#Long Thermal Solutions

[marchellemccalliu5]

How Polished Concrete Geelong Enhances Comfort and Value in Your Home

When it comes to upgrading your home's flooring, finding a solution that blends comfort, style, and long-term value is essential. Polished Concrete Geelong has become an increasingly popular choice among homeowners for its durability, aesthetic appeal, and cost-effectiveness. More than just a trend, it represents a smart investment that enhances both the functionality and beauty of modern residential spaces.

A Comfortable Living Environment

Polished concrete contributes to a more comfortable home in multiple ways. Its smooth and even surface makes it easy to walk on and safe for children and older adults. With the right underlays or rugs, it can also provide a warm and inviting feel. Additionally, polished concrete works well with radiant floor heating systems, ensuring warmth underfoot during colder months.

Thanks to its thermal mass properties, polished concrete helps regulate indoor temperatures. It stores heat throughout the day and releases it gradually during the night, minimizing dependence on heating and cooling equipment. This natural insulation contributes to a more consistent and comfortable indoor climate year-round.

Long-Lasting Durability

Polished concrete is widely recognised for its impressive durability and long service life. It withstands scratches, stains, and heavy impacts, making it especially suitable for high-use areas such as living rooms, kitchens, and hallways. Unlike many traditional flooring materials, it doesn’t warp, crack, or require frequent replacement.

With appropriate sealing and regular upkeep, polished concrete floors are capable of lasting for many years. This longevity adds long-term value to your property by reducing the need for costly repairs and replacements.

Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal

With a wide range of finishes, colours, and sheen levels available, polished concrete can be tailored to suit any design preference—from contemporary and industrial to warm and rustic. The raw elegance of the concrete surface can be brought to life or enhanced through the use of dyes, stains, or exposed aggregates.

Its versatile design options make it a preferred flooring choice among today’s homeowners. Whether you're updating a single room or renovating the entire home, polished concrete offers a seamless, cohesive look that elevates your interior space.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Polished concrete contributes to energy savings by increasing the natural light reflectivity in a home. This can cut down on the need for artificial lighting throughout the day, enhancing energy efficiency and fostering a more sustainable living space.

Moreover, since the process often involves polishing the existing concrete slab, it reduces the need for additional materials and waste, making it an environmentally responsible flooring choice.

Low Maintenance Requirements

One of the standout benefits of polished concrete is its ease of maintenance. Basic cleaning typically involves sweeping and occasional damp mopping, with no need for wax or chemical treatments. This simplicity in care not only saves time but also contributes to a healthier indoor environment.

Since the surface is both sealed and polished, it is highly resistant to dust, dirt, and moisture. This feature makes it especially ideal for homes with pets or individuals who suffer from allergies.

Conclusion

Choosing Polished Concrete Geelong means opting for a flooring solution that combines durability, comfort, aesthetic flexibility, and environmental responsibility. It enhances the overall value and livability of your home, making it a wise long-term investment for homeowners seeking both function and style.

[foone]

why are printers so hated? it's simple:

computers are good at computering. they are not good at the real world.

the biggest problems in computers, the ones that have had to change the most over the time they've existed, are the parts that deal with the real world. The keyboard, the mouse, the screen. every computer needs these, but they involve interacting with the real world. that's a problem. that's why they get replaced so much.

now, printers: printers have some of the most complex real-world interaction. they need to deposit ink on paper in 2 dimensions, and that results in at least three ways it can go on right from the start. (this is why 3D printers are just 2D printers that can go wrong in another whole dimension)

scanners fall into many of the same problems printers have, but fewer people have scanners, and they're not as cost-optimized. But they are nearly as annoying.

This is also why you can make a printer better by cutting down on the number of moving elements: laser printers are better than inkjets, because they only need to move in one dimension, and their ink is a powder, not a liquid. and the best-behaved printers of all are thermal printers: no ink and the head doesn't move. That's why every receipt printer is a thermal printer, because they need that shit to work all the time so they can sell shit. And thermal is the most reliable way to do that.

But yeah, cost-optimization is also a big part of why printers are such finicky unreliable bastards: you don't want to pay much for them. Who is excited for all the printing they're gonna be doing? basically nobody. But people get forced to have a printer because they gotta print something, for school or work or the government or whatever. So they want the cheapest thing that'll work. They're not shopping on features and functionality and design, they want something that costs barely anything, and can fucking PRINT. anything else is an optional bonus.

And here's the thing: there's a fundamental limit of how much you can optimize an inkjet printer, and we got near to it in like the late 90s. Every printer since then has just been a tad smaller, a tad faster, and added some gimmicks like printing from WIFI or bluetooth instead of needing to plug in a cable.

And that's the worst place to be in, for a computer component. The "I don't care how fancy it is, just give me one that works" zone. This is why you can buy a keyboard for 20$ and a mouse for 10$ and they both work plenty fine for 90% of users. They're objectively shit compared to the ones in the 60-150$ range, but do they work? yep. So that's what people get.

Printers fell into that zone long, long ago, when people stopped getting excited about "desktop publishing". So with printers shoved into the "make them as cheap as possible" zone, they have gotten exponentially shittier. Can you cut costs by 5$ a printer by making them jam more often? good. make them only last a couple years to save a buck or two per unit? absolutely. Can you make the printer cost 10$ less and make that back on the proprietary ink cartridges? oh, they've been doing that since Billy Clinton was in office.

It's the same place floppy disks were in in about 2000. CD-burners were not yet cheap enough, USB flash drives didn't exist yet (but were coming), modems weren't fast enough yet to copy stuff over the internet, superfloppies hadn't taken over like some hoped, and memory cards were too expensive and not everyone had a drive for them. So we still needed floppy disks, but at the same time this was a technology that hadn't changed in nearly 20 years. So people were tired of paying out the nose for them... the only solution? cut corners. I have floppy disks from 1984 that read perfectly, but a shrinkwrapped box of disks from 1999 will have over half the disks failed. They cut corners on the material quality, the QA process, the cleaning cloth inside the disk, everything they could. And the disks were shit as a result.

So, printers are in that particular note of the death-spiral where they've reached the point of "no one likes or cares about this technology, but it's still required so it's gone to shit". That's why they are so annoying, so unreliable, so fucking crap.

So, here's the good news:

You can still buy a better printer, and it will work far better. Laser printers still exist, and LED printers work the same way but even cheaper. They're still more expensive than inkjets (especially if you need color), but if you have to print stuff, they're a godsend. Way more reliable.

This is not a stable equilibrium. Printers cannot limp along in this terrible state forever. You know why I brought up floppy disk there? (besides the fact I'm a giant floppy disk nerd) because floppy disks GOT REPLACED. Have you used one this decade? CD-Rs and USB drives and internet sharing came along and ate the lunch of floppy disks, so much so that it's been over a decade since any more have been made. The same will happen to (inkjet) printers, eventually. This kind of clearly-broken situation cannot hold. It'll push people to go paperless, for companies to build cheaper alternatives to take over from the inkjets, or someone will come up with a new, more reliable printer based on some new technology that's now cheap enough to use in printers. Yeah, it sucks right now, but it can't last.

So, in conclusion: Printers suck, but this is both an innate problem caused by them having to deal with so much fucking Real World, and a local minimum of reliability that we're currently stuck in. Eventually we'll get out of this valley on the graph and printers will bother people a lot less.

Random fun facts about printing of the past and their local minimums:

in the hot metal type era, not only would the whole printing process expose you to lead, the most common method of printing text was the linotype, which could go wrong in a very fun way: if the next for a line wasn't properly justified (filling out the whole row), it could "squirt", and lead would escape through gaps in the type matrix. This would result in molten lead squirting out of the machine, possibly onto the operator. Anecdotally, linotype operators would sometimes recognize each other on the street because of the telltale spots on their forearms where they had white splotches where no hair grew, because they got bad lead burns. This type of printing remained in use until the 80s.

