Just bought this old 1924 old Dutch colonial in New England and the kitchen has me stumped. Hard layout, awful colors and choices in there right now. I don’t have the funds for a full kitchen reno right now, but here’s what we’re working with. We have lots of colorful accents and furniture in the house fwiw.
Already planning on:

• changing the hardware on the cabinets and drawers
• ordered a new stainless steel counter depth refrigerator
• we hope to remove all those upper most cabinet doors with just a long piece of wood (they can’t simply be demo’d completely because they’re covering an exposed pipe)

Need help with colors of walls, trim and cabinets; backsplash; and any ideas for less expensive flooring that we could maybe lay on top of that disgusting laminate.
I’ll try to include some pix of our current (rental) kitchen to get an idea of our aesthetic in the comments. I like fun pops of color, but also want it to age well enough so nothing too whacky.
Really struggling with this one! Thanks guys!!

MAIORES. IV, CAL. IUNI. FORTUNA PRIMIGENIA.

This subject follows along from the general conclusion of infantilism, i.e. if we agree that infantilism exists in a culture that therefore all aspects of (such a culture) must be examined as to how they are impacted ‘by’ that infantilism, as: infantilism constitutes an undeveloped form of a thing; here (without covering absolutely every single aspect of it, as this could be a book in and of itself) we explore ‘sexual immaturity’ and its promulgation and consequences (of which we could easily make the case of the consequences as to be the cause of ‘all social ill’).
In an anthropological view; as if like we are looking at a chimpanzee colony, both procreation and familial-tribal child-raising takes place in our contemporary Western societies in a very clumsy sort of way; with the latter (i.e. the actual raising of children) not occurring at all, with the consequence of ‘arrested development’ – usually we would recognize and name it as that, if we ever thought very deeply about it:
However, the notion that all of this could be reduced to and fathomed as ‘sexual immaturity’ is an interesting (and unexplored) avenue to approach these matters from; certainly the act of actual procreation is deliberately accidental (I mean here in the contemporary West) in that a Woman does “not seek a mate” and then become pregnant, i.e. she does not even consider the sexual act to be procreative, rather: she accidentally becomes pregnant (“it was a miracle”), having beforehand and all throughout the duration and beyond it a culture which is far detached from the physical reality of things and thus a new human is created with no forethought for its care or provision and no security net in place to provide for it and ensure its prosperity and intelligent up-bringing, and increasingly there are fewer and fewer intelligent older persons around who are capable of providing the education and care for that child as would naturally exist in the large familial-tribal unit of an extended family where, historically, we all came from and of which is still the norm across much of the world (i.e. village elders who would otherwise raise the children up to be intelligent even if the Mother herself is too young to be a real parent - if we imagine as the species norm would be that most Women historically had their first child at around the age of fourteen or fifteen). Without, then, that familial-tribal unit to instruct and care for the child’s intellectual development and without either land to make a living from to provide for it's economic development then we find a cursed life, that is: a life far more difficult than it otherwise ought be had it been born in a more wisely chosen environment.
My point here is that ‘procreation’ is considered almost never at all by our society as being the most basic step in the creation and promulgation ‘of’ a tribal unit; with procreation itself being left down to blind chance and more often either legitimately accidentally or feigned accidently so as to attempt to cement a relationship (see: divorce and break-up rates in the West), either way this is the material circumstance into which children are born.
To say, then, that not grasping this reality ‘is’ itself a product of sexual immaturity; i.e. a Woman who does not understand what a new human is, seems to me to be far more of an accurate view of the thing than to declare it as ‘sexual immorality’ as it is usually insisted by the Abramic types, as: rather obviously it is ‘Sexual Immaturity’ rather than ‘Sexual Immorality’ that is the really cause of (the above scenario), that is: it is not Men and Women knowing too much about sex but of Men and Women knowing virtually nothing at all and therefore absent of a practice and familiarity necessary for Sexual Maturity, with Sexual Maturity itself being the very thing declared to be Immorality - an irreconcilable paradox.
It seems to me, then, that the habits we observe of ‘accidental pregnancy’ are the natural occurrence in such an unnatural society; that is: a consequence of misplaced moralism over the vital mechanical sexual functions of the human body (a thing which may well dominate and drive our unconsciousness entirely) have been rendered so alien to our expression and consideration but of which are so incessant and irrepressible; that sexual release is habitually denied, I mean here societally (i.e. “it is not polite”), and only finds ‘permission’ to appear in extreme drunkenness in fits of frenzy, and so on, so that when procreation actually occurs it is sporadic and neither at that moment nor before it was the adult rational mind involved – again, this is plainly a consequence of ‘sexual immaturity’ ‘before’ it could ever be said to be a consequence of ‘sexual immorality’.
It’s worth considering, of our own society in contemporary times, how far removed we are from most of the world which practices arrange marriages in one form or another (i.e. whether we are speaking of large tribal units or smaller family units) and what the consequence of this is on our own communities being absent of that; that is: the most fertile years of our lives are not spent having gotten procreation out of the way by having five or six children by the age of twenty or nineteen (so that when the child is fifteen you might be thirty, which seems to be the age where the sexual drive begins to dissipate or has anyway lost its novelty), and instead (i.e. without of being match-made far earlier in life) procreation instead occurs – if it does at all – accidentally and well-past the most fertile and healthy years, with such children being often quite sickly and the strain on the body being significantly more risky to the Mother (haphazardly enabled only then by massive external resources which would not have been required at all beforehand). I do not mean to seem as if I am advocating “having five or six children by the age of twenty or nineteen” only that in our natural environment this has always been the way of the thing due to natural sexual exploration when we are at that age.
At the same time, at the beginning and at the end of this “waste of time” (as I would say) of those most fertile years in which our sexuality is forbidden to us; that culture which we examine here as being simply Sexual Immaturity, it has been the case that that “Immaturity” persists well into later life by those afflicted adults who were forbidden to practise their natural sexuality when they were at the age where they wanted to, that is that the culture and mentality of such persons subjected to such restrictions quite demonstrably can be shown to have regressed them to the point that, as then as adults, they dress as children, speak and think as children, shun adult responsibility and seem altogether to have matured intellectually no further than the age of twelve or thirteen years, despite physiologically and neurologically having surpassed far beyond that early almost larval-like stage of our development where the body and mind are both only partially formed.
Instead it has been the “dragging-out” of that childlike insensibility, again: to no useful outcome, which has by that point in time essentially mitigated most of their procreative potentiality in that 1) physically having children is then far more difficult for them, and 2) they are now twenty-five years behind where their familial-tribal unit might otherwise have been, i.e. they do not have five or six twenty year old children bringing in incomes to the Household (to purchase a Household in the first place if they did not possess one before) or working the land (or likewise to purchase land) so that their prosperity will not have developed beyond mere subsistence off of the external labour market so as to escape the poverty and dependency traps inherent in the cities – which nominally constitutes their entire existence ‘to’ escape such miseries. All in all it is a lot of hard work by that point and I could not help but notice, of my own generation and those slightly older, how this outcome would have been entirely altered and set on a more prosperous trajectory if, say, at the age of sixteen a couple had been put together and had a few children, as: by the age of twenty the best seeds would have been sewn and they would not have to even think about “having children” ever again which is itself a thing, I observe anyway, that is so daunting and bothersome later in life that it really is something better gotten out of the way as early as possible in the manner that we would have done quite naturally otherwise.
If the idea here is to build up that familial-tribal unit then this methodology serves the purpose in the most optimal manner; the adults are freed up and enjoy their liberties, the younger adults (i.e. the teenagers) are preoccupied quite happily fulfilling their single greatest biological urges to have sex as much as they like, and the population figures begin to climb up at a rate of replacement which is far superior, e.g. a thirty year old parent of a fifteen year old only has five years before that fifteen year becomes a physically matured adult ready to contribute to the unit, whereas by contrast a thirty year old parent of a five year old has a great longer time to wait for physical maturity so that the distance between the two age groups becomes fragile and thin the further it is stretched with a concurrent loss of replacement manpower by a space of ten additional years.
There is something to be said for the older more experienced Father, of course, I remember quite well that the children I grew up with whose Fathers were in their forties and fifties and whose Mothers were in their twenties or very early thirties were quite better-off in their disposition and intelligence (whilst those with older Mothers tended to be sickly in one way or another); simply put though I think it is more to do with the experience of age as the influencing factor than anything else and a functional familial-tribal unit would have this influence in far greater capacity.
If we add to this factor the notion of polygamy (something shunned as ‘pagan’ by the Abramic religions yet advocated for in their own holy books, indeed: it was the universal norm) then we find the whole circle being completed in that young teenagers do as they please with each other, becoming familiar with relationship and their sexuality, and then when they reach a more mature age they might marry each other or other people properly so as to begin families of their own; but that by that age they may well have produced several children already via multiple partners so that the actual ‘legitimate children’ (in the sense of inheriting land and titles) of a more formal marriage is superfluous to population replacement insofar as the tribe is concerned, as: they have already increased the headcount quite massively by comparison. It is worth mentioning here the legal problems of land inheritance and the seeming inability for people to ever work this all out amongst themselves as being one of the most desirable points of the introduction of some of the Abramic religions, when they first appeared, as rules were laid out of who could inherit (some rules more effective than others, some quite ruinous in fact) which provided a framework in perpetuity (but on the other hand, with all children being considered legitimate in some instances, i.e. the children of concubines, this produced the problem of “all children” being in competition for the single title or, in turn, a vast spread of land, i.e. a Kingdom, being broken apart “to make it all fair”: this did not differ in form from, say, Imperial China to the late Ottoman court whilst the European Monarchies to their credit, somewhat, temporarily solved the matter by the allocation of specific titles to be given to the first born, second born, third born, etc., and then bouncing back to the Monarch upon the death of that Duke to be allocated again – although some would say this is a feeble manner by which to govern large polities it differs not very much from the essential ‘oversight’ duties over local governments as practiced in the Roman Principate rather than direct-governorship over those provinces themselves).
The tribal influence in real terms upon children cannot be understated in its superior effects upon the character and long-term capacity of the children themselves (when compared to others); I have some experience in my own up-bringing with this and really the outcome (again: compared to the infantilism, i.e. arrested development, you will almost always find in the nuclear family type, which we might easily compare to factory farmed within four walls and a hen-pecking parental authority vs. free range) is a quite more matured and capable disposition (call it “street smarts” if you like; they follow what actually works rather than what is ‘pretended to them’ to work, which is typically nothing more than the parents own whimsical desires of the moment) amongst all the children when they are simply freed up from the poor influence of an unfit parent even without the good influence of a more fit parent of which, then, the fit parent itself could be determined to be largely superfluous, as: of their own accord they learn amongst themselves and become naturally fortified against being instructed into error by a witless or ill-inclined adult, whereas a child stuck under the thumb of a witless ‘parent’ has no means to disobey that witless parent without facing severe punishments and so there the child is sculpted into a helpless fool, later embittered in life and at the tender mercy of their peers, as: even as they might innately know-better (than to do the foolish thing their parent demands they do) they are forced nevertheless, either physically punished or emotionally coerced, into adopting the ‘silly walk’ and ‘dress’ of the witless parent, which is to say: they are forced into conforming toward the cultural idealism determined by the parent with no thought whatsoever for the practicalities of life, e.g. the matter of “how will my child earn a living” is addressed neither by parenting nor by schools thus begrudgingly selling themselves auction block of the labour market turns out to be the only method, whether they were deluded into thinking that their aspirations to be a professional athlete or an astronaut were entertained and encouraged for them at the expense of informing them about any other means of paying the rent or not.
I should say here that when I say “familial-tribal unit” I am broadly referring to any number of groupings, in whatsoever local forms they may take shape, but that the decisive factor, most chiefly, will be a large extended family network of which, if it ever needed to pool its resource together, would constitute a decent size force in land, resource production and manpower – but chiefly it is the possession of land which enables everything else:
More ideally, to my mind, it would resemble (or be very close in composition to) that Roman ‘Familia’ (the origin of the word ‘Family’ in our English) where a fairly large blood family of at least five generations inhabited in and around the same House or group of Houses (see: Palace, Villa and Manor Economy), with servants and adoptees and associates (business partners) likewise being considered as extended kin; altogether forming, as it were, a little nationality. In the sense of ‘Nationality’ it is, it ought be said, more a return to how we actually were prior to the ‘naming conventions’ of the 1700’s or so where the stupid surnames made up on the spot of many Europeans were forced into Law over what would have originally been clan and tribal identities and from which there came that fake sense of disparate ‘Nationality’ (i.e. cut off from tribe and forced into atomization; identity through a very small family unit alone) from which the misnomer of ‘Race’ would be made-up to lend credibility to. In many ways a great deal of the urbane ‘neurosis’, let’s call it, stems really from this absence of ‘true tribe’ with it having been eradicated either by the fecklessness of urban societies; societies of strangers and thieves, and also more directly via those religions which pretend to fill the void of ‘true tribe’ with their witless rituals and effete pretences – things which are a wet-blanket over true fellowship wrought in such a manner as comes in all reality perfectly naturally the moment the screws holding foolishness in place are undone and cast away – and really here, when we stack these observations together one upon the other, we are really speaking of a sound and strong society certainly immune to the shallow perversity created by denialism toward the basic mechanics of the human body – in addition to any other considerations which follow from that.

