#Fire safe Singapore

[kmhonco]

Digital safes

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[astrobiscuits]

Astro obs part 9

🐌 The planets in your 12th house indicate your sleeping style:

Sun in 12th house - their sleep schedule is extremely messed up; for them, daylight hours = nighttime hours and vice versa, so they have trouble being themselves during the day; their true self comes out at night

Moon in 12th house - goes to sleep very late; full moons have a special effect on these people; their intuition is more clear at night; as kids, they probably slept a lot with their mother

Mercury in 12th house - loves texting/calling people late at night; they might journal their thoughts before sleep because they overthink a lot and it helps to clear their mind or maybe they just like to relax by reading a book at night

Venus in 12th house - cares a lot about getting their "beauty sleep"; sleeps with sleep masks on, buys expensive bed lingerie, skincare night routine might be very important; loves sleeping in general lmao

Mars in 12th house - enjoys working out before going to sleep, can go to sleep angry because they tend to get into conflict more at night than during the day

I have Uranus in 12th house and i can be both a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper, depending on where i am. For example, when i'm traveling, during the first night i wake up several times, but from the second night on i sleep like a baby lmao. Another thing would be that i can't sleep in a quiet car but i don't have any problem sleeping during a thunderstorm

🐌 Mars in fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sag) and Mars in 3rd house individuals love riding motorbikess

🐌 While Mars in 9th house peeps would probably love to go on a world tour on their motorbike. The sign ruling their 9th house represents the countries they would love to visit (i'm aware that some of these can only be visited by plane, take it with a grain of salt): 

♈ in 9th house: Ireland, Poland, Japan, Zimbabwe

♉ in 9th house: Cuba, Paraguay, South Africa, East Timor

♊ in 9th house: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Montenegro

♋ in 9th house: Canada, USA, Bahamas, Argentina, Slovenia, Madagascar

♌ in 9th house: Hawaii, France, Italy, The Netherlands, India, South Korea, Peru, Bolivia

♍ in 9th house: Switzerland, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Vietnam

♎ in 9th house: Belgium, Portugal, China, Equatorial Guinea, Lesotho

♏ in 9th house: Panama, Spain, Turkey, Arab countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE), Palestine, Lebanon

♐ in 9th house: Finland, Lithuania, Romania, Tanzania, Thailand

♑ in 9th house: UK, Germany, Czech Republic, Australia, Camerun

♒ in 9th house: Greece, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka

♓ in 9th house: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Mauritius, Saint Lucia

🐌 I have a feeling Pisces Suns like to spend their time in a garage lmao. Mostly because their opposing sign, Virgo, would hate to spend time in a garage due to how dirty it can get.

🐌As a 7th house Sun who's been in love for almost a year now (haha, are we surprised, ofcours not; i'm not even in a relationship with him but ugh we're so perfect for each other), i realised that Sun in 7th house people tend to behave differently with their partner when they're in a healthy relationship vs when they're in a toxic one

Sun in 7th house in:

♈ Aries in a healthy relationship: empowers their partner, knows how to balance me time vs us time in a healthy manner, encourages their partner to take safe risks

♈ Aries in an unhealthy relationship: impulsive, impatient, selfish, dismisses their partner's feelings, often controlled by rage, prone to abusing their partner

♉ Taurus in a healthy relationship: veryyy generous (their love language is gift giving), accommodating to their partner's wants and needs, cooks for their partner

♉ Taurus in an unhealthy relationship: stubborn af, hard to please, focused more on the material gain from their partner rather than the love they share

♊ Gemini in a healthy relationship: curious, always lightens the mood of their partner by cracking up tons of jokes or telling them funny stories, knows that communication is key to everything so they're not afraid to discuss serious topics, teaches their partner a lot of random stuff

♊ Gemini in an unhealthy relationship: superficial, doesn't have a problem moving on from their partner to another person in a matter of seconds, if they're still in school/college, then they prioritize studying over their partner

♋ Cancer in a healthy relationship: nurturing, knows how to balance babying their partner vs being babied by their partner, emotionally vulnerable, feels safe enough to present their partner to their family early on in the relationship

♋ Cancer in a unhealthy relationship: if they don't trust their partner, they tend to become emotionally closed off to hide their deep sadness; defensive, but if their partner attackes them, then they'll hide, worries excessively, avoids presenting their partner to their family

♌ Leo in a healthy relationship: treats their partner like the king/queen they are, keeps their ego in check so it doesn't interfere with the relationship, if they've got artistic talents (music, acting, art etc.), they'll show their love for their partner by performing in front of them

♌ Leo in an unhealthy relationship: egocentric, shows off their partner/relationship too much out of pride, often feels entitled in the relationship and wants to be put on a pedestal by their partner

♍ Virgo in a healthy relationship: selfless to a healthy degree, remembers every lil detail from every casual conversations with their partner just to please them, remembers every important date and plans ahead for it, takes care of their partner when they're sick

♍ Virgo in a unhealthy relationship: critical, overfixates on past hurts and mistakes that their partner made in the relationship (often times their partner doesn't even remember those things because they're usually not that serious), loves their pets more than their partner

♎ Libra in a healthy relationship: romantic, charismatic, truly values their partner and the relationship with them, acts fair in the relationship, teaches their partner lovingly about the importance of honesty, truth and a healthy give and take dynamic in a relationship

♎ Libra in an unhealthy relationship: doesn't prioritize the relationship; instead, they flirt with others despite being in a relationship, emotionally detached, cold and calculated in their current relationship

♏ Scorpio in a healthy relationship: loyal, loves their partner deeply and intensely, but without suffocating them, keeps their partner's secrets like they're a locked safe box with no public access

♏ Scorpio in an unhealthy relationship: obsessive, manipulative, seeks to dominate their partner, displays stalkish behaviour in the relationship, liar

♐ Sagittarius in a healthy relationship: exposes their partner to various cultures, belief systems and philosophies to expand their mind and form their own opinion on certain topics, loves freely but is still able to maintain a long-term relationship, improves their partner's mood, usually brings an element of surprise and excitement to the relationship

♐ Sagittarius in an unhealthy relationship: travels in order to avoid dealing with their partner, parties a bit too much, doesn't take the relationship seriously

♑ Capricorn in a healthy relationship: loves their partner in a mature, serious and secure manner, doesn't shy away from improving their partner's social status and/or career if they can, discusses plans for the future (getting married, having kids, adopting pets, buying a house) with their partner early on in the relationship, they make time for their partner, despite the fact that they're busy most of the time

♑ Capricorn in an unhealthy relationship: displays no emotions or physical affection in the relationship, has a hard time communicating their thoughts with their partner, settles in a relationship for the wrong reasons (money/kids/safety/"i'm getting old and i need to have my life established"), prioritizes work/career over their partner

♒ Aquarius in a healthy relationship: flexible, makes their partner's dreams and aspirations come true (whether they're related to the relationship or not), has got a very open-minded attitude towards their partner's opinions, lifestyle and identity, takes the time to become friends firsts with their future partner because they value a relationship built on solid foundation (often times their partner is also their best friend), knows how to balance couple time vs time with friends

♒ Aquarius in an unhealthy relationship: displays wishy-washy behaviour, emotionally detached, prioritizes their friends over their partner, seeks online validation from strangers and acquaintances to fulfill their needs

♓ Pisces in a healthy relationship: sensitive to their partner's emotions, knows how to balance wearing their heart on their sleeve vs hiding their emotions in unfavourable circumstances, always honest with their partner

♓ Pisces in an unhealthy relationship: prone to drown their relationship problems and sorrows in alcohol, drugs and meds for mental health issues, runs away from problems instead of dealing with them with their partner, displays dishonesty to a fault, prone to self-sabotage

[reality-detective]

The Singapore ship that struck the Francis Scott Key bridge was experiencing power issues before impacting the bridge. I'm hearing reports the ship caught fire and sunk also, the crew is accounted for and safe. This story is still unfolding so who knows what is actually happening and if we're getting truthful updates. 🤔

[beabnormal24]

Last time I expressed my opinion on something I got sent death threats because apparently the fandom around F1 is more toxic than I thought (and you want for it to be a safe space for women? The irony!), but now I’m currently running on 30 minutes of sleep after an asthma crisis I had this night so I could care less! New challenge Carlos’ haters, let’s see what kind of nasty comments I will get sent!

I read that Fred went around and said that they sacrificed Charles’ race in Singapore last year to get Carlos’ win.

Even if that might be true to some extent, because unfortunately you always have to choose in similar situations and circumstances, Carlos still got pole position, he still led the race comfortably for every lap, and he still pulled off that insane strategy on the last lap.

THAT IS NOT TO BRING DOWN CHARLES, I have to write it in caps or else some people (cough cough) will start flooding my dms with very adorable and loving anonymous messages. It is simply to justify why the team would choose Carlos, because he was in a more probable position to get a win and Ferrari needed that win, Fred himself needed that win to show that he is a good team principal.

And I will say that, I actually do think that he’s a respectable leader, he knows how to do his job and he does think about the team’s interest for most of the part. Whether he is a bad person or not I actually cannot say since I follow the sport, not a reality show.

What I think is that he expressed himself terribly wrong by saying that they had to “”””sacrifice”””” Charles to get Carlos’ win.

I honestly think he only said that because he wanted to shrug off all the repetitive questions about “Do you regret firing Carlos? Do you regret getting Lewis? Do you regret and do you regret and blah blah blah”.

And I get that, but I just think that he could’ve chosen another way to say that, or just said something different entirely, mostly because the driver you are talking about is, in fact, the one you decided to fire and also the one that you know is looking for a good seat for next year, and you “kind of badmouthing” him isn’t the kindest thing to do in this situation.

I don’t think it will influence Carlos’ job seeking that much, since he does have his pockets full of consistent races and the Australian win and a 100% race-podium percentage and, anyway, Singapore speaks for itself, Fred’s words or not.

Just, Fred, dear Fred, think about your words twice next time, thanks.

