#asphalt paving process

[asphalt-paving-pro]

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Asphalt Pavement Installation

Asphalt pavement installation is an essential investment for any kind of property, be it an industrial complex, a commercial parking lot, or a residential driveway. A well-executed installation guarantees longevity, use, and visual appeal. Nonetheless, a lot of contractors and property owners make mistakes that can lower the pavement's durability and quality. In the long term, you can save time and money by being aware of these typical traps and avoiding them.

1. Skipping the Site Preparation

Inadequate site preparation is one of the biggest errors made during the asphalt paving process. In order to guarantee a strong foundation, planning is essential. This includes removing any debris from the area, making sure that drainage is adequate, and grading the ground to avoid water buildup. Inadequate site preparation can result in uneven pavement, cracking, and early asphalt breakdown.

Tip: Prior to starting the asphalt paving process, make sure the location is properly ready. This includes clearing up outdated pavement, leveling the ground, and taking care of any drainage problems.

2. Using Poor-Quality Materials

The final outcome can be significantly impacted by the quality of the materials used in the asphalt paving process. Potholes, early cracking, and a shorter lifespan might result from using an inferior asphalt mixture or material. Make sure you always utilize products of the highest caliber and that they come from reliable sources.

Tip: Check the materials' quality before using them. Purchasing premium materials and asphalt will result in a pavement that lasts longer.

3. Inadequate Compaction

Adequate compaction is necessary to create an asphalt surface that lasts. An unstable surface that is prone to distortion and breaking might result from inadequate compaction. To guarantee that the asphalt is compacted to the proper density, the compaction process needs to be closely watched.

Tip: To attain the best density, use the proper compaction tools and methods. This contributes to the creation of a sturdy, durable surface that can tolerate environmental factors and traffic volumes.

4. Ignoring Temperature and Weather Conditions

The weather and temperature have a significant impact on the asphalt paving process. A certain temperature range must be maintained during asphalt installation in order to guarantee adequate compaction and bonding. When asphalt is installed in cold or wet weather, the surface may be of worse quality and more prone to deterioration.

Tip: Schedule your asphalt paving project for a time when the weather is favorable and keep an eye on the temperature to make sure it's within the acceptable range for installation.

5. Improper Drainage Design

The lifespan of asphalt pavement is highly dependent on effective drainage. Water pooling brought on by poor drainage can erode asphalt and produce cracks and deterioration. To keep water off the paved surface, a suitable drainage system must be designed and put into place.

Tip: To avoid water damage and prolong the life of your pavement, incorporate appropriate drainage solutions, such as sloped surfaces, catch basins, and drainage pipes, into your asphalt paving process.

6. Neglecting Regular Maintenance

Ignoring routine maintenance after an asphalt paving process goes well can still result in issues later on. Regular upkeep helps shield the pavement from harm and increases its longevity. Examples of this type of maintenance include crack sealing and sealcoating.

Tip: A regular maintenance routine will help you keep your asphalt pavement in top condition and handle problems quickly.

7. Overloading the Surface Prematurely

It takes time for asphalt to cure and become fully strong. It is possible to distort and harm the surface if large trucks or equipment are placed too soon after installation. It's crucial to give the asphalt time to cure completely before applying heavy loads to it.

Tip: As advised by your contractor, wait until the freshly laid surface has completely dried before putting in a lot of traffic.

Conclusion

You can guarantee a successful asphalt paving operation that produces a strong and long-lasting surface by avoiding these typical blunders. You may obtain a surface that fulfills your needs and endures over time by properly preparing the site, utilizing high-quality materials, and following best practices throughout installation. Your asphalt pavement will work dependably and raise the value of your home with adequate design and attention to detail.

[applesontheground]

quiet coyote ⛓️

CHAPTER ONE take me far from here | AO3

hey, joy ride fans. pspspsps. so, like any other big scary slasher that’s Like This, i immediately developed a crush. one could even say it hit me like a truck (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-4-gLlF0uw). so, i’m writing about it. rather, i’m planning an entire multi-chapter thing about it and about him... and i’m making it extremely self-indulgent while on the way. this is a bit of a “for myself” project, but you guys are more than welcome to read, too! ♡

SFW | Word Count: 2,367 | Rusty Nail x Female Reader

contains canon typical/incoming cringe 2000s protagonists, dk if this needs a warning but casual misogyny + slut shaming is brought up quite a bit!

➡ continued in for making me feel like i’m guilty

🎼: x

Dawn on a motel, the dirt not kicked up and the mirages still fast asleep in the sand. Without neighbors for miles, the evenings were mostly silent lest a group travel through late in the night, coming to an oasis of air conditioning and leg room for a reprieve before heading back out to where they needed to be.

“Why are we out here again?” A boy asked, squinting up at the Sun. “Buttfuck, Nevada… Desert on one side of the road, brothels and shitty motels on the other.” He gestured to the small stop they had stayed, now in the process of being put behind him in the poorly paved parking lot. “What a cool place to spend the one break we get before finals season comes and fucks us over.”

The other guy scoffed, almost offended but still waking up and unable to commit to a strong emotion. “I told you why we were out here. Vegas is like, forty minutes away.”

“No it isn’t,” From the other side of the car, one of the girls in his group shouted over the hood of their car, looking down at a map in her hands. “It’s more like four hours, dipshit. Stop trying to talk us into it.”

Standing with her was another girl, one who was bothered with a hangnail on her hand. The third one was crouched low to the asphalt, watching a beetle to pass the time as they finished checking out, also too groggy to engage with the world just yet.

“Earth to [Y/N], come on. Don’t tell me you were watching a fucking bug while I was giving the directions.”

Looking up, you were taken from your trance by the insect making its way under your car. You sighed as you stood, twinging your expression at one of the guys who had teased and asked, “Well, what else did you want me doing? We were waiting for you guys to go return the room keys and stop talking about Vegas.”

“He wants to go to Vegas,” Natalie muttered under her breath from where she had been fixed to the map. Heather stopped picking at her hand and muttered, “Yeah, no way in Hell I’m sitting in the car for that trip.”

You nodded briefly and shrugged, “I’m sorry the getaway’s been kind of a bust. Sucks when it’s all we got in the Southwest that isn’t balls hot or Mormon country.”

“I’d take Mormon country over sharing the hotel room with these two,” Heather added, making both you and Natalie hide smiles and halfhearted snickers. She then saw Mel approach sheepishly, giving her a look of disbelief.

She scoffed at him, leaning in to meet his lips. “Fine, sharing with Dean. You’re alright.” He sighed in relief to her, genuine in tone, “Great, I’m good with being alright.” He was hugging her around the waist as she hummed another laugh.

As the Sun stopped gracing the yellow hills on the horizon, taking to the sky for another blistering day in the state, you finally did enough soaking in it to start helping throw everyone’s luggage back into the car for another trek, half in the direction of home and half in the direction of wherever looked fascinating.

“Want to find that Clown Museum,” Mel, the other guy that was along for the ride, said to you as he helped you shove a suitcase against the aged carpet in your car’s trunk, “Think it’s closer than anything else worth the time.”

“Nah, son.” Dean then piped up from where he had been tunneled into the backseat, shaking his head at him, “We aren’t fucking with that demon shit.”

“Vegas, the blow and hookers capital of the world, is in Dean’s safe square, “ Mel retorted, standing straighter and shaking his head, “But the supernatural’s where the line is drawn?”

“Ghosts don’t suck my dick.” Dean joked, sure to smack the guy on the back of the head as he walked back towards the hotel room. “I don’t blame them,” You grumbled to yourself, making Mel break into his own laughter and Dean to call back, “What was that, [Y/N]?”

“Don’t worry about it.” You ended the conversation before it even had legs to stand on, giving one more look over the contents of the trunk before slamming its door down on top.

“Hey, why’d you close up?” Dean smacked his hand on the trunk, giving you a befuddled frown from behind square-shaped sunglasses, “There was room for another bag in there.”

“It can sit in the backseat,” Natalie groaned, “Come on, dude. I want to get out of here. It’s [Y/N]’s car, anyways. Maybe we should trust her judgement when she says enough is enough.” You gave her a thoughtful glance as Dean made a jerk-off motion but instead headed for the backseat with the last backpack.

“Where’d you get this, anyways?” Heather asked, “It looks like a classic, nothing like the clunkers that putt around campus.” You turned, admiring the smooth navy blue paint under where you were leaning against the passenger door, “Hand-me-down from an uncle. He heard I was looking for a decent car when leaving for college, so we made some shit happen and sold it to me…partially under the promise that I take care of it, of course.” You crossed your arms, smiling as Natalie complimented, “It’s one of the cleanest cars I’ve ever gotten in with classmates, that’s for sure.”

“I hold myself to my word,” You commented, peeling off when you heard the horn suddenly honk, shattering the pristine silence of the badlands surrounding you and your classmates. Seeing those shades in the windshield, you snapped your fingers and pointed at Dean.

“Aht!” You barked at him, “Out of the front seat, asshole. I told you I’m the only one driving this car.”

“Nice honkers,” He pointed to the wheel while getting out, making Natalie jeer at him as he snickered, “Should let me take it for a spin some time.” He wasn’t even worth the insults, merely rolling your eyes before ushering him out of the way of the open door to the driver’s seat and putting your own sunglasses on.

~

“All I’m saying, [Y/N], is that you should really be more focused on Spring breaking.”

You gave Dean a disinterested glance from the rearview, hands mutely flexing on the wheel in reply. It was all he was getting out of you.

“Oh yeah, enjoy the break in the middle of-“Natalie threw a hand to the windshield, presenting the empty landscape bowled in by orange mountains. You found it rather peaceful, something scenic enough for your taste to appreciate with a flick of your eyebrows, but Mel scoffed in agreement. “Fair, I kind of wish I brought a book or something now.”

“I’m telling you guys; Vegas is our oasis from this honky tonk.” Dean insisted, and Heather groaned, “Not this whole deal again.”

“Hear him out, maybe we can watch him get drunk and catch Syphilis.” Natalie sneered, and you held your breath with straight lips as Dean blew up, “Oh, fuck off, Nat. If anyone knows about STD’s, it’d be the one who blew half the baseball team.” She gave him a ghastly glare from the passenger seat, manicured nails combing the worn leather behind her shoulder.

“Is there something wrong with that?” You asked, and Dean gawked in a mockery at you. “Uhh, maybe. She’s a fucking slut for anyone on campus, sounds pretty wrong to me.”

Mel and Heather sat further back in their seats as Natalie retorted, “Yeah, no. I might like to sleep with athletes, but I don’t take that shit from someone like you.” She turned back around with a sassy thump against the back of her seat, “You and your stupid radio show that feeds off school drama like vultures.”

“The TMZ of college reporting,” You mumbled under your breath, and Dean belted out, “Oh, boo hoo! I still get more clicks than your articles, Walter Schlong-kite. Because all you want to write about is…Oh man, I wish I knew!”

He hung his wrist off the side of your seat, making your entire body press closer to the car door as he asked practically in your ear, “What is this groundbreaking story you’re choosing over hanging out with your friends, anyways?” You wrinkled your nose at him, but slowly replied, “It’s about truck driving.”

Silence overtook you again as he started laughing, giving him one more wary glower through the mirror when he slapped the roof of the car in his charades. Luckily, the turn leading into the lunch stop you were all thinking on was coming up, so you just let it go and turned off the long trail.

You had maybe sat for ten minutes before wanting to get up and get some interviews. You were coyly eyeing the crowd, finding the types that you felt may fit the bill for what you wanted to share in your article. Their conversations, the second they touched the side of a Peterbilt or a Lowboy, made you zero in. It wasn’t a lie: you were doing a story about the truck driving industry. The desert wasn’t a total bust, considering it fell into a good route between big cities. You sometimes had to cross it to and from California, Vegas was right there, and opportunities of the sort.

