already backed up to an external drive... and i did already have installation media in my hand for Mint...

So the lowest-effort path to having a functional computer was just "fuck it, reformat the disk and install Mint" and that's what I did and i've been thriving in Mint ever since.

Oh… oh my that does sound like an adventure. I tried using using Linux back in grad school because I hated windows 10 (I think that’s what it was??) so much and also as a control freak being able to fine tune everything appealed to me. But girls… when I tell you I *do not* have the computer expertise for that… computers are truly not my gift. But I’m very glad you’re liking it!

[kellyscabin]

Hey I love ur amvs!! I was wondering if you had advice for someone that's interested in making their own? I'm not sure what the best programs are for editing or getting clips. Ty! :)

this is so flattering thank you so much!!!!! I LOVE making amvs…… favourite thing in the world to do so this is gonna be probably longer than you wanted…..

I’ve bounced around just about everything in the last couple years so I can give you a few different ideas!!

For clip sourcing:

initially, I used episodes that I had downloaded as supernatural was airing so the quality was iffy and there were logos on a lot of them… THEN I went the screen recording route (for when I was on my phone, I’ve never tried this on desktop but I know this works well for others!!) but I found that the quality still bugged me AND I ended up with nearly 2000 supernatural clips on my phone…… which was a nightmare to sort through… NOW I use this which is very fabulous and easy to use… you can select which eps to download if you don’t need all of them!! (and no vpn needed)

For editing:

I’ve used a lot of different programmes til I found one that worked well for me so definitely shop around…. youtube tutorials are your friend…. when I started, I was using sony vegas pro…. which worked fine even though my laptop was the first one ever made… but I didn’t want to pay for it and it got blocked on my laptop forever and windows would notttt let me get it back…….. SO, as I mentioned, for a while I was editing on my phone which I would personally nottt recommend for full length amvs… smaller edits would be completely fine!! I used splice which was very basic but it got the job done!! actually. looking through my videos- everything from mr perfectly fine to dean movies was made on my phone which is about 30 videos- so this works!! it’s just much more difficult and harder to polish up…. I personally make amvs much quicker and cleaner on my laptop.. and noticed a big big difference in my own quality since I switched….. NOW I use capcut since it’s free and my laptop can run it without any issues. I’m genuinely very impressed with it as a free software- lots of really good tools and effects, I find it so easy to alter colours and subtitle as well!! which I struggled with on other platforms!! very user friendly too!!! would be very beginner friendly!!

fun stuff :)

PLANNING is my absolute favourite part of making an amv…… normally I hear a song and can very easily picture shot by shot how I would amv it - once I’ve got the song and general theme I’m going for- I normally print out the lyrics and annotate them - jotting down timings, voiceovers, season, arcs and clips.. I can sometimes skip this if it’s just a simple video but if it’s anything complicated I HAVE to write it down. I also find it’s easier to make a video have a ‘point’ if I do this??? idk.. I think it helps but idk if this is something everybody does :)

there’s the spn transcript searcher which is very useful as well if there’s a line you’re looking for but can’t remember where it’s from!!

and of course homeofthenutty which is great for thumbnail stuff!!

editing things:

honestly… I don’t think there’s a wrong way to do this if you’ve got a really fabulous idea….. timings are the trickiest thing to get the hang of- I do dashes on my printed plan to kind of show where I need cuts and if it’s fast cuts I write down how long each clip should be so it looks cleaner. I find that my videos don’t really look finished until they’re subtitled either- so that always helps!! everybody kind of does that differently so definitely play around until you find a style you like!!

