#Gas Pipe Insulation

[dabuilding]

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[semi-sketchy]

I talked my mom into buying a home mold test kit.

This is like the 4th time this year I've had a tonsil infection. I'm basically never sick, but the past two years have been near constant throat issues. I know I have severe allergies, been an issue since I was a baby, but this is getting stupid.

The bathroom that had a leak for a month and no one believed me until I got a wild hair and tore into my closet wall like "I TOLD YOU I HEARD DRIPPING" is, as you can guess, on the other side of my room. I swear when I come back from being gone awhile, my room smells so musty. I can't close my closet door, that just makes the odor worse.

The bathroom itself is not properly ventilated, with the walls around the shower spotted with mold, the curtain turning color after about 4 days, and mold on the trim.

We found out our HVAC condensation had been leaking into our ducts as well as just harboring water from our last water heater that leaked years ago. We spent all day pretending to be HVAC people and replacing the wet flex-ducts ourselves.

My dad wanted to sell seedlings for extra money and we had approximately 1,200 plants in our house during the spring, essentially turning our space into a grow house. (He INSISTS there was nothing wrong with this and he's gonna do it again. I didn't spend my days scrubbing the mold off our windows and blackened vent covers for him to fuck it up again, I'll stop him by force if I have to.)

Yeah. I know there's mold. The question is HOW MUCH? We treated things the best we could, I used mold products and not bleach, we have a MERV 13 furnace filter, several HEPA air purifiers and run a dehumidifier in the crawl space.

You have no idea how much I wish I could just pack up and move out of this house, it really needs to just be torn down. Even Bowie (my cat) is having allergy issues.

[batboyblog]

Things the Biden-Harris Administration Did This Week #39

October 18-25 2024.

President Biden issued the first presidential apology on behalf of the federal government to America's Native American population for the Indian boarding school policy. For 150 years the federal government operated a system of schools which aimed to destroy Native culture through the forced assimilation of native children. At these schools students faced physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and close to 1,000 died. The Biden-Harris Administration has been historic for Native and Tribal rights. From the appointment of the first ever Native American cabinet member, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, to the investment of $46 billion dollars on tribal land, to 200 new co-stewardship agreements. The last 4 years have seen a historic investment in and expansion of tribal rights.

The Biden-Harris Administration proposed a new rule which would make contraceptive medication (the pill) free over the counter with most Insurance. The new rule would ban cost sharing for contraception products, including the pill, condoms, and emergency contraception. On top of over the counter medications, the new rule will also strength protections for prescribed contraception without cost sharing as well.

The EPA announced its finalized rule strengthening standards for lead paint dust in pre-1978 housing and child care facilities. There is no safe level of exposure to lead particularly for children who can suffer long term developmental consequences from lead exposure. The new standards set the lowest level of lead particle that can be identified by a lab as the standard for lead abatement. It's estimated 31 million homes built before the ban on lead paint in 1978 have lead paint and 3.8 million of those have one or more children under the age of 6. The new rule will mean 1.2 million fewer people, including over 300,000 children will not be exposed to lead particles every year. This comes after the Biden-Harris Administration announced its goal to remove and replace all lead pipes in America by the end of the decade.

The Department of Transportation announced a $50 million dollar fine against American Airlines for its treatment of disabled passengers and their wheelchairs. The fine stems from a number of incidences of humiliating and unfair treatment of passages between 2019 and 2023, as well as video documented evidence of mishandling wheelchairs and damaging them. Half the fine will go to replacing such damaged wheelchairs. The Biden administration has leveled a historic number of fines against the airlines ($225 million) for their failures. It also published a Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights, passed a new rule accessible lavatories on aircraft, and is working on a rule to require airlines to replace lost or damaged wheelchairs with equal equipment at once.

The Department of Energy announced $430 million dollars to help boost domestic clean energy manufacturing in former coal communities. This invests in projects in 15 different communities, in places like Texas, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Michigan. The plan will bring about 1,900 new jobs in communities struggling with the loss of coal. Projects include making insulation out of recycled cardboard, low carbon cement production, and industrial fiber hemp processing.

The Department of Transportation announced $4.2 billion in new infrastructure investment. The money will go to 44 projects across the country. For example the MBTA will get $400 million to replace the 92 year old Draw 1 bridge and renovate North Station.

The Department of Transportation announced nearly $200 million to replace aging natural gas pipes. Leaking gas lines represent a serious public health risk and also cost costumers. Planned replacements in Georgia and North Carolina for example will save the average costumer there over $900 on their gas bill a year. Replacing leaking lines will also remove 1,000 metric tons of methane pollution, annually.

The Department of the Interior announced $244 million to address legacy pollution in Pennsylvania coal country. This comes on top of $400 million invested earlier this year. This investment will help close dangerous mine shafts, reclaim unstable slopes, improve water quality by treating acid mine drainage, and restore water supplies damaged by mining.

Data shows that President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act (passed with Vice-President Harris' tie breaking vote) has saved seniors $1 billion dollars on out-of-pocket drug costs. Seniors with certain high priced drugs saw their yearly out of pocket costs capped at $3,500 for 2024. In 2024 all seniors using Medicare Part D will see their out of pocket costs capped at $2,000 for the year. It's estimated if the $2,000 cap had been in effect this year 4.6 million seniors would have hit it by June and not have had to pay any more for medication for the rest of the year.

The Department of Education announced a new proposed rule to bring student debt relief for 8 million struggling borrowers. The Biden-Harris Administration has managed despite road blocks from Republicans in Congress, the courts and law suits from Republican states to bring student loan forgiveness to 5 million Americans so far through different programs. This latest rule would take into account many financial hardships faced by people to determine if they qualify to have their student loans forgiven. The final rule cannot be finalized before 2025 meaning its fate will be decided at the election.

