#Surface Cleaner Market

[not-neverland06]

Crash of Worlds

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Cooper Howard x fem!reader, The Ghoul x fem!reader A/N: After this there’s gonna be more canon divergence - this one’s short (rope divider done by @saradika-graphics , cowboy hat/revolvers done by @firefly-graphics) Summary: You’d been expecting everything to be different, people, to be different. But not like this. Not to such an extreme extent. Maybe the vault had softened you more than you’d have liked but there was nothing to do about it now.

The green canopy of the forest provides a welcome relief from the heat. You and Lucy follow the signs pointing the way to Filly. You hear it before you ever get to see it. There’s a distant sound of yelling and the murmur of people. It has your heart clenching in your chest. 

You’re outside, breathing in real air, not oxygen from tanks. You can feel the breeze in your hair and hear people. It’s all you wanted for three years. Bud prepared you for a lot. But he didn’t prepare you for just how jarring it is to wake up and suddenly everything you’ve ever known is gone. You don’t feel the years you’ve been asleep. It was like it happened yesterday. 

But you’ve had three years to come to peace with what had happened. You can’t let yourself get wrapped up in this feeling of nostalgia. The raiders that came down to the vault were proof enough that the people you’re going to meet up here aren’t going to be anywhere near friendly. You know this world has turned into dog-eat-dog, Lucy doesn’t yet, though. 

She walks towards a large grove of abandoned cars. The paint has flaked off and the glass smashed in, but they’re not in horrible condition for being two hundred odd years old. You're distracted by the convertible she stands next to and you gasp. 

You rush forward, hand smoothing over the hood and grinning at the familiar feel. “I-”

You cut yourself off abruptly and Lucy looks over at you, a curious smile on her face. “What is it?”

You shake your head, “Nothing. Just excited to see civilization again.” You give her a terse smile, hoping she doesn’t smell the lie. You’d almost said that it was exactly like your old car. But that would have opened up a can of worms you weren’t ready for. 

She groans, linking her arm through yours and nodding. “I know, me too. The surface is definitely not what I was expecting.”

You sigh, glancing back at the car before stepping towards Filly. “Yeah, me either.” 

The noise reaches a crescendo as you finally manage to make your way into the market. There’s still signs directing you further through the woods so you figure this must not be Filly yet. Probably just a little place where people tried to peddle junk. 

A man lurches out at you holding out a kebab and grinning widely. “DOG MEAT!” You jump back in shock as he screams in your face. His eyes are unseeing as he waves the kebab around. “GET YOUR DOGMEAT HERE!” 

“Oh, what the fuck?” You mutter, you didn’t mean dog-eat-dog literally. You notice you and Lucy getting odd looks and you finally realize just how much the two of you stand out. In comparison, you're both well groomed and much cleaner than anyone here. 

Not only that but you’ve got the stupid Pip-Boy’s on your arm and vault suits on. You’re walking advertisements of “Come rob me!” You steer Lucy further through the market, narrowly avoiding a lizard meat stall and dragging her towards a tunnel at the end of the path. Filly’s just beyond and you shove her through the opening, eager to get somewhere where you might be able to find something useful. 

You seperate with the promise to meet back up in the middle of the town square. You’re going to look for something to change into and she’ll find some information on her father. Should be easy enough. 

He’s not supposed to be here. He’d gotten himself and all of his kind banned a long time ago. An impressive feat, considering how lawless Filly is. But no one’s going to say anything to him, no one ever has before. 

Any other ghoul and they would have been dragged right back out before they could even put a foot through the tunnel. But he’s not any ghoul, he’s the ghoul. And no one in their right mind is going to be the one to start a fight they’ve got no fucking hope of winning. 

He rolls the empty vial of RadAway around in his hand, hat tipped down as he waits for his mark to show up. Ma June, cantankerous old bitch that she is, always has good supplies. But she doesn’t sell to ghouls, and if he didn’t need her alive right now he would have shot her for turning him away. She’s a well known fence for fugitives and bounties. If his mark is going to show up anywhere, it’s going to be right here. 

Most of the people who try their hand at bounty hunting do it for the experience. They get bored, not that he can fucking blame them. After a while staring at nothing but sand and chickens makes a man go a little crazy. They don’t understand that it’s all a waiting game. 

Sometimes it’s an exhilarating chase, like a predator tracking down its prey. But more often than not he’s just waiting for a slip up. A mistake from whoever has a price on their head is usually what lands them in his hands. And the second this man decided to use Ma June as a transport was when he made his mistake. Everyone knows that Barv can’t keep her mouth shut for shit. 

When someone decides Ma June can help them, everyone knows where they are. It’s a big bounty, enough to keep anyone with a normal life cycle sated for the rest of their life. For him, it’s all about the hunt. The wait, that look in their eyes when they realize they're trapped and there’s nowhere left for them to turn. He loves it when he’s got them cornered. 

There’s a desperation to them that makes the capture all the more sweeter.  

There’s two bright flashes of blue against the otherwise dreary countenance of Filly. He doesn’t look up much, still trying not to draw too much attention to himself. He sees one, brown hair and wide eyed as she takes in the sights. Fucking vaulties. 

It’s been a while since he’s taken one of their bounties. Their tech was pretty valuable among surface dwellers and when one was spotted, which was rare, there was usually a good price on their head. He can only catch the back of the other one, her face blocked by a conveniently placed support beam next to him. 

She stops by the clothing stall, waving her friend along and speaking to the woman who runs the booth. Good fucking luck to her. There was no haggling with that woman and her prices were fucking ridiculous. He wonders how long it will be until he sees those two on the poster in some bar somewhere. He’s sure when the time comes, he’ll enjoy taking them too. 

His gaze goes back to Ma June’s shop, interest already waned in the rare vault dweller. They were never all that fun. Never had any good information and always had a stick up their ass about morals and being a “good” person. 

Finally, his mark turns up. Blind to the danger lurking behind him. 

You’re in a really shitty spot when the fighting starts. You’re overwhelmed by everything around you. Freaks in wacky ass clothes peddling their mutated animals and fucking teeth. Teeth. 

Teeth and bottle caps, that’s the currency now. Who decided that bottle caps were a good idea? Or teeth for that matter. You’ve only got so many of them. You don’t even want to think about what they’re getting used for.

The woman in front of you only has four of her own left and she’s demanding three of yours for a shirt. You’re not well versed in the economy of the wasteland, but even you’re sure that three teeth is a ridiculous ask. From the way people keep glaring at you as they walk by, you’re sure that she thinks because you’re from a vault you’re going to be gullible. 

You’re too caught up in your quickly escalating argument to realize what’s happening until it’s too late. A man stands in the center of the square, his back to you. You can tell from your view that he’s pretty badly burned, the skin around his neck and skull warped and twisted. 

He’s yelling about a bounty and your head tilts in confusion. There’s something to the lilt of that accent that sounds familiar. You take a step forward, abandoning the clothing stall and trying to place how you know him. It’s impossible, really, that anyone recognizable would still be alive. But maybe someone else got out of a vault and made it to the surface. If they did, it clearly wasn’t unscathed. 

It’s only when he pulls out his gun that you realize Lucy is standing in front of him, with the man that bothered her last night. You want to call out her name, try and catch her eye, but the last thing you need is him pointing that gun at you. You jump back in shock as he shoots the man’s foot off, eyes widening, and feet scrambling backwards. 

The woman in the clothing stall hisses, “Fucking ghoul,” and makes a run for it. You watch her go, finally realizing just how empty the square is now. Everyone has left, all of them terrified by the man in black. Your eyes dart between him and the stall. 

She’s gone, and you need clothes. You’ll deal with Lucy’s scolding later. You leap over the counter of the stall and begin to rifle through the woman’s stock. Stuffing any spare clothes you think will fit into your pack and just because she was such a horrid bitch, you steal her bag of caps too. 

The crazy old lady by the shop screams out a reward for anyone who manages to kill the man in front of you. When the guns start going off you realize just how screwed you are. You’re in the middle of the town square. Granted, you are blocked by the clothing stall, but these bullets they’re using aren’t ordinary. 

They’re getting holes blown clean through their chest and the buildings around them are damn near exploding from the impact. The measly little wooden stall isn’t going to be any sort of decent cover against them. 

You risk another look over the counter, hoping to find a clear path to Lucy or at least some better cover. He’s finally turned around now and you can get a half decent glance at his side profile. There’s nothing truly recognizable about him, just familiar. It’s hard to really tell anything about him when he doesn’t have a nose. 

You watch with wide eyes and a disbelieving expression as he takes three shots to the chest like it’s nothing. He keeps chewing on his tomatoes and slowly finding cover to reload. A ghoul. Hank and Betty had told you and the other’s about them. People poisoned by radiation. 

Most of them turn feral, but those who can find the right chems live a lot longer than any normal human should. They heal nearly immediately and are almost invulnerable to anything except their own disease. Considering how quick on the draw this guy is, no one has any real hope of taking him down. 

With the shooting redirected you leap out from behind the counter and rush towards the shop. But something stops you before you reach the door. You don’t know what it is, what connects in your brain that has you so harshly coming to a stop. 

You whirl around, ignoring the way Lucy calls out your name. He’s back out from his cover now. He aims, grinning and laughing as he manages to get two people with one bullet. Carnage is all around you. Blood flying through the air, surrounded by blood and guts. The relatively peaceful downtown has been littered with dead. 

And in the middle of it all stands him. You have to be wrong. There’s no fucking way he’s standing in front of you. You take a step forward and his head whips towards you. The rest of him isn’t recognizable, but you would know those eyes anywhere. 

His eyes widen with surprise and you feel your gut drop to your feet. This can’t be him. There’s no way. He’s slaughtering these people like it’s nothing. The man you knew could never be so casual about this. Then again, the relationship you’d had was built on lies. Maybe you’d never really known him. 

Before you can process the anger in his face you’re being jerked to the side. Lucy pants as she drags you into the shop and you look over your shoulder, shocked to find a bullet where you’d just been standing. You catch his eye, see the smoke coming from the barrel of his gun and realize he’d tried to fucking shoot you.

Shit, maybe it is him. He had always had a bad temper and a good aim. 

You can feel his eyes, tracking you even as you disappear behind the walls of the shop. You and Lucy risk a peek out of the shop when you hear something like an explosion. You gape as a power suit lands in front of him. What twisted ass blast to the past have you just been sent to?

How the fuck was Cooper Howard, ghoulified, and a power suit both in the same area? 

You had to be dreaming. There was no way this was happening. But it was, and whoever was in charge of that suit had no idea what they were doing. He’s ducking under their swinging metal arms, taunting them and drawing out the fight. He could end this now, you both know where the weakness is. 

Hell, you could end this fight right now. But you don’t see the need to kill the Knight when it’s clear he’s trying to protect you and Lucy. “We need to get him,” Lucy points frantically to the man on the ground. He’s not really moving, just clutching the bloody nub where his foot used to be and looking astonished at the blood around him. 

“This is really stupid,” you hiss as you both start forward and wrap an arm around one of his own. You don’t have much time to process what happens next. 

“Watch out!” The knight barrels towards you both. He wraps his arms around Lucy and goes flying into a building. You jump back at the explosion of wood and metal flying down around you. The ghoul has his gun pointed at them both. He’d clearly been trying to snipe you both, get you away from the man on the ground. 

Well, he could fucking have him. You drop the man to the ground and he grunts as you make a run for it. A coward’s move, the same one you admonished Norm for. But, you’re a fucking hypocrite, so what? Right now, you’d really just like to survive this gun fight unscathed. 

Something lands near your foot and you jump, realizing it’s a bullet. You glance up and the ghoul is laughing at you, full on belly laughing as he shoots around you. You realize with a start that he’s playing with you. Taunting you like a man who’s got all the time in the world. But you can’t stop running. If you stop, those bullets are going to catch up with you. 

You keep going, legs pumping and heart racing as you’re separated more and more from Lucy. The mission, the whole reason you came up to the surface, is lost on you. You can only focus on one thing, surviving. You keep running, through alleyways and around buildings until you’re back in the woods. The whole time his laughter is following you. 

The sharp noise of something whistling through the air reaches your ears and then something snaps against you. You glance down, only a moment to process the rope over your arms before he’s dragging you back. Your head hits the ground with a harsh snap, the motion slamming your teeth together and nearly biting off the tip of your tongue. 

You groan in dazed pain and then he’s slowly dragging you back. One sharp tug after another, rocks ripping at your suit and scalp, hair ripped out underneath your back. Until, finally, he’s peering over you, face upside down and lips twisted up into a strained smile. 

“Well, there you are, sweetheart.”

end. — I do not own the characters or the game/show Fallout, but this writing is my own all rights reserved © not-neverland06 2024. do not copy, repost, translate & recommend elsewhere.

