#what is electronic manufacturing services

[avalontec]

Railway signaling system

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Apple fucked us on right to repair (again)

Today (September 22), I'm (virtually) presenting at the DIG Festival in Modena, Italy. Tonight, I'll be in person at LA's Book Soup for the launch of Justin C Key's "The World Wasn’t Ready for You." On September 27, I'll be at Chevalier's Books in Los Angeles with Brian Merchant for a joint launch for my new book The Internet Con and his new book, Blood in the Machine.

Right to repair has no cannier, more dedicated adversary than Apple, a company whose most innovative work is dreaming up new ways to sneakily sabotage electronics repair while claiming to be a caring environmental steward, a lie that covers up the mountains of e-waste that Apple dooms our descendants to wade through.

Why does Apple hate repair so much? It's not that they want to poison our water and bodies with microplastics; it's not that they want to hasten the day our coastal cities drown; it's not that they relish the human misery that accompanies every gram of conflict mineral. They aren't sadists. They're merely sociopathically greedy.

Tim Cook laid it out for his investors: when people can repair their devices, they don't buy new ones. When people don't buy new devices, Apple doesn't sell them new devices. It's that's simple:

https://www.inverse.com/article/52189-tim-cook-says-apple-faces-2-key-problems-in-surprising-shareholder-letter

So Apple does everything it can to monopolize repair. Not just because this lets the company gouge you on routine service, but because it lets them decide when your phone is beyond repair, so they can offer you a trade-in, ensuring both that you buy a new device and that the device you buy is another Apple.

There are so many tactics Apple gets to use to sabotage repair. For example, Apple engraves microscopic Apple logos on the subassemblies in its devices. This allows the company to enlist US Customs to seize and destroy refurbished parts that are harvested from dead phones by workers in the Pacific Rim:

https://repair.eu/news/apple-uses-trademark-law-to-strengthen-its-monopoly-on-repair/

Of course, the easiest way to prevent harvested components from entering the parts stream is to destroy as many old devices as possible. That's why Apple's so-called "recycling" program shreds any devices you turn over to them. When you trade in your old iPhone at an Apple Store, it is converted into immortal e-waste (no other major recycling program does this). The logic is straightforward: no parts, no repairs:

https://www.vice.com/en/article/yp73jw/apple-recycling-iphones-macbooks

Shredding parts and cooking up bogus trademark claims is just for starters, though. For Apple, the true anti-repair innovation comes from the most pernicious US tech law: Section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

DMCA 1201 is an "anti-circumvention" law. It bans the distribution of any tool that bypasses "an effective means of access control." That's all very abstract, but here's what it means: if a manufacturer sticks some Digital Rights Management (DRM) in its device, then anything you want to do that involves removing that DRM is now illegal – even if the thing itself is perfectly legal.

When Congress passed this stupid law in 1998, it had a very limited blast radius. Computers were still pretty expensive and DRM use was limited to a few narrow categories. In 1998, DMCA 1201 was mostly used to prevent you from de-regionalizing your DVD player to watch discs that had been released overseas but not in your own country.

But as we warned back then, computers were only going to get smaller and cheaper, and eventually, it would only cost manufacturers pennies to wrap their products – or even subassemblies in their products – in DRM. Congress was putting a gun on the mantelpiece in Act I, and it was bound to go off in Act III.

Welcome to Act III.

Today, it costs about a quarter to add a system-on-a-chip to even the tiniest parts. These SOCs can run DRM. Here's how that DRM works: when you put a new part in a device, the SOC and the device's main controller communicate with one another. They perform a cryptographic protocol: the part says, "Here's my serial number," and then the main controller prompts the user to enter a manufacturer-supplied secret code, and the master controller sends a signed version of this to the part, and the part and the system then recognize each other.

This process has many names, but because it was first used in the automotive sector, it's widely known as VIN-Locking (VIN stands for "vehicle identification number," the unique number given to every car by its manufacturer). VIN-locking is used by automakers to block independent mechanics from repairing your car; even if they use the manufacturer's own parts, the parts and the engine will refuse to work together until the manufacturer's rep keys in the unlock code:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/07/24/rent-to-pwn/#kitt-is-a-demon

VIN locking is everywhere. It's how John Deere stops farmers from fixing their own tractors – something farmers have done literally since tractors were invented:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/05/08/about-those-kill-switched-ukrainian-tractors/

It's in ventilators. Like mobile phones, ventilators are a grotesquely monopolized sector, controlled by a single company Medtronic, whose biggest claim to fame is effecting the world's largest tax inversion in order to manufacture the appearance that it is an Irish company and therefore largely untaxable. Medtronic used the resulting windfall to gobble up most of its competitors.

During lockdown, as hospitals scrambled to keep their desperately needed supply of ventilators running, Medtronic's VIN-locking became a lethal impediment. Med-techs who used donor parts from one ventilator to keep another running – say, transplanting a screen – couldn't get the device to recognize the part because all the world's civilian aircraft were grounded, meaning Medtronic's technicians couldn't swan into their hospitals to type in the unlock code and charge them hundreds of dollars.

The saving grace was an anonymous, former Medtronic repair tech, who built pirate boxes to generate unlock codes, using any housing they could lay hands on to use as a case: guitar pedals, clock radios, etc. This tech shipped these gadgets around the world, observing strict anonymity, because Article 6 of the EUCD also bans circumvention:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/07/10/flintstone-delano-roosevelt/#medtronic-again

Of course, Apple is a huge fan of VIN-locking. In phones, VIN-locking is usually called "serializing" or "parts-pairing," but it's the same thing: a tiny subassembly gets its own microcontroller whose sole purpose is to prevent independent repair technicians from fixing your gadget. Parts-pairing lets Apple block repairs even when the technician uses new, Apple parts – but it also lets Apple block refurb parts and third party parts.

For many years, Apple was the senior partner and leading voice in blocking state Right to Repair bills, which it killed by the dozen, leading a coalition of monopolists, from Wahl (who boobytrap their hair-clippers with springs that cause their heads irreversibly decompose if you try to sharpen them at home) to John Deere (who reinvented tenant farming by making farmers tenants of their tractors, rather than their land).

But Apple's opposition to repair eventually became a problem for the company. It's bad optics, and both Apple customers and Apple employees are volubly displeased with the company's ecocidal conduct. But of course, Apple's management and shareholders hate repair and want to block it as much as possible.

But Apple knows how to Think Differently. It came up with a way to eat its cake and have it, too. The company embarked on a program of visibly support right to repair, while working behind the scenes to sabotage it.

Last year, Apple announced a repair program. It was hilarious. If you wanted to swap your phone's battery, all you had to do was let Apple put a $1200 hold on your credit card, and then wait while the company shipped you 80 pounds' worth of specialized tools, packed in two special Pelican cases:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/05/22/apples-cement-overshoes/

Then, you swapped your battery, but you weren't done! After your battery was installed, you had to conference in an authorized Apple tech who would tell you what code to type into a laptop you tethered to the phone in order to pair it with your phone. Then all you had to do was lug those two 40-pound Pelican cases to a shipping depot and wait for Apple to take the hold off your card (less the $120 in parts and fees).

By contrast, independent repair outfits like iFixit will sell you all the tools you need to do your own battery swap – including the battery! for $32. The whole kit fits in a padded envelope:

https://www.ifixit.com/products/iphone-x-replacement-battery

But while Apple was able to make a showy announcement of its repair program and then hide the malicious compliance inside those giant Pelican cases, sabotaging right to repair legislation is a lot harder.

