#Electrical Steel Prices

[chemanalystdata]

Electrical Steel Prices | Pricing | News | Database | Index | Chart | Forecast

 Electrical Steel Prices, a critical component in the manufacture of transformers, motors, and generators, plays a vital role in the efficient transmission and use of electrical energy. The prices of electrical steel are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including raw material costs, supply chain dynamics, technological advancements, and global economic conditions. As the demand for renewable energy sources and electric vehicles continues to rise, the market for electrical steel has experienced significant fluctuations, making it a subject of keen interest for manufacturers, suppliers, and investors alike.

Raw material costs are one of the primary drivers of electrical steel prices. The production of electrical steel requires high-quality iron ore and other alloying elements like silicon and aluminum. Fluctuations in the prices of these raw materials directly impact the cost of electrical steel. For instance, a surge in iron ore prices can lead to higher production costs, which manufacturers often pass on to consumers. Additionally, geopolitical tensions and trade policies can disrupt the supply of raw materials, further affecting prices. In recent years, the volatility in global steel markets, driven by factors such as tariffs and trade disputes, has contributed to the unpredictable pricing of electrical steel.

The supply chain dynamics also play a crucial role in determining electrical steel prices. The production process involves several stages, from mining and refining raw materials to manufacturing the final product. Any disruptions or inefficiencies in this supply chain can lead to delays and increased costs. For example, logistical challenges, such as transportation bottlenecks or labor strikes, can hinder the smooth flow of materials and finished goods, causing price hikes. Moreover, the concentration of electrical steel production in certain regions makes the market susceptible to regional economic and political developments. Countries like China and Japan, which are major producers of electrical steel, influence global prices through their production capacities and export policies.

Get Real Time Prices for Electrical Steel: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/electrical-steel-1357

Technological advancements in the production of electrical steel have the potential to impact prices significantly. Innovations in manufacturing processes can lead to more efficient production methods, reducing costs and improving the quality of the steel. For instance, the development of high-permeability grain-oriented electrical steel (HGO) and non-grain-oriented electrical steel (NGO) has enhanced the performance characteristics of the material, making it more desirable for various applications. As manufacturers adopt these advanced technologies, the initial investment costs may be high, but the long-term benefits include lower production costs and competitive pricing. Consequently, the pace of technological adoption and the diffusion of innovations across the industry can influence market prices.

Global economic conditions also exert a considerable influence on electrical steel prices. Economic growth, industrial production, and infrastructure development drive the demand for electrical steel. During periods of economic expansion, the construction of new power plants, electrical grids, and manufacturing facilities increases the demand for transformers and motors, boosting the need for electrical steel. Conversely, economic downturns can lead to a reduction in industrial activity and infrastructure projects, dampening demand and putting downward pressure on prices. Additionally, currency exchange rates and inflation rates affect the purchasing power of countries, impacting their ability to import electrical steel and influencing global price trends.

The rising demand for renewable energy sources and electric vehicles has introduced new dynamics into the electrical steel market. The transition to clean energy solutions, such as wind turbines and solar power systems, relies heavily on efficient electrical components made from high-quality electrical steel. Similarly, the growing adoption of electric vehicles necessitates the production of energy-efficient motors and transformers. As governments and industries worldwide push for sustainability and green technologies, the demand for electrical steel is expected to rise. However, this increased demand also poses challenges in terms of supply and production capacity, potentially driving prices higher.

Market speculation and investor behavior can further contribute to the volatility of electrical steel prices. Traders and investors, anticipating future demand and supply scenarios, often engage in speculative activities that can lead to price swings. For example, expectations of a surge in electric vehicle production or new renewable energy projects can drive up prices in anticipation of higher demand. Similarly, concerns about potential supply shortages due to geopolitical issues or natural disasters can lead to speculative buying, causing price spikes. The influence of financial markets and investment strategies adds another layer of complexity to the pricing dynamics of electrical steel.

In conclusion, the prices of electrical steel are shaped by a multitude of interrelated factors, including raw material costs, supply chain dynamics, technological advancements, global economic conditions, and market speculation. As the world moves towards greater energy efficiency and sustainability, the demand for electrical steel is poised to grow, bringing with it both opportunities and challenges. Manufacturers, suppliers, and investors must navigate this intricate landscape to ensure a stable and reliable supply of electrical steel while adapting to the ever-changing market conditions. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for making informed decisions and capitalizing on the trends shaping the future of the electrical steel industry.

Get Real Time Prices for Electrical Steel: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/electrical-steel-1357

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[namansharma0950]

Electrical Steel Prices Insights, Tracking, News, Trends & Forecast | ChemAnalyst

Electrical steel prices, reflecting the cost of this specialized steel alloy, are influenced by various factors within the global market. Electrical steel, also known as silicon steel or transformer steel, is designed specifically for use in electrical applications due to its magnetic properties and low electrical conductivity. Fluctuations in electrical steel prices are driven by shifts in supply and demand dynamics, raw material costs, production capacity, and market trends.

The pricing of electrical steel is primarily determined by its demand in the electrical engineering and power generation industries. Electrical steel is essential for manufacturing transformers, electric motors, generators, and other electrical equipment where magnetic properties are crucial. The demand for electrical steel is influenced by factors such as infrastructure projects, investments in renewable energy, industrial production, and technological advancements in the electrical sector.

Supply dynamics, including the availability and cost of raw materials, play a significant role in determining electrical steel prices. Electrical steel is typically made from low-carbon steel with added silicon to enhance its magnetic properties. Changes in the cost and availability of steel scrap, iron ore, and silicon, as well as energy costs and production efficiency, can impact the production and supply of electrical steel, thereby affecting its market price.

Get Real-Time Electrical Steel Prices: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/electrical-steel-1357

Market trends and innovations in the electrical engineering industry also impact electrical steel prices. For example, advancements in transformer design, energy efficiency regulations, and developments in renewable energy technologies drive changes in demand patterns for electrical steel. Similarly, shifts in manufacturing techniques, such as the adoption of thinner gauge steel or amorphous steel alloys, can influence the market for electrical steel.

Macroeconomic factors such as currency fluctuations, inflation rates, and global economic conditions can indirectly affect electrical steel prices by influencing production costs and consumer purchasing power. Economic growth and stability can support higher demand for electrical equipment, leading to increased demand for electrical steel. Conversely, economic downturns may lead to reduced demand and downward pressure on prices.

Regulatory changes and environmental policies can also influence electrical steel prices. Government regulations related to energy efficiency standards, emissions reduction, and trade tariffs may impact production costs and market access for electrical steel manufacturers. Compliance with these regulations may require investments in technology upgrades, environmental controls, and regulatory compliance measures, affecting pricing dynamics.

Looking ahead, several factors are expected to continue influencing electrical steel prices. These include changes in industrial demand, technological advancements, developments in renewable energy, shifts in global trade dynamics, and regulatory frameworks. Moreover, trends in electrification, smart grid technology, and electric vehicle adoption will also shape the future trajectory of electrical steel prices.