Another fun type of now-retired printers are drum printers, a type of line printer. These work something like a typewriter or dot-matrix printer, except the elements extend across the entire width of the paper. So instead of printing a character at time by smacking it into the paper, the whole line got smacked nearly at once. The problem is that if the paper jammed and the printer continued to try to print, that line of the paper would be repeatedly struck at high speed, creating a lot of heat. This worry created the now-infamous Linux error: "lp0 on fire". This was displayed when the error signals from a parallel printer didn't make sense... and it was a real worry. A high speed printer could definitely set the paper on fire, though this was rare.

So... one thing to be grateful about current shitty inkjet printers: they are very unlikely to burn anything, especially you.

(because before they could do that they'd have to work, at least a little, first, and that's very unlikely)

[otkuhotgirl]

─── 𝐂𝐑𝐔𝐎𝐑 .

# with trafalgar law.

your captain was nothing if not thorough — and as talented doctor, he offered quite a luscious method to help with your cramps.

⎰ & KINKTOBER. smut (mdni!). period sex. bloodplay. fingering (reader!receiving). blood!tasting (menstrual blood, yes). afab!reader. no y/n used.

WC: 2.3k.

trafalgar law was a doctor — sadistic, yes; self-taught, of course; but one regardless. his mind was attuned to his crew’s health properties, from allergies, to those who had a lower immunity system; from the divergent blood types to medical-related phobias. bepo hated oral medicine with overly sweet tastes; jean bart, although sizable, could not stand needles. and you had a set of quite awful cramps, enough to leave you bedridden until the week’s ending. it was, without an ounce of doubt, your most prominent issue — the one who bought him the greater worry. it left him wary enough then, yet said coddling had a gradual increase once he engaged in a relationship with you.

law had the interval of your period scheduled; committed to memory. pain medicines were reserved with the purpose of aiding you; thermal bags were both heated and freezed beforehand. he researched herbs with soothing properties and went as far — a proof of his love, he would add — as inquiring the straw-hats’ cook on teas that could, somehow, offer some respite. law had tried on a dozen sets of solutions, which one to no avail, for your ache lingered regardless of the chosen method. it left him with an ever-present bitter taste at the tip of his tongue, as the man was unused to said hopelessness, all but forced to sit back and witness your pain without a decent manner with which to soothe it.

you were not present for breakfast that morning, whereas bepo had a sheet with your shifts and duties, dividing them with shachi. for your pain was too sharp, you were granted a week-worth of rest, unallowed to lift a weight heavier than a plume. ikkaku had then entered the shared kitchen, holding an emptied cup — whose previous contents he presumed to be water — and discarding a plastic, pill bottle of a potent medicine he had prepared, a week prior. ikkaku informed him that you were resting — a bit nauseous, as expected, yet nothing quite worrisome — and though the woman had not read underneath the lines of what you stated, law understood it well enough. you were discarding his lingering aid, willing to withstand the cramps without him, for law grew twice as frustrated every month, and you had noted.

he left the kitchen right thereafter, his mood souring. it was ridiculous; unfathomable. law was a doctor — a surgeon — who had healed life-threatening diseases and wounds, yet failed to soothe the merest cramps; to offer comfort to the one he loved the most. he clicked his tongue, rummaging through the books in his office, convinced that he was but missing something, prideful enough to refuse the perspective of succumbing to a thing such as morphine.

nerves. brain chemicals. it should not have taken him that long to figure that out, but it did — and he was fuming. orgasms increased the blood flow; released endorphins; decreased the levels of cortisol. how could have he forgotten that? law clicked his tongue regardless, filled with clear annoyance at himself as he strived for your shared bedroom with ikkaku, delighted, at last, at the fact neither of you would be bothered, for the crew, too, was well-aware of the intensity of your pain.

he knocked — once, twice. not an answer was received, yet law entered regardless, eyes getting used to the overall darkness of the room, granting him the sight of your figure underneath the bed sheets. he approached you, placing a hand on your forehead; relieved to know you were far from feverish. your knees were pressed to your chest, and he could see slight eye-bags, pointing to a clear lack of sleep due to the pain. you were dozing off, unaware of your surroundings, set for a nap. he felt a pang of guilt as his arms removed you from your solace, holding you bridal-style, the activation of his powers leading you both to his own bedroom.

“law?” you inquired, nuzzling closer, a bit confused at the sudden shift. your voice was rough — pained —, and he caught himself filled with the urge to protect you, yet again.

“did i wake you?” he murmured, landing you on the mattress with certain tenderness.

“no,” you lied, ever more comfortable at the press of the sheets under your sore body.

law hummed, not believing a thing, yet not willing to pester you either. instead, he placed a set of pillows under your hips, caressing your cheek with calculated gentleness.

“i figured something that might help,” law whispered, allowing his hand to travel down your neck.

“i took some pills a while ago,” you meekly pointed out, sighing in relief as his fingers brushed against your collarbone. “and that infusion you made me drink tasted like shit. no offense.”

“none taken,” he reassured, licking his lips as his eyes swallowed the sight of you. “it’s a more pleasant one, if you’re willing.”

you stared at him through a half-opened eye, intrigued despite the context. you wore a thin, silken nightgown, the straps slipping past your shoulders, not much left for the imagination. it gave him a glimpse of your curves; your breasts; the underline of your underwear. law spared a mere glance at his sheets, deciding the incessant brushing of the blood stains right thereafter would be far worth it, so long as he could claim you. his hand hovered over your covered intimacy, applying a natural pressure, however neither forceful nor demanding.

“if you’re willing”, law repeated, and you licked your lips, wincing ever-so-slightly at a sudden, sharp pang. he could see the mental effort required for the production of words, soothing your unspoken worries with a caress of his thumb. law was a doctor; blood did not phase him, rather brought forward certain excitement. he all but wished for you to understand that. “i’m willing.”

“are you sure?” you croaked out, pain so sharp you could barely keep your eyes open.

“let me take care of you,” he pleaded, with half the mind to be ashamed of the desperation in his own tone.

you offered him a curt nod of agreement; limp frame conceding to his guiding touch. law raised the nightgown past your arms, throwing it somewhere in the room. with his knees sunk on the mattress, frame towering over your laid one, he began removing your underwear, shuddering with anticipation at the sight of blood staining your pad. he hummed, regretting the eagerness that led to a lack of proper preparation, for he had neither towels nor medical gloves to contain the flow of your period. yet, his mind could not help but point out a singular thought — did he care enough about the mess to be bothered, when you were in such dire need for relief? indeed, he didn’t.

with particular attention, he discarded the underwear and panties on the ground, allowing your hips to be supported by the pillows, without a single preoccupation regarding the possible blood stains. instead, lithe fingers trailed down towards your intimacy, a pair traveling through your folds; testing the waters. law leaned forward in order to have a proper glimpse of your expressions, yet failing not to have his eyes wander to your hardening nipples. he hummed, index meeting your clit as he drew circular, slow movements on it.

the texture of menstrual blood did not seem so far off that of your pre-cum. perhaps thicker, a bit warmer, with the biggest divergence being the color; nothing else. as a digit busied itself with your swollen bud, law teased your entrance with his pinky, grunting as a clot of blood brushed against the touch.

“talk to me, baby,” he rasped out, eyes tethered to your face as his thumb increased the pace of its ministrations on your clit.

you breathed out meekly, fingers gripping the sheets, nose scrunched as you grew accustomed to the stimulation. the blood made the sliding of his thumb faster; erratic. the lascivious sound of your aroused cunt filling the room. law felt his mouth grow dry at the sight, diving into one of your breasts, swirling, warm tongue on the hardened nipple being the solution he found in order not to lap at your blood instead. your back arched, a drawn-out mewl escaping past your opened lips as he ceased the teasing of your clit, wrist angled in a way that had his index and middle finger sliding inside your entrance with extreme ease.

