#Grapple Truck Services

[floridamulchsales]

Raynor Shine Services is leading the industry with the largest Grapple Truck division in Central Florida. At Raynor Shine all Grapple Truck services are performed in a professional high quality manner and in compliance with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and permits.

[chrisstumps05]

"Tree Job Troubles: What Went Wrong!"

[chrisstumpgrinding]

What is the problem with stump grinding?

[cherry-holmes]

Glimpse of a life with Javier Peña

Chapter 15

MAIN MASTERLIST

Summary: Six months ago you spoke with Javi for the last time. Now, you tried to continue with your life without him.

SERIES MASTERLIST

Previous chapter

Pairing: Javier Peña x Female Reader

Word count: 6.9k

Warnings: Angst. Talk of depression. Mention of daddy issues. Brief description of reader’s body. I decide not to give more warnings to avoid spoilers, so keep the reading under your own responsibility, but in general this contains +18 material.

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I knew you

Leavin' like a father

Running like water, I

And when you are young, they assume you know nothing

But I knew you'd linger like a tattoo kiss

I knew you'd haunt all of my what-ifs

The smell of smoke would hang around this long

'Cause I knew everything when I was young

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Finally, on December 2, 1993, Pablo Escobar died in Medellín, bringing an end to years of violence and fear to the country. Of course, the ghosts of evil would linger over for a long time. The narcoviolence was a vicious cycle that corroded everything it touched. But for now, the police of Colombia and the DEA had shown that there were still good people and hope. Even if ir wasn't completely true.

When you saw Steve's photo in the newspaper, you felt proud of him, of course, but you knew that Javier deserved to be there too. He had given many years of sacrificing his own safety and personal life to fulfill his duty. There was no other American who had done as much for his country than Javier Peña. He deserved recognition, he deserved to be decorated and rewarded for his years of service.

But instead, he was being judged for using unorthodox methods to do his job. It wasn't ideal, but it was effective in the end. Who hasn't looked for alternatives in their most desperate moments? They didn't deserve a man like him. And now he was paying the price.

You hadn't heard anything about him since that last call, six months ago. You didn't know if he had been judged or sentenced yet. And you weren't sure if you even wanted to know.

Days turned into weeks, and before you knew it, weeks had turned into months. While everything around you seemed to continue its normal course, you felt stuck in Bogotá. Memories of warm nights with him, hurried breakfasts in his truck, and cozy dinners at home lingered, haunting you like ghosts of a past life. You tried to distract yourself, to focus on the routine of daily life, but thoughts of Javier lingered like shadows in the corners of your mind. You wore the necklace he gave you on your birthday like a charm. It was your most precious treasure, the three pearls representing the love he had for you and you for him. Your fingertips sought it out every time you felt down, sometimes unconsciously.

You found it difficult to concentrate on something else, your thoughts constantly drifting back to him, to the uncertainty that clouded his future.

You started to think that maybe the problem lay within you, that you were somehow unworthy of having the man you loved beside you. Doubts ate away at your confidence, questioning your worthiness of love in any form. In the late hours of the night, you grappled with the echoes of your past, recalling the pain of your father's abandonment when you were just a child. That trauma left a deep hole of abandonment in your heart, a wound that never fully healed. And now, facing Javier's absence, it felt like history was repeating itself. The two men you had loved the most had left you, leaving behind a trail of broken promises and shattered dreams. Yes, you still had your beloved grandfather, José, but in those moments of anxiety and depression, you couldn't help but wonder what was wrong with you to not been worthy of love.

Your mother wasn't very helping either, as she wasn't very kind towards you. She never asked you how you were now that you came back or told you she missed you. And when everything with Javi happened, she made cruel comments, hinting that for him you were just another woman and that it was your fault for sleeping with him and not respecting yourself.

However, you had your sisters who supported you through the grief, and the love of your abuelo meant everything.

He was a lawyer, and he offered you a temporary job on his independent buffet while you find a job that suit your requirements.

Losing your dream job as a translator in a foreign country, enduring very difficult situations that put your life in danger, and losing the love of your life—all the trauma and heartbreak left a hole in your chest. It felt as though a part of you was missing, as though you were navigating the world with a piece of your soul torn away.

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The Saturday sun bathed the cobblestone streets in a warm, golden glow as you emerged from the church, your heart still echoing the hymns of worship. Beside you, your beloved abuelo walked, his arm linked with yours, his weathered face radiant with the peace of faith.

"What do you want to eat, papá?" You asked him.

"Sarita told me about a new restaurant," he answered as your mother joined his side, "She said they have delicious barbacoa and consomé."

"I don't think you should eat that, papá," your mother intervened, her brow frowned. From the look on her face, you knew she was going to confront Sara for craving such food for grandpa. "The doctor said..."

"The doctor said many things, María," he replied firmly. "I'm going to die anyway, so I'm gonna eat my birria!"

You smiled to your abuelo's stubbornness, and although you knew that your mother could be right, you just couldn't help but want to fulfill his cravings.

"Okay, papá, we all going to have barbacoa," you promised.

Before your mother could say anything to you, your nephews and nieces ran by your side, pointing towards the churro seller.

"¡Tía, cómpranos churros!" they shouted, and you found yourself outnumbered by them.

"Okay, okay!" You smiled as you watched them bouncing in front of you. "Everyone line up by height and ask the señor de los churros nicely for yours."

Your nephews and nieces cheered at unison and ran towards the vending cart. Both your sisters insisted on pay for their own children churros, but you told them that you wanted to buy churros for everyone.

As your sisters and their husbands agreed with your grandfather and your mother to all go to eat to the restaurant Sara propose to your abuelo, you tried to help the churro's vendedor not going crazy with all four children. All of them were under ten years old, so you can imagine how noisy and playful – and troubling – they can be.

As the kids devoured their churros, you juggled between keeping an eye on them and ensuring they didn't wander off too far. Their laughter filled the air, echoing against the cobblestone streets as they ran around in playful abandon.

Guiding your nephews and nieces back to your family, you barely noticed the bustling activity around you until a familiar voice pierced through the chaos. "I've always known that you look even more beautiful around kids."

You froze in disbelief, your heart skipping a beat at the sound of his voice. You turned around and saw Javier standing there. For a moment, time seemed to stand still as you took in the sight of him. He looked different, yet somehow the same—the same rugged charm, the same warm gaze that had always captivated you. His mere presence was like a jolt of electricity, sending shivers down your spine and stirring emotions you thought long buried.

As the reality of his presence sank in, a whirlwind of emotions swept through you. Part of you wanted to run into his arms, to hold him close and never let go. Another part wanted to push him away, to confront him for leaving without a word, for breaking your heart with his silence.

But as you looked into his eyes, you saw the pain and regret reflected in his gaze—the same pain you had been carrying in your heart all these months. And in that moment, all your anger and hurt melted away, replaced by a flood of overwhelming love and longing.

"Javi?" your voice cracked, eyes inevitably flooded with tears. ''How...?''

"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice barely above a breath. "I shouldn't have left you like that."

Without another word, you closed the distance between you, your heart pounding with anticipation. Javier's eyes softened as you reached out, your arms trembling as they closed around his torso. The touch was electrifying, sending a surge of warmth coursing through your veins.

You couldn't understand exactly how he was right there, what happened during all those months?, how the hell did he found you? But he was there, he was between your arms again... His warmth, his scent, his beating heart beneath your ear, were things you thought you would never feel again.

"¿Tía?" you heard the little voice of Ana, the youngest of your nieces, as she pulled the skirt of your dress. "Is this Javi? The boy you always cry for?"

You glanced down at her, innocent eyes wide with curiosity, and then back at Javier, uncertainty clouding your thoughts. How could you explain the complexities of love and loss to a child?

"Ana, come here," Silvia, her mother, approached to grab her. She looked at Javi and then back at your watering, reddened eyes. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah," you answered, a smile prompting on your lips, blush coloring your cheeks. It was the first time in a long, long time that you felt a genuine sense of emotion and happiness since you arrived in your birth-town. "Silvi, this is Javi. Javi, this is my sister."

Javier extended his hand towards Silvia, a warm smile gracing his lips. "Nice to meet you, Silvia," he greeted, his voice gentle and sincere.

Silvia's expression changed upon recognizing his name. Her eyes softened as she shook Javier's hand. "Likewise," she replied, her eyes flickering with curiosity. Of course, she had memorized his name and appearance through the photos you had shown her and Sara of your time in Colombia with Javi. Your sisters had wiped your tears and listened to your heartbreaking cries for him.

