#Essential Heating and Air Reviews

[essentialheatingandac]

Essential Heating and Air Reviews

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[race-week]

F101:

F1 Glossary

107% rule

During Q1, any driver who fails to set a lap within 107 percent of the fastest Q1 time will not be allowed to start the race.

However, in some circumstances - which could include a driver setting a suitable time during practice, the stewards may permit the car to start (more often than not the driver is allowed to start)

Appeal

An action that a team takes on its drivers' behalf if it feels that they have been unfairly penalised by the race officials.

The window for asking for a review after an event will be shortened from the current 14 day period to four days, or 96 hours for 2024

Bottoming

When the underside of the car hits the track surface, visually producing sparks. This is usually because of a stiff suspension set up and/or a bumpy track surface

Clean air

Air that isn't turbulent. A car is in ‘clean air’ when it has a gap of at least 5 seconds to the car in front.

Clean air provides the optimum conditions for an F1 car

Degradation (tyre)

The process by which a tyre loses performance or grip, caused by the tyre going through heat cycles (getting warm and cooling down)

Delta time

A term used to describe the time difference between two different laps or two different cars.

Dirty air

Turbulent air that comes off of the back of the car in front. Being in dirty air affects the handling of a car and can cause it to overheat

Downforce

The aerodynamic force that is applied in a downwards direction as a car travels forwards (essentially it is negative lift). This is harnessed to improve a car's handling through corners.

Flat spot

The area of a tyre that is worn heavily on one spot after a moment of extreme braking or in the course of a spin or lock up.

This ruins its handling, often causing severe vibration, and may force a driver to pit for a replacement set of tyres

Ground Effect

A method of inducing downforce by manipulating airflow under the car through the use of winglets and tunnels to create a low pressure area

Handling

The car's responsiveness to driver input and its ability to negotiate corners effectively.

A car that handles well will typically be well-balanced and not understeer or oversteer to any great degree.

LiCo (Lift and Coast)

Something that the race engineer will tell the driver to do if they are burning too much fuel or overheating the car.

It means that the driver will lift off of the throttle early and coast into the braking zone - this slows down their pace so it’s not ideal

Lock-up

The term used to describe a driver braking sharply and 'locking' one or more tyres whilst the others continue rotating. Tyre smoke and flat spots are common side effects.

Marbles

The small pieces of tyre rubber that break off the tyres and then accumulate at the side of the track off the racing line. Typically these are very slippery when driven on.

Out brake

A term used to describe a driver braking either too late or too softly and subsequently overrunning a corner. A common mistake made during overtaking moves.

Oversteer

When a car's rear end doesn't want to go around a corner and tries to overtake the front end as the driver turns in towards the apex. Essentially the rear end of the car moves too much (kicks out) and could cause the car to spin

Parc ferme

A fenced-off area into which cars are driven after qualifying and the race, where no team members are allowed to touch them except under the strict supervision of race stewards.

This is where the post qualifying and post race checks take place.

Cars are under Parc Ferme conditions from the start of qualifying until the start of the race meaning that their set ups can’t be changed during this time.

Plank

A hard permaglass strip (also known as a skid block) that is fitted front-to-back down the middle of the underside of all cars to check that they are not being run too close to the track surface, something that is apparent if the plank is excessively worn.

Porpoising

An aerodynamic phenomenon caused by ground effect where the airflow under the car is suddenly stalled causing a loss of downforce resulting in the car springing upwards. This process continues with the car getting sucked towards the track due to the ground effect, the airflow stalling and then the car springing upwards. This creates a repetitive bouncing, typically on the straights.

The effect can be minimised by raising the ride height

Ride height

The height between the track's surface and the floor of the car.

Scrutineering

The technical checking of cars by the officials to ensure that none are outside the regulations.

Shakedown

A brief test when a team is trying a different car part or a new car for the first time before going back out to drive at 100 percent to set a fast time.

Teams will often run a 100km shakedown at the start of the season before pre season testing

Understeer

Where the front end of the car doesn't want to turn into a corner and slides wide as the driver tries to turn in towards the apex.

Venturi Tunnels

Channels under the floor of the car to funnel and accelerate airflow

The channels have a specific hourglass shape, wide opening and exit with a narrow centre section.

This creates a low pressure zone which will accelerate the airflow and induce downforce

[waitmyturtles]

Turtles Catches Up With Old GMMTV: KinnPorsche, and Analyzing the KP Cultural Zeitgeist Edition (Part 1)

[What’s going on here? After joining Tumblr and discovering Thai BLs through KinnPorsche in 2022, I began watching GMMTV’s new offerings -- and realized that I had a lot of history to catch up on, to appreciate the more recent works that I was delving into. From tropes to BL frameworks, what we’re watching now hails from somewhere, and I’m learning about Thai BL's history through what I’m calling the Old GMMTV Challenge (OGMMTVC). Starting with recommendations from @absolutebl on their post regarding how GMMTV is correcting for its mistakes with its shows today, I’ve made an expansive list to get me through a condensed history of essential/classic/significant Thai BLs produced by GMMTV and many other BL studios. My watchlist, pasted below, lists what I’ve watched and what’s upcoming, along with the reviews I’ve written so far. Today, in a two-part series, I offer my thoughts on KinnPorsche, my very first Thai BL, and the impact that I think KP has had on the Thai BL industry since 2022.]

Hot damn! It has been a MINUTE since my last OGMMTVC review, so I'm glad to be back. I've been very much looking forward to writing my thoughts about my recent KinnPorsche rewatch: I enjoyed this ENTIRE process, especially in regards to watching KinnPorsche in the context and chronology of past Thai BLs, and man, did I ever see KP WAYYYYY differently than the first time I watched it.

Why's that? Welp -- *KinnPorsche was my first-ever Thai BL*. (Not my first BL drama ever; that award goes to the GOAT, Kinou Nani Tabeta?/What Did You Eat Yesterday?)

But when I joined Tumblr officially in July 2022, just about a year and a half ago (in the heat of passionately obsessing over Old Fashion Cupcake), my dash was awash, AWASH, in KP posts. AWASH.

I had no idea what the fuck the algorithm was telling me.

I went into KinnPorsche knowing absolutely NOTHING about Thai BL tropes, the history of the genre, the actors in the roles, what made KP so innovative by way of its storyline, NADA. Dudes -- I'm half-Malaysian, and I had never even watched a show from the Southeast Asian region, let alone Thailand, and I was unaware of how prolific the Thai drama industry was (at least compared to the Korean drama machine).

When I first watched KinnPorsche, my perspective was that I had watched a pretty good show, and I was left surprised back then in particular by the No Homophobia Bubble (well, almost no homophobia, Big) that I now know is so much more common in Thai BLs than I realized.

It was through KinnPorsche that I discovered Thai BLs, and it was subsequently through Bad Buddy that I realized that I NEEDED to understand the development of this national genre -- so back to the history annals I went, through my OGMMTVC project, starting from 2014's Love Sick, and here we are at this moment of the timeline, the hot hot late spring and summer of 2022, enjoying the ✨vibbbeeezz✨ between Mile Phakphum and Apo Nattawin, and leaving me wondering why there was a national shirt button shortage in the midst of a Thai mafia crime drama. I'm glad I have history on my side now as I think about KinnPorsche as a standalone drama, and as I also think about the impact it has had on the Thai BL genre and fandoms prior to its premiere, up to today's moment in time.

I took my time to draft this piece partly because I was busy watching Be On Cloud's second and latest serial drama in Dead Friend Forever. I think BOC is doing something very interesting by way of their acting and contracted scripting choices, which I want to ponder by way of the context and aftermath of KP's airing. As such, while I had intended to write just one post about KP, I have a bunch of thoughts that'll spill over to tomorrow. So here we go, a quick overall outline for the lovers for today and tomorrow on my ruminating thoughts:

1) My critical thoughts on KinnPorsche as a standalone drama in the context of the history of previous Thai BLs, 2) My thoughts on how new arrivals to the wider Thai BL fandom shaped the perception of KP vis à vis older Thai BLs, 3) How I think KP has impacted how other studios approach, market, and write Thai BLs now, and 4) A quick passing thought on BOC's own continued influence on the Thai BL genre and industry since 2022, particularly by way of Dead Friend Forever.

I'm going to concentrate on numbers 1 and 2 in this piece, and they're actually going to be a touch conflated, because I want to lean into a now-obvious fact that the BL Elder community knew all along about KP when it first aired in 2022: there was not much that was new about what KinnPorsche was doing. (This is not necessarily a bad thing, as I’ll get into below.)

When I was a newbie on Tumblr, and the algorithm was feeding my dash, I remember seeing posts about how Be On Cloud, the studio behind KP, was doing things differently than the rest of the Thai BL field -- I recall posts about the studio hiring the best acting coaches, how the cinematography was nothing like what we had seen in other shows, and how Be On Cloud was committed to creating safe environments for its actors, particularly Apo Nattawin, who had reportedly faced discrimination in his past acting career, reportedly leading him to leave the Thai drama industry for a number of years.

While some very early Thai BL studios were known to not have the safest or friendliest environments (the filming of What The Duck comes to mind by way of this lore), by the time of KP's airing, GMMTV had strongly established itself as the leader of Thai BL productions, and other players, including New Siwaj and Cheewin Thanamin, had produced quite the number of dramas under each of their respective studio outfits. The industry, by 2020 and 2021, when KP was in its development origins, wasn't new anymore. Acting coaches, such as Aof Noppharnach, were now also regularly writing, directing, and producing original shows, and major BL studios had introduced workshopping as a regular step to production. On the artistic end, studios and writers had established expected artistic tropes -- 2018's Love By Chance is the first example that comes to my mind of when the Thai BL genre crystallized in a structurally derivative piece of art by way of containing and using prior trope references and dynamics.

Be On Cloud, in picking up the KinnPorsche script from Filmania during the pandemic (I use these posts here and here for my non-primary sources of KP lore) clearly knew it had something innovative on its hands by way of producing the genre's first mafia-based BL romance.

But 2020's Manner of Death had already introduced crime and mystery to BL, and 2021's Not Me continued a multi-genre perspective somewhat successfully around romance. And regarding sex and heat: KinnPorsche didn't do that first, either. MaxTul brought it first in 2017's Together With Me, and MAME has owned this corner since 2018's Love By Chance and 2019's TharnType. (Props to MaxTul for being in both Together With Me and Manner of Death; MileApo owe those dudes some beers.) By way of cinematography, which KP does extremely well: we had already begun seeing prestige cinematography in 2020's I Told Sunset About You, and 2021's I Promised You The Moon and A Tale of Thousand Stars.

It was natural, I think, for much of the KP fandom to think that KP was innovative in a lot of these categories, because, like me -- KP was our first-ever Thai BL. By way of money clearly spent on the show, the directorial purview of the show, the utterly gorgeous cinematography (man, that nighttime pull-away shot when the guys are in the roof pool, oof, why couldn't I find a gif), a new fan might think, geez, this has never been done before! But it had, and not just in Thailand, but for years prior in Japan, and more recently in Korea.

This is ALL not to say that KinnPorsche “suffered” because of what I'm uncovering by way of KP's misunderstood innovation. I think a perception of KP being entirely “new” in the BL field has contributed to its lore and enduring influential status. On this rewatch, I appreciated the mafia-based storyline as a support system to the central KinnPorsche romance. Yok being centered as an important mentor to Porsche, played by the inimitable Sprite Patteerat, was refreshing to see. Porsche accepting his bisexuality, especially with Yok's support, without the typical BL head-spinning queer revelation, was a welcome element to the show. And, frankly -- I had, on my first watch, missed, of course, the clear references to Thai BLs of the past in this show, references that I really loved seeing this time around.

From the old school, we got Kob Songsit, the OG BL dad, no longer Tong's dad in the seminal movie, The Love of Siam, nor Dean's dad in Until We Meet Again. This BL veteran is now a damn dad don, weapons and all.