Still, it wasn’t great company despite keeping an open mind. You knew your friends were all watching in bemusement as you hopped from booth to booth, even coasting the diner’s counter with your notebook in hand and eyes alight. “Hi, I’m a student reporter wanting to get the perspectives from truck drivers. Would you care to give an interview?” The interest wasn’t exactly brimming, let alone willing to shell their two cents. Even the guys you did speak with weren’t much for good quotes. Still, you kept the polite smile on your face, and scribbled down whatever you could for good measure.

“You know, if you weren’t a girl, you would’ve gotten smacked by a few of those guys.” Mel teased as you retreated to the booth, seeing the soda you had ordered sweating harder than you were while running around a diner in midday heat. Sliding back into your seat, you replied, “Why would you say that, Mel?” He seemed lost, and you clarified, “Why do you think these guys are all rough and tumble, that they’d kick the shit out of anyone who looks at them twice?”

He stammered, and Heather put her hand on the top of his and sighed, “[Y/N], you know that we’re just kidding.” You hummed, and still went on, “Well, that’s honestly why I’m writing this. The job’s not all fighting, anger…gross sex in restrooms. Don’t think I’ll be going there unless I have to, though.” Dean snorted, and you once again corrected, “Jesus Christ, I mean I’m not going there in my article. I’m not that interested in the story.”

“It’d be a good one that’d actually get an audience, though,” Dean’s hands fanned up as he swooned, “Truck Stop Restrooms: Just How Many Glory Holes Does It Take?” Natalie covered her mouth, but you rolled your eyes and groaned, “Very classy. You should take that idea for your work, Dean.”

“I think you should be here to have fun over anything else, [Y/N].” Mel suggested, and you gave him a level stare, “Really, you’re not even started on this story and you’re already acting like you’re handcuffed to it.”

“It’s an important idea. I mean, you heard yourself.” You gestured at him, “This sorta job keeps shelves stocked, and all you got to ask about it is which stall I’m going to get blown in, or who’s shanking me afterwards.” Dean scoffed again, “What, like driving in a straight line for nine hours a day is hard? I’d want to kill someone, too.”

You turned to him, finally giving him that sweet reaction in the form of a face to face answer, almost brushing noses with him. “You really think it’s easy?” You looked out the window, seeing a line of parked vehicles almost taller than the building itself as you murmured, “Look at how big their trucks are…How heavy they must be, all that?”

“Well, to you, maybe. You know women and driving don’t mix.” Dean commented. You whipped around, giving him a disgusted sneer before Heather piped up, “Oh, are you really playing that card?”

“What did you expect from the guy who thinks going to Vegas is any indication of getting laid?” Natalie added, throwing a sugar packet at him. You once again swallowed the venom in your mouth, turning to the window again while Mel also sat back, getting a strawful of water and avoiding eye contact with any of the girls at the table.

Smart guy, you mused to yourself.

The rest of lunch went without a hitch, you paid, then walked back out to your car. You took advantage of a couple men eyeing your car as you walked out to speak with them, chat up your vehicle while also getting some interest in your story. Lucky for you, they were both drivers. Heather and Mel did a good job of keeping Dean’s mouth shut, pushing him into the car while you talked on the outside.

One of the men even asked for your info, and you shared the website that your school let you publish on graciously. “Very nice,” He commented, “I’ll be keepin’ an eye out for it, little lady.” Beaming, you replied, “Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciated your perspectives.”

“Look at that, you got some story after all.” Natalie grinned as you got into the car, setting your notebook down at her feet and nodding. “Yep, they knew I had some interest in truck driving.”

“Why? How’d they know? From your car?” Mel asked. You sat back upright in your seat, elbow brushing the cord of the speaking device to a HAM radio that was fastened on the front panel of the car.

You shrugged, and hummed, “Must’ve heard me in the diner, I guess.”

[atlurbanist]

Development of Atlanta's Gulch is very exciting but one thing I hope we're being mindful of in the process: this spot is part of the watershed for Proctor Creek. I don't think that gets enough attention.

Stormwater runoff sends pollution from petroleum residue (all parking lots have that) into the creek, complicating longstanding efforts to clean up the water. This has undoubtedly been a problem in the past given the amount of asphalt that has existed in and around the Gulch for decades.

According to the Proctor Creek Watershed Improvement plan from the Atlanta Regional Commission, parking facilities and paved roads contribute "a large amount of runoff to the Proctor Creek impaired stream segment. Anything deposited on these impervious surfaces may enter the creek via the stormwater system."

A stormwater plan is likely required for the Gulch development as it is for all big construction projects. I'd love to see more than the base requirements filled here, though. Go 110 percent and make this a particularly excellent example of sustainable growth.

BTW if you haven't visited the Proctor Creek Greenway near Bank head MARTA Station yet (second image), I highly recommend doing so. It's lovely.

[verooutdoorliving]

Transform Your Outdoor Space with Sebastian Pavers in Vero Beach

Transform Your Outdoor Space with Sebastian Pavers in Vero Beach

Vero Beach, a picturesque coastal city in Florida, is known for its beautiful beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant outdoor living culture. For homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces, Sebastian Pavers offers a perfect solution to create stylish, durable, and functional areas. Whether you want to revamp your driveway, patio, walkway, or pool deck, Sebastian Pavers from Vero Outdoor Living can transform your vision into reality. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about Sebastian Pavers, including their benefits, installation process, design ideas, and how they can elevate your outdoor living experience in Vero Beach.

What Are Sebastian Pavers?

Sebastian Pavers are high-quality interlocking paving stones designed to provide both beauty and durability for various outdoor applications. Manufactured with advanced technology and premium materials, these pavers are ideal for creating stunning driveways, patios, walkways, and pool decks that can withstand the test of time and the elements.

Benefits of Sebastian Pavers

Exceptional Durability: Made from high-density concrete or stone, Sebastian Pavers are built to endure heavy traffic, extreme weather conditions, and daily wear and tear. Their robust construction prevents cracking, chipping, and fading, ensuring a long-lasting appearance.

Versatile Design Options: With a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, Sebastian Pavers offer immense design flexibility. You can choose from classic brick patterns, contemporary styles, or natural stone looks to match your home’s aesthetic and personal preferences.

Low Maintenance: Unlike traditional concrete or asphalt, Sebastian Pavers require minimal upkeep. Routine cleaning with a mild detergent and occasional sealing are usually enough to keep them looking pristine.

Eco-Friendly: Many Sebastian Pavers are designed with environmental sustainability in mind. Their permeable nature allows rainwater to drain through, reducing runoff and promoting groundwater recharge.

Enhanced Property Value: Investing in high-quality pavers can significantly increase the curb appeal and value of your property. A well-designed outdoor space creates a welcoming atmosphere and can make your home stand out in the real estate market.

Why Choose Sebastian Pavers for Your Vero Beach Home?

Vero Beach’s unique climate and coastal charm make Sebastian Pavers an ideal choice for enhancing outdoor spaces. Here’s why these pavers are particularly well-suited for this region:

Climate Resilience

Vero Beach experiences a subtropical climate with high humidity, frequent rain, and intense sun exposure. Sebastian Pavers are designed to withstand these conditions, maintaining their appearance and structural integrity despite the harsh weather. Their resistance to moisture and temperature fluctuations ensures a long-lasting and reliable surface for your outdoor areas.

Coastal Aesthetic

The natural beauty of Vero Beach’s coastal environment calls for materials that complement its charm. Sebastian Pavers come in various textures and colors that can mimic natural stone or enhance seaside themes. Whether you prefer a classic look or a modern design, there’s a paver style to match the coastal elegance of your property.

Professional Installation

Local expertise in installing Sebastian Pavers ensures that your project is completed to the highest standards. Vero Beach professionals understand the specific soil conditions, drainage requirements, and design preferences unique to the area. Their knowledge ensures a flawless installation that enhances the performance and appearance of your pavers.

Choosing the Right Sebastian Pavers for Your Project

Selecting the perfect Sebastian Pavers for your outdoor project involves considering various factors to ensure you achieve the best results. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision:

1. Purpose and Function

Determine the primary use of the area you’re paving. Different applications require specific considerations for durability, slip resistance, and aesthetic appeal:

Driveways: Choose thicker, more robust pavers that can handle the weight of vehicles and daily traffic.

Patios: Opt for pavers that balance style and durability, suitable for foot traffic and outdoor elements.

Walkways: Select pavers with slip-resistant surfaces to ensure safety.

Pool Decks: Consider pavers with textured surfaces to prevent slipping and heat absorption.

2. Design and Style

Consider the overall look you want to achieve. Sebastian Pavers offer a range of styles, including traditional brick, modern concrete, and rustic stone. Think about how the pavers will complement your home’s architecture and landscaping.

Traditional: Classic brick or cobblestone patterns create a timeless appeal.

Modern: Sleek, clean lines and geometric shapes provide a contemporary look.

Rustic: Natural stone or weathered finishes evoke an earthy, organic feel.

3. Color and Texture

The color and texture of the pavers should harmonize with your existing outdoor elements. Light colors can brighten up smaller areas, while darker hues add depth. Textured pavers enhance visual interest and provide practical benefits, such as improved traction.

4. Budget

Establish a realistic budget for your project. While Sebastian Pavers offer excellent value, costs can vary based on the type, size, and complexity of the design. Include additional expenses such as installation, base materials, and maintenance in your budget.

The Installation Process

Proper installation is crucial for the performance and longevity of your Sebastian Pavers. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the typical installation process:

1. Planning and Design

Site Assessment: Evaluate the area where the pavers will be installed. Consider factors such as drainage, grading, and soil type.

Design Layout: Create a detailed design plan, including the pattern, color scheme, and border options. Professional designers can help you make the best choices based on your preferences and site conditions.

2. Preparation

Excavation: Remove existing surface materials and excavate to the required depth. This ensures a stable base for the pavers.

Base Installation: Lay a compacted base layer of gravel or crushed stone. This provides drainage and stability for the pavers.

Edge Restraints: Install edge restraints to keep the pavers in place and prevent shifting.

3. Paver Installation

Laying Pavers: Begin laying the pavers according to the design plan. Use a string line or laser level to ensure straight rows and proper alignment.

Cutting and Fitting: Cut pavers as needed to fit around edges and corners, ensuring a seamless appearance.

4. Finishing Touches

Joint Sand: Fill the joints between the pavers with sand to lock them in place and prevent weed growth.

Compaction: Use a plate compactor to press the pavers into the base and settle the joint sand.

Sealing: Apply a sealant to protect the pavers from stains, moisture, and UV damage.

Design Ideas for Sebastian Pavers

Sebastian Pavers offer endless design possibilities. Here are some creative ideas to inspire your next outdoor project:

1. Elegant Driveways

Create a grand entrance with a stylish paver driveway. Consider using a combination of colors and patterns to add visual interest and enhance the curb appeal of your home.

2. Charming Patios

Design a cozy outdoor living space with a paver patio. Add comfortable seating, outdoor lighting, and landscaping to create a perfect spot for entertaining and relaxation.

3. Inviting Walkways

Enhance the beauty of your garden or yard with a charming paver walkway. Use curves and borders to create a visually appealing path that guides visitors through your outdoor space.

4. Sophisticated Pool Decks

Transform your pool area with elegant paver decking. Choose slip-resistant pavers in light colors to keep the surface cool and safe for swimmers.

5. Unique Fire Pits

Incorporate a custom paver fire pit into your patio or garden design. This focal point provides warmth and ambiance for outdoor gatherings and adds a touch of sophistication.

Maintenance and Care

To keep your Sebastian Pavers looking their best, regular maintenance is essential. Follow these tips for optimal care:

1. Cleaning

Routine Cleaning: Sweep the surface regularly to remove debris and prevent staining.