I wouldn’t worry too much about colouring when you’re just starting out- sometimes I find that filters can be distracting but I know others who swear by them so that’s just personal preference!! I really just tweak certain clips to make them less saturated or green-looking….

for posting:

I really recommend posting simultaneously on tumblr and youtube!! I have videos with basically no notes on tumblr but did really well on yt and vice versa!! the yt algorithm can be funny- I find that as long as it has a custom thumbnail and a few comments it does alright!! on tumblr- I always link the yt video since the tumblr player doesn’t always work for everybody…. also don’t be afraid to use taglists!!! I’m sure your mutuals would love to be tagged and please definitely tag me in anything you make!!! genuinely owe so much to my mutuals for their support 🫶🫶 and also don’t be afraid to self-reblog!! chronological dashboard means people WILL miss things if they aren’t online!!!

but genuinely the most important thing is to have fun…… I seriously love amvs…. I think they’re the best thing in the world and spend probably at least half an hour minimum a day watching amvs…….. and we need more of them!!!!! so thank you!!! and please please tag me when you make one!!! and feel free to dm me if you need anything at all!!! like all technical aspects aside… an amv made with so much love and to a fabulous song is a gift to the world…… 🫶🫶

[vergess]

You are the mutual I know who uses linux, and I have a half-broken dinosaur of a laptop I want to see if linux would make usable again.

Its 8+ years old, cannot connect to the internet for a reason that may be software related or might not(its a mystery), and has other various issues.

My use of it would Primarily be as a on-the-go text & html editor and if I can get the internet running on it then also firefox as well. Maybe some offline emulation of some older games or a simple linux supported drawing program but that isnt essential.

The question is Thus: If I download a linux mint installer and copy to a flashdrive(presuming you can download the file without it starting to set up the OS instantly), is that all thats necessary to upload linux mint onto a laptop that has no internet capabilities?

Also which version of linux mint should I use? I see there are several. This laptop 3 years ago ran windows 10 ok enough to boot up chrome and use the internet, but now it takes like 15 mins to finish loading enough that you can open programs, as a metric.

Thanks and hope you have a nice day!

Yes, most linux distros will run on a machine that age, and with a surprising degree of vitality. Game emulation should work just fine, unless the computer was very low power even for 2015.

On a mech that old, I'd suggest just checking if the tiny wire for the wifi card has popped loose over time. They are snap-on wire heads that don't lock, so especially with laptops, disconnections like that happen.

Your wifi card should look a lot like this:

I've circled the two tiny ports, and drawn arrows to identify which cables. The whole wifi card will be about an inch across, and is the ONLY thing that uses those kind of wires, so it's very identifiable.

Linux mint is designed to install offline, and includes a wide variety of open source and generic drivers for just.... so much hardware. When you begin installation, it will ask you if you want to use, "third party, private and proprietary drivers." If you say yes, it will want an internet connection to download those drivers. If you say no, it will install entirely offline without issue.

As for which version: the only difference is the visuals. I, personally, like XFCE because it has very minimal visual noise. Everything is simple rectangles with sharp corners and clear boundaries. This lack of visual flair also means it uses the least resources to run the OS, leaving more hardware power available for actual tasks. However, it's a very intimidating desktop. If you liked Windows XP but haven't enjoyed much since, grab XFCE.

If you are a Mac/apple user, I actually recommend Kubuntu instead of Mint, because it has the most similar interface visually and will cause the least transition pains. Kubuntu has equally if not even more robust hardware support to Mint, as both of them are built on top of the Ubuntu framework.

For everyone else, I suggest starting with Mint Cinnamon. I have actually, with no reservations, had way better results teaching confused retirees to run Cinnamon than Windows or Mac. It's a very user friendly interface.

The start bar search, for example, literally just shows results for files/programs installed to your computer, none of this bs about integrated web searching.

As for installation tools:

You must burn the ISO file to the flashdrive as a bootable disk, rather than simply copying the file to it. I'm sure you know that; it's the same for installing windows. But! People often forget that detail and wonder why their computer keeps booting to windows instead of the installation media.

I personally use LiLiUSB because I'm stuck mentally in the year 2014 which is when it stopped updating. For a more sane approach, try Balena Etcher. Or whatever bootable drive software you like; it doesn't really matter. You just need to make the drive bootable before installation.