We've also got Na Naphat, who played important side characters in IPYTM and UWMA. We have former BL lead guys in Jeff Satur and Perth Nakhun. We've got guitars and singing, we have underwater smooching, we have a cute-cute first date. We arguably have questionable kabedon in Kinn's and Porsche's first intimate moments. We have cooking for your lover, we have feeding your lover, we have the towel-drying of the hair. KP, by 2022, keeps up with Idol Factory's Secret Crush On You in prominently featuring a femme-presenting side character in Tankhun, PHENOMENALLY ACTED by Tong Thanayut, who we had seen previously in TharnType.

KP was, in part, directed by Pepzi Banchorn, who served as an assistant director on 2019's Dark Blue Kiss and 2021-22's Bad Buddy, and had a quick guest spot in 2022's The Warp Effect. KP was also, in part, directed by Khom Kongkiat, who played Uncle Tong in Bad Buddy, and subsequently directed The Promise in 2023. AND, finally, one of the KP screenwriters is Bee Pongsate, who has co-written so much flippin' BL: Last Twilight, Bad Buddy, Dangerous Romance (😬), Vice Versa, My School President, A Tale of Thousand Stars, 2gether and Still 2gether, and that's not even scratching the list -- you get it.

KP's supporting cast and crew was simply stacked with BL vets, who clearly knew the scene, and who helped to support Mile Phakphum's rookie acting and Apo Nattawin's return to the screen. I'd posit that this group of people knew EXACTLY what references they were putting into KinnPorsche, from actors to tropes, and also knew when, where, and how to innovate around those references to still make this show unique.

Certainly, KP's approach to sex and heat -- by way of Kinn's and Porsche's first drunken encounters (hi again, MaxTul), the uncut intimate scenes between them, and Vegas's and Pete's union by way of, well, semi-torture and/or kink -- was bold enough to be overall quite notable. But again: Thai BLs had been pushing that envelope for years past, and it has continued to do so in shows like MAME's Love In the Air and GMMTV's Only Friends.

In other words: after this rewatch, with the history of the older Thai BLs I've watched under my belt, I don't see KinnPorsche as firstly innovative. But I appreciate the show differently now, in particular for how very obvious it worked to include past Thai BL references in its production, and I actually gained a different appreciation for it.

I also want to made a quick tangential note about Apo and Tong specifically by way of innovation. Dr. Thomas Baudinette, a long-time BL fan and academic researcher on Thai and Japanese queer media, notes in his book, Boys Love Media in Thailand, that an ideal trajectory for a Thai BL actor is to debut in BLs in order to transition to more popular primetime het Thai dramas, as Gulf Kanuwat of TharnType, and Ohm Thitiwat and Kao Noppakao of UWMA and Lovely Writer, respectively, are notably doing at the moment. Apo Nattawin did this the other way around: he had established his career in het lakorns, most notably in 2015’s major hit drama, Sut Khaen Saen Rak, and subsequently left the Thai drama industry after reportedly being discriminated against for his skin tone and fashion choices. And his way back to the industry was through BLs. Taking the lore of Mile Phakphum recruiting Apo for KP out of the picture for a moment: I think this indicates a shift in how BLs are increasingly perceived in Thailand, and even globally, as being a career-worthy genre of content on its own for actors. (Apo's exploding fashion career is proof of this.) And BOC has now recruited another lakorn vet in Jes Jespipat for its third upcoming drama, 4 Minutes.

As well, Tong Thanayut’s very public coming out after the conclusion of KP’s airing is notable for how Be On Cloud has continued to center Tong in its productions after that fact, most notably in 2023’s film, Man Suang, while other out BL actors are not as lucky by way of guaranteeing and attracting future work.

I have a lot more to say about KinnPorsche's and Be On Cloud's impact on the current Thai BL industry, and how I think that impact has affected the marketing and creation of more recent shows like 2023's Only Friends, and 2023-24's Playboyy. But this first post has gotten long, and I actually haven't written much about the actual show itself, HA. So let me say this:

I think it's notable that the first shows that played around with themes outside of romance, like 2020's Manner of Death, and 2021's Not Me, were not perfect shows. We see now how multi-genre BLs are just exploding, what with Dead Friend Forever and the upcoming slew of vampire BLs that are going to drop (and let's not forget the first omegaverse BL drama in Pit Babe -- or should we forget it, I dunno). Not all of these shows are perfect, but the genre has only been around for a decade. There's a lot of time, and a tremendous amount of interest and funding, that upcoming shows can leverage to become better, especially these multi-genre shows that we're seeing more of.

KinnPorsche as well, was not a perfect show. I have some thoughts particularly on VegasPete to offer tomorrow, and I think, overall, that KP could have easily been a shorter series with more impact.

But I'll still give the show some of its flowers, because I think, unlike MoD and Not Me, that KinnPorsche did a better job of centering the Kinn and Porsche romance for dramatic effect, particularly by leveraging comedy. Were there many moments of hibbly-jibblies? Oh, totally. Dudes, also, Kinn fucking forgot about Pete! Pete coming back to the house and reminiscing about Vegas while holding his neck? Eeeeyikes, no thanx. There were a number of these weird bumps that I think could be explained by way of intentional camp (which I think KP did pretty well), but I do believe the show could have been tighter with more editing.

But, I gotta admit: I had a great time re-watching KP. That says something. Was it the heat that tiddled my dopamine cycles? Probably, somewhat. (No shame in my game.) Or -- a more reasonable theory, ha, is that Apo, as a veteran actor, demonstrated more range than I originally remembered. He can really do comedy well, and he timed his comedy perfectly for the absurdities that peppered KP through the series (the bread crawl, the constant throwing of hands, the jumping-on-Kinn when the ghost of Pete showed up, oh shit we're in the forest now, etc). Apo and Tong, in particular, stayed true to the bit many times during the show, and I think the series benefitted greatly from their collective comedic talent and timing -- which I thought was nicely refreshing for the genre.

With that, I'll have more ruminating tomorrow about the show itself, about how I think the impact that KP and BOC have had on the genre after KP's airing, and other thoughts about the cultural moment that KP demarcated when it aired -- see you tomorrow!

[MORE MORE MORE KP tomorrow! And I'll have more thoughts about the watchlist then. But for now, here's the classic OGMMTVC list for you to chew on!

1) The Love of Siam (2007) (movie) (review here) 2) My Bromance (2014) (movie) (review here) 3) Love Sick and Love Sick 2 (2014 and 2015) (review here) 4) Gay OK Bangkok Season 1 (2016) (a non-BL queer series directed by Jojo Tichakorn and written by Aof Noppharnach) (review here) 5) Make It Right (2016) (review here) 6) SOTUS (2016-2017) (review here) 7) Gay OK Bangkok Season 2 (2017) (a non-BL queer series directed by Jojo Tichakorn and written by Aof Noppharnach) (review here) 8) Make It Right 2 (2017) (review here) 9) Together With Me (2017) (review here) 10) SOTUS S/Our Skyy x SOTUS (2017-2018) (review here) 11) Love By Chance (2018) (review here) 12) Kiss Me Again: PeteKao cuts (2018) (no review) 13) He’s Coming To Me (2019) (review here) 14) Dark Blue Kiss (2019) and Our Skyy x Kiss Me Again (2018) (review here) 15) TharnType (2019-2020) (review here) 16) Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey (OffGun BL cuts) (2016 and 2017) (no review) 17) Theory of Love (2019) (review here) 18) 3 Will Be Free (2019) (a non-BL and an important harbinger of things to come in 2019 and beyond re: Jojo Tichakorn pushing queer content in non-BLs) (review here) 19) Dew the Movie (2019) (review here) 20) Until We Meet Again (2019-2020) (review here) (and notes on my UWMA rewatch here) 21) 2gether (2020) and Still 2gether (2020) (review here) 22) I Told Sunset About You (2020) (review here) 23) YYY (2020, out of chronological order) (review here) 24) Manner of Death (2020-2021) (review here) 25) A Tale of Thousand Stars (2021) (review here) 26) A Tale of Thousand Stars (2021) OGMMTVC Fastest Rewatch Known To Humankind For The Sake Of Rewatching Our Skyy 2 x BBS x ATOTS (re-review here) 27) Lovely Writer (2021) (review here) 28) Last Twilight in Phuket (2021) (the mini-special before IPYTM) (review here) 29) I Promised You the Moon (2021) (review here) 30) Not Me (2021-2022) (review here) 31) Bad Buddy (2021-2022) (thesis here) 32) 55:15 Never Too Late (2021-2022) (not a BL, but a GMMTV drama that features a macro BL storyline about shipper culture and the BL industry) (review here) 33) Bad Buddy (2021-2022) and Our Skyy 2 x BBS x ATOTS (2023) OGMMTVC Rewatch (Links to the BBS OGMMTVC Meta Series are here: preamble here, part 1, part 2, part 3a, part 3b, and part 4) 34) Secret Crush On You (2022) (review here) 35) KinnPorsche (2022) (tag here)  36) KinnPorsche (2022) OGMMTVC Fastest Rewatch Known To Humankind For the Sake of Re-Analyzing the KP Cultural Zeitgeist

...interrupting the OGMMTVC list here to watch War of Y (2022) (watching) in chronology to decide if it gets listed...

37) The Eclipse (2022) (tag here) 38) The Eclipse OGMMTVC Rewatch to Reexamine “Genre BLs” and Internalized/Externalized Homophobia in GMMTV Shows  39) GAP (2022-2023) (Thailand’s first GL) 40) My School President (2022-2023) and Our Skyy 2 x My School President (2023) 41) Moonlight Chicken (2023) (tag here) 42) Bed Friend (2023) (tag here) 43 La Pluie (2023) (review coming) 44) Be My Favorite (2023) (tag here) (I’m including this for BMF’s sophisticated commentary on Krist’s career past as a BL icon) 45) Wedding Plan (2023) (Recommended as an important trajectory in the course of MAME’s work and influence from TharnType) 46) Only Friends (2023) (tag here) (not technically a BL, but it certainly became one in the end) 47) Last Twilight (2023-24) (tag here) (on the list as Thailand’s first major BL to center disability, successfully or otherwise) 48) Cherry Magic Thailand (2023-24) (tag here) (on the list as the first major Japanese-to-Thai drama adaptation, featuring the comeback of TayNew) 49) Ossan’s Love Returns (2024) (adding for the EarthMix cameo and the eventual Thai remake) 50) Dead Friend Forever (2024) (thoughts here) 51) 23.5 (tag here) (2024)]

[allprocarpetsteamers]

Breathe Easy: The Importance Of Air Duct Cleaning In Las Vegas

Are you breathing easy in Las Vegas? The air around us is crucial to our health and well-being, yet it's often overlooked. In this bustling city of lights, ensuring the quality of the air we breathe is essential. Join us as we delve into the world of air duct cleaning and discover why it's a game-changer for your indoor environment. Let's explore how clean Air Duct Cleaning Las Vegas home or business!

The Impact Of Poor Indoor Air Quality

Poor indoor air quality can significantly impact your health and well-being. When your air ducts are filled with dust, allergens, and pollutants, the air circulating in your home becomes contaminated. This can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems for you and your family.

Breathing in polluted air consistently can aggravate existing conditions like asthma or allergies. It can also cause headaches, fatigue, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Additionally, poor indoor air quality may contribute to an overall decline in indoor comfort levels.

If addressed, indoor air quality can improve over time as contaminants continue to accumulate in the ductwork. This is why regular air duct cleaning is essential to maintain a healthy living environment for you and your loved ones.

Benefits Of Regular Air Duct Cleaning

When it comes to maintaining a healthy indoor environment, regular air duct cleaning is an essential component. Over time, dust, dirt, pet dander, and other contaminants can accumulate in your air ducts. These pollutants affect the quality of the air you breathe and the efficiency of your HVAC system.

Investing in regular air duct cleaning can improve the overall air quality in your home or office. Clean air ducts help reduce allergens and irritants that can exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma or allergies. Additionally, they promote better airflow throughout your space, leading to improved energy efficiency and lower utility bills.