In conclusion, electrical steel prices are subject to a complex interplay of supply and demand dynamics, raw material costs, market trends, regulatory changes, and macroeconomic factors. Stakeholders in industries reliant on electrical steel must closely monitor these factors to anticipate price movements and make informed decisions. As industries evolve and global challenges emerge, navigating the electrical steel market will require strategic planning and adaptability.

Get Real-Time Electrical Steel Prices: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/electrical-steel-1357

ChemAnalyst

GmbH — S-01, 2.floor, Subbelrather Straße,

15a Cologne, 50823, Germany

Call: +49–221–6505–8833

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[notayesmanseconomics]

Our energy policies in the UK and Europe are crippling our economies

Yesterday brought signs of economic weakness to the Euro area and the UK. That has been backed up this morning by a 5 point fall ( 101 to 96) in business confidence in France. There are obvious issues with higher interest-rates but to my mind a fair bit of the problems come from issues with energy. In the short-term there is the issue of price and as we look further ahead there is the issue of…

[handykitchen]

Choosing the Perfect Pressure Cooker in the USA: A Guide to Smart Purchase Decisions

A pressure cooker is a versatile and time-saving kitchen appliance that has gained popularity among home cooks in the United States. With numerous models and brands available in the market, finding the right pressure cooker can be a daunting task. This article aims to guide consumers in the USA through the process of buying a pressure cooker, highlighting the benefits, key features to consider, popular brands, and tips for making a smart purchase decision.

1. The Benefits of Pressure Cookers:

Pressure cookers offer a range of benefits that make them a valuable addition to any Buy pressure cooker online. Some advantages include:

- Time Efficiency: Pressure cookers use high-pressure steam to cook food quickly, reducing cooking times by up to 70%. This time-saving feature is especially beneficial for busy individuals or families.

- Energy Efficiency: Buy pressure cooker online require less energy compared to traditional cooking methods, making them an environmentally friendly choice.

- Retained Nutrients: The high-pressure cooking process helps retain the nutrients and flavors of ingredients, resulting in healthier and more delicious meals.

- Versatility: Pressure cookers are suitable for a wide range of cooking tasks, including boiling, steaming, sautéing, and slow cooking. They can handle a variety of ingredients, from meats and grains to vegetables and soups.

2. Key Features to Consider:

When purchasing a pressure cooker in the USA, there are several essential features to consider:

- Size and Capacity: Pressure cookers come in various sizes, ranging from 4 quarts to 10 quarts or more. Choose a size that suits your cooking needs and kitchen space.

- Safety Features: Look for pressure cookers with safety features like pressure release valves, locking lids, and indicator systems that ensure safe operation.

- Pressure Settings: Opt for a pressure cooker that offers adjustable pressure settings. Different recipes may require different pressure levels for optimal cooking results.

- Material and Construction: Stainless steel pressure cookers are popular due to their durability and resistance to corrosion. Consider the quality of the construction, including the thickness of the pot and the quality of the handles and seals.

- Accessories and Additional Functions: Some pressure cookers come with additional accessories like steam racks, trivets, and multiple cooking modes. These features can enhance the versatility and functionality of the appliance.

3. Popular Pressure Cooker Brands:

Several reputable brands offer high-quality pressure cookers in the USA. Consider these popular brands when making a purchase decision:

- Instant Pot: Instant Pot has gained a significant following for its multifunctional electric pressure cookers that combine pressure cooking, slow cooking, and more. Their models offer a wide range of features and cooking presets.

- Cuisinart: Cuisinart offers a variety of stovetop and electric pressure cookers known for their quality construction and precise cooking capabilities.

- Ninja Foodi: Ninja Foodi offers pressure cookers with additional functionalities like air frying and crisping, allowing for versatile cooking in a single appliance.

- Fagor: Fagor is a trusted brand known for its durable stovetop and electric pressure cookers with user-friendly features and safety mechanisms.

4. Tips for Making a Smart Purchase Decision:

- Research: Read reviews, compare prices, and research different models and brands to make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

- Budget: Determine your budget range and prioritize features that are essential to you. Consider the long-term value of the appliance and its durability.

- Warranty and Customer Support: Check for warranty coverage and availability of customer support for the chosen pressure cooker brand.

- Read the Manual: Once you purchase a pressure cooker, carefully read the instruction manual to understand its operation, safety precautions, and maintenance requirements. - Start with Basic Recipes: Begin your pressure cooking journey with simple recipes to familiarize yourself with the appliance and its functions.

[robertreich]

From Robber Barons to Bezos: Is History Repeating Itself?

Ultra-wealthy elites…Political corruption…Vast inequality…

These problems aren’t new — in the late 1800s they dominated the country during America’s first Gilded Age.

We overcame these abuses back then, and we can do it again.

Mark Twain coined the moniker “The Gilded Age” in his 1873 novel to describe the era in American history characterized by corruption and inequality that was masked by a thin layer of prosperity for a select few.

The end of the 19th century and start of the 20th marked a time of great invention — bustling railroads, telephones, motion pictures, electricity, automobiles — which changed American life forever.

But it was also an era of giant monopolies — oil, railroad, steel, finance — run by a small group of men who had grown rich beyond anything America had ever seen.

They were known as “robber barons” because they ran competitors out of business, exploited workers, charged customers exorbitant prices, and lived like royalty as a result.

Money consumed politics. Robber barons and their lackeys donated bundles of cash to any lawmaker willing to do bidding on their behalf. And when lobbying wasn’t enough, the powerful turned to bribery — resulting in some of the most infamous political scandals in American history.

The gap between the rich and poor in America reached astronomical levels. Large numbers of Americans lived in squalor.

Anti-immigrant sentiment raged, leading to the enactment of racist laws to restrict immigration. And voter suppression, largely aimed at Black men who had recently won the right to vote, was rampant.

The era was also marked by dangerous working conditions. Children often as young as 10, but sometimes younger, worked brutal hours in sweatshops. Workers trying to organize labor unions were attacked and killed.

It seemed as if American capitalism was out of control, and American democracy couldn’t do anything about it because it was bought and paid for by the rich.

But Americans were fed up, and they demanded reform. Many took to the streets in protest.

Investigative journalists, often called “muckrakers” then, helped amplify their cries by exposing what was occurring throughout the country.

And a new generation of political leaders rose to end the abuses.

Politicians like Teddy Roosevelt, who warned that, “a small class of enormously wealthy and economically powerful men, whose chief object is to hold and increase their power,” could destroy American democracy.

After becoming president in 1901, Roosevelt used the Sherman Antitrust Act to break up dozens of powerful corporations, including the giant Northern Securities Company which had come to dominate railroad transportation through a series of mergers.

Seeking to limit the vast fortunes that were creating a new American aristocracy, Congress enacted a progressive income tax through the 16th Amendment, as well as two wealth taxes.

The first wealth tax, in 1916, was the estate tax — a tax on the wealth someone accumulated during their lifetime, paid by the heirs who inherited it. The second tax on wealth, enacted in 1922, was a capital gains tax — a tax on the increased value of assets, paid when those assets were sold.

