#sound design jobs sydney

[carlos55inz]

i know i probably sound deranged but . hear me out . charlos pacific rim au . so … jaegar engineer carlos, who was dragged into becoming a pilot even though he could just strategise & build as the brightest to come out of there in years ( even though there’s nico & daniil & mitch & he can only drive himself mad watching them fall from the sky, crash into the water in graves that he designed, scribbles on notes & plans scattered across the table & grief scrawled into the margins of yet another design ).

but the higher–ups are looking for anyone & everyone — & he winds up being drift compatible with lando ( except it’s not the first person he’s compatible with, having paired with redbull’s starboy max years ago & broken their link himself at the last possible minute to avoid being forced into the field, knows how fragile these things are ), made to don an orange uniform & convince everyone that it’s fine, that their meagre efforts are going to stave off the end of the world sooner rather than later. & that’s easy-going & nice, but it’s a stop-gap all the same ( he knows they want someone better, the mclaren unit has a bone to pick & determination to prove they are still the best at this, that they want someone proven to kill & take down kaiju & get the job done in a way he’s only slowly, unbalancedly & fumbling through, figuring out how to ). & though they have great success, he’s also terrified about why it feels so deliberate, why everything feels like such a process, why they say you can’t hide anything in the drift & yet lando has not seen half the things that haunt him in his sleep.

on the other side of the world, there’s ferrari’s star pilot, charles, fresh off a partnership that had initially gone so well but ended so badly that even though they were trying their absolute best, sent their jaeger out of control & into the sea & seb with a patchwork of scars to some strategy related posting in sydney ( pardon the implied sebmark, i had to ) & him to fend off the cameras & questions about what’s wrong with the unit again. & there’s so much speculation, so many people wondering who will work wth charles — he can barely breathe ( not that he ever really could, because to don the colours he does also means some commitment to the bit, to burning til the very end ), runs the tests mechanically, as they put one person after another in front of him & everything comes up empty & he’s pleading every day to just let him solo pilot even though it’ll probably get him killed ( he just wants to go out, to prove himself & keep their shatterdome from falling apart, no matter how impossible it seems ) — but they’re so desperate that they’re testing other pilots, even the ones who are already drifting with someone else, because they can pull those pairings apart in a moment if they needed it somewhere else. thing is, he doesn’t really remember much about the first time they sparred — dark eyes and bracing against an immovable object and some dim recognition that oh is this lando’s co-pilot, moving back and forth like some sort of ebb and flow just like the surface of the ocean he’d slammed into all those months ago — or about the first time they’d attempted to drift in the simulation — blurs of colours and images and something weightless and effortless, opening his eyes and wondering why his mouth tastes like salt, like sea, like tears & the faintest hint of guilt and it feels like all the air’s been sucked clean from his lungs. ( congratulations, you’re compatible. congratulations, hope you hang in there longer & come out of it in fewer pieces than all the ones before you did. )

there is only so much space in this shatterdome. there is only so much space in your mind. & even though it goes so well, carlos a perfect co-pilot & the two of them are completing mission after mission successfully — it feels like they’ve never been able to fully close the space between the pons systems separating themselves when they drift, because after that first time, it was like everything vanished & drifting was only ever something smooth & easy. ( as though charles is very much rooted here, in this moment, and somehow carlos is reading the signal flares from a thousand miles away, and it drives him mad in the process, how someone so outwardly warm & emotional could feel so cold & always armed with a perfect distance in his mind. ) but the first advice they give to any pilot is to never chase the rabbit, to seek the memories & people in others’ minds ( to look into file after file and find them curiously blank and empty, trying to contact people long dead & gone ) — it’s advice that, in the end, charles doesn’t heed. ( i am rambling so much bc rip the meds & idk if this makes any sense but !! idk just want angsty charlos, fluorescent lights & the warmth of another person at the end of the world & just . learning to Understand™️ & be okay with being Perceived™️, that you could fall into the water together & feel like you're never coming up for air & still live, somehow )

first of all, i can’t tell you how excited i was when i got this. thank you so much for sharing your ideas.

“& grief scrawled into the margins of yet another design” FUCKED ME UP. engineer carlos getting used to the feeling that to create a machine is to get ready to grief. i would like to imagine a daniil that can’t pilot anymore because of a major injury and carlos writing to him every chance he has just because he feels like he owns that. he was the one that built the jaegar that daniil was in. maybe if he has changed this, or done that, or was just a little better here—

i love how you paired lando and carlos. imagining a very young and eager lando who grew up admiring pilots and dreaming of his own jaegar and taking down his first kaiju, and on the other side carlos, who didn’t want to be there, who was not supposed to be there, but it’s hard to find good pilots and the investments are getting scarce. so, as you said, they need to get help anywhere they can. “ yet lando has not seen half the things that haunt him in his sleep” YES. lando being to excited and so young that carlos is there mostly to help and guide him rather than create a real connection. lando doesn’t stop to Look at carlos’ mind.

“charles, fresh off a partnership that had initially gone so well but ended so badly” ooooh how i would pay bucks to see this written. i would die to see this. this would be amazing. your whole idea. your whole concept. everything is top notch. also, do not apologize for the implied sebmark. i love the implied sebmark. give me more. “not that he ever really could, because to don the colours he does also means some commitment to the bit, to burning til the very end” here, as soon as i read it, i had to stop and walk around the room. charles is a sacrificial lamb to ferrari in every universe. wearing rosso corsa as if it is blood on his hands. charles not feeling anything. mechanical. work. proving himself. red, red, red. then, sea. then salt. then other colors. then brown eyes. then something else. then another’s feelings in his chest. everything is so fast and then it just stops. just for a moment. then is fast again. i love how you described it, their first ride together, the way it’s nothing magical at the same time it is. it’s very mundane and routine like until it’s not.

i feel like charles has the knife here, he has the power to seek the rabbit, he has the upper hand, he has the power to use the knife to hurt carlos or to hand the knife for carlos to fend himself out of his little cave. but he can’t do anything with his knife. because carlos needs to let him in. and carlos can’t do that. carlos has lost too much, has too many names he carries as a reminder of his failure and he has read charles leclerc file, he knows about his dad, about the pilot that was his mentor, about sebastian, he can’t be another tale mark in the count of grief this boy has to carry.

and charles is having none of that. i don’t think it would be because he cares for carlos, at the begging, but mostly because he thinks that to be a better pilot to be the best one out there the biggest better jaegar and to take down kaijus, they need to know everything about each other: this was a problem with sebastian, he was too far away from charles, always keeping him on the brim. he won’t let it repeat again. he keeps pushing and pushing and pushing just to get to know Something. he needs to know. all while, forgetting that if carlos lets him in, charles will also be open. i don’t think charles would be realizing that until is too late. until he learns that to see someone bare open, with their chest exposed, is to also be vulnerable. the knife cuts both ways. you and i are one tear, one flesh and blood, one painful memory of the world, shared, like a grave. your heart beat in my ribs and mine in yours. intimacy in visceral violence but intimacy is sewing each other up after. to be perceived hurts, at first. you are forced to look at something you would rather hide. but then you are seen. it create a bond that transcends all other types of love, thus acting as the sole point of understanding for the other person in a world that cannot fathom what they’ve been through. you are in a room full of people and you feel like falling down. there’s a arm around you, supporting you, keeping you away from all the eyes, as you do so.

“that you could fall into the water together & feel like you're never coming up for air & still live, somehow” yeah. i need to sit down. this is— just. amazing. thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, for sharing this.

#charlos au anon #ceu asks #PART 1 BECAUSE THERES MORE FUCK YEAH LETS GO PEOPLE LETS GO CHARLOS AU ANON #charlos pacific rim au #charlos #carlos sainz #charles leclerc

[thenyougetbackup]

redid this old thing w just the slightest design tweaks :]

ALSO I ACTUALLY HAVE. PROPER LORE FOR HIM PLS IGNORE THE OLD POST I HAD NOT PROPERLY ESTABLISHED EARTH-6275 AT THAT POINT..HERE IS HIS TIMELINE:

[1991] Born to parents Michael and Riley Gargan in Sydney. Both parents only graduated with a high school degree, and work in a fish market. They save up for their son's education. [2009] Mac enters university to study to become a chemistry teacher. Excels in teaching, above average in chemistry. [2013] Pushes his degree further into a Masters while volunteering at a local high school to gain experience with students (he's already got practical assignments from university, but Mac likes the extra experience). [2015] Graduates, manages to secure a job at a university in Melbourne. Mac has to move from Sydney, his parents couldn't be more proud of him. He spends the rest of his years employed there, being known as the most enthusiastic and friendliest teacher in the school. He often sends money back home to his parents. [Late 2022] Mac gets a letter from his parents mentioning their financial struggles, which confused him considering how much money he'd been sending every month but he still wanted to help. It sounded dire, and he wasn't making enough to cover the debt the letter talked about so he needed to find another way to help. He spotted a newspaper ad calling for test subjects for a government experiment, promising big bucks. The amount was more than enough to help his parents, so Mac signed up. [Mid-2023] Missing for months from teaching, Mac re-emerged as someone entirely different. Scorpion. A fighter, a dangerous enemy. An equal to the Spiders. An unstable man. A compassionate man. Trapped in Scorpion. Mind broken.

#spidersona au #earth-6275 #scorpion #mac gargan #✍🐇 #ref sheet

[dearest-painter]

poor reader trying to balance all their time with all 20 of the payday gang + bain.. i imagine theyd be given a cellphone with all their numbers + a tracker placed by bain. plus i think aldstone and all the contractors would take a liking to reader as well! = their phone blowing up 24/7. this idea is living in my head rent free lol, i think learning how to play poker from bonnie or sydney designing a special mask for reader sounds so cute! they would probs draw sticks to see who can go on a stealth mission with reader. how'd you think they would react if reader got hurt on the job??

If Reader got hurt on the job all hells coming lose. Anyone whose doing the heist immediately goes insane while the more professional one takes care of Reader. The others are bashing and killing the cops with such anger they’ve never seen. After the heist Bain gets their doctor to check Reader because their all worried. After that they won’t be allowed to go on a few heist until everyone is calmed but they still get a paycheck because they deserve their fucking paycheck.

Now for the phone part,yeah it’s blowing up a lot to the point Reader has it on do not disturb 24/7 at this point. Bain literally has to tell everyone chill the fuck out with the text and calls because it’s getting annoying plus Reader’s about to block all of them even though Reader knows they’ll make another number. It calms down but it’s still blowing up a bit but much calmer. Jacket uses this to talk to reader every day. I feel like Jacket is probably Reader’s favorite because he gives them a fresh breath of air with suffocating them. Reader’s phone is hella decorated with stickers that represent all of them,few of them sharing a sticker.

The drawing stick park is right,Bain keeps track but also uses it to keep the heisters to behave. If they misbehave or make them lose money they get a tally off but if they behave and don’t make them lose money they get a tally on. By the end of the week the people with the most tallies get to go on a stealth mission with Reader. Usually ends up being Wolf,Jacket,and Jiro but that’s because their actually fucking calm and don’t go insane. They all rub it into the others faces that they got to go on a stealth mission with Reader. Basically stealth mission with Reader = heaven to the heisters.

