#Heated Food And Beverage Containers

[heatedit]

https://heatedit.com

heated it is a reviews website that specifically provides reviews and information about heated products that generate heat, such as heated blankets, heated jackets, heated socks, and other similar items. These products are used to warm people in cold weather.

On a heated products reviews site, users can find information on the different types of heated products available, their features, and how they work. They can also read reviews from other users who have purchased and used the products, which can help them make informed decisions before buying.

This site provides detailed reviews and recommendations for various heated products, buying guides, and other helpful consumer information.

[ed-recovery-affirmations]

I just made myself a cup of a new tea, one from a set that a friend sent me. I was super curious to try it with and without milk in it, so after I take a sip without, I'm going to add milk to my tea.

That may seem like such an inane little story to post on a blog, unless you have an eating disorder. I'm sure many of you know what a big deal milk in tea can be, and what an important act of self-love it is.

It was poured into many of our ears, approaching teenhood in the mid-2000's, not to "drink our calories." For those of us whose restriction was weight-based, many of us practiced filling ourselves with water, with our coffee black and unsweetened whether that was how we liked it or not, and with tea that never contained milk.

Like many people who've struggled with binge eating and with restriction, I struggle with creating anxiety-inducing rules about when is okay to eat, especially if I'm between meals and worrying if I should allow myself a snack, or if it's okay to quench my thirst with anything other than water. This is especially true between meals. For some reason my brain has accepted the "extra" caloric intake as part of a meal, but still balks at the idea of introducing these things independently into non-meal parts of the day. I would like to note that my chronic illness and my body's reaction to food has also influenced this weird relationship between me and my favorite treats, such as a piece of candy, or a beverage that might happen to contain a greater-than-zero calorie count.

But tonight, before bed, I want to try this tea. And it sounds like one that'd be super tasty with milk, as it has cocoa powder and vanilla in the blend. So I let my tea cool in the room with me as I type this, telling myself that I can get up and go back for milk after I taste it.

Now I have gone to the kitchen.

Now I have poured in a splash of milk and tasted. It's soy milk, as regular milk sometimes hurts my stomach and I don't want my sleep to be disrupted. Due to my chronic illness, this is still something I have to think about, and I'll be honest, I hate it. Things like this make it so hard to tell myself I can let go of my food fears, because my brain knows that some of my food fears will turn out to have validity, and so what if they all do?

Now I have poured in another splash. Tasted.

Now I have poured in a third, much larger splash. Tasted.

Oh, this is it. This tea tastes like a warm dessert. But now it's too cool, so I need to microwave it back to its best heat. I used to not want to microwave my food. As a teen I heard a hippie say that microwaves destroy the nutrients in your food because the radiation breaks down their molecular structure. This is absolutely false. In fact, it's been disproven that microwaves break down nutrients any more than other methods of heating food, but for a long time I believed it. And even after I learned the truth, I still found it hard to convince myself it was okay to use microwaves for a very long time.

I have just finished my tea in my room. I took the time to identify that I wanted it. I took the time to truly taste it in several different ways, consider how I felt I wanted it and bring it to those specifications. It wasn't planned for any specific time or day, but I agreed to give myself this the way I wanted it anyway. I've been drinking my coffee with milk every morning, too. I actually like black coffee, but I like it better with milk. And I give myself things throughout the day that I enjoy, to enhance my experience of my existence. Life is hard, and it's okay to allow yourself, to the fullest extent you can, the small joys that bring you through the day.

I wanted to share this with you. I hope you don't feel the crushing weight of morality when staring at a bottle of regular soda and the sugar-free, when you wake up with your morning coffee, when your self-care regimen includes a cup of tea. I hope you practice actively giving yourself the love you need this week. And I hope you give it to yourself exactly the way you need it.

[malarign]

sunghoon as your boyfriend!

(soft moments with him)

contains: bf!Sunghoon x gn!reader | genre: fluff | tw! mentions of food and alcohol consumption, kissing | wc: 1,3k

reblogs, likes and comments are highly appreaciated!!!

other members’ versions: LHS - PJS - SJY - KSW - YJW - NRK

➶ pulling you into his coat during cold days *ೃ༄

Autumn has always been Sunghoon’s favorite season. The leaves turn into beautiful and expressive colors, the weather started to be more chilly and consequently, it was finally time for all types of jackets and coats. What he didn’t like about autumn though, was how reckless you were with your wardrobe choices. Seeing how you didn’t wear anything on your head or around your neck made him freeze and instantly scold you for not dressing appropriately. But being the careful boyfriend he is, he would always engulf you in his embrace covering you with his coat, breath hitting your face and sending warmth throughout your whole body.

Seeing your shivering form from a distance Sunghoon started to think about how he should scold you this time. It was the third time this week he saw you dressed like it was mid-September while it was near the end of November.

“How many times do I have to tell you to dress more warmly?” he asked, his serious face being the first thing you noticed.

“Well hello to you too,” you tilted your head and waited for your kiss.

He slowly made his way towards you and kissed you dearly, feeling how cold your lips were in comparison to his warm ones. He lost it the moment you raised your palm to cup his cheek, as your ice-cold skin touched his. Hissing at the unpleasant feeling he pulled away only to pull you into his body. He covered your form in between his heat and his coat, shaking his head in disappointment.

“Y/n, please, I don’t want you to be sick, you have to dress more appropriately,” he scolded you, yet his tone was gentle and loving.

You looked up at him, making your eyes meet, and just smiled sheepishly.

➶ staring at you while laughing with his friends *ೃ༄

Sunghoon is known to be very playful around his friends. That’s when he truly feels like himself and is comfortable laughing his head off. Every time you hung out in bigger groups along with his college or childhood friends you noticed that his head always turned your way while laughing. His smile was big, eyes like moon crescents facing you, no matter if you were on the other side of the room. He never failed to find you in a gathering, his laughter contagious to the point you also were in convulsions.

Since the exam period was finally over, some of your friends came up with a brilliant idea of going out to celebrate passing all the tests. It was a while since you hung out in such a big gathering, yet none of you felt uncomfortable.

The table was filled not only with deliciously made food but also lots of jokes and laughter. Since the restaurant was almost empty, none of you worried about being too loud. After what seemed like an hour or so, you noticed that whenever all of you were laughing, Sunghoon kept on turning your way, making your stomach fill with butterflies. Soon after some alcohol beverages arrived at your table, not only his head turned around to face you, but you felt how he leaned it on your shoulder, feeling how his body shook with every laughter.

➶ hugging you from behind *ೃ༄

Nothing is better for Sunghoon than lovely skin-to-skin contact with his lover, but his absolute favorite must be back hugs. The way he can just wrap his arms around your waist, place his head on top of your head smelling your shampoo, or on your shoulder to kiss your sweet spot. Feeling your body against his is lowkey giving him butterflies. Loves to swing your bodies around at a steady pace, adding a little bit of fun to them.

You were folding clothes and putting them neatly into your part of the wardrobe when you felt two arms wrap around your waist. Not having even a second to think about it you felt somebody’s lips on your neck, which left a few ticklish kisses on your skin. You relaxed in your boyfriend's arms melting in his loving and safe embrace. He motioned you to face him and you did. You looked at him and couldn’t hide your smile, seeing his content expression.

“Hi,” he suddenly spoke, arms tightening around you, pulling you closer and closer.

“Hi.” You let out an airy giggle at his cute behavior.

“I love you,” he suddenly confessed and pecked your forehead, leaving you dumbfounded.

➶ holding your hands under the table *ೃ༄

Your hands were absolutely Sunghoon’s favorite physical characteristic. The way they felt in his hands, the way they always touched him with undeniable love made his heart burn. Without noticing he grew quite an unhealthy habit of holding them whenever he had a chance to do so. His addiction has gotten to the point when even while important meetings at work, he would do anything to sit next to you and silently hold it underneath the conference table.

Your college asked you to join an important sudden meeting so you immediately rushed to the conference room. Once you arrived you saw your whole team, including Sunghoon who saved you a seat next to him. You smiled and greeted everybody and sat in your place. Not long after the meeting started, your boss talked about sudden changes in the project you’ve been working on. while you were attentively listening and nodding at his words, you felt how Sunghoon took your hand in his and just held it, occasionally rubbing it with the pad of his thumb. You tried not to look in that direction, trying to not let anybody know, but the smile it brought to your face was much harder to cover.

➶ drawing hearts on the palm of your hand *ೃ༄

His hand addiction of course doesn’t stop at just holding them. Expect your hands to be constantly played with. Him making your fingers bend, rubbing them softly with his but mostly having drawn on them different patterns with the tips of his fingers. Sometimes he just zones out while doing so, making both of you feel like dozing off.

Both of you lay lazily on the couch on a Friday evening, not even planning of turning on any movie. You were just chilling, bodies leaning on each other. Suddenly Sunghoon laid his head on your lap and took your hand into his. You felt ho his fingers touched your inner palm, fingers and the back of it, sending you a feather-like, ticklish sensation. You focused on his doings and noticed how his movements weren’t random. His nails drew gentle symbols of hearts, small flowers, and smiley faces. You enjoyed his touch to the point that you almost dozed off when you noticed he stopped. You almost whined out loud at the loss of contact but then realized he was the first one to fall asleep, your palm still entangled in between his fingers.

➶ insisting to carry your stuff *ೃ༄

Sunghoon takes so much pride in his strength, after all, he doesn’t spend so much time at the gym to only look good for himself but also to put his work to good use. You just came back home from small grocery shopping? He’s already at the doorway to take the bags from you and scold you for not calling him to help you. Both of you decided to go on a romantic getaway? Don’t even think of carrying anything heavy and honestly anything. He doesn’t want you to feel tired after lifting heavy stuff so why just not do that for you?

“Hoonie! I’m home!” you exclaimed breathless from carrying heavy bags.

Soon you heard his footsteps and as soon as he saw you he raised his hands dramatically.

“Y/n, why didn’t you tell me you were doing groceries? I would have helped you carry all of this!” he spoke, voice not even trying to hide his disappointment. He took the bags from you and send a glare that only made you laugh.

“You look so cute when you’re mad,” you spoke knowing you just added gasoline to the fire.

He slowly turned around and raised his eyebrows. “You think I look cute like this?” he asked in a playfully mocking tone.