You saw your family approaching you, everyone seeming curious and expectant. Your hands were shaking, your heart felt like it could punch through your chest. So had so many questions, so many things to say to him. Suddenly, you felt overwhelmed.

"Buenas tardes," your abuelo approached to you. You recognized that look on his face, the same he had every time you or your sisters met a new boy. Your abuelo had always been the jealous kind, but in a sweet way.

Javier greeted your abuelo, extending his hand in a gesture of respect. "Mucho gusto, Don José. Javier Peña," he said, his voice resonating with genuine warmth, remembering your grandfather's name.

Your abuelo's eyes twinkled mischievously as he shook Javier's hand. "¡Ah! So you're the famous Javier," he replied, his tone tinged with playful teasing.

Javi looked at you with a playful arched brow, causing your face turned completely red, like a tomato. You were the most gorgeous tomato he had ever seen in his life.

"Everyone, I want you to meet Javier," you said, gesturing towards him with a smile. "Javier, this is my family."

Your sisters and their husbands exchanged glances, their eyes bright with curiosity as they greeted Javier warmly. "Nice to meet you, Javier," Sara said, extending her hand.

Javier shook her hand with a polite nod. "You too. You must be Sara."

Sara chimed in, her excitement palpable. "Yeah, it's great to finally meet you in person."

Your mother, who had been observing quietly, offered a reserved nod of acknowledgment, her expression unreadable.

As the greetings subsided, Silvia turned to Javier. "Hey, why don't you join us for lunch at the restaurant? We'd love to have you."

Before Javier could respond, you interjected gently, "Actually, if you don't mind, I'd like to have a private conversation with Javier first. We can catch up with everyone later this afternoon at home."

Javier's stomach churned at your words. "Have a private conversation" sounded like you were about to have a serious discussion. He wasn't expecting you to receive him as if nothing happened, as if he hadn't broken your heart. He was surprised and relieved when you hugged him upon seeing him, but he thought it might have been just a quick reaction, an impulsive action prompted by the heat of the moment.

Silvia's eyebrows raised in surprise, but she nodded understandingly. "Of course, hermanita. We'll see you both at home then."

With a collective agreement, your family bid you and Javier farewell, dispersing toward the church's parking lot with chatter and laughter trailing behind them. You turned to Javier, a mixture of anticipation and nerves swirling in your chest, ready to finally have the private conversation you'd been yearning for.

"So, shall we take a taxi?" you said finally.

"Actually, I brought my truck," he said, pointing at the park across the street, where you saw a red 90s Chevrolet Silverado.

"You drove all the way here?" The thought of him driving three hours, crossing the border, just to see you stirred a whirlwind of emotions within you. It was both overwhelming and heartwarming to know that he had gone to such lengths to be with you.

"Of course, from Laredo" he confessed.

As you walked across the street towards his truck, the atmosphere between you felt familiar, bringing back a flood of memories. Javier unlocked the truck and held the door open for you, as you settled into the passenger seat, the scent of his cologne enveloped you, filling you with a sense of comfort.

Once you were there, feeling overwhelmed by his return, after everything you had been throgh being away from him, thinking he was even in jail. It was too much, you barely could process it... You finally broke, as soon as Javi closed the drivers door, you started crying.

Javier's heart ached as he watched you cry, his own emotions swirling inside him like a tempest. He reached out tentatively, his hand hovering over yours, unsure if he should offer comfort or give you space.

He called your sweet name in a way only he could. You felt shivers just hearing it, reminding you of the power he had over you.

You turned to him, tears streaming down your cheeks, your eyes filled with a mixture of sadness, relief, and confusion. "Why, Javi?" you whispered, your voice trembling with emotion. "Why did you leave me?"

Javier's heart clenched at the pain in your voice, the anguish etched into your features. He took a deep breath, steeling himself to face the truth, to lay bare his soul before you.

"I thought I was doing the right thing for you," he began, his voice barely above a whisper. "I was trying to protect you."

You wanted to ask again "why?" but you knew it was unnecessary because you understood why. He was trying to shield you from becoming attached to a convict, a man who was not physically free. It had taken you a long time to grasp the magnitude of the situation and his sacrifice. Javier Peña wasn't a selfish man.

"It's important to me for you to understand that at that moment everything seemed to be against me," he continued, his eyes staring at you with longing and desperation, as he feared you wouldn't want to hear him or wouldn't believe him. "Don Berna betrayed me and forced Judy Moncada to leave Colombia and spill everything about the DEA agent who was foolish enough to trust them. I was told that I had committed a federal crime by getting involved with Los Pepes."

For a moment, the gravity of his words left you speechless, grappling with the enormity of what he had endured. You knew firsthand the dangers and complexities of his work, but hearing the details of his ordeal sent a chill down your spine.

"I had to make a choice," Javier continued, his voice tinged with regret. "I couldn't risk your safety, not when everything was falling apart around me. I thought I was doing what was best for you, even if it meant sacrificing my own happiness."

New tears welled up in your eyes as you reached out to him, your hand trembling as it touched his. In that moment, words seemed inadequate to express the depth of your emotions, the overwhelming rush of love and forgiveness that flooded your heart.

"I missed you," you confessed, your voice barely contained. "I was devastated. Not only for how things between us ended, but for thinking about what would happen to you..."

Javier's gaze softened as he listened to your heartfelt words. He reached out, gently brushing away your tears with his thumb, his touch sending a wave of warmth through you.

"I missed you too, every moment," he admitted, his voice filled with raw emotion. "Not a day went by when I didn't think about you. Te amo."

"Javi?" you spoke softly, wiping your tears and turning your body to fully face him.

"Yes, bonita?" he said, and your stomach fluttered with thousands of butterflies that had been sleeping, waiting to hear that word he used to call you. Bonita, you'll always be his bonita.

"Kiss me already," you whispered, the words escaping your lips before you could hold them back.

With a tender smile, Javier leaned closer, his gaze softening as he brushed a stray tear from your cheek. The air between you crackled with anticipation, the weight of months apart dissipating with each heartbeat.

As his lips met yours, a surge of warmth washed over you, igniting a fire that had been smoldering deep within. You let out a shaky moan when his tongue met yours, sending electricity to your core.

Javi growled at your reaction. He was so needed of your touch, your kisses; that skin-to-skin sensation he sink in when he made love with you. Cause even during the darkest moments when he feared he might spend the rest of his life behind bars, he couldn't bring himself to be with anyone else. He was yours, in body and spirit.

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You and Javi were hungry and had so much to talk about. So you guided him through the city, searching for somewhere quiet to eat and converse. As he sat across from you at the table, perusing the menu, you still couldn't believe he was actually there—free and as handsome as ever. It felt like years had passed since Bogotá, the last time you saw him. Or maybe you suddenly died, your heart finally giving up missing him, and that was heaven.

Javi finally looked up from the menu, his gaze meeting yours. "Everything okay, sweetheart?" he asked, concern evident in his eyes as his broad hand reached across the table to touch yours.

"No... I mean, yes!" you said, your voice trailing off. "It's just... I'm so, so happy you're here, but I still can't process what happened."

Javi smiled, his eyes reflecting a mixture of tenderness and longing. "I promise, mi vida, I'll never leave you again," he vowed, his words a silent promise to cherish and protect you for as long as he lived.

The waiter approached, and you both placed your orders. After she left, you spoke again. "How did you find me?" you asked with genuine curiosity.

Monterrey was a sprawling metropolis, and in the '90s world, finding something or someone without an address or a phone number was no small feat.

Javier leaned forward, his expression radiating warmth. "It wasn't easy, but I remembered when you told me about going to church every Sunday with your family," he began, his voice low and intimate. "I recalled the name of the church and the municipality, so as soon as I arrived in the city, I searched for it. It took me all day yesterday, but I managed to get a lead, and it paid off. I found the right one."

You nodded, deeply impressed by his determination and resourcefulness. He was a proper DEA agent who spent years looking for and taking down sicarios. Of course, he was going to find his girlfriend on the first try. It was very sweet how he would do anything just to be with you, though, to have you back.

"I was fuckin' terrified that you were angry with me for leaving you like that," he continued, his voice tinged with regret. "Or worse, that you may have someone else already."

You looked at Javier, sensing the vulnerability in his eyes, and felt a pang of empathy. The thought of him fearing your anger or the possibility of you being with someone else touched you deeply.