THE OVERALL INFLUENCE (OR LACK THEREOF) OF A TRIBAL-FAMILIAL UNIT

It must be considered quite seriously by the reader as to the overall influence, or lack thereof, of a tribal-familial unit as to what fills its place in the education of people otherwise and, as I began this text by considering for myself, how much of the ‘dysfunctionality’ can be attributed to the “lack thereof”.
Along with the cultural instance on sexual immaturity as to produce the consequence of delaying and drawing out for decades a fetish of normal sexuality which ought naturally be done with by a person after reaching the age, say, of maybe seventeen, there is the greater point which I am trying to relay here in this text of how many other aspects of ‘bad culture’ are singularly anchored to and thusly totally dependent upon that sexual immaturity – that is: we would be hard-pressed to imagine how really many of the pernicious scenarios in our contemporary society would even arise if that foundation stone of ‘sexual immaturity’ were removed from the equation:
For instance, how much of a ‘relationship’ is spent and sculpted (either by the Man or the Woman or both) on jealously and worry of the other ending the relationship for having found another person or another means to fulfil their sexual gratification? If a ‘relationship’ is based upon, let’s call this, “mutual masturbation” then at the heart of that is sexual immaturity of the mental age of maybe fourteen years whereupon a person has been sort of coaxed into dependency for orgasm on a third party; they are fraught and fearful that this should be taken away from them – it being so vital as like a mechanical necessity for either sex – that the entire content of their ‘relationship’ revolves around it; seeking it, coaxing it, demanding it, guarding it from be lost, and so on, of which I think it is not exaggeration to say that such concerns constitute 100% of the verbal interaction in such a ‘couple’; either outright or in the back of the mind so as to reinterpret all scenarios and verbal expressions as being related to that end-goal of maintaining the “mutual masturbation”.
Simply put this ‘relationship’, then, revolves around twenty minutes of sexual activity in a day – if that much (or even if every day), yet dominates the entirety of the mind; that is: the entirety of the ‘relationship’, when this action itself is something that a servant or a slave or a prostitute would be used for in many societies, with the ‘content’ of the marriage, say, being concerned more with running the business of a Household or concerned with procreation to produce legitimate children to inherit the business, the title, the land, whatever. My point here is that neither Man nor Woman are elevated or their dignity improved, somehow, by this absence of sexual maturity but rather that both are reduced; i.e. greatly lowered, to the cognitive and social standing of the “servant, slave, prostitute,” in that as far as they think of and conceptualize themselves as part of a Household at all it is singularly the concern with simple sexual acts which dominate their interpersonal interactions and their ideas about their own self; it is their ‘social currency’.
If this seems alien – I mean my observation on this – consider how much neurosis goes on in the daily grooming rituals of Women or those sad excuses for Men who “lift weights but cannot fight” (not to mention the ease at which a thin muscular physique bleeds out at the slightest of puncture wounds, see: Roman Gladiator training), i.e. whose only concern is that of admiring their own bodies in a mirror, this being intellectually identical to young Women. Is this not the mentally of a slave? If so, even if we shy away from saying it plainly, then we must ask “what forms the mentality of a slave (i.e. where does it come from)” – in the above equation a slave in a Household is more like an object fulfilling a function than He or She is a person with any autonomy (well, obviously there is no autonomy for a slave) so it is almost to be expected that in such an environment that the intellectual trajectory of an object-person goes away from externalities and becomes entirely absorbed with self-presentation and equates their social status from that, and if groups of such persons will set this to be the common culture; deriving status in that manner among themselves – although still these are slaves possessing no ‘status’ to speak of, as being object-people. This is evidenced also in victims of sexual abuse or those, in general, suffering at the hands of third parties whose autonomy is in some way or another restricted; that their singular focus becomes that of sexuality as like depression is “rage turned inward”, thus too it seems for sexual infantilism.
I cannot pass up this subject without mentioning a series of interviews describing, a thing quite novel to me, the notion of American Christian ‘Purity Culture’ from the point of view of those heavily indoctrinated into that; instilled with Catholic levels of guilt over the normal function of the body, who have then left their small churches or megachurches, or whatever, and spoken plainly about the mentality of those inside of it as relating to sexuality. It is a thing I think long suspected but seldom expressed that, as it was described, the mentality of such persons is that they are “horny all the time” due to the relentless guilt inculcated into them; that due to denialism of sexuality their ordinary sexual impulses are magnified to an incredible degree and that, consequentially, their entire being is animated by repressed sexuality so that their thoughts are ‘impure’ all the time whilst verbally they express strong denialism and shame over the thing. I think this is no real difference to any such religious malinstruction; be it Muslim, Jewish or Christian, in that the perpetual infantilism of their surrounding society stems first of all from their own bedrock religious culture (i.e. whatever religion which is at odds with the human body, etc.) were due to such ‘culture’ they never really get over, say, an early adolescent view of sexuality where they are driven entirely by it and never learn to overcome it, no pun intended, but utterly unrealized – which would take them leaving their religion – is that this process demonstrably brings out the absolute worst in their character and disposition with the process itself being the promulgation ‘of’ those very “Viceful thoughts ” that they claim to be “at War with in the world”, in other words: it is just they themselves who, for example, look at a young teenage girl (or god help us, a small boy) and thinks all manner of sexual rapacity – and that this animates them politically to campaign for restrictive legislation to be put into Law to police “all society” as if “all society” existed at their low level is an incredible thing to consider. But I do not think their broader societies are any exception to this, rather point here is that their broader societies are comprised of persons exactly like them; that the Christian or the Jew driven by a lifetimes shaming over their normal sexuality adopt, in turn, the most depraved expressions ‘of’ sexuality as a self-affirmation; that is: the extreme self-identification with a simple sexual action, for example, came to literally define a persons personality in such places to the point that (Americans anyway) seriously put out the notion during the late 1990’s and 2000’s that a fleeting sexual act 1) defines a persons entire character, and 2) it is also inborn, e.g. as like to say that whether you prefer this or that on the menu at a restaurant is something determined genetically; this is utterly stupid and utterly, in my opinion, a consequence of society which has not wanted to evolve beyond the ‘sexual immaturity’ of which physiologically seems to occupy a very small window of the middle to late teens and of which repression during those ages quite demonstrably creates madness and retardation – I mean that if their culture did not peripherally do this to them then the manner by which swathes of their cultural-historical institutions do this to them ‘outright’ by inculcation into this process in particular certainly does it to them, and merely it is the unwillingness to fully condemn these Religions and relegate these influences to the dustbin which keeps the entire thing ticking along with “just enough” of the population bent out of shape by it to present those same persons, seemingly confused as to where they came from, lumbering through the broader society and serving as examples of lunacy and degeneracy.
In short - and I may as well add this here also, the aim to abstain for a while from sexuality was a custom introduced by the Ancient Romans and was designed to heighten sexual pleasure; in effect, then, foreign barbarians coming to this culture much later on with nobody to really explain it to them ended up unwittingly engaging in what they would probably have recognized as ‘sex magic’ whereupon the denial of their own mechanical sexual function was ‘abstained’ by them; i.e. they saw the value in holding off on doing drugs or having sex for a while, – but they did not understand what the effect or the outcome of that was ‘intended’ to be in that one would abstain specifically ‘to’ heighten the senses toward that pleasure; and this is evidenced chiefly in the Lunar Orgies and the Fast/s of Ceres. Interestingly, Jesus himself in (i think the Gospel of Thomas?) mentions to his followers that “they will hate him for what he says now,” and that he says that “fasting brings out all the worst in them” – in other words, engaging in periodic abstinence will turn them all horny. Knowing this from a relatively early age it was no surprise to me at all why celibate priests ended up diddling children or member of their own congregation or why the most outwardly pious zealots proved to be the most morally weak people to be found as even with the most ‘clean’ example, let’s say, of a person who has never drank wine, for example, they have not ‘overcome’ that thing but have rather avoided ever experiencing that thing so that it will always be a novel temptation to them of which they will have no understanding of and which they can be leveraged by in various ways primarily due to their ignorance of which ‘experience itself’ would otherwise render them far more fortified against:
A good example here is the ‘pot scare’ of the early 1930’s in America when it was seriously believed by a wholly ignorant chunk of the urbane voting public that smoking cannabis (and drinking alcohol, for that matter) would turn a person into a serial killer, this is totally bizarre to us now, but notice that this was the same society whose moral standard was that “a table leg” should not be uncovered because it reminded them of a Womans bare leg – although here we might better understand why they were so preoccupied by thoughts like that (I think very seriously in their heightened state of perpetual arousal any little thing would send them to buggery of a farmyard creature)! Hilarious. But – notice also that this was the same society which was engaging in some of the most casually egregious inhumane criminality that history had ever seen, as if they ‘were’ high on narcotics and their rational senses dulled; I do not mean here to bring American notions of ‘Race’ into this as to be seen to ‘condemn Black Slavery’ in the fashion of my own day (although we mentioned family-tribe as a better form of so-called nationality earlier) but the ghastly images of actual Country Fairs where smiling families with children by their knees would pose for crude photographs with the charcoaled or bloated rotting carcass of a burned or lynched Man is beyond my ability to play-down or normalize. I mean here to say, that: far from the pretense of ‘clean mindedness’ of such persons about themselves that we find these same persons are the filthiest and most depraved characters around, being those few persons who walk amongst us who are actually capable of doing those inhumane things (again, see: Banality of Evil) as would be unthinkable to a person of normal rational healthy conscience. We might connect this, also, to the historical BDSM extravaganzas which took place in the Christian monasteries and public squares for many centuries where young Women were sexually tortured by celibate clergymen as to recognize how deep and quick a plunge it is from a person or their culture going from the denial of normal healthy sexuality into the kettled and sadistic gore fetish of outright murder.
It is always worth reminding the reader who wishes to minimize these more egregious aspects of the subject (as rape is still rampant among the clergy); which are consequential of sexual immaturity, that it was not ‘reason and rationality’ per se that stamped this out from European society but soldiers kicking in the doors of such Churches, Town Halls and Houses with muskets, rifles, long knives and grape-shot and physically eradicating the perpetrators and their willing congregations from America and France for the practice itself of sexually torturing a Woman and then burning the evidence on the fake pretexts of obviously made-up accusations of “she turned me into a frog” to actually be ended. That is to say that the ‘mentality’ and ‘culture’ which provided the framework for such inhumane activities was never formally realized or educated-out of a people, so to find it lingers along into contemporary times; animating the otherwise dormant farmyard animal-like character of such persons “like powers of evil”, is not surprising to me in the least. What was more surprising to me is that as so much of these religions are so obviously outright ‘evil’ that more persons do not speak of the intricacies of the things in such necessary detail these more ‘egregious’ cases would qualify, and then to spool back to discover the cause of every evil action in the mentality of every perpetrator – generally speaking, for instance, it will be a character with a disposition of infantilism and perhaps this is more easy to understand without needing to connect it to sexual immaturity though, to my mind, these are not distinct enough to warrant any separation; as: infantilism is always going to be immaturity and immaturity is always going to run concurrent with a lack of adult intellectual development where a mature and experienced view of a thing, sexuality in this case, has likely been within the powers of a person to have gleaned naturally through experiences – in which case there would be no argument with anything I say here, or of which such experiences have been prevented by external powers from being gleaned by the person in question; in which case they remain ‘as if’ they were fourteen years old with the allure of mysterious unknown sex acts utterly dominating their consciousness at all times and yet physically being thirty, forty, fifty years old – well past the age (certainly physiologically) where they should have gotten it all out of their system but of which they have not, chiefly because their experiences have been rather dull and monotone and so much social currency has been valued by it ‘being’ dull and monotone, e.g. monogamy, legal repercussions binding two people in place, the atomized kettling nature of the disconnected nuclear family unit, living amongst strangers in large cities where it not so simple as just going topless to change the local culture, control through the selective denial of the sex act itself (as William Reich and Esther Vilar both write on), the sexualisation of young people by adults, the accidental ‘perversity’ (in the real meaning of the word) of unfulfilled (or poorly fulfilled, or repressed altogether) sexuality and its effects on the brain and society, and so on and so on.
I am always inclined to think when considering this subject, and I may as well end this text in conclusion with this recurrent thought of mine, that ‘sexual perversion’ really begins in the mind of ourselves as young teenagers when the normal human body is leeringly presented to us as being something ‘illicit’, e.g. the breasts of Women are concealed in our society and so due to ‘hiding them away’ they become objects of mystery and fetish which they otherwise are not. I do not think this is deliberate reverse psychology (as god help us few enough people even understand the concept to understand what they do inadvertently) but it produces the same consequence of reverse psychology, whereupon quite arbitrarily a certain piece of the body, say, an ankle, is all of a sudden declared by a mad Adult to be “evil, sinful, lustful, of the devil,” when no such notion existed in the minds of people otherwise, as then: their natural curiosity is piqued by this imposition and so they develop a perversion dervied in chief part – as a sense of lewd pleasure – from bucking the arbitrary nonsensical imposition forced upon them by that dictate of which such a scenario never would have had cause to occur if not for that imposition having created it. I feel that this ‘perversion’ (again, in the real meaning of that word) stands in the way of a fully realized and fully pursued sense of actual sexuality and, from it, of a more resonant concordance between Men and Women whose interactions are otherwise thrown off balance by such impositions as they are dragged back down to sexual immaturity all the time; or into fear and jealously etc., as like a dozen avenues are presented in any conversation and virtually of them are strewn with piss, vomit and polyfoam which had no reason to be put there in the first place, or more accurately: it was put there through the carelessness of an atomized and witless peoples who knew no better than to do this to themselves but of which a familial-tribal unit would have drummed out of them quick sharp if for the actuality of nothing else than “we are all in this together” being something that is tangibly true and not merely shallow political rhetoric when it is said of a tribe vs. when it is said of a state polity comprised of countless strangers.