Deep Cleaning: Use a mild detergent and a pressure washer to clean stubborn stains and dirt. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the pavers.

2. Sealing

Periodic Sealing: Apply a sealant every 1-3 years to protect the pavers from stains and weathering. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for application.

3. Repairs

Repairing Cracks: Replace any damaged or cracked pavers promptly to prevent further issues. Remove the damaged paver, replace the base if necessary, and install a new paver.

4. Weed Control

Preventing Weeds: Use a weed barrier fabric under the base layer to reduce weed growth. Regularly remove any weeds that appear between the pavers.

Vero Outdoor Living: The Best Resource for Sebastian Pavers in Vero Beach

For homeowners in Vero Beach, Vero Outdoor Living is the premier resource for Sebastian Pavers and other outdoor living solutions. Here’s why Vero Outdoor Living stands out:

Expertise and Experience

Vero Outdoor Living specializes in transforming outdoor spaces with high-quality pavers and expert installation. Their team of professionals has extensive experience working with Sebastian Pavers and understands the specific needs of Vero Beach homeowners.

Customized Solutions

Vero Outdoor Living offers personalized design solutions to match your vision and lifestyle. From selecting the perfect pavers to creating detailed design plans, their team works closely with

[mariacallous]

Heading west from Baghdad, the capital’s bumpy roads turn into a well-lit, smoothly paved three-lane highway rarely seen in Iraq. Every so often, billboards adorned with slick pictures of Mohammed al-Halbousi credit Iraq’s recently deposed speaker of parliament with the reconstruction of Anbar, his home province.

“Halbousi restored the prestige of the Sunnis and of the province,” said Hamed Albu Alwan, a tribal elder who supports him. Outside the entrance to his spacious diwan (where tribal gatherings take place) in Anbar’s capital, Ramadi, workers toiled away in the midday sun as they covered the road with a fresh layer of shiny asphalt. “If we had three to four leaders like him, Iraq could become a normal country again,” the sheikh said.

Anbar saw some of the fiercest fighting in the wake of the 2003 U.S. invasion and again a decade later, when the war against the Islamic State ravaged its cities. But in contrast to other Sunni areas that suffered a similar fate, Iraq’s westernmost province has seen remarkable development in recent years. This reconstruction boom, some of it financed by the U.S. government as part of a U.N. reconstruction program, has coincided with the extraordinary ascent of the most powerful Sunni politician since Saddam Hussein’s overthrow.

Within just four years of entering politics in 2014, the now 42-year-old Halbousi rose from a little-known businessman to speaker of parliament, the most senior Sunni post in Shiite-majority Iraq. Halbousi held that position since 2018 until recently, making him the only Iraqi politician to serve more than one term since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. But his success in consolidating power has fomented a backlash among Sunnis and Shiites alike.

Last Tuesday, Iraq’s federal court issued a ruling terminating Halbousi’s membership of parliament, the culmination of months of power struggle between the speaker and a growing lineup of rivals. Halbousi was found guilty of forgery in a case filed by former member of parliament Laith al-Dulaimi, who accused Halbousi of using a fake resignation letter to blackmail him.

“He has begun to enslave the MPs,” Laith al-Dulaimi told Foreign Policy when he filed the case in early 2023. Dulaimi said that ahead of the 2021 parliamentary election, Halbousi forced him and others to sign blank letters, which he used when they deviated from the party line. “He targets any voice that challenges him. All the authority, all the money must be for him only.” In a statement, Halbousi’s party alleged political targeting and called the court decision a “flagrant violation of the constitution.”

The court case was just one of several, simultaneous efforts to depose Halbousi amid a myriad of grievances documented by Foreign Policy. In wide-ranging interviews, seven tribal leaders, nine politicians, eight officials and three members of civil society paint a picture of pervasive state capture at the hands of a politician whom almost all of the interviewees allege has built a political and economic empire through embezzlement of public funds and the use of force.

Halbousi stands accused of throwing rivals into jail, punishing critics with arrest warrants under Iraq’s sweeping anti-defamation laws, and disqualifying rivals from elections by abusing harsh de-Baathification provisions that forbid members of the former regime from participating in the political process, according to interviews and documents seen by Foreign Policy. Halbousi and his office have not replied to repeated requests for interviews.

Taken individually, none of the tactics in Halbousi’s arsenal are particularly unusual. To the contrary, they largely follow a well-worn playbook that has become the defining legacy of the U.S.-led invasion. Iraq is one of the world’s most corrupt nations, where officials tend to exploit their positions for the sake of self-enrichment and to build patronage networks that will entrench them in the halls of power. But few Iraqi politicians, let alone a Sunni one, have mastered state capture quite as successfully.

Even though the role of the speaker is to head the parliament, Halbousi remained the de facto executive authority in Anbar long after he left his previous post as governor and has managed to establish what some describe as one-party rule in the province, with government posts, services, and success in elections contingent on support for his Progress Party.

“He intervenes in the process of replacing and changing security or administrative leaders and in the mechanisms of disbursing the budget and its projects,” said Salim al-Jabouri, a senior Sunni politician who served as speaker before Halbousi.

Interviewees, some of whom spoke on condition of anonymity, described three major alleged corruption schemes. Halbousi and his lieutenants are said to have monopolized the allocation of government contracts, channeling them to companies owned by relatives or loyalists in return for kickbacks. They also stand accused of diverting funds intended for beneficiaries of social security schemes, such as pensioners or victims of Islamic State, and illegally selling off public land to private investors.

According to the majority of interviewees, the Reconstruction Fund for Areas Affected by Terrorist Operations, worth around $800 million, appears to have been used to fuel Halbousi’s patronage network. “The fund is controlled by the speaker of parliament, Mohammed Al-Halbousi,” said an employee who spoke on condition of anonymity in fear of reprisals. “He has turned the fund into a way to buy the loyalty of the security forces. He gives them cars so he can call them and say, arrest this guy or that guy.”

Foreign Policy has reviewed documents that show the allocation of $4.6 million for the provision of vehicles to local security and intelligence organs. (Including $3.1 million for Anbar’s intelligence service and $1.5 million for Anbar’s branch of national security agency, despite the fact that money from the reconstruction fund is meant for the rebuilding of houses, bridges, and schools.)

Since he took power in October last year, Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani has begun to claw back Halbousi’s executive powers by dismissing his loyalists and investigating corruption allegations in Anbar. In June, al-Sudani dismissed the reconstruction fund’s manager due to allegations of fraud and corruption. Several low-level government officials, who have been taken into custody as part of a separate investigation into allegations of illegal sale of land in Anbar, reportedly confessed they were acting at Halbousi’s behest, according to a local sheikh and an official who spoke with the investigators.

An engineer by training and a former U.S. contractor, Halbousi is part of a new generation of Sunni leaders who built their political base with money. What has set him apart from the rest of the pack is his intellect, drive, and ability to strike deals at the right time. He took advantage of a series of crises that have buffeted Iraq over the recent decade, including the war with the Islamic State, the October 2019 demonstrations, and the U.S.-Iran tensions that turned Iraq into a battleground for a global power struggle.

When he first ran for parliament in 2014, the Sunni political establishment was in disarray, its constituents displaced, its land ravaged by war. Halbousi—a young, liberal, up-and-coming politician—successfully positioned himself as an antidote to Anbar’s downfall.

In 2017, he secured the support of Anbar’s provincial council and was appointed governor. The completion of hundreds of U.N. projects came in handy, allowing Halbousi to advertise himself as the man who could get things done. “He showed up just in time to cut the ribbon,” said one former governor, adding that many of the projects had kicked off well before Halbousi’s tenure.

Halbousi’s well-advertised though short stint as governor (he was in power only for a year) served him well as campaigning kicked off for the 2018 parliamentary election. He founded his own party, won six out of 329 seats and, facing some opposition among Sunnis, successfully courted the Shiite leaders who had emerged victors from the battlefield with the Islamic State to win the speakership.

“There was a leadership vacuum among the Sunnis. The Shia started build what they need. They chose the one who is weak, who will be close to them, the one who has no cause,” said a former speaker of Iraq’s parliament, who wished to remain anonymous.

In an anecdote that is often told during late-evening conversations at the residences of senior politicians to illustrate Shiite efforts to find a Sunni ally to do their bidding, Halbousi allegedly pledged support to the late paramilitary leader Abu Mahdi al-Mohandis and Iranian Gen. Qassem Suleimani—both of whom were killed two years later in a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad airport. In return for the speakership, Halbousi reportedly vowed to support the institutionalization of the paramilitaries, called the Popular Mobilization Forces, and safeguard their strategic presence in Sunni areas where they had fought the Islamic State.

Shortly after Halbousi assumed his new role as speaker, changing winds once again strengthened his hand. Mass protests erupted in 2019 across Iraq’s south, rattling the foundations of the post-2003 political order in what became known as the October Revolution. Throngs of Shiite youths took to the streets, demanding an end to corruption and the downfall of the ruling elite. While Shiite politicians focused on crushing the movement, Halbousi quietly broadened his remit, aided by the weakness of two successive governments that permitted encroachment on executive powers.

During Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s administration in particular, Halbousi extended his reach deep into the executive branch. Kadhimi gave Halbousi free rein to run affairs in Sunni areas, including the ability to control appointments to senior security and government posts in Anbar, such as the head of the police or the regional joint operations command, according to numerous sources.

“He was stronger than the Prime Minister,” said Khalid al-Obaidi, who served as Iraq’s defense minister between 2014 and 2016. “Anything Halbousi wanted to implement in Sunni governorates was implemented without Kadhimi’s interference.”

The more power that Halbousi consolidated, the more he deviated from customary principles of power sharing that govern Iraq and Anbar’s tribal society. “He uses money and power. You’re either with him or against him, there’s no middle ground for solutions,” said Sattar al-Jumeili, the leader of the Jumeili tribe, which used to constitute the majority of the local council in Halbousi’s hometown of Garmah before he oversaw a vote to dissolve the councils in 2019.

Halbousi hails from a relatively insignificant tribe in Anbar, an anomaly that he has skillfully overcome by striking deals with Shiite politicians and by courting Gulf countries that see him as a useful partner to further their geopolitical interests. “The man is reliable, and I believe there’s consensus on this in the region,” said one Arab diplomat in Baghdad, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

At home, however, many Sunnis feel that Halbousi has sold their cause for the sake of remaining in power. Despite his long tenure as the head of the legislature, critics say he has not tackled a list of long-running Sunni grievances, such as the abolition of the de-Baathification process and better representation of Sunnis in government and the security apparatus. “He has failed to lead the Sunnis,” said the former speaker of parliament. “He’s behaving like a party boss, not like a speaker.”

Senior Sunni politicians lament that under Halbousi’s leadership, the country’s legislative branch had become less effective, thus eroding the foundations of Iraq’s fragile democracy. “It’s not in our interest for Halbousi to represent the Iraqi parliament. Right now, parliament has no value,” said al-Obaidi, who currently serves on the parliament’s security and defense committee. “The parliament committees are all idle,” he said, adding that their heads have been chosen based on loyalty rather than competence. Two former speakers agreed that the parliament isn’t functioning.

At the beginning of this year, a campaign to unseat Halbousi started to gain momentum in Anbar. On a Friday in May, thousands of men gathered on a sprawling, dusty field near Fallujah to attend a rally organized by Halbousi’s opponents. The so-called United Anbar alliance is spearheaded by a motley of former Sunni governors, ministers, and tribal leaders, and it’s reportedly backed by Shiite politicians who sought to weaken Halbousi’s base in his home province.