Feeling bold at the moment you scanned his body was hugged by a sleeveless top, enhancing his biceps.

“You’re right, you always look cute, not just now,” you teased him and placed a kiss on his cheek.

thank you for reading! back to the masterlist

permanent taglist: (send an ask to be added) @nicholasluvbot, @en-chantedtomeetyou, @kpopstanmeg, @skzenhalove, @nfrgirl, @edensgardenn (in bold can’t be tagged)

[you-need-not-apply]

bad straws

pros and cons about straws

Plastic straws:

CONS: can never be properly recycled, last for centuries, never fully degrade, single-use, pollution, harmful to wildlife, plastic poisoning / micro plastic have a direct route to body

PROS: single use so slightly more hygienic, good for some disabled people who have issues with motor skills

Paper straws:

CONS: cant be recycled, sometimes contain plastics, emit greenhouse gas when they break down, can be bitten through by those with issues with motor skills, can go soggy fast

PROS: biodegradable, renewable, safe, hygienic and durable

Metal straws:

CONS: can conduct heat and become very hot if used with hot beverages, stiff, hygiene issues,

PROS: highly durable, can be cleaned 100% via boiling (cleaner then plastic!!) non toxic, long lasting, reusable, recyclable if broken

Silicon straws:

CONS: sometimes have a plastic taste similar to single use plastic, food can stick to them, sometimes aren't bendable,

PROS: non toxic, very easy to clean, long lasting, non plastic, reusable, safe, come in all sizes and shapes

wood/bamboo straws:

CONS: can spoil and rot, not as safe, deforestation especially if not bamboo, least hygienic, stiff, greenhouse gas when it breaks down

PROS: reusable, can break down, if bamboo it will be naturally antibacterial, so they're hygienic.

[vidavalor]

Does Aziraphale drink coffee, do you think? I keep seeing people who think he doesn't because they think he doesn't know what espresso does but he also has a regular order? Do you think there's a word thing happening here? Thanks!

Hi there. 💕 Thanks for the ask. I hope you're having a great day. There are eccles cakes for snacks tonight as it felt appropriate for this one. 😊 We've actually seen Aziraphale drink coffee back in 1.01 in the scene at The Ritz in 2008 so I'm also frequently confused by people saying that they think he doesn't know what coffee is. Seems a bit of a stretch... Yeah, I think there's a wordplay thing happening in the Six Shots of Espresso scene that might be at the root of the coffee confusion.

Let's look at what coffee is in Good Omens and Aziraphale's joke around the word calm.

When we use calm today, we mean a sense of peace and relaxation. The word comes from the Greek kauma, though, which originally meant heat, as well as the Latin calere, which meant to feel hot.

To that end? Something that is calm in Ineffable Husbands Speak is something that brings about a sense of peace and relaxation through heat, which is a way to describe not just a hot cup of coffee but, also, well... sex. But why is Aziraphale describing sex when they're ordering coffee?

Let's back up and look at Crowley's very laced-with-their-vocabulary coffee order:

Take a big cup. Put six shots of espresso into it. Nothing else.

Big: Original definitions: generous; powerful, strong; a great man.

Cup: For a such little word, it has an unexpectedly fun history. A cup is a drinking vessel, yes. It also meant a ship's hull at one point. These two and their fish-and-the-sea stuff... Even more amusing, it also once meant a beehive. Later on in S2, we get Crowley explaining the angels = bees analogy to Muriel that holds up within Crowley & Aziraphale's speak in different scenes as well. Additionally, there's cup as a verb-- to cup, as in to take something in hand with the hand in a curved, cup-like shape. Crowley cupping a cup as visual innuendo in the pub scene in S2:

The word cup also contains the word up.

Up = Heaven/angels/Aziraphale.

Contrast with Aziraphale then replying with "does it calm you down?"

Big Cup = Aziraphale.

So, what does Crowley feeling like doing with the big cup he'd like to take this morning? Putting six shots of espresso into it.

Six shots: Six, from the Latin verb sex. Aziraphale as The Great Beast joke from the Odegra scene. 666 aka The Mark of the Beast in S1 was the literal numbers and part of Adam's phone number. In S2, it's the Latin verb root of the word six-- so, it's sex, sex, sex... 😂

Shots -- form of measurement for two euphemistic beverages in Good Omens: alcohol and coffee.

Shots contains hot (self-explanatory) and hots, the slang for peppers, which Aziraphale also uses to describe Crowley in a couple of different ways in Demon's Guide to Angelic Beings. It was also part of Aziraphale's "sitting on it" sword joke to Crowley in S1 where the handle looked like a pepper grinder.

[On the story's overall wordplay level, as opposed to within Crowley and Aziraphale's speak, there is also that Crowley's paralleling character in The Them is Pepper.]

Espresso: Coffee. Literally translated: fast coffee. Also contains press, a word that overlaps food and seamstress euphemistic speak-- so, a little nod towards Mrs. Sandwich. You press clothes with an iron. You make a hot sandwich with a panini press. Something that is urgent-- like a very in-the-mood demon who knows something is irritatingly wrong and would rather they be meeting for breakfast as a date without any problems and so is ordering sexually euphemistic coffee-- is a pressing matter. 😉

Nothing else: You can leave it at nothing else alone and it works but it's also: know thin elks. To know in the old, religious sense is to know someone "biblically"-- to be sleeping with someone-- which is how Crowley uses it still in the context of their speak: "Just enough of a bastard to be worth knowing."/"He's just an angel I know."/"We've known each other a long time."/what he says to Aziraphale when he thinks they're going to die in S1: "It was nice knowing you."

I've noticed a few instances of the word thin and/or words containing it referring to Crowley, with this being one of them. Elks are a kind of deer native to North America, a little joke on the fact that they're in the American-themed Give Me Coffee or Give Me Death. Their whole horses thing (and every other animal thing basically lol) is also a deer thing. Deer is homophonic for dear. "My dear" and "My dear fellow" are also "my deer" and "my deer fellow."

Nothing else = Know Thin Elks = Crowley self-proclaiming himself the thin, American deer who'd like to break fast, err, breakfast lol with some biblical knowledge with the angelic big cup.

Shout out to Nina Sosanya (the actress, not the character) for being able to not just laugh through this. The hand gestures are, unintentionally on the part of the character, Crowley's euphemistic order as well: Six aka sex. Being one. Bigggggg cup. 🤭

So, basically, the coffee confusion comes from Aziraphale's response to Crowley's coffee order-- so, let's look at that. Crowley's coffee order with Nina means to her that he wants a literal big cup filled with six shots of literal espresso but, to Aziraphale, it's putting in a request for sex using the coffee euphemistically. Crowley said he wanted to take the big cup and fill it with some shots of espresso mmhmm, to which Aziraphale then replied:

That sounds fun. Does it calm you down?

The big cup is game to know the thin elk 😉 and he has some words for him in return, even if he's joking by pretending that they're really only talking about Crowley's literal coffee order.

Sound is what you hear so Aziraphale's acknowledging that he hears the wordplay and knows that Crowley is pressed for more than espresso at the moment. He heard the Ineffable Husbands Speak happening. A sound is also a body of water and was a word that originally also meant the act of swimming, so we've got some extra of their favorite sexual metaphor-- fish-and-the-sea/bodies-of-water-- in here as well.

We already looked at how calm means relaxing through heat above. Aziraphale asks if it-- both the coffee order and the "coffee order"-- calms Crowley down, responding to Crowley's use of up within cup as descriptive for Aziraphale. Neither of them are actually working for Heaven or Hell anymore, nor do they really see one another as like the other angels and demons, but it's a shorthand.

Up and down are also fun words because of the fact that they often are used in slang kind of interchangeably-- to get on up and to get down can mean the same thing, for example. The tagline for S2 is a joke around that as well: something's going down in The Up. Something going down is something happening but the something that is happening is also that angels are going down. (Might also be something to keep in mind then about the last shot of the season being Aziraphale seeming to go Up and how that really can still very much mean that he's ultimately what's going down.)

You could also, if you're of mind to, take the 'calm you down' to be something Aziraphale has in mind as well, centered around the meaning of going down that doesn't involve an elevator or stairs, if you see where I'm going with this? Given how the scene ends, I think Crowley probably heard that bit as we'll look at in a second...

Aziraphale, knowing Nina does not know the root of the word calm, nor that he and Crowley are speaking their cant vocabulary in front of her and what calm means in that vocabulary, then asks Nina a question:

This is meant to amuse Crowley because calm, to Nina, means something that's relaxing and can help mellow someone out, while calm, in Ineffable Husbands Speak, incorporates the heat-related roots of the word to make it mean something that induces a state of peace and relaxation through heat-- so, something that's sexy.

As a result, Aziraphale has set it up so that almost anything that Nina could say in response to this would be amusing to him and Crowley because, while they know she doesn't understand what they're saying beneath the surface, what she says in response here is, in that speak, as if whatever she's saying is the sexiest thing she sells.

I'm of the opinion that Aziraphale, in mentioning things that are calm, is trying to get Nina to offer him a form of tea that Aziraphale can then turn into an equally sexually euphemistic order of his own. (There are a couple of uses of tea that way in other scenes and Aziraphale had also ordered tea in the date they didn't end up having in the sushi scene in 1.01.) But Nina surprises Aziraphale with her response.

Aziraphale didn't take into account that Nina won't offer him tea because it seems too logical a choice. He's an older Englishman to Nina, so, wouldn't he just ask for tea, if that's what he wants? To her, he must be looking for something calming that is not tea. She has a quick think about it and, both unintentionally and amusingly, comes up with the one thing that she sells that not only calms people down in the way that Nina understands calm to mean-- chills them out and makes them happy-- but is also calm by Crowley and Aziraphale's standards-- chills them out and makes them happy but with an element of sex.

What Nina doesn't realize is the history of eccles cakes, which, ironically, really do meet the definition of calming people down in a sexy way by Crowley and Aziraphale speak standards. They were once banned in England for being thought of as food of the devil because they were so sinfully delicious. This scene will also probably be even funnier after S3 because, historically, eccles cakes tie to 1650-- one of the years mentioned by Aziraphale in the Apology Dance scene. If we get that flashback in S3, eccles cakes could wind up having additional layers of meaning to Crowley and Aziraphale that would add even more to this scene in S2.

