#Natural Gas Free Tips

[goldsilverreports]

MCX NATURAL GAS 204 to 216.70, Profit 31,750 in 2 Lots

MCX NATURAL GAS TIPS FOR TODAY: NG 204 to 216.70, Profit 31,750 in 2 Lots, Trade Wtih Neal bhai and Mint Money. Cover Your Losses With Neal Bhai mcx king. (more…) “”

[centrally-unplanned]

VOR: Henry Kissinger

Ugh, HUGELY overrated, Bismark has nothing on him. What, truly are his accomplishments? Oh, rapprochement with China? You mean the country that had just experienced a huge split with the Soviet Union, to the point where they were scared of military conflict, that was simultaneously backing North Vietnam in a war against the US? And so we opened doors to them and gave them literally everything they asked for, hanging Taiwan out to dry, and in return got absolutely nothing; China's aid to North Vietnam actually *increased* the year after? The corpse of a roadkill dog could have done that.

The "cease fire" with North Vietnam? That's just losing with coat of paint to poorly cover the shame! At least he had the self-respect to try to return his Nobel Peace prize. Ho Chi Minh handed him his ass on a platter and somehow that is a win on his ledger.

Accelerating arms sales to the Shah of Iran in order to back separatist fighters in Iraq? Whoops! Wow, that uh, wow what a call there. Really picked the right side.

Coup against Allende in Chile? That went well! Not to mention...he didn't. Chile coup'd Chile, Allende was a complete disaster imploding the country's economy. The Chilean military asked for permission as like a token gesture, we gave them support that didn't matter. Its like taking credit for a sports team win because you bought box seats, except at this game they dropped the opposing team's family out of a helicopter headfirst onto the pitch.

All the SALT treaty stuff started under Johnson, he continued it which is fine but is VORcel stuff. His grand "pivot to Europe" was trying to link trade policy to increases in defense spending from European partners...which didn't happen. They didn't increase them. We gave them trade deals anyway. Its fucking Trump without the memes.

On March 1, 1973, Kissinger stated, "The emigration of Jews from the Soviet Union is not an objective of American foreign policy, and if they put Jews into gas chambers in the Soviet Union, it is not an American concern. Maybe a humanitarian concern.

Awww "I'm such a cool little edgy boy, look at me and my joke about the Holocaust when discussing systemic discrimination against Jews the Soviet Union, surely this will somehow score me Realpolitik points on the Big Board that I can cash in for prize money while shedding America's moral legitimacy because it makes my dick hard."

He is the academic definition of style over substance, snottily walking from fuck-up to disaster to status-quo free ride and putting a pithy quote about The Nature of Power over it to pretend he had any to begin with. Hurry up and die already so I can stop running into you haggling over hostess tips at overpriced Georgetown restaurants.

F-

[mediumgayitalian]

prev

———

By all accounts, Will knows what he’s doing.

He still drives like a godsdamn maniac.

“Do you want us to die?” Nico hollers, cheeks aching from the force of his grin, belly flipping at the peal of Will’s laughter.

The bike is exhilarating, as Will weaves it around cars at unbelievable speeds, working with the bike like it’s a part of him, like it’s not a separate thing he has to move. He steers it with a natural ease Nico’s only really seen in some of the best pegasus riders in camp — he knows the machine intimately enough to anticipate how it moves, how it reacts. It really is an extension of his body.

He left any panic about gripping onto Will somewhere in Long Island — to let go would be suicide. He has to hold on to stay onto the bike, to know to lean when Will leans, to tense when he tenses. Besides that, he’s having fun. He’s not the one driving, so he’s free to rest his helmet on Will’s back and watch as the world whips by — dizzying, really, as the speed of the bike making the green-budding trees melt into the bright blue skies, mix with the tar black asphalt, glow under the sparkling sun. The whole world looks like sidewalk chalk after it rains, a swirling mass of colour and streaks as artistic or more than what it was before it was washed away. The only indication that they’re actually going anywhere rather than standing straight in the middle of a kaleidoscope is the spots of roadside green that pop up every now and again, or a heavy lean to the side and Will switches lanes.

As they pull out of New York, Will starts to slow down. The dizzying mass of colours calms until everything’s at a slow spin, as Will mellows out to a speed that can be registered on a mortal odometer. With less wind whipping all over, Nico can actually hear him.

“Better than a flying chariot?”

Nico grins. “Definitely.”

“Another great thing about this is that it has a CD player. Two-nothing for the sad hunk of wood.”

By great thing Will of course means the same four songs I’ve been obsessed with for a month playing over and over and over until you are ready to launch yourself off the bike and join the dead raccoon at the side of the road, but that still doesn’t manage to ruin it. Something about driving top speeds in the early spring air makes it hard to be annoyed about annoying.

(Or maybe it’s the way Nico can feel Will’s muscles shift every time he moves, or how he winks every time he catches Nico’s eye in the mirrors, or the lowkey kind of sinful the way he straddles the seat. But Nico is quite happy sharing a name with a river in Egypt, so he ignores these fun facts and continues to delude himself, an art in which he is become quite wondrously skilled.)

Somewhere between Jersey and Delaware, the traffic picks up again, so Will shouts for him to hold on and cranks up the speed. Nico clenches tightly around his waist, squeezing his eyes shut, this time, and listens to the roar of air as they shove through it fast enough to rival sound. When they’re drifting, again, Nico can feel an incline, and looks up just in time to watch Will exit off the highway.

“Are we here already?” he shouts, incredulous. He knows his ADHD makes him bad with time, but jeez — it can’t have been more than an hour, an hour and a half.

“Not yet,” Will says, barely having to raise his voice as they come to a stop, heel of his boot clicking on the pavement. He checks both ways and then, once nothing comes around the bend, pushes off and guides them down a winding back road, tipping around curves and speeding down hills. Nico’s stomach bottoms out every drop, and he can’t clamp down the giggle that pushes out his throat, as ridiculous as it is. Luckily, Will’s giggling, too.

In a few minutes, they pull up to an old, rusted gas station, with signs so old they’re hand-painted. Will kills the engine and flicks out the kickstand, pulling off his helmet and shaking out his hair. It’s such a tangled mess that Nico can’t help but reach out and tug on a lopsided curl.

“I didn’t think this thing needed gas.”

“It doesn’t!” He pats a dark piece of glass in between the handlebars. “It’s solar-powered. But I figured you could use a minute to stretch your legs, and frankly, if I don’t eat something soon I genuinely might cook you.”

“You forgot to eat today, didn’t you.”

“…No.”

As soon as he speaks, his eyes start to water. His throat swells. He holds his breath for a noble four seconds, and then starts wheezing.

Nico sighs heavily. “Dumbass.”

Hauling him upright by the collar, Nico drags him towards the little corner store. This, at least, is familiar. Will gets caught up in his work easily, and forgets to do things like eat or move or, on one particularly amusing occasion, breathe. (Just tipped right over, one day, onto the floor, mid-poultice. There is a chip on the side of the stone mortar to this day. Nico, Will’s other friends, and his siblings take shifts bringing it up to dunk on him properly. Last he checked, Lou Ellen commissioned Jake Mason to make a plaque to hang on the infirmary wall, memorializing the incident forever.)

“C’mon, stupid. Let’s get you a sandwich. And Benadryl.”

“I’m honestly fine,” Will wheezes, cheeks swelling slightly.

“Stop talking,” Nico orders. “You’re making it worse.”

Wisely, Will clamps up. That, or his throat is starting to close. Either is likely.

His stubborn determination to continue lying despite being literally allergic to it would be impressive, if it wasn’t so irritating.

A little bell rings by the door when Nico pushes it open, making the person sitting behind the counter look up.

“Ah,” they say sagely, folding up their newspaper. “Demigods.”

Immediately, Nico’s on alert. Before he can draw his sword, though, Will lifts a hive-spotted hand in a wave.

“Hey, Berchio,” he croaks.

The person at the counter — Berchio — smiles ruefully.

“Benadryl?”

Nico nods hesitantly, still a little wary at the stranger, but Will is starting to keen over, now, and Nico didn’t think to bring an Epi-Pen (since the allergy is totally avoidable, William, you are your own worst enemy), so he’s running out of options. “Please.”

Chuckling to themself, Berchio ruffles around a shelf by the checkout counter, locating the familiar bottle after a minute — Will gets himself into these situations a lot, he has a serious twizzler problem and should consider getting his own stash instead of lifting it from the Hermes cabin and then lying about where it went — and rolling towards them. The spokes of their wheelchair have little skull charms on them that make a pleasant tinkling noise as they spin, making Nico trust them instantly. He should get Chiron wheel beads. That’s sick as hell.

“Here, kid. Drink water, too, you’re going to dry yourself out.”

