#Buy hand tool sets online

[hpalloy]

Using a Soft Faced Hammer with Handle in Your Toolbox to Maximize Efficiency

Using a Soft-Faced Hammer with Handle in Your Toolbox to Maximize Efficiency

The soft-faced hammer with a handle is one of the unsung heroes of the tool world. Whether you're a professional trades person, a novice handyman, or an experienced do-it-yourself, this multipurpose tool is a must-have for every toolbox due to its distinctive design. We at HP Alloy Steels & Mill Store are aware of this tool's enormous utility for various jobs. We'll look at the various applications for a Soft faced hammer with a handle in this piece, as well as how using one might improve project efficiency.

Comprehending the Soft-Faced Hammer

Replaceable heads composed of rubber, plastic, or leather are a common characteristic of a soft-faced hammer, also called a mallet. The hammer is perfect for delicate operations because of its soft materials, which allow it to strike surfaces without damaging them. Usually composed of fiberglass or wood, the handle reduces strain after prolonged usage by absorbing shock and offering a pleasant grip.

Principal Advantages of a Soft-Faced Hammer with Handle:

Prevents Surface Damage

The main advantage of a soft-faced hammer is its force application capability without causing surface damage to the object being worked on. This is especially helpful for woodworking, where it's important to preserve the wood's integrity.

Versatility: A soft-facing hammer has several uses, including mining and furniture assembly. Its soft texture makes it appropriate for jobs requiring skill and attention to detail.

User Comfort: The ergonomic handle design guarantees a relaxed grasp, enabling prolonged usage without exerting undue strain. This is particularly crucial for jobs that call for frequent strikes.

Replaceable Heads: A lot of soft-faced hammers include interchangeable heads that let you swap between various materials as needed. This increases the tool's longevity and adaptability.

Real-World Uses for a Soft-Faced Hammer

1. Carpentry

In woodworking, accuracy is crucial. For operations like assembling joints, adjusting pieces, and securing delicate parts, a soft-faced hammer with a handle is ideal. It enables you to exert the required force onto wood without causing dents or imperfections. For example, a soft-faced hammer can be used to gently press the parts together when fitting mortise and tenon joints. This ensures a snug fit without causing damage to the wood.

2. Working with metal

A common task in metalworking is modifying parts that must not be damaged. This is a great use for a soft-faced hammer. It can be used to align components, bend or shape metal, or connect pieces by scratching or denting them. For instance, a soft-faced hammer may help with reshaping sheet metal without sacrificing the surface integrity of the material.

3. Automobile Maintenance

A soft-faced hammer is an essential tool for car maintenance when doing jobs like fixing hubcaps, modifying body panels, and attaching trim pieces. Its non-marring properties guarantee that these procedures won't harm sensitive auto parts. Whether you operate as a professional mechanic or are just a hobbyist, this gadget can improve the caliber of your work.

4. Marble & Tile Construction

Working with stones and tiles requires a great deal of care and precision. To carefully tap tiles into place without breaking or chipping them, use a soft-faced hammer. It helps correct stone fragments while doing masonry work as well. The soft head gives the required force for correct alignment and keeping all sides intact.

Advice on How to Use a Soft-Faced Hammer In effect

Selecting the Proper Head Material

Choose the right soft faced hammers head materials based on the work at hand. While plastic or leather heads are better suited for tougher uses, rubber heads are perfect for light-duty operations.

Maintain Your Tool: Check the hammer for wear and tear regularly. If necessary, swap out the heads to guarantee peak performance. The life of the tool may be further increased by keeping the handle spotless and undamaged.

Employ Controlled Strikes: Take small, deliberate swings to prevent overstriking. Eventually, increase your force. In addition to preventing material damage, this lowers the possibility of injury.

How to Store It: To avoid breaking the handle and heads, store your soft-faced hammer in a dry, cold location. It will stay in good shape and be available for use when needed if it is stored properly.

Selecting the Appropriate Round-faced Hammer

Several factors ought to be considered into consideration when choosing a soft-faced hammer with a handle:

Head Material: Select a hammer with a head made of the right materials according to the type of job that you're committed to.

Handle Design: Search for an ergonomic handle that offers a cozy grasp. Stress can be decreased by handles composed of shock-absorbing materials, such as fiberglass.

Weight: Select a hammer that is both balanced and easy to hold. An excessively heavy anvil can be challenging to handle, whereas an insufficiently light hammer cannot deliver enough force.

Replace ability: To increase adaptability and prolong the instrument's life, use a hammer having interchangeable heads.

Conclusion:

For every homeowner, do-it-yourself enthusiast, or competent professional, a smooth-faced sledgehammer with a handle is an essential and multi functional equipment. Its force-applying capability without causing surface damage makes it perfect for a variety of uses, including metalworking and carpentry. Whether you're looking for a soft-faced hammer or a Club hammer with a handle, we provide premium options at HP Alloy Steels & Mill Store that are made to fit your demands and improve your projects. Purchasing this essential product will enable you to handle jobs with increased care, accuracy, and efficiency.