Either way, Crowley and Aziraphale lived through that history, so it's already funny then that Aziraphale, in response, looks at Crowley and just says:

So, yeah, Aziraphale does know what espresso is and what caffeine is and was joking with Crowley about how he might have been ordering some calm with Aziraphale but what he ordered from Nina was anxiety in a mug.

We actually saw Aziraphale and Crowley drink coffee at The Ritz in 2008 in S1. Aziraphale's mug indicates that he was drinking a cappuccino or a latte, which are both espresso-based drinks. Crowley was not having six shots of espresso with nothing else at that moment. He was having maybe a third of that, tops, in a dessert coffee that was light enough to have milk or cream of it and may or may not have also contained alcohol. Mr. Six Shots of Espresso in a Big Cup doesn't always take his coffee that way, ah... both literally and euphemistically. 😉

They're visible on the table here:

Aziraphale's large oat milk latte with a dash of almond syrup is his usual order at Give Me Coffee or Give Me Death... which is a creepy thing for Whoever Derek Jacobi is Playing to know, I agree. It's another indication that he drinks coffee regularly. Aziraphale knows Nina not just from The Whickber Street Shopkeepers and Traders Association but because her shop is right across the street from where he lives and works so it's where he goes to get the coffee that he drinks to a point of having an usual order.

Nina doesn't know Crowley at the start of the Six Shots of Espresso scene and is surprised to see an additional twist to the bookseller's suddenly surprisingly interesting and wild sex life being that, in addition to The Naked Man Friend, the bookseller apparently has a fella-- this charming ginger with the bizarrely intense morning coffee order. Nina doesn't know Crowley because Crowley and Aziraphale don't do mornings in an effort to not get caught. Crowley's gone before dawn. Mrs. Sandwich knows about them because she works at night outside the bookshop's side door; Nina does not because she works beginning in the early mornings across the street.

The know thin elks bit-- when elks are wapitis, which means "light-colored deer"-- is then even funnier when Nina unintentionally uses an idiom that goes along with Crowley and Aziraphale's wordplay to describe Aziraphale in this scene: You're a dark horse, Mr. Fell.

Aziraphale as dark (also: d'ark and contains ark, so: of The Ark/The Flood) and Crowley as light (of stars and fire; light in weight; light as truth; lightens burdens and brightens up Aziraphale's world with humor, and so on) are also in the wordplay in 1941, where they are rather adorably inverting their own visuals when flirting with one another:

Aziraphale doesn't just mean he'd miss coffee-the-beverage when he tells Whichever Villain Derek Jacobi Is Playing that he doesn't want to go back to Heaven. Aziraphale is obviously not saying it directly but is thinking about the much more pressing problem:

Where would he get his coffee, ya dig?

Coffee is coffee itself. Coffee is freedom in general, especially the kind that comes from the American-themed Give Me Coffee or Give Me Death. But coffee is also sex-- free, liberated sex, in particular. The choice to live as Aziraphale pleases, for him, is centered around his life on Earth with Crowley and going to Heaven means he would lose that. Coffee is not much different from the use of alcohol in the same way in S1 as Crowley was talking about how Armageddon happening and Aziraphale stuck in Heaven and separated from Crowley and the two of them not having their life on Earth would mean they wouldn't be able to be together:

"Not too big on wine in Heaven, are they? Or single-malt scotch. Or frou frou cocktails with little umbrellas..."

All that then making it funnier that, upon hearing that there's a "not technically" Naked Man Friend in the bookshop, Crowley's literal drink order arrives at the table. Even though Crowley knows that there's some kind of situation happening here that isn't anything worth being jealous over, he's definitely not missing an opportunity to tease Aziraphale a bit over whatever's going on a little.

Turns out that Aziraphale isn't the only one who can make a show of eating and drinking. There's an awful lot of tongue in that big cup...

Connected scene: "A sherry for me, please."

Sherry: A light wine, usually drunk before a meal to stimulate the appetite. Homophone: the French cheri, meaning dear. Aziraphale ordered a Crowley-esque wine to drink it in front of him.

Finally, as if we needed more proof of coffee as figurative language, there's always...

You're both equal parts skinny lattes and large oat milk ones with dashes of almond syrup, ladies, but, yeah, Maggie's your Crowley, Nina. They're both skinny lattes and a whole world of other beverages as well.

You said it, Mags. 😂

[vanillablankcanvas]

John Dory and Sable ❤️

“Is this a date?”

Sable blinked at him and put her glass down before she could take a sip.

“Pardon me?”

No turning back now.

“Are we on a date right now?”

“Do you want it to be?”

“I ughhh…”

Do I…?

“What would you do differently? If I was on a date with THE John Dory?”

John thought for a moment. 

What do I do on dates? I haven't dated since… Wait, were those even dates?

“Well...” he tried to appear more confident. “For starters I'd take you somewhere a lot less ughh…”

“Snooty?”

“I was gonna say ‘crowded’ but yeah snooty works.”

“Perhaps I did overdo it. I only bring people here when I want to impress them. Which is silly I guess. I don't feel like I have to impress you.”

“Gee, thanks.” JD deadpanned.

“Wow! I worded that terribly, didn't I?” Sable snort-laughed at herself. “What I meant was… you…know me, so I don't have to be…fake… in front of you.”

“You can't be Sable for other people?”

“Not often. Part of being a public figure.”

“I can understand that I guess.”

Sable noticed the clothes John Dory was wearing. They were far different from his usual getup. Even at the Met Gala, his fancy dinner outfit was still very ‘John Dory’ inspired.

What he was wearing tonight, he wasn't being John Dory.

He was trying to be someone else for her.

She couldn't do that to him.

Before she knew it she had dropped her napkin onto the table.

She stood up and offered him her hand.

“Let's go somewhere less snooty.”

“What about dinner?”

She grabbed the bread basket.

“Done!”

JD smiled wide and took her hand.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-

“Your beverage Ms. Sable” he said in a silly snobby voice as he offered her a can of soda.

“Why thank you, good Sir.”

“Sorry I didn't have a better place to bring you to.”

After some brainstorming, John Dory decided to take her to his workplace; the Pop Village stables. It was definitely quieter and less crowded, the occupants also didn't stare and judge you.

They made a pitstop on the way and grabbed junk food. Sable was having a great time but John was suddenly feeling just that little bit insecure about not having anything prepared in advance.

He was also suddenly very aware of the smell of the smell that the stables had. 

“Are you kidding? I love coming here. This place is so…serene.”

Sable laid back on the hay and sighed contently as she shut her eyes.

John Dory happened to glance up from his food at that moment after taking a bite from the basket of restaurant bread.

Was the lighting from the moon somehow making her glow? Or was that just his brain?

Beautiful.

…

What?

John Dory suddenly stood up in a panic hoping that a distraction would chase away that random thought.

“I got something to show you!” he yelled as she scampered off.

Sable stood up confusedly and followed.

John led her to one of the more enclosed stables.

The only light source was a set of large heat lamps set up over a large container.

Sable hesitated but she looked inside curiously.

Inside were what appeared to be some oddly shaped eggs.

“Those are some unique looking critter eggs. What are they? Buzzer bugs? Golden Beetrievers?”

JD leaned on the edge of the container and smirked.

“Shadow Spiders”

…

Sable took a huge step back with widened eyes.

“Shadow Spiders?!”

“Yup!” 

“As in, those creepy big spiders that have a habit of eating Trolls?”

John Dory just laughed.

“Yup they're the ones!”

“What the…? How are you still alive?!”

“Pfftt I've gone up against way worse than Shadow Spiders before! But these little guys we found all alone.”

“Aw. Poor little…ugh… things”

“We think the mother got eaten by something bigger.”

“Oh joy. Larger predators. What do you want them for?”

“Sooooo, Shadow Spiders stay out of each other's territory. We're thinking if we raise these little guys here then hopefully they'll make this their territory and-”

“-the wild ones won't come near Pop Village!”

“Exactly!”

“That is genius!”

“Thank you, thank you!” he bowed and blew kisses to an imaginary crowd.

“It was your idea?”

“Don’t sound so shocked. I have great ideas.”

“Well, I'm impressed.”

JD's face flushed red.

Sable softly stroked one of the eggs. She exaggerated a shiver from being creeped out.

“You plan on rearing them yourself?”

“No better Troll for the job! …Literally! Would you believe no one else volunteered? 

“Now why wouldn't Trolls line up to bottle feed bloody thirsty Shadow Spiders?!”

“Right?! Not sure how they'll respond to their new Mama being a Troll but hey it'll be fun!”

“I'm sure they'll love their new Mama.”

They both laughed at the absurdity of it.

John Dory introduced Sable to all the critters living at the stables. She had so many questions which JD was happy to answer.

The more Sable engaged with him, the more his insecurities were silenced.

JD was actually having a great time.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-

When it started to get late, JD offered to walk her back to her pod.

The walk back was filled with chatter about their shared interest in critters.

“You know what? This might sound like a silly idea but…I actually have a trained Saddleback Spider. She's mothered quite a few hatchlings. If you needed a docile, mother spider present. So they can learn ‘spider behaviors’. I’d be happy to lend her to you.”

“That’d be perfect! I'll take you up on that!”

Sable pulled up her shawl to cover her shoulders more.

“So what is the verdict, John Dory? Was this a date?”

“I'm not sure yet. Still deciding.”

“I really appreciate you letting me make it up to you and you know what? I ended up having a lot of fun.”

“What? Did you think you wouldn't have fun?”

“I expected that I would ruin the night somehow.”

“Don’t sweat it! You did great!” He gave her two thumbs up.

Sable snort-laughed “I appreciate the feedback.”

They stopped outside Sable's pod in silence for a moment before Sable stuck out her hand.

“Thank you for walking me home.”

John hesitated but then he took her hand.

Sable tried to shake his hand, but he brought her hand to his lips.

He looked into her eyes as he gave her a small peck on her hand.

*Ding*

“Oh! Hug time?” Sable offered.

“You don't have to…”

“Come here.”

Sable pulled him in for a firm hug.

John was taken aback slightly but then hugged her back.

She smells nice.

…

Don't be weird.

Sable pulled back slightly and fluttered her eyes as she realized how close their faces were.

John noticed too.

Kiss her!

John pulled away from the hug abruptly and chuckled awkwardly.