[leclercskiesahead]

can't say thank you in public

(smut under the cover)

The garage is loud tonight. There is an unmistakable buzz in the air. Spirits are high - Charles can't remember the last time they felt like this.

And it is all thanks to Carlos.

Carlos Sainz, winner of the Singapore Grand Prix. Carlos, who led every lap of the race and has been at the top of all the sessions, even back to Monza. Carlos, the reason why the mechanics and engineers and all the crew got to sing the Italian anthem with pride, under the red and neon lights.

Carlos, who returned from summer break rested and recharged and with a hot new fire in his belly. Not that he ever lacked motivation, but it was like he had unlocked a new part of himself, and his post-summer tan made it look like the fire was glowing within.

Carlos giving the scuderia its first taste of victory.

On paper, it has been a good weekend for the team. P1 and P4 is their best combined result of the season. Charles knows that he himself is feeling more at ease with the car, that he still posted good timings all weekend.

But finishing a position behind where he started is always going to be a let down.

Now that the race and the celebrations are all over, the adrenaline left his body, he can't stop thinking about the pit box, the feeling that he was just sitting there a moment too long. He has since seen the replays, of Hamilton driving past just as his own stop was complete. He can see that objectively, the team could not release him without receiving a penalty. It does not change the sense of helplessness and dread that comes from reliving that moment, nor the thoughts that follow as he tries to manage said emotions.

Maybe there was just enough space in front of Hamilton but they played it safe, maybe he could have followed Carlos more closely in the pit lane, maybe he could have managed their gap better, maybe he could have fought the Mercedes if he also changed his tyres under the virtual safety car, maybe, maybe...

He runs a hand through his damp hair as if it will pull those thoughts out of his head to be discarded. They are useless now. The team will enjoy tonight, bars and parties aplenty, then the focus turns to Suzuka.

24 hours ago, Charles had let himself entertain the thought of going to a party after the race, celebrating a podium. It feels a bit too much now. A nice bar will do, one with good ambience and a view. He is no longer up for a dance floor and flashing lights tonight.

A knock on his door interrupts his packing, and Carlos steps into the room without waiting for an answer. Charles is surprised to see him. Since leaving parc fermé, Carlos has been swept up by the crowd, trophy cradled in his arms. The people all want to see their race winner. Charles only got to see him again at the team photo-taking.

He figures Carlos would have been dragged off to a party by now. Half the garage has left and the rest are chatting about which bar to hit up once they're done.

But Carlos is still here. Changed out of his race suit, but still in team wear. Definitely not on his way to a party yet.

"Ah good, you're still here," Carlos says as he lets himself in and closes the door, muffling the chatter around the motorhome.

Charles stands in greeting. "You too, mate. You are not partying already?"

"Later," Carlos says, taking a step closer. His cap is on backwards. "I haven't got to talk to you yet."

"We talked in the debrief."

Carlos' lips curl into a smile. He is still coming closer.

The drivers' rooms are not that large. Charles hasn't moved, but he thinks if this continues he might be backed up against the wall.

"The strategy for the race," Carlos begins. "Everything we discussed after quali. Everything had to be perfect, and we were."

Perfect for you, Charles thinks. The pit incident with Hamilton is the only blot on the team's overall performance today, and it had not affected Carlos one bit.

(Well okay, it might have been easier for them to manage the race pace through the second stint with two cars in the front, but in the end, Carlos had coped on his own. Incredibly well, as the whole paddock cannot stop talking about his DRS strategy and working with Lando to defend against the Mercedes. It is a devilishly smart plan, Charles must admit, and it doesn't surprise him that it is Carlos of all drivers who came up with it instead of just slamming on the accelerator.)

The stray thought quickly evaporates as Carlos steps into his space. Charles takes a step back. He slides a hand behind him and grazes the wall with his fingertips.

"Thank you for executing everything perfectly," Carlos says. His eyes stare into Charles, large and deep and brown with something burning within.

"A good weekend for the team," Charles breathes. "It all paid off because you got the win"

"Because of you," Carlos insists. His voice sounds deeper than usual. "The plan relied on you, Charles. It would have been harder without you. You executed perfectly."

Carlos has stopped his advance, leaving Charles just a hair's breadth from leaning against the wall. His teammate is shorter and lighter but it feels like he's looming over Charles, wrapping around him and encompassing him from all sides. The feeling is not uncommon with Carlos.

"Are you going out tonight?" Carlos asks. Even in the Singapore heat, Charles can feel the heat of his words as they fan over Charles' skin, leaving goosebumps in their wake.

"No," he exhales. "Just for dinner, then I think I will rest before the flight tomorrow."

"No? Then I only have now to say thank you."

"You - what?" Charles blurts, because Carlos has already delivered all the lines and credit in front of the media. But he doesn't have much time to be confused.

Because Carlos is dropping to his knees in front of Charles and working at the buckle of his pants.

The clasp flies open under deft fingers and Carlos lunges forward as the zipper follows. Charles feels his hot breath through the fabric of his underwear and it might be enough to make him half hard.

Strong hands grip at Charles' waist before Carlos shoves both his pants and underwear down in one move. Charles' dick springs free, and both men groan.

"Carlos..." Charles warns, although his voice sounds more raspy and desperate than he would like.

"So good for me," Carlos coaxes, as he starts to stroke. "So good on track. And off it. So good, Charles."

His large hand wraps around the base Charles' shaft and starts to pump. Charles bites back a moan that threatens to echo around the whole garage. He is getting harder by the second and Carlos is kissing up his thighs, sucking at the juncture of his hip. Those large eyes bat upwards, thick lashes fluttering, watch Charles' reactions. Charles must look like a panting mess, struggling to keep quiet, to meet Carlos' gaze and not throw his head back like a depraved animal. His resolve only lasts so long.

The first wrap of those plush lips around the head of his cock does rip a moan out of Charles. Carlos pulls off, only to reattach his lips to the base, just above his balls, and mouth his way up to the tip, leaving a trail of hot spit along the underside of Charles' length, before taking Charles in his mouth again, going almost halfway down this time.

Carlos' mouth is hot and obscene, like the man himself when they find themselves like this. He is bobbing his head, taking more and more of Charles each time, pausing every now and then to hollow his cheeks and just suck. His tongue is as skilled as his hands on the wheel, steering Charles towards the edge with the way it slides along his slit and swirls around, pressing on the underside of his dick.

Charles rests his head against the wall and takes ragged breaths. His palms are pressed against the plaster, fingers scrabbling for purchase that isn't there. A distant corner of his mind conjures the thought of knocking Carlos' cap off and burying his fingers in his hair. Then he remembers his teammate had gotten it cut anyway. The curls that had been sticking up at Monza a tragic sacrifice for convenience in Singapore.

A chilling sensation hits his dick, and Charles' eyes snap open (he didn't even know when they had rolled back and closed.) He whines at the realisation that Carlos had pulled off his dick and blown on it.

"I want to see you," his teammate growls. He meets Charles' eyes with his own, those large eyes, so deep and dark that Charles feels like he is falling into his gaze, and maintains the eye contact as he slowly lowers his mouth over Charles' dick again.

This time, he bottoms out, and Charles almost cries out at the sight. All his nerves are on fire, and the sight of Carlos staring up at him from down there is nearly too much. The other starts moving again, drawing obscene sounds from Charles every time his lips meet the base of his shaft.

He feels his brows pinch as he fights to keep his eyes open, through all the moans and whines that wreck him. Carlos gags and grunts but does not look away. Sweat beads at Charles' hairline, not from the weather, and eventually drip into his eyes, stinging and blurring his vision. He can still see the depths of Carlos' pupils blown wide, keeping Charles magnetised. He cannot break away.

Charles' thighs are quivering from trying to keep himself still. He might collapse at any given moment. Carlos' hands rest at the top of his thighs, right over his underwear line, simply resting without any pressure. But they might as well be pinning Charles against the wall, because the sensation of them, large, hot hands, burning into his skin, is keeping Charles from bucking into Carlos' mouth. It is crazy how Carlos can hold him in place like this, without even holding him.

Then those hands slide around the back, fingers digging into the flesh of Charles' ass, pulling all of him closer to Carlos' face while simultaneously spreading his thighs further apart. Charles lurches at the sudden shift, sliding deep into Carlos' wanting mouth. He only just registers the clear feeling of his head hitting the back of Carlos' throat before he's gone.

Carlos drinks every bit that Charles gives, like a man at a fountain in the desert. He moves a hand between Charles' legs, behind his balls, and strokes him through the orgasm, milking every drop of come out of him. He slides off slowly once there is no more, holding Charles' by the hips and supporting him as he finally leans back and collapses against the wall, spent.

Charles lets his eyes flutter shut, having long abandoned Carlos' request when his orgasm hit. He feels one last kiss being pressed to his thigh, under the hip bone, before Carlos' hands and lips disappear from his skin.

There is a soft rustling as Carlos stands, a gentle thud as he steps once more into Charles' space, and the brush of his breath over the shell of Charles' ear.

"Good drive today," he says, voice low.

And then he gone, padding out of the room. Charles hears the door slide open and shut, but he can no longer hear the chatter of the engineers downstairs, if they have all left or are simply drowned out by his own desperate breaths and the pounding of his heart in his ears.

[universitypenguin]

Chapter 16

Summary: Lloyd finally gets his man and Princess has a close call.

Word Count: 3,596

Masterlist

Warnings: Mention of violence, murder, legal proceedings, corruption, bombing, stalking, and discussion of criminal behavior and drug trafficking. Minor foul language. Only appropriate for 18+ readers. No minors. 

Chapter 16 

After completing Zach’s errand, you found yourselves at the Emerald Harp, a cozy Irish bar in West Falls Church. You sat on opposite sides of the booth, an empty table between you as the bus boy carried away your plates. The dim overhead light cast shadows on Zach’s face. 

Your drinks arrived and an uneasy silence thickened the air. Zach’s mood was palpable and annoyance radiated from him like a glow. 

He took a sip of his beer and scowled. 

“So, Princess. How’s life been treating you lately? Anything interesting going on?” 