Now yeah Bonnie and Sydney taught Reader how to play poker. They also taught Reader to cheat at poker without getting caught. When they all play Poker Reader always wins because of this,also Reader’s poker face is the best because I feel like they always wear a mouth mask with different smiley faces or mouths while their eyes just look so done with idk just thought of that. Yet if it’s Bonnie,Sydney and Reader playing against each other it’s a LONG game. They all know each others techniques and habits. It takes HOURS for them to finish just one round. With those three playing any of them can win because no one is going easy,if one goes to the rest room they take their cards because they don’t trust the others. Bain often has to tell them to stop it because Reader needs sleep but Reader just brushes him off and says “trust me a few days without sleep ain’t nothing like a week without sleep. SYDNEY/BONNIE HURRY YOUR ASS!” Reader becomes so hostile and rude but determined during poker. Their silent but when they talk they are cussing or trash talking the others because they want to win.

Now the mask Bonnie and Sydney made it because Reader’s original one was just a blank with one with a smile face. They made it to Reader’s liking and added their initials very tiny on it,like it’s hidden tiny! Reader probably has a ton because everyone wanted to make them one but Reader mostly wears Bonnie and Sydney’s mask because it’s like their face in a way. It’s like how glasses feel like you’ve been born with them that’s how Reader feels with their mask. Bain made them a special one but they mostly wear that one for stealth mission. They wear the other mask it’s just mostly Bonnie and Sydney’s mask which the two girls rub it in the others faces.

#yandere #please don’t do this #obession #unhealthy #platonic yandere #yandere platonic #x gn reader #yandere x gn reader #gn reader #gender netural reader #yandere concept #yandere concepts #platonic yandere concept #yandere payday 2 #yandere payday gang #yandere payday #✉️mail arrived✉️ #enity answers! #genderfluid enity answers!

[hauntnowpod]

Hey ghouls,

It's Monday again, which means it's time for our 4th and final cast announcement for season three.

May we present... 

The inimitable Marnie Warner, who is back as Eulalie's sister, Parker. What would this haunting even be without the sibling drama?!! Marnie Warner is a Chicago based theater and voice actor. You can hear her in podcasts across all genres, including Hit the Bricks, H.G. Wells Has His Regrets, Morland P.I, Where the Stars Fell, and Two Flat Earthers Kidnap a Freemanson. When not doing theater-type things, she’s probably reading, going out for breakfast, or looking at cats on the internet. For more information, visit her website at marniewarner.carrd.co/

Mihai Matei joins us this season as Cemetery Ghost and Poltergeist 4. Mihai is a London based VA whose hobbies include DnD, games and cycling. Find Mihai on Twitter @MihaiMateiVA

Natalie Hunter, returns as one of the voices of The Apartment! Natalie Hunter is a voice actor, singer, and screenwriter, and works as a research administrator by day. She is passionate about storytelling, the ocean, her cat Luna, and coffee. Find Natalie online at nataliehunter.carrd.co

Nick Mercer joins the haunting as FF House Ghost 1 and FF House. Nick Mercer is a voice actor and audiobook narrator with an incredibly versatile narration style, ranging from “friendly, positive guy next door” and “intelligent, articulate professional.” His background prior to voiceover includes Theatrical Performance, Music Production, Sales, and Education. Nick lives in North DFW with his beautiful – and genius – wife Corrie , their daughter Zoey, and their two dogs, Maisie and Loki. When he’s not firefighting or performing voiceovers, Nick loves watching anime, playing D&D, and platinuming FromSoft titles.  Find Nick online at NickMercerVO.com

Paul H. Rollins is back as Nick, the gruff brute-squad member of You Haint Seen Nothin' Yet. Paul is a musician, aerosol artist, and cat caretaker with a M.S. in Microbiology.

Ray O'Hare joins us this season as Bill, McMansion, and Longfellow's ghost. (Oooh, there's that morbid Victorian poetry, huh?) Ray has over 20 years of professional stage experience, and as a voice actor has appeared in video games, animation and audio drama. He lives in the Boston area with his wife and daughter, and past jobs include toy demonstrator for FAO Schwarz, historical reenactor, and graveyard tour guide.

Roanna Cruz joins us this season as Poltergeist 5! Roanna is a bilingual Filipino American voice actor based in Los Angeles. Whether it's a commercial, animation, game, or audio drama, she just loves collaborating on productions and having fun in the recording booth! To learn more about her, visit RCruzVO.com.

Sian Luxford joins us this season as Professor 1! Sian Luxford is an actor based in Sydney, Australia. After working in screen acting for over two decades, Sian decided to take the leap into voice acting in 2023, and quickly fell in love with it. Sian is thrilled to be joining the amazing cast of The Way We Haunt Now. Find Sian online at sianluxford.com

Sneha Kumar joins us as E. Drawing Ghost 3 and the Airport Gate Attendant. Sneha Kumar is a voice actor who has been in the field since 2018. She mostly focuses on character work, but is always interested in diving into other areas of voiceover work. Along with being a voice actor, she is also a singer, self-taught dancer, a cosplayer, and currently attends Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for sound design. She is very excited to be a part of the cast and deliver a wonderful performance! Find Sneha online at https://skumarvoice30.wixsite.com/sneha-kumar

We're so delighted Tal Minear is returning as Myrtle, who's GOING to make the rest of You Haint Seen Nothin' Yet think about the consequences of their actions, dammit! Tal is a SoCal based voice actor, sound designer, and fiction podcast producer. They're the creator of Re: Dracula, Sidequesting, What Will Be Here?, and several other productions that can be found hiding under rugs and around corners. Tal can be heard in audio fiction shows such as Tales of the Echowood, Mayfair Watcher's Society, Deconstructive Criticism, and more. Find them online at talminear.com

Tarek Esaw joins the haunting this season as Poltergeist 3! Tarek Esaw is an Arkansas-based voice actor with a background in theatre. When they are not drowning in schoolwork or struggling at their 9-5, you can catch them at a D&D session or binging horror movies. Their voice can now be heard in the audiodramas Among the Stars and Bones as Hudson Desha, Tales From the Fringes of Reality as Sparrow, and the upcoming animated pilot Myths in Manhattan as both Julius and Pour. Find them on Twitter: @TarekEsawVO

Tim Lowe is back as our weird and wonderful radio host, Jon Harker, who, hmmm.... no.... spoilers. You'll just have to listen to find out. Tim is a podcaster and voice actor who has appeared in numerous shows. He regularly hosts Minds at Yeerk and has made several guest appearances on shows such as Judging Book Covers and Panelology. He has appeared in a variety of shows such as The Lafresian Chronicles, Tunnels, and Haunted Hell House of Horrors. He can be found on Twitter @Remobware which he will be more than happy to explain if you tweet at him.

Trenton Butt joins us this season as E. Drawing Ghost 1. Trenton Butt is a twenty-one year old voice actor, finishing their final year of college while also pursuing voiceover at the same time. They have been featured in various award-winning video games, indie animations, and trending podcasts, as well as being a published author. When not in the booth, they can be found either bothering their dog Letty, or playing video games. Find Trenton online at trentonbuttvoices.com

And that's it, folks. That's our slate of ghosts, ghouls, haunted humans, and show-within-a-show characters for season three.

I'm pretty sure this cast is the best one there is to be found in the void, and I can't wait to show you what we've created... sometime this month. 

Yours ghoulishly,

Courtney

#audio drama #audio fiction #crowdfunding #fiction podcast #podcasters of tumblr #horror #the way we haunt now #ghost story #haunted

[wanderingnork]

Right. Found footage is, as we all know, a pretty polarizing style of horror movie. And, even though I adore it, I see why. Pervasive issues of shakycam, bad quality being used to hide sfx issues, audio problems, bad acting due to the affordability of making a found footage movie, and more can really wreck a movie. I’ve seen plenty of found footage that I just plain hated.

When found footage is done well, though, it’s very good. I’d like to offer five of my favorite found footage movies. These don’t just rely on a single, badly-used handheld camera: they get creative with the technology at hand to draw you in and help you to believe you’re watching something real. 

Top Five

The Bay (2012): Mutant isopods from a polluted bay come to exact environmental revenge on a small American town.

The sheer VARIETY of kinds of footage (home video, news tapes, security cameras from a huge number of angles, police dashcam footage) makes this stand out. It’s not just one single tape telling a story of a few people--it’s a compilation of tapes that provide a wide view of a disaster befalling a whole town. YMMV on whether or not that was a good idea (I think it was), but the segment of police dashcam footage is one of the single most unsettling things I’ve ever seen.

The Tunnel: A news crew investigates a possible conspiracy involving disappearances in the sewers under Sydney, Australia, and get more than they bargained for.

The guy playing the news cameraman (Steve Davis) is actually a professional camera operator for documentaries as his day job, so the camera work is actually very exceptional and deliberate instead of handheld shakycam. It avoids a lot of the common pitfalls like disorientation or focusing on the wrong thing, and I didn’t feel like I was going to get motion sick watching it.

Host (2020): During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of friends tries to hold a seance over Zoom. It doesn’t go well.

Maximizes the fear factor of all of Zoom’s constraints, from face recognition to custom backgrounds to the number of participants in the call. It also has to pack a lot into a limited time, since the length of the movie is the length of a free Zoom call, and it does so very, very well.

Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum: A group of amateur Korean ghost hunters decide to livestream a lock-in at the titular asylum. This also doesn’t go well.

There’s a really novel use of techniques like GoPro cameras to bring you up close and personal with the ghosts. I almost had to take off my headphones during one scene. It also adds the unique conceit that everything is being livestreamed, which creates a layer of complication for the characters as they try to navigate the terrifying night.

V/H/S 94, “The Subject”: An Indonesian scientist building cyborgs out of unwilling participants discovers what happens when his own creations finally turn on him.

The reveal of exactly how the movie is being filmed is extraordinary. It does a great job at presenting a point of view that I don’t think I’ve ever seen before, and it’s so beautifully well-handled in terms of sound design to foreshadow what’s coming. The horror is also absolutely gut-wrenching and I’m not sure I’ve ever cheered a final girl as loudly as I cheered Subject 99.

A few other movies under the cut!

Honorable Mentions

Cloverfield: A giant monster attacks New York City and a group of friends tries to survive the night.

Although it suffers badly from shakycam and poor audio, and makes the head of the Statue of Liberty bizarrely large, the movie uses the constraints of a home video camera to give us a terrifying look at what it’s like on the ground for civilians during a kaiju attack. That’s something most modern giant monster movies neglect to give, since we see it from the perspective of scientists, soldiers, and heroes--not the innocent, hapless citizens caught in the crossfire.

Alien Abduction: Incident in Lake County (1998): A family Thanksgiving in rural Montana is interrupted by the arrival of Little Grey Men.

The movie effectively manipulates the constraints of a handheld camera’s limited view (keeping the viewer wondering what’s happening behind the character with a camera), which is quite nice. More importantly, though, it pulled a full “War of the Worlds” by presenting itself as a factual documentary (with no disclaimers), resulting in a fair amount of public concern, speculation, and paranoia. This was a year before Blair Witch Project came out with its early-Internet ARG stylings, so that’s even cooler to me.