[tataagrico1]

Buy sockets & accessories set online at best prices | Tata Agrico

Are you searching for the socket accessories set online? Look no further! Explore our top-rated socket accessories manufactured by Tata Agrico, the leading trade hand tool brand.

Visit at: https://www.tataagrico.com/product-cat/sockets-accessories/

[implementel]

Shop Hardware Hand Tools Set Online at Best Prices in India from Implemental. We provide many Hardware Hand Tools Sets like Screwdriver Sets, Hammers, Cutters, Drill Machines, and many other tools that can find easily on Implemental. Order Now!

[reasonsforhope]

By the time Sue Shusterman turns away from the bench at the overlook and back toward the trailhead, she knows the paddleboarders are out in force 300 yards away on the gleaming blue surface of Chatfield Reservoir.  

She knows the high runoff waters have flooded the roots of Chatfield’s willows and cottonwoods, and that the first spring-green layers of the foothills rise to the west like soft fabric. 

How she acquired these life-affirming memories is at first a mystery, since Shusterman is blind and is heading back toward the parking lot making her usual sweep of the path in front with her ever-present white cane.  

But then a friendly voice emerges from the phone that Shusterman is pointing toward the path from her other hand.

A little to the left to stay on the paved path. Looks like there’s a trail all the way down to the beach, about 75 yards, if you wanted to go. I’ll just be here watching, let me know if you need anything. 

The voice is from a live, trained human guide FaceTiming through Shusterman’s phone camera on the Aira ability-assist app. Sight-impaired people have been using Aira’s guides to make it easier to do anything from navigating an airport to filling out an online job form. Now, all 42 Colorado state parks like Chatfield are geofenced to allow any visitor to use Aira for free to stroll the trails with a helpful set of eyes. 

The Aira guides seemingly effortlessly offer what a blind hiker either needs, or wants. If there’s a dangerous steep drop-off on the right, they warn. If the hiker would rather know if the sneezeweed is in bloom or the sailboats are luffing through a turn, Aira offers that instead.

For Shusterman, trying Aira as an outdoors adventure for the first time, the allure was simple: “Independence.” 

“So she’s doing, I think, a phenomenal job of including the necessary safety things, but the perks of the scenery, too,” Shusterman said, as she paused during a conversation with an Aira guide based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. “She’s doing great.”

State accessibility officials recently announced the expansion of Aira to state parks grounds, after previously providing Aira free for other state-related functions such as navigating a government building or getting help on an online site or filling out forms. Colorado cannot control the cellphone signal, though, so parks officials encourage visitors to try Aira at a familiar or close-in park space before ranging farther afield with it. Popular parks like Staunton or Golden Gate contain pockets where signals are not strong. 

For consumers buying access on their own, Aira costs about $50 for 30 minutes of assistance a month. Private employers and governments often buy package access to Aira and other accessibility apps for all employees to use. State accessibility coordinator Theresa Montano, who is blind and accompanied Shusterman on her Chatfield walk, said Amazon buys access so that sight-impaired shipping center employees can navigate steps to pack orders.

Montano uses Aira at her state job, saying the guides on the app can share her computer screen and help her get through an online task in 30 minutes that might take her four hours without help or through older accessibility tools. 

Adding Aira for state-owned lands was wrapped into the overall $250,000 budget for free Aira use on state property and with state websites. The additional utility is an obvious plus, Montano said. 

“This gives blind people the same opportunity to come and enjoy it by themselves or with their family if they want to, and be independent,” she said...

Shusterman walked away taking more from the big picture experience, rather than any particular scenic detail. 

“For me, it was, you know what, I could go for a walk on this path, and I could feel completely safe, and I would enjoy a nice walk and get some exercise, in an unfamiliar area,” Shusterman said. “It’s definitely a real confidence boost for me.”  

-via The Colorado Sun, June 11, 2024

[vampbloodx]

DIY Basics

-Goth DIY Tutorials Number 1 (Part 1)- Hi there, I decided to start a little DIY series! I’m not the most professional at anything lol but I’ve been doing DIY and crafts my entire life and been part of the goth subculture for 10+ years. I’ve seen a lot of baby bats and people inexperienced in crafts online saying they don’t know how to DIY thrift store clothing to be goth so I’m here to help! I believe DIY is super important to the goth subculture and should be easy and accessible, and if I can stop anyone from buying big fast fashion brands I’ve done my job.

For the first post of this series I thought I’d link some sources for people new to DIY or looking for some easy projects to do yourself (projects will be in part 2)🖤This will help you find a starting point if the idea of DIY is overwhelming.

None of these links are mine! I will be posting my own tutorials as part of this series though:)

Some of the most basic starting points for goth DIY are using fishnet tights as a top (just cut a hole in the crotch and cut off the feet), putting safety pins in everything, adding holes to clothes, and adding pins and patches. I like to make my own patches, either by free handing or stenciling, which I linked a tutorial for in this post.