Moreover, regular air duct maintenance can extend your HVAC system's lifespan. When debris builds up in the ductwork, it forces the system to work harder to heat or cool your space, which can result in premature wear and tear on components. Ensuring that your air ducts are clean helps prevent unnecessary strain on your HVAC unit and reduces the risk of costly repairs.

Choosing A Reliable And Efficient Air Duct Cleaning Service In Las Vegas

Reliability and efficiency are key factors to consider when selecting an air duct cleaning service in Las Vegas. With the abundance of options available, it can be overwhelming to make the right choice.

Start by researching companies online and reading customer reviews to understand their reputation. Look for a company that is licensed and insured and has experienced technicians who use industry-standard equipment.

Ask about their process – a reputable service provider will conduct a thorough inspection before starting the cleaning process. Please inquire about additional services they offer, such as mold remediation or dryer vent cleaning.

Remember to request a detailed quote upfront with no hidden fees. A trustworthy company will provide transparency regarding its pricing structure.

Choosing a reliable and efficient air duct cleaning service in Las Vegas is essential for maintaining good indoor air quality and ensuring your HVAC system operates at its best.

Conclusion

In Las Vegas, where clean air is essential for comfort and health, air duct cleaning plays a vital role in maintaining good indoor air quality. Regular cleaning keeps your HVAC system clear of dust, debris, and contaminants so you can quickly know that the air circulating in your home is fresh and clean.

Choosing a reliable and efficient air duct cleaning service in Las Vegas ensures the job is done thoroughly and professionally. With the benefits of improved indoor air quality, energy efficiency, cost savings, and overall well-being at stake, investing in regular air duct cleaning pays off in more ways than one.

Don't wait until poor indoor air quality affects your health or increases energy bills. Take proactive steps to ensure your HVAC system runs efficiently by scheduling regular air duct cleaning with trusted professionals. Your lungs—and wallet—will thank you!

[nerdanel01]

Tipsy

Emmrich Volkarin/F!Rook (*Emmrich POV) 2k+ wc | SFW Emmrich and Agnes share a night at the opera. EXCEPRT: In the fifteen years that they had worked together, Emmrich had not once heard Agnes sing, nor hum, nor even tap her feet in time with a tune. Oh, she loved music—she subscribed to several periodicals that reviewed the latest compositions being performed across the continent, and was happy to debate the merits of various composers with anyone who would listen. But what enjoyment she took in music had always seemed clipped, contained within the bounds of her characteristic restraint. Now, the grass was tickling her bare feet; her heeled shoes were swinging precariously, playfully, from two hooked fingers of her left hand. The dark, velvet purr of her humming, endearing her to him as deeply as ever.

What privilege, Emmrich thought! To see this hidden side of her.

9:45 Dragon

It was high summer, but the sun had long set, taking the worst heat of the day with it; a breeze blew in off the Minanter River, conspiring to keep that evening in Nevarra City refreshingly cool. Cricketsong fiddled sweetly in the night. Beneath the larger-than-life statue of Caspar Pentaghast, in the public garden in which they walked, nocturnal flowers were in bloom: jasmine and nightlily perfuming the air with their nectarous fragrance. 

To Emmrich’s mind, it was as beautiful an evening as one could hope for… made all the more beautiful by the grace and the sheer improbability of the sight before him: Agnes, barefoot on the grass him, humming to herself, her hips gently swaying in time with her song. 

In the fifteen years that they had worked together, Emmrich had not once heard Agnes sing, nor hum, nor even tap her feet in time with a tune. Oh, she loved music—she subscribed to several periodicals that reviewed the latest compositions being performed across the continent, and was happy to debate the merits of various composers with anyone who would listen. But what enjoyment she took in music had always seemed clipped, contained within the bounds of her characteristic restraint. Now, the grass was tickling her bare feet; her heeled shoes were swinging precariously, playfully, from two hooked fingers of her left hand. The dark, velvet purr of her humming, endearing her to him as deeply as ever.

What privilege, Emmrich thought! To see this hidden side of her. To bear witness to what he had privately come to think of as the real Agnes, unchained from the rules of decorum and the scars of her past. Though Agnes had never told him as much, he had come to think of her mother’s death as a terrible fault line running through her childhood, the essential moment that divided the rest of her life into a before and an after. Before, when she had been cherished and loved, free to run and play and be curious, as she always ought to have been—and after, as an unwanted bastard in the house of a nobleman, once the hideous truth of her conception had come to light. Emmrich could well imagine the impossible standards she had been held to: that she would have had to work twice as hard, be twice as clever, keep herself twice as neat and clean and courteous as her legitimately-born siblings in order to avoid her father’s reprimand. How that experience had choked her, changed her.

Which made this rare glimpse of pure, uninhibited joy in her so very, very precious. 

Though they had both drank copious amounts of fine champagne throughout the evening, that alone could not be the reason for this change in her demeanor. From the handful of occasions on which they had drank together before, Emmrich knew that Agnes was not susceptible to the wild swings in personality that could be observed in some drunks; if anything, she only became tired and more withdrawn than usual. It was the music itself, Emmrich suspected, that had worked this change in her: the two hours they had spent at the opera, the score of which Agnes was even now humming under her breath. 

It was hard not to feel too pleased and too proud with himself for having the idea to begin with; Emmrich knew he had no right to be. After all, it had taken him nearly five years to give her a gift half as worthy as the one she had given him—the scarab ring was so elegant, full of such detail and history and light that he wore it always. But Agnes was unlike him in that respect. She did not take great pleasure in things, the way he did—in fine jewelry or fabrics, or elegantly crafted tea sets—which had made the act of finding her a reciprocal gift uniquely challenging. Emmrich wanted it to be thoughtful. He wanted it to be something she would truly love.

And so, at last—when he had seen the poster outside the theatre promoting their summer programming, seen the Antivan Opera listed as one of the companies that would be performing, recognized the name of one of the very composers Agnes had been praising for as long as he could remember—it was like the clouds had parted, like a single beam of epiphanal light had descended just for him.

Better to succeed late, Emmrich thought, than to never succeed at all. 

And it would have been worth it alone for the look of surprise and unbridled delight on her face when she had opened the envelope and recognized the tickets for what they were, but that had been just the beginning of all the tiny pleasures: the way she adorned herself for the occasion (unexpected mother-of-pearl ornament in her hair, the tint of color she had applied to her lips); the tension of anticipation her near-giddy excitement throughout the pre-performance dinner they had shared; the rapt, open-mouthed expression that had been fixed on her face throughout the opera, as she leaned over the edge of their box and peered through her opera glasses to get the best view of the stage. So alive! So focused, so present, all her stoicism and reserve fallen away. 

Too proud of himself. Too pleased with himself. Emmrich had found it his eyes wandering away from the performance on the stage to watch her, instead; to bask a little in her joy, knowing it was his own doing.

How good it felt, to care for someone else, to make them happy! To make Agnes, specifically, happier than he had ever seen her.  

And then, the shock of the opera itself! Knowing Agnes as he did—knowing her seriousness, her scholarly inclinations—he had expected it to be dark and tragic; to feature a plot that would, more likely than not, end in death. But in defiance of all of his expectations, the piece had been confection-sweet: a comedy, a romance full of bouncing, catchy tunes, everyone alive and in love at the conclusion of it. 

And now Agnes was humming the duet from the first act:

Though now the proud and cruel one Exults in the chains that bind me, Tomorrow over her heart I will reign, Tomorrow she is mine!

The grass tickling her bare, white feet; the grass on which she walked, in blatant defiance of the “KEEP OFF THE LAWN” signs peppered across the garden. Her hips swaying in what was, almost, a dance.

But the three-quarter time of the duet she was humming along to was nearly a waltz—so that ‘almost’ was remarkably easy to fix.

Taking care to quiet his footfalls, to surprise her, Emmrich stepped onto the lawn behind her, closing the distance between them when at last he grasped her hand. Before she had time to react he lifted their joined hands above their heads, guiding Agnes’ wrist until—with a delighted laugh—she gave a graceful little spin and turned to face him. Her dark eyes shining brighter than the stars above, for all the merriment within them.

Still holding his hand, grinning playfully, she bent her knees and bowed her head in mannered, practiced curtsy. Emmrich matched her smile and bowed his head in kind, before wrapping his free arm around her waist—and then, they were off, Agnes keeping time with her humming, Emmrich wheeling them around in the grass to match the pace she set: one, two, three; one, two, three; taking extra precautions to make sure he did not trample her bare toes beneath his dress shoes. 

…Strange, wasn’t it? He had done all of this for her, for Agnes. And yet somehow through his vicarious experience of her joy, through the dizzy, fizzy freedom of the champagne swimming in his blood, he found himself feeling so present, so whole, so much fuller than he had in a very long time.

The melody of the song shifted—driving, mounting, a crescendo towards its conclusion. Emmrich lifted their hands once more, spun Agnes once, twice, three times in a row, her skirt rising with her momentum to twirl like a black wave around her knees as she laughed again in delight. Then Emmrich drew her back to him, and—hands tight about her waist to secure her (they were both, after all, a little tipsy)—dipped her body low over his bent knee.

Cricketsong and river-breeze. Time had not stopped, but it felt like it had: like Emmrich’s heart had stopped beating, like he could not draw a breath. In a flash their dance had transformed from a fancy into… he did not know what. All he knew was that he could not pull his eyes away from the silver moonlight caught in her hair, the nervous smile on her face… the cold, then warm, then cold again shock of the world-tilting look of breathless anticipation, of hope in her eyes.

The intrusive, wholly inappropriate urge to draw her warm, slender body against his and kiss her deeply.

The thought was like burning a hand on a scalding kettle; all he could do was flinch from it. In the next moment he had set Agnes back on her feet and released her waist, restoring an arm’s length of distance between them, clearing his throat loudly as he did so.

Cricketsong, and awkward silence. 

Agnes broke it first. “I’d like to…” she gestured vaguely with the shoes in her left hand. “Do you mind?”

“Not at all,” Emmrich answered, nearly tripping over himself to offer her his forearm. She grasped it with her free hand to steady herself then bent, balancing on one foot as she slipped her feet into one heeled shoe, then the other. For the life of him, Emmrich could not understand why it felt like something was shattering within him at the sight of it. 

Agnes straightened with a sigh, a perfunctory smile on her face. “That’s better. Shall we?” she continued, gesturing in the direction of the Necropolis. “It is getting rather late.”

“Of course,” Emmrich said, still too stunned and dumbstruck to do anything other than acquiesce. 

But whatever the moment was, whatever it might have been, it had clearly passed. Agnes’ shoes clacked on the paved walkway beside him, her humming silenced. All that joy, all that uninhibited delight had been packed away again behind her walls, restrained. Emmrich already missed it.

“There was another poster, in the theatre,” he said, to fill the silence as much as anything. “The Orlesian Opera will be touring here in the fall. Perhaps, if they are performing a piece that you would like to see, we could go again.”

Agnes flashed a brief look at him, smiled and nodded. “I’d like that,” she said, smoothing her hands through her hair, straightening the mother-of-pearl brooch back into place. “Though next time I really need to drink less. I’m afraid the champagne has made me a bit silly.”

There was a terrible note of embarrassment in her voice. Emmrich could not fight around the storm of emotions rolling through him to reassure her, ‘I like you very much when you are silly.’

They made small talk the rest of the way back to the Necropolis, but Emmrich barely heard a word Agnes said, so utterly possessed he was by that brief moment that had passed between them. It had taken all of two seconds to transform all the pride and cleverness he had felt for arranging the evening into the most abject shame. Had he really come that close to kissing her?

It was normal, Emmrich reassured himself, to have urges. Intrusive thoughts, even, were nothing to be ashamed of. That wasn’t him: he was defined not by his impulses but by his actions. He told himself: he was dignified, respectable, kind. Not nearly stupid enough to make that kind of mistake—and it would, unquestionably, be a mistake. 