For other takes on found footage I love, even though they didn’t feel terribly groundbreaking, see:

Grave Encounters: A ghost hunt goes terribly wrong during an overnight lock-in. Anything else would spoil the story.

Troll Hunter (2010): A small group of students follows around a professional troll hunter in Norway to learn about his work and the mythical trolls he hunts.

V/H/S, “Amateur Night”: Three friends attempt to pick up girls at a bar. Filmed with a camera hidden in a pair of glasses, we get a front-row seat to what happens when one of the girls turns out to be more than meets the eye.

V/H/S, “Tuesday the 17th”: Out in the woods, a bizarre entity that appears only as camera glitches hunts and kills a group of friends one by one.

[REC]: Zombies attack inside a Spanish apartment building--and when the doors are locked, the residents are left to fend for themselves to survive.

Noroi: The Curse: This “documentary” tells the story of a paranormal researcher who attempts to uncover the secrets of the supernatural in Japan, only to find himself caught up in the very curse he investigates.

#nork rants #the horror tag #found footage

[cupidzboww]

𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍’𝚟𝚎 𝙱𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝙿.𝟺

Syd x Carmy | The Bear 🐻🥫🍝

Inspired by H.E.R and Bryson Tiller’s Could’ve Been

P.4

After a celebratory party after finding Mikey’s hidden money, tension boils over between Sydney and Carmen, putting their relationship to the point of return. Scared, Sydney stops it before it starts, but it’s too late. Stuck in this awkward stage, both avoid each other. With this new space between them, Sydney can’t help but think about what they could’ve been had she not denied him.

This one is a little longer as to make up for the long wait in between this chapter and the last. Hope you enjoy!

Spending the remainder of his day doing a catering job was not on Carmy’s list. He actually really wanted to get home and crash in bed after that catastrophe of a dinner with Syd. 

They hadn’t even tried out the food at the restaurant, which he was kind of excited to do. With her.

But minutes after his phone call with Richie, the older man hit him up once more to inform him of a last-minute job that Richie had promised the client months ago.

Goddammit.

When was he going to learn to run these things through him? He hadn’t even prepped for the job. Ultimately, he was forced to rush back to the restaurant, whip up a quick menu with Richie, and then prepare it for an event that started at nine.

Which brought him to a venue of about one hundred people. Adults. A retirement party. Taking his fifteen-minute break in the kitchen, Carmy leans against the countertop, drowning out the sounds of the party in the backyard.

The time is nearing eleven o’clock, and the party is nearing a close. He should start cleaning up, but he can worry about that after this. “This” means sending a message to Sydney.

The keyboard is open. It has been for the last five minutes. Words bounce around the walls of his brain, but none of them make it outside, on the screen. His thumbs hover over the glass screen while his heart beats faster than it should be.

He licks his lips, drags a hand down his face, and tows his fingers through his hair. A sigh comes through his nose, and he mutters a small curse.

“The fuck are you doing? Did you text her yet?”

“What?” Carmy turns to Richie, at his shoulder like a parrot. “Get the fuck away—“

“Fucking pathetic,” Richie groans, snatching the phone from his sweaty, calloused hands.

“Aye—aye!”

Richie raises the phone above his head, ensuring it’s out of Carmy’s reach. “Look at you—so nervous to text your fucking girlfriend, like we don’t have places to fucking be—“

“Fuck off, Cousin!” Carmy jumps, reaching for it and grabbing at him. “You’re supposed to be watching the table!”

A heinous cackle leaves Richie, and with two quick taps, the FaceTime jingle puts a new sense of terror in Carmy. Richie pushes him off, still laughing.

“What the fuck!” he berates in a voice just above a whisper to not alarm any guests passing throughout the house. He’s out of breath, and his clothes are a wrinkled mess.

“Relax,” he puts out a hand, “okay? She’s not even gonna fucking answer.”

The phone chimes, and Sydney’s face takes over the screen.

“Carmy?”

His mouth opens slightly, and he looks over at Richie, wide eyes screaming worry, anger, and “help me!”

Biting back a devious smirk, Richie tosses the phone to him and revels in Carmy’s pathetic floundering to catch it.

“Uh, uh—Syd—chef—hey!”

“Hi,” she awkwardly laughs. “Why’d you call me?”

“Actually—uh, it … it was Richie,” he laughs humorlessly, trekking a hand through his wild forest of hair.

“Oh … okay.”

Speaking of hair, he couldn’t help but notice the chopped ends of her braids, one currently between her thumb and her forefinger as she loosens it. He guesses she noticed him staring, as the camera angle quickly changes, and now he’s talking to the ceiling.

“Yeah … but, uh—hey! I did—did wanna talk to you about something. To-tomorrow, we gotta talk to the contractor. Y’know, about designs for … for The Bear.”

“I’ll be there.”

His body releases the breath he’d been holding onto.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah … Carmy.”

“Alright. I’ll swing by and pick you up tomorrow for the meeting–it’s at eight, y’know, in the morning.”

“… Great.”

“Great.”

She picks up the phone, her head now covered by a purple bonnet. His finger hovers over the “end call” button, but he doesn’t tap it. Something about seeing Syd in her natural state, unprepared for the kitchen, just has him stuck. 

“Is there … anything else you need…? Carmy?”

“Huh?”

She gives him a questioning look.

“Nah—n-no. I’ll see you later—tomorrow, Chef.”

Finally, he hangs up. Lifting a hand to his face, he shuts his eyes and sighs through his nose.

“Good going, ya fucking doof! Surprised you didn’t throw up on yourself—“

“You shut the fuck up,” he mutters, pushing past Richie to get to the bathroom. “And get back to the table!”

———

“Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!”

As if life couldn’t get any more complicated right now. When she’d said goodbye to Carmy and made a mad dash for the restaurant’s exit, she hoped she wouldn’t have to see him for another few days. Two, at least.

But she hoped in vain. On top of that, she had just made the brilliant decision to take out her braids.

Goddammit, Carmy.

And she was about one-third her way through with taking them out when he called. Ultimately, she can’t procrastinate and take hours to take out her braids. She must wash her hair and do it all in time for tomorrow.

He did this to her on purpose. Yeah! Some sick bit of revenge for being such an asshole and walking out on him when he so kindly invited her out to eat.

And oh God, she hadn’t even eaten anything.

A short groan leaves her as she thinks even more about how much she’s fucked up within the last few hours.

With a heavy sigh, she sits up straighter in bed, not missing the almost painful tingles she feels in her right leg (which had fallen asleep) that she’s been sitting on. 

“Okay Syd, time to get serious,” she speaks to herself, taking down a new braid while picking up her scissors.

She snips the braid, cutting off what she’s sure isn’t her actual hair. “We’re gonna be up all night.”

The tips of her thumbs get to work, undoing the tightly packed pattern of the box braid. 

“No fooling around.”

She means business.

———

Stupidly, she’s fallen asleep twice. Okay, not really falling asleep per se, but she took a nap. Twice.

One minute she was catching up on a podcast, and the next, her eyes just fell closed on her. She’d wake up with a jolt every time, immediately returning to the task. 

She took her hair out in two hours. Not bad, but she can definitely do better.

The second it was done, she was discarding the braided ends that had been cut and the stray curled strands of hair that weren’t hers. Then she hopped into the shower.

Sydney knew condensing Wash Day to three hours would be a task. A feat.

It was a race against time, indeed. She was scrubbing, massaging like her life depended on it, and detangling like a pro.

It was truly impressive that she managed to get out of the shower by three forty-five.

Good on time.

She can sigh in relief, but she can’t relax. She may have won this battle, but the war isn’t over.

Hair moisturized, she stands in her bathroom’s cramped mirror cabinet over the sink. Wrapped in her towel, water droplets race each other down her skin and sink to the bath mat beneath her feet as she ponders how to style her hair.

Thanks to her profession, Syd seldom has any real time to herself. Between work, the long travel time of Chicago’s public transit system, and catching sleep in between, there is rarely a time where she can do her hair. 

So it’s always up in braids—thanks to a family stylist she’s been going to for years. The use of scarves only gives her the excuse to keep the braids in for months at a time, as they effectively hide the new growth.

Seeing as it’s always tucked away, and she never bothers to touch it—save for an oil up whenever her scalp’s feeling dry—it’s been growing. Immensely.

Her hair glistens in twists, still shrunken from its much-needed wash and moisturizing. And although it doesn’t touch her shoulders, she doesn’t mind.

Until she thinks about having to be in Carmy’s face tomorrow.

He doesn’t give a shit about your hair. He’s seen you thousands of times before, he’s not gonna start caring now.

But still…. Still.

She needs to look presentable. And while she can, and will, argue that her kinky hair is just as presentable as Carmy’s loose curls and Richie’s shitty low cut, she still battles with the thought that it might look too crazy.

Shit.

Her hair will need two days to dry, a day at least. And she had already moisturized it, so there’s no way she’s putting a blow dryer through it. It’s not like the thing works anyway.

I should buy a new hair dryer.

And she wants to write that reminder down in her notes just so she won’t forget, but this is a pressing matter. Too pressing to just walk away from it and think about something else remotely off-topic, even if just for a minute or two.

Getting back to the task, she fingers through her mental Rolodex of hairstyles for natural hair.

A puff: definitely not. She hates how childish they make her look. A low bun: nope. Not putting gel on her hair right now. Two puffs: Hell. No.

That’s about all the styles she knows she can do. Groaning out, she decides to give the topic a rest for a moment. Long enough to put some clothes on.

And when she does, she plops herself down on the tiny twin-size bed she calls her own and grabs her laptop. Flipping it open, she goes straight to Pinterest. Quick as lightning, her fingers type in the keywords ‘Natural hairstyles black women.’

Slick backs, twists, locks, and braids. All styles she can’t do on her hair in its current state.

Great.

Immediately she feels her hope dwindle. But, she’s Sydney Adamu: persistent and driven. And she isn’t going to stop until she finds a hairstyle she can do.

And that was the sentiment a couple of hours ago. Before she succumbed to her body’s natural weakness—sleep.

“Oh … shit!”

She’s careful not to be too loud, her dad is home after all. Jumping up, she turns to see the beginning of the day peering through her window. Her eyes dart to her phone. Double-tapping the screen, she sees the time, seven thirty-two, glaring back at her. It berates her for sleeping in and losing out on time. Precious, precious time that she could’ve taken to do—

“My hair!”

But fuck that. Carmy will be here any minute, and she has yet to find something to wear. So she makes a mad dash to her dresser, throwing on the most casual yet professional outfit she can find. 

On most days, Sydney’s conscious of her dad’s presence in their tiny apartment. She’s careful to keep quiet, moving lightly on her toes and leaving doors ajar so as not to slam them shut. Even avoiding the floorboards she knows they will creak when she puts her whole weight on them. But time is of the essence right now. She hopes her dad can understand and cut her some slack.

Racing to the bathroom, she shoves her toothbrush in her mouth, scrubbing her teeth and scraping her tongue. When it’s all said and done, she does her skin care regimen in record timing—three-and-a-half minutes.

As she’s entering her room, hair still undone, her ears pick up the buzzing of her phone. She freezes before springing into action, picking up the device, and answering the call.