Helpful tools to have:

(I don’t agree with buying from aliexpress but their other sources are great!)

Sewing Tips for Beginners:

T-Shirt Design Methods:

This is just s few ways to weave t-shirts, there are a ton of different ways to do it and YouTube has some great tutorials, especially on Angela Benedict's channel

RIT Dye Tutorial:

Patches:

Sewing them:

Stenciling them:

[theoccultmoon]

Your First Tarot Deck: A Beginner’s Guide to Bonding and Care ⛥ 

Starting your tarot journey is a deeply personal and exciting experience, but choosing and working with your first deck can feel overwhelming. Where do you begin? How do you connect with the cards? Let’s explore some simple and meaningful steps to get started. 

How to Choose Your First Tarot Deck 🃁

Selecting your first deck is a moment of intuition and connection. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need someone to gift it to you choosing your own deck is an empowering first step. 

Here’s what to keep in mind: 

⟡ Look for what resonates: Does the artwork speak to you? Are you drawn to its theme? Whether it’s classic decks like the Rider-Waite-Smith or something more modern, follow your gut. 

⟡ Explore before buying: Visit a shop, if possible, to feel the deck in your hands. If shopping online, look for sample images to get a sense of the cards. 

⟡ Seek a friend: When you’re shopping for your first deck, think of it as choosing a friend, something whose energy resonates with yours. 

⟡ Don’t overthink it: Your first deck doesn’t have to be “perfect.” You’ll learn as you go, and your connection will deepen with time. 

Cleansing and Caring for Your Deck .☘︎ ݁˖

Your deck may pass through many hands or spaces before reaching you, so cleansing it is a way to clear any lingering energies and make it truly yours. 

Here are some simple cleansing methods: 

⟡ Incense smoke: Pass each card through the smoke of a cleansing herb like sage or rosemary. 

⟡ Moonlight: Leave the deck under the light of the full moon to recharge its energy. 

⟡ Crystals: Place a crystal like selenite or clear quartz on top of the deck for a few hours. 

Once cleansed, store your deck in a way that feels right for you, wrap it in cloth, place it in a pouch, or keep it in a box that resonates with you. This helps protect its energy and keeps your connection strong. 

Getting to Know Your Cards 🌌 

Your tarot deck isn’t just a tool, it’s a companion in your journey. Spending time with the cards builds familiarity and trust. 

Here’s some ideas to get started: 

⟡ Study the imagery: Look closely at each card and let the symbolism speak to you. Write down any feelings or impressions that arise. 

⟡ Read the guidebook: While intuition is key, the guidebook can provide insight into the traditional meanings and stories behind the cards. 

⟡ Sleep with your deck: Place your deck, protected in a pouch or cloth, under your pillow while you sleep. This can help forge a stronger energetic bond. 

Awaken your deck:  

⟡ Sit in a quiet space with your deck. Hold it close and set your intention for a meaningful connection. 

⟡ Shuffle the cards and ask:  

    ⟡ What are the strengths of this deck? 

  ⟡ What are the weaknesses of this deck? 

 ⟡ What’s my energy right now? 

 ⟡ What kind of relationship will we have? 

Pull a card for each question, and reflect on its message. 

Take It One Step at a Time 𓍝

Building a relationship with your first deck is a personal journey. There’s no rush! Just enjoy the process and trust that your connection will grow over time. 

I’d love to hear about your first-deck experiences! Did you have a special moment of connection, or are you still searching for “the one”? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. 𓆩♡𓆪

 

[seat-safety-switch]

Organizing a workshop is virtually impossible. If you try to plan ahead, you’ll quickly find out that your amazing plan didn’t match with reality. Eventually, you will run out of bins before you run out of kinds of things, and the entire endeavour will go to hell in a hand-basket. Having one bin store two kinds of things is awful, maybe even more so than having a bin that stores one single lonely, unloved part that you nevertheless will hold onto until your next of kin have to throw it away for you on the afternoon after your funeral.

If you look online, you’ll find a lot of fancy, designer-esque photos of workshops. They’re clean. They’re sorted. They’re well-lit. Everything is within reach. The secret, explain the owners, is minimalism. Make sure you only have good stuff, and put it back where you take it out. What they don’t show you is the entire basement full of random garbage that they’ll spend a whole weekend in as soon as they realize that their grand plan didn’t include a security-bit Torx T8 driver.

Me, I have a very different strategy for this. I buy doubles, triples of tools. Back in the day, tools were expensive, and having two sets of screwdrivers was a ridiculous, bourgeois expense. You’d buy one set of screwdrivers and hold onto it forever. Nowadays, tools are cheap. Why would you bother spending all that time walking upstairs to go get a Phillips #2 from your workshop when you could just buy another $16 set from Home Depot and chuck it downstairs, vaguely close to where you might have to work on a badly-made, inexpensive clothes dryer?

