#liquid packaging equipements

[harikrushna-machines]

Importance of Liquid Packaging Machines in Various Industries

[authenticdesigners]

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[probablyintensemuses]

BED CHEM- A. ARETAS

🎧- Bed Chem: Sabrina Carpenter

summary: After a game of 'Never Have I Ever,' you ask Armando for a simple favor. He complies in the best of ways.

warnings: so much smut, cursing, drinking

a/n: It's Kinktober, I hope you enjoy this. Sluts.

"Alright,' Kelly takes another swig of her beer, calling everyone's attention towards you. "Your turn, sweetheart, never have I ever."

You chuckle, throwing back another shot of amber liquid, rejoicing in its burn on the way down. You took in the living space of Mikes mansion, how all the colors began to mix and swirl, the room titling about half as much as your stomach.

Still, with flushed brown skin, you poured yourself another shot. "Hit me," You hiccupped.

“Never have I ever...’ Kelly slurs, tapping her manicured finger against her chin. She points at you, spitting out, “fucked a man in my car.”

You laugh, picking up your shot glass and throwing it back, shivering at the warmth it brings you.

Kelly squeals and claps. “I knew it! I knew you didn’t go all the way with that guy from the bar last week!”

You hiccup, throwing a fist full of popcorn at her. “Hush!" You shush her.

Waving to the guys--Mike, Marcus, Dorn, and Armando sat on the sofa--who were better equipped at handling their liquor than both you and Kelly, you say, "They'll find out. I don't need Mike disappointed in me."

Mike stands while chuckling, he walks towards you and like a magician playing a trick on a child, he distracts you with one hand patting your shoulder and swipes your shot with the other.

"Hey!" You whine, stumbling to get up.

“I think that’s enough of that.” Mike tosses it into the sink, rinsing it down the drain.

You groan, falling back onto the stack of pillows on the ground, Kelly following suit.

The world spins in slow circles above you and your stomach was spinning.

"Truthfully,"

"Hm?" Kelly hums.

"I've never fucked anyone before."

Kelly shoots up, wide brown eyes boring into your own amber ones, and the room goes deathly silent.

It takes a beat, but eventually Marcus cracks the quiet wide open.

“What do you mean you’ve never fucked anyone?”

“Yeah,’ Mike adds. “If Marcus is getting laid, you damn sure shouldn't be having any problems.

Marcus slaps Mikes chest, earning a laugh out of everyone.

You wave your hand in dismissal. "I'm content with the state of my virginity." You shrug, throwing some popcorn into your mouth while wishing it was a greasy burger.

Dorn scoots close to you, wrapping his heavy arm around your shoulder. "Is it a religious reason, because if it is, I totally understand."

You laugh. "It's not. I just never got there with anyone...I guess."

"I guess?" Mike sucks his teeth. "Girl, when I was your age I was getting all types of action."

You let out a loud groan and roll your eyes as Mikes goes on and on about his never ending playboy era.

"You ain't got to remind us that you were a bad boy, Mike. The proofs right here." Mike says, pointing to Armando.

You look over, watching Armando take another sip of his beer.

You knew Armando was Mikes son, yet no matter how close you felt to Mike, his son was just a part of him you couldn't feel piece together.

Apart of you felt fearful of his rather unpredictable nature, while another part of you, not so deep down, felt hypnotized by him, his demeanor, his attitude, not to mention his face and body. it was all enough to make your core pool with a feeling that could only be declared as one thing--desire.

Pulled into another trance, your eyes cut over and meet Armando's. They are the deepest, hypnotic shade of chocolate brown, hung low and dark. You presume, like everyone else, he too was drunk.

You swallow, taking him in, how his muscular arms wrap around the back of the couch like a snake, only enhanced by the black, fitted top he was wearing. How his thick thighs were spread in front of you, giving you full access to his package.

If you were to ever fuck a man, Armando was the type you'd want. A man who was gruff with an eclipse of something kind. A man who could no doubt pick you up, pull em' down, and turn you around.

You hadn't even realized you were practically salivating until Kelly's voice washes over you, cleansing your dirty thoughts away.

"You ready to go?" She says, you hadn't noticed everyone start to clean up, and apparently Armando hadn't either, his silky gaze still lingering on you.

"Oh,' you flush. "I think I better stay behind. I'm supposed to be helping Christine with a friends party tomorrow, anyhow." You say, pushing to stand.

"Alright then,' Kelly extends her arms for a hug. "We'll talk later, okay."

You pat her back, taking in her cherry scent. "Okay, get home safe everyone!"

Everyone says there goodbyes.

"I'm heading up for the night." Mike announces. "Goodnight!"

You dip down to pick up the last of the trash. "Goodnight."

Hands full of garbage you turn, jumping when you see Armando hasn't moved.

You clutch your chest. "Jesus. How long have you been--I thought you went upstairs already."

Armando places his beer down on the marble coffee table. "Wasn't done drinking."

You nod, avoiding his hot gaze. "Well enjoy." You breath, tossing the trash into the garbage. Quickly, you b-line towards the staircase.

"Lo haré."

You pause, hand on the stair railing. "What?"

He chuckles, pushing to stand. You suck in a breath taking in his godly figure as he walks over, the wetness from earlier resurfacing again.

At the staircase, Armando crowds your space, your back to his front. You wouldn't dare face him right now, you were drunk and loose, who knows what you were capable of if you turned around.

Your breath comes in and out in hitches as he swipes your hair to one side of your neck. The heat radiating from him becomes blistering as he leans down, plump lips barely grazing your ear when he whispers, "Disfruté tu historia."

You gasp, craning your neck to the side only to see, like a snake, Armando had already slithered past you with a smirk on his face.

"Have a goodnight." The way he called your name had you melting like butter.

You slide down until your bottom touches the cold steps, hoping it will shew away any nasty feelings you have for your bosses very, very hot son.

Unfortunately, it did nothing. Instead, you pull out your phone googling everything Armando had just said to you. And even though it was only two things, it was enough to carry you upstairs and into a very, gushy sleep.

---

Thunder crashes against your window, jolting you from your sleep.

Your tired blurry eyes look over at the night stand.

It's 3 am.

You've been out cold for at least three hours, the dryness of your throat being a definite tell-tell.

You throw the thick, lavender comforter off yourself, swinging your feet into your house shoes.

You toss on you glasses and sneak out of your room, trying your best to be as quiet as possible as you sneak down to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, you fill up your water bottle and quickly head back to the room Christine had assigned you to sleep in for the night.

Thankfully it had an ensuite, because you'd definitely have to pee after all this water you were going to chug.

Taking a swig of your water, movement in the corner of your room captures your attention.

You lower your water bottle, fastening the top and setting it aside. You know your vision is bad, but not this bad.

You shrug it off, kicking off your night shoes.

Another string of thunder, paired with a loud shriek of lighting barrels down on the house, illuminating the corner in which you had just thought you'd seen something.

With the bright light of lightening striking twice, there was no mistake. There was someone there.

But not just anyone. Armando.

You gasps, immediately throwing your arms up and not knowing where to cover first: your exposed cold, hardening nipples or the rounds of your ass exposed in your sleep shorts.

You choose the former, your nipples only straining more against the fabric of your tee shirt the closer Armando gets.

"What are you doing here?" You manage.

You continue to drink him in the closer he gets, his golden skin and abs on full display as he dawns nothing but a pair of grey sweats.

"I heard you get up." He says, his voice gruff with sleep.

"So you followed me?"

Armando shrugs. "¿Eso no está permitido?"

"I don't know what you're saying." You sigh, holding back the moans in your throat at just the scent of him.

Armando steps forward again, the force of his presence pushing you to sit down. "I think you do."

"I--I don't." You sputter.

Armando sucks his teeth, hooking his index finger under your chin. Your eyes lift and meet his.

This angle, you several inches below him, has you pressing your thighs together, keeping the desperate monster who wants to swallow the man before you whole at bay.

"Then I'll help you,' Armando's thumb strokes your chin. "What you said earlier, was that true?"

"What I said earl--," Your eyes narrow than widen.

You swallow. "You mean about?"

Armando chuckles. "Yes, about you not fucking anyone yet."

