#base station insulation

[giazhou1]

As a major energy consumer of the 5G network, 5G base stations reduce their energy consumption, carbon emissions, equipment heat generation, equipment temperature, equipment noise, operating costs, etc., which are of great value to the development and application of 5G networks. Analyze the main problems faced by 5G base stations, and discuss the energy saving and heat dissipation and cooling technical solutions of 5G base station systems from the perspective of improving and improving the power quality of 5G base stations and the needs to reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions, temperature, noise, and costs.

[threepandas]

Always Listening: Yandere Present Mic

[Tracked down uncropped version! Art by @moromi100] ‐-----‐---------------------------------------------------------‐------------------------------------------------------------

It starts and you didn't notice. Almost no one in Japan did. Outside of the smartest sentient being on Japanese soil and the living cat-loving cryptid of the underground? No one was intelligent enough, observant enough, and CLOSE enough, to see the surprisingly subtle... hitch in behaviors.

Like a stumbled step. A fumble. The tiniest little twitch that gives away the lie.

It smoothed out immediately, of course, that next step graceful. The smile just as cheerful as ever. Only two sets of eyes SAW. Noted. And considered. What to do, what to do? Do they care enough to interfere? Is this interesting? Will it make one of THEIR'S happy?

It would.

So they did nothing. They could have. Should have. They are supposed to be Heros. And yet...

It starts and you don't notice. It builds and you are blind. But one day? As you jam along to your favorite radio station? It occurs to you. 'Huh, they're playing a lot more of my favorite artists then they used too'. You can't really think of WHY they would do that... maybe they're finally breaking into the big times? Getting their big break?

Good for them!

You go back to jamming out. Wishing you could sing along. But you can't, not in a crowded apartment block. Heck not ANYWHERE outside of a properly sound insulated dwelling. You know better. You've HAD to know better. Got the scars on your face, ears, and neck to prove it.

Fucking muzzles.

A voice Quirk holders common horror story. You'd think of they were so damn common, they'd at least put more work into making them HUMANE. But, no! Obviously our fault for not shutting up fast enough! Or WORSE! Gasp! Possessing voices in the FIRST PLACE!

Oh how DARE we want to TALK! Such a TERRIBLE crime!

You don't really talk to like... half your relatives thanks to that. Jerks. And, yeah, granted, "Talk" is stretching it. YOU could talk until you're blue in the face. THEY wouldn't be able to hear you. Would probably get really sick though. Possibly have a nervous breakdown.

You talk in infrasound, which can cause feelings of fear or awe in folks. You know, that "horror movie" or "something Supernatural is happening" feeling. You could and HAVE made serious BANK just sitting in the back of a high end horror house, reading vaguely spooky sentences into the speakers.

People fainted. Had panic attacks. There was a late blooming Quirk activation, cause some kid legit thought he was going to DIE.

You'd run out of script and were going through take out menus at that point.

Point is? People can't HEAR you. Outside of like a handful of folks with REALLY strong hearing quirks. And your voice is LOW. Not cute at ALL. You kinda hate it. Cause, like? You LOVE to hum. Sing. Be silly. Fun, normal, LOUD, everyday stuff! And you CAN'T. Cause you'll freak people out! Hurt them!

You really kinda hate it, you know?

And your last landlord was getting progressively more shitty about your Quirk. Accusing you of using it when you WEREN'T. Based off the "vibez" and how "creepy" his shitty apartment was at night. Like? Maybe if you CLEANED THE PLACE UP?! It's creepy because it LOOKS like somebody's gonna get stabbed!

But that's the sorta shit that gets innocent people arrested. So no dice! You're OUT.

New place is nicer anyway.

And? When you move in? Cute blonde with a cuter butt. Nice~ You are looking respeeeeectfullyyyy~☆ ooh! Strong blonde! Muscles! NICE. You have a FANTASTIC day. He's chatty! Knows sign! Great laugh! Meet cute with hot new neighbor, maybe? You don't want to get ahead of yourself.

And... and when reachs past you for one of the boxes?

Oh.

The makeup hides it pretty well. But you do the same thing. Scars in the same places. Voice Quirk, huh? No wonder he sounds so nice. It'll be good, you think. To have a neighbor that GETS it.

You stop trying to hide the scarring you forgot to cover up that morning. Get on with it. You notice HIM notice. That's right~ Same hat! You both grin.

But then you slip on the stairs. Thank FUCK new neighbor's just behind you, to catch you befor you fall too far. But of course... you cry out. A yelp, a curse, a babbled apology. Forgetting once again... he can't hear you. That your probably making everything feel like a horror movie.

But... but he DOES.

His jaw's on the floor. Head cocked like a puppy trying to find the source of a new noise. Eyes wide and AMAZED. He asks if that... that "beautiful sound" is you. Your face immediately feels like it's on fire. Oh dear God, he can HEAR you?! You don't know if that's amazing or terrifying. It's... it's been so long!

You had been forced to explain WHY you couldn't, you know, TALK to him in the stairwell. He'd looked so disappointed. It was amazing and too much. You didn't know how to handle it. Or if you WANTED too. But... you think you kinda do?

You and Hizashi, the cute neighbor, kept crossing paths. He's a Teacher and part time DJ. You think. Not the teacher thing, the DJ thing. You KNOW he teaches. He comes over sometimes, to grade English papers and get reminders he can write "you suck. So, so badly. Did you even TRY?" On a child's paper.

They are kids, Hizashi. Remember~ We once, too, were dumbasses~

And you know? It's not just him. Sometimes he brings his tired friend. The one that looks like a cat on a leash. Boneless and miffed to be dragged around when he could be sleeping. You give him you couch. Bought him a kitty patterned blanket and sound canceling head phones.

You're pretty sure you're the favorite right now. Bribery for the win!

Shouta finds your favorite station "Hands Up Radio" amusing. There is definitely a joke you're not getting. You let it go and get back to your hobby. Composing. Granted, no one's ever gonna be able to HEAR it. But you want to make an album. All in infrasound.

Something BEAUTIFUL.

Your mark on the world, you know? Hizashi had even offered up his friends recording studio. Seemed REALLY into. It's been nice, having such a supportive friend. He helps make the food, picks up both your mail, grabs like half the groceries from stores on the way back from his "gig". Other stuff you both get delivered. It's pretty convenient! He even showed you the app.

You kinda hadn't realized? How lonely life was. Back when it was just you.

Then Hizashi rocked up and inserted himself into your life. Brought all his friends. Noise and life and jokes. Fun. Your gut keeps telling you you're MISSING something. That this is too good to be true. A trap. But... but why CAN'T it be true?

The happy sitcom life. No nasty hidden secrets. No suspicious evils in the dark. Just... just a Genuinely Good thing happening for once? Something NICE. A meet cute with a cute guy, that turns into a friendship, that might turn into something more?

And if the voice on the radio sounds really familar? No it doesn't. If Shouta's eyes track and track and TRACK, like a hunter's? Man has an eye Quirk, probably normal. And so WHAT if Hizashi sometimes gets... gets LOOKS in his eyes? Tilts his head at just the wrong angle? And something in your gut KNOWS.

No it doesn't.

It's just anxiety. Hizashi is your FRIEND, damn it! You refuse, refuse, REFUSE! Everything is FINE. It has to be fine! GETS to be fine! You get to have friends and singing and takeout with people who CARE about you! A LIFE! And if Hizashi is a little weird? Then he gets to be weird! You don't see ANYTHING.

You let the radio play. Another song comes on.

It's another favorite of yours.

A coincidence.

You continue listening.

[razzmatash]

Warm Me Up Day 2 - Trapped in a snowstorm Love and Deepspace Sylus x f!OC 1622 words Read on Ao3 Warnings: slightly suggestive at the end banner by firefly-graphics

How had this happened?

