#how much does laundry detergent cost?

[somaticfix]

It’s so comforting to imagine that people living paycheck to paycheck are just too extravagant for their pay instead of the actual reality of being disproportionately drowned by rent and grocery costs. I can’t help but feel that the people who write and say things like this have never actually balanced a household budget. Have no idea how much toilet paper costs each month, the gap between the cost of store-brand orange juice and the fancy kind, etc.

In the US it seems that men arrogantly make assertions like this while their wives run themselves ragged to make ends meet. Then harrumph when said wife splurges on a single scented candle to make life just a little bearable. “I would never make such a frivolous purchase,” they say to themselves “I’m smart about money.” While having absolutely no idea what anything in his life costs.

[eiightysixbaby]

right here, right now

pairing: jonathan byers x fem!reader

wc: 2.1k

summary: it's almost time to try and save the world, again. but before you do, you and jonathan have something to take care of.

cw: 18+ ONLY - SMUT some angst, unprotected piv, creampie, use of pet names

author’s note: aahhhh, nothing like some ‘i need to have you right now because the world might end and idk if i’ll ever get to have you again’ smut

You aren't really sure how long it had been. You aren't sure how long it would be, until Nancy patched through on the walkie talkies to give you the all clear to join the others or until something killed you, whichever came first.

You sit in the back seat of Steve's BMW, clenching and unclenching your fist around your baseball bat to ease your nerves. You're parked off the side of the road, close but not too close to the most recent gate that had opened up in Hawkins. Steve, Nancy, Eddie, and Robin had gone through, preparing to enact the first phase of the plan. You'd spent the last couple of days preparing, giving yourselves until the last possible moment to ensure everything was perfect. To ensure that you could seal up the contents of the Upside Down forever - lock them away, never to seep into your reality ever again.

But now, as you sit trembling on the leather bench seat, the details don't matter. What does matter, a fact gone unspoken but known by each of you equally, is that this is your last chance. If you fail this time - and the possibility of that is very real - it will cost you your lives. It will cost the lives of everyone in this town; Hawkins will fall.

Jonathan's breathing is staggered beside you, his body shuddering with each exhale. He's trying not to panic for your sake, but you know he's fearing for you and for Will, for his mom, for himself. For everyone.

The world is dark around you, nightfall having hit what feels like eons ago. Your teeth chatter although it isn't cold, and you startle momentarily when you feel Jonathan's hand come to rest on your thigh.

"Hey," he says softly, bringing your focus onto him and only him. "It's gonna be okay, yeah? We're going to get through this."

You're silent for a moment. "What if we don't this time, Jon?" You can barely look at him as you say the words, because you fear you'll burst into tears if you meet those soft honey eyes.

He can see your sturdy resolve beginning to crumble, and he drops his weapon and pulls you into his chest, pressing his lips to the top of your head. "Don't think like that, okay? We're going to do this, we have to do this."

You know that he's saying this to convince the both of you, you know he doesn't fully believe it himself, but you appreciate the reassurance regardless. You bury your face further into the soft fabric of his shirt, taking a long, deep inhale. He smells as he always has, like laundry detergent and his cologne and a faint hint of coffee.

You don't want to think about the fact that this could be the last time you get to smell his smell.

Before you can stop them, a few stray tears escape your eyes, rolling down your cheeks. You sniffle quietly, trying to collect yourself once more, but Jonathan's already alert to your upset.

"Hey, hey," he soothes, tilting your chin up with a gentle finger. "Baby, I'm here with you. I'm here."

You don't want to say what you're thinking - But what if you aren't always here? What if this is the last moment we have together? - and so you say nothing. Your lip wobbles as you take a shaky breath, more tears rolling warm and heavy down your skin.

Jonathan is quick to wipe them away, the pad of his thumbs so soft as they rid your face of the saltwater streaks.

"I'm so scared," is all you can say before he's hugging you tight against him once more, his grip on you firm and comforting.

"I know, I know," he rocks you back and forth, kissing your forehead. "Me too."

You pull back suddenly, feeling the need to look him in his eyes. "I love you so much, more than I've ever loved anything in my life."

"More than you love birthday cake milkshakes from Benny's?" he jokes, the left corner of his mouth tugging upward in a slight smirk.

You laugh, a watery sound through your ebbing tears. "Oh, on second thought, never mind..."

He joins in on your laughter, and for a moment everything is normal. For a moment you're on the couch in his living room and Joyce is making cookies in the kitchen, and you aren't about to fight monsters and try to save the world, again. You appreciate his willingness to try and make you smile, even in the bad moments.

"I love you too, you know that. I always will." he returns your sentiment once your giggles have subsided, cupping your face in his hands and pressing his lips to yours.

You kiss him back eagerly, his mouth a welcome reprieve from the constant terror your life has been lately.

You can't quite pinpoint the moment it goes from sweet and tender to needy and hot, but it happens quickly. One moment his lips move slowly against yours, his hands soft on your cheeks, and the next his tongue is prying into your mouth and your hands are tangled in his hair and tugging. You're pulling yourself onto his lap, knees bracketing his hips, both of you breathing heavily.

He pulls away only for a moment, his eyes searching your face. "You really want to do this right now?" he checks, waiting for your permission.

You nod quickly. "Yes, right now." There's a pause, and then. "I don't know when we'll get to do this again."

It's a devastating statement if you really think about it, but neither of you are planning on thinking too hard. He doesn't dwell on the undertones of it, instead he lets his hunger take over.

You thought you'd been desperate to have him before, like that time after he was sick for two straight weeks and you couldn't see him, or when you'd teased him so bad beneath your lunch table senior year that he'd dragged you into the janitor's closet and made you late for the next class. But this? This was new, this rivaled every time before it. You were primal, animalistic in the way you licked into each other's open mouths, determined in the way you undid his belt and pushed his jeans down his thighs.

It was a desperation that could only come from such a dire sense of urgency - the end of the world wasn't necessarily far away, after all.

He wastes no time helping you shed your pants, both of you knowing that this isn't the time for drawn-out foreplay or extensive teasing - you never know when Nancy's voice might sound over the walkie.

Good thing for him, you're already soaking through your panties, the severity of the situation only turning you on further in some sick, twisted way. You need to have him, there's no questioning it.

You let out a harsh whine when his lips latch onto your neck, sucking hard on the tender skin, his hands gripping your hips with a ferocity you've never felt from him before. He guides you over his cock, letting his shaft slide through your folds, your juices coating him. He hisses at the sensation, his cheeks flushing a deep pink that you can decipher even in the low lighting.

"Shit, baby," he rasps, letting his head fall back against the seat.

You give him a sly little smirk. "Am I losing ya already?" you tease, satisfied when he rolls his eyes.

"No," he says, and before you can process it he's completely flipped your position; you now lying down along the cool leather seat, his body hovering over yours. "Definitely not."

Your lips part in an attempt to say something, but no words can come out before he's kissing you once more. Your legs fall open easily, allowing him space to fully slot himself between them. He lets out strained whimpers when he licks into your eager mouth, your hands splayed across his back, nails digging into the skin through his shirt.

"Baby," you pant. "I can't wait any longer, I need you," your voice is breathy, impatient.

"Don't worry, sweetheart," he murmurs against your cheek. "I'm gonna take care of you."

In seconds he's got his hand wrapped around the base of his shaft, slowly guiding the tip into your weeping entrance. You gasp at the initial intrusion, the sound turning into something closer to a scream the more of him you take.

"Jonathan, Jonathan," you mumble mindlessly, drunk on his cock and he's only been inside of you for thirty seconds. In normal circumstances he may have teased you, made your face flush with heat as he taunted your desperation. But these aren't normal circumstances, and he's just as needy as you are.

"I know, angel, I know," he murmurs. "Feels so good, huh?"

You nod, pressing sloppy kisses to his lips as he starts to move inside of you. The drag of his length out and in and then out again has you nearly delirious, bringing every inch of your body to life, as if you're a live wire.

"Fuck, fuckfuckfuck," he curses, picking up his pace rapidly.

The car fills with the sounds of skin slapping against skin, heavy breaths and moans and sighs. You're able to almost forget, like this. With his weight on top of you and his cock hitting the perfect spot inside, you can almost pretend like you don't have a baseball bat and an axe sitting on the floor of the vehicle, signifiers of your impending battle. You try to ignore the way the street lights flicker outside, something you know to be a sign of more than just faulty bulbs.

His teeth nip at your earlobe, a weakness of yours, and you know that he's seen the flickering too. It's his silent way of trying to distract you as best he can. Paired with the relentless way in which he pounds into you, it works, your brain nearly shutting off as you zone in on his grunts and whines.

"I love you," he pants. "So fucking much."

He tugs your bottom lip between his teeth, and only when he lets go do you reply. "I love you, fuck I love you. Feels so good, Jon."

He chuckles lightly at this, satisfied with his ability to bring you such pleasure. "You feel good, too. You have no fucking idea," he praises, resting his forehead against yours as he maintains his steady pace.