"Javi, I could never be angry with you for trying to protect me," you said softly. "I was angry and devastated at first, I'm not gonna lie," you confessed, your chest aching with memories of those endless nights of overthinking and tears. "But it wasn't directed towards you, but towards life. I couldn't accept the decision you had to make, but with time, I came to understand that you only wished the best for me, and it was very sweet and unselfish."

You reached your delicate hand across the table to grasp his. "And as for someone else, there's never been anyone else for me. It's always been you."

His eyes softened, relief flooding his features as he squeezed your hand gently. "You're the only one for me, too, bonita. You're the best thing that could ever happen to this son of a bitch."

You leaned forward to kiss his lips. The familiarity of his touch was overwhelming and comforting at the same time.

When the meal was over and both of you were back in his truck, you asked him where he was staying.

Javier glanced at you, his expression thoughtful as he considered your question. He mentioned a hotel downtown, and you recognized it from what you had heard.

"You can stay a couple of days. I want to show you the city and introduce you properly to my family, if you don't mind," you proposed.

"Me encantaría pasar todo el tiempo del mundo contigo, mi vida preciosa," he said, and you flushed at the sweet nickname. "Actually, I was thinking about moving to a hotel closer to your house."

"That won't be necessary. You can stay with me," you offered without hesitation, feeling a rush of warmth at the idea of having him close again. "I'm living with my abuelo y mi mamá."

"I don't want to be a bother," he began, but you took his hand gently and looked into his puppy eyes.

"You're family now, and family never bothers," you assured him. "My abuelo has a spacious house, and you can stay in the guest bedroom. You know, we can sleep together..."

"That's okay, baby. I understand," he agreed, leaning over to place a kiss on your lips. "So, where do you want to go now? Wanna go home?" he asked, turning on the gear.

"Actually," you began, your cheeks burning and your heart pounding with anticipation, "I was thinking that we could go to your hotel."

With a mischievous grin, Javier glanced at you, his eyes alight with excitement. "Can we?" he asked, his voice filled with playful anticipation.

You smiled shyly, nodding as your cheeks turned cherry red. "Unless you want to spend the evening elsewhere."

Javier's eyes sparkled with amusement as he caught your playful tone. "Oh, I'm perfectly content to spend the evening wherever you desire," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of mischief.

You chuckled softly, feeling a rush of excitement tinged with nervousness.

"Be careful what you wish for, baby," he added, his voice filled with longing. "I've missed you so damn much."

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The hotel room was nice, elegant and spacious. But of course you didn't noticed that at first, as you were very busy devouring Javi's mouth. He guided you towards the bed, hands squeezing the soft flesh of your hips; yours cupping his head.

"I love you," he muttered against your mouth, pausing briefly as you unbuttoned his shirt. "You don't have any idea how much I needed you. I couldn't breathe..."

His voice wavered with emotion, and you couldn't help but notice the vulnerability in his tone. Your fingers brushed against his lips, a silent gesture of reassurance. You still had a lot of questions, things that you would like to know, but you were sure that you had a lot of time to do it. For example, when his next move was to get rid of his shirt and you saw the scar on his side, where you knew he had been shot. Your fingers traced the damaged skin, your throat constricting at the sight of him being hurt, where he could have lost his life...

In that moment, you didn't want to cry anymore, to regret things that, fortunately, were in the past now.

"I'm here," your voice was barely a whisper, but he was close enough to hear every word. "I'm not going anywhere."

Javi nodded in agreement, leaning in to meet your lips once again. His skilled fingers unzipped the back of your dress, sending shivers all over your body as his fingertips met your skin. The light fabric pooled around your feet, his gaze darkening as it roamed over your body with desire.

His hands captured your waist, caressing the skin of your ribs and hips. His touch felt desperate, yet gentle. His fingers traced the exposed, soft skin at the edge of your bra, then smoothly moved to unclasp it, freeing the lace that covered your breasts.

You were hypnotized by the waves of heat emanating from both your naked torsos. Restless to relive that skin-to-skin sensation you longed for so much.

"God, how I missed your body," he whispered, almost unconsciously, as he devoured you with his eyes.

Your cheeks flushed even more, a shy smile appearing on your lips. "And I missed your touch, Javi," you confessed back.

With a mischievous grin, Javier glanced at you, his eyes alight with excitement. "Did you?," his voice filled with playfulness. "Did you touch yourself when you missed me?" He wanted to know. You nodded, an innocent gesture that made his cock throb on his pants. "C'mere. Show me," he ordered, leading you to the bed, where he had you lie back in the center.

Javi knelt in front of you, between your legs, your core aching with anticipation. "C'mon, take your panties off," he ordered, and you gladly obeyed.

Pushing your hips up, you grasped the edges of your panties with your fingers and began to slide the garment down your legs.

He couldn't help but hiss when he saw the glistening between your folds, where your honey pooled for him. "Touch yourself, baby, just like how you did when you were thinking of me," he whispered.

You traced a path on your skin, from the place above your belly button, down your body until your delicate middle finger met your slick. Javier was mesmerized as he watched you move up and down along your pussy, taking extra care every time you reached your clit, causing little whimpers to escape from your lips.

Suddenly, Javi felt his pants getting tighter; it was almost painful not to free himself. His hands went to his belt, and he started working on it. "Keep going," he encouraged you, as your eyes followed the glorious path of pubic hair that preceded his cock. You bit your lip, intensifying the movements on your pussy, the sound of your wetness filling the room.

"Don't be shy," he said, his voice thick with lust. "That little pussy looks so good."

You took his word and inserted one finger into your warm body. His breath quivered at the sight; he couldn't contain himself anymore.

"How does it feel?" he asked, as he took his hardened cock out of his briefs. You whimpered at the sight, your walls clenching, as if they were screaming to be stretched by its length. Javi took himself in hand and started jerking off to satisfy his own itch.

"G-good," you mumbled. It was true, but you knew it was nothing compared to the feeling of his cock inside you. So you added a second finger to try to calm your urgency, the gushing sounds surrounding you as you moved your fingers in and out of your pussy. But it wasn't enough. You wanted him.

"Javi..." you murmured.

"Tell me, bonita," he responded, his voice filled with anticipation. "Tell me what you want."

"I want you," you said, without stopping your movements.

"You want me? You want this?" he teased, showing off his cock right in front of you. A pearl of precum glistened on its tip, veins pulsating along its length. Your mouth watered at the sight. "C'mon, take it. It's yours."

He didn't have to tell you twice. You stopped what you were doing and knelt on the mattress to press your body against his. Your hand went directly to his cock, eliciting a growl from his chest.

Javi's cock fit perfectly in your tiny hand as you moved it up and down while kissing him passionately.

You let your body fall over his, and he didn't hesitate to allow himself to be placed underneath you. Your lips then moved to his neck, traveling down to his chest, his stomach... When he realized you were actually going south, he took your chin and made you look at him.

"That's not necessary..." he clarify. He wasn't expecting that.

"I want to," you insisted.

Without another word, you positioned yourself right over his cock, taking it in your hand and placing a kiss on its tip. "Fuck..." he reacted.

You were unsure what to do, as it was the first time you'd done it. You only wanted to make him feel good.

So you tried licking its head, the salty taste on your tongue making your pussy clench around nothing. Then, you attempted to take the head into your warm mouth. You had to open your mouth wider than you expected, your hand gently placed on its base. It was too big, hard, and too long.

You bobbed your head at a constant rhythm, encouraged by the moans and hisses he began to let out. Javi's hand went to your hair, gathering it into a ponytail, both to let you work easily and to clear his view. "Good job, baby," he praised.

When you tried to go further, its head at the back of your throat made you gag, so you had to take a breath. "Take it easy," he said reassuringly as he tucked a stray strand of your hair behind your ear. "You're doin' amazing."

You went back to it, but this time a little lower. "Holy shhh..." he growled, feeling the wetness and warmth of your tongue licking his balls. They tasted salty, heavy on your lips. You closed your hand around his length, moving it up and down to please him. Slurping noises filled the room, amplifying the intensity. "You look so pretty taking my cock like that baby."

You alternated between using your mouth and your hand on his cock and his balls, growing more confident with each movement, trying to take him deeper as you could. Your mouth felt like heaven for him, but he needed to stop. He wanted to fuck to you properly instead of just cum on your tongue. There would be another chance for that.

After a moment, Javi sat on the bed and gestured for you to do the same. You could barely catch your breath before his mouth captured yours, his arm around your waist. You knelt in front of him, providing easy access to your breasts, and he didn't miss the opportunity, capturing one of your nipples into his mouth. You threw your head back, moaning at the sensation, your fingers tangled in his hair.