“Nothing out of the ordinary. Work, traveling with Lloyd, spending time with my family… the usual. Why do you ask?” 

Zach arched an eyebrow. “Really? How’s Aiden? Have you talked to him since the breakup?” 

You sucked in a deep breath. “I… Well, he’s my ex. Dragging up the past isn’t healthy, and honestly, what’s there to say?” 

Zach leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. His expression was concerned, but his voice echoed with frustration. 

“Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about. I’m aware of the texts, the note he left on your car, and even the visit you paid him last night. What I want to know is why I had to find out on my own instead of hearing it from you."

You flinched. "I'm sorry, Zach. I didn't tell you because I knew you'd feel obligated to tell Lloyd, and that would set him off. Then, when I had finally decided to speak up, his father passed away, and I didn't want to burden either of you.” 

Zach sighed.

"And honestly... until a few days ago, I thought I could handle it myself."

"Handle it yourself? Why? We're on the same team here, Princess. You're involved with Lloyd, of course he'd want to help. Hell, if I’d known, I would've gone after him myself."

Your stomach churned at his last statement.

Lloyd's anger was an inferno that crackled and roared, consuming everything in its path and leaving an ugly trail of ash behind. Zach's anger was different. His outbursts weren't volcanic like Lloyd's. They resembled a deadly winter storm system that swept in with an icy blast and lingered for months. His frigid rage tore through everything, like the slow advance of a glacier as it carved new valleys into the earth.

"I'm mostly pissed off that I had to find out on my own. That you went to Jake first," Zach said.

"I didn't want to believe it was real. I knew Aiden had been fired and, initially, it felt like he was just redirecting his anger toward me. Being in Singapore with Lloyd when I figured out what was going on made it easier to dismiss his behavior and feel… safe.” 

Safe because of Lloyd. His presence had created a shield against the threats. It was only when that barrier was removed that you fully grasped the gravity of the situation.

"I apologize for lying to you Friday, it was wrong. I didn't want to worry you."

Leaning back, Zach shifted his weight and stretched his long legs under the table.

"I care about you, and Lloyd cares about you. That's why we're upset."

"We?" you asked, your eyes widening.

"No, listen, I haven't told Lloyd. You can count on me to be absent during that conversation. But good luck dealing with him after he finds out.” 

Your lips twisted. "I know. I’ll tell him when he gets back."

Zach nodded and took another sip of beer.

"Jake mentioned giving you a self-defense lesson. Have you had any prior training?"

"A little. Why?"

"Just thinking ahead. The most effective self-defense training is rooted in experience, the kind that gets your adrenaline pumping. Lloyd would go ballistic if he knew what I'm about to suggest, but you need more realistic training, not just the padded-mat stuff in his basement - actual hand-to-hand combat."

His description triggered a wave of nausea that twisted your belly. The physical aspect of investigations wasn't something you aspired to. You saw yourself more as an armchair sleuth than a field agent. 

"We're here for you, Princess, no matter what, but I’m angry you kept this hidden. We could have helped you with Aiden."

Tears welled in your eyes.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause any harm, and it wasn't a lack of trust, I swear. At first, I thought I could make it all go away. We had a lot to do on the case, and then things got complicated with Lloyd's father passing. I didn't want to divert anyone’s attention."

Zach chuckled, raising his beer in a toast.

"Don’t worry. Peter Shaw has injected far more distraction into this case than you."

You sighed. "Fair point. Thanks, Zach. That actually made me feel better."

He reached across the table and took your hand.

"I pulled a copy of the police report from Jake's hard drive. I have to say, this isn’t the kind of shit I would’ve expected from Aiden. He struck me as passive-aggressive, with an emphasis on passive."

You nodded. "That's why I didn’t put things together sooner. I blamed my little brother for the prank call and then my phone kept having connection problems in Singapore, which is when the texts started. It was days before I realized I was being harassed."

"Tell me about the prank phone call.” 

As you recounted the details, Zach listened intently.

"He said, 'Never say "who's there?" It's a death wish.' Quoting the original Scream movie?"

"Yeah."

"That came out in ‘96. Seems a bit dated for Aiden's taste, don't you think?"

You shrugged. "I don't know."

"Does he like classic horror movies?"

"I don't know."

"Princess, you dated the guy for months."

"I was more interested in his physical attributes than his opinions on cinema."

Zach rolled his eyes. 

"Hey. I was attracted to him before I found out he was a creep!"

"He’s built like a stick figure."

"He looks like Andrew Garfield and Eddie Redmayne had a love child," you defended.

"How can you be attracted to two men who are such polar opposites? Lloyd's bicep is the same size as Aiden's thigh."

You turned up your nose. "That's so narrow-minded. I appreciate a wide variety of men and from the female perspective, attractiveness is mostly about behavior."

Zach grunted. "I'm aware of the last part, but in my experience, there’s a clear division between women who go for Timothee Chalamet and the ones who are into Henry Cavill. That's how far apart Aiden and Lloyd are, physically speaking."

"That’s an interesting theory. You know, my primary interest in starting a relationship with both of them was physical-"

"Look at the time!" Zach exclaimed. "It's late. We should head out."

"Really? I thought we were having a fun girl talk."

"Have your girl talk with Jen. I don't want to hear about it," Zach said firmly.

He left cash on the table and you followed him through the maze of tables.

"Why does this make you uncomfortable? You and Lloyd discuss your sex lives all the time. Since my sex life is with Lloyd, and you'll hear about it from him-”

"Nope. No way. We've stopped talking about our sex lives," Zach interrupted.

"Is it because we're friends? Or because Lloyd feels awkward about our age difference? Or maybe it's the whole office romance thing?"

"It's all the above," Zach said, holding the door open for you.

"So, Lloyd does feel awkward about our age difference?" 

"I'm not sure, but I do," Zach admitted.

Your brow furrowed, and he rushed to clarify.

"Don’t get me wrong, I’ve teased him by acting interested in you, but it was just to get a rise out of him. He’s so territorial where you’re concerned - it’s hilarious. But I see you more like a little sister or something. Lloyd gets that, so he doesn’t share details. I'm fine with you two sleeping together but that's as far as it goes. I'd rather have my fingernails ripped off than hear the specifics."

"Oh, okay. That's sweet," you said, linking your arm through his.

He snorted and slowed his stride to match yours.

"I knew you two would get together eventually. The chemistry was too strong to ignore. Plus, you get along with that rattlesnake better than anyone I've ever met. As far as I'm concerned, Lloyd should be rushing to the jeweler's and locking this down before you come to your senses."

You giggled. "Aw, I always knew you were a romantic at heart, Zach."

He grinned, teeth flashing under the streetlights. "It's probably just your influence, softening me up."

"Well, since I've managed to get Lloyd to play nice in the sandbox, I'm looking for my next project."

"Oh, no you don't. I refuse to be your Eliza Doolittle," Zach said.

"The fact that you know who Eliza Doolittle is has just removed you from my pool of potential candidates," you replied.

He suggested you watch "Roman Holiday" on Lloyd's projector screen that night and you were about to agree, when the roar of a car engine pierced the air. Your head snapped around, just in time to catch the blinding flash of headlights as tires screeched and a vehicle hurtled over the curb, heading straight towards you. But your feet seemed uncooperative, glued to the pavement, refusing to move. Horror surged through you as the car closed in. Zach’s arms encircled your waist, and suddenly, you were weightless, airborne. 

Instead of being thrown backward from the car’s impact, you were torn off your feet and flung to the right with all the finesse of a human cannonball being ejected from a launchpad. You went soaring through the air like a ragdoll before slamming into the passenger door of a parallel parked Toyota Prius. 

Zach had pulled you out of the way just in time. 

The vehicle raced by, having missed you by inches. Its tires screamed as the driver swerved back onto the road and vanished around the corner, leaving only the fading red glow of brake lights in their wake. Breath caught in your throat, the same breath you’d taken when the danger first became apparent. Zach grabbed you by the shoulders and pulled you into a brief embrace. His words flowed around you, unintelligible while your brain was so taken up with processing the events of the past… fifteen seconds?

He squeezed your upper arms when you didn’t respond to whatever he’d said. 

“Hey! Princess! Listen to me. Are you okay?” 

Gasping, you swayed as you tried to straighten up, but found yourself still leaning against the Prius.

“Yeah. Yeah… I’m fine. Thank you… I… I’m… Thank you!” 

Zach’s gaze swept over you before he ran his hands down from your shoulders, over your arms, and frowned. His expression shifted from worried to suspicious. 

“You’re sure you’re okay?” 

You hesitated. “Um…”

As with any good adrenaline rush, it subsided the moment someone drew attention to your injuries. That’s when the pain crashed over you, its sharp bite stealing the breath from your lungs. 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Deputy Russell’s call came in right on schedule. Lloyd leaned against the kitchen counter and hit the answer button, smirking at Elliot. 

“Hey, Canada. We’ve got a problem. The ATF is in town and they’re closing in on Holbrook,” Russell said. 

“The ATF?”

“Yeah. If you want those drugs, we do it before the feds arrive.”

“Works for me. Where are we meeting?”

He took down the address and grinned at Elliot as he pocketed the phone. “Russell really wants those drugs gone.”

Elliot crossed his arms. “Yeah, he wants to sell, or more likely, he wants to get rid of you. That stunt with the fire freaked him out. Russell isn’t the kind of guy you want to spook. He’ll go for the jugular.”

“That’s the whole point. Say, do you have a major attachment to your pickup?”

Elliot raised an eyebrow. “That piece of shit? No.”

“Great. Take the ranch truck,” he said, tossing over the keys.

“You were counting on a double cross all along, weren’t you?”

“I couldn’t see a way around it. Let's go. This time, I actually have a plan.”

It was an hour’s drive to reach the address Russell had chosen for their meeting. The abandoned house outside of Ketchum used to belong to Joe, before the turf war against Holbrook in the early 2000s. Lloyd steeled himself for the ambush he knew was coming as he strode casually up the crumbling sidewalk, pretending he didn’t have a care in the world. 