You squirm, feeling your heat begin to pool again. Your core must be draining all the liquids from your throat because find it hard to reply.

"I'll take that as a yes." Armando plays with the ends of your hair.

You aren't sure if somehow you'd been struck by lighting, but sudden surge of confidence shakes over you.

You stand, still several inches shorter than him. "Is there something you wanted to do about it, Armando?"

He hisses, throwing his head back. "Do you want me to do something about it?" His warm fingers trail your neckline.

You shiver, closing your eyes and pushing into his touch.

Only if you promise to come right on me.

"¿qué?"

Your eyes snap open. "I meant camaraderie, as long as you promise camaraderie."

Armando growls, taking your face in his hands once more. "No you didn't." He says in one breath before taking yours away.

You shudder against him. Then, his palms wrap around the nape of your neck, turning the kiss scolding and fierce. His mouth open and hot.

Armando pulls you in closer by your hips, a surge builds between you, a shared exchange of demand a desire as your mouths rummage, searching for that peak together.

There's a groan, movement, and then you're airborne, Armando's rough hands digging into your back.

You're not sure where Armando takes you until you tear yourself from him entirely, panting as you catch your breath.

"Why'd we come in here?" You question, looking around his room.

"Your rooms too close to Mikes." He says, grappling for you and pulling you close.

"What does that mean?" You question. It doesn't fully register for you until you sink down and straddle his clothed member.

Oh. Oh.

Even strained against two layers of clothes, you could tell Armando was going to be huge issue.

"That was probably best." You pant, grabbing his face and kissing him once more.

Armando pulls at the hem of your shirt, in between kisses he whispers, "Take this off.:"

You're hesitant and don't comply because no matter how hot and needy you are, this is still new to you.

Taking a beat, you pull back. "Maybe we shouldn't."

Armando sits up. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No!" You shake your head. "You're great, it's just...I'm a little nervous."

"We don't have to, I'm sorr--."

You stop him, grabbing his hand. "Don't apologize."

You take a deep breath, shaking off all the doubts allowing yourself to just seep in what the pleasure is and how it could morph.

You were here, in this blistering moment, with Armando. Going further than you ever had with any other man.

That shows that there’s something there, an underlying current that’s got you both pooling with desire for one another after a few drunken glances and intoxicated words.

Maybe it something that couldn’t be put into words, like chemistry.

Bed chem.

Whatever it was, it had you swallowing your fears, trudging past them.

You sit up straighter, locking eyes with predator in front of you. Your heart skips beats like a rabbit just looking into his eyes.

"I want to." You breath.

Armando nods, shifting. He slowly presses you into the mattress, the warmth of his gaze and comforters engulfing you. Yet, you can't help but shiver as he pulls down your sleep shorts, allowing his warm breath to blow over your exposed thighs.

You whimper.

It was finally happening and you were ready to drink in every moment of it.

Armando trails light kisses on the inside of both your thighs. The light touches make you gasp and shiver.

He trails his lips, slick as a cat, towards your heat, placing breathy kisses onto your clit.

You flank, gripping either side of the bed, relishing in every suck, swirl, and spit Armando gives your pussy.

The attention to detail on this man was unwinding you like a doll, so much so, you could feel your climax ramping up.

It starts deep within your core, and with every painting Armando makes with his tongue against your soaking heat, the more you primely unravel.

"Necesito que vengas por mí." Armando groaned, plunging to thick fingers inside of you.

None of his words register with you, all you know is that this mans pleasure is unfurling you and you just want to reach its peak.

Armando pumps faster, you grip his hair and pull him in, smothering him within your walls.

"Fuck, yes!" You moan, arching your back and exposing your hardening nipples to the ceiling. "I'm so close." You cry out.

"Cum for me baby," Armando whimpers.

Like you've been compelled, you do as he says, spilling out on to his beard in a symphony of moans and twitches.

"Shit." You catch your breath. "That was amazing."

Armando licks his swollen lips, his eyes dimmed with desire.

"Tienes un sabor aún mejor del que imaginaba." He groans.

"What does that mean?" You question.

Armando grabs your ankles, yanking you until you're under him.

"I'll show you," He says, smothering you into a kiss, allowing you to taste the sweet-saltiness of your vagina.

"I need more of a demonstration." You say between kisses.

"your wish." Armando pulls off your top, groaning at the sight of your full breast and eager nipples.

He doesn't hesitate to latch his lips onto them, giving them a good suck.

"Fuck." You moan, lowering your hand down to his crotch.

Armando grabs your hand, stopping you from touching further. “No. Not today.” He urges, moving your hands, one by one, up by your head and holding them there.

He continues his delicious assault on your nipples, you never knew your pussy could be this wet with pure want.

Armando unlatches himself, he comes up to face you, hovering above you.

He looks gorgeous in the light. Warm hues of the bedside lamp blend with the crystal moons glow, showing off his dark, sharp features.

You touch his face, trailing your index finger from his sideburns down his jaw and under his chin.

“When?” You say, breathless. “When did you realize you wanted me?”

Armando dips down, placing a slow, firm kiss on your lips. “Since I first saw you.” He admits.

You quiver.

“Are you sure about this?” Armando questions, peeling off his pants, leaving him in nothing but a tight pair of underwear.

You hiss at the sight of his print. “I’m sure.” You swallow.

Armando nods.

You reach up, and together, you peel off the final layer between the both of you.

Instantly, his cock springs to life.

You’ve seen many cocks online, all of them impressive in their own right, but Armando’s was something glorious.

He was large, thick, and veiny, the tip slick with pre-cum. If you had to guess his entire cock was anywhere between eight to eight and a half inches of glorious man.

He couldn’t be more perfect.

You were prepared to take all of it.

Armando moans snap you back to reality.

You Watch eagerly as he jerks himself off a bit. “Should we use a condom?”

You shake your head no. “I’m on the pill.”

“Fuck, princesa.” He hisses, positioning himself atop of you.

Armando gives you one last glance of worry, you bite your lip and watch it melt off his face and burst into something new as he sweeps the tip of his cock against your soaking wet entrance.

You let out a light moan, spreading yourself wider in anticipation for his massive member.

Armando complies, pushing into you slowly, letting you savor ever inch of him.

You had heard the horror stories of girls loosing their virginities. How bloody it would be, how much pain would be involved. So much so that it turned you off from sex for a long time.

That and your parents forcing a pure moral on you created an adult who didn’t know when she’d first get a taste of something so sweet.

But now that you’re here, you could confirm one thing: they were all wrong.

As Armando bottoms you out, his cock buried deep within you, you feel nothing but pleasure.

“Are you okay?” Armando asks.

You moan out, “yes,” giving Armando just what he needs to keep moving.

What begins as slow strokes changes into something much brighter as Armando grips your hips and begins to dig into you.

The room fills with echoes of skin colliding and the sounds of moans.

Your breast bounce on your chest as Armando continues to rails you, hitting spots you never knew was possible.

You squirm, feeling another orgasm building inside of you, it was coming at you like a freight train with no sight of slowing down.

Armando grips your hips, hoisting you up and turning you around.

He pushes your head down and you find your self arched—face down ass up.

He lets out a breathy moan as he slips back inside of you, pounding recklessly into your soaking wet pussy from behind.

“Joder, nena, necesito correrme dentro si tú.” Armando moans.

The language doesn’t seep into you, but by the way his groans are slowing turning into whimpers and how his cock is twitching inside of you, you can tell Armando is close to.

Your walls clench around his cock, milking him, as you orgasm builds closer.

“Fuck,” you moan out. “I’m about to cum.”

“Me too!” Armando groans, slamming into you harder then before.

A few more reckless pumps in and out of your tight little pussy and your spilling all over his cock in shouts and moans. Armando isn’t too far behind you, his twitching cock emptying inside of your warm heat.

“maldita mami.” Armando takes a deep breath, wiping the slick sweat off his forehead.

You twist, out of breath and shaking, falling flat onto your back against the bed.

You watch as Armando heads over to the en suite.

He comes back quickly with a two towels.

Sitting beside you he uses the smaller, damp towel to clean up the mess spilling out of you.

You shiver at his touch as he wraps the large towel around your shoulders.

Taking the opportunity, you kiss him gently. “Thank you.”