[nestawayreviews]

Nestaway Ratings: A Window into Tenant Satisfaction and Security

Nestaway has become a significant player in India's constantly changing rental housing market. With the goal of giving urban residents rental living spaces, the Nestaway platform has attracted a lot of interest and trust from tenants. In this blog, we will discuss Nestaway’s reputation as a trustworthy platform across major Indian cities such as Bangalore, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai.

A Quick Overview

Let's take a quick look at the company and how it has become a household name for many tenants in India. Using cutting-edge technology, the company connects landlords with renters looking for housing. It was established in 2015, and since then, it has expanded significantly and attracted much attention.

Nestaway Ratings: The Pulse of Tenant Satisfaction

Tenant evaluations and ratings are crucial factors to consider when selecting a rental property. Prospective tenants frequently look to the testimonials of former tenants to determine the caliber of the rental and the dependability of the platform. The company has made keeping an open feedback system a top priority after realizing this. The positive Nestaway ratings are a testament to the company’s commitment to providing affordable rentals.

An intuitive platform: The user-friendly Nestaway good platform is one of the main factors in its popularity. The entire renting procedure is quick and simple because of the ease with which tenants can browse for properties, schedule visits, and submit paperwork online.

A Wide Range of Rental Alternatives: The company offers a variety of rental alternatives, from single rooms to completely furnished apartments, to meet the various needs of city dwellers.

Tenant-Centric Approach: The company prioritizes its tenants in all aspects of its business. The customer service of Nestaway Pune is frequently recognized for its promptness in responding to tenant problems.

Security: The security and safety of Nestaway's renters is a top priority. The platform lists accommodations with security measures, and the company has strict verification procedures in place for both tenants and property owners. This feature is well-reflected in the positive Nestaway review. 

City-Wide Presence: The company provides rental alternatives to a sizable urban population through its presence in important cities like Bangalore, Gurgaon, Delhi, Noida, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai, and many more.

Nestaway's Reliability

The Nestaway platform has established itself as a reliable platform that acts as a bridge between tenants and property owners. Strong verification procedures on the platform and commitment to tenant satisfaction have been important factors that have positioned Nestaway reliable platform as a top choice of tenants.

Acquisition and Expansion

The company has achieved great success on its path to dominating the Indian rental market. Through calculated action, the company was able to further streamline its business processes and improve the entire renting experience for tenants through the highly successful Nestaway Acquisition. The Nestaway sold out properties demonstrate how well the company matches tenants with property owners.

Nestaway Across India

The presence of the company includes numerous Indian cities, each with distinctive rental market dynamics.

Nestaway Bangalore: As one of the first places where the company marked its presence, Bangalore has a sizable selection of rental houses available on the platform. Reviews of Nestaway Bangalore point out how easy it is to locate suitable lodging in the busy regions of the city.

Nestaway Gurgaon witnesses a steady stream of professionals looking for rental homes. Due to its large property listings and trustworthy services, Nestaway Gurgaon has become a popular option for many.

Nestaway Delhi and Noida: There are numerous rental choices in Delhi and nearby places like Noida. The National Capital Region's (NCR) booming rental housing market has been made easier to navigate by Nestaway's presence in these locations.

Nestaway Hyderabad: The demand for rental homes has also increased in Hyderabad, the City of Pearls. The Nestaway Hyderabad offers choices for individuals on a tight budget as well as those looking for luxurious lodging.

Nestaway Pune, with its growing IT industry and educational institutions, has a broad rental market. With a variety of options, Nestaway Pune serves families, professionals, and students alike.

Nestaway Mumbai: Positive Nestaway Reviews praises the website for making the difficult task of locating a suitable rental property in this metropolis more smooth and manageable.

Conclusion:

The rising presence of Nestaway in significant Indian cities demonstrates the company's dedication to tenant security and pleasure. It is a dependable option for anyone looking for rental properties because of its user-friendly platform, varied listings, and emphasis on safety. Additionally, the company's commitment to resolving tenant issues promptly distinguishes it as a respected player in the Indian rental housing sector.