[angelesca]

over and over, you read the sign outside a small agency, rolling the name in your head and flipping it up and down: teyvat's sleuth operatives, sleuth operatives... sounds tacky and lame...

it is only when a brown-haired someone approaches you, that your doubts are erased. their uniform neat, mastering the archetype of a professional private investigator, amber eyes unexpecting your early arrival. “you must be the new recruit, why don’t you come inside?”

edit: i think my tumblr is finally working again, hopefully this post works(-ω-、) w.c. ~3.5k / content: modern au! private investigators (PI) au! [not canon, slight ooc?] bulletpoints and scenarios, writing out of my arse again, lil' crack, another gang of idiots, total braincells: 8.88 (a high score!!), surprisingly they co-exist pretty well, zhongli doesn't know what a waffle maker is, you and childe watch a traumatic talent show, alhaitham's love lang is bickering with you, and wrio has a depressing backstory👍, tldr; working with 4 very fun guys / boss!zhongli / rival!childe / childhood friend!alhaitham / colleague!wriothesley / x gnreader

𝐳𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐢 as your boss!

✦ oldest member, worked in the profession for many years. however, when you ask about that, he is suspiciously evasive. zhongli seems to have lived a long life, though his appearance does not tell it

✦ out of touch with the new generation and technology. asks alhaitham to fix his computer and the kettle (bro just needed to plug it in) or asks you what the newest trendy slang means. it is a wonder how he manages the workplace

✦ tea buddies with wriothesley. hosts tea parties in the local retirement home to discuss and rate tea (power scaling tea real). there's enough boxes to last a lifetime in the breakroom. oh, zhongli is pointing at the clock. it’s… tea time… again

✦ talks your ear off about philosophical questions such as what happens after death, or whether a hotdog is a sandwich

✦ you and childe share a joint role as zhongli’s personal wallet. as to what your boss spends his paycheck on… maybe the countless snacks he leaves at your desk. and tea. more tea. poosssiibly those trinkets he has gifted you too

✦ glasses wearer. appears when zhongli is in deep concentration, due to an unexpected influx of cases so he's staring at the computer often, or during an intense reading session

ᯓ★

you flick through the papers detailing the information you recorded from your client. you and zhongli are out on a scouting mission to obtain clues that could point the case in the right direction. “are you listening?”

“mhm,” zhongli claims, but you can see your words are flowing in one ear and out the other with the way he is plucking free food samples as if they were flowers, bunched together in his hand like a bouquet, offered to him by the fawning ladies at the market stalls. the foreboding premonition of another unproductive day is brimming to the surface.

“where should we start?” you clear your throat, keeping the task on track.

“we should entertain any threads and trace it back, even if it proves to be a dead end. there is no such thing as a bad clue,” zhongli pauses in front of a shop. “for starters, what’s this?”

you raise an eyebrow. “a waffle maker.”

“interesting. what about this?”

“a robot vacuum cleaner. would be good for the office.”

“indeed,” zhongli’s eyes shift. “and this? such a profound colour, this corrosive yellow that erodes my vision is quite unpleasant. could it be…? is this a weapon of mass destruction?”

“zhongli, sir, that’s a banana.“ you shake your head. “is this important?”

zhongli nods. “could be. is it really a banana? a true investigator must question even the simplest of theories.” he points a finger at your pocket. “and this?”

“... that’s my wallet.” 

zhongli has a penchant for being attracted to your money, if he can trace the imprint of your wallet against your pocket. 

zhongli nods, closing his eyes. “a sacred item indeed,” he opens one eye which looks at you expectantly. “i suspect you have quite a formidable sum of mora on your person. and mora is an imperative factor that may save the day, or destroy the world. after all, we still do not know if the banana is deceiving us in its testimony, hm?” 

you give up, handing the money over to the shopkeeper.

his philosophy remains a cryptic language to you. perhaps it’s the gap in experience that makes it hard to connect a bridge to whatever planet zhongli lives on, a divide in universes between you, a disciple, and a master. sometimes, you do believe that there’s a rip in time and space with how zhongli’s senses lag behind as if stuck in the past.

you hand one over to your side. “here—huh?” where did he go?

one look behind you and you find zhongli by a lamp post. a young girl, scratching the ground with a sharp branch with a pout, gazes at zhongli. “who are you?”

zhongli slowly crouches down. “someone who listens to everyone’s troubles. would you mind telling me yours?”

no response. then, a small stomach growls.

zhongli motions at you. immediately, you walk over. “may i take one of the bananas?” you hand him one. “why don’t you take this?”

despite her embarrassed expression, the girl grabs it. she hesitates. “... mama, gone.”

your lips part in realisation.

“come now, we’ll help find your parents.” zhongli offers a hand but the girl extends his invitation, taking his whole arm instead, hugging it. he chuckles, picking her up, her arms naturally cradling his neck as if he is family.

you observe the warm scene, smiling. “you’d make a pretty good parent.” 

zhongli watches you, quiet for a moment. “why don't we raise one together?”

“oh, i’m not—”

“alhaitham can be the teacher; wriothesley will do the cleaning. i can do the cooking, and childe can do all the shopping. you can play the toys with the child.”

“ah. of course,” teyvat’s sleuth operatives is one big family, after all. you have to ask, “also, that banana, how did you know to buy it?”

“well, who knows?” zhongli pats the girl’s back, helping her fall asleep. there’s a glint in his eyes when he looks at you, asking you to work out the mystery. to chase after the clues he left.

another cryptic answer. the master really does live in another world—one that you want to keep learning about.

𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐞 as your rival!

✦ works for the rival agency which, unfortunately, is much more popular. when watching cat videos, their adverts often pop up with childe’s annoying face plastered on it, winking at you

✦ tags along when you are on a case. doesn’t he have anything else to do? at least he buys your fav drink from the vending machines. although he trails around you like baggage, you hate to say that he is good at what he does.

✦ … a bit too good at his job. you’ve spotted him slinking into dark alleys occasionally. what’s he doing there? one day you will know.

✦ trained under zhongli before. therefore, he is lowkey in competition with you. any task is met with the following question: who’s the better apprentice? so far, the score is even, but you’ll get him next time

✦ never enters your agency through the front door. opts to crawl in through the window (no idea why, maybe it's the challenge). comes bearing gifts such as expensive fruit baskets, bouquets, and medicinal roots like ginseng. you’d think he’s meeting his in-laws or something. rare, but may bring his younger brother teucer as well. on these days, teyvat’s sleuth operatives becomes half private agency and half daycare. 

✦ for uniform, the red shirt from his birthday art is nice. maybe a leather jacket that hangs on the shoulder. wears accessories: earrings, rings, bracelets, watches, gloves. bro is something of a fashion icon, tbf he’s rich so might as well

ᯓ★

desolation unwraps itself before you, beckoning its finger at you to sink into the drab swamps. you saw a tuft of ginger hair disappear into this alley, submerged by its fog. it is inevitable; you need to know the truth behind the mystery to quell the ‘investigator’ in you. 

as soon as you think that, your face hits against, according to your common sense, a wall—if the wall defined was actually an amalgamation of flesh and muscle. 

“need our help?” 

a voice irritates your ears. you frown, looking up at the culprit. “you can’t steal our catchphrase like that, childe.” 

childe—your rival, your nemesis, the guy who childishly filled a ketchup bottle with strawberry jam so that he could chug it in front of you, without flinching, solely to disgust you, and counted it as a victory—that childe, shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly.

“boss, who’s dat?” a voice calls from the darkness.

your ears perk up. boss? childe? a responsible leader? no way. you push childe aside. “... who are you guys?”

a whole lot of people are uncomfortably staring at you. “us?” one man stands out from the crowd. “the fatui, duh. have ya not heard of us, newbie?” the man proudly puffs his chest out.

childe rubs his forehead. “you doofus.”

bells were ringing in your head, red alarms were sounding. “the fatui? aren’t you guys wanted?”

before you can reach for your phone, childe catches your hand. “don’t,” his tone is rigid. it takes you by surprise. “look,” childe sighs. “they’re not bad people, promise.” he lets go.

a fatui agent is dancing. “yup, we have many talents, like stealing lunch money.” that is literally illegal. “say, why don’t we host a talent show?”

“oooooh!!” a chorus of easily amused delight.

“me! me!” a burly man wearing a tank top and shorts, holds up a jar of hotdogs. he twists open the lid.

you and childe exchange glances. the next sequence of events you witness are really unfortunate. “oh– please don’t shove that up your– well, okay then.” the sky looks especially wonderful today.

these guys should be in prison after all. 

“ahaha, okay, okay,” childe gestures with his hands, asking everyone to quiet down. “alas, this should be enough–”

“but i can break into people’s houses without triggering the alarm system!”

“i can use my anemo vision to amplify my fart!”

“aha…” the light in childe’s face falters. suddenly, he grabs your hand. “run!”

“—!” in an instant, your legs suddenly burst into strides, finding the right pace to keep up with childe. “where are we going?!”

“anywhere! anywhere is good!” under the sky, the breeze carries his airy laughter. in his eyes, the blue sea parts, a brightness coruscating on its horizon. it is refreshing, brilliant, childish. and vulnerable. 

you can’t help getting carried along by the waves.

.

“i should report you… for almost getting me killed by an anemo-amplified fart,” hands on your knees, the words struggle out of your mouth.

“sorry about that, they’re just really friendly.” he laughs. you notice, the way childe expresses himself towards the fatui, it is a delicate artistry woven with heartfelt tenderness. it’s the same fragileness as when he talks about his family and home. “how about i buy you a drink?” 

you contemplate his offer. after taking a few more breaths, you stand up. “even though i know you meddle with the fatui? how does a vending machine drink suffice?” childe tilts his head, encouraging you to speak. “for a week straight at least. there’s a new cafe opening, but the prices are too steep for my wallet.”

“okay, okay,” his gentle, tender voice extends to you, lifted by a smile. the blue sea parts, and behind it is childe, offering you a place in his home. “you win this time.”

𝐚𝐥𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐦 as your childhood friend!

✦ more like estranged childhood friend. you left teyvat at a young age, leaving your childhood friend, alhaitham, behind. you only returned recently, surprised to find that little alhaitham grew up well 

✦ does not concern himself with anything that doesn't yield results, keeps conversations succinct, conveying what needs to be said for the job with as little words as possible. only interjects if something intrigues him, or when anyone makes a clueless comment that needs correcting

✦ favours are not regarded well. one time, you asked him to grab you some coffee if he was going out for lunch break. alhaitham sighed, listing the side effects of overconsumption on caffeine and how a sufficient amount of sleep will do you better. although, when you came back to the office after an outing, you found a mysterious cup of coffee on your desk. must be the wind

✦ dislikes outputting energy where it’s not needed. when finished with his tasks, he will head to the breakroom or the corner with the bookshelf to relax until zhongli’s next order. rarely seen at his desk

✦ went to uni for a comp sci degree but it wasn't challenging enough. dropped out, but zhongli, a guest lecturer, managed to recruit him after witnessing his talent. has rejected prestigious titles and positions in favour of a peaceful life. but with you in the picture, he wonders how long this peace would last

✦ wears strapped pouches and harnesses… around the chest... and biceps... straps around the thighs... (;´༎ຶٹ༎ຶ`) for utility ofc. equipped with useful items for the job, like a gps tracker, voice recorders, spy cameras, and his music player. 

ᯓ★

“can you afford to be slacking off right now?” the silence breaks, and you are forced to speak.

“i’m not.” you quickly glance at the time on your screen. “besides, i should start heading home before the last train runs—”

“the last train has already gone.”

“... great.” you sigh. “how come you didn’t tell me earlier?”

“the sharp possibility that you’d insist on finishing your work is comparable to chasing after a dead end, and ultimately, a waste of time.”

a trained oracle, predicting every branching future based on your rooted disposition. it is difficult to debate against that which has inputted all your details, computing every possible output.

you rest your chin on your palm. “what are you even doing here? shouldn’t you be getting your healthy eight hours of sleep?” 

“and in the time that has spanned since you’ve sat at your desk, shouldn’t you be done already?”

you object, “you can’t deflect me with a question.”

“which principle asserts otherwise? i can.”

“you can’t.”

“can.”

“can’t.”

“can–”

you sigh frustratedly, knowing that you’re talking to a wall. throw your words at it and it bounces right back, a ball hitting at you squarely. 

with purpose, you blurt out, “little haitham was so much cuter, you used to follow me everywhere.”

and finally, alhaitham looks at you for the first time today. and for the first time today, you get a good look at him too. his posture manages to be effortlessly upright, not a lick of exhaustion burdened on his face.

“why are you bringing that up?” alhaitham returns to his monitor.

the buzzing of the ceiling light fills the silence. you blink. once. “we promised to the stars that we’d be the best detective duo in teyvat.” the mechanical clicking of keyboards clogs your ears. blink. you tug at the cuffs of your sleeve. “to solve all the mysteries, crimes, and beat up the bad people hiding in the world.” 

sounds of the mouse clicking. a pause builds. alhaitham glances at you. “and? we’re doing that pretty well, aren’t we?” you can’t tell if he’s being sarcastic.