If there is a downside to this behaviour, it’s that once you use every room in your house for tool storage, you give up all hope of ever being able to quickly locate tools at all. In a workshop, there are only a few logical places in which to lose a wrench. On the workbench. Under the workbench. Under another tool. Inside a project. Raccoon took it, the little bastard. In the rest of your house, who knows? Last week I found a 3/8″-drive stubby ratchet inside my furnace when I went to go change the filter.

[theambivalentagender]

Hello all! So if you follow me, you likely also follow my comic Valley Echoes as well as any of my other art drabbles. You may also know that I've been financially limping along for some time.

For context, my day job is dog grooming. It's a "career" I came into relatively recently and honestly love. However, my location has recently been incredibly dead. I haven't been able to make commission from lack of dogs and my hours have been cut drastically.

I'm currently looking into finding extra work where I can that will still fit with my technically full time schedule. This has been a big part of why the comic updates have slowed considerably in the last few months.

In the meantime, however, I did want to show that I am available for commissions at this time. This is the first time I'd be getting into commissions, so if folks do request I just ask for patience as I figure it all out, but I'd love to be able to draw your requests. I have a vgen account that's still being set up at the moment.

I also want to plug my Patreon again - honestly, the fact you all give this much for what I do now is incredible to me. I recently met the fun "milestone" of Patreon temporarily locking access to my withdrawals because I had made enough money this year to require filling out a tax form before my funds could be released, which I did. Maybe it's silly but it made me a little happy. I also have a Kofi though that's updated less.

This next part ended up being much longer and more personal than I expected so I'll put it under a cut.

Anything at this time would help immensely. Cost of living is insane, I just turned 30 and keep wondering how much longer I'll be able to keep renting, let alone ever saving to afford a home. I'm very, very lucky in that I have support from my dad, who has honestly been one of my strongest lifelines for years. But I obviously don't want to have to keep taking so much of that support from someone who should be enjoying retirement.

There are a lot of expenses I keep having, and things I'm putting off. The ipad I use for art has been cracked for months, but is still functional thank god. I recently finally bought myself clothes that aren't falling off my body after losing over 100 lbs in the last year. I have to buy and maintain my own tools for my grooming job, and I have to maintain my own health, both mentally and physically. My left hand/arm probably has nerve impingements and muscle strains science hasn't even named yet lmao. And of course there's taking care of my two terrible feline children who cause nothing but chaos in my home and who I love dearly.

Even if you don't give monetary support though, I so, so greatly appreciate every one of you who shares, likes, or comments on my work. I just recently got an anon who I mean to reply to soon gushing about they love Valley Echoes. Nothing makes my day more than waking up to see a million notifications that's just one person liking each of my comics as they read through it the first time.

Ever since I was 6 years old I wanted to be a storyteller in some way. I used to draw my own Dilbert and Far Side comics, and I constantly wrote wild fantasy stories. But after going through college, dealing with a huge amount of stress, burnout, and just one random person online telling me that I needed to hear the harsh "truth" that my writing skills were garbage, that spark was just gone. Excluding occasional stuttering starts, I didn't really write for years.

Doing this "silly" comic and getting the feedback I have is starting to rekindle that spark. I have so many stories of my own that I'm starting to make tentative plans on producing in some way. But even if I never become some official published recognized author, I feel like just putting out this comic is fulfilling that dream I had as a kid. So thank you again, as cheesy and long winded as this post has become.

[rocketonin]

we need to use this as a motivator to help others as much as you can. we need to be there for eachother in person as well as online.

1. go to protests. you should absolutely be participating in activism if you’re able. if you can’t participate in protests due to being too young to volunteer or drive yourself, or having conservative parents that won’t let you, or having illness or disability that prevents it, or any other circumstances that are out of your control, spread the news, post about upcoming protests and news, or just donate. if you’re young, and an artist, try to get a paypal set up and do commissions. help in any way you can, even if it’s just reblogging posts that are important.

2. volunteer, help others, donate, etc. support planned parenthood and other abortion clinics. help out fellow working class citizens. help impoverished and homeless individuals. unionize, fight for workers rights. support others in any way you can.

3. avoid consumerism as much as possible. advocate for environmental laws and against oil companies. grow your own food. i have always had terrible luck with plants and i grew a bunch of peppers and tomatoes this year, you just need a lot of plant food/fertilizer and sun for them. learn to compost and use food scraps. learn to be as self sufficient as possible. stop using other unethical companies, like amazon. for those who can afford it, try to stop buying from large corporations in general, support local and small businesses. stop buying as much clothes, don’t buy fast fashion. learn essential tools like diy and patching up clothes.

4. VOTE in local, congressional and state elections. make sure your id is up to date and you’re registered to vote. it’s extremely important to vote every time you can, we need to elect better officials and get conservative politicians out of the supreme court, electoral college, healthcare and school districts, etc.