‘I have no family,’ she had told him, when she had gifted him the ring which now wore daily. ‘Who else in my life would I give such a gift to, if not you?’ What a hideous betrayal of that sentiment it would have been, to start lusting after her now like some lecherous old man. Agnes was his valued partner, his dearest friend, and at least a decade his junior. It shook him to his very core to realize how close he had come to putting that cherished partnership at risk with unwelcome advances. 

After all, Emmrich already knew what it would be like to lose her; he had lived it. Sometimes he still dreamt of it: the unsteady weakness, the shaking in his legs as he had run, then tripped and fell, then crawled to her side after finally destroying the pride demon; the cold panic that had come over him when he realized she was not breathing. Shouting her name loud enough to make him hoarse as his magic clawed viciously at the Veil, drawing on the very force of his life to fuel his necromancy, reaching seeking questing for her soul, begging her to come back to him. 

He was resolved never to experience anything of the kind ever again—no matter what other sacrifices he must make to ensure it was so.

[ecargmura]

Wonderful Precure Episode 26 Review - Beat The Heat

Glad that Animal Town isn’t also the only place suffering from intense heat. It’s extremely hot where I live too! I was legit freaking out when I saw Iroha taking Komugi out on a walk because small dogs shouldn’t be out in scorching hot weather. I know because I have two miniature poodles who are sensitive to the heat. I usually take them out for walks really early in the morning so that they don’t have to suffer in the heat; I’m glad that Iroha is actually taking Komugi out for walks before the sun rises in the end of the episode.

Basically, there really isn’t much to talk about in this episode as it’s just about how hot it is and how to beat the heat. It was funny how Iroha and Mayu were essentially outside for different reasons but get delirious to the point that getting splashed by Satoru by accident is the reason that snapped them out of the heat trance. It was nice seeing how Satoru informs both the Precures and the viewers on how to beat the heat, especially for those who own rabbits.

Speaking of Satoru, his vast knowledge of animals comes from his home library. He even has books in English as he can only find some interesting books overseas. This means Satoru knows English as well! Satoru can cook, is caring and knows a lot. Iroha is clearly missing out. Though, I do wonder where Satoru’s parents are. It’s been twenty-six episodes already and we have yet to see his parents. I also appreciate all the Daifuku screen time. He’s such a cute rabbit! He deserves all the screen time.

I find the Mey Mey segment hilarious because he was denying how hot it was and then passes out due to the scorching hot weather to the point that he got Tsuyoshi, Iroha���s father, to shave him. He definitely looks weird with short hair. I seriously loved Iroha and Komugi’s reaction to it.

The GaruGaru of the week was ironically a camel. Since they are creatures who can withstand the heat, the Precures are at a disadvantage because they’re too sensitive to the heat. I do like the detail of Friendy’s barrier being so small because the heat is affecting her. It was nice seeing Lillian finally doing the Help Kirarin Animal and we finally get to see the Penguin in action again!

Though, I do wonder how the heck Niko’s egg was in the refrigerator. Did she teleport herself there? It’d be so hilarious if she did. Anyways, how do you beat the heat where you live? For me, I just stay home and bask in the air conditioner or I drink cold water. What about you?

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: Wilfred Reilly

Published: Nov 10, 2023

When your enemies tell you their goals, believe them.

Over the past three weeks, a lot of crazy sh** has been said about the Jews. Following the October 7 onset of hostilities between the nation of Israel and the terrorist group Hamas (sometimes billed as the “nation of Palestine”), a group of tens of thousands of recent migrants to Australia, university students, and others gathered in scenic downtown Sydney and quite literally chanted “Gas the Jews!” At 30–40 other large rallies, including this one in my hometown of Chicago, the cris de coeur were the just slightly less radical “From the river to the sea!” — a call for the elimination of the Jewish state of Israel — and “What is the solution? Intifada! Revolution!”

As has been documented to death by now, some 34 prominent student organizations (bizarrely including Amnesty International) at America’s third-best university, Harvard, signed on to a petition that assigned the “apartheid” state of Israel 100 percent of the blame for the current war — and indeed for the Hamas atrocities that began it. At another college, New York City’s Cooper Union, a group of Jewish students was apparently trapped inside a small campus library for hours by a braying pro-Palestinian mob. And so on.

In response to such open and gleeful hatred, more than a few conventional liberals — from comedienne Amy Schumer to the admittedly more heterodox Bill Maher — seem to have had their eyes fully opened as to who their keffiyeh-wearing “allies” truly are . . . at least when it comes specifically to Jewish people. But there is a deeper point, rarely made outside of the hard right, that lurks just beyond the mainstream’s discovery of rampant hard-left antisemitism: The same campus radicals and general hipster fauna quite regularly say worse things about a whole range of other groups than they do about Jews.

Whites — regular ol’ Caucasian Americans — represent probably the largest and most obvious such target group. As right-leaning but quite popular figures, such as the various Daily Wire personalities, are beginning to note, open hatred of white people has become something of a pillar of modern leftism. A Google search for the phrase “the problem is white men” turns up an astonishing 2,140,000,000 mostly on-point (at least as per the first 20 pages) results — including such gems as the former CNN feature piece titled “There’s Nothing More Frightening in America Today Than an Angry White Man.”

Quite prominent figures regularly say completely insane things about the suntan-challenged. Tenured Rutgers University academic “Professor Crunk” — still flatteringly described on the place’s website as an “unapologetic Black feminist” focused on “accelerating the pace of change” — recently described all Caucasians as villainous monsters on national television, and argued frankly for “taking the motherf***ers out.”

Around the same time, massively popular Wild ’N Out TV host Nick Cannon received considerable heat for some antisemitic comments he made on the air . . . but essentially none for saying that white people are “savages” and “a little less” than black people and other so-called people of color. Far further toward the true fringe, of course, the recently released written manifesto of Nashville’s Covenant Christian school shooter focused largely on hate for the white national majority. The shooter at one point actually noted “white privilege” as a motivating factor behind her murder spree.

Speaking as a conservative black man, I will note that whites hardly stand alone as a target group for modern leftist rhetoric. A few high-school scuffles aside, almost literally the only people ever to call me a “n*****” or a “coon” have been left-bloc activists — mostly white — accusing me of somehow betraying my tribe. More prominent black conservatives, such as Larry Elder, have faced Chappelle’s Show–level accusations of being “black white supremacists” and “black faces of white supremacy.” A short list of other groups that fairly regularly experience get-on-the-train-style rhetoric might include the rich (“Billionaires Shouldn’t Exist”), gender-critical women (“Punch/Kill TERFS!”), practicing traditional Christians, and in some real sense all non-Indigenous Westerners (“Decolonize NOW!”).

I recommend a radical approach to all of this facially vile speech: Sane, armed conservatives should believe what the speakers are saying, and take it seriously. At present, pervasive upper-middle-class postmodernism has significantly influenced even the Western Right, to such an extent that we regularly see serious editorialists and TV men treating things like a full soccer stadium chanting “Kill the Boer . . . kill the white farmer . . . bang bang!!!” as some sort of amusing metaphor — perhaps referencing South Africa’s ongoing spate of lawsuits over land rights.

Against this tortured reading, I — not being an idiot — suggest an alternative explanation: When intelligent adult humans say that they do not like whites, or Jews, or wealthy blacks, and want to kill them, I propose that they mean they do not like whites, or Jews, or wealthy blacks, and want to kill them. When citizens say that all American whites are privileged lairds who should lose most of the positions they currently hold, or that minorities can never be effectively racist (unless they’re conservative), or that “the only cure for past discrimination is present discrimination,” or that we need a federal Department of Antiracism with the ability to regulate every business in the U.S., or that borrowing ideas from other cultures should be socially toxic or even illegal, or that “colonizers” should be killed . . . they mean it.

So, what to do about all of this, once it is taken seriously? A simple answer would seem to be: React the way that any sane person would to an opponent saying that they hate or wish to kill him. In the wake of the pro-Hamas statements emanating not merely from Harvard but also quite a few other universities following the atrocities of October 7, many donors closed their wallets for good or emphatically threatened to — and this makes hard sense as a form of punishment. At least a dozen major firms are publicly refusing to hire students from any of the Harvard 34, and — whether you approve of this development or not — we seem to be moving toward a sort of “mutually assured destruction” re: cancel culture, which should eventually result in true free speech for all or a return to some damned manners.

All of this (and quite a bit more that is yet to come) is good, proper, and sorely overdue. A third or so of the country has been telling us exactly who they are for the past 50 years. It is long past time that we started listening to them — and responding appropriately.

==

When intelligent adult humans say that they do not like whites, or Jews, or wealthy blacks, and want to kill them, I propose that they mean they do not like whites, or Jews, or wealthy blacks, and want to kill them.

I've been saying for years: believe them when they tell you what they're up to.

There's a tendency for well-meaning people of good conscience to reinterpret the claims and demands of radical activists through their own liberal values.

Someone who agrees that racist and/or violent police officers should be identified and fired is susceptible to taking the demand for "defund the police," and moderating that into, well, they just mean put on more social workers, or maybe they could shoot them in the leg, or why are police spending so much time in predominantly black neighborhoods, all of which are stupid, cost innocent lives, and aren't what affected communities even want. Even though the activist means what they mean and screams it unapologetically.

This is comparable to religious moderates who temper their own scripture. Jesus doesn't really mean to kill your disobedient children, it's... just a metaphor? Jihad isn't really a call to war, it's just... a deep personal struggle?

This is understandable, because reasonable people don't want to be associated with insane ideas. But it doesn't change the scripture or what the fanatics want. The activists are still going to do what they're going to do, and you're going to look foolish or dishonest for saying otherwise.

It's far better to disassociate yourself from the tribalism entirely and instead say, "this is what I mean." You might get some flack from your "tribe" for not supporting them or falling into lockstep, but you'll at least be true to yourself. And maybe learn whether the tribalism was a good idea at all.

Of course, this is more difficult with religion, since what you mean is largely irrelevant to what your god wants and betrays the human-made nature of the religion and the god. That won't stop we non-believers from noticing and pointing it out, though.

Believe them when they tell you what they're up to. And then decide if you want to be a part of that.

[darklordazalin]

Azalin Reviews Darklord Adam

Domain: Lamordia Formation: 575 BC (the actual date various in different sources, but I was there to witness its formation, so take this date to be the most accurate) Power Level: 💀💀💀⚫⚫ Sources: Ravenloft Gazetteer Vol 2 (3e); Domains of Dread (2e); I, Strahd the War Against Azalin (Novel).

Based on rumors, Lamordia went through significant changes in its latest rendition, but this week I shall review it as it once was and tell the tale of Darklord Adam and the constant harsh weather that plagues “his” domain. The settlements of this land are constantly assaulted by deadly blizzards and frigid air coming from the Sea of Sorrows in the winter and infestation of insects and insufferable heat in the summer. I do not recommend visiting, especially given how adverse the entire populace is to magic. I am positive my late father would thoroughly enjoy it, however.

Everything about Lamordia is based upon structure and scientific reasoning set within a utilitarian society. The people have a scientific explanation for everything despite the obvious supernatural phenomena that occurs all around them. They are adverse to any type of magic - whether it be the far more superior arcane arts or the divine. This disbelief is so tightly held that the land itself is known to suppress those that attempt any form of casting. Though, I have it on first hand accounts that this effect does not always occur.

It is highly dangerous for those who deny the existence in the arcane to essentially practice it. I’m surprised Lamorida hasn’t imploded in on itself yet, for Dr. Victor Mordenheim’s science clearly surpasses the realm of the supernatural. Given the nature of the domain, you would think Mordenheim would be its Darklord, but he is not. His creation, a flesh golem of rare independence, is the true Darklord of Lamordia.

Let’s dive in a bit to the tale of these two idiots. When Mordenheim and his wife, Elise, were unable to conceive a child, he devoted himself to the study of life and death; above all, other ways in which life could be created. I can...understand that inclination. It is important one has an heir to carry out one's legacy and rule. Of course, he went about it like a blind fool with no sense of the magics he was tapping into for he denied their very existence.