The Nestaway Platform is crucial in streamlining the renting process and giving tenants in India safe, high-quality living spaces as urbanization expands. The company is likely to keep its position as a top name in the Indian rental housing market by focusing on its customers and striving for improvement.

[cart2indiagroup]

5 Tips for a Smooth Shopping Experience on Cart2India

Shopping for international products can be exciting, but it often comes with its challenges. Many buyers worry about product authenticity, delivery delays, or return issues. If you are planning to shop from Cart2India online, you might have these questions in your mind too. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your experience smooth and hassle-free.

In this article, we will share 5 essential tips to help you navigate Cart2India with confidence. By the end, you will feel more prepared and excited to place your next order.

What Should You Check Before Making a Purchase on Cart2India?

Before you order anything from Cart2India online, it is important to check all the product details. Look closely at the description, size, brand name, and any special notes. Sometimes, products look similar but have small differences that matter.

Reading through Cart2India reviews for the specific item can also be very helpful. Customers often share real experiences about quality and shipping. This is why spending a few extra minutes on research can save you from disappointment later.

Also, check the estimated delivery time shown on the product page. Since Cart2India deals with international products, delivery may take longer than local shopping platforms.

Why Is It Important to Understand Shipping and Delivery Times?

One common misunderstanding when ordering from Cart2India is about shipping time. Products are usually shipped from countries like the USA or UK. Because of this, you should expect a delivery window of 10 to 25 days.

Unlike local platforms like Amazon or Flipkart, international deliveries take time. Customs clearance and international logistics are part of the reason. However, most Cart2India reviews confirm that the wait is worth it because the products are authentic.

It’s best to plan your purchases ahead of time, especially if you need a product by a certain date. Always check the shipping policy to understand how delays are handled.

Where Can You Find the Best Deals on Cart2India?

If you are looking to save money while shopping on Cart2India online, you’re in luck. The platform frequently offers sales, discounts, and bundle deals on popular products. Timing your purchase around festivals or holiday seasons can often get you the best prices.

Signing up for their newsletter, if available, may also give you early access to promotions. Some Cart2India reviews mention that keeping an eye on limited-time deals helped them grab products at much lower prices.

Always compare similar products before making a final decision. Some brands offer bundled packs that provide better value for money.

When Should You Reach Out to Cart2India Customer Support?

There may be times when you have questions about your order or product. In such cases, contacting Cart2India customer support is the best move. They can help with order tracking, missing items, or return issues.

Based on many Cart2India reviews, customer service is helpful but may take a little time to respond. This is because they often have to coordinate with international suppliers.

If you do need help, it’s smart to have your order ID and all details ready. Providing complete information helps them resolve your issues faster and more efficiently.

Who Should Consider Shopping on Cart2India?

Cart2India is ideal for anyone who loves authentic imported goods but doesn’t want the hassle of managing international shipping. Whether you are searching for skincare products, health supplements, or rare gadgets, Cart2India has it all.

If you are someone who values product authenticity and variety, Cart2India is definitely worth checking out. Many Cart2India reviews praise the platform for delivering exactly what is promised. Though shipping takes a little longer, the quality makes up for it.

Even first-time online shoppers will find Cart2India online user-friendly, thanks to its simple layout and secure payment options.

How Can You Ensure a Hassle-Free Return Process?

Sometimes, despite all precautions, returns may be necessary. Cart2India does offer a return policy, but because the items are shipped internationally, the process can be slightly slow.

If you receive a damaged or wrong product, you should immediately report it. Take clear photos of the item and keep all original packaging. Then, contact customer support through the website.

Most Cart2India reviews recommend reading the return and refund policies carefully before placing an order. Understanding the conditions beforehand makes handling a return much easier if needed.

Conclusion

Shopping on Cart2India online opens up a world of international products that you might not find anywhere else. However, knowing how to navigate the platform smartly can make your experience even better.

By checking product details carefully, understanding shipping times, keeping an eye out for deals, using customer support when needed, and knowing how returns work, you can shop with confidence. Cart2India reviews in 2025 show that with a little patience and preparation, you can enjoy authentic products delivered right to your doorstep.

