#Low Dweller Productions

[apas-95]

Is there a story behind China's one child policy that makes it not as horrifying as western media claims?

The defining feature of China's development for the past 70 years has been the urban-rural divide. In order to develop a semi-feudal country with a very low industrial level into an industrialised, socialist nation, it was necessary to develop industrial centres. To 'organically' develop industrial centres would have taken many decades, if not centuries of continued impoverishment and starvation, so programs were put in place to accelerate the development of industry by preferentially supporting cities.

Programs like the 'urban-rural price scissors' placed price controls on agricultural products, which made food affordable for city-dwellers, at the direct expense of reducing the income of rural, agricultural areas. This hits on the heart of the issue - to preferentially develop industrial centres in order to support the rest of the country, the rest of the country must first take up the burden of supporting those centres. Either some get out of poverty *first*, or nobody gets out of poverty at all. The result being: a divide between urban and rural areas in their quality of life and prospects. In order to keep this system from falling apart, several other policies were needed to support it, such as the Hukou system, which controlled immigration within the country. The Hukou system differentiated between rural and urban residents, and restricted immigration to urban areas - because, given the urban-rural divide, everyone would rather just try to move to the cities, leaving the agricultural industry to collapse. The Hukou system (alongside being a piece in many other problems, like the 'one country two systems', etc) prevented this, and prevented the entire thing from collapsing. The 'one child policy' was another system supporting this mode of development. It applied principally to city-dwellers, to prevent the populations of cities expanding beyond the limited size the agricultural regions could support, and generally had no 'punishments' greater than a lack of government child-support, or even a fine, for those who still wanted additional children. Ethnic minorities, and rural residents, were granted additional children, with rural ethnic minorities getting double. It wasn't something anyone would love, but it served an important purpose.

I use the past-tense, here, because these systems have either already been phased out or are in the process of being phased out. The method of urban-rural price scissors as a method of development ran its course, and, ultimately, was exhausted - the negative aspects, of its underdevelopment of rural regions, began to overwhelm its positive aspects. So, it was replaced with the paradigm of 'Reform and Opening Up' around the 1980s. Urban-rural price scissors were removed (leading to protests by urban workers and intellectuals in the late '80s), and the Hukou system, along with the 'one child policy', were and are being slowly eased out as lessening inequality between the urban and rural areas make them unnecessary. Under the new system, the driver of development was no longer at the expense of rural regions, but was carried out through the internal market and external capital. The development paradigm of Reform and Opening Up worked to resolved some contradictions, in the form of the urban-rural divide, and created some of its own, in the form of internal wealth divisions within the cities. Through it, over 800 million people were lifted out of extreme poverty - almost all of them being in rural areas - and extreme poverty was completely abolished within China. 'Extreme poverty' can be a difficult thing for westerners to grasp, wherein poverty means not paying rent on time, but to illustrate - many of the last holdout regions of extreme poverty were originally guerrilla base areas, impassable regions of mountainside which were long hikes away from schools or hospitals, wherein entire villages were living in conditions not dissimilar to their feudal state a century before. These villages were, when possible, given infrastructure and a meaningful local industry accounting their environment and tradition (like growing a certain type of mountainous fruit), or entirely relocated to free government-built housing lower down the mountain that was theirs to own. These were the people the 'one child policy' was aiding, by reducing the urban population they had to support. Again, there were exemptions for rural and ethnic minority populations to the policy.

Even now, Reform and Opening Up is running its course. Its own negative aspects, such as urban wealth inequality, are beginning to overcome its positive aspects. So, the new paradigm is 'Common Prosperity', which will work to resolve the past system's contradictions, and surely introduce its own contradictions in the form of chafing against the national bourgeoisie, as it increases state control and ownership of industry, and furthers a reintroduced collectivisation. Organising a nation of well over a billion people is not simple. It is not done based on soundbytes and on picking apart policies in the abstract for how 'dystopian' they sound. It is an exceedingly complex and interconnected process based on a dialectical, material analysis of things; not a utopian, idealist one. What matters is this: those 800,000,000 people now freed from absolute poverty. The things necessary to achieve that were, unquestionably, good things - because they achieved that. They had their negative aspects, as does everything that exists, but they were unquestionably correct and progressive things.

[ghostofreach117]

Guns in Teyvat

I’m back on the worldbuilding grind🙏only reason I stopped was bc I ran out of ideas lmao. Love drawing guns

MONDSTADT

You will never find anyone with a firearm in Mondstadt. They simply don’t have the resources, money, or -most importantly- need for such an expensive product that is essentially useless. It is considered extremely rude to use a firearm when hunting as the sound scares animals away from other hunters in the area and their use is seen as “cheating” by the general population. Since they have such little presence in Mondstadt, there is little to no regulation on anything pertaining to guns (you really have to try to break the law). If you want to obtain one you must import the parts from Fontaine or Snezhnaya and assemble it yourself, and it’s a pain to buy them. If you are willing to go through all that trouble then either someone wants to kill you or you are out to kill somebody else. Probably both.

FONTAINE

Fontaine has mastered the art of mass production. Guns are produced by the hundreds (very impressive for such a centralized nation!) for the Fontanian military. They have been meticulously engineered for the utmost safety of the user. Fontanian firearms are prized for their lack of recoil, lack of tendency to jam, and innovative safety mechanisms, such as loaded chamber indicators and their revolutionary rifle decocker invention. This comes at the cost of power. Most Fontanian rifles and flintlocks/pistols take very low caliber ammunition and do not have the stopping power of larger firearms. They are much more suited for ceremonial use or intimidation as opposed to actual combat. There are a select few exceptions though. For example, Clorinde has had her twin flintlocks especially made for her, and they are known to take ammo she has to commission from an armory in western Fontaine.

SNEZHNAYA

If you were to ask anyone with a knowledge on the subject, they would tell you that Snezhnayan firearms are often exceedingly dangerous. They are known to jam, catch fire, and even explode. Hastily produced by independent armories contracted by the Fatui, they are low in cost and quality. In exchange, these guns are extremely powerful. The Ночной Ветер, for instance, is able to take cartridges of up to .50 (you can’t even purchase ammunition of this caliber outside of Snezhnaya). The gun laws and regulations in Snezhnaya are surprisingly strict, however they are not enforced. Fatui officers are more likely to take the 5000 mora offered by whomever they have tried to charge with illegal possession than actually arrest a lawbreaker. This has allowed an underground firearms market to thrive, especially among those who oppose the Tsaritsa.

Note: Snezhnayan firearms do not possess a safety. Once the gun is loaded, it is ready to shoot. Please exercise caution.

Double note: full auto guns don’t exist yet in my AU (subject to change based on what I think is cool) . I drew childe with an ak47 because it’s so him lmao.

INAZUMA

Inazuma’s strict laws have long forbade any type of firearm from being used, sold, or traded in the country to keep the nation in its eternal state. They have often been seen as useless foreign inventions that make the user weak by forcing them to rely on guns. Guns are also seen by some to violate the strict honor code that many Inazumans live by. Not even gangs or delinquents will use them.

SUMERU

Sumeru has outlawed any weapons that the Mahamatras deem to pose a danger to the preservation of knowledge. Surprisingly, there is little to no pushback on this ban. Those who reside in the desert find that grains of sand clog the inner mechanisms of guns, rendering them useless and forest dwellers dislike firearms for many of the same reasons Mondstadters do. The Corps don’t have trouble with smuggling when it comes to Sumeru natives or tourists, but they keep a watchful eye over the Fatui diplomats, occasionally requiring a search, as their presence often heralds political maneuvering rather than genuine interest in Sumeru’s knowledge. Evidence of this can often be found in the remains of crime scenes, weapons tend to be left in the riverbanks of the forest, and though exceptionally uncommon, there have been reports of firearms bearing Fatui insignias being uncovered underneath muddy outcrops by riverbanks. Though this is all coincidence, of course. It must have been a rouge terroist from Fontaine.

Other notes

I mentioned this previously, but guns and ammo are SUPER EXPENSIVE. The average person would never be able to afford/maintain one.

Guns are extremely difficult to use with a vision. Unless you have your gun created for you by a specialty armory, you won’t be able to channel elemental energy through one.

On the other hand, Guns are very easy to counter if you have a vision or a delusion due to the fact that they require many small, intricate parts working together perfectly to fire. Whether through making the metal brittle with frost or softening it with flame, it’s very easy to neutralize a gun. Best to keep them out of active combat. Swords, bows, and catalysts are much more effective thanks to their simplicity. It’s a lot harder to stop a giant hunk of metal hurling towards you than freezing a gun.

Um. I did not mean for this post to be as much of a yap fest as it was. Lmk if I was confusing or if you have questions I love talking to people 🙏🙏

[dearestcherry]

Looking for connections! Introductory post…

Gay, trans man (he/him). Ishgardian (lowborn, Brume) Elezen. 6'10".