“i thought you’ve forgotten about that,” you admit.

“it was you who forgot.”

you sit up. “come again?” your eyes twinkle, watching alhaitham, your childhood friend. the hope that swells on your face, and alhaitham notices it; the stars in your eyes, he’s tracing the constellations in them. 

"why do you think i'm here in the first place?" his voice dips, as if hoping you didn't hear that.

a promise embedded in the stars, and one of them was waiting for the fated reunion. then, in a split second, you see a younger haitham tugging at your sleeve, following your footsteps. you hide the smile behind your hand. “you’ve been waiting for me all this time?”

“don’t flatter yourself.” alhaitham quickly extinguishes. ouch. another pause washes over before he speaks up, “come over.”

your eyes widen. “over? where?”

“to mine.”

“mine? yours?”

“my apartment. it’s close by.”

“your place?”

“yes,” alhaitham glares at you. “do i happen to be speaking in another language?”

“i mean, how come?” 

“i do not want to be investigating a missing person’s case anytime soon,” alhaitham stands up, packing his belongings, leaving you no choice but to swiftly follow suit. “and our photo albums,” he stops moving. “i've kept them.” 

your heart skips, touched by the rare sincerity. you tease, “so you do care about me.”

alhaitham scoffs. “it's only a sensible suggestion. i don’t.”

“you do.”

“don’t.”

“oh, come on.”

𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐲 as your colleague!

✦ was classmates with you at a police academy. by the academy was an arcade where you two played too many games. after graduation, you two silently seperated. wriothesley worked in enforcement for some years before gaining his investigators licence, moved to teyvat, and eventually settled at teyvat’s sleuth operatives

✦ your current hangout place with wriothesley is still an arcade, the one by the agency - it reminds you two of the past. favourite games include money-grubbing claw machines, boxing machines, and “dancing dance rev rev” (i dont wanna get sued–). that, or you end up chatting the day away about whatever new complaints you received from alhaitham, not realising the sun has set and the owner ends up shooing you two out

✦ owns a red motorbike. will take you on rides for fun, watching sunsets on the highway feeling the breeze. will take you home whenever you need—just give him a call. he insists that the best place to hold onto is around his waist

✦ the tea connoisseur of all time. drinks a minimum of 5 cups a day, and you worry he might drop dead one day. you’ve tried to get him onto different drinks, like the popular boba tea, but plain old tea always triumphs in the end. tea is life and zhongli agrees

✦ good at subduing any targets. prefers not to shed blood, but will deescalate confrontations, usually by submission rather than violence

✦ messy uniform. shirt not buttoned all the way up, rolled sleeves, fingerless gloves, dark colours. often seen with bandages along his arm. wears a choker. like a werewolf, rugged

ᯓ★

years back, before you returned to teyvat, you attended a police academy to aid in the preparation and experience needed for your investigators licence.

you always frequented the desolate arcade by the academy. there was no door, the arcade was impartial to any of its visitors, like an open hug.

time and time again, you blew your stress off after a long day. the boxing machine was particularly satisfying in that regard. you and that machine watched the early evening resign, and the night shift taking over everyday. 

the tedium was so easily penetrated by soaking crimson, the liquid leaked vividly dripping down from the forehead. a moment was needed for you to process it. 

a dark-haired person sat languidly against an arcade machine, in a uniform you recognise. half bent-over, head tilting. the sanctity of life departing through hurried breaths. 

“h-hey,” you crouched next to him, hands outstretched but were waiting for a coherent command. “shit.” the lectures slipped by you, running past but never handing the baton. it felt useless.

suddenly, your hand was flicked away by the person. behind his fringe, it was frozen, crystallised, icicles shot past his dark strands piercing you. “don’t bother. it’s nothing.”

eyebrows furrowed. “you’re insane,” you brushed the hair out of his face, finding splotches of bruising. his lip, busted red. injuries walked all over his skin, trampling the delicate layer. his complexion ghastly pale, you weren't sure if it was his skull peeking through his skin. “i need to call you an ambulan–”

“i’m serious,” he reiterated, “i… i just need a moment, some quiet. please. i don’t want them to find…” his sentence trailed off. 

you gulped, hands trembling. “you’re sure you don’t need me to call?”

he nodded.

he reassured you, but you can’t help but feel weighed by the fact that an injured person was right next to you. you made a mental note to ensure he visits a doctor by the end of this. sighing, you slowly sat next to him.

“... i’m just stressed. tired.” his words hung heavy in the blank air.

a familiar word. a sentiment that resonated. all too familiar. 

if there was a way to cheer him up... there was only one thing you knew about feeling burdened. you point a thumb at the boxing machine. “wanna blow off some of that stress?” 

.

“do you think that the arcade by the academy is still open?”

“i hope so. i wanna know if we’re still first on all those machines. and if my bloodstain still frightens people when they walk in,” a snicker. “remember when we played ’dancing dance rev rev’ for six hours straight? those were good days.”

you and wriothesley watch the boxing machine, your joint high scores blinking on the leaderboard in excited colours. 

“do you still have those old plushies i gave you from the claw machine?” you ask.

“of course,” wriothesley searches his pockets and pulls out his keys. a miniature wolf plush keychain hangs, bobbing up and down. “like this one. named it after you, how adorable they are.” he playfully pokes "mini you", cracking a grin.

you smile at the gesture. after all these years, you never forgot each other. “hey, no bullying.” you pause. “... weren’t we supposed to be tracking a suspect? i think they have already left this arcade.”

“oh, yeah. oops.”

a pair of fraternal twins stand outside outside a small agency, reading the sign over and over: teyvat's sleuth operatives… sounds tacky and lame... they think in unison. 

it is only when you approach them, that they stop hesitating. your uniform tidy, almost mastering the archetype of a professional private investigator, smiling at your newfound clients. you are no longer the new recruit. “need our help?”

a/n: i havent played genshin seriously since inazuma so i missed out on many events ( ; ω ; ) sorry alhaitham and wrio i tried my best⭐ lemme know if my reserach sucks bc my references were ace attorney and google (ﾉД`) also i wanted to draw their uniforms but got lazy, so i drew the banner instead (･ω<)☆ anw im off to read more manhwa (great start to the year), ill be back when the motivation finally whacks me hard again. if anyone wants to request ideas, feel free! my inbox is open 24/7! happy new year!!!! 🎆🎆🎆2025 will also be the year of the snake, so shoutout to all my snakes😎

[elminx]

Elminx's Long-Form Lemonade for Sweet Cleansing

If you've been hanging out for more than a hot minute, you have probably caught on to a secret about my kitchen witching: it's not the NUMBER of ingredients you enchant; it's how you enchant them. For the purposes of witching, I prefer simple recipes (ingredient-wise) that have a bit of oomph to them. Do you need to stir a pot for 45 minutes straight? (see also my french onion soup recipe) What about starting a vinegar infusion that needs to be shaken every day?

This, as the saying goes, is where the magic is made. At least, for me.

So, imagine my surprise when my friends introduced me to a long-form way of making lemonade. Rather than simply juicing the lemons and adding some sugar and water - you combine the sugar and lemon peels and let them sit for some time to release the lemon's essential oils.

Not only does it make a superior lemonade (can confirm!), but it immediately had my magic wheels turning.

The goal is to make lemonade that will sweetly cleanse you of what ails you. This spell can easily be adapted to add specifiers—see the end of this post for more details.

As always, I will not tell you how to do YOUR magic. This is a technique, not a magic tutorial.

The Basics: When Life Gives You Lemons

Lemons have a long history of use as a cleansing agent. Cunningham's infamous green book lists them as a feminine plant, under the purview of water and the moon and used for the powers of "longevity, purification, love, friendship." (for what that's worth) From an herbal energetic perspective - lemons are considered to be cooling - they are used in the summer to cool hot termperatures and applied to the sick to help bring down fevers. Citric acid is also a bladder stimulant, which we will be making use of for the purposes of our potion-making.

What we associate with lemon as the "cleaning agent" is believed to come from limonene, a terpene found in the peels of most citrus fruits that is both antiviral and antibacterial. Lemonene is used in many cleaners that you can buy on the market but can also be extracted directly from the fruit, as we will do in this recipe.

The Technique

This standard high-end bartender technique makes wonderful, complex sour mixes that can absolutely make the perfect cocktail. Rather than extracting the limonene from the citrus using alcohol or vinegar, we use sugar.

This technique is called oleo-saccharum, which means "oil-sugar" - you are using sugar to draw the essential oils out of the lemon peels, making a natural (no heat) syrup. Note here: this syrup can be used on its own for all sorts of syrupy needs - you could stop the preparation here if you don't love lemonade.

This can be done on the fly (an hour or so), but I highly suggest letting this sit for 12-24 hours for the full effect.

The Recipe

You will need:

5-6 lemons, the best-looking ones you can find

1 1/4 cups sugar

Filter Water (to taste)

Peeler, citrus juicer, optional

Additional magical flavoring, optional

Become better acquainted with your lemons. For the purposes of this recipe, I do this by holding them, talking to them about what I want from them (general or specific cleansing), and rolling them across a hard surface. This last part helps to separate the peel from the pith, which will help you cut away the peel in the next step. Because we intentionally try to release the limonene compounds in this recipe, you may wish to begin by carving your lemon at this step (BEFORE you peel). You could carve your intentions, your name, the names of the people you are looking to cleanse, or any cleansing runes or sigils that you use in your craft.

Carefully peel your lemon. You want to get as little pith (white parts) as possible, as they don't taste good. Take your time here. Really breathe in the scents of the lemon during this. This is the first part of the cleansing process - you are incidentally cleaning yourself and your kitchen as you do this part of the spell. Lean into this. It smells amazing. Revel in it. Think about how it reminds you of everything being shiny and clean as a child. Lemons ARE cleansing - really feel into this here. We won't use the rest of the lemon until tomorrow; you can juice it here or store it overnight in an air-tight container)

Add your lemon peels and the sugar to a mixing bowl and thoroughly massage the sugar into the lemon peels. This should take some time - think fives of minutes at least. You want to do this until you can feel the change in consistency in the sugar - try to incorporate all of the sugar with all of the lemons. Remember, sugar is inherently sweetening, and lemons are inherently cleansing - you combine these two elements here to make a sweet, cleansing spell. Let the smell of it clean out your nose and your sinuses. This is the meat of your spellcasting - you are working your spell into your ingredients. Talk to it. Use your energy. Pray over it. You will know when this step is complete.

Cover your bowl and let it sit at room temperature overnight or for up to 24 hours. The longer this extracts, the more intense the flavor in the finished product. In a pinch, give it an hour, but I suggest waiting at least 8-10 for the best effect.

The next morning, add 2 cups boiling water to your lemon paste and stir until it has thoroughly combined - this is a great place to reinforce your magic from the day beforehand. (This version had the addition of some freshly picked sour cherries which gives its red color)

6. When this has cooled, add the lemon juice and additional water to taste. I personally put this in a half-gallon ball jar and filled it with water, and then my partner and I further diluted it from there.

7. Drink and enjoy. For an extra cleansing effect, consider that part of the act of citrus is that of a urinary stimulant - it will make you pee. Think about how peeing removes things from your life. Remove what needs cleansing. Your spell is complete.

This spell is as simple as that but it can be dressed up in some many different outfits with very little effort. Do you know a flavor (remember, all edibles here) with the right magic associations to add to this spell?

Add some blackberries at the infusion stage for good old-fashioned hedge witch protection. If you really need something out, you could experiment with infusing some jalapeno after you've made the lemonade (tread with a lot of care here...). I've worked with lavender and hibiscus here for calming, cool energies. I recently added a cup of sour cherries to Step 3 for a love-cleansing effect.

There are two ways you can add flavors to this spell: you can mix your flavor in during the sugaring phase, or you can do a secondary infusion after your lemonade has been made. Use your best judgment here - fruits can go in with the citrus peels for sure, but herbs and other more "tea like" ingredients might be better steeped afterward.

I haven't tried it yet, but I'm eager to use some of my savory kitchen herbs the next time I near to clear out my money flows.

Or alternatively, use it as the first step in a witchy cocktail (my go-to, as you know). This lemonade makes an exquisite base for a margarita—for a bougie twist, use white Patron and some Chambord; you will not be disappointed.

This is almost a blank slate - sweet cleansing could be used for anything you put your mind to.

Do you like my work? You can support me over on Kofi by tipping me, ordering an astrology commission, buying some art, or signing up to be a monthly supporter of my work.

[siflshonen]

The Greatest Robot on Earth: Astro Boy and Pluto Part II

Part I is here. This side-by-side continues in part III here, or you can read the whole thing on Ao3.