Armando smirks. “Anytime, bebé.”

Without warning, Armando scoops you up in his strong arms. He carries you bridal style, walking you over to the shower.

“Now, let’s get you all cleaned up.” He says, kissing your cheek.

You smile into the crook of his neck, wondering just how you were going to tell Kelly that you and Armando Aretas have fucking fantastic bed chem.

[thedepressexpress]

hi! when I get depressed it's really hard to make sure I'm eating as much as I should so here are some things I eat when I don't have the energy to do shit

these are depression meals so they are in no way balanced and an ideal diet, this is to get you through it. if you have depression, some of these on your shopping list are a good idea. I update this list whenever I remember something

I'm also assuming the only equipment you have is a bowl, spoon, sink, microwave and at most, a can opener. in no particular order:

granola bars and adjacent things like nuts, dried fruit, etc

frozen sausages: break them in half and microwave, if they're too cold to break you can run them under hot water or leave them out for a couple minutes, you need the break them or they might explode

canned corn: open and eat with a spoon, you can strain and microwave if you want it hot

cheese: put it in a bowl and microwave till it melts or till it's crispy, your choice but if you do just cheese don't use a porous bowl

instant noodles: don't use a pan, use a bowl, empty the contents in the bowl, add water till at least half of the noodle thing is submerged, microwave for 2-4 minutes, mix and eat

regular noodles: use a bigger bowl than you normally would, add some dry pasta to it and enough water to cover the pasta but not much more, it might overflow, and microwave for a few minutes more than the package says to boil, drain the water and put in whatever, condiment, sauce, cheese, sausages, frozen veggies, and microwave again, it's more time intensive but also more nutrients so

canned beans: you can eat as is if it comes in a sauce, but if you got the ones with the clear liquid you can strain and rinse and if you don't have a strainer, open the can just a little from the tab and open a faucet, let the water run into the can and adjust the position of the lid till the water can go in without any of the beans coming out, it'll dissolve the liquid and it'll flow out, leave it for a bit then shake it, turn it upside to drain, let it refill then leave it again, repeat till the water over flowing isn't that weird liquid

crackers/biscuits: keep a stash of biscuits that you can eat, bonus if you can eat them with milk or tea or coffee or juice

juice: buy your favorite and keep a bottle in the fridge or frozen if you suspect you're starting to spiral and might need it in a few hours

readymade meals: whenever you go to do your grocery shopping, buy just one premade meal

vegetables: keep a vegetable you like that you can eat raw like cucumbers or carrots

fruits: keep a fruit you know you can eat or you know you can drown in something else, for example I don't like apples but I can eat them if they're covered in peanut butter

sweets: you can keep a favorite hard candy to get yourself salivating idk for me if helps activate some hunger while getting rid of the painful part of being hungry

butters and spreads: you can find premade sandwich spread with chicken in them, or jams or spreads that are savory like peanut/almond/cashew butter or sweet like a chocolate/vanilla spread

rice: if you make rice and ever have some left over you can freeze it and eat it later, you can also do that with rice in a bag

tofu: you can eat it raw as long as you drain the liquid it comes with

condiments: almost all of these things can be improved or 'seasoned' with ketchup, mayo, mustard, ranch, tartar sauce, marinara, etc. it'll give some flavor and make it taste better but don't microwave sauces unless they're properly mixed with the food especially mayo based ones, they can get weird

frozen vegetables: any time you're using the microwave to make these things, throw in a handful of frozen vegetables and microwave for a little longer

cereal: pair cereal with foods like yogurt instead of milk, you can add chocolate drink powder to the yogurt before adding the cereal which is really nice, you can also make it directly in the yogurt container if it's small enough

electrolytes: you can make them a bottle using two dashes of salt (1/4 tsp), a 2second squeeze of a honey bottle (2 tsp) and some kind of juice for a better flavor

potatoes: stab them all around with a fork, microwave for about six minutes, turn it over then microwave again, keeping microwaving and turning till it's soft on the inside and you can eat it

order out: if you can afford to order food, order it, some tips to get the most out of what you order 1. order a family box of food to store in the fridge 2. when you microwave it, do it with some water in a glass with your bowl/food in the microwave

if opening the tab on a can is keeping you from eating, try this. it'll open the can, you can use a knife, the back of a spoon, etc.

if it keeps you from spiraling, it's worth doing. and if it's worth doing, it's worth doing poorly. eating something is better than eating nothing.

hope this helps, if you can, please add more things!

[mariacallous]

Perhaps it was only a matter of time. Now the Swedish Security Police, which is in charge of counterintelligence, reports that Russia is scouting out Swedish arms-makers. Kremlin-linked operatives are also conducting disinformation campaigns against defense companies and are even engaging in acts of sabotage. 

In Germany, the authorities have alerted the logistics industry to a sudden spate of incidents involving parcels catching fire in transit. Even those of us used to worrying about threats to Western societies have been taken aback by such developments. Weapons businesses in particular should realize that these days they too are prime targets for hostile actors.

“We [the Swedish Security Police] have for some time been seeing indications of an increased willingness by Russia to take risks concerning its activities that threaten our security. It’s everything from influence operations all the way to sabotage, and it’s directed against the West and as a result also against Sweden,” the Swedish Security Police’s spokesman Karl Melin told Swedish National Television on August 29. At particular risk of such activities, the Swedish Security Police warns, are arms-makers. Undermining the West’s support is one of Russia’s key objectives.

The Swedish Security & Defence Industry Association (SOFF), which represents the country’s defense companies, reports that some of its members are already noticing Russian attempts to harm them. And in Germany, someone has been flying as many as five surveillance drones a night above gas and chemical facilities. This is not the work of some benign drone enthusiasts.

Swedish defense companies have also been subjected to cyber-attacks initially directed not against them (leading defense manufacturers unsurprisingly have good cyber defense) but against smaller companies in their supply chain. Such so-called supply-chain attacks are increasingly popular with hostile states and their helpers. They target the weakest link, and once that company is infected, it inadvertently spreads the harm. 

And it doesn’t end there. Swedish defense manufacturers are also being subjected to malign influence campaigns attempting to discredit them and their weapons. Such campaigns are, of course, designed to harm people’s confidence in the companies — not to mention Ukrainians’ confidence in the ability of its Western allies to supply them with useful equipment. 

Intruders are also trying to, digitally or physically, access the manufacturers’ sites to get information about their operations or sabotage them. While it’s the Swedish Security Police and SOFF who have raised the alarm this time (and Sweden has a disproportionately large defense industry), other countries’ defense manufacturers are of course being targeted too. In Germany, Russia even planned to assassinate the chief executive of the German arms maker Rheinmetall, one of several murder plots uncovered by US intelligence.

Indeed, they’re a priority target because they’re producing the wares that will increase Western deterrence of Russian aggression and because in many cases Western governments buy their weapons to send to Ukraine. The Nordic and Baltic states of Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Finland, and Sweden, claim the top spots in the percentage of GDP given in aid to Ukraine.

The problem is far broader than just weapons manufacturers. In Germany, the BKA (the federal criminal police) and the BfV (the domestic intelligence service) recently alerted aviation and logistics companies to the sudden appearance of parcels that had caught fire while in transit to European destinations. 

These were not accidents: the parcels contained flammable liquids and incendiary devices. In July, for example, a package sent from a Baltic state to an address elsewhere in Europe caught fire at DHL’s logistics hub in Leipzig, which spread to the rest of the container carrying it. The BKA and the BfV have asked German aviation and logistics companies to ensure their employees are aware of the increased risk. Logistics companies say they’re enhancing scrutiny.

Companies are used to the occasional competitor engaging in destructive and even illegal behavior, but like the harm directed against arms-makers, the incidents involving logistics firms point in another direction: Russia. 

To be sure, we shouldn’t automatically assume that the Kremlin is behind every mysterious incident. Continuing arguments as to whether Ukraine might have sabotaged the Nord Stream gas pipelines act as a reminder. 

However, the Swedish Security Police decided to speak publicly about the targeting of defense companies only after ascertaining the nature of the perpetrators. In a letter to the industry, the BKA and the BfV note that the significant cost of sending the fire-developing parcels that caught fire far exceeded their value. 

