#cold chain market report

[sanjeev3214]

Cold Chain Logistics Market Size, Growth, Report & Trends Analysis- 2030 

The cold chain market is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements, increasing demand for temperature-sensitive products, and significant investments in infrastructure. This micro blog explores the cold chain market, covering its transport and warehouse sectors, market share, growth, and prospects. 

Cold Chain Market Report: Overview 

The global cold chain logistics market was valued at $202.17 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $782.27 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.6% from 2021 to 2030. This growth is fueled by the need for reliable transport and storage solutions for temperature-sensitive goods such as pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, and frozen foods. 

Cold Chain Transport Market 

Cold chain transport involves the safe transportation of goods through various modes such as refrigerated trucks, railcars, cargo, and air cargo. This segment ensures that products maintain their required temperature throughout the journey, preserving their quality and safety. 

Key Trends: The adoption of refrigerated transport is increasing due to the growing demand for fresh and frozen foods, particularly in emerging markets. Innovations such as temperature-controlled air cargo and IoT-based tracking systems are enhancing efficiency and reliability. 

Cold Chain Warehouse Market 

Cold chain warehouses are critical for storing perishable goods under controlled temperatures. These warehouses are equipped with advanced refrigeration systems to maintain the integrity of products from storage to final delivery. 

Growth Drivers: The expansion of refrigerated warehouses is driven by the rise in processed food consumption and pharmaceutical needs. Investments in modern warehouse management systems and automation technologies are further boosting the efficiency and capacity of cold storage facilities. 

Market Share and Analysis 

The cold chain market is segmented by end-use industry, business type, and region. Key end-use industries include fruits and vegetables, bakery and confectionery, dairy and frozen desserts, meat and seafood, and pharmaceuticals. The market is also divided into warehousing and transportation segments. 

Regional Insights: North America leads the market, followed by Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. The U.S. holds the largest market share in North America, driven by stringent quality standards and significant pharmaceutical logistics. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, propelled by increasing demand for cold-stored food and pharmaceutical products. 

Cold Chain Market Growth 

The cold chain market is poised for significant growth, with several factors contributing to this trend: 

Pharmaceutical Sector: The pharmaceutical industry’s growth, particularly with the increase in biotechnology medicines and vaccines requiring cold storage, is a major driver. 

E-commerce: The rise of online grocery shopping and the need for efficient cold chain solutions for food delivery are boosting the market. 

Technological Advancements: The adoption of RFID technology and IoT-based systems for real-time monitoring and management is transforming cold chain logistics. 

Cold Chain Management Market 

Effective cold chain management involves ensuring the integrity of temperature-sensitive goods throughout the supply chain. This includes the use of advanced technologies for monitoring and controlling temperatures, improving visibility, and enhancing efficiency. 

Innovations: The integration of IoT, GPS, and cloud-based platforms allows for real-time tracking and management of cold chain logistics, ensuring the quality and safety of products. 

Challenges and Opportunities 

While the cold chain market offers significant growth opportunities, it also faces challenges such as high operational costs and lack of standardization. However, advancements in technology and increasing investments in infrastructure present lucrative opportunities for market players. 

Key Developments 

Recent developments in the cold chain market highlight its dynamic nature: 

Expansion Projects: Companies like Tippmann Group and Lineage Logistics are expanding their storage capacities and investing in automated facilities to meet growing demand. 

Acquisitions: Americold Logistics' acquisition of Agro Merchants Group expands its geographical reach and enhances its service offerings. 

Conclusion 

The cold chain market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing demand for temperature-sensitive goods and technological advancements. With continued investment and innovation, the market is set to expand further, offering significant opportunities for stakeholders across the supply chain. 

[marketsndata]

[mordormr]

Mexico Cold Chain Logistics Market Analysis: Key Players, Growth Drivers, and Future Outlook

In today's globalized world, ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of perishable goods is more crucial than ever. This blog post, based on insights from Mordor Intelligence's market research report, dives deep into the Mexico Cold Chain Logistics Market Analysis: Key Players, Growth Drivers, and Future Outlook. We'll explore the current landscape of cold chain logistics in Mexico, identify the key players shaping the market, analyze the factors driving its growth, and unveil the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Keeping Food Fresh: The Current State of Cold Chain Logistics in Mexico

The Mexican cold chain logistics market is experiencing significant growth:

Market Expansion: Mordor Intelligence estimates the Mexican cold chain logistics market to reach USD 6.06 billion by 2029, reflecting a CAGR of 12.36% from 2024.

Growing Economy: Mexico's strong and growing economy fuels demand for fresh produce, meat, and other perishable goods, requiring robust cold chain infrastructure.

Expanding Exports: Mexico's booming agricultural exports necessitate reliable cold chain solutions to deliver fresh produce to international markets.

Increased Online Grocery Shopping: The rising popularity of online grocery shopping creates a growing demand for temperature-controlled transportation for home deliveries.

These factors highlight the growing importance of efficient cold chain logistics in Mexico. As consumers' demand for fresh, high-quality food increases, the need for robust cold chain infrastructure to minimize spoilage and ensure food safety becomes paramount.

The Key Players Chilling the Competition: Leading the Mexican Cold Chain Market

Several prominent players are shaping the Mexican cold chain logistics landscape:

Frialsa Frigoríficos: A leading Mexican cold storage provider with extensive warehousing facilities across the country.

Friopuerto Veracruz: Specializes in cold storage solutions for perishable goods near the strategic port of Veracruz.

Serbom Group: Offers integrated logistics solutions, including cold chain transportation and warehousing.

Americold Logistics: A global leader in cold chain logistics with a presence in Mexico.

These companies, alongside numerous regional players, are continuously investing in expanding their infrastructure, adopting innovative technologies, and enhancing service offerings to cater to the evolving needs of the market.

A Recipe for Growth: Drivers Propelling the Mexican Cold Chain Market

Several key factors are driving the Mexican cold chain logistics market forward:

Focus on Food Safety: Stricter regulations and growing consumer awareness regarding food safety necessitate efficient cold chain practices to minimize spoilage and contamination risks.

Government Investments: Government initiatives aimed at modernizing infrastructure, including cold chain facilities, are further boosting the market.

Technological Advancements: The adoption of cold chain management solutions like temperature monitoring systems and real-time tracking ensures optimal conditions for perishable goods during transportation.

Expanding Infrastructure: Investments in building new refrigerated warehouses and transportation networks are improving cold chain connectivity across the country.

These drivers paint a picture of a dynamic market where a growing focus on food safety, government support, and technological advancements are creating exciting opportunities for the Mexican cold chain logistics industry.

A Future Full of Fresh Possibilities: The Outlook for Mexico's Cold Chain

The future of Mexico's cold chain logistics market is brimming with promising developments:

Sustainability Focus: The rise of sustainable cold chain solutions that minimize environmental impact will be a key trend.

Integration of Automation: Automation technologies like robotic picking and sorting systems will improve efficiency and reduce costs within the cold chain.

E-commerce Integration: Cold chain logistics will play a crucial role in supporting the continued growth of e-commerce platforms for perishable goods.

Focus on Cold Chain Visibility: Real-time data tracking and monitoring will become standard practice, ensuring complete transparency throughout the cold chain.

These advancements promise a future where Mexico's cold chain logistics sector is not just efficient and cost-effective, but also sustainable, technologically advanced, and well-equipped to support the ever-growing demand for fresh, high-quality food.

[tritonmarketresearchamey]

Securing Supply Chains: Trends & Tech in Pharmaceutical Logistics

Efficient logistics play a critical role in the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring the reliable and timely delivery of crucial medications. According to various industry associations and institutes, approximately 20% of temperature-sensitive products experience broken cold chains during transit. Additionally, up to 30% of products may be affected due to transportation challenges, and around 25% of vaccines arrive at their destination in a degraded state due to incorrect shipping practices. This underscores the importance of advancements in pharmaceutical cold chain logistics, real-time tracking, and collaborative partnerships to maintain product integrity and meet patient needs.

How Pharmaceutical Logistics Can Ensure Safety and Efficacy?

Pharmaceutical logistics companies play a critical role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. They ensure that medications are transported under optimal conditions, maintaining the required temperature and humidity levels to preserve their quality. Effective logistics are essential for the timely delivery of these products to patients, directly impacting public health by ensuring that life-saving medications are available when needed. The pharmaceutical industry’s reliance on logistics management underscores its contribution to both public health and the economy.