Will garbles out a thank you, choking down the medicine. As all meds do with Apollo’s children, lucky bastards that they are, it works quickly, and in minutes he’s breathing right again.

“Gods, I love oxygen.”

“You are a human disaster,” Nico informs him. “Like, hugely.”

Will takes a sip of his water, pondering that. “Is that more embarrassing for you, or for me?”

“Why the hell would it be embarrassing for me?”

“Well, since you like me so much.” Nico chokes. “I might be a disaster, but at least I don’t have a crush on one.”

“All this wheezing,” Berchio sighs. “This must be Nico?”

“The one and only,” Will says cheerfully. He reaches out and touches a warm hand to Nico’s throat, immediately clearing his airways. Now no longer struggling for breath, Nico darts out and punches him, hard, on the arm.

“Ow! Meanie!”

“You are such a derp-faced dweeb,” Nico hisses, fully aware he’s red in the face. “Why are you — why are you this way.”

“I’m gonna tell Chiron you were bullying me!”

“Tell him! I’ll tell him you were the one to sprinkle instant mashed potatoes all over the grass before it rained, not Cecil!”

Will snaps his mouth shut. “I told you that in confidence.”

Nico smiles smugly. “Well, that’s on you. My loyalties are about as secure as my parent’s relationship.”

“If you two are finished flirting,” interrupts an amused voice, making both of them jump. Berchio watches them with their arms crossed, eyebrow raised in a similar chiding way to Chiron last time he caught Nico attempting to sneak an entire tray of brownies from the kitchen (mark his words — as soon as he can shadow travel again, no other camper will be seeing a brownie as long as they shall live). They shake their head, tutting exaggeratedly. “My, my, Will, I’m beginning to understand why you mentioned him every time you opened your mouth. I figured you liked him, but this is ridiculous.”

For once, Will is the one to flush crimson. He stutters something entirely incomprehensible, gesturing vaguely towards Berchio, and then frantically towards Nico, and finally squawks something about trust and the breaching of it. He goes red to the very roots of his hair, clamping his own mouth shut mid-sentence and scowling something awful.

Suddenly, Nico gets it. This is why no one ever leaves him alone. Oh, he is loathe to give the assholes he’s friends with credit, but…

When does he ever get to see Will — confident, easy Will — go scarlet?

“So you like me,” he says, shit eating grin stretching across his face. “Oh ho ho ho.”

“Oh, shut up,” Will snaps, without any heat. “Last time we played volleyball you got a concussion ‘cause you couldn’t stop staring at my chest and took a ball to the face.”

“That — it was — that hit was malicious,” he sputters. “And how is it my fault you’re always ditching your shirt at the first available opportunity like some kind of whore? I couldn’t not look!”

“Avert your eyes, then, scoundrel!”

“I — don’t call me a scoundrel! You’re a scoundrel!”

“You’re both late, is what you are,” Berchio interrupts again. “Will, I assume you’re running an errand?”

Still a little flushed, Will nods. “Yes. Thanks, Berchio. We’re picking up parts in Roanoke, I just stopped for some food.”

“He forgot to eat this morning,” Nico pipes up. He figures that Berchio seems comfortable enough with Will that they can act as a disappointed authority figure, which will make Mr. Daddy Issues Solace crumple like a castle built on a pillar of sand — he needs the humbling. (Also, Nico will get him on a healthier track or die trying. It’s not fair that he gets to be a big hypocrite about good diet and eating and sleeping habits and then turn around and act a fool. Someone needs to watch out for the idiot, or he’s going to get himself killed, and then Nico is going to have to spend the rest of his life in the Underworld, yelling at him.)

“William.”

Nico’s theory is proven correct. Berchio stares at Will with the perfect mix of disappointment and concern, immediately triggering the scramble-to-please expression on Will’s face. He practically stumbles over himself trying to follow after him and get fed.

“Are you happy with a sandwich, Nico? I know Will’ll eat anything that even remotely looks like food, but most of us have standards,” they tease.

Nico snorts at Will’s offended pout. “Yeah, a sandwich is more than fine. Thanks, Berchio.”

After handing them both a sandwich they pull from one of the many fridges in the little convenience store, they guide them outside, parking their wheelchair next to the curb they sit on and joining them in a little picnic.

“So how do you know each other?” Nico asks, gesturing between the two of them.

Will answers first, because Berchio, who is a polite person with manners, takes the time to swallow their food.

“I stop here all the time,” he says, garbled, making both Nico and Berchio wince. Nico takes the initiative to kick him.

“Stop being disgusting and explain yourself without showing off the contents of your mouth,” Nico threatens, “or I’m going to stab you again.”

Will swallows, sticks out his tongue, and continues.

“First time I used the bike, I got it into my head that I should go visit my mom. Would’ve been fine, except I was thirteen and hadn’t been outside of camp in six years and got chased by a pack of empousai the second I left the city, basically.”

“I was collecting herbs and sensed him coming,” Berchio explains. “He crossed the borders I have set up; I hid him here. Now he stops by whenever he’s travelling to chat.” Berchio smiles warmly. “I appreciate the company.”

Will grins back. “Me too! Plus, I very much appreciate the herb exchange. Speaking of which, I have your goldenrod.”

He digs into his jeans pocket, pulling out a bundle. He hands it over to Berchio, who accepts it gratefully, handing over their own bundle to Will.

“And your witch hazel.”

“Berchio’s an Ipotane,” Will explains, catching sight of Nico’s furrowed brow. “They’ve been doing this healing stuff for centuries. They’re real good with salves.”

Nico shakes his head fondly. “Even when you’re being cool, you’re a nerd.” He gestures to the bike. “Taking your secret motorcycle to visit your secret mentor to learn more about healing. Gods, it’s like Apollo made you in a lab.”

“You take that back! I contain multitudes!”

“And now you’re quoting famous poems, dear gods, try to prove my point better, why don’t you —”

“Blah blah blah!”

Nico grins at him, rolling his eyes, and Will is just as playfully dramatic with his bit lip and hidden smile and the hair he tucks behind his ear like he does when he wants to touch somebody but isn’t sure if it’s invited. Nico answers the question for him, reaching out and flicking his knuckles as an excuse to touch his hands. Will takes it, beaming.

“Thank you for the food, Berchio,” Will says when they finish, leaning down to hug them. “We gotta get going, but I’ll be back in a couple weeks. I had a dream about an outbreak, so no doubt the infirmary will need restocked soon.”

“Bring your boyfriend next time,” Berchio suggests, grinning when Nico goes red at the term. “Watching the two of you was not unlike one of Sterne’s famous productions.”

“I take offence to that,” Will says haughtily.

“Good. You needed humbling.”

“Nobody appreciates me around here!”

Nico bites back the I do that threatens to escape his throat. Gods, he’s so embarrassing. Whoever taught him how to speak should have to pay for their crimes.

They head back to the bike, waving goodbye to the Ipotane and speeding off. The drive the rest of the way down south is much calmer, bellies full and energy somewhat spent, and it helps that there’s no traffic. Will cruises, keeping time with the sun that’s inching across the sky, ignoring Nico’s suggestion to attempt to race his dad. They arrive in Roanoke in good time, following Nyssa’s scrawled directions to the parts shop.

The shop is old, visibly, paint peeling and smelling strongly of car grease. As Nysa predicted, the person they speak to — a mechanic, by the look of her jumpsuit — doesn’t ask so much as a single question at the two teenagers rolling up to her doorstep, heading to the greasy shelves of car parts and grabbing what they need with a shrug.

“Well,” says Will slowly as she piles them on the counter, “that’s…more than I anticipated.”

Nico looks at the stack of twisted metal. He looks at the bike. Finally, he looks at his dumbass friend.

“Solace.”

Will scratches the back of his neck. “Yeah?”

“Solace, tell me you have space to put this stuff.”

“Well, we can try the seat compartment?”

Nico buries his head in his hands. “Solace.”

“What!”

“You know what, lughead! We cannot do the one thing we came here to do! Gods!”

“I usually go on supply runs for the infirmary, okay!” Will cries. “That stuff is way less bulky! I forgot to compensate!”

Nico groans. At this point, they’re going to have to bus back, or something equally as stupid. And what are they gonna do with the bike? Gods, if Nico was here by himself and also maybe possibly with Reyna, who could share her strength, he’d just —

He stills.

“Oh, no,” Will says, pointing a stern finger, “oh, no, di Angelo, I know that look, you have been expressly banned —”

“Relax,” Nico grumbles. “Don’t you trust me?”

“With everything,” Will says automatically, then flushes for the second time that day. “But that is not the point —”

Deciding he will return to that later — and he most certainly will — Nico darts forward. Before Will can stop him, he puts both hands on the pile of parts, lunges towards the nearest shadow, and shoved them in, withdrawing as quickly as he can manage.

“Nico!”

He waits.