The senders, in other words, sent the packages with the intent to cause harm. “The improvised incendiary devices were deliberately sent to damage freight service companies and other logistical infrastructure in Western countries,” the two agencies stated in their letter.

That’s exactly the point. To be successful, hostile states and their proxies don’t need to disable entire industries. They just need to sow fear among ordinary citizens. Learning that their defense manufacturers are targeted by Russia may prompt many Europeans to think that aiding Ukraine and enhancing our own defenses isn’t worth the price. 

That, though, would allow intimidation to prevail. 

A better course is to make sure everyone is aware of the threats. The Swedish Security Police, BKA, and BfV have done good work. We’ll no doubt see many more interventions very soon.

[eddieintheocean]

the first of my cooking posts!

Lemon and parsely orzo

this is something i make all the time, along with variations on it. it's fairly easy to just swap certain ingredients while keeping the method the same so you can get some different meals while basically being the same stuff.

Orzo is essentially if rice was pasta. i know that not everyone likes the texture but i find it really tastie. also there are probably more traditional ways of cooking orzo but this is just how i like it.

Prep time is minimal if you're not cutting any vegetables/using preprepared veg, probably no longer than 10 minutes (for me at least, I know some people will have different timings)

Cook time is roughly 30-40 minutes, this is something i make for dinner and not when I'm in a rush to get to lectures

Price wise, this is specific to my area really, and also i shop at lidl so things might be cheaper (the orzo was from sainsburys but i didnt pay for that so)

Orzo from sainsburys (500g bag) - £2 ,

lidl prices - cream 99p , chicken stock 65p , cream cheese 85p, butter £1.69 , frozen peas 99p , red leicester cheese £2.49, carrots (1kg bag) 65p

i can't find the prices for parsley, garlic powder or lemon juice but those are things that i have in my store cupboard type ingredients.

Equipment

one singular frying pan, something to stir with, a measuring jug/literally any container that can hold liquid, cheese grater (or your hands if you like maiming the cheese)

Ingredients

75g (ish) of Orzo

a couple chunks of butter

chicken stock in some boiled water (this is something you can swap, vegetable stock etc)

vegetables of your choosing (i used a carrot and some frozen peas)

garlic (i used garlic powder), salt and pepper

parsely and lemon juice (this is the main combo for this, but you can change this out if youre using vegetable stock. When i use other stock i use mixed herbs instead of parsely and lemon)

cream cheese , regular cheese (doesnt matter what type)

cream

Method

heat the butter in the frying pan on a medium heat, and add the orzo when its melted. let the orzo absorb some of the butter

add the stock and water, along with the carrots if you're using those. (if youre using something like mushrooms, fry those first before adding the orzo until they've shrunken down and nice and brown)

add some garlic powder, salt and pepper (check before adding the salt, the stock will probably be salty enough)

let the liquid boil and then turn down the heat to low/medium and just let it bubble away. the packages usually say it takes 10 minutes but they're lying and itll probably take 30 minutes (it does for me anyways)

when the orzo is nearly ready (when its ready itll be all soft), add the peas or whatever veg youre using. green beans could probably be another good sub.

the water will absorb into the orzo, so if the liquid starts getting low and its still crunchy then add some more water.

add the lemon juice and parsely

leave it for a couple minutes to absorb some more.

grate some cheese in

this is optional but you can stop here if you want, but i like to add some cream cheese and some cream just to make it nice and slop.

Yummy :)

[safenshinesworld]

The Role of Cleaning Chemicals in Maintaining Hygiene and Safety

In today’s world, maintaining hygiene and cleanliness is more critical than ever. Cleaning chemicals play a pivotal role in ensuring environments—whether homes, offices, hospitals, or industrial facilities—are not only clean but also safe and healthy. These chemicals are designed to effectively remove dirt, germs, and other contaminants, contributing significantly to overall public health.

Best Cleaning chemicals products are provide by Safenshine: Visit for more details. Black Phenyl ,Dishwash Liquid , Floor Cleaner, etc

Importance of Proper Use

While cleaning chemicals are effective, their improper use can lead to health risks and environmental damage. It’s essential to follow manufacturer guidelines for dilution, application, and disposal. Overuse or incorrect mixtures can result in toxic fumes, skin irritation, or damage to surfaces.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): When using strong cleaning chemicals, it is crucial to wear appropriate PPE such as gloves, masks, and eye protection to prevent contact with skin and eyes and avoid inhaling harmful fumes.

Environmental Impact: Many cleaning chemicals, if not used or disposed of properly, can harm the environment. Some contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to air pollution, while others may contaminate water supplies. The shift towards eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaning products is gaining momentum as businesses and consumers become more environmentally conscious.

Innovations in Cleaning Chemicals

The cleaning industry is constantly evolving, with new formulations and technologies being developed to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Some of the latest innovations include:

Eco-Friendly Cleaners: These are made from natural, biodegradable ingredients that are less harmful to the environment. They are free from harsh chemicals like phosphates and chlorine, making them safer for both users and the planet.

Enzymatic Cleaners: These use natural enzymes to break down organic matter such as food stains and pet messes, offering an effective and non-toxic cleaning solution.

Antimicrobial Coatings: After cleaning, some surfaces can be treated with antimicrobial coatings that provide long-lasting protection against germs and bacteria, reducing the frequency of cleaning needed.

Concentrated Formulas: To reduce packaging waste and carbon footprint, manufacturers are producing highly concentrated cleaning solutions that require less product for the same level of cleaning power.

Conclusion

Sanitizers are important tools in the effort to maintain cleanliness and safety in facilities. Understanding appropriate use, potential risks, and the importance of environmentally friendly alternatives can help individuals and businesses make informed choices. As the industry continues to innovate, future detergents will likely focus on balance and sustainability, ensuring if we clean up the environment we will not compromise the health of our planet.

[shivshaktimachtech]

10 Head Liquor Bottle Filling Machine

Company Overview: Shiv Shakti Machtech is a Manufacturer, Supplier and Exporter of 10 Head Liquor Bottle Filling Machine. 10 head liquid filling machine is an advanced packaging device equipped with ten filling heads that work simultaneously to fill containers with wine, liquor, vodka, spirits, whisky, Gin. This machine is designed to handle high-volume production with accuracy and efficiency, making it ideal for industries requiring rapid and consistent liquid filling. Standard Features: Sanitary flow meters equipped with tri-clamp fittings Bottom-close fill head valves to prevent drips Servo-driven fill head assembly for bottom-up filling and height adjustment 316 stainless steel pressure vessel, positioned low for easy cleaning CIP system with a spray ball in the vessel, process program, and fill head trough Sanitary product infeed control valve with air-to-open, spring-to-close actuator Intuitive PLC control system for ease of use Allen Bradley PLC control with Ethernet capability On-the-fly product weight adjustment Servo-controlled nozzle diving motion for precise bottom-up filling Tool-less adjustments for quick changeovers Modular construction allows for future upgrades Over 100 programmable recipes UL-approved control panel CE-compliant interlocked safety guards Shiv Shakti Machtech is 10 Head Liquor Bottle Filling Machine in serves worldwide, including, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Ecuador, Egypt, Guinea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Korea, North Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, South Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. For further details or inquiries, feel free to reach out to us. View Product: Click Here Read the full article

[salicylicacid-manufacturer]

Crafting Clear Skin: The Precision of Salicylic Acid Manufacturing

Salicylic acid has long been a cornerstone in skincare and pharmaceutical formulations, celebrated for its remarkable efficacy in treating acne, exfoliating the skin, and managing various dermatological conditions. As a leading ingredient in numerous products, the demand for high-quality salicylic acid is unwavering. Salicylic acid manufacturers play a crucial role in meeting this demand, employing advanced technologies, stringent quality control measures, and innovative processes to produce this essential compound. In this blog, we explore the world of salicylic acid manufacturing, highlighting its significance, processes, benefits, and why it’s a cornerstone of modern skincare and pharmaceutical solutions.

The Importance of Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) derived from natural sources like willow bark and wintergreen leaves or synthesized in laboratories. It is renowned for its ability to penetrate pores, exfoliate dead skin cells, and reduce inflammation, making it a powerful ingredient in acne treatments, chemical peels, and dandruff shampoos. Its keratolytic properties help to soften and shed the outer layer of skin, promoting cell turnover and revealing a smoother, clearer complexion.