However, pharmaceutical logistics face several significant challenges, including maintaining the integrity of temperature-sensitive products, such as vaccines and biologics, during transit and storage. Strict temperature control and monitoring protocols are essential to safeguard the efficacy and stability of these vital pharmaceuticals. Advancements in pharmaceutical cold chain logistics and the integration of smart technology have played a crucial role in addressing this challenge, enabling real-time tracking and improved visibility throughout the supply chain. In this regard, the WHO highlights the critical importance of maintaining the cold chain in pharmaceutical logistics to ensure the efficacy of vaccines and other temperature-sensitive medications. It reported that disruptions in the cold chain could lead to significant losses and degradation of these products, impacting public health outcomes.

Revolutionizing Pharmaceutical Logistics: The Role of IoT, Blockchain, and Smart Packaging

The integration of advanced technologies like IoT, blockchain, and AI is revolutionizing pharmaceutical logistics by addressing key challenges and enhancing the safety and efficiency of the supply chain. The Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain technology are becoming pivotal in managing and securing pharmaceutical cold chains. IoT devices, including sensors and RFID tags, support real-time examination of environmental conditions like temperature and humidity during transit. This continuous tracking ensures that pharmaceutical products are maintained within the required conditions, reducing the risk of spoilage and ensuring efficacy.

Blockchain, on the other hand, offers a decentralized and immutable ledger that records every transaction and movement of the product along the supply chain. This transparency helps in verifying the authenticity of the drugs, preventing counterfeiting, and ensuring regulatory compliance. According to an article by Birlasoft, combining IoT and blockchain creates a robust framework for the pharmaceutical cold chain. IoT sensors collect data on the condition of the products, and this data is then securely stored on a blockchain. This synergy ensures data integrity and provides a single source for all stakeholders, enhancing trust and accountability in the supply chain.

Innovative packaging solutions are essential in maintaining the safety and integrity of pharmaceutical products during transit. Smart packaging incorporates technologies such as RFID tags and temperature-sensitive labels that provide real-time data on the condition of the contents. This technology not only monitors environmental conditions but also alerts stakeholders if there are any deviations from the acceptable range, ensuring timely corrective actions. Smart packaging solutions can include embedded sensors that track temperature, humidity, and even the presence of light. These sensors can communicate with pharmaceutical logistics services to provide a comprehensive view of the product’s journey, ensuring that any potential issues are promptly identified and addressed.

Sustainable Innovation and Global Efficiency: The Future of Pharmaceutical Logistics

Experiencing a significant shift towards sustainable logistics practices, logistics companies are adopting eco-friendly packaging, optimizing transportation routes, and implementing green warehousing solutions to reduce their carbon footprint and comply with stringent environmental regulations. Concurrently, the use of automation and robotics in warehousing and distribution is set to rise, enhancing efficiency while minimizing human error.

Globalization further amplifies the need for adaptable supply chains as companies navigate diverse regulatory landscapes, varying quality standards, and cultural differences to ensure timely and safe delivery of pharmaceutical products worldwide. Third-party (3PL) pharmaceutical logistics companies play a crucial role in ensuring the safe, timely, and efficient delivery of vital medications across the globe. This sector underpins the healthcare industry, impacting patient outcomes and public health. As the market evolves, the need for continuous innovation and vigilance remains paramount. By prioritizing these aspects, the pharmaceutical logistics industry can sustain its pivotal role and continue to meet the growing demands of a globalized world.

[tbrcresearchreport]

The Business Research Company offers cold chain packaging market research report 2023 with industry size, share, segments and market growth

[theblue6ook]

A Sick Day

It’s not a cold. It’s not. It’s just… allergies or something. Y/N definitely does not need to stay home. Bruce disagrees.

B (24) & Y/N (22)

A/N: recently got a puppy and he has taken all of my free time <3 Also, this fic is unedited and proud.

“Get your coats and turn on your radiators, Gotham. An ice front is coming in and it’s coming in hot. Or should I say cold? No, this isn’t the work of Mr.Freeze, he’s still in Arkham and we hope he stays there. This is the work of a winter storm. While the snow will be beautiful, it will also be dangerous.”

Y/N scoffed at her computer. The newscasters always made such a big deal about winter storms. Nothing can be worse than what they had to deal with when Mr.Freeze escaped a year ago. She was stuck in her apartment for three days with no groceries, splitting a box of stale Triscuits with Carrie three meals a day. If anything, cold weather is more an inconvenience than a danger. Plus, it’s been teetering on 45 degrees out the past week. How much colder would it get?

-

So… It got fucking cold.

Gotham had hit record-low temperatures. So low it hadn’t been a natural occurrence since the 60s. Lucky for Carrie, she had chemo this week and the hospital had gotten spooked by the recent weather reports so they asked her to stay overnight. While the hospital bill wouldn’t be nice, it’s way better than what Y/N is dealing with. 

Her radiator is shitting out on her. The whole building's radiator system actually. Normally when the weather is this bad she would opt to work at home, like everyone else, except she can’t take the cold. Her body in particular can’t take the cold. It could be from the shitty surroundings in her apartment building or from sniffly Nathan who works in Wayne Enterprise’s marketing department, but she thinks she’s coming down with something. What’s worse is that the cold weather is making it worse.

Her whole chest felt like it was burning, which is a real contrast to how cold she was walking to work. She couldn’t get her car past the snow and she needs warmth and warmth is at Wayne Enterprises. So, she trudges into the empty building, up the elevator, and sits at her desk with a groan.

Breathing heavily, she shrugged her coat off her shoulders and pressed her freezing fingertips underneath her armpits. She looked at her reflection in her desktop monitor. Her cheeks were bright red and she had dark circles under her eyes. At least no one else was here to see her. No one else was here to see her…

Would it hurt to take a nap? No one would know. No one would see. 

Y/N stood and stepped out into the hallway. Not. A. Single. Soul. Oh, she is so napping.

-

Bruce had chained up his tires this morning and headed to Wayne Enterprise. It was too bright for The Tumbler and he needed to gather a few equipment items from Lucious Fox’s bunker. It’s not like anyone was here anyway. There was not a single car in the garage, not even Y/N’s, which is really saying something. 

He perused the bunker, grabbing a few small but powerful heaters, fleece-lined leather for his suit, and a couple of other items, stuffing them into his duffle bag. He was used to the cold, training in it, even living in it on one occasion, and the people of Gotham needed him so he’d be there. 

Pulling the duffle bag over his shoulder with ease, he headed out of the bunker and towards the elevator. He left a particular file that wasn’t meant for Wayne Enterprise in his office, while no one was here, you can never be too careful. Except… There was someone here. 

He could only assume the head poking out from her coat was Y/N and she was sleeping? In the office? Stepping closer to her, he noticed, even under all her layers, she was trembling. Pulling her coat collar from her face, he finally got a good look at her. She was flushed and had broken out into a sweat, even her ears were bright red. He held onto her shoulder and shook her lightly.

“Y/N,” Bruce spoke softly. She ground turning away from him. He slapped a hand to her forehead trying to gauge her temperature. She definitely had a fever, it couldn’t be lower than a 100. Slowly her eyes opened at the disruption, then became wide at who was standing over her. 

“What are you doing here?” 

“I’m not the one sleeping in the office.”

“Sorry,” she mumbled embarrassed, “I don’t know how that happened-”

“Y/N you’re burning up. What are you even doing here?”

“Why does someone come to work, Bruce?”

“You’re not working. You’re sleeping.”

“I had the intent to work-”

“Y/N.”

“I just felt like coming in,” she snapped. In truth, she was embarrassed. Here was her billionaire boss. If he didn’t feel like sleeping in his mansion, he could stay the night at his penthouse. She was sure he had other properties as well, meanwhile her radiator couldn’t even stay on when it gets chilly outside.

Bruce held her stare with a firm gaze and narrowed his eyes.

“You’re going home.” It wasn’t a question and he definitely didn’t ask as he lifted her under her armpits from the couch and stood her up on the floor. He took her coat roughly from the couch and threw it over her shoulders. Bruce turned to pack the rest of her things up. Y/N was so tired, but she was also so frustrated. She had just gotten here. It had taken her so long to walk here. “Let’s go. Where’d you park?”

She remained silent and looked away from him. 

“Y/N. Where did you park?”

“I’m not going home. I just got here.”

“You’re sick you’re going home,” before she could speak he added, “and don’t say your car is in the garage because I know it’s not in there.”

“...I parked on the street.”

He tilted his head examining her, “No you didn’t. The snow us up to the stairs. Where’s your car?”

His question came out as more of a statement, demanding of an answer. She wouldn’t look at him and he grew both frustrated and disappointed. “For the love of god, please tell me you did not walk here.”

“My car couldn’t get past the snow!” she loudly admitted, “Is that what you wanted to hear-”

“Y/N. When your car can’t get past the snow, it means you stay home!” 