“Oh, you fuckin’ — you goddamn son of a mother!”

He checks his hands — still solid.

“I am going to smash you flat an’ feed you through a goddamn juicer! You fuckin’ heart-stopper!”

He grins. “I told you I could do some Underworld magic.”

“Underworld deez fuckin’ nuts!” Will stomps forward, grabbing Nico’s hands to do his own inspection. “What part of doctor’s orders are you missin’, huh? You think I wanna watch you fade again? You think I wanna —” His voice cracks, hands tightening around Nico’s wrists. Nico softens immediately, smug look melting into something gentler.

“Will.”

“You coulda died, Nico, you coulda faded to — to nothin’.”

“Will.” He flips his hands so his palms meet Will’s, and squeezes, smiling gently. “Feel my vitals, dork. Am I fading?”

Will exhales. “No.”

“Am I close?”

“…No.”

He squeezes again. “I’m fine, Will.”

“You scared me.” The anger in his voice has faded into something soft — something afraid. Suddenly the hands on his wrists feel more clingy than anything, and a twinge of guilt goes off in Nico’s stomach.

“I’m sorry.” He squeezes Will’s hands one last time, and when that doesn’t do much, lets go to wrap around his cheeks, instead, forcing him to meet his eyes. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“I don’t mean to restrict you,” Will says softly. “It’s just — I worry, is all.”

Nico taps their foreheads together, smile pulling at his face. This, he can — this he can deal with. This version of Will, soft and nervous and caring, makes it a lot easier to slide his fingers into the mess of Will’s curls, to run his thumbs over his cheekbones and feel him shiver.

“Would that have anything to do with the alleged crush you have on me?”

Will grins. “It might.” One of his hands comes up to rest on top of Nico’s, brushing over his knuckles. “All your moonin’ after me had me looking twice, I guess.”

“You’re such a dick,” Nico scoffs, and yanks him down to meet him in the middle, laughing, swallowing his smile and relishing in the warm press of their bodies. It’s — gods, it’s everything, it’s a thousand times better than he imagined, and at the same time everything he expected. Will smells like wind and sunshine and his lavender shampoo, and his hands are roughened from all the antiseptic he has to use, and his lips are surprisingly chapped, but the press of his cheeks is soft, and the feel of him is overwhelming. It feels, as cliche as it is, like the final burst of a firework after watching the smokey trail of the rocket with bated breath, watching it crest the night sky before exploding, finally, amongst the stars, it’s like —

A cleared throat startled them apart.

“Anytime y’all feel like paying for those parts, it would be great.”

Will grins sheepishly. “Sorry,” he says, pulling out the money Chiron gave him. His grin turns sly, and Nico’s knees turn to jelly. “My boyfriend’s just super distracting.”

[derinthescarletpescatarian]

I know this is totally missing the point of everything you do but………any tips for oxygen not included?

Same as any management sim, the most important thing to control is your population. It's gonna be tempting to get as many lil guys as you can. Don't. Only get what you can support.

Algae Terrariums seem like a good deal but they're not. You'll be forever refilling the stupid things. Just rely on diffusers until you can move onto electrolyzers, which you should do as soon as possible.

Find a water or steam geyser and both natural gas geysers as soon as you can, and use them to generate oxygen and power. You can set up 'self-powered' oxygen generation by using the hydrogen produced by the electrolyzers but personally I don't think it's worth the trouble. Once you have both natural gas geysers (and can build natural gas generators), electricity won't be a problem for the rest of the game; if you ever need more, it'll be after you have solar panel tech. You can just pump the waste CO2 directly into space (or stick it in bottles for now if you haven't dug that high).

Don't train your dupes in skills they don't use or need, or you're just making it harder to keep them happy for no reason. You only need one artist, for example.

I like to build a dusk cap farm as soon as possible and feed them just mushrooms for most of the game. It takes 3 dusk cap plots to feed 1 dupe (1.5 plots if you fry the mushrooms). My farms look like this:

The farm naturally fills with CO2 and is very low-maintenance. I like to put my kitchen directly above it if I'm not bothering to cook so dupes can grab food and eat right away. These farms do use slime so you'll run out eventually but by then you're very late into the game and can just harvest all the various plants naturally around the map for free.

I play a very chill game so this probably isn't great advice. There's a lot of strategies out there created by people who pay close attention to gas pressure and the thermal insulation of various materials and I am not one of those player.

[ellsbclls]

i've been seeing a trend in dacryphilia content lately and its got me thinking about ellie —-

              ⋆⋅ ♰ ⋅⋆

ellie who's crowding you into the memory foam; who crunches your hand into the slim pocket between you, and your arm is but a flightless thing that bends and paws at the rise of your own chest, dumb to the fact that it isn't hers. she's devolved into something base, or at least scratched so close to that very surface that she can taste it, sudden and alkaline like pennies in your mouth — the tips of her ears pinched pink, hunched over your entire frame, panting across your face — she's simply her own cage, a test of her own self - discipline, locked behind the round of her ribs.

you've never seen her like this, at least not here. sometimes, in the hot stroke of an infected swarm, you'll catch her in a state that you can only describe as natural.

in those instances she is an apex predator, unmerciful and rapt. regardless of her choice of weapon, of the environment she stumbles upon, she adapts. it doesn't take long before she's cracking the magazine of her gun against her palm, slicing clean through the ripe peel of emaciated flesh; there is no end, no silence, until the room is thick with the taste of iron.

soon, all the bodies will roll and dance into one another until they look like a pinched nerve, and one will bleat out this sound, broken and wobbly, until it starts to crescendo. one trailing out from the other, like an expulsion of gas, they'll all trickle into the inevitable, growing limp and obedient as they decay.

and you'll watch it all with your clinical hands, hoping that if you separate yourself just enough you'll cut off the sickness straight from the source, and the slice will be so clean that you won't have to hear the screams trapped underneath.

you've been here before, and you'll be here again — bound to the mercy of her hands, her fingers, as they pry you apart. with the way she's balanced above you, each time she ventures further inside you, her palm crowds against your clit, and you welcome her even further. fighting against her hand, leaving veins of slick behind each time her hand pulls away.

it doesn't take long for her to find something soft and hidden deep within you, and because her face is pressed into yours, her teeth catching at the apple of your cheek, she giggles at the sweet little sounds you make when she bullies it. it's almost like you're overwhelmed, choking on her, and yet you tilt your hips up for more, making something long forgotten snap back into place inside of her.

she swipes the rough pads of her fingers back and forth, and the heat of her laughter taunts your cheek into a blush, and her knee kisses the underside of your own, and yeah, well, yeah, you are officially overwhelmed.

but then she says something so mean — says "can't believe how greedy this little cunt is tonight," and you whine, snifflng into her shoulder. she tssks, "oh, don't get shy on me now, baby. open up."

so you spread your thighs a bit farther and she scoffs, entertained by the gesture, and presses a chaste kiss to your lips, deepening it. there's a ribbon of saliva that forms at the corner your mouth as she mashes her palm even harder against you, catching at the bottom of your clit with circular little nudges, forcing you to gasp into her mouth.

now you're open. now you're nice, and ready, and pliant for it. her tongue climbs up the length of your own because you let her, choking on the sound of your own whines as her free hand steadies the back of your neck. now your mouth is just another pretty little hole for her to play around with, already messy and twitching from the way her tongue is playing with yours, and that's when she feels it. suddenly her nose is wet with it, salty and warm, tears fall straight down and pool at the bridge and she blanches.

"does it hurt?" neither of you fail to notice how a string of spit follows when ellie pulls away.

"no," you blink to a few more tears, visibly troubled by the sudden lack of her. instead of answering, she slides her nose up the curve of your cheek, letting her tongue lap up the remainder of your tears like a fucking animal.

"do you want it to?"

and, well, "yes," you keen, brightening at the idea. but it's almost like she doesn't hear you because she doesn't react, and even above the rush of your own ears, your voice is thrown somewhere distant. you grow desperate, your need scratching up the walls of your throat, bearing claws.

she doesn't mean to hurt you as much as she means to leave a mark on you, to fill you until you wake up with the bruising memory of her nestled inside your cunt, to brand herself into the meat of you.

you turn your head until she has no choice but to see you. "please?"

wiping your tears, a grin blooms over her features, beguiling. an ample distraction for when her other hand thrusts, reminding you where she is, nestled at the very brink of you, and murmurs "then relax," teeming with humor when she says "and don't make any sudden moves."