“faster,” you pleaded, a bit of strength returning to your voice.

law thrusted his fingers, knuckle deep, attempting to reach the deepest inches of your walls. the natural shade of his skin returned mingled with red, the tattooed E and A but a mere memory of black underneath the crimson curtain. it was stickier than the river-stream texture of one’s blood, a stubborn line connecting the middle of his fingers, breaking apart only when they were shoved inside yet again, scissoring your walls with regained fervor. he spared a glance towards your growing blissful expression, grunting at the flutter of ideas that wrapped themselves around his mind, failing to ignore the possibilities as his own blood flushed to his hardening cock.

it smeared the fabric of the pillowcase and trailed down his palm, and law spared a brief ounce of attention to the other, neglected breast, using his free fingers to pinch at your nipple before his lips detached themselves from your chest with a single ‘pop’. he adored your tits — really, could not phantom a week without his mouth sucking bruises on it — but on that particular moment, law wanted to observe the in-and-out of his fingers inside your cunt, to commit the blood-coated digits to memory. the tip of his index abused your g-spot and he all but licked his lips, starved for a taste.

your moans were but an angel’s choir, and law had to fight the urge to let a pathetic whimper of his own escape past his lips, for he was, at last, helping you; being the one to demolish the source of your pain. yet, despite his own previous delay, he could not help but to be a little egotistical, lust clouding his scarce selflessness.

“is it better?” he questioned, and you nodded meekly, eyes dazed; pupils blown.

“y-yes,” you stuttered. “don’t stop, please.”

and though his legs began to ache and his cock ached amidst the coffins of his underwear and jeans, law increased the tempo of his thrusts, adding a third finger at the assurance that your walls were parted enough. you bit the back of your hand, swiftly muffling a shout. law groaned, using the thumb of his other hand to draw circles on your clit, marveling at the speed with which blood invaded the inside of his nail; smeared the poor digit.

“i’m close, baby,” you warned, without a need per say, for he noted the approach of your orgasm through the manner with which you clenched around him; impossibly tighter.

“let go for me,” he encouraged, retreating his fingers to the point of his nails before thrusting them yet again, knuckles bloodied; palm sticky.

your entire figure trembled, legs desperate; back jumping from the mattress. his glance was enraptured by the sight of your cum, white mingled with red, an ever-crescent battle whose stage was the pillow underneath, growing wet and dark at the onslaught of your essences. law removed his fingers, raising them to the light, obsessed with the strings intertwined around them; the state of his nails; the memories of parted clots staining the digits. he was but hypnotized, ignoring the confused calling of his name, the ever-so-grateful words you poured into his ears. instead, law began to drag his bloodied fingers on the flesh of your bare stomach, pupils blown with lust as the shade of you, too, grew smeared.

law wiped his fingers clean, and was swift to insert two of them inside your sensitive entrance. your body the canvas, whereas your cunt was the pallet, sheltering the red dye that would grant him the creation of a masterpiece — one he strived to ruin, for law was far from an accomplished, patient painter. he continued with the drag of his fingers on your flesh, from your ribs to your hip-bones; from your breasts to the spot under your navel. at every brief thrust of his fingers, teasing of your folds, you sucked in a harsh breath, your entire body reacting to the somewhat overstimulation.

when law could not hold himself back any longer — the famished beast gnawing underneath his ribcage — he dived in, tongue wiping the mess he had made. law left long stripes of saliva in its wake at every lick, his mouth sucking newer bruises on certain inches of flesh. the taste was not as metallic as he had expected, not as strong, either. it had a lingering bit of salt amidst the iron, for it was mingled with your cum, and both made for a thicker, stretchier combination on his tongue, an unique texture he had never tasted before. law spared particular attention to your breasts, hungrily lapping at it; collecting every last drop of lingering blood.

he distracted you from the fact that his pants and underwear had slid off from their previous position; that his leaking cock had slapped his stomach before he guided the tip to your abused entrance. when law pushed an inch inside, your eyes widened, hands wrapping around his neck out of instinct.

“can i?” he inquired, pressing his palms against the mattress, one at each side of your head.

“yes,” you breathed out. “please, baby.”

law was careful, a languid shove of his hips stretching your walls until he bottomed out, grunting with his eyes closed. he leaned forward, pressing his forehead against yours, breathing into your mouth as he began to move — thrusts with a wild tempo, the incessant chase for his own orgasm. a crown of blood wrapped itself around his tip, his entire girth a shade of bright red; pale pink. law hid his face in the crook of your neck, moaning as your hands slipped under this shirt, nails dragging on the bare skin of his back.

he brushed against your g-spot; thrusted himself deep enough to challenge your cervix. you moaned, pain long-forgotten as his tip all but drooled inside your walls, spreading them open without an ounce of mercy. law’s knees buckled; you began to squeeze his girth as though a ruthless, famished beast, so tight he would not be able to slide as freely, was it not for the present blood.

“cum for me again,” law encouraged, meeting your glance, his voice raw and desperate. “let me—ngh—take your pain, baby. c’mon.”

you whimpered, a broken, mute moan preceding the second tide of your orgasm after a particular harsh set of his thrusts. your expression, contorted in pleasure, had him removing his cock swiftly, pumping it twice before shooting his load on your stomach, mouth agape at the blood that surrounded his shaft; stained his palm. law struggled to collect his breath, shifting in order to sit on the mattress and offer his knees a well-deserved rest, one of his hands meeting your own as he intertwined your fingers together.

after prolonged, tired minutes spent in comfort within the walls of a bedroom that reeked of sex, sweat and blood, your voice echoed.

“i liked this method,” you whispered, and he angled his head to get a glimpse of your face.

“yeah, me too.”

— 🐈‍⬛ : damn this writer’s block got hands!!!! jokes aside, i love freaky law!!!! send more freaky law requests i’m going to get thru this writer’s block 👏 by writing more 👏.

[velvetinks]

Harder than surviving

Tommy Miller x f!Reader

Warnings: Enemies to Lovers · Slow Burn · Intimate Tension rough tension melting into soft intensity, semi-public risk, emotional undertones.

You hated him the second you laid eyes on him.

Cocky, stubborn, loud-mouthed, and far too proud of every little job he did around Jackson like it was some miracle he didn’t break his back doing it. Tommy Miller had this way of walking like he owned the place—shoulders squared, chin up, eyes scanning like a damn sheriff. Like he hadn’t been just another man trying to survive like the rest of you.

He took over patrol routes like he knew better. Argued with you over supplies, safety precautions, curfews. The two of you were always this close to snapping, voice raised just enough for the whole town to get front-row seats.

And yet you kept getting paired with him.

“Maria’s trying to kill me,” you muttered one cold afternoon when she handed you the assignment.

“No,” she said without looking up from the map. “I think she’s trying to make y’all work it out.”

Work it out. That’s a good one.

The first hour on the trail was silent. Then it wasn’t.

“You always got that look on your face?” he muttered, adjusting the strap on his rifle.

“What look?”

“Like you’d rather gut me than ride next to me.”

You smiled grimly. “Guess you’re lucky I left my knife at home.”

That made him laugh, a deep, genuine one that startled you into silence. You hated how it warmed you.

By the time the snow turned thick and the trail back became a whiteout, your horse was exhausted and Tommy was squinting through flakes like he was trying to will a solution into existence.

“We gotta stop,” he finally said, pulling you toward an old cabin half-buried in snow. “You’re freezing.”

You didn’t argue. You were shaking too hard to speak.

Inside, it was quiet and cold, but sheltered. He found a stash of old firewood, and by some miracle, dry kindling. It took minutes, but he got it lit.