He held his hand to his brow, trying to sooth the tension in his head. Throwing his duffle bag and her work bag easily over his shoulder, he didn’t give her much of a chance to say anything as he grabbed her by the hand to pull her toward the elevator. Even in his frustrated state, shaking his head and rolling his eyes, his grip on her was still gentle.

Stubborn as ever, she would let him pull her to the car. She would let him buckle her in. She would let him drive her to her broken, cold home, but she wouldn’t say a damn thing about the radiator. None. Of. His. Business.

[She’s even more stubborn when she’s sick.]

And she did just that. She let Bruce Wayne take her hand, blaming the warmth in her face on her high fever. She let him tug her to his expensive McLaren 650s Spider with a new shiny set of winter tires. She enjoyed seeing it too and part of her enjoyed annoying him. And she let him plop her into his expensive shiny car, buckle her in, and drive her home. What she didn’t expect was him wanting to walk her inside…

“I can get inside just fine, thank you.” Y/N attempted to push him back towards his car. Her hand held to his chest and pushed firmly. He didn’t even budge. Not even a sway.

“You’re not walking up three flights of stairs alone in your condition.”

“My condition?” she paused. “How do you know I live on the third floor?”

“You put your address on your resume,” he lied smoothly.

“I didn’t know you read my resume-”

“Stop stalling.”

She tried to keep him out, she really did, but he was so persistent. They made it to the front door, thank you Mr.Wayne I can take it from here. Nope, he needed to help her up the stairs, so they made it up the stairs. Thank you, Mr.Wayne I think I can make it inside by myself. Nope, he had already made it up the stairs; he might as well finish the journey. They made it to her front door. Thank you, Mr.Wayne you can go now. Nope, there’s no reason he can’t sit her things down for her.

In her heart, she knew there was no way he didn’t notice the cool, crisp air in the hallway. The way not a single apartment radiated heat and she knew he had to be suspicious. Her hand shook in shame as she unlocked her apartment and opened the door up, head down. 

Letting himself in, she heard a deep sigh, radiating from his chest, “Y/N, you can’t stay here-”

“Stop-”

“It’s freezing in here-”

“You don’t think I know that?” Once again, he grabbed her hand pulling her into the hallway, shaking her head. He took the keys straight out of her hand, locking the apartment door. “What are you doing? We just got here?”

“You’re staying with me this weekend.” 

“Are you insane?”

“I have a house with over fifteen bedrooms. I think you can find somewhere to sleep.”

“This is so unprofessional.”

“I don’t care.” With her apartment keys he walked back toward the stairs at an alarming pace. She had no choice but to follow.

“Bruce, I swear to God I am not staying at the manor.”

-

“Welcome to Wayne Manor Miss.Y/N.”

@pank0w @moejoeflow @padsfirewhisky @maxinehufflepuffprincess @pastelsweaters-and-bubble-t @mariadvorak @100520s @st0rmyt @stxrsberkshire

[a-killer-obsession]

Pirate's Pet [Wire x Reader]

Pirates come to your town, and one decides you look too nice to leave behind.

CW: NON-CON, yandere!Wire, chubby afab reader, she/her reader pronouns, kidnapping, bondage, breeding kink, forced pregnancy, use of ‘daddy’, panty kink, slapping, spitting, oral (reader receiving), vaginal fingering, p in v sex, forced orgasms, forced creampie, Stockholm syndrome, golden birdcage

WC: 2.6k

Masterlist || A03

You should have known better when the bell to indicate incoming pirates rang out over your small town. With no marines close enough to defend it, your town was at their mercy whenever pirates landed, and the bell was supposed to be the call to evacuate to the woods. You, stupidly, hadn't done so. You hated having to go to the woods, often having to stay there for hours, sometimes even days, until the all clear was given. Cold, wet, uncomfortable, getting pickled by sticks and small sharp stones whenever you tried to sit down. You thought that maybe this time you could just hide in the comfort of your home, instead of braving the heavy weather that had forced the pirates to dock in the first place. Big fucking mistake.

The pirates had broken down your door to search for goods, and when a tall man wielding a trident pulled you from under your bed and held you upside-down by your ankle, you knew you'd fucked up. He looked at you like a piece of meat, throwing you on the bed, ripping your blouse open to expose your bra, gagging you with strips he tore from your clothes, and throwing you over his shoulder like a slaughtered pig. Your relentless kicking and punching barely phased him, you may as well have been a fruit fly as he carried you back to the imposing ship he called home. You recognised his captain as Eustass Kid of the worst generation as the tall man carried you up the gangplank, the redhead merely laughing in amusement as you passed.

“Found yourself a toy, ey Wire?” Eustass laughed, “maybe this one will last a little longer.”

“Nice wide hips,” Wire reported, like he'd found a good sale at the market, and spanking your ass hard, “might be worth trying to get this one knocked up, she's got a good build for carrying a baby.” You screamed around your gag at the implication, Wire undeterred as you tried to fight your way off his shoulder.

“Aye, nice fat ass too,” another man, with pale blue dreadlocks and thorn like tattoos commented, “send her my way if you get bored aye?”

“Get your own, Heat,” Wire growled, carrying you up two sets of external stairs and through the door to the stern castle. He carried you through the short hall to his room, where he dumped you on his bed unceremoniously. Before you could scurry away he was grabbing your wrist and dragging it to the edge, where he cuffed it to a chain attached to a strong bracket on the wall. Before you had a chance to protest, he grabbed the other wrist and did the same with the opposite side, leaving you on your back in the middle of the bed, your arms spread out. It was clear he was set up for this, he'd obviously been planning to take a prisoner, and you'd been the only dumb bitch stupid enough to get caught. You kicked your legs at him, catching his face before he pinned your ankles against the mattress with his large hands.

“Do I have to chain your legs too,” Wire said flatly, removing your gag so you could answer him, “or are you going to behave?”

“BITE ME!” you shouted, spitting in his face.

“I will, later,” he purred as he wiped the glob of saliva from his face, “unfortunately I have shit to do before we can play, so you need to stay here and be a good girl.”

“Don't fucking touch me!” You screamed, trying to kick him again until he gave an exasperated sigh and chained you ankles as well, leaving you spread like a starfish. You tried to bite him as he pushed the gag back into your mouth, which earned you a hard slap that made your eyes water and quickly broke your spirit.

“You'll see soon that you belong here,” he cooed, running his hand down your front and breezing it over your breast, “perfect little thing, Daddy is gonna take such good care of you, and you're gonna look so pretty with my baby in you. Be good now sweetheart, or I'll have to skip bringing you dinner tonight, and we can't have that, can we? Gotta keep you nice and chubby so you're in good condition to grow my baby.”

You tried to scream but it was muffled by the gag, as Wire bent down and pressed kisses all over your face and down your neck, finishing at your breasts before he sighed contently and stood. “I'll see you in a few hours, then we're gonna have such fun,” he smiled before leaving you alone in the room, hearing the lock click into place as the door shut behind him. You fought against the restraints, testing for weaknesses, and when you found none there was nothing left to do but sob, hyperventilating as the gag made it hard to breathe until you ran out of air and passed out, your hindbrain taking over breathing for you now that you weren't awake and panicking.

You wake up to the sound of tearing fabric and a cold blade pressing against your skin as Wire cut and tore away your clothes, stripping you entirely until you had nothing but your panties on. He didn't want to waste your pretty lace panties yet, he could have a little fun with them before he tore them off too. “You're so beautiful,” Wire cooed as he pressed his thumb against your cunt to push the fabric between your folds, admiring how fat your labia were. He liked a girl with a bit of softness to her, what was the point of a girl if she wasn't lovely and soft and squishy? “I knew as soon as I saw you that you belong with me,” he smiled cruelly, “daddy's gonna make you feel so good. Such a lucky girl, you don't have to worry about anything anymore. No job or chores or other pirates, just gotta focus on getting nice and bred.”

You shook your head frantically, and he pinched your face hard in his hand, squishing your cheeks and making your lips purse. “No need to be shy about it,” he growled, “you belong here, you belong to me, you're not going anywhere so you can get rid of any silly notions of escaping. There's nowhere to go, we're out at sea and your town is nothing but ash.”

You whimpered as tears welled in your eyes, and Wire made soft shushes as he wiped the tears that escaped. “Shhh, shhh, daddy's got you now,” he cooed, “you're gonna be such a good mama, I know it.”

Wire settled himself to kneel between your legs, palming himself through his leather shorts, a noticeably large tent making your eyes widen. He unbuckled his pants and pulled out his long, thick cock, and you whimpered at the size. Wire noticed your fear and rubbed the head of his cock against your panty covered core. “Shhhh, don't worry mama, gonna be real gentle with you,” he soothed, “gonna get you nice and wet and begging for it first.”