The reformers of the Gilded Age also stopped corporations from directly giving money to politicians or political candidates.

And then Teddy Roosevelt’s fifth cousin — you may have heard of him — continued the work through his New Deal programs — creating Social Security, unemployment insurance, a 40-hour workweek, and requiring that employers bargain in good faith with labor unions.

But following the death of FDR and the end of World War II, when America was building the largest middle class the world had ever seen — we seemed to forget about the abuses of the Gilded Age.

Now, more than a century later, America has entered a second Gilded Age.

It is also a time of extraordinary invention.

And a time when monopolies are taking over vast swathes of the economy, so we must renew antitrust enforcement to bust up powerful companies.

Now, another generation of robber barons is accumulating unprecedented money and power. So once again, we must tax these exorbitant fortunes.  

Wealthy individuals and big corporations are once again paying off lawmakers, sending them billions to conduct their political campaigns, even giving luxurious gifts to Supreme Court justices. So we need to protect our democracy from Big Money, just as we did before.

Voter suppression runs rampant in the states as during the first Gilded Age, making it harder for people of color to participate in what’s left of our democracy. So it’s once again critical to defend and expand voting rights.

Working people are once again being exploited and abused, child labor is returning, unions are busted, the poor are again living in unhealthy conditions, homelessness is on the rise, and the gap between the ultra-rich and everyone else is nearly as large as in the first Gilded Age. So once again we need to protect the rights of workers to organize, invest in social safety nets, and revive guardrails to protect against the abuses of great wealth and power.

The question now is the same as it was at the start of the 20th century: Will we fight for an economy and a democracy that works for all rather than the few?

We’ve done it before. We can — and must — do it again.

[thegnomelord]

PLEASEEEEE UR IDEA WITH MAGE M!READER AND MONSTER!COD MEN I'D LOVE THAT SO FICKING MUCH AND YES I AGREE THERE IS A LACK OF ALL THE VIOLENCE

Pov of how the world sees the reader Vs how TF141 reader :D. I'm in the middle of writing the first chapter of a fic with this idea, but guess who contracted TB like some coal miner 😞, me! So here's a sneak peak for the sort of vibe I'm going for while I'm trying to recover:

P.S: Ya'll are free to suggest/requests with this idea cause!

P.S.S: Check out bluegiragi who came up with this AU and give her some love!

Mages and Monsters

Mages are strange creatures.

In a world so full of monstrous hybrids and mythical creatures, mages sit on the proverbial line separating man from monster, stuck in both worlds without any hope of fitting in either one.

Because outwardly, they're average. No different from the billions of other humans. They're not born with the marks of monsterdom; they don't possess horns or leathery scales to shrug off small caliber bullets like dragons do, nor the claws and bone crushing jaws of werewolves, not feathered wings and razor sharp talons of harpies, nor the wraiths ghostly ability to become immaterial.

Outwardly, they're average. Ordinary. Mundane. Human...

Almost.

Because Price and Ghost are experienced enough to see the thing laying beneath the paper thin veneer of normality, are seasoned enough to quickly notice the one thing that puts an 'in' before a mage's 'human' description — Magic. Not the smoke and mirror kind magicians or charlatans use to swindle tourists out of money, but real magic.

The ancient kind, the capricious kind, slumbering like a beast inside the hollowed out cavern of a heart until it awakens with a terrible bloodlust. Each of them can attest to this; Price sports gnarled patched of scar tissue on the scaleless parts of his arm from ice burns, his draconic breath having saved him from frostbite that had devoured more than a few good men. Though Ghost doesn't show much skin, one can sometimes catch sight of branching fern patterns on his neck where lightning magic had shot through him. Gaz's back is peppered with hundreds of little cuts where a glass mage's summoned elegant ornaments had shattered into millions of shards, aiming to take out his wings.

And now Soap sports a mark of his own, his side tender red and blistered with a second degree burn. It could have been much worse, your flames were hot enough to melt steel, the only thing having kept him from an early cremation being the two solid concrete walls your magic had had to travel through to hit him and the enhanced regeneration of his thick hide.

But such power demands a cost — one paid in blood. For magic is as fickle and capricious as a rabid dog, just as eager to lunge for your throat as it will at the enemies, leaving lasting wounds for all to see; rough and calloused palms, skin blackened from blazing heat and freezing cold or marked with fern patterns of electricity, fingers stiff and marred with cuts from thorns and crystals and rock and glass, bone deep cuts where the liquid mana had burst out from the skin, leaving faintly glowing scars that never heal right.

All mages are born with this grievous gift, though one never knows whether it will present itself with a pitiful flicker of embers in a man's dying breath, or with a maelstrom of an infant's first hiccup. That's why most mages are sealed, by choice or force, a process which puts chains on the magic, making it and the mage docile.

But you are unsealed. And you flaunt that fact readily by melting the tail of their APC helicopter with one spell, not even waiting for them to crash before flooding the terrain with suffocating ash, the lenses of their gas masks already fogging up from the heat as they get out of the cloud of heavy sediment before it bursts to flames.

Sometimes the magic becomes unsatisfied with the weakness of the body, demanding more than just its pound of flesh and molding the body like clay to better suit it— Mage Marks, they're called — the subtle glow of magic in your eyes, the mana visibly pulsing inside your chest, the skin of your arms slipping away like wet paper before growing anew, this time mimicking the surface of magma, or the rocky barnacle encrusted reef, the gnarled bark of a tree, the crystalline inside of a geode, the ice spiked ground of tundra, or any other form that suits the magic in your veins.

The process is excruciating, the mana burrowing and gnawing on every nerve like a parasite that replaces what it eats with itself. But to you, that's an acceptable loss, because marked mages far surpass their unmarked fellows, your magic stronger and wilder, feral and viscous like the primordial force of nature.

So it becomes concerning when you're laying on the floor, captured, battered and bruised and calm.

Ghost had been waterboarding you for a while now, your body tied to a chair that had been tipped back so you were parallel with the ground. With water pooling around your head, your top half would have been soaked to the bone had your magic not been simmering in your veins, the magic suppression momentarily reducing the raging inferno in your chest to a meager flicker of flames.

They can't kill you, but limiting your magic for even a second is death in and of itself.

Your breathing is harsh as Ghost pulls away the cloth over your mouth, asking you a question as steam rises from your skin. Most would give in long before this point, but you just grin, eyes glowing with a burning glow, and make a comment about how good his arse looks from your viewpoint.

You manage only one small note of laughter, pitiful embers sparking at the corners of your lip, before Ghost drops the rag back over your face and begins anew.

Price watches all of this, sharp draconic eyes noting how the mana glows in your chest, pulsing like a second heart (assuming you had one to begin with), noticing how the water turns to steam a little faster when it splashes over your skin.

And Price knows.

You... You are going to be trouble.