Following these tips will help you make the most of your Cart2India experience. Happy shopping!

FAQs

1. Is Cart2India a trustworthy website for shopping? Yes, many users trust Cart2India for authentic international products based on positive customer experiences.

2. How long does shipping take on Cart2India online? Shipping usually takes 10 to 25 days, depending on the product’s origin and customs clearance times.

3. What kind of products can I buy on Cart2India? Cart2India offers a wide range including beauty products, health supplements, gadgets, and specialty foods from abroad.

4. Can I return a product if I’m not satisfied? Yes, Cart2India allows returns for damaged or incorrect items. It’s important to read their return policy carefully.

5. Are there discounts and deals available on Cart2India? Yes, Cart2India often runs sales, especially during festive seasons. Signing up for updates can help you grab the best deals.

[helixwebisurat]

Top 5 High-demand Front-end Programming Languages in Web Development World

Front-end programming languages play a major role in creating the user interface or client side of the website and shaping the next level user experience. Front-end developers can find a large number of front end development languages right now in the web development world for advanced front-end development. But instead of learning coding languages randomly, they should priotize learning and mastering those in-demand front-end languages that will continue to be valuable in the upcoming years.

Learning those particular demandable languages will bring long-time success and help in better career growth. Beginners who have recently stepped into the web development world should have a look at this blog as we will share the names of the top 5 in-demand front-end coding languages in this blog.

List of In-Demand Front End Development Languages for A Better Carrier Path

As per the changing demands of users, features and functionalities of websites are becoming more advanced day by day. As a result, new trends are coming for both the front end and back end development languages. But there are some front-end programing languages that have been in the web development industry for years and will continue being the most used languages in future. Here is the list of the high-demand front end languages that are useful for a great career path.

1. HTML

Since this language has so many applications, its demand will not decrease even a little. At the initial stage of web development, beginners can’t adopt complex and extremely advanced codings. For them, HTML is the best option to learn as it is so easy and quick to learn and doesn’t have any complex coding. Beginners can start their career with a minimum salary if they have knowledge of this coding. However, learning HTML only cannot help in getting high-paying jobs

2. REACT.JS

React.JS is one of the most used front-end programming languages in both the web and app development worlds right now. It is reported that React.JS will remain the key player in the upcoming years as well. React.JS improves the overall performance of the web pages, and allows developers to build dynamic websites. And the main thing about React.JS that will keep it in high demand in future also is that it helps in indexing web pages properly and quickly, and helps in making the website SEO-friendly.

Developers who will learn React.JS will get he brightest future for their career path. With the knowledge of CSS language, one can get employed as a UI designer, React Native Developer, React Engineer, and so on.

3. CSS

No matter how much complex a website is, CSS makes it extremely easy-to-navigate for users. Not only a front-end developer, with CSS skills, one can get more successful career options like Full Stack Developer, Software Developer, Web designer, and so on.

4. ANGULAR.JS

Angular.JS is not a language but an open-source JavaScript framework for front end web development. Angular.JS came into the web development world in 2009 and since then it has gotten so many updates that made it one of the cutting-edge tools for web development. It is high in demand because of its ability to build scalable web applications with the best performance, it helps in creating complex but lightweight web apps, and so on. Beginners can master this one without much effort as lesser coding is required for Angular.js. One can get a handsome early income as an Angular.JS developer.

5. JAVASCRIPT

One can create pop-up windows, add animations, drop down menus and more advanced features to the web pages using JavaScript language. Demand for Javascript experts is extreme in the market and it will not decrease in the upcoming future. One can get various job opportunities as a javascript expert such as Full-stack developer, Front-end Developer, Back-end Developer, .NET Developer, Software Developer, Game Developer, and more.

Final Words

Want to start your career in Front-end development? Then start learning all these high-demand front end web languages that we mentioned above. You will never face career issues or never fear of losing jobs suddenly if you will master these front-end programming languages because they are never going to be backdated in the market.

