#Aluminum LED Street Light

[affordablelighting1]

Learn about the advantages and features of aluminum square straight light poles, a popular option for outdoor lighting. These poles are made from high-quality extruded aluminum, making them durable and resistant to harsh weather conditions. They are cost-effective, visually pleasing, easy to install, and versatile, suitable for various outdoor lighting applications. The blog also provides tips for maintaining these poles to keep them in top condition. Additionally, the blog includes frequently asked questions about aluminum square straight light poles and recommends affordable lighting solutions at Affordable Lighting.com. Overall, this blog post is a comprehensive guide to help readers make an informed decision when selecting outdoor lighting solutions.

[jurijyuu]

Scratch an Itch Ch. 38: Meeting Again

Link to Ao3

Alastor’s POV

Another perfectly chaotic day on the Pentagram. In the sky, the red star shone a warm bright glow, bathing the cement and asphalt streets in an orange tinge, a mockery of a summer day though most sinners found it just as pleasant. He could spot at least five plumes of dumpster fire smoke in the distance. What a relatively peaceful day in this part of the city.

Fortunately, today’s schedule had to be adjusted at the last minute. Angel Dust was pulled to work and the princess didn’t want to exclude him from today’s teamwork redemption exercise of baking. He still wasn’t convinced that a bit of culinary practice would help cleanse one’s soul and he’d pointed that out to Charlie. If cooking and baking could lead to redemption, then shouldn’t he be the holiest of the crew by now?

A smirk tugged at his lips at his own wit and the princess’s creative reasoning. “It’s all about intention.”, she’d said. Hah! He could only imagine how many good intentions would go into those baked goods once Husker burned a batch and Niffty placed into the batter some of the chopped bugs she kept in a little jar. It would be so incredibly entertaining to watch.

With nothing planned for this morning, he’d taken the free time to check on a few of his contractors and review his peskier contracts. Even after all of that, it was still mid-afternoon and he was left to ponder what to do next. Bespoke leather shoes clacked against chipped cement as he sauntered through the city for something to catch his eye.

Just as well, a small bustling sound caught his attention from a small crowd dining at a local restaurant. The outside was lined in aluminum and red neon and from the faces stuffing themselves by the windows, it looked like a decent joint. His stomach chose just then to remind him that he hadn’t had lunch yet. Why take a break when he’d been enjoying his morning, now early afternoon? Of course, that thinking led to his now empty belly.

The light jingle of the shop bell signaled the abrupt halt of chatter as the more aware diners realized just who stepped into the place. Several seats were immediately vacated, the news of his last rampage at a cafe still fresh on wiser sinners minds. Unfortunately for the staff, they couldn’t leave, though a few went straight to the back before his eyes landed on them.

Several figures stood out within the diner, cloaked in black and wearing cartoonish screaming-faced masks, with little modifications for each individual. Something in the back of his mind itched at seeing them though he paid it little attention. Dark cloaks weren’t uncommon in the hellscape, neither were paper-white masks.

A small cloaked figure came up to him, their stature barely reaching above his waist. 

“Welcome to Billy and Stu’s. Table for one?” They had a feminine voice, almost squeaky. He eyed the area and found a table by the corner, only recently vacated if the half-eaten plate of food was anything to go by.

“Yes. I’d like that corner table, if it’s available.”

“It is now. Let me get that cleaned up for you, sir!” The pipsqueak piped up and ran her little legs to the table, scooping up the abandoned lunch and hastily thrown dollar bills with such swiftness that she was done in less than a minute. With a gesture of her hand, she offered him the seat and placed a menu for him. “I’ll bring your server here in a bit.”

He watched the little one disappear into the back. She was very professional, showing no sign of fear in his presence. He bit back a chuckle as her head looked like it floated on the tables given how short she was. 

Picking up the menu, he looked through the spread. The items had strange names he was sure were references to things that were lost to him. At least they had the mind to write descriptions.

A few minutes later, a taller cloaked figure approached his table and that itching in his mind started to spark a truly bright Edison moment. It started with a scent, so faint beneath sweat and diner grease but achingly familiar. And then it was a voice, muffled by the mask but one he knew very well. 

“Welcome to Billy and Stu's. Can I start you off with a drink?” 

He swallowed thickly behind a carefree smile. Well, this was unexpected, to say the least. What were the odds that he’d run into her here after so long without seeing her? Much more, she sounded pleasant. 

He could almost trick himself into thinking her customer service voice held genuine warmth and friendliness. Each syllable spoken in a polite manner that shook his core with the force of a sledgehammer. 

“How would you say the coffee is here?” He was quick to hide his surprise, slipping into cordial conversation even as his ears strained to pick up any changes in her tone. 

The black-mesh of the mask’s eye holes were too thick to see through. It did a fantastic job of concealing whatever face she was making as he prompted her. No doubt, she wasn’t as happy to see him as her voice made her sound.

“It’s the best diner coffee I’ve had both before and after I died. Not too acidic and we just brewed a new pot so I can get you a fresh cup.” A familiar ache of crumpled static and violent shocks sparked in his chest. He hadn’t heard her regard him so nicely in so long. The corners of his mouth tugged wider, wondering if she was feeling any irritation upon seeing it. Could her professionalism be stronger than her hate for him? If it was, then it wasn’t beneath him to take advantage and see how long she could bear to keep up her professional mask.

“Excellent. Get me a cup. I’ll need a few more minutes to look through the menu.”

“You got it. Let me know if you have any questions.” 

A thrill shot through him, sharp and sweet. Nothing changed in how she addressed him, almost happy, almost chipper, like a good little waitress. If he recalled correctly, whenever she pitched her voice like that, the corners of her mouth tugged up, the motion crunching her eyes a little into a rather adorable smile. 

He could envision it so clearly in his head, she must be anything but delighted to see him. Her eyes wouldn’t be that gentle sparkle she showed him once she’d taken him into her circle. Rather, they would look at him coldly, a silent anger in them. 

A cold gaze and a pretty smile. A shiver raced down his back unexpectedly, his heel digging harder into the white tile under the table in his startle. The image was certainly better than the frowns and sneers she’d sent him. And it had been a while since he’d felt a rush from something so simple as a person’s smile, imaginary as it was.

Reaching into her cloak, he realized that the bottom half was an apron that blended well with the black uniform. From the many pockets he could now recognize, a rolled napkin and silverware were placed on his table before she sauntered away to get his drink, her pace calm and unbothered. 

Unbothered by him?

He just about laughed out loud. Good. This was brilliant. Why hadn’t he thought of entering her place of work before? With how much fun he was suddenly having, he had to the inside of his lip to remain poised. This was…an unexpected treat, one that still shined despite the month he’d spent forgetting about it.

Rosie’s voice screamed at him in his mind, “Leave her alone!” 

He could see his dear old friend in his mind wilting with disappointment as his kind was made up. He mentally apologized. Surely, this much indulgence would be fine? Just a little. He wouldn’t do more than be her customer.

[tinylittledeergirl]

You can read the first chapter of my story, Promise, here!! The rest of the story is on wattpad. It’s still ongoing, and I’ve published up to chapter five!! My username on wattpad is Cutewith0braincells. Hope you enjoy!!

March, 1994

The flashing lights and shouting voices seemed to fall into some deep, grey void in which they were the only things that remained. Or perhaps that's all he remembered since his face was promptly shoved into his mother's side as soon as they arrived upon the scene.

An unmoving body lay on a covered stretcher and a motorcycle lay on the ground a few feet away, crumpled like aluminum foil.

Theodore tried to quietly peek his head just a little, just to get a better understanding of what had happened, but he heard his mother's quiet and tearful mutterings of "don't look at it, Theo."

He looked out just long enough to catch his father's face as he watched them unzip a fragment of the body bag to reveal Theo's brother, bloody and cold.

At some point, as Theo had turned his head towards the scene he heard one of the medics carefully explaining that his death was caused when his vehicle flipped forwards, and his head had hit the pavement.

His father returned from the scene in front of them to cradle his family.

Nobody ever really knew where Tristan went, and nobody really worried over it either. Even Theo's mother and father had given up thinking about it, so Tristan did what he wanted, whether it be sneaking out or skipping school or buying a motorcycle and driving it as recklessly as he pleased. There was a silent recognition that everyone agreed on that one day Tristan would just leave and not come back and that fact was inevitable. Now that his dead body was right in front of them, they began to wonder if they were wrong and it was very easy to change the outcome this entire time.

Theo's parents whispered quiet promises to each other that they would do better this time. They both held their son a little tighter when they made those promises. Theo didn't really know what they meant by that, but he knew that he had to be better too. For his parents. He then quietly peeked at Tristan as they wheeled him away. Theo had to be better for him too.

He sat there, his backpack on his lap with his phone up to his ear.

"Hey, Theo. It's Chris. From college, you know. I know we haven't talked in... years, but I heard from an old friend about how you're doin'. I wanted to say I'm sorry. That's awful, but I'm in New York, and I've got a guest room. Not trying to make it seem like charity or anything, but if you don't have a place, the invitation is open. Call me back if you're willing to stay here, and we can work something out."

Theo had very few memories of college and all that came before it. He knew that he was happier than he was now. Chris was, at one point, a very close friend to Theo. The downward spiral that began at age nineteen had eventually led him to homelessness on the streets of Chicago after he lost his job a little over a year ago, and he lacked any motivation to get another. The city he had moved to so many years ago that held so many promises and opportunities. That same city was now grey and empty. Anything important that he owned was stored in the book-bag that he held in his lap, and he had probably worn the same thick coat for a week straight. The cold bench on the sidewalk made it hard to believe that there was a time when his life was warm and forgiving. He had tried desperately for many years to remember where that life had shattered, and how he could put the pieces back together, but it never worked. No matter how many times he fixed every bad decision in his mind, he realized that he was always going to end up here.

He stared at his phone for a few minutes after the message had finished, his eyes not moving for a second. He wasn't sure what he was looking at, as his vision began to shift and blur the longer he stared at the unmoving screen, contemplating whether or not he should even respond, and what he could possibly say to something like that if he did. It went black a couple of times before he clicked it back on just to stare at the screen some more. He picked up his things and stood up, not sure where he was headed.

May, 1994

"Oh, you have a son?" Cecilia asked, car keys dangling from her finger. Her accent was the thickest the other had ever heard. She had inly moved from Italy with the past few months and she had only spoken to Neoma once in her short time at the office. It seemed like the first sunny day in a very long time.

Neoma smiled and nodded. "Theodore. He's seven," she explained. "He's been having a hard time. He's always been quiet, but he's hardly been talking at all recently."

Cecilia slowly nodded her head to affirm that she was listening. "Something happened?"

"Mhm. His brother passed just a few months ago. He was a lot older." She looked at the ground with one hand on her hip.

"Oh, so sorry," she tilted her head in concern. "They were close?"

Neoma shook her head slightly. "Not really, no. Their age difference sort of stopped that, and Tristan was never really home to see Theo, so they didn't know each other very well." She waved her hands in the air to shoo her thoughts. "Sorry about all that, I didn't mean to... anyways. Do you have kids?"

Cecilia nodded. "I have a daughter. She's a... loud girl, but not very good with English yet. Genevra. Almost seven years old. She doesn't have friends in America yet. All her family is in Italy."

Neoma smiled. "She sounds sweet," she mentioned, slowly stepping towards her car. She opened her door and stopped for just a moment. "Cecilia?"

Cecilia perked up for a moment and looked at Neoma, signaling for her to go on.

"Maybe we could get them to meet up? If you're not okay with that, that's fine. But I think it'd be good for Theo to make a friend."

Cecilia shrugged to herself. "I don't mind. Gena can be hard to get along with, but you can try."

"Okay. We'll set something up, then. See you tomorrow." Neoma waved as she got in her car and pulled out of her parking space.