[batboyblog]

Things Biden and the Democrats did, this week #12

March 29-April 5 2024

President Biden united with Senator Bernie Sanders at the White House to review Democratic efforts to bring down drug prices. President Biden touted his Administration’s capping the price of insulin for seniors at $35 a month and capping the price of  prescription drugs for seniors at $2,000 a year. Biden hopes to expand both to all Americans through legislation next year with a Democratic congress. The President also praised Senator Sanders' efforts as chair of the Senate Health Committee which has lead to major drug manufacturers capping the price of inhalers at $35 a month. “Bernie, you and I have been fighting this for 25 years,” Biden said “Finally, finally we beat Big Pharma. Finally.”

The White House gave an update on its actions around the Francis Scott Key Bridge disaster. The federal government working with state and local governments hope to have enough of the remains of the bridge cleared to partially reopen the Port of Baltimore by the end of the month and have the port working normally by May. The Administration has already released $60 million in emergency money toward rebuilding and promises the federal government will cover the cost. The Department of Labor has released $3.5 million for Dislocated Worker Grants and plans up to $25 million to cover lost wages. The Small Business Administration is offering $2 million in emergency loans to affected small businesses. The Administration is working with business and labor unions to keep workers at work and cover lost wages.

Vice-President Harris and EPA Administrator Michael Regan announced $20 billion to help finance tens of thousands of climate and clean energy projects across the country. The kinds of projects that will be financed through this project include distributed clean power generation and storage, net-zero retrofits of homes and small businesses, and zero-emission transportation. 70% of the funds, $14 billion, will be invested in low-income and disadvantaged communities. The project is part of a public private partnership so for every 1 dollar of federal money, private companies have promised 7 dollars of investment, bring the total to $150 billion for ongoing financing of climate and clean energy projects for years to come.

The Department of Transportation announced $20.5 billion in investments in public transportation. This represents the largest single investment in public transit by the federal government in history. The money will go to improving and expanding subways, light rail, buses, and ferry systems across America. The DoT hopes to use the funds to in particular expand and improve options for public transport for people with disabilities and seniors.

The Departments of Energy and The Treasury announced $4 billion in tax credits for businesses investing in clean energy, critical materials recycling, and Industrial decarbonization. The credits till go toward 100 projects across 35 states. 67% of the credits ($2.7 billion) will go to clean energy, wind, solar, nuclear, clean hydrogen, as well as updates to grids, better batter storage, and investments in electric vehicles. 20% ($800 million) will go to to recycling things like lithium-ion batteries, and 13% ($500 million) to decarbonization in industries like automotive manufacturing, and iron and steel.

The Department of Agriculture announced $1.5 Billion in investments in climate-smart agriculture. USDA plans to support over 180,000 farms representing 225 million acres in the next 5 years move toward more climate friendly agriculture. 40% of the project is reserved for disadvantaged communities, in line with the Biden Administrations standard for climate investment. $100 million has been reserved for projects in Tribal Communities.

The Department of the Interior approved the New England Wind offshore wind project. To be located off Martha’s Vineyard the New England project represents the 8th such off shore wind project approved by the Biden administration. Taken together these projects will generate 10 gigawatts of totally clean energy that can power 4 million homes. The Administration's climate goals call for 30 gigawatts of off shore wind power by 2030. The New England Wind project itself is expected to generate 2,600 megawatts of electricity, enough to power more than 900,000 homes in the New England area.

The Department of the Interior announced $320 Million for tribal water infrastructure. Interior also announced $244 million to deal with legacy pollution from mining in the State of Pennsylvania, as well as $25 million to protect wetlands in Arizona and $19 million to put solar panels over irrigation canals in California, Oregon and Utah. While the Department of Energy announced $27 million for 40 projects by state, local and tribal governments to combat climate change

[sirianasims]

Chapter 44.1

Girls on Millionaires

“Samara, this is hopeless.”

“It’s been five minutes, Julia, we’ve barely started!”

“But how am I supposed to find anything in here? They should have thrift shops online, I just want to grab what I need and get on with my life.”

Samara shakes her head. “You’re thinking about it all wrong, this is not shopping. Thrifting is more like a treasure hunt, you never know what you’re going to find.”

She moves between the chaotic piles with the practiced air of someone who’s done this a thousand times before. Her hands are constantly busy, picking up items, examining them, and occasionally letting out a small laugh or shaking her head as she puts them back.

I trail behind her, aimlessly running my hands over stacks of old sweaters and linens, feeling out of place. The whole rebrand is starting to stress me out. My money is dwindling faster than I expected, and I only have so long to get the channel up and running again before I’ll be forced to make that dreaded phone call and ask my parents for help. It would feel like admitting defeat.

My spare room looks empty and forlorn without my sewing machine and fabrics, and I was hoping to find something that would help me get the new aesthetic right without breaking the bank, even if I don’t know exactly what I’m looking for.

Instead, I feel like I’m drowning in a sea of other people’s memories, and none of them fit the person I’m trying to become.

I’m about to give up when Samara calls out, a triumphant grin spreading across her face.

“Julia, come check this out.”

She waves me over to a large, white mirror, tucked away in a corner by some broken chairs and unused exercise equipment.

I walk over to it and run my fingers along the curved frame. It’s smooth, no dents or scratches. There’s even a useful shelf on the bottom, and I can already picture it in my new recording setup, framing the scene just right.

“This is perfect, Samara! There’s no price tag on it, do you think they’ll sell it?” I gesture at the girl at the register. She hasn’t looked up from her phone since we got here.

“They’d sell the roof if it didn’t keep the rain out, let’s go make a deal.”

The Rooftop

The music pulses through my body, a steady beat that seems to resonate in my bones and push away any lingering traces of worry. The Rooftop is packed tonight, but I don’t mind the crowd. The energy is electric, the kind that makes you feel alive, feel like anything is possible.

I’m tipsy – more than tipsy, actually – and it feels good. Samara and I managed to get my new mirror home safely, and for the rest of tonight, all thoughts about the rebrand and the money situation are far away, drowned out by the bass and the chemical smell from the smoke machines.

I throw my hands up, twirling in place as the DJ transitions into a song with a heavier beat. The floor beneath my feet feels like it’s vibrating, and I can’t stop smiling, can’t stop moving. I’m probably grinning like an idiot but I don’t even care. For the first time in weeks, I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, who I’m supposed to be.

Samara and Miranda are dancing next to me, and I close my eyes, letting the rhythm take over. All the tension I’ve carried melts away. I know I’ll have to face reality again tomorrow, finish setting up my recording equipment and sort out a new posting schedule, but tomorrow is a million miles away.

Miranda leans in close, trying to get my attention. “Let’s grab a table,” she says, and I feel like I can see the vibration of her words through the air more than I hear them. “I need a break.”

“Yeah, good idea, my feet are killing me.”

I slide onto the seat, relieved to get off the unforgiving steel floor, as Miranda puts a drink in front of me. The glass is cool in my hand, condensation dripping down my fingers as I take a sip. The strong taste of alcohol is barely masked by the fruits and sugar. Miranda always gets the good stuff, all the bartenders know she tips well.

I gently peel off my shoes and rest my bare feet on the cold, smooth metal bars of the stool.

“Miranda, seriously, how do you handle wearing heels every single day? I’m so sore.”

Miranda grins.