The Department of Agriculture announced $1.5 billion in 92 partner-driven conservation projects. These projects aim at making farming more susceptible and environmental friendly, 16 projects are about water conservation in the West, 6 support use of innovative technologies to reduce enteric methane emissions in livestock. $100 million has been earmarked for Tribal-led projects.

[honeygrahambitch]

I headcanon Hannibal not to be your average bitching cunt cause that's Will. Will is dramatic, vents, gesticulates, walks backs and forth. Imagine he orders himself some fishing rods for example and they send him the wrong models. Every single day during a week, Hannibal has to listen to his venting. He doesn't mind.

Will was a cunt before meeting Hannibal but after he got into this relationship with this man who inflates his ego every single day of his life by literally considering him God, his own self esteem sky rocketed and yeah, more cuntiness. Don't know if it makes sense. Hannibal basically taught him that he deserves the best and he should never expect less than that.

However when it comes to Hannibal, it's the opposite when things don't go his way. If you don't know him, you might as well miss it.

Let's picture this. He and Will are finally building their forever home after a few years of being on the run. And while Will takes care of less artsy matters, such as insulation or gas or running water, things he is good at like choosing pipes and such, Hannibal is taking care of colors, decor, style, you get the point. And obviously the kitchen is such an important part. And he spends a lot of time choosing the right furniture and color schemes and when the tiles arrive and the workers place them on the floor of the kitchen, his whole world shatters.

The corner tiles are not symmetrical.

The workers start finding excuses and Will is waiting for him to blow up but he doesn't. He says nothing. He gets into the car and quietly waits for Will to be done with the workers and start the engine.

Will is terrified of his silence since Hannibal is usually very opinionated. Especially when it comes to his kitchen. So he decides to say something.

"Idiots. They should have been more careful for how much they get paid."

"I suppose." Hannibal replies.

"No, you put so much work into this kitchen. I would be mad too."

"I am not mad. They said they will fix it."

Will is almost annoyed by his lack of reaction.

Later they get to the place where they are living for the time being and Hannibal starts cooking dinner. That's when Will hears the first sigh.

Exactly 20 minutes later, he hears the second sigh. Louder this time, Will can clearly hear it from the living room.

He checks on him and Hannibal says that nothing happened. Will starts helping him by cutting some cheese on a board. That's when Hannibal starts comparing their future house to a well matured cheese. He starts talking about the importance of the hands who take care of the cheese cause sure, time and humidity play an important part, as well as the quality of the cows and goats and their milk but if you want good matured cheese you have to make sure trustable people take care of it.

Will nods and agrees. He understands what he has to do and doesn't ask more questions. The next day he announces Hannibal he had fired the workers and found already better ones.

Hannibal smiles. His Will knows how to read him so well.

[mylifeisweirdok]

Everyone with snow incoming:

-make sure your cars' gas tanks are full (they can freeze)

-make sure your curtains are drawn (insulation for your windows)

-make sure your water spouts are dripping (frozen pipes explode, sinks and showers especially)

@random-shit-writing @qs-random-shit @mothmanhamlet @thatonemothhaslanded @heml0cked @dnpanimationstudioclone

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

A Way You Can Store Your Vegetables For Months

Have you ever wondered how our ancestors preserved a whole winter season worth of frost-intolerant produce? Canning is a useful method, though a large harvest can easily turn it into a seemingly impossible task. The solution many generations before us turned to was building a root cellar.

Although many cannot build their own old-world root cellars due to rentals, adequate space, or urban environments; a little common sense and wisdom of temperature and humidity guidelines will allow anybody to whip together an ideal means of prolonging produce-life through the winter.

A conventional root cellar, which essentially is a room buried in a hillside or underground, meets only a handful of criteria.

INSULATION: The earth is a wonderful insulator. A typical old-world root cellar was literally buried on all sides except the entrance, utilizing the natural insulating properties of the soil.

VENTILATION: It is important that your make-shift root cellar can breathe. Warm stale air needs to float out of the top of your chamber as fresh cooler air makes its way through the bottom. This is important to keep humidity levels under control in order to prevent the rot of moisture-sensitive vegetables such as squashes.

DARKNESS: Light accelerates the decomposition of fruits and veggies. An ideal means of storage incorporates complete darkness.

Consider what you may have on hand if you would like to construct a practical yet permanent root cellar: Burying an insulated plastic or metal trash can with a tight lid is a popular option. Others have gone to the trouble of recycling an entire broken refrigerator by submerging it in a hillside. Another option is to frame off a corner of your basement with a window or vent. A more conservative approach is to sink a large cooler into the ground. If one of these avenues are chosen, make sure you are ventilating with a hose or pipe.

A blast valve or similar device may be incorporated to prevent below freezing temperatures from entering your storage compartment.

My personal favorite involves little more than a pile of straw, hay, leaves, or moss and a minimal amount of elbow grease. It is most effective with potatoes (Read on).

As a rule of thumb make sure not to wash any produce prior to storing. This will greatly reduce its ability to keep. Instead provide enough drying time for exterior dirt to dehydrate, then brush off any large clumps.

Apples can be a dangerous food to store with other produce. The idiom one rotten apple spoils the barrel is spot on. As apples age they release ethylene gas which causes other produce to rot too. It’s a wise practice to isolate them in shallow containers with lids. They keep best in 80-90% relative humidity and prefer temperatures of 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Check on them often and remove any signs of rot.

Beets prefer the same 32–40-degree temperature range but can withstand a bit more humidity. Outdoor storage is an easy and effective method to practice. Before hard frosts begin simply hoe dirt over the protruding shoulders keeping the foliage exposed. As winter begins, mulch over the rows with up to a foot (more for colder climates, less for warmer) of leaves, straw, or hay.

This method may be applied to carrots, parsnips, turnips, celery, rutabagas, cabbages, leeks, kale, and spinach with some success as well. Regarding flavor, the longer you can keep cold tolerant produce in the ground, the better. Cool fall temperatures sweeten many vegetables such as beets by literally increasing the presence of sugar.