Gena was a little surprised to find that she was going to meet a strange American boy, and even more surprised to find that he didn't want to speak to her, even after she so politely greeted him.

"Mamma, non sta parlando," she said, turning towards her mother and looking at her with very serious and disappointed eyes.

Her mother firmly grasped her arm and crouched to her level, leaning in towards her ear. "Genevra, smettila."

Gena pulled her arm from her mother's hand and took a step forward. "Perché sei arrabbiato? Lo non ho fatto niente." She proceeded towards Theo, who stood with his head down and hands in his pockets. "My name is Gena," she introduced. "Yours?"

Theo lifted his head and looked at her. "Theodore," he said before putting his head back down.

"Okay," she said, taking his hand and pointing to the other side of the park. "There." Gena pulled him along, sitting down in the grass beside him. She had led him to some shady spot under a tree, away from the heat of the sun, beginning to transition from a mild spring to a very hot summer.

He plucked up little pieces of grass and tossed them back to the ground as he listened to her tell stories, half of which he couldn't understand. He found himself laughing when she did nonetheless. She spoke with so much young confidence that he felt like he knew what she was saying.

Most memories of Theo's life before college centered around Gena. There were times when remembering her caused him this guilty, aching feeling for reasons he couldn't remember. This feeling was typically followed by the familiar, eerie words in his head. Word's that didn't sound like his own voice.

"You had everything. What did you do with it?"

He ignored that relentless voice, no matter how it always echoed in the back of his head.

"You had everything. What did you do with it?"

The only face that Theo could ever put with this voice was Tristan's. He could never remember actually looking at his brother face-to-face. Every image of Tristan that Theo had crafted in his head was solely off of the pictures around his parents' house growing up. The voice that he had made up was entirely from his own mind. There wasn't a single instance where Theo could recall his brother's voice, and there weren't any recordings of him speaking. All he knew was that this voice wasn't his own, and that Tristan was certainly watching him right now. He was watching when Theo ruined his own life after Tristan had died for him to have everything growing up. He was watching Theo give up everything for nothing at all.

Hours passed until he finally responded to Chris's message.

"Hey. I don't really know how to respond to that kinda thing, but thank you, and I think I'll take you up on your offer. Won't bother you or anything; I'll just be there to sleep at night and nothing else."

[sunny-in-gotham]

Saw the beautifully preserved/restored art deco architecture of the Cincinnati Union Station (now the Cincinnati Museum Center)

They had an amazing architecture tour led by volunteers for the heritage program, and we got to go behind the scenes to look at more hidden/restricted areas.

The Rotunda

The 10 story tall half dome featured 2 massive glass mosaic murals with figures representing the history of Cincinnati. Beautiful earth tones in the marble and stucco, accented by aluminum and sometimes silver paint/flakes. The skylight windows over the street entrance were made of two layers of cross hatched glass that can be opened for ventilation, and they diffused the sunlight to give that classic art deco indirect lighting.

More Rotunda from the Catwalk

Tour guide told us the flag is 30 feet by 60 feet but wasn't sure how big a single star was, probably around 2 feet, she guesstimated.

The Tea Room (now an ice cream shop!)

Beautiful original tile and light fixtures, plus the window has a surreal view of the fossils on display in the natural history museum's section! The natural history and Cincinnati city history museum's wings were originally outdoors, an underpass for cars and taxis. Except for the windows from this tea room, you'd never have guessed the museum wings used to be outdoors because they're still so ornamented and polished.

Also the green tile is so gorg

The Secretary and President's Offices

Nice and shapely custom desks with drool-worthy geometric curves and angles. The key cabinet resided pointedly in the secretary's office. This area plus the Boardroom are a bit out of the way and are still being restored, so we were lucky to have special privileges on the tour!

The Boardroom

Each sofa had its own cigar tray with holder. Railroad execs and their Cuban cigars, amirite.

The Men's Lounge (now Amtrak lounge)

The light fixtures and inlaid wood murals are killer. There are some telephone booths I couldn't fit on here, but apparently they used to be shower stalls. It would have been nice to see them in their original form!

The Dining Room

The murals were applied with airbrush, so they were understandably challenging to restore. Even so, the colors are distinctly earthy!

[amy-hitechpcb]

LED PCB Assembly

What is the LED Circuit Board assembly?

Generally, LED PCB assembly is considered to be a circuit board that has the LED components soldered to it. The LED is soldered to the printed circuit board and features a chip that creates the light as electrically connected. A thermal heat sink and a ceramic base are used to bond the chip. Not all the PCB products can be used in Led industry, as an LED PCB is easy to create a high volume of heat, but making it hard to cool with traditional methods. For this reason, metal core PCB is widely used in LED application because of their enhanced ability to dissipate heat, especially aluminum pcb is often used to fabricate PCB for LED lights.

We’ve had great LED PCB assembly experiences with top LED chips to brand such as Cree, Luxeon, Osram, Nichia, Lumileds, MLS, EVERLIGHT, Samsung, LG, Seoul., etc. PCB LED lights can be incorporated into numerous lighting applications due to their combination of excellent energy efficiency, low cost and maximum design flexibility.

Application of LED PCB Assembly

Hitechpcba serves customers in different industries, providing highly reliable and innovative LED PCBs for various applications:

• Horticulture light LED PCB Assembly

• LED controller PCB Assembly

• Computer LED display and indicators

• LED lights PCB Assembly for medical use

• Automotive LED PCBs Assembly include PCBs for brake lights and headlights

• Street lighting LED PCB Assembly

• Flashlights and camping accessories

• Traffic light PCB Assembly

• Commercial lighting LED PCB Assembly

LED PCB Assembly specification

Number of layers for LED PCB

These layers are made up of aluminum and magnesium, but now have Copper base material  and Ceramic base materials for LED PCB industry, we can meet it.

Aluminum LED PCBs stand out among other PCBs because it has a good insulation characteristic and has a better machinery performance, the cheap cost is one important factor too.

Types of layers for LED PCB Assembly

Normally, the base layer is made using aluminum alloy metal.

This aluminum alloy substrate used in making the base makes it ideal for through-hole technology which transfers and dissipates heat.

A thermal insulation layer is made using some ceramic polymer which has good viscoelasticity characteristics.

It is highly heat resistant and protects the PCB against heat and mechanical stress.

The circuit layer, which is covered by a copper foil which can range from one to ten ounces.

LED Board type- single or in panel

Some boards are shapeless. For this reason, LED PCB panels are used. This reduces time, labor production and testing time.

Some LED PCB Assembly is done on a single board while others are done on panel boards.

LED PCB Assembly Process

Roughly, the PCBA process can be divided into theses phases: soldering paste printing > SMT (surface mounted technology) > reflow soldering > AOI (automated optical inspection)> THT (through-hole technology) > wave soldering > touch-up and cleaning > IC-programming > FCT (functional tests) > aging testing. 

Below we show you the process.

Step1. Summarizing Project Information

Before contacting your supplier, make sure you have all the project information. Suppliers will need info following for quoting LED PCB assembly:

Gerber

BOM

LED PCB specification

Quotation quantity

Once you have gathered these information, you can contact us and request for a quote.

Of course, you can also provide the schematic, LED PCB Assembly pictures and even samples to us. The more details they have, the more accurate the supplier’s quotation will be.

Step2. Discussion and details about custom LED PCB Assembly

Different projects will have different requirements. Remember the special requirements mentioned in step 1? That’s going to be the focus of this session. Equipment and engineering capacity will not be identical between suppliers. Make sure your supplier has the equipment to produce and assemble major components and the corresponding testing capabilities.

For example, some vendors don’t have X-ray testing equipment, which means they can’t check the mount quality of BGA chips. Outsourcing this step will increase risk and cost. That’s what you don’t want.

Also, pay attention to time taken by the supplier to quote. Motherboards often contain hundreds or even thousands of components, and they are supplied by different manufacturers. To ensure the quality of the components, the supplier sourcing team will make multi-inquiries from these manufacturers or authorized suppliers to match customer’s requirement, which usually takes 2-3 business days, and even longer for some scarce chips. Therefore, if your project is complex and the supplier quotes you within few hours, double check with them.

Step3. Sample and feedback

After confirming the PI, the supplier will usually provide pre-production samples for your approval. At the same time, the supplier will also confirm with you the logistics plan of the bulk goods. Make sure they understand your shipping requirements, including details on packaging, customs clearance, taxes, etc.

For us to have a successful LED PCB Assembly process, its functions must be defined. Compliance requirement is defined to reduce the effect when components are selected.

The Bill of Materials is then generated from the information installed on the LED PCB.

All this information is used to assemble components which are identified from MOB to the LED PCB.

After that, the routing of traces is determined to each component, based on the size, shape of the circuit board and location of connectors.

Hitech Circuits is trusted by thousands of electronic engineers on their LED PCB assembly projects, from consumer, led bulb to precisely medical LED light, we can help you from the beginning of design stage; From commercial flood LED to industrial high power LED, from automotive LED to military LED, Venture is the perfect place for your LED PCB assembly requirement.

Hitech Circuits has been participated in hundreds and thousands of LED lighting projects, by providing LED PCB and also LED PCB assembly service.

Our LED PCB assembly had covered both ends of the Lighting Class LED size spectrum, assembling some of the largest (2 meter long boards) and some of the smallest LED Lighting applications which used in Medical Endoscopes.

LED PCB Assembly is very crucial in the current industrial development. Many electrical devises are being innovated and the old once being improved.

LED PCBs are useful due to the fact that they are made using materials that can transfer and dissipate heat. This characteristic increases device durability.

The world is changing with new technology, especially PCB technology that plays an essential role in the application of LED circuits. And the LED industry is taking advantage of this technology and growing faster.

As a full feature PCB solutions provider with more than a decade of experience, we're capable to provide LED PCB fabrication, components procurement and LED PCB assembly all under one roof. We can work with you to develop metal core PCB, aluminum circuit boards customized to your specific applications. We feature competitively priced PCBs made with standard FR-4 material that includes a thermal aluminum clad layer that will efficiently dissipate heat, keep all LED PCB components cool and significantly enhance the performance of your products.

LED pcb board, LED pcb assembly

LED with its advantages of high brightness, high efficiency, low heat, long life, is considered the most development potential in the 21st century lighting. In the market and policy driven by the rapid development of the domestic LED industry blowout has formed a relatively complete industrial chain, including the production of epitaxial wafers, chip preparation, packaging, integration, LED application. In 2010, China's LED industry scale, up from $ 827 billion in 2019 to 220 billion yuan, an annual growth rate of over 70%, higher than the 50% level of growth of the global LED lighting industry output value. Among them, the middle and lower reaches of the most complete industrial chain, accounting for 90% of the overall percentage of the GDP.Chinahas become the world's leading LED manufacturing base and important application market.

To further promote the technological innovation of the LED industry, construction and wide application of independent industry chain, China Electronic Appliance Corporation and industry associations to organize the theme of "Focus on the core energy LED Exhibition will be held November 9-11, 2010  in Shanghai International Expo Center and the 78th China Electronics Fair over the same period will be held will create from raw materials, epitaxial wafers, chip, LED bracket, LED accessories, LED packaging and supporting materials, the LED backlight upstream firm to the upstream and downstream enterprises of the display, lighting, landscaping, decorative lighting, traffic lights, automotive lighting, special lighting, to the equipment, instrumentation, software, finance, consulting and other service enterprises and technological exchanges and market trading platform, help the domestic industry sustained and healthy development, and promote the steady expansion of the LED application market.

In the LED industry chain upstream of the epitaxial wafers and LED chips accounted for 70% of the profits of the whole industry, and technology-intensive, capital-intensive, where the core technology of the LED. Well-known epitaxial wafer and chip production enterprises will be exhibited a number of energy-efficient, low heat, cost-effective LED products, many of whom have excellent products of international advanced level.