“You get used to it after a while, really. It’s all about practice and a little bit of masochism,” she says with a laugh. “And then there’s the stubbornness, I didn’t spend all that money on shoes just to keep them on a shelf – speaking of, since when can you afford Diego Lobos?”

I glance down at my shoes. “They were a gift from Paul, for New Year’s Eve. I just haven’t worn them since we broke up. He joked that they were mostly a gift for himself, actually. So he wouldn’t have to bend down as far to kiss me.”

And because he liked it when I wore them to bed. The memory stings a little, but it’s not as bad as it used to be, the wound of the heartbreak has finally scabbed over and the pain is less raw each time I think of him.

Samara giggles tipsily. “I mean, they look nicer than using a stepladder, that’s for sure.”

“Maybe that’s why he dumped me, I was bad for his back. I should find a shorter boyfriend next time.”

“Yeah? How tall is Marten?”

“That’s not – we’re not dating, Miranda!”

Miranda clicks her tongue. “Girl, I hate to break it to you, but he did take you on a date.”

“It wasn’t a date, we just hung out! We got home, played games, ordered takeout. He slept on the couch, and then he took the train back to campus. He didn’t try to flirt or hit on me in any way.”

“Sounds fake,” Samara says. “I still think he’s up to something.”

“Or maybe he’s just not into me, it’s not a crime. He can have friends and not want to date them, you know.”

Thankfully, they drop the subject and move on to something else. I don’t like admitting it, but Marten’s lack of interest bothers me. It’s not even that I want him, but I’m used to most guys wanting me, and my ego is frankly a little bruised. Marten is always so sweet and attentive, but that’s it.

I can’t help but find it strange that he spends so much time with me if he doesn’t like me like that. Am I really just so arrogant that I can’t imagine a guy who doesn’t want me? Or maybe I’m just obsessing over it because Paul didn’t want me either. At least not enough to give me more time. I push away the thought violently.

As I take another sip of my drink, my eyes wander towards the bar. The Rooftop’s head bartender, Shane, is quite pretty, all perfect hair and strong jawline – and not that tall. I catch myself staring a little too long, and then I remember that he asked Miranda about me. A flutter stirs in my stomach.

The truth is that I miss being wanted, being touched. I miss kissing and cuddling and holding hands, but most of all I miss sex, the sweaty, dirty, crazy kind that leaves you breathless on crumpled sheets at sunrise.

“Julia, are you even listening?”

“I think we lost her, Mir, she’s busy eye-fucking the bartender.”

“Good to know she’s healed enough to look at other men at last.”

I feel my cheeks get hot. “Sorry, I was just thinking, uh, isn’t that the bartender who asked about me?” I try to sound casual but Miranda isn’t fooled for a second.

She chuckles knowingly. “Oh, yeah, that’s him. Just a heads up, though, Shane is a total fuckboy, he doesn’t do relationships.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Who said anything about relationships?”

Miranda shrugs, her eyes still sparkling with amusement. “As long as you know what you’re getting into, babe. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you, you don’t need more heartbreak.”

“Come on, Julia, you can do so much better. Just wait, before you know it, some prince is going to come riding in on a white horse and sweep you away.”

“Samara, I’d be happy with a duke on a rusty bike at this point. A girl has needs, you know – and my vibrator doesn’t cuddle.”

We laugh it off, but I have to admit that I feel extremely tempted by the thought of seeing where this might go.

Images flash through my mind of maybe, possibly, staying a little after closing time and getting to know Shane the bartender better. Maybe he could help me remember that Paul isn’t the last man on earth, and that even if Marten doesn’t want me either, someone else will.

My pocket vibrates, tearing me away from my fantasy. I look at my phone, slightly flustered. As if summoned by my thoughts, it’s Marten, asking if we’re going to play tonight. I fire back a quick text about being out with the girls and he answers immediately.

“No worries! Have fun and make good choices, okay?”

Good choices? What is he, my dad?

Still, his words stick with me, making me feel a little guilty for some reason.

I glance back at Shane, who’s now mixing a drink with the kind of smooth confidence that makes it clear that he knows exactly how hot he is. If he’s as bad as his reputation, he probably wouldn’t mind being someone’s rebound, but would I regret it?

I followed Paul back to his hotel even though I barely knew him. Am I just the kind of girl who hooks up with any hot guy on a whim? Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but Marten has a talent for making me second-guess myself.

If I’m being brutally honest, as hot as it sounds, getting railed on a bar after closing would probably not count as a good choice in anyone’s book.

But still…

A girl can dream.

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[hometoursandotherstuff]

Kanye West, legally known as Ye, is selling the Malibu, California home he ruined, for $53M (He bought it for $57M). The house was designed by one of the world’s most eminent architects, Tadao Ando, and Ye stripped it clean of windows, doors, electrical, and many of the architect’s signature interior finishes.

Sitting since 2021, the mansion is now rotting. Wait. This is $53M for a cement shell, basically. The brutalist style home has 1,200 tons of poured concrete and 200 tons of steel reinforcement to hold it all together with 12- 60 ft. pylons sunk into the sand.

The beachside house was once the epitome of artistic ingenuity.

The floor-to-ceiling windows facing the water have long been removed, leaving the rear of the building entirely open to the elements.

All of the interior photos are before it was gutted. The alleged plan was to try to turn the mansion into a “Bat Cave” so he could “hide from the Clintons and Kardashians.”  

Ye’s new celebrity realtor believes the renovations are a selling point b/c he left a blank canvas, making it easier for the new owners to design the home exactly to their liking.  

The house needs windows and doors, along with plumbing, electrical, HVAC and interior finishes, b/c they've all been removed.

Although Ye removed the interior finishes, “this creates an unbelievably rare opportunity to buy a Picasso on the water," said the agent.

“This architect is known for his concrete work, which is what remains,” he says, "It was a very minimalist interior previously and will likely continue to be that in order to allow the architecture to speak louder than the finishes.”

The plan was to go off grid. The contractor said, “Ye wanted no electricity. He only wanted plants, candles, battery lights; and to have everything open and dark. You can’t keep food in that house, because you had no refrigerator left. You had no windows. I had seagulls flying in.” 

The former architectural tour de force was only one of the few private homes in the United States designed by the renowned Pritzker Prize-winning Japanese architect. Best known for his minimalist structures and “smooth-as-silk” concrete.

The upper-level terrace pictured here comes out from a main bedroom suite that takes up the entire top floor.

I don't know what to think. Everything is gone- no utilities, none of the original elements the architect is known for, not even any windows. And, he's only knocked off $4M from what he paid for it, complete.

It's rotting from the inside out. Here's a collapsed concrete wall and rusted railings. On top of all of this, it's unsafe b/c concrete is falling. It's like a total knockdown.

[batfamscreaming]

Once again trapped in trying to figure out what Wayne Industries actually Does. "Everything!" yeah sure but they had to get there somehow. Amazon was an online bookstore at first there was a lot of very rapid growth between then and now.