[ellisonwilliams]

How to Care for Dried Flowers to Keep Them Beautiful

Dried flowers not only beautify the interiors but also serve users as cheap and eco-friendly remedies for those who like to have fresh flowers around but can hardly put up the strain of taking care of them. For this reason, they are also preferred for decoration in the case of weddings, functions, and presents because they can be stored for a long time. They can be used in artistic designs or displayed straight in a vase. As with any other decor item, dried flowers will require certain efforts to maintain their attractiveness in due course. In this article, we will discuss how you can treat your custom dried arrangement that you ordered online or any other dried flower decoration so that it always remains as good as new for a long while.

What Are Dried Flowers?

Before we provide the care instructions, let’s first elaborate on what dried flowers are and why they are so much in demand in home decor and events.

Dried flowers are natural flowers that have been treated to retain their shape, colour, and attractiveness. In contrast to fresh flowers that need to be watered and cared for constantly, dried flowers have been thoroughly processed to ensure that there is no water content in the flowers dried, usually by air drying, pressing, or using desiccants. This allows the plants to last remorselessly for a longer time, more often than not, years without withering or decaying.

Roses, lavender, eucalyptus, and many other varieties exist. Dried flowers placed as a centrepiece on the table or arranged by a professional florist have a classic elegance that can fit any occasion, design, or type of interior.

How to Care for Dried Flowers

Although dried flowers may not require as much care as fresh flowers, they do require some attention to maintain their beauty. Here are several easy but efficient ways to care for dried flowers, whether they're part of a bespoke dry arrangement ordered online or chosen for a special touch.

1. Keep Them Dry

The message when dealing with dried flowers is simple: they must be maintained dry. Taking into consideration that the flowers have already undergone a process of drying out, it is important to keep them in a dry place as it is easy for flowers to absorb moisture and become wet again. Humidity levels are a major concern when it comes to dried flowers, as they are very liable to moisture, which may result in their deterioration, formation of mildew, or even distortion of shape.

To preserve your custom dried arrangement online or any other display of dried flowers, it is advisable to avoid placing them in high-humidity areas, for instance, bathrooms or kitchens. Rather, go for rooms in the house that are moisture-controlled and have a stable temperature environment.

2. Protect from Sun Rays

Closely knitted dried flowers will withstand handling better than fresh blooms but may still dull down when exposed to the sun for longer periods. Direct sunlight provides intense UV rays, which can make any colour of flowers worn out and pale. To avoid the case of outlooking and glaring dried flowers, display your items away from sunlight.

Consider placing your custom dry arrangement online or any dried flower display near a window, but not in direct sunlight. If you keep flowers in a vase or display area, turning them every now and again to avoid lengthy exposure to the light can help them retain their colour.

3. Dust Regularly

Dried flowers can gather dust over time, making them appear dull and lifeless. Regular dusting is required to keep them looking their best. The best approach to cleaning dried flowers is to use a soft brush, such as a paintbrush or cosmetics brush, to carefully remove dust from the petals and stems. Avoid using a cloth or rag since it will cause the blooms to crack or lose their exquisite texture.

It's a good idea to check your custom dried arrangements online every couple of weeks to remove dust and maintain the display looking fresh.

4. Avoid Watering

Water is unnecessary for dried flowers because they have already been preserved. In fact, soaking them can make them mushy, lose their shape, and even mould. If you bought a custom dried arrangement online that includes a little vase or container, make sure it's totally dry before putting the flowers in.

If you realize your dried flowers have become damp (due to high humidity or unintentional contact with water), carefully separate them and allow them to air dry completely before rearranging them.

5. Handle with Care

Dried flowers are delicate and can break or shatter if handled too aggressively. When moving or altering your custom dried arrangement online, make sure to touch the stems and petals gently. Be careful not to bend or crush the blooms, as they are no longer as supple as when they were young.

It's also vital not to touch the petals too much. Natural oils from your fingers can create stains or cause the flowers to decay more quickly. Handle dried flowers by the stems or base, especially while cleaning or rearranging them.