MAIORES. IV, CAL. IUNI. FORTUNA PRIMIGENIA.

Take what I have to say with a pinch of salt, I'm new to fishing and I've recently started fishing with lures after moving to the Isle of Man so I wanted to share my perspective from a total beginner.
My only fishing experience is carp and course fishing with my dad 17+ years ago, so I'm self/YouTube teaching myself everything from scratch from gear to knots to finding spots.
Started with a Leeda telescopic spinning rod that I actually found in the shed when we bought our house, the cheapest Shimano reel I could find (size 4000 Catana and fx) some 20/30lb braid, 20lb fluorocarbon leader and some multipacks of different types of spinners and lures. Upgraded the rod as it literally fell to bits after half a dozen sessions. Now I'm using an Ugly Stik GX2 10" 20-80G and a cheap shakespeare predator telescopic to run traces with. Bought a kayak last year and have just got a 4" ugly stik kayak rod so when the weather gets better I'll be giving that a try as well.
I live in Foxdale and work South, so for now my adventures are keeping me Peel/Douglas and south but I'll venture north eventually.
I like to pack light and keep the gear in the back of the car at nearly all times for quick sessions whenever I can. Rod and reel, lures, knife, pliers bucket, Go.
Thought I'd share some of my learning experiences and thoughts from the last few months where I've caught a few dozen Pollock and Mackerel, and a few Wrasse.
Port Erin Breakwater
Callig and Mackerel Galore, my most common fishing spot with about a 70% success rate, close to work and I can usually get 45mins solid fishing on my lunch break. Good size mackerel from early May onwards, Callig/Pollock as well in all shapes and sizes. Fished now at nearly all states of tide and I'd say it fishes slightly better at low tide however don't be dissuaded from having a go anytime.
Seaward of the breakwater for me seems slightly less productive and far snaggier however it seems the more popular side for most folks. I've only caught a couple of times this side and it seems like the 45° out from the breakwater is significantly less snaggy than the rest of it, you just need to grab a spot right on the corner.
My preference is the internal side, go down the steps as far as the tide allows and cast towards the Bouys or as far alongside the breakwater as you can. Tried all sorts of retrieves I usually end up with a steady draw and a few twitches and the fish are closer in than you'd think, several occasions I've seen a Callig come up out of the kelp and rocks to strike the lure more or less at my feet
Looks to me to be an ideal spot for Wrasse and I commonly hear tell of Conger in the remnants of the Old Breakwater. These will have to wait for a time in the future when I've gotten myself a bit of weedless/float fishing tackle.
As you walk down the concrete to the steps over the chain on the right hand side there looks to be a deeper gully between the harbour wall and the remains of a second smaller jetty extending out in the same direction as the steps (you can just see this on Google maps as a darker shadow, see attached photo) looks to me to be a prime place to float fish but it's THICK with kelp and sea grasses in the bottom so I wouldn't recommend spinning lures in here, it'd get very expensive on tackle.
Port Erin Jetty
Only fished here once, first cast, bad snag, lost lure. I didn't have anymore leader or swivels with me so I gave up. Going off that brief experience it might not be the best for spinning lures, I'll try again with Weedless/Float fishing tackle in the near future, part of this pier gets covered by the tide so beware. A good cast with a heavier lure could probably get to the foot of the lifeboat station or towards the Raglan Pier.
Port St Mary Breakwater
Heard lots of hype about this one and it's only a hundred yards from work, tried half a dozen times and blanked every time. Inside the wall, off the end, over the back, high tide, low tide, mid tide, slow tide. Nothing. The only birds in the area are gulls and they never seem to work the water for food, very very rarely see any baitfish/sand eels or Seals in the harbour. To me the waters in PSM bay feel dead, others may disagree but I'm on the waterfront for work Monday to Friday and this has been my experience.
I've been for a chat with people I've seen casting from the breakwater and they always seem to be blanking and have tales of the golden days of PSM fishing that seem a distant memory from when the scallop factories dumped the shells over the side. Perhaps it's me, maybe it's not a lure spot, or I might have just been unlucky. Due to its convenient location I shall persevere and I'm sure I'll eventually pull one out.
I'll be going here soon to try freelining and dropshotting, a few people locally have recommended trying this here with the little green crabs or some rag worm so when I've a few hours I'll be down and I'll update.
Port St Mary Inner breakwater protects the bit of the harbour that goes dry at low tide, I've tried twice here casting out in an arc into the inner and main harbour and not even had a knock. Special mention for the inner harbour as a place to collect bait at low tide, lovely easy to dig sand riddled with ragworm piles. Fella from work has claimed to have seen half a dozen Mullet in this inner harbour (Mid May) and we've checked a few times since but he's the only one to have seen them.
Port St Mary Rocks
So I tried this place on a whim one afternoon, drove past the breakwater and the Anchor Memorial and there's a little car park, follow the path and steps down and the rocks are easily accessible at all states of tide.
I got here 2 hours before high tide climbed out on the rocks as far out as I could get and had a quick spin, 32g blue and silver spinner. Water was a lot shallower than I thought it would be so I was more or less dragging the lures across the rocks close in. Never the less within a half a dozen casts 2 beautiful Ballan Wrasse hit the lure. Had the cut the session short unfortunately because I was on the skive from work but I'm definitely going to revisit this spot, had a couple people say it's unusual to snag Wrasse on a lure so maybe it was a fluke.
There's some deep spots of water here between outcroppings of rock and I think certain spots have potential especially at low tide when you can walk a fair distance out. Lots of crab and lobster pot bouys around here in the deep spots so it's probably a rocky mess on the bottom, float fishing, jigs or rotten bottom rigs for the deeper stuff I'd say.
Fleshwick Bay
Beautiful spot down here, remote and silent. Peaceful. Unless you're a mountain goat this is a strictly hightide +/-2hrs spot, park up follow the path to the right up and down onto the flattish rock that sticks out. Mind how you go. The high point looks like it could be slippy and it's a super narrow game trail.
Lovely crystal clear water when it's calm and plenty of baitfish in the kelp, cast tight up against the rocks or out into the centre and you shouldn't struggle to pull out Callig, Mackerel or Coalies.
Looks an ideal spot to fish from a small boat/kayak and that's something I'll definitely be doing in the summer.
Peel Breakwater
The "famous" Peel Breakwater, recommended by everyone and their dog for beginner anglers... However... Seems like the golden days are long gone.
The local fish factories have been banned from tipping their offal off of peel head, for better or worse I couldn't say. The pristine waters and white sands of Fenella Beach are a byproduct of the tonnes of king and queen scallop shells dumped off the back and in the past have apparently been an amazing food source for droves of fish. Fish stocks lead to Seals, of which Peel hosts plenty. The lack of food dumps and plethora of seals seem to have affected the stocks and nowadays people seem to blank more often than they catch here.
I've tried a rake of times here now and never caught, one memorable trip out saw ~18 fellow anglers off the back wall and off the end, a drove of feathers and lures flying out for 3+ hours and I saw a grand total of 2 mackerel pulled out.
Maybe in the summer it'll come a little better here but only time will tell, might be a good spot for freelining I'll give it a shot when I've figured it out.
Peel Castle Rear Rocks
Tried here recently, had a few hours to sneak out but the tide and weather was against me and I blanked.
Lots of movement in the water, loads of oxygenation around the rocks. LOTS of deep water and gullys in and around these rocks, pick your spot and away you go. I've got much higher hopes for catching back here than I do from the nearby breakwater despite it being a much quieter spot.
Might be better suited for LRF gear but I'm going to persevere with the spinning rig I'll update when I land something here.
Niarbyl
Just the one session here so far, nice evening out wife and one of the dogs had a good wander around while I tried to sniff out a few marks. We were a few hours before high tide so I stumbled over the shoreline hoping to get out onto the rock 'tail' didn't have any waders on however so. I just got out as far as I could on the shore.
Didn't have anything from this spot and I couldn't seem to cast far enough to get past the thick weed close in, I could see a bunch of diving ducks working a bit further out so I still had hope. I retreated up the hill towards the cafe and down the 'path' next to the bench, not quite mountain goat territory but be careful if the ground isn't dry it's a long slide or fall onto very unforgiving pointy rock. Following this trail you can get down and much further out than the beach, plenty of likely looking marks if you wanted to follow the rocks around further.
Nice flat point to stand and cast and really sheltered from the elements for a rougher weather session down at the bottom. Very deep water right at your feet, if I'd had a second rod with me I'd have dropped a 2/3 hook flapper rig, I grabbed a handful of sand and pebbles off the beach and it had 20+ different types of sea snail/shelled invertebrate shells in it, any sort of limpet/snail/crab would be ideal bait here as it's naturally rich with them and they are easy to snag off the rocks anyway.
Alas I only had my spinning rod and a couple of lures with me and with the wife and puppy getting impatient I wouldn't have had time to wait anyway. 10 mins later I managed to land a nice sized Callig, nice fight on it with the deep water at my feet, they do love to dive.
Marks yet to try;
Port Erin Bradda Rocks
potentially mountain goat territory so it might be better attempted from the kayak but it's been mentioned by a few locals. Supposedly larger Callig than the breakwater on the opposite side and some Conger regularly pulled out.
The Sound
Heard good things about a couple of marks down there. Just waiting for a good day where I've nothing planned and I can get away for a good session.
Langness, Fort Island
Walked the dogs round here plenty of times and seems like it'd be good it high tide, lots of rocks and deep water. I'll need to learn to set up a rotten bottom rig for here looks like it's be expensive on lures. The very protected bay seems like an ideal place to launch the kayak for a session.
Scarlet Point
Came down for an explore at low tide a few weeks back, the exposed rocks were a dream for limpet and crab collecting for bait, when the tides in this shallow spot would be great for Wrasse and Conger to my inexperienced eyes. The "Stack" looks a good place for float and jig deep water fishing and I've heard good things about callid and Coalies here.
Battery Pier Douglas
Been for a walk down and had a chat to a couple anglers here, saw a couple bull huss come out and heard tales of mackerel and Callig
Port Soderick
Looks likely for some rock marks and a trip or 2 on the kayak
Kirk Micheal, Ballaugh beaches
Heard of Bass coming out on these beaches, my next challenge I hope. Going to do some research into lures and techniques and hopefully catch a bass this year. When I'm properly equipped I'm planning on walking a few miles up and down here and just fish my way up and down to scout out some spots.
Point of Ayre
Looks a good spot for Bass, Callig, Mackerel the usual. Probably hindered by the giant colony of seals that reside here but probably a great walk out casting as you go.
Ramsey
I've seen a fishing competition on the north beach but they seemed to use baitcasters and gear I don't yet have. High tide from the 2 lighthouses at the entrance to the inner harbour will probably give results. Mullet spotted in inner harbour. Kayak to the legs of the Queens Pier might be a worthwhile trip
Maughold
Lots of likely looking rocky marks around here, only walked round once so I need to properly explore.
Laxey
I've never really looked around Laxey beach with an eye to fishing, very pebbly beach with a huge tidal movements, enough depth to cast from the beach at high tide but it's a very popular beach for people and dogs swimming. There looks to be a path over the hill to the less accessible outer lighthouse and looks like some nice deep water with some structure over the outside wall.
Castletown
Few marks in and around the harbour that are mentioned in the other guide, the lighthouse extends out into what looks like some real nice deep water.
As I said, I'm new to all this and I've struggled to find advice/guidance outside of locals telling lies about fish they haven't caught and vague posts online. I'm hoping this could be helpful to any new starters and I'll be returning to update as I do a bit more.
Any help/advice/guidance for a new starter would be appreciated, thanks all and tight lines.