Usually I hear that they started as a shipping business which makes sense when Gotham is 90% waterfront, but at some point they had to transition from just shipping other people's things to shipping things they made as well. I suppose if they started making their own transports for shipping (starting with their own steamboats and later trains and cars) that would make sense. Maybe in the industrial revolution they even bought their own steel mill upon getting tired of having fluctuating prices or a steel shortage and just deciding they were going to get their own damn steel and sell the extra instead. If they chose to manufacture higher quality steel instead of cheapest possible steel that's also laying the groundwork for them to be well liked by their customers. Not railroad barons but making the steel to lay the railroad and build the trains. It's the 1800s so they have a couple patented medicines by then as well that are.... not really medicine but no one has officially noticed yet. They ship their own chemicals out west for a good time.

In 1880s Alan Wayne makes the building that becomes Wayne Tower?? Which I think is much too early, but apparently we were building sky scrapers in 1888 so business must have been booming I fucking guess. This is also the man that has them go corporate.

Of course the railroads start to fall out with the growth of cars and car lobbying. They are still used along with boats for transport but with railroads not being built as much and not being maintained and the union wars, Wayne Industries has to make a pivot somewhere to stay in the race. The family can have a lot of personal money but the business itself is still going strong in Gotham even before Bruce takes over.

I guess if they're already in shipping, they're probably importing as well by then. They may have started with steamboats but then in WWI and WWII all steel factories started producing things for the war efforts, surely they made a couple big ships by then capable of crossing the Atlantic, if they weren't already in oceanic shipping by then. It lets them ride out the great depression because of government maritime subsidies that were a little out of control until the new deal kicked in. That would've also presumably kept WI employees working in the depression and cemented them harder in the city as smaller businesses closed around them.

The patented medicine starts shifting to actual generics that are a little less Heroic post 1918.

Maybe at around that point was when WI started manufacturing... sort of everything. You get your ships, and all the things on board that you need to run a ship. You get your ovens and stoves and big pots and your radar and hell your sailors can even buy their boots and uniforms from us.

When WWII ends they shift back to transporting other people's goods but also maybe more luxury vehicles as well. Cruise services. Some nicer kitchen installations. Kitchens on land even. Get a nice WI electric mixer. Get your waterfront boots. Get your generic ibuprofen.

At that point we're closer to Martha and Thomas' era and they're just... Along for the ride I guess. Thomas is a figurehead CEO. He's off doing medical school and mostly just shows up for formalities, while Martha works in the Wayne Foundation (either the only thing Thomas really made or opened in the 60s to try and get Gotham really booming) as a charity liason. They're still not really celebrities as much as a charismatic couple in high circles. WI doesn't need them to function. It's basically just funding them as they do their own things.

And then the murders happen

And then Bruce, over eighteen, shows up having inherited the figurehead CEO title and his entire family's controlling stock in WI, and announces they're going to be doing things his way now.

The CEO/Board of directors is supposed to do things in the best interest of their stock holders.

If Bruce is the controlling stock holder, they do what he says his best interest is.

[chemanalystdata]

Electrical Steel Prices Trend | Pricing | Database | News | Index | Chart

Electrical Steel Prices also known as silicon steel or transformer steel, plays a crucial role in electrical equipment due to its magnetic properties that minimize energy loss through eddy currents and hysteresis. The price dynamics of electrical steel are influenced by several key factors within the global market. One significant determinant is the cost of raw materials, primarily iron ore and silicon, which are essential components in the production of electrical steel. Fluctuations in these commodity prices can directly impact the overall cost of electrical steel.

Additionally, market demand for electrical steel is closely tied to the production of electrical transformers, motors, and generators. These industries are sensitive to economic cycles, with periods of high demand driving prices upwards. Moreover, technological advancements in electrical steel production processes and materials can affect pricing by altering production efficiencies and material costs.

Geopolitical factors also play a role in electrical steel pricing. Trade policies, tariffs, and international relations impact the availability of raw materials and finished products, thereby influencing market prices. For instance, trade disputes or restrictions on critical raw materials can lead to supply chain disruptions and price volatility.

Get Real Time Prices of Electrical Steel: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/electrical-steel-1357

 Furthermore, environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives are increasingly shaping the electrical steel market. Regulations on emissions, energy efficiency standards, and recycling requirements can impact production costs and pricing strategies for electrical steel manufacturers.

In recent years, the global transition towards renewable energy sources has further impacted electrical steel prices. The growing demand for wind turbines, electric vehicles, and solar power systems has increased the need for efficient electrical steel products. This shift in demand dynamics has contributed to fluctuations in prices as manufacturers adapt to meet new market demands.

The competitive landscape within the electrical steel industry also influences pricing strategies. Key producers in regions such as Asia, Europe, and North America compete based on production capacity, technological capabilities, and market reach. Price competition among these players can lead to price adjustments to gain market share or maintain profitability.

Moreover, currency exchange rates play a critical role in determining the cost competitiveness of electrical steel in the global market. Fluctuations in exchange rates can impact the export and import prices of electrical steel, influencing trade flows and market dynamics.

Overall, the pricing of electrical steel is a complex interplay of supply and demand dynamics, raw material costs, technological advancements, regulatory factors, geopolitical influences, and competitive pressures. Stakeholders in industries reliant on electrical steel must navigate these factors to manage costs effectively and maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for stakeholders to anticipate market trends, mitigate risks, and capitalize on opportunities in the electrical steel sector.

Get Real Time Prices of Electrical Steel: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/electrical-steel-1357

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[namansharma0950]

Electrical Steel Prices Trend, Monitor, News & Forecast | ChemAnalyst

Electrical steel prices have witnessed fluctuations influenced by various factors, including global market dynamics, industrial demand, and production costs. Understanding these price movements requires a comprehensive analysis of supply and demand dynamics, regulatory changes, and macroeconomic indicators.

The pricing of electrical steel is profoundly affected by the balance between supply and demand within the steel industry. Electrical steel, also known as silicon steel or lamination steel, is a specialized type of steel engineered for use in electrical equipment such as transformers, electric motors, and generators. Disruptions in the supply chain, such as fluctuations in raw material availability, steel mill capacity, or transportation logistics, can impact the availability and cost of electrical steel, thereby influencing its market price.

Get Real-Time Electrical Steel Prices: https://www.chemanalyst.com/Pricing-data/electrical-steel-1357

Industrial demand plays a pivotal role in determining electrical steel prices. Industries such as power generation, automotive manufacturing, and appliance production are major consumers of electrical steel, utilizing it in various electromagnetic devices. Fluctuations in demand from these sectors, influenced by factors such as infrastructure projects, technological advancements, and consumer spending, can lead to price volatility for electrical steel.

Raw material costs significantly influence electrical steel prices. The price of raw materials such as iron ore, silicon, and other alloying elements, which are used in electrical steel production, can fluctuate due to changes in global supply and demand dynamics, mining conditions, and energy costs. Any notable increase in raw material costs can translate into higher production costs for electrical steel manufacturers, thereby exerting upward pressure on prices.