Standing atop a stage, a number of officials took turns addressing the crowd. “It is the mistake of those who think that they are the master of Fallujah,” said Jamal al-Karbouli, the leader of the alliance, drawing a parallel between Halbousi’s rule and the U.S. occupation, which the city famously resisted. “We are here today to correct the course and launch a project to restore the rights of Fallujah.”

Karbouli, a political and business heavyweight, helped Halbousi get a foothold in politics back in 2014, only to watch his protégé rebel against him. In 2021, Karbouli was arrested and tortured by an anti-corruption squad used by Kadhimi’s government to go after political opponents. Karbouli and others believe the arrest happened on Halbousi’s orders.

“They disappeared me for five months, with Kadhimi’s agreement, so that Halbousi could win,” Karbouli told Foreign Policy. Karbouli was released without charges shortly after that year’s parliamentary elections.

Karbouli’s arrest is just one example of what some describe as a systemic campaign to crush opposition that has earned Halbousi monikers such as “dictator” or “the new Saddam.” Activists and civilians in Anbar have faced increased intimidation and threats for criticizing authorities on social media. Tribal sheikhs who complained about land grabs or marginalization were summoned by the police chief or charged under archaic Baath-era defamation laws.

But Halbousi’s eventual downfall wasn’t the product of popular discontent in his home province or among Iraq’s Sunnis. In a move that would have sidelined his former Shiite backers, Halbousi agreed in 2021 to form a majority government with populist Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. The alliance was seen as an unprecedented effort by a Sunni to usurp Shiite majority rule by fomenting intra-Shiite rivalries.

Months of political deadlock were ultimately settled through a brief but violent confrontation between rival Shiite factions, which left Sadr defeated and shut out of the political process. Halbousi quickly pivoted back to the Coordination Framework, the Shiite alliance that then formed the ruling coalition. A year on, Halbousi’s turncoat brand of politics appears to have caught up with him.

“He crossed a red line,” said the Arab diplomat. “It was the first time a Sunni tried to divide the Shia. This has not been forgotten.”

[soft-humming-moon]

THE SUMMARY OF DANI TORIMOSA

Work was exhausting. Every weekday starts before the sun rises and ends just as the natural light of the world fades upon the city. Most of my hours bleed away within the confines of a wholesale warehouse where I move boxes and direct customers and retailers alike. Nothing new happens within the scaffold-like walls, and sometimes I like it this way.

Personally, there’s a sort of satisfaction I get from the long hours. While my lineage prides itself on the inheritance of their hardly-working ancestors, I’ve broken that in a plea for satisfaction. Don’t get me wrong—I haven’t shunned myself from their generosity. I’d much rather gather my worth as a man by my own hands than what was provided to me. However, my name, Danilo, remains a part of me granted by my heritage.

Normal—love this town. Everyone here prides themselves on the extraordinary fact that nothing differs in this town. Once, this town was named Celeste—based on the founder of the city. Of course, this recently changed in favor of a surprisingly active tourism scene. Traps and attractions all surrounding the novelty of normality sell themselves as a getaway to the towns around them. I mean, I can’t blame them. Where else would I go to get away from it all when there’s a federal-enforced barricade around the Penumbran Strip.

The roads are packed most of the time. I remember nearly fifteen years ago when the roads were newly paved with asphalt. The procedure was slow and methodical. My father once told me about a time in the town’s history when dirt roads snaked through the town to small grocery stores and underfunded amenities. Now, this place is different. Sometimes I envy my father for living in his time. Yet, it’s hard to place if my envy is on a cause of these roads or for something greater.

I hear an onslaught of chatter among coworkers and customers alike in my hours. Some customers drive all the way to Normal due to the price of the goods. Why spend your money in a grocery store barely surviving against the town’s mandated horror than to spend it in bulk in a town known for its relative paradise? This process of thought feels rational, yet I can’t help but shake the thought of inevitable instability. At what point will this town remain as the only habitable location?

I can relate to the pride the residents share with this town. Imagine waking up one day and learning the rest of the now-called “Strip” was affected with this mysterious affliction—and you weren’t. You would assume you just won the lottery. Fate and divine alike marked an unfathomable amount of men to a newly created Hell in America and here you are—a blindspot in its wrath. At the end of the day, all of this clamoring reduces itself to a game of superiority. “Fate favors the wealthy”; a phrase which many men place upon this town. God bless it.

This town has yet to be hit by the suburban plague. The lack of an infrastructure and a desire has left most of the towns within the strip as immune. Yet, plagues mutate. Idle conversations and local news segments discuss the benefit of suburban neighborhoods. We have the budget—they state—we can support a project like this. I can’t wait to imagine how they pull it off.

In the meantime, I’ll spend the foreseeable future in my small one-story house nestled in the haphazard sprawl of individualized homes. The exterior is nothing to write home about—bland colored walls with windows closed off from the inside. A mailbox awaits at the edge of the concrete driveway, leading to a garage where I park my two-seater car within the protection of the elements. Once I shade my only vehicle within the garage, the bulky, metallic door slides down to hide it away from the sins of the world.

Waiting in the small fridge next to the entrance to my house is a set of carbonated beverages ready to grab from a brightly-colored box. With my canned drink in hand, I snap open the thin cover to release a swarm of bubbles to the top of my drink. I wasn’t expecting much to change with the house—why should it? But, there’s always a nagging feeling that something should change. The same routine of unwinding from a long day at work.

Yet, nothing would change. The house remains in one piece. I can hear the distant noise of the television’s broadcast from the living room all the way from the exit from the garage. If there’s any type of noise in the house, then my roommate, Dani, is asleep. The inverse to this observation is true, as well. With this information, you can infer how unsurprised I was when I found her asleep on the couch.

It’s hard to summarize who Dani is through a brief synopsis. Firstly, she’s my roommate. The summary could end there. However, there’s a lot more to her that provokes some further explanation. The reason she’s my roommate is through the efforts of my cousin, Laque. Those two have been friends ever since elementary school; they’ve been through thick and thin. When he proposed the idea to me, I never really understood where he was getting at. Out of all of the people, why me? Why not let her live in the mansion if you believe it so?

Of course, this was Laque. Sometimes, he has a hunch on certain ideas and insists it’ll work out in the end. I don’t think I’ve seen a premonition of his that hasn’t worked well. That, or he really wanted to see us get along well because of our similar names.

Secondly, Dani has an unusual connection to everything outside of this town. She’s developed a name for herself as a “persona”. Which, subjectively, I don’t particularly care about. If anything, I’m a little envious on how her prospects online pays better than my grueling full-time job. At some points, she’s offered to cover some of my expenses so I can work a part-time job. I’ve declined this, of course. It feels like she’s a projection of my family—some distant relative that’s still influenced by their arcane touch.

Thirdly, she has no sense of fashion or anything beyond basic hygiene. Thankfully, she showers often enough. From what I’ve last checked, her pointed teeth are whiter than my own. Her dirtied brown hair throws itself into a cacophony of shapes, yet it all remains unnaturally curly. All of her clothes are a mixture of white t-shirts, some sweatpants and an occasional jacket or two. From her minimalist wardrobe, there’s this style to her that would allow her to fit in to the slums of a metropolitan city.

Her favorite shirts—above all—are esoteric in-jokes involving unfathomable words. She tells me they’re all designed by her friends. It’s nice—I adore the charm—but it feels too “avant-garde” for me. Most of these shirts are covered by an orange hoodie whenever she goes outside, so I don’t believe most of the town sees the shirt’s displays.

Fourthly—and most distressing—Dani’s very touchy. If there was any indication of heritage, it would be her nonverbal body language. She always reaches over for hugs when she’s happy. She always wants a high-five for something that excites her. It’s strange, really. I’ve hailed from a family where contact between each other was kept for situations where it couldn’t be avoided. With her, it’s a completely different approach.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate how she displays herself. It’s always an aspect of her that catches me off guard. Over the time we’ve spent together as roommates, we’ve kind of bonded together more of friends if anything. She always indulges about her life with me—what she does and the history behind it all. Admittedly, I don’t have much to share back. It’s nice to sit down and listen, though. I’ve grown to enjoy the simple act of mildly caring for her. Not in a familial way, but something that draws compassion from somewhere I never knew was there to begin with.

When she first moved in, I was a little concerned with the adamant usage of blackout curtains. Every window in the house has a set of its own, and she always draws them shut around 4 pm. She told me I could open them whenever I wanted, but she couldn’t be in the same room.

Over the years, these little things compounded on themselves in a noticeable pattern. The next idea that struck me odd was her sharp teeth. Once, we were both in the bathroom cleaning it out and she briefly stopped to check her teeth in the mirror. At the time, I didn’t think much of it. Though this small detail slightly compounded.

Eventually, I realized how much she cared about eating meat. Dani had these specific preferences towards individualized brands, and there’d never be a deficit of any sort no matter the time of day. Alongside this, she always sleeps in her bed in a curled-up position. Obviously, the television inside her room would play a documentary of various subjects to keep her asleep.

It all compounded—the distaste for the night, the limited social gatherings, among others. Personally, I didn’t care. I’d be an ass of a person if I disliked how a functional adult lived their life. Over the months, I’ve debated with myself if I should even confront her about it. Especially now, she was very secretive about her external life. In contrast to her tendency to divulge every last detail of herself, it was the complete opposite when she first moved in.

One night, while we were both situated on the couch in the living room, I found myself unable to keep my eyes open while watching a familiar rerun of one of our favorite cartoons. As I sat myself up from the couch and yawned, I could hear Dani stuttering with her words for a little bit before sitting me down.

She disclosed the fact that she’s been meaning to tell me something for months. Dani planned out all of the reactions to what she was about to say—with her tidied bags, I admittedly thought she was going to move out soon and this was the heads up. But, she would bring up a question which completely blindsided me, “Do you know how each town has its own curse?”

I remember how puzzled I was at the question. Over the next minute, I thought of all of the curses each town had and how our town—Normal—was devoid of it. Within her shaking body and pre-planned words, Dani spoke about how she was the curse and how no one else in the town ever knew about it. The sharp teeth, hatred for the night, the fixation on meat—I was surprised how I didn’t catch on earlier. Fifthly, she was a werewolf.

In the moment, the information was a lot for me to process. While it had certainly replaced my views on this town and its stature, it would slowly dawn on me how significant the concealment of her secret would be. What if the town knew? They’d certainly ostracize her. Or worse, kill her. The damage she could cause on the town’s reputation was a palpable feeling, and it was clearly something on her mind behind her warm tears.

I couldn’t find myself sleeping that night. The next morning, I crammed as many caffeinated beverages within my system as my body could allow. But, throughout the night, I stayed awake to comfort Dani. With a blanket wrapped around her body and a box of tissues nearby, I could only assume this was what Laque meant when he wanted us to live together.

[aonoexpat]

15-09-2023

The rest of the road to Ōtepoti was pretty, it was lovely to see the sun and drive along the coast with some background music. When I got to the city I tried to get some help with my gas cooker, but everybody I asked said they had no clue what was wrong with it, and sent me along to the next person. Finally somebody determined that the pressure in my gas bottle was too high, and let some of it out, which we both hoped would help. Spoiler alert: it did not ☹️ Luckily I wasn't going to need it for a while, because I had some leftovers to eat, and I was going to spend ten days house and puppy sitting for somebody a little ways North of Ōtepoti, where I'd have access to a proper stove. I was really excited about this!

I spent a day exploring Ōtepoti, and felt oddly at home there. People, again, are super kind there. The city was founded by the Scottish apparently (hence the English name Dunedin), which might explain why it felt familiar.