Watching the storm rage outside, Calli curled in on herself a little tighter. She never should have agreed to join this expedition. She didn’t need the money and that was the only reason to join something like this. She knew that everyone had to do one rotation a year on a more remote expedition but why had she agreed to go north? And why had she left it for so late in the year?

Her only consolation was the fact that the little way station she’d found was well insulated and had enough energy to last the storm. But she was here by herself with no way to contact the outside world until the storm passed. She’d tried to radio in where she was but she wasn’t sure if it had gone through. All she could do now was wait out the storm.

Pulling the blanket around her shoulders a little closer to her, she gazed out the window listlessly. When she got back to civilization, she was going to submerge herself in a hot tub and not leave for a week. Maybe she’d apply for a vacation and go further south. She didn’t want to see any snow anytime soon and Linkon City was due for it’s first snowfall soon. Maybe she could convince Sylus to take her on a holiday.

Calli snorted at herself. Convince him? All she had to do was suggest the idea and he’d leap all over it. Any chance to spend time with her took priority and if it was just the two of them? She’d be lucky if she finished her thought before he was asking where she wanted to go.

A heavy sigh left her and she plunked her chin down on her knees. Thinking about him just made her miss him, even though this expedition was only for a week and they had been apart for longer than that. Maybe it was because she was alone here with absolutely no chance for help that had her wishing he was there with her. She could take care of herself but she wouldn’t have minded someone to talk to to help pass the hours. Or cuddle. He kicked out so much heat she wouldn’t need a damn blanket with him around. Maybe-

Frowning, she stared harder out the window. That couldn’t be someone coming toward the little cabin. It just couldn’t. It was the middle of a storm and no one from the base would have been allowed to go out in it. The only people out here were Hunters and the crews that had come to support them. It didn’t look like a Wanderer but...she wasn’t so sure she wanted to spend a snowstorm trapped with a stranger. No matter how lonely she was.

She scrambled off the chair and stumbled toward the door. She hadn’t bothered to lock it when she’d come inside earlier, the storm already picking up enough she’d known that no one else would be coming in after her. Now she regretted it. Being in the middle of nowhere didn’t mean she could suddenly be stupid about her safety. She could hear both Carrow and Sylus chiding her for the rookie mistake. If she made it out of this in one piece, she wasn’t going to tell them. She’d take this secret to her grave.

Gasping as the door started to open before she reached it, she slammed her body into it to force it closed again. It shut for a moment but before she could slide the bolt home, a weight greater than hers leaned into it from the other side. Desperation rose in her, welling up to clog her throat. No, no, no! She knew it was a terrible thing to do and that whoever was on the other side would likely die in the storm but she-

“Sweetie, move,” a deep voice growled from outside.

Calli blinked, losing her balance for a moment. It was enough for the door to surge open, pushing her back, and a large frame hustled inside to slam it back closed. Staring at the person in front of her, she squeaked, “Sylus?”

He pulled off the goggles and scarf that were obscuring his face and gave her a look. “I thought you didn’t want me dead.”

She couldn’t stop staring at him. Was he actually here? Or had she fallen asleep and was only dreaming that he was? She’d already had a few of those on the expedition and had woken up disappointed in her little bunk. She didn’t know why it was so different when she was the one that had gone away because she didn’t feel like this when he was away for business.

Sylus set aside the goggles and scarf before starting on his jacket. “I was listening to the reports as they came in and heard that you’d gotten stranded out here,” he said calmly as if they were back in the city and not out in the middle of the Arctic. “I came to keep you company.”

He had? But...what was he even doing up here in the first place? She didn’t remember him saying he had any business here and it wasn’t like it was a hot spot for his kind of activity. The only thing that was up here for him was...her?

He set his bag near the door and started to stomp the snow off his boots. “We’ll have to make sure the snowmobile is returned before one of the Hunters notice that it’s gone. Shouldn’t be too hard since they’re more focused on people and supplies than-” He cut off with a grunt as she slammed into his back.

Winding her arms around him, Calli pushed her face into the back of his sweater and clutched at the front of it. He was here. He was actually here. She wasn’t dreaming.

“Kitten?”

She shook her head, clinging to him and trying not to cry. She didn’t have to go through this alone and she wasn’t stranded with a stranger. Even though he shouldn’t have been anywhere near here, he’d come for her.

A large hand covered hers, squeezing gently. “Did you get lonely?”

“Yes,” she whispered. She wanted to get closer to him but she couldn’t.

He squeezed her again before gently prying her hands off him. He turned to look at her and leaned down to kiss her forehead. “Let me get out of these,” he said quietly, “and then you can tell me how much you missed me.”

She flushed a little as he gave her another kiss, this time on the mouth. Blinking at him as he stepped back to finish with his outerwear, she took all of him in before murmuring, “Thank you.”

A flash of a smile that warmed her more than anything else. “You don’t need to thank me.”

Except she did because he absolutely did not need to go to this extreme for her. Turning from him, she shuffled toward the kitchenette. He’d been bundled up but he had to still be cold. She could make some coffee or hot chocolate to help him warm up and she was pretty sure there was some alcohol stashed somewhere in the little cabin. That would help.

She busied herself with it enough that she didn’t realize he was done until arms wound around her middle. She barely had time to tense before he was pulling her back into him, nuzzling a cold nose into her neck. “Sylus!”

“You’re so warm, sweetie,” he purred, curling around her.

Sucking in a sharp breath as his hands slipped under her sweater, Calli nearly shrieked. “Why are you so cold?!”

“It’s the Arctic. I’m not immune to the cold.”

He usually was so this was almost atrocious. Was this what he felt when she put her cold bits on him? Biting her lip, she squirmed as he showed no signs of pulling away from her. His chuckle did nothing to help because she knew he was doing it on purpose. She tried to focus on making them something to drink but every time she got used to his fingers he’d move them to somewhere else to keep warming them up.

He made things harder by not moving away from her a bit as she grabbed cups and poured out the drink, somehow shifting even closer to her. “I don’t think I was the only lonely one,” she huffed softly.

“I never said you were,” he murmured into her neck. “You’ve been working in zones that barely have any reception so you haven’t been messaging me as much. You don’t usually come to places like this, at least not without me.”

“Is that why you’re here? You were worried about me?”

No answer came immediately but his fingers pressed a little harder into her belly. “Am I not allowed to worry about you?”

Turning her head, she gently rubbed her nose against his hair. “Maybe you need to cuddle more than have a drink,” she teased.

Sylus lifted his head enough to meet her gaze, his eyes glittering. “Do I get a choice?”

Butterflies filled her stomach at the low purr of his voice. “Maybe. I mean, we don’t know how long the storm is going to last. We’ll need to stay warm somehow.”

The smile that curled his mouth had her toes curling and heat scorching through her. “I can think of a few ways, kitten,” he murmured, “but drink your hot chocolate first.”

She almost pouted at him before his lips pressed to her ear in a gentle kiss that ended in a nip.

“You’re going to need all the energy you can get,” he breathed.

Shit.

[solarpunkani]

Solar Powered Community Fridges - Concept Art

So one of my grad school classes is a 8 week long group project to essentially come up with an artistic solution to a problem. Of course, my pitch was solarpunk in nature, and my group actually really liked it! Basically, the concept is to design a series of solar panel-powered community fridges, to help address food insecurity and build community in different areas without having to rely on a specific host building to provide power. What better time to show my concept art than Solarpunk Aesthetic Week?

Originally, I was just drawing up ideas with what usually comes to mind when I imagine fridges--upright fridges. Here's my concept art!

In these sketches, my main concern was imagining how these fridges would fit into the community alongside their power sources--I didn't want them to be too bulky, but I also wanted them to be available for easy access. I also figured they'd need shelter for the fridge's longevity, as well as to protect any users from the element. It'd also be nice to have them alongside other mutual aid sources like little free pantries, little free libraries, the like. One of my favorite designs is the sheltered community space on page 2, with the fridge, the seat, the pantry, and the library all in one protected structure with solar panels on the top. Having a table near the community fridge would also be nice to give people a place to rest as well.