He gave her a friendly punch on her shoulder.

“Goodnight, Sable”

“Goodnight, John Dory”

He watched the pod door close behind Sable as she entered her pod. 

He turned to head home but…

He hesitated.

He turned back to the door and raised his hand to knock.

…

But he didn't.

With a sigh he descended the stairs and started his walk home.

John Dory didn't go straight home to Rhonda. He walked around the village for a while to clear his head.

One thing wouldn't leave his head though.

Sable

She made him feel sick but in a good way?

She was definitely different from how she used to be.

She'd grown into a very attractive Troll.

…

What?

…

Okay, okay so I’m admitting that she's attractive. Any Troll with eyes and half a brain can see that! So what?

Does it mean I'm attracted to her?

…

Sure! I can be attracted to her if I want. Nothing wrong with that.

Doesn't mean I have to do anything about it.

Right?

I can be attracted to someone and not make a big deal about it! It's not like I have to see her again or anything?!

…

Do I want to see her again?

…

Yes I do.

That last thought hit him hard. 

He wanted to see Sable again.

Oh… Muses

I think I'm in

…

…

Trouble!

 -.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

*Splash*

What the fuck?

A sudden cold splash of water to the face brought JD out of his sleep.

He found Clay, Bruce and Floyd standing over him.

Death glaring.

“What the? What's the big id…?!”

“SABLE!?!?!?!” they yelled together.

The collective yell caused John Dory to fall out of his loft bed.

He rubbed his head and opened his eyes to a very excited Poppy and Viva, both holding copies of the same magazine.

Oh.

“How come you didn't tell us your date was with SABLE?!” Poppy squealed.

John Dory took one of the magazine copies and held it up to look.

He knew this was gonna happen.

One photo of the two of them at the restaurant, one outside the stables and one outside her pod. And of course, the photos were angled to look a lot more ‘intimate’ than they actually were.

“All the crap you used to give us about not being allowed to date a Sugar Gal!” said Bruce.

“But nooooo, of course John Dory is allowed!” said Clay.

“You threatened to ground us if we ever so much as looked in their direction!” said Bruce.

“The photo of my kiss with Summer? Two months of school then straight home! Yes, I did get a lot of studying done but that's not the point, it's the principle!” said Clay.

“You're right” John tried quietly.

…

…

Clay and Bruce suddenly stopped.

“I’m sorry, what did you just say?” Clay was confused.

“You're right. It wasn't fair that I tried to control who you could date.”

He grabbed a towel and dried the water from his hair.

The other Trolls present looked at each other for answers.

Was he like, sick or something?

He didn't take his eyes off the magazine as he dropped the towel and sat down on the couch.

“Sometimes you can't help who you're attracted to.” he said softly.

He smiled at the photo of him and Sable at hug time. He traced a finger over their picture.

Bruce squatted down in front of John and looked up at John's face.

JD darted his eyes around, trying not to look Bruce in the eye.

“Oh Muses, he's in love!” Bruce stated loudly!

They all gasped. The girls squealed.

“Oh my gosh this is so amazing! Have you told her?!”

“What? No no no no no I'm not in love!”

“This is the same dinner that had you panicking cause you weren't sure if it was a date or not?” Clay frowned.

“Well, yeah? But it wasn't! Sable and I... We went to dinner because we made a truce.”

“Looks like a little bit more than dinner, John.” Floyd smiled slyly as he pointed to the barn photo.

“It's not like that!” JD blushed.

Bruce sighed “Okay, you had your truce dinner. Are you gonna see her again?”

JD avoided eye contact.

“John Dory?”

“I mean…”

Floyd sat down with John and held one of his hands “John, ignore them. Be honest with me. Do you actually like her?

“...Yeah”

“Do you enjoy her company?”

“Yeah I do.”

“Do you want to see her again?”

“Yeah” he sighed.

“What's stopping you?”

“She's so…smart and sophisticated and I'm well…me”

Bruce patted his shoulder “It isn't about your pedigree or how many fancy diplomas you have on your wall. It's about the thought and effort you give to each other.”

“You really think I could do it? I don't even know where to start!”

“Amazinnias!” Viva interrupted.

Everyone looked at her.

“Sables’s favorite flowers. The magazines said so!”

“Chances are that the magazine is very wrong but it's a start!” Floyd said encouragingly.

Floyd and Bruce looked at Clay, silently telling him to try and be encouraging as well.

Clay groaned dramatically then sighed “The chocolatier in town, they keep records of people's choices. You could get Sable's favorites to go with the Amazinnias.”

Poppy jumped excitedly “There we go! You have a plan, JD!”

Floyd “And if you get worried about anything, please talk to us!”

“Go get your girl!” Bruce bumped his shoulder.

John stood up from the couch with determination on his face. He grabbed his goggles and started for the door.

Bruce suddenly grabbed his shoulder “Jonathan Dorian! For the love of all that is Trolly, put pants on first!”

-.-.-.-.-.-.-

A muffled voice sounded from outside her door “Sable, you have a visitor”

“Send them in.” She tied a bow on her robe as the door opened.

John Dory entered with a sheepish smile, holding a box of chocolates and a bouquet of flowers.

Sable snort-laughed “Hey! Do you actually watch my performances or do you just wait till they're over to-”

“Last night wasn't a date” He interrupted. He had to say it before his nerves took over.

Sable frowned.

“Okay, you came all the way here to tell me that last night wasn't a date?

“No no no. I came all the way here with chocolates and flowers to tell you last night wasn't a date.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

“You are such an odd Troll, John Dory.” Sable turned back to her mirror to remove her stage makeup. 

She eyed his nervous expression in the reflection.

“Last night can't have been a date because, if it was, then that would mean I wouldn't get to make a fool of myself and ask you out on a real one.”

Sable suddenly stopped and turned back to face him. 

JD cleared his throat.

“Sable, do you think you'd wanna go… you know… do an actual date with me?”

Sable stood up slowly and didn't take her eyes away from his.

She softly held the sides of his face, and pulled him down into a soft kiss.

John's eyes shot open and he gasped against her lips. After a moment he completely melted and his eyes slowly closed.

Flowers and chocolates dropped to the floor as his hands hesitantly landed on her hips.

He pulled her closer so they were chest to chest.

Her hands found their way to the back of his head and she softly stroked his hair.

Sable finally pulled back and stroked his cheeks with her thumbs.

She giggled at the goofy lovestruck smile on his face.

John shook the clouds from his head.

“Soooo….Is that a ‘yes’?”

Sable snort-laughed. “Yes, John Dory”

“Yes!” He threw his hands in the air in triumph.

“The last three nights have involved a lot of screaming, attack armadillos, mud and spider eggs. You've set the bar pretty high for yourself. How're you gonna top that?”

“Baby, you haven't seen nothin yet!”

“Baby?” Sable laughed.

“Don't like that? I have others! Toots? Sugar? Sweet Cakes? Princess?”

“What have I gotten myself into?”

“No, I ruined your gifts! I'm sorry!” He dropped down to his knees to pick up the scattered flowers and chocolates.

“It's okay John.”

“No, the chocolates are squished and the flowers are falling apart now…”

Sable gave him a comforting smile.

“Off to a great start aren't I?” he sighed sadly.

“Look, John. The chocolates are still edible and look, I can make potpourri with the petals.”

“Popper what?”

“I'll show you sometime…Stud Muffin.”

That was hot.

Oh John Dory was definitely in… trouble.

And he didn't mind one bit.

[shmowder]

you put anything in a cheap plastic cup with a straw and I'm draining it under 10 minutes. Juice, milk, tea, hell even yogurt, I'll slurp it up.

I tried to replicate this phenomenon with more sustainable containers, such as reusable plastic cups, metal ones and good ol'reliable mugs. Even exclusively drank all my liquids from a margarita glass for a whole week.

But the spark never lasts. It's not as enticing, and the thrill is practically gone. I don't know why or what makes the cheap take out plastic cups so special. Maybe my brain has been puppy trained to associate them with ordering drinks and therefore anything coming out of them must be liquid gold, even as my eyes stood witness to me filling it with tap water.

And I can't just hold one cup ransom, continue to wash and reuse it for eternity; they wither with every refill as the PETE type 1 plastic inside the little triangle stares me into the eyes while leaching toxic waste into my drink until the micro plastics inside my liver are graduated to macro.

I don't indulge in them as much as I want, but with the summer heat I started buying more ice packs and sometimes they come in a cute little cheap plastic cup with a straw for you to make a fun little drink with. Who am I to resist the temptation of fun little drinks?? I'd much rather have an eventful slightly pricey but memorable beverage with a pack of fast noodles for a meal than an actual nutritious or delicious meal.

Food is so tiring, the texture is weird and not all the parts taste the same. Completely unlike the always consistent in density and flavour drinks. You have to chew so much, and if you don't do it enough then you end up choking. Drinks are clearly superior.

[sunday-tyger]

IN THE 1600 AND 1700

When visiting the Palace of Versailles in Paris, it is observed that the sumptuous palace has no bathrooms.

In the Middle Ages, there were no toothbrushes, perfumes, deodorants, and much less toilet paper.

Human excrements were thrown out of palace windows.

On a holiday, the palace kitchen was able to prepare a feast for 1500 people, without the minimum hygiene.

In today's movies we see people from that era shaking or fanning...

The explanation is not in the heat, but in the foul odour emitted under the skirts (which were deliberately made to contain the smell of private parts, since there was no hygiene). It was also not customary to shower due to the cold and the almost non-existence of running water.

Only the nobles had lackeys to fan them, to dispel the bad odor that exhalated the body and mouth, as well as to scare away the insects.

Those who have been to Versailles have admired the huge and beautiful gardens that, at that time, were not only contemplated, but used as a toilet in the famous ballads promoted by the monarchy, because there were no bathrooms.

In the Middle Ages, most weddings took place in June (for them, the beginning of summer).

The reason is simple: the first bath of the year was taken in May; so, in June, the smell of people was still tolerable.

However, as some odors were already beginning to bother, the brides carried bouquets of flowers near their bodies to cover the odor.

Hence the explanation of the origin of the bridal bouquet.

The baths were taken in a single massive tub filled with hot water.

The head of the family had the privilege of the first swim in clean water.

Then, without changing the water, the others arrived in the house, in order of age, women, also by age and finally, children.