[incorrectbatfam]

Someone might have already asked this but I really need to know everyone's illegal tips and tricks because they're literally vigilantes who don't obey the law already but probably have even crazier things up their sleeves

Dick: fires attract too much attention and unnecessarily put first responders in danger, so if you wanna destroy someone's house or building, go for the method that can easily be blamed on natural causes: flooding

Jason: if you're gonna jack a car, break the rear window so you don't have to sit in glass

Tim: to find stock photos without the watermark, reverse image search it on Yandex to get the watermark-free version

Damian: a 250 Iranian Rial coin has the same dimensions as a $2 Canadian one at 1/125th of the value and machines only read the shape (same for 100 South Korean won vs. U.S. quarters)

Duke: if you want to download any movie, put "index," "Google Docs," or "parent directory" at the end (i.e. "The Dark Knight Rises parent directory")

Cullen: get out of paying at restaurants by having a friend dress up as a cop and forcibly remove you from the premises

Stephanie: as long as you look the same/similar to when you did in college, keep using your student ID for discounts

Cassandra: if you're getting tailed by the police, call 911 and report a drunk driver near your location

Barbara: if you're transporting something you shouldn't have, carry it in a package addressed to yourself—police legally can't search through your mail

Harper: no one questions a person in an orange vest and hard hat, so put some on before removing anti-homeless spikes

Carrie: if you wanna steal snacks from a gas station, put them in a drink cup and just pay for the drink

Kate: tattoos are commonly used as a witness/security footage identifier, so cover them if you have any or get fake ones if you don't

Alfred: avoid paying taxes by registering yourself as a religious leader and setting the congregation place to your house

Selina: sex offenders are the perfect robbery target—their addresses are publicly available, they can't own guns, and they've already lost everyone's sympathy

Bruce: it's easier to forge signatures by learning how to write them upside-down or sideways since you force your brain to focus more on the details

[roseygurl]

jobs i think the marauders & friends would have

james potter

- works at a sporting goods store

- he’s very knowledgeable and great at his job

- will definitely persuade you into buying something you don’t want or need

- “sir these nike airs will make you jump so incredibly high”

- always chewing gum and always getting yelled at for it by his boss

- hates working register, you’ll find him in the shoes section reading a magazine

- made the store playlist, he’s always on aux

- all his coworkers are really old but he still manages to get along really well with them

- has definitely grabbed a beer with the 50 year old cashier

sirius black

- movie theatre employee

- he hates his job so much. so much

- but he loves saying he works at a movie theatre because it sounds cool

- applied because he loves films and the smell of theatre popcorn

- works at the concession stand and steals extra large slushees (his go-to flavors are cherry and coke)

- he’s really bad at customer service but he’s naturally charming so it’s okay

- always has one airpod in

- coworkers love him because remus brings him food on his break that he shares with everyone

- never ever wears the hat that comes with his uniform because it’s ugly and makes his hair look bad

- definitely cries in the bathroom

remus lupin

- waiter at a nice restaurant downtown

- he’s actually quite rude but his dry humor and nice cheekbones charm people for some reason

- (gets horrible tips)

- has to wear a fully black outfit with a silly black bow tie, sirius thinks he looks handsome

- really good at bussing tables and rolling silverware

- steals fries from the kitchen

- sometimes they ask him to bartend and he really enjoys that

- the hostess girl adores him (sirius despises her)

- smokes near the dumpster on his break and then sits on the floor in the walk-in for a few minutes

- “can i speak to the manager?!”

- “ma’am i am the manager” (he’s lying)

peter pettigrew

- works at a gas station

- constantly forgets to check for ID

- free cigarettes for his friends

- actually likes stocking shelves because he doesn’t have to talk to anyone

- always scared the store is gonna get robbed at gunpoint

- sees people steal but never says anything about it

- he literally never sees his boss around, where is that man???

- usually closing shift, he hates it

- reads comic books up front all the time, sometimes he’ll have really long conversations with customers about x-men

regulus black

- works drive-thru at a burger joint

- customer service is on point but after 8pm he turns into the biggest bitch on the face of the earth

- he just wants to go home

- sirius and james always drive by to troll him and order shakes

- sirius is really good at doing the karen voice and has actually fooled him almost every single time

- big brother behavior

- his uniform is rancid and smells like burger grease

- always having one sided competitions with other coworkers that nobody is in on except for him

- he loves oreo milkshakes

- ends up having to train the new hires but he’s so terrible at it

- “idk i think this is how you do it but im not sure”

- bad at counting change on the spot, he’ll start tearing up if you give him coins

lily evans

- second-hand bookstore employee

- started out as a volunteer but they actually ended up hiring her

- she doesn’t get enough hours

- works next to a coffee shop so she always grabs a cappuccino for james after her morning shifts

- gets to wear cute outfits but has to wear an ugly gray apron

- decorates it with pins

- remus always comes to visit her and they bitch about rude customers together

- he ends up helping her move heavy boxes

- her boss is this sweet weird hippie woman who somehow knows everyone personally

- the dusty books give her terrible allergies

- that girl is always sneezing and sniffling

- will talk your ear off about jane austen

[instructionsnotincluded]

jealous Rafe living rent free in my mind. Is it too much to ask for a jealous snippet? 🙏

I think I can do that! Hahahaha.

MDNI 18+ | Suggestive language, swearing, men being gross

Logan’s morning went by fairly quickly, the oldest Maybank surprised not only by the amount of people golfing, but the amount of people drinking that early in the morning, and true to Amy’s word, the men seemed to love the idea of there being two of them running the cart today, as opposed to just Amy. 

“Men are gross,” Amy finished wiping down some of the condensation before she joined Logan in the front seat, hitting the gas a moment later to continue down the cart path, “if one more asks me what we’re both doing after our shift is over…”

Logan laughed, her foot resting on the edge as she steadied herself, Amy taking the path at a quicker speed than it probably called for, “Just tell them they couldn’t handle us.”

Amy laughed at that, nudging Logan with her elbow, “Is your beau here?”

“You don’t have to call him that.”

“But it’s a secret,” Amy emphasized and Logan rolled her eyes. “Is he here? And more importantly, is he gonna tip?”

Logan snorted, “He had an eleven o’clock tee time, so he’s probably somewhere out there. I’m sure we’ll see him during our next pass.”

“Here's a few guys...I dare you to remove your padding,” Amy wiggled her eyebrows as they approached their next group of golfers, “let them see your piercings.” Logan threw her head back with a smile on her face as Amy poked her thigh, “C’mon—better tips. Guaranteed. Let's test my theory.”

“Oh, I know they will be,” Logan hopped out of the cart when it came to a stop, “it’s one of the reasons I got them pierced.”

“And Mr. Big likes them?”

“You can’t call him that,” Logan couldn't help the surprised laugh that escaped her lips, “one—he’s younger than I am and two—”

“His family is rich as fuck,” Amy poked her head around the side of the cart, “I don’t care if he’s younger. He’s basically your Mr. Big.”

“I refuse to acknowledge that nickname.”

Amy watched Logan reach into the front of her tank-top, gently pulling out the padding inside the lining of her sports bra, the two cups resting along the edge of the counter as Logan readjusted herself, “Good?”

“Yeah, they look good,” Amy nodded. “When I get my implants, can I take a photo of yours for inspiration?”

“No,” Logan swatted her friend with the padding before she stashed it in one of the storage slots, “my right tit’s smaller than the left, you don’t want these.”

“But you’re a natural c-cup,” Amy leaned against the side as Logan reached for more napkins, “that’s basically my dream.”

“You’re perfect just the way you are, Ames.” Logan gave her a pointed look, “Besides, I heard you lose sensation after they’ve been done.”

“No shit?”

“What are you two clucking about over here?”

Both Logan and Amy turned to see a few guys walking towards them, their own golf carts not too far away. By the looks of them they appeared to be in their late twenties, the brands and style of their clothing a giveaway of how much money they had. “Hello!” Amy greeted them easily, Logan smiling in response, “Just some girl talk—what can we get you?”

“We’re gonna do some shots,” one of the guys, the one with a full head of dark hair that fell over his eyes grinned, his eyes sweeping across both girls, “if you two do ‘em with us.”

“That’s kinda frowned upon…” Amy kept it light and flirty as she explained they couldn’t do that, but did manage to upsell the guys on three doubles, Logan busing herself with entering their order into the tablet. 

“What time do you get off?” The third guy, the one with a tattoo wrapped around his bulging bicep leaned against the cart, watching Amy reach into the cooler for more ice before he looked towards Logan and she didn’t miss the way his eyes immediately found her tits. “Maybe we can get a rain check on those shots until later…?”

“It might be kinda late by the time we get off,” Amy cracked the mini liquor bottle open before emptying it into the cup of ice, one of the guys having requested a cocktail after his shot, “but if you can make a hole in one…”

The guys laughed at the joke and let down, giving one another a hard time and sharing stories of how close they’ve gotten to a hole in one before, exaggerating their best games while they enjoyed their drinks. Logan finished swiping their cards, laughing at one of the jokes the guys told before handing back the AmEx and giving them a moment to select a tip and sign. The first guy who approached them took out his phone and nodded to the girls, “Can we get a photo? A couple guys in our group didn’t come today and we wanna show them what they’re missing.”