Elliot’s voice crackled in his ear.

“I see him. He’s parked a block away in a sedan with tinted windows.”

“Left or right?” Lloyd asked. 

“Left.”

“Wait, Lloyd! He’s not... No gun! He has a trigger device!”

That was all the warning he got before a wall of heat erupted in front of him. Lloyd dove for cover behind a tree just in time, hissing as shrapnel seared his back.

“He’s driving past,” Elliot said. “Russell is gone. I’m coming to get you.”

The blast had stunned him for a few seconds, but by the time Elliot reached him, Lloyd was already on his feet. He leaned on his cousin as they sprinted across the street to the ranch pickup truck.

“Are you okay? You don’t have a concussion or anything, do you?” Elliot asked.

“I'm good,” Lloyd said, reaching under his shirt and ripping at the velcro straps that held the kevlar vest he’d worn underneath his clothing. He peeled off the layers and unstrapped the vest to inspect the shards of metal lodged in the back. 

“Damn,” Elliot murmured, taking his eyes off the road for a second to assess the damage.

“Meh. Someone needs a refresher course on bomb making,” Lloyd said. “There wasn't enough shrapnel in that to do much more than put me in the hospital for a few days.” 

“You need a new psychiatrist. Whoever told you weren’t crazy should have their license revoked.” 

Lloyd laughed. They raced to catch up with Russell’s sedan on the remote stretch of highway that led back into the valley. Elliot maneuvered the ranch pickup ahead of the sedan and jerked the wheel, sending the truck spinning sideways to block the road. Russell slammed on the breaks and managed to stop before his front bumper connected with the passenger side of the truck. 

Deputy Russell threw open the driver’s door and lept out of the vehicle, flushed with rage. 

“Are you insane? What the hell do you think you’re…”

The color drained from his face when he saw Lloyd in the passenger seat. Lloyd hopped out of the truck and grabbed the Deputy by his shirt front. 

“Surprised to see me?” he said, grinning at the man and raising his gun with the hand that wasn’t gripping the deputy’s shirt. “Get back in your car. I’m going to climb in the back seat, and unless you want to get a bullet through the heart, I’d follow my directions.”

Russell was shocked enough by the sight of a man he’d believed dead thirty minutes earlier that it was easy to force his compliance. He followed Elliot up the highway and onto a dead end dirt road in the middle of a cattle pasture, out of sight from the main road. The ranch truck pulled over on a wide section and Russell parked behind it.

“Get out,” Lloyd said. 

He grabbed the Deputy’s arm, twisting it behind his back as he pressed the barrel of the gun into his shoulder. Elliot watched from the pickup with his baseball cap pulled low over his eyes to conceal his identity. 

“Do you want it through the heart? Or the brainstem? It’s a Sunday, so I’m offering the victim’s choice special.”

“Don’t! Listen, please! This wasn’t personal-”

“Boring! I don’t care. Today isn’t the first time someone double crossed me and it damn well won’t be the last time.”  

“The feds aren’t just looking for Holbrook, they’re coming for his organization. You know that’s how they operate. Agent Ambrosio wouldn’t bring a whole cavalry if they didn’t have enough to take down everyone involved. But they don’t know about me, I swear! The agent in charge literally called me, which means they don’t know who all the players are.” 

“And you decided throwing them a corpse would fill in the blanks and clear up any questions about his operation, eh?”

“That’s Holbrook’s place. His name is literally on the deed. They would have assumed you were his distributor.”

“And then nobody would look twice at you,” Lloyd said, digging the barrel of his Glock harder into Russell’s back. 

“I told you, it wasn’t personal!” the Deputy yelled. “Listen, we can make this right! I’ll give you the drugs, all of them.”

“Drugs that the ATF is looking for? How stupid do you think I am? It’s a shame our relationship has to end like this, Luke. You had a tight operation going and I could have used a partner like you. But with the feds breathing down your neck and Holbrook about to rollover on you, this thing has gone to hell in a handbasket.” Lloyd sighed, theatrically. “But hey… listen. This is nothing personal.” 

“Wait, please! They’re not looking for me! I can plant the drugs at Holbrook’s place! That drug dealer you threw into Redfish Lake, you know, Carl? We can plant evidence to make it look like he was Holbrook’s man. He went around telling everyone he had Holbrook in his pocket. It’ll work!” 

Lloyd eased the gun away from the Deputy’s back and relaxed his grip on Russell’s arm.

“I’ll lay a false trail right to the evidence for them,” he swore. “We let the heat die down a little and then I’m your guy. We can be partners!” 

“That’s not the worst plan I’ve ever heard…” 

“You want to be a rich man, right? Do you want to leave here empty handed? Think about it.”

Lloyd pretended to mull it over, then clicked his tongue. “Well, damn! Look at us. Enemies to besties, isn’t it great? Come on, Lucas. We’ve got drugs to plant. Where are they?”

“Under the backseat of my car.” 

Lloyd chuckled. “No shit? I was sitting on top of Joe’s stash for the last thirty minutes?” 

- - - - - 

They drove back into town and found Holbrook’s house empty. All Lloyd had to do was stand back and watch as Russell pried open the backseat of his sedan and removed a duffle bag. He used a spare key to open the front door. Lloyd trailed along after him, through the hall and into the kitchen.

Russell crouched in front of a cabinet and pushed on the toe-kick panel to swing it open. Then he unzipped the duffle and removed the plastic wrapped bricks, shoving them into the hiding spot.

“There you go, Holbrook’s as good as-” 

Lloyd brought the butt of the gun down on Russell’s temple, knocking him out cold. 

“Good as arrested,” he said to the unconscious man, wiping his finger prints from the Glock. 

Lloyd planted the Glock in Rusell’s car. He’d taken it from Joe’s safe and assumed it was probably one of his favorites by the worn grip. Undoubtedly, the gun would trace back to half a dozen crimes in the area, just in case Russell found a way to weasel out of his own drug charges. Elliot swung by and picked him up. They drove back to the White Rivers campsite, and at dawn the next morning, watched the real Agent Ambrosio from the ATF march the disgraced lawmen to their SUV in handcuffs. 

He let Elliot handle the binoculars this time, since he’d had the pleasure of knocking the Deputy out yesterday. 

“They’re leading him out now…” Elliot said, providing commentary. “He’s in handcuffs… Here comes Russell. Damn, you did a number on him. He still looks dazed.” 

Lloyd had reclined his seat back as far as it would go and let his eyes fall half-shut. He was exhausted. The adrenaline had worn off hours ago and now he felt every bump and bruise from the explosion at Holbrook’s stash house. He knew he ought to be basking in a hard earned victory, he found he was rather annoyed.

You hadn’t texted him back.

You always texted him back. He didn’t know how to react to being ignored because it had never happened before. Maybe you were just busy. But with what? You always answered his texts within at least a day. 

“Are you staying for the funeral?” Elliot asked.

“No. I’d rather get back home. You?”

“I wasn’t planning on going either. Too depressing. There’s nothing good to say about him and… well, nothing grieve. Not for me anyway.”

“Agreed. Why don’t you come spend the night at the ranch?” Lloyd suggested. 

“Are you sure?” 

Elliot’s surprise reminded him that his cousin had never spent a night at the house, despite being a blood relative. 

“Yeah, I’m sure. You know, something’s been bothering me. April said she overheard you and Holbrook talking. The word ‘mercury’ came up. What the hell was that about?” 

Elliot grinned. “Really? You didn’t figure it out?”

“Figure out what?”

“Dude, you’re in for a shock. I can’t tell you, but I can show you.”

“Show me what?” Lloyd asked. 

Elliot turned on the engine and threw the pickup into reverse with a laugh. “No way, I’m not telling you. You’re going to have to wait and see.” 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Next - Part XVII

Masterlist

[quietlyimplode]

the language of flowers and silent things

Whumptober 2023: Day 11 - Captivity

Warnings: canon type violence.

Word Count: 1.6k (gif not mine)

Summary: Natasha offers choices and chances.

A/N: reunion <3

Masterlist

Whumptober Masterlist

.

SINGAPORE

2014

Clint stares at her as she gets ready, smiling at her putting on make up.

“What?” she asks, “you’ve seen me do this a thousand times.”

“Nat, watching you put make up on in a bra, will always make me stop and stare at you,” he pauses.

“In a non creepy way.”

She smiles and continues to make up her face; the wig cap covering her hair.

“Are you sure, blue is the way to go?”

The wig both brown and blue is styled like Natasha’s hair when she was young.

She bites her lip.

“No. But maybe, if anything gets to her, maybe the past will.”

She stands and bends over, placing the wig on and adjusting it.

When she stands she looks like a different person.

“I never know how you do that,” he says in awe.

She sighs.

He kisses the top of her head, and hugs round her shoulders.

“We can do this another time, it doesn’t have to be now… this feels too dangerous.”

Natasha shakes her head.

“No, it has to be now,” she says, determined.

“Because who knows when we will get a chance again?”

She looks up at him and attempts a smile.

“Plus, I know you’ll be there, right?”

Clint nods, prepares his basic disguise of a hat and sunglasses and leaves her to finish getting ready.

.

Natasha feels eyes on her as soon as she enters the hotel.

They can’t know, not yet. She scans and looks for Yelena.

Seeing nothing, she continues into the bowels of the hotel, checking in and wheeling her suitcase to the elevator.

Natasha is hypervigilant.

Continuously scanning the environment, she focuses on getting to her room and closing the door.

She’d checked in as Melina Vostokoff, hoping to get Yelena’s attention, or at the very least, someone from the Red Room.

Taking a deep breath, she tries to calm her nerves. Waiting for it, for someone to come, felt almost torturous.

Isla was right.

Her words, as scathing as they were, were correct. She’d left.

Not just Yelena but the other widows. She hadn’t known what killing Dreykov would do, and selfishly; she didn’t care.

She just needed him dead.

Sitting on the edge of the bed she flops back.

Clint, perhaps, was also right, that she’d done the best she could in keeping herself safe, but it didn’t negate the fact that she didn’t look for Yelena.