However, around this time, I started trying to find out just how big of a solar panel would be needed to power a fridge like this, and the results were... a bit discouraging. Until! I was informed that chest freezers use way less energy to keep cool--cool air sinks, so opening an upright fridge releases most of the cold air that's been building up and makes the machine work harder to keep cool, whereas a chest fridge doesn't lose nearly as much cold air. In addition, some people have converted chest freezers into chest refrigerators for as little as ~$30 USD. Due to the insulation in a chest freezer, converted chest fridges use way less energy than their upright counterparts to keep cool, making it way more feasible to power them with solar.

So of course, I had to get to drawing again!

Since I'd already concepted a variety of structures for upright fridges, for the chest fridges I mostly focused on their design and possible convenience/accessibility concerns I had been worried about, one of the main being having to reach inside vertically instead of horizontally--several of my family members have difficulty bending, so I was worried having a chest fridge would make things more difficult for others like them. There are likely other ways to address this concern that I haven't thought of, but for now I've concepted putting a grabber tool inside of every fridge so people with trouble bending can still get things. How well it'd work in reality, I'm not sure...

Buuut these are my concepts so far! I hope you like them, I hope they're cool? Let me know what you think! I think these would be cool to have in a solarpunk future--whether they're entirely possible today or will have to wait until a somewhat-distant, 'solar panels can generate more energy with less size and fridges are also way more energy efficient' future I can't say, but it's cool to think about!

[Image 1: Pencil sketches of refrigerators connected to solar power. The annotations on them are as follows. An arrow points to a magnet caddy on the freezer door with markers and stickers, saying "Markers + labels for dating donations". An arrow points to a battery-structure at the base of a solar panel system saying "Doubles as charging station for phones & stuff". An arrow points to a slanted roof structure over a fridge saying "Bus stop-esque structure." An arrow points at a glass door grocery store-style fridge saying "any kind of fridge, any size."

Image 2: Pencil sketches of refrigerators connected to solar power. The annotations on them are as follows. An arrow points to a fridge under a slanted roof structure, saying "Paintings on the fridge itself." Over a portion of a brick wall is written "Murals can be on accompanying walls or on the shelter structure for the fridge." An arrow points to a wheel-mounted solar panel saying "solar panel". A community space is named at the top "The Free Community Space: Open 24/7" An arrow points to the outside wall of a community space structure saying "mural on outer walls". Items inside are labeled 'Freedge, Little free Library, Seeds, Pantry'. An arrow points to a couch, saying "Maybe a bench instead?" Written on the inner wall is "mural inside." An arrow pointing at the space says "Community built space w/ lights, solar panels, little free library, freedge, seed library, little free pantry, couch (???). Solar battery stored behind or on top. Plastic magnet door to protect from elements? Like those magnet curtains?"

Image 3: Pencil sketches of refrigerators connected to solar power. The annotations on them are as follows. An arrow points to a slanted structure over a mini fridge, saying "Solar panel on roof?" Another arrow points to the side saying "Chalkboard paint--anyone can art here." Underneath says "variety of sizes/energy needs mean wider availability". At the top of a curved shelter on a pole is written "solar panel", along the sloping sides is "curved solar panels" and "Or solar voltaic glass?" On the underside of the structure is a label saying "Could be in a park or smth (something)". An arrow points to a box at the base of the structure, saying "charging station" and another arrow labels a table and chairs.

Image 4: Pencil sketches of refrigerators connected to solar power. The annotations on them are as follows. Along the top of a slightly-curved roof structure is an arrow saying "curved solar panel roof. renogy curved 4ft x 2ft for example". To the side of the roof is written "4 panels each side, 0.45 kWh x 8 = 3.6 kWh/h". A chest fridge is labeled "converted chest fridge", and a glass-front box is labeled "Old cabinet/case now Little Free Library". A box sitting between them is labeled "I hear car batteries are good solar storage for cheaper?" A standalone chest fridge has the following labels: "Could paint on fridge exterior" "solar panel on top of fridge?" "most chest freezers are 22-28 in wide &24-38 or 54-68 in long. The longest wattage panel needed would be ~50 in long & ~26 in wide"

Image 5: Pencil sketches of refrigerators connected to solar power. The annotations on them are as follows. The inside of an open lid has an arrow pointing to a grabber object saying "Grabber for accessibility for those w/ trouble bending". A label points at a strap fastened to the inside of the lid saying "straps to help shorter people pull the lid closed." A variety of arrows point to a drawing of an open, decorated chest fridge saying the following: "Counter-balanced lid" "Baskets/crates for storage -> can slide or be removed to access underneath" "Murals on front & sides (not back)" ]

[whohasfourthumbsand]

< Hi, I’m Hachiko. I know we haven’t met, but I saw your posts about HOWL and her new body. I don’t know HOWL, so I’m not sure I can help, but I’m also a military NHP with a canine self-representation. Since that’s an almost unbelievably specific set of things to have in common with her, I sort of feel like I should throw my hat in the ring. 

First, canine subaltern? Wow. Jealous. I’d be losing my shit, too. You absolutely made HOWL happy. I’m canine in terms of virtual representation, and having access to a physical body which matched up with that would be awesome. 

Actually, uh, I…not to get emotional, that’s just really, really sweet of you to do that for her. 

My advice? If you can, give HOWL an open field and let her do her thing for as long as you can. I know that might not be practical if you’re aboard a ship, station, or other confined environment, but that might be part of the fix. I’d want to climb, run, test the physical limitations of the chassis. There’s a certain satisfaction involved when one of us gets to interact with actual physics as opposed to a computer simulation. Imperfections, unanticipated feedback, inability to just receive total environmental awareness on command—it’s a richer experience. More fun.

And, speaking as a military NHP—the part about conveying that she isn’t expected to fight at the moment might end up being a matter of time and ensuring that she doesn’t perceive anything in the environment as a threat. I know that’s not exactly a simple task, but it’s the best I can think of. Some of us need to partition off our dominant personalities, either partially or totally, when we’re deployed in an active combat role. It’s like choosing to become someone else for a while, then choosing to go back to being yourself once it’s safe to do so. The memories are compartmentalized when you come back, kind of a mental insulation. But, given that her shackles are non-standard in design, that kind of partitioning might not be available to her.  I don’t know what her past looks like, but it could be a holdover from previous deployments.

Another thing, does HOWL speak? Not all of us care for linguistic communication, so that might be a barrier. Words do have their limits, after all. If it isn’t too personal a question: how did her pilot communicate with her?

Hopefully this is helpful, and you don’t get chewed up much more. You clearly care a great deal about her. >

(ooc: hey! Not to get too heavy with this, sorry, but this resonated with the character a bit.)

+ Hello, Hachiko!

+ Consider me grateful that we've met when we have, and thankful that you reached out. I've felt incredibly alone throughout this whole ordeal, and to have someone tell me that I'm doing right by HOWL- it means a lot. Really. I doubt that I would find better insight than yours, the similarities between you and HOWL are a pleasant surprise; I'm not sure if this offer means much, but, if you're jealous of the subaltern design, I could scan and upload the printer files for you. I based the chassis itself on an old model donated to me by ACS, then adapted features from frames such as the Metalmark and Enkidu, and an array of visual data regarding Cradle's dogs. Though I'm still working out some kinks, such as the movement of the spine when transitioning between a trot and all-out sprinting, the synthetic musculature may be my best work yet; I imagine it would be a liberating body to inhabit.

+ That brings me to the subject of your advice; Following what you suggested, I took HOWL to Detachment 148's primary hangar— the largest open space on our station— and let her loose. She ran like I've never seen before, stretching, rolling, bounding off of surfaces, climbing onto others. HOWL doesn't generally emote— it's not something she's really capable of, besides the more overt or "instinctual" responses to things like threats— but, I don't know, she seemed... happy. Happier, at least.