Not that they didn't try. When New York State passed the first general electronics right-to-repair bill in the country, someone convinced New York Governor Kathy Hochul to neuter it with last-minute modifications:

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2022/12/weakened-right-to-repair-bill-is-signed-into-law-by-new-yorks-governor/

But that kind of trick only works once. When California's right to repair bill was introduced, it was clear that it was gonna pass. Rather than get run over by that train, Apple got on board, supporting the legislation, which passed unanimously:

https://www.ifixit.com/News/79902/apples-u-turn-tech-giant-finally-backs-repair-in-california

But Apple got the last laugh. Because while California's bill contains many useful clauses for the independent repair shops that keep your gadgets out of a landfill, it's a state law, and DMCA 1201 is federal. A state law can't simply legalize the conduct federal law prohibits. California's right to repair bill is a banger, but it has a weak spot: parts-pairing, the scourge of repair techs:

https://www.ifixit.com/News/69320/how-parts-pairing-kills-independent-repair

Every generation of Apple devices does more parts-pairing than the previous one, and the current models are so infested with paired parts as to be effectively unrepairable, except by Apple. It's so bad that iFixit has dropped its repairability score for the iPhone 14 from a 7 ("recommend") to a 4 (do not recommend):

https://www.ifixit.com/News/82493/we-are-retroactively-dropping-the-iphones-repairability-score-en

Parts-pairing is bullshit, and Apple are scum for using it, but they're hardly unique. Parts-pairing is at the core of the fuckery of inkjet printer companies, who use it to fence out third-party ink, so they can charge $9,600/gallon for ink that pennies to make:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2020/11/ink-stained-wretches-battle-soul-digital-freedom-taking-place-inside-your-printer

Parts-pairing is also rampant in powered wheelchairs, a heavily monopolized sector whose predatory conduct is jaw-droppingly depraved:

https://uspirgedfund.org/reports/usp/stranded

But if turning phones into e-waste to eke out another billion-dollar stock buyback is indefensible, stranding people with disabilities for months at a time while they await repairs is so obviously wicked that the conscience recoils. That's why it was so great when Colorado passed the nation's first wheelchair right to repair bill last year:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2022/06/when-drm-comes-your-wheelchair

California actually just passed two right to repair bills; the other one was SB-271, which mirrors Colorado's HB22-1031:

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB271

This is big! It's momentum! It's a start!

But it can't be the end. When Bill Clinton signed DMCA 1201 into law 25 years ago, he loaded a gun and put it on the nation's mantlepiece and now it's Act III and we're all getting sprayed with bullets. Everything from ovens to insulin pumps, thermostats to lightbulbs, has used DMCA 1201 to limit repair, modification and improvement.

Congress needs to rid us of this scourge, to let us bring back all the benefits of interoperability. I explain how this all came to be – and what we should do about it – in my new Verso Books title, The Internet Con: How to Seize the Means of Computation.

https://www.versobooks.com/products/3035-the-internet-con

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/22/vin-locking/#thought-differently

Image: Mitch Barrie (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Daytona_Skeleton_AR-15_completed_rifle_%2817551907724%29.jpg

CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en

--

kambanji (modified) https://www.flickr.com/photos/kambanji/4135216486/

CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

--

Rawpixel (modified) https://www.rawpixel.com/image/12438797/png-white-background

[wolfliving]

It starts with him

What was once a promise of technology to allow us to automate and analyze the environments in our physical spaces is now a heap of broken ideas and broken products. Technology products have been deployed en masse, our personal data collected and sold without our consent, and then abandoned as soon as companies strip mined all the profit they thought they could wring out. And why not? They already have our money.

The Philips Hue, poster child of the smart home, used to work entirely on your local network. After all, do you really need to connect to the Internet to control the lights in your own house?  Well you do now!Philips has announced it will require cloud accounts for all users—including users who had already purchased the hardware thinking they wouldn’t need an account (and the inevitable security breaches that come with it) to use their lights.

Will you really trust any promises from a company that unilaterally forces a change like this on you? Does the user actually benefit from any of this?

Matter in its current version … doesn’t really help resolve the key issue of the smart home, namely that most companies view smart homes as a way to sell more individual devices and generate recurring revenue.

It keeps happening. Stuff you bought isn’t yours because the company you bought it from can take away features and force you to do things you don’t want or need to do—ultimately because they want to make more money off of you. It’s frustrating, it’s exhausting, and it’s discouraging.

And it has stopped IoT for the rest of us in its tracks. Industrial IoT is doing great—data collection is the point for the customer. But the consumer electronics business model does not mesh with the expected lifespan of home products, and so enshittification began as soon as those first warranties ran out.

How can we reset the expectations we have of connected devices, so that they are again worthy of our trust and money? Before we can bring the promise back, we must deweaponize the technology.

Guidelines for the hardware producer

What we can do as engineers and business owners is make sure the stuff we’re building can’t be wielded as a lever against our own customers, and to show consumers how things could be. These are things we want consumers to expect and demand of manufacturers.

Control

Think local

Decouple

Open interfaces

Be a good citizen

1) Control over firmware updates.

You scream, “What about security updates!” But a company taking away a feature you use or requiring personal data for no reason is arguably a security flaw. 

We were once outraged when intangible software products went from something that remained unchanging on your computer, to a cloud service, with all the ephemerality that term promises. Now they’re coming for our tangible possessions.

No one should be able to do this with hardware that you own. Breaking functionality is entirely what security updates are supposed to prevent! A better checklist for firmware updates:

Allow users to control when and what updates they want to apply. 

Be thorough and clear as to what the update does and provide the ability to downgrade if needed. 

Separate security updates from feature additions or changes. 

Never force an update unless you are sure you want to accept (financial) responsibility for whatever you inadvertently break. 

Consider that you are sending software updates to other people’s hardware. Ask them for permission (which includes respecting “no”) before touching their stuff!

2) Do less on the Internet.

A large part of the security issues with IoT products stem from the Internet connectivity itself. Any server in the cloud has an attack surface, and now that means your physical devices do.

The solution here is “do less”. All functionality should be local-only unless it has a really good reason to use the Internet. Remotely controlling your lights while in your own house does not require the cloud and certainly does not require an account with your personal information attached to it. Limit the use of the cloud to only the functions that cannot work without it.

As a bonus, less networked functionality means fewer maintenance costs for you.

3) Decouple products and services.

It’s fine to need a cloud service. But making a product that requires a specific cloud service is a guarantee that it can be enshittified at any point later on, with no alternative for the user owner. 

Design products to be able to interact with other servers. You have sold someone hardware and now they own it, not you. They have a right to keep using it even if you shut down or break your servers. Allow them the ability to point their devices to another service. If you want them to use your service, make it worthwhile enough for them to choose you.

Finally, if your product has a heavy reliance on the cloud to work, consider enabling your users to self-host their own cloud tooling if they so desire. A lot of people are perfectly capable of doing this on their own and can help others do the same.

4) Use open and standard protocols and interfaces.

Most networked devices have no reason to use proprietary protocols, interfaces, and data formats. There are open standards with communities and software available for almost anything you could want to do. Re-inventing the wheel just wastes resources and makes it harder for users to keep using their stuff after you’re long gone. We did this with Twine, creating an encrypted protocol that minimized chatter, because we needed to squeeze battery life out of WiFi back when there weren’t good options.

If you do have a need for a proprietary protocol (and there are valid reasons to do so):

Document it. 

If possible, have a fallback option that uses an open standard. 

Provide tooling and software to interact with your custom protocols, at the very least enough for open source developers to be able to work with it. This goes for physical interfaces as much as it does for cloud protocols.

