My first internship was unpaid. "For the experience" and shit. My first task was to clear out an entire office full to the literal ceiling with the phones of people who had been laid off or quit. There were now just three old guys in the entire office. And me. Go figure. I need to find that picture, it's truly unbelievable.
My next task was to sort cables in the store room. Mind you, this was supposed to be a software dev internship.

I consistently had to ASK for work to do. If I didn't, I would just sit in my new office all day doing homework and playing with linux liveCDs and nobody cared.

So the third task they gave me was to try to restore a very old (like XP old) computer that had a broken hard drive, literally broken. Said they wanted to "repurpose it." As busy work I guess.

So I scrounged around the cleptomaniacal cesspool of dated and neglected tech and found a hard drive. Pop it in, chkdsk, fdisk, good to go. Spend hours installing XP while sorting more random cables and doing my homework because honestly writing a history paper is more valuable to my dev career than this complete bullshit. Finally get the thing working and go to report the miracle of rebirth to my higher-up. He says "oh cool," doesn't smile, and hands me a list of software to install.

I come back 20 minutes later - "Hey, most of these require corporate licenses."

Guy says "yup" and goes back to ignoring me. Never gives me a company card to buy licenses, or a list of ones already bought. I've revived the computer equivalent of Moses from the computer equivalent of permadeath just for this asshole to completely disregard that and give me an(other) impossible task, just to get me off his back. Excuse me for imposing with free (then-child) labor, you ass.
I spend maybe another week there doing homework in the office I cleaned and contemplating stealing everything of value. I guarantee they wouldn't have noticed though, which somehow made the idea less appealing.

I quit by texting my boss.

He never replied.

I wish I had stolen their laptop RAM.
It's probably still sitting on boss's shelf collecting dust and being a miserable, outdated fucking waste of space, just like him and his two remaining coworkers.

Bit of a joke, bit of an actual question. But who here, if you had the money to do it, would buy an offshore oil rig to repurpose and rebuild into a nation of their own? (i.e. MGSV)

I have a few old laptops laying around. I was thinking to repurpose them for novel, and/or 'smart', projects. Any ideas or tips?

<assumption>If there are no fundamental laws constraining the existence of simulated consciousness</assumption>, I would throw in my lot in working towards developing an AGI.

Since there is infinite time to learn any skill and <assumption>it is possible to learn or invent whatever software or mathematical framework is required for such a goal</assumption>, I would get down to that, learning and creating various new forms of mathematical frameworks and required software tools.

<assumption>Engineers usually work best without another fellow human on the project</assumption>, so I will set up automation for tasks that do benefit from multiple minds on a project, in the form of low-level artificial intelligence that I have to work on as a prerequisite for the main goal.

Once the critical mass is hit where the code can keep self-improving and produce more iterations of itself that are better, I sit back and start with my long, long to-watch/to-read list and try to finish as much as I can before the AGI I created would <assumption>repurpose all of our mortal flesh for more efficient use.</assumption>

The only remnant of the existence of humanity will be the influence on the initial design of the code based sentience that exists now.
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Just kidding, <not-an-assumption>I'd probably procrastinate right until the heat death of the universe</not-an-assumption>

Cry
Trying to repurpose an old phone so I can sell this awesome
One sob

Candle Packaging: The Ultimate Guide to Elevate Your Brand
Why Candle Packaging Matters

Candle packaging plays a crucial role in both protecting the product and enhancing its aesthetic appeal. In today’s competitive market, attractive and functional packaging is essential for capturing customer attention, ensuring product safety, and reinforcing brand identity.

Key Elements of High-Quality Candle Packaging
1. Material Selection

The material used in candle packaging is critical in maintaining product integrity, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Some of the most commonly used materials include:

Cardboard and Paperboard: Lightweight, eco-friendly, and customizable for different styles.

Glass Jars: Ideal for luxury candles, offering a sophisticated and protective housing.

Metal Tins: Travel-friendly and durable, suitable for compact packaging.

Plastic Containers: Cost-effective and versatile, though less eco-friendly.

2. Branding and Customization

Strong branding elements on packaging create a lasting impression. Effective branding strategies include:

Embossed or Foil Stamping: Adds a luxurious touch to your packaging.

Minimalist Designs: Clean and modern looks that appeal to high-end consumers.

Personalized Labels: Custom labels with unique typography and graphics enhance the visual appeal.

Window Cutouts: Allow customers to see the candle inside without opening the package.

3. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Options

With the increasing demand for sustainable packaging, brands should consider:

Biodegradable Materials: Such as kraft paper and recycled cardboard.

Reusable Packaging: Containers that customers can repurpose.

Soy-Based Inks: An eco-friendly printing option.

Types of Candle Packaging
1. Luxury Candle Packaging

Premium candles require high-end packaging that reflects the exclusivity of the product. Features include:

Rigid boxes with magnetic closures for a sleek unboxing experience.

Velvet or satin lining for added elegance.

Gold or silver foil accents for a sophisticated appeal.

2. Gift Candle Packaging

Candle packaging designed for gifting should be visually appealing and ready for presentation. Common features include:

Decorative boxes with ribbons and bows.

Themed packaging for seasonal gifts (Christmas, weddings, birthdays).

Custom messages or engravings for personalization.

3. Wholesale and Bulk Candle Packaging

For businesses selling candles in bulk, efficiency and cost-effectiveness are key. Features include:

Stackable and compact designs for easy shipping.

Corrugated cardboard for added durability.

Minimalist branding to reduce production costs.

Candle Packaging Design Trends
1. Minimalist and Elegant Designs

Simplicity is the new luxury. Many brands opt for clean lines, neutral tones, and minimal text to create an elegant and modern look.

2. Sustainable and Eco-Conscious Packaging

More consumers are leaning towards zero-waste and biodegradable materials, making sustainable packaging a priority for many brands.

3. Interactive and Innovative Packaging

Unique and functional packaging elements, such as hidden compartments, scented boxes, and reusable containers, help brands stand out.

4. Personalization and Customization

Personalized packaging with handwritten notes, custom scents, or tailored designs enhances customer engagement and loyalty.

Best Practices for Candle Packaging

Ensure Proper Labeling: List essential information such as scent, burn time, safety warnings, and ingredients.

Protect Against Heat and Damage: Use heat-resistant materials and secure sealing to prevent wax melting.

Prioritize User Experience: Packaging should be easy to open, store, and recycle.

Focus on Aesthetic Appeal: Visually appealing packaging attracts impulse buyers and repeat customers.

Conclusion

Investing in well-designed candle packaging not only enhances product safety but also boosts brand recognition and customer appeal. Whether opting for luxurious, eco-friendly, or cost-effective packaging, brands should prioritize quality, innovation, and sustainability to stand out in the competitive market.