And then came the hard part.

“You need to get those wet clothes off.”

You scoffed. “Nice try, Miller.”

He looked at you, serious, jaw tense. “You’ll freeze in that gear. Not joking.”

You hesitated. Every nerve in your body was screaming no, but your hands betrayed you, fingers fumbling at zippers, damp sleeves heavy as lead. He turned away until you sat near the fire in your thermal top and leggings, shivering.

He joined you a few minutes later, his own jacket steaming from the warmth.

The silence this time was… different.

Not hostile. Not cold.

You looked at him from the corner of your eye—his face relaxed, profile lit orange and gold. His arms were braced over his knees, hands clasped loosely.

“You always this stubborn?” you asked.

He smirked. “Only when I’m right.”

“You’re not always right.”

“I’m right about you.”

You stiffened. “What the hell does that mean?”

He turned his head, met your gaze head-on. “Means you act like you hate me, but you look at me like you don’t.”

Your heart beat unevenly. “That so?”

“Yeah,” he said, leaning in slightly, voice low. “I see it. Every time you square up to argue. Every time you stand too close. You’re not trying to fight me off. You’re trying not to give in.”

There was a long pause.

Then, softly, too softly, you whispered, “Maybe I should’ve brought my knife.”

His smile was slow. “I’d take my chances.”

The tension broke like a crack of thunder. He kissed you, slow, searching, hot against the chill in your skin. You didn’t hold back. You couldn’t.

You pushed him back into the blankets near the fire, his hands slipping under your layers, not rushed, just firm. Like he’d wanted this for a long time.

The cold outside was brutal. But in there—on that floor, wrapped in a blanket of heat and fury and longing, you weren’t fighting anymore.

You were finally giving in.

His mouth on yours was rough at first all teeth and tension and weeks of fighting that led to this.

But when you gasped into him, surprised by the heat, something shifted. His hands slowed. His touch gentled. And you felt it, how badly he’d wanted this too. Maybe even longer than you had.

Your bodies were still cold in patches, but where you pressed against each other near the fire, it burned.

“Tell me to stop,” Tommy murmured into your jaw, his breath ragged, hands sliding under your thermal top, fingers spreading over your ribs.

You didn’t.

Instead, you grabbed the hem and lifted it over your head, baring your chest to him in the glow of the firelight. He sat back on his heels just to look, his breath catching like he’d been punched.

“Jesus,” he whispered.

You tugged his flannel open, palms finding warm skin and old scars. “You gonna stare all night or—”

Tommy crushed his mouth to yours before you could finish. You fell back together onto the blanket, bodies tangling. The fire popped behind you as his mouth trailed down your throat, his scruff rough but addictive against your skin.

You reached for his belt, clumsy and eager. He hissed when your fingers brushed the hardness beneath it.

“You always this mouthy?” he growled against your collarbone.

“Only when I’m right,” you echoed, smirking.

His laugh was a rumble in his chest, short-lived as you freed him from his jeans. His mouth found your breast, sucking slow and deep, and your hips rolled up instinctively your body begging for friction.

“Need you,” you whispered, voice low and shaky. “Now.”

Tommy didn’t argue.

He stripped what was left between you, then hooked your leg around his hip and pressed forward, slow but firm, stretching, filling. You gasped, fingers digging into his back. He groaned into your shoulder.

“Fuck—been thinkin’ about this,” he grunted, thrusting deeper. “You. Like this.”

Your nails left marks as he rocked into you, rhythm building. Every time he moved, it felt like something long-buried was breaking free inside you. All the fighting, all the pride, gone. It melted into sweat and sighs and the heat of him.

He cupped your jaw, eyes locked on yours. “That look,” he said hoarsely. “Finally get it.”

You clenched around him when he said it and he felt it.

“Shit, baby—do that again,” he rasped.

You pulled him down, forehead to yours. “Make me.”

He did.

You shattered with him deep inside you, clinging to each other like the world outside had vanished in the snow. He followed fast, breath catching on a curse as he buried his face in your neck.

For a while, there was nothing but the crackle of the fire, the press of his chest, and the feel of his fingers tracing patterns over your thigh.

“I’m still gonna fight with you,” you mumbled.

He kissed your shoulder. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”

You smiled. “But maybe next time… we fight somewhere with a bed.”

Tommy chuckled, low and warm.

“Next time,” he promised, “we fight naked.”

[kaiasky]

ok so a while back I was playing terrafirmagreg. once I got to steam power I switched over to gregtech community pack modern. i crafted the first hv circuit last night so my thoughts

Gregtech is desperately in need of better emi tooling. look this is a long one I made a GH ticket about it. (don't like. bother the author about it i just don't wanna explain twice)

note that this is not gtnh which is the pack everybody says is ultra grindy

Ore veins + high resource demands is fundamentally awesome. If you need more iron, you mine 20 stacks of iron. it is really nice to think in full stacks, and to know that e.g. if you turn 5 stacks of steel into plates you will find a use for them. By FAR the thing gt does best is just make huge ore veins so you're limited by your processing capacities and not raw materials.

Likewise, I like that thus far I haven't unlocked one-block solve-everythings. e.g. for ore processing it seems like I'll be using long lines of thermal centrifuges for the foreseeable future

Not a huge fan of having progression be "voltage" imo. like... LEDs are always gonna run at around 3.3 right. I understand that we're crushed under the weight of IC2 here but yknow.

the tier system as a broad concept I, surprisingly, really like. The goals of a tier feel different enough that it's not just "ok set up the same stuff again" but it's nice how you have to gradually bootstrap your way into being able to make that tier's stuff efficiently. Knowing that e.g. I will probably want a HV assembler helps with the learning curve.

I'm not a huge fan of the wiring and cable loss. "run diesel throughout your base, and put a generator adjacent to any machine you'd like to power" is less interesting than 'build a power station and run power everywhere from it'.

But at every stage gt seems to incentivize running fuel over running power. A fuel line can power lv/mv/hv generators. Even a wood pipe can transport diesel to power maybe 100 machines, while wires scale linearly in cost with the amount of amps you want to run through em.

(Probably this will change at some point, like if I'm gregtech I'm eventually making the only viable power source a multiblock nuclear reactor or something)

multiblocks: wallsharing is cool and I do like the capital investment of building an expensive but powerful multiblock. Buuuuut.... idk. I think especially when they just function like a machine but big, it's like.. eh. I think of create's "sequenced assembly" concept and wish it was applied here. Or just... something.

Item pipes: pretty good implementation. I think a lot of pipe mods err on the side of being too powerful. gt pipes feel like pipes, not conveyor belts/hopper chains (by this I mean that the pipes are kinda a symbolic connection and not a literal physical queue items travel through) but a pretty weak version of pipes compared to others.

I can feel on the horizon the specter of ae2 and I'm never sure how to feel about that. having every item/fluid/power available in one cable is just too much. At the same time, routing it all manually in separate pipes is a nightmare. idk. I haven't played with Create's package frog system but it seems like a good solution to 'how can we not just rely on ae2'.

The mod pack includes the classic gtnh decor mods and specifically the sloped frame blocks. It's interesting how iconic that is as part of the gregtech aesthetic.

I think the 1m^3 machine size is really good. That's silly but I was comparing it to Satisfactory a lot as two games where you need to build factories in 3d first person. and I think it's just a lot nicer to be able to walk around the machines at block scale instead of having machines that are too big.

The fact that a generator producing less than its full amperage does this crazy stutter sound as it rapidly goes off/on is INSANE. like c'mon if something is drawing a steady state 16 eu/t it should supply that & then make a softer whrrr than the normal one. Or have it wait until the internal buffer is 20%,kick on until it's 80%,shut off etc. Awful sound design

[thatsmy-role]

WHY HYDROGEN IS AWESOME

1. No direct CO2 emissions

No carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced when using hydrogen. When it reacts with oxygen, hydrogen generates only electricity, water and heat. And since it does not contain any carbon, no CO2 is created.