He worshipped your body, squeezing your hips and back, massaging your ass with his broad hands. Then his fingers found your soaked pussy, taking advantage of how wet you were as he introduced one of them inside you. You whimpered, moving your hips over his hand, desperate to quell the need for him. He added a second thick finger, stretching you so damn good. They slipped in and out without effort, and Javi could feel your slick running down the bare palm of his hand.

Javi licked the sensitive skin of your nipple before shifting to your other breast. He sucked and played with the tip of his tongue on the nipple, just like he did when he played with your clit, like a starved man.

"Javi..." you whimpered.

Once he was satisfied with how wet you were, he guided his cock to your entrance as you instinctively lowered your hips. Both of you moaned as he made his way inside you, stretching your walls. The sensation was painfully familiar for both of you, the feeling of being connected in an intimate, raw way. It was as if you were born for each other, like you belonged together beyond the physical realm.

He didn't waste any time, going straight to help you move over him. Once you understood the assignment, your hips started working almost on their own. "That's it, bonita, give it to me."

You could feel him very deep inside you, his tip brushing against the entrance of your cervix, his balls thrusting against you every time you went down. 

Your arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer to kiss him, engaging in a battle of tongues and a tangle of legs.

"Your cock feels amazing, mi amor, la extrañé mucho," you whispered in his ear before you bite his earlobe.

"That's why you wanted to suck my cock?" he asked, his fingers gripping tighter on your hips, urging you to move faster. "My fuckin' dirty girl, so right for me..."

"Wanna see how dirty I can get?" placing your hands on his chest, you pushed him back so he could lie down again.

He was pleased with the view. The curves of your body, every roll, every pore, every freckle, every stretch mark. You were so sexy and gorgeous.

He tried to reach for your body, but you took his wrists and placed them over his head. You started moving your hips: up and down, front and back. At first, it was slow, savoring every inch of his cock slipping inside you. Then, you moved faster, riding him as whimpers escaped from your mouth, joining the skin-to-skin sound of your bodies thrusting together. Your hands went to his chest for more balance as you rode him.

"That's it, baby. Don't stop...fuck..." he grunted, his hands on your ass to help you keep going.

You slowed down when your legs began to ache, leaning down to capture his lips. His broad, warm hands caressed your hair, trailing down to your shoulders and back until they reached your waist. With a swift, smooth movement, Javi turned you around. Before you could process it, your body was beneath his, and he penetrated you again. This time, the soft moan you made when you felt him inside was silenced by his mouth.

"I love you, bonita," he promised, moving his pelvis against yours.

With your hands cupping his head, little whimpers escaping your lips, you echoed the sentiment. "I love you so much, Javi."

His thrusts grew harder and faster, his arms bearing his weight to avoid crushing you. His growls and whimpers were music to your ears. Your lips caressed the soft skin of his neck, your hands roamed everywhere along his broad back. He was lost in you, shivers crossing his entire being every time he reached that deep spot inside you, eliciting cries of his name from your lips.

"You like that, bonita? Hm?" he breathed out, his voice captivated by his own pleasure. "Fuck, I love your pussy."

Your orgasm was so close, he could tell by the way your walls clenched around his length, and the rivers of your nectar emanating from your cunt. You tried to warn him, but you could only mumble as your body shuddered beneath him. "I know, baby... Fuck, I'm gonna cum too."

You felt how he was doubtful about his next move. He wanted you to come, of course, but he was so dangerously close to his own release that he needed to be careful not to come inside you. But you were so horny and lost on the pleasure that you knew you want his load dripping out your pussy.

So you tangled your legs around his torso, forcing him inside you. "I'm gonna cum..." he warned.

"It's okay... I want you to fill me up..." you moan.

"Yeah? That's what you want, honey?" He cooed, his lips placing soft, wet kissed on your jawline.

You nodded, "Ye-yes! Fuck, Javiii!" that's the only thing you could say, as his movements were almost erratic, hungrily against you.

"I'm gonna fuck a baby into you... What about that?" he grunted, the mere thought of it made the both of you shiver with pleasure.

"Yes! Oh my... Yes! I-wa.... I'm wanna have your baby, Javi," you mumbled, so lost on the moment that you couldn't even think about the weight of the words you spoke.

"I'm gonna cum so deep on you that you're gonna smell like me for days, baby."

Those were the words that made you finally lost it. Your entire body seemed to implode for a moment before it exploded on a devastating orgasm. Throwing your head back against the mattress, your nails digging on the muscles of his arms and toes curling as your squirted on his cock. A silent scream of pleasure took the shape of Javi's name.

With one last final thrust, Javier followed you reaching his release between deep-voice whimpers and grunts of your name over and over again. You felt his warm load filling up, mixing with your slick, making you clenched even more, milking him so damn good.

As he felt himself softening, he pulled out and lay beside you as both of you tried to catch your breath again. Finally, Javi wrapped his arms around you, pulling you close to his chest, the warmth of his body comforting against your skin. You lay there together in silence, the only sounds filling the room were the rhythmic beating of your hearts and the soft exhales as you both recovered from the intensity of your lovemaking.

After a while, Javier felt your body shake a bit, and it wasn't long before he heard you sniffing. Were you crying? He tried to see your face, but you hid from him with your face against his chest. It was evident that you were crying. He felt a pang in his chest, concern washing over his face as he tried to make you look up at him.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice charged with worry and guilt. "Did I hurt you?"

"No, no," you rushed to say, wiping your tears with your fingers as his brushed your hair and placed it behind your ear. "You didn't do anything. I'm just so happy."

Javier's expression softened as he pulled you closer, wrapping his arms around you protectively. "I'm here, mi amor," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. "I'm not leaving you ever again."

You melted into his embrace, feeling safe and loved in his arms, the bliss of your orgasms still lingering on your bodies. After a moment of silence, he spoke again, his fingers gently tracing circles on your back. "I really meant it."

Struggling not to fall asleep, since you still had to return to your grandfather's house, you asked, "What?" Your voice was soft, barely audible above the hushed rhythm of your breathing.

"I want to have babies with you." His words hung in the air, tinged with both sincerity and excitement.

You flushed, a warmth spreading across your cheeks as you processed his declaration. Your heart started to beat faster, and you didn’t even think he was completely serious yet.

"Well, we have to get married first, then," you replied, a hint of playfulness in your tone.

"I know,” he added, determination on his tone, “I'm going to ask your grandfather for your hand tomorrow." His eyes meeting yours with unwavering resolve.

"Are you serious?" Your voice was tinged with surprise, a mixture of disbelief and anticipation.

Javier nodded, his gaze softening as he tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear. "Absolutely serious," he affirmed, his tone earnest. "¿Quieres casarte conmigo?”

Your heart fluttered at his words, a rush of emotions welling up inside you. New tears of joy fell down your cheeks as you nodded repeatedly. "¡Sí! Sí quiero, Javi. Quiero casarme contigo," you admitted, a smile tugging at the corners of your lips.

"Then it's settled," he declared, pressing a tender kiss to your forehead, pulling you closer to him again. "Tomorrow, I'll talk to your grandfather, and soon after, we'll start planning our wedding."

You nestled closer to him, feeling a sense of contentment wash over you. You still couldn’t believe what was happening in that moment. Just that morning, your heart ached with his absence, and you couldn't imagine seeing him ever again. If someone had told you that same afternoon you would be in his arms again, making love with him, and practically engaged, you wouldn't have believed it. You would have thought it was a cruel joke. And yet, there he was with you, vowing to share a life together.