LED electronic pcb assembly manufacturing 100% Original LED Chip with one-stop in-house pcba services

[chenxin-lighting]

chenxin Outdoor lighting waterproof IP65 street light die-cast aluminum 30W 50W 100W 150W 200W LED street light

[unholyhelbig]

More vampires!!!

A/n: Your wish is my command! You literally never have to ask me twice for more vampires.

Summary: Bodies start popping up within the city drained of blood and torn at the throat. Detective Ava Silva and her new partner Beatrice Alexander are determined to crack the case before more victims are discovered. But when recent technological advancements threaten how things are done, Beatrice has to put more trust in her partner than ever before.

Trigger warning: Please respect your triggers- like any creature feature there is blood, and death, and violence.

Masterlist | Read on Ao3 | Request Prompts

Chapter One | Chapter Two

The Blood Ties that Bind | Chapter Three | Ava x Beatrice

Mary purchased three frozen dinners and a pack of energy drinks that were a strange, deep green color. She avoided the judgmental stare of the clerk, never breaking eye contact as she scanned the items. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. The music drowned out the methodical movements and Mary squirmed under the scrutinization.

She could smell the grape bubblegum from across the partition before shoving a ten across the counter. Mary hugged the paper bag to her chest and hunched within her leather jacket during the two-block trek home and by the time she’d unlocked the bottom door to her apartment building, the paper had nearly been soaked through by the sparse rain.

It was three stories and used to house a law firm in the 50s. Mary figured that her bedroom had once been the home of an executive that would plow through a pack and a half a day. There was a yellow aftershock where the desk had been, even the potted plant, its flayed leaves permanently ghosted onto the wall.

The smell had luckily been scrubbed clean, or maybe she was just so used to the damp scent of the rain that she couldn’t register it anymore. Either way, she was glad that the building hadn’t gone to waste, luckier still, that the walls were thick enough to drown out the sounds of her profession.

Mary ripped into the flimsy cardboard box with her teeth and threw the meal into the microwave without puncturing the film. She cracked one of the energy drinks, and breathed in the sour apple smell that came with the broken aluminum seal. She had placed her workstation along the line where a desk had once been, the yellow fault line cresting over the wooden edge like a sunrise.

She would often get lost in her work, forgetting the half-cooked lasagna in the microwave, the fact that she’d have to stir the meat sauce and set the timer again. Vague wafts of garlic would hit her nose, but it was all drowned out when she slid latex gloves onto her hands and started to dissect, and distill the Aconitum.

Mary took liberties with her lease and the spare room that she had smithed into a greenhouse for the sticky-smelling purple plants. She’d rigged overhead lights and sprayers that were on a kitchen timer. She’d often check on them, leaning against the door and flitting her eyes over the rows of damp soil, the stretching root systems, and the yellowed wallpaper where copy boxes were once stacked.

They were her passion project, her babies. The most enjoyable part of the job.

She’d made a small business by distilling the petals and lacing bullets with them. She’d used them for her own benefit at first, but like many things on the black market, word got around and Mary spent less time on the streets, in the rain, and more time in the warmth of her own apartment.

A few nights a month, when the rain had stopped falling and the city was damp, but manageable, she would slip into the alleyways, the graveyards, the usual haunts. Mary still craved the thrill of a vampire squirming beneath her while she drove the wooden edge of a stake into it’s chest cavity.

It was funny, they always begged, and she would always listen. They had immortality, and power, and a brazenness that led her to them in the first place. Yet, when faced with something that was never dreamed possible, they reverted back to the soft humanness at their core.

She’d press the tip of the stake, saturated in her own concoction past the flesh and the bone, also strangely human, and watch as fire leaked through their veins in brilliant oranges, reds that consumed the convulsions.

In the end, Mary would be left on her knees, water soaking through her pants and numbing her skin. She’d take a few moments to steady herself and usher in the gentle reminder that they weren’t people. They were monsters. They had killed Shannon and she would spend every single day for the rest of her limited life wiping them off the face of the earth.

Eventually, Mary pulled herself away from her work. She should eat, she should really eat. Her stomach clenched from the half-cooked scent and the flowers distilled. Instead, Mary walked over to her record player and unsheathed a vinyl that her mother got her over the summer. “Meat is Murder” by the Smiths, and she blasted it as loud as her machine would allow her before walking to the spare room.

The man she had chained to the radiator looked worse for wear. He had stopped pulling on his restraints hours ago. There were gashes where the metal cuffs had dug into his skin, not easily healed among the plants. For hours, he had picked up his head and spewed profanity at her, flashed his pointed teeth like an ID badge and fought hard. But then again, Mary would do the same.

The syringe of Aconitum had slowed his movements and burned like a bitch. She leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over her chest. He did not lift his head in acknowledgment, breathing slow and labored. It was the beginning of a death rattle, a stinging eternity.

“You ready to talk yet, baby?”

He mumbled something inaudible, so Mary crouched down in front of him, just far enough away from his reach. “Speak up, I can’t hear you.”

“Fuck off.”

She feared this would happen. Her last few patrols had resulted in nothing but stubborn, harder-to-vanquish kills. They fought with more strength, and she was nearly taken out by a pack of them traveling together. Something in the city was shifting and she jumped at the chance to interrogate one.

It didn’t matter how hard she hit, or what she hit with, he wasn’t talking. Mary knew that she should put him out of his misery and just shove the wooden stake as deep as it would go until it sizzled against the heat of the radiator. It would be a small mercy in his existence but she wasn’t interested in playing God and providing solace.

No, she was perfectly content to let him hurt.

The police didn’t care when Shannon died, and why should they? It was just another file stacked with the rest of them. A tragic home invasion and robbery gone wrong. But it was also the day that Mary’s heart had been carved expertly from her chest and stomped, ground by the steel tip of a boot into the asphalt to fester with the rest of the roadkill.

They hadn’t taken note of the puncture wounds on the side of her neck, it was barely noticeable compared to the rest of Shannon’s injuries, and instead, they promised that they would find who had done this- they would find them, and they would put them behind bars. After peeling Mary away from her corpse, that is.

Months and months of searching led Mary to one unequivocal fact: She’d never find them.

Her best guess had always been a transient, a traveler who had chosen the first house on the block that still shown with warm light against untouched snow. She knows Shannon was cooking dinner that night, and the vampire had snuck up behind her because the food had been burnt. Law enforcement was called, and they had extinguished the flame.

Shannon meant nothing to them, just as this man chained to her radiator meant nothing. A small cog in the machine that would continue to roll over on itself. There would always be other vampires, and other normal, eternally damned, people that hunted them for different reasons. In that sense, Mary figured she was nothing too.  

“They don’t care about you,” Mary said, using the sharpened end of the stake to lift the man’s head. Black hair fell into hungry eyes rimmed in red. His lips were dry and cracked, skin jaundiced. “Whoever you’re protecting, whoever you’re willing to die for. They don’t care.”

He worked his jaw, clenching it hard enough to loosen fillings. Mary kept her smile stifled, she’d struck a nerve, having learned a long time ago that if anyone was replaceable, it was people like them. No one had come searching for him, and if they had, they got one look at her and turned in the other direction.

“You’re wrong. He cares for us all and if I must die for him then I will.” He pulled on his chains, spit dribbling down his chin as he screamed, never as loud as the Smiths. “Over and over and over and over again!”

Mary hated when they got loud and thrashed about like this. At first, it had scared her, but then she folded to the dramatics. They’d do anything for one more sip of eternal life. She raised the stake and pressed it against the fabric of his shirt, saturated with sweat and saliva.

There was a knock at the door.

She wouldn’t have caught it if his jaw didn’t’ slam shut like a bear trap, eyes flickering with an ounce of hope that she despised more than the man flopping about in front of her. Hope was never a good thing- but it could be used to her advantage. Mary shoved a rag into his mouth, tongue too dry to shove out.

His calls were muffled, and inaudible when she shut the door and made her way back to the living room. Mary opened the door and was greeted by two women- one familiar, and one anything but. She carried a messenger bag, a terse expression on her face. She took a daring breath of musky, fragranced air. Mary swears she saw her flinch.

“Hey, neighbor” Ava Silva gave her a small, timid wave.

“Ava,” She dragged her stare up and down her neighbor's companion. Jeans and a beige-colored sweater that looked like it sucked up the rain as effectively as a mop. “What can I do for you?”

“We’re uh, we’re about to start working on a case and the music…”

Mary snapped her eyes back to Ava. Not a date, then? A new partner. This was different than the one she had last week and the week before that. In fact, the only times they ever showed up in the dingy hallway had been to pound on her door because Ava was in an alcohol-induced hazed that needed stirring.

Mary didn’t like the feds, but Ava was alright. She never treated Mary with pity, with the head tilt that enraged her with resolute quickness. I’m so sorry for your loss, do you need anything? And it was never something she needed but something that was sucked from the air in the room in that simple gesture. The pity that took her oxygen.

“Sorry, how inconsiderate of me?” She managed a smile, “I’ll keep it down. Good luck with your case.”

“Thanks, dude.” Ava smiled too, something more genuine. “I appreciate it.”

Mary lowered the Smith’s album after she closed the door and pressed her back against it, breathing in and clenching her eyes shut. She wondered when her life had grown to this. When had the roots from her life before, the quiet and happy life with Shannon, stretched into the soil of carnage?

Flowers were simple. Killing was simple. People- people weren’t simple, her neighbor wasn’t simple and every interaction with her reminded her of what once was. A semblance of being human in a world inhuman and cruel.

Beatrice and Ava existed within the same space as if they were strangers basking in the warmth that the radiator in the corner provided. A damp scent rushed in through a slightly propped window, trying to balance out the humidity in the dank space.

Beatrice hadn’t known what to expect when she scrawled down the address on her palm with the nearest pen, pressing the phone close to her ear and creating a cat's cradle of a knot with the phone cord. It was a nervous habit, and she certainly hadn’t anticipated a call from Ava asking her to come over.

The building as a whole was an architectural wonder, an old office building, from what she remembers, what she smells wicked into the walls. Drywall was crumbling in the hallway, exposing the structured innards. But Ava had done what she could, filling her space with the warmth of candles and the lights they provided.

There were books too, something that shocked Beatrice. It occurred to her, as she closed the door behind them, that she didn’t know much about her partner of a month. Ava made it hard to get to know her past her excited, often misguided, energy. Her eyes traced the spines, making out what titles she could: Truman Capote, Harper Lee, and Scott F. Fitzgerald.

Ava, she had learned, was actually quite charming when she wanted to be. She made sincere conversation with other detectives and smiled ardently with uniforms as she asked about their children and their studies. It became clear that the only person Ava had a problem with was Beatrice.

And Beatrice, she wasn’t used to being well-liked in any situation. If anything she was partial to keeping her head down and doing what was asked of her- doing what she deemed morally right in a world made up of charcoal colors. But something about Ava disliking her made her want to strive for more.

“Mary is a nice woman.” Ava filled the tension between them with words that took Beatrice a few moments to register. “She’s hurting, though, and isn’t usually that brash.”

“I’m sure.”

Ava gestured to the sofa and they both settled down upon it, bodies stiff. Ava took to one side while Beatrice adjusted herself more to the middle. Her partner had stacks upon stacks of manila folders spread over her coffee table. There was a napkin with the etching of the same symbol they’d seen in the house traced, steady-handed, in green crayon. There were photos of the victims and Ava’s handwriting in black marker across the front.

Hapless notes that Beatrice couldn’t make sense of.

Her next words came out in a sigh, “I figured that if we were going to figure anything out with this, we might as well work together.”

“Oh, really? What changed your mind?”

“Wipe that shit-eating grin off your face, Alexander. I can change it right back.”

There was no sharpness to her words. She was smiling too and it was as if just a little bit of that wall that was built around Detective Silva’s heart chipped away. Her smile was radiant, all-consuming like the way a sunrise overtook a valley covered in early-morning frost.