Side-by-Side Comparisons

“The Greatest Robot on Earth” and Pluto

The best place to start in comparing these series is their summaries. This summary for “The Greatest Robot on Earth” comes from the 2002 Dark Horse release: 

“In the novel-length "The Greatest Robot on Earth," a wealthy sultan creates a giant robot to become the ruler of all other robots on Earth. But in order for that to happen, he must defeat the seven most powerful robots in the world, including Astro Boy, who must have his horsepower raised from 100,000 to 1,000,000 to face the challenge! And his sister, Uran, also flies in to lend a helping hand!”

Well, besides the fact that Uran doesn’t actually fly, I suppose that’s true enough. Gotta love marketing copy.

And here is Viz’s summary for Pluto: Urasawa X Tezuka, vol. 1: 

“In an ideal world where man and robots coexist, someone or something has destroyed the powerful Swiss robot Mont Blanc. Elsewhere a key figure in a robot rights group is murdered. The two incidents appear to be unrelated...except for one very conspicuous clue - the bodies of both victims have been fashioned into some sort of bizarre collage complete with makeshift horns placed by the victims' heads. Interpol assigns robot detective Gesicht to this most strange and complex case - and he eventually discovers that he too, as one of the seven great robots of the world, is one of the targets.”

An ideal world, eh? Well, I’m all about subverting surface appearances, so I like it. Anyway, right off the bat, we can tell that these two series aren’t the same genre, aren’t using the same principal characters, and aren’t concerned with the same stakes. They seem to only have one thing in common: the word “robot”.

The following pages for “The Greatest Robot on Earth” are from the Dark Horse Omnibus. In most cases, I have used pages from Viz’s Pluto: UrasawaXTezuka, but there are a few pages from the fan scans. Why? Because I own the physical manga, didn’t want to pay for all the volumes again in a digital version, and realized that the images in the fan scans were cleaner and bigger than most of the ones I could get from cracking the spine of my books and mooshing them on the scanner.

Pluto at Its Most Faithful

Mont Blanc died first in “The Greatest Robot on Earth”, and in Pluto he fares no differently. Of course, in true dramatic Urasawa fashion, Pluto chooses to begin with the fiery discovery of Mont Blanc’s head tucked within his killer’s calling card to establish the mystery and suspense of this work rather than start with a quaint lumberjacking-scene-turned-robot-fight like the original.

Urasawa and Nagasaki’s choice to include human victims in Pluto also immediately raises the stakes in a way that “The Greatest Robot on Earth” never did or would. It also immediately changes the type of exploration within the world that the series would do, given that the robots of the extended Astro Boy universe are believed to follow Asimov’s Laws.

Greece’s Hercules, spelled Heracles in Pluto’s English translation, is a straightforward warrior-type in “The Greatest Robot on Earth”, and he sasses the crap out of Epsilon when he shows up to speak with him just as he does in Pluto. He then gets trounced by Pluto after a drawn-out fight. 

In Pluto, Hercules still fits the original warrior archetype, but with the addition of his very own character arc! His rivalry and friendship with Brando is new and refreshing, and his blooming respect for Epsilon pairs nicely with his own discovery of his humanity and personal beliefs as it relates to combat, war, and victory.

They called him the god of victory, after all, not necessarily bloodshed. He may have lost his fight with Pluto, but he went down believing he won and with a newfound appreciation for life and the bravery it requires to not fight. His manager Al Haft(a) is an easter egg character.

In real life, Greece participated in the Gulf War, but disagreed with the 2003 Iraq War and did not participate. Meanwhile, Australia participated with the goal of growing closer to the USA. In Pluto, these stances were swapped in their representative robots.

Personally, I think Epsilon (sometimes called Photar in the Astro Boy anime adaptation dubs) is the most surprising figure in these page comparisons if only because he didn’t actually change that much between works. Instead, it is Wassily who exploded onto the Pluto scene with his very own expanded story and Bora trauma. Yes, the disembodied hands scene is in both.

Pluto’s Epsilon looks just like Monster’s Johan, which is funny—Urasawa seems to use Tezuka’s Star System method across his works. In English, Johan and Epsilon are voiced by the same guy, too.

Speaking of, Bora is native to “The Greatest Robot on Earth”, and he is still a bomb. In “The Greatest Robot on Earth”, his creator takes the time to tell the sultan that he created him just to beat Pluto and, by extension, the sultan. In Pluto, Bora’s existence and purpose is to exact vengeance on a broader scale.

Uran’s changes between series are actually really straightforward. In the postscript of the physical Pluto manga’s volume 6, essayist and critic Gorot Yamada laments the fact that Urasawa avoided the “ero-kawaii” of Uran confronting Pluto in nothing but Atom’s briefs and calls it a “minor weakness” since it is representative of Urasawa’s relatively gentler hand in showing “cruelty or eroticism” when compared to Tezuka.

I can’t begin to tell you how funny I think this criticism is, although I do believe that Urasawa does have, overall, gentler sensibilities than Tezuka. But still. I don’t think we’re missing much by keeping Uran in her clothes. She’s still a snot, she’s still a braggart, she’s still good-hearted, and she still makes her big brother look like a square and a stick-in-the-mud. Writing precocious little girls and sweet stories of unlikely bonding moments are a few of Urasawa’s specialties, so I don’t find it surprising that he took the Uran by the hair-horns and maximized her existing character traits.

Spiritually, she feels consistent to me, though her basic actions are decidedly different: Pluto’s Uran doesn’t fight or try to fight Pluto, doesn’t want Atom to fight Pluto at any point, doesn’t ever hate Pluto, and has empathy-based powers (separate from that, she may just be smarter and more emotionally intelligent than the original Uran). 

However, the sequences in the park and the underpasses where she befriends Pluto strongly resemble Uran’s near-naked adventures in the streets of “The Greatest Robot on Earth”, and that’s fun.

Abullah is where things get spicy, and that’s mostly because the only real change to his character was the addition of his human backstory and discovery of hatred. In Pluto, he is Tenma and Abullah’s science project who believes he is a human scientist (which he isn’t), but he’s actually also got a split personality! That’s a lot. There’s just so much going on with that. But still, where Pluto’s twist falls on the scale of wild twist bullshittery lessens considerably once you know how this character is portrayed in the original, I feel.

In “The Greatest Robot on Earth”, Abullah is a robot butler disguised as a scientist disguised as another scientist. Not to pooh-pooh the original’s Scooby-Doo antics, but, by comparison, Pluto’s reveal is actually quite nice, logical, and thematically consistent. It also gives Tenma a chance to look cool and not just pathetic.

Professor Ochanomizu is the best character. Don’t argue with me. In Astro Boy, he has a big heart and a big temper to match, and he gets knocked around more than Wile E. Coyote in a Looney Tunes segment. He spends most of “The Greatest Robot on Earth” being kidnapped and hanging out with the sultan, but Pluto spreads the wealth by letting the other roboticists be the damsel in distress throughout the plot.

In Pluto, he’s mostly characterized by doing kindly old man shit (do you recognize that robot dog and how it definitely influenced Ochanomizu’s design for Bobby?), but it is absolutely the kind of stuff the original Hiroshi Ochanomizu would do. He gets treated with more on-screen respect in Pluto than in Astro Boy, but only because he isn’t as cartoony. The animation team made damn sure to have the physics of his stomach work not like those of an innocent-at-heart anime girl’s titties when he’s enthusiastically running to the next big important thing, and that’s exactly the right spirit for a creator to have towards this character. A+ job, M2.

Also, in the manga only, Ochanomizu is the facilitator for the single most entertaining referential gag in all of Urasawa’s works: the police dog car diagram. This was cut in the anime.

In the postscript of Pluto: UrasawaXTezuka volume 5, manga critic and lecturer Tomohiko Murakami observes that “Urasawa’s depictions of Professor Tenma and Professor Ochanomizu almost appear to be [his] perspective on two different aspects of Osamu Tezuka’s character.” I don’t necessarily disagree, especially given the commentary Tezuka gave regarding Atom’s status as a “monster”, but I think that Ochanomizu and Tenma also more generally represent the “dark” and “light” side of progress and science. This is likely what Tezuka intended for them, too, back when he was writing the series.

But Tenma is just a hot mess. For the duration of “The Greatest Robot on Earth”, he was more or less emotionally stable up until the “death” of Atom (and guess what? He totally enabled Atom’s increase in strength to 1,000,000, despite Ochanomizu constantly advising Atom not to do), though his general moodiness and instability is a defining character trait for much of the series. He gets better over time, but make no mistake: he is an eccentric, reclusive, and vain disaster man.

In Pluto, Urasawa lets Tenma’s disaster qualities shine alongside his signature ego, moodiness, cynicism, and destructive tendencies. This man self-sabotages like it’s his job. He also flings his creations around willy-nilly and never thinks about the consequences, and that’s why he has a hand in a significant number of the most harmful and destructive events in the extended Astro Boy universe somehow, including in Pluto.

Tenma’s rejection of Atom at the dinner table in Pluto is way classier than his breakdowns in the original Astro Boy manga, but I liked the gravitas of the scene and the over-the-top vibe of the fancy dinner in the sunset. Tenma’s portrayals throughout different series run the gamut from “frenetic cartoon maniac” to “vanilla un-stellar dad” to “Phantom of the Opera”, and this is a nice lean towards the latter end of the scale.

His constant contest over ownership of Atom/influence over Atom with the Ministry of Science (and specifically one Hiroshi Ochanomizu) extends beyond “The Greatest Robot on Earth”, though, and I think elements of their more direct conflicts are very present throughout Pluto. I love an old man fight, and it seems Urasawa does, too.

But goddamn is it satisfying to see Ochanomizu tell Tenma to shove it where the sun don’t shine.

Apparently, their dynamic is so popular that it inspired a completely new series set in the alternate universe where they not only go to college together, but are best friends. If you want something fluffier than Pluto where the old men aren’t old, go read Atom: The Beginning, I guess.

And, like, sure. This is all great. But sans the extended old man drama, many of these side-by-sides have been pretty faithful to “The Greatest Robot on Earth”, and that is NOT what Makoto Tezka asked for.

Pluto as a Remix of Astro Boy

North No. 2, called Monar in “The Greatest Robot on Earth”, is generally the same robot as in his original portrayal, but instead of just going to fight Pluto, he stars alongside new character Paul Duncan in a brand new story about pianos and music and being blind and growing past trauma to accept others into the heart. Tezuka’s Kuroo Hazama (Black Jack) was even there in Paul Duncan’s memories. It had everything: crying old people and kids, medical drama, orphan trauma, mama trauma, prostitution implications, castles, the emptiness of fame and fortune, singing, an android dreaming of more than just electric sheep, long monologues, and an emotional goodbye where one character stares longingly (even if he can’t actually see anything) at the other knowing they shall never return.

I’ll just say it: Turkey’s Brando is a total red shirt in “The Greatest Robot on Earth”. Meanwhile, Urasawa gave him a family, a love of Turkish drinking culture, a friendship and rivalry with Hercules, and a penchant to dabble in illogical forces like luck, and a classic tearjerker death. Urasawa gave him the world. 

In the anime, Brando is among my favorites. Y’all can swoon over your twink Epsilon or whatever, but it’s Brando over randos for me!

Chochi Chochi Ababa transformed into Saddam Hussein—er, Pluto’s King Darius XIV. One is a cartoon villain who provides an opportunity to learn a basic moral lesson, and the other is a motherfucking war criminal. I think that's a sufficiently mature new twist on an old concept.

Of all the characters present in Pluto, Atom himself is likely the one that gave Urasawa and Nagasaki the most grief, if only because he is the one and only Astro Boy, hero of justice, and if his portrayal wasn’t popular, they’d probably be sent to manga hell forever.

For me personally, one of the most gratifying details regarding his portrayal is how quickly he will lie while maintaining the lie that robots can’t and don’t lie. This line of thinking, as well as the implication that Atom follows Asimov’s Laws more because he wants to, not because he has to follow his programming, is something that became more and more apparent the longer the original Astro Boy ran even if none of the other characters directly said anything about it. Speaking as a fan, I also think it’s nice that Urasawa makes the most of upholding Atom’s observed personality traits throughout adaptations. That he made Atom a deeply curative flavor of an insect kid is a grounded, but nice touch.

(It may also be worth noting that Osamu Tezuka had a known fascination with insects. The “Mushi” in Mushi Productions means “insect”. I don’t know how intentional that was, but it seems Pluto’s Atom may have been intended as a chip off the ol’ Tezuka block whether he was his “monster” or not.)

But as lovely and detailed as Urasawa’s embellishments on these characters is, this is still not what Makoto Tezka asked of him. So far, these characters are strikingly similar to the existing “The Greatest Robot on Earth”, and apparently, if Tezka’s interview in the postscript of Pluto: UrasawaXTezuka volume 2 is to be believed, he told Urasawa multiple times to keep revising until he made it his own! It seems Atom really became Urasawa’s monster, too!