There's something in your gut that tells you you don't have much time before your friends will page you, and as if reading your mind, Jonathan's right hand finds its way between your thighs. The pad of his thumb begins to rub quick circles over your clit, your breathing growing heavier. You feel electric beneath his touch, succumbing entirely to how good he’s making you feel.

"You gonna be a good girl and cum for me, angel?" he asks, knowing if he keeps up his actions, you'll be hurtling over the edge in no time.

"Yes!" you cry, "Yes Jonathan, fuck. I want to be a good girl, wanna cum for you."

He dips his head low, his mouth against the shell of your ear. "So do it, then," he instructs, his voice deliciously husky, his tone commanding.

It's all you need to fully reach your breaking point, and your legs shake as you cum around his cock. His name spills from your lips in a shattered cry, back arching off of the seat beneath you. Your orgasm seems to last forever, your walls squeezing him tight until he's spilling inside of you, moaning your name followed by a string of curses. He collapses on top of you, and it's so comforting to feel the weight of him. To feel and hear him breathing.

The euphoric haze you’d been caught up in, the primal urge that had taken control of you starts to fade. You don’t want reality to set in, you want to fend it off for as long as possible, but it’s too late. Fear creeps its way back into your throat, and you cling tighter to Jonathan.

He senses your unease and you know he’s feeling it again, too. So when he speaks, his voice slightly hoarse from use, you’re expecting him to say something serious. “Do you think Steve will be mad we fucked in his car?"

You snort, genuinely caught off guard by the lighthearted question. "Let's save the world first, and then we can decide if we're even gonna tell him."

Jonathan laughs, and the sound tugs at your heart strings. It's one of your favorite sounds, and you only hope you get to hear it for years to come.

You kiss him, slow and passionate before deciding you need to redress. You prepare your backpack of necessary tools, you hold his hand as you wait for Nancy's signal.

And with ever perfect timing, her voice comes through the static.

One squeeze of your hand. Two. Three.

I. Love. You.

[kirby-the-gorb]

a couple people coincidentally reblogged my rare disease day post from [last year] so. here's how that's been going. (some of this is repeat info if you click the link)

I have mast cell activation syndrome (or MCAS), an immune disorder in which my signaling cells are way too jumpy and can trigger all kinds of symptoms (up to and including anaphylaxis) in response to seemingly harmless stimuli. this is distinct from allergies as whether or not I react to a trigger can change from day to day based on how many other triggers are present, and the chemical mediators released cover a broader spectrum than just the IgE release in a classical allergic reaction. plus oftentimes symptoms are a mix of episodic and chronic, rather than being acute episodes like allergies.

triggers can be commonly understood things like certain food ingredients or scent chemicals, but can also include things like hormone fluctuations, physical or mental exertion, and the sun. I have reacted to ginger, laundry detergent, and a natural gas furnace, for example. I also do a lot worse in summer because it is both sunny and warm, and I always have to be very careful how much energy I use up or I might trigger anaphylaxis.

it's common for people with MCAS to have some level of symptoms all their life, that go unnoticed or dismissed until some precipitating event causes a substantial downturn in their condition. for me it was mono, but other infections (especially covid) and significant stressful events have also been anecdotally reported to precipitate downturns if I recall correctly, or simply being uncontrolled enough for long enough can also snowball.

diagnostic criteria for MCAS were first proposed in 2010, so the true rarity is still very up in the air. (personally I believe a lot of common wastebin diagnoses (ibd, fibro, cfs/me, etc) should be scrutinized very carefully as potential "specialty silos" of MCAS, especially given how often they tend to travel together.)

firstline treatments for MCAS include cheap medications available over the counter like loratadine, aspirin, and famotidine. my condition has become severe enough that I'm currently on third-line treatment (omalizumab injections), which does finally seem to be getting me somewhere. (this is, of course, in addition to still taking all of the first- and second-line treatments. I take 24 units of 13 medications in a given day, it's a lot to keep track of. to the point where I'm not actually sure I've counted it correctly :v then there's my monthly injections and my emergency medications on top of that.)

(those injections btw? can cost thousands of dollars even with insurance. thankfully I'm able to use the company's assistance program, so I don't pay anything out of pocket. for that one.)

being sick is never fun, but if you have a disease perceived as rare it introduces a ton of new complications. (which get even more complicated when the disease is legit super rare!) it took me a long time to figure out what was wrong with me, and I had to do it almost entirely by myself, because doctors simply don't have the knowledge. they're not taught to look for it and there's no simple reliable test. but by yammering about it, it might make someone else's slog a tiny bit shorter <3

[sunshinefox35]

Incorrect Quotes COD Pt. 6

Hi guys, sorry for not posting at all, my work has kept me so busy and after long days out on the field, I have no more motivation left. I'll be getting to the requests real soon, I promise. Thank you for being so patient and enjoy another COD shit post!

Roach: "What do you call murder, vandalism and sabotage?" Reader: "Hobbies" Roach: *Gasp* Reader: "...that Reader does not partake in."

Rudy: "Do you think different laundry detergents have different tastes?" Soap: "They do." Reader looking up from their paper work alarmed: "W-why did say that with such certainty?!"

Soap: "Hey Ghost! What are your plans for next year?!" Ghost: "New year new me!" *Burning of Fingerprints*

Reader bleeding out in the back of the ambulance: "But I want it!" Paramedics: *driving past McDonalds* "I said no!"

Soap: "I hate your giraffe looking, Shrek jumbo size, t-rex, palm tree looking musty ass." König: "Need a stool? I couldn't hear you all the way down there."

Alejandro: "A human heart costs around 1 million dollars but I gave you mine for free." Rudy: ... Rudy: Why do you know how much a human heart costs?

Captain Reader: So what do you have to say to a Rookie when he messes up?" Ghost annoyed: "You're unable to work here again." Soap: "You're fired." Gaz: "You're promoted to a customer." Captain Reader: "...I quit."

Price: "My kink is when people actually care about my feelings and what I have to say." Ghost: "Unrealistic, stick to bondage like the rest of us."

Soap, doodling in his sketchbook: "I wanna do Ghost." Gaz: "Like draw him...?" Soap sweating: "Oh yeah ... I can draw him too." TF 141: ... Ghost: ... Ghost: "Wait what?!"

Gaz: "Dinner's ready!" *Reader walking in to see Gaz sitting seductively on the table* Reader: ... Reader: But it's lasagna night...

Reader: "I was thinking an autumn wedding... not too cold not too hot, you know?" Price: " We aren't engaged!?" Reader: ... Reader: "So THAT'S what I forgot to do yesterday!"

[yuurei20]

Leona Info Compilation part 5: Ruggie (pt3)

We see Leona employ Ruggie in a variety of roles such as protecting him during Beanfest (for a “daily special” from the cafeteria every day for a week), taking on his assignments during Vargas Camp (for a shopping trip that Ruggie took with Leona’s money) and recruit new students for the spell drive club (for doughnuts).

The task Ruggie dislikes the most might be having to pick up Leona’s room and do laundry, which we hear him complain about fairly often, but Leona pays for washing Ruggie’s clothes along with his own.

Ruggie seems to be uncomfortable with receiving charity—when Silver offers to lend him money, Ruggie refuses—which is possibly why Leona is always having to find roundabout ways to support Ruggie financially.

Since Ruggie will not accept money unless he feels like he is getting away with something Leona does things like give Ruggie both his wallet and his permission to buy whatever it is he wants in exchange for standing in line at the school store.

If it weren’t for the appearance of a monster that they needed magic in order to fight off, it is likely that Leona had been intending to let Ruggie smuggle a magestone out of the mines to sell, as well.

In a vignette we see Ruggie talking to himself about wishing he could afford to eat more when Leona suddenly appears behind him.

We do not know how much Leona overheard, but when Ruggie says he needs money to buy detergent for washing Leona’s clothes, Leona tosses him his wallet and tell him to take what he needs and keep the change.

Ruggie points that out he has nothing but large bills and Leona responds, “Why’re you getting all hung up on the details?"

Ruggie reflects that Leona probably wouldn’t even notice if he kept more in change than what the detergent costs, saying, “far be it from me to look a gift horse in the mouth, though. Cha-ching!”, seemingly unaware that that is likely Leona’s exact intent.

Ruggie charges Leona “at least ten thaumarks an hour” in exchange for his help during Fairy Gala (we never see Leona haggle with Ruggie to try and underpay him; Leona always goes along with whatever price Ruggie dictates), and Ruggie seems free to refuse tasks he does not like, such as passing on messages to Malleus.

When Jamil comments that serving Leona seems “far more painful” than serving Kalim, Ruggie says that serving Kalim would just make him uncomfortable, and there is “a lid for every pot.”

Ruggie himself explains that while Leona is used to ordering people around and is a demanding boss, he is always giving things to Ruggie for him to sell.

Leona also helps with Ruggie’s education, as Night Raven College is Ruggie’s first time attending a school.