5. LEARN ABOUT CYBERSECURITY. this is vital. if you’re an active protester and activist, the government will consider you a threat. you need to get a VPN (Mullvad doesn’t collect user information, they were raided and weren’t holding any customer info.) you need to use adblock, ESPECIALLY with social media getting worse and worse with advertisements. you need to use a virtual machine when downloading/pirating, and you need to check the fule for viruses. you need to use secure browsers (Brave, Tor, Librewolf, even Firefox.) use your antivirus. (windows defender is the best, also malwarebytes is a good option.) change your passwords and don’t keep them on your computer. most people’s privacy is already compromised but the sooner you work to counteract companies collecting info on you the better.

6. You need to start keeping physical media. start burning discs, recording vhs tapes, whatever. streaming companies can revoke the right to media at any time. Don’t let important content become lost media. If you decide to pirate instead of using legal downloads, DO NOT PIRATE MEDIA UNPROTECTED. either use a vpn or go somewhere with public wifi, and use Tor or any other deep web browser. Your wifi company can see when you pirate media, and they can and will bring you to court over it.

7. support other minorities, fight for everyone’s rights. stop talking over groups you’re not apart of, let them have the stage. tell others about them, the activists they should support and how they can. stop arguing over stupid shit and appealing to moderates and conservatives. the right wants us all gone, no matter how normal you try to act for them. they want to return to “traditional values” and most minorities don’t have a place in that world. your energy is far more useful helping the victims of oppression than trying to change the mind of fascists.

8. keep alternate email, social media, and other forms of communication on hand for friends and minors who may be kept from contacting others by conservative or abusive parents or other family. always have a back up plan if their privacy is violated or accounts are deleted. if your privacy is being invaded by someone with control over you, make multiple alternate accounts and tell your friends about them. have multiple ways to contact people, like from a school computer or a game console.

9. it’s been said by many, but delete period trackers, get contraceptives, birth control, and various other ways to prevent/counteract pregnancy, and don’t relinquish any information about potential pregnancies to anyone.

10. vaccines are in danger of going away in america, it’s extremely important that you start getting vaccines as soon as possible.

11. start getting gender affirming medication, surgeries and clothes immediately, and have a back up plan if you can’t take any medication anymore.

12. DONATE TO GAZA FUNDRAISERS. PROTEST FOR PALESTINE. Don’t stop fighting for Palestinian rights.

13. Keep your friends close. Make sure they know you love them, and be there for them.

if anyone has any specific suggestions, feel free to add in the comments/reblogs. and if i got anything wrong. keep fighting.

[anne-the-witch-ish]

Where to find witchcraft materials in Brazil

(without being SCAMED)

When i started learning about witchcraft, one of the first problems i run into was acess to materials. I knew their names, what they should look like, but had no clue where to go to buy. The first time i entered a Esoteric store i was blown away for two reasons:one, everything was beautifull; two, everything was expansive.

Online, most the resources i find are in english and for EUA and Europe. So I've decided to make this post listing some palces in brazil, where we brazilian witches can find tools and materials for our craft.

*All images are from google as an exemple of how these places might look like, but their apparece can change from state-to-state.

Casas de religião (Religious houses)

These places sell iteams used in Quimbanda and Ubanda practices, but not only that. You see: candles, incense and herbs can also be found there. As well as incense holders, statues and more. Of course we aren't going to pick up things from closed practices, we know that much! But we there is a lot in the casas de religião that we can use.

Mercadão

The mercadão usually exists in big cities (like são paulo e porto alegre), and i love it. Is where i bought most of my stuff, like candles, herbs, and the pilão(an wood tool used to smash and grind herbs). The nice thing in the Mercadão is that there are multiple stores within it, like a mall but cheaper. So inside we can find a couple casas de religião, general nature stores, etc. If you are also looking for fruits, vegetables and fresh fish, this is your spot!

Feira (fair)

The feira usually happens once a week, in a set spot, and they sell local grown fruits and vegetables. Besides selling the best pastel you will ever eat, you might just be lucky enough to find some herbs that you can use in your craft.

But there are also the "fairas para turistas", which are a bit more tricky. In there you can find a bunch of different things: antique items, old books, and crystals. The thing is that because these places are more for tourists, they tend to be more expensive.

Loja de tudo 10 ("Everything is 10 bucks" store, would be our dolla tree or equivalent)

Once called loja de 1,99, these stores ware the og shain and amazon for brazilians. We know the stuff there is bad quality, but it is soo cheap too! In there you gotta focus on finding tools (scissors, knifes, plates), offering bowls, and incense! All my incense are from these stores, they have some very unique smells, but i like it.

O Supermercado (The supermarket)

If it all fails, go to your local supermarket in brazil. It will sell some white candels and comun herbs too. We have the small local markets, and also the big supermarket chains. Usually, the local small supermarkets sell the same thing from the big chains, but cheaper.