[quintessenceofdust88]

Tease (Tid)bit Tuesday

I was tagged by my darlings @typicalopposite @bidisasterevankinard and @laundryandtaxesworld, and I decided to post a little more of Nonna Rosa meeting Buck cause I love how it's coming off! Hope you guys had a lovely Tuesday and that you like it! ♥

“Maybe I will, Nonna”, Tommy says, a wistful look in his eye as he looks at the forest landscape and the other painting. Buck is already low-key planning to find the best art supplies stores in LA and surprising Tommy with a kit of brushes and oil paints, maybe one of those fancy little holding things he’s always seen at cartoons, and a painting coat (although he’d rather have Tommy painting shirtless, but that’s not a vision he wants to dwell on in front of his boyfriend’s grandmother).

“That’s a good boy”, Nonna says, her voice filled with pride, and then she looks critically at the bags still on his hand. “Now off you go, take these bags to the bedroom before our merenda runs cold, hm?”

“Sí, Nonna” Tommy easily agrees, kissing Buck’s cheek as he passes by him towards a dark wooden door, that from what Buck can see leads to a hallway where the bedrooms probably are. 

“Do you need some help, babe?” Buck asks, the pet name slipping out before he can stop himself, but Nonna doesn’t even bat an eye, she just smiles cheekily at him, playing with the tip of her braid. 

“Oh, Evanino, I’m sure Thomas will be very glad to show you the bedroom, but later, hm? I just said I don’t want the food getting cold”, she says with a wink, and both Tommy and Buck are left spluttering, blushed to the tip of their ears. 

“Dío, Nonna, you can’t say things like that, you’ll scare him off!”, Tommy says grumpily, sounding just like an embarrassed teenager as he rushes towards the hallway, grumbling under his breath. 

“Non-sense, Tommaso, he’s a firefighter. It takes a lot more than a mouthy old lady to scare you, doesn’t it, Evanino?” She pokes his arm, and Buck can’t help but laugh, nodding at her. “Now come, it’s time for you to meet the heart of any house”

“The kitchen, right?” Buck asks, and Nonna smiles, clapping her hands together.

“Sí, la cucina! Did Thomas teach you that?” She asks curiously, and Buck shakes his head, a small smile showing up on his face. 

“Actually, my captain, Bobby. He’s recently moved, and he kept telling us that a house had to be chosen by the kitchen, cause that’s where the heart of the house beats” Buck tells her, and Nonna nods approvingly.

“Ah, a wise man! I like him already!” She exclaims, and then motions Buck with her hands. “Now, follow me before my cake burns in the oven, hm?”

Buck follows Nonna through a worn white door. If the rest of the house looks well-loved, the kitchen brings it up to eleven. The floor is made of honest-to-God white and black checkered tiles, something Buck has only seen in cartoon kitchens, and they match perfectly to the light yellow walls. The walls here are cleaner than in the living room: Buck can only see one painting: a replica of The Last Supper (and he’s pretty sure Tommy’s not the artist of that one) placed over a wooden table, covered in a flowered tablecloth. 

On the opposite wall, he can see a black-and-white wedding portrait that looks at least fifty years old. It shows a young woman with a scrunchy smile and a man who looks so much like Tommy that Buck’s heart skips a beat, the resemblance almost jarring. Near an old cuckoo clock, there’s also a calendar hanging on the wall, its date marked in red and an image of a saint peeking from the top.

The counters, however, are a completely different story. Most of their surfaces are covered by small vases containing herbs that make the kitchen smell like a farm market, and Buck couldn’t name even half of them. Most of them are crammed in the counter closest to the large wooden-paneled window, but the rest of the surfaces are covered in jars, pots and pans, put together in a chaotic way that, somehow, looks like it follows its own system. Closer to the sink, where there’s a clean space lightly dusted with flour, Buck can see a mushroom-printed glass jar holding at least a dozen wooden spoons, and proudly displayed beside it, a rolling pin that looks a hundred years old. 

The gas-burning stove is painted red, though its side is chipped, and the light blue fridge hums loudly in the corner, its surface a mosaic of photographs. Most are of people—friends, family, loved ones—and Buck’s chest tightens when he spots a photo of himself and Tommy, taken just a few weeks ago, placed proudly at eye level. The sight warms him in a way he wasn’t expecting. It’s so different from the spotless, minimalist kitchen his mother kept—so far from his own, with its modern appliances and practical, clean-cut utensils. Nonna’s kitchen looks old, and messy, and lived-in.

And Buck loves every inch of it.

Np tagging @weewookinard @perfectlysunny02 @littlepaws9 @silversky9 @mmso-notlikethat @30somethingautisticteacher and whoever else would like to join! ♥

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

1970 Pontiac Formula 400

1970 Pontiac Formula 400 – The Other Performance Firebird

The story behind the development of GM’s F-body ponycars has been well documented. When Ford’s groundbreaking Mustang debuted in 1964, it tapped an emerging youth market that was hungry for a new type of car geared specifically to them. GM misjudged the public’s response to the Mustang and then scrambled to develop a similar style car after witnessing Ford’s unprecedented first model year sales success. Chevrolet was the lead division in engineering the F-body, and Pontiac grudgingly accepted the platform for their use in March 1966, only after GM management turned down PMD General Manager John DeLorean’s proposal for his own Mustang fighter.

Pontiac didn’t have much time to transform the Firebird from its Camaro configuration before releasing it in February 1967. Their design and engineering lead time was significantly reduced and consequently, the Firebird was forced to use quite a bit of Camaro sheetmetal and other components. Competition between Pontiac and Chevrolet was intense, and having to use the other division’s engineering and design was a bitter pill for DeLorean’s maverick staff to swallow.

The circumstances surrounding the second generation Firebird were another story. Pontiac actually began working on their second generation just as the first Firebirds were hitting dealer showrooms. From design to engineering, Pontiac dominated the divisional rivalry, and this time around the Firebird would be all Pontiac from roof to road. There was little carried over to the second generation with the exception of the Trans Am nameplate and basic engine configurations. The suspension was tuned for more responsive handling with little compromise to ride comfort. Computer aided engineering chose the proper front and rear spring deflection rates predicated on model and usage. Stabilizer bars were used front and rear and the steering box was mounted ahead of the front axle for better response.

The sexy new body was rooted in GM styling chief Bill Mitchell’s infatuation with Italian sports car design. GM chose heavily from the rounded shapes of Ferrari and Maserati, and it showed in the smooth flow of fender lines, the curved window glass and raked windshield. One remarkable difference from pervious GM designs was the lack of a quarter window. Instead, the doors were lengthened to take up a larger portion of the quarter. The massive doors were heavy, however the side appearance was cleaner and far sportier. A lift bar door handle added to the smooth side look. Chrome was distinctively absent. The Native American-inspired Firebird emblem was on the decklid and the nose of all but base model cars.

Up front, the twin nostril grille and single headlamps provided a clean appearance, thanks to the use of Endura to create a bumper-less front end with a valance that cleanly rolled beneath the grille with large cross hair parking lamps mounted in the lower corners of the valance. At the rear, the smooth tumble home enhanced the Firebirds fuselage shape. The tail was flat and filled with twin tail lamps that met the quarter panel’s round rear profile. A recessed tag housing, thin blade chrome rear bumper, and rounded lower valance completed the rear end’s clean look.

Inside, the Firebird’s wide, expansive dash housed the instrument panel consisting of three center nacelles for gauges, with smaller gauges at the right and room for the heater controls and additional switches and knobs. Directly below the center of the dash was another stack that contained the radio and ashtray. Even the base interior was sumptuous, with Pontiac’s indestructible Morrokide vinyl upholstery covering the bucket seats and door panels. The quarter trim panels and headliner were composed of molded polymeric material that provided a smooth surface and absorbed sound.

The 1970 Pontiac line up was composed of the base Firebird with 250 cid six, the mid range, 350 cid Espirit, the 400 cid Formula 400, and the 400 cid Ram Air Trans Am. Of the four, perhaps the most intriguing was the Formula 400. While the Trans Am was loaded with visuals like a shaker hood, fender mounted air extractors, wild front air spoiler, rear wheel opening air spoilers, and wide center stripe, the Formula had none of these. For those who preferred to have a muscular pony car sans the exterior adornments, the Formula 400 was just the ticket. Outside, the only difference between the mild mannered Espirit and the Formula was a special fiberglass hood that sported a pair of front reaching hood scoops (first considered for the Trans Am), sport style dual outside mirrors, and a pair of Formula 400 scripts below the Firebird nameplate on the fenders.

Under the sheetmetal, however, is where the $3,440 Formula’s credentials lay. Standard engine was the 400 cid V8 which generated 330 horsepower @ 4800rpm and 430 lbs.-ft. torque @ 3000rpm. Car & Driver tested a Formula 400 with this engine and automatic transmission and recorded a 0-60 acceleration time of 6.4 seconds and quarter mile performance of 14.7 seconds at 98.9mph.

The optional engine was the Ram Air III V8, which produced 345 horsepower @ 5000rpm and 430 lbs.-ft. torque @ 3400rpm, thanks in part to a higher compression and a more aggressive camshaft profile. While Pontiac offered a 370 horsepower Ram Air IV, it never found its way into a Formula 400. On the Ram Air III equipped Formulas, the hood scoops were opened and a pair of rubber “boots” were fitted to the hood’s underside. They snugged up to holes in the air cleaner snorkels and fed cold outside air to the Rochester Quadra Jet carburetor. Subtle “RAM AIR” decals were affixed to the outboard sides of the hood scoops. The Formula’s 400 engine was dressed up with chromed air cleaner lid and valve covers. Dual exhausts with chrome tips were also standard.

Standard transmission was the M13, a heavy duty Dearborn three-speed manual box. A pair of Muncie four speeds was offered optionally, the wide ratio M20 and close ratio M21. Also optional was the M40 three-speed Turbo Hydra Matic transmission. A 3.55:1 rear axle ratio was standard, while air conditioned models received 3.31:1 ratios. Optional ratios were 3.07:1 and 3.73:1.

The Formula received a firmer suspension with 300-pounds/inch deflection in the front springs and 103 pounds/inch in the rear. The front stabilizer measured 1.125 inches in the front and the rear bar was .620 inches with firm control shocks mounted at all four corners. Front disc brakes were standard with rear drums. Standard tires were F70 x 14 on six-inch steel rims. The Trans Am’s tighter suspension was offered optionally. It consisted of 300 pounds/inch front and 126 pounds/inch springs in the rear, 1.250 inch stabilizer bar at the front, and fat .875 inch bar aft. Wider F60x 15 Polyglas tires mounted on 15 x 7 Rally II wheels without trim rings rounded out the package. Add the variable ratio power steering and power brakes and the Formula responded right now! to steering input and could dive deeper into corners and come out faster. Its only competition was big brother Trans Am and the Corvette.

Inside, the Formula’s instrument panel was faced in a wood grained appliqué. Optional was a Rally Gauge that placed an 8000-rpm tach in the left housing along with a small analog clock. In the smaller center housing was the engine temperature and oil pressure gauges. The right housing contained the 160mph speedometer with the smaller fuel gauge and voltmeter to the far right. Two consoles were offered, one between the front buckets that contained the transmission shifter, the other between the optional rear buckets.

Of the 7,708 Formula 400s produced in 1970, 2,777 were equipped with manual transmissions. Exactly 4,931 were fitted with the M40 automatic transmission. One of those M40 equipped Formulas is owned by Jack Nichols of Orlando, Fla. Jack performed a complete restoration on the Formula several years ago, bringing it back to correct factory standards. The Atoll Blue Formula is fitted with the optional Ram Air engine, open scoops and underhood induction system. Inside, the tan Morrokide interior features console, optional three-spoke Formula steering wheel with padded rim, Rally gauges and air conditioning.

Text and Photography By Paul Zazarine © Car Collector Magazine, LLC. (Click for more Car Collector Magazine articles) Originally appeared in the March 2008 Issue

[lavareview]

THE FIRST LAVA LAMP...?

The history of the lava lamp can be quite muddled and confusing to approach. From its original invention to its manufacturing and sale, who exactly “did it first” is often unclear. Two lava lamp companies, Lava Lite and Mathmos, are said to be the originators of the lava lamp, and both draw their histories back to inventor Edward Craven Walker… Who himself is disputed as the true inventor of the lava lamp.

So, what’s the real story?

Well, it starts sometime in the 1940s with a Scot by the name of Donald Dunnet, a motor engineer living in South East England. Little information is available on Dunnet, and the most helpful source on him and his inventions is his great-grandson Charlie Leverett, who along with his father and aunt have tried to piece together accurate information on Dunnet and his invention.

According to an old (unfortunately dateless) newspaper article, which the family uses as a source, the original invention came about when Felicity, Dunnet’s youngest daughter and Charlie Leverett’s grandmother, broke the family’s egg-timer, coincidentally while there was a wartime shortage of egg-timers in the UK. Dunnet, who was described as a part-time inventor, set out to build a replacement – imagining, instead of sand falling down to measure time, a controlled rising of oil to the surface of water. This “inverted egg-timer” would therefore be the very first lava lamp prototype.

