In this episode of Swag Plays Factorio, Swag automates low-density structures—a crucial component for his future robotic workforce. He checks on his miners to ensure a steady supply of raw materials for the factory’s production area. Additionally, he adjusts his research queue several times to optimize his research strategy and improve factory efficiency. Watch the episode to see all the action unfold!
Swag Plays Banished S2 E18 | Splitting Sheep & Relocating the Dock
In this episode, Swag splits the sheep between two pens to maximize wool production and manage surplus sheep for mutton. Additionally, he relocates the trading dock, believing its current position might not attract traders due to game mechanics. Watch the entire episode to see how this unfolds!
Episode 30: St. Valentine
In this week’s episode, I dive into the various lives of men named Valentine who were martyred for their faith in the early centuries of the faith. I explore the lives of two of these men: St. Valentine of Rome and St Valentine of Terni.
True Love: A Solid Foundation for a Family
Love is often described as the cornerstone of a successful relationship. Yet, when it comes to building a family, true love serves as an even more profound foundation. As we reflect on Valentine’s Day and the significance it holds, it’s important to consider how true love shapes and nurtures the bonds that hold a family together.
I’m no expert, as I’m not married myself, but I did grow up in a household with two married parents who are still married today. Their love and commitment have shown me the power of true love and its role in creating a strong, supportive family.
The Essence of True Love
True love transcends the superficial layers of attraction and infatuation. It is the unconditional commitment to another person’s well-being and happiness. In the context of a family, true love involves the selfless acts of kindness, support, and sacrifice that create a nurturing environment for everyone involved.
Building Trust and Communication
One of the key elements of true love is trust. Trust is the bedrock upon which strong family relationships are built. When family members trust each other, they feel secure and supported, enabling them to express their thoughts and feelings openly. Effective communication further strengthens these bonds, allowing for healthy conflict resolution and mutual understanding.
Fostering Emotional Resilience
Families face numerous challenges, from financial pressures to health issues. True love equips family members with the emotional resilience needed to navigate these difficulties together. By standing by each other through thick and thin, family members develop a sense of unity and strength that helps them overcome any obstacle.
Biblical Examples of True Love
The Bible offers profound examples of true love that can inspire and guide us in our family relationships. One of the most significant examples is God’s love for humanity. John 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This ultimate act of sacrificial love serves as a model for the selflessness and commitment we should strive for within our families.
Another example is the love between Ruth and Naomi. Ruth’s loyalty and dedication to her mother-in-law, even after the loss of her husband, demonstrate the power of unwavering love and support. Ruth 1:16-17 captures this beautifully: “Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried.”
Modeling Healthy Relationships
Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in modeling true love for their children. When children witness their parents exhibiting genuine affection, respect, and partnership, they learn valuable lessons about what it means to love and be loved. These lessons become the foundation upon which children build their own future relationships.
Creating a Legacy of Love
True love within a family extends beyond the immediate household. It creates a ripple effect that influences future generations. By fostering an environment of love, trust, and support, families can create a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit their descendants for years to come.
Conclusion
As we reflect on Valentine’s Day, let us remember that true love is not just about grand gestures and romantic moments. It is about the everyday acts of kindness, patience, and understanding that build a solid foundation for a family. For a deeper exploration of this theme, you can listen to my podcast episode on the Sacrament of Matrimony, where I discuss how the sacrament strengthens family bonds and exemplifies true love. In nurturing true love within our families, we create a haven of warmth and security where every member can thrive.
Creative Engineering E11: Kelp Automation Begins!
In this episode, join me as I dive into the world of kelp farming automation! 🌊 Discover the secrets of starting an efficient kelp farm in my modpack. ⛏️
Due to time constraints, I didn’t get to process the kelp yet. But don’t worry—stay tuned for the next episode where I’ll complete the factory and kickstart the processing line! ⏳ After some AFK time to collect more kelp, I’ll be ready to roll.
Become a member today to get notified when the next episode drops! 🎬🔔
Swag Plays Factorio S2 E25: More Optimization
In this episode, Swag reworks his blue science setup to double his production efficiency, opting for a beltline to the research area drop-off chest instead of waiting for robots. He also enhances his factory’s visibility by installing radars and lamps, allowing him to see more of the map and operate better at night.
Swag Plays Banished S2 E17 | Mastering General Management
In this episode, Swag enhances the trading dock with a few iron tools, increases the storage quotas for various resources, and assigns new adults to essential jobs in the settlement. Join him as he explores effective colony management in Banished, even when faced with resource limitations and no immediate building opportunities!