This means that by switching from fossil fuels to hydrogen in engines, gas turbines, boilers and fuel cells, the creation of power and heat can be done without direct CO2 emissions. Plant owners can switch to hydrogen technologies like the hydrogen gas turbine from Mitsubishi Power, a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), by converting to hydrogen co-firing, and soon 100% hydrogen firing.

2. High energy density

Hydrogen combusts quickly and at high temperature. When it is combined with oxygen and ignites, it forms water and releases heat.

As our knowledge of how to safely handle the flammability of hydrogen has developed, this has unlocked hydrogen’s potential as a resource for our long-term energy needs, as cleaner fuels can now be made with hydrogen that are highly efficient.

3. Plentiful and versatile

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and is all around us, mainly in the form of water (H2O) and fossil fuels, otherwise known as hydrocarbons. But it is rare to find pure hydrogen in nature as a gas — typical levels are less than one part per million by volume. To make pure hydrogen, therefore, it must be produced either from fossil fuels, biomass or water.

Most of the hydrogen in use today is produced using a thermal process. This utilizes high temperatures to produce steam, which is in turn mixed with hydrocarbons to produce hydrogen. But it is increasingly being made using solar-driven, electrolytic or even biological processes.

4. Storage potential

The amount of energy produced from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power tends to fluctuate because of weather conditions. Combining energy storage solutions with renewables mitigates the intermittent nature of renewable energy production, and hydrogen is a proven provider of effective storage.

Converting renewable energy to hydrogen via electrolysis allows it to be stored and used at a later date, while also stabilizing the energy grid by providing a source of energy “on tap”. Better still, the hydrogen can be stored for long periods without significant losses.

5. An industrial fuel

Hydrogen can also be used as a fuel to power energy-intensive industrial processes, such as metal processing and glass manufacturing. Heavy industry has a challenging decarbonization journey ahead of it, accounting for nearly 40% of the world’s final energy use in 2021.

Hydrogen is likely to be an important tool for replacing fossil fuels in hard-to-abate industry, many processes of which are difficult to be electrified. Initiatives are already underway - steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal is developing industrial-scale production and use of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) made with 100% hydrogen.

- @hydrogentruck

Hydra, I wouldn't understand this on a normal day. I'm runnin' on two hours of sleep at the minute - I'm convinced this is written in French.

[enzaelectric]

Common Electrical Issues That a High-Quality Current Transformer Can Prevent

In today’s fast-paced industrial world, electrical reliability is more crucial than ever. A small error in current measurement can lead to serious system failures, downtime, and costly repairs. This is where high-quality current transformers (CTs) make a huge difference. But what exactly can a superior CT prevent? Let’s dive in.

What Is a Current Transformer?

A current transformer (CT) is an essential device used to measure alternating current (AC) by producing a scaled-down, manageable current for meters, relays, and other instruments. It enables safe monitoring and accurate metering in high-voltage environments, protecting both equipment and personnel.

Common Electrical Problems a High-Quality CT Can Prevent

1. Overloading and Equipment Failure

Problem: Without accurate current measurement, systems can easily become overloaded, causing motors, transformers, and cables to overheat.

How a CT Helps: A precision CT ensures real-time, reliable current monitoring. It detects overcurrent conditions immediately, allowing protective relays to trip and prevent expensive equipment damage.

2. Inaccurate Energy Billing

Problem: Incorrect current readings can lead to wrong billing, causing businesses to either overpay for energy or face disputes with utilities.

How a CT Helps: High-accuracy CTs provide precise energy data for billing and cost allocation, especially critical in commercial complexes, factories, and power plants.

3. Protection Relay Malfunction

Problem: If a CT delivers incorrect signals, protection relays may not operate during faults, leading to extended damage and system blackouts.

How a CT Helps: Reliable CTs ensure protection relays receive the correct fault current levels, enabling fast and accurate circuit isolation.

4. Short Circuits Going Undetected

Problem: A minor fault can escalate into a full-blown short circuit if the protection system doesn’t detect it early.

How a CT Helps: Quality CTs capture even small fault currents, triggering alarms or shutdowns before damage spirals out of control.

5. Phase Imbalance Issues

Problem: Imbalanced phases cause excessive heating, motor inefficiency, and damage to sensitive equipment.

How a CT Helps: High-precision CTs monitor each phase accurately, enabling detection of phase unbalance conditions early and preventing system inefficiencies.

6. Harmonic Distortions and Power Quality Problems

Problem: Harmonic distortions interfere with the performance of sensitive equipment and reduce the overall power quality.

How a CT Helps: Specialized CTs can detect abnormal waveform distortions, enabling corrective action through harmonic filtering or load balancing.

Why Invest in a High-Quality Current Transformer?

Accuracy: Achieve metering-class precision essential for both billing and protection. Durability: Longer lifespan even in harsh industrial environments. Safety: Better insulation, thermal stability, and overload capacity. Compliance: Meets international standards like IEC and ANSI.

How Enza Electric Ensures CT Excellence

At Enza Electric, we specialize in manufacturing current transformers built with precision, reliability, and global standards compliance. Whether you need CTs for commercial metering, industrial protection, or utility-scale power distribution, our solutions guarantee unmatched performance.

Customizable options��for various ratings High dielectric strength for safety Long service life even in extreme conditions

Explore our Current Transformer Range

Final Thoughts

A high-quality current transformer isn’t just a tool — it’s a first line of defense for your electrical system. Investing in precision-engineered CTs prevents common electrical issues, boosts system longevity, ensures accurate billing, and improves overall operational safety.

If you’re serious about protecting your infrastructure and optimizing performance, choosing Enza Electric’s current transformers is a smart move.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

NASA installs heat shield on first private spacecraft bound for Venus

Led by Rocket Lab of Long Beach, California, and their partners at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Rocket Lab's Venus mission will be the first private mission to the planet.

NASA's role is to help the commercial space endeavor succeed by providing expertise in thermal protection of small spacecraft. Invented at Ames, NASA's Heatshield for Extreme Entry Environment Technology (HEEET)—the brown, textured material covering the bottom of the capsule in this photo—is a woven heat shield designed to protect spacecraft from temperatures up to 4,500 degrees Fahrenheit. The probe will deploy from Rocket Lab's Photon spacecraft bus, taking measurements as it descends through the planet's atmosphere.

Teams at Ames work with private companies, like Rocket Lab, to turn NASA materials into solutions such as the heat shield tailor-made for this spacecraft destined for Venus, supporting the growth of the new space economy.

IMAGE: Engineers at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley, Bohdan Wesely, right, and Eli Hiss, left, complete a fit check of the two halves of a space capsule that will study the clouds of Venus for signs of life. Credit: NASA/Brandon Torres Navarrete

[burnwater13]

Concept Art by Christian Alzmann. Grogu touches Greef Karga's arm to heal a wound. Image from STARWARS.com. From The Mandalorian, Season 1, Episode 7, The Reckoning.

Grogu makes a friend Part 7/ A choice is made.

The Mandalorian walked over to Ta’lan/Mira and Grogu.

“Why doesn’t she know who you are?” 

“Because to her, Mira was only ever a spy. Not someone trained to work with the Force. The Jedi have forgotten about the Brethren. To them, I would just be a Force adept. They are not trained and demonstrate only limited ability to control the Force. That is Ahsoka’s worst nightmare.”  

Ta’lan Bet did not look happy when she turned to face him. 

“I am the person who retrieved the holocron with Seb. He is my father and a former Jedi. I knew exactly where it was. I am also the person who took it to Corellia and put where no one has yet found it. I would be opening the Brethren up to substantial risk if I tell Ahsoka Tano about them.”