NEXT CHAPTER

[thoughtlessarse]

Baltimore garbage collection worker Ronald Silver II died last Friday while working under extremely unsafe heat conditions. The mid-Atlantic region of the United States has been suffering through a series of intense heat waves throughout the summer. The Friday that Silver died, the city of Baltimore had been placed under a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert as temperatures reached 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Sharp pains plagued Silver throughout the day. The route through Barclay neighborhood where he worked often required that he work without air conditioning, water, nor breaks. Department of Public Works (DPW) management ignored concerns and pleas related to the heat, a practice that some in the workforce had become dangerously used to. One of Silver’s coworkers was quoted as saying, “he thought he was just being lazy and didn’t want to work.” Late in the afternoon, Silver, now in a heat-induced sickness, knocked on the nearest home, asking for some water. Gabrielle Avendano gave him some and doused him with it to shake him out of his symptoms. Silver then collapsed and stopped breathing, prompting Avendano to administer first aid and call 911. Silver would be rushed to the nearest hospital and was pronounced dead, the result of “overheating of the body.” According to news reports, Avendano had believed Silver’s coworker was calling 911 to seek help for the distressed man. The Banner notes that Avendano and another neighbor who had witnessed the incident “observed Silver’s coworker in the truck on his phone. They claim to have learned afterwards the coworker was talking to a DPW supervisor and not emergency services, like they assumed.” -Avendano decried the failure of DPW to save this man’s life: “I’m shocked and so sad that he died because I think it could have been prevented if they had just called 911 sooner in the day. He had been complaining for most of the day about the pain that he was in, and nobody called for help except for me.” The Democratic mayor of the city Brandon Scott and DPW immediately went into damage control, giving phony “heartfelt” condolences which scrupulously avoided any assignment of blame to the city and management. “Our hearts are first and foremost with him, his family and loved ones, and his DPW colleagues as we grapple with this loss,” the city declared in a joint statement of the mayor’s office and sanitation department. In fact, a report last month by the city Inspector General singled out the Cherry Hill location where Silver worked out of as an egregious offender of worker heat safety. A July 10 detailed inhospitable working conditions ranging from “broken air conditioning, inoperable water fountains and nonfunctional ice machines…[which] violate federal laws around safe work conditions, specifically one that requires employers to provide potable drinking water to workers.” 

continue reading

[bullet-prooflove]

3 Times Sabatino Thought About Proposing and the 1 Time He Did - Part Three: Love Language - Vostanik Sabatino x Reader (feat: Marty Deeks)

Tagging: @kmc1989 @words-and-seeds @novamariestark

After the debacle with Sassy, Sabatino decides to take a different course of action. A rooftop proposal would have been spectacular he thinks but you’re not a flashy person. You don’t need fireworks and expensive shit. You tend to treasure the more private moments between the two of you. So he decides to go intimate.

It’s been a minute since he’s made a proper meal, he doesn’t get to do it was often as he'd like. He remembers the last time, music on in the kitchen as you sat on the work surface, sipping from a glass of rose. He’d been telling you about his father, how he could never say ‘I love you’, but he always expressed it through cooking. You could feel the love that went into every meal.

“Acts of service.” You had said as he’d slotted between your legs, his palms coming to rest upon your thighs, his thumbs chasing up the inner seam of your leggings. “That was your dad’s love language.”

“What’s mine?” He had asked you, and you’d smiled then, your fingertips tracing over the space on his chest where that scar resides underneath his clothes.

“The same.” You tell him quietly.

He had kissed you then, his thumb tracing over your jaw because he’s learned from his father’s mistakes, he shows his love, his affection, he tells you how he feels.

It’s Deeks that helps him plan it out. The two of them are in the truck again, chasing down a lead on a drugs smuggler. Your cases seem to converge more often than not these days now that he’s stateside and he doesn’t have a problem with that. They discuss your favourite meals, the perfect dessert. He opts for Risotto with cheesecake stuffed strawberries for dessert because you’d seen them in a magazine last week and wanted to try them.

“You need wine, candles, roses…” Deeks tells him, listing off the supplies.

“Daisies.” Sabatino corrects, the edges of his mouth tipping up into a smile. “She loves daisies. You sure you can keep her busy while I set up?”

“I’ve got Kensi all over it.” Deeks reassures him before he claps his hands together. “It looks like we have a plan.” 

It goes to hell thirty minutes later because that drug smuggler they’ve been keeping an eye on decides to rabbit. He’s a skinny meth head but he knows how to haul ass, Sabatino chases him for three blocks before he corners him in an alley way trying to bolt over a wall using trash bags to bolster his height.

When he lays hands on the guy he’s rewarded with a kick to a face. His head reels back, stunning him for a second before his adrenaline surges and he tears him off the wall. The thing about the meth head, he’s a scrappy fuck. He punches, he flails, he bites. Sabatino takes a couple of blows before he manages to subdue him.

By the time Deeks turns up, his face is throbbing, and his nose is bleeding. He stinks from grappling in the trash, and he’s covered in God knows what. It’s only after he puts their prisoner in the backseat of the truck that he realises his pocket is torn.

“It’s gone.” He says as he meets Deek’s gaze. “The ring, it’s gone.”

They have Fatima swing by to pick up the perp while him and Deeks search through the garbage. It takes them two hours to locate it. When Deeks holds it up between his fingers the relief that Sabatino feels is palpable. It’s not the monetary value that bothers him, it’s the sentimental.

That ring kept him going through the six months you were apart, when he couldn’t see you, couldn’t contact you. It reminded him why he was doing what he was doing, how important it was to him. He can’t express how much it means to him to have it back in his possession, but he knows that Deeks sees it in his features when he hands the ring back to him.

He spends almost an hour in the shower back at the Boatshed trying to wash the stench from his body with the lemon shower gel that resides in there. He ends up using the entire bottle. When he steps out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his hips, Deeks is already in the tiny kitchenette scrubbing at the engagement ring in the sink.

“Good as new.” He says showing him the ring and it gleams in the light. “I also brought your go-bag in from the car, I thought you may want a change of clothes.”

Deek’s gaze strays to the scar on his chest, the one from Afghanistan. It’s a messy blotch on his skin, there’s others but that’s the most predominant. It resides in the space just above his heart. A stark reminder of Sabatino’s love for you.

“You knew even then huh?” Deeks says.

“Yea.” Sabatino says as he looks down at the scar. “Even then.”

***

It’s late by the time Sabatino gets in, too late to put his plan into action and truthfully, he’s tired. He’s muscles are aching; his face is throbbing, and his mood is low because this proposal thing, he just keeps fucking it up. He’s starting to think maybe it’s not meant to happen.

When he steps inside the scent of food assaults him and in his head that’s another thing he’s failed at because he was supposed to be taking care of you tonight, not the other way around.

“Chicken and stuffing casserole.” You tell him as he hangs his coat up on the hook. “It’ll be done in thirty.”

It’s one of his favourites, something you usually make when you know he’s had a bad day. You wince when you see his face, the bruising is already to flourish across the hollow of his left eye, blossoming across his cheek bone. You open up the freezer, removing an ice pack before wrapping it carefully in a towel and handing it to him. He clasps it to his face and the relief feels almost instant. He sighs, leaning back against the counter as you dig out the painkillers and fill a glass with water.

“Take two of these.” You instruct. He obeys, popping the tablets into his mouth before taking a sip and washing them down.

He’s down tonight, you can see it. He’s trying to hide it, but his smile doesn’t quite meet his eyes. There’s a weariness inside of him that you think has nothing to do with the case. He reaches for you, his arms wrapping around your body as he draws you close. He buries his face into the curve of your throat, breathing in the scent of fresh laundry and you.

“I just need a minute.” He whispers against your skin. “Just a minute.”

“I’ll take care of you tonight.” You murmur, your thumb chasing over the nape of his neck. “Whatever you need I’m here.”

He falls asleep with his head in your lap after dinner, your fingers combing lightly through his hair as the two of you watch the Sasquatch Files. It’s one of his favourite shows, something that always relaxes him. You’re not sure what’s happened today, he doesn’t want to talk about it and that’s ok. You just need him to know that you’re here when he’s ready and there’s not a thing on earth that will ever change that.

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[mightyflamethrower]

Rivian Automotive, a market leader in producing electric pickup trucks, has struggled with producing electric vehicles (EVs) that can accomplish tasks their gasoline engine counterparts handle with ease. A new report from the Wall Street Journal shows the company also struggles with profitability. The company reportedly loses an average of $33,000 for every truck it sells.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Rivian Automotive has positioned itself as a trailblazer in the electric vehicle sector, aiming to deliver an unparalleled driving experience by combining sports-car handling, advanced features, and robust design in its pick up trucks and other models. But not everything is working out according to the company’s plans.

Workers assembly components of a Rivian R1T electric vehicle (EV) pickup truck at the company’s manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, US., on Monday, April 11, 2022. Rivian Automotive Inc. produced 2,553 vehicles in the first quarter as the maker of plug-in trucks contended with a snarled supply chain and pandemic challenges. Photographer: Jamie Kelter Davis/Bloomberg

Rivian’s vehicles, with an average selling price exceeding $80,000, have not resulted in profits. In fact, the company suffered a loss of $33,000 on every vehicle sold in the second quarter. The financial strain is evident, but Rivian Founder and Chief Executive RJ Scaringe claims, “We’re competing to build something that’s truly better than all the alternatives, and to try to do that on a limited budget would be detrimental to us achieving our mission.”