6. Keep Them Away From Pests

Although dried flowers are less susceptible to pests than fresh flowers, they can still attract insects such as moths and spiders if not properly cared for. To avoid pests, preserve your custom dried arrangement online or any dried flower displays in a dry, cold location and inspect them regularly for symptoms of bugs.

If you see any uninvited guests, simply shake the arrangement outside to eliminate them. If required, sprinkle a moderate insect repellent from a distance to protect your flowers without harming them.

7. Use a Fixative Spray

A floral preservative or fixative spray can provide an extra layer of protection. These sprays help to keep the flowers fresh and prevent them from fading, dust, and insects. Fixative sprays are sold in craft stores and online, and they are specifically developed for use with dried flowers.

Spraying a light coat on your bespoke dried arrangement or any dried flower display will keep them looking fresh and brilliant for longer. Follow the manufacturer's directions and test on a tiny area before using it across the arrangement.

8. Storage Tips for Dried Flowers

If you need to store dried flowers temporarily (for example, if you ordered a bespoke dried arrangement online for an event), keep them in a dry, cold location. If they need to be preserved for an extended amount of time, wrap them loosely in tissue paper or put them in a cardboard box. Avoid storing them in plastic since it will collect moisture and cause them to degrade.

Make sure the flowers are totally dry before storing them since any remaining moisture might cause them to mold or degrade over time.

Conclusion

Caring for dried flowers is straightforward but requires some attention to detail. Keep them dry, avoid direct sunlight, dust them regularly, and handle them gently to guarantee that your custom-dried arrangement online or any other dried flower display lasts for years. These low-maintenance blooms are not only a beautiful addition to your decor, but they also serve as a lasting remembrance that can offer delight long after the event or occasion has passed. With these care suggestions, your dried flowers will remain a beautiful and long-lasting element of your home decor.

[kaoarika]

Dang.

Do I want to really have a long conversation to the people in charge of several design oversights on Windows 11's UI/UX. Like. For reals.

Too tired of this "user friendly" mentality that is extremely too friendly (or perhaps only thought for those that use smartphones and/or tablets) and hide the usual things behind more hiding options and/or worse.

I dunno how casual have gone through all these things with W11, and me, that I have had big issues in the past with my computers, I have been quite wary about it as a whole. I did disabled a few things that were recommended (like blocking Copilot, and sighing on relief it looks my laptop is not able to go through Recall?), and I have been turning off options that I feel are unnecessary (and real dumb) for my experience... but even so.

I hate that, for much long I used Windows 7 (and including my honeymoon time with Windows XP all the way through 2004 to 2010), my few years using Windows 8 (with that godawful Start menu screen)... and the early version I had of Windows 10 (that also had blocked the updates...), and the more I get used to Windows 11, I like some things... but also hate others... especially the very small that I feel I shouldn't worry much...? but MAN, do they bother me :)

Like, just earlier I had this one thing about the icon of a odt (the LibreOffice extension for their equivalent of Word) not appearing as such in the start menu, BUT a very generic icon of programs that cannot be identified... and the more I tried to save on it, I didn't changed shit :)))... so, I moved the contents of it, I renamed the file and VOILA, like new... JFC. But then, I ask myself... why do the start menu even HAS this option of "recommending me files I just saved or opened, regardless"? And so, and so.

Part of me wishes that I shouldn't be complaining like this, you know? Like... I have been a Windows PC user for a great majority of my life, my first computer had Windows 95 and had to go through hell with W2000, because it had an adware issue at some point in 2001~. I tried to use Macs because College, and part of the jobs I did, had them, but I never seem to find myself into them (and ppl of my own major being VERY snobs about them was certainly what ended up bittering my opinion about Apple in general... not to mention my previous experience with my iPod and iTunes which was annoying to say the least :), it would be interesting? to have a macbook, or smth... but MAN... I'm not so ready to move myself and my things there, I FEEL). And so, I even wish I had the patience and be much more tech savvy to say "yes, let's test Linux to avoid stuff like... this"

Of course, I always go back to "you are only looking for the minimal things because you had issues with all your PC/laptops since 2011" and, yeah. I feel so unconfident about my computers, ever since. And the last one time I SWEAR I was happy on "hey, I bought this preowned and it works wonders (although I had to be like 3 hours waiting for it to have all the updates because it was resetted to factory, I think?)" and then it blocked me off because it had an issue with its battery/charging plug???. And almost a year later, I had a disk error.