The babies were the last ones to bathe. When his turn came, the water in the bathtub was so dirty that it was possible to kill a baby inside.

The roofs of the houses had no sky and the wooden beams that held them up were the best place for animals: dogs, cats, rats and cockroaches to keep warm.

When it rained, leaks forced the animals to jump to the ground.

Those who had money had tin plates. Certain types of food oxidized the material, causing many people to die from poisoning. Let's remember that the hygiene habits of the time were terrible.

Tomatoes, being acidic, were considered poisonous for a long time, can cups were used to drink beer or whiskey; this combination, sometimes, left the individual "on the floor" (in a kind of narcolepsy induced by mixing alcoholic beverage with tin oxide).

Someone passing by the street would think he was dead, so they were picking up the body and preparing for the funeral.

Then the body would be placed on the kitchen table for a few days and the family would stand watching, eating, drinking and waiting to see if the dead man would wake up or not.

Hence the wake of the dead (wake or wake), which is the vigil next to the coffin.

England is a small country, where there wasn't always a place to bury all the dead.

Then the coffins were opened, the bones were extracted, they were placed in oarsaries and the grave was used for another corpse.

Sometimes, when opening the coffins, you could notice scratches on the lids inside, indicating that the dead man had, in fact, been buried alive.

Thus, when closing the coffin, the idea came to tie a strip of the deceased's wrist, pass it through a hole made in the coffin and tie it to a bell.

After the burial, someone stayed on duty next to the grave for a few days.

If the individual woke up, the movement of his arm would ring the bell.

And it would be "saved by the campaign," an expression used by us to this day.

[shivshaktimachtech]

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[spandexinspace]

@radioactive-earthshine Gave the birthday boy a protein shake. 🫡

Happy -938 birthday to him!

_______________________________________________

"Here." Ayla trusts one of two identical transparent cups into Querl’s hands. It’s cool to the touch, though less so than how most humans appear to prefer their beverages, and contains a white, viscous liquid with an almost imperceptible pink tint, punctuated by small, dark dots.

"What is this?" Querl asks, eyeing the substance sceptically. He’s not made a habit out of trusting unidentified liquids his teammates hand to him, since many of them have demonstrated an interest in regularly consuming nearly or slightly toxic substances for no justifiable reason. It might not even be consumable at all, for all he knows.

"Protein shake. Contains fancy seeds and stuff, Tenzil says it has benefits." She grins at him and leans back against the railing, turning her back towards the biosphere below as the contents of her own cup lap dangerously high up the container’s walls and threaten to spill over them at any moment..

"Benefits?" Another thing his teammates seem to have their own ideas about. No surprise that Tenzil is the source of this mystery liquid though.

"Oh, you know, some stuff,” she says nonchalantly, her lips still curled into the type of grin that says it’s not.

"Ayla, elaborate." 

"Tenz said he got it from some ancient human records called P-ins that said it's supposed to give you energy." Ayla leans closer, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Sexual energy." 

“Grief,” he says, drawing out the word to empathise his disbelief. "That seems highly unlikely; The replicators are not configured to provide medical grade products. And even if they were there'd be no guarantee it would have the same impact on either of our biologies as it would have had on a human a thousand years ago." Despite himself Querl can feel the tip of his ears and cheeks heat up, undoubtedly turning a treacherous dark green even as he tries his best to remain unbothered.

"Yeah, yeah, science. Can't hurt to try it though, can it?" As Ayla leans back again, as relaxed as ever, Querl studies her expression for a sign of, well, anything. She’s more open than most, but he is quite frankly awful at reading people and she knows that.

"It definitely could. But you don't actually think this will work, do you?"

"Only one way to find out." She takes a big gulp of the drink and then pauses for a moment, as if to savour it, her face a mask of exaggerated contemplation. "But nah, I think Tenz is full of nass on this one. He'd believe any recipe he found in any old record. Helps being able to eat all the weird stuff they used to eat back then, I guess. This ones’s not too bad though, doesn’t even taste like chems." She wipes the back of her hand across her lips.

Querl raises his cup and slowly rotates it, watches as the thick liquid lazily swirls in the cup and the black dots bob up and down in it like miniature buoys. There is a notable lack of a chemical smell to it, replaced instead by a weak, earthy scent not unlike some of the things they ate while stuck in the 20th century. Very unlike the so-called pizza they ate there, but not unlike certain other things they ate. Its appearance still fails to bring him comfort.

"You do know you don't have to bring me food," he says, glancing over at Ayla. Stalling, if only a little.

"I know, but I get worried about you sometimes. Lyle does too, judging by what Salu says he’s told her.”

"And what has he told Salu?" He narrows his eyes, running through the options in his head.

"She didn’t say exactly what he said, just that he gets worried about you sometimes. I think he mentioned something about it while they were on a mission with the squad ‘cause they’d been away for a while?”

“He... does that.” Querl sighs. ”I’ve already explained that he shouldn’t be concerned, I clearly survived just fine before him.”

“Not really how it works, my guy. Look, I don't really know what's up with you and I ain't going to dig if you don't want me to, but you should take care of yourself. You're not helping anyone by not taking care of yourself and we'd all be pissed if you died or something. It was bad enough the last time around." Ayla takes another drink from her cup, her gaze seemingly fixed on something very far away. Or perhaps nothing at all.

"It's fine. I'll be fine."

"Good. Now try the sprocking thing before it becomes even warmer." 

Querl takes a last look at the liquid in the cup, then brings it to his lips and takes a small drink. It’s smooth and still slightly cold, the texture only broken up by the black dots, which somehow manage to be both gelatinous and hard at once and feel oddly large and uncomfortable in his mouth. It’s not too dissimilar to the awful, pungent "milkshakes" Lyle seems to have a thing for, but unlike those it's not heavy with the kind of artificial sweetness that lays itself like a thick coat over one’s tongue and teeth. It's still sweet, but the taste is less pronounced, tinged with a bitter and earthy note. It’s a strange and unfamiliar taste, but not a wholly repulsive one.

"So, what do you think?"

"It's acceptable."

"Uhu, feeling any energy yet?"

"Grief, Ayla." He rolls his eyes and she lets out a bark of laughter, whatever shadow that came over her before now gone. 

"Just checking," she says, before taking yet another sip from her own cup. "It is pretty good actually. A lot of food here tastes so fake, but this could actually have some real nuts in it."

“And here I thought you didn’t know anything about nuts.” Ayla reaches over to swat at his shoulder with the back of her hand, but her touch is light and there’s a clear, contagious bemusement in her expression.

“Oh, and I thought we were being proper today,” she says.

“There is nothing improper about discussing commonly farmed crops. You of all people should know that.”

Ayla snorts. “Nasshead. Nuts aren’t even common crops back home. Most of it’s just grains and even then we sell most of that.”

"Hm, yes, I suppose that’s true. Most food on Colu originates from Winathian grain producers, though as far as I know it’s processed off planet." 

"That weird bread you-all eat?" 

"It's not bread. It's super-processed grain infused with vitamins, proteins and mineral additives. It’s a nutritionally complete food and makes use of as much of the grain as possible, thereby reducing waste and ensuring our survival." 

"Thanks for the lecture. Kinda tastes like nass though." Ayla grimaces in mock disgust.

"Flavour is perhaps not its main benefit.” It, in truth, doesn’t taste like much of anything at all. He’s still not decided if he prefers that to all varied, unexpected and often disgusting tastes of alien food. “It's very efficient though, both to transport and to eat, and you don’t need to eat anything else to fulfil your nutritional needs.”

"I just can't imagine not having other options though. Even when we have bad years back home we usually have some options. Buncha different recipes and conserves. My grandmas all knew probably about a hundred different things to do with mixed grains and not much else."

"Perhaps it's different for other people. My family constellation wasn't ideal for being immersed in our culinary traditions." Querl shrugs half-heartedly. It’s not like he ever would have had a choice even if he had wanted to.

"Nass, sorry, I didn't mean it like that."

"It's alright." It is. It doesn’t hurt like it did before, in particular not when it’s her saying it. Unlike some her words aren’t laced with ill will and Ayla is, for as boisterous and loud she can be, surprisingly easy to get along with. Surprisingly easy to just be around. 

They fall into a comfortable silence after that, continuing to sip at their drinks as they slowly turn room temperatured. It’s strangely filling for a drink, though Querl supposes that has something to do with the – by the name implied – added protein and perhaps the partially soft black things. He makes a mental note to research the matter further later, perhaps even by talking to his worrier of a boyfriend.

The cup is mostly empty by the time he breaks the silence.

"Thank you. For the drink. It’s not as disgusting as it first seemed." Tilting the cup back and forth he watches as the now thinned out liquid and a few stray dots flow along the bottom of it, trying to keep up with its movements.

"Any time. Gotta keep you going so I can keep kicking your ass in training." 

"How altruistic of you. Perhaps you would be better off fighting someone who can match your enthusiasm?”

"And risk losing? Don't think so, beans." Ayla eyes him, her eyebrows knitting together in either a frown or thoughtfulness. “I mean, unless you want to.”

“I don’t. And even if I did, someone would inevitably lecture me about the physical demands of our field of work and demand I train with Val, again.” Querl waves a hand dismissively in her direction, then crosses his arms. “Besides… I do appreciate your company. Even with the absurd nicknames.”

“Aw. Maybe someday I’ll teach you how to make up nicknames too.” She reaches over and ruffles his hair. If he makes an indignant noise in response it’s nothing short of her fault.

[udhhyog2]

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Chemical Processing: Their resistance to corrosive chemicals makes them ideal for chemical plants.

Food Processing: The non-reactive nature of 316 stainless steel ensures safe use in food and beverage processing plants.

Pharmaceuticals: These flanges are often used in sterile and clean environments like pharmaceutical manufacturing due to their resistance to corrosion and ease of cleaning.

Oil and Gas: SS 316 flanges are commonly used in pipelines and systems that transport chemicals or gas under high pressure.

Factors Influencing SS 316 Flange Prices

Several factors affect the price of SS 316 flanges, and understanding these will help you get the best value for your investment.

Material Composition The higher cost of 316 stainless steel is largely due to the inclusion of molybdenum, which provides enhanced corrosion resistance. The quality and grade of the steel directly influence the price.