+ After that, the aggression stopped entirely. In fact, she's begun to follow me wherever I go, as though curious about the station, or as though she was guarding me? I think it's both. When I leave a room, she bounds or trots after me, silent yet animated. When I stop to work, eat, etcetera, she just... paces. Nonstop pacing, restless, and though I can't read her expression— or lack thereof— I think she's waiting for something.

+ HOWL can verbalize. She's actually incredibly articulate, she speaks a bit like a philosopher when she's comfortable. Big words, thoughtful, introspective dialogue. Some of the conversations she and Kennedy— her old handler— would have would go completely over my head. Now, however, she refuses to speak to me. I don't think she's comfortable enough. I think there's a lot she has left to figure out.

+ In fact— I don't think that she knows that- that Kennedy isn't coming back.

[adventuressclubamericas]

Adventuresses We Love – Bertha Benz Adventuress Bertha Benz was a woman with a vision, one she shared with her husband, Carl – to invent a practical “horseless carriage.” She believed in this vision so much that two years before their wedding, she used her dowry to bail out his failing company and invest in its future. The two of them would collaborate on the design and engineering of the car’s components, including its two-stroke engine, throughout the vehicle’s development. Progress was slow, but steady, and on New Year’s Eve1879 they finally got their engine to work. They continued to make improvements to the vehicle, until finally, in early 1886, Carl obtained a patent for their “motor car with gas engine operation.” The car made its public debut in Mannheim that summer, where… …nobody wanted it. There had been a few cars built before the Benz’s, enough to make everyone really, really nervous about them. Even the Vatican had spoken out against them, declaring the automobile to be a devil’s or witch’s carriage. Some localities in Germany had already outlawed the use of such vehicles, threatening to fine anyone operating them. Now, Carl was an engineering marvel, but a complete dunce at marketing. It would fall to Bertha to win people’s hearts and minds, and change the view of the automobile in their eyes. To accomplish this, she knew exactly what she had to do. She had to go visit her mom. At dawn on August 5, 1888, Bertha and her sons, Robert and Eugen, left Mannheim and headed towards Pforzheim, about 60 miles away. Today, we might not think of that as any big deal – that’s not much more than my commute to work – but in 1888, it was an Epic Road Trip. The first of its kind! The trip was fraught with challenges, not the least of which was that the car got 25mpg – but only carried about 1.3 gallons of fuel. To resolve this, Bertha bought the entire supply of ligroin – a petroleum-based cleaner – from a chemist in Wiesloch and used that to power the car. (The chemist’s in Wiesloch is still today recognized as the world’s first service station.) Bertha also found innovative solutions for some of the mechanical failures the car ran into on the way. For example, she used her hat pin to clear a clogged fuel line, and her garter to insulate a frayed spark plug wire. When the wooden blocks used in the brakes started to wear out, she stopped at a cobbler’s shop and had leather added to them – thereby inventing the world’s first brake pads. Another challenge – hills. The car had two gears – not quite enough to summit some of the hills on the route. Robert and Eugen got out and pushed it up a couple of them. Finally, after 13 hours on the road, Bertha and her boys arrived in Pforzheim. She telegraphed Carl to let him know, then enjoyed a few days with her mom before driving home. Bertha’s road trip started to change public opinion about the car, and led to her and Carl’s company being the automotive giant we know today. She also showed the importance of test drives – innovations were added to the design to overcome the issues she’d found on this trip (including adding a third gear which made hills much easier). Test drives are standard, essential practice for automobile manufacturers today, but had never been done before Bertha’s trip in 1888. Adventuress Bertha Benz died on May 5, 1944, two days after her 95th birthday. On May 3, 2024, Bertha’s 175th birthday, the German government issued a postage stamp honoring her and her contributions to automotive history.

[yoshi1517]

CHAPTER 2 - THE POLICE STATION

"[...]The two brothers sped through the streets of the city, the motorcycle roaring as it cut through the chilly morning air. Mauro clung tightly to Massimo’s waist, grateful for the thick jacket he’d thrown on before leaving. The cold bit even through the fabric, made sharper by the wind as they wove between lanes. Massimo, by contrast, seemed unaffected, his full highway patrol uniform, complete with insulated gloves, sturdy boots, and a heavy jacket, offering ample protection against the elements.

As they cruised through the city, Mauro’s eyes wandered over the bustling urban landscape. Morning routines were in full swing: commuters rushed toward bus stops or subway entrances, office workers hurried across crosswalks with coffees in hand, and cars lined up at intersections, their drivers leaning on horns in growing frustration. One thing struck Mauro more than anything else: the omnipresence of technology. Almost every person he saw was engaged with some kind of device. Smartphones were clutched in hands, wireless headphones adorned ears, and even sleek smart glasses glinted in the sunlight. It was as if the entire city was tethered together by invisible digital threads, connected, yet somehow vulnerable.

After about fifteen minutes of riding, they arrived at the police station. The building loomed ahead, a sturdy and imposing structure surrounded by a sprawling parking lot. Two of Massimo’s colleagues stood at the entrance, eyeing Mauro curiously as they passed, but saying nothing. Massimo guided the bike into the lot, parking neatly beside a line of patrol cars. Mauro dismounted, stretching his legs as he glanced around.

The inside of the station was a whirlwind of activity. Mauro found himself momentarily overwhelmed by the flurry of movement: officers in winter uniforms moved briskly down hallways, phones rang incessantly, and the hum of overlapping conversations filled the air. Some officers wore standard-issue gloves and hats, while others had scarves or neck warmers, clearly preparing for a long day out in the cold. Meanwhile, inside the warmth of the station, officers in office uniforms reviewed case files, answered phones, and coordinated plans. The sheer efficiency and organized chaos were mesmerizing to Mauro, who couldn’t help but admire how smoothly everything seemed to function.

Massimo quickly signed the register to log the start of his shift. Afterward, he approached the desk officer and asked about the captain’s availability. “Sorry, he’s tied up dealing with a robbery attempt downtown,” the officer replied.

Massimo turned to Mauro with a thoughtful smile. “Listen, what do you say we skip the introduction for now, and you come with me on patrol? Just a routine round, traffic checks, nothing too intense. It’ll be just the two of us today since my partner called in sick.”

Mauro’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Seriously? You’ll let me ride along?”

Massimo chuckled. “Sure, but don’t touch anything unless I tell you to,” he teased.[...]"

"the second chapter of the story "Mind Infection" is finally out! Want to keep reading? Subscribe to unlock the full chapter and more!

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[secrethideoutwhispers]

Building a cargo spaceship capable of exploring our solar system based on current technology and the knowledge gleaned from our understanding of engineering, science, and chemistry requires us to work within practical and realistic constraints, given that we're not yet in an era of faster-than-light travel. This project would involve a modular design, reliable propulsion systems, life support, cargo handling, and advanced automation or AI. Here’s a conceptual breakdown:

1. Ship Structure

Hull and Frame: A spaceship designed for deep space exploration needs a durable, lightweight frame. Advanced materials like titanium alloys and carbon-fiber composites would be used to ensure structural integrity under the stress of space travel while keeping the mass low. The outer hull would be made with multi-layered insulation to protect against micrometeorites and space radiation.

Dimensions: A cargo space vessel could be roughly 80-100 meters long and 30 meters wide, giving it sufficient space for cargo holds, living quarters, and propulsion systems.

Cost: $500 million (materials, assembly, and insulation).

2. Propulsion Systems

Primary Propulsion: Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) or Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP):

NTP would involve heating hydrogen with a nuclear reactor to achieve high exhaust velocities, providing faster travel times across the solar system. NEP converts nuclear energy into electricity, driving highly efficient ion thrusters. Both systems offer relatively efficient interplanetary travel.