“Right,” Beatrice schooled her expression “Well, what have you come up with so far?”

“Well…”

“You don’t have a thing, do you?”

“Do you?”

Silence engulfed them. Beatrice could still hear the Smith’s album thump through the paper-thin walls of the apartment. She couldn’t make out the lyrics, but the baseline rumbled through her bones and vibrated them uncomfortably.  She had come on with a sudden headache behind the eyes the second she met Mary and it unsettled her.

Ava scooted closer, their knees touching. She carried heat to her that shot straight to Beatrice’s core. Of course, she had touched Ava before: a hand on her elbow to steady her against the elements, a small pat during the vomiting fiasco a few days ago.

This was different, somehow, and Ava jerked back as if she realized it too. Her heart was beating faster. Beatrice could hear it, nearly like a metronome, keeping in time with death. She reached across the coffee table and arranged the three photos of their victims like playing cards in a game of solitaire.

“The first death was hurried, there was no method to the mutilation, it was like whoever had done it was too afraid of finishing the job at risk of getting caught or hadn’t figured out their movements yet. But the second one- that model, she had the same curious, practiced, markings of her landlord.”

Beatrice hummed and picked up the first photo, running her finger against its glossy edge. Camila had been sloppy, and a surge of anger welled up between her ribs. There should be no malice there and she felt a sudden burst of shame for feeling that way in the first place. “What are you inferring?”

“That we have a serial killer on our hands. That Barry was the first job and our suspect got an itch for blood that he scratched with Sabrina and Tom.”

“Ava, what you’re suggesting. We have to be sure about.” She set the photo down and stared at her partner with compassion. “Something like this could spark mass panic that we can’t afford as a city.”

“I know” She groaned, leaning back on the couch with her arms crossed over her chest like a petulant child. “It’s easier believing that one person is doing this because the alternative is three sick fucks that enjoy bloodletting. And then… well, and then I’ve seen it all.”

Beatrice leaned forward and took the napkin with the drawn symbol into her hand. She felt uneasy as she leaned back on the sofa next to Detective Silva. Their shoulders touched and neither made an effort to move. This close, Ava could smell the rainwater on her skin, the vanilla of her shampoo, and the glass of wine she had earlier in the night.

She fought the memories that lapped at her brain like brackish water. Memories of the very same symbol etched into her skin and the fear that chased her from state to state until that too became a distant memory. She stopped checking the locks on her door and stopped running the pads of her fingers over the cotton candy scar on her shoulder.

Fifteen years prior that fear came rushing back in the noonday heat of a July protest. Washington DC had been swarming with people, music, and signs that were hand-painted. The iron fences that surrounded the White House had teenagers clinging to them like insects to fly tape.

There was a sulfuric stench to the air and a burning to her lungs. The sun ate away at her skin, but she had met friends there, had shouted along with them at the risk of being detained because a night in jail was nothing compared to an eternal life.

That’s when her eyes skimmed the crowd, and she stilled her movements. She swore, leaning against a bus stripped of its gray paint and slathered in a muted forest green, was Vincent. He was sipping a spit-warm beer and caught her stare before lifting the silver can in her direction.

Beatrice watched and then she moved.

She ignored the protests from the people around her, the spilled drink down the front of her shirt, and the sweat that wicked into her collar. All the while, she kept her eyes on the crowd, staring at the man who had turned to talk to another.

Beatrice moved four blocks down before she pressed her back against the stone side of an apartment building and let herself cry. Blood was rushing past her ears and her fingers had become tingled before going numb completely. There was a tightness in her chest that she had never felt before that convinced her she was dying.

A man named Dustin found her that way when he was walking his dog. He kindly gave her water and instructed her to breathe with a kind look in his eyes. Surly, she convinced herself, if that was Vincent then he would have followed her.

“I’m sorry that’s… never” She took a swallow of humid air “That’s never happened before.”

He smiled at her kindly “A panic attack? I get them all the time. You just need to remind yourself where you are. That you’re safe.”

It hadn’t been Vincent, because if it had been, she was confident she wouldn’t be sitting in Ava’s cramped apartment holding an exact replica of the symbol. Though now, she knew that he was in the city. She was confident of it and afraid. Deathly afraid of Vincent and of Adriel and of the small army he seemed to be gathering.

She swallowed the tightness in her throat. “I’ve seen this symbol before.”

“You have?”

“I have. In history books. It was used in the 1860s during the thick of the American Civil War. Most fighting tactics were straightforward. Battles in trenches in designated areas. But the group that coined this symbol, they were into more brutalist tactics.”

There was a quiet that was only seconded by the dull rock music in the walls and the rain that accompanied it. And then, Ava was smiling at her with a light that reached her eyes. Beatrice lifted an eyebrow at her, placing the napkin on her knee.

“What?” Beatrice said.

“You’re a nerd,” Ava said.

“I certainly am not. I enjoy history. Does that make me a nerd?”

Ava laughed, bubbling from her chest. “Yes.”

“Whatever,” Beatrice waved her off with a smirk “Will you at least admit that it’s worth looking into?”

“Fine, yes. Your nerdy history fact is worth checking into. Whoever this guy is, he could have the same ideals as the group from the Civil War. We can go to, God Forbid, the library tomorrow and see what we can find out. Tap into the public domain that we pay taxes for.”

Again Beatrice lifted her eyebrows and flicked her eyes to the large collection of books that were housed, alphabetically, on Detective Silva’s shelves. She could tell that the last title she picked up was Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. It jutted out, the pages dog-eared and the spine splintered.

Ava, ever the investigator, twisted in her seat and clocked the books before staring back at Beatrice with the narrowing of her eyes. “I’m not a reader.”

“There’s no shame in it, Ava. Being well-read is actually quite attractive.” Beatrice wanted to take a stake and shove it into her chest. She didn’t know where that come from. If she could still blush, then it would have enflamed her throat and her cheeks. “To…some.”

There was something that she wanted to shove down and admonish. Maybe it was the oh-so-human apartment or the sweatpants that Ava wore. But for the first time in their month-long partnership, she saw her as more than a gruff detective that she’d seen put a man in a chokehold over a missing piece of evidence.

“Books never interested me until there was a likelihood that I would miss everything.” She draped her head over the back of the sofa and stared at the Rorschach water stain on the ceiling. Beatrice did the same. She saw a butterfly. “A few years ago, I had an accident in the field and I was- I was hurt.”

Beatrice didn’t ask questions when she started at the precinct, but she heard rumors. They floated around the space like dust disturbed from blinds. It was nearly impossible not to breathe them in. An accident that involved a shoot-out and a car flipping. Ava’s partner didn’t make it, dead on scene and Ava was on medical leave for nearly a year and then another few months after that, relearning how to walk.

She hadn’t been able to keep a partner since. They were never a right fit. But Beatrice had the patience that only an immortal being could. Ava tested it every day, but strangely, not in this moment. This was trust. This was something fragile that Beatrice didn’t want to break, so she remained still.

“I remember the warm rush of blood, the way that the glass shattered around us, and the weightless feeling of the car flying through the air. It was so quiet and it’s silly but the only thing I could think about was how many books I hadn’t read.”

The stain grew fuzzy at the edges, looked more like a bear.

“In that moment I realized that the world is vast, but also incredibly small and I didn’t even have a library card. Which was unfortunate. There was a lot of reading I wanted to do.” She let out a small sound akin to a laugh. “Once I recovered enough to do what I promised, I started getting into the classics.  Sometimes it takes me a while, but I get through them.”

Beatrice swallowed hard and Ava covered her eyes with her hand and let out a noise that sounded like a death rattle. A faint red blush was in her cheeks. Beatrice decided now that the stain on the ceiling was more akin to that of a bat, spreading its wings.

“No amount of fire or freshness can challenge what a man will store up in his ghostly heart.” She took a chance, turning her head to look at Ava, taking her hand and squeezing Ava’s own with a gentleness known to foster love. “F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Great Gatsby.”

“I haven’t read that one yet.” Detective Silva sniffed, laughed even, and used her free hand to wipe away the moisture from under her eyes. She squeezed Beatrice’s hand back assuredly. “See, I knew you were a nerd.”

She never believed in showing her teeth, not outright. She was being careful lately, tailing behind a lone drunkard, sticking to the shadows and under the awnings where the slanted rain sprinkled her cheeks. Beatrice wanted to swallow back the thrill of the stalking hunt. It wasn’t natural. She wasn’t natural and the more she spent time with Ava, on the clock or not, the more she became painfully aware of the fact.

They’d agreed to do some more research tomorrow when the sun broke through the gray clouds and they had the warmth of coffee in their stomachs. Ava had adjusted the collar of Beatrice’s pea coat before drawing her hand back and frowning at the action. All the while, her heart thudded, hissed blood through her veins.

Beatrice was hungry.

She was going to ignore it, but the man who sloped in front of her had cut his hand on something: a broken bottle, a wire, whatever it was, Beatrice could smell it and it made her stomach clench. She could imagine the metallic warmth as it flitted over her tongue. Her jaw ached, salivating.

When he rounded the corner, she kept on his six. The alleyway was flanked by dumpsters, a sour rotted scent moving from them. Beatrice couldn’t help but feel a flash of guilt. She’d be careful not to kill him, she was sure of it. But Barry hadn’t been so lucky with the nearly same circumstances.

He dropped his bottle and let out a string of curse words in response. Beatrice couldn’t make all of it out, but she could smell it. He leaned over and threatened to spill the sparse contents of his stomach onto the asphalt, the pads of his fingers digging into the brick wall, spilling more blood.

“Sir,” She spoke softly, and yet so, he jerked up and scrutinized her with his fuzzy eyes, clouded by the circumstances of the world. She put both of her hands up as a sign of good faith. “Are you alright?”

“Piss off, mm fine.”

He didn’t smell fine. He reeked of bourbon and bile. His clothes were moth-eaten, and he had long ago lost his socks to the dampness of the city. This was the type of meal that Beatrice recognized she could savor. No one would miss him if he was gone, and while that made her sad, it also made her grateful.

She took another step towards him. “I can help you. I can find you a warm place to stay. Some food.”

“I ain’t no charity case, lady. Now I’m not gonna tell you again. Piss off.”

The man attempted to right himself, perhaps too quickly because he stumbled and nearly landed on his ass. If not for Beatrice’s steady hand on the sodden collar of his shirt, he would be face down in the gutter, sleeping off whatever he had ingested. For this, he looked relieved.

Beatrice could hear his heartbeat as it pumped blood throughout his circulatory system. She was starving, having held out for two days before she figured she needed to feet again. It seemed to come quicker, fiercer, after she spent the evening with Ava.

The man let out a grunt of surprise as she pulled him flush against her and tilted his head to the side. Years of practice and she knew just where to push her teeth past flesh. The warmth that filled her mouth and coated her tongue elicited a groan that was masked by his push of struggle. That too, soon cased as he let his hand relax on her shoulder, let his head loll back, and face the direction of the rain.

He tasted of cigarettes, but only slightly. Each person had a different tinge to their blood, the smokiness of nicotine, the sweetness of wildflowers, and the bitterness of alcohol. All the vices that made them human-made Beatrice a monster. She savored it until it was nearly gone, pulling away with sticky ropes of wine-dark blood between them.

The man smiled weakly at her like he didn’t know he was an inch from death. Beatrice ran her tongue over the two neat puncture wounds and cleaned the smears of color away from his pale neck. She did not lack the strength to lower him against the dumpster, lungs weak.

She picked up the bottle, and nestled it in his hand, the frothy liquid spilling from the top and across his bruised knuckles. Beatrice was squatting in front of him, using the edge of her thumb to wipe away the color on the side of her lips. She had licked away the rest, not hungrily but out of necessity.