It has a slightly more European layout, which, legend has it, was designed with English (flat) landscapes in mind. This has resulted in Ōtepoti holding the record for the world's steepest street, because the landscape here is, in fact, not flat. It's called Baldwin street, and is a real challenge to walk up. I wasn't going to subject Elrond to that kind of an incline, there's even a sign at the bottom stating 'not suitable for campervans'. I met some other tourists there and we all marveled at Baldwin street together, and took photos for each other, which was a very wholesome experience :)

My mom and I did a quick deep dive into this street's wiki, and here's some fun facts:

At its maximum, the slope is about 1:2.86 (19° or 35%);

An 11-year-old boy pogo-stick-ed up the street in 10 minutes to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House, and got a plaque for it at the top;

When Lime rental scooters were introduced to the city, the mayor said he thought he could trust people not to ride them down Baldwin street, and within a week somebody had done it;

Less fun fact: a student tried to ride down the street inside a wheelie bin and didn't survive the ordeal 😬

Part of the street is paved with concrete, because at this slope asphalt, when heated by the sun for too long, would just droop down the street;

They installed a water fountain at the top, and had to include a little stepping stone for a young boy that couldn't reach it:

In the evening I went to the local observatory, where some really kind people had set up telescopes for the public to freely use to see the blue supermoon! It was inspiring to see how many parents with children came out to have a look, and enjoy the fun facts the staff were sharing. I'm pretty proud of the pictures I managed to take through the eyepiece:

After exploring the city, I went to meet the person whose house and dog I would be looking after for the next little while. He has a small plot of land up in the hills with 17 chickens and a tiny house, that he is still very much working on. It was a bit less finished than I had expected it to be, though. The "power" that he had said would be there was a little black box, its power cord coming in through a (thereby perpetually impossible to close) window, only putting out 12V. The "shower" he had said he would install was a loose shower head that I had to fish out of the mud, and couldn't reach the controls for from the actual shower cabin itself, that used LPG to heat up water from a 20L tank (not enough for nice comfy showers for TEN DAYS), and in the process of hooking that up he had created a gas leak that I didn't discover for another day and a half (super safe situation 👍 /s). The dog required a lot more attention than the owner had let on, didn't behave like he had said he would (as in actively squeezed himself through that one open window and knocked over everything in his path when I tried to go to the shops), and there was nothing to clean the (non-level, btw) floor with when the dog knocked over his entire water bowl. The drinking water felt unsafe to me due to algae growing inside the tanks, there was mould on the curtains, the unfinished chicken wire was painful to maneuver around, and there was little to no light at night which resulted in me burning my hand when trying to make a hot water bottle. This all coincided with me getting uterus-punished for days on end and I can tell you, only having access to ✨bushes✨ or a compost toilet in a broken shed outside and no running water is not ideal when going through that. I thought I was going to have a great time, a comfortable little vacation from my vacation, but it ended up being one of the most stressful times on this whole trip so far, and the owner was completely unreachable throughout all of it. The only upside was that the place was isolated enough for nobody to hear my frustrated screams 🥲 That, and the Wi-Fi, which was pretty fast and finally allowed me to have some video calls with home again. And when the place wasn't covered in clouds, the views could be pretty nice!

When it was time to leave, I was overjoyed to be back on my own. I had to give up on my broken little gas cooker, and found a second hand one online that I went to pick up in town. It works like a charm, and cooking has become a fun activity once again! I've spent the last few days trying to make up for lost relaxation time, chilling in the botanic garden and on the beach:

I've also found out that reddit is quite a good place to get in touch with locals, and I've been meeting up with some of them to get a drink and finally have a real-life conversation with another human being again. I had really missed that! Chatting about my adventures helped me see them for what they were again: adventures, memories and stories that I am still actively living.

I'll likely be hanging around the city for another week or so, because I have some appointments with tattoo artists to see if I can get something done 🙂

After that my path is still a bit unclear. I found that after I'd passed the 6-month mark, my mind has been pretty fixated on how I'm going to get back home, and it made me lose track of how much time I actually still have left here. It's made me realise that going back to work for a little bit might not be such a waste, so there's a solid chance I'll be spending two months working in a vineyard soon. It's also made me wonder if I really want to milk my visa to its maximum and stay until the end of January 2024, or if I would like to just go home a bit sooner. On the one hand I'm really quite eager to return to the familiarity of Europe, and all my loved ones there. I'm tired of being on the move, of being alone, of living in a car. But then, on the other hand, I can have one good day here and realise how extremely lucky I am to have this chance, and I'm not ready to leave it all behind just yet. Yesterday I went for a lovely walk on the beach and climbed a rock, and really felt like I was in a good flow again. I dearly miss all the wonderful people back home, but I think I'll end up sticking around as long as I can, while I still can ❤️

My last few days have felt much more upbeat again, I think partly because the sun is coming out more and more and I can really feel spring itching to break through. Though at the moment I'm writing this, I'm trapped in the car by strong winds and cold rain! Luckily there aren't a lot of people around, so I'm playing these three songs on repeat and singing along at the top of my lungs to keep my spirits up ����

[botanyone]

You dont have to lose pavements to grow trees in cities

You don’t have to lose pavements to grow trees in cities https://ift.tt/JYseDm6 A recent study by Arianna Grassi and colleagues, published in Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, investigated the impact of different types of soil sealing on the communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonising the roots of two shade trees commonly found in urban areas: Celtis australis and Fraxinus ornus. The researchers found that impermeable pavements, such as monolithic asphalt, caused shifts in the composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities associated with the roots of these trees and impacted the percentage of mycorrhizal root length. The research could help protect trees in urban environments. The soil beneath our feet is home to a vast and intricate web of organisms, including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots. These fungi play a crucial role in plant nutrition and health, enhancing their ability to absorb nutrients and water from the soil. Unfortunately, urbanisation and impermeable pavement materials have led to soil sealing, disrupting this vital ecosystem. In their article, Grassi and colleagues cite research showing that Tilia, Linden or Lime trees suffer in areas with low fungal diversity. The authors state: “To the best of our knowledge, no information is available about the effects of pavements suitable for water sensitive urban designs, such as permeable and porous pavements, on AMF communities actually colonizing the roots of shade trees.” Grassi and colleagues tackled the problem by examining the roots of European Hackberry and South European Flowering Ash growing in Vertemate con Minoprio, a little way north of Milan in Italy. The trees were planted in 2012, and in 2020, the pavements over the trees were removed. That allowed the biologists to take root samples from the trees and see what fungi had colonised them. Grassi and colleagues observed a fungi community similar to the fungi in the unpaved soil when the root zone was covered with permeable pavements. This provides valuable information that can be used to reduce the disturbance caused by specific types of soil sealing on AMF symbionts, ultimately benefiting urban tree health. The study identified 45 different types of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, with Sclerocystis and Septoglomus as the most abundant phylotypes, accounting for 84% of the genetic sequences revealed. The predominance of Sclerocystis species in the roots of both tree species under impermeable pavements indicated their high and unexpected tolerance towards harsh environmental conditions. These species could be used as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal inocula. Inoculating the soil with these fungi, specifically selected for their proven resilience in paved sites, would allow planners to exploit their ability to boost biogeochemical processes fundamental for energy fluxes and plant nutrition and health. By revealing how different pavements impact the fungi that symbiotically nourish trees, this study provides guidance for creating urban infrastructure that fosters tree health and longevity. Permeable pavements, in particular, could help sustain diverse, robust fungal communities essential for supporting trees in the often challenging conditions of cities. With more trees, cities can enjoy cooling, pollution reduction, and other benefits these fungi-tree partnerships provide.  READ THE ARTICLE Grassi, A., Pagliarani, I., Cristani, C., Palla, M., Fini, A., Comin, S., Frangi, P., Giovannetti, M., Turrini, A. and Agnolucci, M. (2023) “Effects of pavements on diversity and activity of mycorrhizal symbionts associated with urban trees,” Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 83(127916), p. 127916. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2023.127916. The post You don’t have to lose pavements to grow trees in cities appeared first on Botany One. via Botany One https://botany.one/ April 13, 2023 at 06:19PM

[beardedmrbean]

Finland's outgoing Prime Minister Sanna Marin (SDP) announced her divorce this week with her long-time partner Marcus Räikkönen as she prepares to leave office once her caretaker government is replaced.

The divorce announcement fuelled further speculation on Marin's political future, especially in Brussels.

Tabloid Iltalehti (siirryt toiseen palveluun) interviewed a few of Finland's Members of European Parliament (MEPs) on the future political prospects for Finland's outgoing premier.

If a Finnish politician with a rock-star reputation were interested in an EU career, they would probably be entered into next year's European elections, Finnish MEPs unanimously told Iltalehti.

It has already been reported that European Parliament group the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in Europe (S&D) would like Marin to be their front-runner for the 2024 European Parliament elections.

Iltalehti added that the group was probing Marin to become President of the European Commission, which is considered the most important post in the EU. MEP Miia-Petra Kumpula-Natri (SDP) confirmed that there is buzz in Brussels surrounding Marin.

"Yes, it is talked about here, more than in Finland," said Marin's fellow social democrat MEP Miia-Petra Kumpula-Natri.

While other MEPs were of the opinion that Marin was a likely option to become the S&D spitzenkandidat —- a term used for a European party's top candidate for the presidency of the European Commission —- Pirkko Ruohonen-Lerner of the Finns Party noted that nothing was yet set in stone.

"There was talk in Finland that [former PM Alexander] Stubb was going to be the European People's Party's top candidate, but what happened?" Ruohonen-Lerner noted.

Esplanade paved

Newspaper Helsingin Sanomat (siirryt toiseen palveluun) reported on the paving over of a historic section of cobblestoned street on the southern side of Helsinki's Esplanade Park on Thursday.

The process involved adding a layer of asphalt over the cobblestones, followed by a layer of flat stone tiles.

This will turn the second lane of the street into space for a bike lane as well as parking for bicycles and electric scooters.

The move sparked outrage from Twitter, with users questioning why the city was covering up such a noteworthy portion of the cityscape.

The pavement is historically notable, Helsinki's Urban Environment Department said on Wednesday.

The solution has been chosen so that the street can be restored to its original state with the added layers removed.

Population drop

Ilta-Sanomat (siirryt toiseen palveluun) reported that Finland's population dipped by 2,000 between Wednesday and Thursday.

However, the paper added that it was not due to death or sudden emigration, but rather an update to the population information system.

The Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV) said persons who have been unaccounted for more than two years were removed from Finland's population registry.

In practice, it concerns individuals who have moved out of Finland but have not filed an emigration notification.

A similar change to the Population Information System was last made in May 2020.

The population of Finland was 5,583,965 people on Thursday morning, according to DVV's website.

[thegoldenreport]

DEEP BLUE

Sunny Driver works for the government.

Legally, that is all we can say about the nature of her job. But everything contained within this article is common knowledge anyway. Hiding it would be a disservice to the cause. We’re going speak about it openly. 

Anomalies exist. There are people tasked with discovering and containing said anomalies. Sunny is one of those people.

She came to us with a story regarding her work and the sudden appearance of lake.

…

Belcot is the picture of modern suburbia, if you’ve never been. Rows of copycat houses and the odd tree every thirty feet. Asphalt roads connect you everywhere, whether to your neighbor’s house or the grocery store or the family-owned bowling alley. There isn’t much room for nature to just…do it’s thing.

I got the call around 2:43 pm on a Thursday. Just finished up lunch at Riley’s and was getting situated in my car. Something bout a secret lake appearing smack dab in the middle of town. I immediately wondered about pocket dimensions or parallel realities. How much was disrupted? Had anyone been displaced? Either way it wasn’t something you mess with.

So I rushed to the location pinged on my phone. Paved road turned to dirt as I drove through thick trees. And soon, I passed a neat little sign, carved in stone.

WELCOME TO TUNNEL LAKE

I pulled into the parking lot and walked along the wooden fence to a sandy path. And at the end, there I saw it. That enigma of a lake. Calm. Pristine. A brilliant cerulean so blue it almost looked fake. And in the middle, a small cone shaped island blanketed in lime green moss. 