Flange Type and Size The type of flange—whether it's a weld neck, slip-on, or blind flange—affects the price. Larger flanges naturally require more material and labor, which increases the cost.

Manufacturing Techniques Flanges that are precision machined or forged often come with higher costs due to the advanced manufacturing processes involved. High-quality finishes and treatments also add to the price.

Surface Coatings While SS 316 is naturally resistant to corrosion, additional treatments such as galvanization or passivation may increase its durability in specific environments. However, these treatments add to the overall cost.

Order Volume Bulk orders typically result in cost savings. At Udhhyog, we offer discounts for larger purchases, helping businesses reduce their overall costs when ordering in large quantities.

Market Trends Prices for SS 316 flanges can fluctuate based on market conditions, particularly the availability and cost of stainless steel materials. Staying updated on market trends can help you make cost-effective purchasing decisions.

SS 316 Flange Price List

Below is a general price range for SS 316 flanges depending on size:

1-inch SS 316 flange: ₹450 to ₹1,100 per piece

2-inch SS 316 flange: ₹700 to ₹1,600 per piece

3-inch SS 316 flange: ₹1,200 to ₹2,500 per piece

4-inch SS 316 flange: ₹1,900 to ₹3,800 per piece

6-inch SS 316 flange: ₹3,200 to ₹6,400 per piece

For an accurate SS 316 flange price list, contact Udhhyog directly. We offer competitive pricing and can customize flanges based on your specific requirements.

Why Choose Udhhyog for SS 316 Flanges?

At Udhhyog, we are committed to delivering high-quality SS 316 flanges that meet the most stringent industry standards. Here’s why businesses choose Udhhyog:

Competitive Pricing: We offer the most competitive prices in the market without compromising on quality.

Customization Options: Need a specific type or size of SS 316 flange? We offer customization services to meet your unique project needs.

High-Quality Assurance: Our flanges undergo rigorous quality checks to ensure they meet all industry standards for durability and performance.

Timely Delivery: With a well-organized supply chain, we ensure timely delivery of your orders to keep your projects on track.

Customer Support: Our knowledgeable team is always available to assist with technical questions and help you select the right product for your application.

How to Get the Best Price for SS 316 Flanges

Here are some tips for ensuring you get the best price for SS 316 flanges:

Request Multiple Quotes: Reach out to several suppliers for quotes. At Udhhyog, we provide transparent pricing and competitive quotes for all sizes and types of SS 316 flanges.

Compare Quality: Don’t just focus on price; make sure the flanges meet your required standards for quality. Opting for a slightly higher price for better quality will save you in the long run by reducing maintenance and replacements.

Buy in Bulk: Bulk purchases lead to lower prices per unit. At Udhhyog, we offer discounts on large orders to help you save.

Negotiate: If you are placing a large order, don’t hesitate to negotiate the price. Our team is open to working with you to find a pricing solution that works for your budget.

[manilaxmiindustrial]

Stainless Steel 304 Flanges Stockists in India

Stainless steel 304, also known as 18/8 stainless steel, is an austenitic alloy containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This composition gives it excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, and good formability, making it one of the most commonly used stainless steel grades. Stainless Steel 304 Flanges

Types of Stainless Steel 304 Flanges

Weld Neck Flanges: Designed to be welded to the pipe, providing a strong connection and reducing stress concentration. Slip-On Flanges: Slipped over the pipe and then welded both inside and outside to provide strength and prevent leakage. Blind Flanges: Used to close the end of a pipe or a pressure vessel opening, ensuring no flow of liquid or gas. Socket Weld Flanges: Used for small-diameter, high-pressure pipes, where the pipe is inserted into the socket end and welded. Threaded Flanges: Feature internal threads that match the external threads of the pipe, suitable for low-pressure applications. Lap Joint Flanges: Used with a stub end, allowing for easy alignment and dismantling of the pipe.

Applications of Stainless Steel 304 Flanges

Petrochemical Industry: Used in pipelines, refineries, and processing plants due to their resistance to corrosive substances.

Food and Beverage Industry: Ideal for food processing and handling equipment because of their non-reactive and hygienic properties.

Pharmaceutical Industry: Used in manufacturing and processing equipment to maintain sterility and prevent contamination.

Oil and Gas Industry: Employed in drilling rigs, pipelines, and offshore platforms due to their strength and corrosion resistance.

Water Treatment: Used in desalination plants, water purification systems, and wastewater treatment facilities.

Construction: Utilized in building structures, bridges, and architectural elements for their aesthetic appeal and durability.

Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing of Stainless Steel 304 flanges involves several critical steps:

Raw Material Selection: High-quality stainless steel 304 alloy is selected based on the required chemical composition.

Forging: The raw material is heated and shaped using dies and hammers to form the flange.

Machining: The forged flanges are machined to achieve precise dimensions and a smooth surface finish.

Advantages of Stainless Steel 304 Flanges

Durability: High strength and resistance to wear and tear ensure long-lasting performance.

Corrosion Resistance: Suitable for use in harsh environments and exposure to corrosive substances.

Versatility: Applicable in a wide range of industries and applications. Ease of Maintenance: Smooth, non-porous surface is easy to clean and maintain.

Cost-Effective: Offers a good balance between cost and performance, making it a popular choice.

Conclusion

Stainless Steel 304 flanges are vital components in many industrial applications due to their exceptional properties and versatility. Their ability to withstand harsh environments, maintain high performance, and offer ease of maintenance makes them a preferred choice for professionals in various industries, including petrochemical, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, water treatment, and construction.

[soft-bellied-tannies]

Real Baby or Food Baby?

Read here or on AO3! - ⚠️ ABO/Implied Mpreg/Feminization ⚠️

Spending the night before creating a plan, Jungkook sent an ominous text to Jimin that morning.

The alpha knew his mate probably was thinking about it all day because he loved when Jungkook planned something more special than just a standard stuffing.

Jimin enjoyed an extra push or being sent out of his comfort zone and Jungkook was nothing if not an alpha who provided for his mate.

Jungkook had told his mate to put on one of his stretchy, fitted dresses and set up the table for dinner. The alpha was picking up a significant takeout on his way home from work and looked forward to seeing how much Jimin could handle that night.

It had been at least a month since their last proper session so the alpha decided his omega deserved to be spoiled while also having a little treat for himself.

After debating between sushi and pizza, Jungkook ended up going with jajangmyeon. Jimin loved it with a decent heat level and somehow, he could always finish his noodles when motivated the right way. 

Although this time, the alpha bought three orders and was going to see if his mate was up for the challenge.

Between the hefty servings of noodles taking up space alongside the nice effect the spice would have on Jimin, the alpha knew it was going to be fun no matter how much his omega finished. 

Jimin met his alpha at the door when he arrived home, looking beautiful in his dark green dress. The fabric clung to his soft tummy that was finally starting to show in tight clothes all the time instead of just when he was full.

Jungkook knew that everything would be set exactly as he asked - the only thing Jimin loved more than his alpha and good food was praise. 

The table had plates and utensils as well as an assortment of water, soda, and beer. Jimin had even turned on quiet music and dimmed the lights with a few candles that created a nice ambiance.

They both enjoyed creating romance and intimacy out their nights like this, not necessarily into the messier or more intense side of their shared kink. 

Jungkook started unpacking the containers and noticed the omega’s eyes widen when he counted four orders of noodles, meaning three were intended for him.

Jimin almost seemed a little nervous, but the alpha could tell he was excited more than anything else - his sweet honey scent filling the room.

Once it was all spread across the table, Jungkook encouraged him to dig in while he went to change. The alpha knew that Jimin probably expected him to come back in comfy clothes for the rest of the night, but he actually just exchanged his suit for a casual t-shirt and jeans look.

Jimin paused mid-bite and looked at his mate in confusion, asking if Jungkook had plans after dinner.

The alpha simply told him it was a surprise and to keep eating his noodles. The instruction sparked new energy in Jimin and he eagerly dug back into his first container.

For the next ten minutes, the couple ate together in comfortable silence - mainly because Jimin kept a steady stream of food going, only taking breaks to sip on his beer or soda. 

Jungkook was honestly impressed to see how quickly his mate finished the first container. Jimin set it down on the table in front of him, the metal chopsticks clinking together as he leaned back in his chair and chugged down the second half of his beer.

The alpha noted the start of a swell to Jimin’s belly already filling out his dress, the savory saltiness of the noodles paired with both his frothy beverages bloating his stomach. 

The alpha swapped the empty container for the next full one after refilling the omega’s drink selection, tenderly rubbing Jimin’s stomach as he whispered praises in the omega’s ear.

Jimin’s cheeks flushed from the encouragement as he started in on container number two. Jungkook went back to slowly working through his own portion of dinner, mostly caught up in watching his mate enjoy their meal. 

Jimin paused, once again, to take a drink which end up being him draining his second glass of beer in one go. The noodles were very savory so it made sense that he needed a little palate cleanser.

Jungkook was well aware of his omega’s high tolerance, but he grabbed the glass and pushed the soda closer to him - making it clear to go for that one next. He had plans for the evening that didn’t involve getting tipsy although he did tuck that away for another night. 

While Jungkook arranged Jimin’s drinks, he watched his mate rubbing the side of his stomach; his chest was heaving just a bit after chugging his beer and it took him a couple of seconds to catch his breath.

The alpha kissed his forehead and decided it was time to do a check-in. Jimin seemed grateful for the question as he asked for a little break to digest. 

The omega’s stomach was forming a sweet little paunch; his dress continued to accentuate the bloat of salty noodles and carbonation.

Stuffings had started giving him such a taut roundness to his tummy now that he had added a bit more weight to his frame. Jungkook recognized the feeling was from a very primal place within his alpha, but every time he saw Jimin like this, he was absolutely love-struck by the sight. 

Jungkook encouraged him to keep going after a few minutes of gentle massage, knowing Jimin ate more when he ate faster. The little stomachache afterward was always worth packing more in given the results.

The omega nodded and jumped right back into his second container, now halfway gone.

The next half went down like a dream and Jungkook was genuinely impressed at his determined second wave.

Jimin looked at him, waiting for number three with a polite hand over his mouth to cover a few tiny hiccups and belches from the amount he had just sent down. 

Jungkook asked if he was alright and if Jimin was certain he could handle the third container, not wanting to push too far but leaving the decision in his mate’s hands.