Rivian’s journey has been marked by a juxtaposition of financial success and operational struggles. The company made a splash in the market with its IPO in 2021, raising nearly $12 billion and momentarily achieving a valuation surpassing some established automakers. However, the operational side painted a different picture. Rivian grappled with manufacturing troubles, burning through half of its $18 billion cash pile in two years and operating at less than one-third of its build capacity. The company’s ambitious launch of three models in quick succession further complicated the production dynamics.

Breitbart News previously reported on the poor performance of Rivian’s electric pickups in the real world. In one case, an owner’s “honeymoon phase” ended when his truck got stuck in the snow:

In an interview with Insider, Merrill explains that he was initially overjoyed with his new R1S, saying: “I was in a honeymoon phase. It’s an incredible car, and it handles unlike anything I’ve ever driven.” However, when the car got stuck in 2.5 feet of snow, his love affair with the truck promptly ended. Merrill commented on his expectations, stating: “I had seen all the Rivian marketing campaigns with the cars just eating through the snow, so it was kind of like, man, this is disappointing.” When the Rivian truck became stuck in the snow, a safety feature immobilized the vehicle. The vehicle displayed a critical error and indicated it would have to be taken to a service center. Merrill later suggested that a straightforward reset might have fixed the problem, but Rivian’s customer service did not mention that option during his initial call.

Recently, CEO RJ Scaringe made comments mocking the purchase of gasoline vehicles, seemingly forgetting the problems his electric pickups are constantly running into.

As Breitbart News reported:

Electrek reports that Rivian CEO, RJ Scaringe, recently compared the purchase of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to “building a horse barn in 1910.” Rivian exceeded market expectations by delivering 12,640 EVs in the second quarter of this year. The company is on track to meet its annual production guidance of 50,000 vehicles. “The performance and drivability of an EV makes it so much more desirable than an alternative,” Scaringe said. He added, “Buying a non-EV just feels very old,” adding that while the environmental responsibility is a factor, he also feels that regular ICE cars are boring.

[mariacallous]

Countries have spent decades building critical infrastructure that is now buckling under extreme heat, wildfires, and floods, laying bare just how unprepared the world’s energy and transportation systems are to withstand the volatility of climate change.

These vulnerabilities have been on full display in recent weeks as record-breaking temperatures broil the world, straining power grids, threatening water supplies, and warping roads. July was the hottest month ever recorded—according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service—with intense heat searing Europe, North Africa, Antarctica, and South America, where it is currently winter. Even the world’s oceans haven’t been spared, with all-time high surface temperatures in the Mediterranean and North Atlantic decimating coral reef systems and threatening marine life.

If regions aren’t being scorched, there’s a good chance that they are underwater. China was drenched by its heaviest downpours in 140 years, which triggered massive floods that killed dozens of people and destroyed crop fields. In Slovenia and Canada, surging floodwaters have battered communities and submerged villages; glacial flooding in Alaska has carried entire homes away. Cities in Spain have been flooded worse than Noah and his brood, while southern Sweden is grappling with its heaviest rains in more than 160 years.

“It’s just an unbelievable summer,” said Peter Gleick, a climate scientist and senior fellow at the Pacific Institute. “It’s the kind of extreme weather that we climate scientists have been warning about for decades—it just now seems to be happening everywhere, all at once.”

Climate change, driven by human activity, makes extreme heat and precipitation more frequent and intense—fueling the floods, heat waves, and wildfires that have been wreaking havoc around the world. The fallout has spotlighted how the infrastructure systems underpinning global development weren’t constructed to withstand this increasingly extreme climate reality, and what investment has been carried out has been less than helpful.

China’s massive Belt and Road infrastructure plan has built more coal plants across Eurasia, among other things. Germany shuttered its nuclear power stations, not its coal plants. Florida actually banned state officials from investing public money in green endeavors. The Biden administration’s big clean-energy package angered allies and sparked concerns of a trade war. Meanwhile, Ford sold an F-series pickup truck every minute of last year.

“We have entire cities and transportation hubs that were all built for climate that no longer exists,” said Katharine Hayhoe, the Chief Scientist at the Nature Conservancy. “That’s why we’re seeing terrible things happen.”

China’s most recent bout of flooding, for example, exposed key gaps in its drainage infrastructure. Across Europe, where home air-conditioning units aren’t the norm, extreme heat has throttled communities, strained power grids, and sparked government health warnings—particularly after the continent’s heat wave last year killed an estimated 61,000 people. In Phoenix, Arizona, one flight was canceled because the plane’s internal temperature became unbearably hot, prompting three passengers to faint from heat exhaustion.

Yet even as these threats become more pronounced, experts say countries are still struggling to turn away from fossil fuels and build resilience into their infrastructure systems. In March, an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report warned that the world was on track to barrel past a key threshold in the next decade—warming 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels—unless industrial governments rapidly cut greenhouse gas and CO2 emissions. “Changes in climate are coming more rapidly than expected,” Jim Skea, the head of the IPCC, said this month.

“The real challenge is that so far, we’re nowhere near addressing climate change with the seriousness that is required to really move the needle,” said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist at UCLA. “If we don’t actually do the hard work of deeply addressing this, then it will continue to get worse. We will see more years like this one, and then eventually years that are significantly worse than this one,” he added.

There are some bright spots: The Netherlands, for example, has spent the last few hundred years building dikes and is now spearheading efforts to build further resilience into its infrastructure amid rising sea levels. More than half of the country’s territory lies below sea level, and the Dutch government has worked to develop a robust water management scheme and implement novel flood control strategies.

“The Netherlands are incredibly vulnerable to sea level rise,” Hayhoe said. “Their water plan is very advanced because they understand the threat, and they’re taking action to ensure that as sea level rises, that they will still have their infrastructure, their homes, places to live, places to grow food.”

Like the Dutch, many governments are increasingly focusing on adapting their infrastructure systems, from incorporating climate modeling into water management to developing heat mitigation strategies. But unless countries take more concerted efforts to both slash carbon emissions and ramp up adaptation measures, experts warn that more suffering lies ahead.

Adaptation “efforts have not been anywhere near to the level to match the threat,” said Alice Hill, a former senior director for resilience policy under the Obama administration currently at the Council on Foreign Relations. “We just haven’t made the kind of necessary investments to protect ourselves and our communities from these extreme events—and with that kind of destruction comes a lot of grief, loss of life, and then economic loss.”

Part of the problem is that retrofitting decades-old infrastructure can come at a steep price. A 2013 study of the world’s 136 largest coastal cities, for instance, found that it would cost $350 million annually in each city to improve defenses against flooding fueled by climate change. While that number pales in comparison to the price of inaction—which by some estimates can run up to hundreds of billions or trillions of dollars—it can be a difficult economic and political tradeoff for many governments.

“We’re talking huge price tags, and we’re also talking something that has not been done systemically before,” Hayhoe said. “We’ve never had to cope with changes this fast in the entire history of human civilization, and so we’re asking people, cities, states, governments, organizations, businesses to do something they’ve never had to do before.”

Physical preparedness is also only one part of the adaptation equation, said Stéphane Hallegatte, a senior climate advisor at the World Bank who was one of the authors of the 2013 study. Beyond infrastructure, a robust response also means developing social systems to help vulnerable communities on the front lines of the climate crisis.

“Adaptation is not only infrastructure,” Hallegatte said. “Adaptation is also insurance, social protection systems—also helping people [have] access to financial tools to borrow when they’re affected.”

Hayhoe likened the urgency of combating climate change to a longtime smoker who needs to quit. Although they may have impaired breathing and spots on their lungs, she said, they are still alive—and every day matters.

“So when’s the best time to stop? As soon as possible. How much? As much as possible,” she said. “Why? Because the sooner we stop, the better off we will be.”

[emptyanddark]

"

Located west of Gaza City, Al-Rantisi Hospital for Children is the only health care facility in the Gaza Strip set up to give care to pediatric cancer patients. Currently, said Dr. Mustafa Al-Kahlot, the director of the hospital, there are 70 children registered as patients, along with their displaced families. 

Urgent action is required to facilitate the patients’ treatment abroad, Al-Kahlot said: Swift intervention will significantly enhance these children’s chances of recovery. Yet the necessary treatments remain beyond reach in the Gaza Strip.