If the interface requires a custom-made, expensive, and/or hard-to-find tool to use, then consider using something else that is commonly available and off the shelf instead.

5) Be a good citizen.

Breaking paid-for functionality on other people’s stuff is inherently unethical. Consider not doing this! Enshittification is not a technical problem, it is a behavioral one. Offer better products that are designed to resist enshittification, and resist it yourself in everything you do.

Nothing forced Philips to do what they are doing: a human made a decision to do it. They could have just as easily chosen not to. With Twine’s server lock-in, at least we chose to keep it running, for 12 years now. Consider that you can still make a decent living by being honest and ethical towards the people who are, by purchasing your products, paying for your lifestyle. 

We didn’t get here by accident. Humans made choices that brought us to this point, and we can’t blame anyone for being turned off by it. But we can choose to do better. We can design better stuff. And we can choose not to mess things up after the fact.

We’re putting this into practice with Pickup. (We also think that part of an IoT reset is giving users the creative freedom of a general-purpose device.) If you’re looking for something better and our product can fill a need you have, consider backing us. We cannot claim to be perfect or have all of the answers, but we are absolutely going to try. The status quo sucks. Let’s do something about it.

Published October 15, 2023 By Jeremy Billheimer

[treethymes]

With the exceptions of North Korea and Cuba, the communist world has merged onto the capitalist highway in a couple different ways during the twenty-first century. As you’ve read, free-trade imperialism and its cheap agricultural imports pushed farmers into the cities and into factory work, lowering the global price of manufacturing labor and glutting the world market with stuff. Forward-thinking states such as China and Vietnam invested in high-value-added production capacity and managed labor organizing, luring links from the global electronics supply chain and jump-starting capital investment. Combined with capital’s hesitancy to invest in North Atlantic production facilities, as well as a disinclination toward state-led investment in the region, Asian top-down planning erased much of the West’s technological edge. If two workers can do a single job, and one worker costs less, both in wages and state support, why pick the expensive one? Foxconn’s 2017 plan to build a U.S. taxpayer–subsidized $10 billion flat-panel display factory in Wisconsin was trumpeted by the president, but it was a fiasco that produced zero screens. The future cost of labor looks to be capped somewhere below the wage levels many people have enjoyed, and not just in the West.

The left-wing economist Joan Robinson used to tell a joke about poverty and investment, something to the effect of: The only thing worse than being exploited by capitalists is not being exploited by capitalists. It’s a cruel truism about the unipolar world, but shouldn’t second place count for something? When the Soviet project came to an end, in the early 1990s, the country had completed world history’s biggest, fastest modernization project, and that didn’t just disappear. Recall that Cisco was hyped to announce its buyout of the Evil Empire’s supercomputer team. Why wasn’t capitalist Russia able to, well, capitalize? You’re already familiar with one of the reasons: The United States absorbed a lot of human capital originally financed by the Soviet people. American immigration policy was based on draining technical talent in particular from the Second World. Sergey Brin is the best-known person in the Moscow-to-Palo-Alto pipeline, but he’s not the only one.

Look at the economic composition of China and Russia in the wake of Soviet dissolution: Both were headed toward capitalist social relations, but they took two different routes. The Russian transition happened rapidly. The state sold off public assets right away, and the natural monopolies such as telecommunications and energy were divided among a small number of skilled and connected businessmen, a category of guys lacking in a country that frowned on such characters but that grew in Gorbachev’s liberalizing perestroika era. Within five years, the country sold off an incredible 35 percent of its national wealth. Russia’s richest ended the century with a full counterrevolutionary reversal of their fortunes, propelling their income share above what it was before the Bolsheviks took over. To accomplish this, the country’s new capitalists fleeced the most vulnerable half of their society. “Over the 1989–2016 period, the top 1 percent captured more than two-thirds of the total growth in Russia,” found an international group of scholars, “while the bottom 50 percent actually saw a decline in its income.” Increases in energy prices encouraged the growth of an extractionist petro-centered economy. Blood-covered, teary, and writhing, infant Russian capital crowded into the gas and oil sectors. The small circle of oligarchs privatized unemployed KGB-trained killers to run “security,” and gangsters dominated politics at the local and national levels. They installed a not particularly well-known functionary—a former head of the new intelligence service FSB who also worked on the privatization of government assets—as president in a surprise move on the first day of the year 2000. He became the gangster in chief.

Vladimir Putin’s first term coincided with the energy boom, and billionaires gobbled up a ludicrous share of growth. If any individual oligarch got too big for his britches, Putin was not beyond imposing serious consequences. He reinserted the state into the natural monopolies, this time in collaboration with loyal capitalists, and his stranglehold on power remains tight for now, despite the outstandingly uneven distribution of growth. Between 1980 and 2015, the Russian top 1 percent grew its income an impressive 6.2 percent per year, but the top .001 percent has maintained a growth rate of 17 percent over the same period. To invest these profits, the Russian billionaires parked their money in real estate, bidding up housing prices, and stashed a large amount of their wealth offshore. Reinvestment in Russian production was not a priority—why go through the hassle when there were easier ways to keep getting richer?

While Russia grew billionaires instead of output, China saw a path to have both. As in the case of Terry Gou, the Chinese Communist Party tempered its transition by incorporating steadily increasing amounts of foreign direct investment through Hong Kong and Taiwan, picking partners and expanding outward from the special economic zones. State support for education and infrastructure combined with low wages to make the mainland too attractive to resist. (Russia’s population is stagnant, while China’s has grown quickly.) China’s entry into the World Trade Organization, in 2001, gave investors more confidence. Meanwhile, strong capital controls kept the country out of the offshore trap, and state development priorities took precedence over extraction and get-rich-quick schemes. Chinese private wealth was rechanneled into domestic financial assets—equity and bonds or other loan instruments—at a much higher rate than it was in Russia. The result has been a sustained high level of annual output growth compared to the rest of the world, the type that involves putting up an iPhone City in a matter of months. As it has everywhere else, that growth has been skewed: only an average of 4.5 percent for the bottom half of earners in the 1978–2015 period compared to more than 10 percent for the top .001 percent. But this ratio of just over 2–1 is incomparable to Russia’s 17–.5 ration during the same period.

Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, certain trends have been more or less unavoidable. The rich have gotten richer relative to the poor and working class—in Russia, in China, in the United States, and pretty much anywhere else you want to look. Capital has piled into property markets, driving up the cost of housing everywhere people want to live, especially in higher-wage cities and especially in the world’s financial centers. Capitalist and communist countries alike have disgorged public assets into private pockets. But by maintaining a level of control over the process and slowing its tendencies, the People’s Republic of China has built a massive and expanding postindustrial manufacturing base.

It’s important to understand both of these patterns as part of the same global system rather than as two opposed regimes. One might imagine, based on what I’ve written so far, that the Chinese model is useful, albeit perhaps threatening, in the long term for American tech companies while the Russian model is irrelevant. Some commentators have phrased this as the dilemma of middle-wage countries on the global market: Wages in China are going to be higher than wages in Russia because wages in Russia used to be higher than wages in China. But Russia’s counterrevolutionary hyper-bifurcation has been useful for Silicon Valley as well; they are two sides of the same coin. Think about it this way: If you’re a Russian billionaire in the first decades of the twenty-first century looking to invest a bunch of money you pulled out of the ground, where’s the best place you could put it? The answer is Palo Alto.