Wire lent over you, caging you under his massive body and kissing you over the gag, before moving to your neck, groaning against it as he licked and nipped at your sensitive skin and relished your whimpers. Every little whine you let out made his cock throb, he couldn't wait to fuck your brains out. The head of his erection pressed against your panties, smearing precum over the fabric, the thin satin the only protection to keep his cock from forcing its way inside you. He trapped his length between your pussy and his hand, fucking the space between, rubbing against your covered clit. Your body began to betray you, clit swelling as arousal built from the friction, tears rolling down your cheeks as you struggled to refuse the stimulation.

Wire was quick to notice as the gusset of your panties grew wet, pulling them aside so he could run a finger between your folds to feel the slick you were making against your will. “Good girl!” Wire praised, “see, your body knows you belong here! Your pussy is so eager for me to breed you! Don't worry sweetheart, daddy is gonna give you what you need.”

The cuffs on your ankles dug into your skin as you fought to get away from him, unable to stop him as he tore the panties from your body, leaving you completely naked. He slid his shaft between your folds a few more times before deciding on something else, kissing and licking his way down your body until he was flat on his belly between your legs, his legs hanging off the end of the bed as he nosed against your pussy. “You smell so lovely,” he cooed, before licking a fat stripe up your cunt, chains rattling at your body went taut, “so sweet as well, mmm. I think I'll give you a reward before I fuck my baby into you.”

It felt like his tongue was trying to memorise every inch of your cunt, exploring every part of it, rolling against your clit and prodding at your entrance. You did what you could to pull tight the muscles there, but his strong tongue bullied its way inside you regardless of your efforts, lapping at your walls and making you produce more slick. There was nothing you could do to stop your body's natural processes when he was using his tongue so skillfully, if he hadn't taken you by force you would have been having a good time, but instead all you could do was whimper and struggle to bite back unwanted moans. You couldn't suppress the pleasured sounds forever though, especially not as he started sucking on your clit and pushing two fingers inside you, curling them to put pressure on your g-spot. The single moan you failed to hold back made him grin against you, knowing he had won, and quickly forcing a harsh orgasm from you.

You laid deadly still as your peak passed, making sad, defeated whimpers as he pulled his fingers from you. He crowded back over you, pulling down your gag and replacing it with his juice covered digits. “Taste how bad you want me,” he teased, “desperate little slut, begging to be bred. I'm gonna pump you full of so much cum it'll have nowhere to go but your womb.”

He gagged you with his long fingers before pulling away, focusing on lining his cock up with your entrance. “No!” You screamed, coughing from your strained throat, “please don't, please don't!”

“You mouth is saying no, but your soaked cunt is saying otherwise,” he grinned, grinding his length against you and letting his shaft get coated in your fluids, “don't worry, daddy will just give you the tip for now, until you can be a good girl and take all of it. We've got all night to mould your pussy to fit me.”

He pushed just the head of his cock inside you, slipping in easily thanks to his preparation, making short thrusts while you cried out for him to leave you be. He alternated between stretching you with the fat head of his cock, and rubbing it between your labia, each time giving you hope that he wouldn't put it back in before dashing those hopes away. Suddenly he sunk all the way in with a grunt, your warm wet hole being too much for him to resist, making you scream as he fully hilted his thick length in your tight cunt.

“You- you said you wouldn't!” You stuttered.

“I lied,” he grunted, “but look at you, you're doing so well sweetheart! You've got my whole cock inside you, I bet that feels nice huh?”

“No!” You spat back. He grabbed your face harshly and pinched it.

“Don't lie to daddy,” he growled, giving you a harsh thrust that forced a breathy moan from you. “See, it's good, huh? Nice and full! You'll be full of cum soon too.”

“No, don't!” You cried out as he started pumping you with his cock, your pussy making wet squelches as he fucked you. “No- hnng- s-stop, l-leave me alone! Hnng, fuck.”

“There it is,” Wire cooed, letting go of your face as you relented to his fucking, making soft moans as you failed to refuse how good it felt any longer, “there you go baby, I told you daddy would make you feel good. Let go sweetheart, you belong here, speared on my cock, taking all of me like you were made for me. Your pussy is fluttering around me, you're gonna cum on my cock soon huh?”

“No!” You denied, but your body was giving you away. The coil in your stomach was pulling tight, and you made heavy pants between moans as Wire gripped your hips and fucked you harder than you'd ever been fucked before, no doubt having the biggest cock you'd ever taken. You started feeling like maybe it wasn't so bad, being trapped here to be fucked and bred by a pirate, he said he'd keep you safe, right? Fuck, how long does Stockholm Syndrome usually take to kick in? Maybe you were just insane, or he really was actually fucking your brains out, so much that you no longer had the ability to think straight.

His thumb drawing circles on your clit pulled you from your thoughts, giving you the last push you needed to clamp down around him, coming with a scream and a gush of fluid neither of you expected. The not unwelcomed surprise made Wire groan and unload inside you, filling you till your overstuffed cunt was leaking. He took a few moments to rest against you, warming his cock and keeping his cum plugged up inside you. Eventually he pulled away, tutting softly as he saw the way his sheets were drenched.

“Oh sweetheart, you've made such a mess,” Wire cooed, “it's okay, daddy will take care of you. You've been such a good girl. Are you gonna behave if I unchain you?”

You gave a weak nod, your spirit entirely broken, disgusted at yourself for cumming not once, but twice, by your captor. You didn't move as Wire unclipped your shackles, pressing soft kisses to each limb where the cuffs had bit into your skin. He picked you up in a gentle bridal hold, carrying you to his bathroom and keeping you in his lap as he filled the tub, before lowering both you and himself into the water. He washed you slowly and methodically with luxurious smelling products, massaging your aching joints and your scalp as he worked shampoo into it. At some point you dozed off, waking in his bed, laid with fresh sheets, dressed in an expensive feeling satin nighty and tucked under mountains of blankets and furs. Next to you on the side table was a tray of food, not just scraps like you expected but good, tasty smelling food. Maybe this wasn't so bad after all. He only wanted a baby right? You knew you wanted kids anyway. Maybe being the pet of some pirate who treats you well, spoils you and makes you cum hard wasn't the worst thing that could happen. Maybe you really did belong here.

Like my stuff? Consider buying me a ko-fi

Oneshots Taglist: @daydreamer-in-training @chairmanraph @florcxo @luvnisstuff @nocturnalrorobin @fanaticsnail

[garmmy]

2024 jp trip report (food edition)

i had originally planned to visit tokyo in 2020, but covid happened and...finally this year i managed to go on the trip! ;w; i rarely go overseas but it was really fun just walking around and stumbling upon things. i want to save up for the next japan trip already...

i'm making the post mostly to remember where i've been! i'm splitting up the food and the sights because of tumblr's image limit per post 🙄 will be posting the food here!

(sights edition here)

Day 1 (13/5/2024)

we arrived at night so pretty much everything was closed, but before i went to bed i had some cold haikara udon...i love cold udon so much and wish there was a way to get it cheap back home 😭 i also added some chilli oil with garlic, but it wasn't spicy..only the first day in and i miss singapore's spicy food 😂

Nakau なか卯 (chain store, multiple outlets)

Day 2 (14/5/2024)

we spent day 2 at ikebukuro and nakano...mostly browsing weeb shit 😭

started the day with some breakfast at komeda's coffee, they have a morning set and auugfhjhghh the bread used in japan cafes' toast is always so soft and fluffy..obsessed

Komeda's Coffee コメダ珈琲店 (chain store, multiple outlets)

at nakano broadway, the basement had some supermarkets/grocery stores and one of them sold sashimi. i didn't end up buying from here, but...LOOK at this sashimi, for 580jpy?? omg 😭😭😭 i want

we had lunch at a hayashi rice place near nakano broadway! i had curry omurice myself while my friend got the hayashi omurice. the omelette was sooo good...society if i could cook an egg like this on my own

Hayashi-ya Nakano-so ハヤシ屋中野荘 164-0001 Tokyo, Nakano City, Nakano, 5 Chome-55-15

and for dinner we had monjayaki at ikebukuro..we've never tried like, actually cooking the monjayaki before? so it was a fun experience!