Brussels sprouts are somewhat frost hardy and can be left in the garden until late fall. They may be kept in a root cellar for some time however a lack of moisture will shorten their lifespan. Like beets they prefer a temperature range of 32-40 degrees and high relative humidity of 90-95%.

Cabbage can withstand light frost when it is young and moderately severe frost when mature. Some varieties are briefly tolerant to temperatures as low as 20 degrees. The method of mulching beets above can be employed here. Cabbage prefers cold temperatures of 32 to 40 degrees and high moisture of about 80-95% relative humidity making it a good root cellar candidate. Either cut off the head or pull out the entire plant (roots included). If the roots are left on it may last a bit longer in a cellar, however if the stump is left in the ground a smaller leafy cabbage will emerge the following season.

Carrots can be kept in the garden under mulch just like beets. Remember to cover the shoulders with dirt. They prefer temperatures of 32-40 degrees and relative humidity of 90-95% in a root cellar. If storing in a cellar, harvest before the soil freezes, cut the stems close to the carrot, and store in a bucket of leaves or sawdust with a loose lid.

Cauliflower and Celery prefer cold temperatures of 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit and very moist relative humidity of 90-95%.

Celeriac is one of the best keeping vegetables during the winter months. Trim off the longer roots making sure not to cut too close to the meat. Store it in damp sawdust, sand, or moss at an ideal temperature range of 32-40 degrees and a very moist relative humidity of 90-95%.

Dry Beans can be harvested after pods are nearly dried out while still attached to the vine. Spread the pods on newspaper for a week or two until completely dry. A productive trick to separate the beans from the pods is to fill a bag and beat it with a stick. When a hole is cut in the bottom corner the beans will fall out pod-free. Dry beans store well in temperatures between 32-50 degrees though they can withstand freezing temperatures. They are less moisture tolerant at an ideal range of 60-70% relative humidity. Store in dry containers with tight lids.

Garlic needs to be air dried in a warm arid area for 2-3 weeks. Remove the roots and store at an ideal 32-50 degrees with 60-70% relative humidity and good airflow.

Leeks come in frost hardy varieties which should be utilized if growing for storage. They can withstand a bit of snow and the mulching process may be used up until the ground freezes. Harvest with some roots still attached and stored at an ideal 32-40 degrees upright, preferably in wet sand. Though leeks prefer a high relative humidity of 90-95% take care not to wet the leaves during storage.

Onions require curing until the necks are quite tight before storing. To cure, spread them in a dry area with sufficient airflow or hang them upside down. Ideal storage temperatures range from 32-50 degrees with a relative humidity of 60-70%. Make sure they are stored in an breathable container such as crates or mesh bags.

Parsnips store well in uncovered ground until a solid freeze at which point they should be mulched. The frost improves their flavor for a succulent spring harvest. Store harvested parsnips in damp sawdust at an ideal 32-40 degrees and a high relative humidity of 90-95%.

Potatoes should be cured in a dark place for 1-2 weeks at 45-60 degrees. After this they prefer cold temperatures of 32-40 degrees and moist relative humidity of 80-90%. A great means of outdoor storage is piling an insulating material such as straw or hay on top of unused winter garden space with a few inches of dirt on top. Make sure to keep a ventilation hole, clear of dirt, on one side of the pile and a drainage ditch around the perimeter equipped with a small runoff canal.

Throughout the winter hungry gardeners can reach through the ventilation hole and fish out the produce. If you have a tarp on hand covering the top of the pile, but not the ventilation hole, will prevent your storage mound from eroding away. If many potatoes need storing and more than one pile is not an option layer the pile with 4-6 inches of insulating medium, followed by a single layer of potatoes, followed by 4 inches of soil. Repeat the layering process.

Pumpkins should be cured like squash (see below) with the stem left attached and stored around 50-55 degrees. Relative humidity should fall between 60-75%.

Sweet Potatoes can be preserved all the way until spring if properly cured and stored. To cure, let air-dry in a warm humid environment of 80-85 degrees and 90% relative humidity for 10-14 days. This will toughen the skin and improve the flavor. Sweet Potatoes store best in an unheated room of about 50-60 degrees with a moderate relative humidity of 60-70% taking great care not to let them drop below 50 degrees.

Turnips should be harvested before heavy frosts, tops removed, and stored as you would carrots in a moist insulator such as sawdust, moss, or sand.

Winter Squash should be harvested before a hard frost when the skin is tough enough to prevent penetration from a moderately pressed thumb nail. Flavor is best when the seeds are given a chance to fully develop. Make sure to leave the stem on the fruit and cure for about 10 days at 75-85 degrees, ideally. Store them in a moderately dry and warm spot where the temperature doesn’t drop below 50 and preferably stays below 60 degrees. The best relative humidity for storage falls between 60-70%. Great information by Farmacy.

Source: I Support Farmers Markets

[frigginconfused]

A vent post/condensed list of my grievances regarding the state of my current place of living. Well, partially to vent and partially as a cathartic way to keep tabs.

Either way, there is no amount of commission I could do to improve this. I have lived here for maybe two months, and all of this was found out through experience and not actually looking for problems. To preface, I know the question. Why didn't you get a home inspection? Well, you see, had I been involved in the buying process I would have.

It was heated with open flame gas heaters

Undisclosed roaches

Stove top is rusted so bad there's a line on one side that's just missing (not entirely sure if the oven works actually)

Two windows lead nowhere

One window shattered

One window removed and replaced with ply board. There is a window ac unit caulked into it.

That window ac unit does not have a filter… only old dish towels stuffed into it…

Something also lives in that window ac unit.

water pours into the garage when it rains

It looked like a junkyard (we had to rent a dumpster and even that wasn't enough)

There's a blanket hung on the wall, it's hiding a giant spot… I don't know what the spot is.

the furnace is all sealed off, including the vents

the wiring is ALL fucked (and might also all be piggybacked)

there is a circuit breaker AND a fuse box

A single bad outlet may have taken out the power in 2/3 of the house

I don't think under the trailer is insulated at all… There is a fan that leads under it to move warm air down there, intended to keep the pipes from freezing.