For more information salicylic acid manufacturer

Advanced Manufacturing Processes

Manufacturing salicylic acid involves sophisticated chemical processes to ensure purity, potency, and safety. The most common method is the Kolbe-Schmitt reaction, which synthesizes salicylic acid from sodium phenoxide and carbon dioxide under high pressure and temperature. This method yields high-purity salicylic acid, suitable for both pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. Manufacturers utilize advanced equipment and precise control systems to maintain optimal reaction conditions, ensuring consistent quality and yield.

Quality Control and Assurance

Quality control is paramount in salicylic acid manufacturing. Rigorous testing protocols are implemented at every stage of production, from raw material selection to final product packaging. Analytical techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), and mass spectrometry (MS) are used to verify the purity, potency, and stability of salicylic acid. These tests ensure that the final product meets stringent industry standards and regulatory requirements, guaranteeing safety and efficacy for consumers.

Customization and Innovation

Salicylic acid manufacturers often work closely with cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies to develop customized formulations tailored to specific product needs. Whether creating a potent acne treatment, a gentle exfoliating cleanser, or an effective dandruff shampoo, manufacturers provide expertise in optimizing salicylic acid concentrations and formulations for maximum benefit. This collaborative approach fosters innovation, resulting in new and improved products that address evolving consumer demands and dermatological advancements.

Sustainability and Ethical Practices

In response to growing environmental concerns, many salicylic acid manufacturers are adopting sustainable and ethical practices. This includes sourcing raw materials from renewable resources, minimizing waste and emissions, and implementing energy-efficient technologies. Some manufacturers are also exploring greener synthesis methods that reduce environmental impact while maintaining high-quality production standards. These efforts align with the broader industry trend toward sustainability and responsible manufacturing.

Meeting Regulatory Standards

Compliance with regulatory standards is a critical aspect of salicylic acid manufacturing. Regulatory bodies such as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and EMA (European Medicines Agency) set stringent guidelines for the production and use of salicylic acid in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Manufacturers must adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and ensure their products are free from contaminants, properly labeled, and safe for consumer use. Regular audits and inspections by regulatory authorities help maintain compliance and uphold product integrity.

Future Trends and Innovations

The future of salicylic acid manufacturing is marked by continuous innovation and adaptation to emerging trends. Advances in green chemistry, biotechnology, and nanotechnology are poised to revolutionize production methods, enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, research into new applications and formulations of salicylic acid promises to expand its role in skincare and healthcare, offering consumers even more effective and versatile solutions.

Conclusion

Salicylic acid manufacturers are at the forefront of producing one of the most versatile and effective ingredients in skincare and pharmaceuticals. Through advanced manufacturing processes, stringent quality control, and a commitment to innovation and sustainability, these manufacturers ensure the consistent supply of high-quality salicylic acid. As consumer demand for effective skincare solutions continues to grow, the role of salicylic acid manufacturers remains vital, driving the development of products that promote healthier, clearer skin and improved well-being. Embrace the power of precision and discover the transformative benefits of expertly crafted salicylic acid.

[payperindia]

What is Bagging Machine? - Payper India

A bagging machine is a type of industrial equipment used to automate the process of filling and sealing bags with various products. These machines are widely used in different industries, such as food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and agriculture, to efficiently package goods ranging from powders and granules to liquids and solids.

Image Ref : What is Bagging Machine — Payper India

Key Functions of Bagging Machines:

Filling: The machine accurately dispenses a pre-set amount of product into each bag. This can be achieved through various mechanisms, such as volumetric fillers, auger fillers, or weigh scales, depending on the nature of the product being packaged. Click here for Ref : www.payperindia.com

Sealing: After the bag is filled, the machine seals it to ensure the product is contained and protected. Sealing methods can include heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, or using adhesive tapes, depending on the bag material and the product requirements. Click here for Ref : www.payperindia.com

Cutting/Trimming: Some bagging machines also trim excess material from the sealed bags to ensure a neat and uniform appearance. Click here for Ref : www.payperindia.com

Types of Bagging Machines:

Valve Bagging Machines: Designed for heavy-duty products such as cement, sand, or chemicals, these machines fill bags through a valve and then seal the valve to prevent leakage. Click here for Ref : www.payperindia.com

Open-Mouth Bagging Machines: Used for bulk products like grains, animal feed, or fertilizers, these machines fill pre-made bags that are manually or automatically positioned under the filling spout. Click here for Ref : www.payperindia.com

FIBC- Jumbo Bagging Machine: A jumbo bagging machine, or bulk bag filling machine, is designed to fill large bags (500–2000 kg) with bulk materials.

Why Payper ?

Payper India develops and manufactures bagging machines for all types of bulk solids such as powders or granulates. Other important product lines are palletizers and complete lines.

Our customers come from many different sectors, e.g., Chemical Industry, Agro-food Industry, Mining Industry and Building Industry. Payper India offers a comprehensive solution for each sector.

No need or demand is too small neither too big for us. We supply bagging machines for smaller industries with low volume requirements. We also provide complete turnkey projects for customers with high demands as to capacity and speed.

What matters to us is that our customer is comfortable and satisfied with the solution we have developed for them

Visit Payper at — https://www.payperindia.com/

Business LinkedIn -http://bit.ly/45Y1xMQ

Twitter — https://twitter.com/PayperIndia

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/payperindia/

[saber-monet]

To Manifest more money, get more specific.

Here are a FEW( there’s nearly infinite ways, don’t close yourself off!) ways one can receive money

Treat it like Pokémon and collect them all lol

1. Salary/wages: Regular income earned from employment self/employment.

2. Investment returns: Profits gained from investments such as stocks, bonds, or real estate.

3. Inheritance: Money or assets received from a relative or benefactor.

4. Grants: Funds awarded by organizations or institutions for specific purposes, such as research or education.

5. Loan repayment: Money received when someone pays back a loan that was previously provided.

6. Dividends: Payments made to shareholders from the profits of a corporation.

7. Royalties: Payments received by creators for the use of their intellectual property, such as books, music, or inventions.

8. Tips: Additional money given as appreciation for services rendered, typically in industries like hospitality or personal services.

9. Rebates: Refunds or discounts given after a purchase, often as an incentive or promotion.

10. Alimony/child support: Regular payments made to a former spouse or partner for financial support.

11. Found money: Money discovered unexpectedly, such as in lost or forgotten accounts, or on the ground.

12. Lottery winnings: Prizes won through games of chance like lotteries or scratch-off tickets.

13. Refunds: Money returned to a consumer after returning a product or canceling a service.

14. Sponsorship: Funds provided by companies or individuals to support a person or organization in exchange for advertising or promotion.

15. Crowdfunding: Money raised from a large number of people, typically through online platforms, to support a project, cause, or individual.

16. Cashback rewards: Money returned to a consumer as a percentage of their purchases, often offered by credit card companies or retailers.

17. Scholarships: Funds awarded to students to help cover the costs of education, typically based on academic achievement, financial need, or other criteria.

18. Patronage: Financial support given by individuals or organizations to artists, writers, or other creatives to fund their work or projects.

19. Rental income: Money earned from leasing or renting out property or assets, such as real estate, vehicles, or equipment.

20. Contest winnings: Prizes awarded for winning competitions or contests, which may include cash or other rewards.

21. Side hustle earnings: Additional income earned from part-time or freelance work outside of one's primary job.

22. Government benefits: Financial assistance provided by the government to eligible individuals or families, such as unemployment benefits, social security, or welfare.

23. Referral bonuses: Money received for referring new customers or clients to a business or service.

24. Stock options: Compensation provided to employees in the form of company stock, often as part of their overall compensation package.

25. Affiliate marketing commissions: Money earned through promoting and selling products or services for companies as an affiliate marketer.

26. Consulting fees: Payments received for providing expert advice or services to clients or businesses.

27. Trust distributions: Money distributed to beneficiaries from a trust fund, typically according to the terms outlined in the trust agreement.