Cerise Cephinne is an apothecary of the Brume, stocking both beneficial and detrimental products. He was once part of a lowborn family that mistreated him to gain the appreciation of any noble that would look their way. One night, sick of the treatment, he slipped a vial of liquid into his parents’ coffee that had them perish as he fled, changing his identity along the way. The Brume became his home in the absence of one, and he quickly took an interest in brewing substances for various purposes. Eventually, he opened an apothecary business with a darker side focus, selling deadly products that allow the corrupt to be secretly picked off. Cerise enjoys other questionable activities, including document forging for his false identity and brewing his own hormones. He collects trinkets, sometimes for himself and other times to sell; his storefront displays an assortment of items he finds interesting. He isn’t picky in what fun he decides to have otherwise, and is used to low quality Brume goods. As for his personality, he frequently acts sweet, even when hired to pursue a target. Playful, doting, overbearing, what have you – Cerise loves to play on innocent appearances. He is very tall, towering above others with long Elezen proportions and a slightly soft figure. In a strong androgynous tone, his voice is projected with a distinct Brume accent.

His main hooks include…

Apothecary services, selling his products mostly to fellow lowborn Ishgardians. He enjoys helping others, and will accept unconventional payments or even give them out for free. Only the beneficial of his products are stocked upfront, and one needs to be knowledgeable enough in Ishgard's rumours to hear of a Brume apothecary with poisons behind his counter…

A dweller of the Brume, he frequents lower Ishgard, and often ventures out to Coerthas, typically in search of materials. It’s very possible for any Ishgardian or visitor to run into him. Occasionally, he visits other city-states depending on funds.

Carrd link! Lots of info has been taken from here, but it’s frequently being updated.

Nonbinary (they/them). Ishgardian (highborn, minor noble) Elezen. 6'8".

Dreisseaux de Drelejon is a minor noble hailing from a strict family loyal to House Dzemael. They attended Saint Endalim’s Scholasticate in their youth after being expelled from gladiator training, their house’s traditional class. Dreisseaux has always been adept with animals, spending time late at night around the chocobo stables of Ishgard to unwind and finding themself drawn to the karakuls in Ishgardian paddocks and Coertha’s snowy fields. Some time after their graduation, Dreisseaux obtained a small home away from their traditional life, in which they would have room to raise a small number of animals for themself and tend to various projects. Dreisseaux enjoys singing, reading, gardening, dancing, and cooking in their free time. They are easily pleased by tea and pastries, and often sing when they are alone. They spend a significant amount of time gardening and gathering all types of plants. A pet karakul named Guimauve tends to follow them around. They can be timid in certain situations due to their noble religious upbringing, and generally possess a gentle, polite demeanour, alongside expressing a devout belief in Halone. Their family’s traditional practices had them speaking Old Elezen at home, and they retain a thick accent when speaking in Common. They have a slender build, and plenty of pink freckles everywhere.

Their main hooks include...

Any mentioned hobbies and interests, in which they’re easy, passionate company to engage with.

Nobles and other similarities, such as Scholasticate alumni and Dzemael associates. Having grown up attending formal practices, church schooling, and gladiator training – alongside being related to many Dzemael knights – any Ishgardian could find some form of familiarity in Dreisseaux should they share a position.

Carrd link!

Out of character

Hello, I love to roleplay! Partners must be 18+ with 21+ preferred. Crystal data centre based. I’m looking for anybody who may envision potential interactions with my characters. I’m open to many kinds of scenes, including mature, dark, or otherwise. I prefer to roleplay in-game, though I'll use alternative platforms if needed. I’m very happy to talk about characters, roleplay, or anything else – for example, I really love the Scholasticate quests and have implemented a bit of that into my roleplay, but I'd also talk about the quests/characters for hours. Feel free to message me if anything catches your eye!

[ourolite]

𝓒ONCEPT.ㅤ some professional boyfriend headcanons featuring xīn’yuè and a few others he figured imperative to receive attention in his overview. lil' commanding, he is. can you already imagine, or are you invested to see for yourself? if you're staying, may we interest you in a fragrance sample or two, free of charge? ℘RECAUTION.ㅤ switch fem reader, daddy kink, toys, condescending praise, slight bantering, implied exhibitionism.

༺ ceo!boyfriend who is the Chief Executive Officer of an intercontinental brand with the hall and trademark “Anzhong”; a subsidiary worldwide fashion industry with product lines that also include accessories, handbags, footwear, cosmetics, clothing, adult toys, and other minor trinkets such as writing utensils or home decor. The industry was also founded in 1928 in Lhasa, Tibet by Chagmo Kyi. You may also infer that the headquarters is located there as well, which is where the CEO in question dabbles a majority of his life besides with you or his two daughters, Maju and Blumei. There are over hundreds of active boutiques worldwide, at least 15,000 active employees, and their headquarters, which Xīn’yuè works at, is located in Lhasa, Tibet. The revenue of this company is at least 9.35 billion, making Xīn’yuè one of the richest CEOS any business has to offer. Similar to most compassionate businessmen, they soften up when it’s safe to, as it’s not considerably so in a workplace. Have to stay firm towards your subordinates, after all.

༺ ceo!boyfriend who is a spoiler as much as he doesn’t want to admit. Considering that he’s rather emotionally constipated, he utilizes his affection through quality time, affirming words, and gift showers. There are times where you receive the secretary treatment despite being the girlfriend, but he’s communicative enough to apologize for such. While the apology would always seem half-hearted and awkward, he redeems himself with a list of things since he knows the apology wasn’t the best; he truly cares for you but is only capable of showing it appropriately when he deems necessary. Relationships aren’t his forte, after all. Not only he has to worry about his career that takes up too much of his time, but his girls that also take up the little time he possesses when he’s on break. You get him to unwind often which he secretly appreciates, but outwardly he playfully reprimands or mocks you for catering to him like he’s some sort of child. You ignore him however, proceeding to give him head massages as the two of you binge your favorite show as the girls sleep. He feels safe with you. Always. But you’ll have to squint to conclude such.

༺ ceo!oc who canonically has two boyfriends. Yes, two. The phenomenon has yet to process ‘til this day, for he not only received the term and accurate accusation “bicurious” from his workout partner, Zolene Irene, but growing up in a judgmental household closes your mind in a negative manner (shout out to his strongly traditional parents that projected their opinions onto him, especially his homophobic father). Both are also spiritual entities, by the way, and as a human, it’s… overwhelming. One is a curt, cupidity maneki-neko with the name Indigo who happens to also be his financial advisor and natural migraine inducer. His other lover is a sasabonsam, a vampiric tree dweller who has yet to conclude the consequence of skipping out of work constantly just to do what he desires. Oh, I forgot to mention that they’re two Taureans. Taureans. The most obstinate Earth sign, let alone one of the three most in general. In summary, order is the last thing that household needs.

༺ ceo!boyfriend whose sex drive is on the low side of the spectrum, so you’re usually the one either engaging in sexual activities first or engaging in them by yourself; graysexuality is no joke. Generally however, he understands that you have needs, so he doesn’t mind pleasuring you when he feels comfortable despite him not feeling anything in return but genuine entertainment. Though, on another note, when you voice your outwardly desires, he not only gives you a captious expression that corresponds with his sardonic reassurance, but claims that some of the things you want from him are completely unethical. Naturally, you didn’t like this response, let alone his inability to take a moment to put himself in your shoes, so you left the idea alone. Naturally again, he felt a subtle sense of regret a while after that discussion, so he planned on how exactly he should make it up to you without giving into your desires…

ℌ Side note, for the most part, it didn’t work. He gave in.

The perspiration bubbling in the subtle arch of your back was prompted by the sudorific vibrations that emanated from the personalized bullet vibrator that was buzzing against your clit. Your tumescent bud pulsated effervescently as your hips scoured against the trembling surface, forcing moans to elude from your tepid, lazily parted lips. The vibrations were mellow and arrhythmic, hence your relatively desperate mannerisms, as you failed to reach the orgasm that was nearing, evading, nearing, and evading. With unreliable assistance, that is, seeing as the tip of the device was stagnant and pressed against your soppy clit, vibrating louder due to its inundation. If only the vibrations were just a little stronger, but even you understood that this behavior was well deserved, for you believed that guilt-tripping him for not utilizing your idea sooner was the best route.

“Can I finish now? Please? Jebel? Bài tuō?” You implored sycophantically, your blissed-out gaze imbued with lechery as your dampened lashes fluttered upwards at the one who was torturing you on the frigid surface. Obstinacy is nothing but a drug with no ideal remedy; this was evinced with the way the asshole you were star-fucking merely hummed dismissively in response, lightening the pressure from your clit just to watch the vulva quiver. The lack of the response immediately influenced your obsequious actions to falter with a miffed pout and a hip gyration; if you possessed the ability to trade places with this individual within seconds he would’ve been cumming and hyperventilating right about now.

“Sweetheart, don’t leave me like this.. Don’t you feel sorry for me? Hm? Mmmh-maybe even horny for me for once? Hm, daddy?”