The bathroom floor is not secured, and boards are popping up

There is no ventilation in the bathroom and the walls have pieces taken out

pretty sure one of the pieces is screwed in over where the ventilation used to be

there is a draft in the bathroom so bad, that on windy days it blows the bathroom cabinet under the sink open

the toilet is less than two inches away from the claw foot tub

why is there a claw foot tub in a trailer… the step up into it is too high for my mother and there is no grab bar for safety

There is at least one hole in the roof that I suspect an animal lives in

While writing this list I was informed it was indeed a bad outlet which has since been replaced, but also “It is replaced, but the wires are too short and not attached very good” so we cannot use

I also don't think they understand that this is an active fire hazard

I don't have a bedroom, I have a bed in the living room

There are three doors that lead outside. One is the front door. The other two are held closed with boards. (honorary mention the door that leads to the garage, who's handle came off in my hand)

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Inside Climate News:

Inside a cinder block office building perhaps best known for the Hindu temple and table tennis club next door, a startup company is testing what may be one of the hottest new developments in clean energy technology.

At the back of a small warehouse laboratory buzzing with fans and motors, an MIT spinoff company called Electrified Thermal Solutions is operating something its founders call the Joule Hive, a thermal battery the size of an elevator.  

The Hive is a large, insulated metal box loaded with dozens of white-hot ceramic bricks that convert electricity to heat at temperatures up to 1800 degrees Celsius—well beyond the melting point of steel—and with enough thermal mass to hold the heat for days.

As the price of renewable energy continues to plummet, one of the biggest challenges for the clean energy transition is finding a way to convert electricity to high temperature heat so societies don’t have to continue burning coal or natural gas to power heavy industries. Another thorny issue is finding a way to store energy—in this case heat—for when the sun doesn’t shine and the wind doesn’t blow.

“If you are running an industrial plant where you’re making cement or steel or glass or ceramics or chemicals or even food or beverage products, you burn a lot of fossil fuels,” Daniel Stack, chief executive of Electrified Thermal Solutions, said. “Our mission is to decarbonize industry with electrified heat.”

The industrial sector accounts for nearly one-fourth of all direct greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., which drive climate change, according to the EPA. Thermal batteries powered by renewable energy could reduce roughly half of industry’s emissions, according to a 2023 report by the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, a nonprofit, and its affiliated Renewable Thermal Collaborative. 

Additional emissions come from chemical reactions, such as carbon dioxide that is formed as an unwanted byproduct during cement production, and from methane that leaks or is intentionally vented from natural gas pipes and other equipment. 

The challenge to replacing fossil fuel combustion as the go to source for heat, is that there aren’t a lot of good options available to produce high temperature heat from electricity, Stack said. Electric heaters, like the wires that turn red hot in a toaster, work well at low temperatures but quickly burn out at higher temperatures. Other, less common materials like molybdenum and silicon carbide heaters can withstand higher temperatures, but are prohibitively expensive.

As a grad student at MIT, Stack wondered if firebricks, the bricks commonly used in residential fireplaces and industrial kilns, could be a less expensive, more durable solution. Bricks do not typically conduct electricity, but by slightly altering the recipe of the metal oxides used to make them, he and ETS co-founder Joey Kabel were able to create bricks that could essentially take the place of wires to conduct electricity and generate heat.

“There’s no exotic metals in here, there’s nothing that’ll burn out,” Stack said standing next to shelves lined with small samples, or “coupons,” of brick that he and his team have tested to find the ones with the best heating properties. 

[chroniclers-circle]

chromium 2a

She was lucky there were more planets than just the first one in the Chromium system. The first touchdown on the gas-giant moon had been a bust—but there was plenty more for her to uncover here. Like on the mid-sized rocky planet she orbited now. The glittering expanse of stars beamed at her from the panel of glass in the hallway between her living quarters and the command-bridge of the ship.

There wasn’t a lot of time, but she leaned forward and pressed her face against it—and just breathed. The ship subroutines would include a scolding message for her in the logs tomorrow morning about her lack of attention to proper cleanliness and maintenance standards for exterior view-ports, but she couldn’t care less at the moment. If they’d wanted her to care what the computer thought, they wouldn’t have made it feel like the letters she got from her far-flung family: rare, untimely, and often with the air of disapproving of her general choices in life.

Her eyes fluttered closed as she stood alone in front of the vast expanse of space, only two meters insulated from the endless void.

Before long it was time to suit up again though. Her hair went into a braid, then a bun, then was finally tucked into the helmet of her space-suit. Seals were done up, vital monitors were engaged, and equipment were checked and double checked. She headed for the gangplank, and hit the button for the airlock door once more.

Sys.log: First Impressions

The notification system on her wrist marks a ping the moment her foot touches the planet’s dusty surface.

It seemed that unlike Chromium 1b, the notable features of 2a were located far underground. Which meant that she’d need to find a way down there in order to investigate, fulfill her exploration obligations, and find samples. She glanced out over the barren wasteland around her—it didn’t seem as though the Chromium system had birthed any life. What she had seen so far were vast isolated verandas, and the view stretching before her was yet another one.

It was so similar to what she felt standing before the viewport in her ship. It was so alien to everything she’d ever felt before. She didn’t know the last time she’d heard her own voice. The notification system pinged again. Her scanners had found a cave entrance.

She had her way down.

Sys.log: Descent

The cavern mouth yawned before her. Thick powder caked the crevices around it, evidence of powerful erosive wind that she hadn’t yet encountered. Her boots sank down into it, until it covered her boots up to the ankles, teasing at the seal where her suit ended. She wrinkled her nose and peered down into the depths. She couldn’t hear anything that wasn’t recorded and piped into the helmet of her suit—and the device worked well to filter out environmental background noise—but she thought she could hear her breathing echoed back at her from deep within the hole in front of her.