Ruggie says that Leona tutors him on lessons he does not understand and provides him with reference books and old exams, as well as “tons of useful advice”, directly resulting in a significant increase in Ruggie’s grades from “bottom of the ladder” to “somewhere just below the middle”.

In addition to never arguing with Ruggie about money Leona seems to follow his demands in other areas as well, such as not skipping classes that Ruggie insists he must attend and reluctantly eating vegetables that Ruggie puts on his plate for lunch.

Leona does not seem to like the food at the school cafeteria (calling the steaks “cheap” in Book 6) which makes sense, as he is a prince, and he is one of the strictest judges in Culinary Crucible (on par with Vil), grading meals with a 4 that Ruggie grades as 8.

However, Ruggie has a voice lines saying, “When it comes to cooking, all I can do it throw together whatever’s on hand, but it seems like Leona doesn’t care as long as it’s edible.”

This seems to insinuate that Leona either just prefers Ruggie’s cooking in particular, or at the very least he refuses to complain about it.

[3fc0eb]

Clay Puppington, A Brief Overview

Clay is a complex character that takes a very influential role in the series, but because of that complexity, his character might require a small breakdown to fully appreciate the story being told. 

Many facets of Clay are seen throughout the story. Most often, we see him through the lens of his son, Orel. Orel's perspective of Clay is arguably the most vital, because as the series continues, we see Orel's view of his father shift from a childish perception of a paragon for what's good and right™, into a realistic understanding of the man he truly is.

In Orel's own hand-written script, he likens his father to a puppy, because he is “loyal and good”. We as the audience, however, are given a different perspective. We are given the chance to see Clay without Orel's perception. 

Thus, we see a wolf. 

To see a wolf among sheep is no accident on the writers’ part. The Bible uses the wolf to symbolize cruelty, treachery, greed, and destructiveness. (Zephaniah 3:3, Luke 10:3, Acts 20:29, Ezekiel 22:27)

These traits are readily seen in Clay and, in Orel's innocence, he is blind to those flaws. 

Beyond Orel's view, however, we are given key insight into Clay's character and the situation he's in from the ending of season one.

Here we see Clay and his wife, Bloberta, having an argument about the sermon they'd sat through that day. It quickly devolves into her pointing out his drinking habits, where he replies “All I do is try to forget.”

Bloberta has her reasons for this argument, but what's important is that we are given a perspective devoid of Orel's vision. 

We see that he is unhappy with his marriage and suspicious of his wife's fidelity. Tellingly, he doesn't even deny that he never wanted a second child. 

So why does he stay in this situation if he's so miserable?

The next time he sees his son, he actually spells out the answer to that question.

“You and Shapey are still young, needy, impressionable children. So your mother and I have decided to stay together. If only for appearances. The last thing we want people to think is that we don't care about our own kids. That's one fact that is none of their business.”

Importantly, in the entirety of his monologue to Orel, he paints himself as the knowledgeable, correct one. Yet, he is painfully clear that the only thing that matters to him is what others see and think. 

Immediately afterwards we see that he's left Bloberta and Shapey to wait alone in the car outside the restaurant, punctuating precisely how little he cares for both of them. 

Then why does Clay single out Orel as being worthy to explain what's happening to? Does he genuinely care for and love Orel as a son, in his own misguided and twisted way?

No. No, he doesn't. His first reaction to his son coming to him with any issue or concern is to immediately reach for his belt for correcting his son into whatever wisdom he believes he possesses. 

He doesn't even react to his son's bloodied clothes until his wife tells him it will cost him more money in laundry detergent.

He refuses to accept responsibility for properly teaching his son.

And any revelation that would otherwise be seen as important milestones for personal growth in his son are forcibly stamped down.

All so that his son will be more like him. Because he believes he is living life correctly. How it is meant to be lived. 

He says as much in the most pivotal moment in the series: Nature.

First, taking place directly after disciplining Orel after the events of Grounded, we see Clay inviting Orel to go for a hunting trip. 

At first, Orel is elated at spending time with his father. But once Clay explains his intent to have Orel kill something, Orel insists that he'd rather just watch. He'd rather just spend time with his father. But Clay pushes aside that “nonsense” immediately, instead thrusting a Puppington tradition onto Orel. 

Passing on Ol’ Gunny. But we'll come to that later. For now, Nature.

“I gotta tell you, Orel... Your cup is always half empty. Now look at me. You should be more like your old man and look on the blight side of life.”

Clay is speaking honestly here, but not entirely the truth he wants to be telling. He confuses “blight” and “bright” here, effectively telling Orel that he needs to be brought down to Clay's level. Seen to a greater degree in Sacrifice, Clay’s mentality is solidly rooted in “misery loves company”, and he is nothing if not miserable. 

He continues, “I didn't say "bright". I said "blight". My life is sunny and blight. 'Bright' means the opposite - it means sudden withering death. And that's... not... Oh, who am I kidding? My life is full of bright…”

Concerned, Orel asks, “You mean blight?”

“Oh God…”, He mutters.

“What's the matter?”

And here, Clay reveals the deep-seated turmoil within him:

“I hate myself... WHY DO YOU QUIT WORKING ON ME?! She always fools me, Orel. "I'll make things better, dear! Drink me! Put me inside you! I'm great!" And she chokes me just like every other whore out there! They're all worthless, kid. Every woman. Don't let 'em get ya! All of 'em wanna get ya! They just grab you and pull you into 'em! And you're forced to stay in, pull out, stay in, pull out! And then they cut ya and they grip ya by the... right where it counts! And then they start squeezing things out, things that are like weights around your head! You're stuck there for the rest of your life with nowhere to go and no one to be!”

His increasing delirium is broken as a gunshot rings out.

“Dad! Are you okay?!”, Even still, Orel remains concerned for his father.

“Okay?! Am I okay?! You shoot one thing this whole trip! Count 'em - one thing! And it's two of my last bottles of liquor?!

“Sorry, Dad, it was an accident!”

“There are no accidents! You've done nothing but whine like a lady in a flowery sissy skirt and attractive high heels about my drinking since we got here!”

“It's because you become a bad person when you drink!” 

Finally, Orel's illusion of his father has cracked, and he points out what we could see. And Clay's response to his son's cry?

He reaches for his belt once again. Too inebriated for even that, he instead grabs his rifle, to instruct Orel on how to “be a man” again. Remember that phrase. 

Instead, however, he accidently fires the rifle and hits Orel in the leg.

And still his only words are that Orel has to be more careful. He is spiteful of Orel bringing a first aid kit, and instead of helping his son, he downs the rubbing alcohol himself and sleeps.

While he sleeps, a bear finds the two of them. Orel apologizes to the bear before having to shoot it in order to save his father and himself.

For the first time, Orel takes a personal stand against his father and lies to him. Lies in order to purposefully spoil his father's pride. This is important to Orel's development but before that, let's go back to Clay's rant. 

Like much of late-season Clay's speeches, there's a lot to unpack, so let's take it piece by piece.

First, Clay is aware of the low opinion he holds of himself, but for now, we the audience are left to assume why that is. We only know how much he hates his life. 

He then laments the poor job alcohol has done for him. We've seen before that he drinks to forget, in Best Christmas Ever. But drinking to forget isn't the sole reason. Clay pins many of his misgivings on a particular person. 

There is a reason Clay believes drinking is better for him, the same reason his despair about alcohol quickly transitions to his opinion on women. In reality, its one particular woman he's screaming about, who's tainted his view so dramatically.

“Still hate her.”

“I'm setting your couch alarm so you're not late again for work tomorrow.”

“You have never been on my side!”

Bloberta.

Clay believes her to be the linchpin to his misery. She certainly doesn't do anything to alleviate that impression either. 

That's not to say there aren't moments when they get along. Notably, they share in a kind of joy by tearing someone else down. Again, misery loves company.

This can be seen in the first episode, Grounded, and Help.

Mocking Reverend Putty's sermon,

Rubbing salt in Orel's wound when he was grounded from going to church,

And telling off Figurelli at the wedding reception the day they'd met. 

Let's take a moment to focus on Help. 

This episode can be easily seen as the beginning of Clay's downfall. 

When Clay is first seen in Help, he is very unlike the man we've come to know until then. 

He is careful, withdrawn, and perilously pious; suggesting that even drinking was a sin when asked why he didn't drink drinks. 

His delicate persona falters easily, however, as Bloberta's encouragement shows him the possibilities that alcohol can provide.

It is this moment that Clay becomes more recognizable to the audience. His first exposure to alcohol helps him “out of his shell”, and his initial action is to tear down someone else to raise himself up.

“...That dummy had no idea until I told them the score.”

He becomes a bad person when he's drunk.

But that shared intimacy over a common enemy was enough to keep Bloberta happy at first, until he reveals he has no interest in marriage and instead begins to show her who he is.

Cruel.

“I think he forgot yours.”

Treacherous.

“Yeah, could be…”

Greedy.

“They're mine!”

“Filthy.”