There’s a small part of her that still thinks it’s not her problem, Yelena is not her sister, either were the widows.

They instilled every man (or woman) for themselves in training. Some girls took it seriously but most of them knew they’d only survive together.

Usually it was the widows with friends and guiding hands around them that survived.

Those that didn’t… well. They’re the ones they held funerals for.

She groans. The wig itching.

Natasha knows she needs to get up, set the trap within the trap.

She just knows it’s going to be a long, hard day.

But, she supposes, what’s another one.

.

It takes them to dinner to come for her.

The things they do are so predictable, that Natasha has to suppress a role of her eyes.

It’s amazing how things never change and the playbook they run hasn’t changed in years.

She told Clint they’d wait, scout and take her at night, and he’d scoffed.

Natasha feels them follow.

If the timing is right, and her guesses are correct, it will be Yelena and two others.

If Yelena is on point.. it’s all Natasha us counting on.

Clint can take out the other two.

With Yelena alone, she’s sure she can convince her to come.

Focussing, she moves quickly up the fire exit stairs, ascending them as quickly as she can, she hears the door close behind her, quick footsteps following after her.

She doubles her speed, listening for the door again.

When it doesn’t come, she knows Clint has likely taken out the other two.

Natasha feels the thrill of being chased, adrenaline pumping through her, as she continues up the stairs.

It better be Yelena.

Legs burning, she continues to the roof.

One flight to go, she calls out.

“Think you can get me?”

The footsteps behind her stop.

“Oh big sister,” the words come viciously, “you’re as good as got.”

.

Humidity hits Natasha as soon as she opens the door to the rooftop.

Singapore has a rainy season that brings a thick muggy quality to the world.

She catches her breath, and moves to the corner.

The trap set.

If Clint has the other two drugged, then maybe, this plan has a chance at working.

Yelena rushes the door.

Guns drawn they hold them high and face each other.

Postures identical, they circle each other, waiting for the other to speak.

Taking a step forward, Yelena takes a step back.

“Stop moving,” she growls.

Natasha takes another step.

Neither sure who has the upper hand, Yelena throws her gun.

The randomness of the action confuses Natasha and she’s not ready when Yelena rushes her, yelling and elbowing her in the face.

She rolls with it, circling and elbowing behind her.

It catches Yelena and pushes her back.

Natasha tries to sweep at her feet, then punches out, hitting Yelena as she moves back.

Yelena’s guard is strong, as she takes it, breaking it only for a moment to push then punch Natasha.

The fight gives Natasha enough time to wait to see if there’s any back up coming.

No one comes.

She turns and breaks the handle on the door, and then turns to Yelena.

“Just you and me, little one,” she smiles.

Yelena’s look is feral.

“How dare you,” she starts, and Natasha prepares for the onslaught.

The timing needs to be perfect.

She raises her knife and stabs it forward, hitting Yelena’s thigh.

It embeds in and Natasha thinks she’s done it.

Yelena sees red, wrenching the knife out and throwing it at Natasha.

She dodges it and pushes forward.

One punch blocked, two then.. she lets herself be hit.

Lets Yelena punch her, pummel her and hit her hard.

She feels the hate and anger behind each of the hits she takes.

Natasha growls, and throws her off as she gets messy in her anger.

“I failed you,” she says simply.

Yelena comes at her again, hitting her in the face as Natasha puts up no defence.

“I’m sorry,” she says.

Yelena places her in a hold and Natasha allows herself to be handcuffed to the nearby pole, pushed into a sitting position.

Fists clenched she sighs.

Easy to get out of, if she’s willing to rip skin and dislocate joints.

She doesn’t though.

Steadily she tries to breath through her mouth, her nose broken.

Yelena rounds on her.

“They’re going to come for you, and make you… make you like me,” she growls, “make you suffer every agony, every violation.”

The heat beats down as Yelena paces the rooftop.

“You’re a traitor.”

“You’re a traitor,” she breathes heavily.

Natasha gathers her breath.

“I’m not sorry for the choice I made,” she clarifies.

“I am sorry for not getting you sooner.”

Yelena spits.

“Choices? You had choices, what did we all have?”

Yelena continues to pace, looking to the door.

“When you made your choice, you condemned us all.”

Natasha compartmentalises her words, puts them aside, taking a deep breath.

“The decisions between bad choices is not better—“

“But you had them!” Yelena explodes.

“You had a choice.”

Natasha adjusts her position and sits on the ground.

“Not a good one,” she says, resigned. “A choice between dying and surviving.”

The next words are said with venom.

“What would you have done?”

She doesn’t mean for it to come out that way, but frustration and the need for this to go right, puts her on edge.

Yelena squats in front of her.

“I wouldn’t have left you there to die,” she says, as equally as venomously.

Natasha shrugs and looks away, “you would have.”

“Just like you’re going to do now.”

Yelena looks at her quizzically.

“You have a choice,” Natasha tells her, “to stay or go.”

“What do you—“

“The tracker in your thigh, the one they place so they always know,” she gestures to the stab wound.

“The knife, it’s disabled it. The current you felt, they can’t track you now.”

There’s horror in Yelena’s face as she feels her thigh, her hand coming away bloody.

Disbelief crosses her face.

“They’d have come by now, right? The other two to check?”

Natasha sees how much room she has in the cuffs. This was the plan, but she’s willing to try different ways that don’t involve her being vulnerable and being held captive.

“But they haven’t.”

She wriggles one hand.

“Now,” she pauses. “You have a choice.”

.

Clint finds Natasha handcuffed to a pole on the roof.

Alive.

“What happened?!” he asks, rushing towards her.

She doesn’t look too worse for wear, bruises on her face, broken nose and wig slightly askew; but alive nonetheless.

“She, uhhh, I stabbed her, she handcuffed me to a pole, we argued, and I gave her a choice.”

Natasha words come out in a huff as he releases the handcuffs.

“Where’s she go?” he asks, and they look out on the city.

“Did she go back?”

Natasha doesn’t answer.

“I don’t know,” she replies.

.

[chussyracing]

what has been happening in the world of motorsports?

(2.0 electric boogaloo edition)

Mohammed Ben Sulayem is under internal investigation for pushing officials not to certify Las Vegas gp as safe for racing and also for trying to interfere over Fernando Alonso getting a penalty in Jeddah 2023 race (he got a 10 second post race penalty which promoted... George i think? but later the penalty was overturned and he reclaimed the p3 and got his trophy back the next gp), apparently he also asked Max Verstappen to publicly defend/support/back Christian Horner as a way to calm down the situation where everyone talked about nothing but his workplace bahaviour (I suppose Max refused so that's kudos to him for doing the correct thing)

Aston Martin Vantage Safety Car will debut in Saudi Arabia (and will be back in British green)

there are loads of rumours about Red Bull and Horner currently, some are about him attempting to buy the RBR team, some are about Jos Verstappen being intimate with the same woman that accused Horner of inappropriate workplace behaviour, so he is personally interested in the case, after pictures and videos of Jos Verstappen and Toto Wolff appeared online, new rumours about Max Verstappen potentially going to Mercedes in fear of Red Bull falling appart with Ford looking for a way out of 2026 deal appeared too and Marko and Newey hypothetically following him there, after his comments Jos Verstappen is told not to be attending Saudi Arabia gp which may also be a part of solution they tried to find yesterday in Dubai where Max Verstappen's representatives apparently met with Horner (side note: this is another plea not to share any details about the victim which goes both for her pictures and her name, please don't make it harder as it undeniably already is)

Heikki Kovalainen has been forbidden from rally driving by his doctor in fear of his medical condition getting worse with the sport

Alpine announced new workers (after they fired basically everyone and the rest left on their own): Joe Burnell as engineering technical director, David Wheater as technical director of aero, and Ciaron Pilbeam as performance technical director

Mohammed Ben Sulayem spent some time in Turkey this week to talk to the president about a potential return of Turkish gp (probably as a part of a new rotation programme I mentioned in previous round up)

Abbi Pulling will be racing in British F4 Championship besides F1 Academy this year

Gerhard Berger's long lost Ferrari car was returned to him after police located it late last year

last week's Bahrain GP was the first time in history where all 20 cars finished the opening race of the season (speaking of Bahrain, Charles, Lewis and George were losing around 5/6 tenths per lap due to their car issues, Carlos, Logan and Alex also experienced smaller gap in pace because of their issues)

Williams announced their fanzone locations for 2024 season (Australia, Japan, Miami, Canada, Spain, Great Britain, Singapore, Austin, Las Vegas)

Spanish king Juan Carlos was at Bahrain GP and before you ask yourself, yes he took a picture with Carlos Sainz sr and Carlos Sainz jr (also fun fact he was involved in money-laundering case with Saudi Arabia but Swiss prosecutor had to drop the case due to lack of evidence)

Saudi Arabia showed plans for Qiddiya track to host gp from 2027 onwards designed by Tilke which features a turn 20 stories above ground level which could replace Jeddah in the future (did they heard us complaining about jeddah being dangerous and decided to make it even more dangerous?)