Malcolm Harris, Palo Alto

[ourtalechara]

Don't ask what I'm doing I'm not doing anything (VBS Data Stream guys look at it)

Kohane An Akito Toya and Luka

(actually nice and finished looking lyrics under cut)

Eventually, all walls meet demolition

So Wall Street had to keep the tradition

Their financial systems resigned to ignition

And out of the ashes, we have arisen

An empire is forged in the fire of ambition

In business, there isn't the time for attrition

Invest to suppress then ingest competition

Then each acquisition is new ammunition

When governments crumble and fall to the floor

That was paved with the graves of a corporate war

A fundament funded in blood just to shore

A foundation for founding our covenant

Born of a need for control of societal entropy

Enterprise at the price of your indemnity

Chart out the course and of course you were meant to be

Bent to the will of a corporate entity

Arasaka Security. You're in safe hands

We're the light in your screens, we're the lead in your veins

Then you wake from your dreams, so we can sell them again

In the light we distract with the shiny and new

So you're blind to the fact that the product is you

So let your brain dance and replay the dream

But don't drown in the data stream

'Cause we see where you are and we see where you go

'Cause we know what you own and we own what you know

From the top of all our towers, the corridors of power clearly need rewiring

Arasaka saw the spark and then embarked upon the path to turn that spark to lightning

There's no autonomous megalopolis so populous or prosperous you could reside in

And every citizen that's living in this city is a digit on the charts we're climbing

Political systems are too inefficient

They split like the atom and burned in the fission

Now every department and every decision

Defer to the herds of our corporate divisions

If you don't remember the ballot you cast

It's printed on every receipt you were passed

Each time you selected our products and services

We were elected in each of your purchases

What's left to do when you've got the monopoly?

Turn the consumer into the commodity

It isn't hard where you've hardware neurology

Honestly, do read the company policy

Take information and trade it for wealth

You pay it in each augmentation we sell

It's easy to cut out the middleman

When he's cut out most of himself

Arasaka Finance. Investing in your future

(chorus)

All that you say on the net we composite

To maps that go straight from your head to your pocket

Complain if you want, you're still making deposits

Of data — each day you log on is a profit

Society currently lists electronic

So isn't conducting resistance ironic?

We've plenty of skeletons locked in our closets

But yours are assembled from old-stock hydraulics

So lucky we know just the pieces you need

All plucked from your social media feeds

The places you go and the posts that you read

All snatched for a new algorithm to feed

Now, holding our gold isn't par for the brand

Our silver is sat in the palm of your hand

Quit whining and sign on the line in the sand

The supply does not get to make the demands

(chorus)

Arasaka Manufacturing. Building a better tomorrow

Name, age, qualifications

Race, faith, career aspirations

Political leaning, daily commute

Marital status, favourite fruit

Family, browser, medical history

Hobbies, interests, brand affinity

Fashion, style, your occupation

Gender identity, orientation

Lifestyle choices, dietary needs

The marketing contact you choose to receive

Posts, likes, employers, friends

Social bias, exploitable trends

Tastes, culture, phone of choice

Facial structure, the tone of your voice

If it's inside your head, we know

You can't escape the ebb and flow

(chorus)

When guiding the hand of the market

If it's holding a cheque or a gun

The fingers go deep in your pockets

And you can live under the thumb

You seem so surprised, what did you expect?

We're thinking outside of that box that you checked

The terms were presented in full to inspect

You scrolled to the end just to get to "Accept"

Arasaka would like to know your location

Arasaka would like to know your location

Arasaka would like to know your location

Arasaka would like to know your location

[catpillmeowcel]

Was watching a video about lost media for the Wii and the dude straight up said that Japanese people are gatekeeping information as if thats just not extremely racist.

I decided to take two seconds to do this racist' dumbfuck's job for him since he can't be assed to do any research beyond having seen a small thread about it on Twitter.

The Wii Fit Body Check Channel

Source: Innervision (https://www.innervision.co.jp/12SP/2009_04item/boo_panasonic/repo_panasonic.html)

The Wii Fit Body Check Channel (Will be referred too as Wii Fit BCC for brevity) also known as "Wii Fit からだチェックチャンネル" (Wii Fit Karadachekku Chan'neru) was developed in around 2009 by Nintendo to be utilized with a service developed by Nippon Electric Company, Panasonic, and Hitachi.

According to this article it was a health promotion service offered to employees and their families. (Quote below, Google Translated)

NEC and NEC Mobile Link will begin offering a service that links the health promotion support service using mobile phones that was launched in December last year with "Wii Fit Body Check Channel" via the Internet to employees and families of the NEC Group from April. By using the SaaS platform provided by NEC, small-scale use is also possible, and the company aims to introduce the service in 150 cases over the next three years, including sales to outside the group.

The system allowed for people to measure themselves via the Wii Fit BCC and send the results to health guidance services and receive advice back via email.

Source: Hitachi News Release (https://www.hitachi.co.jp/New/cnews/month/2009/01/0127.html)

According to the originally linked article, the future plan was to then use the measurement data "to create unique instruction programs for instructors and training organizations, and provide it as an ASP service."

However it seems to have potentially never made it out of its initial prototypes as according to this last sentence from the article:

Hitachi will begin prototyping the system in-house from February and will make a decision based on the results.

Some additional things

I also found this press release from NEC regarding the software. It lists the following main features (Google Translated):

Here's Nintendo's as well however there's not much new information besides mentioning how step data from the DS game "Walking to Understand Life Rhythms DS" can also be utilized.

Hitachi's goes into a bit more detail regarding other aspects on how users would have two-way communication with instructors through the channel:

Overall, with what we know of the software, it likely never made it to these stages of development or had any of these features implemented before quietly getting completely shelved.

Additional Sources/Articles

"Wii Fit Body Check Channel" uses Wii for remote health guidance service (Markezine)

NEC launches health promotion support service in collaboration with "Wii Fit" (NEC Press Release)

"Wii Fit Body Check Channel" developed to support specific health guidance system for Wii; electronics manufacturer to start offering to health insurance associations from April (Nintendo Press Release)

Developing a remote health guidance platform system linked to "Wii Fit" (Hitachi Press Release)

Panasonic web page showing slide show of products (I didn't see anything regarding BCC on this page but it was linked by another article so I'm putting it here for prosperity sake)

"Plissimo Sigusa" is a specific health guidance support system that can be linked to the home video game console "Wii" (Innervision, showcases a setup of channel with a balance board)

[things-about-cars-in-posts]

So I had my dad talking to me about cars today, telling me how I should basically avoid getting any cars except those made by Japanese companies because of how shitty other countries manufacture their cars (mileage and life span)

Do you have any thoughts on this? I don’t know much about cars and I thought of this blog while I was having this conversation so that’s why I send here

Do I have thoughts on this. Do I have thoughts on this. Babygirl (gender neutral) I have thoughts on aspects of cars you wouldn't even conceive of. I have thoughts on aspects of cars that aren't even real. Up the ante, folks! Ask me which cars are most bisexual!

That aside, for my opinion: Italian food is good. But of course, when I eat out in Italy, I don't go to any random place because "this country does this well", because I'm not ordering from a country, or a region, or a city, but from a specific joint - and some of them suck, some dropped or rose in quality, some are exceptionally good/bad with certain things, hell, some serve foreign food and then what's the adage matter now! That's why Yelp doesn't have country reviews.

Much the same, Japanese cars are usually pretty reliable, but Nissan spent the last two decades making a case against that claim (especially with their CVT transmission, a known ticking time bomb they've done fuck all about for years) with the help of whatever's left of the shell of Mitsubishi, and Infiniti is just the luxury brand of Nissan so ditto for it... indeed, another point to make, some cars are just based on, or outright are, cars from other brands. Infinitis are built by Nissan, and usually based on the equivalent Nissans. Except the QX30, which is just a Mercedes GLA - which probably was part of the same deal through which Mercedes got to sell the Nissan Navara as the X Class.