The left curve of the well-adored and cross-country CEO’s lip quirked up for a moment in acknowledgment, but also derisive, once you mockingly quiered him. Everything was a muddle, a concupiscent muddle. There was no recollection of the prior events; all you remember is what’s happening now and later. What now consists of a yukata-wearing billionaire looming over the desk of his office, the glass surface besplattered with crumpled papers, prurient excretions, and excessive handprints. Then later that said inspirational figure will leave you knee-buckled and exhausted over the desk as he roughly persuaded you on why disobedience was never an option to begin with. An intense idea to state, but you’ve been through much worse, believe yourself.

“I figured it was prudent to continue stalling,” Xīn’yuè clarified vaguely in a collected tone; the eloquence parroted the tone of him relaying messages to one of his many, many subordinates despite you being nude from the waist down, tainting the glass below your ass. He predicted your protests, hence the immediate impulse to slide the bullet vibrator back inside of you, earning a sharp, shaky whimper that was immediately muted by him. He already wasn’t fond of the idea of making you cum in such a vulnerable setting; it was a miracle that neither of you were caught by a frantic employee with effervescent news. “Not only for ‘efficiency’s sake’, but to assure that any potential slip-ups—notably from you—remain a simple mystery.”

Your plush thighs trembled harshly in response, plus the clicks of the vibrator that indicated that the volume was being turned up was just as inebriating as his sardonic statements. You still couldn’t wrap your head around the fact that this was custom made for you, but you could definitely wrap your legs around his waist for ultra stability. Merino white rings enveloped around the midnight-hued toy as he fucked you with it in a gradual pace, not to mention that the name “Anzhong” was embedded within it in bullion only to be sealed with sticky cum created by you. Even the mere thought of that brought you closer, which was also determined with the way your drenched walls embraced the toy with fervor and the sibilated mantras of pleads that escaped your throat.

After acknowledging that you're close, and also annoyingly and worriedly loud, he slipped the object back out, earning not only exasperated insults disguised as guileless complaints, but an abundance of clenches that yearned for the nostalgic repletion. With a miffed, critical look, he took the cum-coated object before tapping your lips with it in order to interrupt your objections, taking the moment to keep you temporarily silenced by pushing it inside of your mouth, his fingers holding onto the ends so it doesn’t slide down your throat and asphyxiate you. His free, clammy hand however, was now placed on your exposed hip, grasping onto the flesh softly before the veins of the exterior emerged from the epidermis. Xīn’yuè’s bored look now embodied some remnants of puckishness once your silence managed to be the only thing that excited him tonight, which was concluded by the twitching awakening of his semi-hard dick.

“Now, be a good, sweet puppy and clean it up. Intractability, by definition, is something I don’t get along with often, so behave accordingly and quit whining.”

⑅ neso productions. all rights fucking reserved, do not plagiarize.

[luneshallshine]

✂ instructions unclear. (i) | android!san

ღ instructions unclear. (did you mean, "fall in love" ?)

july 10th, 2122

while walking home from work one day, you stumble upon an android from the world up-top, a world you were sure you would never be able to experience. once he opens his eyes, you become his master.

f!reader, fluff, minor angst, learning to love, detroit become human and ff7 references, attempts at humor

ღ word count: 1.9k

ღ taglist : @layzfeelit @ihatemynewbangs @fireheaurt @acciocriativity @lynnsqueendom @moni-cah @hwaightme @barbielibra @toxicccred

CHAPTERS: ONE TWO THREE FOUR

ღ a/n: maybe only two chapters left?! idk, i'm sorry this took so long... motivation said bye bye :(, i promise an actual chapter is coming !!

wanted to write an interlude to get some more insight on the side characters and our main couple, as well as to offer a respite to my world.

ღ INTERLUDE.

it's raining.

amidst the bright lights and levitating cars, there lays a barricaded apartment, accompanied with low lighting and a "CAUTION" sign on the door. the apartment itself is shabby, the windows are barred, the floor is littered with dust bunnies, there's a stench of decay in the air, and the only clean things there are the three captives.

"he's not waking up hyung, should we just escape or should we take him with us?"

"... he's human isn't he? shouldn't we take him with us?"

"human? i don't know hyung, look at us. are we human too?"

"... are we..?"

"oh shit he's waking up! quick, hide in the closet!"

two of the captives rush back into the closet, their plans thwarted once again.

the pitter patter of the rain signals that the slums will be slow today, meaning less tips for you at work. san made sure to unwrap his arms from you and to sit up gently, so as not to wake you. ever since the night of the attack, san's been sleeping right next to you, not risking letting you out of his sight.

"master, we need to get to work," san said, gently nudging you.

you stirred slightly, grumbling obscenities that made it clear to san that you were not going to wake up on your own. san smiled before carefully lifting you out of the warm covers, your arms immediately wrapping around him to conserve whatever warmth you could. cradled in his arms like a princess, he walked to the bathroom with no real haste, he found himself enjoying the domesticity. he set you on your feet once you opened your eyes and handed you a toothbrush, he did not need to brush his own, and so he passed the time by brushing his long-ish hair and tidying up the bathroom.

"done, come on and i need to do my make-up," you spoke, leaving the bathroom and hearing san rush to follow you.

he watched carefully as you softly pat your face with whatever product, watching your rough hands gently cover your face with concealer, and lightly brush your eyelashes with mascara. you put a lip product on and gently smiled at yourself in the mirror, pleased. san stared at the mirror too, not at himself, but you. everyday, you managed to stay composed, even if the threat of more of your fellow bottom-dwellers disappearing loomed in your mind.

"change out of your pajamas san, you weren't going to work like that, right?" you ordered, watching as he rushed to take his fluffy pants off.

you turned away from the mirror and went to change yourself.

taking the usual route, you passed by seventh heaven, letting out a breath you didn't know you were holding. your bright yellow ponchos shielded you two from the light rain, leading for a certain someone to notice you.

"y/n! san! good morning!" wooyoung smiled brightly, he was safe.

"good to see you wooyoung," you smiled back, looking at the clock that was hung up on the cafe's wall, "oh shit! we're late san! let's go!"

"you are?! get going then! see you tonight, let's drink!" wooyoung yelled at you two, causing the two of you to run off.

as the two of you ran, san laughed. his laugh sounded so beautiful but so high-pitched. he sounded like pure joy. happiness you hadn't felt in years, was awakened in this moment. he ran faster than you, that much was obvious, but he made an effort to match paces with you.

when you made it to the restaurant, after taking off your ponchos, san turned around and fixed your clothes tenderly. his finger barely ghosting your skin as he carefully flattened out your button-up.

"perfect," san all but whispered, a soft smile on his face.

jung wooyoung ...

choi jongho ...

rubbing the counter vigorously, wooyoung impatiently watched the clock tick. it was getting close to the time to switch to a bar, his baby (seventh heaven) had a lot of visitors today, wooyoung was pleased with business. he cleaned his coffee machine and tucked it away, looking to press the button to switch the sign from "café" to "bar".

"busy today wooyoung?" a voice asked, smooth and slightly deep.

"yes jongho! it was amazing, you should've came earlier to see rush hour!" wooyoung replied, smiling.

jongho donned a black suit, holding an equally black umbrella, his suit not the slightest bit wet. jongho spent his time at a studio, claiming that he had been taking care of it for someone, that someone being hongjoong.

"no sign of him again, huh?" wooyoung asked, seeing the downtrodden look of his younger friend.

"no.. i've been listening to his recordings, i wish he'd add his own vocals. i miss his voice," jongho spoke, holding a CD, "care to play this for me?"

wooyoung nodded quickly, removing his normal CD from his record player and replacing it with jongho's. a soft melody escaped the player, and wooyoung was lulled back to a happier time.

he imagined a pleasant scene, it was snowing and he was making a snow angel. there was someone next to him as well, someone he had not seen for a long time. he blanked on his name, but wooyoung remembered how beautiful he was.

"wooyoungie, can we stay a little longer?" a deep voice echoed through the snow.

"anything you want!" wooyoung replied, enjoying the coldness.

"good, right? hongjoong was always really talented. can't believe he hid these from us!" jongho smiled, a bitter smile.

"... it's very good, let's keep it on," wooyoung replied, his voice trembling.

"hey wooyoung, do you what day it is?"

"november 7th, why?"

jeong yunho ...

"have a good day kara, you too alice!" yunho said, getting smiles and nods in return.

the rain poured on and yunho wondered if there would be thunder. if there was thunder, would mingi be scared? yunho always made sure mingi wouldn't freak out.

yunho must've been staring out the window for a long time, because he soon felt a jab in his ribcage. he turned around to see you smiling at him, a childish glee in your giggles.

"stop daydreaming yunho, the quicker we get these people out of here, the sooner you get to go home," you spoke, "and then we can investigate some more."

yunho nodded, he couldn't argue with you. you two had been working together to investigate mingi and hongjoong's cases, only getting a little bit deeper each day.