The scene in sunlight made my eyes hurt. I blinked twice to readjust. That’s when I noticed a pair at the water’s edge. A mother and her daughter minutely inspecting their canoe. A long, skinny thing mostly made out of metal. The silver sheen worn to dull gray. But from my viewpoint, looked sturdy enough.

I went up to them. Introduced myself. Asked them if they knew this lake was anomalous, possibly (probably) dangerous.

The daughter had a blank stare, which bore into me. The mother quickly filled the gap in conversation. She questioned whether their boat could withstand the depths of the expanse. Would it be to small and among other things, would they find favor in the courts of Ival-Frike?

I smiled.

This kind of word salad is not uncommon among displaced folk. The brain can’t process the eco-shift and thus, will vomit bits of disconnected input received. I tried to be calm. I asked for more information. I tried to help them understand where they ended up.

But she was different. She was rigid in her convictions

The mother stepped in front of her daughter, arms stretched out. She said I’d interrupted her neuroplasmic field. I again asked her what that was supposed to mean. She pointed to the device I held in a holster around my left thigh. It reads the grade of anomalies. It was beeping incessantly. The daughter continued to stare. In fact, had not spoken a word this whole time.

The mother declared there was no time left to worry about their boat. They would go on foot. They walked directly into the lake and the lake swallowed them whole. I tried to stop them. They sank like rocks. I couldn’t see them through the deep, dark expanse of blue.

While I sat there transfixed by water, another car drove up. A family van. The mom poked her head out the car window and called out to me “Hey! Is this Tunnel Lake?”

Nothing is more dangerous than treating an anomaly as benign. It’s like feeding the monster. You’ll see it’s weird power grow beyond your ability to contain. Beyond your ability to comprehend. You should never do it. Ever.

But sometimes…

It’s already too much. It’s already taken root.

And the bad, bad words pour out your mouth. Words like:

“Yeah! Come on in, the water’s great.”

…

Tunnel Lake is a Class R-grade 9.758 anomaly. For your own safety, we cannot recommend visitation. Unless, of course, you are looking to disappear. 

There’s been plenty of those as of late. 

[gumasantan]

my gift for you: a ganqing oneshot

about: a modern AU with keqing, ganyu, and zhongli.

warning (?): something that might sadden you, very angsty!

word count: ~3k words, like YEEEESSS it's not that long anymore!

author's note: this is my fav ship here in genshin, so i took care of writing this one. there may be few rough edges here and there, but i think it serves the purpose, and also, i'm happy with it! please, enjoy!

Today is a fair day.

After the spring has forced the clouds to rain, it paved way for a season of cool wind breathing alongside the warm rays of light emanating from mister sun above from the sky. All sunshine crashing down upon the glowing townscape, still sparkling from the remnants of the rainy weather that has passed by days before.

Along the streets, people go about their usual lives: Selling at their own stores, crowds clothed in suits on their way to their work, and others having the luxury of a relaxing day by doing what they want to do. Automobiles strolling by the drying asphalt, not a whole lot of traffic like back then when it rained. There is some pleasure to be had when one sees a view of an open space in the roads with no rows of cars, trucks, vans, and motorcycles filling it all up. It looks tidier.

One sidewalk happens to serve a peculiar blue-haired woman, quite reflecting the snow that rained upon the town months prior, in a white cardigan and a purple scarf that matched her black leggings. She wears a golden hairpin with a flower ornament on the right side of her hair.

Everything goes on…

She carries a sling bag by her shoulders, alongside a bouquet of what seems to be lilacs. Her walk is not that of a saunter, but rather, deceptive quick steps in small paces. In a bit of a hurry, but not wanting to appear so. Yet, her expression suggests otherwise: She looks calm and collected.

Where is she going?

-

“I’m going back, I want to see you again…” She mutters silently to herself.

As she keeps walking, she passes by many shops one after another. The places display an assortment of usual convenience store products and general merchandise goods, the type of stuff you would expect from a place in the countryside.

She eventually reaches the point where the selling stops, at a stand that sells a variety of seafoods: Some ready to be eaten raw, like sashimi and calamari, and some needing to be cooked first, like fried cuttlefish and fried shrimp balls, among others.

She comes to a halt beside the stand.

“I suppose she would like this, but she’s been having too much of these lately.” She speaks to herself, letting the aroma tickle her sense of smell while looking straight ahead, still.

“Nevermind.” She continues to walk forward.

-

Her expression has changed shortly after: From looking calm to looking melancholic. She tries to force herself to look normally, but can’t help herself as her lips slowly transform into a slight frown and look towards the distance rather than what’s actually in front of her.

It didn’t take long for her to trip.

Her clumsiness and unawareness are to blame. She looks behind with a pained look on her face, and found that a pebble was responsible for her downfall.

Somehow, she managed to clutch onto her bouquet of flowers, but her golden hairpin was clumsily attached, and it fell from her hair, distances away from where she is.

“Damn it, where is it?” She curses.

She looks to the right, but cannot find it. She looks to the left, but cannot find it as well.

She’s not particularly that type of person who searches at every place for something she lost, but this instance, she wouldn’t let that habit of hers get in the way; evident by the hilariously amount of time she’s spending just to find it.

“No, no…I can’t lose that.” She admits to herself as she walks around.

There seems to be a highly sentimental value in that hairpin that she just lost. Trying to find it like it’s the last thing her life is depending on, even soiling herself in the process.

Don’t lose it, alright? I’m not losing mine.

She keeps searching as she tries to compose herself, not wanting to cry because of it.

“Miss, is this what you’re searching for?” A low-pitched voice was heard. 

-

She looks up as she notices a towering shadow painted on the ground.

He seemed familiar to her. A mature-looking man fully suited in an office attire, with short black hair featuring brown ends off of it.

And he’s holding the jackpot.

“Sir Zhongli?” She clarifies.

He looked surprised.

“Ah, Miss Ganyu!” He exclaims.

He reaches out his hand to help her get up. She accepts his assistance.

“Were you looking for this hairpin? It was over there.” He gestures to the spot meters away.

She was nowhere near, but she could only wonder how such a tiny object can end up that far. She shakes off some dirt that collected in her leggings, wanting to appear as clean as possible.

“Yes, you got it! Thank you for saving me the trouble.” She smiles, feeling all of her worries wash away in that instant.

He gently hands her the hairpin that he found, allowing her to wear the hairpin back on again. This time, checking if it cannot fall that easily anymore.

“Does it look properly put on? Does it not look out of place?” She asks him, wanting to see if the hairpin was attached correctly.

He feels his cheeks getting a bit rosy.

“Um…yes, miss. I would remark further that it looks quite natural on you.” He assures her while trying to maintain a stern look in his face.

“Thank you. And thank you once more for finding this. She would be furious if she didn’t see me wearing this.” She expresses her gratitude with a warm smile, emphasizing how much help he had lent her.

He nods lightly and returns her warm smile with his.

“Ah, Miss Ganyu! May I ask, were you referring to Miss Keqing just then?” He asks curiously.

She nods back, maintaining her smile with a hummed reply.

“I see. You’re her partner right? If it doesn’t create much of a bother, may I ask you to do a small favor from mine and ask her whenever she’s willing to pay my miniature golden horse that she smashed? Like she promised to do so?” He explains to her.

Her smile then quickly disappeared, returning him with a confused look.

“She did what?”

“Well, you see, miss, I brought it to work once, and as her blockmate in the office, she was so annoyed seeing it near her workplace that she threw it onto the ground, and smashed it with her foot while exclaiming ‘That lucky charm nonsense’ or something like that. But she calmed down immediately after, promising to pay for it, yet never apologized to me about it...”

She giggled, putting her hand on her mouth, hiding her smile.

“Classic Keqing. Well, I’ll be sure to pass on your concerns to her. She is a woman of her words after all.” Her smiled has returned once more as she guarantees to make true of his favor.

He bows in front of her.

“I dedicate you my thanks, Miss Ganyu! Please, allow me to not obstruct you any longer and let’s mind our own businesses now, shall we?” He suggests, before waving his goodbyes at her and continuing along with his day.

She waves back at his figure getting smaller by the distance.

She remains unmoving, still looking at the direction he’s going.

An amused look turning into rather a blank expression.

“Her ‘partner’, huh…” She says as she closes her eyes.

Please, Ganyu, let’s do this...

“You’re really good at being private. Even with how workaholic you are, your closest co-worker doesn’t even know what happened, and everything beyond that…” She comments wistfully, voice trailing off at the end of her sentence.

-

She opens her eyes, fixes herself, firmly clutching her bouquet so that it may not end up to the ground like her hairpin. Because it would’ve been much more of a mess, an unrecoverable mess.

Quickly recuperating herself, and noticing how much time has been spent, she starts walking, but now in a brisk manner, without disturbing much of her soft clothing. With how fast she’s walking, she’s starting to look like someone that could not afford any more time, like she’s chasing something before it goes away.

She notices that she’s nearer to her destination now, her entire goal all along, which was just two blocks away from where she is.

Yet, there was something else standing between her and her endpoint.

While she was running, she notices the place, almost as if it’s instinctive to her. She slows her walk and pauses herself, before turning to her right. She scans the area as she takes in its familiar atmosphere: The lively lights, the artistry evident on the walls, and the name of the place:

=

Rice and Latte on the Rocks.

=

From beyond the windows, she could see the picture portraying the most delicious meal:

Prosperous Peace.

Though, instead of feeling relieved, feeling lightened, or at least feeling some bubbles forming within the corner of her lips. She felt…sad. Similar to that gloomy mood that has been floating in the air around her today wherever she goes.

She stopped herself aside, by the farthest window on the left, and looked inwards the café.

It still looked the same, elegant as ever. The lighting inside was expertly placed to make every customer feel as warm as they can, like they’re back in their homes. Wooden chairs leathered with black, orange, and red fabrics littered the place. The walls are made of real bricks, decorated with illustrations of famous cities around the world, making it feel classic but modern at the same time.

Of course, the highlight of this place would definitely be the menu. Not only does it sell the best tasting frappes, coffees, and smoothies around the town, colored with a lot of different flavors, but it also sells charming pastries, uplifting breakfast meals, and for her, the best vegetarian meals ever. The best-dressed salads, softest tofu, and the most refreshing water. Ever.

The meal called ‘Prosperous Peace’ would be her favorite out of all. The combination of rice, soy sauce, cauliflowers, carrots, plus the fragrance of the lilies, feels like something created in heaven.

Her few friends dislike the vegetarian meals she loved because of the choice of ingredients: Pure green, not a whole of flavor, but a whole lot of bitterness.

Anyone, no matter how sad and angry they might feel, would always sense energy rushing back into them once they are presented with a picture of their favorite meals. Food is everyone’s cure.

But for her, it didn’t seem to work for now.

She switches her gaze from the menu to a table near the window she’s looking from.

This is so bitter! Ugh…how could you like this, sweetheart?

“Yes, miss. It is bitter. It’s so bitter. So bitter…that it hurts.” She mutters under her breath, making sure that no one heard her say anything.

Her contemplative look returns, as seen on the reflection off the window.

The café doesn’t seem to be as filled like usually at this time of the day, she continues to gaze at the two empty seats beside the table she’s been staring at.

Look, I’m not doing this because of what you think. It’s entirely for a different reason…

Her face gradually loses its’ pensiveness, and she became irritated after a few seconds. Yet, the irritation does not feel like it comes from herself. She definitely feels frustrated, but it’s not self-directed.

She swears she could see an apparition of theirselves sitting on the two empty chairs, talking to each other with both of their hands tightly held on the empty table.

“Keqing…” She whispered to the window.

If I don’t, then you would be stuck in this prison you won’t be able to escape forever…

She remembers that fateful day.