Monjaya Mon もんじゃや紋 170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 1 Chome−12−10 ヤンズビル 3F

Day 3 (15/5/2024)

on my morning walk i decided to try a canned drink from a vending machine. satsuma-imo milk! so in singapore, there was recently a 'nutri-grade' rating introduced mandatory for all drinks to indicate the sugar level in the drink. i didn't think i would miss it in japan LOL i'm sorry but drinking this drink was like drinking sugar syrup T_TT i think as i got older my sugar tolerance has drastically dropped..

we started at akihabara, and had brunch at niku no mansei (yes the well-known building with like 10 floors of meat before it closed, i think it split into a couple of places?) we went to the akiba place branch for their hemborger hamburg steak...how am i supposed to go back to eating it in singapore after this?? 🫠 IT'S SO GOOD (i'm also laughing at the token broccoli though)

Niku no Mansei Akiba Place 肉の万世 アキバプレイス店 101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 3 Chome−15−1, Akiba Place, 3F

after akiba we went to asakusa, and since it's asakusa we had to have some tendon..we just went into one of the tendon places we spotted but i didn't realise it was akimitsu!? we have akimitsu in singapore too 😂 but loved the tempura eel!

Akimitsu 秋光 111-0032 Tokyo, Taito City, Asakusa, 1 Chome-29-11

Day 4 (16/5/2024)

i got some plum onigiri from famima for breakfast on my morning walk. oughgkhghjh i already miss conbini onigiri so much...affordable yet tasty! i really love onigiri, but our convenience store onigiri in singapore is a bit overpriced, which wouldn't be so bad if the onigiri itself wasn't also terrible with cold hard rice :')

we started the day at tsukiji outer market. SEAFOOD..... we finally got some sashimi today, my beloved,,, we had engawa truffle salt sushi and also a sashimi bowl of the day. and also it was my first time trying shiokara! apparently it's squid in a kind of sauce made from fermented fish/sea animal innards. i'm not sure if it might be an acquired taste, but for a seafood lover like me it was so good 🥺 the lady serving us food was also really nice and we had a little chat even with our terrible spoken japanese lol.

Taneichi たねいち 104-0045 Tokyo, Chuo City, Tsukiji, 4 Chome-9-5

i also found shirako in the market! it was my first time eating it (i think it can be found in singapore? but not particularly common). other than the shiso leaf it was served plain though, while i like the taste i kinda wish i had rice or something to go with it.

also we got some matcha latte from the market before leaving! i got the 'less sweet' which was perfect, when a lot of times the least sweet (without being zero sugar) option from drink stores are too sweet for me..

Matcha Stand Maruni マッチャスタンドマルニ 104-0045 Tokyo, Chuo City, Tsukiji, 4 Chome−14−18

some ramen for dinner at ryogoku! admittedly i'm not a super into ramen person 😅 but butter in noodles is always such a nice combo!

Tadokoro Shoten 田所商店 (chain store, multiple outlets)

and some parfait for supper. look at their logo!! so cute 🥹🥹🥹

Mayonaka Farm (Ryogoku Yokozuna Yokocho outlet) 真夜中牧場 両国横綱横丁店 130-0026 Tokyo, Sumida City, Ryogoku, 3 Chome-22-8

Day 5 (17/5/2024)

started the day with some zaru soba. it was nice but cold soba was kind of a mistake because it was raining that morning and so COLD lol

Yudetaro ゆで太郎 (chain store, multiple outlets)

we started at shinjuku today and walked our way down to shibuya. with my friend's recommendation we tried blue bottle coffee? the latte was nice and even had this natural sweetness(?) to it despite not adding sugar.

Blue Bottle Coffee ブルーボトルコーヒー (chain store, multiple outlets)

and then we went to takeshita street. i think marion crepes is the most well-known one, but the queue..??? so we ended up going to another crepe store. it's still a treat and has a variety of flavours! i got the regular strawberry whipped cream.

Santa Monica Crepes サンタモニカクレープ 150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 1 Chome-16-16-8

late lunch at yomenya goemon! i had the tarako butter one and i really liked it...i think i could try buying some mentaiko from donki back home and trying it out myself..

Yomenya Goemon 洋麵屋 五右衛門 (chain store, multiple outlets)

Day 6 (18/5/2024)

conbini haul for the morning. i would like to shoutout to famima's pudding in particular; i feel a lot of store-bought pudding tend to be closer to the jelly-like consistency, but i prefer my pudding to be closer to the creamy? eggy? like consistency and famima's pudding is perfect for the price ;w;

we went to miura peninsula in kanagawa for the day using the misaki maguro ticket (it's so worth!! highly recommend if you want a day trip from tokyo). for breakfast we had some coffee and toast at coffee house poem. their signature blend (kaigan blend) in particular was really unique and nice..kinda regret not ordering that for myself 😂 love the rustic interior too!

Coffee House Poem (Miurakaigan outlet) ぽえむ三浦海岸駅前店 238-0101 Kanagawa, Miura, Minamishitauramachi, Kamimiyada-3130

nearby there's a souvenir shop selling mainly jams, and pickles (including daikon, one of miura's specialties). did you know that i hated eating radish until japanese daikon changed my life 🤣 i also got some persimmon jam to try since i'd never really heard of it! and also some honey+daikon candy.

Temiyage Iroiro Miura Store 手土産いろいろ 三浦ストア 238-0101 Kanagawa, Miura, Minamishitauramachi, Kamimiyada-3255

and finally we got SUSHI...i could cry the maguro here is so good 😭😭😭😭😭 the place is called 'kaitenzushi kaisen', but the sushi does not actually 'kaiten'/revolve, the chefs just serve it 😂 we used the maguro ticket on this so we got some maguro and some local catch!

Kaitenzushi Kaisen 廻転寿司 海鮮 238-0101 Kanagawa, Miura, Minamishitauramachi, Kamimiyada-3372-18

we then took the train to misakiguchi station, and the bus to misaki port. there's a market there called urari marche, which sells seafood and veggies mainly. we got some skewer hotate (scallop) and maguro karaage there! i was not a big fan of the maguro karaage though..i still think maguro is best as sashimi lol

Urari Marché うらりマルシェ 238-0243 Kanagawa, Miura, Misaki, 5 Chome-3-1

right next to the port was a cafe i used my ticket on, for some danish loaf with pistachio ice cream and a coffee drink. the ice cream goes so well with the fruity loaf!

3204 bread&gelato 238-0243 Kanagawa, Miura, Misaki, 3 Chome-12-10

Day 7 (19/5/2024)

went for a short walk at ueno park in the morning. there were some food stalls there! we tried some of the freshly roasted hojicha, and also some mitarashi dango. there's some skewered fish that looked good but i didn't try because i was scared of the bones 😅 and other kinda matsuri-like foods such as kakigori and yakisoba, a bit higher priced i guess because of the tourists there but i'm not a fan of yakisoba so 😆

also there was an asian food festival going on near shinobazu pond! i didn't try the food (it seemed largely SEAsian food, we can get cheaper thai, viet food etc in singapore anyway), but also for some reason there is a food truck for US food? and the representative food is 'american long potato' 😂 is that a thing in US? (ok but i know US is huge)

i met up with a friend for lunch at akiba and they recommended ootoya! a restaurant chain for teishoku. i got the recommended fried fish and veg in sweet vinegar sauce and 🥺 the taste mix is so good! i also wanted to randomly bring up something i'll miss about japan: pretty much every eatery, whether cafe or restaurant, serves free water, or even green tea! you rarely get free water in singapore eateries even though we have friggin drinkable tap water here 🙄 (except in japanese chains like saizeriya or sukiya..lol) you'll have to buy overpriced bottled mineral water or something even if you just want water to go with your meal.

Ootoya 大戸屋 (chain store, multiple outlets)

after some walking around akiba (i.e. combing weeb stores), we stopped for some thick fluffy toast and drink (mine was cinnamon toast and almond cafe latte) at vault coffee. true it was a sunday, but we were surprised that it was some random cafe hidden in third floor of what looked otherwise like a normal commercial building on the outside, and it was still soo crowded, we had to wait a little while to be seated!

VAULT COFFEE 101-0021 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Sotokanda, 4 Chome−5−1 3F

and this marks the end of our week-long food journey in japan 😆 i had to save a lot of funds for my splurging on weeb and stationery stuff LOL, but i hope the next time i come i can focus more on sightseeing and food maybe! but for now it's back to capitalism to save up first 🏃

[probablyasocialecologist]

At September’s UN General Assembly in New York, Brazil’s President Lula described the international financial system as a “Marshall Plan in reverse” in which the poorest countries finance the richest. Driving the point home, Lula thundered, “African countries borrow at rates up to eight times higher than Germany and four times higher than the United States.” Lula is not alone in this diagnosis. Centrist technocrats par excellence Larry Summers & NK Singh��coauthored a report earlier this year arguing that the development world’s mantra to scale up direct financing to the global South—from “billions to trillions”—has failed. Instead, global finance seems to be running in the opposite direction, from poor to rich countries, as was the case last year. Summers and Singh summarize the arrangement thusly: “millions in, billions out.” Added to this is the great global shift to austerity that makes a mockery of climate and development goals. It’s in this context that talk of “green Marshall Plans”—proposed by Huang Yiping in China and Brian Deese in the US—must be received. Negotiations over technology transfer, market access, and finance deals are a permanent feature of the new cold war: call it strategic green industrial diplomacy. Both the American and Chinese proposals, such as they exist, aim to subsidize the export markets of allied countries to build foreign support for domestic industries. For developing countries, this could mean manufacturing green goods to grab a slice of the trillions of future green economic output and develop themselves, and a policy choice to meet their development goals by either making or buying cheap, clean energy generation, electricity storage, and transport. Putting aside the dubiousness of the historical analogy to the United States’ postwar aid program to Europe, the critical element—and the one that seems least likely for either China or the US to pursue in earnest given their domestic political obstacles—is the provision of the kind of financial and industrial support that low- and middle-income countries need. The geoeconomic contest between the US and China rests on which of the two can forge domestic political coalitions that meet the demand of developing countries for local manufacturing value add in green value chains, without which the South will remain merely an export market or a resource colony.