Even so, Clay gave her a reason to believe she had value by saying she was helpful. So her mind was set, and he was just as easily swayed to marry her as he was to start drinking.

And with that, we know why he drinks. He regrets his marriage to Bloberta, and his day to day life with her, but needs to maintain face with the people of Moralton. His determination is touched on in another rant he has toward the end of the series, but let's wait to talk about that.

First, it's important to ask “why is Clay like this? What makes him behave the way he does when he drinks?”

This is answered in the next episode: Passing.

(Part 2)

[businessnews01]

Laundry Soap Wholesale: Cost-Effective Cleaning Solutions

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This unique fundraising approach ensures a steady demand, making it an excellent choice for schools, sports teams, and community groups looking to maximize their earnings with minimal effort.

Why Choose a Laundry Soap Fundraiser?

Unlike other fundraisers, detergent fundraising provides a practical, high-value product that people are already purchasing regularly. This means you’re not convincing supporters to spend extra on something they don’t need—you’re simply offering them a more convenient way to buy an everyday essential.

Here’s why this method is gaining popularity:

Essential Household Product: Everyone does laundry, making detergent a necessity.

Affordable & High-Margin Sales: Fundraisers can sell large, high-quality detergent bottles at competitive prices, ensuring strong earnings per sale.

No Perishability Issues: Unlike food-based fundraisers, the detergent doesn’t spoil, making storage and distribution easy.

Hassle-Free Selling Process: Supporters recognize the value immediately, leading to faster, easier sales.

How to Organize a Hassle-Free Detergent Fundraising Campaign

To ensure your hassle-free detergent fundraising campaign is a success, follow these simple steps:

1. Partner with a Reliable Fundraising Supplier

Work with a supplier that offers bulk detergent options at discounted rates, allowing your group to make a profit on each sale.

2. Set Your Fundraising Goals

Determine how much money your organization needs and calculate the number of detergent units required to hit your target.

3. Promote Effectively

Leverage social media, school newsletters, and community networks to spread the word about your easy laundry soap fundraiser. Providing sample packs or testimonials can also boost sales.

4. Make Ordering Simple

Offer online and offline order forms, ensuring that supporters can easily place their orders.

5. Organize Distribution Smoothly

Once orders are placed, arrange for a pick-up location or doorstep delivery, ensuring a seamless experience for buyers.

Maximizing Your Fundraising Success

To get the most out of your detergent fundraiser, keep these tips in mind:

Offer Bundle Deals: Encourage supporters to buy in bulk by providing discounts on multiple purchases.

Emphasize Quality & Value: Highlight the benefits of the detergent, such as high efficiency, long-lasting use, and eco-friendly formulas.

Engage Your Team: Assign fundraising roles to members, from marketing to distribution, ensuring a smooth workflow.

Create a Sense of Urgency: Set a deadline for orders to encourage faster decision-making.

A Smarter Way to Fundraise

A hassle-free detergent fundraising campaign is an ideal way to raise money without the usual challenges of traditional fundraising methods. It’s simple, effective, and ensures steady sales since laundry soap is a necessity in every household.

By choosing an easy laundry soap fundraiser, your school or group can maximize profits while providing supporters with a high-value product they actually need. Start your campaign today and experience the benefits of stress-free fundraising!

[forestryfae]

like i cant move ofc and i dont really wanna, my main desire for escapism rn comes from mess and a lack of organization, this apartment rn comes from disorganization and mess, the apartment isnt bad its actually the perfect size for one person even tho i wish there was a bit more space. but if there was like a single shelf above the toilet or the apartment hadnt come with the furniture it came with. bed, a dresser, and kitchen table seating 4 people + 4 chairs. thered be much more space. not that im complaining about the bed and dresser or the drying rack, those are genuinely useful, same w the fridge even if its in a bad spot

but like if it had just a few shelves built into the place, didnt have that big ass table and the chairs, that would have been v neat. rn i have nowhere to store toilet paper or laundry detergents, i have some storage space in the walls but im using most of that for something else, and big storage units dont have space anywhere in the apartment. like at most i could get a small dresser for the hallway ig? i could store small stuff. but the bike is in the way, i have a desk i need to build but dont know where id put, im getting a couch that admittedly might have been a bad choice size-wise but i really wanted something i knew i would use for a long time and i knew i would want to keep if i move again. im so tired of having stuff i dont want or having to settle for shit as a sort of middle ground. yes it does its purpose no i cant stand looking at it.

idk im stressed out, i dont know how to get shit done, all my motivation exists in the form of anxiety or sunlight, i want help but cant ask for it on account of noone knowing my mental illnesses better than me and i dont want to risk it, my brain sees anything that needs to get done and goes fuck that despite knowing it needs to get done, i have no clue how to actually successfully work with it so its atleast manageable, everything i think could be helpful costs money and everything i feel like i should be allowed to do because im not immune to being allowed to feel happiness sometimes costs money

making food isnt even something i dislike doing its just a hassle cus i dont keep the kitchen clean enough and i cant seem to have any useful and preventative routines in place for longer than a little while before it all falls apart not for lack of trying but lack of selfdicipline im p sure, the cleaning is neverending and i expect myself to do it every single day but i dont do it every day so my brain is just screaming about getting things done to the point where im exhausted despite not having done shit

and in the meantime my ocd is all over everything to the point where i cant even relax for 10 minutes or do something as simple as clean the fucking fridge out or take out the trash or bleach my fucking hair so i can dye it like ive been wanting to for weeks, or just draw something for fucking once or crochet or do something fun. i dont even know where im going w this rant rn im just so fucking overwhelmed and tired and the thought of doing anything is exhausting and i have headaches on a daily basis and i sleep all day too even though my sleep schedule was good for a little while. like i was hoping id have it for longer than a few weeks or maybe id be able to keep it up for the foreseeable future but i fucking guess not

i dont enjoy drawing as much as i used to i cant crochet anything and actually finish it my brain is on fire and finding new interests is fucking hard and costs money i dont have the space to do anything so i practically live in my bedroom. theres so much stuff in my apartment but i got rid of so much already and the rest i use and a i cant keep getting rid of stuff im gonna wind up with nothing at all if i get rid of stuff just for the sake of hoping itll fix everything. youtube isnt even fun i keep getting decluttering and vlogs and tidying and cleaning and i watch them and i physically feel myself clenching cus i want to completely take over the stuff in the video and clean that myself. cleaning literally anything else is better than cleaning my own space

and on top of it all i have an activities thing i should go to more often but i cant make myself at all. i either wake up too late and miss it or i forget about it or im busy doing other stuff like convincing myself that im going to clean instead and then never cleaning. and i have a job once a week where i show up and do prepwork at the bakery kitchen where they have the activities and i cant even manage to get there. i cancelled the week before this and this week i straight up didnt wake up until 2 pm. i cant even manage to go there twice a week like i want to. i cant get outside to go on walks. planning shit doesnt work, breaking shit into more tasks makes me more tired and demotivated, like where the fuck am i going to find motivation when everything maes me want to lie in bed and rot. like i know i have depression but i shouldnt feel this shitty when im on antidepressants. idfk. what the fuck

[rightcliq-concept]

How to Extend the Life of Your Washing Machine

Rita, a busy mom of two children, was busy doing the laundry as usual, and suddenly her washing machine made noise like – Ghrrr, and stopped spinning. She got a bit frightened after seeing all this but later on, she started to search online for washing machine repair. Does this sound like you? Statista says 42% of washing machine owners need repairs within 5 years. To help your washing machine last longer than it normally would, here are a few easy methods you can use. In this enjoyable and uncomplicated blog post, we will demonstrate to you the way to take good care of your washing machine for a long time.

When does a washing machine need repairs?

Avoiding the waste of both time and money is possible if you know what signs tell you that your washing machine needs to be fixed. Apart from repair, the most common consideration is 

Bizarre sounds

Excessive shaking

Failure to rotate or drain properly

Do you hear unusual sounds from the washer? It usually indicates a problem. If clothes feel too wet or error codes flash, get help. For extended cycles or no water, it's time to consult someone.

Some issues, like dirty filters, are fixable with maintenance; others, like burning smells or electrical faults, need professional help. If repairs cost less than half of a new washer, we tend to search for washing machine repair service near me.

Know the Washing Machine Lifespan at a glance:

Based on the average lifespan of all washing machines, most of them can last from 10 to 13 years. However, these figures may vary brand-wise. You don’t need to worry about how long my new machines will last.

Things to remember are, the operational period of these machines as you search for a washing machine. If your washing machine fails before the anticipated time, there are online washing machine repair services available. 

Comparison of Washer Lifespan by Brand

A long-lasting washing machine is what people desire. No one wants to throw money away on a quickly ruined item. If you are concerned about a possibility of mishandling or controlling your washing machine securely, you can quickly find out Rightcliq washing machine repair service near me online.

We will help you with the lifespan of popular washer brands that are more efficient and powerful. The below tables will ease your selection.