As long as I can remember, I loved writing and since I was in highschool which was twelve years ago, I was already developing this story that I wanted to publish as a book. Now, I'm an adult, my parents and brothers, well technically whole family, even my cousins and aunts want me to pursue a career, a REAL career and give up my writing. They tell me that there is no money in writing books and no future for me.
Although their actual words were to shelf it but it's somehow a code for them that I should completely stop it and leave it be. Currently, ai am 54% done with the story and I plan for at least two months to edit, proofread, format, and even design the cover. After two months, I plan to go on self publish it through Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, and Draft2Digital while in the Philippines, which I'm situated, I already talked to our local publishing house and they are willing to help starting authors.
But since my family doesn't want me to pursue writing, this really pisses me off. I love my family, I really do but somehow it's difficult to tell them that there are other ways to make a career of. I wanted to be a writer and author since I was a kid and I'm planning to write not just one book. Like I want to write book series after book series. I've studied the self publishing route and I know this suits my style.
Right now, I'm just confused and dejected. I honestly don't know what to do. My friends already supports me but my family really is giving up on me. They see me now as a lost cause.

What it says on the tin -- a series of all the remakes of movies they've covered on main feed.

1. the bachelor (1999) (remake of seven chances)
2. tortilla soup (2001) (remake of eat drink man woman)
3. the heartbreak kid (2007)
4. going in style (2017)

what else am i missing?