She flexed her fingers and activated the flashlight at the end of her gloves and the one embedded into the center of her helmet, between her eyes, and began her descent.

The walls crooked full of ragged rocks, with faults and cracks that seemed the result of whatever pressures and winds arose on the surface. She wouldn’t be surprised if this was a planet eternally wrecked with storms. She’d likely landed in the only patch of calm weather in a very long time.

Her feet sank into the powder as she pressed inward and downward, hunting for the elusive signal that her scanners had detected. The hologram of a map flashed on her wrist, the ghost bones of some ancient pattern surrounding her, promising her something worthwhile to add to her report. Her feet slid beneath her, and she kept going.

Sys.log: Ruin Filled Caverns

She wanted to chalk it up to her imagination when she first noticed—but after a handful more steps into what could only be the remnants of a long forgotten city, she gave in to the realization that the walls themselves were glowing. It was not a strong glow, she had seen brighter bioluminescent algae on Myril, but it was enough that she could make out the corners and contours of every crumbling building and disintegrating wall.

There had been people here once. Her hypothesis about the Chromium system was wrong—but not entirely. For whoever had lived her once was long dead. Dust and the fine powder from the surface dulled the glow, and proved that she was the first person to set foot in these caverns for at least a millenia, if not more. She looked around more closely, trying to figure out if she could uncover why the city had been so totally abandoned.

Stepping closer to the wall, she realized. The powder down here was different than the surface. Down here, the powder came away black on the fingertips of her gloves. Char. Soot. Things had burned down here, and there was every likelihood that the fine powder that sifted across the dusty surface was comprised partly of bones. She shuddered, and stepped back toward the middle of what used to be a street.

Walking through the ruins was less the awesome experience she’d had on other planets, and more the acknowledgment of an unknown mausoleum. A tragedy had taken place here, and she would do nothing to undermine the profound solemnity that such a truth required.

The walls had been carved with art, beautiful runes in angular shapes that she could not read—perhaps that no one left in the universe could read. She had not seen any other signs of life on this planet, after all, and the evidence of storms on the surface could have been the result of any extinction level event.

She swallowed, and looked around once more. She’d snagged a pebble that had fallen from one of the walls as a sample of that glowing rock—and that was all there was left to do here.

She made it back to her ship quickly, and the glowing pebble bid farewell to its home planet, and found itself tucked next to the strange chrome fruit as evidence of her ventures through the Chromium system.

NEXT PLANET

[razi-institute-of-petroleum]

#career #education #ndt #qa qc #oil and gas

RAZI INSTITUTE OF PETROLEUM ENGINEERING is a dynamic, multi-dimensional, training & placement organization in the field of oil and gas, petroleum sector. We have evolved a unique blend of training programs, which are structured to provide effective career solutions to the youth. Our training programs includes oil and gas, quality assurance and quality control (QAQC), nondestructive testing (NDT), health, safety & environment (HSE),welding, piping, pressure vessel manufacturing, storage tank construction ,heat exchangers ,boilers, ship building ,offshore & onshore drilling ,pipeline construction , structural, painting ,coating, Insulation and more. RAZI INSTITUTE have direct contact with MNCs and private organizations for which we place our students. This not only helps us place students, but also structure the training programs to suit the needs of the corporate. RAZI have an eminent Advisory Board, which provides direction and guidance on the course design and developmental delivery process. Our primary strength is our ability to understand the aspirations, needs and potential of the youth and also committed to young generation.

[agp]

hey if youre on turtle island or still tuesday and feel like trying a quick silly browser game you should check out tradle. (i think it updates at midnight based on time zones?) todays is real fun i prommy.

you get five guesses to figure out a country from its export data, and after each guess they tell you how far away you are and what direction the county youre looking for is. i know it sounds like a ridiculous challenge but this one has a bunch of easy hints and giveaways that are accessible to your average westerner

if its wednesday by now or you want to see the data presented differently check out this silly economy under the cut (bolded 'spoilers' ig)

total export value: 371b (usd)

gold: 86.7b (23%}

packaged meds: 48.5b (13%)

vaccines, blood, cultures, etc: 40.3b (11%)

base metal watches: 15.2b (4%)

nitrogen heterocyclic compounds: 14.2b (4%)

jewlery: 9.35b (2.5%)

precious metal watches: 8.97b (2.5%)

orthopedic appliances: 7.02b (2%)