EXTRAS:

Sebos

Do you want to find some witchcraft books, but don't want to give money to bezos? Then try the Sebos, second hand bookstores that might have what you want. The thing is that they are much like gambling, so it depends a lot on luck. However, even if you don't find what you are lookign for, i bet you will find some other cool book to take home with you

Floriculturas

The flower shops sell, well flowers (and valantine's day gifts,too), but not only. Its there where you will find some herbs to plant in your garden, if you want to keep one! You can also find the alive herb to buy in the casas de religião e nos mercadões.

[crashlapine]

"people just don't seek out music anymore and that's why spotify is such a vital service in helping artists get discovered and paid"

hey. buddy. listen 2 me. my fixation on the band sElf is because twenty seconds of a song of theirs was backing a monster hunter world gameplay clip someome posted to a now-dead twitter account. A hand-curated music playlist for a VRChat world I accidentally typo'd my way into introduced me to Superorganism's "It's All Good" a few years ago. Crumb's two albums Jinx and Ice Melt are among the highest number of full-album playthroughs in my library because i caught a shitty recording of Locket playing in-car over a snippet of someone's dash cam footage audio that was lifted for a youtube clip compilation channel someone else runs. back in 2011 my high school forced my entire grade to watch an anti-bullying PSA that ran on for 40 minutes but the credits had Dabrye's "Making It Pay" playing over it and that set me on the path to exploring all of Ghostly International's available music releases i could get my paws on at the time.

like. i've discovered music in the most obtuse places, often via the most unlicensed conduits those tunes could've possibly accompanied, and i can say with one hundred percent sincerity that the $9 i've spent just once on a digital album or two so i could listen to it again and again has probably put more food on the table of these musicians than spotify's "minimum one thousand streams annually per-song before payouts" discovery playback ever could achieve across a decade for many of these folks. i promise this isn't a brag, I just don't know how else to explain that spotify really isn't the only viable path forward when music permeates every facet of this world and all you have to do is take note when something catches your ear. the only thing truly making it harder to discover new music is licensing restrictions, automated Content-ID matching, and the universal/sony/warner music trio regularly leveraging both of the former to ensure your favorite song has an expiration date by tamping down on all of this, and unless you can hunt down a copy to save locally, a time will come when you'll never be able to hear that favorite song again. this isn't a threat; you and me both are going to outlive this service, as we've outlived many other online-only services before it.

(and i say this with complete sincerity to those not in a financially viable place to buy albums on the reg: just slurp the .wav off youtube homie. compared to spotify, the net gain to the individual artist is exactly the same. who knows, maybe you'll be able to inadvertently pass it along to someone else who's able to go and make that purchase, as others have unknowingly done to me. word of mouth alone is a /very/ powerful discovery tool)

[hpalloy]

Best place to buy power tools

Transform your projects with the right power tools! Learn about the best place to buy power tools, featuring top retailers with high-performance options at great prices. Whether you're a hobbyist or a pro, find the tools you need to get the job done.

[implementel]

Shop a safety welding shield at the Best Price Online in India at best price from Implemental. Order Online for the best Soldering Tools in India. like, Welding Chipping Hammer, Steel Locking Welding Clamp Plier, Welding Electrode Holder, any many more Soldering Tools Online.

[allsketchesnononsense]

I SAW YOUR POST ABOUT THE PSYCHOPOMP HELMET AND I HAVE TO ASK HOW’D YOU MAKE IT??

i wanted to cosplay her at some point in the future but i’ve never tried my hand at prop making or anything of that matter really so i can’t wrap my head around any like basic concepts to make the psychopomp itself 😭😭

sorry for taking abit to answer, wanted to make sure I was at my PC to answer so I can give Exact Images n stuff of what I got/used

warning: you're gonna need some serious power tools for this. alotta bits I had to get help from my dad bc he has SO MANY hobbies that involve power tools lol

SO

For the base:

you need a good helmet. n finding one of those ain't easy, so you're probs gonna haveta Make Do with something you can cut parts off of.

I used something like this, but cut off the parts that jut out at the ears and the lip at the front. The internal bit that keeps your Actual Head from touching the Actual Helmet is VERY helpful bc (atleast w/ mine) it wasnt a layer of foam or anything that'd be finnicky, it was just straps.

theoretically could also use a cheap-y baseball helmet though obvi you still gotta Mutilate it

For the accessories™:

The antannae are actual extendable radio antannae I harvested from an old boombox n another thing, but you can buy JUST the antannae online

the megaphone/satellite dish bit my dad helped me cut n gut a car alarm type thing and attatch it w/ this silicone stuff he had on hand

And the headphone pieces on the sides are a set of vintage radio headphones I found at a thrift store. these to be exact (they're not v rare n go for 10-30 bucks on ebay)

Though any old, chunky headphones could easily work. These were just what I had on hand. And, as a useful thing, the metal prongs connecting to the headband were perfect to easily bolt in place on the helmet and keep them flexible for easy putting on and taking off. The little radio speaker-y bits on the outside I added my dad had laying around though obvi not 1000% Necessary

And that's all really for the easily bought supplies

The front plate is Literally just a chunk of sheet metal he happened to have on hand, and added the bolts to. The fifth bolt in the middle is the only Functional one that actually attatches to the helmet

And the bit keeping the wires in place is a piece of plastic we melted to shape, painted accordingly, then hot glued in place. Added the screws to make it look abit more Cohesive with the rest of it.