[First] [Previous] [Next]
WaveOfWire Edits :D
- - - - -
Harrison’s vision was still foggy from waking up, several blinks failing to clear the tears from his drawn-out yawn. He just escaped the encompassing embrace of his four-armed guardian, leaving their shared bed for the bathroom, where he would have to say goodbye to his beard. If he was going to travel out of the settlement, a proper seal on his gas mask was a must.
It was a shame. The slow buildup of the hair over the last month or so was a representation of his growth in a way, building up alongside his experiences in this hellhole, be they life-threatening or informative. It was almost like wiping the slate clean, even if cutting some chin scruff didn’t really change anything at all—he’d never be able to forget anything he had seen here for as long as he lived.
And there was no telling how long that’d be.
The engineer sighed, splashing the lukewarm barracks water into his face from one of the many wall-attached sinks, allowing him to fully open his eyes and size up the damage done to his favorite black blood-and-sweat-stained t-shirt. It always stayed in good condition with washing and fabricator repairs, but somehow Shar’s talons always found a way to make small holes in it. She wasn’t trying to, but with the way she fully wrapped her arms around him, the tips of her sharp fingers sometimes ended up poking into the fabric and causing some cuts.
It was such a small issue that he never considered bringing it up to her. Plus, she’d probably do her whole guilty talon-tapping thing with puppy eyes and all… He shook his head, letting the stray beads of water on his face drip into the sink.
His palm ran across his beard while his other hand reached for the razor. There wasn’t any shaving cream or the like, but he’d make do. At least he had one of the proper tools for the job. He went into the task, the blade driving through his scruff, slopping off wide areas of his hair from jaw to chin for a few seconds before it was interrupted.
A short ‘woosh’ of the entrance caught his attention.
“Aww, you’re shavin’ it off?” Tracy commented dejectedly through a yawn, the lazy drawl reinforcing the fact that she just woke up. “Th’ beard was sorta growin’ on me.”
He eyed her through the mirror, his voice coming out in a dull tone. “Yeah. I feel the same.”
She squinted under the bright bathroom lights, rubbing an eye with her wrist as she walked up to the sink beside him and started her own morning routine. “Mmm… Womp womp. Why though?”
“Need it to get a gas mask seal,” he stated flatly, focusing on the task at hand.
The technician stopped momentarily, the gears turning in her head before she gave him a downcast frown. “You’re still set on going for the vehicle bay? You know we can just send some long-range drones out there, right?”
His short exhale echoed throughout the tiled room. The engineer closed his eyes, already mentally withdrawn from the conversation. They've had this discussion twice now. “It’s to be better prepared for any chemical, biological, or radiological surprises that might come up—not just for the excursion. Even more importantly, there’s no guarantee the module is in perfect shape. If I’m there in person, I’ll have the means to get through anything for those blueprints. Plus, it should only be four days, so the only issues we have are my beard and finding a way to protect the Malkrin from the radiation while we’re out.”
Tracy looked like she wanted to say something back, but bit her lip and cast her eyes down at the sink in front of her, twisting the knob before mumbling a quiet response. “I don’t think you need to protect them from radiation at all…”
“Hmm?”
She stared at him meekly, his dismissal of her worries having clearly dampened her mood. Guilt tugged at the back of his mind before her words further caught his interest. “I think they’re immune… or resistant or something. Radiation immunity is the whole reason they were sent here. You’ve added up the pieces together too, right?”
He stared down at her, running a hand through his hair with tired exasperation depressing his voice. “Tracy, I’ve been trying my hardest to just make it another day on this God-forsaken planet, not dig into their religion. So, no. I have not spent the time to add up the pieces. Enlighten me, please.”
“…S-Sorry. I just, you know, get a lot of time to think when working on drones, and Cera has been drawing all kinds of representations of these things.” Tracy paused, gesturing toward the engineer. “Okay, so you remember the whole backstory for why the Malkrin are on the mainland in the first place?”
“Pseudo-eugenics?” he commented dryly.
“Yeah.” She nodded, a sense of excitement leaking into her voice. “And what were the parameters of banishing someone?”
“Not getting sick from a rock.”
She eyed him feverishly, brows raised with a sudden zeal. “Aaaaand that rock represented the Sky Goddess’ wrath, which did what?”
“Uhhh…” He looked upward in thought, recalling his conversation with the paladin. “I think Shar mentioned nausea, vomiting, blisters, skin melting… off…” He froze, the pieces forming. “Wait, you don’t think…”
“I do. Those symptoms could mean a lot of things, but the anomaly field was the real kicker. You know that Shar just straight up didn’t have any lingering radiation effects or anything while you were nearly put… six feet under…” Her voice quieted momentarily, the speed of her speech outpacing her train of thought. “Sorry. Um… so, I was gonna say that she, uh, I mean the scanner mentioned she had damage from ‘alpha particles’ on her skin, but nothing else happened to her organs or anything.”
Harrison squinted at her for a moment, mouth slightly opened and prepared to give some alternative reasoning besides ‘immunity.’ Maybe her armor protected her from it? No… she didn’t even have full protection, radiation would have certainly gotten around her eyes or snout. What about her height? What if… No.
He didn’t just want to believe that somehow the Malkrin could just evade a force of nature, but he didn’t have any way of proving or disproving it on hand… Well, no humane way of testing it.
“I… guess?” the engineer grumbled, rubbing his eyes. “Even then, they still need armor and gas masks. The worst part of the radiation isn’t even the ionizing part. It’s the trace elements that get into your lungs and decay there. So it doesn’t hurt to use some CBRN filters.”
“Fair… but it’s interesting, isn’t it?” Tracy beamed. “Like, what kind of evolutionary factors lead to radiation immunity? Why do only some of the Malkrin have it and others don’t?”
The only real cause of radiation he could think of would be a massive nuclear proliferation of some sort. Maybe the anomalies? He ran a hand through his hair, pushing the lingering thoughts away. “I wouldn’t know. You could always ask Sebas to bring up some papers about it or generate some theories when you get the chance.”
“I probably will at some point… Maybe while I’m working.” She poked him in the bicep. “You’re still helping me with the mule, right?”
He bobbed his head, loose beard hairs itching up his chin. “Sure am. Gimme a bit to shave and test the fifty-cal ammo, then I’ll be free to assist.”
“Kay Kay.” The tradeswoman smiled and returned to the sink, washing her face.
- - - - -
“What the hell did you do to your shield?” a stunned Harrison asked the paladin, his face scrunching up in concern… and confusion.
Sharky proudly held up her once grungy orange shield with a smile, looking at its new… paint job? “Artificer Tracy has s—n to imbue my bulwark with the crest of the Sky Goddess herself! Observe the b—utiful wings that cover it!”
The engineer had just got back from setting up and overseeing the automated mule’s first excursion to the mine and back. It was a grueling task, requiring him to reset its pathing several times before it was able to make a round trip without input. Now, the maroon-skinned Malkrin in front of him had apparently gotten her massive aegis laser imprinted with crossing wings in the two hours or so he’d been gone. The areas between the black feather decals were colored with white and blue paints, contrasting with the new dark gray background.
A small weight was placed on his shoulder, Tracy’s forearm suddenly appearing atop it despite her being nearly a foot shorter than him. She beamed, staring up at him with all-too-proud eyes. “The scout regiment symbol looks good on it, right? Cera helped me with the laser engraving.”
“I…” His brows raised in perplexity. “The scout regiment?”
She shrugged, watching the paladin observe her shield from all sorts of different angles underneath the workshop’s light fixtures. “From an anime I used to watch. Men and women who were sent out to battle against massive titans for the greater good of the last settlement of humanity. Somewhat fitting, and fuckin’ awesome on her big-ass shield! Matches the bird’s wings on her armor too.”
He loudly sighed. “You wasted materials on imprinting wings on Shar’s shield? Really?”
“Hey!” Her brows furrowed into faux-annoyance, a smug grin betraying it. “It’s not a waste if you were never gonna use the paint we had on hand. Plus, we’ve got energy to spare with all the wind turbines and power cells you’ve been printing out.”
“Those paints probably could have been used for important designations… or something…” he grumbled.
“Doesn’t matter.” She stuck her tongue out at him. “Anyway, want me to put some scary teeth or something on that big ‘ol fist-sized muzzle break on your shotgun?”
“No?” he took an incredulous step away from her, letting her arm fall off his shoulder and to her side.
“It’s okay to admit you’re jealous of Shar’s awesome decals, bro,” Tracy teased, her smugness growing tenfold. “No need to get defensive.”
He groaned, figuring there wasn’t a point in staying to bicker with the tradeswoman, leaving the two vanity-focused females to their devices. He still had to figure out how to fabricate armor and gas masks for the Malkrin and himself.
“Hey! Where ya goin?” the technician called out, clearly disappointed that he hadn’t indulged in her taunts.
“Work.”
Short taps against the hard floor sounded out as she caught up to him. She leaned forward and curiously looked up at him as she walked, holding her hands behind the small of her back. “What kind? Can I help?”
“Just need to take some measurements and compare options. Right… Speaking of which.” He turned around and cupped his palms around his mouth. “Hey Shar! Get over here, I need your help!”
The addressed Malkrin perked up, snapping out of the small haze of admiring her new shield and happily making her way toward him. She stood at attention, her tail oscillating side to side. “What n—d do you have of me?”
“Just a quick task,” he briefed her, grabbing some measuring tape from his desk… that Tracy had decided was her new chair. He sighed and turned his attention back to the paladin. “Can I bother you to lean down for a few seconds while I take some measurements?”
“Of course. Pl—se, take your time.” She stepped forward and kneeled, her head brought down to his height. Her face wore that simple content look he was growing all too accustomed to by now—slightly vibrating frills, a little curl upward of her lips, and warmly glowing eyes.
He wasted no time getting to work, noting down the various distances around her jaws, snout, eyes, and ears, already piecing together how he could cobble together some gas mask designs to fit the dimensions. She sat there quietly, sometimes leaning into the accidental head scratches adorably. It contrasted heavily with the cold-sweat-inducing layers of razor-sharp teeth within her muzzle as he measured the angle her maw opened at, bringing an idle curiosity prodded his mind.
“Say, Shar, do your teeth grow back if they fall out?” he poked, absently observing the dozens of triangular bone protrusions in her mouth as he held the underside of her jaw.
“They do,” she confirmed, the way she was able to speak despite not moving her mouth still messing with his head. “Do y—rs not?”
“Nope. Only once.”
She attempted to tilt her head, but quickly returned it when it left the embrace of his palm. “Only once?”
He nodded. “Yeah, sometime a few years after birth. They’re replaced with the teeth I have now. Don’t get any new ones, so we gotta take care of ‘em.”
“Birth?” The Malkrin’s eyes widened. “You were not cr—ted as you are now?”
A shock of stress poured down his spine like a bucket of ice water, raising the hairs on his back. Fuck. How did he let that slip? He was supposed to have just appeared from the sky to her, right…? He was doing so well for so long in keeping that in. God, had he really gotten so comfortable with the paladin that he simply forgot what he was to her? His teeth clenched, a huff of air escaping his nostrils as he lightly shook his head. It was a bit too late to backtrack. It could be explained vaguely and brushed off, right?
“Yeah. I was born,” he affirmed flatly. His hand dropped away from Shar’s muzzle, her head falling an inch or two before she registered that she couldn’t keep leaning into his touch. “That’s it for measurements, so you’re free to leave.”
A frown carved through her small smile. “I… See… F—give me if I have brought up someth—g improper.”
His exhalation burned through his frustration at himself, his hand running through his hair to wash away the spike of anxiety. “You’re fine. You haven’t done anything wrong.”
“Th-Then I shall take my leave,” the massive alien stated softly.
He nodded, feeling a little regretful for pushing the kindhearted Malkrin away as he shuffled back to his desk. Tracy was still sitting atop it, giving him a disappointed reaction with low brows, forcing a pointed reaction from him. “What?”
The technician took a long inhale before shrugging. “Nothin’.”
“…Alright.”
The rolling chair squeaked lightly as he rested himself, his hands already going through the motions of opening the computer and the blueprint folders. There were plenty of tabs open of sensors and motor assemblies he hadn’t closed from the previous night. That wasn’t even mentioning the pile of notes he had on proper radio-protective methods, their corners bent from his frequent flipping through them.
“Soooo…” The short black-haired woman leaned forward from her perch atop the only clear part of his desk. “Can I help you with your ‘comparing options’ work, mister busyman?”
“Sure…” He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, raising a brow. “How much do you know about armor?”
- - - - -
“No way. The back support is a must, so you can have extra plating over your shoulders and chest.” Tracy pointed out from her seat beside Harrison’s, all but forcing him to pause his Malkrin gas mask designing to give her argument his full attention.
He calmly took his hands off the mouse and keyboard. “A back support needs leg assistants, which means I’ll need to have at least a fifteen pound battery pack somewhere. Those kinds of exosuits are either all in or not at all. You can go full armor and engine, or lightweight protection and simple limb support.”
“So you’re just gonna go out there with normal armor? Just run-of-the-mill plates and gear? Those fucking things would go through that shit like butter! I know we can’t make synthetic muscle yet, but at least consider wearing something a bit more. Please. Even Sharky has heavy armor!”
Harrison pinched the bridge of his nose, his brows furrowed. “Do I look like a several-hundred kilogram monster of pure muscle to you? I’m more than willing to put on a few extra kilos for protection, but I’m trying to weigh the pros and cons of putting on more armor rather than more equipment. I’d rather fifty pounds of magazines and ammo than fifty pounds of armor. You know what I mean?”
“Yeah yeah… You and your storage space…” she mumbled, swiping through a few more images on her data pad when a familiar Mars-pattern suit showed up, catching his eye.
“Hey, wait, pull that one up…”
She rotated the tablet for him to see a little better—despite already being shoulder-to-shoulder with him. “This one? What’s so special about it?”
He analyzed the few pieces of equipment on screen, noting the rusty-orange and tan color scheme, the old Martian-American flag attached to its breastplate, and the iconic quad-nod integrated helmet. “Holy shit,” he whispered. “That’s… We have that in our blueprints?”
She raised a brow, clearly confused. “Whaddya mean?”
“That’s an Orbital Drop Ranger’s standard kit,” he stated slowly, a simmering sense of awe bubbling up—why the hell was it in their blueprints folder? “It was used during the Sino-Venusian incursion of southern Mars. It still has the Old Earth American flag embedded into it, so you know it’s pre twenty-two-hundred C.E.”
“Oh shit… Pre-St.Loual’s construction? This is ancient, then, huh? Would it be any good?” She leaned in closer to him, eying the tablet further.
“Does it have the assembly view of the armored pieces?”