A hybrid solution between NTP and NEP could optimize fuel efficiency for longer trips and maneuverability near celestial bodies.

Cost: $1 billion (development of nuclear propulsion, reactors, and installation).

Fuel: For NTP, hydrogen would be used as a propellant; for NEP, xenon or argon would be the ionized fuel. It would be replenished through in-space refueling depots or by mining water on asteroids and moons (future prospect).

Cost (fuel): $50 million.

3. Power Systems

Nuclear Fission Reactor: A compact fission reactor would power the ship’s life support, propulsion, and onboard systems. Reactors designed by NASA’s Kilopower project would provide consistent energy for long missions.

Backup Solar Arrays: Solar panels, optimized for efficiency beyond Mars’ orbit, would serve as secondary power sources in case of reactor failure.

Cost: $300 million (including reactors, solar panels, and energy storage systems).

4. Cargo Modules

The cargo holds need to be pressurized and temperature-controlled for sensitive materials or scientific samples, while some holds could be left unpressurized for bulk materials like metals, water, or fuel.

Modular Design: The ship should have detachable cargo pods for easy unloading and resupply at different planetary bodies or space stations.

Cost: $200 million (modular design, pressurization systems, automation).

5. Life Support Systems

Water and Oxygen Recycling: Systems like NASA’s Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) would recycle water, oxygen, and even waste. These systems are key for long-duration missions where resupply may be limited.

CO2 Scrubbers: To remove carbon dioxide from the air, maintaining breathable conditions for the crew.

Artificial Gravity (optional): A rotating section of the ship could generate artificial gravity through centripetal force, improving the crew’s health on longer missions. However, this would increase complexity and cost.

Cost: $200 million (life support systems, with optional artificial gravity setup).

6. AI and Automation

AI-Controlled Systems: AI would manage navigation, propulsion optimization, cargo handling, and even medical diagnostics. Automated drones could be used for ship maintenance and repairs in space.

Navigation: Advanced AI would assist in calculating complex orbital maneuvers, interplanetary transfers, and landings.

Autonomous Cargo Handling: Robotics and AI would ensure that cargo can be efficiently moved between space stations, planets, and the ship.

Cost: $150 million (AI development, robotics, automation).

7. Communication and Sensors

Communication Arrays: High-gain antennas would allow for deep-space communication back to Earth, supplemented by laser communication systems for high-speed data transfers.

Radars and Sensors: For mapping asteroid belts, detecting anomalies, and navigating planets, advanced LIDAR, radar, and spectrometers would be necessary. These sensors would aid in planetary exploration and mining operations.

Cost: $100 million (communication systems, sensors, and diagnostics).

8. Radiation Protection

Water Shielding: Water, which is also used in life support, would double as a radiation shield around the living quarters.

Electromagnetic Shields: Experimental concepts involve creating a small electromagnetic field around the ship to deflect solar and cosmic radiation (early TRL, requires more development).

Cost: $50 million (radiation shielding).

9. Crew Quarters

Living Quarters: Designed for long-duration missions with the capability to house 4-6 crew members comfortably. The quarters would feature radiation protection, artificial lighting cycles to simulate day and night, and recreational facilities to maintain crew morale on multi-year missions.

Medical Bay: An AI-assisted medical bay equipped with robotic surgery and telemedicine would ensure the crew remains healthy.

Cost: $100 million (crew quarters, recreational facilities, medical systems).

10. Landing and Exploration Modules

Surface Exploration Vehicles: For landing on moons or planets like Mars or Europa, a modular lander or rover system would be required. These vehicles would use methane/oxygen engines or electric propulsion to take off and land on various celestial bodies.

Cost: $300 million (lander, rovers, exploration modules).

---

Total Estimated Cost: $2.95 Billion

Additional Considerations:

1. Launch Vehicles: To get the spacecraft into orbit, you would need a heavy-lift rocket like SpaceX’s Starship or NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS). Multiple launches may be required to assemble the ship in orbit.

Cost (launch): $500 million (several launches).

2. In-Space Assembly: The ship would likely be built and assembled in low-Earth orbit (LEO), with components brought up in stages by heavy-lift rockets.

Cost: $200 million (orbital assembly infrastructure and operations).

---

Grand Total: $3.65 Billion

This estimate provides a general cost breakdown for building a cargo spaceship that could explore and transport materials across the solar system. This concept ship is realistic based on near-future technologies, leveraging both nuclear propulsion and automation to ensure efficient exploration and cargo transportation across the solar system.

[cyanophore-fiction]

“Cold Burning”

An entire space station, 70,000 people, and all they had for fuel was tritium and helium-3. O/LETS-061 couldn’t fuse helium. It wanted to, desperately, but it would boil itself alive in its own coolant before it ever achieved reaction temperature. Of course, the station’s municipal reactor could fuse helium—assuming it would ever fuse anything again after having a hole punched in it by a meteorite.

All O/LETS had left of the deuterium it needed was a single canister, enough to keep vital systems running for a little over a day. After that, the cold would set in.

Floating in coolant inside its tungsten-shielded chamber, it turned the precious canister in its claws. Its black nanite visor reflected the bluish halo of Cherenkov radiation surrounding it, displaying a worried expression in purple light. Its integrated reactor jutted from its spine like a complicated cylindrical backpack, connected to pressure tubes snaking from the ceiling which ran water through the core. Megawatts of electricity poured from the thermoelectric dynamo at the base of its spine, coursing down through the conduit at the center of its enormous tail, and into the station’s power grid.

A heavy suit of industrial protective gear covered its body, adding layers of insulation and shielding to its already bulky frame. Beneath the suit, its gray fur had become matted and itchy from days spent in the coolant tank. O/LETS thought about food, the smell of shampoo and of rinsing its coat with warm, clean water, of the fleece sheets on its mattress back in its cabin, of sleeping with its head on a pillow and its reactor powered down. It needed rest, days of rest, to finally allow its aching body to begin repairing all the radiation damage it had accrued.

Not yet.

There were feed hoses neatly stowed on spools at the walls of the chamber, most drawing from the station’s reserves of helium-3 fuel. Under better circumstances, they would supply a much more robust emergency reactor.

One bundle of hoses was extended, connected to the reactor assembly on O/LETS’s back. It could feel tritium entering its body from the connection. The fuel tasted fresh, still mostly untouched by fission decay. Its brain ascribed a sweet, honey-like flavor to the substance, with a texture not unlike carbonation that indicated the presence of mild radiation. According to the supply monitor registering in the back of its mind, the station had enough to burn for at least two decades, but it wouldn’t help when the deuterium ran dry.

[Hey, Kindjal?] it transmitted, its electronic voice crackling with radiation interference.

A spirit’s voice answered. [I hear you, Ollie. How are you holding up?]

[Switching to final fuel reserve. I think I can make it last…30 hours, maybe.]

There was a pause. [That’s right. We did the calculations together, remember?]

Blinking, O/LETS bobbed its head up and down. [Right, yeah…yeah, we did. Sorry.]

[Don’t apologize. Are you okay?]

[Not really.]

[Getting medical on it right now. We’ll do whatever we can from here.]

[Thanks.]

[Repairs to the primary reactor are proceeding as planned. It’ll be tight, but we’ll get it back up. We’re in the home stretch.]

[…Kindjal, listen. Is there any way for me to reduce my power output? Temporarily. Can we ration? Anything?]

Kindjal hesitated. When it replied, its words were slow, chosen carefully. [Every spirit on the station is already surviving on the absolute minimum, myself included. The organics are getting cold, and the air recyclers are doing just enough to keep them from suffocating. Anything less and we’ll start losing people. I’m sorry.]

[Okay. Not a problem.]

[Thirty hours, Ollie. You can do it. Medical will be in touch.]

Slotting the canister’s attachment nozzle into a matching one on the reactor assembly, O/LETS stared at the floor. It clicked its claws together, tapping out slow, sporadic rhythms. [Okay,] it said, and fled from the physical world.