Red Bull Racing scored a record breaking new multiple-year partnership deal with Castore worth about 200m dollars

Otmar Szafnauer teamed up with Soft Pauer to make an app which is meant to help F1 teams with travel plans and Hitech is already a client of his while he claims Alpine also downloaded it

Pato O'Ward agreen on multi-year IndyCar contract extension with McLaren

From fan's point of view:

please be prepared for pr wars this year at multiple places: between Yuki and Daniel (recently due to highly controversial team order call), Charles and Carlos (recently due to false media narrative about car issues), Lewis and George (recently about effectivity of different race set ups)

we have press conference for tomorrow made up by: Lance, Charles, Nico, George, Yuki and Val (we also have one for team principals made of Bruno Famin from Alpine, Mike Krack from Aston Martin, Christian Horner from Red Bull Racing and James Vowles from Williams)

C2 challenges are back for this year with first of their quickfire challenges being already posted

little rant about the "F1 pundits" not checking their sources, because you might have seen the discourse but not get the background: Lawrence Baretto posted his usual section "Losers and Winners" of Bahrain gp and posted Charles in the section category (which would be correct considering he lost out on P2 because of brake issues), but he clearly went off with what Carlos said in the media and claimed that both drivers had the same issues - a fact that Charles, Xavi, and Fred himself disputed

more drivers did photo dumps: Alex, Yuki, Carlos

some drivers were modelling, particularly Charles, Carlos and Daniel

Max Verstappen made some championship predictions (Verstappen, Hamilton, Leclerc) and there has been a lot of talk about him not mentioning Perez so just a PSA

reminder that this week the gp is on Saturday because of Ramadan and besides F1, you can also look forward to F2, F1 Academy and Indycar races

[usafphantom2]

RUSSIA: With the only aircraft carrier stopped in reform, MiG-29K embarked fighters were sent to the war in Ukraine

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 23/01/2024 - 08:49in Military, War Zones

The Russian navy embarks its new Mikoyan MiG-29KR fighters aboard its only aircraft carrier. But the elderly - and unreliable - Admiral Kuznetsov has been under renovation since 2017. So the Russian Navy gave new use to the jets of the embarked squadron.

The 1980 vintage flattop aircraft carrier of 58,000 tons may never return to frontline service, effectively stranding its twin-engine supersonic MiGs.

The Navy may have found another use for some of the approximately 22 MiG-29KR survivors of the 24 that the fleet acquired from 2013: according to the Ukrainian Center for Defense Strategies, it unfolded them to Crimea. From there, they supposedly hunt Ukrainian navy boats.

The new MiGs, which have multifunctional capability with modern air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, were left out of the first 18 months of Russia's 23-month broader war against Ukraine. Perhaps already last fall, at least two MiG-29KR belonging to the 100º Independent Ship Fighter Aviation Regiment were flying from the Saky air base in Russia-occupied Crimea.

The medium-weight MiGs allegedly flew alongside Russian navy Sukhoi Su-30SM heavy fighters on patrols in search of Ukrainian navy boats operating in the western Black Sea.

After sinking the frigate Hetman Sahaydachniy, the Ukrainian navy no longer has large armed warships. What it has are many missiles, air and sea drones and small fast boats.

Manned boats carry Ukrainian commands in attacks on Russian-controlled territory. Robotic boats loaded with explosives infiltrate the ports to attack Russian warships.

A supersonic fighter versus a small boat may seem like an unfair fight, but the crews of Ukrainian boats usually carry ground-to-air missiles fired in the shoulder. In August, a Ukrainian crew hit a Russian Sukhoi fighter, apparently damaging it and forcing it to return to the base.

Despite the danger, do not be shocked to see more MiG-29KRs in the sky of Ukraine. Some of the Russian navy's MiG-29KR patrol the Russian Arctic, but most of the force - more than a dozen jets - may be available for wartime operations.

And it's not as if the MiGs need to board Kuznetsov anytime soon. Although the Kremlin optimistically projects that the aircraft carrier may return to the fleet this year, it is possible that the review will extend until 2025.

There is even a remote chance that Kuznetsov will never return to the fleet. The aircraft carrier has very little real combat power - perhaps too little to justify the risk that the crew must accept every time the geriatric ship sails.

The last time Kuznetsov unfolded off the coast of Syria to attack Syrian rebels in 2016, his air wing lost a MiG-29 and a Su-33 due to faulty detention equipment. The fleet leaders decided that Kuznetsov was not safe for flight operations before the planned overhaul and transferred its air wing - including the surviving MiGs - to an air base in Syria.

Source: Forbes

Tags: Military AviationMiG-29Kaircraft carrierWar Zones - Russia/Ukraine

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Dayton Airshow and FIDAE. He has works published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. He uses Canon equipment during his photographic work in the world of aviation.

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[mariacallous]

2024 was only a few hours old when Iran dispatched a warship, the frigate Alborz, to the Red Sea. Its arrival was yet more bad news for shipping, already facing a crisis from the Iran-backed Houthi attacks on merchant vessels. The year’s first days have seen a slew of new Houthi attacks. Executives are having to decide whether to risk going through the Red Sea and the crucial Suez Canal or to take longer and more expensive routes—without knowing what Iran is planning and how the United States and its maritime allies will respond.

The Alborz’s arrival was a response to activities by Operation Prosperity Guardian, the U.S.-led effort to crack down on Houthi piracy. On New Year’s Eve, U.S. Navy helicopters serving onboard the aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower received a distress call from the Maersk Hangzhou, a Singapore-flagged container ship traversing the Red Sea. It was traveling through the inlet because its owner, the Danish shipping line Maersk, had decided that the launch of Prosperity Guardian had made it safe enough to do so.

Indeed, the U.S. Navy had already shot down Houthi missiles fired in the direction of the Maersk Hangzhou hours before. But the Houthis were persistent: They returned again, now in four small boats, fired shots at the container ship, and attempted to board and seize it. This time, the U.S. Navy responded by sinking three of the boats; 10 militiamen were killed. Maersk diverted its ships once again.

The Danish giant was not alone. Figures from Lloyd’s List Intelligence show that between Dec. 25 and 31, a daily average of 315 vessels sailed through the Red Sea. During the same period in 2022, the figure was 385 ships per day, and last November, the daily average was 386.

Within less than a day of the U.S. Navy’s sinking of the three Houthi boats, the Alborz sailed through the Gulf of Aden and parked itself in the Red Sea. The British-made Alborz is hardly the crowning glory of Iran’s navy: It turns 55 this year. In recent months, Iran has been expanding its navy; in 2022, it was reported to have added a combat patrol boat named after Qassem Suleimani, an Iranian general killed by a U.S. drone strike in 2020, that the Iranian navy said “evades detection” and can “carry out various operations in distant waters.” The navy has also added missile boats and upgraded several ships, as well as received “a variety of locally developed and produced military hardware, like the advanced radar-evading Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis cruiser and 100 fast-attack vessels,” the Tehran Times reported on Jan. 6. Concerningly, the navy says the new warship can “sail within a 2,000 nautical mile radius without being spotted by hostile radars and surveillance systems”—and its construction, in Iran, took only 15 months.

Despite the Alborz’s age, Tehran has used it in the past to escort Iranian merchant vessels suspected of transporting arms to the Houthis. The Alborz’s arrival is laden with meaning, and shipping executives are having to decide what, exactly, that meaning is. “The arrival of the Alborz is definitely a warning, and it’s an escalatory more,” said Neil Roberts, the secretary of the maritime insurance industry’s Joint War Committee. “But it’s not clear what her task is. She’s just sitting there.” Will the Alborz once again simply escort Iranian merchant vessels bringing weapons to the Houthis? Or will it intervene if the U.S. Navy or another Western force in the Red Sea responds to Houthi attacks?

“It’s unclear what the Iranians intend in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden,” said Simon Lockwood, a shipping executive with Willis Towers Watson, the insurance broker. “Is it to disrupt the U.S. coalition navies?” Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have long been attacking merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz (as chronicled by me in Foreign Policy and elsewhere), but the Strait of Hormuz is Iran’s home turf, while the Red Sea is on the other side of the Arabian Peninsula. On Jan. 5, Maersk diverted all its container ships from the Red Sea to the Cape of Good Hope route. The day after, the Houthis launched two more attacks.

It is, in fact, almost impossible to predict what the Alborz’s mission in the Red Sea is and whether it’ll be joined by more Iranian naval vessels—yet shipping executives are having to do exactly that. (Iran has also had an observation ship in the Red Sea for a long time.) “Just before countries launched Prosperity Guardian, shipowners were very close to launching mass diversions from the Red Sea,” Roberts noted. “Then you had Maersk deciding to reenter [the Red Sea], and now it has diverted again. In every shipping headquarters, executives are having conversations about whether to divert. They have to decide, ‘Will we be targeted? Will we not?’ But it’s not just a matter of the Houthis deciding to target your vessel. Anyone can be hit. These missiles are not particularly accurate.” It’s exactly the arbitrary nature of the attacks that’s spooking the shipping industry. Shipping lines and crews routinely handle severe weather because such weather can be predicted and follows a certain pattern. The Houthis’ designations of “Israeli-linked” vessels don’t.

There’s, of course, also the risk of additional Iranian fire. But there’s also the risk that Houthi missiles and other attacks will increase because with the Alborz—and possibly more Iranian vessels—in the Red Sea, it becomes too dangerous for the U.S. Navy and its Prosperity Guardian partners to respond to Houthi attacks. War risk premiums in the Red Sea have already reached headline rates of between 0.45 percent and 1 percent, far higher even than those in perilous ports such as Benghazi. In early December, headline rates for the Red Sea were still around 0.07 percent, which means that a vessel with a total value of, say, $10 million, can now pay an additional war risk premium of $100,000.

But shipping executives aren’t just in the dark about the Alborz’s mission and whether it’ll be joined by other Iranian navy vessels or keep lonely watch in the Red Sea—they’re also unsure about Prosperity Guardian’s objectives. “Is it purely defensive? Is it forward-leaning [set up to preemptively attack Houthi forces]? Is it there to create an escorting corridor?” Roberts asked. “The allies don’t seem to have consensus on a strategy yet. Once the industry has more clarity on what Prosperity Guardian will do, executives can make a clearer decision.” That decision, though, also depends on whether executives believe the mission can be effective—and what further steps Iran will take in response.

On Jan. 5, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, the head of the Houthis’ Supreme Revolutionary Committee, upped the ante, told the BBC that every country in the Red Sea coalition will see its ships targeted. How exactly that’s defined is up to the Houthis.

Iran’s intentions may, of course, morph depending on the course of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Tehran may decide that simply having the Alborz and perhaps other vessels in the Red Sea will sufficiently frighten Western shipping lines and rattle the Prosperity Guardian coalition. But where there’s a frigate in contested waters, there’s the risk of a dangerous clash. What would the U.S. Navy do if the Alborz, joined perhaps by more Iranian naval vessels, did come to the aid of Houthi boats under U.S. fire? No wonder the shipping industry predicts that vessels will face militia boardings and attacks using drones, anti-ship missiles, and water-borne improvised explosive devices��this month alone.