28. Liquidation proceeds: Money received from selling off assets, such as stocks, bonds, or property.

29. Cash gifts: Money given by friends, family, or acquaintances as a gesture of goodwill, celebration, or support.

30. Insurance payouts: Money received from insurance companies to cover losses, damages, or expenses incurred due to accidents, disasters, or other covered events.

Focus on the ones that fits your self concept the best, for the best results. 

[authenticdesigners]

Automatic Pouch Packing machines handle a wide range of products, from food items and pharmaceuticals to chemicals, ensuring consistent quality and compliance with industry standards. Authentic Designers being a known automatic pouch packing machine supplier in India provides affordable machines that meet your business needs and exceed industry standards.

 For more information visit:-  https://www.authenticdesigners.net/ 

[fiendishactsatdiabolicalprices]

fuck you tumblr

with that out of the way, hi. here's a medkit i threw together out of the stuff i have in my household supplies. these are australian products and i took this like, two months ago to post on private and forgot to share here.

honorable mentions missing here are bottled water (important for rinsing wounds clean of debris and substances of skin), package of bandaids (for small wounds that can be easily covered), and a tourniquet.

a friend of mine was great enough to give me feedback on the kit (it's good, just needs identifying on where to store it while protesting and what else needs to put in), and suggested:

compressed gauze

powderless nitrile gloves

masks because you're going to be in crowds of people and god fucking dammit nobody takes covid seriously

and, the tourniquet.

and one that i suggest with high caution:

any essential medication the twelve can not try and pin you for. if you get pulled to the side and have a restrictive practice object on you, they'll try anything.

A quick note about the makeup pads I will go over in the item description after the image: alcohol swabs are for cleaning, not drying. the makeup pads are what you use to dry the wound. i've suggested makeup pads here because they're all around applicators, generally inexpensive, and compact.

Storing your medkit: have a designated medkit carrier. if you have to carry semi or fully restrictive medications, or have a lot of people therefore a lot of supplies, or feel as if that might slow you down, store it in your vehicle so you both have a medical station AND a safe place to keep it. most people have a first aid box in their cars nowadays- it's not unusual, and they cannot fucking arrest you for having one in there.

Regular medkit checks: Before the protest, make sure your consumables are still within their expiries. Swap out old medication, put in new stuff. Disinfectant also spoils over time. Make sure single use things like bandaids, swabs, blister packs for pain management aren't broken or opened to expose the contents to outside elements.

Allergies and intolerances: Before you meet up for the protest, ideally, is when you make sure you have your medical bracelets on your person. That way if something happens to cause you to be unable to speak or communicate effectively and a person you do not know tries to give you treatment, they can determine whether you can or not receive particular forms. Common bracelets have penicillin, and diabetes, but can be engraved to have any ailment on them. Look out for a medical bracelet, necklace, or any other form of ID when giving treatment to an unresponsive person.

feel free to add whatever you want to this post, but be constructive about it. this is for palestine, sudan, bali, the congo. this is for rioting against oppression and genocide- not rioting for.

[Image ID:] General use household items laid out against a beige tablecloth. There are edited in numbers to identify each object. Please ignore the quantity text- .

1: Bandage clasps/bobby pins. Carry as many as you want, important for fixing wound covers.

2. Alcohol swabs. Good for quick cleaning of wounds.

3. Makeup pads/ tissues/ anything good for cleansing and packing wounds. These will take up room in your kit, but are worth having.

4. Antiseptic ointment. Needed for things that look infected. Good for awkward placed wounds that need to be disinfected.

5. Liquid disinfectant. Much stronger than the ointment, can be used to disinfect wounds. Also much better for disinfecting equipment.

6. Bandages. Used in conjunction to your clasps and bobby pins. Watch a few videos on different limb wrapping techniques, practice on yourself or a friend. Get them to do the same to you. Medium crepe is recommended for general purpose woundwrapping.

7. Paper tape. Used for packing down wound dressings from under the bandage.

8. Bars of soap. Useful for unsticking zippers, and can be used to clean equipment and clothes. Incredibly useful.

9. Aspirin and other pain managements. Ensure you have an alternative to penicillin products- very common allergy. Would not carry more than one sheet per person for obvious reasons. Avoid taking very strong pain managers that can be both confiscated as dangerous drugs and pin you for assumed trafficking.

Not included: bottled water (for rinsing, drinking, cleaning) and a tourniquet (i hope you never have to use this in a protest, but you can never be too careful), as well as a box of disposable masks. A plastic bag or two would not be harmful, either.

[godesssiri]

Auctions can be great fun; I’ve been going for years. My great grandmother was an auction regular, and I’ve got some gorgeous Victorian through to Art Deco furniture that she picked up in the 40s and 50s because it was unfashionable old junk then and she got it for a song. Going to live in-person auctions is becoming a thing of the past in the age of the internet but they do still exist, and they can be a way to get hold of some very high-quality items very cheap. So here's my best tips and advice.

There is a local auction house I go to that has a no reserve auction every other Thursday and it’s so much fun, I’ve gotten some real treasures there. They do estate, police, insurance, and business closure auctions.

Estate is exactly what you think it is. Someone is downsizing or has died and so anything that might be worth money gets sent to auction, this is where you get the amazing antiques, affordable furniture, and box lots of random treasures/junk. Police auctions are lost property, looooots of bikes, drones minus their controllers, cell phones. Police hold onto that stuff for a certain amount of time then auction it to help with the storage costs. Insurance you get some really good new stuff. If things are freight damaged a company will make an insurance claim and get paid out the price of the whole crate or pallet or whatever, but the insurance company will take anything that’s not broken. So, if a box of 8 bottles of whiskey gets dropped and 4 of them smash then the insurance company has 4 unbroken bottles to sell, and they put them in an auction to re-coup their costs. Insurance auctions often have lots of booze, industrial quantities of cleaning products, some fancy shelf stable foods, beauty products, all brand new with maybe just some packaging that’s worse for wear. Business closures are either when the owner is voluntarily closing down or when they have gone insolvent, and the liquidator is selling off everything. This can be a great source for tools and specialist equipment.

All things sold at auction are sold as is, so buyer beware. There will be viewing before the auction during which you can handle the items and check them over, if they’re electrical plug them in a see if they work. I have bought some lemons from auction because I didn’t check them thoroughly enough and that was my own fault. Also check if you can still get replacement parts for the make and model of what you’re looking at, yeah got an impact drill that just needed a replacement part, except they don’t make parts for that model anymore. Police auctions especially watch for faulty/damaged stuff, particularly the bikes, there’s a reason that stuff has ended up in police lost and found lock up. Once you’ve decided that the thing you’re looking at is in good enough condition for you mark it in your auction catalogue.

Everything in an auction will have a lot number. Things will be sold either as an individual item or as a lot, if you only want one thing in a particular lot then too bad, you’re buying everything so if it’s a box lot of junk with 1 gem then you are responsible for finding homes for all the junk if you buy it to get that one gem, sometime it’s sooooo worth doing this, sometimes it’s not. The auction house will have a catalogue which is usually just a few sheets of paper with a numbered list of items. Carry your catalogue around with you at the viewing, take a pen, make notes of what you want, identifying info about the item, what you’re willing to pay, any other relevant info. It can be a really good idea to research on your phone. If it’s an insurance auction I always look up what you can buy things for retail, there’s no point getting caught up in bidding and paying more than you would at a retail store. Last auction I went to people were bidding $40 on a lot of 2 bottles of liquor that sells for $20 a bottle and with the auction fees they’ll have ended up paying more than retail.

You have to pay the auctioneers fees/premium. At most places this is about 15% so keep in mind if you bid $100 on something you will actually be paying $115. You agree to this when you sign up for the auction and get your bidding number, it’s a legally binding contract. Those people who were buying the lot of 2 bottles of liquor and bidding $40 would have actually paid $46 which is $6 more than they would have paid down the road at the liquor store. I put in a couple of bids but stopped when it got over $30 because it wouldn’t have been a bargain. The person who won that lot for $40 was obviously attending their first auction with a giggly group of friends and got caught up in the thrill of having the winning bid, I very much doubt she’d considered the premium, so she probably didn’t realize until later that she hadn’t gotten a good deal. This is why it’s really really important to have a good idea what things a worth, what you could buy them for elsewhere, and be very disciplined about how much you are willing to bid. Go into each auction lot with a figure in mind, calculate what the auction premium will be on that figure and do not go over it. Again remember that when you signed up for the auction and got your bidding number you entered into a legally binding contract so if you over bid that’s your bad.