While Logan hardly ever worked the beverage cart on the golf course, she knew from Amy’s stories that men taking photos with her was not an unusual occurrence. So they all crowded together in front of the car, one of the guys taking the photo, and it wasn’t until the guy with the tattoo wrapped his arm fully around Logan’s waist that she heard the sound of an approaching cart. The man held on a little too long after the photo, his fingers spread out along her side and Logan gently, but firmly, lifted his hand off her waist, attempting to keep a smile across her face as Amy wished them well with their golf game. 

“If you give me your number…” The man’s phone was already out and directed towards her, but before Logan could decline a white glove-covered hand reached for it, a familiar presence beside her a second later. 

“Yeah, bro, ‘course.” Rafe’s voice, the one he used right before he laid into someone, sounded and the man only stared in confusion, watching the newcomer enter a phone number into his phone before he could put a stop to it, “That’s so nice of you to ask…” Logan bit her lip, eyes wide as she watched Rafe enter his phone number with a straight face, a look of horror flashing across the man opposite of him, his mouth gaping as Rafe saved the contact and then handed the phone back, “Call me, alright? We can start off with a long conversation about how no means no.”

[jujumin-translates]

Lyrics | Aisubeki Bungo - Lovable Literary Master (Kanji/Romaji/English)

I've had this done for a while now but decided to go back and make some edits to it today and figured why not post it. TL'ing lyrics isn't my strong suit, so please do let me know if there are any errors or anything!

Kanji

鶴松 & 知久

着物に袖を���し

キツく帯を締め上げる

背筋が伸びる感覚

小さな世界の習慣

鶴松

古きを知って

ロマンを語る

丁寧な暮らしの中に

人間の正しさを夢見てた

知久

時に光は屈折し

鶴松

言葉は迷子　彷徨う情緒

知久

でも成し遂げられない

はずはない

鶴松

書き綴った己の答えは

鶴松 & 知久

文学の世界にある

生まれながらに

手にしてきたもの

指先から

筆先に伝う

一筋の光　気持ちを

走らせ　言葉が踊る

故きを温ねて

新しきを知る

以って師と為る可し

文学に生きて

生かされている

愛すべき文豪

鶴松

夢路に袖を通し

知久

焦がれた世界に

身を置けば

鶴松

背筋が凍る感覚

期待という鬼が

見つめていた

知久

時に光は屈折し

鶴松

なぞらう文章

遺伝子の暴挙

知久

でも成し遂げられない

はずはない

鶴松

愛を知った己の答えは

鶴松 & 知久

文学の世界にある

ただ生きるという

学びの中で

見つけたのは

認め合う覚悟

誰かの言葉に耳を

傾けて己に語りかける

故きを温ねて

新しきを知る

以って師と為る可し

文学に生きて

生かされている

愛すべき文豪

鶴松 & 知久

信念と拘り

(信念と拘り)

苦しさと希望

(苦しさと希望)

光と影

(光と影)

言葉と言葉

(言葉)

鶴松

書き綴った全ての答えは

鶴松 & 知久

文学の世界にある

生まれながらに

手にしてきたもの

指先から

筆先に伝う

一筋の光　気持ちを

走らせ　言葉が踊る

故きを温ねて新しきを知る

以って師と為る可し

文学に生きて

生かされている

愛すべき文豪

愛すべき文豪

Romaji

Tsurumatsu & Tomohisa

Kimono ni sode o tooshi

Kitsuku obi o shimeageru

Sesuji ga nobiru kankaku

Chiisa na sekai no shuukan

Tsurumatsu

Furuki o shitte

ROMAN o kataru

Teinei na kurashi no naka ni

Ningen no tadashisa o yume miteta 

Tomohisa

Toki ni hikari wa kussetsu shi

Tsurumatsu

Kotoba wa maigo, samayou joucho

Tomohisa

Demo nashitogerarenai

Hazu wa nai

Tsurumatsu

Kakitsuzutta onore no kotae wa

Tsurumatsu & Tomohisa

Bungaku no sekai ni aru

Umare nagara ni

Te ni shite kita mono

Yubisaki kara

Fudesaki ni tsutau

Hitosuji no hikari, kimochi o

Hashirase, kotoba ga odoru

Furuki o tazunete

Atarashiki o shiru

Motteshi to narubeshi

Bungaku ni ikite

Ikasareteiru

Aisubeki bungou

Tsurumatsu

Yumeji ni sode o tooshi

Tomohisa

Kogareta sekai ni

Mi o tokeba

Tsurumatsu

Sesuji ga kooru kankaku

Kitai toiu oni ga

Mitsumeteita

Tomohisa

Toki ni hikari wa kussetsu shi

Tsurumatsu

Nazorau bunshou

Idenshi no boukyo

Tomohisa

Demo nashitogerarenai

Hazu wa nai

Tsurumatsu

Ai o shitte onore no kotae wa

Tsurumatsu & Tomohisa

Bungaku no sekai ni aru

Tada ikiru toiu

Manabi no naka de

Mitsuketa no wa

Mitome au kakugo

Dareka no kotoba ni mimi o

Katamukete, onore ni katarikakeru

Furuki o tazunete

Atarashiki o shiru

Motteshi to narubeshi

Bungaku ni ikite

Ikasereteiru

Aisubeki bungou

Tsurumatsu & Tomohisa

Shinnen to kodawari

(Shinnen to kodawari)

Kurushisa to kibou

(Kurushisa to kibou)

Hikari to kage

(Hikari to kage)

Kotoba to kotoba

(Kotoba)

Tsurumatsu

Kakitsuzutta subete no kotae wa

Tsurumatsu & Tomohisa

Bungaku no sekai ni aru

Umare nagara ni

Te ni shite kita mono

Yubisaki kara

Fudesaki ni tsutau

Hitosuji no hikari, kimochi o

Hashirase kotoba ga odoru

Furuki o tazunete

Atarashiki o shiru

Motteshi to narubeshi

Bungaku ni ikite

Ikasareteiru

Aisubeki bungou

Aisubeki bungou

English

Tsurumatsu & Tomohisa

I slide into the sleeves of my kimono

And fasten the obi tightly

I feel my back straighten

It’s a custom in this small world

Tsurumatsu

I speak romantically of the past

In my careful life I’ve seen humanity’s truth within my dreams

Tomohisa

On occasions, the light refracts

Tsurumatsu

Words lost, emotions wandering

Tomohisa

But it can’t be left unfinished

Tsurumatsu

The answers that I’ve chronicled myself

Tsurumatsu & Tomohisa

Can be found in the world of literature

It’s something that I naturally possess

From my fingertips to the tip of my brush

A single ray of light flows, letting the words dance

As my feelings run free

Acquire new knowledge whilst thinking over the old

And you may become a teacher of others (1)

I live and breathe literature

Lovable literary master

Tsurumatsu

Enveloped in a state of dreaming

Tomohisa

If I put myself into the world I’ve longed for

Tsurumatsu

A chill runs down my spine

The demon of expectation was staring at me

Tomohisa

On occasions, the light refracts

Tsurumatsu

Imitating writing styles, genetic recklessness

Tomohisa

But it can’t be left unfinished

Tsurumatsu

My own answer to the question of love

Tsurumatsu & Tomohisa

Can be found in the world of literature

In learning to just live

What we found was a readiness to admit

Listen to the words of someone else

And recite them to yourself

Acquire new knowledge whilst thinking over the old

And you may become a teacher of others

I live and breath literature

Lovable literary master

Tsurumatsu & Tomohisa

Beliefs and obsessions

(Beliefs and obsessions)

Suffering and hope

(Suffering and hope)

Light and shadows

(Light and shadows)

Words and words

(Words)

Tsurumatsu

All the answers that I’ve chronicled myself

Tsurumatsu & Tomohisa

Can be found in the world of literature

It’s something that I naturally possess

From my fingertips to the tip of my brush

A single ray of light flows, letting the words dance

As my feelings run free

Acquire new knowledge whilst thinking over the old

And you may become a teacher of others

I live and breathe literature

Lovable literary master

Lovable literary master

• • •

T/N:

(1) “故きを温ねて新しきを知る、以って師と為る可し”/“Acquire new knowledge whilst thinking over the old, and you may become a teacher of others” is a quote from the Analects of Confucius.