Episode 29: St. Agnes of Rome
In this episode of ‘A Few Moments with God,’ host Swagnilla Ice explores the inspiring life of St. Agnes of Rome, the patron saint of chaste singles. Born into Roman nobility in 291, Agnes’s unwavering faith and commitment to Christ led her to vow chastity, despite immense pressure and persecution. From miraculous protections to her ultimate martyrdom, Agnes’s story is one of courage, purity, and unyielding devotion. Join us as we reflect on her legacy and draw lessons for our own faith journeys. Don’t miss next week’s episode on St. Valentine!
Why An Authorized Pokemon Mod for Minecraft is Needed
I enjoy Minecraft (well, modded at least, but you get the point). I also enjoy Pokémon—I remember playing one of the handheld games as a child. I won against the Elite Four and the Champion on my GameBoy Color, and I enjoyed playing the version that was set in the Orre region, though I never finished it. Imagine if you could enjoy aspects of Pokémon in Minecraft safely and legally—what adventures could you come up with, and what sorts of battles you could have, both against wild Pokémon and in multiplayer, against other trainers! You could build your own Pokémon center—make it as big as you wanted, as long as you had the materials! You could maybe even challenge gyms that spawned in villages and earn a unique reward when you won—or even a badge toward a bigger battle with the ultimate reward. The possibilities would be nearly endless!
The history of unauthorized Pokémon mods goes back a few years. The first unauthorized Pokémon mod, Pixelmon, did not have a good reputation with the community at large due to hidden code that allowed the developers to shut down servers that didn’t follow their rules—not Mojang’s or The Pokémon Company’s, but theirs. Due to this, and their use of copyrighted materials such as sounds and images, the developers were sent a cease and desist letter from Mojang in 2017, which they complied with. However, the mod has been revived several times since then by others after the base code was leaked. Pixelmon Reforged, Pixelmon Generations, and Cobblemon are three more unauthorized Pokémon mods for Minecraft, but sooner or later, I bet that Nintendo and/or The Pokémon Company will move to shut them down to protect their intellectual property, which they need to do in order to safeguard it.
I believe there is a way to get an authorized Pokémon mod for Minecraft. Yes, monetization is a factor that would appeal to Nintendo and The Pokémon Company (as they are both driven by profit), but I don’t think it should be the key aspect. Instead, an authorized mod would help their companies stay relevant and open Pokémon up to people who have never heard of the anime, games (both card and video), or manga. There could even eventually be a Pokémon World Championship tournament like there was in the anime—imagine seeing someone acknowledged as the best player of the game! Right now, this is impossible with the mods not being authorized. Additionally, an authorized mod could be trusted by the community to not have malicious code that would harm your game, and it would be compatible with the version it was designed for.
Personally, I will only ever support an authorized version of Pokémon as a mod for Minecraft and not include it in my Minecraft video series until this is accomplished. This aligns with my goals of making my content both family-friendly and ethical. I use tools like the YouTube Audio Library and Content ID to ensure that I am compliant with copyright at all times in my productions. If I’m uncertain about whether or not I can include something, I keep it out. For example, I encountered issues with copyright using Pretzel Rocks for my livestreams to provide background music, so I decided to stop using it. I’d rather use the normal Minecraft music (which I know is safe to use) than deal with the hassle of copyright claims on my livestream VODs. I have chosen in the past not to post videos when they went against these principles, and I will do so again in the future—you can count on it!
Once again, I call for an authorized Pokémon mod for Minecraft—just imagine the possibilities and how it could extend the shelf life of both games with such support! An official mod would not only ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for players but also foster a thriving community of Pokémon and Minecraft fans. It would open up new creative and competitive opportunities, from building intricate Pokémon-themed structures to participating in epic battles and tournaments. By supporting an authorized mod, we can encourage Nintendo and The Pokémon Company to collaborate with Mojang and bring this dream to life. Together, let’s advocate for a mod that respects intellectual property, enhances our gaming adventures, and paves the way for even greater innovations in the future. Join me in this call to action, and let’s make our voices heard!
Creative Engineering E10: Mastering Pedestals and Easy Villagers Setup!
In this exciting episode, Swag demonstrates how to harness the power of Pedestals to generate additional resources. He also provides a step-by-step guide on using Easy Villagers to cultivate four essential vanilla crops: carrots, potatoes, beetroot, and wheat. Additionally, Swag walks you through setting up the breeder and incubator to produce jobless, non-nitwit villagers, ready to be put to work.