"maybe we can make progress today! how about we go to the bar? i know you might be scared, but i'll bring san, san's strong," you spoke.

yunho remembered how he saw san carry ten plates on each hand and not one of them shook, he felt safer with san.

"promise. promise me you won't let mingi disappear without a trace, please god," yunho said in his mind, "not mingi, not him, please."

yunho and mingi were there for each other when the world took away their families, the twin giants were each other's safe spaces, but now both were without the other. yunho was okay, he had you, seonghwa, and now even san, but none of you were mingi. none of you could be mingi, and yunho hated that.

"meet me at the bar at midnight, i want to investigate then," yunho said, seeing you nod quickly.

i failed to protect you mingi, but i swear, i'll save you.

park seonghwa ...

he hasn't listened to a single song since hongjoong went missing, music just seemed to remind him that his best friend was gone. it seemed to mock him, if he had been more careful, then his best friend would be making music again.

"... are you okay, seonghwa?" a voice rang out.

seonghwa turned around to see san, they were in the back of the restaurant, seonghwa's breath turning into smoke as the cold air stayed strong.

"what if i told you, no?" seonghwa's voice trembled, from the cold air and from his own nervousness.

"i would ask you 'why?' but i know why. you're worried about him, aren't you?" san replied, taking the needed steps to get to seonghwa.

"he should be here. it's.. it's his birthday, dammit! he only told two people, and one of them was me! he should be here to celebrate it!" seonghwa yelled, kicking a bag of trash in anger.

san stayed silent, letting seonghwa vent his anger. the usually soft and mellow guy was reduced to a yelling mess, his previously neat hair was messy and unruly.

"he will come back. i will make sure of it," san spoke, and seonghwa couldn't detect any lies.

"at what cost? please san, you can't disappear too. what about y/n? she'll be sad!"

san kept his composed countenance.

"she'll be sad...?" he spoke, confusion in his tone.

"yes you two are always together! of course she'll be sad if you got hurt or were to disappear!" seonghwa yelled, pointing out the obvious.

san furrowed his eyebrows, seonghwa sighed before smiling.

"you know you're so smart and strong, but yet so hardheaded and oblivious. y/n likes you, it's so clear," seonghwa hissed, but he hid his malice.

"..."

san hummed and pulled seonghwa in for a tight hug.

"me and y/n will make sure hongjoong and mingi get back home, i swear it," san said with conviction.

seonghwa just had to trust him.

choi san ...

model #007 ...

status: OPERATIONAL ...

loading ...

y/n is walking with yunho to seventh heaven, i find myself lagging behind, the sound of rustling in the alleyways alert me.

he's here.

the person i have been wanting to see for a long time, finally showed up.

"... y/n! i'm going to do something really quick, do not leave yunho. okay?" i yelled, seeing y/n turn around in confusion.

she opened her mouth to say something, but yunho turned her back around and waved me off.

"i got it san, i'll keep her company."

as their shadows disappeared into the light, i turned into one of the alleyways.

"yeosang?" i said, hearing a quick rustle before a figure stumbled out of the darkness.

it was yeosang, his normally porcelain face was damaged and i could see that something was off.

"what's wrong?"

"... i betrayed her."

yeosang lifted up his hair, showing me the sides of his face. there was no more led. he was breathing heavily, clutching his side. even though he looked in pain, he felt so free.

"san, my brother, i love you. i'm sorry i hurt you," yeosang inhaled, "i know where your missing friends are."

he smiled and that was when i noticed the red blood seeping from his stomach, i lunged for him and put him on my back.

"you're bleeding..?"

"yes. i'm bleeding, i am!" yeosang replied, wrapping his arms around san's neck for support.

"i'm taking you to y/n, you can meet her. you'll see why i stayed here," san said, and he felt yeosang nod.

this felt like deja vu, wooyoung watching over you and jongho's strong voice singing, only now yunho was also watching over you, and you were waiting for san again.

"... want a drink?" wooyoung asked, no real determination in his voice.

again, you shook your head and stared at the alleyways, waiting for him. you wish you could do more to help san, but you knew he was more than capable. soon you heard heavy footsteps, a voice whispering "we're almost there, hang on a little longer.", and then you saw san.

san and someone on his back.

"san!" you yelled, running up to him.

"y/n, i'm back. i brought him too," san stepped into the light of the bar and for the first time (for you), the boy on his back spoke.

"wooyoung...?"

you heard a shot glass drop.

this accidently turned out to be a really long interlude, i intended for this to be half of what it turned out to be lmaoo. the mystery is coming out .. !

ღ lune

[no-blanks-zines]

Perfect for the attic dwellers low on space~

We’ll be sharing our bundles in a little more detail the following days

O pacote perfeito para quem tem pouquíssimo espaço e quer ver como foram feitas as ilustrações

Iremos partilhar os pacotes que temos disponíveis com mais detalhes nos próximos dias

[audioloops767]

Sample Pack Download Splice Soundscapes Caves

Since the dawn of humanity, caves have fascinated us as safe havens and gathering points, preserving the echoes of our ancestors. Capturing the magical resonance and reverb of these ancient spaces, Splice Soundscapes: Caves offers a unique auditory journey through two distinct cave environments.

Producer Charles Van Kirk and Réunionnais artist Aurus ventured deep into the lava tunnels of Réunion Island, capturing the enchanting sounds of echolocating swiftlets and the raw acoustics of volcanic rocks. This network of caves presents diverse acoustic environments, from intimate spaces with excitable low frequencies to larger chambers with prolonged reverb decay times, enriched by dripping water and fluttering wings.

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Download from: Splice Soundscapes: Caves Sample Pack

Unearth these versatile, full, and moving sounds for your next film production, track, or creative endeavor, and become a sonic cave-dweller.

[condointeriordesignsblog]

Exploring Modern Condo Interior Designs

Living in a condo combines comfort, community, and the elegance of city life. As more people move into urban areas, the need for trendy condo interiors increases. We see changes from smarter space use to the integration of modern styles. Today, condo interior designs are tailored to city dweller's needs and wants. This article digs into the current trends molding condo interiors and how these designs redefine city living spaces. Practical Simplicity: With the busy urban life, uncomplicated yet functional designs rule the condominium scene. This style prioritizes neat lines, organized areas, and multi-use furniture that enhance usage without losing chic appeal. Convertible sofa beds, wall-attached storage solutions and others capture this trend, They make smaller condo units appear roomier and more welcoming. Green Design: An important part of modern condo interior designs is bringing elements of nature indoors. With green design methods, we add natural aspects like plants, daylight, and organic materials to create peaceful living spaces that encourage a strong bond with nature. It could be a wall adorned with various plants, big windows overlooking parks, or the use of eco-friendly wood accents. This design brings a calm and relaxing vibe into the heart of bustling city life. Smart Homes: Advancements in smart home tech have changed condo living, offering improved safety and energy efficiency. With features like automatic lights, climate control, voice-activated apps, and security cameras that can be accessed remotely, smart tech integrates well with condo life. It increases comfort while cutting back on energy use and carbon emissions. Flexible Spaces: Urban condo dwellers are embracing versatile spaces. Condo designs now serve many uses, courtesy of open layout plans that flow from one area to another. With things like foldable desks, movable partitions, and adjustable furniture, residents can personalize their living areas to suit their shifting needs, enhancing usability without giving up on style. Unique Lighting: The key to a condo's ambiance is in its lighting. Statement light fixtures have become a trend, giving a bold and unique touch to modern condo spaces. Whether it's big hanging lights, creatively built chandeliers, or simple track lights, these mood setters add personality and depth to the overall condo design. Handmade Items: As mass production grows, so does interest in handmade craftsmanship in condo design. Custom furniture, bespoke fabrics, and handmade accessories add warmth and truth to modern condo spaces. They bring a touch of individuality. Things like handwoven carpets and hand-blown glasses add timeless elegance and class to condo life. Green Materials: More and more people are thinking about the environment when they design their condos. They are using sustainable materials like used wood, poor old glass, and friendly fabrics. These materials are good for nature and help make condos that don't hurt our world. Things like energy-saving appliances and low VOC paints do the same. They also cut down on carbon and make condo living healthier and happier.

[carrion-whispers]

Kindred Spirit

Gnome Tav!Durge!Reader (sfw)

CW: Depression? (I dunno, kindly tell me if I need to add something)

Very minor companion spoilers for BG3 ahead.

Disclaimer: I haven’t written anything in 15 years but got possessed by a sad bug today. I tried to keep facts accurate but ultimately this is about my own Tav’s reaction to being plucked from their peaceful life and thrust into the role of party leader and caretaker. Any inaccuracies are just from their own perspective and shouldn’t be taken as a slight against anyone. Sorry if it’s too poetic.

2nd Disclaimer: Because I haven’t written anything in so long I’m not tagging this! As anything. Also I’m terrified because I’ve never ever posted any of my writing anywhere. yay.

If I haven’t chased you off yet and your expectations are appropriately low then happy reading? I guess??? Why are you still here?