[...]

The optimistic Marshall Plan proposals are not entirely hot air; each attempts to extend aggressive domestic policies globally. China and the US have both made bids on an investment-led partial solution to their respective domestic political and economic challenges, with a focus on clean-energy industries. Their shared formula can be summarized as national strength through industrial renewal. In both countries, domestic industries have been offered ample fiscal support; Biden’s suite of tax credits and subsidies has already spurred more than $400 billion in investment in clean energy and clean-tech manufacturing and generation, and China’s central government, already dominant in clean tech manufacturing, is now concentrating its efforts on next-generation technologies and economic self-reliance.

11 October 2024

[lilac-den]

Care to share of how MC would have died if they had been the one who was kill? I have a great amount of idea in mine but I'm very, very curios of yours👀👀

Just to reaffirm: You are free to headcanon how your MC died if it had been a diff AU. This is just what my version would go.

Warning: Contains graphic violence, gore and dark themes.

Unlike how the TSR RO went down (where they were killed at their own home), MC was kidnapped and dragged out. When the ROs came home, it was an instant sense of dread and panic because the day was important to them and they even came home early for it.

So upon learning MC is missing, the ROs split up.

Maverick used his connections to check if there had been witnesses, CCTVs or anything that could provide a clue.

Rydigan went to the police and report a missing person (In the dystopian world, it's pretty useless but Rydigan had to try and plus, maybe he can see if the police officers were involved and if they were, this is of higher power).

Ittania went to the local bars and try to keep an ear out for information or any thugs that took up a job that involved kidnapping.

Enid snuck into the black markets and tried to eavesdrop any possible slavery dealings in the hope MC hasn't been sold yet.

Then one of them landed a lucky hit after a week of searching and hunted down that lead until they got to a warehouse that was abandoned long ago.

MC's corpse was in the office, brutally mutilated and horrifically scarred. The body might have been dead for a day or two, so the smell of rot was not light in the slightest. But they could see MC's body forcibly chained down to the chair, the head tilting back and mouth open. But there's slits on the side and if MC had been alive, the jaw might have the risk of falling from how broken the bones look. The arms and legs are pulled apart and there are tendrils and strings of flesh connecting still. The blood covered the floor beneath MC.

Ittania would be the first one to breakdown, crying and running for MC's body, her hands hovering MC's slited cheeks but too afraid to touch out of fear of breaking them further.

Then Enid is the next one to snap out of the shock and fury fills her, shouting that she'll kill the bastard who did this to MC.

Rydigan doesn't say a word but tears ran down his cheeks and the light in his eyes just seems to die. He ends up mumbling MC's name.

As for Maverick, he feels a cold, burning anger and he ends up being the first one to make a logical call, getting his phone out to call the needed services.

MC didn't have much of anyone - just Maverick, Rydigan, Ittania and Enid. So the funeral isn't particularly large.

But someone funded the funeral. Maverick could have sworn he hadn't paid it yet, only to learn Benefactor was the one who paid the whole thing and assigned the best funeral parlour and embalmer for MC. Ze first meet the group in said funeral, the same way Benefactor met MC in their funeral in the original timeline.

It took MC 5 or more years to achieve their revenge but for the 4 friends, it took them just a year.

[3llebelll]

Index of Vocabulary i use in my Agreste&co AU :)

i didn't make any of these up, they're from the index in the back of the Lockwood &co books by Jonathon Stroud !! this is just a basic index, but i may add more vocab in future when i get further into the comics. (changed some names of stuff to fit the Au)

Agency, psychical investigation - a business specializing in the containment and destruction of ghosts. there are more than a dozen agencies in London alone. the largest two, (the Fittes agency and Bourgeois agency) have hundreds of employees; the smallest, (Agreste &co) has three. most agencies are run by adult supervisors, but all rely heavily on children with strong psychic talent.

Talent - the ability to see, hear or otherwise detect ghosts. many children, though not all, are born with a degree of psychic talent. this skill tends to fade towards adulthood, though it still lingers in some grown-ups. children with better-than-average talent join the night watch. exceptionally talented children usually join the agencies. the three catagories of talent are sight, listening and touch.

sight - the psychic ability to see apparitions and other ghostly phenomena, such as death glows.

listening - the ability to hear the voices of the dead, echoes of past events, and other unnatural sounds associated with manifestations.

touch - the ability to detect psychic echoes from objects that have been closely associated with a death or haunting.

the problem - the epidemic of hauntings that has affected the world for over 50 years.

source - the object or place a ghost is tied to and can enter the world through.

Type One - the weakest, most common and least dangerous grade of ghost. type ones are scarcely aware of their surroundings, and often locked into a single, repetitious pattern of behavior.

Type Two - the most dangerous commonly occuring grade of ghost. type twos are stronger than type ones, and possess some kind of residual intelligence. they are aware of the living, and may attempt to do them harm.

Type Three - a very rare grade of ghost, first reported by Marissa Fittes, and the subject of much controversy ever since. allegedly able to communicate fully with the living.

relic-man/woman - someone who locates and other psychic artifacts and sells them on the black market.

death-glow - an energy trace left at the exact spot where a death took place. the more violent the death, the brighter the glow. strong glows may persist for many years.

Ghost-touch - the effect of bodily contact with an apparition, and the most deadly power of an aggressive ghost. beginning with a sensation of sharp, overwhelming cold, ghost-touch swiftly spreads an icy numbness around the body. one after another, vital organs fail; soon the body turns blue and starts to swell. without swift medical intervention, often in the form of Adrenalin injections to stimulate the heart, ghost-touch is usually fatal.

GHOST PROTECTION

lavender - the strong, sweet smell is thought to discourage evil spirits.

running water - it was observed in ancient times that ghosts dislike crossing running water. in central London a net of artificial channels, or runnels, protect the main shopping district. on a smaller scale, some house-owners build open channels outside their front doors and divert the rainwater along them.

ghost-lamp - an electrically powered streetlight that sends out beams of strong white light to discourage ghosts.

Salt - a commonly used defense against type one ghosts. cheaper than silver, and often used in salt-bombs which shatter on impact, spreading salt in all directions.

Silver - an important and potent defense against ghosts. agents use it to coat their rapiers, and a key component of agents source-seals.

magnesium flares - a metal canister with a breakable glass seal, containing magnesium, salt, gunpowder and an igniting device. an important agency weapon against aggressive ghosts. sometimes referred to as Greek Fire.

chain-net - a net made of finely spun silver chains, used to seal up sources.

silver-glass - a special 'ghost proof' glass used to encase sources.

rapier - the official weapon of all psychical investigation agents. the tip of the iron blades are sometimes coated with silver.

[sanjeev3214]

Navigating the Cold Chain Market: Comprehensive Research and Insights

The cold chain market, a crucial component of the global supply chain, plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity and safety of temperature-sensitive products from production to consumption. As we delve into the complexities of this specialized market, it becomes evident that it is undergoing significant transformations driven by technological advancements, regulatory considerations, and the increasing demand for perishable goods. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Cold Chain Market, exploring key trends, challenges, and opportunities that define its landscape.

Understanding the Cold Chain Market

Definition and Significance

The Cold Chain Market refers to a temperature-controlled supply chain that manages and distributes products requiring specific temperature conditions throughout their lifecycle. This includes pharmaceuticals, biotechnology products, vaccines, chemicals, and, most notably, perishable food items. Maintaining precise temperature control is critical to preserving the quality and efficacy of these products, making the cold chain an integral part of various industries.

Key Components

The cold chain involves a series of interconnected processes, including refrigerated production, storage, transportation, and distribution. Each phase requires specialized infrastructure and technology to ensure that products remain within the defined temperature range. Refrigerated warehouses, transportation vehicles equipped with temperature-control systems, and monitoring devices are essential components of the cold chain.