Brand

Expected Lifespan

Build Quality

Warranty

Customer Reviews

LG

10-15 years

Premium (Durable & Stylish)

2 to 10 years (depending on model)

4.5/5 (Highly rated for performance and durability)

Samsung

10-12 years

High-quality (Modern Features)

2 to 10 years (depending on model)

4.4/5 (Known for advanced features and efficiency)

Whirlpool

10-14 years

Sturdy (Reliable & Efficient)

2 to 5 years

4.3/5 (Strong reputation for customer satisfaction)

Bosch

12-15 years

Robust (German engineering)

2 to 10 years (depending on model)

4.6/5 (Top-rated for reliability and quiet operation)

A Guide to Making Your Washer Last Longer, Step by Step:

Below are some common things you can do to keep your washing machine going for a long time;

- Do Cleaning Regularly: To avoid mold growth, clean the drum, detergent drawer and door seals frequently. Perform a cleaning cycle on the washer at least once per month.

- Choose Proper Detergents: Always select the right type of soap that suits your washing machine. Too much soap may lead to build-up of residue that might cause appliance failure.

- Do not overload: It can damage motor and reduce its efficiency as well. Therefore, it is recommended following manufacturer’s manual on load sizes.

- Keep Door Open after Use: Let some air in by leaving the door opens after you have finished with the equipment so as to remove odor or dampness from inside.

- Check Your Hoses Regularly: Regularly check your hoses for any leaks or wear-outs. They should be replaced as soon as they crack because this will lead to water destructions and system malfunctions.

Those are simple activities which you need to perform on yourself and in no time your washer will start operating like new again.

Signs that say you need to replace your washing machine now:

If your washer often breaks down, you need to buy a new one. The following signs will help you decide if it is time for a replacement:

Sign

Description

1. Washer is Making Unusual Noises

Grinding, thumping, or squealing sounds may indicate serious internal issues.

2. Excessive Vibration

If the washer shakes violently, it may be a sign of worn-out parts or an unbalanced drum.

3. Water Leaks

Leaks under the washer can signal a broken hose or seal that might not be repairable.

4. Inconsistent Cleaning

Clothes come out dirty, or the washer leaves detergent residue, indicating it's losing efficiency.

5. Foul Odours

Lingering smells may point to mould or mildew buildup that’s hard to eliminate.

6. Washer Won’t Start

A washer that doesn’t power up could have electrical issues or a broken motor.

7. Rust and Corrosion

Visible rust on the body or drum suggests the washer is deteriorating.

8. Increased Energy Bills

A rise in your energy bills can mean the washer is no longer energy efficient.

9. Age of the Washer

A washer older than 10-12 years may lack modern features and efficiency, making replacement more practical.

From the Desk of RightCliq:

Since 2021, RightCliq has been a prominent name in the field of washing machine repairs in Bangalore. Their skilled washing machine repair technicians duly trained, guarantees the highest quality of service. Scheduling tasks via their user-friendly interface has never been easier thanks to its user-friendly nature. 

RightCliq believes in prices that are straightforward and relatively lower than what the market can offer without compromising the quality of products purchased unlike others who go after lower prices but with cheap quality merchandise, hence the absence of overhead charges. Additionally, all products sold are originals. 

Last but not least, there is nothing more important to them than their customers' happiness, and this is confirmed by a 90 days warranty of service. With RightCliq, you can be sure that your appliance will continue to function properly and that you will have peace of mind.

Resource: https://rightcliqservices.wordpress.com/2025/01/12/how-to-extend-the-life-of-your-washing-machine/

[primelaundrylondonsblog]

Get 24-hour Doorstep Laundry Services During Thanksgiving

Celebrate the occasion for charity and meet up with family and friends for rousing get-togethers. It is a time for gratitude and cheer for all the blessings received. Delicious food and playing games heighten the spirit. Preparations take a long time, and cleaning up the home is crucial. Clean and fresh-smelling costumes entrusted to expert care at Prime Laundry bring relief from the stress. You can be sure no damage will come to the delicate dresses. Free complimentary laundry pickup and delivery at the doorstep make it a breeze. Get rid of the washing, drying, and ironing chores for a while and aim for a refreshing holiday. Laundry Services London does amazing work affordably and quickly across 24 hours, even during Thanksgiving, working in turns, of course. 

Imagine the Great Convenience

Routine working lives when the duties never seem to end do get a break during the weekend, but not for all. Longer holidays during special occasions come rarely indeed. The nature of the festival matters, and here is something that boosts the deepest thoughts and emotions. Decorate the home with a noble theme and many striking colours. Create an atmosphere that wows visitors to the skies. Shop for novelties and wear the finest costumes. Throw the wildest parties and cook dishes that make a mark on social media. How to get organised with deep cleaning and house and office decoration? The reliable and punctual laundry doorstep services take responsibility. Linen and sofa covers, curtains, towels, and napkins can all be handed over right at the doorstep. 

Goodbye to stains, odours, and wrinkles. Conventional washing does not hit the mark. Garments are clean with home washing too, but not sparkling clean. Something seems to be lacking, and the special dry clean and systematic cleaning reveals the hidden colours and restores the shape and style. The ironing service plays an essential role in bringing garments to life with a crisp feeling, revealing hidden meanings. Dresses look their finest, especially the complicated ones with many trimmings. Stop worrying about the silk and the leather. The laundry knows the secrets. Fading dresses seem to get a burst of life, and shades seem to get livelier. Restoration, preservation, and a longer life are gifts of laundry services that every dress deserves.    

24-hour Services are Delivered Whenever

Clients decide the timings according to what suits them. Communicate super fast online and specify the details. No matter the location and the accessibility, the laundry gets there. Transport problems do not arise, and the self-service Laundromat is not necessary. Those who are pressed for time can adopt this easy route to smart dresses. Isn’t it satisfying that those much-loved dresses get professional care at a nominal cost?

Specialised equipment and non-toxic detergents ensure super cleaning and promote health and hygiene. Anticipate a germ-free celebration and pay attention to sterilising the home or office surroundings too. 

A Laundry Service Near Me Works Wonders

Save time for the several exciting activities soon to become a reality. Imagine all the planned festivities and outings, and energising food and drink to accompany the good times. Lots of doing is involved, labouring in the kitchen, shopping, and getting things together. Online resources and the gifts of technology have eased the process and the work with feasible videos.

Do not hesitate to try out new things. Thanksgiving is the time for new ventures when many heads get together and many adventures happen. Whether baking a pie, watching a Thanksgiving movie, or arranging a picnic, save precious time by handing over the laundry responsibility to safe hands. Go for a walk together to the nearby park to defuse tensions.   

Avoid Rushing at the Final Hour

Somehow it happens that work gets postponed and piles up. Daily life reminds us that such crowding and rushing are too common. The media always reminds us. Plan and get the washing and ironing done on time. If garments are lacking, it is time for new purchases. The many creative styles at the mall and online at competitive prices make shopping so satisfying.  

Ensure beforehand that all the dresses for special occasions are neatly cleaned and ironed professionally. Store them in a safe place, preferably in packages to prevent them from getting disturbed, maybe under lock and key. The washing and ironing service near me delivers such timely services to bring many smiles. Consider it a Thanksgiving bonanza in addition to the many blessings everybody is grateful for. Now that the opportunity to express gratitude is near, let it be a clean, fragrant costume worn each time. 

This content is originally published on Prime Laundry’s Website: Get 24-hour Doorstep Laundry Services During Thanksgiving

[xtruss]

Dreaming of a Cure: Heman Bekele Is TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year

— By Jeffrey Kluger | Published: August 15, 2024

Photograph by Dina Litovsky For TIME

Heman Bekele whipped up the most dangerous of what he called his “potions” when he was just over 7 years old. He’d been conducting his own science experiments for about three years by that point, mixing up whatever he could get his hands on at home and waiting to see if the resulting goo would turn into anything.

“They were just dish soap, laundry detergent, and common household chemicals,” he says today of the ingredients he’d use. “I would hide them under my bed and see what would happen if I left them overnight. There was a lot of mixing together completely at random.”

But soon, things got less random. For Christmas before his 7th birthday, Heman was given a chemistry set that came with a sample of sodium hydroxide. By then, he had been looking up chemical reactions online and learned that aluminum and sodium hydroxide can together produce prodigious amounts of heat. That got him thinking that perhaps he could do the world some good. “I thought that this could be a solution to energy, to making an unlimited supply,” he says. “But I almost started a fire.”

After that, his parents kept a closer eye on him. As it turned out, having adults watching what he does is something that Heman, now 15, would have to get used to. These days, a whole lot of people are paying him a whole lot of attention. Last October, the 3M company and Discovery Education selected Heman, a rising 10th-grader at Woodson High School in Fairfax County, Virginia, as the winner of its Young Scientist Challenge. His prize: $25,000. His accomplishment: inventing a soap that could one day treat and even prevent multiple forms of skin cancer. It may take years before such a product comes to market, but this summer Heman is already spending part of every weekday working in a lab at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, hoping to bring his dream to fruition. When school is in session, he’ll be there less often, but will continue to plug away. “I’m really passionate about skin-cancer research,” he says, “whether it’s my own research or what’s happening in the field. It’s absolutely incredible to think that one day my bar of soap will be able to make a direct impact on somebody else’s life. That’s the reason I started this all in the first place.”