—

It’s beginning to wear on you. The loneliness of being a living balm without finding a salve of your own. The emptiness that grows as you soothe the hurts and calm the minds of everyone around you without sharing your own soul deep pain is exhausting.

Your kindness, unwavering smile, and boundless patience is often taken for nothing more than the by-product of your profession and people. You’re supposed to be friendly, joyful, and bring warmth to every situation. That’s what bards -especially gnomish bards- do! Right?

But you didn’t come from a burrow or any gnome town. You were born in the Feywild. You’re a forest gnome. Usually timid and shy with Big Folk by nature, the opposite of who you are today. Yours is a people so reclusive that many don’t even believe they exist. You should expect confusion and misplaced assumptions.

You’re used to it. You’re barely connected to your roots anymore so you will not correct them.

Why force upon them the burden of your past when the entirety of their lifespan is but a fraction of yours and so fraught with sorrow and tragedy already? So you will offer them a hand, a smile, a warm embrace, a listening ear, and even a firm voice whenever they need it. You will bend and break for them. Mold yourself into what they need to learn their own hearts and heal. They are not the first to whom you’ve made this silent vow. They will not be the last.

But your already long life has been a series of tragedy too. There are layers upon layers of loss and agony and torment buried behind your smile, etched into your soul and your skin.

Their eyes sometimes rest curiously upon the jagged scars across your face and the warlock’s gaze often lingers at your neck when he catches you rubbing at the painful lines of pearlescent skin beneath your jaw. You simply smile and wait.

But they never ask.

They don’t ask why you sleep far removed from camp. If they hear the screaming visions that wake you, they make no mention. They don’t ask why you come to breakfast each morning with clammy skin and shaking hands, the circles under your eyes growing ever darker.

A few have already witnessed the biting coldness in your eyes around under-dwellers. The rage you desperately try to contain when speaking to slavers. They were taken aback by the brutality that breaks free near any goblin that so much as inconveniences you. Still they’ve asked you no questions.

Maybe they’re waiting for you to offer your history to them. Maybe they’re respecting the privacy normally exhibited by gnomes of the forest, if they realize what you are, but you’re barely connected to those roots anymore. You haven’t seen a treehome in centuries. You haven’t talked to one of your own in nearly as long.

You don’t mind letting the pale one manipulate you for his own reassurance or patiently not-asking for the sharran to share what she’s been so desperate to reveal. You don’t mind listening to the wizard’s worries over his self-inflicted curse or offering reassurances to the hellion that you’re going to fix her engine. You don’t mind the bravado and blind loyalty of the astral or the warlock’s charming half-lies and untruths.

You tell yourself you can be what they need but being such a beloved stranger to them begins to weigh heavy as yet another troubled soul joins your travels. You feel hollowed out and exhausted as he recounts his woes of a century cursed land. You can barely follow his words, listening instead for what he will need from you. What shape will you need to take for him?

It gets harder to greet the camp each day. Every night is colder, darker than the last and the world’s color is beginning to fade.

Your careful facade grows thicker and thicker. The line between what they need and who you are has begun to blur. You’re losing yourself. Again. As if the last half-century you spent building a peaceful life and trying to heal never happened.

Just when you think you might finally collapse and disappear under the weight, the smallest gesture halves the burden. This man, who breathes to bless the forest, so outwardly troubled by a lifetime equal in length to your own, asks about you.

It’s not even anything important. He just wants a small interesting fact. His smile is genuine but it wavers and trembles ever so slightly. You spy a familiar vulnerability in his eyes.

You can feel the life return to your own. A sudden warmth, like sunlight piercing through the black clouds of a stormy sky fills your entire body. The air in your lungs is fresher, sweeter. The rustle of wind in the trees reaches your ears and you can feel the crunch of gravel and sand beneath your feet. You’re alive again.

The smile on your face is genuine and you buzz with energy as a thousand different things fight to be the first to escape. You choose a silly musing about your fear of krakens. He chuckles, a sound so soothing you feel your eyes prick in response. His brow cinches curiously as he offers that you’ve nothing to fear if you avoid open seas.

But for once, you don’t want to explain. In this moment, your painful past had been chased worlds away and you hope that he will not begrudge being a salve for your soul for just a little while.

[script-a-world]

Submitted via Google Form: Drow (Part 3)

Previous Asks in this Set are Ask One Here and Ask Two Here.

Sorry about the length. So, I established what are the Drow. The salt-loving autotrophes which use techtonic energy without destroying the cave system is thanks to the magic of certain drows to keep the gave structures solid. These autotrophes have a defense mechanism which creates a burning sensation but no actual burn and cuts off endorphines and dopamine in vertebrates. It has therefore no natural predators except for certain species of centipede. However, the drows eat it to add more salt to their diet as well as for it's vitamin C (which they need to consume just like humans do). They use it as a food preservative for lactic fermentation, a food supplement, medicine and as a torture instrument, and they have even partially domesticated it. What effect this would realistically have on culture, being forced to eat something that causes them acute pain and suffering? The Drows can reproduce with other elves but not humans. A biological quirk of elves is that only the oldest son and the oldest daughter are fertile, while the rest are sterile via one of two things: no production of gametes or having a sexuality which is incompatible with reproduction. Their social role is to help care for their nieces and nephews and to help bring more ressources into the "nest". They become fertile when the oldest dies, and only the oldest survivor would become fertile.  Drows are not natural-cave dwellers, and are nocturnal creatures who were forced by persecution into a cave dwelling life-style. In fact, they need moonlight for their wing development, just as other elves. Elves only gain them after puberty, and they painfully pop out around age 20 (which is the age at which they hit puberty). Since drows lack the sunlight for them to develop properly, some are born with a mutation that makes them wingless or they ritualistically cut them as soon as they pop out. Elven wings are very much  unique as they are translucid and rigid as insect wings, but through them are visible human-like nerves, veins and supportive cartilage which would slowly ossify. Some elven races have brown spots on their wings, which is not actual pigment but a mixture of symbiotic algae and capillaries. Elven wings on top of aiding in flight and glide are a secondary sexual characteristic, with male individuals having long, narrow wings useful for long flights while females have shorter, rounder, slightly concave wings helpful for weight lifting (such as the one of a child for example). The part of the back where the wings connect are also an erogenous zone, it remains even when the wings themselves are cut to the base. What would be the cultural implication of them then?

Feral: Content Warning: female genital mutilation mention, discussion of opioid addiction

So between the three asks and some notes you left on our last answer, there is a lot of information - and what appears to be a lot of extraneous information. To cut through all of that for everyone following along, I’m just going to restate the two questions actually within this ask.

What are the cultural implications for a society in which a dietary staple also produces harmful, neurochemical effects?

What are the cultural implications for a society in which limb (in this case, wing) amputation, which may also have a bodily effect similar to that of clitoral circumcision/mutilation, is standard and necessary due to environmental factors?

I think that it is safe to say that the majority of people in this society are going to be really fucked up.

Low levels of endorphins are obviously connected with depression and other mood disorders, and it’s also connected with conditions like fibromyalgia, which has far-reaching effects on body and mind. Depression, anxiety, ideation, and chronic pain are just the beginning of the effects of complete suppression of endorphins for a week at a time. 

The closest real world understanding of what you’re talking about with (1) is opioid withdrawal. Opiates replace neurochemicals like endorphins (endo- from endogenous, “from the body,” and -orphin from morphine), so when we look at withdrawal, specifically cold turkey withdrawal, we can begin to understand the effects. Cold turkey opioid withdrawal, especially without medical supervision but even then, is potentially fatal. Respiratory distress is the most common cause of death during withdrawal, but it’s not the only life-threatening symptom of OWS. Extreme dehydration from the vomiting and diarrhea, seizures, and permanent heart and lung damage can prove fatal and certainly life-altering. If this toxin also affects dopamine production, then you’re also giving the entire population Parkinson’s. Given that your drow already sound like they would be in pretty poor health, this does not sound like it would be a particularly sustainable dietary choice.

To your second question, setting aside the “erogenous zone”/FGM-like quality to the situation because I don’t have the mental space for that, amputation can be incredibly psychologically damaging, no matter how medically necessary, especially during puberty, a time that can already be distressing or even traumatizing. While it’s possible that the prevalence of this wing amputation would lessen the psychological impact as it wouldn’t mark these juveniles out as being physically different from their peers and the adult figures around them, it is quite the recipe for generational trauma and anger.

I think when we give answers like these, there’s the assumption that we’re telling you not to move forward with your idea. On the contrary, I think you have a very good basis for justifying the kind of behaviors that would get your drow labelled as “evil” by outsiders unfamiliar with this desperate, traumatic situation. And if that’s not your intention… that’s okay too. Worldbuilders have to operate on a “You Break It, You Bought It” mentality. You want to screw up an entire society, be our guest. As long as your torture remains in the realm of fiction, no one here is going to judge you for it. However, we’re also not going to tell you that the realistic result is that everyone is going to be hunky-dory. It’s not. Now what you do with that is up to you.