And there's a lot of cross-nationality brand partnerships like that, past and present, like the four-decade-long Mazda/Ford one, or the time Saturn had such a crappy engine they had to get Honda to give them a proper one. And by the way, the guy who posted that? He owns a different Saturn which took 360k miles of bare minimum care like a champ, because reliability can vary wildly within a lineup, and also a Volkswagen that's been a thorn in his side, which definitely wasn't the experience I had with mine, because mine is over twice as old, and a brand can completely change over time too! (You'd think they were run by people or something.)

In fact, reliability changing over time and models is the norm - not as drastically as, say, "older German cars were unstoppable tanks and now they're overly fit-prone electronics messes where everything is costly to buy and dastardly to replace" (which, however, is actually a notable trend), but usually in terms of "in this model, through these production years, this component was overly keen on failing" (as per my Accord post). Part of how Toyota (and by extension its luxury brand Lexus) rightfully earned its reputation of King Reliability is such cases in their production being especially few and far between, and none notable enough to become an automotive meme like Subaru head gasket failures (and no, the Camry dent doesn't count). So, say, Hondas may not be less reliable, just a bit less consistently so (but even there, Honda interiors tend to hold up much better than Toyotas', yadda yadda yay for nuance).

So if you are buying a used car (as you should) it's always important to research for potential common problems (for instance, pre-90s Toyota frames are to rust what the letter X is to Elon Musk) and thoroughly inspect the car, to check that nothing is broken and that it's been properly serviced.

That last part is very important, because reliability is not a tickbox, it's a spectrum, and a function of how a car was built and how it was maintained. Carelessness will kill any car sooner or later. Every car has fluids that will at some point need changing, wear items that will at some point need replacing, and the occasional part failure. Even yours. So even when it comes to your car, keep up with that stuff, or it will eventually catch up to you. (And if regular services would tax your finances, look into how to perform them yourself - you'll find it's a lot easier than you thought, you'll give it a shot and it will be very rewarding and save you a lot of money!)

And also, if a hinge starts squeaking, if something starts sagging, if some trim breaks, if you get a dent or scratch, take care of those too. Not because they make your car work less or worth less, but because they foster an indifference that snowballs into neglect. Working on those little things will keep you feeling like your car is nice and your loving effort is going to keep it nice, dammit - in much the same way as it's important to take care of yourself and your environment for your mental health, to keep yourself feeling like you are making it and with your loving effort you are going to keep making it, dammit.

Links in blue are posts of mine explaining the words in question - if you liked this post, you might like those!

[memedemonblog]

so I think we can all agree the retcon that matoran gender distribution was the result of the great beings being stupid and terrible wasn't that well thought out. Here's what I think would have been a more interesting alternative; vortixx cultural export

vortixx have a misandrist society and are a massive source of trade in the MU, so likely when sorting out how matoran (a genderless species) fit into their society they would distribute male/female based on what each type does, with matoran types you want to keep in good graces being dubbed female and matoran you want to keep in their station (or don't live there) dubbed male

female;

ga matoran would likely be important to handling ships and transportation, which is pretty important if you want to run a country based on heavy exporting

vo matoran would likely be electrical workers or handle electronics production and manufacturing, which are important to a high-tech industrial economy

ce matoran would probably be in-house therapists (good for keeping workers happy or at least from striking or going crazy) and maybe customer service. Someone to manage customers and internal problems would be important for a corporate structure

(given their importance, this might mean the vortixx see the nynrah ghosts as female)

male;

ta, fe, and su matoran would likely be mostly be used in metal working and maintaining components that get really hot (intentionally or not)

le matoran would likely find xia uninhabitable due to all the polluted air and the lifestyle there being incompatible with adventure (best explanation I can come up with for le matoran not also being used for shipping)

po, onu, and ba matoran would mostly be used for construction or repairs

ko matoran would probably be data ntry if they exist there at all

fa matoran (I can't think of a reason they wouldn't be in shipping, I genuinely can't think of an answer here)

bo matoran would probably find the place uninhabitable due to the heavy pollution and vast lack of plants

de matoran can barely handle whistling, so a whole isnand of loud manufacturing and constant talking would make xia a second karzahni to them

av matoran;

av matoran in canon can be male or female. my explanation is either someone noticed all the female matoran were blue and av-matoran can color shift themselves or it's a debate on them being able to use their element vs. them probably not living on xia

Now for the fun part: why is this idea of matoran gender distribution so widespread? pridak. pridak controlled xia during the league of 6 kingdoms, specifically because they were the biggest distributor of weapons, meaning the 6 kingdoms (which ruled most of the MU and had trade agreements with metru nui) were receiving frequent imports from xia and what comes along trade routes? cultural ideas. Likely, the vortixx's idea of how to define matoran among their own cultural ideas spread without the context of industrial use.

how/if their ideas spread to the other sapient species of the MU is unclear, but they may have had their own ideas

and that is my attempt to provide a more satisfying answer to a not very well thought out plotpoint

[entitycradle]

Future Anime Girl Gestalt

As a breakthrough in silicon nanostructure materials makes photonics and near-eye displays cheap, smart glasses become the new ubiquitous computers, replacing smartphones. The always-on display provides unique opportunities for advertisers, as does new machine learning-assisted ad targeting. In the new omnipresent augmented reality, ads become personalized, three-dimensional, interactive displays, emerging from blank rectangles in subway stations. You see your facebook friends conversing animatedly, drinking budweiser.

As smart glasses become increasingly necessary for modern life, brands are able to invade further into perceived reality. Cars shine luxuriously. The name and price of your coworker's smartwatch floats above it. Of course many modern advertisements no longer directly sell a product or service, but rather create and maintain brand identities. Large corporations advertise on everyday objects--the plate at your favorite restaurant reveals the name of a software company as you finish your food. Your brother's anger turns him super saiyan, reminding you of the new episodes. A poor neighborhood turns into an alien-inspired techno-organic nightmare.

Many companies use characters to perpetuate their brand. These characters can be personalized--the insurance company mascot that shows up on your car dashboard during a harrowing rush hour is your favorite color, features large, expressive eyes, and is covered in shaggy fur.

Of course, machine learning algorithms can be unpredictable. And ad agencies could not anticipate the omnivalent memetic power of...

...anime girls.

The algorithm customizes your pepsi soda into a fizzy anime slime girl. They customize the call to your healthcare provider to raise the pitch of the representative's voice and translate the audio to Japanese (your glasses display English subtitles). The missiles you see striking a city in Iran are ridden by pale, northrop grumman-labeled anime maids.

As more human agency is ceded to enormous, power-chugging processing centers, the connections between everyday occurrences and brand presence become more abstract. Every character on a show you're not paying attention to, every old shoe you own, every person you interact with, every grain of sand on the beach, every floater in your eye, is an anime girl.

As humans do, they adapt. Generation Glass becomes accustomed to experiencing two entirely foreign sets of sense-data: one, their local, mundane world, of humming processors and concrete and scraggly trees. The other, the networked world, where your entire visual field is painted in overlapping anime girls of various sizes and your auditory vestibular nerve is drowned in high-pitched giggling. Each girl represents some object--pomegranate, sunset, friends, love, death.

As global civilization gently deflates under the pressure of climate change post-2100, so does the capacity to manufacture complex electronics. Within the space of a generation, billions of people are reduced to creating facile, vapid illustrations of the moving, living anime girls they once knew as bigotry and tarmac. Pictures of anime girls are used to label street signs, mathematical concepts, genders, religious texts. Ironically, anime girls become more incorporated into the real world than they ever were in the Glass period, because they adorn real surfaces. A post-traumatic behavior develops, in which a person destroys objects bearing anime girl images in an attempt to, according to one individual, "let them out," or otherwise restore networked consensus reality.