If you have a problem with gambling, then auctions are not for you. It’s the same kind of adrenaline rush and a very similar financial risk. You might walk out with something worth far more than the money you’ve put in or you might overspend and end up feeling down on yourself for being so stupid. It’s very easy to get caught up in the rush of bidding and justify to yourself just $10 more but is it really just $10 or is it 3 or 4 times just $10 more? Always keep the figure you are willing to spend in the front of your mind. Write it on your catalogue. Have the calculator app open on your phone and quickly add 15% to the current bid. Is it still a bargain? Or are you caught in the rush and about to overspend?

When you sign up for the auction you will be given an auction number, this is important to hold onto, it’s how the auctioneer will identify you as the person who has put in the winning bid. When you bid you can wave your number or catalogue, or nod at the auctioneer, or say ‘bid’ or ‘yep’ or ‘here’, if possible, make eye contact with the auctioneer or their spotter when you bid. The auctioneer will be looking all around the room for bidders and will usually have at least 1 assistant who is also looking and will bring your bid to the auctioneer’s attention if they miss you. When you win a lot then the auctioneer will take your number and write it on the auction sheet, hold up your card and/or call out your number once you’ve won. If you have the winning bid, then write what you bid on your catalogue and add the auction premium. When you’re ready to leave go to the cashier and give them your number and they’ll go over the lots they have you down as winning and give you a total – check this against what you’ve got written on your catalogue, so you make sure you get all your stuff. Once you’ve paid you can go and collect your wins, you can do this even if the auction is still going, if there’s nothing else you want to bid on, they’re usually happy for you to pay and leave part way through.

Don’t make the first bid. Auctioneer’s will often put in an opening bid of what they think is reasonable for the item, sometimes it’s worth way less than that, sometimes it’s worth way more. If no one bids they’ll drop the opening, if still no one bids they’ll drop it again. Remember if you’re at a no reserve auction they have to get rid of this stuff, if that means accepting twenty bucks for a 200-year-old antique then they will. Wait to see if anyone else is going to bid then take your shot. Sometimes bidding will start slow but build up and the lot will go for close to or way more than the auctioneer’s opening bid but sometimes you can get something amazing for a ridiculously low price because no one want’s that particular lot. The last auction I went to was an antique store closing down and the retail price stickers from the store were still on all the items. I got a 500-year-old celadon glazed ginger jar for thirty bucks!!! $34.50 including the premium. The antique store’s price sticker was $375. The auctioneer started bidding at $100 but no one went for it, so I waited, and the auctioneer dropped it to $50 then $20. Someone else bid $20 but I wanted that jar, so I bid $30, and the other person didn’t want it enough to get into a bidding war, so I got it. Often if an item looks like it’s going to go for next to nothing then a dealer will put in a bid figuring that they’ll at least be able to make little profit on something they spent peanuts on and I’m pretty sure the other bidder was a dealer who didn’t want the risk of finding a buyer and making a profit if they couldn’t pick it up super cheap. Auctions are very much the luck of the draw with who is attending. Sometimes you’ll get lucky and the people who are there won’t want the same things you do. Sometimes you’ll have to fight for the thing you want.

Who attends auctions? Dealers mostly. If you go regularly, you’ll recognize the dealers and re-sellers. They’re there every auction, they know the auctioneers and each other and have inside jokes, they’re very focused and disciplined with their bidding, they know how to pinch a penny until it squeals. If you’re going to buy cool vintage or cheap household items you can sometimes edge out dealers because they know exactly what they can re-sell an item for and they’re thinking of their profit margins, on the flip-side they might outbid what you’re willing to spend because they do know exactly what they can get for that item and it’s worth more to them than it is to you if you’re just looking for a bargain. The other people who attend auctions are the professionals who are picking up tools/equipment for their business. If you’re a diy-er who want’s cheap tools they might outbid you because they know exactly what those tools are worth, if a professional has no interest whatsoever in a tool though then there’s a reason for that and you should probably steer clear yourself. People looking to stretch a buck will go to auctions because you can pick up full dining suites for less than $100 or perfectly good household appliances for next to nothing, if you’re broke and setting up house then an auction can be a great way to get the basics for even less than thrift store prices if you’re lucky. Collectors go to auctions because that’s where we get the truly unique stuff. Things I have bought at auction include the aforementioned 500-year-old jar, a taxidermy armadillo basket, 4 huge Victorian glass domes, a copper lobster shaped mold just like the one The Golden Girls had on the wall in their kitchen (the one that looks like a dick and balls from a distance). Collectors can be tricky because they might want something so much that they’re willing to outbid everyone else, but on the other hand they might not be willing to pay too much because they have to justify it to themselves and/or their partner. Often a collector will go to an auction for just a couple of specific items, if you’re lucky the items you want and the items they want will be different, so you won’t get into a bidding war. My last auction I was incredibly lucky because there were a few collectors there, but we were all after completely different things, one of them is actually in a FB group I’m in so when I showed off my win he congratulated me and said he’d gotten what he’d been there for and we were able to mutually gush over each other’s scores.

This tip is against etiquette in some auction houses and fully against the rules and will get you kicked out of others so be very careful if you choose to do it: If you were bidding on a box lot for one item in it and you lose but you see someone you think is a dealer has won it, you can quietly approach them and ask to buy that particular item off them. A lot of them will happily do you a deal for cash so they make some of their money back then and there and don’t have to take the item home. Maybe just approach them outside if it’s against the rules at that auction house because some places are really hardass about it.

People can be intimidated by auctions because they can be such high risk and high adrenaline events but once you’ve gained some confidence, they can be so much fun. If you’ve got free time when an auction’s on, I’d highly recommend just going and watching, even if you don’t bid on anything. Find a seat and just observe. They can be incredibly interesting, particularly if you like to people watch. Just watching the auction can help build your confidence until you feel like you can participate. You also learn so much by seeing what sells for a lot and what is hard to shift, it helps you gain an idea of what things are worth. There’ll always be a few old lady dealers who’ve been doing this forever and are happy to impart wisdom, or chatty collectors who will infodump about items in the auction or things they’ve scored in the past. Take some food and drink and a pen to make notes on your catalogue. A good auctioneer will usually go through about 100 lots in an hour so a 300-lot auction will take about 3 hours. Make sure you know where the toilet is. Have fun.

My last thrift post

[duhragonball]

Dragon Ball Super 044

It’s the Potaufeu Trilogy, comin’ atcha!

So the only real value to the first 75% of Dragon Ball Super is the filler episodes they stick between each arc.  The Battle of Gods and Resurrection F episodes were crappy reruns, and the Destroyers Tournament looks like a crappy WWE B-list Pay-Per-View.  And the Zamasu arc.... well, we’ll get to that. 

But the filler episodes are generally fun and enjoyable, probably because they don’t waste time dragging out every little moment to pad out the series.  Like Dragon Ball GT, Super could probably be edited down to a much shorter anime if they just cut out all the pointless monologues and staredowns and reaction shots from minor characters.  These were always part of the charm with DBZ, but GT and Super just abuse the hell out of those tricks, with little to show for it.  What puts Super ahead of GT is that it can occasionally produce a good story once in a while. 

All right, so let’s dive into this.  Bulma’s doing some sort of experiment when Monaka shows up in his delivery truck to bring her more snacks.  She then borrows him to hold a funnel under a pipe while she generates a small amount of liquid.  There’s filter paper in the funnel, so I guess she needs to filter it.  Monaka just worries about falling behind on his route. 

See, this was what I was saying about Gohan’s career in the last episode.  They’re so vague about what he does and how he does it.  In this scene, Bulma’s working on an experiment which clearly has no basis in reality, but I can still recognize some of the equipment.  Glass funnel, filter paper, and a giant over-sized beaker.   The other stuff doesn’t look like anything in particular, but it still looks kind of authentic, like someone actually used references to draw this room instead of just winging it.  They should show Gohan in a room like this, only with biology stuff.  Like bugs and... more bugs.  That’s where biologists work, right?  They just hop into a big room full of bugs. 