Adam was the result of 13 years of labor which he spent away from Elise. Moredenheim created Adam to appear as a perfect physical specimen. And upon first blush, I suppose one could say that is true. He is muscular yet lean with long black hair and I am told that sort of thing is appealing to some. However, close up he is a mockery of beauty like a horrible painting gifted to a King by a so-called artist.

Made up of pulsating arteries and tendons seen just beneath the thin bits of grey flesh, Adam is disgusted by his own appearance. Interestingly, when my little scholar interviewed Adam he told her that Mordenheim made him but another source provided him with his “soul”. So, it seems that Mordenheim’s science only brought him so far and it was likely the powers he denied that truly brought life into Adam.

Elise was unsettled by Adam’s appearance and despite her discomfort her husband decided to adopt a girl to act as a playmate for Adam. That seems like a very bad parenting decision and coming from me...well, that says something, doesn’t it?

Adam became obsessed with Elise and wanted nothing more than her acceptance and approval. Accounts of what transpired on the night Lamordia appeared on the border of Barovia differs between Adam and his maker. They both blame the other, but in the end whether Adam was a murderous villain or a victim attempting to gain acceptance, his adopted sister fell to her death after an encounter with him and Elise was mutilated.

Death would have been kinder for Elise, but Mordenheim keeps her alive through “scientific” means. Her heart beats through the working of machinery alone and he constantly switches her limbs and skin out in attempts to receive her, but only accomplishes keeping her in constant pain. If the foolish man believed in Divine or even the Arcane and not dismissed those practitioners of both, he could have healed her condition. I myself have been known to use such magics to prolong my own life when I was a mortal man.

Mordenheim’s monstrous creations roam Lamordia, but despite the obvious arcane nature of these creations, the people and the Doctor himself still dismiss the arcane. They will not accept it, just as they will not accept Adam. And this is the curse the Dark Powers bestowed upon Adam, to never find the acceptance he so hopelessly craves. To live alone on an island, over-dramatically named “The Isle of Agony” as he plots against his creator. When my little scholar interviewed Adam he said that Lamordia was Mordenheim’s even though it shouldn’t be and that they were “all his children”.

Adam is tied to Mordenheim and devotes his existence to making the Doctor’s life as miserable as possible, like the overgrown rebellious teenager that he is. Though, this is quite easy seeing as the Dark Powers bond the two together so that Adam experiences Mordenheim’s physical pain and the doctor experiences his creation’s angsty teenage ways.

As flesh golems go, Adam is one of a kind with many immunities to mundane weapons and certain magical energies. Still, without any arcane mastery of his own, a skilled wizard could make quick work of him. Though his curse is interesting, it makes his tie and rule over his own realm obsolete. As such, I will give Adam 3 skulls for this review and Mordenheim does not even get a skull. I despise those that practice the art without respecting it and those who do so without realizing it? Utter fools.

[billeeheatingairconditionin]

How to Choose the Best Heating and Air Conditioning Company in Edmonton

When searching for the best heating and air conditioning company in Edmonton, it's essential to consider several factors to ensure you receive top-notch service. Start by checking for licensing and certifications, as these indicate the company meets industry standards. Experience in the Edmonton area is also crucial, as it means the company understands the local climate challenges.

Look for companies offering a wide range of services, including installation, maintenance, and repairs. Reading online reviews can provide insights into customer satisfaction and the quality of work. It's also wise to ask for quotes from multiple companies to compare prices, but don't just choose the cheapest option—quality should be your top priority.

Finally, consider whether the company offers emergency services, as Edmonton's harsh winters can lead to unexpected heating issues. By carefully evaluating these factors, you'll be able to choose the best heating and air conditioning company in Edmonton, ensuring your home stays comfortable year-round.

[electricalembassy]

The Ultimate Guide to Air Conditioning Installation in Brisbane: Finding the Right Specialists

Brisbane's subtropical climate means long, hot summers and mild winters, making air conditioning a necessity rather than a luxury. Whether you're building a new home, upgrading an existing system, or seeking energy-efficient solutions, choosing the right air conditioning installation in Brisbane is crucial. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about air conditioning specialists in Brisbane and how to make the best choice for your home or business.

Why Choose an Electrical Embassy for Air Conditioning Installation in Brisbane?

At the Electrical Embassy, we are committed to providing top-quality air conditioning installation services in Brisbane. Our team of experienced and certified technicians will help you choose the best system for your needs and ensure it is installed correctly. We offer competitive pricing, energy-efficient solutions, and exceptional after-sales service.

Why Air Conditioning is Essential in Brisbane

Brisbane's climate is characterized by hot, humid summers, with temperatures often soaring above 30°C. The combination of high temperatures and humidity can make life uncomfortable without proper cooling. Air conditioning not only provides relief from the heat but also improves indoor air quality, reduces humidity, and can even enhance the value of your property.

Types of Air Conditioning Systems

Before diving into the installation process, it's important to understand the different types of air conditioning systems available:

Split System Air Conditioners: These are the most common systems in Brisbane homes. They consist of an indoor unit connected to an outdoor compressor. Split systems are ideal for cooling individual rooms or open spaces.

Ducted Air Conditioning: Ducted systems are designed to cool an entire home or office. They consist of a central unit connected to multiple ducts that distribute cool air throughout the building. Ducted systems are more expensive but offer more comprehensive cooling.

Multi-Split Systems: These systems are similar to split systems but can connect multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit. They are ideal for cooling multiple rooms without the need for ductwork.

Evaporative Cooling: This system uses water to cool the air and is more energy-efficient but less effective in very humid conditions.

Portable Air Conditioners: These are standalone units that can be moved from room to room. They are less efficient but offer a flexible cooling solution.

Choosing the Right Air Conditioning Specialists in Brisbane

Selecting the right air conditioning in Brisbane is crucial to ensure that your system is installed correctly and operates efficiently. Here are some factors to consider:

Experience and Expertise: Look for specialists who have extensive experience in air conditioning installation in Brisbane. Experienced technicians will be familiar with the local climate and can recommend the best system for your needs.

Reputation: Check online reviews and ask for referrals to find a reputable company. A good reputation is a strong indicator of quality service.

Licensing and Certification: Ensure that the technicians are licensed and certified to carry out air conditioning installations. This guarantees that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to do the job safely and effectively.

Energy Efficiency: With rising energy costs, it's important to choose a system that is energy-efficient. A good air conditioning specialist will help you select a system with a high energy star rating, which can save you money on your energy bills.

Warranty and After-Sales Service: A reliable company will offer a warranty on their installations and provide after-sales service. This is important for ongoing maintenance and in case any issues arise with your system.

The Installation Process

The installation process varies depending on the type of air conditioning system you choose. However, here’s a general overview of what to expect:

Consultation and Assessment: The first step is to consult with an air conditioning specialist to assess your cooling needs. They will consider factors such as the size of your home, the number of rooms, insulation, and your budget.

Selecting the Right System: Based on the assessment, the specialist will recommend the most suitable air conditioning system. They will provide you with a quote that includes the cost of the unit and installation.

Installation: On the day of installation, the technicians will arrive with the necessary equipment. They will install the indoor and outdoor units, connect them, and test the system to ensure it is working correctly.

Commissioning: Once the installation is complete, the technician will commission the system. This involves checking for leaks, testing the thermostat, and ensuring that the system is running efficiently.

Handover and Maintenance Tips: The specialist will provide you with a handover, explaining how to operate the system and offering maintenance tips. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure your air conditioner runs efficiently and lasts longer.

Maintenance and Care

Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your air conditioning system and keeping it running efficiently. Here are some maintenance tips:

Regular Cleaning: Clean the filters every few months to ensure they are free from dust and debris. Dirty filters can reduce airflow and make your system work harder.

Annual Servicing: Have your system serviced by a professional once a year. They will check for any issues, clean the coils, and ensure the system is running efficiently.

Monitor Energy Usage: Keep an eye on your energy bills. A sudden increase could indicate that your system is not running efficiently and needs servicing.

Use a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat can help you save energy by allowing you to set the temperature based on your schedule.

Check for Leaks: Regularly check the outdoor unit for any signs of leaks. If you notice any, contact a professional immediately.

Conclusion

Choosing the right air conditioning system and specialist is crucial to staying comfortable during Brisbane's hot summers. Whether you opt for a split system, ducted air conditioning, or another type, ensure that you work with a reputable company like Electrical Embassy to get the best results. With the right system and proper maintenance, you can enjoy a cool, comfortable home all year round.

[hostpyters]

Kéré Architecture is an acclaimed architectural practice founded by Diébédo Francis Kéré, known for its innovative and sustainable approach to design. The firm has garnered international recognition for its work, particularly in creating community-focused buildings that utilize local materials and traditional construction techniques. Below is a detailed review of Kéré Architecture’s features and achievements:

Key Features Sustainable Design:

Local Materials: Kéré Architecture emphasizes the use of locally sourced materials, which reduces environmental impact and supports local economies. Energy Efficiency: The firm incorporates passive cooling and natural ventilation in its designs, minimizing the need for artificial climate control and reducing energy consumption. Eco-Friendly Techniques: Use of sustainable construction techniques and green building practices that respect and enhance the local environment. Cultural Sensitivity:

Community Engagement: The practice engages with local communities to understand their needs and incorporate their input into the design process, ensuring that the buildings are culturally relevant and functional.

Traditional Methods: By integrating traditional building methods with modern techniques, Kéré Architecture preserves cultural heritage while enhancing structural integrity and functionality. Innovative Projects:

Educational Facilities: Many of Kéré Architecture’s projects focus on educational buildings, such as schools and libraries, that provide essential infrastructure for communities. Public Spaces: The firm designs public spaces like parks, pavilions, and cultural centers that foster community interaction and social engagement.

Healthcare Facilities: Projects also include healthcare buildings that are accessible, sustainable, and designed to improve community health and well-being.

Award-Winning Work:

International Recognition: The practice has received numerous awards and accolades for its innovative and impactful designs, including the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture and the Global Award for Sustainable Architecture. Exhibitions and Publications: Kéré’s work has been featured in prominent architectural exhibitions and publications, highlighting the firm’s contributions to contemporary architecture. Notable Projects

Gando Primary School, Burkina Faso:

Community Involvement: Built in Kéré’s home village, this project involved the local community in the construction process, providing education and skills training. Sustainable Design: The school uses local clay and a unique double-roof structure to enhance ventilation and reduce heat, creating a comfortable learning environment. Serpentine Pavilion, London:

Innovative Use of Wood: The 2017 pavilion design featured a dynamic wooden structure that created a sense of enclosure while allowing light and air to flow freely. Cultural Exchange: This project showcased Kéré’s design philosophy on an international stage, blending African architectural traditions with contemporary design. Lycée Schorge Secondary School, Burkina Faso:

Modern Educational Facility: This project includes innovative features such as shaded outdoor classrooms and a passive cooling system, providing a modern and sustainable educational environment.

National Assembly of Burkina Faso:

Symbolic Design: The design of the new National Assembly building incorporates elements that symbolize transparency and democracy, reflecting the country’s aspirations for a better future.

Pros Sustainability: Strong emphasis on environmentally friendly designs that minimize ecological impact. Cultural Relevance: Designs that are deeply rooted in the cultural and social context of the locations they serve. Community Focus: Active engagement with local communities ensures that buildings meet the specific needs of the users. Innovative Solutions: Creative use of materials and construction techniques to solve design challenges.

Cons Resource Constraints: Working in developing regions can present challenges related to resource availability and infrastructure limitations. Scalability: While the projects are highly impactful, scaling up the approach to larger urban environments may require additional adaptation.

Kéré Architecture stands out for its commitment to sustainable and culturally sensitive design, creating buildings that are not only functional but also deeply connected to the communities they serve. The practice’s innovative use of local materials and traditional techniques, combined with modern design principles, results in architecture that is both beautiful and impactful. Despite the challenges of resource constraints, the firm’s work continues to inspire and set a benchmark for socially responsible and environmentally conscious architecture.