The need has been acknowledged by outside authorities: the patients had secured medical referrals to leave for hospitals in Egypt before the outbreak of the war, but Israeli authorities are refusing to allow them to be transported out of the strip for treatment.

In an interview, Al-Kahlot painted a bleak picture of pediatric patients grappling with a severe lack of treatment options. Their fear is exacerbated by repeated attacks on the hospital’s vicinity, most recently a November 6 attack that struck the third floor. The damage was extensive, several were wounded, and four people were killed.

Things have gotten so dire that most hospitals that remain open are running short on basic supplies like cotton suture thread, said Dr. Marwan Al-Hams, director of Youssef Al-Najjar Hospital in the southern Gazan city of Rafah. Any small hospital, he said, would need these supplies for routine daily work.

It is exactly these types of shortages that have been at the center of what little international diplomacy has been undertaken on behalf of Palestinians in Gaza. U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration has boasted about getting Israel to let several aid trucks into Gaza at a time.

Asked about the medical aid that entered the Gaza Strip from the Rafah crossing with Egypt, Al-Hams sighed. “It is not enough for one day in a hospital,” he said. Half the aid that reached the Al-Najjar Hospital was burial bags, he said, and much of the second half was water bottles and other materials that don’t meet the hospital’s basic needs.  

“They just want to help us with burial and not medicine,” he said, “or what we need inside the operating rooms.”

"

[floridavisionmovers]

5 Common Myths About Hiring Residential Movers

Moving to a new home can be an overwhelming experience. Many homeowners grapple with the decision of whether to hire professional movers or handle the process themselves. Unfortunately, various myths surrounding residential movers can complicate this decision. At Vision Movers, a trusted moving company in Fort Lauderdale, we aim to debunk these misconceptions and provide clarity on the benefits of hiring local movers. Here are five common myths about hiring residential movers:

Myth 1: Hiring Movers is Too Expensive

One of the most prevalent myths is that hiring movers is prohibitively expensive. Many individuals believe that the cost of hiring a moving company will surpass the price of a DIY move. In reality, when you consider the costs associated with renting a truck, purchasing packing supplies, and the potential for damage to your belongings, hiring Fort Lauderdale movers can often be more economical. Professional movers provide transparent pricing, ensuring you know what to expect without hidden fees.

Myth 2: You Can’t Trust Movers with Your Belongings

Another misconception is that all movers are untrustworthy or lack professionalism. While it’s crucial to choose a reputable moving company, most professionals, including our team at Vision Movers, prioritize the safety of your belongings. We are fully licensed and insured, and our skilled staff is trained to handle your items with care. Reading reviews and checking references can help you find trustworthy movers near you.

Myth 3: Moving is a Simple Process Anyone Can Handle

Some people think that moving is just about loading boxes onto a truck and driving to a new location. However, the process involves much more than that, including careful planning, packing, and logistics. Hiring local movers ensures that you have a team of experts who understand the ins and outs of the moving process, allowing you to avoid common pitfalls and stressors. Professional movers can help streamline your move, making it efficient and hassle-free.

Myth 4: You Lose Control When Hiring Movers

Many believe that hiring movers means relinquishing control over their belongings. This couldn’t be further from the truth. When you hire a moving company in Fort Lauderdale like Vision Movers, you maintain complete control over the process. You can choose what to pack, how to pack it, and what items you want the movers to handle. We work closely with our clients to ensure their needs and preferences are met every step of the way.

Myth 5: All Movers are the Same

Not all moving companies offer the same level of service. Some may cut corners to save costs, while others prioritize customer satisfaction and professionalism. It's important to do your research and choose a reputable company. At Vision Movers, we pride ourselves on our exceptional service and dedication to our clients. Whether you need local movers or long-distance assistance, we have the expertise to meet your needs.

Conclusion

Understanding the realities of hiring residential movers can make your moving experience significantly smoother. By debunking these myths, we hope to encourage you to consider the benefits of working with a professional team. If you’re looking for reliable movers near you, Vision Movers is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist with your upcoming move!

[chrisstumps05]

I was Grinding a Stump, and this Happen

[purepapercutlery]

Pure Paper Cutlery: Your Trusted Paper Cutlery Supplier

In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, businesses and consumers alike are searching for eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products. Disposable cutlery is one such item where the shift from plastic to paper is gaining traction. Pure Paper Cutlery, a leading supplier in the market, is proud to offer a wide range of paper-based solutions, including Paper Cutlery Set and paper cutlery kits that are perfect for both personal and professional use.

Why Choose Paper Cutlery?

Paper cutlery is an environmentally responsible choice compared to traditional plastic alternatives. As the world grapples with the effects of plastic waste, more individuals and companies are choosing products that can minimize their environmental impact. Paper cutlery is:

Biodegradable: Unlike plastic cutlery, paper-based alternatives decompose naturally, reducing the burden on landfills and oceans.

Renewable: Made from responsibly sourced materials, paper cutlery comes from a renewable resource—trees—making it a sustainable choice.

Non-toxic: Paper cutlery is free from harmful chemicals that can leach into food and the environment, ensuring a safer dining experience.

Pure Paper Cutlery: A Leading Supplier

Pure Paper Cutlery has established itself as a trusted Paper Cutlery Supplier, offering high-quality, eco-friendly disposable cutlery for various industries and events. Whether you're hosting a corporate gathering, running a food business, or planning a large outdoor event, Pure Paper Cutlery has the right solutions for you.

Here’s what sets Pure Paper Cutlery apart:

Wide Product Range: We offer various types of paper cutlery, including forks, knives, spoons, and stirrers. Our paper cutlery sets come in convenient packs, ideal for large gatherings or on-the-go dining.

Customizable Kits: Our paper cutlery kits can be tailored to meet specific needs. Whether you want a basic set of a fork, knife, and spoon, or more comprehensive kits with napkins and straws, we have the flexibility to design kits that suit your event or business requirements.

Durability: One common misconception is that paper cutlery lacks the strength of plastic. However, at Pure Paper Cutlery, we pride ourselves on producing durable, high-quality cutlery that performs just as well as its plastic counterparts. Our paper cutlery is designed to handle both hot and cold foods without losing its strength or integrity.

Sustainable Dining Made Simple

At Pure Paper Cutlery, we believe that sustainability should never come at the cost of convenience. Our Disposable Cutlery is not only environmentally friendly but also easy to use and dispose of, making it perfect for large events, cafes, restaurants, and catering services. As consumers become more conscious of their environmental footprint, offering eco-friendly alternatives can set your business apart and show your commitment to sustainability.

By switching to paper cutlery sets, businesses can reduce their reliance on single-use plastics while still providing the convenience that customers expect. Whether it's for a food truck, takeaway service, or large-scale event, our paper cutlery solutions are designed to offer both functionality and sustainability.

Why Partner with Pure Paper Cutlery?

When choosing a paper cutlery supplier, it’s essential to partner with a company that understands both the product and the values behind it. At Pure Paper Cutlery, we focus on providing high-quality, eco-friendly products that meet the evolving needs of businesses and consumers. Here’s why we’re the right choice:

Commitment to Quality: We carefully select materials that are not only sustainable but also robust and reliable, ensuring a superior product that customers will appreciate.

Environmental Responsibility: We take pride in contributing to a greener future by offering products that reduce plastic waste and support eco-conscious businesses.

Exceptional Service: Our team is dedicated to providing excellent customer service, ensuring that your order is handled with care, precision, and on time.

Conclusion

Switching to Paper Cutlery Kit from Pure Paper Cutlery is a simple yet effective way to embrace sustainability while maintaining quality and convenience. As a leading supplier of disposable cutlery, we offer a broad range of solutions tailored to meet the demands of any event, business, or individual. Make the eco-conscious choice today by opting for our paper cutlery, and join us in the movement toward a greener, more sustainable future.

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[recentlyheardcom]

How the Truck Driver Shortage is Affecting CPG Brands

Author Zach Jones Published October 16, 2021 Word count 926 The truck driver shortage has been widely publicized lately as the domestic supply chain still grapples with the post-COVID fallout. As demand for freight services continues to mount, the supply side is having difficulty meeting the needs of shippers. This imbalance has left CPG brands feeling the pinch as more volume enters the…

[chrinopiqua]

The Dawn of the AI and Robotic Age: A Glimpse into Tomorrow

In the not-so-distant future, our world stands transformed by the relentless march of artificial intelligence and robotics. What was once the stuff of science fiction has become our everyday reality. Let's take a journey through this brave new world and explore how AI and robots have reshaped our society.