How dare she do it in a place where much of their memories are contained within, she couldn’t even care less if this place served her favorite food. But now, she’ll always have to bear this weight whenever she wants to go back for it.

She couldn’t care less about what she wants herself, she prioritizes her Keqing, and everything her Keqing wants.

She wants to. She had to.

Thank you. Trust me, Ganyu, you won’t have to suffer for much too long, because I love you that much…

“You’re so selfish. So, so selfish.” She says as her breathing gets faster and faster, with her mind still suck at that very singular occasion.

Her eyes are starting to feel the wetness but she would force herself to stop, something that she had learned from her. Although the pain has manifested itself as that growing heaviness in her chest, she realizes how much more pain there is left to bear after what happened that day…

…And what is happening now.

I know I’ve hurt you too much, but I want you to know that you can only visit me whenever you feel like it. Please don’t ever, ever feel sympathetic for me…

Sometimes, it becomes a bit too much for her. All those nights made sleepless due to sessions of aggrieved weeping and those opportunities lost to moments of silent suffering.

That was the last time they had ever met in-person, and talked.

What’s a pain to bear should it prove meaningless in the end?

And who decides if it’s meaningless in the end anyway?

She had agonized enough, and she doesn’t intend to let it go long for any longer. She may be close to the breaking point, but she’s been risking that bit of sanity ever since that day, hoping that this time, something pulls her out of the edge of the cliff.

Pulled by her.

Realizing that she had spent too much time in self-pity, she straightens herself again, making sure that no drops of tears are evident around her eyes.

She wouldn’t want that to see once she appears in front of her.

She holds the flower bouquet as confidently as she can, straightening her posture and commanding her face to look normal again, so that people may perceive that she’s not going through something bad, even if she is.

She leans away from the window.

And passes by the café, walking towards the entrance of her destination at its side.

With a determined look on her face, she glances again to the name of the place, before entering it.

I think I’ll be stuck in the town hospital if it ever happens again.

-

She enters the reception area, busy noises immediately filled her ears. The familiar white walls seen at every corner of the entrance hall.

Patients and nurses conversed at the triage ward to the right, with people lining up at the outpatient ward to the left. As the only health center in the town, it has no choice but to admit any of its residents coming in for many different reasons.

She became dazed by the environment around her, but refocuses her attention to the receptionist behind the desk.

I want you to have another chance at happiness in life.

She heads towards the receptionist, grasping her bouquet of flowers close to her. Feeling nervous and eagerness in seeing her again.

“Umm…excuse me, miss?” She asks.

“Yes, miss. What’s your name and what are you here for? If you’re going to get yourself checked up then please, line up along the others to the left over there.” She replies, gesturing to the row of chairs behind her.

“Not exactly, miss. Um…my name is Ganyu, and I’m here to visit my…”

She trails at the end, stopping herself.

The receptionist looks at her wonderingly.  

“…my girlfriend.”

She’s going to do everything just to see her, even if she has to lie convincingly.

“Oh, I see. Can you tell me her name and where her room is so we could see if you would be able to visit her?” The receptionist asks.

For Ganyu, time seemed to tick faster, yet stop.

“Her name is Keqing, but she hasn’t told me of any room number or any particular place she is situated in.” She replies with an honest tone in her voice.

“Oh, that’s alright. Keqing, right?” The receptionist asks once more.

A nod was Ganyu’s only answer, making sure that her nervousness in her voice wasn’t to be heard.

“Okay, miss, if you could just give me seconds to look her up…”

Silence occupied both parties as one waits for the other’s answer.

“Miss, I’ve found her, and the room she was assigned to.”

Finally.

“Thank you, miss. Where is she?” She asks, trying to conceal her slight excitement.

The receptionist sighed.

“Miss, we have her records here, but she’s not confined here anymore. Now, someone different is occupying the room she was previously in.”

What?

“Not confined here anymore? Was she transferred to another hospital?” She inquires further, with her voice growing tenser.

“Well, no miss. We don’t have any records of her being transferred to another facility nor any records indicating that she was discharged.”

She replies vaguely, as if she’s trying to hide something.

An aching and pulsating feeling is starting to be felt in Ganyu’s forehead.

“I did find one of her documents…someplace else.”

Under anxious breathing, she tried to ask the receptionist a question, but never quite managed to finish it.

“Could it be...?”

-

A blue-haired woman was seen rushing towards the hospital’s restrooms.

She was running so fast that it ruffled the bouquet of flowers she held tightly, and something from her hair was seen falling and clanging to the floor.

Inside the restroom, its only occupant went immediately straight to the sink, where the girl clutched her head, trying to manage her nauseous feeling and bad headache.

She dropped her disheveled bouquet on the toilet floor.

She looks at the mirror, with a reddish face and messed up hair.

“Keqing…I’m sorry!”

She tried to scream but was unable to, still struggling to catch her breathing.

She stared at her own reflection, keeping herself still. Moments away from losing it.

I’ll be waiting there for you, always…

And the waterworks began.

[elshadhaicivils]

All about Asphalt Surfacing

Elshadhai Civils

 All about Asphalt Surfacing

https://elshadhaicivils.co.zw +263 78 028 9132

https://elshadhaicivils.co.za +27 82 712 6571

Asphalt surfacing is a mixture of aggregates, binder and filler, used for constructing and maintaining roads, parking areas, railway tracks, ports, airport runways, bicycle lanes, sidewalks and also play- and sport areas.

Aggregates used for asphalt mixtures could be crushed rock, sand, gravel or slags. Nowadays, certain waste and by-products, such as construction and demolition debris, are being used as aggregates, which increases the sustainability of asphalt.

In order to bind the aggregates into a cohesive mixture a binder is used. Most commonly, bitumen is used as a binder, although nowadays, a series of bio-based binders are also under development with the aim of minimising the environmental impact of the roads.

Asphalt Surfacing / Road Construction Process

What is Asphalt concrete?

Asphalt concrete, also referred to as black cementing agent has been used for road construction for centuries. Asphalt is a combination of aggregates, binder, and filler, used for constructing and maintaining roads.

Aggregates used in asphalt mixture can be crushed rock, sand, gravel, or slags. In present times, to increase the sustainability of the asphalt, certain waste and by-products are used, such as materials resulting from the alteration, construction, destruction, rehabilitation, or repair of any manmade physical structure includes houses, buildings, industrial or commercial facilities, and roadways. To bind or put together aggregates into a cohesive mixture a binder is used. Bitumen is used as a binder.

What is Bitumen?

Bitumen is the liquid binder that holds asphalt together and is produced from petroleum. Bitumen is produced through the distillation of crude oil that is recognized for its waterproofing and adhesive properties. This process removes lighter crude oil components, such as gasoline and diesel, leaving the “heavier” bitumen behind. Although nowadays, to minimize the environmental impact of the roads, bio-based binders are also under development.

Asphalt Surfacing Mixture

Asphalt surfacing is a mixture of 2 primary ingredients:

1) Aggregates

2) Asphalt binder

The aggregates have around 95% of the total mixture by weight. Aggregates are mixed with 5% of asphalt binder to produce asphalt pavement. The aggregates and asphalt are heated to an appropriate temperature and mixed in a processing plant capable of producing specified materials. Asphalt pavement is transported by truck to the paving site, it is then spread to a uniform thickness with a paving or finishing machine.

The material is then compacted to the required degree by heavy, self-propelled rollers, producing a smooth pavement course. Depending on the factors such as ambient conditions, to achieve adequate density, care is been taken that mix temperature does not fall below optimum compaction temperature while the material is compacted.

Asphalt Surfacing Laying Temperature Classification

1) Hot mix asphalt

2) Warm mix asphalt

3) Half-warm mix asphalt

4) cold mix asphalt

Hot mix asphalt (HMA) has a laying temperature above 150˚C, it is one of the traditional paving methods used. Warm mix asphalt (WMA) has a lower temperature compared to hot mix asphalt, between 110˚C to 140˚C. The third concept is half-warm mix asphalt (HWMA), it has a lower temperature compared to HMA and WMA, i.e., below 100˚C. While Cold mix asphalt (CMA) is least suitable for paving, having a paving temperature below 60˚C, also cold mix asphalt is the most environment-friendly among all, but due to lack of performance, it is not used as paving temperature.

Anciently, HMA was the most preferred asphalt surfacing temperature but in recent years development, WMA has been performing very close to that of HMA. WMA has a 30% lower production temperature compared to HMA. WMA has advantages such as less power consumption, better performance, decrease emission and lower fuel consumption. Benefits are also seen on-site due to a reduction in emission leading to keep better health of people working on sites. WMA can be used in strictly air polluted areas as well as the site of paving can be opened earlier due to less time for cooling asphalt surfacing so that transportation can easily access it again. HWMA and WMA consume less energy i.e., 50% and 10to30%.

Asphalt Surfacing Process

It consists of the 5 layers mentioned below (From bottom to top)

1) Sub-Grade (150-300mm)

The subgrade is a layer of natural soil prepared to receive the layers of the pavement and is a base of all the payment layers. All the stress of the above pavement layers is transferred to Sub-grade. Hence, it is essential to ensure that the sub-grade is not overstressed. The subgrade should be strong enough to take up the stresses Imposed due to loads without shear failure or excessive deformation.

2) Sub-base (100-300mm)

It is the layer of the material between the Sub-Grade course and Base-Course. The sub-base is also known as soling. The primary functions of the sub-base are to provide structural support, improve drainage, and reduce the intrusion of fines from the sub-grade in the pavement structure. This course provides a medium to spread the wheel loads to the subgrade. In the case of the base course, the course is open-graded or has a large air void, the sub-base course with more fine material can be utilized as filler between sub-grade and the base course. The course usually consists of broken stones, bricks, or aggregates. As the stresses in a sub-base are much lower than those in the base, the material used is inferior to those in the base course. A sub-base course is not mandatory needed or used.

3) Asphalt Surfacing base Course (100-300mm)

The base course layer is above the sub-base layer and immediately beneath the surface of the binder course. The base course is considered an important structural layer of the pavement, it is planned to effectively distribute traffic and environmental loading that underlying unbound layers are not exposed to excessive stresses and strains. The base course also provides additional load distribution and contribution to the sub-surface drainage. Crushed stone, crushed slag, emulsified asphalt, and other untreated or stabilized material are used for the base course.

[rickcooperpaving]

Top 5 Questions Customers Ask About Sealcoating, Answered

Properly sealcoated roads can last up to 10-15 years longer than unsealed ones. Professional sealcoating services in MA provide a reliable solution to protect and maintain private and public roads alike. Here, we’ll cover the top five questions customers often ask about sealcoating to help you understand its benefits, timing, and cost-effectiveness.

1. What is Sealcoating, and Why is it Necessary?

Sealcoating is a process that involves applying a protective layer over asphalt surfaces. This layer shields the asphalt from harmful elements like sunlight, water, oils, and chemicals. Without sealcoating, asphalt deteriorates faster due to exposure to UV rays, moisture, and vehicle fluids. These elements break down the surface, leading to cracks and potholes.

By applying professional sealcoating services in MA, you can protect the road’s surface from premature wear. For best private roads sealcoating in Somerville or any high-traffic areas, sealcoating can be essential. It extends the life of the road, enhances its appearance, and saves on costly repairs.

2. How Often Should I Sealcoat My Road or Driveway?

The frequency of sealcoating largely depends on traffic and exposure to weather. Generally, roads should be sealcoated every 2-3 years, but heavily trafficked areas may need it more often. For those who’ve recently paved new asphalt, it’s best to wait 6-12 months before applying the first layer of sealcoat. This allows the asphalt to cure fully and ensures better adhesion.

Regular maintenance using professional sealcoating services in MA will protect the investment in your road or driveway. In areas like Somerville, where winters are tough, sealcoating before harsh weather begins can provide an added layer of protection against snow, ice, and salt.