[bookgeekgrrl]

My media this week (18-24 Feb 2024)

i'll always prefer the og but this iteration is entertaining

📚 STUFF I READ 📚

😍 The Old Codgers Greatest Hits Album (AggressiveWhenStartled, author; quietnight, narrator) - 57K series, canon-divergent stucky co-starring peter parker. Reread of this hilarious forever fave where first teenage peter is forced to deal with two body-swapped geriatric supersoldiers and then bucky is forced to deal with two teenage spidermen trying (and failing) to stealthily rescue their "dog". Great podfic by quietnight, absolute hilarity

🥰 History of American Capitalism (Zenaidamacrouras1) - 85K, shrinkyclinks college AU with superstar QB!Bucky & history nerd Steve - incredible found family dynamics, can't believe @zenaidamacrouras1 made me actually really get into an AU that involved both undergrads AND football. The nerve! The talent! (the fic is single POV but there's an amazing companion piece that's Bucky's convos with this sister that give a his POV on some of it and it's equally amazing)

💖💖 +347K of shorter fic so shout out to these I really loved 💖💖

Half sleep, half waking (softestpunk) - The Sandman & Rivers of London crossover: dreamling, 8K - amazing crossover! I wish there was 60K of this for me to read

Road to Joy (Oddree13) - Stranger Things: steddie, 25K - latest chapter in this omegaverse steddie series that I absolutely adore

Knit One, Purl Two (mollus) - MCU: stucky, 32K - reread; forever fave WS recovery fic with lots of softness in the form of: knitting, dancing, soap making and senior citizens

Red, White & Royal Goose (fairestfaerie) - RWRB: alex/henry, 7K - I just love a good Soulmate Goose of Enforcement fic

This Sunlit Land (eyres) - MCU: stucky, 38K - wonderful canon/timeline-divergent WS recovery AU

📺 STUFF I WATCHED 📺

Resident Alien - s1, e1-3

QI - series S, ep 7-9

D20: The Unsleeping City: Chapter II - "The Fall of New York City" (s7, e1)

D20: The Unsleeping City: Chapter II - "Heaven and Hell on Earth" (s7, e2)

D20: Fantasy High: Junior Year - "Stress Tested" (s21, e7)

D20: Adventuring Party - "A Negroni and a Bowl of Spinach" (s16, e7)

Ghosts (US) - s2, e16-22; s3, e1-2

🎧 PODCASTS 🎧

Vibe Check - Hey, Sis: featuring Kimberly Drew

The Sporkful - Can A Restaurant Makeover Make Diners Spend More?

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Boston’s Blue Hill

Short Wave - The Life And Death Of A Woolly Mammoth

Desert Island Discs - Sheku Kanneh-Mason, cellist

I Said No Gifts! - Jay Jurden Disobeys Bridger

The Assignment with Audie Cornish - Where Does Fani Willis Go From Here?

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - World’s Loneliest House

⭐ Switched on Pop - Adult Contemporary, but make it cool (with CHROMEO)

Shedunnit - The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club (Green Penguin Book Club 1)

Up First - Julian Assange Extradition Hearing, Egypt Buffer Zone, Louisiana Special Session

Today, Explained - The Panama Canal is drying up

It's Been a Minute - Jada Pinkett Smith, the artist

Vibe Check - Welcome to Tip Check

Outward - True Detective: Night Country’s Lesbian Subtext

⭐ Code Switch - Why menthol cigarettes have a chokehold on Black smokers

Short Wave - When The Sun Erupts

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Stone of Destiny

⭐ 99% Invisible #571 - You Are What You Watch

Films To Be Buried With - Tyler James Williams

Ologies with Alie Ward - Black Hole Theory Cosmology (WHAT ARE BLACK HOLES?!) Part 1 with Ronald Gamble, Jr.

Off Menu - Ep 226: Noel Fielding

NPR's Book of the Day - 'Thank You Please Come Again' pays homage to Southern gas station food shops

The Atlas Obscura Podcast - Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

The Assignment with Audie Cornish - Jake Tapper on American Political Scandal

⭐ Throughline - Dance Yourself Free (Throwback)

If Books Could Kill - The Better Angels of Our Nature

Our Opinions Are Correct - We Don't Give a F*ck About Canon

⭐ Today, Explained - Fight at the Museum

The Sporkful - Deep Dish With Sohla And Ham: Bagels

Dear Prudence - My Friend Has a Master’s Degree in Lying. Help!

What Next: TBD - The Coasts are Sinking

Short Wave - Didn't Get A Valentine's Love Song? These Skywalker Gibbons Sing Love Duets

Endless Thread - Endless Thread: The Musical

⭐ Twenty Thousand Hertz+ - Industrial Musicals

Strong Songs - "Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden

You're Dead to Me - Queen of Sheba [turned out to be really perfect timing to have this knowledge right before getting to certain relevant bits in my current read The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi]

It's Been a Minute - Have we hit celebrity overload? Plus, Miyazaki's movie magic

Simply Reflecting - Did You Say Delusional?

Under the Influence - Seeing is Believing: The Power of Demonstration Commercials

Hit Parade - The Bridge: Bon Soir, Barbra

🎶 MUSIC 🎶

Chromeo

Living Colour

Chicago House Foundation

Presenting Soundgarden

Swing Fever [Rod Stewart & Jools Holland] {2024}

Adult Contemporary [Chromeo] {2024}

Campfire Classics

[leatherrepaircompany]

Leather vs. Faux: Which Material is Truly Sustainable?

As sustainability continues to influence consumer choices, understanding the environmental impacts of leather and faux (synthetic) leather is vital. Both natural and synthetic materials bring distinct environmental considerations, especially when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions. While methane from animals used in leather production has a notable short-term warming effect, the carbon dioxide emissions from faux leather production can have a more enduring environmental impact. Here, we explore the sustainability debate between leather and faux materials, considering factors such as production impact, biodegradability, and long-term environmental effects.

Understanding Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The greenhouse gases produced in both the leather and faux leather industries have different roles in climate change:

Methane Emissions from Animals: Methane is emitted by livestock as part of their digestive process. Although methane is a potent greenhouse gas, trapping heat 84-87 times more effectively than CO2 over 20 years, it has a relatively short atmospheric lifespan of around 12 years. After this period, methane breaks down into CO2 and water, which plants can absorb through photosynthesis. This natural methane cycle means that, when managed well, methane emissions from animals do not accumulate indefinitely in the atmosphere.

CO2 Emissions from Faux Leather Production: Faux leather, typically made from petroleum-based products such as polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is more energy-intensive to produce. The extraction, processing, and manufacturing of these materials release significant amounts of CO2, a greenhouse gas that can persist in the atmosphere for centuries. Unlike methane, CO2 from synthetic materials does not break down quickly, leading to a cumulative, long-term effect on global warming.

Biodegradability and Disposal

When it comes to end-of-life disposal, leather and faux leather have contrasting impacts on the environment:

Natural Leather: If produced using eco-friendly tanning methods, such as vegetable tanning, natural leather is biodegradable and can decompose over time. This helps reduce waste in landfills, particularly compared to materials that do not easily break down.

Faux Leather: Synthetic materials used in faux leather are not biodegradable. They persist in landfills, potentially for hundreds of years, and can release microplastics into the environment. This disposal challenge adds to the environmental impact of faux leather, especially in areas where recycling infrastructure for synthetic materials is lacking.

Production and Sustainability Factors

Leather as a By-Product: Natural leather is often a by-product of the meat industry, using hides that would otherwise go to waste. While animal agriculture does contribute to methane emissions, the leather industry utilises resources that are already within the agricultural system, adding value to materials that might otherwise be discarded.

Resource-Intensive Faux Leather Production: Faux leather production relies heavily on fossil fuels, contributing to significant CO2 emissions and non-renewable resource use. While these materials avoid the ethical concerns of animal products, their environmental impact is linked to fossil fuel extraction, greenhouse gas emissions, and persistent waste.

Choosing the Most Sustainable Option

So, how do we choose a sustainable leather option? It’s essential to consider the entire life cycle of the material, from production and use to disposal. Here are some tips for selecting more sustainable leather products:

For Natural Leather: Look for vegetable-tanned, chrome-free, or organic-certified leather products, as these use fewer chemicals and are often biodegradable.

For Faux Leather: Consider bio-based alternatives, such as those made from pineapple leaves, apple peels, or mycelium (mushroom leather), which aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and offer lower-carbon, renewable options.

Evaluate Longevity and Purpose: A durable leather product that lasts for years can be more sustainable than low-quality, disposable items, whether natural or synthetic.

Final Thoughts

While natural leather and faux leather both come with environmental impacts, their sustainability largely depends on production practices and material sourcing. Leather’s shorter-lived methane emissions can be managed within a natural cycle, whereas synthetic leather’s CO2 footprint has a lasting effect on global warming. To make the most sustainable choice, look for responsibly produced materials and prioritise long-lasting, high-quality products. Reducing our environmental impact requires careful consideration of every step in a product’s life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal

[sunriseriverrvparkcampground]

RV Maintenance Tips for Traveling Through Crawfordville, Georgia

Traveling through Georgia, especially near areas like Crawfordville, offers picturesque views, tranquil surroundings, and the ultimate escape into nature. As you journey, it’s crucial to ensure your RV is in tip-top shape. Whether you’re staying at Sunrise River RV Park or passing through RV parks near Augusta, GA, maintaining your RV is vital to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Below are some essential RV maintenance tips to keep in mind as you explore this beautiful region.