Thousands of years pass. Peregrine sophists of the Fifth Yyrzoc clan uncover an underground concrete structure. In it are glyphs of a single, big-eyed, pale, skinny, large-breasted woman with bright blue hair, surrounded by female figures in blood-red uniforms who are collapsed on the ground. The sophists are able to decode this message and avoid what we would recognize as a nuclear waste storage facility. They theorize that the figures are ancient feminine gods of radiation and death. Several etchings and illustrations are published by a notable scriptorium. Years later they are largely forgotten.

[cnc-wendy]

Elevating Precision Manufacturing: The Role of Mekalite’s CNC Machining Service

In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, precision, efficiency, and adaptability are key to staying ahead. CNC machining has emerged as a vital technology, enabling manufacturers to produce complex and high-precision parts consistently. At Mekalite, we are redefining excellence in CNC machining services by combining advanced technology, a skilled workforce, and a commitment to quality.

https://mekalite.com/

What is CNC Machining?

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining is a process that uses computerized controls to operate machinery and tools with high accuracy. This enables the production of intricate parts from a variety of materials, including metals and plastics, while maintaining tight tolerances. CNC machining is critical in industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and electronics.

Why Choose Mekalite for CNC Machining?

Mekalite sets itself apart by offering a comprehensive approach to CNC machining, ensuring every project is handled with precision and care.

Advanced Machinery and Capabilities Our cutting-edge, multi-axis CNC machines allow us to handle even the most complex designs with precision and consistency. Whether you need rapid prototyping, low-volume manufacturing, or full-scale production, Mekalite’s technology enables us to meet your unique needs.

Customized Solutions We understand that every project is different. Mekalite works closely with each client to understand their specific requirements, delivering tailored solutions that align with their design and functionality goals.

Strict Quality Assurance At Mekalite, quality is our top priority. Our rigorous quality control protocols cover every step of the production process, from material selection to final inspection. This commitment ensures every part meets the industry’s highest standards.

Industries Served by Mekalite

Mekalite’s CNC machining services support a diverse range of industries, including:

Aerospace: High-precision components for engines, structural parts, and aircraft interiors.

Automotive: Custom engine parts, suspension components, and detailed bodywork.

Medical: Surgical instruments, implants, and diagnostic equipment requiring tight tolerances.

Electronics: Housing frames, connectors, and precision parts for delicate devices.

Benefits of Partnering with Mekalite

Choosing Mekalite as your CNC machining service provider offers numerous advantages:

High Precision and Accuracy Our state-of-the-art CNC machines, combined with skilled operators, enable us to achieve exceptional accuracy and repeatability across all projects.

Wide Range of Materials Mekalite’s expertise spans across various materials, from metals like stainless steel and aluminum to specialized plastics. This flexibility allows for innovative product designs and customized applications.

Cost Efficiency and Scalability With automated processes and minimal manual intervention, CNC machining reduces labor costs while enhancing efficiency. Whether you need a single prototype or a large production run, Mekalite’s scalable services can adapt to your requirements.

Timely Deliveries Time is crucial in manufacturing. Our efficient workflows and commitment to meeting deadlines ensure that your projects are completed on schedule, every time.

Looking Ahead: Mekalite’s Commitment to Innovation

Mekalite is committed to staying ahead of industry trends and technological advancements. By continually investing in the latest CNC machinery and refining our processes, we aim to provide even more innovative and reliable solutions to our clients. Our vision is to be a trusted partner in helping businesses achieve new levels of success through precision manufacturing.

Conclusion

CNC machining is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry, and Mekalite is at the forefront of this transformation. Our combination of cutting-edge technology, tailored solutions, and a dedication to quality makes us a preferred partner for businesses across various sectors.

If you’re looking for a reliable CNC machining service provider that delivers precision and value, Mekalite is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your next project!

https://mekalite.com/

[mutrux-firm-injury-lawyers]

Get Justice with Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers: You’re Go-To Truck Accident Lawyer in St. Louis and Columbia

Truck accidents are among the most severe types of vehicle crashes due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. When such an accident occurs, the consequences can be devastating for victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in St. Louis or Columbia, it’s critical to seek experienced legal representation. At Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we have unique experience in truck accident cases and are committed to securing the compensation you deserve.

The Complexities of Truck Accident Cases

Truck accident claims are vastly different from typical car accident claims, primarily because of the various entities involved in the trucking industry, including truck drivers, trucking companies, manufacturers, and sometimes even government entities responsible for road maintenance. Navigating the intricacies of these claims requires deep knowledge of both state and federal trucking regulations.

At Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we understand the specific laws that govern the trucking industry, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), which mandate strict safety standards for truck drivers and companies.

One of the unique aspects of truck accidents is the severity of injuries that often result from these crashes. The size and momentum of trucks mean that even minor collisions can lead to life-altering injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and severe fractures. Victims may also face emotional trauma and financial burdens due to lost wages, medical bills, and long-term care needs. This is why it’s essential to have a seasoned truck accident lawyer in St. Louis or Columbia who can handle these complex cases.

Who is Liable in a Truck Accident?

Truck accidents often involve multiple layers of liability, making them more complicated than a standard vehicle collision. Potential liable parties include:

1. Truck Drivers: In many cases, driver error — such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence — is a leading cause of accidents. Driver fatigue, particularly violations of hours-of-service regulations set forth by FMCSR, is another frequent cause. Our firm conducts thorough investigations into driver conduct to determine liability.

2. Trucking Companies: The company employing the driver can also be held responsible, especially if they encouraged unsafe driving practices like speeding to meet deadlines or neglected vehicle maintenance. We investigate company practices, including hiring and training, to identify negligence.

3. Manufacturers: Defective truck parts, such as faulty brakes or tires, can also lead to accidents. In these cases, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

4. Third-Party Contractors: Trucking companies often outsource maintenance and repair to third-party contractors. If improper maintenance caused the accident, we can pursue claims against the contractor.

Proving Negligence in Truck Accident Cases

To pursue a successful truck accident claim, it’s essential to prove that the other party acted negligently. Our team at Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers will gather critical evidence, including:

· Truck Driver Logs: Ensuring that drivers followed hours-of-service regulations. Violations can strengthen your case.

· Black Box Data: Trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) that record speed, braking, and engine performance. This data can be crucial for proving negligence.

· Surveillance Footage: If traffic or security cameras captured the accident, we will obtain this footage to build your case.

· Eyewitness Testimony: Witness statements can provide valuable insights into what occurred.

· Witnesses: Accident reconstruction witnesses may be brought in to help determine the cause of the crash.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers will fight to recover compensation for:

· Medical Expenses: Covering immediate bills and long-term treatment or rehabilitation needs.

· Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries.

· Pain and Suffering: This includes physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

· Property Damage: Compensation for damage to your vehicle or other personal property.

· Punitive Damages: In some cases where the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless, you may be entitled to punitive damages.

Why Choose Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers?

When it comes to choosing a lawyer for truck accidents in St. Louis or Columbia, Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers stands out for several reasons:

1. Experience with Truck Accident Cases: We have years of experience handling complex truck accident claims and have a proven track record of favourable outcomes.

2. Thorough Investigations: Our team leaves no stone unturned, from obtaining trucking logs to working with professional witnesses, to gather necessary evidence.