The staples specifically on mine are holes drilled then w/ v thin wire fed through and twisted and trimmed.

Some smaller seams n details I added with super glue since it gave a v subtle raised effect, and bc it cracked in shipping I had to super glue some of the cracks back together Anyways lmao

also had to do alot of spraypainting to get it the right color. Make sure to paint the "accessories" seperate before assembly bc trying to tape off everything could end up Annoying and that way the metal bolts and the plate can retain their orig metal color to add contrast.

Also make sure you get Matte paint, bc it'll look goofy shiny. Preferably something meant for outdoor use bc those will have the more gritty textures you're looking for n its easy to find.

For any extra scuffing n details I did some dry brushing w/ grey and black acrylic to add depth. Best way to do it imo is add some drybrush with a scrappy old paintbrush then wipe away some with a paper towel

or just use a paper towel with a v tiny, thinly spread bit of paint

Hopefully this helps atleast some!! If you need more detailed shots of my helmet for better reference just lemme know, I just dont feel like going to grab her rn for a photo shoot lmao

Good luck w/ your helmet!! n be sure to post it lots when you're done!!

It'll be sick as hell to see how your interpretation turns out!

just be careful bout wearing it too long

start seeing things you're not supposed to

knowing things you're not supposed to

[mariacallous]

In January, the CEOs of X, TikTok, Meta, Snap, and Discord testified in front of a congressional committee about child exploitation on their platforms. “Mr. Zuckerberg, you and the companies before us, I know you don’t mean it to be so, but you have blood on your hands,” Senator Lindsey Graham said at the time.

Despite confrontational questioning from Graham and others about how many underage users were on their platforms, and what safeguards protected them, Zuckerberg and other executives weren’t questioned about the concerning practices of some parents who manage social media accounts on behalf of their young children. A New York Times investigation the month after the hearing found that some parents, mostly of girls, were amassing tens of thousands of followers for their children by posting suggestive images that can attract predators.

Now, Democratic Senator Maggie Hassan is demanding that tech companies account for the untold thousands of accounts that place girls as risk of exploitation on their platforms, through the actions of adult account-holders.

“These corporations must answer for how they are allowing young women and girls to be exploited on their platforms and what steps they will take in response,” Senator Hassan, who represents New Hampshire, told WIRED. “Young women should be able to express themselves online in safe environments that do not facilitate the monetization of potentially exploitative content.”

The Times investigation found that parents can readily bypass the age restrictions of social platforms that bar children under 13 from having accounts. Some parents use the accounts they set up for their children to essentially monetize their daughters by putting them to work as influencers, garnering discounts and sponsorship deals or pulling in advertising revenue.

More sinisterly, some of these accounts brought in money from people seeking sexual or suggestive material about young girls, some of whom were convicted sex offenders. Some of these followers are willing to pay for extra photos beyond those shared on a girl’s social media account, or for private chats or used clothing. Times reporters examined some 5,000 accounts of young girls run by their parents.

While the Times found that some of the parents also operated TikTok accounts, the phenomenon was most prevalent on Meta's Instagram. (X was not mentioned in the Times investigation, and the company claims that its underage user base constitutes less than 1 percent of its usership. WIRED has previously reported that the platform may not have the age verification systems needed to accurately make such a claim.)

“After the disturbing revelations about predators interacting with the posts of minors and even buying their worn clothing, it continues to be clear that social media companies are failing to keep our children safe,” says Senator Hassan.

Meta, TikTok, and X did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In a statement to the Times about its earlier reporting, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said that the company prevents “accounts exhibiting potentially suspicious behavior from using our monetization tools, and we plan to limit such accounts from accessing subscription content,” but that parents were ultimately responsible for the accounts.

In the letters sent to TikTok, X, and Meta, Hassan is asking companies to disclose whether they were aware of parents circumventing their age requirements, whether accounts of young girls are monetized—or have ads placed on them—by the platforms, and what active measures the companies have in place to detect these kinds of accounts.

The platforms have until April 8 to offer their responses.

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Product Photography: The Key to Converting Visitors into Customers

In the world of e-commerce, where the majority of shopping happens online, how products are presented visually can make or break a business. Product photography is more than just taking pretty pictures; it's a strategic tool that helps businesses attract, engage, and ultimately convert website visitors into customers. This article explores the importance of high-quality product photography and how it plays a crucial role in enhancing conversions, particularly for businesses in Ahmedabad, India.

Why Product Photography Matters

The first impression of a product is often the last one, especially when shopping online. When potential customers visit an e-commerce website, the first thing they interact with are the images of the products. These images must capture the essence of the product in a way that is clear, appealing, and informative.