“Hey—hi!” Clearing her throat, she reminds herself not to pant into the microphone.

“Morning Syd.”

Carmy’s voice is deep. More So than usual, but only by a slight. Of course, it is. She’s sure he’d just rolled out of bed. He wouldn’t have if not for this meeting. Or maybe he would, but she doubts it. Not to get on him, but she’s not so sure he has a life outside of the restaurant. 

Regardless, she can hear the fatigue in his voice, plain as day. And she hates how it scratches the right spot in her brain.

“M-morning.”

“I’m coming by to pick you up. I know I’m a little late, we should’ve been by the restaurant by now. But I, uh, overslept, so … s’my fault.”

“N-no, yeah—I totally, like … get it. You’re good.”

“Right. Send me your address.”

“Right, right.”

She recites her place of residence with ease. It’s almost scary how easily she gave that information away.

“Okay, I’m on my way. Sorry again for being … late.”

“It’s okay, Carmy.”

With any other person, Sydney would find herself wound up tight: Her temper steadily rising and attitude clear in her voice. But instead, her body is loose, and her tone is feathery soft, excusing his fuck-up.

“I’ll see you.”

“Bye.”

She hangs up first, praising the lord that her willpower was strong enough to grant her the ability to do so.

She drops her phone back on the bed and looks over at her dresser mirror. Her hair.

———

Tap, tap, tap, his fingers go against the steering wheel. His head turns in every direction, watching for the cars, people, and buildings he passes by.

Carmy doesn’t know why his heart is thrumming so fast. Faster than usual. Why he’s so on edge. Why he can only think about Sydney’s house. Well, apartment. And it’s not like he’ll be going inside. He’s most likely just going to be picking her up from outside of the building.

Nothing special. Just a casual carpool on their way to a crucial work-related meeting.

But the reminder doesn’t make his mind calm down in the slightest. And as he pulls up to the front of her building, his heart isn’t beating any slower. Faster, it is.

There’s no one outside, save for two old men sitting on the stoop of the stairs, talking to each other while one holds a cigarette between his lips.

Carmy can use one of those right now.

Grabbing his phone, he goes to Sydney’s contact, calling her. The phone doesn’t ring for long. It never does when it comes to her.

“Carm?”

“I’m outside.”

“O-okay!”

There’s heavy movement and rustling going on in the background. He even heard another voice—deeper, older maybe, calling her name.

Before his brain even has the chance to overthink it (because he doesn’t remember hearing her ever talk about a man in her life), she yells out, “sorry dad!”

More shuffling around comes before there’s a heavy thud, a small ouch following soon after.

“You okay there?”

The laugh in his voice is unmistakable. It’s light and airy—a perfect sound.

“I-I’m coming!”

His phone beeps as the call ends. Shaking his head, another tiny laugh leaves him as he rests his phone on the console.

The smile on his face melts right off when he thinks about Syd coming in the car. Looking around, all he can do is curse himself out. Because, of course, it’s messy.

Candy wrappers, empty cigarette boxes, and a parking ticket or two litter the front of the car. He’s sure the back is worse. Deciding not to look, he grabs all the trash in the front and shoves it in a spare plastic bag he’d found.

He gets out of the car and walks up to the building’s trash can. Dropping the bag in, he looks up to see the building’s heavy door shut. Sydney stands a few inches taller than him, thanks to the shallow steps.

“Hey,” she pushed out after staring for a second too long.

“Hi.” His bright blue eyes bore into hers, his pupils appearing to be blown. And as … naked as it’s making her feel, she’s almost thankful that he’s staring at her and not—

“Your hair.”

She stupidly looks up as if she could see it, then back at him with an awkward smile. One that’s all teeth.

“Oh—yeah. I didn’t know what to do with it so—“

“No, i-it’s good. I mean—it looks good. I like it.”

Her burning smile threatens to burn more as she takes in his compliment. Instead, she breathes in, chest puffing out and wiping the smile clean off her face. 

Standing proud and unapologetic, garnering all the attention it can, is her afro. She knows it’ll condense as the day goes on, but fuck it. Her only hope is that this meeting isn’t an all-day thing. The second she gets home, it’s back into braids her hair goes.

She’s grateful for her overthinking and over-preparedness. Sitting in her bag is a comb-pick and a small bottle of Argon oil.

As for Carmy, he can’t be bothered to worry about the same things as her. All he can focus on is her hair. His eyes dazzle—sparkle almost—looking at it. So round, looking so soft, yet able to stand on its own and brave against the calm breeze. Impressive. Beautiful, really.

“So, you ready—“

“Oh, yeah, let’s—yeah.”

They make their way over to his car. And he almost makes the mistake of opening her door for her. Too bad she reaches it before he does. They pile in, ready to start the journey to the restaurant.

“You think we’re gonna be late?” she questions with a smirk, buckling herself in.

“Uh, yeah. Don’t doubt it. But Richie’s there, he could handle the contractor for a couple extra minutes … I hope.”

She scoffs, a sentiment he much agrees to.

Thanks for reading! Comments and reblogs are much appreciated <3

#carmen x sydney #Sydney Adamu #sydney x carmen #carmy x syd #sydney x carmy #carmy berzatto #Carmen Berzatto #carmy and sydney #the bear #the bear fx #the bear hulu #the bear fanfiction #richie jerimovich #fanfiction #fanfic #fancfiction

[notallwonder]

Okeydoke. CM 16x09 "Memento Mori". What delights and disappointments do you have in store for me...

Spoilers etc etc etc under the cut.

I've been rewatching season 3. It feels like such a different show. I think the impact of the shake up of producers and cast that happened in season 5/6 cannot be overestimated. And of course with this new season they've actively tried to make it a different iteration. But yeah...the creative vision or whatever shifted a lot over its original run.

Anyway.....back to the matter at hand...

oh no...Rossi flashback. :/ oh buddy. ngl hearing Rossi break up like that makes me very sad.

(Emily you look fabulous in your funeral dress)

I do appreciate the time they've given to Rossi & Emily's relationship

also it just makes me uncomfy that Rossi's doing his canvassing all alone. Even the Mormons don't do that.

OH SHIT is going down!

Emily is your blazer sparkly? no no it's like some kinda tufted wool pattern. (Cute)

JJ your hair looks great

Tara you must be right, "it's hard to be a new dad and a psychopath at the same time" (also you look great bb)

OH SNAP he walked right in??!! with a lil smirk??!!

Okay okay okay TARA / REBECCA FLASHBACK. Aw, Tara that look on your gorgeous face. 🥰 I am not intimately familiar with Al-Anon but I can see how Rebecca's history might influence her tendency to go scorched earth/go to extremes in her reactions.

I wish the flashbacks were in color though. The black & white photography is pretty I suppose, but I wanna see their beautiful faces in full color.

Urgency!! Rebecca coming thru!! (in her fire burgundy suit btw)

this Sacramento offer is all she's got?? I know she's under review, whatever that entails, and presumably thus no longer in line for an associate atty general job (is that actually a thing??) but she's... still actively working in the DOJ in Washington DC hence why she's even plausibly (lol) in this room. Why would this Sacramento job be the only option left to her? This does not make sense.

Tara looks so beautiful, GOD. but also too sad.

Ugh back to this bitch (Elias)

This little tete-a-tete w/ Rossi is...intruiging. Ooh twist that knife sir.

LOL the very subtle sound cue/background music they put on Rossi's grin after he says "Almost." God that was perfect. Like the cartoon sparkle on a smile. Like the Schitt's Creek chime.

Wow this guy has plans on plans on cojones. I like him. He's bad news.

Side note: it annoys me that they keep calling Sicarius the "most prolific" killer they've ever seen. Didn't they estimate Frank's body count in the 80s or 90s?

Oh....our favorite asshole Tyler Green. Oh and our other favorite ah Will - here in an official non-husband capacity. Neato.

The question remains....is Tyler Green a bad guy? He's clearly taking PG for a ride, but what that fully means I don't know.

OOooooh big drama betw Tyler & Luke. That stare down!

Does PG see it now? She might.

F U C K. Suspicions (Apparently!) confirmed ! !

Rossi you in danger girl.

this could still be a vigilante type situation...but they're leaning hard on making Green seem sus and at the very least he's an uncontrolled quantity. He's gonna get in the way.

ok another flashback. this one im categorizing as dumb bc it's about Tyler. Honestly I'd rather have an Emily flashback. Even if it's just her like...loading her dishwasher. God, what I wouldn't give.

cute baby tho. Tyler has baby-related ptsd

This angst filled grocery shopping RULES!!!!! Rolling Stones babey!!!

Rossi, stalking people while they are grocery shopping is not nice. I get it, you have a job to do blah blah. But coming up on ladies in the cereal aisle is just annoying as hell.

OH MY GAWD. Rossi talking serial killer with the wife in the CEREAL AISLE?!?!?!!!!! only god above and people I'll never speak to know if this was by design but I am LOSING it over this stupid visual pun.

Sydney! You left your toilet paper! Don't you remember how hard it was to get toilet paper just a few short years ago?!

LMAO Rossi you got played buddy.

It does feel odd given recent episodes that Bailey isn't in the middle of this fray, but I'm so not mad he's not there.

Emily's "yes ma'am" reminds me of her very flat "ma'am" to Strauss in "100". Very different (this one contains no venom), but I just have not been able to get Strauss out of my head while watching Prentiss this season.

ZOMG LUKE & PENELOPE. Pen, why are you oversharing with him???!!!! Oh honey. You really think he's just your friend. Can't talk to Prentiss bc you already fucked that up, can't talk to JJ bc JJ will call you out on your shit, can't talk to Tara bc she's in her own world of hurt... you friend zoned Luke and are about to find Out!

Oh GOd PG! Like... I know you sometimes lack a filter but c'mon. 😬

FUCK Rossi WHAT are you DOING. This man who has been marinating in grief for years is about to lose it all

The only one who we know knows where he is is Tyler Green (awful sentence so sorry)

I'm getting tense

The Two Devolvers

AAAGH I just LOVE when an intense moment goes straight to psoriasis drug commercials!!! Fuck!

Is the Dan & Sheila thing a reference to a real podcast of some sort? Who are Dan and Sheila.

I do like when the show seems to acknowledge the shortcomings of profiling as an endeavor

Rossi rounding out the Brown Jacket Brigade

Oh. Emily.

Oh. GARCIA. Chickens....roosting....etc

i am just dying, Dying for Emily to completely Lose Her Shit. i doubt she will get the opportunity. But I want it.

JJ getting the lay of the land watching Emily's reaction. Tara getting the lay of the land watching Penelope.

I want Rossi to pee in the car, and then say "it's just a rental".

A favor from DC Metro? For when they are in the field in SEATTLE? I know this is just to get Will into the mix but it's annoying.

Garcia! Um, the implication that you think avoidant-attachment style folks are like...better at or predisposed to lying? Fucked up. I think you have not been getting an A+ in therapy (thing that's normal to want, etc...). All this "Penelope has thrived during the pando / been getting so great at self care etc" seems to be revealing itself as a front of sorts. Kinda feels like a third, smaller, devolution.