It would not, however, be the last prototype created by Donald Dunnet. In December 1950, Dunnet applied for a patent granted in 1954 for “a display device using liquid bubbles in another liquid” – making no reference to time measurement, it can be assumed that at this point the invention no longer had anything to do with egg-timers and was instead meant to be an aesthetically pleasing display.

The abstract further describes the invention as “a display device [which] comprises an upper layer of liquid 2 and a lower layer of liquid 3 in a transparent container 1, the two liquids being non-miscible and the upper layer being of lower specific gravity than the lower layer and means 9 for heating the lower layer so that it rises through the upper layer in the form of liquid bubbles […], the bubbles being cooled by the upper layer so that they return to the lower layer.”

Further technical detail is added, but with this initial description, you may already have recognized the basic workings of a lava lamp: wax or oil heated by a light bulb at the bottom of the lamp bubbles up through the fluid filling the container (typically water); the bubbles cool down as they reach the top of the lamp and fall back to the bottom, creating a continuous flow of 'lava'.

While there are no other patents I could find for further iterations on this invention, Dunnet continued to improve on his design. The family was able to find one picture of various models created by Dunnet: one resembles a large glass jug, one a long-necked, bulbous bottle, and three resemble lanterns (interestingly, lantern designs would later be sold by both Lava Lite and Crestworth). The picture is dated "Easter 1960".

Dunnet was even featured on “The BBC Inventors Club” (date of broadcast unknown) for another of his inventions, seemingly his “cleaner for flat surfaces” patented in 1955, pictured here:

According to Dunnet’s grandson, in the 1960s, the family still owned and used one of Dunnet’s lamps, which he says “worked really well and was well developed, quite far removed from his original ‘egg timer’ based design”. He further describes this lamp as using “a Grant’s whiskey bottle with Red lava”. He also declared his intention to create a replica of this prototype based on his memories of it, but it seems pictures of such a replica never materialized.

Sadly, Donald Dunnet passed away sometime between 1960 and 1964, and would never market his invention himself. According to his grandson, his widow had his workshop completely cleared after his death, and no surviving prototypes remain. Still – thanks to newspaper articles, family testimony, the 1950s patent, and the surviving photographs of Donald Dunnet and his inventions, it seems clear that he was the true original inventor of the lava lamp, though not the one who would come to market it to the public.

Unfortunately, Dunnet seems to have been widely forgotten from lava lamp history, with many sources not mentioning him at all, and only his initial egg-timer prototype being briefly credited as inspiring Edward Craven Walker in other sources. It seems Dunnet’s family passed on his story through generations and often spoke of his invention as being stolen, though his granddaughter Linda Leverett is “not sure what really happened”, and the family primarily expresses wishing that he was better known and recognized for his creations. You can take a look at various other patents held by Dunnet here.

So then, who is this Edward Craven Walker we keep hearing about?

Edward Craven Walker (1918-2000) was a British inventor, now known as the creator of the lava lamp. In 1963, Craven Walker found himself at the Queen’s Head pub in Dorset, England. There, he spotted a “blob light” on the bar, described as “a glass cocktail shaker full of oil and water with a light bulb beneath”. This was one iteration of Dunnet’s invention – already no longer an egg-timer as is often claimed, but instead a decorative item.

Craven Walker, learning that Dunnet had died, decided to take on the further development of the lamp himself. He hired British inventor David George Smith to further develop the device. In 1964, Smith applied for a patent assigned to Craven Walker’s company ‘Crestworth Limited’ and granted in 1968, for “a display device comprising a container having two substances therein, with one of the substances being of a heavier specific gravity and immiscible with the other substance […] and when heat is applied to the container, the first substance will become flowable and move about in the other substance”.

Craven Walker named this lamp the “Astro Lamp”, and this model was sold by Crestworth starting in 1963, making it the first commercial lava lamp.

The Crestworth Astro and its variations (such as the Astro Mini) have defined the classic look of lava lamps ever since. They were greatly successful throughout the 1960s and 1970s and are now icons of the era. Crestworth would be renamed Mathmos in 1992, and Mathmos is still one of the two best-known lava lamp companies in the world.

So, what’s with Lava Lite and its claim of being “the original lava lamp company”?

In the end, it’s simply a case of international manufacturing rights. In 1965, Craven Walker sold the US manufacturing rights of his Astro Lamp to two American entrepreneurs, Adolph Wertheimer and Hy Spector, who saw the lamp at a novelty convention in Hamburg, West Germany. Wertheimer and Spector founded the Lava Manufacturing Corporation in Chicago, Illinois, and the Astro Lamp was renamed the Lava Lite and brought to the US market. In the 1970s, the rights to the Lava Lite were sold to Haggerty Enterprises, and it would be distributed by a subsidiary called Lava World International. Lava World International was later renamed Lava Lite LLC. Finally, the Lava Lamp brand was acquired by toy manufacturer Schylling in 2018. This brand, often referred to as “Lava Lite”, is the other big player in the lava lamp world. Because both Mathmos and Lava Lite originate from Craven Walker’s initial Astro Lamp, both brands still lay claim to “the original lava lamp”.

So that’s the story of the lava lamp, as best as I’ve been able to piece it together! An original invention by Donald Dunnet, developed by Edward Craven Walker, and sold in the US by Lava Lite and internationally by Mathmos. A simple but ingenious device, originally only meant as an egg-timer, which would become an icon of the 60s and the 70s, and remains popular to this day.

Did I get something wrong? Am I missing details? Do you have more information on lava lamp history? Feel free to reach out with an ask or submission!

Sources:

The History of the Astro Lamp - Designs by Donald Dunnet - FlowOfLava

The History of the Lava Lamp - Smithsonian Magazine

Donald Dunnet - Original Lava Lamps Inventor by Charlie Leverett on OozingGoo

The Mystique of the Lava Lamps - BBC

Craven Walker - The Telegraph

[blogport]

EPOXYSHİNE - DRAGON+ (2)

Welcome to our blog post dedicated to transforming your garage into a durable and stylish space with garage floor flakes. Whether you're looking to improve the functionality of your garage or simply enhance its aesthetic appeal, understanding the options available can make a significant difference. Garage flooring has come a long way, offering a range of solutions from basic concrete to advanced coatings that are both resilient and visually appealing. 

Garage Floor Flakes

When considering options for enhancing your garage space, garage floor flakes offer a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution. These small pieces of colored materials are designed to be mixed into floor coatings, creating a textured finish that not only looks great but also provides additional durability.

One of the main advantages of using garage floor flakes is their ability to hide imperfections in the concrete surface. They can effectively camouflage stains, cracks, and chips that are often found in older garage floors. This means a cleaner and more appealing look without the need for costly surface repairs.

Additionally, garage floor flakes contribute to the slip resistance of your flooring. The texture created by the flakes makes it safer to walk on, reducing the risk of slips and falls, especially when the floor is wet or oily. This safety aspect, combined with the visual appeal, makes garage floor flakes a popular choice for many homeowners.

Garage Flooring

When considering your garage, the flooring is often an overlooked aspect that plays a crucial role in the overall functionality and appearance of the space. Choosing the right garage flooring can enhance durability, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance. Common options include epoxy coatings, tiles, and interlocking mats, each with its own set of advantages.

One of the most popular choices for garage flooring is epoxy, known for its resilience and ability to withstand heavy loads. An epoxy coating can transform a dull concrete surface into a vibrant, high-gloss finish that not only looks great but also resists staining, chemicals, and impact. Additionally, it can be customized with decorative garage floor flakes for a unique look that hides imperfections and provides extra texture.

In addition to epoxy, tiles and vinyl can also be effective alternatives. Garage tiles are easy to install and replace, making them a flexible choice for those who might want to change their garage flooring in the future. Vinyl options offer a softer feel underfoot and come in a variety of designs that can mimic other materials. Ultimately, the best choice of garage flooring will depend on your specific needs, preferences,

Floor Coating

When it comes to enhancing the appearance and durability of your garage, floor coating is an essential element to consider. This process involves applying a protective layer over the garage floor, which not only improves its aesthetic appeal but also provides a robust defense against stains, spills, and wear and tear. By investing in high-quality floor coating, homeowners can ensure their garage remains a functional and attractive space for years to come.

Various types of floor coatings are available in the market, including epoxy, polyurethane, and polyurea options. Among these, epoxy coatings are particularly popular due to their exceptional strength and resistance to chemicals. Moreover, the variety of colors and finishes available allows for endless customization, enabling homeowners to create a garage environment that suits their personal style and needs.

In addition to aesthetic benefits, an effective floor coating can significantly increase the longevity of your garage flooring. It creates a barrier that prevents moisture and dirt from penetrating the surface, thus minimizing the damage that could occur over time. Ultimately, whether you use your garage for parking, storage, or as a workshop, investing in the right floor coating can transform the space, making it more durable and visually appealing.

Garage Floor Coating

When it comes to choosing the right solution for your garage floor, garage floor coating offers an innovative way to protect and enhance the aesthetic of your space. Unlike traditional flooring, which can deteriorate over time due to spills, stains, and wear, a high-quality coating creates a resilient layer that withstands the rigors of everyday use.

One of the benefits of a garage floor coating is its ability to be customized to fit your needs. Various options, such as epoxy and polyaspartic coatings, can provide different levels of durability, gloss, and color. This allows homeowners to select a finish that not only meets their practical needs but also reflects their personal style.

Installation of a garage floor coating is typically a straightforward process, but it is essential to ensure proper preparation and application. A well-prepared surface will maximize the adhesion of the coating and significantly extend its lifespan. Therefore, it’s advisable to either follow proper guidelines for DIY projects or consult with professionals who specialize in flooring solutions.

[terrence-silver]

Do you think Dynatox would still be around in CK era?

---

I like to think it does but that it has been totally re-branded to fit 21st century sensibilities, if you get my meaning. Much like Terry Silver himself was when we first meet him.

It's new!

Modernized!

Sustainable!

Transformed!

In Terry's own words, Nuclear was the acceptable waste disposal type in the past, but what about now? Current day? What's the acceptable work ethic now? Would be hilarious (and pretty realistic) if Dynatox went entirely green...seemingly, anyway. On the surface. Throwing on a fresh veneer. Precisely because it's the allowable thing to do and to cover up all the indiscretions and grimy stuff the company did in the past --- a thing that companies do in real life anyway. It didn't stop existing, I feel. It merely changed itself apparently. Entirely possible if took on a new name too. One that's less insidious sounding. Less suggestive. Dynatox? Toxic Dynamite!? No, no, no! How about something more palatable and marketable? Something less intimidating? Something tame, friendly, lowkey and meant to broadcast that they're here helping the native communities of Borneo and all communities like it around the this wonderful, beautiful Earth nowadays instead of dumping toxic sludge all over their lands? All while, lets be real, when you look in beneath the surface of this firm, much like Terry himself is, it's probably entirely identical to what it's always been; corrupt, hiding a hell of a lot of secrets and with a bunch of skeletons in the closet, except, this time around, it's equipped with a shinier exterior that isn't as likely to get Mr. Silver booed by protestors. How can he be booed? When he's running the most ethically green company far and wide? He undoubtedly won awards and accolades for it too in the last few decades. His name gets brought up at the World Economic forum whenever green energy is mentioned.

Dynatox has never been bad. That's hearsay!

How can something synonymous with cleaner energy for a brighter future be bad?

😉

[printingservicesaustralia]

From Digital to Offset: Understanding Various Types of Printing Techniques

1. Digital Printing: Faster, more efficient and more convenient

Digital printing is one of the most popular and viable printing options available today. This involves transferring images directly to paper or other media using PDFs and other digital files. This approach has gained traction due to speed and low setup costs, making it ideal for short runs or scheduled projects.

Applications: Digital printing is widely used to print marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, business cards and banners. It is also commonly used in printing custom products such as photo books, invitations and garments.

Advantages:

· Speed: Digital printing is faster than printing methods, making it suitable for fast turnaround jobs.

· Cost-effective in smaller quantities: There are no setup fees, making it more affordable for smaller publishing businesses.

· Customization: Digital printing allows for easy personalization, perfect for targeted marketing.

However, digital printing doesn’t always produce the same depth of color or texture as other methods, especially on larger pieces.

2. Offset printing: Better quality, greater volume production

Offset printing or offset lithography is one of the most common and reliable methods of printing large volumes. This process involves transferring an image from a metal plate to a rubber cushion, then pressing the image onto paper. It is known for its image quality and is particularly suitable for more demanding stability applications.

Applications: Offset printing is ideal for many productions, such as magazines, magazines, catalogs, and larger merchandise.

Advantages:

· Higher Image: Offset printing produces sharper, cleaner images with more accurate colors, making it ideal for jobs that require higher quality print work.

· Cost effective for large volumes: Although the initial process is more expensive than digital printing, offset is more expensive when printing in large quantities.

· Consistency: Offset printing provides consistent results throughout printing, ensuring that each print is perfect.