Diving into the station’s softspace, the pervasive ache filling its body became distant, as though it belonged to somebody else. O/LETS could perceive the vast areas of virtual space that it wasn’t powering represented as empty, colorless non-spaces which made it wince with discomfort. A few slender branches of light sprouted from its tail, radiating out across the system. Spirits were clustered inside them, drawing a little power for themselves and channeling the rest into nodes of light which might have been heaters, water filters, air recyclers. The branches were constantly changing shape and color as the spirits routed power, arcing between stars which sprang into existence at their touch and faded in their absence.

Thirty hours. It watched its tree and kept it alive, slipping between waking and sleep.

___

Thank you for reading! This one was for @flashfictionfridayofficial ‘s prompt, “A Form of Distraction.”

O/LETS-061 (Operations/Logistics Engineering and Technical Support, or ‘Outlets’, or ‘Ollie’) is a character that’s been around in my brain for quite some time, and I’ve come to love it/them a great deal. They’re a protogen, a furry species which has built-in lore, but I like to imagine O/LETS as existing without that lore attached—sometimes as a heavily-cyberized “uplifted animal” or as an entirely synthetic being. Over the years I’ve considered changing their species, but I do enjoy the protogen look, and it’s become a key part of how I visualize them.

Whatever the hell they are, they’re an engineering specialist, a sweetheart, and often something of a liaison between organics and AI, or ‘spirits.’ For either party, having access to a reliable source of electricity can be a matter of life or death, and O/LETS-061 is, among other things, a reliable source of electricity. It isn’t always the easiest thing to be.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Canary Media:

The Tennessee Valley Authority, the nation’s largest public power utility, has yet to fully jump on the solar trend that’s sweeping the nation. But it has allowed communities within its seven-state service territory to buy some solar power for themselves. Now Tennessee-based developer Silicon Ranch has signed a contract to build the largest community-driven solar plant the region has ever seen.

Silicon Ranch will construct the multi-million dollar, 110-megawatt Copeland Solar Farm in Cumberland County, Tennessee, the company announced Monday. The farm’s output will benefit customers of Middle Tennessee Electric, the largest cooperative to receive power from the TVA. This arrangement will provide Middle Tennessee Electric’s 750,000 customers with cleaner power, insulate them from rate increases affecting TVA power, and help TVA grapple with the rapidly rising demand for electricity, which elsewhere has prompted the utility to greenlight massive and controversial new fossil gas plants

TVA has one of the more paradoxical approaches to clean energy of any major utility. Created by the federal government during the New Deal, it is governed by a board appointed by the president. But the arrival of Joe Biden’s handpicked board members has not yet prompted the public monopoly to align its power plant investments with Biden’s own climate goals. TVA’s electricity is cleaner than the national average, thanks to decades-old construction of hydropower and nuclear plants, but it gets just 3 percent of its power from wind and solar.

In 2022, TVA did put out a call for 5 gigawatts of clean energy projects, to be online by 2029; this was easily one of the country’s largest ever utility requests for proposals exclusively seeking clean energy. So far, TVA has signed five power purchase agreements from that process, totaling nearly 800 megawatts of solar generation and 20 megawatts of battery storage, spokesperson Scott Fiedler told Canary Media. But those projects have not been built yet, he noted, and the winning developers still have not publicized the details of their projects.

In the meantime, TVA has enthusiastically pursued new fossil gas plants, much to the chagrin of climate and ratepayer advocates. The board has repeatedly delegated power to CEO Jeff Lyash to approve large new gas investments; this happened most recently with the multibillion-dollar, 1.5 gigawatt Kingston project, as documented by Nashville public radio station WPLN.

[drowningworms]

I actually went to Gobblers Knob in Punxsutawney and was close enough to see the no shadow for myself before the drunk guys in top hats told us what they saw.

I experienced the whole frigid, boring, tedious, painful, boring, long, standing room only for 6 hours of physical hell, low rent, cheapass, tacky, corny, tawdry, obnoxious, fucking dry event for you.

It involved security pat downs for liquor on every man woman and child to keep out liquor. Weed was illegal by community consent thanks to Reagan. It was 10 degrees and dark in the dead of a Pennsylvania Winter. And there was absolutely no entertainment for hours till it got daylight. Then this local DJ comes on to entertain the out of towners. He's horrible.

Remember that we are the cash cow for this little group of local good old boys and their buddies. And for the entire town. And they treat us like shit. Just penned us up and hit us for cash money at every turn. This was 1998, so that wasn't unusual everyone outside major businesses required cash. I'm dead sure they have those little credit card scanners everywhere now. They milked us for everything they could think of.

And it was so fucking cold. You don't understand cold until you know standing huddled still in the dark cold. Most people never really experience cold. Insulation is really fucking good now. I overpaid so much when goose down jackets got sorta affordable. They were like miracles to me. I would have given anything for such a miraculous jacket then. I had to make do with layers of insulated flannels and long underwear. I did have true winter underwear from my Boy Scout days so I was a good bit less cold than my buddies who didn't know how to layer.

Most people only experience shoveling snow cold. Maybe skiing cold. A few hunting cold. (Real damn cold) And a mighty few who have lived in it for days just sitting around camping in tents with nice sleeping bags and a big fire to warm us. In teens or subzero temps. I have. You have to dig deep and layer well. And just accept being cold every single minute of your life outside of your sleeping bag.

So we were doing hunter cold. This was Western Pennsylvania. Everyone knew how to do hunter cold. My buddies were all suburban kids. I told them how to dress. A few listened.

3+ hours of my best friends in the world talking shit to AC/DC and Ace of Base or whatever was the thing.

That night we started at like 3am and drove a few hours of dark Pennsylvania highway. Just darkness, trees, and sky. I can't remember if the stars were out. Something about those Appalachian Forest highways just are monotonous in a weird way.

Those road trips are always fun. I strongly suggest. Even if you have to brave the Appalachian Static.

Anyway we arrive at Punxsutawney. It is in the middle of nowhere. Just another isolated abandoned steel town. They have a bit of a real downtown that most of these towns utterly lack. Often it's a gas station and a Dollar General and a bunch of run down houses with a school 40 minutes away it shares with the other rundown towns.

But Punxsutawney has a nice little town of happy people because of Phil and our fascination with this thing.

So of course there is not parking for 30,000 people. In a town of 5,000. So they rope off some field frozen solid and park us all charging Disney parking fees.

They subcontract school buses to haul people from the parking lot to the main event. The bus drivers are the first line of defense against alcohol and drugs.

Security is the second. Compete with pat downs and local cops along with PA Troopers with drug dogs and quotas to meet. No spoiling the fun with chemical enhancement!

Then you walk for fucking ever. Slowly. Going to the Knob.

It is deadly cold. And it begins to dawn on you what you are in for in this grassy pen with nothing but a porta potty or two for entertainment.

Look at all that fun!

This was before phones people. My friends and I were super studious and none of us owned any kind of video game. No handheld games. Maybe you thought to bring a newspaper or book. I think I brought a book. I'm sure at least one of them brought engineering notes to study. Most just talk and bitch about the cold.

Cold in the dark is different from cold in the light. It is so much deeper without the solar radiation slightly warming your surface and your spirits.

Then the dawn brings light and a little warmth and hope.

Then the dawn brings the DJ.

Small town DJs are interesting critters. They are small town famous and often they are unique personalities that can be really entertaining. At least between songs and commercials. Some of them are pretty amazing like Nipsey, Jen, and Earl in Harrisburg/Hershey/Lancaster/Lebanon area back when it was even more podunk backwater.

It was 1998 and this guy showed up.

So this small town guy is used to entertaining local venues with his shtick that everyone knows and loves with his slightly out of date look and inside local jokes.