The Will stans of the world will rejoice - he's on the jet

For the record, I think Emily made a calculated risk/decision to send PG into the field with the rest. Perhaps thinking she would be uniquely situated to convince/keep Tyler out of the way. Meta-wise, it was necessary to then place JJ/Will and Luke/Garcia in the same frame on the jet. I'm sure that was no accident.

Ugh. Do we think Rossi's out? Is he gonna be dead when this is all said and done? I hope not. He's still got lots of grandparenting to do. But he really should fucken retire.

OOOOHHHHH. THE GARVEZ DATE. Again...I wish they gave us these flashbacks in color.

Oh, handholding!!!!!!!!!!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 it's not the specific handholding I wished for, but it's the handholding I absolutely needed!!!!!!

Luke, my man. I love ya. I feel for ya. God. I'm sorry things went this way. Honestly, PG, if you have trouble conversing in a non-dunking way with someone you consider a friend...like maybe I'm being judgmental here but that sounds like a you problem that you might want to figure out babe.

Thinking about Luke compared with Derek. Derek would have pushed back on a statement like that from PG. Luke, bless him, does not push back because he's got more at stake emotionally / is wounded by it. But a statement like that from PG needs pushback, especially if you're trying to redefine the relationship.

I feel so bad for Emily. She has to keep it together but you know she's furious and deeply worried about her kidnapped work wife

Now we've come back around to Rossi's flashback pain. He didn't want to watch his wife be closed up underground. I see.

Zomg. I wonder if they are gonna cliffhanger the season with Rossi still trapped underground.

AAAAAAAAAAAH

I quite enjoyed this episode. I liked the directing, though I would have preferred the flashbacks in color. There were some really nice shots in there. A lot of backstory snippets. I wanna know more about Tara. What prompted her to go to Al-Anon, years after her marriage broke up? Does that have anything to do with the toning down/disappearance of her swagger? As for Garvez - I don't feel the same level of upset over how this has played out, but I think we're headed toward a reveal of Luke's deeper feelings and some kind of reckoning. And while it's not necessarily *fun* to watch Garcia make these choices, I am not convinced this was a completely bad decision storytelling-wise. I know, I'm in the minority there. Let her fuck up! Let her be unlikable, selfish, blind. I guess what would disappoint me the most is if there's no turn in this story, no real consequences or accountability. We'll see.

Favorite scene hands down was the angsty grocery shopping. What can I say, it gave me life.

#cm spoilers #cme spoilers #criminal minds spoilers #criminal minds evolution spoilers #criminal minds #criminal minds evolution

[nuadox]

The ChatGPT chatbot is blowing people away with its writing skills. An expert explains why it’s so impressive

- By Marcel Scharth , University of Sydney , The Conversation -

We’ve all had some kind of interaction with a chatbot. It’s usually a little pop-up in the corner of a website, offering customer support – often clunky to navigate – and almost always frustratingly non-specific.

But imagine a chatbot, enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI), that can not only expertly answer your questions, but also write stories, give life advice, even compose poems and code computer programs.

It seems ChatGPT, a chatbot released last week by OpenAI, is delivering on these outcomes. It has generated much excitement, and some have gone as far as to suggest it could signal a future in which AI has dominion over human content producers.

What has ChatGPT done to herald such claims? And how might it (and its future iterations) become indispensable in our daily lives?

What can ChatGPT do?

ChatGPT builds on OpenAI’s previous text generator, GPT-3. OpenAI builds its text-generating models by using machine-learning algorithms to process vast amounts of text data, including books, news articles, Wikipedia pages and millions of websites.

By ingesting such large volumes of data, the models learn the complex patterns and structure of language and acquire the ability to interpret the desired outcome of a user’s request.

ChatGPT can build a sophisticated and abstract representation of the knowledge in the training data, which it draws on to produce outputs. This is why it writes relevant content, and doesn’t just spout grammatically correct nonsense.

While GPT-3 was designed to continue a text prompt, ChatGPT is optimised to conversationally engage, answer questions and be helpful. Here’s an example:

A screenshot from the ChatGPT interface as it explains the Turing test.

ChatGPT immediately grabbed my attention by correctly answering exam questions I’ve asked my undergraduate and postgraduate students, including questions requiring coding skills. Other academics have had similar results.

In general, it can provide genuinely informative and helpful explanations on a broad range of topics.

ChatGPT can even answer questions about philosophy.

ChatGPT is also potentially useful as a writing assistant. It does a decent job drafting text and coming up with seemingly “original” ideas.

ChatGPT can give the impression of brainstorming ‘original’ ideas.

The power of feedback

Why does ChatGPT seem so much more capable than some of its past counterparts? A lot of this probably comes down to how it was trained.

During its development ChatGPT was shown conversations between human AI trainers to demonstrate desired behaviour. Although there’s a similar model trained in this way, called InstructGPT, ChatGPT is the first popular model to use this method.

And it seems to have given it a huge leg-up. Incorporating human feedback has helped steer ChatGPT in the direction of producing more helpful responses and rejecting inappropriate requests.

ChatGPT often rejects inappropriate requests by design.

Refusing to entertain inappropriate inputs is a particularly big step towards improving the safety of AI text generators, which can otherwise produce harmful content, including bias and stereotypes, as well as fake news, spam, propaganda and false reviews.

Past text-generating models have been criticised for regurgitating gender, racial and cultural biases contained in training data. In some cases, ChatGPT successfully avoids reinforcing such stereotypes.

In many cases ChatGPT avoids reinforcing harmful stereotypes. In this list of software engineers it presents both male- and female-sounding names (albeit all are very Western).

Nevertheless, users have already found ways to evade its existing safeguards and produce biased responses.

The fact that the system often accepts requests to write fake content is further proof that it needs refinement.

Despite its safeguards, ChatGPT can still be misused.

Overcoming limitations

ChatGPT is arguably one of the most promising AI text generators, but it’s not free from errors and limitations. For instance, programming advice platform Stack Overflow temporarily banned answers by the chatbot for a lack of accuracy.

One practical problem is that ChatGPT’s knowledge is static; it doesn’t access new information in real time.

However, its interface does allow users to give feedback on the model’s performance by indicating ideal answers, and reporting harmful, false or unhelpful responses.

OpenAI intends to address existing problems by incorporating this feedback into the system. The more feedback users provide, the more likely ChatGPT will be to decline requests leading to an undesirable output.

One possible improvement could come from adding a “confidence indicator” feature based on user feedback. This tool, which could be built on top of ChatGPT, would indicate the model’s confidence in the information it provides – leaving it to the user to decide whether they use it or not. Some question-answering systems already do this.

A new tool, but not a human replacement

Despite its limitations, ChatGPT works surprisingly well for a prototype.

From a research point of view, it marks an advancement in the development and deployment of human-aligned AI systems. On the practical side, it’s already effective enough to have some everyday applications.

It could, for instance, be used as an alternative to Google. While a Google search requires you to sift through a number of websites and dig deeper yet to find the desired information, ChatGPT directly answers your question – and often does this well.

ChatGPT (left) may in some cases prove to be a better way to find quick answers than Google search.

Also, with feedback from users and a more powerful GPT-4 model coming up, ChatGPT may significantly improve in the future. As ChatGPT and other similar chatbots become more popular, they’ll likely have applications in areas such as education and customer service.

However, while ChatGPT may end up performing some tasks traditionally done by people, there’s no sign it will replace professional writers any time soon.

While they may impress us with their abilities and even their apparent creativity, AI systems remain a reflection of their training data – and do not have the same capacity for originality and critical thinking as humans do.

Marcel Scharth, Lecturer in Business Analytics, University of Sydney

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

--

Read Also

Large language models could help interpret clinical notes

#ai #artificial intelligence #chatbots #chatbot #chatgpt #gpt3 #gpt #openai

[kyndaris]

Humdrum Blues

A couple of days after what felt like an excellent and fun date with Shrek, I had a meet-up with another of the hopefuls. His codename? Honestly, it’s pretty hard to come up with these. And there wasn’t anything about him that really jumped out. So, for now, let’s simply call him ‘Spring.’ The other ones I thought of using would only serve to be insulting for a group of individuals that I somewhat connect with but don’t delve as deeply with.

What to say about Spring? Well, initially, he initially portrayed himself as a worldly individual. After all, with borders lifted and international travel reinstated, he was enjoying a quick holiday in London (of all places)! In the land of Harry Potter and mythical legends, he was enjoying the sights and sounds of a proper autumn.

To be frank, I was perfectly jealous. After all, I had wanted to visit the UK again back in 2020. Of course, those dreams were summarily dashed with the coming of COVID-19.

So, after a few chats - where I complimented his cosplay game (although he didn’t actually make them himself), he was eager for a meet-up in person. Consequently, he set up a date a few days after his return to Sydney. That day, of course, being a Monday. For him, it was fine. He was, after all, still on leave and could enjoy a workday outing without the pressure of work the next day. Unfortunately, he didn’t quite take into account my own circumstances: a working woman that had a job in the new central business district (CBD) in the heart of Western Sydney. But hey, I’m a flexible lady. So, I accepted going on a date. On a Monday.

When we first started chatting, Spring was eager to show me around the city and talked about all the Japanese food in and around the Galeries (which, honestly, I could have also told him about), but then he forwent all our previous discussions and asked if I liked Italian. Blindsided a little and a bit miffed that I wouldn’t be enjoying sushi or a nice bento set, I told him that Italian was fine. Armed with that knowledge, he made arrangements for a meet up outside an Italian restaurant near the Apple Store on George Street in the heart of the city. 

Little did I know that he hadn’t actually booked anything. He was hoping to wing it because it was a Monday night and there wasn’t that many people out and about.

If I could shake him, I would. Who flip flops this much in life? Still, at this stage, I didn’t quite know about his tendency to posit suggestions before changing his mind abruptly. Forget women, Spring is the very epitome of Katy Perry’s Hot N Cold. 

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

After arriving at the city a bit earlier than the designated meeting time, I made a pitstop at Kinokuniya to take a look through the new released at Kinokuniya. Even then, I arrived at the restaurant with minutes to spare. Spring was already there, though, staring at his phone as he waited. 

Introductions were then properly made before we entered the establishment. Seated at our table, we made our own separate orders on our phone and then chatted as we waited for the food to arrive.

So far, so good.

And yet, to be perfectly honest, dear readers, after what felt like a great date with Shrek, I was already highly resistant to the idea of this one going anywhere. Which, I realise now, was very unfair to Spring. Maybe if I had given him more of a chance at the start? Or been more open? 

Alas, I was already pinning my hopes on Shrek. 

Despite starting at a disadvantage, Spring was still able to draw me into a proper conversation. At least for a while. We chatted about his recent trip overseas and the flaws of the London Underground. We even talked about how odd it was that they had commercialised their transit system. There was also some chatter about hobbies and interests. As well as our approaches to finding love on the dating app.