Key Trends Shaping the Cold Chain Market

1. Technological Advancements

The Cold Chain Market is witnessing a surge in technological innovations aimed at enhancing efficiency and visibility. Advanced temperature monitoring systems, IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, and blockchain technology are being integrated into cold chain processes. These innovations enable real-time tracking of products, ensuring that temperature-sensitive goods are maintained under optimal conditions throughout the supply chain.

2. Sustainable Practices

Sustainability has become a central theme in the cold chain industry. With growing environmental concerns, stakeholders are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices. This includes the use of energy-efficient refrigeration systems, eco-friendly packaging materials, and the optimization of transportation routes to reduce carbon emissions. Sustainable cold chain practices not only align with corporate social responsibility goals but also respond to the changing expectations of environmentally conscious consumers.

3. Pharmaceutical Cold Chain Expansion

The pharmaceutical sector represents a significant segment of the Cold Chain Market. The distribution of vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive medical products requires stringent temperature control. With the global focus on vaccine distribution, there is a notable expansion of cold chain infrastructure to meet the demands of the pharmaceutical industry. This expansion involves the development of specialized storage facilities and transportation solutions equipped with cutting-edge temperature-monitoring technologies.

4. E-commerce and Last-Mile Cold Chain

The rise of e-commerce, particularly in the delivery of perishable goods, has led to the evolution of last-mile cold chain solutions. Companies are investing in specialized delivery vehicles and packaging solutions to ensure the integrity of products during the final stages of transportation. This trend is reshaping the traditional cold chain model, emphasizing the need for adaptability and precision in the last leg of the supply chain.

Challenges in the Cold Chain Market

1. Infrastructure Gaps

One of the primary challenges in the Cold Chain Market is the existence of infrastructure gaps, especially in developing regions. Inadequate refrigeration facilities, unreliable power supply, and a lack of technological infrastructure pose significant hurdles. Addressing these gaps requires substantial investments and collaborative efforts between governments and private entities.

2. Regulatory Compliance

Stringent regulations govern the transportation and storage of temperature-sensitive products. Compliance with diverse and evolving regulatory frameworks adds complexity to cold chain operations. Companies operating in the cold chain must stay abreast of regulatory changes and invest in training and technology to ensure adherence to quality and safety standards.

3. Cost Pressures

Maintaining a robust cold chain comes with inherent cost pressures. Energy-intensive refrigeration systems, specialized transportation, and the need for advanced monitoring technologies contribute to the overall operational costs. Balancing the need for efficiency with cost-effectiveness remains a perpetual challenge for businesses operating in the cold chain sector.

Future Outlook and Opportunities

1. Global Vaccine Distribution

The ongoing global efforts to combat pandemics and the increasing importance of vaccination programs are propelling the cold chain into the spotlight. The demand for efficient vaccine distribution, especially in developing countries, presents a significant opportunity for the cold chain industry to expand and innovate.

2. Integration of AI and Data Analytics

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics is poised to revolutionize the Cold Chain Market. Predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms can optimize temperature control, predict potential issues, and streamline operations. This data-driven approach enhances decision-making processes and contributes to overall supply chain resilience.

3. Collaboration and Partnerships

Given the multifaceted challenges in the cold chain sector, collaboration and partnerships are becoming key drivers of success. Stakeholders, including logistics providers, technology firms, and pharmaceutical companies, are forming strategic alliances to leverage collective expertise and resources. Such collaborations enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of the cold chain.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

SEOUL, South Korea — In fried-chicken-obsessed South Korea, restaurants serving the nation's favourite fast-food dish dot every street corner.

But Kang Ji-young's establishment brings something a little different to the table: a robot is cooking the chicken.

Eaten at everything from tiny family gatherings to a 10-million-viewer live-streamed "mukbang" -- eating broadcast -- by K-pop star Jungkook of BTS fame, fried chicken is deeply embedded in South Korean culture.

Paired with cold lager and known as "chimaek" -- a portmanteau of the Korean words for chicken and beer -- it is a staple of Seoul's famed baseball-watching experience.

The domestic market -- the world's third largest, after the United States and China -- is worth about seven trillion won ($5.3 billion).

However, labour shortages are starting to bite as South Korea faces a looming demographic disaster due to having the world's lowest birth rate.

Around 54 percent of business owners in the food service sector report problems finding employees, a government survey last year found, with long hours and stressful conditions the likely culprit, according to industry research.

Korean fried chicken is brined and double-fried, which gives it its signature crispy exterior, but the process -- more elaborate than what is typically used by US fast food chains -- creates additional labour and requires extended worker proximity to hot oil.

Enter Kang, a 38-year-old entrepreneur who saw an opportunity to improve the South Korean fried chicken business model and the dish itself.

"The market is huge," Kang told AFP at her Robert Chicken franchise.

Chicken and pork cutlets are the most popular delivery orders in South Korea, and the industry could clearly benefit from more automation "to effectively address labour costs and workforce shortages," she said.

Kang's robot, composed of a simple, flexible mechanical arm, is capable of frying 100 chickens in two hours -- a task that would require around five people and several deep fryers.

But not only does the robot make chicken more efficiently -- it makes it more delicious, says Kang.

"We can now say with confidence that our robot fries better than human beings do," she said.

Investing in 'foodtech'

Already a global cultural powerhouse and major semiconductor exporter, South Korea last year announced plans to plough millions of dollars into a "foodtech" fund to help startups working on high-tech food industry solutions.

Seoul says such innovations could become a "new growth engine," arguing there is huge potential if the country's prowess in advanced robotics and AI technology could be combined with the competitiveness of Korean food classics like kimchi.

South Korea's existing foodtech industry -- including everything from next-day grocery delivery app Market Kurly to AI smart kitchens to a "vegan egg" startup -- is already worth millions, said food science professor Lee Ki-won at Seoul National University.

Even South Korea's Samsung Electronics -- one of the world's biggest tech companies -- is trying to get in on the action, recently launching Samsung Food, an AI-personalised recipe and meal-planning platform, available in eight languages.

Lee predicted South Korea's other major conglomerates are likely to follow Samsung into foodtech.

"Delivering food using electric vehicles or having robots directly provide deliveries within apartment complexes, known as 'metamobility,' could become a part of our daily lives," he said.

"I am confident that within the next 10 years, the food tech industry will transform into the leading sector in South Korea."

'Initially struggled'

Entrepreneur Kang now has 15 robot-made chicken restaurants in South Korea and one branch in Singapore.

During AFP's visit to a Seoul branch, a robot meticulously handled the frying process -- from immersing chicken in oil, flipping it for even cooking, to retrieving it at the perfect level of crispiness, as the irresistible scent of crunchy chicken wafted through the shop.

Many customers remained oblivious to the hard-working robotic cook behind their meal.

Kim Moon-jung, a 54-year-old insurance worker, said she was not sure how a robot would make the chicken differently from a human "but one thing is certain -- it tastes delicious."

The robot can monitor oil temperature and oxidation levels in real time while it fries chicken, ensuring consistent taste and superior hygiene.

When Kang first started her business, she "initially struggled" to see why anyone would use robots rather than human chefs.

"But after developing these technologies, I've come to realise that from a customer's perspective, they're able to enjoy food that is not only cleaner but also tastier," she told AFP.

Her next venture is a tip-free bar in Koreatown in New York City, where the cocktails will feature Korea's soju rice wine and will be made by robots.

Entrepreneur aims to improve South Korea's dish using robot

11 September 2023

[collapsedsquid]

The Soviets get the first satellite into space, they beat the US and everybody's hair is on fire. It is a huge black eye for the Eisenhower administration. It is bad. There's also a great anxiety about reports that the Soviets are outpacing the US and producing missiles, the so-called missile gap that gets Washington in a panic. So the money starts flowing. There is lots and lots of money coming out, and then Kennedy comes into office and says, “We are going to reach the moon by the end of the 1960s.” And then all of a sudden there's this intense demand for very small, light, fast electronics, which are exactly what the valley is specializing in. And so this is really the beginning of the semiconductor industry that the true first clusters of startups. They’re building integrated circuits. They're selling to NASA. These aren't big lumbering defense contractors. They're startups, and they're competing for this business. And so there's this incredibly competitive industry that is essentially, you now have an incentive to develop and produce a new product that doesn't yet have a commercial market. The government has put a thumb on the scale as a customer and funder of research. And it just drives all of this activity up and down the chain from basic research in companies large and small.

And then, you know, the net-net of all that space spending for the semiconductor industry is they went from building these bespoke $2,000 and upward integrated circuits that nobody could afford — no enterprise could afford or really thought they needed. And they scale a production, they drive down costs, they're able to turn it into a commodity product. And that's, you know, that's what I think the potential for government spending has. So Silicon Valley's entering a different age, and you have this new, these new flows, not just for semiconductor research and development, but also green energy too.