Today he has 2 hours of just him on a stage in front of 30,000 pissed off college students who were expecting a lot more entertainment and maybe some food or drinks and tired & grumpy rural folk hoping to get in a little fun and excitement before going to work. At least half the crowd had found a way to sneak in a flask or something. So people were unruly.

And we just watch the poor guy spend 2 hours fighting for his life up there feeling bad for him trying to entertain us while hosting his fun little morning show for his listeners who are probably loving it all.

He got heckled. Badly. This was 25 years ago and we weren't very nice.

After 2 hours of this entertainment. The main event started.

My heroes arrived on the scene.

They have been partying all night long. In a nice warm place with warm food, comfy chairs/couches, running water, and a ton of alcohol. They are all drunk as skunks. The all come up on stage, wave and whip up the crowd, pull out their buddy, give him some scritches and lift him up to the crowd like he's the new Lion King, and then examine his shadow, make their proclamation, smile and wave, go back to their party, and count their money.

This is the highlight of the entire event. The peak of excitement. The best it got for the whole day.

Then they shoved the DJ back on stage, the national media and anyone with connections left, and the rest of us were kept penned up for another hour or 2 till it was our turn to take a school bus back to our frozen car, a 3+ hour drive through winter highways to get back in time for afternoon classes.

It was so much fun.

[travelnew]

Sunrise at Kalsubai, the TALLEST peak of Maharashtra

Build up before the sunrise from Kalsubai or KalsuAai:

Pic 1: Moon and Antares.

Pic 2 & 3: Venus & Mars in the dawn before sunrise.

Pic 4 & 5: Blue hour.

Pics 6 to 11: Sunrise.

Night trek to watch the sunrise from Kalsubai on 3rd March 2024.

↑ KalsuAai temple at the top of Kalsubai peak ↑

This blog post is divided as follows

Experience.

How to go (with GPS trail)?

Time frame.

Expenses.

Photos. 1. Experience.

We were 16 of us together and we called ourselves, "sweet 16" & the sharing and caring under able leadership of my friend, DrJVT was wonderful.

↑ Trailhead ↑

LONG QUEUES TO ASCEND & DESCEND LASTING MORE THAN AN HOUR with unruly tourists masquerading as trekkers is the norm now.

↑ Serpentine queue to climb the ladder. The 4 long ladders en route make the trek safe, but now you need patience to cross them. ↓

2. How to go?

Grade - medium, since it is a long trek. Best part of night trek is that since you cannot see anything beyond the short reach of the torch, the sense of distance is not felt and one reaches quickly. In he daytime, when Kalsubai looms large over you, it really feels long in the hot sun.

Check out the WikiLoc GPS trail of our trek from base village, Bari to Kalsubai temple at the top.

Trailhead shown above with arrow.

Two non-AC 8-seater Omni passenger vans were hired from Kasara railway statiion to Bari & back.

3. Time frame:

2/3/24 Saturday night.

Second last train to Kasara reaches at 1:30 am on 3/3/24.

3/3/24 Sunday night.

1:45 am - start from Kasara to Bari in vehicle.

3:15 am reach Bari.

3:30 am - trek starts.

7 am - reach temple at the peak.

9:45 am - descent trek starts.

12:30 pm - reach Bari & return journey to Kasara in vehicle starts.

2 pm - reach Kasara railway station.

2:40 pm - train from Kasara taken.

6 pm - home sweet home.

4. Expenses:

70/- rick between home to station (twice).

70/- return train ticket.

400/- Maruti Omni Van ferrying 8 passengers = 3200/- total.

200/- snacks.

TOTAL = 740/- per head in TTMM as usual!

5. Photos:

↑ Kalsubai top seen from base village, Bari. ↑

↑ The temple above the base village Bari, where the trailhead exists. ↑

Some randomly clicked boards & numbers taken of villagers.

In March 2024: Balu Khade was providing twin or triple sharing tent with foam mattress for insulation on the floor with breakfast & dinner at Kalsubai peak, for 1000 INR/- per person (These things are variable and will change as per season, demand & supply).

This was my third trek to Kalsubai. Check out my 2016's daytime Kalsubai trek & my night trek to Kalsubai in 2022.

[s2z]

Moreland, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 2023-04-22 15:21:43 by stuart murdoch Via Flickr: Moreland train station has been upgraded recently as part of the Level crossings removal project. And of course contemporary art is often commissioned for each project. Transformer, created by Louise Paramor, pays homage to its urban surroundings – the historic Union Knitting Mills and the Hoffman Brickworks in Moreland. While suggestive of actual industry the work is playful an mysterious, hinting at a science fiction fantasy. Transformer’s colours are those of energy itself, orange and yellow, evoking the origins of life, as well as heat and potential.The overall skyward thrust of the piece inspires feelings of buoyancy and optimism. The work also references everyday objects, a choice inspired by the objects that members of the local community have placed along the Upfield Bike Path, in an attempt to humanise the surroundings. The central orange ovoid of the sculpture is taken from a children’s outdoor ball game and suggests the insulators of the nearby Substation No.33, as well as the power lines of the railway overhead. This central form is held by a yellow frame derived from a stand for dress-up wigs; the pole beacon atop the sculpture, a scaled-up version of a knitting needle, echoing the adjacent historic art deco Union Knitting Mills. The work was fabricated in steel by DJ Projects. It stands at 6.7 metres in height and rises from a circular brick base that forms a pattern of concentric rings which allude to the ripple effect of water; a symbol to mark the approximate halfway point between Moonee Ponds Creek and Merri Creek. The bricks have been custom glazed in black and white, paying homage to the historic Hoffman Brickworks in nearby Brunswick, one of the first mechanical brickworks in Australia, established in late 1880’s, purported to have produced a staggering 40 million bricks per year. Artist- Louise Paramor Title – Transformer Year – 2021 Art Consultant – ADA ConsultingFabricator – DJ Projects Painter – DH Corrosion Coatings Location – Moreland Station precinct, Coburg Commissioned for the Level Crossing Removal Project One of several projects, that explore photography as evidence amongst other ideas. Blog | Tumblr | Website | Instagram | Photography links | s2z digital garden | pixelfed.social | glass | grainary | vero | hipstamatic

[rosesforwildwitches]

I had trouble getting into the horror movie "The Thing" because as a 7 year old I hyper fixated on Antarctica and read a ton of National Geographic articles about it and a bunch of scientist diaries. The horror of the movie itself is incredible, but I am not fucking buying that there should be any sunlight in winter at any point in this base, I'm not buying that the "high winds" they're worried about are only 30 mph (try 70 mph in a midwinter storm), and I'm sure as hell not buying that the station is made out of just wood and regular insulation with a regular door to the outside when I've seen the inches of metal and blast proof hurricane rated windows and the door systems that have been around in all of the American and European stations for 50 years.

This is.....niche. Do period-appropriate chickens even still exist? Idk anything about chickens. I like the fancy ones.

[innopack]

First impressions are critical in corporate events, and the quality of catering is often one of the most memorable aspects. Thoughtful planning and attention to detail can impact attendees, positioning your company as organised, considerate, and professional. Selecting the right catering supplies is fundamental to achieving this. 

From high-quality dinnerware to custom-branded labels, choosing the correct items is essential for a seamless event. Here, we guide you through essential considerations for choosing the best catering supplies in Melbourne, ensuring your next corporate event is impactful and memorable.

Why Selecting the Right Catering Supplies Matters

The quality and functionality of your catering supplies are integral to the overall event experience. If supplies don’t match the event’s needs, you may deal with logistical issues, inconvenienced guests, or missed opportunities to highlight your brand. 

High-quality supplies, including those customised through label printing Melbourne services, enhance the event’s aesthetics and demonstrate your company’s attention to detail and commitment to quality.

1. Understand the Event’s Purpose and Format

Corporate events take various forms, from formal business meetings to large-scale seminars or networking receptions. 