“Then why tell us? I saw what you can do. Grogu knows who you are.”

Din Djarin couldn’t understand why she would take the risk. It seemed absurd, doubly so for a person who was known to be a spy.

“I promised to cause him no harm and by extension I promised the same for you. You care about each other deeply. Within the Brethren such attachments are not a problem. They are a foundation, an anchor, a rock. They give you firm footing and guide you. But we do not do the same work as the Jedi. Our solutions to many of the problems we take on occur over decades. Sometimes, lifetimes. The Brethren support each other. That is our way.”

“And if I tell her who you really are?”

He had to test this new set of constraints. How could he not?

“I will not stop you or interfere. You and Grogu have been given my word and I will keep it.”

She wasn’t happy but she wasn’t angry or disappointed either. Who the hell was this woman?

Grogu began to chirp and coo at him and Djarin sighed. 

“I understand. I will not tell her if the need does not arise. Grogu says that you are honorable and I will hold you to that.”

There. A choice was made.

“I expect no less. I look forward to the day when I can allow Mira and Muun to retire. I would like to just spend time with my family and go back to doing the work of the Brethren.”

“What is that work?” 

Djarin asked, wondering how quickly Ahsoka would be back, empty handed.

“Making things like this.” She pointed to the fountain. “I made this after retrieving that holocron, to seal up the entry point to the temple.”

He looked around and felt the same amazement he felt when Grogu made the beskar baton float. It was hard to imagine how these things could be done.

Grogu began to chirp and coo and grumble at her. Djarin smiled to himself. His foundling certainly found their new friend as interesting and irritating as he did. 

“Grogu, your father will have to agree to that. I cannot make that promise. I did agree to show you ways to better work with the Force if you think you can learn from me. Yes. I can show you how I made this. But I think we should wait until we have finished our work with Ahsoka. I can hear her coming back.”

Djarin turned his helmet’s sensors on and found the heat signature for the speeder bike and was once again impressed and wary. 

A minute later, Ahsoka was there. 

“You were right Mira. The holocron was gone. Looks like someone took that place apart with thermal detonators. It was a mess. The pit droids you mentioned were just bits and pieces. I’m afraid everything of value is long gone.” Ahsoka sighed at them. “Which is all to say, where is the other Holocron you said you knew of?”

Grogu chirped and coo’d at Ahsoka Tano and Djarin noticed Ta’lan Bet grinned briefly at him before she replied to the Jedi.

“It is fifty clicks to the North of here. I hate to say it but one of the old wrecks is laying on top of the cavern that holds it.” Ta’lan/Mira stood up to point the way.

“Seb tell you that?” Ahsoka asked her quickly. 

Djarin wondered if she was trying to catch Mira out.

“No. I have other sources. If you are ready, we can leave now.”

Ta’lan turned and caught Grogu easily as he leapt into her arms. Even he couldn’t seem to surprise her. She tickled his feet and Grogu giggled at that. It was a sound the Mandalorian had rarely heard from his son and it made him smile.

“I am sorry Grogu, but I think you should ride with your father. You may not have noticed because you were having so much fun, but he thinks I pilot these things like a Jedi.”

Grogu giggled at that as well.

“Very funny, Mira. It is possible to be reckless without being a Jedi. You are proof of that.” 

Ahsoka Tano went back to her bike. 

Djarin just looked at the two women and shook his head. What had he gotten himself into?

Then they were off. 

If the Mandalorian had thought it was hard following Ta’lan for a short distance, the slightly longer distance was just as bad. She flew the speeder bike like a maniac. Fortunately for them all, the trip was over as quickly as it was started. Speeder bikes had high top speeds but almost no one rode them that fast. You couldn’t see the terrain changes and deal with the unexpected that fast. Unless you were a Jedi and what ever cousin to a Jedi the Brethren were. While he was impressed and Grogu had loved every second of the ride, he wondered how Ahsoka didn’t realize that she was also Force sensitive or whatever term it was they used.

Mira was suddenly at a stop, waiting for Djarin and Ahsoka to catch up to her and then slowly brought her speeder bike around the end of what had once been a magnificent Imperial II class Star Destroyer. Thousands had died when the ship crashed onto Jakku and it seemed to the Mandalorian that Mira/Ta’lan was some how affected by it.

“I knew some of those people. I did not agree with what they were doing, but I still knew them. I feel sadness at the waste of life.” She sighed. “We can park the bikes over here, where they won’t be seen and sensors will be skewed because of the ship.” 

She was listening to his thoughts again.

“Could you not do that?” He asked, his voice harsher than he intended it to be. Grogu grumbled at him.

“Grogu, it is all right. Your father is right. He should have perfect privacy. My grief interfered. My apologies Din Djarin. I do not understand why I react to your presence this way. This does not usually happen to me.” 

“Let’s just focus on why we’re here.” He replied, noncommittally.  

“As you wish.” She parked the speeder and locked it in place. 

Grogu wanted to go to her and comfort her and the Mandalorian wondered if Grogu could feel what she had felt arriving at the scene. 

“Grogu, please remain with your father. I appreciate your thoughtfulness, I do. But you will be safer with him and I need to find that item we came here to collect.”

“I thought you knew where it was?” 

The Mandalorian commented, not understanding what the issue was.

“I do know where it is. It is sitting in a cavern under this.” 

She pointed to the Imperial Star Destroyer looming above them. 

“I have to find the path to it. I can sense it, as well as the fact that we are not the only ones looking for it.”

“Yes, I expect scavengers are at work on this vessel.” 

Ahsoka Tano commented as she finally joined them. 

“Well, let’s get this done before they become a problem.” 

Din Djarin noticed the looks the two women gave him but he didn’t care. He’d been in these types of places before and speed was always of the essence.

[lastimeexteriors-omaha]

What Are the Different Panel Options for Residential Metal Roofing?

If you're considering a roof upgrade for your home, you've likely come across the option of residential metal roofing. It's become increasingly popular among homeowners due to its durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. But before you decide, it’s essential to understand the different panel options available. In this article, we’ll explore the types of panels you can choose from, their benefits, and what to consider when selecting the best fit for your home.

Understanding Residential Metal Roofing

Residential metal roofing has come a long way from its early days. It's not just a practical choice but also a stylish one. With advancements in technology and design, homeowners can now choose from metal roofing panels that enhance curb appeal while providing lasting protection.

1. Standing Seam Metal Roofing

The standing seam panel is one of the most popular choices in residential metal roofing. This style features vertical panels with interlocking seams that rise above the roof's level. Its design creates a clean, modern look and offers several practical benefits.

Durability: Standing seam roofs are made from high-quality materials, often steel or aluminum, and coated to resist rust and corrosion. With proper maintenance, they can last 50 years or more.

Hidden Fasteners: The screws and fasteners are concealed within the seams, reducing the risk of leaks and providing a sleek appearance.

Energy Efficiency: The standing seams allow for thermal expansion and contraction, which helps maintain the roof's integrity in varying temperatures. This characteristic, combined with reflective coatings, can significantly improve energy efficiency.

2. Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing

Another common option for residential metal roofing is the exposed fastener panel. Unlike standing seam roofs, the fasteners are visible on the panels' surface. This option is often more budget-friendly and has its own advantages.

Cost-Effective: Exposed fastener roofing systems are generally less expensive than standing seam roofs, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners.

Ease of Installation: These panels are typically easier and quicker to install, saving labor and time. Styles: Exposed fastener panels are available in various styles and colors, allowing you to customize the look to match your home’s exterior.

3. Corrugated Metal Roofing

Corrugated metal panels, known for their wavy design, are another option for residential metal roofing. They offer both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits.

Lightweight: Corrugated panels are lighter than many roofing materials, making them easier to handle and install.