[aquacoolrefreshment]

Aquacool Water Solutions in Urban Areas: Reducing Water Waste

Water scarcity and waste are growing challenges in urban areas worldwide. With increasing population densities, rapid industrialization, and unpredictable climate patterns, cities are facing unprecedented stress on their water resources. Urban areas consume a significant amount of water daily, leading to excessive waste if sustainable practices are not in place. In response to these issues, Aquacool Water Solutions has introduced innovative products and strategies aimed at reducing water waste and promoting efficient water use in city settings.

Designed with efficiency and sustainability in mind, these coolers are built to dispense water in exact amounts, preventing overuse and spillage. Aquacool water coolers play a crucial role in minimizing water waste in homes, offices, and public spaces across urban areas. By providing reliable and accessible hydration solutions, Aquacool water coolers encourage people to refill reusable bottles and cups, reducing the need for single-use plastic bottles and lowering overall water waste. In addition, Aquacool’s advanced technology ensures that water is dispensed only when necessary, contributing significantly to responsible water consumption.

One of the major challenges in urban water management is the loss of water through leaky pipes, faulty fixtures, and outdated infrastructure. In many cities, a considerable portion of treated water is lost before it even reaches the end user. Aquacool Water Solutions addresses this issue by developing products with smart features that monitor and control water usage. For example, Aquacool water coolers and filtration systems are equipped with leak detection sensors, which automatically shut off water flow when a leak is detected. This feature not only conserves water but also prevents costly water damage and reduces maintenance needs in busy urban settings.

Beyond individual water coolers, Aquacool’s commitment to reducing water waste extends to large-scale solutions for commercial and industrial use. In urban areas, industries often consume vast amounts of water, with significant quantities lost during production processes. Aquacool provides specialized filtration and recycling systems tailored for industrial applications, enabling businesses to reuse water efficiently. By promoting water recycling and reuse, Aquacool helps industries reduce their environmental footprint and align with sustainable urban development goals. These efforts are essential in cities where water resources are under constant pressure from industrial activities.

Aquacool Water Solutions also contributes to reducing water waste through its focus on educating urban residents about responsible water use. Awareness campaigns, informational resources, and partnerships with local governments and organizations help spread knowledge about water conservation. By educating consumers on the impact of water waste and offering practical tips for conserving water, Aquacool encourages city dwellers to adopt sustainable practices. These small individual efforts, multiplied across urban populations, can have a substantial impact on overall water conservation in cities.

In office buildings and other high-traffic areas, Aquacool water coolers provide a practical solution for reducing water waste. These coolers are designed to support high-frequency use, ensuring a constant supply of clean water without the inefficiencies that come with traditional water dispensers. Aquacool’s energy-efficient models also consume less power, reducing the environmental impact of water cooling in urban buildings. By offering durable, low-maintenance solutions, Aquacool makes it easier for building managers and facility operators to promote water conservation without compromising on quality or convenience.

One of Aquacool’s significant contributions to urban water conservation is the reduction of plastic waste associated with bottled water. In many cities, single-use plastic bottles are a common source of both water and environmental waste. By providing accessible water coolers and filtration systems, Aquacool reduces the reliance on bottled water, thereby decreasing plastic waste. This approach not only conserves water but also addresses urban pollution issues, helping cities move toward more sustainable waste management practices.

Looking to the future, Aquacool Water Solutions is committed to expanding its impact on urban water conservation. The company continues to research and develop new technologies that further reduce water waste, such as smart filtration systems that monitor usage patterns and adapt to different needs. As urban populations grow and cities face new challenges in water management, Aquacool’s innovative solutions will play an increasingly important role in ensuring that urban water resources are managed efficiently and sustainably.

In conclusion, Aquacool Water Solutions is making a meaningful difference in reducing water waste across urban areas. Through the use of high-efficiency water coolers, leak detection technology, and educational outreach, Aquacool helps city residents and businesses alike adopt more sustainable water practices. As cities worldwide strive to become more resilient and resource-conscious, Aquacool’s dedication to water conservation will remain essential. By promoting efficient water use, reducing plastic waste, and helping cities manage their resources wisely, Aquacool Water Solutions is paving the way for a more sustainable and water-conscious urban future.

[nickgerlich]

By The Tank

Today is Election Day. You would have to be a cave dweller not to know this. Even the rest of the world knows what’s going on here today, because whomever is elected has huge implications for international policy.

I’m not going to dive into the pros and cons of political parties and candidates. You can do that in your private time. I do, though, want to discuss one of the most contentious issues of this campaign, a product each of us (presumably) uses on a regular basis. And that is gasoline.

As of the end of October, Texas had the lowest gas prices in the nation, averaging $2.68 per gallon. Nationally, the average price is $3.09, with California, Hawaii, and Washington leading the nation with more than $4 a gallon. A couple of days ago, I was in Plainview Texas and refueled at Walmart, where it was $2.33. Deduct 10 cents for my Walmart+ discount, and I got gas for only $2.23. Not bad. That’s cheap traveling.

As is the norm, gas prices have dropped considerably since summer, because demand has decreased, and more expensive summer blends are no longer required. Yet some have used gas prices as a political hot potato, primarily because during COVID gas prices dipped to as low as $1.30. That’s a pretty bad comparison, and anyone who can think critically can see right through the argument. But that doesn’t stop some people.

A few more facts: The current price for a barrel of West Texas Intermediate is $71.62, helping push down the price of gas. And since oil is a global commodity, one whose price is determined by market forces as well as a certain Middle Eastern cartel, there’s nothing any President can do to affect the price of gas, aside from relaxing federal gas taxes or releasing massive amounts of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. That’s a card every President since the 70s has played, but it is not a wise one, because that reserve must be replenished.

Oh, and the US is the world’s largest producer of oil, with a 20% share, producing 19.4 million barrels a day last year. Cries of “Drill, baby, drill” are probably going to fall flat with the oil companies as long as the price per barrel is so cheap, because there is little incentive. Why risk prices going even lower?

But here is my question for you as you make your way to the polls (or perhaps you are one of the 78 million who voted early): Do you find yourself consuming more gas now that prices are cheaper?

I am betting the answer is no, unless you are one to say to your spouse or SO, “Hey honey, gas is cheap. Let’s go for a long drive.” No, you have just gone about your business, because it is hard to consume more of something that cannot be stored at home. Yeah, maybe a few 5-gallon gas cans, but that’s it.

Perishables are another item, unless you freeze or can food. Clothes and shoes can be stockpiled until you need them, like I did with a recent sale on trail runners. I know I will need them someday. Other items, like furniture, would be foolish to buy just because they’re cheaper, unless you need a new sofa or bed.

What are you doing, though, with the money you are saving on gas? Indulge in a PSL at Starbucks? Go out to eat? Depending on where you live, your savings per fill-up will likely range between $15 and $30, a nice little bonus to have in your wallet or bank account. It’s yours to do with as you please.

As for me, October spun out of control and I did very little driving, only 1100 miles. About half of that was driving back and forth to the Canyon to hike. I figure I saved about $40 compared to summer prices here, which is enough for three lunches at the Thai place across from campus. I’ll take it. She knows what I like.

All of which helps illustrate my point that many of the things we regularly consume have a pretty vertical demand curve. We’ll pay for it whatever the price, but if the price goes down, we’ll just keep doing what we have been doing. It’s kind of like being at an all-you-can-eat buffet. Sure, you can keep eating, but you’ll just get sick. The law of diminishing returns sets in, and you can’t—I mean shouldn’t—keep consuming. The same goes for gasoline.

Now if a barrel of oil shot up to $300 and the price of gas hit $10, then we would be looking for long-term solutions, like getting a hybrid, moving closer to work and school, etc. But until then, we just deal with it. Maybe we cut out the PSL when prices are high, but add them back when prices drop. It’s a fixed-sum game, because our savings and available credit are not infinite.

Just something to think about on this Election Day, with anything and everything having become planks in one or the other’s campaign platform. Vote wisely, and remember this: Regardless of who wins today, that person is our President, a person to whom we owe our unceasing allegiance.

That’s the American way. Full stop.

Dr “With Liberty And Justice For All” Gerlich

Audio Blog

[basketleaftea]

How to Create a Business Plan for Your Tea Startup - Basketleaf

Starting a tea business can be a fulfilling and profitable venture, especially if you keep your startup costs low and manage your business strategically. A solid business plan is essential for success, providing a structured roadmap to help you make informed decisions and set clear goals. This guide walks you through the steps of creating a comprehensive best business under ₹1 lakh.

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary is an overview of your tea business and should concisely highlight your business’s goals, mission, and unique value. Even though it's often written last, it is the first thing investors or partners will read, so make it compelling.

Key Points to Cover in the Executive Summary

Business Name: Define your brand name (e.g., Basketleaf) and logo.

Mission Statement: Outline what your business stands for. For example, “Providing high-quality, affordable tea with a focus on eco-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing.”

Product Overview: Summarize the types of tea or tea products you’ll offer.