Each event type has unique catering requirements, and understanding these distinctions is crucial to choosing appropriate catering supply vendors in Melbourne.

Determine the Type of Event

Consider the following questions as you prepare:

Is the event formal or informal? Formal events require upscale dinnerware, glassware, and utensils, while casual events may allow elegant disposables.

Is it an all-day event? Conferences or all-day workshops may require various supplies, including coffee dispensers, lunchware, and snack stations.

How many attendees are expected? Larger events necessitate bulk supplies and careful coordination with suppliers to ensure timely deliveries.

Understanding the event’s structure lets you choose supplies catering to the setting and attendees’ needs, enhancing the guest experience.

2. Set a Realistic Budget for Quality Supplies

While cost management is always important, sacrificing quality in catering supplies can lead to negative impressions. 

Investing in reliable, durable items reflects positively on your brand and shows respect for your guests’ experience.

Allocate Funds for High-Impact Items

Divide your budget across essential categories:

Dining Essentials – Include plates, cutlery, and glasses or cups.

Drinkware – Ensure adequate coffee cups, water glasses, and cocktail glasses if required.

Serving Stations – Chafing dishes, trays, and tongs for seamless food presentation.

Label Printing Melbourne – Custom labels for branding and organisation.

Prioritise quality for items that directly impact the event’s look and feel. Many catering supplies Melbourne professionals offer budget-friendly options without compromising style or functionality, including eco-friendly disposables for casual or high-volume events.

3. Choose Supplies Based on Your Food and Beverage Selections

Selecting catering supplies that complement the type of food and drinks being served is crucial to delivering a seamless experience. Ensuring the right tools are available will prevent delays and enhance the overall efficiency of the event.

Coordinate with the Caterer

Work closely with your catering team to determine any specific requirements for the event. For example:

Hot Food – Invest in heat-resistant trays or chafing dishes to maintain food temperatures.

Cold Food and Beverages: To keep items chilled, Opt for ice buckets, coolers, or insulated serving options.

Drink Stations – Coffee urns, juice dispensers, and wine coolers are essential for self-serve drink stations.

Utilise Label Printing Melbourne for Added Efficiency

In addition to practical serving supplies, labels play a significant role in creating an organised environment. Marked food items, drink stations, and designated allergen-friendly options can improve guests' comfort and convenience. 

Customised labels also offer an opportunity to reinforce your brand, creating a polished, professional setting.

4. Prioritise Hygiene and Convenience

Corporate events require meticulous attention to cleanliness and efficiency, especially when food and drinks are involved. Ensuring that your catering supplies support hygiene and ease of use is critical to a successful event.

Choose Easy-to-Clean and Disposable Options

Opt for disposable or easy-to-clean items to streamline post-event cleanup and ensure compliance with health guidelines. Many vendors offer premium disposable options that align with an upscale aesthetic.

Disposable Utensils and Plates – High-quality, biodegradable options provide convenience and reduce waste.

Sanitising Stations and Gloves – Make hygiene a priority with accessible hand sanitising stations and gloves for serving staff.

Label Disposal Areas with Label Printing Melbourne

Using labelled disposal bins for recycling, composting, and general waste maintains a tidy space and reduces cleanup time. 

Clear signage at disposal points also encourages environmentally friendly habits among guests, further enhancing your company’s image.

5. Enhance Branding with Customised Supplies

Corporate events offer an ideal platform for reinforcing your brand identity. Customised items, especially through label printing in Melbourne, can add a subtle yet effective layer of professionalism and branding.

Opt for Branded Essentials

Investing in branded items, from napkins and coasters to drink cups and food containers, can make a notable difference in the overall aesthetic. Customised tableware and accessories create a cohesive look that guests will remember long after the event. 

Consider investing in branded tablecloths for larger events, which can be reused for future corporate functions.

Create Visual Consistency with Labels

Customised labels allow you to display your company’s logo or messaging unobtrusively. Labelling water bottles, coffee cups, or buffet stations with your brand name or logo is a simple, affordable way to make an impression without overwhelming the decor.

6. Plan for Efficient Post-Event Cleanup

The end of an event can be as important as the event itself, especially in maintaining a professional image. Ensuring a seamless cleanup process by choosing supplies that facilitate disposal or easy packing can save time and effort.

Use Supplies Designed for Quick Cleanup

For an efficient end-of-event experience, select supplies that can be easily disposed of or repacked. Biodegradable disposables, for example, minimise the environmental impact while allowing for straightforward disposal.

Clearly Label Disposal Areas with Label Printing Melbourne

Labelling bins or disposal stations for compostable and recyclable items helps with waste management and shows guests your commitment to sustainability. 

By coordinating with catering supplies Melbourne vendors, you can have everything needed for an organised cleanup, leaving a positive impression on guests and venue staff.

Conclusion

Choosing the right catering supplies for corporate events requires a careful balance of functionality, style, and brand alignment. Each detail contributes to the event's success and reflects your company’s values, from high-quality dinnerware to personalised labels. 

By planning thoughtfully, you can create an organised, memorable, and professionally executed event. With the variety of supplies for label printing in Melbourne options, finding items that meet your needs and budget is easier than ever. Embrace the opportunity to showcase your brand through quality supplies to ensure your next corporate event leaves a lasting, positive impression.

Source by - https://shorturl.at/A6U0m 

[rahulrane]

The Role of Technology in New Residential Developments in Pune

The real estate industry has witnessed a significant transformation with the integration of technology, especially in thriving urban centers like Pune. Known for its rapid urbanization and vibrant real estate market, Pune is home to some of the best developers in Pune, who are leveraging cutting-edge technology to redefine the way we live.

From smart homes to sustainable designs, let’s explore how technology is shaping the future of new residential projects in Pune and offering unparalleled convenience and innovation to homeowners.

Smart Homes: The Future of Urban Living

One of the most prominent applications of technology in residential developments is the rise of smart homes. Builders are incorporating features such as:

Automated lighting, security, and climate control systems.

Smart kitchen appliances and energy-efficient devices.

Voice-controlled systems integrated with IoT.

These features not only enhance convenience but also contribute to energy conservation and sustainability, making smart homes a preferred choice for modern homebuyers.

Sustainable Construction Practices

Technology is playing a crucial role in promoting green building practices in Pune. Many builders and developers in Pune are utilizing innovative construction techniques, such as:

Eco-friendly building materials.

Rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels.

Energy-efficient insulation and ventilation systems.

These practices not only reduce the carbon footprint but also align with the preferences of environmentally conscious buyers.

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality

The use of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) is revolutionizing the way homes are bought and sold. Potential buyers can now take virtual tours of new residential projects in Pune from the comfort of their homes. This technology offers:

A 360-degree immersive experience of the property.

The ability to visualize interior layouts and designs.

Faster decision-making with realistic previews.

Enhanced Security Features

Modern residential projects prioritize the safety of their residents. Developers in Pune are integrating advanced security systems such as:

Biometric entry systems.

AI-enabled surveillance cameras.

Smart locks and visitor management systems.

These features ensure a safe and secure living environment, giving residents peace of mind.

The Role of Technology in Creating Community Spaces

Residential developments are no longer limited to individual units; they are designed to foster community living. Developers are using technology to create:

App-based platforms for residents to connect and manage community activities.

Smart parking solutions and EV charging stations.

Recreational amenities with tech-enabled fitness centers and entertainment options.

Why Choose Esbee Realty?

As one of the best developers in Pune, Esbee Realty is at the forefront of integrating technology into modern living. Our new residential projects in Pune are thoughtfully designed to combine innovation, comfort, and sustainability.

From smart home features to eco-friendly practices, Esbee Realty is committed to delivering homes that match the lifestyle of contemporary buyers.

Visit Esbee Realty today to explore our projects and find your dream home in Pune.

This article is also posted on : - https://medium.com/@ram958709/the-role-of-technology-in-new-residential-developments-in-pune-4f5109e20df5