1. Regular Tire Inspections

One of the most critical aspects of RV maintenance is tire care. Before heading to any RV park near Augusta, GA, check your tires for proper inflation, wear, and tear. The varied terrain in Georgia, from highways to forest trails, can strain your tires. Ensure they are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Also, inspect the treads for any signs of excessive wear, and replace tires if necessary. A blowout on the road can be dangerous and inconvenient, so this simple check can save you a lot of trouble.

2. Check and Maintain Brakes

Given the hilly landscapes around Crawfordville, ensuring your brakes are in excellent condition is essential. Regularly check the brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels. If you notice any squeaking, grinding, or decreased braking efficiency, get them serviced immediately. The peace of mind knowing your brakes are functioning correctly will make your travel through Georgia’s scenic routes much safer.

3. Inspect Roof Seals and Vents

Georgia’s climate can be unpredictable, with sudden rain showers even in sunny conditions. To avoid leaks and water damage, inspect the seals around your RV's roof, windows, and vents. Look for any cracks or deteriorated seals, and reapply sealant if necessary. This small step can prevent costly repairs later, especially if you're planning to stay at Sunrise River RV Park, where the natural surroundings are best enjoyed dry and leak-free!

4. Keep the Electrical System in Check

Your RV’s electrical system is its lifeline, powering everything from the refrigerator to the air conditioning. Before you park at any RV park near Augusta, GA, inspect your batteries, wires, and connections. Make sure your batteries are fully charged and in good condition. Test your generator to ensure it’s functioning properly, especially if you plan to camp in more remote areas like Crawfordville. Keeping a multimeter handy can help you diagnose any electrical issues that may arise on the road.

5. Monitor Your Water System

Georgia’s humidity and temperatures can lead to unique challenges for your RV’s water system. Regularly check your freshwater, gray, and black water tanks for leaks or signs of wear. Ensure that the hoses are in good condition and securely connected. If you plan on staying at Sunrise River RV Park, you’ll appreciate having a fully functional water system for showers and kitchen use. Additionally, consider investing in a water pressure regulator to prevent high-pressure water at certain campsites from damaging your RV’s plumbing.

6. Keep Your HVAC System Clean

The summer heat in Georgia can be intense, making your RV’s HVAC system essential for comfort. Clean the filters regularly and ensure that the air conditioning unit is functioning properly. If you're visiting Crawfordville during the warmer months, you’ll want to stay cool and comfortable after a day of exploring. Routine maintenance of your HVAC system will keep you and your family comfortable throughout your journey.

7. Stock Up on Essential Supplies

Crawfordville offers natural beauty and serenity, but it’s also essential to be prepared for any situation. Ensure you have a well-stocked toolkit that includes wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and any other tools specific to your RV model. Carry spare fuses, bulbs, and essential fluids like oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Being prepared will ensure that minor issues don’t escalate into significant problems, allowing you to enjoy your stay at any RV park near Augusta, GA, or beyond.

8. Plan for Waste Disposal

Responsible waste management is vital for the environment and the longevity of your RV’s sanitation system. Before arriving at Sunrise River RV Park, familiarize yourself with the park's waste disposal facilities. Ensure that your black and gray water tanks are emptied and clean. Carry appropriate chemicals to treat your tanks, reducing odors and buildup. Keeping your waste management system in top shape ensures a pleasant experience for you and your fellow campers.

9. Check Your Propane System

Propane is essential for cooking, heating, and refrigeration in many RVs. Before embarking on your journey through Georgia, inspect your propane tanks and lines for leaks. Make sure your tanks are securely mounted and that your regulator is functioning correctly. It’s also wise to keep a carbon monoxide detector in your RV for safety. Regularly inspecting your propane system will allow you to enjoy meals and hot showers without worry during your stay.

10. Protect Against Pests

Crawfordville, with its lush landscapes and natural beauty, can also be a haven for insects and small animals. To protect your RV from unwanted guests, seal any gaps or cracks where pests might enter. Regularly clean your RV’s interior, removing food crumbs and trash that could attract pests. If you’re staying at Sunrise River RV Park, you’ll want to focus on the natural beauty of the area, not on dealing with ants or mice inside your RV!

11. Keep Your RV Clean

Traveling through Georgia can expose your RV to dust, dirt, and debris. Regularly wash your RV to maintain its appearance and protect its exterior from damage. Pay special attention to the undercarriage, especially after traveling on dirt roads or through muddy areas. Cleaning your RV not only keeps it looking good but also helps prevent rust and corrosion, ensuring it stays in excellent condition for years to come.

12. Stay Informed About Local Road Conditions

As you travel through Georgia, staying informed about local road conditions can help you avoid unexpected delays or hazards. Check weather forecasts and road reports, especially during the rainy season, when roads can become slick or flooded. Knowing the conditions ahead of time allows you to plan your route and adjust your driving to ensure a safe journey to Sunrise River RV Park or any other destination in the area.

Conclusion

Maintaining your RV is essential to ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey through Crawfordville and the surrounding areas of Georgia. Whether you’re heading to Sunrise River RV Park or exploring RV parks near Augusta, GA, following these maintenance tips will keep your RV in top condition, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead.

From regular tire checks to ensuring your water and electrical systems are functioning properly, taking the time to maintain your RV will enhance your travel experience. By being proactive with your maintenance routine, you can enjoy the natural beauty and serene landscapes of Crawfordville, Georgia, without worry. Safe travels!

[champion-of-light]

Writing sample

Tw: NSFW

Having privacy in the fog was hard. It wasn’t easy by any means, but Alan had found a small piece of the woods furthest away from the survivor camp without stepping into killer territory. He was always cautious, careful and always paid attention to his surroundings. You just never know what might pop up and try to harm you. But he needed alone time sometimes. Being cooped up in camp caused him to get frustrated sometimes. He needed space. At heart, he was a free range dog, he didn’t like the leash on him at all. He needed more space than the camp could offer… he needed more space to pleasure himself as well. He wasn’t going to do that close by the others for he didn’t wish to be found out nor seen. He would much rather masturbate in a secluded area, far from the others as possible. So he did. He let his back rest against a tree as comfortably as possible and began tugging his belt off himself. He didn’t do this often, only one in awhile. Whenever he needed his frustrations gone, needed his stress to dissipate he came to the woods to jack off. It was clockwork. It was a familiar cycle. Once the belt was removed, he pushed his pants down slightly along with his boxers. A soft hiss came out of his mouth as the cool air hit his half-hard member and his thighs. The tree wasn’t as comfortable as it normally is so he’d have to work fast if he didn’t want a sore back.

He brings his left hand up to spit into trying to create some sort of lube… normally there was small packets of lube at Gas Station map but he had forgot to grab some before coming here. What a mistake to make. Slowly, he lowers his hand to his cock pumping it softly. He closes his eyes as soft moan leaving his parted lips, licking his bottom lip. This was nice. This was the life, even if he had to attend trial after this - it was worth it. It was nice to have a break. It was nice to indulge in sexual pleasures again. That’s why he’s been doing this lately. The spit did its job in aiding him, helping him stay moist until he could use his some pre-ejaculation when the time came. He lets his head rest on the back of the tree letting his hand do all the work. Another soft moan leaves his mouth as he massaging the tip of his cock with his thumb. It came natural to him, this was his craft. He knew what he liked and how to get himself over the edge. Yes. The pre cum comes forth and he massages it all over his shaft with ease. The extra lube making it more slick, more enjoyable. He bites his bottom lip to keep himself quiet, just in case anyone was wandering around like he was. He wasn’t incredibly loud in bed or here anyway but he did tend to curse out and pant loudly. He didn’t want to be heard. This was his secret after all.

His hips involuntary snap into his hand as he feels his lower tightening harshly, he feels he’s coming close. He feels it.

“Ah.. fuck..”

His words came out husky and breathy. He picks up the pace jerking faster as he continues to ride his hand to ecstasy, to pure bliss. To feel something other than the Entity’s claws, the killers weapon, pain, fear. He wanted to feel pleasure. He wanted to feel bliss. His blue eyes sway slightly as the pleasure becomes too much, too quickly.

“… come on… fuck.. (redacted)..”

He ejaculates finally, cumming with a curse, someone’s name being spoken and with a small smile. Luckily due to the angle he was holding himself, none of the fluid got on his pants or boxers so he didn’t have to clean up. Nice. He pants for a moment, letting the rush pass him while relishing it. He bends down and pulls up his boxers, then pants and lastly loops his belt back into the loops. Still panting slightly, he pushes himself off the tree being careful not to step in his own mess. That would be embarrassing.