[...]

 And this is again, going back to this kind of quintessentially American habit of not liking big government, not wanting to appear to have big government. And so instead spending for economic development in particular, through indirect means, whether it be in the early 19th century awarding private entities, the contracts to, you know, build canals and infrastructure and turnpikes or, or the transcontinental railroads, right? In the 1860s and seventies, which was a kind of a boondoggle, but it got those railroads built or fast forward to the defense economy, you know, the Cold War military industrial complex — Eisenhower called it military industrial complex for a reason. The money was flowing from the government through industry and universities and these other private and educational institutions so that the guys in the bean bag or the kids in the computer lab at Berkeley or Stanford, weren't necessarily immediately aware of the fact that everything they was doing was being enabled by defense spending. Which, you know, in the late 1960s, a lot of those kids at Berkeley and Stanford suddenly realized that was what was making it all go. And that was part of why they were protesting and marching against the war. They saw, among other things, that the military had essentially taken control of technology and was using it for ends of which they did not approve.

[terrence-silver]

How would Terry react to Beloved being a doctor?

The title of Dr. sounds amazing attached to the surname of Silver.

Doctor Silver.

That is, when and when beloved becomes quite literally his.

Which they will be.

They already are.

Beloved is accomplished and educated by their own merit and Terry will be damned if he doesn't covet that and he'll be also damned if he doesn't add to those accomplishments himself so beloved would be intrinsically interwoven with him in every semblance of their medical career, private life and all their dealings, attached to him legally as much as they are emotionally, unable to ever leave in the worst case scenario --- a smart investment for the future. A private clinic of the most exclusive sort opened somewhere in The Valley so they can conduct business with Terry's own guidance, knack for finance and kickstarting franchises? Maybe even several clinics? Hey, how about as many clinics as there are Cobra Kai dojos to cover as much field as possible, because the more land Terry owns over anyone and everyone else, the better? Check! A carefully selected staff employed by Mr. Silver himself to aid along with beloved doing what they do and, hey, if need be, report back to him on what beloved does all day, outside, you know, all those security cameras that are all around the place of employ? Check! Marketing billboards all around the country, so many in fact, until they kick out all other competition and Cobra Kai and private hospital centers under the name of Silvermedic is all one can see driving down the highways of California and beyond? Check! Commercials...of course, without beloved's face (or even full name) anywhere to be seen or precisely outlined, because he might promote their business (now co-joint venture) but he doesn't want to promote them. The thought makes him, well, I daresay, livid?

Speaking of, after a while, all his charity takes a wrong turn.

It sours in its own intent.

He can be as generous under the right circumstances as he is selfish.

Terry, he builds up beloved's business and gifts it to them and then promptly realizes, somewhere along the way, that he rather doesn't enjoy beloved giving all that attention and empathy to all those...people. Touching them. Looking at them. Someone looking at beloved. Spending entire shifts surrounded by anyone and everyone who isn't him. Listening to their nonsense problems and fixing them. Listening to their heartbeat with a stethoscope. Tracing the outline of their spinal cord during a check up and mulling over results for hours and hours. Wasting time with broken bones, eczema, unhealthy organs and shanenigans. No, no. It is far too intimate. Far too close for comfort. As I always say, Terry can get behind kindness as an idea, but only if it is directed towards him and mainly him, with extremely small exceptions, so yeah, beloved can be kind and empathic and helpful, but only towards the one and only Terry Silver. What's this with them having...patients? Sure, he always knew they'd have patients, but theory is always different from practice and his hidden, cold jealousy blinds him. Should he do what he did to Mike Barnes' furniture store and just burn down the very clinics he bankrolled, one by one? No, that would make beloved unhappy even if they never discovered these weren't freak accidents during the summer height of California's humid and hot drought season where, lo and behold, conveniently, forest fires are frequent and bullshit happens. No. Maybe Terry can suggest the employment of more doctors, to help beloved, slowly, within due time, until beloved can easily retire from the very chain of businesses intended for them. And they can retire content thinking that everything is settled, never realizing how much of a tactical manoeuvre this all was and that Terry effectively very smoothly and quietly had them removed from their own position as the main doctor of this great line of institutions. Money is rolling in, business is big and blooming and they don't even have to be at work anymore because someone else does it for them.

Isn't that a dream? Well, isn't it?

A war won without a single shot fired for Terry.

Isn't that great?

He gave beloved an immeasurable gift in the form of over, lets say, fifty or so clinics all around the country...and then he retired them too because being a doctor is backbreaking word in the words of a manipulator trying to very sweetly coax beloved to his side. Now, Terry can both be the best, most generous and helpful significant other that ever was and also have beloved entirely for himself. That PhD of beloved's can be just...tucked away and retired too.

[mariacallous]

Last week, the Labour MP Darren Jones needed antibiotics for a sick child. It took him and his wife eight attempts in two cities, he reported on Twitter, to find a chemist that could fill the prescription.

Class WhatsApp groups, Mumsnet threads and school-run conversations have been filling up over the past few days with stories like these, thanks to an increase in strep A infections – a common bug that usually just causes a sore throat but can in rare cases be fatal for children – leading to parental panic and GPs writing more prescriptions to be on the safe side. The health secretary, Steve Barclay, insists there are more than enough drugs for everyone, but right now they don’t seem to be reaching the high street fast enough, with parents reporting dashing from pharmacist to pharmacist trying to get a prescription filled.

Meanwhile, shortages of HRT medication are being reported again, after a drought last year that saw menopausal women furtively sharing stocks with friends or even trying to buy on the black market. And if it’s not drugs, it’s something else. Over the past few years a combination of Brexit, the pandemic, the wedging of a giant ship in the Suez canal that caused temporary havoc to global shipping routes, and more recently a bird-flu outbreak affecting poultry farmers, have led to temporary panics over the availability of everything from loo roll to iPhones, fresh fruit to eggs.

Minette Batters, the president of the National Farmers’ Union, warned last week that Britain could be “sleepwalking” into a food supply crisis, with pending problems for everything from pig production to growing tomatoes, cucumbers and pears. The next shortage on the horizon may be electricity, with some smart-meter customers being incentivised to curb peak-time usage to help us through a spell of cold, dry weather.

Britain is used to being a country where those with the money to pay for it could generally have what they wanted, when they wanted it: a place of just-in-time supply chains and bursting shelves, doorstep delivery and cheap credit, convenience and choice. But now we’re having to adjust to more of a scarcity mindset, accepting that niggling absences and even occasionally rationing may be a fact of life. By global or by historical standards western lives are still obviously luxurious. But having got used to a life of convenience, the idea that things may not always necessarily be available when we need them creates a steady throb of anxiety below the surface.

People used to laugh at “preppers”, those paranoid survivalists who stockpiled tinned food and battery-operated torches ready for a vaguely imagined apocalypse. But it stopped feeling so funny when one of the earliest temporary pandemic shortages involved a run on freezers in which to hoard food, and now we’re all sheepishly stocking up on candles and solar-powered chargers in case of January power cuts.

Meanwhile, prepping itself has had a makeover thanks to a rash of Instagram “homesteading” influencers, young women living on ranches in the American midwest who post endless reels of themselves canning peaches, growing squashes and raising chickens like something out of a Laura Ingalls Wilder book. What they’re pitching is a romantic vision of self-sufficiency that hasn’t been this popular since the equally unpredictable 1970s, the last time the homespun “good life” was heavily in vogue, where security means having what looks like a lifetime’s supply of tinned beans in the cellar just in case. Their popularity is, I suspect, down to the fact that they’re oddly soothing to watch, and right now it’s soothing we need.

For scarcity tends to breed anxiety about what may be around the corner, and sometimes a culture of every man for himself. There was no national shortage of petrol in the autumn of 2021, either, but the fear that there might be soon – thanks to a shortage of tanker drivers – scared people into filling up en masse just in case, thus temporarily creating precisely the shortage we’d each been trying individually to avoid. As ministers quickly discovered, once that kind of doom loop sets in, it’s very hard to stop; telling people not to panic just alerts them to the fact that other people must be panicking, and if you think something vital is about to run out then you’ll be, if anything, inclined to grab it before someone else does.

But we’re going to have to learn to adapt somehow, because shortages and interruptions and unexpected absences are almost certainly here to stay. Shifting patterns of global trade, the climate crisis affecting food production, and ongoing disruption to manufacturing, particularly in China – which faces the prospect of a huge Covid “exit wave” as it abandons restrictions in the face of the Omicron variant – are all likely to have knock-on effects. The age of inconvenience, in short, is with us for a while yet.