It’s that ambition—to say nothing of that selflessness—that has earned Heman recognition as TIME’s Kid of the Year for 2024.

Born in Addis Ababa before emigrating to the U.S. with his family when he was 4, Heman recalls that some of his earliest memories were of seeing laborers working in the blistering sun, usually with no protection for their skin. His parents taught him and his sisters—Hasset, now 16, and Liya, now 7—to cover up, and explained the dangers of too much time outdoors without sunscreen or proper clothing.

“When I was younger, I didn’t think much of it, but when I came to America, I realized what a big problem the sun and ultraviolet radiation is when you’re exposed to it for a long time,” Heman says.

It didn’t take too long for him to start thinking about how he might help. A few years ago, he read about imiquimod, a drug that, among other uses, is approved to fight one form of skin cancer and has shown promise against several more. Typically, imiquimod, which can help destroy tumors and usually comes in the form of a cream, is prescribed as a front-line drug as part of a broader cancer treatment plan, but Heman wondered if it could be made available more easily to people in the earliest stages of the disease. A bar of soap, he reckoned, might be just the delivery system for such a lifesaving drug, not just because it was simple, but because it would be a lot more affordable than the $40,000 it typically costs for skin-cancer treatment.

“What is one thing that is an internationally impactful idea, something that everyone can use, [regardless of] socioeconomic class?” Heman recalls thinking. “Almost everyone uses soap and water for cleaning. So soap would probably be the best option.”

There was a long way to go between inspiration and application, however. Executing on his idea was more complicated than simply mixing the drug into an ordinary bar of soap, since any therapeutic power the imiquimod might confer would just be washed down the drain with the suds. The answer was to combine the soap with a lipid-based nanoparticle that would linger on the skin when the soap was washed away—much the way moisturizer or fragrance can stay behind after the suds are rinsed off.

There was only so much brainstorming Heman could do on his own, however. Then, in 2023, he came across the 3M challenge and submitted a video explaining his idea. Soon, he received an invite to the company’s HQ in St. Paul, Minn., to deliver a pitch in front of a panel of judges. Before that day was out, he’d been named the winner. The $25,000 prize, he knew, would go a long way toward helping him afford to pursue his research, but he’d still need a professional lab in which to conduct the work. That opportunity arrived in February, when he attended a networking event hosted by the Melanoma Research Alliance, in Washington, D.C. There, he met Vito Rebecca, a molecular biologist and assistant professor at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.

“I remember reading somewhere something about this young kid who had an idea for a skin-cancer soap,” says Rebecca. “It immediately piqued my interest, because I thought, how cool, him wanting to make it accessible to the whole world. And then, by complete serendipity at this Melanoma Research Alliance meeting, the CEO of the alliance introduced me to Heman. From the first conversation, his passion was evident. When I found out he lived very nearby in Virginia, I told him if he ever wanted to stop by the lab he’d be more than welcome.”

Heman took him up on that idea, and Rebecca agreed to sponsor Heman, acting as his principal investigator and inviting him to work at the Baltimore lab, toggling between benchwork and schoolwork back in Fairfax.

Heman Bekele photographed at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore on July 11, 2024. Dina Litovsky For TIME

For close to half a year now, Heman and Rebecca have been running basic research on mice, injecting the animals with strains of skin cancer and preparing to apply the lipid-bound, imiquimod-infused soap and see what the results are. And though they’re getting ready to test it and a control against melanoma, Heman knows “there’s still a long way to go”—not just testing the soap, but also patenting it and getting FDA certification, which can take a decade altogether.

It is a measure of Heman’s enormous head start that when that decade passes, he will still be only 25 years old—the age at which medical students have not even completed their postgrad education. He’s making good use of that time. In addition to working on his idea, he’s promoting it. In June, he delivered a presentation before 8,000 people at Boston’s Tsongas Center, during a meeting of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists. “That was nerve-racking,” he says, “but it was fun.”

Heman has fun in more conventional ways too. He’s part of the Woodson High School marching band, on both flute and trombone. He plays basketball, reads voraciously (especially fantasy, though he recently reread The Great Gatsby, which he describes as “a pretty good read”), and considers chess “a turn-my-brain-off-and-play kind of thing.”

He credits his family, particularly his parents, for setting the stage for his achievements. His mother Muluemebet is a teacher; his father Wondwossen is a human-resources specialist for the U.S. Agency for International Development. The example of their sacrifice, coming to an unfamiliar country in service of their children’s education, has imbued him with a love of learning and a commitment to pursuing the improbable—or even the seemingly impossible. Nor are his parents and Rebecca the only adults stewarding him on his long scientific journey. He is also aided by Deborah Isabelle, his mentor from 3M.

“I got really lucky,” says Isabelle. “Last year was my first year participating as a mentor in the Young Scientist Challenge, and I was paired with Heman. He’s an incredible, passionate, very inspiring young man.”

That doesn’t mean he doesn’t make mistakes—and Isabelle, for one, has been there to catch him when he falls.

“At one point when he was making the soap, things didn’t work the way he expected,” she says. “So I asked him, What didn’t work? What did you do? And we talked about it, and he’s like, ‘Wow, I didn’t exactly follow the directions.’ And so we had a conversation about that, and he was able to go up and figure out some things, and say, ‘OK, this is what I learned from that.’”

That kind of trial and error will, Heman hopes, take him to the day that his health-giving soap can at last be used in early-stage cancers—including so-called cancer Stage 0, when there is just a small growth that has not yet had much effect on the surface of the skin—and then in later stages, when it would be an adjunct to other treatments.

For all of this, Heman remains humble about what he’s accomplished in just 15 years. “Anybody could do what I did,” he says. “I just came up with an idea. I worked towards that idea, and I was able to bring it to life.” But he confesses that he worries too: scientific breakthroughs seem to be coming faster and faster—in medicine, in engineering, in artificial intelligence—and he frets that people may have reached something of a saturation point.

“A lot of people have this mindset that everything’s been done, there’s nothing left for me to do,” he says. “To anybody having that thought, [I’d say] we’ll never run out of ideas in this world. Just keep inventing. Keep thinking of new ways to improve our world and keep making it a better place.”

[cruiselance]

Can You Do Laundry on a Cruise?

Can You Do Laundry on a Cruise? Going on a cruise used to mean bringing a huge suitcase full of clothes. Cruise ships did not have many places to wash your dirty clothes. People would wear clothes only one time before throwing them away. Or they paid a lot of money to have the cruise staff wash clothes for them. Now, most big cruise ships have self-service laundry rooms. For a small fee, passengers can wash their own clothes. This post will look at the laundry rooms on different cruise ships. It will give tips for washing clothes yourself on a cruise. With some planning, you can enjoy your cruise without spending time and money washing clothes.

1. Self-Service Laundry:

Availability: Most, but not all, cruise ships have self-service laundry facilities with washers, dryers, ironing boards, and sometimes detergent dispensers.

Location: These facilities are usually located on specific decks, often towards the aft (back) of the ship.

Cost: You’ll typically pay per load for both the washer and dryer, often using your room card or tokens purchased onboard. Detergent may be additional.

Pros: More affordable than valet service, convenient if you need to do laundry quickly.

Cons: Limited availability of machines, can be crowded, requires planning due to wash and dry cycles.

2. Valet Laundry Service:

Availability: All cruise ships offer valet laundry service, where you leave your clothes in a bag with your stateroom attendant.

Cost: More expensive than self-service, with prices varying based on the number and type of items.

Pros: Convenient, no waiting, includes dry cleaning and pressing.

Cons: Most expensive option, turnaround time can be longer.

3. Handwashing:

Option: You can always handwash clothes in your stateroom sink.

Drying: Drying options are limited, so hanging clothes in the bathroom or on your balcony might not be very effective.

Pros: Free, good for small items.

Cons: Time-consuming, clothes may not dry fully.

Additional Tips:

Pack quick-drying clothes: This will help minimize your need for laundry.

Do laundry early in the cruise: This avoids last-minute scrambling and ensures your clothes are dry before disembarkation.

Check the cruise line’s website or app for specific information on laundry facilities and costs.

How Much Does It Cost To Do Laundry on a Cruise Ship?

The cost of doing laundry on a cruise ship varies depending on several factors, including:

Cruise Line: Different cruise lines have different pricing structures for laundry services.

Laundry Method: There are two main options: self-service laundry and valet service.

Self-service: Expect to pay $3-$4 per wash load and $3-$4 per dry load. Detergent and fabric softener may cost around $1-$2 per item.

Valet service: This is more expensive, with individual item prices ranging from $3-$9 for basic washing and pressing. Dry cleaning costs even more.

Number of items: The more items you need to launder, the higher the cost will be.