[blacksmithingreststop]

hello, i am a guy interested in learning how to forge. i have, however, absolutely no idea how to start, what to invest in etc. so yea if you could give me some tips that'd be great. if you cannot it's ok, neat blog btw

Thanks, and right on man! you really only need a couple tools to get started: Hammer, anvil/or any metal piece you can use to hit on, a heat source and some tongs/pliers. For a hammer I recommend any smooth surfaced 2lb wood handled sledge to start. My first one i got at walmart for 10$. For an anvil, harbor freight has a really decent Doyle 60# one, has amazing reviews for a little over $100. If that's out of reach, go to any salvage yard and get a block or any metal object that is bigger than what your working with really. The forge itself, there are many options. I recommend propane, since coal isn't always available to everyone locally. You can get an inexpensive one on amazon for about $80. Or make your own charcoal forge out of firebrick, and something to force air into the fire. Probably need 6 fire bricks at most (2-3$ per brick on average). Get creative! Tongs/pliers: My first pair of "tongs" were literally a pair of irwin slip jaw pliers. Anything to hold the metal. The anvil, hammers, and tongs can also usually be found at flea markets/antique shops for a good price. Found a railroad track anvil for $20 at one. Small metal bucket for water to quench the steel or just cool off areas you don't want to shape. Don't forget welding gloves, and eye protection!! I'd say a bare bones caveman style setup. you are looking at about $50 if you improvise a lot. A decent budget for legit basics you are looking at $250- $350

Do research, I highly recommend watching: DF - in the shop, Christ centered ironworks, or black bear forge for looking up their takes on getting started. Essential Craftsman is also an amazing channel to look at too though he isn't only about Blacksmithing. Good luck and may the Forge be with you my friend!

[ramandeepblogs]

Wholesale Kitchen Items | Unleash the Chef in You with Top-Notch Essentials

Imagine walking into a kitchen where the aroma of freshly baked bread wafts through the air, pots and pans sizzle with culinary promise, and every utensil you grasp fits comfortably in your hand, empowering you to cook with confidence. This is the kind of kitchen you can create with wholesale kitchen items. Seizing these essentials in bulk is not only easy on your wallet, but also turns your cooking into an art form. This guide will delve into the treasures of wholesale kitchen items and underscore their pivotal role in elevating your cooking escapades.

Rediscover the Joy of Cooking with Wholesale Kitchen Items

Unleaping into wholesale kitchen items is like unlocking a treasure chest for food enthusiasts. Picture this: a plethora of cooking wonders stretching before you, each designed to perfect your culinary crafts. And wait, the silver lining? Investing in bulk translates to hefty savings, yet the quality remains premium – giving your dishes the masterpiece touch they deserve.

Scope covering cookware to bakeware

Substantial savings assuring value

Uncompromised premium quality

Get ready to stir, whisk, and sauté to your heart’s content, without the nagging worry of overspending!

Importance of High-Quality Kitchen Items

Now, every culinary artist knows that the tools of the trade make or break a dish. That's where High-Quality Kitchen Items step into the spotlight. With chef-approved quality, these gadget gems elevate your cooking game, making sure that every flip, slice, and dice is done with precision. It's about creating healthy, scrumptious meals in a flash.

Opt for superior quality for exceptional results

Guarantee health-forward and safe culinary creations

Embark on your culinary quest with the right tools

Next time you sauté veggies or sear that steak, let high-quality tools be your trusted sous-chefs.

Array of Options: Wholesale Kitchen Items Categories

Embrace the diversity of the kitchen world with an extensive range of wholesale items. From stainless-steel spatulas to ceramic casserole dishes, and even quirky kitchen timers – it's a vast universe out there.

An extensive variety across categories

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Wholesale kitchen collections happily cater to your every culinary need, ensuring a seamless cooking journey.

Factors to Consider while Purchasing Wholesale Kitchen Items

Careful, now! Before you buy that kitchen set, pay heed to some important factors. Examine the material for its sturdiness, pore over reviews for authenticity, and make sure the items align with your culinary needs.

Material scrutiny for lasting use

Genuine reviews as a credibility check

Kitchen demands defining the purchase

A little attentiveness goes a long way in ensuring that your wholesale buys are smart and strategic.

Benefits of Opting Wholesale over Retail

Why settle for the retail route when you can go wholesale? Revel in the benefits that wholesale shopping brings – like suiting up your entire kitchen in one go, slashing prices, and enjoying the joy of doorstep delivery.

Hassle-free bulk shopping experience

Wallet-friendly choices triumphing single buys

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Let wholesale purchases be your secret ingredient to a well-stocked kitchen.

Making the Most Out of Wholesale Kitchen Items

Your culinary arsenal is ready. What's next? Usage and upkeep. Handle with care, maintain regularly, and watch these kitchen heroes last longer while amplifying your cooking efficiency.

Utilization techniques matter

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Infusing love into maintenance equals kitchen items that stand the test of time (and heat!).

Top Picks: Wholesale Kitchen Items to Have in Every Kitchen

Some kitchen staples are timeless. Here’s a list of must-haves that promise to bolster your kitchen inventory and underpin your every recipe.

Must-have wholesale selections laid bare

Every kitchen’s indispensable arsenal

A guide to intelligent wholesale purchasing

Expect these selections to become your right-hand helpers in the battlefield of cooking.

Embrace Sustainable Cooking with Eco-friendly Wholesale Kitchen Items

Sustainable cooking is no longer a choice – it's a responsibility. Switch to eco-friendly wholesale items and play your part in safeguarding the planet.

Delve into the realm of green cookware

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Sizzle and sear with a clear conscience, knowing your kitchen habits are helping the earth.

Accessing Wholesale Kitchen Items: Online Vs Offline

Brace yourself for the showdown: the digital marketplace against the good old brick-and-mortar. While some relish the touch and feel of offline shopping, others bask in the convenience of ordering from the comfort of their couch. Let’s stack them against each other.

Face-off: tactile shopping versus digital convenience

The strengths and weaknesses of both sides revealed

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Whether you're clicking through pages or strolling down aisles, the choice is yours to make.

Wrapping Up: The Journey Ahead with Wholesale Kitchen Items

Bid adieu to the days where cooking felt like drudgery. With a cornucopia of wholesale kitchen items at your disposal, every meal becomes a celebration, every preparation a joy.

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Bask in the glory of a kitchen brimming with potential, and let the magic of wholesale kitchen items guide your culinary saga forward. Prepare to be whisked away into a world where cooking is not only simple but utterly sensational.

[waitmyturtles]

Turtles Catches Up With Old GMMTV: TharnType and Gray Areas Edition

[What’s going on here? After joining Tumblr and discovering Thai BLs through KinnPorsche in 2022, I began watching GMMTV’s new offerings -- and realized that I had a lot of history to catch up on, to appreciate the more recent works that I was delving into. From tropes to BL frameworks, what we’re watching now hails from somewhere, and I’m learning about Thai BL's history through what I’m calling the Old GMMTV Challenge (OGMMTVC). Starting with recommendations from @absolutebl on their post regarding how GMMTV is correcting for its mistakes with its shows today, I’ve made an expansive list to get me through a condensed history of essential/classic/significant Thai BLs produced by GMMTV and many other BL studios. My watchlist, pasted below, lists what I’ve watched and what’s upcoming, along with the reviews I’ve written so far. Today, I’ll cover the very controversial TharnType, Asian stereotypes towards queerness, and the very difficult gray areas on how this show has been interpreted by various populations over the last few years.]

TW: homophobic and derogatory ideas and language against the queer community. Critical commentary on TharnType and MAME. This review is NOT for you if you are a TharnType or MAME Big Fan.

(I want to give very special thanks to @so-much-yet-to-learn and @lurkingshan for reviewing previous versions of this post and offering the most insightful feedback I could ask for. Thank you both so much.)

Alright. Deep breaths.

TharnType was a necessary addition to the Old GMMTV watchlist. It was. I had to watch it, for:

- the tremendous IMPACT this show has had on BL culture, along with MAME’s continued influence on the genre;  - how this show affected shipper culture, and the rippling effects it’s had since then vis à vis MewGulf; - how this show continued to define “high heat” and “chemistry” in BL, and -- at least for me, possibly the most interesting point to needle on -- - what fans, ESPECIALLY the majority cishet fandom, are willing to compromise and/or equivocate on in regards to our values towards the queer community regarding what we consume in media, and how safe or unsafe it is for our queer family that this content exists in the first place.

I gotta say some stuff first before I get into this review. This is the worst show I’ve ever watched, in my own opinion. I offer this flag for MAME and TharnType fans in advance, as I get quite critical down below.

I am angry at this show, at MAME, at the BL industry for allowing this show to exist, and I unfortunately hold anger against Tee Bundit, who I know has since made shows, like Lovely Writer, that deeply criticized the BL industry (and I am enjoying his work now in Step By Step, even while I don’t hesitate to criticize it). ANYONE INVOLVED in the making of TharnType needs to hold personal and professional accountability for this show even existing. And I also think that fans need to hold THEMSELVES accountable if they defend it WITHOUT thinking about the long-term social implications of the existence of this show.

I want to also say that I need to check myself, OFTEN, as I write this, because I don’t want to be some fucking loudmouth, self-righteous ally-savior. I don’t. [My AMAZING drama friends, @lurkingshan​ and @bengiyo​, have held me down during this watch. (Friends. Thank you. Good LORD.)]

I want this review to be as fair as possible to the nostalgia of the moment that this show aired; to note that this show gave high heat, which fans clearly demanded, and IS a worthy component of some dramas if it works with the rest of what the show has to offer by way of writing; and to note that many fans saw a chemistry in MewGulf that they hadn’t seen previously. I especially note that there may be survivors of sexual assault who related to certain pieces of this show, particularly through Type’s lens and his own anger.

With that very long introduction, I will note that I’m not going to talk too much about the show details itself. I don’t need to unwind on plot. For me -- FOR ME -- the show’s plot was problematic. 

2019: earlier that year, before TT aired, you had He’s Coming To Me, which was BURIED by GMMTV, and was a TOUR DE FORCE of intricate storytelling and queer revelation. According to this amazing reblog by @so-much-yet-to-learn​ (another longtime BL observer who UTTERLY held me down during my TT watch, friend, I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR THE HOURS you spent me with talking about TT and other issues), shipper fans angry at Ohm and Singto went so far as to SHOW UP TO THE GMMTV BUILDING IN BANGKOK and PROTEST against the split of the KristSingto ship. This is why, in this TT review, I talk about fans needing to take responsibility and accountability for the media we consume. I believe TT exists in part because fans have allowed it to continue to exist in the universe of BL, and many even celebrate TT’s existence -- all while, in my own opinion -- much more compelling art existed before TT (Make It Right, He’s Coming To Me) and certainly after its airing.

In discussion with @absolutebl (yet another drama expert who held me down during my TT watch, THANK YOU, SENSEI), ABL Sensei brings up that, besides a natural tendency to criticize and blame MAME for our needing to have conversations about safety towards queer family, that TT does deserve to be criticized as a standalone piece of content.

I honestly don’t know, Sensei, if I’m mature enough to make that separation, but I will try. MAME herself doesn’t exist in a vacuum: she has an industry, from producers, to showrunners, to actors, to editors, to networks -- that join her in the making of her work. I’ll do my best to separate everything, but.

I noted in my review of Love By Chance that MAME traffics in common Asian stereotypes against the queer community. At the same time, I know that often, we talk about the yaoi origins of BL in Thailand. I think, over time, the explanation of the yaoi origination has been used as a means of explaining WHY certain tropes exist, such as abuse of a partner, bullying, etc. I want to note that while I acknowledge those origins, I also strongly note (as I did in the comments of my LBC review) that yaoi origins are themselves problematic, as created by a majority cishet female artist base, and thus I question the accurate representation of queer themes both in yaoi and in early and/or questionable Thai BL that lean into common stereotypes held by Asian nations. (That being said, I do DEEPLY ACKNOWLEDGE @so-much-yet-to-learn‘s point to me that many in the queer community still consumed this media, as the West was producing next-to-nothing by way of queer love and/or queer perspectives.)