Strength: The corrugated shape is durable, making it an excellent choice for withstanding adverse weather conditions.

Affordability: These panels are often one of the more affordable options for metal roofing, making them a popular choice among homeowners looking for a cost-effective solution.

4. R-panel and PBR Panel Roofing

R-panel and PBR panel roofing systems are designed for durability and efficiency, making them excellent options for residential use.

Versatility: These panels are available in numerous colors and finishes and can be used for various applications, including residential roofs.

Wind Resistance: R-panels and PBR panels are designed to withstand high winds, making them suitable for storm-prone areas.

5. Tile-Style Metal Roofing

If you love the look of traditional tile but want the benefits of metal roofing, consider tile-style metal panels. These panels mimic the appearance of clay or concrete tiles while offering the advantages of metal.

Aesthetic Appeal: Tile-style metal panels provide a classic, elegant look while lightweight and easy to install.

Energy Efficiency: These roofs often come with reflective coatings that help reduce heat absorption, making your home more energy-efficient.

Longevity: Like other metal roofing options, tile-style panels can last for decades with minimal maintenance.

Choosing the Right Panel for Your Home

When selecting the best panel option for your residential metal roofing, consider the following factors:

Climate and Weather Conditions

Your local climate plays a significant role in determining the type of metal roofing best for your home. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, a standing seam roof may be more suitable due to its sloped design and hidden fasteners. Conversely, exposed fastener panels might be fine if you reside in a warmer, drier climate.

Aesthetic Preferences

Metal roofing panels come in various colors, textures, and styles. Consider the overall look you want to achieve for your home. Whether you're leaning toward a modern, sleek design or a more traditional appearance, there's a metal panel option to match your vision.

Budget

Budget is a crucial consideration for any home improvement project. While standing seam panels may offer excellent durability and energy efficiency, they can also come with a higher price tag. On the other hand, exposed fasteners and corrugated panels may provide a more budget-friendly solution without sacrificing quality.

Energy Efficiency

If energy efficiency is a priority, look for panels with reflective coatings or thermal performance. Standing seam roofs often excel in this area, making them a popular choice for energy-conscious homeowners.

Transform Your Home with Style and Strength

Residential metal roofing offers a range of panel options to suit various needs and preferences. There's a solution for everyone, from the sleek design of standing seam roofs to the affordability of exposed fastener panels. By considering factors like climate, aesthetics, and budget, you can choose a roofing option that protects your home and enhances its value and curb appeal.

Ready to explore your options further? Visit Lastime Exteriors today to learn more about our residential metal roofing services and discover how you can transform your home with energy-efficient roofing solutions!

[lastimeexteriors-nebraska]

What is the R-value of Residential Metal Roofing?

When it comes to improving your home, one important factor often overlooked is the R-value of your roofing material. If you’re exploring ways to enhance energy efficiency, you might wonder about the R-value of residential metal roofing. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions about your roofing needs. Let’s dive deeper into this topic together!

Understanding R-value in Roofing

The R-value is a measurement of thermal resistance. It indicates how well a building material can resist heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. Understanding R-values in residential metal roofing is critical when considering overall energy efficiency in your home.

What Affects the R-value of Residential Metal Roofing?

Several factors influence the R-value of residential metal roofing. Here are some key components:

Material Composition: Different metal types, such as steel, aluminum, and copper, affect R-value. Each has unique properties that affect thermal performance.

Insulation: The thickness and type of insulation used beneath the metal roofing significantly affect the overall R-value. Common insulation materials include fiberglass, foam board, and spray foam.

Roofing System: The design of the roofing system itself, including whether it's a single-ply membrane or has multiple layers, can impact its effectiveness in terms of heat retention.

Why Choose Residential Metal Roofing?

There are many reasons to consider residential metal roofing for your home improvement project. Here are a few key benefits:

Durability and Longevity: Metal roofing is known for its resilience against extreme weather conditions, making it a long-lasting investment.

Energy Efficiency: Residential metal roofing can significantly reduce energy bills by improving a home’s thermal performance with appropriate insulation.

Energy Star-Labeled Products: Many residential metal roofs have reflective coatings that enhance energy efficiency by keeping your home cooler in summer.

R-value Comparison: Metal vs. Traditional Roofing Materials

The R-value of residential metal roofing may initially seem lower than that of traditional materials like asphalt shingles. For instance, asphalt shingles have an R-value ranging from R-2.9 to R-3.5, while metal roofing typically ranges between R-0.5 and R-1.5. However, remember that metal roofing's effectiveness comes from its R-value and overall performance when combined with proper insulation systems.

How to Increase the R-value of Your Metal Roof

If you’re worried about achieving the highest R-value with metal roofing, there are several strategies you can employ:

Select Quality Insulation: High-performance insulation will improve your roofing system's overall R-value. Aim for insulation materials that guarantee high thermal resistance.

Install a Radiant Barrier: Adding a radiant barrier beneath the metal roofing can reflect heat away from your home, improving overall energy efficiency.

Proper Installation: Work with experienced roofing professionals who can optimize insulation, ventilation, and roofing design to maximize your system’s R-value.

The Cost Implications of R-value in Residential Metal Roofing

While installing quality metal roofing and insulation can be expensive upfront, investing in a higher R-value can lead to long-term savings. Homes with superior insulation tend to minimize heating and cooling costs, translating to lower energy bills over time.

The R-value of residential metal roofing plays a vital role in determining energy efficiency in your home. Understanding how the R-value works and its implications can help you make more informed choices. Improved insulation, proper installation, and materials can enhance energy efficiency and create a comfortable living environment.

If you're keen to explore further, visit Lastime Exteriors. Our team is equipped to help you with energy-efficient roofing solutions tailored to your needs. Transform your home today and enjoy the benefits for years to come!

[fellow-travelers-fic-recs]

Fellow Travelers Fic Recs | Featured WIPs: May/June

Active WIPs with an updated chapter posted in the past two months. Most recent works posted on top. Featuring a Jackson and Tim reunion, not one but two afterlife AU's, a pizza delivery driver AU, some more of everyone's favorite fake dating Disaster, Fire Island, another hospital conversation and even more time travel. Take your pick... There's something for everyone!

Happy reading!

✨ Be sure to show the authors some love and appreciation with kudos and comments on the fics you enjoyed!

right or wrong i can't get along without you by @promise-you-wont-write | masterwords [NR, 3K] Jackson Fuller disappears and everyone fears the worst - until he turns up in San Francisco asking Tim for help.

Almost Paradise by @likerealpeopledo-on-ao3 | Likerealpeopledo [T, 8K] In 1992, Hawk dies and goes...somewhere.

Equal parts apology tour, long-awaited reunions, and reluctant spiritual exploration, Hawk takes a journey through the afterlife and back to Tim.

A Disaster, Beyond Measure by drabbleswabbles💠 [NR, 50K] Hawkins Fuller is a campaign manager with a PR disaster on his hands. The solution involves pretending to date none other than Timothy Laughlin.

Featuring: unrealistic portrayals of the life and job of a campaign manager for the sake of the fake dating trope.

Added Delivery Fees by spiffyyy💠 [E, 12K] Hawk stared at him. Thick black glasses that he adjusted as he turned with a serviced half grin. A goofy red ball cap hat that covered straight brown hair cut in a neat trim. He was cute: in an endearing, somewhat dorky way.

The man laughed. “I was a little worried I was at the wrong place.” He turned back and shuffled over as he unzipped the thermal bag. “This is like some government office, right?” “Senate affairs,” Hawk evenly supplied. Or, Hawk falls hard for a pizza delivery worker despite his best attempts not to.

Within The Heart of Me by drabbleswabbles💠 [NR, 14K] Lucy goes to the hospital to talk to Tim. When she arrives, Hawk is already there.