Express service: Some cruise lines offer express laundry service for an additional fee.

Here are some examples of costs from different cruise lines:

Carnival: Self-service wash and dry – $3.50 per load, detergent – $2 per box. Valet service – shirt/blouse wash and press – $6, dry cleaning – $5.

Royal Caribbean: Valet service – T-shirt/blouse wash and press – $3.49, pants – $5.49. No self-service laundry available.

Princess Cruises: Self-service wash and dry – $2 per load, detergent – $1.25. Valet service – similar pricing to Royal Caribbean.

Can You Bring Your Own Laundry Detergent on a Cruise Ship?

Yes, you can bring your own laundry detergent on most cruise ships! There are no restrictions on small liquids, so packing your preferred detergent shouldn’t be a problem. Here’s what you need to know:

Explore Further  Can You Go on a Cruise with a Warrant?

Why bring your own:

Allergies or sensitivities: If you have allergies or sensitivities to specific ingredients in detergents, bringing your own ensures you can use a safe and familiar product.

Specific needs: If you need a particular type of detergent for delicate fabrics or specific stains, packing your own is the best way to ensure your clothes get the proper care.

Cost savings: Cruise ship laundry services can be expensive, especially for valet service. Bringing your own detergent, especially for handwashing, can save you money.

Things to consider:

Amount: Pack only what you need for your trip. Cruise ships have limited storage space, and you don’t want to waste luggage space on excess detergent.

Type: Consider using travel-sized containers or laundry pods for convenience and space-saving.

Powder vs. liquid: While most cruise ships allow both, check the cruise line’s specific regulations. Some might have restrictions on powders due to potential dust concerns.

Self-service laundry: Be aware that not all self-service laundry facilities on cruise ships offer detergent dispensers. You might still need your own.

Handwashing: Bringing your own detergent is especially helpful if you plan to handwash clothes in your cabin.

Conclusion

Doing laundry on a cruise ship is indeed possible, offering several options depending on the cruise line and ship you choose. Most cruise ships provide self-service laundry facilities, allowing passengers to wash and dry their clothes for a small fee. Additionally, valet laundry service is available for those who prefer to have their clothes professionally washed, dried, and pressed, albeit at a higher cost. Handwashing in your stateroom sink is another option, although it may be time-consuming and less effective in drying. Planning ahead, considering costs, and packing appropriate supplies like quick-drying clothes or your preferred detergent can enhance your laundry experience on a cruise. Ultimately, whether self-service or valet, passengers have the flexibility to ensure their clothes stay fresh throughout the voyage, contributing to a more enjoyable cruise experience without the hassle of packing excessive clothing or spending significant time and money on laundry services.

[support1212]

⁠laundry service close to me,

⁠laundry service close to me,

The Laundry Press laundry Laundrers L.L.C

In today’s fast-paced world, finding a reliable laundry service close to you can be a game-changer. Whether you’re a busy professional, a student buried in assignments, or a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, a quality laundry service can save you time and hassle. But how do you find the right one? Here are some tips and insights to help you locate the perfect laundry service nearby.

Convenience and Proximity The first step is to look for a laundry service that is conveniently located. Use online maps and search engines to find options within your neighborhood. Keywords like "laundry service near me" or "dry cleaners close to me" can yield a list of local businesses. Being close to home or work can save you valuable time and make the drop-off and pick-up process much easier.

Range of Services Different laundry services offer different packages. Some provide simple wash and fold services, while others offer dry cleaning, ironing, and even specialized care for delicate fabrics. Consider what services you need:

Wash and Fold: Ideal for everyday clothes. They wash, dry, and fold your laundry, making it ready to go straight into your closet. Dry Cleaning: Essential for suits, dresses, and fabrics that require special care. Specialty Services: Some services offer stain removal, garment repairs, and even alterations.

Quality and Reputation Quality is paramount when it comes to laundry services. Look for reviews and ratings online to gauge the reputation of the service. Websites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and even social media platforms can provide valuable insights from other customers. Pay attention to comments about:

Cleaning Quality: Are clothes returned clean, fresh, and well-pressed? Turnaround Time: How long does it take for the laundry to be processed? Customer Service: Is the staff friendly and responsive?

Pricing Cost is another critical factor. Compare prices of different laundry services in your area. While you don’t want to overpay, be wary of services that are significantly cheaper than others as this might reflect on their quality. Many services offer a price list on their websites, so you can get an idea of what to expect before you visit.

Special Offers and Memberships Some laundry services offer discounts for regular customers, memberships, or loyalty programs. This can be a great way to save money if you plan to use the service frequently. Additionally, look out for first-time customer discounts or referral bonuses.

Sustainability If environmental sustainability is important to you, inquire about the laundry service’s practices. Some businesses use eco-friendly detergents, energy-efficient machines, and sustainable packaging. Supporting such services can contribute to a greener planet.

Additional Amenities Modern laundry services often go beyond just cleaning clothes. Some might offer delivery and pickup services, which can be a huge convenience. Others might provide on-site amenities like free Wi-Fi, comfortable waiting areas, or even coffee bars. These extras can make your laundry experience more pleasant and convenient.

Conclusion Finding a reliable laundry service close to you involves considering several factors, from convenience and services offered to quality, pricing, and sustainability. By doing a bit of research and reading customer reviews, you can find a service that meets your needs and fits your lifestyle. The right laundry service can not only keep your clothes looking their best but also give you back precious time to focus on the things that matter most to you.

[yuurei20]

Leona Info Compilation part 5: Ruggie (pt 3)

We see Leona employ Ruggie in a variety of tasks, such as protecting him during Beanfest (for a “daily special” from the cafeteria every day for a week), taking on his tasks during Vargas Camp (for a shopping trip that Ruggie took with Leona’s money) and recruit new students for the spell drive club (for doughnuts).

The task Ruggie dislikes the most might be having to pick up Leona’s room and do laundry, which we hear him complain about fairly often, but Leona pays for washing Ruggie’s clothes along with his own.

Ruggie seems to be uncomfortable with receiving charity—when Silver offers to lend him money, Ruggie refuses—which is possibly why Leona is always having to find roundabout ways to support Ruggie financially.

Since Ruggie will not accept money unless he feels like he is getting away with something Leona does things like give Ruggie both his wallet and his permission to buy whatever it is he wants in exchange for standing in line at the school store.

If it weren’t for the appearance of a monster that they needed magic in order to fight off, it is likely that Leona had been intending to let Ruggie smuggle a magestone out of the mines to sell, as well.

In a vignette we see Ruggie talking to himself about wishing he could afford to eat more when Leona suddenly appears behind him.

We do not know how much Leona overheard, but when Ruggie says he needs money to buy detergent for washing Leona’s clothes, Leona tosses him his wallet and tell him to take what he needs and keep the change.

Ruggie points that out he has nothing but large bills and Leona responds, “Why’re you getting all hung up on the details?" Ruggie reflects that Leona probably wouldn’t even notice if he kept more in change than what the detergent costs, saying, “far be it from me to look a gift horse in the mouth, though. Cha-ching!”, seemingly unaware that that is likely Leona’s exact intent.

Ruggie charges Leona “at least ten thaumarks an hour” in exchange for his help during Fairy Gala (we never see Leona haggle with Ruggie to try and underpay him; Leona always goes along with whatever price Ruggie dictates), and Ruggie seems free to refuse tasks he does not like, such as passing on messages to Malleus.

When Jamil comments that serving Leona seems “far more painful” than serving Kalim, Ruggie says that serving Kalim would just make him uncomfortable, and there is “a lid for every pot.”

Ruggie himself explains that while Leona is used to ordering people around and is a demanding boss, he is always giving things to Ruggie for him to sell.

Leona also helps with Ruggie’s education, as Night Raven College is Ruggie’s first time in a school.

Ruggie says that Leona tutors him on lessons he does not understand and provides him with reference books and old exams, as well as “tons of useful advice”, directly resulting in a significant increase in Ruggie’s grades from “bottom of the ladder” to “somewhere just below the middle”.

In addition to never arguing with Ruggie about money Leona seems to follow his demands in other areas as well, such as not skipping classes that Ruggie insists he must attend and reluctantly eating vegetables that Ruggie puts on his plate for lunch.

Leona does not seem to like the food at the school cafeteria (calling the steaks “cheap” in Book 6) which makes sense, as he is a prince, and he is one of the strictest judges in Culinary Crucible (on par with Vil), grading meals with a 4 that Ruggie grades as 8.

However, Ruggie has a voice lines saying, “When it comes to cooking, all I can do it throw together whatever’s on hand, but it seems like Leona doesn’t care as long as it’s edible.”

This seems to insinuate that Leona either just prefers Ruggie’s cooking in particular, or at the very least he refuses to complain about it.