Much of what I saw in LBC and TT -- gang rape, cheating, revenge, derogatory language, hurtful stereotypes of top/bottom and husband/wife -- are repeat, word-for-word stereotypes that I heard from my Asian family growing up. Examples of what I saw by way of problematic stereotypes in TharnType include:

- Tharn repeatedly and casually calling Type “his bitch,” - The use of the F word, repeatedly, by Type, - Type attacking his out classmates, and indirectly attacking his friend, Tum, - The assumption that because Tharn and Tar are gay, that they are promiscuous (even Techno assumes this while leaving Type alone with Tharn early in the series), - Techno himself not calling out Type for his homophobia throughout the series, - The use of gang rape as a means of revenge by Lhong to Tar,

and many more. I will also note that I was incredibly uncomfortable by Lhong’s redemption at the end, as if the story demanded that Lhong’s own actions that drove him to order grievous sexual violence against another man needed to be forgiven. That was a paradigm that seemed apologetic to his actions and did not sit well with me.

As I noted to @bengiyo: us international fans may be lulled to think that Thailand is majority progressive and accepting of the queer community based off of the BLs that we watch. It IS a much more progressive culture in SE Asia in supporting the queer community, and I would assume that gay culture is able to flourish in city centers, as opposed to rural areas. 

But Thailand has NOT legalized same-sex marriage. And I posit that we in the West don’t actually realize that harmful stereotypes against the queer community absolutely still exist and flourish in Thailand, Taiwan, and elsewhere in Asia -- countries that certainly leverage BL as soft power, but nations in which familial or cultural expectations may STILL make ACTUAL coming out and public existence a dangerous or risky proposition. THIS SHIT IS GRAY. BL is fiction -- it is not reality. It is still dangerous -- YES, INCLUDING HERE IN THE STATES -- to be out in very many towns, cities, and communities around the world.

Now. When I went into TT, I understood, AS ASSUMED FACT, that MAME was a sexual assault survivor, who used this style of writing about queerness and queer love to process her own SA experiences. That equivocation gave me the serious jibbles, which I’ll talk about in a second, but I understood it to be the line that most BL observers have made about her work, and/or justification or explanation for her work existing.

I’ve since learned that this is not necessarily fact: that it is not known if MAME is an SA survivor, and that she is notoriously private and has not revealed much, if anything, about her own past.

So, from there, how do I process this? How do I process that it’s FANON -- NOT FACT -- that MAME may or may not write from a survivor’s perspective?

I also note here, thanks to the wonderful @so-much-yet-to-learn​, that many fans who are SA survivors have written in the past about how they related to Type’s anger and/or homophobia after his own assault experience. I also understand that SA survivors have, in the past, had difficulty with strong rejections of TharnType, like the one I have composed here, in reaction to the fear that they cannot tell their own stories of internal anger against their perpetrators and the communities from which their attackers come from.

Thus, I want to note a VERY DIFFICULT PROPOSITION TO WORK THROUGH. What we’re facing here is that there may be people, SA survivors in particular, who related to Type’s homophobia. This is Type’s fictional homophobia -- as written by a very real, assumed-to-be female author. At the same time, I myself very much acknowledge that I still see stereotypes against the queer community, in a very Asian voice that I am familiar with, in MAME’s shows.

Let me tell you why this gives me, personally, the jibbles. Let’s assume that MAME is an SA survivor. As someone trained in the social services, I am not sure that I would advise a potential client to create very public content that is potentially harmful towards a minority community, as a means of their own personal processing. MAME is FAMOUS. Her work is POPULAR. Can we justify the dangers that her work poses -- the stereotypes and assumptions she traffics in against our queer family -- for her own psychological processing?

If I am her therapist, I am guiding her to instead journey map, to meditate, to advise her of HUNDREDS of other therapeutic psychological modalities to process her pain -- all modalities that do not set up a minority community to be stereotyped through very publicly consumed content. 

I posit here -- MY OPINION, FAM -- that MAME has leveraged her own personal bigotry against the queer community in her shows for clout with Asian and international audiences that would not quibble about the harmfulness of the stereotypes that the show portrayed. And she’s gotten away with it for the utter control she has over her own content. AND SHE KNOWS THERE’S AN AUDIENCE FOR IT, so she keeps making what I call bigoted content.

I thought TT was a DANGEROUS show for perpetuating harmful stereotypes about queer family. And I am distraught at the BL industry for seeing dollar signs against that clout and investing in it. 

The equivocating in support of TharnType certainly exists. There are people who view this show with nostalgia, as there still wasn’t the volume of BL content, with heat, in 2019 as we have today. There are people out there who may very well openly relate to Type’s homophobia as a character, and MAME’s homophobia as an author and as a human. Hell, Foei Patara, who we see in everything these days, shared a very anti-LGBTQ+ video on his Instagram just recently.

I DO have to give a nod to nostalgia. I have to try to be fair here. This is the ENTIRE POINT of the OGMMTVC. BL fans in 2019 wanted a thing. High heat, high chemistry. I know that there are fans that are AWARE of these high-level issues of MAME’s work. And yet, there are many that still look back on TharnType with fondness, because it brought something new to the field. 

What I’m suffering from here is the equivocation of MAME’s work by way of analysis against a presumed opinion -- NOT fact -- that MAME is an SA survivor. That seems to open some sort of door to allow us to watch her work, despite the dangers of the stereotypes contained within her work.

The ethics of this. I’m not a strong enough person to go near that equivocation. Because I am not a survivor. I’m an Asian. In MAME’s voice, I hear the stereotypes against the queer community that I grew up with. And that’s where I’m writing this review. I’m hurt and appalled by her proliferating what I term to be dangerous viewpoints against my queer sisters and brothers -- assumptions that I heard growing up in my Indian community.

Fuck. Am I ever glad that I DIDN’T watch this show in 2019. I’m protected by a fortress of past and present works that I can rely on that proves that there are other arenas in which BL is being leveraged for good, for progressive art, for the introduction of ideas that support our queer family, AND that might also offer critical commentary on issues that affect other minority or vulnerable corners of society, à la Moonlight Chicken. 

I haven’t even gotten to the MewArt scandal and the problematic nature of the MewGulf ship. All of those are also very important issues, but I can’t bring myself to get deep about them, because just talking about the show itself is a lot. But Mew Suppasit’s past alleged behavior is certainly problematic, and is worth considering if folks were to think about watching this show.

In any case: I’m never watching another MAME show again, ever. And as a side note, MewGulf didn’t do it for me. At this point in 2019, I feel like we’d seen ships with much better chemistry and even heat, like PerthSaint (a MAME ship, actually), OhmToey, MaxTul, and even OhmSingto and their utterly brilliant acting. @he-is-lightning-in-a-bottle noted in the comments of one of my TT late-night posts that they didn’t see the MewGulf chemistry, and frankly, I didn’t either -- I didn’t see that these guys, as the acted characters of Tharn and Type, bodily and ferally WANTED AND VISCERALLY LOVED each other in fiction, the way that actor pairs like EarthMix, OhmNanon, FirstKhao, and others have since perfected in their work as their respective characters.

This post is about the responsibility that so-called “artists” bear when taking up the mantle of created content about a minority community, as well as the responsibility that we bear, as fans, as the majority cishet female fanbase, to consume this content. MAME and the slices of the BL industry that support her MUST understand that perpetuating stereotypes about a minority community WILL HAVE VISCERAL SOCIAL IMPACTS in REINFORCING THOSE STEREOTYPES, among a majority cishet fanbase and across society, to the danger of the existence of our queer family. 

THIS IS WHY WE NEED MORE QUEER CONTENT BY QUEER FILMMAKERS.

That is the way in which this paradigm will be broken over time. And us in the cishet fanbase MUST STAND READY to support art -- in the words of dear friend @wen-kexing-apologist -- by queer family, for queer family, about queer family. We in the cishet majority bear a responsibility to break the paradigm of dangerous stereotypes, perpetrated by who create content through their own bigotry, either consciously or unconsciously -- or both.

[I finished TharnType in record time. I needed to get it out of my system. And now I’m fully invested in OffGun and having a DELIGHTFUL time with Theory of Love: I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS SUBVERSIVE, MINDBENDING SHOW. Ooooooooooooooooooh. Right up my alley! Hopefully I can muster my usual Monday review for ToL -- let’s see. I still feel somewhat broken by TT, but ToL and OffGun have been SUCH a salve.

Here’s the list as it stands currently. We have two changes! First, thanks to a suggestion by @wen-kexing-apologist and @lurkingshan, I’m adding a non-BL (!!!!) to the list in 3 Will Be Free. I have a number of separate Jojo Tichakorn priorities to achieve before Only Friends airs, and this is a big one; as this is a show from 2019, I want to see where GMMTV was willing to go in pushing queer content in non-BLs, and this is the perfect time to watch it. I’ll still include a review in this space! 

And, per @absolutebl Sensei’s suggestion, I’ve added YYY (2020) to this, to enjoy Cheewin unhinged in what seems to be a disaster of a show -- but an important one for real queer representation (THANK YOU, SENSEI!). I’m excited for chaos. I’m watching it out of chronology with ITSAY and planning it as a mental break. As always, I’ll take any feedback on the list as it stands!

1) Love Sick and Love Sick 2 (2014 and 2015) (review here) 2) Make It Right (2016) (review here) 3) SOTUS (2016-2017) (review here) 4) Make It Right 2 (2017) (review here) 5) Together With Me (2017) (review here) 6) SOTUS S/Our Skyy x SOTUS (2017-2018) (review here) 7) Love By Chance (2018) (review here) 8) Kiss Me Again: PeteKao cuts (2018) (no review) 9) He’s Coming To Me (2019) (review here) 10) Dark Blue Kiss (2019) and Our Skyy x Kiss Me Again (2018) (review here) 11) TharnType (2019)  12) Senior Secret Love: Puppy Honey (BL cuts) (2016 and 2017) (I’m watching this out of order just to get familiar with OffGun before Theory of Love -- will likely not review)  13) Theory of Love (2019) (watching) 14) 3 Will Be Free (2019) (not a BL or an official part of the OGMMTVC watchlist, but an important harbinger of things to come in 2019 and beyond re: Jojo Tichakorn including queer content in non-BLs) 15) Dew the Movie (2019) (not an official part of the OGMMTVC watchlist, but I want to watch this in chronological order with everything else) 16) Until We Meet Again (2019-2020) 17) 2gether (2020) 18) Still 2gether (2020) 19) I Told Sunset About You (2020) 20) YYY (2020, out of chronology) 21) Manner of Death (2020-2021) (not a true BL, but a MaxTul queer/gay romance set within a genre-based show that likely influenced Not Me and KinnPorsche) 22) A Tale of Thousand Stars (2021) (review here) 23) A Tale of Thousand Stars (2021) OGMMTVC Fastest Rewatch Known To Humankind For The Sake Of Rewatching Our Skyy 2 x BBS x ATOTS 24) Lovely Writer (2021) 25) I Promised You the Moon (2021) 26) Not Me (2021-2022) 27) Bad Buddy (2021-2022) (thesis here) 28) Bad Buddy (2021-2022) and Our Skyy 2 x BBS x ATOTS (2023) OGMMTVC Rewatch 29) Secret Crush On You (2022) [watching for Cheewin’s trajectory of studying queer joy from Make It Right (high school), to SCOY (college), to Bed Friend (working adults)] 30) KinnPorsche (2022) (tag here) 31) The Eclipse (2022) (tag here) 32) GAP the Series (2022-2023) (Thailand’s first GL) 33) My School President (2022-2023) and Our Skyy 2 x My School President (2023) 34) Moonlight Chicken (2023) (tag here) 35) Bed Friend (2023) (tag here) (Cheewin’s latest show, depicting a queer joy journey among working adults)]

[purplefox-writes]

Love and Love Potions (part 1)

The Potions classroom was filled with the soft murmurs of students as they gathered around their workstations, eagerly awaiting their assignments. Professor Horace Slughorn stood at the front of the room, his eyes scanning the assembled students with a keen interest.