“Thank you,” she said, adjusting his jacket once more in good faith. “You’re going to have a hell of a headache in the morning. Sleep. Lay off the alcohol.”

Beatrice didn’t’ expect him to answer. He wheezed through his chapped lips before giving himself over to unconsciousness. She stood, straightened her own jacket, and walked from the alleyway. She was sure to take the usual route home, enjoy the rain, and the way the moon cut through the darkness like a broken fishbone.

She made it two more blocks, shoes disrupting the ecosystem of each puddle, collar taking the brunt of the moisture before she heard the first footstep fall behind her. Deliberate? Maybe. It was a city, after all- and she had passed people unable to sedate their appetite of sleep.

Beatrice pulled her collar up and lilted her head towards the ground, listening to the noises around her. There was the dull hum of a radio, kept on all night. The whir of an air conditioning two buildings down that kept a convenience store cool. There was the ragged breath of someone behind her, not close, but close enough to hear them over the rain-choked gutters. All the while, she kept walking.

When she was sure, when the hair stood on the back of her neck and her bones became unsettled, she turned in a whir of strength. Slamming the figure smelling of clove and a tin button-box into the brick exterior of a wall. She kept her anger brief, her hand at the throat, her leg pinning the stranger.

Lilith laughed under her grip. “Relax, boss. I just wanted to keep you on your toes.”

“That was idiotic.”

“To sneak up on the big bad detective?”

“No. To sneak up on the big bad vampire.”

She released her hold and Lilith laughed. She looked beautiful under the moonlight, hair disturbed from the humidity, but catching the long and deliberate glow of the neon signs around them. She was in good spirits, shoving her hands in her pockets with the bubbling edge of a smile.

“You wouldn’t, you think too much. That’s your problem.”

“Would you rather I reach inside your chest and squeeze your heart to a pulp.”

They began walking with the silent understanding that they were headed home, back to the apartment after finishing up their respective meals. Beatrice let herself relax into the conversation. Lilith, despite her shortcomings, was as calculative as she was and had been since the day Beatrice stumbled upon her in a teaching hospital deep within the woods of the Poconos.

She was helping people and had volunteered during a bout of scarlet fever that overtook much of the state. It was a place to search diligently for a cure but had crumbled into something mark darker: a place for those afflicted to die in something akin to comfort.

But, there was overcrowding, and not enough staff to go around. Beatrice, of course, would lend a hand where she could. The blood that was being coughed into fabric, and vomited onto the floor was not appealing. It was chemical, and sulfuric, and made her feel resentfully like a human, disgusted by it all the same.

Lilith was kind in a stern and determined way and tried to hide it when she became ill herself. She was strong and fought for two full years with blood in her lungs and yellowing around her eyes before she was admitted alongside those that had infected her in the first place. Lilith, weak and brittle, had asked only for Beatrice to see her like this. Only for someone who had taken the time to get to know her, to speak with her about what life was like before all they knew was the hospital's walls and the bright floral garden of blood.

Beatrice had lost people before. She watched from afar as her whole family moved on, succumbing to old age and the natural process of time. But there was something about Lilith that tugged at her. Before- well, before she had been under his command, she was now freed. Now, she could make the choice to save.

“No, I’d like something more dramatic than that. You’re going to have to top a plague that wiped out millions, I’m afraid.”

“Well, that’s too much pressure.”

They smiled at their shared joke. It was something that flowed easily between them. The empty threats. It hadn’t been easy, explaining to Lilith what she was, what she could make her into if she wanted it. Having the liberty to choose was Beatrice’s strongest selling point. She drove it home, even with the secret relief that she wouldn’t have to walk the earth so alone.

Lilith drew in a moisture-laden breath. “I think we should leave the city.”

“What?”

“I’ve heard talk, just as I’m sure you have. There’s something big coming and I’d rather not be caught in the crossfire. I don’t think it’s… We can’t survive it. Not just the three of us. We’re going to have to choose sides.”

Beatrice stopped in front of the entrance to their building. “Where is this coming from?”

“From fear,” She burrowed deeper into her coat, suddenly looking like a frightened child. “I don’t want to get separated from you. You’re my home, and so is the kid. I know it pains you to be selfish, to choose us over morality but I can’t stand to lose you.”

Lilith may as well have invoked the name of God. She’d spoken like this only once before and that was decades ago, fears past that they had emerged from with scrapes and bruises. Something had scared her, something had her trembling from cold deeper than the rain.

“Bea,” Lilith reached her hand up, cupped the side of Beatrice’s face, and used her thumb to wipe away the pigment of deeper blush against her cheek. “Just consider it, alright? Consider it.”

Ava had tried sleeping to the sound of the storm and the second playthrough of Mary’s album, but it evaded her. The conversation she had with Detective Alexander played through her mind on a loop. A vulnerable and pathetic loop.

She had regretted saying anything at all about JC. Of course, she didn’t mention him by name, it would take another year of sessions with the precinct therapist for her to shape the words with her tongue, but speaking of the story as if it were two strangers was as close as she could get.

Two detectives that had chased the wrong lead and ended up in a metal prison that resembled a car. She opens her eyes to the dark of the room so it’s as if she hasn’t opened them at all. But Ava knows she has because she doesn’t see him.

He was dead on impact, the seatbelt keeping him pinned and Ava worked with a method that evaded her in daily life. Ava watched the blood drip from a laceration on his neck, through his hair and his vacant eyes, onto the roof of the car. She hadn’t the time to close them, to mourn him, because, above all else, she could smell gas.

Yes, Ava was difficult. She knew that with every fiber in her body that she was, but none of the other partners she was assigned came close to JC. None of them put an effort into finding out the dynamic that worked between them, so she drove them away. It was much easier than getting to know the quirks of someone new.

And then Detective Beatrice Alexander.

It was harder to wear her down than any other person she had been assigned. She was, quite frankly, a bitch. That’s what Mary had said when they shared a yeasty beer on her fire escape one night. It was a weak defense but it was enough for Ava to feel the sting in her veins. All of the usual tactics hadn’t broken Beatrice, hadn’t even cracked her façade.

It pained her to invite the detective over. To watch her sit in the same spot that JC did, shoving pizza into his mouth and pouring over casefiles. Tonight was different than that, it was strained but the beginning of something new. The beginning of Ava letting herself care, just a little bit.

The feeling left her hollow inside and wide awake. She didn’t bother changing out of her sweatpants and instead toed on a pair of running shoes before exiting into the cold drizzle that woke up her skin and dampened her hair. It was a fine mist and she breathed it in like it was the last salvation.

She had her gun strapped to her side, covered by her sweatshirt. Her badge was in her back pocket, and while she was itching for some type of confrontation to find her, she doubted that she would find one. Scolded herself for seeking discourse in the first place.

Ava ended up walking until she reached The Halo. It was a step up from a dive bar and still had its purple open sign buzzing like trapped flies against a windowpane. She acted before she thought, a trait that her therapist was trying to break her of.

Her shoes crunched over broken peanut shells and a fine layer of smoke had dusted the ceiling. She could use a cigarette herself, had left them on her nightstand, and didn’t have the heart to admit it to herself, so she slid into the stool at the far end of the counter, took in the deep green paint on the wall, the two men drinking a pitcher of light beer at a corner booth.

She recognizes the man behind the counter as she shoves a rag into a glass, trying to wipe away the smudges. She’d spoken to him a few days ago when they were getting the CTV footage for the night of Barry’s death. He smiled at her warmly, too warmly for one in the morning.

“Detective,” He remembered her “What can I get for you?”

“It’s bold of you to assume I’m not here to ask you more questions.”

“Well, are you?” He lifted two dark eyebrows.

 A man came out from a dark corner of the bar that Ava assumed led to the bathroom, though, she couldn’t see that far back. He sat down on the stool beside hers and she cursed herself for not taking note of the half-filled glass of bourbon.

Ava frowned at him. “No… Can I have a scotch? Straight.”

He nodded and turned his back to them. She studied the large golden circle printed onto the back of his shirt, ribbed and patterned as if it were carved from sacred and holy metal forged from the earth. She looked at the man next to her, who was staring right back, his lips pursed, drink raised halfway to his mouth.

He looked worse for wear, glasses pushed to the bridge of his nose, hair graying and shaggy at the top. She couldn’t mask her shock, then, as she clocked the clerical collar nestled against his throat, the wedding band on his finger. He was bundled into a coat, and adjusted it over the white obscenity at her blatant stare.

“Jesus turned water into wine, you know.” He took a slow drink; she watched as he swallowed. “It’s not a crime to indulge.”

“It may not be a crime, but I’m certain it’s a sin.”

The man laughed dryly at that but smiled with genuine hope that reached his eyes. The bartender set her drink in front of her and went back to his task at the far end of the bar. She had something much more interesting to focus on now, other than her posturing with the employee. This man had an accent, a tan to his skin, and a darkness to his stature. All things she did not imagine in a priest.

“Ah,” He swallowed the rest of his drink. “Are you religious, then, Miss?”

“Silva.”

“Miss Silva.”

She took a sip of the scotch, savored the way it burned her throat, and made her tongue tingle. “Someone who has a good relationship with God isn’t in a bar in the middle of the night.”

He laughed again and she let her shoulders ease in the slightest bit of tension. Maybe it was the warmth that shot straight to her core with the assistance of alcohol, or the plain fact that he was a man of the Catholic Church that eased her.

Ava wasn’t particularly religious. She accompanied her mother to Christmas mass until she was six years old and both of them gave up on the charade. She respected religion until it turned into an excuse until actions were blamed on an ancient book instead of the cruelty of human nature that she spent a better part of her life combatting.

“Clever. While I am technically off the clock, you are more than welcome to confess.” He lowered his voice in mock “How can I help you, my child?”

They both laughed and another scotch was set in front of her at some point. She drank that one in two long, hissing gulps. Breathed out through her slightly parted lips to ease the pain. She hadn’t had anything stronger than a beer in a long time, and she would often wait until it turned spit-warm before abandoning it out of social construct.

“No offense, Father. But I don’t put much faith in a God that makes a world where I’m needed in the first place. Pardon my language, but it’s a fucked up and ruthless place. So, you can keep your confession. Please.”

“Well, Miss Silva, no one ever claimed that God was fair. He loves you, but that doesn’t mean he’ll save you.”

The priest tilted the last buttered drop from the base of the glass and dug in his pocket. He set down a pile of crumpled bills, and a small piece of cardstock before rising from the barstool. There was something deliberate in his movements. He squeezed her shoulder with a stare that made her think for a moment that he could see right through her bullshit.

And, her bullshit was ever-present. She didn’t like the weightlessness that the scotch gave her, hadn’t been used to the strength of it, hardly the good stuff. She was ready to sleep now. Tired from the short and ominous conversation. This is why, the thought, you don’t talk to strangers.

Ava paid off her own bill, much too expensive for a hole in the wall. She leaned over and picked up the cardstock. The Catholic Church for the First-Born Children. Okay- that didn’t sound cultish at all. It was totally selling her on the idea of Catholicism.

The girl shoved the card into her back pocket and swallowed the acidic taste in her mouth as it threatened to resurface. Ava dreaded the walk home. All she could think about was Christmas Mass and the unsettled feeling the priest gave her, white dog collar and all.  

[thepastisalreadywritten]

In Japan’s glittering cities, all hustle and light, they can be easy to miss.

With all that sensory assault, who thinks to look down and take notice of something as mundane as a manhole cover? But these are no ordinary bits of civic infrastructure.

In Japan, many manhole covers are works of urban art—elaborate, curious, distinctive, even colorful.

They have become a tourist destination unto themselves and attract a legion of dedicated manhole enthusiasts who travel the country to visit some of the thousands of unique designs.

Japan’s decorated manhole covers—broadly encompassing storm drain, domestic water supply, electrical and other utility access covers—initially took shape as a public relations campaign for sewers.