3. Screen Printing: Robust and versatile

Screen printing, also known as silk screening, uses grid stencils to ink various surfaces. The process is particularly popular for printing products such as t-shirts, mugs and promotional materials, as it produces vibrant and long-lasting colors.

Application: This process is widely used for creating custom clothes, clothing, signs and even posters.

Advantages:

· Durability: Screen printing is extremely durable, making it ideal for products that require durability.

· Versatility: Works with a variety of materials including fabrics, plastics and metals.

· Bold colors: Screen printing is known for producing vivid and opaque colors, making it popular for more visual images.

However, like offset printing, screen printing can be cost-effective in small volumes due to its setup costs.

4. Flexographic printing: Perfect for packaging

Flexographic printing, commonly referred to as flexo, uses flexible rubber or photopolymer plates to transfer images onto a variety of materials such as plastic, foil, paper, etc. It is most often used in packaging, labels and packaging.

Application: Flexo printing is commonly used to print labels, flexible packaging, boxes, and other packaging.

Advantages:

· Faster and more efficient: Flexographic printing offers faster production speeds, making it ideal for larger orders.

· Extensive alignment: This technique can print on virtually any substrate, including porous materials such as plastic and metal objects.

· Production efficiency: Flexographic printing can produce high-quality, consistent results, especially with larger print sizes.

5. Gravure Printing: High-volume gravure printing

In gravure printing, or rotogravure, the image is engraved onto a cylinder, which is then applied to the print. High-resolution images and continuous tone images are often printed with this technique.

Application: Gravure printing is widely used for printing packaging, magazines, catalogs and wallpaper.

Advantages:

· High Quality: Graver produces beautiful images with beautiful details and rich colors.

· Ideal for long-term printing: Although setup costs are high, gravure is cost-effective for very large runs, making it perfect for mass-market printing.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Printing Method

The type of printing method you choose depends largely on the needs of your project, including volume, budget, and desired output. If you’re looking for quick, smooth printing with a fast turnaround time, digital printing could be the right fit. Offset printing or gravure printing can provide consistent results for high quality, intense production. For special applications such as custom garments or packaging, screen printing and flexographic printing stand out as excellent options.

If you want to get high-quality printing services, it is important to choose someone who is skilled in the specific technique that best suits your project. Whether you print a few brochures or thousands of labels, the right printing techniques ensure that your content looks professional and effectively communicates your message.

[hommiesweet]

How to Choose the Right Grout for Mosaic Floor Tiles

Mosaic floor tiles are a stunning and timeless choice for adding visual interest and character to any space. However, the grout you choose can make or break the overall aesthetic and longevity of your mosaic tiled floor. Grout not only fills the spaces between the tiles but also plays a crucial role in protecting the tiles from moisture, dirt, and wear.

In this article, we'll guide you through the process of selecting the right grout for your mosaic floor tiles, ensuring a beautiful and long-lasting installation.

1. Understanding Grout Types

Before diving into the selection process, it's essential to understand the different types of grout available on the market. The two main categories are cementitious grout and epoxy grout.

Cementitious Grout: This traditional grout is made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water. It's widely available, affordable, and suitable for most residential applications. However, it's prone to cracking, shrinking, and discoloration over time.

Epoxy Grout: As the name suggests, epoxy grout is a resin-based product that offers superior durability, stain resistance, and color consistency. It's more expensive than cementitious grout but is highly recommended for high-traffic areas, wet environments, and applications where a seamless, uniform appearance is desired.

2. Considering Grout Color

The color of the grout can greatly impact the overall appearance of your mosaic floor tiles. When selecting a grout color, consider the following factors:

Tile Color: Choose a grout color that complements or contrasts with the tiles, depending on your desired aesthetic. Lighter grout colors can make the tiles appear more prominent, while darker shades can create a smoother, more uniform look.

Space Size: In smaller spaces, lighter grout colors can help create the illusion of a larger area, while darker shades may make the space feel cramped.

Maintenance: Lighter grout colors tend to show dirt and stains more easily, requiring more frequent cleaning. Darker grout colors can better hide imperfections but may also highlight uneven tile surfaces.

3. Evaluating Grout Performance

Beyond aesthetics, it's crucial to consider the performance requirements of the grout for your mosaic floor tiles. Here are some key factors to consider:

Stain Resistance: High-traffic areas, kitchens, and bathrooms require grout with excellent stain resistance to prevent discoloration from spills and moisture.

Flexibility: If your mosaic floor tiles are installed over a surface with potential movement, such as a concrete slab, choose a flexible grout that can accommodate slight expansions and contractions without cracking.

Chemical Resistance: For areas exposed to harsh chemicals, like pool surrounds or commercial kitchens, choose a grout that can withstand chemical exposure without degradation.

4. Installation and Maintenance Considerations

When selecting grout for your mosaic floor tiles, consider the installation process and long-term maintenance requirements:

Ease of Application: Some grouts may be more challenging to work with than others, especially in intricate mosaic patterns. Consult with professional tile installers or refer to manufacturer guidelines for application tips.

Curing Time: Different grout types have varying curing times, which can impact the overall project timeline. Plan accordingly to avoid disruptions.

Maintenance: Evaluate the cleaning and maintenance requirements for each grout type. Epoxy grouts, for example, may require specialized cleaners and techniques to maintain their appearance.

By carefully considering these factors and consulting with professionals, you can ensure that you select the grout that not only complements the beauty of your mosaic floor tiles but also provides long-lasting protection and performance. Remember, the right grout can elevate the overall aesthetic and functionality of your mosaic tiled space, making it a worthwhile investment.

[ritikagupta16]

Why You Should Choose Wooden Flooring?

When it comes to beautifying home decor, nothing compares to the timeless elegance of wooden flooring. Apart from the respectable look, choosing a wooden floor brings benefits to homeowners and decorators’ preferences which makes it a preferred choice. As a type of flooring system, wooden flooring enhances the warmth and quality of the environment in any space where it is installed. Oak or Mahogany which has a more traditional appeal, wooden floors can be used across a wide range of interior designs and décor options from country to modern minimalism and also Caring for wooden floor is quite easy. Dusting with the broom or vacuuming to get rid of dirt and spots, combined with occasional wet wiping with the appropriate cleaner for wooden floor types suffice to maintain their clean condition. Carpets pose a disadvantage of harboring allergens that are difficult to clean due to their texture while wooden floors provide a cleaner and healthier surface for an individual with allergies.

Let me also clarify that, believing that wooden flooring is purely aesthetic in nature is a misconception of sorts — it is actually one of the best money investments people can make. There is need to embrace hardwood floor since they are valued through out they increase property resale value majorly because of their durability, timeless elegance and perceived quality. It is therefore possible to specifying wooden flooring to add value and marketability to your premises. Selecting hardwood flooring offers the advantage of great durability whereby premium quality hardwood floors are capable of enduring day to day use with slight need for any kind of maintenance. Wood flooring on the other hand, may provide additional years of service after several years of use depending on how the floor is cared for; it means that wooden floors do a lot to the environment and cost a lot less money in the long run than carpeting or linoleum do. Therefore, opting for wooden flooring is not a frivolous decision made based on the desire to make the home look more elegant; instead, it is an informed decision based on the need to make a prudent investment that will benefit a homeowner in the long run. In any situation whether one decides to carry out a renovation project or create a new environment, it is worth noting that wooden flooring is a long-lasting and versatile product that guarantees a comfortable and bright space. If you are searching for wooden flooring, then look no further Vista Fashions. Vista offers a diverse range of wooden flooring options, each designed to cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you prefer the vintage charm of aged wood, the modern flair of chevron patterns, or the classic elegance of traditional designs, Vista has the perfect flooring solution for you. As a leading wooden flooring supplier, Vista combines premium materials with expert craftsmanship to provide floors that not only look stunning but also stand the test of time. Enhance your home decor with Vista’s luxurious wooden flooring and experience the difference that quality makes. To learn more about choosing a style of wooden flooring ideal for your home, or store, visit Vista Fashions today.

[might-be-a-lynx]

for the WIPs game, tell us about - this will be a shocker from me, I know -

Nedd/Cobb Nedd/Cobb!!!!!! either the 2 or the 3 or both, whatever you like 👀

Alright, I'll give you a little of both. Nedd/Cobb (cw: age difference, rank difference) and very minor potential cytoverse spoilers under the cut:

Nedd/Cobb 2

Context: Cobb and Nedd have a week of leave at the same time and Nedd is spending it with Cobb at his residence in the lower caverns that Cobb only stays in when he's basically forced into leave rotation.

Nedd found Cobb's house number and knocked, feeling nervous.

“It's open!” He heard Cobb yell from inside Nedd walked in and found himself in a modest living room. Nedd closed the door behind him and Cobb snapped, “get your ass in here, we've got shit to do!”

Nedd instantly felt better. Cobb sounded just like, well, Cobb, and that calmed him down. He followed Cobb's voice and found Cobb in his kitchen wearing a civilian jumpsuit. He tossed a rag at Nedd's head.

Nedd caught it.

“Alright, tall boy, I need you to scrub the top shelves of the cabinets. I haven't been here for close to a year now and the place is disgusting.”

Cobb turned back to his task of washing all of his clean dishes, expecting Nedd to do as he was told.

Nedd rolled his eyes affectionately. It was very Cobb. Instead of springing right to his task as he might have done before he'd gotten to know Cobb intimately, he walked up behind the older man and wrapped his arms around him.

Cobb relaxed and turned slightly so that Nedd could kiss the corner of his mouth.

“I was serious about you cleaning the top shelves. I'd rather not need to go up and down the step stool.”

“Didn't say I wouldn't,” Nedd said, giving Cobb another kiss this time on his cheek for good measure.

“Yeah, yeah,” Cobb said brushing Nedd off, but in that pleased way of his where he didn't want to admit to liking the attention. “We still need to pick up groceries and I'm not putting anything I intend to eat on a single surface in here until this room is spotless.”

Nedd snorted but he stepped away and grabbed an all purpose cleaner. Nedd could just barely reach the back of the cupboard without a step stool but decided to use one anyway so he could see what he was doing.

It took a good hour before Cobb was satisfied, and he told Nedd that after a trip to the market, he intended to spend the remainder of the day deep cleaning the rest of the apartment.

Nedd/Cobb 3

“You want to do what?”

“Well it's when the two of us pretend to be-”

“I know what role playing is Nedder! I'm not even opposed to trying it. But what you want to do is stupid and crazy and could get us both caught!”

“Well… I'd be lying if that wasn't part of the appeal…”

Cobb pinched the bridge of his nose. Nedd watched his body language carefully. On the surface Cobb looked irritated, annoyed, frustrated, exasperated, and incredulous. But under that, the way Cobb's weight shifted, his hip cocking as he put all his weight on his good leg (he only did that in casual situations, as he tried to appear more centered in official settings), his tongue wetting his lips, the way the tips of his ears went red, and the careful way he was looking at Nedd from under his lashes while trying to look like he wasn't looking at Nedd from under his lashes…

When Cobb didn't want something he was very obvious about it and there was no changing his mind. When he did want something, Nedd usually had to read between the lines… At least until he got Cobb riled up.

“This is stupid,” Cobb said again, and Nedd knew he had him.

“Is that a yes?” Nedd asked, feeling cheeky.

“Fine. It's a scudding stupid 'yes'.”

[hotcocoaandstripedsweaters]

OC-tober Day 21: Kisser exploring an unfamiliar subculture

Recently, I’ve been working on a Star Wars fic with a higher than usual number of OCs. The fic isn’t posted yet, but I thought I might put a few of these out there.

Under a cut due to length~ I got inspired~

The original post is here by @icannotreadcursive.

Day 1

~+~

The Aquatic District on Coruscant was not a particularly pleasant place. Despite regulations about water quality and the truly cutting edge filtration systems installed throughout its crown of all-water towers, much of the pollution sunk to the lower levels where filtration was expensive and the inhabitants poor. Coming from a predominantly oceanic world, Kisser didn’t know how Coruscant could possibly have restricted its livable waters to a single district. He was pretty sure he wouldn’t like the answers.

“Keep up,” Finley scolded him  on their internal comms, pulling Kisser’s attention away from the fact that he could barely see the people around him, let alone the buildings they were swimming between. 

The bastard was keeping a SCUBA trooper’s pace, though, so Kisser snipped, “I haven’t been in a suit since Kamino, jackass.”

“Weak,” Finley teased, but he did slow down. “We’re nearly there.”

“Thank fuck for that.”

“Aw, don’t be like that,” Finley laughed, “They have these snail-sucker critters that they keep around the market, so the water quality’s a lot better. Might even be cleaner than the air at the one near the Temple!”

What Finley didn’t bother to mention was the waterlock that separated the market from the street–Kisser would bet that helped as much as the filter-feeders.