"Now, class," Slughorn began, his voice resonating throughout the room, "today, we shall be brewing a particularly fascinating potion: Amortentia, the most powerful love potion in existence. It's a complex and delicate process, so I will be pairing you up to ensure success."

As he began announcing the pairs, Tom Riddle stood with an air of calm confidence, waiting to hear who his partner would be. Slughorn's eyes briefly met Tom's, and he paused for a moment before continuing.

"Tom, I will be pairing you with Miss Blackwood," he said, gesturing toward a girl seated in the back corner. She was a quiet but bright student who had mostly kept to herself. Her eyes widened slightly at the announcement, but she quickly regained her composure. Evelyn approached the workstation where Tom was already laying out the necessary equipment.

"Ah, excellent," Slughorn said, rubbing his hands together. "Tom, you have a natural talent for Potions, and Miss Blackwood has shown remarkable skill and intuition in her work. Together, I have no doubt that you'll create an exceptional Amortentia."

She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Hello”, she greeted and started carefully arranging her book on the workstation.

Tom nodded. "Let's see if we can live up to our reputations, shall we?", he said with a small, almost imperceptible smile.

Evelyn: "Agreed. I've already taken the liberty of opening the book to the appropriate page so we can review the steps for brewing Amortentia. We should start by setting the cauldron to a low heat."

Tom: "Very good. I'll handle that. Can you prepare the Ashwinder eggs and the rose thorns?"

Evelyn: "Of course. We'll need three Ashwinder eggs and thirteen rose thorns."

As they continued to work on the potion, Evelyn reached across the workstation to grab a small vial of pearl dust. In doing so, her hand brushed against Tom's. He immediately retracted his hand, his movements so seamless that it might have gone unnoticed by anyone less observant.

Evelyn, however, caught the subtle reaction and couldn't help but wonder if Tom felt uncomfortable with physical contact. The idea intrigued her, as she had never seen any indication of this vulnerability in his otherwise confident demeanor.

Curious, she decided to test her theory.

Tom: "Next, we should crush the Moonstone into a fine powder, it's essential for the potion's pearlescent sheen."

Evelyn: "Yes, and we must be careful not to add it too early. Timing is crucial for this potion. I'll keep an eye on the cauldron while you crush it."

When Tom handed her the crushed Moonstone, she deliberately allowed her fingers to linger on his just a moment longer than necessary. She carefully watched his reaction, noting the slight tension that crossed his features before he withdrew his hand again.

“Thank you” she whispered. Evelyn felt a newfound curiosity regarding Tom, realising that beneath his poised exterior lay hidden insecurities. Interesting, she thought.

Slughorn clapped his hands. "Alright class, I'll see you tonight to check on the finished brews. I'm eager to find out how many of you have successfully completed the potion."

Tom glanced at the gently bubbling cauldron and turned to Evelyn. "Alright. I'll see you later."

She responded with a smile, giving him a side glance "It wasn't so bad working with you, Tom."

Tom couldn't help but reply cheekily, "Oh, just 'not so bad'? I'm flattered.”

Evelyn grimaced playfully, "Well, don't let it go to your head. See you”

Throughout the day, Evelyn couldn't help but reflect on Tom's reaction. She found herself increasingly curious about him.

At the end of the day, she returned to the potions classroom and found Tom already at the work desk, attentively examining their potion. She approached him and, without hesitation, gently ran her hand along his back as she sat at the desk, like it was the most natural thing to do.

Tom eyed her, surprised by her unexpected touch but not wanting to show any discomfort. Evelyn, on the other hand, seemed perfectly at ease, as if she hadn't just crossed an unspoken boundary between them. He couldn't help but wonder what had prompted her to do so, and what her intentions were as they continued to work together.

Tom, handing her the final ingredients to be added: "So, Evelyn, tell me about your interests outside of potions class. I'm quite curious."

Evelyn briefly met Tom's dark brown eyes before focusing back on their workdesk. "Well, as much as I'd love to say that I spend all my time brewing potions and hexing unsuspecting classmates, I actually have quite the passion for..." She leaned towards him, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "muggle mystery novels."

Tom's eyes widened in surprise at Evelyn's revelation. "Is that so?" he asked, his curiosity piqued by her unusual interest.

"What about you, Tom?" Evelyn asked, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Let me guess, your interests lie in the intricacies of the magical world and uncovering its hidden secrets."

Tom’s face darkened: "Perhaps.”

Evelyn: "Maybe we can trade book recommendations sometime. I'll introduce you to the world of Muggle mysteries, and you can share some of your favorite magical secrets."

He shook his head, humming.

Evelyn: "Well, Tom, it looks like we make a great team. Our potion is perfect."

They both took a moment to admire their handiwork, the Amortentia potion shimmering with an enchanting pearlescent sheen.

“Tell me, what does it smell like to you?" Tom asked.

Evelyn, grinning and leaning to take in the aroma: "Well, just like all the other girls in the school, I smell old parchment, pine, and... a hint of arrogance. Funnily enough, that last one seems to be particularly prominent today."

Tom couldn't help but chuckle at her witty retort. “Is that supposed to be me?”

Evelyn scoffed playfully at him.

As they prepared to bottle the potion, Evelyn decided to keep a small vial for herself. She quickly filled one and slipped it into her pocket, not anticipating that Tom would notice. However, his sharp gaze caught her actions.

Tom: "What are you doing?"

Evelyn: "What Slughorn doesn't know can't hurt him."

His demeanor darkened and he grabbed her wrist. Evelyn gasped softly at the unexpected contact, but she didn't falter as her eyes darted from his grasp to his eyes. He tightened his grasp.

Before Tom could respond, their moment was interrupted by Professor Slughorn's arrival to inspect the potions. Both Tom and Evelyn quickly composed themselves, but the charged energy between them lingered.

The professor’s eyes were immediately drawn to the shimmering Amortentia they had successfully brewed. A broad smile spread across his face as he inspected the potion. "Well done, Tom and Evelyn! This is an excellent example of Amortentia. You two have truly outdone yourselves."

Evelyn cast a concerned glance at Tom, worried he might reveal something to the professor.

Tom simply replied, with his characteristic charm: "Thank you, Professor. We certainly made a great team."

Slughorn: "Indeed! It's always a pleasure to see my students working together so effectively. Keep up the good work, both of you."

As Slughorn vanished the potions from the cauldrons and dismissed the class, Evelyn took her chance and slipped out of the room, her Amortentia vial safely pocketed.

Tom looking at her robe fluttering as she left, he wondered how he had never truly noticed her before. He had been aware of her presence, of course, but her quiet demeanor had caused her to blend into the background. He knew she was up to something and he was determined to find out what.

**

On Friday, during Transfiguration class, Tom came and sat beside Evelyn. As he glanced at her, he noticed the faint bruises on her wrist where he had grabbed her in the potions lab. A wave of… something washed over him, and he felt compelled to apologize for his actions.

“I'm truly sorry for grabbing you like that. I usually don't lose myself in that manner."

Evelyn: "It's alright, Tom.”

“You’re not upset?” he asked, his tone skeptical.

She skimmed through her book, looking for page 357. "At first, I was taken aback, but I have to admit that I was also intrigued to see that side of you. I'm not the kind to be easily deterred by a little roughness. Besides, now you have to make it up to me."

Tom clenched his jaw and did not say anything until the end of the class.

As the bell rang, signalling the end of the class, Evelyn shamelessly glanced at Tom's striking features, taking in every detail. His dark, intense eyes held a mysterious depth, as if hiding secrets she longed to uncover. His cheekbones and sharp jawline framed his face, giving him an air of sophistication and elegance. The way his dark hair fell effortlessly over his forehead only added to his allure. Of course he was everyone's favorite. She sensed there was more to him than met the eye, and she relished the prospect of discovering it.

He added his books in his bag and returned the look frowning: “What?”

"I'm pondering how you're going to make it up to me," Evelyn said as she brought her index finger to her lower lip. She then gathered her books and took Tom's hand. "Come with me."

Tom scoffed. “Don’t tell me what to do”, but he did not retract his hand.

“I am not. Evelyn replied. "Besides, if you really didn't want to come along, you wouldn't have followed me, right?" She flashed him a playful smile.

“Where are we going?”

She did not say anything.

“Evelyn!” he whispered yelled.

She kept on walking, tightening her grasp on his warm hand.

He halted abruptly, seizing both her shoulders and pinning her in place. He loomed over her, his eyes intense. "Darling, when I ask you a question, I expect an answer," he said firmly.

"Darling? I must confess, I like intense Tom," she said with a hint of amusement.

“Must you be so insufferable?” he said harshly, hands still on her.

She put her palm on one of his hands. “Relax, I just wish to discuss with you in private,”. She looked right and left and grabbed him in an abandoned classroom.

“Fine”. He entered and leaned against a desk in the classroom, casually sitting on the edge with his legs crossed at the ankles and hands in his pockets. "I'm all ears."

Evelyn stepped closer, her eyes locked with his. “It's time to settle that debt.” Raising her bruised wrist. ”I need your help to acquire a book from the restricted section.”

Tom's eyebrow arched inquisitively, "My, my, dare I ask what you need it for?"

"No, you will just get me in and I will do the rest" she crossed her arms.

Tom tilted his head. "Then I will not do it".

Evelyn swallowed: “Fine. I bank on you being discreet”. Tom nodded. "I've been researching love potions, specifically Amortentia. There's a book in the restricted section that I believe holds some tantalising secrets that could be incredibly useful for my studies."

He paused for a minute. “I must admit, I did not expect this.” You already have the potion, you know what it does, why do you need the book for? Just dose the poor unsuspecting fellow and be done with it.”

Evelyn: "Well, Tom. I do not need the potion to dose anyone."

He stood up, taking his hands out of his pocket. “What for then?”

She lowered her gaze and said nothing.

He closed the distance between them, gently grasping her chin and slowly tilting her face to meet his eyes.

"Go on, you can tell me."

She drew a long breath, feeling his smell and the heat radiating from his body.

She closed her eyes, her voice barely audible: "My mother was under the influence of Amortentia when I was born. I want to find a cure."

He scoffed, a hint of mockery in his eyes as he released her chin. "A cure? Why would you want a cure? We are better like this."

"We?" she widened her eyes and tentatively touched his right shoulder. "You mean, you're the same?..."

Tom sighed and leaned against the desk, his eyes distant as he began to speak. "Yes, and I like it this way. We may not experience certain feelings the way others do, but not being tied down by emotions has allowed me to focus on my ambitions, my desires. Some might say it's a curse, but I've come to see it as a gift. In a way, it's liberating."

He paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts. "It's made me who I am today – strong, resilient, and determined. While others are weakened by their emotions, we have an advantage. We can make decisions that others would hesitate to make, act when others are held back by their feelings."

Evelyn looked into Tom's eyes, and responded with determination. "I understand your perspective, Tom, and perhaps it is a gift for some, but not for me. Yes, there is a certain freedom that comes from not being tied down by emotions, but there's also a cost."

She turned away from him, gazing out of the window. "For as long as I can remember, I've felt like I've been missing something essential – a connection to others, the ability to truly feel the range of emotions that make us human. I may not be weakened by guilt, love, or even sadness, but that also means I am disconnected from the very things that make life worth living."

Tom's expression turned cold, and he shook his head. "You don't understand, Evelyn. I thought you would.” With that, he pulled away from her, his eyes filled with a mixture of anger and defiance. "I'm done discussing this," he said sharply, and without another word, he turned and stormed out of the room, leaving Evelyn standing there, bewildered and hurt.

**

[entheorg]

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