Beginning in the 1950s, the cast plates featured simple geometric patterns, such as the “Tokyo” and “Nagoya” designs.

Japanese civil servant Yasutake Kameda conceived of the intricate, artistic versions in 1985 to help warm a skeptical rural population to the idea of the costly but necessary modernization of the country’s sewer system.

From these humble and practical beginnings, manhole covers have become a cultural phenomenon.

Typically, “local manholes” or “design manholes” feature elements special to a particular location: a town emblem, landmark, event, or official bird or flower.

For instance, Takasaki, 60 miles northwest of Tokyo in mountainous Gunma Prefecture, has manhole covers that commemorate the city’s popular summer fireworks festival.

Local mascots (known as yurukyara, such as Fukaya City’s adorable rabbit-deer Fukkachan) and cartoon characters also appear.

In Tokyo’s Tama ward, home of the Sanrio Puroland amusement park, one can find covers featuring the ever-popular Hello Kitty.

Local sports franchises are also represented near the teams’ home arenas and stadiums—such as the well-known colorful depiction of the logo of the Hiroshima Carp baseball team.

While there is some logic to the placement of the covers, particularly those graced with color—usually near a landmark, theme park, or stadium—others appear to have been placed without rhyme or reason.

Indeed, it is not unusual to walk down an otherwise unremarkable side street and spot a special one underfoot.

The ornate manhole covers are initially carved from aluminum, which is used to make sand molds for casting.

The majority of the designs are selected by local municipalities, in conjunction with manufacturers.

In most cases, the design is just imprinted in the cover, but in some cases, the covers get another touch—colored resins flooded into voids like enamel on jewelry.

Today, an estimated 95 percent of Japan’s 1,718 municipalities across all 47 prefectures now host their own unique covers.

In Osaka, approximately 10 percent of the city’s 180,000 manhole covers feature ornate designs, of which roughly 1,900 get the color treatment.

Typically, a designed manhole cover, which weighs more than 80 pounds, excluding the frame, costs approximately $585—a five percent premium over the cost of a plain cover.

The color, however, is applied carefully by hand and nearly doubles the price of a manhole to more than $900.

Such is the popularity of these little urban treasures that they have a devout, organized following.

There is the industry-led Japan Ground Manhole Association and the fan-based Japanese Society of Manhole Covers, whose website features thousands of photographs submitted by users across Japan, who have snapped everything from large sewer covers to tiny local utility access panels.

“Manholers,” as they’re known, may travel to distant areas of the country just to photograph covers or collect pencil rubbings known as takuhon.

Trading cards featuring manhole designs are also popular collectors’ items and can command steep prices in online auctions.

One prominent fan is Kei Takebuchi, a popular Tokyo-based singer-songwriter.

Takebuchi traces her fascination with them to the covers of Nagoya, which feature a charming cartoon water strider insect, while she was on tour in 2015.

Since then, she has regularly tweeted photos of manhole covers to her nearly 200,000 followers on social media.

“Every manhole cover design has [a meaning] … it tells me that we can create art with almost anything,” she says, in an interview for this story.

Like many places, Japan is full of people with unusual hobbies or obsessions, but love for the country’s manhole covers has gone mainstream:

a “manhole festival” was held near a major train station in Tokyo last month, featuring trading cards, baked goods, and replica covers from around the country.

Retailer Tokyu Hands ran an extended campaign at its central Shinjuku location, with a range of manhole cover–related goods for sale.

The affinity for manhole covers also seems to tap in to Japan’s fondness for hobbies that involve lots of domestic travel.

Stamp rallies—featuring rubber stamps at train stations and other landmarks—encourage hobbyists to travel to overlooked or lesser-visited locales to add one more stamp to their collections.

“Rail-fans” similarly scour the country to document or experience a rare train carriage, an unusual station melody, or other rail-related minutia.

It is the same for manholers, with the occasionally far-flung or seemingly random placement of coveted covers—and directions of varying accuracy—adding to the sense of a scavenger hunt.

Indeed, Takebuchi recounts once spending three hours on a bitterly cold day in Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture to snap a photo of a particular manhole cover, beautifully designed with an images of Toki no Kane, a historic bell tower.

Similar stories are common currency in manholing circles.

Easy to overlook, but curious and rewarding, Japan’s unique manhole covers are a charming reminder that the mundane can be exciting and that you should never forget to look down.

[jsbmarketresearch01]

MBP Showcases Two Motorbikes in Auto Expo 2023 to be Sold in India

On the second day of the Auto Expo 2023, the MBP a renowned Italian motorcycle brand showcased MBP C1002V and MBP M502N, two bikes. Most probably these bikes will be available in India in the future and sold through the Benelli-Keeway dealership. It is the company’s first time in the country to have launched the selling of its new motorbikes.

MBP M502N has skeel body panels with an aerodynamic stance. It is a street naked motorbike with a parallel-twin engine that is 486cc liquid-cooled. One of the advanced features includes a 4.2-inch TFT colour screen. The engine is also equipped with a 6-speed gearbox. The bike will provide 45Nm torque at 6,750rpm with 46.9hp power output at 8,500rpm.

This bike also has a KYB suspension comprising an adjustable mono-shock and fork. It will have a seat height of 790 mm, running on Pirelli Angel GT tyres. MBP M502N also offers twin brakes in the front and at the rear, there is a single disc. Another add-on is a dual-channel ABS. The bike will individually weigh without fuel as 198 kg.

MBP C1002V cruiser on the other hand will have a 5-inch TFT dash display with a projector LED headlight set in an aluminum alloy frame. It will bear a 997cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine. Like its counterpart, it has dual-channel ABS. But it will have the support of KYB at the front and rear.

The Indian automobile market will also see a comeback by LML in the electric vehicles section. At the Auto Expo 2023, the company revealed the LML Star electric scooter that has a futuristic design with red accents and dual shades of white and black. This electric scooter also showcases LED Daytime Running Lamps and LED projector headlamps. It also boasts haptic feedback, a 360-degree camera, and LED lighting.

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[bostonsignsandgraphics]

The Benefits of LED Channel Letters for Business Signage: Why They’re a Top Choice

In the competitive world of business, standing out is essential. One of the most effective ways to capture attention and make a lasting impression is through signage. Among the many types of signage available, LED channel letters have become a top choice for businesses looking to enhance their visibility and brand recognition. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of LED channel letters for business signage and why they are considered a superior option.

What Are LED Channel Letters?

LED channel letters are a popular type of illuminated signage commonly used for businesses. These signs are made of individual letters or symbols, each housing energy-efficient LED lights inside. The letters are often fabricated from materials like aluminum or acrylic, which are durable and weather-resistant. The lighting can be either front-lit, where the light illuminates the face of the letter, or backlit (halo-lit), where the light shines behind the letter, creating a glowing effect.

Key Types of LED Channel Letters

Backlit Channel Letters: As the name suggests, backlit channel letters have lights that shine from the back of the letter, casting a halo effect on the surface behind the sign. This effect adds a sophisticated and professional touch to the overall appearance of the sign.

Lighted Channel Letter Signs: This is the general term for LED-powered signs that light up, offering better visibility during both day and night. These signs can be customized in various ways, including different fonts, sizes, and colors.

Illuminated Channel Letter Signs: Illuminated channel letters are essentially the same as lighted signs, but with a focus on their use as primary signage for business locations. The illumination helps these signs stand out in the dark, ensuring visibility at all hours.

Custom LED Channel Letters: Custom LED channel letters are tailored to fit the unique needs of a business. These signs can be created with specific colors, shapes, and sizes to reflect the brand’s identity. Whether you need a bold, modern look or something more traditional, custom LED channel letters can provide the perfect solution.

The Benefits of LED Channel Letters for Business Signage

1. Enhanced Visibility

One of the primary advantages of LED channel letters is their ability to enhance visibility. Whether it’s daytime or nighttime, illuminated channel letter signs provide high levels of brightness that attract attention. Even in the busiest areas, these signs are easy to spot, making them ideal for businesses located on busy streets, in malls, or in high-traffic areas.

LED channel letters also offer excellent contrast, especially in dimly lit environments, ensuring that your business signage remains visible 24/7.

2. Energy Efficiency

Energy consumption is a significant concern for many business owners when it comes to signage. Fortunately, LED lights are much more energy-efficient compared to traditional lighting options like neon or incandescent bulbs. LED lights consume significantly less power, which means lower energy costs for your business in the long run.

Moreover, LED lights have a longer lifespan, often lasting tens of thousands of hours. This not only reduces maintenance costs but also decreases the frequency of bulb replacements, saving both time and money.

3. Customizable Design Options

One of the key reasons why LED channel letters are such a popular choice is their level of customization. From fonts and colors to size and shape, custom LED channel letters can be designed to match your business’s branding. Whether you want bold and modern designs or a more traditional appearance, the versatility of LED channel letters ensures that you can create a unique sign that aligns with your company’s identity.

For example, businesses can choose from a variety of fonts and colors, and opt for backlit channel letters for a more dramatic effect. Customization options make it easier to create a sign that communicates your brand effectively.

4. Durability and Weather Resistance

LED channel letters are built to withstand the elements. Made from sturdy materials like aluminum and acrylic, these signs are resistant to rust, corrosion, and fading. This durability makes them ideal for outdoor use, as they can handle rain, snow, heat, and wind without significant wear and tear.

Whether your business is located in an area with extreme weather conditions or just in a busy urban environment, you can rely on LED channel letters to stand the test of time. Their resistance to the elements ensures that your signage will remain in excellent condition for many years.

5. Professional and Modern Aesthetic

LED channel letters offer a clean, professional, and modern look that can elevate the overall image of your business. When designed and installed correctly, these signs create a high-quality appearance that signals reliability and professionalism.

For businesses looking to make a strong first impression, channel letter business signs are an excellent choice. The illuminated effect draws attention to the sign, making it a focal point and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your establishment.

Backlit channel letters, in particular, create a sophisticated halo effect that adds elegance and modernity to the signage, making it even more striking.

6. Brand Recognition

Brand recognition is crucial for any business, and your signage plays a significant role in creating a memorable impression. Custom LED channel letters help ensure that your business name or logo stands out, making it easier for customers to recognize and remember your brand.

The bright illumination of LED lights also helps reinforce your brand’s identity, particularly if you choose a unique color scheme or design that aligns with your brand’s colors. Over time, customers will begin to associate your business with its signage, improving brand recall and increasing customer loyalty.

7. Easy Maintenance

LED channel letters are easier to maintain than other types of signage. The long lifespan of LEDs means you won’t have to worry about frequent repairs or replacements, saving both time and money. Additionally, LED lights are resistant to vibration and shock, meaning they are less likely to fail due to external factors.

If maintenance is ever required, LED channel letters are straightforward to fix. Many sign companies offer services that make it easy to replace damaged parts or bulbs. For businesses, this ease of maintenance is a major advantage over older lighting systems like neon.

8. Increased Safety

Safety is another benefit of LED channel letters. Traditional signage, such as neon signs, can present a fire hazard or require high-voltage electrical components. In contrast, LED channel letters use low-voltage electricity, making them safer to install and maintain.

Additionally, LED lights emit less heat than traditional lighting options, reducing the risk of fire or burns. This makes LED channel letters a safer option for both business owners and customers, particularly in high-traffic areas.

9. Eco-Friendly

As sustainability becomes a growing concern, businesses are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact. LED channel letters are a great eco-friendly signage solution. Since they consume less energy and last longer, they contribute to a reduction in overall energy consumption and waste.

LED lights are also recyclable, which further enhances their eco-friendly appeal. By opting for LED channel letters, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.

Why LED Channel Letters Are the Top Choice for Business Signage

Given their many benefits, LED channel letters have become one of the most sought-after types of signage for businesses. From providing enhanced visibility and energy efficiency to offering customizable designs and durability, LED channel letters offer everything a business needs in signage.