Macroeconomic indicators, such as GDP growth, industrial output, and infrastructure investments, can indirectly impact electrical steel prices by affecting overall industrial activity and demand for electrical equipment. Economic downturns or slowdowns in major manufacturing regions may lead to decreased demand and downward pressure on prices. Conversely, robust economic growth and increased infrastructure spending can support higher prices for electrical steel by stimulating demand for transformers, motors, and other electrical components.

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Looking ahead, several factors are expected to continue influencing electrical steel prices. Continued growth in sectors such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and smart grid technologies, coupled with increasing demand for energy-efficient electrical equipment, is likely to drive sustained demand for electrical steel. Moreover, advancements in steelmaking technologies and the development of new applications could lead to changes in market dynamics and price levels for electrical steel.

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[beyondthisdarkhouse]

Home improvement project, meh version:

I've been watching a ton of home decor videos where they paint somebody's studio apartment dark green and install a built-in wall arch/bookshelf/workstation/coffeemaker and all these other fancy things I can't do but deeply long to

and one of them was like "If you want a renter-friendly fix, just swap out your cabinet hardware and electrical cover plates! It makes such a difference!"

Soooooo I gave it a go. Went out to a ReStore in a bougie suburb and found some matching cupboard knobs for $1 each. Brushed nickel replaced by patterned antiqued brass. I did pay full price for the electrical covers, since I didn't find any used ones that matched.

(GOD I hate my kitchen cabinets. Crappy paint job that constantly chips and flakes and just looks awful. If I had the time, spoons, and guts, I'd strip it all off and live with the fake dark wood underneath. I kind of started in an ADHD fugue before realizing it was not a good plan right now.)

Did it make a difference? I mean, I guess so! I see and notice the knobs every day.

As for ease, it was fairly reasonable, except that the screws that fixed the knob on were too long, and then the ones on the switch plate cover were the wrong size.

Also, I'm just kind of disgruntled because the rest of my kitchen is all stainless steel, so the overall vibe doesn't feel very different.

But I did it and figured I'd post it.

[whencyclopedia]

Top 10 Inventions of the Industrial Revolution

The British Industrial Revolution transformed life at work and at home for practically everyone. Noise, pollution, social upheaval, and repetitive jobs were the price to pay for labour-saving machines, cheap and comfortable transportation, more affordable consumer goods, better lighting and heating, and faster ways of communication.

Any shortlist of inventions is bound to be far from complete, but the following have been chosen not only for what they could do but also for how they permitted other inventions to become possible and how they transformed working life and everyday living for millions of people. The period under consideration is also important and here is taken as 1750 to 1860. With these criteria in mind, the top 10 inventions of the Industrial Revolution were:

The Watt Steam Engine (1778)

The Power Loom (1785)

The Cotton Gin (1794)

Gas Street Lighting (1807)

The Electromagnet (1825)

The First Photograph (c. 1826)

Stephenson's Rocket (1829)

The Electrical Telegraph (1837)

The Steam Hammer (1839)

Mass Steel Production (1856)

The Watt Steam Engine

The steam engine, which harnessed power from the expansion of heated water, is often cited as the single most important invention of the Industrial Revolution, principally because so many other important subsequent inventions used it as their power source. The steam engine was born from the necessity to pump out flooded mine shafts and enable deeper mining. The first steam pump was invented by Thomas Savery (c. 1650-1715) in 1698. In 1712, Thomas Newcomen (1664-1729) perfected his more powerful steam pump to drain coal mines of water in Dudley in the Midlands.

To make the steam engine more useful for other purposes, it had to be made more efficient both in terms of fuel consumption and power. The Scottish instrument maker James Watt (1736-1819) and Matthew Boulton (1728-1809) kept tinkering with the workings of the steam engine until, in 1778, they had perfected a separate condenser to vastly increase the engine's efficiency. Power was also increased by the steam powering the piston down not just up (hence its name, a double-acting engine), increasing the 'horsepower', a term coined by Watt. The engine also had its power converted to a more versatile rotary motion using a flywheel. Using just one-quarter of the fuel of Newcomen's engine, Watt's engine was cheap enough to use almost anywhere. Steam engines kept on evolving, notably with the expansion steam engine, and they benefitted from ever-better tool machinery that could make stronger and better-fitting parts.

By 1800, Britain boasted over 2,500 steam engines, most of them used in mines, cotton mills, and manufacturing factories. 500 of these engines were made by the Watt and Boulton factory in Birmingham. Every walk of life was affected. Steam now powered fountains, threshing machines, sewage pumps, and printing presses. Essentially, any work that required pushing, pulling, lifting, or pressing could be made much more efficient using steam-powered machines. Steam engines were harnessed for trains and steamships, and, aptly, all these uses caused a boom in the coal mining industry, which had been the origin of the machine in the first place.

Continue reading...

[paperback-rascal]

I know... I know I'm jumping on the meme redraw bandwagon but when I draw crossover of any series with The Witcher you know I'm in too deep in a hyperfixation.

Also... "Gegege no Kitaro" by Shigeru Mizuki basically reshaped the view on Yokai for Japanese audiences in '60 XX, while "The Witcher" by Andrzej Sapkowski changed the view on slavic folklore for Polish people in '90 XX. so it's inevitable for SOMEONE to put Geralt and Kitaro together in one drawing. It might as well be me.

it might sound far-fetched but... Kitaro and Geralt are more similar than you might think!

They are both considered "outsiders" - Geralt is a witcher, mutated human who's sole purpose is to kill monsters for the right price - he is no longer considered a human being and often considered a monster himself by people who he is suppose to protect. Since he was created to kill monsters, or what humans consider to be monstrous, he is not accepted by any side of the human-non-human conflict. Kitaro is a Yokai (a term used to describe Japanese monsters) who is a human-yokai negotiator. Yokai thinks he is on humanity side, while humans thinks he sides with the monsters.

They are both long-living. Geralt, due to his mutations, is around 100+ in the book series. Kitaro, due to him being a monster, is 50+ but mentally he is a teenager.

They are both considered "ugly". In "The Witcher" books, Geralt's appearance is often described as uncanny thus people are often spooked by his inhuman look (it was later nullified by 3rd "The Witcher" game and, especially, Netflix series - in those he is gruff but good looking). In "Gegege no Kitaro" manga Kitaro is often described as a "creepy kid" and the title of the franchise is sometimes translated to "Spooky Kitaro" or "Kitaro of the graveyard". In newest version of the anime Kitaro doesn't look grotesque but in early manga and in Hakaba anime from 2007, Kitaro ain't the prettiest.

Both Geralt and Kitaro have "magical abilities" and "magical equipment" to deal with monsters.

Geralt has witcher medallion which vibrate when monsters are nearby (I'm sure, Geralt's medallion would activate when in close proximity to Kitaro), Kitaro hair stands up when he is close to a monster activity, warning him about the monsters beforehand.

Geralt has witcher signs (a set of basic magical spells) which can create: fire (Igni), entrapment (Yrden), waves of energy (Aard), energy shield (Quen), calm animals or bend other people's will (Axii) etc. while Kitaro can generate electricity and use his hair as spikes or fingers as a spiritual gun among other abilities.