Business Goals: Include your short-term and long-term goals, like launching with five products or becoming a recognized local brand within six months.

Budget-Friendly Tip

Emphasize your low-budget approach and target audience to make your business plan more relatable and appealing to small investors.

2. Company Description

In this section, give a more detailed description of your business. Explain what your tea startup aims to achieve and what makes it unique in the market.

Elements to Include in the Company Description

Legal Structure: Decide if you’ll operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or LLP.

Location: Specify if your tea business will have a physical location, an online presence, or both.

Value Proposition: Describe what sets your tea business apart. Do you source directly from farmers, or offer unique blends?

Budget-Friendly Tip

Consider an online-only launch if you’re working with limited capital, as it reduces overhead costs and lets you reach a broader audience.

3. Market Analysis

Conducting market analysis is crucial for understanding your target audience, the competitive landscape, and the demand for different types of tea.

Target Audience

Identify who your potential customers are. For example:

Demographics: Primarily aged 18-60, urban dwellers, health-conscious individuals.

Preferences: Interested in herbal teas, traditional Indian teas, or premium blends.

Competitor Analysis

Research competitors in the tea industry, both local tea shops and online brands, and identify their strengths and weaknesses. This will help you identify gaps your business can fill.

Budget-Friendly Tip

Use free resources like Google Trends, social media polls, or competitor websites to gather valuable insights without spending on costly market research tools.

4. Product Line

Outline the types of tea products you plan to sell. Describe each product, highlighting its unique aspects and how it appeals to your target audience.

Example Product Ideas for a Tea Startup

Classic Masala Chai: A popular option that attracts traditional tea drinkers.

Herbal Wellness Blends: Focus on health benefits, like chamomile for relaxation or peppermint for digestion.

Flavored Green Tea: For health-conscious consumers looking for antioxidants with a twist.

Budget-Friendly Tip

Start with a smaller selection of 3-5 teas based on your initial research. Expanding too fast can strain your budget, so focus on customer favorites first.

5. Marketing Strategy

A marketing strategy outlines how you plan to reach your customers and promote your tea products. For a low-budget startup, focus on affordable and digital marketing channels.

Key Marketing Channels

Social Media Marketing: Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are ideal for showcasing your tea products and engaging with customers.

Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with micro-influencers in the food or wellness space to reach niche audiences.

Content Marketing: Use a blog to share content about tea benefits, recipes, and your sourcing practices to attract organic traffic.

Budget-Friendly Tip

Leverage free marketing channels like Instagram Reels, Facebook groups, or local food events to promote your brand without high costs.

6. Sales Strategy

Your sales strategy details how you will convert interest into sales. Decide if you’ll sell tea through an online store, pop-up shops, local events, or a mix.

Sales Channels

Online Store: Launching an online store is cost-effective and broadens your reach. Use platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce for a budget-friendly setup.

Local Farmers’ Markets: Farmers’ markets and pop-up events allow you to build a local customer base and gather feedback directly.

Subscription Service: Offer a monthly tea subscription to build recurring revenue from loyal customers.

Budget-Friendly Tip

Start with an online store and test physical sales through occasional pop-up events before investing in a permanent location.

7. Operations Plan

The operations plan should cover the logistics of running your tea business, including sourcing, production, packaging, and shipping.

Steps to Consider in Your Operations Plan

Sourcing: Find cost-effective suppliers. Look for local tea farms or wholesale suppliers who offer good quality within your budget.

Packaging: Use affordable, eco-friendly packaging like paper bags or reusable tins to align with current sustainability trends.

Shipping: Research budget-friendly courier services for efficient delivery if you plan to sell online.

Budget-Friendly Tip

Work with suppliers who offer flexible order quantities so you can adjust your inventory based on demand, minimizing waste and cost.

8. Financial Plan

This is one of the most important parts of your business plan, especially for a low-budget tea startup. It should outline your funding requirements, revenue projections, and profit margins.

Key Financial Elements

Startup Costs: Include costs for sourcing tea, packaging, marketing, and any initial inventory.

Revenue Model: Project revenue based on your price points and sales channels. For example, if you plan to sell 100 units of tea at ₹200 each, project your monthly earnings.

Break-even Analysis: Estimate how long it will take to cover your startup costs based on your projected sales.

9. Long-Term Growth Plan

Outline your vision for growth once your business is established. Include plans for new products, brand expansion, or reaching a larger customer base.

Potential Growth Ideas

Expand Product Line: Add more varieties or introduce seasonal flavors once your initial products are successful.

Invest in Branding: Consider budget-friendly rebranding, such as eco-friendly packaging or a revamped website.

Reach New Markets: Explore options for export or collaborate with local cafés to sell your tea in bulk.

10. Appendix

Include any additional information or documents that add value to your business plan, such as licenses, supplier agreements, or sample marketing materials. This section is optional but can be useful if you’re presenting your business plan to potential investors or partners.

FAQs

Q1: Can I start a tea business with less than ₹1 lakh?Yes, with careful planning, strategic sourcing, and effective marketing, you can successfully launch a tea business within a ₹1 lakh budget.

Q2: What is the best way to sell tea on a small budget?Focus on online sales through a website or social media, and test the market through pop-up shops before committing to a physical location.

Q3: How much inventory should I start with?Start with smaller quantities for each variety to minimize waste and adjust based on customer demand and feedback.

Q4: How can I stand out in the competitive tea market?Develop a unique brand story, source quality ingredients, and focus on a few popular tea varieties to create a strong initial offering.

Q5: What is the best low-cost marketing strategy?Social media marketing and content marketing (e.g., blogging or sharing tea recipes) can help you build a following without a large marketing budget.

With a well-thought-out business plan, you’ll have a clearer path to launching your tea startup successfully. Starting a tea  best business under ₹1 lakh may seem challenging, but by taking strategic steps and focusing on budget-friendly methods, you can set your business up for sustainable growth in the tea industry.

[landscapingservicekolkata]

Greenify Your Space: Find Kolkata’s Best Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants at Green Mall

Looking to bring a touch of greenery into your home? Indoor plants not only add a pop of nature to any room, but they also purify the air, uplift your mood, and bring a sense of tranquility. If you’re in Kolkata, you’re in luck because Green Mall, a leading plant nursery in the city, offers a wide selection of low-maintenance indoor plants ideal for urban homes and offices.

In this article, we’ll explore why Green Mall, a top-rated plant nursery in Kolkata, is your go-to destination for indoor plants that are easy to care for. Let’s dive into the benefits of low-maintenance indoor plants, tips on choosing the right plants, and why Green Mall is the place to find them.

Why Choose Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants?

Urban living often means limited time and space, making low-maintenance indoor plants the perfect choice for busy city dwellers. Here are some compelling reasons to opt for easy-care indoor plants:

Minimal Care Needs: These plants thrive with minimal watering and care, perfect for those with a hectic schedule or limited gardening experience.

Health Benefits: Low-maintenance plants are known to improve indoor air quality by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen, creating a healthier living environment.

Stress Relief: Adding greenery to your indoor space has been shown to reduce stress levels, boost productivity, and create a calming ambiance.

Aesthetic Appeal: Indoor plants are a versatile decor option that brings life to any room with their lush greenery and attractive forms.

If these reasons inspire you to bring nature into your home, then a visit to Green Mall, the best plant nursery in Kolkata, should be next on your list.

Top Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants at Green Mall

Finding the right plants is easy when you have access to Kolkata’s best plant nursery. Green Mall offers an extensive range of low-maintenance indoor plants that are ideal for Indian homes. Here are some of the top recommendations available at Green Mall:

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The Snake Plant is a hardy and stylish choice for beginners. Known for its tall, sword-like leaves, this plant is tolerant of low light and only requires watering once every 2-3 weeks. It’s one of the best air-purifying plants, making it an excellent addition to bedrooms and living rooms.

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

With its glossy, dark green leaves, the ZZ Plant brings a modern touch to any space. It thrives in low light and requires minimal watering, making it perfect for those who might forget to water frequently. The ZZ Plant is also great for improving indoor air quality.

3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is known for its heart-shaped leaves and vine-like appearance, making it a popular choice for hanging baskets or as a tabletop plant. It grows well in low to bright indirect light and only needs to be watered when the soil feels dry. Pothos is resilient and known for removing toxins from the air.

4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The Peace Lily is not only beautiful with its white blooms but also known for its air-purifying qualities. This plant does well in low-light settings and prefers a moderate watering schedule. Peace Lilies add a touch of elegance to any room, and they’re easy to care for – perfect for beginners.

5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider Plants are known for their unique appearance and are extremely easy to maintain. They adapt well to low-light conditions and need moderate watering. Spider Plants produce “babies” or offshoots, making them fun to propagate and share with friends.

Green Mall, the best plant nursery in Kolkata, carefully selects each plant to ensure they’re healthy and ready to thrive in your indoor space.