Whether you're looking to create a bold new look for your storefront, increase visibility at night, or improve your brand’s recognition, LED channel letters are the perfect choice. Their professional appearance, long lifespan, and ease of maintenance make them an investment that can pay off for years to come.

If you want to ensure your business stands out in a crowded market, consider upgrading to custom LED channel letters. With their eye-catching appeal and numerous advantages, they’re a powerful tool for building brand recognition and attracting customers.

In conclusion, whether you're opting for lighted channel letter signs, backlit channel letters, or illuminated channel letter signs, you’ll be making a smart investment in the future of your business. The combination of style, functionality, and cost-efficiency makes LED channel letters the top choice for business signage today.

[blackthornprime]

Legend of the Lupacons- 1

The air was cold and the moon was glowing in the dark sky, surrounded by stars. In the forest, a canine ran through the trees. The moonlight shined off of its predominantly metallic body with a silver-blue hue reminiscent of polished steel. The canine's form was sleek and wolf-like and its body was covered in a unique, thin layer of fur-like material that resembled metallic fibers.

The canine's fur was navy blue and charcoal gray.

The canine ran over to a cave before it slowed to a stop. After a few moments, the canine transformed into a masculine robot. He had navy blue and charcoal gray plating with silver highlights. His optics were a mint green color.

"Moonwave?" He called out. Another metallic canine lifted her helm and looked at her friend with light blue optics. She had midnight blue and slate gray fur.

"Hey, Stormfang," she chuckled as she stretched her legs. She got up, "ready to go?"

"I was just about to ask you that," Stormfang chuckled as the two walked out of the cave. They continued walking until Moonwave sniffed the ground.

"The air is different here," she commented. Stormwing looked at her, "you scared?"

"No," she chuckled, "I'm just commenting." She walked ahead of her brother and he playfully rolled his optics. He looked around at the empty streets and the strange buildings. It certainly didn't look any different than Iacon or Kaon.

He sniffed the air and he tilted his helm. He walked up beside Moonwave and she looked at him. He was staring ahead.

"What is it?" She asked, following his gaze and she saw a quaint, two-story residence. The house stood amidst the darkness, its warm, golden tones a comforting beacon under the moon's gentle glow.

The house's facade blended rustic charm with modern touches. Earthy brown siding complemented the creamy white trim and accents.

A gentle slope led from the porch to the sidewalk, lined with neatly manicured shrubs.

A sixteen year old boy sat on the front porch. He had a porcelain skinstone, jet and charcoal black hair with a single white streak and he had deep blue eyes. He was wearing dark blue and white pajamas and he was wearing a pair of silver glasses.

He sighed softly and he looked at the starlit sky with a thoughtful expression on his face. "Wish you were here, Mom," he sighed, "you would've liked sitting out here with me and Dad."

A chill ran down his spine and he looked around. He looked to his left and he gasped softly as he saw two large figures walking towards the house.

The boy jumped to his feet, startled. "Who... who's out there?" He called out, making sure not to wake up his dad.

Stormfang and Moonwave stepped out of the shadows and the boy widened his eyes and his jaw dropped in shock and amazement.

"Whoa," he said softly, "what... are you guys?"

Stormfang tilted his helm and he sniffed at the boy. He squeaked and laughed softly. He looked back at the house before he looked back at Stormfang and Moonwave.

He slowly reached out and placed a hand on Stormfang's snout. The Lupacon froze in surprise before he slowly relaxed and his tail started wagging. "Hi," he said, "I'm Connell Grace."

Moonwave smiled and she gently nudged the boy's back with her metal nose. Connell looked back at her and smiled as he rubbed her snout too.

"Follow me," he said as he walked to the garage. It was a two-car garage with a slightly inclined roof, adorned with subtle wooden trim.

A sturdy, wooden workbench dominated the center, covered in tools, wires and various projects in progress. A vice grip held a partially assembled engine, with parts and components neatly arranged nearby. Pegboards lined the walls, displaying an assortment of hand tools, wrenches and screwdrivers.

In the corner, there was a sleek, polished moped stood proudly, its chrome and aluminum frame gleaming under the garage's soft light.

Shelves stored various electronics, motors and mechanical components. A half-assembled robotic arm hung from the ceiling, its wires and servos carefully labeled. There was also a collection of vintage and modern bicycles hanging from hooks, awaiting restoration.

Family photos and motivational quotes adorned the walls and there was a framed diagram of a futuristic cityscape drawn by Connell hung above the workbench.

As Connell led them to the garage, Moonwave and Stormfang exchanged curious glances. Their wolf-like senses took in the array of tools, projects, and contraptions.

Stormfang, still in his wolf form, sniffed around the workbench, fascinated by the assortment of gadgets and machinery. His tail wagged excitedly as he investigated the robotic arm.

Moonwave transformed into her bipedal form, her metallic body unfolding from its wolf-like shape. She stood tall, her light blue optics scanning the garage with interest.

"Amazing," Moonwave said, her voice filled with wonder. "You're a skilled builder, Connell."

She approached the moped, admiring its sleek design. "This is impressive. Did you create it yourself?"

Connell beamed with pride. "Yeah, my dad and I worked on it together. You guys can stay for as long as you want. Just try not to make too much noise so you won't wake up my dad."

Stormfang, still exploring, let out a delighted yip as he discovered a bin filled with scraps and spare parts. He began to dig through the contents, his paws clinking against metal.

Connell laughed softly and Moonwave rolled her optics at her brother. Stormfang smiled sheepishly before he transformed into his bipedal form too and he looked at Connell, "we're grateful for your hospitality, Connell."

The boy smiled and he nodded. "So... what are you guys?" "We are Lupacons," Moonwave answered, "from the planet, Cybertron. We're hiding from the Decepticons."

"The Decepticons?" Connell furrowed a brow, "who are they?" "They are the ones who destroyed Cybertron," Stormfang hissed bitterly, his optics narrowing.

Moonwave placed a servo on her brother's shoulder in comfort and she looked at Connell. "We've been hiding from them and the Autobots."

"I assume the Autobots are bad too?" The boy asked softly.

"Not... exactly," Stormfang sighed, "but they're difficult to talk to. So we stay away from them too."

Connell looked down at the floor for a moment before he looked up at Stormfang and Moonwave. "I'm sorry for the loss of your home," he said softly, "and I'd be honored to welcome you into this one."

Stormfang and Moonwave stared at him before they smiled softly. Stormfang slowly reached out and placed a digit in Connell's palm.

"Thank you," he said softly. Connell smiled then he yawned.

Moonwave giggled softly, "looks like someone is tired." She transformed into her wolf form and settled down on her front. Connell blinked a few times before he walked over to her. He sat beside her and leaned against her side. He hums softly at the warmth and softness of her fur and he slowly falls asleep.

Stormfang chuckled softly. He transformed into his wolf form and settled down beside Moonwave and Connell.

"Do you think we'll run into the Autobots?" Moonwave asked softly.

He looked down at his paws for a moment before he sighed deeply. "I can only say that we'll be lucky if we do," he huffed. Moonwave rested her helm beside Connell.

Stormfang rested his helm between his paws and he slowly fell into recharge.

[cynthia-hitechpcba]

Why is the application range of LED aluminum substrate so wide?

LED aluminum substrate is a special metal-based copper-clad plate, which is widely used because of its good thermal conductivity, heat dissipation, electrical insulation and mechanical processing performance. In the production process of circuit board manufacturers, it can be clearly known that the aluminum substrate can be divided into three layers, namely the circuit layer (copper foil), the insulation layer and the metal base layer. LED aluminum substrates are widely used in LEDs, flashlights, street lights, mining lamps, high power, etc. Why can aluminum substrates be so widely used and used in high-tech products? The thermal expansion, dimensional stability, heat dissipation and other properties of aluminum substrates enable them to meet more high-demand products.

Let's introduce the relevant properties of led aluminum substrates.

1. Dimensional stability: Aluminum substrates are obviously much more stable in size than printed boards made of insulating materials. Aluminum-based printed circuit boards and aluminum sandwich panels, heated from 30℃ to 140~150℃, have a dimensional change of 2.5~3.0%.

2. Thermal expansion: Thermal expansion and contraction are the common nature of materials, and the thermal expansion coefficients of different materials are different. For example: LED aluminum substrates can effectively solve the heat dissipation problem, thereby alleviating the thermal expansion and contraction problems of different materials of components on printed circuit boards, and improving the durability and reliability of the entire machine and electronic equipment. In particular, it solves the thermal expansion and contraction problems of SMT (surface mount technology).

3. Heat dissipation: At present, many double-sided boards and PCB multi-layer boards have high density and high power, and it is difficult to dissipate heat. Conventional printed circuit board substrates such as FR4 fiberglass boards and CEM-3 are poor conductors of heat, with interlayer insulation, and heat cannot be dissipated. Local heating of electronic equipment is not eliminated, resulting in high-temperature failure of electronic components, and aluminum substrates can solve this heat dissipation problem. In addition to aluminum substrates, copper substrates also have particularly good heat dissipation, but the price is very expensive.

4. Other reasons: LED aluminum substrate has a shielding effect; it replaces brittle ceramic substrates; it can safely use surface mounting technology; it reduces the truly effective area of ​​printed PCB circuit boards; it replaces components such as radiators, improves product heat resistance and physical properties; and reduces production costs and labor.

Email us Cynthia<sales11@hitechpcb.com> if you are interested in PCB and PCBA service.

[signresourcesofnc]

Storefront Signs: The Face of Your Business

Storefront signs are one of the most critical aspects of a business's visual identity. Serving as the first point of contact with potential customers, these signs are not just about displaying your business name—they communicate your brand’s message, attract foot traffic, and make a lasting impression. Whether you're a retail store, a café, or a service provider, an effective storefront sign can help you stand out in a competitive market.

What Are Storefront Signs?

Storefront signs are exterior signs placed on or near the front of a business establishment. These signs come in various styles, shapes, and sizes, tailored to match the nature and branding of the business. From illuminated designs that shine day and night to sleek, modern signage that complements contemporary storefronts, the options are nearly limitless.

Why Are Storefront Signs Important?

Increased Visibility: A well-placed and well-designed storefront sign makes your business easy to locate, even in crowded or busy areas.

Brand Recognition: Your storefront sign serves as a representation of your brand. It helps customers recognize your business instantly and builds familiarity over time.

Customer Attraction: An eye-catching design can draw in new customers who may have otherwise walked by without noticing your business.

Professionalism: A high-quality sign gives your business credibility and portrays a sense of trustworthiness and professionalism.

24/7 Advertising: For businesses open late or located in high-traffic areas, illuminated signs provide around-the-clock promotion.

Types of Storefront Signs

Storefront signs come in a variety of styles, each suited to different types of businesses and environments. Here are some popular options:

1. Channel Letter Signs

These three-dimensional signs feature individual letters or shapes, often illuminated with LED lighting. They offer a sleek, professional look and are perfect for businesses that want high visibility both day and night.

2. Blade Signs

Mounted perpendicular to the storefront, blade signs are ideal for drawing attention from pedestrians walking down the street. They are especially popular in busy urban areas and shopping districts.

3. Awning Signs

Combining signage with practicality, awning signs display the business name and logo on a fabric or metal awning that also provides shade and shelter. They’re a great choice for restaurants, cafés, and boutiques.

4. Window Graphics

For businesses with large glass fronts, window graphics are an excellent way to utilize space. They can showcase promotions, products, or decorative branding elements.

5. Flat Panel Signs

These are simple, flat signs mounted directly on the building’s façade. They’re a cost-effective option that can be made from various materials like metal, wood, or acrylic.

6. LED and Neon Signs

Bright and vibrant, LED and neon signs are ideal for businesses that operate at night, such as bars, clubs, and restaurants. They’re also a great way to add a touch of nostalgia or modern flair.