hormones: 3.38b

coffee: 3.36b

electricity: 3.19b

medical instruments: 3.09b

machinery w indv functions: 3.04b

platinum: 2.54b

chemical analysis instruments: 2.27b

nucleic acids: 2.17b

valves: 2.17b

silver: 2.01b

electric motors: 1.78b

scented mixtures: 1.72b

sulfonamides: 1.71b

diamonds: 1.64b

planes, helicopters, and spacecraft: 1.63b

beauty products: 1.58b

other heating machinery: 1.43b

flavored water: 1.43b

gas turbines: 1.38b

low voltage protection eq: 1.34b

gas and liquid flow measuring inst: 1.3b

carboxyamide compounds: 1.26b

other measuring instruments: 1.24b

air pumps: 1.16b

motor vehicles, parts, and acc: 1.14b

petroleum gas: 1.12b

electrical transformers: 1.11b

aluminum plating: 1.07b

other plastic products: 1.01b

metal working machine parts: 988m

vitamins: 965m

polyamides: 963m

washing and bottling machines: 925m

chocolate: 887m

oxygen amino compounds: 885m

integrated circuits: 884m

iron fasteners: 881m

paintings: 873m

transmissions: 855m

special pharmaceuticals: 837m

insulated wire: 828m

electrical power accessories: 826m

plastic lids: 818m

cheese: 800m

antibiotics: 797m

liquid pumps: 797m

cars: 789m

ink: 752m

non mechanical removal machinery: 737m

trunks and cases: 734m

centrifuges: 730m

interchangeable tool parts: 728m

high voltage protection eq: 705m

hand saws: 693m

other edible preparations: 680m

electric heaters: 679m

electrical control boards: 672m

polyacetals: 664m

plastic pipes: 636m

electric soldering equipment: 616m

precious metal compounds: 608m

industrial fatty acids, oils, and alcohols: 608m

hot rolled iron bars: 590m

self propelled rail transport: 582m

refined petroleum: 577m

hydrazine or hydroxylamine derivatives: 565m

precious stones: 563m

rubber working machinery: 561m

unpackaged meds: 557m

other iron products: 553m

precious metal scraps 550m

computers: 545m

surveying equipment: 523m

other plastic sheetings: 519m

metal finishing machines: 516m

scrap copper: 514m

semiconductor devices: 511m

raw plastic sheeting: 494m

documents or title and stamps: 490m

rolled tobacco: 487m

malt extract: 469m

other electrical machinery: 467m

other paper machinery: 450m

oxygen heterocyclic compounds: 441m

non knit mens suits: 441m

synthetic coloring matter: 436m

locomotive parts: 432m

non knit womens suits: 428m

iron structures: 424m

leather footwear: 421m

industrial printers: 415m

lifting machinery: 415m

scrap iron: 412m

therapeutic appliances: 410m

office machine parts: 410m

other clocks and watches: 405m

metal molds: 403m

other furniture: 403m

glaziers putty: 377m

liquid dispersing machines: 376m

knitting machine accessories: 370m

other small iron pipes: 369m

broadcasting equipment: 367m

aircraft parts: 363m

industrial food prep machinery: 362m

glues: 357m

pesticides: 349m

oscilloscopes: 344m

raw aluminum: 344m

knit sweaters: 339m

optical fibers and bundles: 334m

excavation machinery: 332m

non iron/steel slag ash and residue: 319m

carboxylic acids: 315m

xray equipment: 315m

electric motor parts: 315m

watch straps: 313m

tanks and armoured vehicles: 310m

forging machines: 309m

cleaning products: 306m

metalworking transfer machines: 298m

animal food: 294m

combustion engines: 282m

engine parts: 271m

electric generating sets: 254m

scrap aluminum: 249m

laboratory reagents: 249m

perfumes: 244m

other rubber products: 241m

photo lab equipment: 240m

wheat: 236m

lubricating products: 234m

printed circuit boards: 233m

aluminum bars: 230m

explosive ammunition: 230m

brooms: 224m

lcds: 223m

refrigerators: 223m

motorcycles and cycles: 221m

large construction vehicles: 221m

coal briquettes: 221m

corn: 220m

aluminum cans: 219m

textile footwear: 217m

thermostats: 207m

coffee and tea extracts: 206m

other aluminum products: 204m

ball bearings: 203m

knives: 199m

machines for additive mnf: 195m

raw iron bars: 187m

delivery trucks: 185m

milling stones: 176m

aluminum foil: 170m

collectors items: 169m

soybean oil: 169m

wood fiberboard: 166m

other stainless steel bars: 164m

sculptures: 160m

cutting blades: 159m

baked goods: 150m

navigation equipment: 146m

hydrometers: 137m

watch cases and parts: 134m

laboratory ceramic wear: 134m

wood carpentry: 124m

mirrors and lenses: 117m

[brown-little-robin]

'tis the season to download this image if you need it!

Image transcription of winter weather tips below the cut:

The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving. Be ready before you drive!

Before you drive, have a mechanic check the following items on your car:

Battery

Antifreeze

Wipers/windshield washer fluid

Ignition system

Thermostat

Lights/flashing hazard lights

Exhaust System

Heater/Defroster

Brakes

Oil level (if necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil or the SAE 10w/30 weight variety)

Take the proper precautions to outfit you and your car for winter driving:

Install good winter tires. Make sure they have adequate tread.

Maintain at least half a tank of gas at all times.

Plan long trips carefully. Listen to the radio or call 511 for the latest road conditions. Always travel during daylight and if possible, do not travel alone.

If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation.

Dress warmly. Wear loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing.

Keep the following items in your car at all times during the winter months:

Flashlights with extra batteries

First aid kit with a pocketknife

Necessary medications

Blankets and/or sleeping bags

Extra newspapers for insulation

Plastic bags (for sanitation)

Matches

Extra set of mittens, socks and a wool cap

Rain gear and extra clothes

Small sack of sand or kitty litter to generate traction under car wheels

Small shovel and other tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)

Jumper cables

Brightly-colored cloth (red) to use as a flag

Canned fruit/nuts and non-electric can opener

Bottled water

If You Get Trapped in Your Car During a Blizzard…

Stay in the car. Do not leave to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting snow.

Hang a brightly-colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the hood to draw attention.

Do minor exercises to keep up circulation. Clap hands and move arms and legs. Try not to stay in one position for too long. If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.

Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise like snow shoveling or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.

Run the engine occasionally to keep warm. Turn the engine on for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater and turn on the dome light while the car is running. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.

For warmth, huddle together.

Frostbite and Hypothermia

Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can be permanently damaging. Symptoms include: loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, or nose and earlobes.

Hypothermia can be brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 90°F. Symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, stumbling, drowsiness, and exhaustion.

If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person’s trunk first. Use your own body heat to help. Arms and legs should be warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure. Put the person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket.

Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine or alcohol in it. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart. Both can hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.

[prabha-power]

What is FRP Products and Its Uses?

Fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) products are composite materials made from a combination of fibers and a resin matrix. The fibers provide the strength and stiffness, while the resin matrix holds the fibers together and protects them from environmental factors such as moisture, chemicals, and UV light.