Spring was very adamant about the fact that he only had the capacity to chat with one person at a time. Whereas I’d opened up my options by playing the field a little by chatting to multiple people and then comparing each individual I did meet (either in real life or online)  to see what it was that I wanted out of a relationship and whether or not we might be compatible. After all, there was no guarantee of anything in life and it seemed foolish to waste time and energy by investing into the wrong person. Especially if I wasn’t very interested in them as a life partner. Something it seems Spring knew about intimately for, shortly afterwards, he told me that he had dated two women previously. Both relationships had lasted about a year before he broke up with them. Why? Because he hadn’t grown feelings for them and felt that they weren’t as invested in his interests as he was. This was, also, despite them trying to learn more about his hobbies and actively trying to make the relationship work.

Never once, during our chat, did he ever mention if he bothered to learn what his previous girlfriends liked. Or being invested in their hobbies or interests. Initially, during the date, I thought little of this fact, and was actually trying to advise him that many of my married friends didn’t always share the exact same passion for every little thing. Nor were they joined at the hip. For that kind of codependency and devotion was nigh impossible. I told him that as long as the couple share a certain outlook on life and have similar values, there is a strong chance that love can eventuate. Spring didn’t seem convinced and I walked away from the date knowing that I certainly didn’t feel like I was up to ‘loving’ everything that he did and eschewing my own likes.

Of course, by the time I had given it some thought and was telling my work colleagues about the sordid details of my date the next day, I began to realise how problematic Spring’s wants in a relationship were. And yet, pressured after having a belly full of pasta, I’d agreed to a second date! Curse my luck!

After all, when it comes to most fandoms, I skirt across the surface. In all honesty, it’s best to describe me as a jack of all interests and master of none. And perhaps that’s a good thing. Because I certainly don’t want my personality to just be defined by a single label: weeb, gamer, writer, reader, etc. I indulge in a lot of different shows, exposing myself to a variety of genres. I like dabbling in different side projects when I have time and mixing it up on the odd occasion (or as my routine allows). True, I have a few favourites but I like to keep my mind open to new things.

Spring, on the other hand, seemed very focused and intense on what he liked. The feeling I got was that he wasn’t one that would expand much of his horizons. And so, what he wanted from a relationship was basically a social media echo chamber. His future partner had to share the same interests. No doubt, they also had the share the same ships. The same opinions. And literally be a female clone of him.

That, to me, was not something that I wanted to be a part of. It spoke of a very self-centred viewpoint. Relationships, based on the things I’ve read and witnessed are about compromise and open communication.

And, maybe it’s an idealistic viewpoint, but I don’t want to feel beholden to someone else’s view. I am independent. i am woman. And to quote Katy Perry once again: Hear me roar!

There are multiple facets to who I am. Watch as I troll my friends about male representing nipples and in the next second, see me flop on the couch, controller in hand as I game. I am unapologetic in what I like and I am blunt in my assessments of others. And yet, if we are good friends, though I might tease and talk shit to get a laugh, I like to think that I’m also a good listener. A shoulder to cry on when the going gets tough. And also readily available to provide acts of service to those in need without thought of reward or recompense.

Fortunately for you, dear readers, I was unable to close the chapter on Spring at the end of the first meetup. And so, of course, there’s a part two to this tale. I hope you enjoy my poor decision-making skills!

#personal blog #dating #italian #clone #weeaboo

[ycurkxng-a]

Dropped On Me Like A Fucking Piano!

Characters: (Payday) Dean King, Bain, Tony Montana, Sydney King (not related lmfao), Jimmy

Warnings: Murder, needles

It was supposed to be a simple heist, and it was!

A simple run through a nightclub, something about Vlad wanting revenge. Hell if King knew what it was about, even if Bain had been telling them about it even on the way to the joint. Dean didn't pay attention, rather focusing on making sure that he had enough ammo for the job.

Now that could've been it, they found the safe, drilled it open and then left with the goods inside, but King had wanted to go and search the rest of the building while they had time in between the cops attacks. He sped through the place, stepping over corpses the entire time, it was a mess of their own design.

Looting and shooting through the place was easy, they'd fought their way through in pairs. It made the endeavour finding the safe they needed to bust open just a little bit faster, Jimmy and Sydney had actually been the ones to find it. It was loudly announced through their comms, enthusiasm filling his voice.

One after the other, the few cops that came in were quickly disposed of with a spray of bullets from Kings AK. Each corner was rounded carefully, even if most of them had nothing but whimpering civilians behind them, those of which were quickly hushed.

After getting through the kitchen and walking into the small gambling den, the heister caught sight of easy cash. Wads of bills were thrown around the table carelessly, it was enough of a lure to make him stop and lower his rifle into one hand so he could begin pocketing the loose money. Over the blaring music and the sound of his heart pounding in his chest, he wasn't able to hear the heavy footsteps that were quickly coming through the hall to the other entrance.

King only noticed the hulking figure in the doorway by the time it was too late, his eyes slowly went up to catch sight of the visor, a skull painted over the entire face.

Fucking dozer.

In a blind panic, he desperately tried to pull his gun up to start shooting. By the time he'd even brought the barrel up to his thigh however, the special had already racked his shotgun and taken aim at his chest. In a split second- he fired, the blast ringing out and reaching the others immediately as pellets flew.

Those very pellets went straight into the criminals vest, the force of them knocking him backwards and back into the kitchen, where he slammed against an oven with a loud grunt. Not even a second after, he could hear crackling through his earpiece, accompanied by a panicked Bain shouting out.

"King needs help, pronto!"

It felt as if flames were ripping through Kings chest while he sat there, the act of breathing alone was impossible. It was as if his lungs had tightened, all attempts at breathing only induced more agonizing pain to sear through his being. In other words, he got the wind knocked out of him. He was lucky that it hadn't completely ripped through him and turned his insides into swiss cheese, although that did seem preferable due to the obvious.

"Ones down," The dozer spoke through his own earpiece, "I don't know where the others are th-" Sudden shrieking made him go quiet and turn to look at the source, the source being Kings favorite coked up maniac, and his savior. Jimmy cackled out as he took aim at the visor that guarded the juggernauts soft head with his machine guns, just before letting a hail of bullets fly out of the gun and directly into that same visor.

There was shouting from both parties, Jimmy was incoherently throwing curses at the enemy while the dozer screamed out curses.. at the enemy, more so in fear than anything, which was a shock to hear, but it wasn't long before only one of them continued to be able to shout. As the dozers visor cracked and shattered, the lead pierced his skull and put him down.

His body fell onto the floor with a loud thud and clang, giving King a sense of relief as he turned to meet Jimmy's masked gaze. "Fuckin' hell, you look like shit, mate!" He panted out, "You're not gonna die on me are you?"

Silence followed, the only noise being the sounds of King desperately trying to bring air into his lungs and failing, which was noticed by Jimmy quickly. "Thats... HEY! ARE YOU GONNA FUCKING DIE?!" The cokehead screamed, as if King couldn't hear him at a normal volume.

"H...urt.." King finally managed to wheeze out, it took Jimmy a few seconds to understand him before nodding. "YEAH, I KINDA GOT THAT-"

"D'fucks goin' on?!" Scarface shouted, entering the kitchen, eyes widening as he caught sight of the grizzly scene. Sydney followed in after him, breathing in sharply as she too looked around. There was a second of quiet as Sydney and Tony put together the pieces as to what happened, the dead dozer, the loose cash in Kings pockets. Christ. "Fuck me- King, are jou with us?"

Since Kings head could turn to Tony, that gave him the sign he needed that he was still alive. "Fuck, okay, I got something for jou." He mumbled, reaching into his suits breast pocket and taking out his injector, filled with adrenaline. Everyone had seen him use it a dozen times, but there was only one other person he'd used it on- and that had been Jacket. That had been a desperate situation, much like this one.

Tony set down his rifle to use both gloved hands, one pulled down Kings collar further so he could inject him, and the other hand did. The needle sunk into his pec, and the adrenaline was shot straight into him, causing his eyes to open wide and air to flow into his lungs once more. He jolted forward which forced Tony's hands back, the injector still stabbed into him.

His breathing was uneven and heavy, almost panicked. Tony grabbed onto his shoulder, holding him in place. "Give it a bit, 'dat rush is like a fuckin' truck, mane." He explained, sitting there with King as he tried to pull himself together. Pain seemed to be non-existent, his hands shook violently, Jesus, he'd felt adrenaline before but nothing this severe and sudden.

Moments ticked by, each valuable second before the next assault made Sydney and Jimmy check the entrances just in case there were any other specials or cops coming towards them. In any case, there were none, which gave King all the time needed to get himself under control. He looked down at the injector, still in his flesh. His right hand reached up and pulled it out, before passing it back to the kingpin. "Jou good?"

King nodded, starting to get up while grabbing his AK off of the floor. "I'm good.." He confirmed, adjusting his mask with one hand. His wounds would still have to be looked at and tended to after the heist, but for now he needed to fight.

Convenient timing, as Bain once again chimed in through their comms.

"You got some bad cops coming in, get ready!"

"TOOK THOSE PIGGYS LONG ENOUGH!" Jimmy laughed, reloading his akimbo smgs before running out of the kitchen. "LETS FUCKING GO LADS!" He called out in the distance, his footsteps growing quieter as the music overtook it. King pulled the magazine out of his AK to check the amount of ammo he had left, enough was the answer. Sydney left the room, muttering something about "don't get fucked up again" as she did.

Tony turned to look at the dead dozer and back at King, only giving him a nod before walking out himself. Now alone, King slid the magazine back in and primed the rifle. It was time to get even with the bastards, he'd take them all down if he could. He could already hear the shouting from the incoming swat, to one another and at his fellow heisters before the firefight, as much as he wanted to sit down and let himself rest for a bit, he knew he couldn't.

Knowing that, he took hold of his AK in both hands and rushed out to join the others in their shootout with the police. They weren't able to kill him, not yet. Maybe in the future they could, but not now.

Not when they were fucking with the Payday gang.

#something productive. thats rare for you ;art + drabbles; #CODENAME: KING ;Payday;

[ghcstwink]

 a  little  birdy  told  me  MALAKHI  ‘  KAI  ’  BROOKS  just  moved  to  sunset  hills  .  have  you  met  them  yet  ?  i  heard  them  driving  down  the  street  playing  LANCASTER  NIGHTS  by  CHARLIE  BURG  ,  they  sounded  a  little  pitchy  but  they  had  the  spirit  !  must  be  their  favorite  or  something  .  hey  …  it  looks  like  they  just  moved  into  DUSK  DRIVE  .  have  you  heard  about  what  they  do  for  a  living  ?  someone  told  me  they’re  an  ACTOR  /  FREELANCE  ACTOR  ,  but  who  knows  if  that’s  even  true  .  guess  we’re  just  gonna  have  to  wait  and  see  .  nervous  ?  don’t  be  ,  i  think  you’re  gonna  get  along  just  fine  !  i  can’t  wait  to  see  what  they  get  up  to  .