Benefits of Buying from Green Mall – Kolkata’s Premier Plant Nursery

When you choose to shop from Green Mall, you’re not just buying plants – you’re investing in quality, expertise, and excellent customer service. Here are some reasons why Green Mall stands out:

1. Extensive Selection of Indoor Plants

Green Mall offers a diverse collection of indoor plants, from air-purifying varieties to low-light tolerant species. Their plants are sourced with quality in mind, ensuring that each one is healthy and well-suited to Kolkata’s climate.

2. Expert Guidance and Plant Care Tips

At Green Mall, plant experts are always available to offer advice on plant selection, care instructions, and maintenance tips. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced plant parent, you’ll receive the support you need to help your plants thrive.

3. Affordable Pricing

Green Mall is committed to making plant ownership affordable. They offer competitive prices on a wide range of plants, pots, and plant accessories, ensuring there’s something for every budget.

4. Sustainable Practices

Green Mall emphasizes sustainability by promoting eco-friendly gardening practices and offering plants that are suitable for indoor spaces with limited resources. This aligns with the growing trend toward sustainable urban gardening in Kolkata.

How to Care for Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants

Even though low-maintenance plants are easy to care for, a little attention can go a long way in keeping them healthy. Here are some general care tips to help your indoor plants thrive:

1. Water Wisely

Most low-maintenance plants prefer to be slightly dry between waterings. Check the soil by inserting your finger about an inch deep – if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes, so be mindful not to water too frequently.

2. Provide Adequate Light

While many indoor plants can tolerate low light, most will benefit from indirect sunlight. Place your plants near a window where they can receive filtered light. Avoid direct sunlight, as it may scorch the leaves.

3. Use Quality Soil

The type of soil you use can make a significant difference in your plant’s health. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent root rot. Green Mall offers specialized potting mixes designed for indoor plants, which can be a great option for beginners.

4. Clean the Leaves

Dust can accumulate on indoor plants, hindering their ability to absorb light. Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to keep them clean and healthy.

5. Fertilize Occasionally

Low-maintenance indoor plants don’t require frequent fertilization, but they benefit from occasional feeding. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once every month during the growing season.

Why Green Mall is the Best Plant Nursery in Kolkata for Indoor Plants

As the premier plant nursery in Kolkata, Green Mall has earned its reputation through a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. By offering an impressive variety of low-maintenance indoor plants, personalized care tips, and sustainable gardening solutions, Green Mall makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the benefits of indoor gardening.

Whether you’re a first-time plant owner or an experienced gardener, Green Mall has something for you. With their diverse plant collection, eco-friendly focus, and knowledgeable staff, Green Mall is more than just a plant nursery – it’s a community dedicated to helping Kolkata residents make their homes greener and healthier.

[sainurserypendlehill]

Dwarf Mango Plant in Sydney: Growing Delicious Mangoes in Your Backyard

Growing a dwarf mango plant in Sydney is a wonderful way to enjoy the taste of tropical fruit without needing a large garden. The dwarf varieties of mangoes, like the popular "Irwin" and "King Thai," are compact, easy to care for, and produce delicious fruit, making them perfect for urban gardening. With the right care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown mangoes even in Sydney’s temperate climate.

Why Choose a Dwarf Mango Plant?

Dwarf mango plants are ideal for gardeners with limited space. These plants grow to about 2 to 4 meters tall, making them manageable for small yards or even large pots on balconies or patios. Despite their smaller size, they still produce full-sized, juicy mangoes. This makes dwarf varieties perfect for city dwellers or anyone looking to grow fruit trees in compact spaces.

Best Dwarf Mango Varieties for Sydney

Sydney’s climate is suited for growing several types of dwarf mango plants. The "Irwin" variety is a favorite due to its sweet, non-fibrous fruit and the tree’s relatively low maintenance. Another excellent option is the "King Thai" mango, which is known for its juicy and aromatic fruit. Both varieties are hardy enough to thrive in Sydney’s conditions with the right care.

Planting Your Dwarf Mango

Dwarf mangoes can be planted directly in the ground or in large pots. When planting in the ground, choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil, as mangoes do not tolerate waterlogging. If you’re planting in a pot, use a high-quality potting mix and ensure the container has good drainage.

Sydney’s temperate climate allows mango trees to grow well, but it's important to plant your dwarf mango in a location where it will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. The best time to plant is in spring, after the danger of frost has passed, allowing the tree to establish before the heat of summer.

Caring for Your Dwarf Mango Plant

Mango plants require consistent watering, especially during the growing season. Water deeply once or twice a week, allowing the top few centimeters of soil to dry out between watering. During hot weather, you may need to water more frequently, especially if the tree is in a pot.

Fertilizing your mango plant will encourage healthy growth and fruit production. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, or an organic alternative, and feed your tree three times a year: in spring, summer, and early autumn. A fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorus will promote fruiting, while nitrogen helps with leaf growth.

Pruning and Maintenance

Dwarf mango trees benefit from regular pruning to maintain their shape and encourage more branches, which leads to more fruit. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and trim the tree to the desired size.

Mulching around the base of the plant helps to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature, especially during Sydney’s warmer months. Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, but keep it away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Harvesting Mangoes

Mangoes typically ripen in late summer to early autumn. The fruit is ready to harvest when it begins to change color and has a sweet aroma. Twist or cut the mango from the tree when it is fully ripe. Allow the fruit to ripen further indoors if necessary.

Conclusion

Growing a dwarf mango plant in Sydney is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. With its compact size, the tree fits well into smaller spaces, and with proper care, you’ll be rewarded with sweet, juicy mangoes year after year. Whether in the ground or in a pot, a dwarf mango plant can bring a touch of the tropics to your backyard or balcony.

[nutrifloaustralia]

How Can Hydroponics Systems Be Tailored for City Environments?

Have you ever dreamt of having a lush, green garden in a concrete jungle? Picture this: your mini oasis, nestled amidst towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. Sounds like a fantasy? Not quite! With the rise of the hydroponic system on Central Coast, city dwellers can transform their urban spaces into vibrant green zones. Let’s dive into how these innovative systems can be tailored specifically for city environments, making urban farming possible, practical, and exciting!

Making Hydroponics Work in Tight Spaces

In the city, space is a premium, and that's where hydroponic systems shine. Traditional gardening needs large plots, but hydroponics thrives in confined areas. Vertical farming, for instance, uses vertical space to grow plants, allowing city folks to use wall-mounted or stacked systems. This means you can have a thriving garden in a small apartment or rooftop. By opting for a hydroponic system, urban gardeners can make the most of every available space, bringing fresh produce closer to their homes.

Optimising for Urban Conditions

City environments often involve challenges like pollution, limited sunlight, and fluctuating temperatures. Hydroponic systems are highly adaptable and can be fine-tuned to overcome these issues. For instance, indoor hydroponic setups use LED grow lights to simulate sunlight, ensuring plants get the perfect amount of light regardless of location. Moreover, controlled environments mean that temperature and humidity can be regulated, providing optimal conditions for plant growth. By incorporating a hydroponic system in Central Coast, city gardeners can ensure their plants thrive despite the urban challenges.

Sustainable Urban Farming

One of the most compelling benefits of hydroponics is its sustainability. Hydroponics offers a water-efficient alternative to traditional farming in a city where resources can be scarce. It uses up to 90% less water, making it an eco-friendly choice for urban gardeners. Additionally, hydroponic systems can reduce the need for pesticides and fertilisers, leading to cleaner, healthier produce. For those on the Central Coast, adopting hydroponic systems can contribute to a more sustainable urban lifestyle, reducing the carbon footprint while providing fresh, local produce.

Easy Maintenance and High Yields

City life can be hectic, and only some have time for extensive garden maintenance. Hydroponic systems are designed to be low-maintenance and efficient. They typically require less frequent watering and monitoring compared to soil-based gardening. Furthermore, hydroponics often yields more produce in less time due to the precise delivery of nutrients and optimised growing conditions. For busy city dwellers, this means a productive garden without the hassle. With a hydroponic system on the Central Coast, urban gardeners can enjoy high yields of fresh vegetables and herbs with minimal effort.

Community and Innovation

Urban hydroponics isn’t just about individual gardens; it’s also about community innovation. Many city dwellers are joining forces to create shared hydroponic gardens in community spaces, schools, and businesses. These collective efforts enhance local food security and foster community spirit and collaboration. The trend of hydroponic systems on the Central Coast highlights how urban areas can come together to embrace green technologies and sustainable practices, making city living greener and more connected.

Embrace the Urban Green Revolution

Hydroponic systems are revolutionising urban gardening by allowing city residents to grow their food efficiently and sustainably. By leveraging hydroponics' flexibility and efficiency, city environments can be transformed into green, productive spaces. Whether you’re looking to create a vertical garden in your apartment or set up a community hydroponic project, the potential of hydroponic systems is immense. So, why not jump on the urban green revolution and bring a touch of nature to your city life?

With a hydroponic system in Central Coast leading the charge, the future of urban farming is bright and vibrant. Dive into the world of hydroponics and start cultivating your green paradise amidst the urban sprawl!