“Mmhmm.” She tapped a few icons, showing an isometric, exploded view of all the parts and their individual components.
It was a piece of history alright. The armor was produced just about the time when Mars was connecting their orbital stations and ground colonies to work in tandem, allowing for specialized forces to be trained in space and launched anywhere across the planet from drop pods in mere minutes, leading to common nickname of ‘Minutemen’ given to the troopers. The suits were expertly designed to withstand the harsh environments of Mars and give the soldiers the ability to engage with enemy combatants for several days before extraction, though the adept units usually completed their objectives within twenty-four hours of their landing.
The helmet was very angular and blended in with the expected rocky terrain of Mars, each component taking on a sloped frontal design with rectangular prisms flowing behind—radio, breathing apparatus, and vision modules all sharing a sleek, yet bulky look in their own right. It reminded him of some in-atmosphere ships, with the overhanging visor above the quad-nod viewport being the only non-aerodynamic pieces.
The chest and legs were a bit different, following the design of late twenty-second-century operators with tan lightweight rigs, and ammunition pouches alongside armored plates that ran from the shoulders to wrists in segments. There was a rusty-orange undersuit beneath it all for the purpose of keeping air in, which required some sturdy polymer structures to ensure it didn’t rip. Then, of course, there were the classic shock-absorbing leg supports. They weren’t too far off what Tracy was asking about earlier, but these ones didn’t provide any assistance in moving with any motors—just straight-up structural reinforcements.
Hell, the blueprints on screen even had the mag-grip gloves used to scale domes, buildings, and satellites alike. There was no doubt that the Orbital Drop Rangers had some of the coolest equipment on Mars, especially considering that it was the last to keep the ‘operator’ look… It was such a shame the government decided the orb-like helmets and rounded bubble armors were more effective.
“Hey, you know what?” he asked the technician, a shot of excitement in his voice. “This might actually work out as a suitable armor replacement.”
She perked up, her brows raised. “Oh? Actually?”
He shrugged, trying to play off the smirk plastered on his face. “Wouldn’t need a horrible amount of changes to work for our purposes. Just need to remove the oxygen converter on the back and put a gas mask replacement in the front portion of the helmet. Plus, we could probably get rid of the airtight aspect and just keep the undersuit for scratch protection. And, most importantly, it’s radio-protective.”
“Meets all your criteria, then?” She tapped through some UI interfaces, sending the armor assembly to Harrison’s monitor, which he accepted quickly.
“Sure does.” He readily clicked through the different parts and systems to differentiate what needed to be kept. “We have the resources for it, and all it needs is a layer of cadmium plus a few replacements. Definitely doesn’t need the heads-up display since there’s nothing for it to interact with either, so that’ll save on print time and materials too. Shame I cut up the beard… the Orbital Drop Rangers were allowed to have some cool ones.”
The tradeswoman scooted in even closer, practically resting her chin on his shoulder and watching him sift through the working parts. “Yeah, rest in peace, beard. Still, your armor situation is solved. What about the Malkrin?”
“I’ll be working on their gas masks, then I was thinking I’d use another one of your modeled armors for their protection since they’ve helped Shar a hell of a lot. Do you have any recommendations?”
“Mmmmm…” She looked up in thought, a smile forming along her cheeks. “You know, until we can make them any real power armor, I was thinking just some regular phobos-pattern armor. Could color ‘em based on their skin too.”
“Phobos-pattern armor?” he hummed to himself, clicking through the folder to find it. It was just as bulky as Shar’s armor, except it appeared a good bit smoother, with more rounded edges compared to her horns-and-spike-lined gauntlets and pauldrons. The blue suit Tracy was proposing didn’t have the four-armed protection compared to the chaos version, but it certainly had the same thickness of its metal plates. “Looks like it’d work pretty well. Does it have any electric components or anything?”
“No…” she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. “Not so good with designing that stuff in the modeling program I did the WarHarberd stuff in. Could add in more sophisticated leg support or whatever if you gave me time, but for now it’s just maneuverable slabs of alloy.”
“I think that’s all we need for the time being.” He shrugged. “I just don’t want the others to be vulnerable to getting cut up by the little spider-crab grunts.”
“As long as it works for what we need, then.” Her elbow poked into his arm. “Here, how about I take care of that armor stuff while you finish up the gas masks? They need the extra arm slots too, yeah?”
“I’d actually appreciate that a lot.” He offered her a back-palm fist bump, to which she eagerly took, taking on a grin that he mirrored. “Thanks, Trace.”
“Don’t mention it. I wish work was always just doing my hobbies like this.”
\= = = = =
A grand pylon of metal construction taller than the mightiest female’s frills stood atop the beach. Blue-scaled surfaces extended near the foot of the tower, gathering the power of the sun itself. The lattice layering upon their sides hid the weaving wires and Goddess-blessed machinery. A staff the same as Shar’khee’s peeked from its top, the glass eye on its side given a wide view of the sandy environment it resided on, the defense it now provided becoming absolute. The aura it exuded as a creature of pure metal was awe-inspiring, its mere presence a showing of Harrison’s might and domain.
No abhorrent would dare step foot upon the meadow’s rolling hills, for such a mistake would ensure their immediate execution for encroaching upon his settlement—the ‘fifty-cal-e-bur’ bullet is not one to rend any beast with only simple injuries, especially with three hundred of them available at once.
The maroon-skinned paladin treaded up the hill, having completed her task of setting up the last turret. The craftsman, the juvenile, and the lumberjack had also assisted with its setup, pulling their weight in both mind and muscles to piece the components together. They completed a few others around the modules already, but this one was done without the star-sents’ oversight. The four Malkrin had practiced and learned enough to be entrusted with such.
The idea of Harrison having enough confidence in them sparked much conviction in the group, each of them more than eager to prove him right—none more so than Shar’khee herself, of course.
She finally returned to the workshop, the sun’s last rays pressing into the back of her head and frills as she crouched beneath the doorway, a small gnawing hunger for dinner digging within her stomach. The cacophony of machines soon reached her ears, the sounds of their efforts almost working in tandem with the strange melodic music playing from an unseen source above her.
Tracy was in her corner, working on new beings of metal as always. The bright lights above were turned off in favor of smaller, warmer emplacements atop her surrounding circle of desks. A hard worker, that star-sent was, though both of them were like that, the paladin supposed. Their kind was certainly intent on keeping their hands busy.
Shar’khee passed through the snakes of machines, finding her way to Harrison’s desk with an increasingly strong sway in her tail. He was working with a black object with light gray accents. It appeared to be partially flexible, yet firm in other places—notably, a large glass fixture on one side of it. There was very little she could make out about its purpose, but with the delicate touches he applied, it appeared to be quite important.
Her tongue clicked twice, garnering the attention of the Creator. He paused his work, swiveling his chair to face her and revealing a long blue-leaf jutting from his mouth. Her male appeared quite tired, but his voice did not show it.
“Oh, Shar, what’s up? Did y’all need any help with the last turret?”
She shook her head. “We do not n—d such, for it is completed. Would you care to join me for din—r? The rest of the settlem—t is enjoying their meals as of now. ”
He raised his brows before looking back at the myriad of notes, tools, and materials atop his cluttered desk. “Well, I’m kinda busy, but…” His jaw rolled around in contemplation. “Here. Let’s just test this thing real quick.”
Her head tilted. “What sh—l we be testing?”
“Your gas mask… er, well, a Malkrin gas mask. Kneel down real quick, I’ll run ya through putting it on.” He stepped off his chair and grabbed the equipment, uncomfortably rotating his shoulders. How long was he sitting on that chair? The male approached her and she did as requested. “I had the sewist help me with some of the design. Never considered you guys would ever wear hats.”
She nodded. “It is unh—lthy for one to have their frills touched by the sun for so long. Adequate shade is a must, and trees are not so p—valent along farm land.”
“Mmhmm. Shame this is just a mask… Alright, this might be a bit uncomfortable, but it’ll do the job.”
He stepped forward and slipped the black apparel onto her snout, pushing it over her face until it pressed against the sides of her head. A cool material rubbed against her skin, locking her into its embrace. It was encapsulating, surrounding her wholly.
Her breaths strengthened as she allowed the mask to cover her, a short shock of nervousness riding down her spine. She was only now registering how vulnerable she was, allowing him to possibly suffocate her… but she stayed put, keeping her four palms rested within her lap as he continued to apply the straps around her ears. She would allow it. She trusted him with her life. She would not falter.
The cords around the back of her head were tight, a few of which went along both sides of her frills, pushing up against their sides. He kept going, ensuring a ‘seal,’ but it was getting much too—
Pop.
A lightning bolt of pain rolled throughout the top of her head, sending her reeling. It stung for the briefest of moments, but its effects rebounded through her entire body, short sparks pulsing from its origin. She felt nothing but its agonizing hold for several more moments as the rest of her body caught up.
When her eyes opened once more, she found herself on the floor and staring at the ceiling. The star-sent rushed to her side, appearing to ask many questions while looking over her head, but all she heard was a piercing ring and the gruff vocalization he made whenever he shared his intent. No words reached her mind, only the now faint phantom pains from where her frills met her skull. It put everything in a haze, her eyes barely settling on her dearest’s, despite how nauseous she had become.
His deft hands quickly worked to loosen the straps, practically ripping them off until his voice suddenly reached her, like breaching the surface of the water. His voice was deep, attempting to be calculating, yet despite his calmly created stoic demeanor… she could feel his panic, his sheer worry almost flooding her senses through practiced medical queries. She slowly sat up on the floor, holding herself with two arms while the other pair quelled the kneeling male, assuring him that she was alright with their weight resting atop his shoulders.
“I am well, dearest Harrison. Do not fret for me. The straps were simply too tight.”
His anxious breaths barely slowed, narrowly allowing for his exclamation. “Too tight? Shar, you practically blacked out!”
“Too tight upon my frills, I mean. There was a pain there for a few moments, but it has passed,” she returned calmly, softly kneading his stiff shoulders with the joints of her digits.
He exhaled sharply, matching her gaze with regret in his eyes. “I’m so sorry, Shar. I should’ve known. I was just trying to see how…” He paused, resting his palm atop her forearm. “Nevermind. I just… Are you alright? Should I get you to the med bay for a quick scan?”
“I do not believe that to be necessary, no.”
His guard finally fell. “If… If you say so. Guess I have to redo the straps then. Definitely gotta make sure they’re not pressing on your frills like that.”
She smiled, appreciating his dedication. “Would you like my assistance?”
“As long as you don’t have anything else to do.” He shrugged, his shoulders barely moving upward against her massaging hands.
“There is no greater wish of mine than to be by your side,” she stated warmly.
He was frozen, the soft ministrations of his digits along her arm slowly stopping in contrast to the red flush growing from his cheeks to his ears. The crack of a smirk on his face finally with a short, heart-warming chuckle brought the statue back to life after a few moments. “You know… that’s probably the sweetest thing I’ve heard for years.”
Her brows raised in subtle surprise at his response. “It… was not intended to be such… However… you are more than welcome. You must understand by now that I am speaking only the truth.”
The two of them sat there in relative silence amongst the desks and machines; her half laying on the ground with her hands on his shoulder, and him on his knees by her side, a singular hand running up and down her comparatively large forearm. She felt… weak, in a way. A vibrating sensation rummaged through her stomach, attempting to pull her muscles and nerves astray.
It was warm, just like his palm, each motion of his hand sending lightning through her skin. The upward curl of her lips into her cheeks was suddenly an insurmountable force, incapable of being put down by a thousand females. There was a tear within her to either look away or… close the distance, and she suddenly found looking anywhere but his curious green eyes to be a waste of her time.
Her talons wrapped further around his shoulders and his back, ever so slightly bringing him into her embrace—
“A-HEM.” A voice cut the moment down to its knees. “The fuck happened here?” Tracy’s swift interjection caused the paladin to flinch backwards, allowing her to see that Harrison’s other hand had been hovering right beneath her snout. The female star-sent wore a furrowed brow and crossed arms, looking down at them. “I heard a crash and came over. Are you two alright?”
Harrison cleared his throat, ever-so-subtly scooting away from the paladin. “Uh, yeah. Shar fell because, um, I tied the gas mask a lil’ too tight.”
The artificer wore an expression that told of her disbelief. “She fell because of the gas mask?”
“It was something with her frills.” The male returned with a shrug, picking himself off the floor before offering the paladin a hand up.
She took it, despite not requiring it, and wiped off some loose dust from her pants. The three of them quickly returned to work soon after, with both her and the black-haired star-sent joining Harrison in his quest to produce the gas mask. She was much less… What did the Creator call it? Bubbly? Yes, that was it. She was much less bubbly than usual, sometimes sending a cold yet emotionless glare toward Shar’khee… Nevertheless, the two females offered input on the design and applied help where they could, eventually creating the final piece of equipment.
Tracy commented on its looks, apparently drawing inspiration from the Leviathan itself, as she believed it to be like that of a ‘Sea Dragon’s.’ The maw-covering portion held two cylindrical canisters on the adjacent sides, the bottom portion being capable of distention, so that the user’s mouth may open somewhat. Its motion created what the female star-sent believed to be ‘the coolest teeth design on a mask’ she’d ever seen with how the separation formed alternating triangles.
The monster-like appearance was furthered by her own frills and horns that peeked out from behind the mask. That was not even mentioning the see-through visor that formed a malicious glare of sharp brows. The paladin looked through a hand-held mirror, finding it difficult to disagree with the look. She could imagine the horror on a fisherwoman’s face as such a terrifying creature approached from the depths.
And yet, despite its nightmarish visage, it was apparel designed to save lives, not take them—much unlike the unassuming metal rods that spewed fire with a mere flick of a lever. Curious indeed. The star-sents were seemingly never out of surprises. They even spoke of grand robots and firearms larger than Shar’khee herself as possible future projects.
Only time could tell what machinations of alloy would be birthed from their hands.
- - - - -
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Next time on Total Drama Anomaly Island - Under The Milky Way