[starryswitchy]

i'm an autistic person with significant sensory issues who is pretty good at shopping, and I'd like to help others maybe not suffer so much, so here's my system:

1. i wear sunglasses in the supermarket (i wear sunglasses a LOT, in a lot of indoor locations, and honestly the supermarket is the place i'm least likely to get a funny look or a question) ((i don't wear headphones cause it freaks me out that someone could come up behind me, but you could wear headphones if that doesn't apply to you))

2. i try to go at weird times when i can, like it's not always possible with work, but i definitely avoid the busy busy times, so it's not too too noisy (some of the supermarkets also now do like an Accessible Hour where they have the lights dim and the music off; I haven't tried that yet but it sounds good!)

so between the sunglasses and going at quiet times, I can tolerate being in the supermarket a lot longer

3. i break up my shop; i get a couple of daily things in a small shop on my way home from work (like fresh bread), and then i get the stable items in as bulk as possible, as rarely as possible (based on what i can afford and what i can transport and what i can store, like i can't get a YEAR of toilet paper but i can definitely get several dozen rolls at once)

4. i also break up some of my shop to online options where affordable, like there's a local eco shop that i get my soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent, chocolate, etc, and the shipping isn't expensive cause they're local, but it takes a bunch of stuff off my grocery list (plus they use all paper packaging and stuff!)

5. i check for grocery delivery, and sometimes there's a coupon or something, and also sometimes a specific delivery option turns out to be good value, like for a while we were living in an area with a milk service, and it was actually only a little more expensive overall to get the milk dropped at the doorstep, and it was so convenient. I really miss that service now we moved elsewhere!

so now I've eliminated daily perishables (I'll just grab those on the way home quickly), big bulk items (I'll go like once a month to specifically get those), various miscellaneous (delivered from the local eco shop), and maybe milk or something (if there's a delivery service that isn't expensive), so when I'm at the supermarket i basically only need to look for my overall food for the week

6. the online grocery delivery page doesn't know I'm not going to order, so I look on there if I'm not exactly sure what to get, or how much something costs, or if something exists. (if you're organised you can make a REALLY specific list using the online grocery thing, especially if your supermarket does like a "pickup" service, like the options on the online system are exactly what's in the shop, and if someone orders online, a grocery worker just prints out the order and walks around the shop and puts all the things in a bag for the person to pick up. you can do that too! make your list, print it out yourself, and just go around to pick up exactly those things!)

7. I have little systems for how to make decisions, like, okay for fruit if I'm stuck between options, always pick the one that'll last longest, for flour just always pick the cheapest by weight, for a spice I'm not going to use much of just pick the smallest container, and you can put those deciders on your list, like "spaghetti, min 500g, cheapest option", so then when you're in the shop, you're just searching for the cheapest 500g of spaghetti, not trying to decide between a dozen kinds and prices and weights and offers of spaghetti

so when I'm at the supermarket, I have a list that's as specific as possible, with notes on how to make decisions (for me the notes are mental notes cause that works for me, but you can totally write them down if it helps, especially at first)

the supermarket is a very difficult location, but I actually really like supermarkets now! when the pressure is off, the supermarket is like a cultural experience centre, full of interesting products to look at and maybe even buy and eat. sensory overload and decision paralysis are so awful, and so debilitating, and it's ridiculous that supermarkets aren't more accessible. but I hope seeing my system might be useful for other autistic people!

/venting /gen

neurodivergent culture is trying your hardest to plan a list to get to the store but being overwhelmed by all the options, and prices, and lights, and shadows, and noises, and people, that it takes six hours or so, and tears, but still not getting everything you needed anyways.

stores are designed to be disorientating and overwhelming for neurotypicals so they spend more. so yeah, of course we would come out of there exhausted.

seriously. i dont understand how people joke about how growing up is learning to enjoy going to the grocery store. at least with a 'junkdrawer-store' it's not necessities, just nicknacks you likely wont buy anyways and thus you can walk away at any time.

you need groceries to live. you need to suffer through till it's done

please dont tell me to get it dropped off that is expensive financially.

.

[nsk96]

Personal rant:

I know I've been doing quite a bit of these rants often, but I can't keep a physical diary and doing these rants here will allow me to easily send these to my future therapist (about that, my mom doesn't want me seeing one until I get a job, as if they will have access to my personal medical records just like that. Even if they manage to access them, all they are gonna see is how effed up my dad and mom are...maybe that's why she doesn't want me to see one. She was opposed to the idea since the first time I brought it up. She agreed to let me see one a few months ago but I didn't get a chance to arrange an appointment because of my hospital IPPE rotation. Now she is opposed to it again and I have to wonder why I have to keep explaining to her how it's not going to affect my future jobs)

Anyways, back to the actual rant. Every time I decide to stay home to study on the weekend, I regret it. I focus so much better at the school library in the study rooms. The problem is that the school is at least 30 minutes away, which means with a good amount of traffic, it can take me 40 minutes or even nearly an hour to get there. But honestly, I feel like it's worth it. My mom keeps trying to convince me to stay home, saying that the drive is a waste of time. If I can't focus at home, aren't I wasting even more time then?

Today, my dad is pretending to be pissed and that my mom has to buy a new toaster oven because ours has become a fire hazard after using it for about 5 years (maybe more I don't recall when we bought it). Anyways, he's always blaming her for spending too much money. My mom often says, "I have to buy stuff for the house" which translates to "food, snacks, juice/water, paper plates (because my dad complains about having to do dishes even though it's the only household chore he's responsible for), napkins, toilet paper, paper towel, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, etc." Literally things we need. This is what happens when one person in the marriage is responsible for all of the grocery shopping for 30+ years. The other person in the marriage forgets how expensive it is to live and only sees what's coming in. They don't see how much things actually cost.

Either that, or he's just using this as a thing to complain to his family about to turn them against my mom, like he always does. It is very apparent that he talks shit about her to them, because my aunt (his sister) when she came to visit had to audacity to tell my mom that she should be doing everything in the house because she was the one who wanted this house. My mom corrected her and said, "I wanted to move into a retirement home." My aunt was shocked and said, "then who wanted this house?" My mom gestured at my dad and said, "him."

Because he's pissed off today, he's slamming doors as he goes in and out of the house. He's turning on the water really hard while he washes his turkey-frying pot, and he's clanking dishes. He's definitely doing all this on purpose, he knows I'm trying to study and that I need quite to do so. How I know he's doing this on purpose? I've seen him do these things much quieter when I wasn't studying.

Just about 30 minutes ago, I put a couple of Jamaican chicken patties to bake, one for him and one for me. I got mine when it was done and told him the second one was for him. He ignored me (he was less than 3 feet away. There's no way he didn't hear me). I repeated myself and even said, "Did you hear me?". He ignored me again. He does this to my mom all the time. I scoffed and said as a joke, "I guess it's mine now." I still left it in there because I know he'll complain or talk shit to his family or our neighbor, Otto (and I know he talks shit to him because Otto had the audacity the other day to tell me "help your dad" and said "don't tell [my mom] that I said that, she might make me do the dishes".

Realistically, I shouldn't be eating both if I intend on keep up my weight loss progress anyways. I don't know if he will eat it, because he likes to put on these tantrums so he can get away with watching tv all day or literally doing nothing all day. But I do know, that once I leave it out there with him, I won't be able to eat it later without running the risk of getting horribly sick from it (because you know what he likes to do to our food). Just watch, later he will be like, "I don't feel like eating it. You can have it." It's happened many times before.

Honestly, I'm tired. I can't study, I'm nearly failing my classes because of it. He's still out there making noise on purpose. I hate this shit. I want to move out but now I know I don't have my mom's support and she expressed that she doesn't want me to move out. And now she's holding on even tighter. The other day after my health fair I wanted to stay at school to study but my mom begged me that morning to come home after the health fair all because she "dreamt that trouble was coming". Turns out the trouble was actually at the health fair, and I missed out on time to study because once again, I can't focus at home. I'm pretty sure now, that I have ADHD and being home makes things worse. It's been like this my whole life and I feel like it's gotten worse as I get older. I'm tired

Update: My mom came home after spending hours outside trying to find a toaster oven. They didn't have any suitable ones at our usual store so she went to another store. By suitable, I mean they were either too small or too big, or the type that overheats on the outside making it a potential fire hazard. She settled on one that is both a toaster oven and air fryer that costed a little over $100. My dad now wants to be upset that she spent that much on a toaster oven. I asked, "then why didn't you go with her?" His response "it doesn't matter what I say, she won't listen to me." Maybe if you spoke to her like she is a human being, she would listen to you. Maybe if you didn't ignore her all the time or talk down to her with disrespect, maybe she'd value your opinion. He's now looking online for a toaster oven and going, "look this one is just $88." Dude! Why didn't you look this shit up before she left? You knew since last night, approximately 17 hours ago that we needed a new toaster oven. But no, you want to b*tch about the purchase to make her feel like shit while you get to enjoy using the product right? Because you can't give her credit for anything...like usual. This is what happens when she lets you take credit for things she does just to boost you up in front of other people. Now you weaponize everything against her and use it as fuel to turn your family against her, our neighbors against her, and your coworkers against her (you don't want to know how he talks to her in front of his coworkers).