I had the decision of not testing this new laptop back in May? June? up until... two month ago, and, even so? afaik, it is working all well. And, compared to the other ones, this is the one "new" computer I have had since 2011. But, the worrywart brainworms get through me. And looking for things that I am cautiously pessimistic? about, that are too unknown to me (precisely because MS decided to hide EVERY single useful thing over more Settings options and making Control Panel? quite redundant at this point), brings me to read about other several issues that other ppl are going through, regardless if they mod their computers or what, within W11, which, obvs, it all sucks.

I feel like I have been knocking wood wishing that my laptop isn't going to break or else, because... man. At that point I will know I'm so cursed.

*Insert here my worriness about using my drawing program of choice and CSP, and still not feeling brave in connecting the Wacom Intuos I have :'D, I feel I need to ask to more savvy people about this, more artist inclined, that do not have too much bias about Wacom and perhaps are also always battling about stuff within Windows 11 :(*

[linuxgamenews]

Unleash Your Creativity: Explore Halver Update 0.9.4

Halver update 0.9.4 for the physics-based puzzle platformer game makes improvements across Linux, Mac, and Windows PC. Thanks to Gologames for always keeping the creativity flowing. Available on Steam with it's 96% Very Positive reviews. It’s a physics-based puzzle platformer that’s all about logic and precision. The twist? You get to split blocks in half with your shots to solve puzzles and make your way through each level. It’s pretty challenging but in a fun way that makes you feel like a genius when you finally figure things out. One of the best things about Halver 0.9.4 update, it makes it easier to use its unique mechanic. Since this is where you can split blocks to clear obstacles or reach new areas. It sounds simple, but it keeps the gameplay fresh and allows for some really diverse level designs. You’re also constantly thinking about how to use this ability to progress. Which adds a nice layer of strategy. If you’re into using a gamepad, you’ll be happy to know that the devs, Gologames, have made some improvements. Since launch, Halver has supported controllers, but the game only gave you random tips on how to use them, hence this update. Now, they’ve added proper in-game hints specifically for gamepad controls, so it’s much more user-friendly when you plug one in.

Halver ― Trailer (pre update)

They’ve also made some tweaks to the UI. They’ve added visual outlines and fillers to small UI elements in the Settings and Level Selection menus. This is particularly helpful when you’re navigating with a keyboard or gamepad (but not a mouse or touchscreen). These changes make the whole experience a bit smoother. Let’s talk about what makes Halver stand out, thanks to this update. First off, this title has a really unique blueprint visual style. Every object and animation is hand-crafted, and the dynamic lighting plus parallax effects make even the procedurally generated levels look vibrant and detailed. The environment in each of the 48 levels is packed with detail. From the way the levels are shaped to the background pictures and collectible items, everything is designed to guide you toward a solution. Even the little measuring lines are there to help out. Plus, the ambient music really adds to the vibe—it’s super chill and lets you focus on the puzzles without any distractions. Halver has been in the works for seven years, so this update, you can tell the developers are still putting a ton of love into it. If you’re into physics-based puzzle platformer ttiles, this one’s definitely a masterpiece. And with community-made levels and speedruns, there’s plenty of replay value to keep you hooked for a long time. Plus there is a Free Linux Demo you can try - before you buy. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your controller, split some blocks, and dive in on Steam. Priced at $9.99 USD / £8.99 / 9,99€. Along with support for Linux, Mac, and Windows PC. Level up your gameplay with this high-quality controller today. This also helps fund content, at no extra cost to you. For installation tips, check out this post.