Otherwise known as a prompt fill that wanders a bit off the mark, but is close enough in spirit to give credit where credit is due as far as inspiration goes.

I Have You by @beyondxmeasure | Cyantific [NR, 3K] After receiving a cryptic postcard, and hearing from Lucy that Hawk's in trouble, Tim takes a trip back east to find out for himself.

A different version of the events that unfold in Fire Island, told from Tim's perspective.

Part 3 of FT Talk Hub Sunday Drabbles & Snippets

just like romantic verses, just like a joyous end by @startagainbuttercup | startagainbuttercup [T, 1K] One day Hawk spots a new handsome teacher. It's a bad idea to lust after your colleague, but Hawk is only a man.

Sands of Time (Turn Backwards) by @brouill3r | brouiller [NR, 30K] 1987 Hawkins Fuller is full of regrets for the life he's lived, though Tim once told him he regrets nothing. Hawk so wishes he could say the same.

In the still night air of a hotel room, clutching a cracked paperweight to his chest like it's carved of the finest gold, Hawk gets his wish.

Or, a time-travel fix-it fic that nobody asked for.

look homeward, angel by @earth-3490s | earth3490s [NR, 1K] Hawkins Fuller died on a rainy Sunday in 2001, at a DC hospital with his daughter holding his hand.

AU based on The Five People You Meet in Heaven.

💠Authors: if your tumblr (or other socials) isn’t linked, and you'd like it to be, let me know and I'll be happy to add it! Or, if you’re linked already and would prefer not to be, please contact me to remove it.

[solarpunkbusiness]

A research team headed by Prof. Karl Leo at TUD Dresden University of Technology have developed an innovative, nature-inspired solution that could revolutionize the electronics industry: "Leaftronics." This innovative approach leverages the natural structure of leaves to create biodegradable electronic substrates with enhanced properties and offers a sustainable, efficient, and scalable solution to the global-waste problem. These findings have now been published in the journal Science Advances.Electronic devices, from toys to smartphones, consist of circuits. Specific substrates are used to manufacture these circuits. In commercial electronics, these are printed circuit boards (PCBs) made of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin.Most of these materials are not recyclable, let alone biodegradable. Given the sheer volume of electronic waste of more than 60 million tons per year (of which over 75% is not collected worldwide), there is an urgent need for sustainable alternatives.Previous research has focused on creating biodegradable natural polymers as materials, but these have faced problems with heat stability and resistance to chemicals. The inherent conflict between biodegradability, which requires loosely bound molecules and thermal or chemical stability, which demands tightly bound molecules, has long posed a significant challenge.Now, a team of researchers at the Institute for Applied Physics at TUD Dresden University of Technology, led by Professor Karl Leo, has taken a major step forward by developing "Leaftronics"—an approach that leverages the natural structure of leaves to create biodegradable electronic substrates with enhanced properties. Their findings offer a sustainable, efficient, and scalable solution to the global e-waste problem.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

Scientists develop coating for enhanced thermal imaging through hot windows

A team of Rice University scientists has solved a long-standing problem in thermal imaging, making it possible to capture clear images of objects through hot windows. Imaging applications in a range of fields—such as security, surveillance, industrial research and diagnostics—could benefit from the research findings, which were reported in the journal Communications Engineering. "Say you want to use thermal imaging to monitor chemical reactions in a high-temperature reactor chamber," said Gururaj Naik, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Rice and corresponding author on the study. "The problem you'd be facing is that the thermal radiation emitted by the window itself overwhelms the camera, obscuring the view of objects on the other side." A possible solution could involve coating the window in a material that suppresses thermal light emission toward the camera, but this would also render the window opaque. To get around this issue, the researchers developed a coating that relies on an engineered asymmetry to filter out the thermal noise of a hot window, doubling the contrast of thermal imaging compared to conventional methods.

Read more.

[diamonddealer24]

Today in class we have: types of weapons

First, we have to know your type:melee,close range,mid range and long range

1: if you are in melee combat,i suggest a dagger or a butterfly knife,they are perfect for melee combat

2:close range,u will have to use 2 types of weapons for this one: shotguns,SMGS and pistols (except the mammouth),in shotguns i have preference in the havoc shotgun,the Drum shotgun and the infiltrator pump,in SMGS i prefer the rapid fire smg and the thunder burst,in pistols...The supressed pistol is ok

3:mid range: assault rifles, like the scar,ak,and the burst are ok with me,hearts use the supressed havoc,while commanding card uses the twin mag

4: lomg range: snipers and DMRS are the best solution to high damage,i prefer the reaper sniper rifle and my favorite one...The thermal dmr,what a weapon...i love her só much

Results: if you have good aim,reload speed and the grip,you use the smgs,ars, shotguns and snipers

If not,try to use your melee combat,they are a strong combo

Class dismised, see you tomorrow for the next class: the suits

[soundlycunninginsignia]

Luma Ray 2: The Next Generation of Advanced Lighting Technology

Lighting technology has evolved dramatically over the past decade, and Luma Ray 2 stands at the forefront of this innovation. Whether for professional photography, cinematic production, or everyday lighting solutions, Luma Ray 2 offers unparalleled brightness, efficiency, and versatility. In this article, we will explore its features, applications, and why it is a game-changer in modern lighting.

What is Luma Ray 2?

Luma Ray 2 is an advanced lighting system designed to deliver superior illumination with minimal energy consumption. Building upon its predecessor, this next-generation model incorporates cutting-edge LED technology, enhanced color accuracy, and intelligent control systems. Unlike traditional lighting solutions, Luma Ray 2 provides consistent, flicker-free light, making it ideal for high-demand environments.

Key Features of Luma Ray 2

Ultra-Bright LED Array

The Luma Ray 2 utilizes a high-density LED matrix that produces intense, uniform light. With adjustable brightness levels, it can be tailored for various settings, from studio shoots to outdoor events.

Precision Color Rendering

One of the standout features of Luma Ray 2 is its exceptional color accuracy. With a CRI (Color Rendering Index) of over 98, it ensures true-to-life colors, crucial for photographers and videographers.

Smart Connectivity & Control

Equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility, Luma Ray 2 can be controlled via a smartphone app. Users can adjust brightness, color temperature, and even create dynamic lighting effects remotely.

Energy Efficiency & Longevity

Thanks to its advanced thermal management system, Luma Ray 2 operates at lower temperatures, extending its lifespan while consuming less power than conventional lighting systems.

Portable & Durable Design

Designed for professionals on the go, Luma Ray 2 is lightweight yet rugged, with a weather-resistant build that withstands harsh conditions.

Applications of Luma Ray 2

1. Professional Photography & Videography

Photographers and filmmakers rely on consistent, high-quality lighting to capture stunning visuals. Luma Ray 2 provides studio-grade illumination, eliminating shadows and ensuring perfect exposure in every shot.

2. Live Streaming & Content Creation

With the rise of digital content, creators need reliable lighting setups. Luma Ray 2 enhances video quality with adjustable color temperatures, making it perfect for YouTube, Twitch, and social media broadcasts.

3. Architectural & Event Lighting

From stage performances to architectural highlights, Luma Ray 2 offers dynamic lighting solutions. Its programmable effects can transform any space into a visually captivating environment.

4. Industrial & Medical Use

Beyond creative fields, Luma Ray 2 is also used in medical and industrial applications where precise lighting is critical. Surgeons, engineers, and researchers benefit from its high-intensity, shadow-free illumination.

Why Choose Luma Ray 2 Over Competitors?

While there are many lighting solutions available, Luma Ray 2 stands out due to its:

Superior Build Quality – Made with premium materials for long-term reliability.

Versatility – Adaptable to various industries and use cases.

User-Friendly Controls – Intuitive app-based adjustments for seamless operation.

Future-Proof Technology – Designed to stay ahead of evolving lighting demands.