Jimin admitted that it was going to be a nice stretch and he genuinely had more room, cheeks probably flushed with a little embarrassment if they hadn’t already been tinted red from the efforts of eating over the past hour. 

The alpha knew his mate’s stomach capacity had certainly been increasing over the past few months, but Jungkook made a point to check as Jimin sometimes would get caught up in wanting to please him and end up uncomfortably full following some more intense stuffings.

He trusted Jimin’s answer and slid the last container closer, deciding to feed it to his mate himself. 

Bringing big bites to his mouth, Jungkook immediately noticed that the third container was a slower process, with more time chewing and more sips of his soda in between bites.

At the halfway point, Jimin reclined back into his chair instead of leaning forward over the table - needing to let his belly stretch and accommodate his full stomach.

Jungkook’s eyes were stuck on his midsection. Leaning back showed the damage of the stuffing so well.

His belly was perfectly round, bloated, and tight to the touch - only further highlighted by the perfectly formed fit of his dress. The alpha abandoned the container to get his hands on Jimin’s body.

The omega had been moaning and groaning through each bite and finally said he didn’t know if he could finish the third container.

Jungkook stilled for a moment in thought and almost gave up on his plan to push his mate through the last part of the noodles, but he was looking forward to tonight’s idea so he decided to call it. 

Jungkook put the lid back on the container and told Jimin that he did an amazing job. He did ask the omega to finish the rest of his soda, the carbonation good for the tight bloat of his stomach.

The dress stretched nicely over his belly and he watched it expand just a little more as Jimin chugged down the rest of his glass.

Jimin went to press on the top of his belly, probably to push his food toward digestion, but the alpha stopped his hand.

Jungkook wanted him to stay stuffed tight for as long as possible. He gave one gentle press to the top of his mate’s stomach to push out the pocket of air.

Jimin let out a short belch and Jungkook watched as his stomach pushed just slightly farther, settling more after the air was released to its final stretch - not his max capacity but pretty close considering his plans for the evening.

Jungkook was going to test something out that Jimin had mentioned during the last big stuffing about three months ago.

At that moment, the omega said that his belly was so prominent that he looked pregnant.

Although the couple both didn’t want kids at that time, something about the comment had Jungkook thinking. He wondered if they could stuff Jimin so well that someone would think he was expecting and they were going to find out.

Offering his hands to help the omega stand, Jungkook smirked while Jimin looked at him as if he were insane.

If anything, they typically camped on the couch for at least an hour before moving to the bed. Getting up and out was going to be a challenge and the first time they tried anything like this.

With a huff, Jimin accepted his alpha’s hands and scooched to the end of the chair. Jungkook couldn’t help but laugh when Jimin moved one hand to his lower back to help himself up.

This may be easier than he initially thought if Jimin kept up those little habits that really sold the look of a pregnant omega.

Jungkook encouraged him to walk to the door and wait for him to grab their jackets and his wallet. The alpha told him that he would help with his shoes in a moment.

Jimin’s eyes widened and he looked down at his prominent bump.

The omega gulped nervously and brought a hand to rub the top of his belly in a soothing motion. “We’re going out? Like this?”

The alpha smiled and winked. “Yeah, baby, you deserve dessert after that performance.”

“Oh, um, okay, thanks,” Jimin replied, not sounding entirely convinced and quite nervous. 

Jungkook walked over and cupped his mate’s cheeks, offering a kiss.

“Hey, we don’t have to do this. Tell me to stop and we will go lay in bed, put on a movie, and cuddle. It’s just an idea that I thought we may like to try out.”

Jimin looked at him with complete trust and knew that Jungkook would always take care of him. “No, you planned such a nice date night. I’m sure it will be fun.”

“Great. I wanted to take you to that new ice cream parlor. We can take the train,” Jungkook replied, instantly easing the mood back up with his excitement. 

The omega just nodded and watched as Jungkook bent down to slip Jimin’s sneakers on and tie them. Jungkook put the jacket around his mate’s shoulders and appreciated how his belly was peeking out from the side.

With a bolstering kiss, they left the house and started walking towards the train station.

Jungkook held Jimin’s hand and tried to suppress his smile at seeing the omega waddle a bit to accommodate his full stomach. The food must have been heavy in his belly, barely digested, and topped up with carbonation.

Jimin was an absolute vision in his eyes.

As they approached the train station, the couple caught the eyes of an older beta woman who smiled as she passed them on the street. She looked from Jimin’s belly to the couple’s connected hands back to the omega’s belly.

Jungkook held his breath, hoping she would say something but no comment, just a pleasant smile.

Arriving at their boarding stop, the stairs were an unexpected challenge. Jimin groaned on each step down, mumbling about how full he was and that he felt huge.

Jungkook assumed that his mate might’ve been teasing him, knowing comments like that would rile the alpha up. 

However, when the omega was actually short of breath at the bottom of the stairs, Jungkook realized that Jimin had absolutely meant what he said. The alpha had to maintain full restraint not to openly ogle him in the middle of the train station. 

The timing worked well, and the train came just a few minutes after their arrival. Jungkook led them into a fairly full train for mid-evening and he searched for two open seats to no avail.

His mate honestly looked like he was a little teary-eyed at the thought of standing for the entire ride, wanting to rest his full belly after the brutal staircase. 

Jungkook rubbed the small of Jimin’s back to comfort him when an alpha spoke up from the bench next to them. The woman got up from her seat and gestured for Jimin to sit.

“Here, sweetheart, take my seat.”

“Oh, thank you, ma’am,” Jimin replied and he moved his hand to rest on his lower back before lowering himself to the seat.

Jungkook didn’t know if his mate was moving that way subconsciously or if he was onto the alpha’s plan, but Jimin was certainly playing the part of the pregnant omega very well. 

Jungkook moved to stand beside his omega, appearing to be the fully protective alpha, and said thank you to the alpha who offered her seat. She looked to be older, maybe in her fifties or sixties, and Jungkook waited in anticipation to see if she had more to say.

After a few moments, the woman said what Jungkook had been waiting for since you left the house - making the entire plan absolutely worth it. 

“First-time parents?” she asked nicely, her tone genuine and sweet. 

“Hmm?” Jimin responded, feigning innocence as if he didn’t hear the woman’s question.

Jungkook could tell that his mate was a little shocked by the implication even if he was just as hopeful for that appearance as the alpha was.

The woman smiled and asked again, “You both look pretty young. Are you expecting your first?”

Jungkook had to fight off his feelings of smugness, plastering an excited smile on his face and replied, “Yeah, we are pretty excited.”

The alpha then noticed another elderly mate couple that was smiling from the next bench over, listening to the entire interaction.

The elderly omega joined in their conversation, asking, “Boy or girl?” 

“Keeping it a surprise. The whole idea still seems so new,” Jungkook replied, earning a pointed look from Jimin that was hidden from the others when the omega turned to face his mate. The alpha had done his best to stop laughing at his mate’s reaction.

“Ahh, we get it. Congratulations either way!” the alpha who offered them the seat for Jimin said, still smiling at the young couple. 

Jimin returned their happy sentiment, finally finding the words to speak. “Thank you! We appreciate your kindness.”

The alpha seemed endeared by Jimin’s sweet response. “Of course! I couldn’t make you stand the whole time. I remember when my wife was in the second trimester - lots of back pain. She would’ve had my head if I kept you on your feet.”

Jungkook looked down to see Jimin’s cheeks shining bright red as he smiled, rubbing his belly gently.

Before any more could be said, the train came to a stop and the alpha offered his hand to help his mate stand up.

Nearly making the alpha laugh again, Jimin made a show of getting up, pushing out his belly, and thanking all three of their kind observers again.

They walked off the train and Jungkook instantly directed them to a quiet corner to get his hands on his mate’s round middle.

“You hear that, baby. Second trimester. I wonder what he would have thought if I said you were stuffed to the brim with noodles instead of a baby,” Jungkook teased, peppering Jimin’s red cheeks with kisses as he tenderly rubbed his tight stomach. 

Jimin whined and tried to cover his face. “Oh God, it was so embarrassing. I can’t believe that just happened.”

Jungkook scoffed, landing a few gentle pats on Jimin’s stomach and making it jiggle up and down a few times.

“Was it? So embarrassing that you were waddling and laying it in thick with a hand on your back, pretending like you weren’t just well-fed and bloated. My pretty Minnie looks all knocked up.”

Jimin moaned quietly as his alpha continued his discreet belly massage. Between the situation of what just happened, the weight of his belly, and the fact that this conversation was happening in public, the omega was completely overwhelmed.

Teasing at home was one thing, but Jimin was definitely discovering something about himself in the semi-private corner of the train station. 

“Still want that ice cream? Gotta keep this belly tight and round for the ride home. You might get another free seat if they think you have a baby in here instead of a food baby,” Jungkook asked, continuing his verbal and physical taunt that was definitely affecting them both.

Feeling a little weak in the legs, Jimin leaned further into Jungkook as he knew his alpha would be glad to wrap his arms around him.

“Yes, please, need more. Want more.”

“Of course you do, always need more. This nice belly needs to keep growing. Maybe next time, they’ll say the third trimester,” Jungkook whispered in his omega’s ear, his arms sneaking around Jimin’s waist and feeling his omega’s stuffed belly fighting against him. 

“Next time?” Jimin whimpered, the omega ready to melt into a puddle of embarrassment even though he absolutely loved the idea of doing this again. 

Jungkook knew that he needed to bring it back down, pushing Jimin very far in a very public area, but he couldn’t resist one final comment.

“Oh yeah, next time. We’ll go farther, and see how long you can be stuffed up. We will have to stop along the way to refill, won’t we? Maybe we’ll go on a trip, and keep you stuffed the whole time.”

Jimin had to bite down on Jungkook’s shoulder to hide his guttural moan. “Fuck, yes, please.”

“But first, ice cream,” Jungkook prompted, encouraging Jimin to leave his little hiding place.

His touches became more caressing than teasing. As soon as his omega pulled away from his shoulder, Jungkook pulled him into a tender kiss. 

Taking a moment to breathe through his lingering arousal, Jimin finally came back to himself and gave his alpha a beaming smile. “Okay, ice cream.” 

Jungkook chuckled, completely endeared by his mate, and leaned back in for a chaste peck. He offered his arm to Jimin with a gentlemanly gesture making his mate giggle and hooked his arm through the alpha’s elbow to direct them toward the station exit. 