、 ⠀ ་ ⸼ ⸒ ✴ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬  ›

full name  :  malakhi  brooks

nicknames  :  kai

age  :  twenty - five

occupation :  actor  /  freelance  actor

birthplace  : sydney  ,  australia 

orientation  :  heterosexual  (  maybe  )

lives  in  :  dusk  drive

、 ⠀ ་ ⸼ ⸒ ✴ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝  ›

—  content  warning  prefaced  :  parental  death  (  brief  )  ,  death  of  a  partner  ,  mentions  of  substance  abuse  .  warnings  will  be  put  before  content  comes  up  .

september  24th  ,  the  first  born  ,  first  and  only  son  to  carmen  &  calvin  brooks  ,  and  a  brother  to  two  sisters  ,  callie  &  cadence  .  a  picture  perfect  family  .

the  brooks  family  truly  was  picture  perfect  .  they  had  the  perfect  life  —  born  and  raised  the  gorgeous  city  of  sydney  ,  with  both  parents  working  rather  successful  jobs  .  his  mom  was  an  interior  designer  with  a  vision  and  a  goal  always  on  her  mind  ,  and  his  dad  was  ,  still  is  ,  a  psychiatrist  .  

both  parents  were  hard  working  in  their  own  individual  ways  but  they  always  made  time  for  each  other  and  their  kids  .  they  made  a  point  to  share  every  dinner  with  each  other  ,  everyone  shared  about  their  day  ,  they  bonded  over  good  meals  and  fun  conversations  .  there  was  never  any  arguing  .  his  parents  never  fought  ,  not  once  .  they  had  the  kind  of  love  that  made  them  different  from  everyone  else  —  a  love  that  gave  them  an  understanding  of  each  other  that  no  one  else  could  ever  have  .  and  a  love  that  kai  looked  up  to  .

he’d  always  gotten  along  with  his  sisters  .  since  the  day  each  of  them  had  been born  he’d  felt  nothing  but  love  and  the  will  to  protect  them  like  any  good  big  brother  should  .  they  were  pains  in  the  ass  growing  up  (  even  now  as  adults  too  )  but  he  loves  them  . 

—  content  warning  :  death  of  a  parent  ,  mention  of  cancer 

nothing  stays  picture  perfect  forever  and  he  should  have known  that  .  but  he  had  the  kind  of  perfect  life  that  made  him  blind  .

so  when  his  mother  died  ,  reality  came  crashing  into  him  like  a  truck  .

she’d  fallen  terminally  ill  with  cancer  and  within  a  year  of  her  diagnosis  she  had  passed  away  .  kai  had  only  been  ten  at  the  time  ,  his  sisters  8  &  6  .  the  death  hit  him  hard  .  of  course  it  did  .  he’d  spent  day  after  day  ,  month  after  month  ,  watching  his  mom  grow  sicker  in  her  hospital  bed  .  there  had  been  countless  days  where  he  had  laid  beside  her  in  that  bed  ,  her  arms  wrapped  around  him  and  his  head  on  her  shoulder  ,  as  she promised  him  in  her  too soft  voice  that  everything  was  going  to  be  okay  .

it  hit  him  hard  to  lose  her  ,  but  not  as  hard  as  it  had  to  his  dad  .

after  she  had  passed  away  his  dad  decided  he  couldn’t  bare  living  in  the  same  house  that  he  had  spent  14  years  of  his  life  with  the  love  of  his  life  .  so  the  brooks  packed  up  and  left  .

—  content  warning  end

settling  into  a  new  country  had  only  happened  after  a  few  years  of  moving  place  to  place  .  nothing  had  felt  as  much  like  home  as  sydney  had  until  the  brooks  family  settled  into  their  newest  home  here  in  california  .  it  was  almost  like  everything  had  clicked  then  .  

by  that  point  kai  was  already  well  into  his  teens  and  had  fallen  trapped  into  the  acting  scheme  .  he  was  in  school  plays  (  i  do  adore  a  theater  kid  )  ,  he wrote  a  few  of  his  own  even  ,  and  once  he  realized  his  passion  for  it  he  set  his  mind  towards  making  a  name  for  himself  .  because  at  that  point  he  had  already  decided  on  living  in  his  independence  .

so  at  17  he  had  moved  out  ,  got  his  own  place  .  because  that’s  what  he  wanted  .  he  wanted  to  be  his  own  person  ,  feel  like  he  was  the  only  one  in  charge  of  his  life  .  his  dad  understood  ,  gave  his  support  even  .  that  was  enough  .

and  what  had  seemed  like  a  good  idea  had  really  been  the  beginning  of  the  end  for  him  .

because  moving  ,  gaining  that  feeling  of  independence  ,  had  lead  kai  to  meeting  the  girl  who  he  thought  was  the  love  of  his  life  .  that  love  he  saw  his  parents  share  when  they  still  had  each  other  ?  he  swore  to  himself  ,  up  and  down  ,  that  it  was  the  same  type  of  love  that  he felt  for  her  .  and  then  he  lost  her  .

—  content  warning  :  death  of  a  partner  ,  mentions  of  substance  abuse

kai  realized  that  good  things  don’t  last  the  hard  way  .

hearing  the  news  that  his  girlfriend  and  her  parents  had  gotten  into  a  fatal  accident  had  left  a  pain  so  unbearable  in  his  heart  that  ,  in  the  end  ,  the  only  thing  that  could  quell  it  night  by  night  was  a  throat  burning  drink  in  his  hand  . 

many  nights  were  spent  getting  wasted  at  bars  .  so  often  that  people  had  learned  his  name  and  learned  his  story  through  slurred  words  and  unintentional  tears  .  he’d  never  felt  so  alone  before  and  since  bars  had  become  his  only  source  of  comfort  of  course  he  was  going  to  frequent  them  until  he  was  labeled  a  ‘  regular  ’  .

he  was  left  in  a  dark  place  for  a  very  long  time  .  and  to  be  honest  ,  even  now  he’s  not  sure  what  had  drug  him  out  of  that  pit  of  despair  .  it  was  like  all  of  a  sudden  the  reality  of  the  world  had  been  shoved  in  his  face  telling  him  that  he needed  to  make  a  change  .  otherwise  he’d  end  up  living  a  fatal  life  of  his  own  . 

—  content  warning  end

fast  forward  to  now  and  here  kai  is  :  just  a  man  trying  to  make  a  living  in  the  midst  of  recovery  .  things  aren’t  easy  for  him  yet  but  he  knew  they  wouldn’t  be  .  all  he  can  do  is  try  and  that’s  for  damn  sure  what  he’s  doing  .  

he  needed  a  change  of  scenary  .  that’s  what  brought  him  here  to  sunset  hills  a  mere  year  ago  .  life’s  been  pretty  alright  so  far  .  acting  gigs  come  here  and  there  .  he  has  a  good  feeling  that  his  big  break  is  going  to  be  just  around  the  corner  once  he  feels  healed  enough  .  or  maybe  he’s  just  manifesting  it  .

、 ⠀ ་ ⸼ ⸒ ✴ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲  ›  

kai  really  is  one  of  those  guys  that  you  can  trust  with  just  about  everything  .  he’s  that  big  brother  figure  ,  a  secret  keeper  ,  a  friend  a  confidant  .  not  having  the  support  system  he  needed  for  what  he  went  through  made  him  want  to  be  the  person  for  others  that he  wished  he  had  for  himself  .

and  maybe  he’s  not  the  most  out  going  person  out  there  . not  quite  an  adrenaline  junkie  ,  more  like  the  type  to  play  things  safe  .  it’s  the  paranoia’s  fault  ,  really  .  risks  feel  too  great  now  .

but  despite  that  ...  he  truly  is  a  fun  guy  once  he  gets  to  that  point  .  once  he’s  able  to  forget  his  fears  ,  even  if  it’s  only  for  a  little  bit  ,  he  lets  loose  .  he  has  fun  ,  he  i s  fun  .

most  importantly  —  he’s  humble  .  after  all  ,  growing  up  without  much  and  having  to  work  hard  for  everything  he  has  now  (  for  what  little  that  is  )  has  given  him  a  different  perspective  than  many  other  people  might  have  .  which  just  means  he’s  aware  of  what  he  has  and  he  knows  better  than  to  let  things  go  to  his  head  .

nowadays  he  isn’t  quite  the  same  .  it’s  obvious  .  but  he’s  trying  ,  he’s  really  trying  .  all  he  asks  for  is  to  have  a  little  time  .  that  actually  means  he  needs  someone  to  take  initiative  and  get  him  out  of  his  own  world  deep  inside  of  his  head  .  it’s  not  something  he’d  admit  to  needing  out  loud  .  all  the  same  though  ,  he’d  be  grateful  for  it  .

literally  kai  is  just  one  hell  of  a  depressing  character  .  like  .  i  mean  ,  yea  honestly  that’s  what  he  is  .  but  he’s  trying  to  be  better  .  all  he  needs  is  that  little  push  .  and  he’ll  give  a  push  to  people  who  need  it  before  he  ever  thinks  to  do  the  same  for  himself  .  the  last  thing  he’ll  ever  do  is  put  himself  first  when  there  are  other  people  who  need  it  more  .

、 ⠀ ་ ⸼ ⸒ ✴ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧  ›  

glimpse  of  us  (  joji  )  ,  starting  line  (  luke  hemmings  )  ,  mum  (  luke  hemmings  )  ,  i  lost  a  friend  (  finneas  )  ,  joey  tribbiani  (  friends  )  literally  what  is  this  variety

#◟ ⋆ 𝐤𝐚𝐢 › about !

[filllthecrown]

muse: sydney bryan, tattoo artist (test muse); fc: kehlani parrish open to: ladies plot: that one plot that was like i was getting a tattoo done and the artist told me ‘good girl’ and i don’t know what to do

The only sounds in the studio were the soft music coming out of a speaker set up on a shelf and the consistent buzzing as Sydney worked on the design. Every now and then she glances up, watching their face for any sign of extreme pain but so far they were taking it like a champ. “I’m surprised,” she said, eyes going back to focus on the job at hand, “for being your first tattoo and all, you’re doing really good.” She had seen her fair share of yellers, squirmers, even a time or two where someone couldn’t take it and left with uncompleted line work. But nope; this person was a pro. But she saw the twitch so she put a little more force down, holding them so she could finish a section of shading. “Good girl,” she said once she was done, the praise slipping from her lips effortlessly. “You’re doing really good.”

#indie smut rp #interactions. / ( sydney ) #misc rp. / ( open starter ) #misc rp. / ( sydney open )

[airgenerationau]

Installing Ducted Air Conditioning

Ducted air conditioning is ideal for cooling whole houses or multi-storey buildings. Its primary unit is located outside, with ducts running from it to each room.

It’s a good idea to hire local professional installers for proper system sizing and installation. It also helps ensure your warranty remains valid.

Cost

Several factors can affect the cost of installing ducted air conditioning. These include the size of your home, the number of rooms, and whether you have existing ductwork. Another factor is the brand of AC unit chosen. If you choose a brand that isn’t usually used by contractors, you’ll pay more for installation.

Ducted air conditioners are often more expensive than other types of air conditioning, but they can be cost-effective in the long run due to lower energy costs and increased property value. In addition, they can be integrated with smart technology, giving you the freedom to control your air conditioning via your smartphone.

It’s important to hire a professional for duct installation, as the job can be complex. HVAC Gnome connects you with vetted professionals who can install your ducted system safely and efficiently. Avoid contractors who require large deposits or ask for payments in phases. The industry is regulated by the Department of Fair Trading to limit these practices.