[dnickels]

*puts on powder blue oversized cheap scratchy used-car-salesman suit jacket*

ok lemme sell you on these shows!

home fires: v soapy wwii homefront cosy drama about the wives/etc left behind after all the men are conscripted, who all join the women's institute. they make jam from the blackberry bushes to help the war effort! the switchboard girlies are all eavesdropping gossips! there are secret lesbians! female pilots! farmers! housemaids with big dreams! the book it's based on was called "jambusters" if you wanna know how unserious and unbleak it is. there were only two seasons (12 eps in total) and when it got cancelled by itv, people were like... petitioning the government to force them to carry on making it lmao. i'll give it a 7/10. it's just something nice to have on in the background with v little effort.

tenko: THEE love of my life. no other tv show can come close. it's about british/dutch/aussie/chinese women in singapore at the outbreak of war who get captured by the invading japanese army and put into pow concentration camps. at one point there is a death march through the jungle. there is lots of disease and torture and starvation and misery and death and all sorts of violence and no one is safe. and at one point they plant some of their beans in the hope of doubling their food ration but then have to leave them behind #heartbreak :(((( this makes it sound bleak BUT! it isn't! i promise. it's sooo dramatic, about fifteen plot points happen every episode. people you trust turn out to be dicks, people you hate turn out to have a heart of gold. people you thought were main characters die. everyone wears the same outfit for years, getting more and more disgusting as the episodes continue. the women are all literally revolting and scabby and stained. there are barely literate housemaids, colonial toffs, suspected lesbians, cockneys, landed gentry anarchists, secret jews, dutch nuns, communists, the boymom from hell, a cat called pudding, all sorts all shoved together like one big ensemble comedy from hell. it's sooooo good. the first couple of episodes are kinda slow before everyone loses their marbles and the drama begins, but bear with it ok, it is 100000% worth it. 11/10, my fave period drama of all time.

First of all, I love this. I asked for copy on my desk by morning and you delivered, fantastic. I'm also laughing because Masterpiece promos made Homefires seem like a very serious drama and what you are telling me is much more appealing.

Also LMAO at 'petition the government' when I found out the BBC canned The Crimson Field I was ready to CAUSE PROBLEMS. Unforgivable. An act of aggression.

[safetyelectrical]

Professional HDB Approved Electricians in Singapore

When it comes to electrical work in Singapore, ensuring the safety and quality of the service is paramount. That’s why hiring an HDB-approved electrician is a must for homeowners and businesses. These professionals are certified to handle electrical installations, repairs, and upgrades in compliance with Singapore’s strict regulations. Here’s everything you need to know about engaging a reliable and professional HDB-approved electrician.

Why Hire an HDB-Approved Electrician?

Electrical work is not something to take lightly. Poorly executed installations or repairs can result in electrical fires, power outages, or even serious injuries. By engaging an HDB-approved electrician, you can rest assured that the work is carried out to the highest safety standards. These electricians are trained and certified by Singapore’s Energy Market Authority (EMA) to perform electrical work in HDB flats and other properties.

Services Offered by HDB-Approved Electricians

Professional HDB-approved electricians provide a wide range of services tailored to the needs of both residential and commercial clients. Some of the most common services include:

Electrical Installation and Upgrades

Installation of power sockets, switches, and light fixtures.

Upgrading electrical circuits to support high-power appliances like air-conditioners and ovens.

Troubleshooting and Repairs

Diagnosing and fixing electrical faults such as tripped circuits, flickering lights, and power outages.

Rewiring Services

Full or partial rewiring to ensure your property meets modern electrical safety standards.

Inspection and Maintenance

Regular checks to prevent electrical hazards and maintain system efficiency.

Emergency Electrical Services

24/7 assistance for urgent issues like power failures or sparking wires.

Benefits of Engaging a Professional Electrician

Compliance with Regulations HDB-approved electricians follow strict guidelines set by the EMA, ensuring your electrical work meets all regulatory standards.

Guaranteed Safety Professional electricians use high-quality materials and tested methods to minimize risks associated with electrical work.

Cost-Effective Solutions While DIY fixes may seem cheaper, improper repairs often lead to more expensive problems. A qualified electrician provides long-term solutions, saving you money in the long run.

Expert Advice Need guidance on energy-efficient solutions or modern electrical installations? An experienced electrician can provide valuable insights tailored to your needs.

How to Choose the Right Electrician in Singapore

Check for Certification Ensure the electrician is HDB-approved and certified by the EMA. This guarantees their expertise and compliance with local regulations.

Look for Experience Choose an electrician with a proven track record in handling various electrical issues, especially those common in HDB flats.

Read Reviews and Testimonials Online reviews and customer feedback can give you an idea of the electrician’s reliability and quality of service.

Request a Quote Get a detailed quotation to avoid hidden costs. A professional electrician will be transparent about their pricing and scope of work.

Conclusion

Electrical work is best left to professionals, especially in Singapore, where safety and regulatory compliance are crucial. Hiring an HDB-approved electrician ensures peace of mind, knowing your property’s electrical system is in expert hands. Whether it’s a small repair or a major upgrade, these professionals are equipped to handle the job with precision and care. So, the next time you face an electrical issue, don’t hesitate to contact a certified electrician for safe and efficient solutions.

Reference URL: https://safetyelectrical2.wordpress.com/2025/01/06/professional-hdb-approved-electricians-in-singapore/

[dangkimnganha1990]

TÔ LÂM

Tao không tin thằng MỸ và HÀN XẺNG, tuy nhiên, hiện giờ Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance là đơn vị bảo hiểm chính chịu trách nhiệm 55%, đồng nghĩa SAMSUNG VINA INSURANCE và các công ty bảo hiểm tại VIỆT NAM sẽ liên quan chi phí.

THẰNG MỸ nó thích ngủ đĩ, 4 con đĩ: Four Asian Tigers is a term given to the economies of four countries – Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and South Korea.

Tương tự như vụ Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse (March 26, 2024): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Scott_Key_Bridge_collapse

LƯU Ý THÔNG TIN RẤT KỸ: Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) - September 20, 2024

https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/engineered-material-arresting-system-emas-0?fbclid=IwY2xjawHiV4hleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcyTyC8OP3R-U598FtSV4aj7kgARhf_kjYRzwlBrlwTSOS6NX9V3vRsipg_aem__IssqeaOsFzJKRJUZyk4RQ

Câu chuyện rủi ro này hơn 10 năm rồi!

Như tao nói, KOREA tham nhũng từ cục hàng không, phe lợi nhóm và các BỘ như con đĩ VIETJET AIR, nó chi THAM NHŨNG để giành thị phần bất chấp

Liên hệ: Lê Hồng Hà và Nguyễn Quốc Phương biết thêm chi tiết tấn bi kịch 2017 -2018.

https://spirit.vietnamairlines.com/kinh-te-nha-nuoc-vuon-minh/tgd-le-hong-ha-vietnam-airlines-da-phuc-hoi-tro-lai-va-dam-bao-duoc-nang-luc-canh-tranh.html

https://cafef.vn/ceo-jetstar-pacific-lam-pho-tong-giam-doc-acv-20200119093745892.chn

Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS)

Friday, September 20, 2024

Background

The runway safety area (RSA) enhances the safety of aircraft that undershoot, overrun, or veer off the runway. The RSA provides a clear, graded area which provides additional space for pilots to bring their aircraft to a safe stop. Though RSAs vary in size by runway, they can be as large as 500 feet wide and often extend 1,000 feet beyond each end of the runway. Many airports were built before the current RSA dimensional standards were adopted in the 1980s. In some cases, it is not practicable to achieve the full standard RSA because there may be a lack of available land. There also may be obstacles such as bodies of water, highways, railroads, and populated areas or severe drop-off of terrain.

The FAA began conducting research in the 1990s to determine how to improve safety at airports where the full RSA cannot be obtained. Working in concert with the University of Dayton, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the Engineered Arresting Systems Corporation (ESCO, now Runway Safe Inc., of Logan Township, New Jersey), a new technology emerged to safely arrest overrunning aircraft. Engineered Materials Arresting Systems (EMAS) use crushable material placed at the end of a runway to help stop an aircraft that overruns the runway end. The tires of the aircraft sink into the lightweight material and the aircraft rapidly decelerates as it rolls through the EMAS bed.

Benefits of the EMAS Technology

EMAS technology improves safety benefits in cases where land is not available for an RSA of standard dimensions. A standard EMAS installation will stop most aircraft overrunning the runway at 70 knots (approximately 80 miles per hour).

EMAS Manufacturers

Runway Safe acquired the EMASMAX® product range from ESCO as of February 2020. Runway Safe is the sole manufacturer of EMAS products that meet the FAA standards of Advisory Circular 150-5220-22B, “Engineered Materials Arresting Systems for Aircraft Overruns.” Currently, Runway Safe has two EMAS systems, the cellular concrete block system called EMASMAX® and a silica foam system called greenEMAS®.

The FAA reviews and accepts each EMAS proposal prior to installation.

EMASMAX® is the latest, most durable version of Runway Safe’s block based EMAS, developed with and technically accepted by the FAA. EMASMAX® arrestor beds are composed of blocks of lightweight, crushable cellular cement material.

Runway Safe’s greenEMAS® is a foamed silica bed which is made from recycled glass and is contained within a high-strength plastic mesh system anchored to the pavement. The foamed silica is poured into lanes bounded by the mesh and covered with a poured cement layer and treated with a topcoat of sealant. 

Both EMAS products are located at the end of the runway and are typically the full width of the runway. The bed length and offset from the end of the runway depends on the airport configuration and the aircraft fleet using the airport.