As every witcher, Geralt have two swords - silver and steel - as well as potions that enhance his abilities. Kitaro have a chanchanko vest made of spiritual hair of his ancestors and wooden getas those are basically multiools during his encounters with monsters.

2018 anime (AKA 6th series) is closer in philosophy to "The Witcher" depiction of morality - in "The Witcher" it's often noted that the most monstrous of being are humans. Their despicable actions often leaving Geralt more and more disgusted with humanity.

The same sentiment can be seen in 2018 anime, but to a lesser extend. The 2018 anime mostly follows the tried and true "monster of the week + moral at the end of the episode" formula. However, sometimes an episode ends with characters not learning their lesson or learning that their behavior is abhorrent but going back to their old ways anyway. Since Kitaro's view on humanity is already very fragile in the 6th series, he is left more and more heartbroken seeing how futile his actions are.

Well... that's the gist of it.

If you're interested either of the series, know that "The Witcher" books are intended for more mature audiences while "GeGeGe No Kitaro" is a shounen manga.

---

see other of my Gegege no Kitaro fanarts -> [HERE] <-

===

Gegege no Kitaro © Shigeru Mizuki/Kodansha/Toei Animation

The witcher saga (books) © Andrzej Sapkowski + The Witcher trilogy (video games) © CDProjektRED

[monstersdownthepath]

Shadowbound Heart

Minor Artifact

Aura: Strong Conjuration, Strong Necromancy

CL: 22nd

Weight: ---

Slot: —

The first of these wicked artifacts is said to have been made when a tyrant wished for a means of immortality that would sustain his youth and health forever. He had, at first, thought to contact Asmodeus, but knew the Dark Prince's price would inevitably include his soul, and his demise would be arranged for him in the background. Similarly, beseeching a demon for immortality was an excellent way to not see the end of a decade, and a daemon even less. So the story goes, he took to another option: Zon-Kuthon.

The God of Pain heard the tyrant's plea and offered him a mechanical heart, crafted of the Netherworld's steel and by Zon-Kuthon's madness. All he asked for in return was that the tyrant rejoice in the "gift of pain" he would receive, and to seek to give it to others. He would keep his life, he would keep his soul, he would keep his youth and health, all for the price of pain, inflicted upon himself and others. Figuring that even the worst of worldly agonies would pale in comparison to Hell and figuring that, with his new eternity stretching before him, he would grow used to any pain his new heart would cause him (worst comes to worst, he has a mechanical body crafted), he accepted.

As these tales go, it is hubris to ever believe yourself beyond a price set by a god. Every mortal believes themselves the ones that will finally outwit their patron, but not one has succeeded. As the tyrant found out, the agony his new heart caused him was at a level there was no getting used to, and rather grimly, he found that the death he feared so terribly was now wholly beyond his ability to reach, no matter how much he strained for it.

Whether this foolish tyrant truly existed (and what his eventual fate was) or is merely a cautionary tale about making bargains with the Midnight Lord, the device featured in the story is quite real. Several of them exist, crafted both by Zon-Kuthon and the lesser Demagogues, some sitting in the ribcages of dried skeletons who found a way out of their bargain, most of them still embedded within the chest of a mortal seeking immortality, a new experience, or performing a mission for their patron. The fact that there's not one inside every high priest of pain suggests they're either difficult to create, even for a demigod, or only a limited number of them can exist at a time, or perhaps both.

Shadowbound Hearts resemble twisted, clockwork hearts bearing a smooth plate of silvery metal emblazoned with the unholy symbol of the god or fiend which created it. They're deceptively easy to install: A willing, living, corporeal mortal must hold the device to their chest for one full round, at which point spiked tendrils emerge from gaps within the device and rips its way into the mortal's torso. The artifact destroys the victim's heart and settles into its place, weaving its tendrils throughout their torso and settling in as its magic goes to work. At this point, the creature is considered infused. The ragged, shredded hole heals over swiftly except for the metallic plate, which now sits directly over the new heart and marks them as a bearer of one of these cursed artifacts.

A creature infused with a Shadowbound Heart enjoys several benefits: it gains Regeneration equal to its Hit Dice, and only Electricity damage causes the heart's Regeneration to stutter for a round. The user reverts to a young adult appearance and remain young so long as the Heart remains in place, taking none of the penalties of aging but reaping the benefits. They do not need to eat, drink, or breathe (but still feel the pain of starvation, thirst, and asphyxiation if they do not), become immune to disease and poison, and have 25% Fortification. They recover from damage to their physical ability scores at a rate of 1 per round, and drain to their physical ability scores at a rate of 1 per day.

An infused creature slain through any means, such as by a death effect or HP damage while their Regeneration is deactivated, returns to life at -9 HP one hour later and resumes regenerating HP as normal. If the heart is removed from their body at any point, their body dissolves into gore (killing them if they were, somehow, still alive). One hour later, they begin regenerating from around the heart, their tissues pouring from the gaps in the clockwork and slowly reforming their body over the course of 1 minute, at which point they're restored to life at -9 HP and resume regenerating HP as normal. Only continuous Electricity damage to stall the heart prevents it from restoring its infused creature.

This immortality is not without its costs. The infused creature gains vulnerability to pain effects which cannot be removed or suppressed, taking a -5 penalty to saving throws against pain effects. Every hour, there is a cumulative 1% chance that the heart suddenly surges with activity, its tendrils probing the creature's nerves and organs in indescribably painful ways, visibly slithering to new locales beneath their skin to find new clusters of nerves to torment. The creature is utterly paralyzed by the pain, falling prone and helpless, unable to do anything but experience the agony for 1d4 minutes. Once the pain triggers, the chance to activate resets to 1%. Every time the infused creature suffers at least 1 point of damage per HD they have from any source, the heart senses their pain and becomes envious; it gains a 5% chance to activate and an immediate check to see if it activates must be made.

Once infused into a creature, that creature has few ways to escape their pain. The heart's creator can will it to cease functioning at any point, withdrawing its tendrils and slipping from the hole in the victim's chest (this takes 1 minute and paralyzes the creature with agony), at which point the victim must receive the benefits of the Regeneration spell or die, as they no longer have a heart. A Limited Wish spell can remove the heart from a willing creature, restore their original heart, and ends the infusion if the caster succeeds a DC 32 caster level check. A Wish or Miracle used on a willing creature removes the heart, restores their original heart, and ends the infusion without a check needed. Whenever a heart is deactivated in this way, the creator often sends some of their agents to investigate what has happened (or perhaps even investigates themselves) and to recover the heart through any means possible and punish the formerly-infused creature for rejecting their gift.

--------

Destruction: Zon-Kuthon can destroy any Shadowbound Heart in existence by simply willing it. Otherwise, they must be destroyed by forging an adamantine hammer and chisel in the Positive Energy Plane, and using the hammer to drive the chisel straight into the heart through the metal plate, making sure to destroy the unholy symbol in the process. This causes the heart and the tools used to obliterate one another. Destroying a Shadowbound Heart while it's still inside a creature instantly kills that creature, and destroys their body utterly in a flare of positive and negative energy.