AI: The Silent Workforce Revolution

The integration of AI into our workplaces began subtly but quickly gained momentum. Initially, AI assistants were our helpful sidekicks, boosting productivity across industries:

Data analysts found patterns in vast datasets with AI's help

Routine tasks were automated, freeing up human creativity

AI-powered decision support systems guided strategy in boardrooms

But as AI capabilities grew, so did their role in the workforce. Gradually, AI systems began to take over entire job categories:

Autonomous vehicles replaced taxi and truck drivers

AI doctors provided medical diagnoses and treatment plans

Robotic systems staffed warehouses and factories

This shift caused significant economic disruption, but also opened doors to new opportunities. Many workers transitioned into AI training and oversight roles, while others found niches in creative fields and human-centered services that AI couldn't replicate.

The Rise of the Robots

As AI advanced, it found new homes in increasingly sophisticated robotic bodies. Our cities became testing grounds for this robotic revolution:

Delivery robots became a common sight, navigating streets to drop off packages and food orders

Law enforcement agencies deployed robotic police units for dangerous situations and routine patrols

Factories hummed with the efficiency of AI-powered robotic workers

The development of highly humanoid robots led to more controversial applications:

Wealthy individuals purchased lifelike robotic servants for household chores

Underground markets emerged for robots designed for illicit purposes

Navigating the New Normal

This AI and robotic revolution has transformed society in profound and sometimes unsettling ways. While the technology has brought many benefits, it has also raised challenging questions:

How do we redefine the nature of work in a world where robots can do many jobs?

What is the role of humans in a society increasingly run by AI?

Do advanced AI and robots deserve rights? If so, what kind?

As we continue to grapple with these questions, one thing is clear: our laws, economies, and social structures must evolve to keep pace with this new robotic reality.

The future is here, and it's powered by silicon and circuitry. How we choose to shape this future will define the next chapter of human history.

[shipwithjason]

LTL Trucking in Southern California: A Vital Link in Regional Supply Chains

Less-than-truckload (LTL) trucking plays a critical role in Southern California's bustling economy. Serving as the backbone for many industries, LTL trucking allows businesses to ship smaller quantities of goods without requiring a full truckload. This system benefits businesses of all sizes by offering flexible and cost-effective transportation solutions. Given Ltl Trucking Southern California position as a logistics hub, LTL trucking companies are an indispensable part of the region’s economy, facilitating efficient distribution across industries such as retail, manufacturing, and e-commerce.

The Demand for LTL Trucking in Southern California

Southern California is home to several key cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside, which serve as hubs for regional, national, and international trade. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, two of the busiest in the world, bring in vast quantities of goods that must be distributed throughout the U.S. LTL trucking plays a crucial role in ensuring that smaller shipments from these ports reach their final destinations on time.

Local manufacturers, e-commerce businesses, and retailers all benefit from LTL services, as they frequently ship goods that don’t fill a standard 53-foot trailer. By consolidating freight from multiple customers, LTL carriers optimize their load, reducing overall costs and lowering the carbon footprint of transportation. The rise of e-commerce has also contributed to the increasing demand for LTL trucking, as online retailers often need to move smaller parcels across shorter distances to meet consumer demand for quick delivery.

Key Advantages of LTL Trucking in Southern California

Cost-Effectiveness: Instead of paying for an entire truckload, businesses can share truck space with others, lowering transportation costs. LTL trucking allows for the transportation of smaller shipments without the financial burden of hiring a full truck for relatively fewer goods.

Efficient Transit Times: LTL trucking companies often maintain tight, scheduled routes, which results in consistent and predictable transit times. For Southern California’s fast-paced industries, this level of reliability is crucial in ensuring smooth supply chain operations.

Environmental Benefits: As the region grapples with pollution and sustainability concerns, LTL trucking presents an eco-friendly alternative. By combining shipments, fewer trucks are on the road, which means reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.

Flexibility and Scalability: One of the greatest advantages of LTL trucking is the ability to scale shipping needs. Whether a business is shipping just a few pallets or several, LTL trucking companies offer adaptable solutions that can meet varying demands without requiring a full truckload.

Technology and Innovation in LTL Trucking

Technology is transforming the LTL trucking industry, especially in Southern California, where companies are leveraging automation, GPS tracking, and real-time data analytics to enhance service efficiency. These innovations help businesses monitor the status of their shipments, optimize routes, and reduce operational costs. LTL carriers are also adopting sustainable practices by incorporating electric and hybrid trucks into their fleets, further supporting California's stringent environmental goals.

Challenges Facing the LTL Industry

Despite its many benefits, the LTL trucking industry faces challenges in Southern California Ftl Trucking Services. Congestion on the region’s highways, particularly around major ports, can delay transit times. Additionally, labor shortages in the trucking industry, combined with rising fuel costs, continue to pose obstacles for carriers. However, industry leaders are tackling these challenges by investing in technology, expanding terminal networks, and improving driver recruitment efforts.

 

LTL trucking is a vital component of Southern California’s logistics and transportation infrastructure. By offering a cost-effective, flexible, and sustainable solution, LTL carriers play a key role in keeping goods moving efficiently throughout the region. As the economy continues to grow and evolve, particularly with the rise of e-commerce and advanced manufacturing, the demand for LTL trucking services will only increase, making it an essential part of the region’s supply chain.

[immensetruckingsolutionsltd]

Trucking Trends for August 2024: Analyzing Capacity, Demand, and Employment Dynamics

As we delve into the trucking trends for August 2024, it’s essential to understand the intricate dynamics of capacity, demand, and employment that shape the logistics landscape. This month, the trucking industry is navigating through a complex interplay of factors affecting the country. By analyzing these trends, stakeholders can better prepare for the challenges and opportunities.

Capacity Challenges

The most pressing trucking trend for August 2024 is the ongoing capacity challenge. The trucking industry has faced irregular capacity levels due to various factors, including supply chain disruptions and the effects of economic fluctuations. While demand for freight transportation remains high, the availability of trucks and drivers has not kept pace, leading to capacity constraints.

Companies are now prioritizing efficient fleet management practices to optimize their existing resources. Technology such as telematics and fleet management software is becoming increasingly essential for monitoring vehicle performance and ensuring that trucks are effective.

Demand for Freight Services

Another critical aspect of the trucking trends for August 2024 is the sustained demand for freight services. E-commerce continues to thrive, driving the need for reliable transportation solutions. Businesses are seeking efficient ways to get their products to market, which has significant implications for the trucking sector.

Consumers expect quicker delivery times, prompting trucking companies to adapt their operations. To meet these demands, many are investing in technology that enhances route optimization and delivery tracking, providing they can provide timely services without sacrificing quality.

Employment Dynamics in the Trucking Industry

The employment landscape within the trucking industry is undergoing notable changes as well. With the demand for freight transportation rising, the need for qualified drivers has become more critical than ever. However, the industry continues to grapple with a driver shortage that has persisted for years. This shortage has increased competition among companies to attract and retain talent.

In August 2024, the focus on driver recruitment and retention strategies is more pronounced. Companies are implementing various initiatives, such as offering competitive salaries, benefits, and improved working conditions. Additionally, training programs aimed at onboarding new drivers are gaining traction, helping to fill vacancies and ensure that the workforce is prepared to meet industry demands.

The Impact of Technology on Employment

As technology continues to evolve, it plays an essential role in shaping employment dynamics in the trucking industry.

Automation and artificial intelligence in logistics operations are changing the skill sets required for drivers and other personnel. While some fear that automation may lead to job losses, others claim new opportunities by allowing drivers to focus on higher-value tasks, such as customer service and logistics planning.

Advanced technologies can enhance safety and efficiency, making the trucking life more appealing to potential drivers. Emphasizing the importance of technology in training programs can pave the way for a more skilled workforce ready to tackle the challenges of modern trucking.

Conclusion

The trucking trends for August 2024 highlight significant developments in capacity, demand, and employment dynamics within the industry. As companies navigate capacity challenges and adapt to the growing demand for freight services, they must also prioritize effective recruitment and retention strategies to address the driver shortage.

By leveraging technology and embracing innovative solutions, stakeholders can position themselves for success in an evolving marketplace. Understanding these trends will be crucial for anyone involved in the trucking industry, enabling them to make informed decisions that drive growth and efficiency. The future of trucking is bright, and with strategic planning and adaptability, they can thrive amidst the challenges ahead.