When the water around them had been fully cycled, the doors opened to reveal a brightly lit space both like and unlike any market Kisser had seen. It was lit from every direction with colorful bioluminescence–Kisser couldn’t tell if it was painted on or cultivated or both–and stalls were arranged according to the hollows in a massive column of coral stretching vertically in both directions. The deeper levels decreased in brightness, while the ones above seemed to have something simulating sunlight in the furthest heights–barely detectable from their current depth. Plants and filter-feeders littered every surface not dedicated to commerce, ranging wildly in size and shape. The cacophony of colors substituted for the noise Kisser usually associated with markets, as most vendors and patrons were using various dialects of Republic Basic Sign. 

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Finley said wistfully. “If the war ends for me, I want to get a place nearby so I can come here every day.”

Kisser simply nodded, still poleaxed by the unfamiliar beauty.

Finley quickly decided that was enough “gawking like tourists” and led Kisser through the market. They were technically there on assignment–an errand for Finley’s General, Fisto–but really it was a thinly veiled excuse to get them both out of their own heads. No use wasting shore leave thinking about their losses; they said Remembrances for that. It was an excellent distraction, and Kisser didn’t mind coming off like an idiot tourist. He was one, really.

One of the more doodads-and-trinkets style shops caught Kisser’s attention, so he swam over to it. When the shopkeeper paid him no particular mind–Finley had warned him to just leave any shop that seemed even a little hostile–he perused the half-flan bin. It was mostly a collection of flawed items: carved beads and clasps that weren’t quite up to standard, woven bracelets clearly done by a still-learning apprentice or a faulty machine, and a variety of other decorative bits and bobs.

He picked up one of the beads–a malformed little fish with luminescent stripes.

The shopkeeper came over and waved to catch his eye. “It won’t glow,” they told him. They were a slim Nautolan, reedy and animated.

“Sorry, again?” he asked, a half-step behind as he adjusted to using RBS in his suit.

They pointed up, then said, “In air, the paint can’t glow. It only glows when there’s enough water.”

“Got it, thank you,” he said, not putting the bead down just yet. “Are they all like that?”

The shopkeeper considered that for a moment, then answered by pulling out some iridescent pieces. “These are shinier when wet, but they’re still pretty dry. If I were making them for air, there’s a varnish I’d use to get the same effect.”

They chatted about materials for a while, until Finley appeared next to Kisser.

“I see you met Portia,” he signed happily. On comms, he said, “I thought you got lost. Glad you’re okay.”

“Sorry, I got distracted,” Kisser spoke, even as he signed, “They were telling me about shell inlays.”

“No worries, trouble’s not subtle around here,” Finley assured him. Outwardly, he said, “Oh, they’ll go on all day if you let them.”

“You let me,” Portia said playfully.

“I have a crush on you,” Finley replied, completely blasé.

Kisser blushed, but Portia grinned toothily and said, “Careful what you wish, little fish.”

Before they left, Kisser bought the bead for Finley.

~+~

Day 22

[3rseo]

SEO Optimised Content in your Blog attracts more clients!

In the dynamic realm of digital information, the power of well-crafted content is unparalleled. At 3R SEO & Marketing, we take pride in not just creating content, but in crafting meaningful narratives that resonate with audiences and drive SEO success. Today, we’re thrilled to showcase ten exemplary blog entries that we’ve meticulously penned on behalf of our clients as part of our commitment to their SEO growth journey.

Discover the power of SEO-optimized content with 3R SEO & Marketing! Dive into our portfolio of ten exceptional blog entries from August 2023, meticulously crafted to enhance our clients’ SEO success.

Explore diverse topics, from relationship guidance to property assessments, fire safety to home extensions. Each blog showcases our commitment to creating informative and engaging content that resonates with your audience.

1. Access Counselling

Here is the insightful blog authored for Access Counselling, a beacon of guidance in relationship nurturing. Our collaborative effort has resulted in a blog that offers invaluable insights into selecting the right pre-marriage course in Dublin. This piece delves deep into the significance of aligning courses with couples’ needs and values, underlining keywords like “pre-marriage courses Dublin” and “choose the right pre-marriage course.” As readers explore this blog, they’re invited to explore the world of healthy relationships and successful marriages through the lens of Access Counselling’s expertise.

2. New Home Surveys

Read this blog we’ve created for New Home Surveys, a dedicated authority in property assessments. This blog distinguishes between the terms “snagging checklist” and “snag list” within the context of new home inspections. In a comprehensive exploration, we shed light on the nuanced meanings and usages of these terms, emphasizing keywords like “snagging checklist,” “snag list,” and “new home inspections.” As readers delve into this blog, they gain clarity about crucial aspects of property assessment, all while appreciating the depth of knowledge that New Home Surveys brings to the table.

3. Diamond Shine Cleaners

Here we share five key tips for achieving a high standard of cleanliness in a Dublin office. These suggestions include selecting appropriate cleaning products, using them correctly on different surfaces, and implementing effective cleaning methods like dusting before vacuuming and adopting a top-to-bottom approach. The importance of maintaining a regular cleaning routine and paying attention to details, including frequently touched areas and commonly used office equipment, is also emphasized. The benefits of professional cleaning services are highlighted, particularly their role in fostering a positive work environment. The article also promotes the use of eco-friendly cleaning products and the preventative and health-boosting benefits of regular cleaning.

4. ePower

The blog post for ePower discusses the growing electric vehicle (EV) market and the need for EV chargers at service stations. It notes that these locations are ideal for chargers due to their accessibility. Fast-charging options, which can charge most EVs in under 30 minutes, are highlighted as crucial. The post concludes that installing EV chargers at service stations is key to supporting the shift towards electric mobility.

5. Flame Stop

The blog article for Flame Stop Ltd. underscores the criticality of fire safety in data centres in Ireland, extending beyond merely cybersecurity. The piece highlights three main facets of fire safety: Mitigation, Detection, and Suppression. It recommends the use of fire-resistant materials in construction and insulation, strict housekeeping measures, and frequent equipment maintenance checks. It stresses the value of early detection systems and swift suppression systems. Prevention is key, with careful management of combustible materials and strict housekeeping emphasized. Regular upkeep of electrical and mechanical equipment and thorough fire safety training for all staff is also advised. The article concludes that comprehensive fire protection provides data centres with financial security, data integrity, a good reputation, legal compliance, and peace of mind.

6. Greenoak Construction

Greenoak Construction’s blog post emphasizes the benefits of house extensions in Dublin and tips for a successful project. They highlight their commitment to quality workmanship, ensuring that extensions not only add value but also blend seamlessly with existing structures. Their process is designed to be stress-free, with dedicated project managers handling everything from initial consultation to construction. Greenoak Construction also uses energy-efficient construction solutions to promote sustainable living and reduce energy bills. They recommend clients to clarify their purpose for the extension, set a realistic budget, think long-term, and choose a reliable partner like themselves for the project. The company prides itself on client satisfaction and comprehensive solutions, aiming to transform homes into spaces that resonate with clients’ lifestyle and aspirations.

7. Kildare Tarmac & Asphalt

The blog post “Crafting Stunning Pathways: 7 Tips for Idyllic Rural House Walkways” on Kildare Tarmac & Asphalt’s website provides valuable advice on creating beautiful walkways for rural homes in Ireland. It emphasizes the importance of thoughtful design, use of quality materials like natural stone or concrete pavers, and harmony with nature. The blog suggests optimal pathway placement to enhance scenery, aesthetic night-time lighting, and attention to kerb details for an overall stunning look. Customization is encouraged to reflect personal style and resonate with the property’s theme. Kildare Tarmac & Asphalt, serving Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Westmeath, Wexford, Wicklow, and Louth, offer expert Paths & Kerb Laying services, guiding clients through the creative process. The blog concludes with testimonials praising their services and contact information for a free estimate.

8. New Style Driveways

The blog post on New Style Driveways discusses how to design an easy-to-maintain tarmacadam driveway. It emphasizes the importance of careful planning, which includes assessing personal needs and preferences, and considering the size of the driveway. New Style Driveways is a local Dublin business experienced in managing projects of various sizes, specializing in tarmac, asphalt, paving, and concrete. The company also provides quality driveways, patio installations, decking, and fencing. The article mentions that with proper care and regular maintenance, the lifespan of a tarmac driveway can be substantially extended beyond the average range. Furthermore, the company offers a no-maintenance tarmac driveway option, which is completed with a silver granite cobble border. The post concludes by encouraging potential customers to get in contact for a free consultation.

9. National Training Centre

The blog post on the National Training Centre (NTC) website outlines the cost and other details of obtaining a Pilates Instructor Certification in Dublin. It highlights the fact that becoming a certified Pilates instructor can be a rewarding career path, but also emphasizes that it requires a significant investment of both time and money. The total cost for the certification program is €2,750, which includes the course fee, examination fee, and course materials. This comprehensive course covers in-depth theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies required to teach Pilates effectively. It also provides students with a nationally and internationally recognized qualification. The post concludes by stating that the cost of the certification is justified by the quality of the training and the potential income opportunities it presents.

10. Universal Hair Clinic

The blog post on Universal Hair Clinic’s website emphasizes the importance of consulting a trichologist for hair loss treatment in Dublin. It notes that generic advice and over-the-counter products often fail to provide satisfactory results, as they don’t account for individual factors like genetics, nutrition, and underlying health conditions. The post warns against relying solely on online recommendations, which may lack scientific validation and be influenced by commercial interests. Trichologists, as professionals specializing in hair and scalp issues, offer accurate diagnoses and personalized treatments. They provide guidance on proper hair care practices, nutritional advice for hair health, stress management techniques, and can diagnose various hair and scalp conditions. The post recommends researching and reading reviews when choosing a trichologist, considering their qualifications and experience. It concludes by asserting that hair loss should be treated with the same seriousness as any other health issue and highlights the services of Universal Hair Clinic in Dublin for expert trichologist consultations.

These blog entries stand as a testament to our commitment to creating informative, engaging, and SEO-optimized content that bolsters our clients’ digital presence. As you immerse yourself in these insightful pieces, we invite you to explore the worlds of our clients. Let these blogs serve as a reminder of our dedication to enhancing SEO-driven content creation, paving the way for our clients’ success in the digital landscape.

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Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your digital presence and attract more clients. Contact us today to embark on your SEO growth journey with 3R SEO Consulting!

[proofingwatersg]

Mastering Epoxy Floor Waterproofing: Essential Tips and Tricks

Epoxy flooring is a popular flooring option for both residential and industrial areas. It is durable, easy to clean, and offers a sleek, modern look. However, one of the biggest concerns is its susceptibility to water damage. This is where floor waterproofing singapore comes into play. In this article, we'll discuss essential tips and tricks for mastering floor waterproofing.

Understand the Importance 

Before we dive into tips and tricks, it's important to understand why floor waterproofing is so essential. floors are not naturally waterproof and can suffer from damage due to water exposure. Water damage can lead to bubbling, peeling, and even cracking of the flooring. This can result in costly repairs and replacements. You can protect them from water damage, extend their lifespan, and save money in the long run.

Choose the Right Waterproofing Product

Choosing the right waterproofing product is crucial for effective floor waterproofing. There are many options available in the market, but not all products are created equal. It's important to choose a high-quality product that is specifically designed for floors. Look for a product that is easy to apply, dries quickly, and offers long-lasting protection against water damage.

Prepare the Surface

Proper surface preparation is key to successful floor waterproofing. Before applying any waterproofing product, make sure the surface is clean and free of any dirt, oil, or debris. Use a degreaser to remove any oil or grease stains, and then thoroughly clean the surface with a pressure washer or a scrub brush. Once the surface is clean, allow it to dry completely before applying any waterproofing product.

Apply the Waterproofing Product

When applying the waterproofing specialist product, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Use a roller or a brush to apply the product evenly over the entire surface. Be sure to apply a sufficient amount of the product to ensure complete coverage. Once the product has been applied, allow it to dry completely before walking on the surface or applying any additional coats.

Maintain Your Epoxy Floors

Proper maintenance is key to preserving the waterproofing of your floors. Regularly clean your floors using a mild detergent and a soft-bristled brush or mop. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools that could damage the waterproofing layer. If you notice any damage or wear on your  floors, address it immediately to prevent further water damage.

Consider Adding a Sealant

In addition to using a waterproofing product, you may also want to consider adding a sealant to your floors. A sealant can provide an extra layer of protection against water damage and can help to enhance the durability and lifespan of your floors.

Use a Moisture Meter

Before applying any waterproofing product, it's important to check the moisture levels of your concrete or substrate. Use a moisture meter to ensure that the surface is dry and free of any moisture. Applying a waterproofing product to a surface that is not completely dry can result in ineffective waterproofing and may even cause more damage.

Conclusion

epoxy floor waterproofing services is a crucial step in protecting your floors from water damage and extending their lifespan. By choosing the right waterproofing product, properly preparing the surface, and maintaining your floors, you can master floor waterproofing and enjoy the benefits of a long-lasting, waterproof flooring option.