In the vibrant and competitive educational landscape of Malad, H.M. Classes has emerged as the premier institution for the best school section classes in Malad. Renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, experienced faculty, and personalized approach, H.M. Classes is the preferred choice for students and parents seeking top-quality education from grades 8 to 12.

A Legacy of Academic Excellence

H.M. Classes has built a strong reputation for delivering outstanding results across various school levels. The institute’s unwavering commitment to quality education and its holistic approach to student development have made it a trusted name in Malad. By providing a nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment, H.M. Classes ensures that students excel not only in their academics but also in their overall development.

Expert Faculty

The cornerstone of H.M. Classes' success is its team of highly qualified and experienced faculty members. Each teacher is a specialist in their subject area, bringing both in-depth knowledge and practical insights to the classroom. The faculty’s dedication to student success goes beyond mere instruction; they act as mentors, offering guidance, encouragement, and personalized support to help students achieve their full potential.

Comprehensive Curriculum

H.M. Classes offers a meticulously crafted curriculum that covers all major subjects for students from grades 8 to 12, including:

• Mathematics
• Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
• English
• Social Studies (History, Geography, Civics)
• Languages (Hindi, Marathi, and more)

The curriculum is designed to ensure a thorough understanding of each subject, preparing students for both school exams and competitive entrance tests. Regular updates to the syllabus keep the content aligned with the latest educational standards and examination patterns.

Personalized Attention and Support

One of the key strengths of H.M. Classes is its student-centric approach, offering personalized attention and support to each student. With small class sizes, the institute ensures that every student receives individualized guidance, enabling them to grasp complex concepts with ease. Regular assessments, mock tests, and feedback sessions help students identify their strengths and areas for improvement, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

H.M. Classes understands the importance of a conducive learning environment. The institute provides state-of-the-art facilities, including modern classrooms equipped with advanced teaching aids, a comprehensive library with a vast collection of reference books, and access to online resources. These facilities create an ideal setting for students to focus on their studies and excel academically.

Holistic Development

At H.M. Classes, the focus extends beyond academics. The institute believes in the holistic development of its students and encourages participation in various extracurricular activities. Workshops, seminars, and guest lectures by industry experts are regularly organized to broaden students' perspectives and enhance their skills. These activities help students develop essential soft skills such as communication, leadership, and time management, which are crucial for their overall success.

Proven Track Record

The success of H.M. Classes is best reflected in the impressive achievements of its students. Year after year, the institute boasts outstanding results in school exams, with many students securing top ranks and high scores. This consistent performance has solidified H.M. Classes' position as the best school section coaching institute in Malad.

Student Testimonials

The positive experiences and success stories of students and parents highlight the quality of education at H.M. Classes:

• Ananya Singh, a 10th-grade student, shares, "H.M. Classes transformed my academic experience. The personalized attention and expert guidance helped me excel in my board exams."
• Rajesh Kumar, a parent, says, "Enrolling my daughter in H.M. Classes was the best decision. The rigorous curriculum and dedicated faculty have made a significant difference in her academic performance."

Conclusion

H.M. Classes stands out as the best coaching institute for the school section in Malad, thanks to its expert faculty, comprehensive curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and proven track record of success. For students aiming to excel in their school exams and build a strong foundation for their future studies, H.M. Classes offers the perfect blend of academic rigor and personalized support. If you're seeking excellence in school education, H.M. Classes is the ultimate choice in Malad.
Name- H.M Classes in Malad West Mumbai
Address-Chimanlal Apartment, Swami Vivekananda Rd, Malad, Navy Colony, Mamledarwadi, W, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400064
Phone No-9969142593
Link-https://hmclasses.in/

Hey folks, I love seeing everyone’s pedals and I recently got a soldering iron and a kit I’ve been tinkering with ever since I took an Altoids-tin-fuzz-pedal workshop. My current question is more Cab oriented but it’s directly related to the wiring/ input jack and I figured someone has to know. If this isn’t okay please let me know or if you could point me in the right direction I’d be appreciative.
I have a mysterious 1x15 cab I use for my band, sounds like shit, I love it. The speaker jack has always been wobbly, and there has been a piece of duct tape over the input that’s probably been there since 1996.
Cab stopped working, removed the duct tape to expose an intricate series of different sized washers keeping the jack from falling into the 1” hole in the back of the cab, with the main component being the duct tape. The washers immediately fell into the cab and I have to remove the speaker to get it out.
My question! Is it safe to keep using washers? Or some face of metal (like an access cover), and drill a hole to then thread the 1/4” input into? Do I need insulation between? A piece of duct tape perhaps? Or can I go straight metal washer style? How would YOU secure a 1”4 jack on a cab where the hole in the wood cab is way too big?
I like this cab, it was $35, how many more dollars worth of washers do I need to invest?
Thanks guys!
If pictures are necessary I can send some later on around 7pm eastern
TLDR: looking for a safe and secure remedy to secure a 1/4” input jack to the back of a cab where the wooden hole is too big.

Commission Request:
I am seeking an artist with a semi-realistic cartoon style to draw a custom illustration of my Original Character (OC). The artist should have a portfolio that showcases their ability to create detailed and realistic illustrations with a cartoon twist.
Project Requirements:

• The artist should have experience with drawing semi-realistic cartoon characters and be able to capture the likeness and personality of my OC.
• The illustration should be highly detailed and rendered in a style that is both realistic and stylized.
• The final piece should be a high-resolution digital file, suitable for printing or sharing online.

Budget:

• I am willing to pay $1500 for the commission, which will cover the artist's time and effort to create the illustration.

Timeline:

• I am flexible regarding the timeline, but I would like the artist to complete the commission within 2-3 months of receiving the project brief.

Project Brief:
Once I have selected an artist, I will provide them with a detailed description of my OC, including their appearance, personality, and background. The artist will then work closely with me to create a custom illustration that meets my expectations.
If you're an artist who thinks you can deliver a stunning semi-realistic cartoon illustration of my OC, please reply to this post with your portfolio, rates, and any relevant information about your experience and skills. I look forward to working with you!

In the bustling suburb of Malad, where educational institutions are abundant, H.M. Classes has distinguished itself as the leading coaching center for 12th commerce students. With a commitment to academic excellence, experienced faculty, and a student-centered approach, H.M. Classes has become the preferred choice for commerce students aiming to excel in their board exams and beyond. So this is the best 12th commerce coaching in Malad.

Commitment to Academic Excellence

Founded with a vision to provide high-quality education, H.M. Classes has consistently delivered outstanding results in the 12th commerce stream. The institute's unwavering commitment to academic excellence is reflected in the impressive performance of its students year after year. This dedication has earned H.M. Classes a stellar reputation in Malad and beyond.

Expert Faculty

At the heart of H.M. Classes' success is its team of highly qualified and experienced faculty members. Each instructor is an expert in their respective field, bringing a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to the classroom. Their teaching methods are not only focused on imparting theoretical knowledge but also on enhancing analytical and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for commerce students.

Comprehensive Curriculum

H.M. Classes offers a meticulously designed curriculum that covers all key subjects in the 12th commerce stream, including:

• Accountancy
• Economics
• Business Studies
• Mathematics/Statistics
• English

The curriculum is structured to ensure a thorough understanding of each subject, preparing students comprehensively for their board exams. Regular updates to the syllabus ensure that the content is aligned with the latest academic standards and examination patterns.

Personalized Attention and Support

H.M. Classes is known for its student-centered approach, offering personalized attention and support to each student. With small class sizes, the institute ensures that every student receives individual attention, enabling them to grasp complex concepts with ease. Regular assessments, mock tests, and one-on-one feedback sessions help students identify their strengths and areas for improvement, fostering a supportive learning environment.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Understanding the importance of a conducive learning environment, H.M. Classes provides state-of-the-art facilities to its students. Modern classrooms equipped with advanced teaching aids, a comprehensive library with the latest reference books, and access to online resources create an ideal setting for academic success. These facilities support an immersive learning experience, helping students focus and excel in their studies.

Holistic Development

At H.M. Classes, the focus extends beyond academics. The institute believes in the holistic development of its students, encouraging participation in various extracurricular activities such as workshops, seminars, and guest lectures by industry experts. These activities provide students with opportunities to develop essential soft skills, such as communication, leadership, and time management, which are crucial for overall success.

Proven Track Record

The success of H.M. Classes is best reflected in the achievements of its students. Year after year, the institute boasts impressive results in the 12th commerce board exams, with many students securing top ranks and high scores. This consistent performance has solidified H.M. Classes' position as the best commerce coaching institute in Malad.

Student Testimonials

The positive experiences and success stories of students and parents highlight the quality of education at H.M. Classes:

• Riya Shah, a former 12th commerce student, shares, "H.M. Classes provided me with the guidance and support I needed to excel in my board exams. The faculty's expertise and the personalized attention I received made all the difference."
• Karan Mehta, a parent, says, "Enrolling my son in H.M. Classes was the best decision. The rigorous curriculum and dedicated faculty helped him achieve excellent results in his commerce subjects."

Conclusion

H.M. Classes stands out as the best coaching institute for 12th commerce in Malad, thanks to its expert faculty, comprehensive curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and proven track record of success. For commerce students aiming to excel in their board exams and build a strong foundation for their future careers, H.M. Classes offers the perfect blend of academic rigor and personalized support. If you're seeking excellence in commerce education, H.M. Classes is the ultimate choice in Malad.
Name- H.M Classes in Malad West Mumbai
Address-Chimanlal Apartment, Swami Vivekananda Rd, Malad, Navy Colony, Mamledarwadi, W, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400064
Phone No-9969142593
Link-https://hmclasses.in/

I'm playing the third story mission (better red than dead I think it's called?) and one of the main tasks is to jump from Great wars to cold war. I figured it's gonna be better if I don't rush into it and first establish a functioning economy before I do it (it took me some years, as the initial layout is bordering on sabotage imo).
But maybe I was wrong, and it was better to just jump into it asap?
Anyway, I already know more or less what should I cover before transitioning from colonial to World wars. But, are there any caveats and rules of thumb for jumping into other eras?

Farthing is the first book in the Small Change trilogy by Jo Walton. I went into this blind since I had forgotten why I had asked my library to buy it a few months back and didn't bother to read the blurb. To frame this review remember this trilogy was written 2006-2008 and Walton is a British author.
This is an alternate history where America elected Charles Lindburgh and we never did more than send some old ships to the UK. This is a world where Pearl Harbor never happened and Hitler did not open WWII by attacking Russia. Here the UK cut a deal with Hitler to end the war and to prevent an invasion. There is all evidence that the horrors of the Holocaust and the Japanese invasion is still there but no one cares.
This trilogy is about the rise of a fascist government in England and this first book is about the inciting incident that gives the political cover to allow a prime minister to seize power. The plot is a standard murder mystery where the smart out of town detective comes in and most of the page time is about the gossip of the family.
Where this novel shines is how the background is shown. It is in the newspaper coverage about Kurst changing hands, a siege at Stalingrad, efficient Nazi work camps, and Japan putting down uprising. It's in conversations about those Reds trying to start labor unions, fear of a Bolshevik uprising, and the depth of the casual antisemitism. The turn from simple murder investigation to political witch hunt and frame is well done.
Still at the end of the day this is a story told from the view of a single detective and the victims of the frame. What gives this book the horror is the reader's knowledge of what is happening off stage. It's seeing the light go out as decent people realize that the Germans, Poles, and French are not uniquely evil to have allowed the horror but it is going to happen here.
I finished this book in a day and I woke up thinking about it. If you are a fan of alternate history you should consider this trilogy.