Current FAA Initiatives

The FAA's Office of Airports has helped facilitate RSA improvements at more than 500 commercial service airports. This means that all practicable improvements, including the use of EMAS technology, have been made at approximately 1,000 runway ends at these airports. These RSAs have been improved to full standards or to the extent practicable including the relocation of FAA-owned navigational equipment. As a result of the success in addressing commercial service airport RSA’s, the Office of Airports has started a similar strategy to improve General Aviation RSA’s across the country.

EMAS Arrestments

To date, EMAS safely stopped 22 overrunning aircraft, carrying 432 crew and passengers aboard those flights.

[wctsystems1]

Importance of Choosing the Right Kitchen Exhaust Motor for Your Business

A well-functioning kitchen exhaust system is vital for any commercial kitchen, especially in Singapore where cooking aromas, smoke, and grease can quickly build up. An essential component of this system is the kitchen exhaust motor, which plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, clean, and comfortable cooking environment. In this blog, we'll explore why selecting the right kitchen exhaust motor is so important for your kitchen and how it can impact your business.

What is a Kitchen Exhaust Motor?

A kitchen exhaust motor is the heart of the exhaust system. It is responsible for driving the exhaust fan that pulls smoke, heat, grease, and odors out of the kitchen, preventing them from accumulating indoors. Without a high-performance motor, an exhaust system cannot operate efficiently, which can lead to poor air quality, compromised kitchen safety, and an unpleasant working environment.

The Role of a Kitchen Exhaust Motor

In a busy commercial kitchen, a kitchen exhaust motor is a critical component for several reasons:

Air Quality Control: Cooking can produce steam, smoke, and other airborne pollutants that can make the environment unbearable and hazardous. A high-quality motor powers the exhaust fan, which works to expel these elements from the kitchen, ensuring a cleaner and healthier atmosphere.

Fire Safety: The presence of grease and other flammable substances in a kitchen increases the risk of fire. A properly functioning exhaust motor helps reduce the accumulation of grease in ductwork, reducing the risk of grease fires and enhancing kitchen safety.

Energy Efficiency: A modern, energy-efficient kitchen exhaust motor will help reduce energy consumption by effectively managing airflow. This can significantly lower operational costs while maintaining a safe and comfortable work environment.

Why Choose a High-Quality Kitchen Exhaust Motor?

When it comes to kitchen exhaust motors, quality matters. Here's why:

Durability: A well-built motor will last longer, reducing the frequency of repairs and replacements. This means fewer disruptions in your kitchen's operations and more consistent performance.

Noise Reduction: Low-quality motors often produce excessive noise, making the working environment uncomfortable. A good-quality exhaust motor will operate quietly, maintaining a peaceful and productive kitchen environment.

Performance and Efficiency: The right motor ensures the exhaust system works efficiently, removing smoke, grease, and odors quickly and effectively. This ensures that your kitchen remains clean and your air quality stays fresh, even during peak cooking hours.

Compliance with Regulations: In Singapore, commercial kitchens must comply with health and safety regulations. Using a high-performance kitchen exhaust motor ensures that your kitchen meets local fire safety and environmental standards, preventing potential fines or legal issues.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Exhaust Motor

Selecting the right motor for your kitchen exhaust system requires careful consideration. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Motor Power: The motor must have the right power capacity to handle the size of your kitchen and exhaust system. A motor that is too weak will struggle to clear the air, while an overly powerful motor can result in excessive noise and energy wastage.

Compatibility: Ensure that the motor is compatible with your existing exhaust system. A motor that isn't designed for your system may not perform efficiently, leading to increased wear and tear.

Speed Control: Some motors offer variable speed settings, allowing you to adjust the exhaust fan's power based on the kitchen's needs. This feature is particularly useful during high-intensity cooking periods when you need more airflow.

Energy Efficiency: Opt for motors with energy-saving features to reduce electricity consumption and operating costs over time. Energy-efficient motors are more sustainable, helping you meet your sustainability goals while saving on utility bills.

Maintenance and Support: Choose a supplier who offers comprehensive maintenance services for the motor. Regular maintenance can help extend the life of the motor and ensure that your exhaust system continues to operate smoothly.

Conclusion

For a safe and efficient kitchen, selecting the right kitchen exhaust motor is essential. Not only does it improve air quality and fire safety, but it also reduces energy consumption and ensures a comfortable working environment for your staff. Whether you're running a small restaurant or a large commercial kitchen, investing in a reliable motor will pay off in the long run.

If you're looking for high-quality kitchen exhaust motors and expert installation, look no further than WCT (S) Systems Pte. Ltd. With years of experience in providing kitchen exhaust systems and components, we offer the best solutions for your kitchen's ventilation needs. Contact us today for more information on how we can help you maintain a cleaner, safer kitchen environment.

Visit our website at WCT (S) Systems Pte. Ltd. for more details.

[imperialdoorsg]

Top Benefits of Installing Fire-Rated Doors in Singapore Properties

Picking the right safety tools for your property matters, especially in Singapore, where people care deeply about staying safe. For example, one important feature every homeowner and business owner should consider is a fire-rated door in Singapore. These special doors fight against fire and smoke, therefore keeping everyone safer. In addition to offering protection, they add value and style to your property. Furthermore, in this blog, we’ll explore the top reasons why these doors are helpful for Singapore homes and workplaces, including HDB flats. By understanding these perks, you can confidently choose what’s best for your space, ensuring peace of mind and enhanced security.

Original Source - https://imperial-door.odoo.com/blog/our-blog-1/top-benefits-of-installing-fire-rated-doors-in-singapore-properties-1 

[starseedfxofficial]

Hidden Signals in Global News: Forex Traders' Secret Edge The Underground Moves Behind Global News: What Traders Need to Know Picture this: You're sipping your morning coffee, scrolling through the headlines. Gaza, Ukraine, South China Sea – it's all there. But here's the secret: beneath those headlines are undercurrents that impact the Forex market more than you'd think. Forget about the surface drama—today, we’re diving into the hidden forces driving your trading opportunities. Get ready to peek behind the curtain. Gaza's Ceasefire and Middle East Ripples: Are You Missing the True Signal? Hamas recently stated they haven’t received any new ceasefire offers for Gaza, according to Al-Arabiya. But here’s the million-dollar question: what does this mean for traders? Think of political stability like a pair of shoes—too tight, and the market limps, too loose, and it trips. Right now, the situation in Gaza is like running in the wrong shoe size, and it's making the regional currency market react with cautious unpredictability. The truth is, while most traders shy away from the unpredictability of geopolitical tension, savvy traders know it’s the perfect moment to find market inefficiencies. With ongoing uncertainty, keeping an eye on safe-haven flows—particularly USD and CHF—is crucial. It's the kind of contrarian strategy that makes the difference between hoping for profits and actually seizing them. Miss this, and you’re letting your profits limp away. The Syrian Convoy and Commodities Connection In another twist, the Syrian army moved its largest military convoy yet to Hama. This isn’t just about a regional conflict; it’s a marker for future commodity volatility. Think of it like dominos—if Syria falls into deeper unrest, crude oil and natural gas are bound to follow in price shifts. Advanced tip: Watch for changes in Russia’s positioning in Syria. Any backing of Syrian troop movements means potential oil price fluctuations. That translates to increased volatility for commodity currencies like the Canadian dollar (CAD). Opportunities abound when you know which domino affects the next—don’t be the one caught staring at the wrong tile. Novorossiisk and the Black Sea’s Hidden Oil Tensions Meanwhile, in the Russia-Ukraine theater, Russian defense units have been fending off Ukrainian drones over Novorossiisk—a key Black Sea oil port. Here’s the real takeaway for traders: This port isn’t just a gateway; it's a heartbeat for Russian oil exports. Any interruptions are like a tap on the brakes for Russia’s economy—and when oil stalls, so does the ruble. If you’re trading ruble pairs, you need to know this: less oil flowing from Novorossiisk means less foreign cash flowing in—watch for ruble weakness. A savvy trader should be positioned to leverage these swings. Remember, it’s not about riding the news; it’s about anticipating where the market pulls over to refuel. South China Sea Tensions: The Forex Trade that Swims Beneath the Waves The recent spat in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines is more than just saber-rattling. China’s Coast Guard reportedly fired a water cannon and sideswiped a Philippine vessel—and the effects rippled far beyond those waters. What’s below the surface? The Philippine peso (PHP) and regional currencies are the sleeper trades here. When China flexes its muscle, it’s like a bully on the playground—other kids (or in this case, currencies) scatter. Expect market players to seek stability in other currencies or commodities. The yen (JPY) and Singapore dollar (SGD) often find themselves being the ‘safer bets’ in times of regional disputes. Here’s a hidden gem for you: when the playground gets rowdy, look for movements in precious metals, especially gold. It’s one of those “flight to safety” trades that never quite goes out of style, especially in markets rattled by territorial disputes. The Secret Opportunity in Delayed US-South Korea Military Talks Finally, the US and South Korea postponed their joint military exercises and defense talks this week. To the average eye, it’s just another bureaucratic shuffle, but to traders, it’s an opportunity hiding in plain sight. The lack of exercises keeps North Korea’s threats as mostly words—which oddly, works to create a more predictable environment for the won (KRW). In other words, if you're trading the won, this postponement is a chance to exploit the temporary calm—think of it like the quiet pause before an orchestra strikes up again. Traders who understand how to take advantage of such "calms" often make the most music when the market plays its next note. Why the Savvy Forex Trader Always Peeks Beneath the Headlines If there’s one lesson here, it’s this: never take the news at face value. Every headline is a potential catalyst, but it’s the lesser-known undercurrents that often provide the best signals. Whether it’s anticipating ruble volatility due to drone attacks in the Black Sea or positioning yourself for peso fluctuations amid South China Sea tension, the hidden plays are the ones that matter. The beauty of Forex is that every conflict, every convoy, and every diplomatic incident has the potential to tip the scales in one way or another. Are you ready to stay ahead of the masses? Keep digging—because the gems are never just lying on the surface. Ready to go deeper? Keep your strategies sharper than ever by staying updated with the latest economic indicators and analysis. Head over to StarseedFX Forex News to get the real scoop. —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated   Read the full article