Energy efficiency

Ducted air conditioning is a whole-of-home cooling solution that offers heating as well. Its key feature is even temperature distribution, especially important during Sydney’s summers. It’s also a more energy-efficient option than window or central ACs, because the indoor units are located in your roof space and the cooled air is delivered via a network of insulated ducts.

It’s easy to control your home’s cooling from a single remote, and it looks great in your property. While ducted systems can cost more upfront than split systems, their efficiency and energy saving features help offset this in the long run.

Another benefit of a ducted system is its inconspicuous installation within your roof and the fact that it can be installed into a ceiling void without the need to modify walls or relocate fixtures and fittings. This makes it a popular choice for new homes and extensions. In contrast, split system aircon units are oblong boxes that hang up high on the wall and can be more conspicuous to some.

Noise

Ducted air conditioning can create some noise when it’s running. This is because it blows cool air throughout your entire home through a network of ducting, but the good news is that you can control the exact temperature in individual rooms. This allows you to relax in your favourite spot without having to swelter or worry about wasting energy.

You may also hear a loud rumbling sound when the system is operating. This is caused by static pressure that exceeds the volume of air your ducts are designed to handle.

You can minimise this problem by having your ducted air conditioner serviced regularly by a reputable Gold Coast air conditioning professional. This will help to keep the compressor functioning correctly and prevent it from malfunctioning. A service also involves a full inspection of your whole system to ensure that all parts are in good working order. This includes checking the air filters and cleaning them to remove any germs or dirt that might be clogging them up.

Maintenance

Ductless air conditioning has several advantages Installing Ducted Air Conditioning in Denham Court, but there are certain maintenance requirements that you need to know about. For example, ductless systems need to be kept clean of debris and dust. This can be done by regularly cleaning the air filters. It’s also a good idea to remove any large items that are positioned too close to the wall-mounted units, as they need space to maintain proper airflow.

If you want to keep your ductless system working properly, it’s important to get it serviced by a professional twice a year. This can prevent bigger problems from developing down the line. You should also call an HVAC technician if you notice excessive condensation or a frozen coil. This will help you save money on energy costs. In addition, it can prevent damage to your unit. A trained technician can repair the problem quickly and efficiently. They will also check the wiring and electrical connections to ensure safety.

#Installing Ducted Air Conditioning

[apsdoubleglazing]

The Benefits of Double Glazed Doors for Your Melbourne Home

When it comes to enhancing the energy efficiency and comfort of your home, investing in double glazed doors can make a significant difference. As a leading provider of double glazing solutions in Melbourne, APS Double Glazing offers a range of high-quality double glazed doors that combine style, functionality, and energy efficiency.

Why Choose Double Glazed Doors from APS Double Glazing?

Energy Efficiency:

Double glazed doors feature two layers of glass with a sealed space in between, providing superior insulation compared to traditional single glazed doors. This insulation helps to regulate indoor temperatures, keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer. By reducing heat transfer, double glazed doors can also contribute to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

Noise Reduction:

In addition to energy efficiency, double glazed doors from APS Double Glazing also offer excellent sound insulation. The two layers of glass with an air or gas-filled space between them act as a barrier to outside noise, creating a quieter and more peaceful indoor environment. This is particularly beneficial for homes located in noisy areas or near busy streets.

Security:

Security is a top priority for any homeowner, and double glazed doors provide an added layer of protection for your home. The toughened glass used in these doors is highly durable and difficult to break, enhancing the security of your property. Additionally, APS Double Glazing offers advanced locking mechanisms for their double glazed doors, providing you with peace of mind.

Aesthetics:

Beyond their practical benefits, double glazed doors also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. APS Double Glazing offers a variety of styles, finishes, and configurations to suit your preferences and complement your home's architecture. Whether you prefer a modern and sleek look or a more traditional design, there is a double glazed door option for you.

The APS Double Glazing Difference

As a trusted name in the industry, APS Double Glazing is committed to delivering exceptional quality and service to every customer. Here's why they stand out:

Expert Installation:

The team at APS Double Glazing consists of skilled and experienced professionals who handle the installation of double glazing in Melbourne with precision and care. From accurate measurements to flawless installation, you can trust APS to get the job done right.

Customization Options:

APS Double Glazing understands that every home is unique, which is why they offer a range of customization options for their double glazed doors. Whether you need a specific size, color, or design, APS can tailor their doors to meet your exact requirements.

Energy Efficiency Ratings:

All double glazed doors from APS Double Glazing are designed to meet or exceed energy efficiency standards. This ensures that your home remains comfortable year-round while also reducing your energy consumption.

Warranty and Customer Support:

APS Double Glazing stands behind their products with comprehensive warranties, giving you added peace of mind. Their friendly and knowledgeable customer support team is also available to assist you with any questions or concerns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, investing in double glazed doors from APS Double Glazing is a smart choice for homeowners looking to improve energy efficiency, reduce noise, enhance security, and elevate the aesthetics of their homes. With a range of options to choose from and a commitment to quality and service, APS Double Glazing is the go-to provider for double glazed doors in Melbourne. Experience the APS Double Glazing difference and transform your home today.

APS DOUBLE GLAZING

Address: Units 5 & 6428 Mount Dandenong Road, 3137

Phone no: 1300 294 101

Mail id: [email protected]

#double #glazing #window glazing #doors #windows

[platinumsolar]

8 Essential Steps to Prepare for Your Residential Solar Installation Day

Solar installation Sydney might sound easy to some, but it needs to be planned to ensure everything is correct and safe. There are things solar companies should do, and property owners must be updated to ensure they will not make a mistake. But if it is your first time getting solar installation services, here are some things you can do to prepare:

Research Solar Options

The first thing you need to do is to research solar options. Whatever service you will get, ensure to research because it will help you learn more about what you want to do and if it is the correct choice. Search about solar panel systems and if there are solar companies near your home. However, do not trust immediately because not everything you see on the internet is true. Ensure that the company is trusted by many homeowners and can provide proof of its legitimacy.

Assess Your Energy Needs

Do you use too much energy? If yes, then you should be aware of the different energy options available for your home. It will help you assess what you need and ensure you make the right decision. The entire household must be aware of the consumption to determine the size of the solar panel that will be installed. This point is one of the things that solar companies will assess, so be ready to answer them.

Obtain Multiple Quotes

Obtaining multiple quotes from different companies does not mean you will get their services, so do not be afraid to contact them. Doing this tip can help you determine the companies that are within your budget without compromising the quality of the job. In this, you must be patient enough to see who deserves your trust more. You will also see here the inclusions of the service, so you can say it is worth it.

Roof Inspection and Verify Roof Condition

Once you are done with checking for companies, it is time for you to conduct a roof inspection and verify its condition. If you notice damage, you might want to call roofing companies first. Tell them that you are planning to have solar installation and the situation of your roof might not hold it for long. Do this before letting solar professionals into your house to guarantee the safety of everyone.

Review Contract Terms

Written contracts must always be available, and it is not any different when it comes to solar installation. Ensure that everything written on it reflects the verbal agreements you have. It will also tell the terms and conditions if there are delays and what will happen if problems occur. Without it, you might lose the case against the solar company.

Schedule Installation

Once you find a professional, trusted, and legitimate solar company, schedule the installation with them. Though some people might prefer DIY solar installation, it is better to leave the job to the professionals. They can prepare their tools and designate people who will come to your home to see if everything is good. If the schedule is finalised, make that entire day available to ensure someone is with the technicians.

Clear Debris

Before the solar installers arrive, clear debris and clean your home. They might affect the overall installation experience because the professionals are distracted. Cleaning your roof beforehand can also save people time and energy in doing the task. If you do not have any agendas for that day, you will surely have the time to do the task.

Trim Trees

Trimming trees might also be necessary, especially if they are already touching the roof. Once they grow more and become taller, installing solar panels can be useless because of the shade. Though trimming trees is done by anyone, it can be challenging for those who do not have any experience. In this situation, it is better to call tree loppers to do the job.

Aside from the ones noted, monitoring the weather forecast and creating a safety plan are also a good start before the solar installation. With these tips mentioned, you can experience a smooth-sailing installation from the professionals. Nothing hinders the entire process, so you are more confident of the outcome.

#solarinstallationsydney

[poolsafevd]

Glass Fencing: What To Do Before The Installation

Glass fencing Sydney has been getting the attention of many pool owners because of how it enhances the pool area and the overlook of their homes. However, installing one can be challenging because of the process and sensitivity of the glass. Though it is ideal to start the project immediately, it requires planning to ensure you will perform everything correctly. If you have never tried doing a DIY glass pool fencing installation before, here are some tips on what to do:

Set a Budget

Before starting any project, the first thing you need to do is to set a budget. Whether you do DIY or hire a professional, you must know the range of what you can expend. Not setting a budget might hurt your bank account, even if you have enough for everything you need. Installing glass pool fencing requires this tip to see if materials and additional features can be covered.

Choose a Design

Once you determine how much your budget will be, it is time to choose a design. If you hire professionals, they might show a portfolio of their work, and you can use it as a foundation for what you want for your home. But if you decide to DIY, then the internet is your friend. You will see many different pool fencing designs made of metal and glass, and you need to choose what works best in your pool area. If you want to consider frameless glass fencing, you might need the assistance of professionals though.

Measure the Area

Aside from the design, consider the area. Ensure to obtain the correct measurement because one mistake can lead to the overall results of the project. Understanding the measurement of the place can give you accurate details that affect the panels and hardware required to do the pool fencing. If you prefer glass fencing, you need to be more mindful of this factor because committing a mistake can affect how you use the glass for the installation.

Select Glass Thickness

For glass fencing fans, you need to select the glass thickness because it can affect your budget and design. Though they may look similar to many, the thickness is more noticeable when it comes to safety. No one wants to install a glass pool fence that can only be used for days, especially if you and your family love to swim. The durability can benefit from this, so choose a brand known to many.

Notify Neighbours

Aside from you and the people in your home, your neighbours can also be affected by the project. Even if it does not happen within their premises, the noise and dust might reach their homes. And if they do not know what is happening and issues start to arise, you may not have time to explain yourself. Informing them days before can give them time to prepare themselves for the noise and everything that could occur. Disruptions may happen, so minimise them and address their concerns calmly and respectfully.

Gather Tools and Equipment

Since you will DIY the glass fencing installation, gather your tools and equipment to ensure they are correct. You will see a complete list on the internet of what tools you can use and what brands are sturdy for the project. Measuring tape and drill are just two of what you will use, so study how to use them.

Secure Pets

If you have pets, put them in a secure area to prevent them from roaming around the house. Keeping them unleashed and wandering might make them reach the pool area, affecting the overall job. If you do not notice that they are there, you might also be in an accident. Placing them in a room can prevent distractions and make the process safe for everyone.

Coordinate with Professionals

Though DIY sounds fun and easy, the time might come when you cannot stand the project anymore. With this, keeping the contact details of trusted pool fencing professionals might be of help someday. They have the correct tools, knowledge, skills, and experience to guarantee that hiring them is a wise decision and you will not regret it. You will also notice how their work is more smooth than DIY.

Installing glass pool fencing might be fun, but you need to ensure that you understand what you must do. Following these can make the process go smoothly, whether there is a professional or not. All the best to your new pool fencing!

#glassfencingsydney