FRP products are used in a variety of industries and applications, thanks to their unique properties, which include:

High strength-to-weight ratio: FRP products are significantly lighter than traditional materials such as steel, aluminum, and concrete, while still providing high strength and stiffness. This makes them ideal for applications where weight reduction is critical, such as aerospace, automotive, and marine industries.

Corrosion resistance: FRP products are highly resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for use in harsh environments such as chemical plants, wastewater treatment facilities, and offshore structures.

Electrical insulation: FRP products are non-conductive, meaning they do not conduct electricity. This makes them ideal for use in electrical and electronic applications where electrical insulation is required.

Design flexibility: FRP products can be easily molded into complex shapes, allowing for greater design flexibility and customization. This makes them ideal for applications where unique shapes and sizes are required.

Some common FRP products and their uses include:

FRP grating: Used in industrial, commercial, and recreational applications as an alternative to steel grating, due to its high strength, corrosion resistance, and low maintenance requirements.

FRP tanks and vessels: Used in chemical storage and processing, wastewater treatment, and oil and gas industries due to their corrosion resistance, high strength, and light weight.

FRP piping systems: Used in chemical processing, power generation, and water treatment industries due to their corrosion resistance, low maintenance requirements, and long service life.

FRP panels: Used in commercial and industrial buildings as wall and ceiling panels, due to their high strength, durability, and design flexibility.

In conclusion, FRP products are composite materials that offer high strength, low weight, and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for a wide range of applications in various industries. As technology advances and new materials are developed, FRP products are likely to continue to play an important role in the construction of products and structures in the future.

[honeygrahambitch]

Hot take: I know it would be fun to have a bored, disinterested Will while Hannibal is making ten thousand plans about building their home but hear me out.

Maybe Hannibal indeed would be very focused on color pallets and misc decor and stuff that wouldn't be Will's strengths.

Hannibal: which one for the bathroom

Will: they all look the same

Hannibal: They are three different types of blue, Will.

Will: the middle one.

Hannibal: the right one it is then

But listen, Will would be extremely involved in other aspects like the insulation, the electricity, the gas and water pipes and all that stuff that I personally don't have a deep knowledge about but I just know that dads usually do.

So in that way, Will would be very much into the structure of their home and he'd get excited about the drywall.

[ere-the-sun-rises]

On the toolkit thing, here's some more pointers:

Dollar stores have tools, usually of decent quality too

Get an all-in-one screwdriver if you can find one

Get robertson head screws (square hole) in 1 1/2" and 2" - robertson screws are easier to install and remove than flat or philips (star/cross) heads and the screwdriver itself doesn't strip as quickly

Electrical tape - not only for cords, but for plumbing and other non-permanent/non-damaging items

Polyfilla and a putty knife can fill almost any hole in drywall and don't require any sanding to make even if you're careful

Caulking fills gaps really well, and bathroom caulking is also water and mold resistant

Spray foam is a cheap and effective insulator for gaps in the walls (just be careful bc that shit is hard to get off)

An adjustable wrench and adjustable pliers (specifically vice-grip curved jaw locking pliers) can solve nearly any issue

Toothpicks and wood glue effectively fill too-loose holes in cabinets. Pack toothpicks dipped in wood glue tightly into a hole, let it set for 24 hours, then come back and cut the excess away with a chisel or boxcutter. You will now be able to re-screw your cabinet door on.

Wood glue can fix most wooden furniture, but may need to be clamped/strapped in position (the tighter the pressure, the closer it will bind)

Pipe cement can stop leaks in outflow pipes (so long as it's allowed to cure)

Other unrelated tips:

NEVER fuck with your electricity. ALWAYS pay for that to be fixed professionally. Same with gas lines.

Plumbing can be fucked with, but don't try to replace whole sections of pipe without knowing what you're doing.

Rugs are superior to carpet. A lot of them (especially mats and runners designed for bathrooms) can be run through a washing machine. They are also easier to replace.

Windex and vim can clean basically everything in your house

Replace your furnace filters regularly (at least once a month if you have animals)

If your windows are drafty/cold in winter, there are plastic sheet kits in hardware stores to seal them up.

Linoleum is a (relatively) cheap and easy-to-usr flooring material that can cover hideous tile or splintering wood.

Cheap glassware is superior to plastic. It doesn't deform or stain and is microwave safe (sometimes even oven safe).

Make sure you know what runs on what electrical breaker

If more than one thing is powered by the breakers that control your furnace or electric stove, get that fixed IMMEDIATELY

Use soft white or yellow coloured light bulbs in rooms you just hang out in (like living rooms/bedrooms) and clear/bright white for utility rooms (bathroom/laundry/furnace rooms/kitchen). It reduces strain on your eyes.

Humans need greenery for our mental health. Put a little plant in each room.

If you're strapped for cash or time, don't buy anything in white. Opt for coloured clothes/sheets/furniture/paint bc it's way easier to maintain and hides dirt better

Mattresses need to be off the floor so they don't grow mold and can regulate your temperature better

Invest in good pillows you can machine wash.

Frozen and canned vegetables are just as good as fresh ones

Cooking roasts from frozen keeps the moisture in better than letting it thaw

You can do a lot with garlic plus and margarine

Real wooden furniture - even second-hand - is always superior to particle board furniture. It lasts much longer, is easier to repair and can be refinished if necessary.

Thick-bottomed stainless steel pots will last you a lifetime - if you have the money for a set, they're well worth it.

Dollar stores have glasses, utensils and poreclain dishware. If you're in a pinch, they're good and sturdy.

If you have a yard, invest in a mitre saw (for tree branches), an iron/steel spade, a metal rake and a metal snow shovel (if necessary) - all with wooden shafts. Plastic gets brittle through the cold. Also, a good bucket never goes awry.

Shop vacs can vacuum up water and medium-sized debris if the filter is removed.