3. What’s the Best Time of Year for Sealcoating?

The best time for sealcoating is during warm, dry months—ideally spring through early fall. Sealcoat needs temperatures above 50°F and low humidity for it to dry and adhere correctly. It’s also essential to plan sealcoating when rain isn’t in the forecast for at least 24 hours.

In Massachusetts, sealcoating between May and September often yields the best results. However, booking professional sealcoating services in MA early in the season can help avoid the busy schedule later on. Waiting until later may mean delays due to weather or contractor availability.

4. How Long Does Sealcoating Take to Dry, and When Can Traffic Resume?

Sealcoating generally takes about 24 to 48 hours to dry fully, depending on temperature, humidity, and the thickness of the layer applied. For private roads, it’s crucial to keep traffic off the surface for at least 24 hours to prevent damage to the coating. For busier areas, the wait might extend to 48 hours or more, especially if the weather is cooler or if multiple layers are applied.

Using professional sealcoating services in MA ensures that drying times are respected and roads are safely reopened. Contractors in Somerville and surrounding areas typically mark off the area to prevent early use, protecting the sealcoat during the critical drying period.

5. How Much Does Sealcoating Cost, and Is It Worth It?

Sealcoating is a cost-effective solution for asphalt preservation. The price typically ranges based on the size of the area, the thickness of the coat, and any additional preparation needed. On average, sealcoating a driveway or private road costs far less than repaving or extensive repairs.

Investing in best private roads sealcoating in Somerville can be economical in the long term. It reduces the likelihood of cracks and other issues, which means fewer costly repairs. Regular sealcoating maintains the road’s appearance and performance, making it a wise choice for both residential and commercial properties.

Final Thoughts

Sealcoating is an affordable, effective way to protect asphalt and extend its life. By understanding the basics of sealcoating—how often it should be done, the right timing, and the benefits—you can make an informed decision. For reliable results, always consider professional sealcoating services in MA for any large or high-traffic areas. With proper maintenance, your roads will remain in excellent condition for years to come.

[premierpavingdigital]

Premier Paving: Asphalt Milling Contractors

Premier Paving specializes in asphalt milling, offering a cost-effective solution for resurfacing driveways and parking lots. Our process involves grinding down the top layer of old asphalt, recycling the material, and creating a smooth, durable surface. Serving Annapolis, Severna Park, Pasadena, Arnold, Edgewater, and surrounding areas, we ensure efficient and eco-friendly paving solutions.

[citilandscape]

Does Lawn Grass Benefit the Environment? Exploring the Green Truth Behind Your Lawn

Lawn grass, often seen as a mere aesthetic element in landscaping, plays a surprisingly significant role in the environment. While many view it simply as a green carpet for their lawns, it is much more than just a decorative feature. Lawn grass is a valuable contributor to environmental health in several ways, from improving air quality to managing stormwater runoff. But how exactly does lawn grass benefit the environment, and why should homeowners and landscapers consider its ecological impact?

1. Lawn Grass and Carbon Sequestration

One of the most prominent environmental benefits of lawn grass is its ability to sequester carbon. In the face of climate change, this is an incredibly valuable function. As grass grows, it absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, storing it in the soil. This process, known as carbon sequestration, helps mitigate the effects of greenhouse gases. Grasslands, if properly managed, can act as carbon sinks, storing vast amounts of CO2. Regular lawn care practices, such as ensuring healthy soil, promote optimal carbon storage. To enhance your lawn's capacity to absorb CO2, it is essential to maintain it well, keeping the grass lush and green.

Incorporating sustainable lawn care practices, such as using organic fertilizers and avoiding excessive use of pesticides, supports the long-term health of your lawn. For those looking for ways to manage the weeds that often challenge grass growth, weed care is a key area to focus on. A well-maintained lawn, free from invasive weeds, not only looks better but also functions more effectively in carbon capture. Discover more about weed care.

2. Lawn Grass and Air Quality Improvement

Lawn grass plays an active role in improving air quality. Grass helps filter pollutants, including dust and particulate matter, from the air. Its fine blades act as a natural filter, trapping airborne particles that might otherwise contribute to air pollution. This is particularly beneficial in urban areas where air quality can be a significant issue. Additionally, grass emits oxygen during photosynthesis, contributing to the overall health of the atmosphere.

The environmental benefits of lawn grass are enhanced when it is well-maintained. Proper mowing, watering, and fertilization help the grass remain healthy, maximizing its ability to filter pollutants and produce oxygen. The quality of the soil in which the grass grows also plays a crucial role in how well it can capture carbon and support air purification. Sustainable practices such as avoiding heavy pesticide use and reducing chemical fertilizers can help maintain both the health of your lawn and the surrounding ecosystem.

3. Managing Stormwater with Lawn Grass

Another significant benefit of lawn grass is its ability to manage stormwater runoff. During heavy rain, the grass absorbs and filters water, reducing the amount that flows into storm drains and ultimately preventing erosion and flooding. Grass acts as a natural sponge, allowing water to infiltrate the soil and recharge groundwater levels, which is crucial for maintaining water tables and preserving local water supplies.

In contrast to impermeable surfaces like concrete or asphalt, lawn grass allows rainwater to permeate the ground. This helps reduce the burden on stormwater systems, especially in urban environments where paved surfaces dominate. If you are looking to incorporate more effective water management techniques into your landscape, consider the benefits of landscaping services in West Auckland. Professional landscapers can help design systems that optimize lawn grass' natural ability to absorb rainwater while enhancing the overall aesthetic of your property. Learn more about landscaping services in West Auckland.

4. Lawn Grass and Biodiversity

Lawn grass can also contribute to biodiversity in an ecosystem. While it may seem like a monoculture, a well-maintained lawn can support a variety of beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife. Bees and butterflies often visit lawns to pollinate flowers, and small mammals may seek shelter in grass areas. Additionally, grass lawns provide habitats for numerous beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, which help control pests naturally.

To further enhance the biodiversity of your lawn, consider planting a variety of grasses and wildflowers. This not only improves the visual appeal of your lawn but also supports a wider range of wildlife. Proper lawn care, such as reducing the use of toxic chemicals and providing habitat for pollinators, is essential for fostering biodiversity.

5. The Role of Lawn Grass in Sustainable Landscaping

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important consideration in landscaping. Lawn grass, when incorporated into a sustainable landscape design, offers several environmental advantages. By selecting drought-tolerant varieties of grass and using water-efficient irrigation systems, homeowners can reduce water usage while maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn. The addition of Auckland landscape supplies such as compost and mulch can also enhance the soil’s health, encouraging deeper root growth and improving the lawn's resilience to dry conditions.

A sustainable approach to lawn care emphasizes eco-friendly practices, such as reducing the use of synthetic chemicals, using organic lawn fertilizers, and choosing native grass varieties. These practices not only benefit the environment but also reduce maintenance costs in the long run. For those interested in sustainable landscaping, it’s essential to consider all the elements of your outdoor space, from the grass itself to the overall design. Explore eco-friendly options at here.

6. Lawn Grass and Urban Heat Island Mitigation

In urban areas, the phenomenon of the “urban heat island effect” is a growing concern. This occurs when cities experience higher temperatures than their surrounding rural areas due to human activity and the extensive use of concrete and asphalt. Lawn grass can help mitigate this effect by cooling the surrounding air. Through a process known as evapotranspiration, grass releases moisture into the air, which cools the environment.

Lawn grass, with its natural cooling abilities, can help make cities more comfortable, especially during hot summers. For urban landscapes, incorporating grass into garden designs is one of the most effective ways to combat the urban heat island effect. By maintaining lawns that are properly watered and cared for, city dwellers can enjoy a cooler, more sustainable living environment.

7. Lawn Grass as a Sustainable Material in Landscaping

Beyond its environmental benefits, lawn grass also plays a role in the aesthetics and functionality of landscapes. When combined with other natural elements such as stone, wood, and water features, grass can enhance the overall appeal of outdoor spaces. Sustainable materials such as Fencing services in Auckland provide added value to landscaping projects, offering both privacy and beauty without the environmental downsides of conventional fencing materials.

The use of Fencing services in Auckland can ensure that your landscape design is both functional and eco-friendly, complementing your lawn while also supporting the natural environment.

8. Conclusion: Embracing Lawn Grass for Environmental Health

In conclusion, lawn grass offers numerous environmental benefits, from carbon sequestration to stormwater management and biodiversity support. It plays a key role in improving air quality, mitigating urban heat island effects, and supporting local wildlife. By embracing lawn grass as a sustainable landscaping element, homeowners can contribute positively to their local ecosystems.

For those looking to create a more sustainable landscape, starting with a healthy lawn and incorporating eco-friendly practices is essential. Whether you are considering new lawn installation or improving an existing one, understanding the environmental role of lawn grass will help you make informed decisions that benefit both your property and the planet.

[eliwal]

Driveway Sealing and Asphalt Crack Repair in Connecticut

Driveway Sealing Services in CT

Greetings from VP Asphalt Paving, your trusted partner for driveway sealing surrounding the Greater Waterbury and Tribury areas. With over three decades of industry experience operating a well-known and trusted asphalt company, owner Victor Pagona, has proven himself time and again in the local driveway management industry as one of the best family-owned paving contractors.

Sealing asphalt is highly essential in pavement preventive maintenance; therefore, this is one of the most important projects you can undertake to extend your pavement’s life. VP Asphalt Paving provides several varieties of sealcoating services, ensuring extra durability and excellent beauty for your driveways or commercial parking lots.

Here at VP Asphalt Paving, our team understands the need for top-notch maintenance on your driveway so you can enjoy your property, now and in the future. Our experts offer the best asphalt maintenance services for right-of-ways and private roads that, in turn, give your existing or brand new blacktop the protection it needs from harmful weather conditions and caustic chemicals, as well as the general wear from heavy vehicles.

We are pleased to offer residential driveway sealing and asphalt crack repair solutions to the City of Waterbury and surrounding local communities, including Cornwall, Southbury, South Britain, Woodbury, Newtown, Sherman, Oxford, Middlebury, Thomaston, Terryville, Plymouth, Bantam, Litchfield, Salisbury, Milton, Cheshire, Southington, Wolcott, Bethlehem, Morris, Goshen, Washington, Watertown, Bridgewater, Union City, Naugatuck, Bethany, Woodbridge, Seymour, Prospect and Beacon Falls, and all other unmentioned locations throughout Central and Western Connecticut.

We place best-in-class sealants every couple of years to assist in the extension of the exploitation term of your driveway and keep it as a showroom for years to come.

Be it minor cracks, driveway depressions, even pot holes, or you just want to prevent future damage from occurring, our awesome driveway sealing solutions are implemented with the aim to take away your doubts and concerns.

Asphalt Crack Repair and Filling

At VP Asphalt Paving, the crews specialize in permanently sealing and filling these cracks, utilizing some of the most efficient grade hot rubberized crack fillers which are uniquely designed and formulated. It is important to produce a critically high service environment to preserve the integrity and longevity of any trafficked asphalt surface.

To effectively protect your asphalt, it’s crucial to first determine the type of crack present, as each kind needs a specific repair approach.

Types of Asphalt Cracks We Repair

Cracks generally fall into two categories: working and non-working.

Non-Working Cracks – These are either vertical or diagonal and extend into the asphalt without any noticeable movement. Unlike working cracks, they don’t expand or contract with temperature shifts, making them easier to fix. Non-working cracks are often caused by temperature fluctuations, traffic, or poor drainage.

Working Cracks – These cracks, whether vertical or horizontal, tend to shift with changes in temperature. Traffic and inadequate drainage can also contribute to these active cracks, which require a more involved repair process due to their movement.

Go ahead and read the entire blog post here!