3. Personalized Attention: We understand how life-altering a truck accident can be, and we provide personalized attention and support throughout the entire legal process.

4. Contingency Fee Structure: You don’t pay unless we win your case, ensuring that you can seek justice regardless of your financial situation.

Check Reputation and Credentials

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

The sooner you contact Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, the sooner we can start building your case. Call us today at (888) 550–4026 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation. For more details visit our website www.tysonmutrux.com

[avalontec]

Avalon Technologies uses a high-end quality machines to perform the Sheet Metal Fabrication Service, Along with that Avalon also supply their product for Aerospace & Mobility etc..

[boxeboxer]

LOXTON-DUCHÊNE

Loxton-Duchêne is a steel and rubber manufacturing conglomerate that operates mainly in the EU and North-Central Africa. They operate and oversee steel mills, rubber factories, construction, and electronics assembly services.

Originally two separate companies, Loxton Steel Works and Duchêne Rubber, the two merged in the early 2030s during the stock market collapse immediately following the war. They would become one of the largest sub-conglomerates of OURO along with Hastasavitr, Yellow Horse and Mallory Radium. In the British territory of Auxiliary (comprising East Sussex and Kent), Loxton-Duchêne has formed a branch plant government and functions as a mostly self-contained region.

Loxton-Duchêne makes most of its revenue through contract work with its fellow sub-conglomerates or government infrastructure projects. It is the main contractor for building over the destroyed, uninhabitable areas of Britain, mainly Old London, and the construction of concrete cities.

Most of Loxton-Duchêne’s workforce is comprised of krtrim. Through their employment, they are awarded ration tickets. Asalee workers are paid in standard cuprum, the currency of the EU. Loxton-Duchêne provides housing, facilities, and other accommodations, as well as its own private security force. Though these services are greatly superior to what the poorer EU government can provide, corruption runs rampant.

[solver002]

Eventually, all walls meet demolition So Wall Street had to keep the tradition Their financial systems resigned to ignition And out of the ashes, we have arisen

An empire is forged in the fire of ambition In business, there isn't the time for attrition Invest to suppress then ingest competition Then each acquisition is new ammunition

When governments crumble and fall to the floor That was paved with the graves of a corporate war A fundament funded in blood just to shore A foundation for founding our covenant

Born of a need for control of societal entropy Enterprise at the price of your indemnity Chart out the course and of course you were meant to be Bent to the will of a corporate entity

Arasaka Security. You're in safe hands

We're the light in your screens, we're the lead in your veins Then you wake from your dreams, so we can sell them again In the light we distract with the shiny and new So you're blind to the fact that the product is you So let your brain dance and replay the dream But don't drown in the data stream 'Cause we see where you are and we see where you go 'Cause we know what you own and we own what you know

From the top of all our towers, the corridors of power clearly need rewiring Arasaka saw the spark and then embarked upon the path to turn that spark to lightning There's no autonomous megalopolis so populous or prosperous you could reside in And every citizen that's living in this city is a digit on the charts we're climbing

Political systems are too inefficient They split like the atom and burned in the fission Now every department and every decision Defer to the herds of our corporate divisions

If you don't remember the ballot you cast It's printed on every receipt you were passed Each time you selected our products and services We were elected in each of your purchases

What's left to do when you've got the monopoly? Turn the consumer into the commodity It isn't hard where you've hardware neurology Honestly, do read the company policy

Take information and trade it for wealth You pay it in each augmentation we sell It's easy to cut out the middleman When he's cut out most of himself

Arasaka Finance. Investing in your future

We're the light in your screens, we're the lead in your veins Then you wake from your dreams, so we can sell them again In the light we distract with the shiny and new So you're blind to the fact that the product is you So let your brain dance and replay the dream But don't drown in the data stream 'Cause we see where you are and we see where you go 'Cause we know what you own and we own what you know

All that you say on the net we composite To maps that go straight from your head to your pocket Complain if you want, you're still making deposits Of data — each day you log on is a profit

Society currently lists electronic So isn't conducting resistance ironic? We've plenty of skeletons locked in our closets But yours are assembled from old-stock hydraulics

So lucky we know just the pieces you need All plucked from your social media feeds The places you go and the posts that you read All snatched for a new algorithm to feed

Now, holding our gold isn't par for the brand Our silver is sat in the palm of your hand Quit whining and sign on the line in the sand The supply does not get to make the demands

Arasaka Manufacturing. Building a better tomorrow

Name, age, qualifications Race, faith, career aspirations Political leaning, daily commute Marital status, favourite fruit

Family, browser, medical history Hobbies, interests, brand affinity Fashion, style, your occupation Gender identity, orientation

Lifestyle choices, dietary needs The marketing contact you choose to receive Posts, likes, employers, friends Social bias, exploitable trends

Tastes, culture, phone of choice Facial structure, the tone of your voice If it's inside your head, we know You can't escape the ebb and flow

We're the light in your screens, we're the lead in your veins Then you wake from your dreams, so we can sell them again In the light we distract with the shiny and new So you're blind to the fact that the product is you So let your brain dance and replay the dream But don't drown in the data stream 'Cause we see where you are and we see where you go 'Cause we know what you own and we own what you know

When guiding the hand of the market If it's holding a cheque or a gun The fingers go deep in your pockets And you can live under the thumb

You seem so surprised, what did you expect? We're thinking outside of that box that you checked The terms were presented in full to inspect You scrolled to the end just to get to "Accept"

Arasaka would like to know your location (In the light we distract with the shiny and new) Arasaka would like to know your location Arasaka would like to know your location (So you're blind to the fact that the product is you) Arasaka would like to know your location

.

[aageinternational]

Your Guide to the Best Battery Distributors in Bahrain

In the fast-paced world of technology and industrial advancements, reliable power sources are essential. Batteries play a pivotal role in ensuring that everything from our everyday gadgets to large industrial equipment runs smoothly. Bahrain, a burgeoning hub of technological growth in the Middle East, has seen an increasing demand for high-quality batteries. This demand has led to the rise of several battery distributors in Bahrain, each striving to provide top-notch products and services. If you’re looking to find the best battery distributors in Bahrain, this guide will help you navigate through the options and make an informed decision.

Understanding the Battery Market in Bahrain

Bahrain’s strategic location and robust economy make it a prime market for various industries, including battery distribution. The country’s push towards technological advancement and sustainable energy solutions has driven the need for a diverse range of batteries, from consumer electronics to industrial applications. This growing demand has attracted numerous local and international battery distributors to establish their presence in Bahrain.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Battery Distributor

Before diving into the list of the best battery distributors in Bahrain, it’s important to understand what factors to consider when making your choice:

Product Range: A good distributor should offer a wide variety of batteries to meet different needs. Whether you need batteries for consumer electronics, automotive, industrial applications, or renewable energy systems, the distributor should have a comprehensive product lineup.

Quality Assurance: Quality is paramount when it comes to batteries. Ensure that the distributor provides products from reputable manufacturers and that the batteries meet international quality and safety standards.

Technical Support: Reliable technical support and after-sales service are crucial. A good distributor should offer guidance on battery selection, installation, and maintenance.

Reputation and Reviews: Research the distributor’s reputation in the market. Customer reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into their reliability and service quality.

Price and Warranty: Competitive pricing and a solid warranty policy are essential. Ensure that the distributor offers value for money and stands behind their products with a good warranty.

Top Battery Distributors in Bahrain

Now that you know what to look for, let’s explore some of the top battery distributors in Bahrain that have built a strong reputation in the market.