Jimin halted as the station opened up to the street. “Damn it, more fucking stairs.” 

The alpha spent the entire ascent laughing at his mate’s pronounced waddle up the staircase. Jimin pouted and scolded him the entire time, feeling breathless once again at the end. 

“Okay, new rule - no stairs next time,” Jimin declared, hand on his belly as he panted through the effects of carrying his stuffed self up the stairwell. 

“Well, someone came around to a next time pretty quick, huh?” Jungkook teased, starting their walk toward the ice cream parlor with a smirk. 

Jimin smacked his arm and rolled his eyes. “Oh hush, just keep walking. I want mint chocolate chip with sprinkles like right now.” 

Jungkook leaned over and kissed his temple with a little huff of laughter, followed by another tap to the omega’s middle.

“Man, you are really committed to the act, baby. Playing up the cravings and everything.”

The omega gasped as the blush returned to his cheeks, smacking the alpha’s arm once again. “Oh my God, shut up!”

[time4hemp]

What Is Hemp?

It’s A Trillion Dollar Cash Crop.

Hemp is a name given to a strain of the cannabis plant.

Hemp is a name given to cultivars of the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa) that have been selected over many generations for fiber and seed production. Most hemp cultivars contain less than 1.5% THC, a narcotic compound that has the potential for abuse in high concentrations. Cannabis sativa cultivars selected and developed for their drug properties, referred to as marijuana, or dagga, can have a THC content of 3%-25%.  Hemp is a bast fiber, producing its fibers in the stalk similar to flax, kenaf, and sun hemp.

Multiple Uses

Hemp fiber and seed are used to produce a wide range of commodities including food and beverage products, fiberboard, insulation, paper, composites, textiles, carpets, animal bedding and feed, cosmetics, body-care products, soaps, paints, fuels, and medicines.

Hemp Seed Food and Beverage Products

Hemp seed contains about 25% protein, 30% carbohydrates, & 15% insoluble fiber. Hemp seed is reported to contain more easily digestible protein than soybeans. Hemp seed contains all 8 amino acids essential to human nutrition. Hemp seed is high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, carotene, sulfur, iron and zinc, as well as Vitamins A, E, C, B1, B2, B3, and B6.

Hemp seed imported into the United States or Canada must be steam sterilized at between 180 degrees F and 212 degrees F for 15 minutes to prevent sprouting. Many US facilities receive imported viable seed under customs bond, steam it, and release it to the consignee or customer with a Certificate of Sterilization.

Hemp food and beverage products include hemp oil and seed, flour, pasta, cheese, tofu, salad dressings, snacks, sweets, hemp protein powders, soft drinks, beer, and wine. Hemp beer can be made from the seed, flowers, sprouts, and seed cake that is a by-product of oil pressing. Hemp beer is produced and sold in Europe and the United States of America.

Hemp Oil

Hemp seed is 25% to 35% oil, and is one of the oils lowest in saturated fats (8%). Hemp seed oil is the richest source of polyunsaturated essential fatty acids (80%). Hemp seed oil is the only common edible seed oil containing Omega-6 Gamma-Linolenic Acid. Hemp seed oil is very fragile and not suitable for cooking.

Pressed hemp seed oil must be bottled immediately under oxygen-free conditions, and must be refrigerated in dark, airtight containers.

Fiberboard

Hemp fiberboard tested by Washington State University Wood Materials and Engineering Laboratory proved to be two and one half times stronger than wood MDF composites, and the hemp composite boards were three times more elastic.

Hemp herds can be used in existing mills without major changes in equipment. Russia, Poland and other Eastern European countries already manufacture composite boards from hemp and other plant materials.

Pulp and Paper

The major use of hemp fiber in Europe is in the production of specialty papers such as cigarette paper, archival paper, tea bags, and currency paper. The average bast fiber pulp and paper mill produces 5,000 tons of paper per year. Most mills process long bast fiber strands, which arrive as bales of cleaned ribbon from per-processing plants located near the cultivation areas.

Composites

Until the 1930’s, hemp-based cellophane, celluloid and other products were common, and Henry Ford used hemp to make car doors and fenders. Today hemp herds can be used to make new plastic and injection-molded products or blended into recycled plastic products. Hemp fibers are introduced into plastics to make them stiffer, stronger and more impact resistant. Hemp plastics can be designed that are hard, dense, and heat resistant, and which can be drilled, ground, milled, and planed.

Hemp plastic products currently made include chairs, boxes, percussion instruments, lampshades, bowls, cups, spectacles, jewelry, skateboards, and snowboards.

Hemp Animal Care

Hemp horse bedding and cat litter are produced and sold in Europe. After oil is extracted from the hemp seed, the remaining seed cake is about 25% protein and makes an excellent feed for chicken, cattle, and fish. Chickens fed hemp seed on a regular basis have been found to produce more eggs, without the added hormones used in most poultry plants.

Fuels

Hemp seed oil can be combined with 15% methanol to create a substitute for diesel fuel which burns 70% cleaner than petroleum diesel. Hemp stalks are rich in fiber and cellulose, making them conducive for conversion into ethanol and methanol fuels that have a higher octane than gasoline and produce less carbon monoxide. These biomass fuels are also free from sulfur, and do not require the addition of lead and benzene used to boost octane and improve engine performance in fossil fuels. Ethanol holds condensation, eliminating oxidation and corrosion, and is reported to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 30%.

Hemp has been studied in Ireland as a biomass fuel to generate electricity. Hemp has been reported to yield 1000 gallons of methanol per acre year. Hemp stalk can be converted to a charcoal-like fuel through a thermochemical process called pyrolysis. Henry Ford operated a biomass pyrolitic plant at Iron Mountain, Michigan in the mid-20th.

Paints and Varnishes and Binders

Until the 1930's, most paints were made from hemp seed oil and flax seed oil. Hemp oil makes a durable, long lasting paint that renders wood water-resistant. Hemp herds have the potential to make glues for composite construction products that are non-toxic and superior to binders currently used. With this technology, industry can produce composite products where all components are derived from hemp.

Markets for Hemp Pulp

Some paper manufacturers already have the equipment to process decorticated hemp fiber into paper. The leading European supplier of non-wood pulp, Celesa, currently produces about 10,000 tons per year of pulp from hemp. The use of hemp pulp in blends with recycled fiber of other non-wood fibers is growing. Tests by several European pulp and paper producers suggest that hemp pulp may replace cotton cost effectively in several specialty paper applications.

Potential Markets for Medical Application of Low-THC Hemp Cultivars

Many cannabis medicines have been produced using cannabis cultivars high in THC, and there has been medical research into cannabis that is low in THC and high in CBD.  CBD is a cannabinoid that does not have many of the psychoactive effects associated with THC.  CBD has been used to treat the following medical conditions: epilepsy, dystonic movement disorders, inflammatory disorders, pain, chronic insomnia, chorea, cerebral palsy, and Tourette's syndrome. According to a July 1998 report by the National Institute of Health, CBD may hold promise for preventing brain damage in strokes, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and even heart attacks and has been found to prevent brain cell death in an experimental stroke model.

Please share this with your friends.

[madamlaydebug]

Dairy-Free Chai Latte

INGREDIENTS:

2 ½ tbsp.chai spice mix or homemade version*

1/2 tsp.vanilla extract

1 tsp.maple syrup

1 cup Pacific Foods Organic Coconut Original Plant-Based Beverage

1 black tea bag

*homemade chai spice mix contains 1 tsp. of each: ground cinnamon and ground ginger and ½ tsp. of ground cardamom, ground cloves and fine ground black pepper

Instructions:

Heat Organic Coconut Non-Dairy Beverage Original on the stove top until it reaches a boil. Add maple syrup and vanilla, stir to incorporate.

Place the black tea bag in the coconut beverage and steep for 2 minutes.

Divide chai spice into two mugs and pour warmed coconut beverage into each mug, stirring to dissolve.

Top with dairy-free coconut whipped cream if desired and an extra pinch of cinnamon for garnish.

[bolesolutions]

Working of Vacuum Casting and Its Multiple Uses

To make complicated components, a liquid substance is sucked into a silicone mold under vacuum. This method is known as vacuum casting. Rubber and plastic are examples of elastomers that are utilized as liquid materials in vacuum casting.

Since polyurethane resin, a kind of elastomer is employed as the casting medium, vacuum casting is also frequently referred to as polyurethane casting or urethane casting. When producing plastic components, vacuum casting is a more cost-effective method than injection molding because of its reduced manufacturing costs.

For batch manufacturing and other low-volume production tasks, vacuum casting is a great method of production. Vacuum casting is widely utilized in India's manufacturing of industrial electronics, FMCG, and consumer goods.

How do you work with vacuum casting?

Injection molding, in which cast material is poured into molds to create items, and vacuum casting services are very comparable processes. The kinds of molds used in injection molding and vacuum casting differ from one another.

Molds for injection molding might be formed of steel, aluminum, or other materials. Silicone molds are utilized in vacuum casting, nevertheless. This significantly lowers the mold-making cost because silicone is more affordable and has better durability.

Polyurethane is the most often utilized casting material in this procedure. The qualities of various polyurethanes vary, including good shock and temperature resistance, elasticity, flexibility, and structural stiffness. Thus, different polyurethanes may be employed depending on the kind of product being created.  

Vacuum casting uses

Making complicated and sophisticated goods may be accomplished more cost-effectively and efficiently with vacuum casting as opposed to the conventional injection molding method.

Due to its efficient production process, vacuum casting finds widespread application in the fabrication of commercial items. The following are a few industries that employ vacuum casting:

Manufacturing of consumer goods

Vacuum casting is a more effective method of producing consumer goods including combs, hair brushes, makeup packaging, sunglasses, pens, and other stationery.

Industry of Food and Beverages

Vacuum casting is used to create food and beverage containers, bottles, cans, mugs, and glasses. Due to the process's great efficiency and ability to produce goods quickly, vacuum casting is widely utilized in various industries where rapid manufacture is essential.

Advanced industry

Excellent heat and shock resistance is a feature of polyurethanes. Therefore, the recommended production procedure for creating electrical device housings is vacuum casting by Vacuum Casting Manufacturer using polyurethanes.

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