Anyway, Goten and Trunks find Monaka’s unattended truck and start screwing around in the back.  Hey, those toys aren’t for you!

Monaka’s in such a hurry to get on with his route that he doesn’t even check to see if anyone’s in the back.  He just listens to the radio, and they read his letter on the air.  Under a psuedonym, Monaka confesses that he likes to take the packages marked “fragile” and set them on fire. 

Anyway, he doesn’t find the boys until he makes his next stop on Planet Potaufeu, where he has to warm them up because there’s no heat in the back of the truck. 

Monaka’s here to deliver a martial arts magazine to the planet’s sole inhabitant, Potage.  Potage kind of looks like a cross between a dog and a beetle, but not quite.  Anyway, he’s got bigger problems on his hands right now.

A bunch of bad guys, led by the evil Gryll, have come to this planet in search of “superhuman water”, but Goten and Trunks clobber them easily.

Gryll withdraws, but not without picking up the mysterious amulet that Potage dropped earlier.  Among other things, it’s the key to unlock the superhuman water. 

And while Goten and Trunks could easily stop him, he takes Monaka hostage, which allows him to take possession of the superhuman water.  Seems kind of anticlimactic, but...

Back on Earth, Bulma has finally discovered Trunks and Goten got into Monaka’s truck before he took off.  She calls Jaco to help them search, and when he tries to back out, she considers contacting the Galactic King and telling him about that picture she saw on Jaco’s ship with silly stuff drawn on it. 

More importantly, look how huge Vegeta is in this shot.  It’s ridiculous.  He’s supposed to be a little shorter than Bulma, and while I’ve gotten used to artists toeing that line, making him a little taller, this time they go way too far.  The character model isn’t meant to be this tall, which is why his shoulders and arms look so messed up. 

Here, they just screw it up in a whole different way.  Vegeta looks about right this time, except they just raised him up about six inches from Bulma’s level.  It looks like he’s standing on a box.

Back on Potaufeu, the bad guys are chasing the good guys, but these aliens look a little... different, don’t they?

Vegeta arrives in the nick of time (and so does Jaco) and he defeats the bad guys easily, but one of them melts into a puddle of purple goo, and it envelops Vegeta like a giant amoeba.

This is probably someone’s fetish, so drink it in, you sick fucks.

Vegeta emerges from the fluid seemingly unharmed, except he can’t use his powers. As for the purple goop...

It’s become an exact copy of Vegeta, with all his powers.  Uh-oh.

[agp]

hey if youre on turtle island or still tuesday and feel like trying a quick silly browser game you should check out tradle. (i think it updates at midnight based on time zones?) todays is real fun i prommy.

you get five guesses to figure out a country from its export data, and after each guess they tell you how far away you are and what direction the county youre looking for is. i know it sounds like a ridiculous challenge but this one has a bunch of easy hints and giveaways that are accessible to your average westerner

if its wednesday by now or you want to see the data presented differently check out this silly economy under the cut (bolded 'spoilers' ig)

total export value: 371b (usd)

gold: 86.7b (23%}

packaged meds: 48.5b (13%)

vaccines, blood, cultures, etc: 40.3b (11%)

base metal watches: 15.2b (4%)

nitrogen heterocyclic compounds: 14.2b (4%)

jewlery: 9.35b (2.5%)

precious metal watches: 8.97b (2.5%)

orthopedic appliances: 7.02b (2%)

hormones: 3.38b

coffee: 3.36b

electricity: 3.19b

medical instruments: 3.09b

machinery w indv functions: 3.04b

platinum: 2.54b

chemical analysis instruments: 2.27b

nucleic acids: 2.17b

valves: 2.17b

silver: 2.01b

electric motors: 1.78b

scented mixtures: 1.72b

sulfonamides: 1.71b

diamonds: 1.64b

planes, helicopters, and spacecraft: 1.63b

beauty products: 1.58b

other heating machinery: 1.43b

flavored water: 1.43b

gas turbines: 1.38b

low voltage protection eq: 1.34b

gas and liquid flow measuring inst: 1.3b

carboxyamide compounds: 1.26b

other measuring instruments: 1.24b

air pumps: 1.16b

motor vehicles, parts, and acc: 1.14b

petroleum gas: 1.12b

electrical transformers: 1.11b

aluminum plating: 1.07b

other plastic products: 1.01b

metal working machine parts: 988m

vitamins: 965m

polyamides: 963m

washing and bottling machines: 925m

chocolate: 887m

oxygen amino compounds: 885m

integrated circuits: 884m

iron fasteners: 881m

paintings: 873m

transmissions: 855m

special pharmaceuticals: 837m

insulated wire: 828m

electrical power accessories: 826m

plastic lids: 818m

cheese: 800m

antibiotics: 797m

liquid pumps: 797m

cars: 789m

ink: 752m

non mechanical removal machinery: 737m

trunks and cases: 734m

centrifuges: 730m

interchangeable tool parts: 728m

high voltage protection eq: 705m

hand saws: 693m

other edible preparations: 680m

electric heaters: 679m

electrical control boards: 672m

polyacetals: 664m

plastic pipes: 636m

electric soldering equipment: 616m

precious metal compounds: 608m

industrial fatty acids, oils, and alcohols: 608m

hot rolled iron bars: 590m

self propelled rail transport: 582m

refined petroleum: 577m

hydrazine or hydroxylamine derivatives: 565m

precious stones: 563m

rubber working machinery: 561m

unpackaged meds: 557m

other iron products: 553m

precious metal scraps 550m

computers: 545m

surveying equipment: 523m

other plastic sheetings: 519m

metal finishing machines: 516m

scrap copper: 514m

semiconductor devices: 511m

raw plastic sheeting: 494m

documents or title and stamps: 490m

rolled tobacco: 487m

malt extract: 469m

other electrical machinery: 467m

other paper machinery: 450m

oxygen heterocyclic compounds: 441m

non knit mens suits: 441m

synthetic coloring matter: 436m

locomotive parts: 432m

non knit womens suits: 428m

iron structures: 424m

leather footwear: 421m

industrial printers: 415m

lifting machinery: 415m

scrap iron: 412m

therapeutic appliances: 410m

office machine parts: 410m

other clocks and watches: 405m

metal molds: 403m

other furniture: 403m

glaziers putty: 377m

liquid dispersing machines: 376m

knitting machine accessories: 370m

other small iron pipes: 369m

broadcasting equipment: 367m

aircraft parts: 363m

industrial food prep machinery: 362m

glues: 357m

pesticides: 349m

oscilloscopes: 344m

raw aluminum: 344m

knit sweaters: 339m

optical fibers and bundles: 334m

excavation machinery: 332m

non iron/steel slag ash and residue: 319m

carboxylic acids: 315m

xray equipment: 315m

electric motor parts: 315m

watch straps: 313m

tanks and armoured vehicles: 310m

forging machines: 309m

cleaning products: 306m

metalworking transfer machines: 298m

animal food: 294m

combustion engines: 282m

engine parts: 271m

electric generating sets: 254m

scrap aluminum: 249m

laboratory reagents: 249m

perfumes: 244m

other rubber products: 241m

photo lab equipment: 240m

wheat: 236m

lubricating products: 234m

printed circuit boards: 233m

aluminum bars: 230m

explosive ammunition: 230m

brooms: 224m

lcds: 223m

refrigerators: 223m

motorcycles and cycles: 221m

large construction vehicles: 221m

coal briquettes: 221m

corn: 220m

aluminum cans: 219m

textile footwear: 217m

thermostats: 207m

coffee and tea extracts: 206m

other aluminum products: 204m

ball bearings: 203m

knives: 199m

machines for additive mnf: 195m

raw iron bars: 187m

delivery trucks: 185m

milling stones: 176m

aluminum foil: 170m

collectors items: 169m

soybean oil: 169m

wood fiberboard: 166m

other stainless steel bars: 164m

sculptures: 160m

cutting blades: 159m

baked goods: 150m

navigation equipment: 146m

hydrometers: 137m

watch cases and parts: 134m

laboratory ceramic wear: 134m

wood carpentry: 124m

mirrors and lenses: 117m