1. AAGE International

Website: AAGE International

AAGE International is a leading name in the battery distribution sector in Bahrain. They offer a comprehensive range of batteries, including industrial batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and automotive batteries. Their products are known for their high quality and reliability, sourced from renowned manufacturers worldwide. AAGE International is committed to providing excellent customer service, including technical support and after-sales service. Their focus on sustainable energy solutions makes them a preferred choice for businesses and individuals looking for eco-friendly battery options.

2. Universal Electro-Engineering Services

Website: Universal Electro-Engineering Services

Universal Electro-Engineering Services has established itself as a reliable battery distributor in Bahrain. They offer a diverse range of batteries for various applications, including industrial, automotive, and renewable energy systems. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in their product offerings and support services. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, Universal Electro-Engineering Services continues to meet the growing energy needs of Bahrain.

3. Gulf Batteries Company

Website: Gulf Batteries Company

Gulf Batteries Company is another prominent player in Bahrain’s battery distribution market. They specialize in providing high-quality batteries for industrial and commercial applications. Their extensive product range includes lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and maintenance-free batteries. Gulf Batteries Company is known for its stringent quality control measures and excellent customer service, ensuring that clients receive reliable and durable battery solutions.

4. Almoayyed Commercial Services

Website: Almoayyed Commercial Services

Almoayyed Commercial Services is a well-known distributor of batteries in Bahrain, offering a wide range of products for different sectors. Their portfolio includes batteries for consumer electronics, automotive, and industrial applications. Almoayyed Commercial Services prides itself on delivering high-quality products backed by robust technical support and after-sales service. Their reputation for reliability and customer-centric approach makes them a trusted choice in the market.

5. Naser Al Sayer & Co. B.S.C.

Website: Naser Al Sayer & Co. B.S.C.

Naser Al Sayer & Co. B.S.C. has been serving the Bahrain market for years, providing a wide array of battery solutions. They offer batteries for automotive, industrial, and backup power applications. Known for their commitment to quality and customer service, Naser Al Sayer & Co. ensures that their clients have access to the best battery technologies available. Their expertise and dedication to meeting customer needs have earned them a solid reputation in the industry.

Why Choose Local Distributors?

Opting for local battery distributors in Bahrain has several advantages. Local distributors are more attuned to the specific needs and challenges of the Bahraini market. They can provide quicker and more efficient services, including faster delivery times and localized technical support. Additionally, local distributors often have a better understanding of the regulatory requirements and standards in Bahrain, ensuring compliance and reliability.

Conclusion

Selecting the right battery distributor is crucial for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of your power solutions. Whether you need batteries for personal use, automotive purposes, or large-scale industrial applications, the distributors listed above are among the best in Bahrain. By considering factors such as product range, quality assurance, technical support, reputation, and price, you can make an informed decision and choose a distributor that meets your specific needs. Bahrain’s growing demand for advanced battery solutions makes it an exciting market, and partnering with the right distributor can help you stay ahead in this dynamic environment.

[usafphantom2]

Boeing is using Fortnite game technology to update the B-52s

Will this "hyper-realistic" modeling tool help give the program a Victory Royale?

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 23/09/2023 - 12:27 in Military

A popular Fortnite game engine is helping Boeing modernize 60-year-old B-52 bombers for another three decades of service.

To see how the new Rolls-Royce F-130 engines would work in the U.S. Air Force's B-52 Stratofortresses, the plane's manufacturer resorted to Unreal Engine 5, the software that powers the Fortnite shooting game. The 3D environment of the game engine allows pilots and maintainers to virtually interact with an updated digital representation of the B-52, such as starting and turning off an engine.

It is a "powerful and really impressive tool," said Jennifer Wong, senior director of bombers at Boeing.

Wong said that commercial digital software, such as the "hyper-realism features" of Unreal Engine 5, reduces costs and delivery time.

“We learn faster and are able to adjust faster when we talk about models than [when] we learn after bending metal,” she told reporters last week at the annual Air, Space & Cyber Conference event of the Air and Space Forces Association.

The virtual environment gives USAF “unprecedented access” to modifications from the beginning and gives feedback to Boeing long before they start upgrading the aircraft, Wong said.

This is part of a modernization effort called the Commercial Engine Replacement Program, or CERP, which will replace the eight Pratt & Whitney TF33 engines in each jet to keep the bomber flying.

The program is much larger than just the engine replacement, Wong said, as Boeing will also update the aircraft's displays, cockpits and other avionics systems.

Rolls-Royce is on track to complete the initial engine tests by the end of the year and begin the "critical project review" in the first quarter of 2024.

Boeing will also replace the current B-52 radars with Raytheon's active electronic scanning radar, called AESA. The radar is already used in the U.S. Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornets jets.

"When we say things like 'the B-52 will have capabilities similar to those of fighters in the future', that's what we mean. Eventually, the B-52 will be able to have some notion of capacity similar to that of a fighter and a little of that visualization that is currently on the F-18 platform," Wong said.

The new radar will allow the B-52 to track multiple targets simultaneously, Wong said. Other updates to the radar program include a new broadband radome, which protects the radar antenna, large digital touchscreen displays for browsers and manual controllers.

"This will allow us to continue to improve resources in the future, because the advance will be made through software, rather than hardware changes in the future," Wong said.

Raytheon recently announced that it has delivered the first AESA radar to Boeing for the program.

These modernization programs are crucial, since the B-52 could fly even beyond the 2050s, according to Colonel Scott Foreman, leader of the Air Force's B-52 program. Foreman pointed to the A-10 Warthog, almost half a century old, as an example of an airplane that is still flying after several attempts by the U.S. Air Force to retire it.

“Even if we're saying 2050, I have no reason to believe that he can't fly for a long time after that,” Foreman said at the AFA conference.

Boeing said it will have all the B-52s modified with the new radar by the end of fiscal year 2031 and the engine replacement program completed by the end of fiscal year 2036.

Source: DefenseOne

Tags: Military AviationBoeing B-52H StratofortressCERPUSAF - United States Air Force / U.S. Air Force

Sharing

tweet

Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Daytona Airshow and FIDAE. He has work published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work throughout the world of aviation.

Related news

AIR SHOWS

IMAGES: How was Air Sunday at the Air Force Academy

23/09/2023 - 11:52

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft designated for the 158ª Fighter Wing, Vermont National Guard, taxis at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, on June 9, 2023, in preparation for Air Defender 23. (Photo: U.S. Air Force / Tech Sgt. Anthony Plyler)

MILITARY

About half of the US F-35 fighters are not ready to fly

09/22/2023 - 9:30 PM

MILITARY

Modernized A-50U AWACS aircraft is delivered to the Russian Air Force

09/22/2023 - 16:00

The U.S. Army announced the delivery of the first two AH-64E Version 6 Apache Guardian attack helicopters, but only provided photos of the two previous AH-64D they replaced, being prepared for a flight back to the United States. (Photo: U.S. Army)

HELICOPTERS

U.S. Army Aviation Unit in Europe receives new Apache helicopters

22/09/2023 - 14:00

MILITARY

Germany acquires 13 state-of-the-art LUNA drones and new radar for Eurofighters

09/22/2023 - 11:00

MILITARY

VIDEOS AND IMAGES: F-35A fighters operate from a highway for the first time

22/09/2023 - 09:00

Client PortalClient PortalClient PortalClient PortalClient PortalClient PortalClient PortalClient PortalhomeMain PageEditorialsINFORMATIONeventsCooperateSpecialitiesadvertiseabout

Cavok Brazil - Digital Tchê Web Creation

Commercial

Executive

Helicopters

HISTORY

Military

Brazilian Air Force

Space

Specialities

Cavok Brazil - Digital Tchê Web Creation