“Shit…”

Despite feeling slightly fatigue-ish, Alan is forced to walk back to camp. He wasn’t gonna sleep out here, that would be too dangerous and asking for trouble. He bends down to wipe his hand in the grass in attempt to clean his hand off, it helped as best as it could but he’d have to wash with water once he got back to camp. He begins his journey back to camp slowly but surely. He’ll get there when he gets there.

[queendeeshorrorimagines]

Smutty Valentines: Day Ten

First time with Drayton Sawyer

Drayton Sawyer x reader

Gender neutral reader

Warnings: virgin Drayton, I wrote this with tcm 1 and 2 Drayton but younger like ( mid to late 30s in mind. But if you're into boning old man Drayton, you can still read this like you're boning him I guess?), truck sex, fluff, slight ooc with Drayton, morally grey reader, vague sex (could be anal or vaginally)

Having privacy with your boyfriend was rare given how chaotic the household that both of you live in is with his family. You know that Drayton loves his family in his own way but you also know that he also wants some time with you on your own.

The both of you were in his old pickup truck to drive to the gas station. The hum of the radio playing old country music filled the mostly silient nature of the drive. Your hand was on his lap, leaving light touches on his clothed thigh as Drayton drives down the dirt road.

"It's so nice to have this time with just us, Dray.. I love your family to pieces, they're basically the only family I have.. they sometimes are just too loud at times."

You sighed comfortably as Drayton takes one of his hands off the wheel, gently holding your hand. It was rare for him to be physically affectionate when it came to you. You know that he obviously loves you but he's not the best at love and emotions.

"You're a real blessing in my life, you know? I know you deserve a better life than what I can give you as a poor country boy.. but I'm proud you're mine."

Pulling the car over to the side of the road, Drayton turned off the ignition to the truck, leaving the back window down for the slight breeze to circulate the car. You carefully looked at him with confusion as he turns to face you.

"I've never done this before. I would like for you to be my first time having sex."

A blush dusted his sun-kissed cheeks as a wave of vulnerability settles into Drayton. Sex was a rather taboo topic in your relationship, something that was rarely spoken of outside of the traditional sex after marriage.

"Are you sure you want to? I don't want you to feel pressured into doing something you're not comfortable with."

You were flattered to be asked to be his first sexual experience but you also wanted to do so when he's comfortable and ready to have sex. Before you could continue to speak, you suddenly felt Drayton's chapped lips pressed against yours with a unfamiliar hunger.

Your hands swiftly undo the buttons of his trousers, freeing his erected cock while he unbuttoned your shirt, exposing your bare chest for him to see. You pulled away gently, pulling off your pants before pulling off your pants and underwear.

"Let me know when you want to stop and we will stop, okay darling?"

You told him gently as you positioned yourself into his lap, his leaking tip against your eager hole. Slowly, you lowered yourself down his shaft, letting him stretch you out slowly. His soft groans filled your ears as you let out a couple of moans yourself.

Although you weren't a virgin, you've only had very little experience yourself aside from the occasional masturbation you were able to do when you get any sort of alone time, which is rare living in a household like the Sawyers.

The thrusts were slow and sensual as you wanted him to get used to the unfamiliar feeling of being inside of you. His moans only fueled your own arousal as you moved yourself slightly faster, causing his hands to move to your back, leaving faint scratch marks on your skin.

Your lips kissed his as he suddenly tenses up, filling you up with his cum. His nails went deeper into your skin in response, causing you to moan out. Slowing down to a stop, you pulled away from Drayton, carefully wiping the sweat off his face with the sleeve of you shirt.

You moved yourself from his lap, causing Drayton to hiss softly from the feeling of you moving off his softening cock. You slid on your pants and underwear as he looked to you.

"I didn't make you cum yet tho.. I want you to enjoy it."

You gave a smirk while buttoning your shirt on to the older male before carefully taking his hand into yours.

"Drayton, darling, if we get to the gas station, we can continue our fun.. I might even show you a few more things~"

[townofcadence]

I'll give ya a choice with this one. Artair with whichever prompt suits your fancy.

❄️🔥✨👻

Bad Situations ❄️ - trapped outside in a blizzard / snowstorm

It feels like being plunged into a bucket of ice, the second they pass through the ley-line, and his first thought is FUCK as ice finds its way against his neck and down the line of his back, and cold starts dampening his socks at the ankles. The second is immediate regret. Fuck--- fuck, why'd he ask Sal to come with him?

Not that she can't handle it, probably. Honestly she might be fine in the cold? Given some of her abilities as a death knight, it'd make sense. A body can get used to being in frigid temperatures too, if properly trained, and she spent a fair time in Icecrown and other frozen wastes. So really, this might be nothing to her.

Of course, that point might also be moot, given her status at the time was kind of....dead to the left.

Shaking his head, he focuses on their situation. He'd found something supernatural might be going on, since he'd heard about weird anomalies like wailing and something humanoid with long white hair that seemed to drift above the ground, approaching hikers at higher elevations in the mountains. He had invited Salena as a precaution since the data was vague, with the intent they'd either find nothing, or deal with whatever it was before things escalated too much. There had been mentions of some cold spots, but that was par for the course for some entities. And the mountain wasn't high enough to even see snow. He packed a thicker jacket in his bag, just in case, but there wasn't any evidence there'd be anything like this.

And they'd used the gas station ley-line for pain-free travel. Because they weren't trying to cross to Cadence exactly, they weren't guaranteed to land at the door of another ley-line when they were spit out. Which means they had to be near one, but that could be anywhere in at least a mile or two radius from here. And right now, the whole area was blanketed in deep snow, that definitely shouldn't be here.

So... priority one couldn't be an immediate exit. It had to be shelter. But that meant they were stuck here, not fully prepared for weather like this, given he hadn't found any info on any storms in the area. His skin tingled, both from cold ice brushing against his exposed arm, and where snow pelted the basin of his hoodie, but also with something electric. There was no doubt this wasn't a naturally occurring storm. Whatever was around here could be causing it.

Not that they could do anything about that, now.

"Salena!" He yells, so his voice carries over howling wind. He can see flakes already caked to his lashes, and frosting the tips of his hair. "Can you make a portal back?!"

[starrystrawb]

Up next in our Mother Nature series, Earth Shaker! I thought it would be fun to make it look like she was made from tectonic plates. I imagine her hair and coat move and shift much like the plates we live on. In a couple days time, her coat will have changed pattern and color, and her mane and tail will be entirely new. 

On to our tips!

1. Water conservation is a great way to help the earth if you're able. Don't get me wrong, still bathe and stay hydrated! But watering the lawn and washing your car can probably wait. Depending on where you live, you may be able to collect rain water in rain barrels as well! As always, friends, check your local laws and regulations! And practice safe water usage and storage. NEVER drink water before sanitizing it properly, and ALWAYS make sure your water is sealed and stored safely to make sure you don't attract pests!

2. If you have the room, consider planting native flora! Pollinators love all sorts of plants, and making sure you're planting things native to your area can ensure you don't accidentally invite non-native species to the ecosystem! If you have a massive garden, or just a little pot, it all helps our pollinators and our ecosystems to have local and native plants!

3. Walk/Bike/carpool places! I know it's a bit over done, and for some people, it's just not really doable. But I still feel like it's worth mentioning. Walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transport can be a great way to help out! If you (like me) don't really have the option to take public transit, walk, or bike places, consider doing as much as you can in as few trips as possible! And remember, friends! Your 20 minute solo-drive to work is NOT the big issue! The millionaires taking 13 minute private jet flights are!

4. Speaking of cars! Did you know keeping your car in tip-top shape can help get more miles per gallon? Some tire shops will check and inflate your tires for free! Make sure to keep an eye on your tires, too. Low tread can be dangerous! And properly cared for tires can help you make the most of the gas in your tank! Rotate your tires when needed (if you're not sure, some tire shops will check your tires for pretty cheep, if not for free), keep your tires properly inflated for the season, and stay safe!

5. Be. Patient. With yourself. Do not expect to cut your waste down to nothing in a week, or even a month. Those influencers you see, who have had a SINGLE piece of waste for a whole year have not only been at this for a long, long time. But they have also made it their jobs to be good at this! Strive for progress, not perfection. I still buy sodas in plastic bottles, sometimes I forget my reusable cup, and sometimes I am just too tired to remember my reusable bags. None of this makes me bad. None of this makes me the villain. It makes me human! Doing your personal best, even if it's just taking the stairs or holding the door open or just breathing! Is ENOUGH! You are enough! And provided you are not dumping toxic waste in to the everglades, or pouring oil into the seas, or throwing a rager on the Eastern Garbage Patch, you're probably doing alright, friend. 

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