For sandpaper, the lower the number, the more aggressive the grit is. Higher numbers produce finer sands.

things i wish i had known when i escaped my family household and couldn't ask my parents for help

invest in a good mattress early on. there are many other ends you can save on - sleep is not one of them. this is key to how much energy you'll have throughout the day

you don't need a bedframe but you do need a slatted bed base (even if it's just pallets)

opening a bank account is easy

there's youtube tutorials for everything. how to install your washing machine, how to use tools, fixing stuff around the place. channels like dad, how do i? are a godsend

change energy provider as soon as your old deal runs out. you'll get better offers elsewhere and avoid price gouging

assemble a basic first aid kid at home: painkillers, probiotics, alcohol wipes, bandages, tweezers, antihistamine tablets - anything you might need in a pinch

and an emergency toolkit: flashlight, extra batteries, a utility knife, an adjustable wrench, multi-tool, duct tape

set your fridge to the lowest temperature it can go. the energy consumption is minimal in difference and it'll give you +4/7 days on most foods

off-brand products are almost always the same in quality and taste, if not better, for half the price

coupons will save you a lot of money in the long run

there's no reason to be shy around employees at the bank/laundromat/store; most people will be happy to help

vegetarian diets are generally cheap if you make food from scratch

breakfast is as important as they say

keep track of your budget in a notebook or excel file - e.g. rent, phone and internet bills, food, leisure so you'll have an overlook on your spending over the months

don't gamble

piracy is okay

stealing from big stores and chains is also ethically okay

keep medical bills and pharmacy receipts for tax returns

also, file your tax returns early

take up a hobby that isn't in front of a screen. pottery, music, going for a run every now and then, stuff that'll keep you busy and sane

and most importantly... you're allowed to get the stuff you want. treat yourself to the occasional mundane thing. a good scented candle. a bath bomb. that body lotion that makes you feel like royalty. the good coffee beans.

you're free and you deserve to be happy.

[oncallemergencyplumbers]

Why You Need a Reliable 24-Hour Plumber in Melbourne

Plumbing emergencies can strike at the most inconvenient times, causing stress and potential damage to your property. From burst pipes and overflowing toilets to gas leaks and clogged drains, addressing these issues promptly is crucial. That's where 24 Hour Plumber Melbourne services by On Call Emergency Plumbers come to the rescue. Offering round-the-clock assistance, they ensure your plumbing problems are resolved quickly and efficiently, no matter the time of day or night.

Common Plumbing Emergencies

Plumbing issues can arise without warning, and having access to a 24-hour plumber can save you from unnecessary hassle and expenses. Some common emergencies include:

Burst Pipes: Sudden pipe bursts can lead to water damage if not addressed immediately.

Blocked Drains: A clogged sink or toilet can disrupt daily activities and pose hygiene risks.

Leaking Water Heaters: Faulty water heaters can cause leaks, leading to water waste and potential flooding.

Sewer Backups: Overflowing sewage creates an unsanitary environment that requires immediate attention.

Gas Leaks: Dangerous and potentially life-threatening, gas leaks need professional intervention right away.

No matter the issue, a trusted 24-hour plumber can provide the expertise needed to restore normalcy.

On Call Emergency Plumbers: Your Trusted Partner

On Call Emergency Plumbers specializes in providing top-notch 24 Hour Plumber Melbourne services. Here’s what sets them apart:

Rapid Response: Their team is available 24/7, ensuring quick responses to emergencies.

Experienced Professionals: Licensed and skilled plumbers with years of experience in handling diverse issues.

Advanced Equipment: Use of the latest tools and techniques for efficient and long-lasting solutions.

Transparent Pricing: Clear and upfront pricing with no hidden charges, even for after-hours services.

Customer Focus: Friendly and professional service that prioritizes your satisfaction.

When emergencies arise, they’re just a call away to provide reliable and affordable plumbing solutions.

Benefits of 24-Hour Plumbing Services

Choosing a 24-hour plumber offers several advantages:

Minimized Damage: Quick response times help prevent water or structural damage to your property.

Peace of Mind: Knowing a professional is available at any time brings comfort during stressful situations.

Convenience: Addressing issues immediately reduces the need for temporary fixes and repeat visits.

Cost Savings: Preventing extensive damage can save money on repairs and replacements.

Expert Solutions: Trained plumbers provide accurate diagnoses and effective solutions for lasting results.

Preventing Plumbing Emergencies

While emergencies can’t always be avoided, taking preventive measures can reduce the likelihood of issues:

Regular Maintenance: Schedule routine inspections to identify potential problems before they escalate.

Proper Disposal: Avoid flushing items like wipes or grease down the drain to prevent blockages.

Monitor Water Pressure: High water pressure can stress pipes, increasing the risk of leaks or bursts.

Insulate Pipes: Protect exposed pipes during colder months to prevent freezing and bursting.

Know Your Plumbing System: Familiarize yourself with your home's shut-off valves to act quickly in an emergency.

For additional guidance, On Call Emergency Plumbers offers maintenance services to keep your system in top shape.

How to Reach On Call Emergency Plumbers

If you’re dealing with a plumbing crisis or want to ensure your system is functioning optimally, contact 24 Hour Plumber Melbourne services at On Call Emergency Plumbers.

Phone: Call their hotline for immediate assistance at any hour.

Online Inquiry: Visit their website to book services or request a quote.

Their team is dedicated to resolving your plumbing issues efficiently and professionally, giving you peace of mind no matter the hour.

Don’t Wait—Act Now

Plumbing emergencies demand immediate attention, and delaying action can lead to costly consequences. With On Call Emergency Plumbers, you have access to reliable 24 Hour Plumber Melbourne services that prioritize your safety and satisfaction.

Whether it’s a minor issue or a major emergency, their team is equipped to handle it all. Reach out today and experience the difference of working with Melbourne’s trusted emergency plumbing experts.