In the thriving educational landscape of Malad, H.M. Classes stands out as the foremost institution for Company Secretary (CS) coaching. Renowned for its exceptional teaching methods, dedicated faculty, and a history of stellar results, H.M. Classes has become the go-to destination for students aspiring to excel in their CS coaching in Malad.

Unparalleled Expertise in CS Coaching

H.M. Classes has established itself as a leader in CS coaching by consistently delivering high-quality education tailored to the unique demands of the CS curriculum. The institute offers comprehensive coaching for all three levels of the Company Secretary course: Foundation, Executive, and Professional. With a focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical application, H.M. Classes ensures that its students are thoroughly prepared to meet the challenges of the CS exams.

Experienced and Knowledgeable Faculty

The backbone of H.M. Classes' success is its team of experienced and knowledgeable faculty members. Each instructor is an expert in their field, with extensive experience in both teaching and the corporate world. This dual expertise allows them to provide students with in-depth knowledge and practical insights, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application. The faculty's commitment to student success is evident in their personalized teaching approach and continuous support.

Comprehensive and Updated Curriculum

H.M. Classes offers a meticulously designed curriculum that covers every aspect of the CS course. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect the latest changes in the syllabus and industry practices, ensuring that students receive the most current and relevant education. The institute provides detailed study materials, including comprehensive notes, practice questions, and revision guides, which are invaluable resources for students throughout their CS journey.

State-of-the-Art Learning Environment

Understanding the importance of a conducive learning environment, H.M. Classes boasts state-of-the-art facilities. The institute features modern classrooms equipped with advanced teaching aids, a well-stocked library with the latest CS reference books and journals, and access to online resources for additional practice and study. This robust infrastructure supports an immersive learning experience, helping students focus on their studies and perform at their best.

Personalized Attention and Individual Support

At H.M. Classes, every student's success is a priority. The institute maintains small class sizes to ensure personalized attention and individual support. Regular assessments, mock tests, and one-on-one feedback sessions help students identify their strengths and areas for improvement. The faculty's approachable nature and open-door policy encourage students to seek clarification and guidance whenever needed, fostering a supportive and nurturing learning environment.

Holistic Development and Skill Enhancement

In addition to academic excellence, H.M. Classes places a strong emphasis on holistic development and skill enhancement. The institute organizes workshops, seminars, and guest lectures by industry experts to broaden students' perspectives and enhance their professional skills. These activities help students develop essential soft skills, such as communication, leadership, and time management, which are crucial for a successful career as a Company Secretary.

Proven Success Record

H.M. Classes has a proven track record of success in CS coaching. The institute's rigorous training and unwavering support have resulted in consistently high pass rates and numerous top-rank holders in the CS exams. The success of its students is a testament to the effectiveness of H.M. Classes' coaching methods and the dedication of its faculty.

Student Testimonials

The positive experiences and success stories of H.M. Classes' students highlight the quality of education provided. Here are a few testimonials:

• Priya Mehta, a CS Professional student, says, "H.M. Classes has been instrumental in my CS journey. The faculty's expertise and the comprehensive study material provided me with the confidence and knowledge I needed to excel in my exams."
• Rohan Desai, a parent, shares, "Choosing H.M. Classes for my daughter was the best decision. The personalized attention and continuous support helped her stay focused and achieve her goal of becoming a Company Secretary."

Conclusion

For aspiring Company Secretaries in Malad, H.M. Classes offers the perfect blend of expert coaching, personalized attention, and a supportive learning environment. With its experienced faculty, comprehensive curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and proven success record, H.M. Classes is undoubtedly the premier choice for CS coaching in Malad. Whether you are starting your CS journey or preparing for the professional level, H.M. Classes is committed to helping you achieve your goals and excel in your career.
Name- H.M Classes in Malad West Mumbai
Address-Chimanlal Apartment, Swami Vivekananda Rd, Malad, Navy Colony, Mamledarwadi, W, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400064
Phone No-9969142593
Link-https://hmclasses.in/

In the vibrant and academically competitive neighborhood of Malad, H.M. Classes stands out as the leading institution for Chartered Accountancy (CA) coaching. With a commitment to excellence, experienced faculty, and a proven track record of success, H.M. Classes has become the preferred destination for aspiring CAs seeking comprehensive and effective CA coaching in Malad.

Unmatched Expertise in CA Coaching

H.M. Classes has earned its reputation by consistently delivering top-notch CA coaching. The institute understands the rigorous demands of the CA curriculum and has designed its coaching programs to meet these challenges head-on. With a focus on building a strong foundation and enhancing problem-solving skills, H.M. Classes ensures that its students are well-prepared for every level of the CA exams.

Experienced and Dedicated Faculty

At the heart of H.M. Classes' success is its team of highly experienced and dedicated faculty members. The instructors are not only subject matter experts but also seasoned professionals who bring real-world insights into the classroom. Their deep understanding of the CA syllabus, coupled with practical experience, enables them to provide students with a comprehensive and nuanced education.

Comprehensive Curriculum and Study Material

H.M. Classes offers a meticulously crafted curriculum that covers all three levels of the CA exams: Foundation, Intermediate, and Final. The curriculum is designed to be exhaustive yet understandable, ensuring that students grasp the core concepts thoroughly. The institute provides high-quality study materials, including detailed notes, practice questions, and revision guides, which are regularly updated to reflect the latest changes in the CA syllabus and exam patterns.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure

Recognizing the importance of a conducive learning environment, H.M. Classes is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure. The institute boasts modern classrooms, advanced teaching aids, and a comprehensive library stocked with the latest CA reference books and journals. Additionally, the institute provides access to online resources and mock test platforms, enabling students to practice and assess their performance effectively.

Personalized Attention and Mentorship

H.M. Classes believes in offering personalized attention to every student. With small batch sizes, the faculty can focus on individual learning needs and provide tailored support. Regular assessments, doubt-clearing sessions, and one-on-one mentorship ensure that students receive the guidance they need to excel. The faculty's approachable nature encourages students to seek help and clarify doubts without hesitation.

Holistic Development and Soft Skills

While academic excellence is paramount, H.M. Classes also emphasizes the importance of holistic development. The institute organizes workshops, seminars, and guest lectures by industry experts to broaden students' perspectives and enhance their professional skills. These activities help students develop essential soft skills, such as communication, leadership, and time management, which are crucial for a successful career in chartered accountancy.

Proven Track Record of Success

H.M. Classes has a stellar track record of producing successful CA professionals. Year after year, its students achieve outstanding results in all levels of the CA exams. The institute's rigorous training, combined with the dedication of its faculty and students, has led to consistently high pass rates and numerous All India Rank holders. These achievements testify to the effectiveness of H.M. Classes' coaching methodology.

Student Testimonials

The success stories of H.M. Classes' students speak volumes about the quality of education provided. Here are a few testimonials:

• Sneha Sharma, a CA Final student, shares, "H.M. Classes played a crucial role in my CA journey. The faculty's guidance and the comprehensive study material helped me clear my exams with confidence."
• Amit Verma, a parent, remarks, "Enrolling my son in H.M. Classes was the best decision. The personalized attention and regular assessments ensured he stayed on track and achieved his goal of becoming a CA."

Conclusion

For aspiring Chartered Accountants in Malad, H.M. Classes offers the perfect blend of expert coaching, personalized attention, and a supportive learning environment. With its experienced faculty, comprehensive curriculum, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and proven success record, H.M. Classes is undoubtedly the premier choice for CA coaching in Malad. Whether you are beginning your CA journey or preparing for the final level, H.M. Classes is committed to helping you achieve your dreams and excel in your professional career.
Name- H.M Classes in Malad West Mumbai
Address-Chimanlal Apartment, Swami Vivekananda Rd, Malad, Navy Colony, Mamledarwadi, W, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400064
Phone No-9969142593
Link-https://hmclasses.in/

PS5 Platform.
Rise of the Ronin:
+:
1) Playing Nioh and I can't believe these people can make a bad combat system.
2) Interesting historical era.
3) Reviews from players often include the word “fun”.
-:
1) Looks outdated graphically.
2) Open world design is mediocre.
3) Press reviews are average at best.
Lords of the Fallen:
+:
1) Interesting visual style.
2) Dual-world concept is integrated into gameplay.
3) The game received patch 1.5 fixing some of the glaring flaws in game design.
-:
1) The game is poorly optimized (the curse of UE5).
2) The game had serious design flaws, its creators didn't fully understand what's fun and what's not, what makes a souls-like game good.
3) The game looks more like a commercial project, not one that embodies anyone's authorial vision. This isn't necessarily a problem, but that said, the game failed at launch to successfully copy From Software's formula.
FFVII: Rebirth:
+:
1) Positive reviews from players and journalists. Looks like a win-win, but there is one but:
-:
1) The game will go on the shelf to be covered in dust. I haven't gone through FFVII Remake and I'm not at all drawn to play this game. It looks good, but... it's only here because from the checklist of highest rated games I don't have it.
It's more like I'm choosing between the first and second, with FF in case I can't make up my mind.
I like souls lite games and have gone through quite a few. Right now I'm playing Nioh and enjoying it immensely. But Nioh - it's not open world, and there's mysticism, and magic. It's definitely a different type of experience than RotR, aside from the similarities in the combat and loot system.
I haven't heard good things about LotF at all. But that was before 1.5. No, sure, the visual style was praised by some, as were some gameplay features, but the combat system was often berated for lacking impact and being too fast-paced and lightweight.
Would love to hear your opinions.

This is not the standard problem with the Edge 810 power switch.
The standard problem is when the rubber button built into the lower half of the case gives up. For that there are plenty of fix options - for instance cut a small piece of pencil erase to shape and put that into the slot, cover with tape.
I already had and fixed the prior problem,
Now I have a different one. The actual switch is a very small microswitch which is soldered to the underside of the main circuit board. Unfortunately that microswitch has broken off.
Anyone else encountered this problem?
This is a very small switch, attached via "surface mount" solder technique, so going to be very hard to replace as-is.
I have three ideas.
First, simplest, but crude, solder on a pair of wires to the contacts where the microswitch previously attached. Route those wires to the outside thru the existing hole in the outer case, and seal that with tape etc. Then have an external microswitch for power.
Second I was thinking I could solder on a small reed switch and position that inside the existing case slot. Then seal that slot with tape or better. Then can do the power-on power-off via a small external magnet which I could keep tucked into the outer silicone rubber case. IRL you only press the power button once or twice per ride (and maybe that is once, as unit will power down on its own after a few minutes inactivity).
Third I could use the fact that the unit actually wakes up and switches on if you attach a charger to it. So I could keep a small power bank ("lipstick" style) and a power cable in my handlebar bag, and simply poke that in to switch it on.
Thoughts? Cheers.