Designing an Effective Storefront Sign

A successful storefront sign goes beyond aesthetics—it should align with your brand and resonate with your target audience. Consider these key design tips:

Focus on Readability: Your sign should be legible from a distance. Use clear fonts, appropriate spacing, and high-contrast colors to ensure the text stands out.

Incorporate Your Logo: Including your logo reinforces brand recognition and makes your business instantly recognizable.

Match Your Branding: The sign’s design should align with your brand’s color palette, tone, and overall identity.

Consider Lighting: For businesses open at night, illuminated signs or backlit designs are essential for visibility.

Mind the Materials: Choose materials that are durable and weather-resistant, especially for outdoor signs. Materials like aluminum, acrylic, and vinyl are popular choices.

Follow Local Regulations: Different cities and neighborhoods have specific signage codes. Work with a professional sign company to ensure compliance with local laws.

Benefits of Storefront Signs

Investing in a high-quality storefront sign offers a multitude of benefits:

Enhances Curb Appeal: A striking sign improves the visual appeal of your business and can make your storefront more inviting.

Drives Foot Traffic: A creative or attractive sign catches the eye of potential customers and encourages them to visit your store.

Strengthens Brand Identity: Consistent branding across your storefront, marketing materials, and signage creates a cohesive identity that customers remember.

Boosts Sales: Increased visibility and foot traffic naturally translate to more opportunities for sales and customer engagement.

Choosing the Right Sign Company

To ensure your storefront sign meets your business needs, work with a professional sign company. They can provide expert advice on design, materials, and installation, ensuring the final product is both functional and visually appealing. Look for a company that offers:

Custom Design Services: Personalized designs that reflect your brand’s unique identity.

High-Quality Materials: Durable materials that can withstand environmental wear and tear.

Experienced Installers: Professional installation to guarantee safety and optimal placement.

Compliance Expertise: Knowledge of local regulations to avoid potential legal issues.

Conclusion

Storefront signs are much more than decorative elements—they are a vital marketing tool that impacts how customers perceive your business. By investing in a thoughtfully designed sign, you can enhance visibility, attract more customers, and establish a strong brand presence. Whether you choose channel letters, blade signs, or window graphics, the right sign can make all the difference in setting your business apart from the competition.

Make your storefront a beacon for success by choosing a sign that truly represents your brand and captivates your audience.

[signarama-truganina]

10 Essential Signage Design Tips for Small Businesses to Stand Out in Melbourne

Signage Design Best Practices for Small Businesses

Designing the Right Sign for Your Small Business A business sign is so much more than just posting some fancy letters hanging off the side of a building. A sign should catch the eye of your customers, tell them what you're about, and stand out on a busy street. For many small business owners in Melbourne, you already know it's very competitive.

Here are a few practical tips on how to make your business stand out, courtesy of Signarama Truganina-the best sign writers in Melbourne to call.

1. Keep it Simple Silly (KISS)

You want your sign noticed, not ignored. Keep your message crystal clear and to the point. Stick with your business name and a killer tagline or offer--don't encumber the space with too much information. Less is often more!

Stick to One Key Message: Resist the urge to stuff in everything you do in business. What's the key take away you want your customers to remember? Readable Fonts Only: Select fonts that are crisp and readable, even from far. No wee text!

2. Make It Pop with Contrast

Something about contrast will make an eye pop. Make your text stand out against the background. For this, use bright white on a dark background, or vice versa, as the result usually does the trick.

Test Different Colors: What looks excellent on a screen may not necessarily look good outside. Test different color combinations to see what works the best for you and your audience. True to Your Brand Stay true to your brand. Use your brand color palette. Don't compromise on sight for style.

3. Investment in Quality Materials

You may save some money in the short run by pinching pennies for rubbish materials. But you are sure going to lose far more in the long run. You need a sign that lasts and still stays fine. Weather-Proof Materials: Select materials that can withstand Melbourne's unpredictable weather conditions- rain, wind, and sun. Tough Stuff: Acrylic and aluminum are tough and sleek-looking.

4. Dramatic Graphics

Sometimes a picture is really worth a thousand words. A bold graphic or your logo may make your sign much more memorable. But please don't overdo it—just keep it clean and aligned with your brand. High Quality: Sharp, high-quality images that do not pixelate or get all fuzzy. Shine the Light on Your Brand: Make sure your logo is upright and readable. That is what sets you apart.

5. Location, Location, Location

Location refers to the first part of an address. Your sign needs to be placed somewhere where it gets maximum visibility. Whether it is right above your storefront or a free-standing one by the sidewalk.

Check the Angles: Step back and see your sign from every angle. Is easy to view from every direction? More Than One Sign Might Work: Depending on where you live, have more than one sign work in your favor. 6. Add Some Light

Want people to see your sign at night? Light is a wonderful way to spread the word about your business well after the sun goes down. LEDs may make a world of difference in light visibility 24/7.

Consider using backlighting. This is excellent for creating a crisp, professional look for your logo or text.

Energy-Efficient LEDs: Bright and attention-grabbing, no more surprising electricity bills

7. Coherence Is the Word

Aligning Your Signage with the Balance of Your Branding Your signs must mirror most of your branding. Do you have a solid company color scheme, logo style, and/or tone that you want to convey? Then your signs must align as well. Alignment leads to credibility and remembrance.

Stick to the Colors: Not now is the time to mess around with colors on this sign just because you feel like it-now is the time to maintain alignment with your other marketing merchandise. Match the Tone: Whether your brand is playful and fun or more staid, your sign should reflect that, too.

8. Don't Let it Get Stale

Signs can age, just like anything else. Keep an eye on them to make sure they're still doing their job. If they look a bit stale, faded, or damaged, it's time for a refresh.

Check for tears, peeling paint, and weather damage Update with Trends Keep your signage fresh through updating them every couple of years

9. Size It Right

Size does matter for signage. Ensure that it is large enough to catch attention without being too big, awkward, or overwhelming. Consider where people will be the first time they see it.

Measure Twice, Cut Once: Double-check that the size is suitable for your space. Think About View Distance: The farther away your audience will be, the more massive text needs to be.

10. Hire a Pro

Let's be honest: a tremendous amount goes into making an effective sign. From the design to the installation, it pays to get some professional help. At Signarama Truganina, we have years of experience in helping small businesses stand out with signs that make an impact.

Free Consultations: We are here to guide you throughout the whole process and make sure you are getting the best sign for your needs. Custom Solutions: We design solutions that fit your brand, style, and budget. Signarama Truganina Can Make Your Brand Stand Tall in Melbourne For small businesses, especially in Melbourne, a great sign is a great starting point. Here at Signarama Truganina exists to help small businesses shine. Our custom, high-quality signage reflects your brand while maximizing noticeability.

Enough said, let's get started. Call 1300459117 now and discuss your project with me so we can turn your vision into reality!

[marketanalysisdata]

Lithium-ion Battery Industry Size & Share Analysis by Type and Region, Forecast Report, 2030

The global lithium-ion battery market, valued at approximately USD 54.4 billion in 2023, is set to expand significantly, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.3% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is driven primarily by the automotive sector, which is poised for notable expansion due to the cost-effectiveness of lithium-ion batteries. The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide is anticipated to surge throughout the forecast period, further boosting demand for lithium-ion batteries.

The United States led the North American lithium-ion battery market in 2023, largely due to increasing EV sales supported by favorable federal policies and the presence of numerous industry players. U.S. federal policies encouraging EV adoption include the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which offers tax credits for electric vehicle purchases. Additionally, updated Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards have introduced stricter fuel economy requirements for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs), promoting the expansion of electric drive technologies.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Lithium-ion Battery Market

The rising demand for lithium-ion batteries extends beyond the automotive sector to the electronics industry, where these batteries are widely used in smartphones. Lithium-ion batteries provide longer shelf life and greater efficiency for devices, further propelling market growth. Furthermore, increasing consumer awareness about carbon emissions is driving demand for EVs, which is expected to fuel lithium-ion battery market growth. Regulatory restrictions on lead-acid batteries in response to environmental concerns such as the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) restrictions on lead contamination and regulations regarding the storage, disposal, and recycling of lead-acid batteries are contributing to the shift towards lithium-ion batteries in automotive applications. Mexico, as a significant hub in the global automotive industry, is becoming a focal point for international investments, adding further momentum to the growth of the lithium-ion battery market.

Product Segmentation Insights:

The lithium-ion battery market is segmented by product types, which include Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO), Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA), Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO), Lithium Titanate (LTO), and Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC). Among these, the LCO segment held the largest market share, accounting for over 30% of total revenue in 2023. This strong demand for LCO batteries is largely driven by their high energy density and safety features, making them ideal for use in mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and cameras.

Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are gaining popularity due to their excellent safety profile and long lifespan, which make them suitable for high-load and enduring applications in both portable and stationary devices. The demand for NCA batteries is also rising due to their high specific energy, specific power, and long-life span, qualities that make them a preferred choice in electric vehicles, medical devices, and various industrial applications. Lithium titanate (LTO) batteries are increasingly being utilized in applications such as electric powertrains, street lighting, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and solar-powered streetlights. LTO batteries are known for their superior safety, strong performance at low temperatures, and long life, which is expected to bolster their market share over the forecast period.

Order a free sample PDF of the Lithium-ion Battery Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[marketstudyreport]

Lithium-ion Battery Market 2030: Report Focusing on Opportunities, Revenue & Market Driving Factors

The global lithium-ion battery market, valued at approximately USD 54.4 billion in 2023, is set to expand significantly, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.3% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is driven primarily by the automotive sector, which is poised for notable expansion due to the cost-effectiveness of lithium-ion batteries. The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide is anticipated to surge throughout the forecast period, further boosting demand for lithium-ion batteries.

The United States led the North American lithium-ion battery market in 2023, largely due to increasing EV sales supported by favorable federal policies and the presence of numerous industry players. U.S. federal policies encouraging EV adoption include the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which offers tax credits for electric vehicle purchases. Additionally, updated Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards have introduced stricter fuel economy requirements for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (LCVs), promoting the expansion of electric drive technologies.

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Lithium-ion Battery Market

The rising demand for lithium-ion batteries extends beyond the automotive sector to the electronics industry, where these batteries are widely used in smartphones. Lithium-ion batteries provide longer shelf life and greater efficiency for devices, further propelling market growth. Furthermore, increasing consumer awareness about carbon emissions is driving demand for EVs, which is expected to fuel lithium-ion battery market growth. Regulatory restrictions on lead-acid batteries in response to environmental concerns such as the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) restrictions on lead contamination and regulations regarding the storage, disposal, and recycling of lead-acid batteries are contributing to the shift towards lithium-ion batteries in automotive applications. Mexico, as a significant hub in the global automotive industry, is becoming a focal point for international investments, adding further momentum to the growth of the lithium-ion battery market.

Product Segmentation Insights:

The lithium-ion battery market is segmented by product types, which include Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO), Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (NCA), Lithium Manganese Oxide (LMO), Lithium Titanate (LTO), and Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC). Among these, the LCO segment held the largest market share, accounting for over 30% of total revenue in 2023. This strong demand for LCO batteries is largely driven by their high energy density and safety features, making them ideal for use in mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and cameras.

Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are gaining popularity due to their excellent safety profile and long lifespan, which make them suitable for high-load and enduring applications in both portable and stationary devices. The demand for NCA batteries is also rising due to their high specific energy, specific power, and long-life span, qualities that make them a preferred choice in electric vehicles, medical devices, and various industrial applications. Lithium titanate (LTO) batteries are increasingly being utilized in applications such as electric powertrains, street lighting, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and solar-powered streetlights. LTO batteries are known for their superior safety, strong performance at low temperatures, and long life, which is expected to bolster their market share over the forecast period.

Order a free sample PDF of the Lithium-ion Battery Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.