Effective product photography can convey the quality, features, and functionality of a product. It reassures the buyer that they are getting exactly what they see. On the other hand, poor-quality images can lead to skepticism, confusion, or frustration, pushing potential buyers to look elsewhere. The visual appeal of a product is directly tied to the likelihood of purchase, making it a key element in the customer journey.

The Role of Product Photography in E-Commerce

1. Building Trust and Credibility

In the absence of physical touch, customers rely heavily on images to understand the product. Professional, high-quality product photography in Ahmedabad or any other location builds trust with the consumer. Customers are more likely to purchase from businesses that display clear, detailed photos of the items. When the photos are well-lit, high-resolution, and show the product from multiple angles, it assures the buyer that the business is credible and professional.

2. Showcasing Product Features

Product photography allows businesses to highlight unique features and details that text alone cannot convey. For example, close-up shots of texture, material, or intricate design can make a huge difference. It is these small details that can convince a customer that your product is worth the investment. For businesses offering products in competitive markets, like food products or fashion, showcasing these features through stunning product photography in Ahmedabad is a game-changer.

3. Boosting Sales Conversions

According to studies, 93% of consumers consider visual appearance to be the key deciding factor in their purchasing decisions. High-quality images that effectively showcase the product can increase conversion rates by making the decision-making process easier for customers. When buyers feel confident about the product based on what they see, they are more likely to follow through with their purchase.

4. Enhancing the Customer Experience

Good product photography enhances the overall customer experience. When customers can view products in great detail - whether through a 360-degree view, multiple angles, or close-ups - they feel more confident in their purchase. This reduces uncertainty and increases satisfaction. A great product photo is essentially a virtual salesperson, guiding customers through their buying journey.

Different Types of Product Photography

The needs for product photography vary across industries. Here are some types of product photography that can be highly beneficial for your business:

1. Studio Photography

Studio product photography is ideal for products that require controlled lighting and a neutral background. Whether it's fashion, accessories, or home goods, studio photography ensures that the product is the star of the show, free from distractions.

2. Lifestyle Photography

Lifestyle product photography showcases the product in use. For instance, a pair of shoes can be photographed on a person walking in a park, or a piece of furniture can be displayed in a home setting. This type of photography allows customers to envision how the product will fit into their lives.

3. Food Photography

Food photography is particularly crucial for businesses in the food and beverage industry. High-quality images of food items are essential in showcasing freshness, texture, and presentation. A food photographer in Ahmedabad can capture vibrant and appealing images of dishes, ingredients, or prepared meals, making them irresistible to potential customers.

Food photography goes beyond simply capturing an image; it involves styling and lighting to make the food look as appetizing as possible. When done right, it can increase engagement and conversions for restaurants, caterers, food delivery services, and e-commerce businesses selling packaged food products.

How to Choose the Right Product Photographer

Choosing the right photographer is essential for getting the best results. A professional photographer specializing in product photography in Ahmedabad understands the local market and the nuances of capturing product images that resonate with consumers. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a photographer:

1. Portfolio and Style

Review the photographer's portfolio to get an idea of their style and expertise. A portfolio filled with diverse products and high-quality images is a good indicator of their capabilities. Whether you need lifestyle or studio shots, a versatile photographer can cater to different needs.

2. Experience with Your Industry

Look for a photographer with experience in your industry. If you're in the food business, hiring a food photographer in Ahmedabad with expertise in food styling and photography is crucial. They will know how to highlight the textures, colors, and presentation of food to make it look as appealing as possible.

3. Editing and Post-Production Skills

Photography is only part of the process. Editing and post-production are key to creating flawless images. Make sure the photographer has a strong understanding of photo editing software to enhance the final product.

The Impact of Product Photography on SEO

High-quality product images not only help convert visitors into customers but also play a significant role in SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Properly optimized product images can improve your website's visibility on search engines, driving more traffic to your site.

1. Image SEO

Ensure that all product images are optimized with proper alt tags, titles, and descriptions. This helps search engines understand what the image is about, improving its chances of appearing in image searches and driving organic traffic.

2. Page Load Speed

Optimized images also improve website performance. Large, unoptimized images can slow down your page load speed, which negatively impacts SEO. Make sure the images are compressed without sacrificing quality, ensuring fast loading times and better user experience.

3. Rich Snippets and Product Listings

High-quality product images also enhance your chances of appearing in rich snippets and product listings on Google, which increases visibility and clicks.

Conclusion

Product photography is far more than just a marketing tool. It is essential in today's digital age for converting website visitors into loyal customers. Whether you're selling clothing, accessories, food, or electronics, high-quality, engaging product photography plays a pivotal role in boosting conversion rates, building trust, and improving the overall customer experience.

For businesses looking to make an impact in competitive markets like Ahmedabad, investing in professional product photography in Ahmedabad or hiring a skilled photographer in Ahmedabad can be the key to setting your brand apart from the competition. When your products are showcased in the best possible light, customers are more likely to make that crucial purchasing decision, transforming visitors into long-term customers.