#load transfer bar

[srjsteel]

How Dowel Bars Enhance Road Lifespan: The Unsung Heroes of Pavement Longevity

Introduction: The Critical Role of Roads in Modern Infrastructure

Roads are not just tracks; they are lifeblood between communities, enablers of commerce, and facilitators of travel. Yet again, nature's forces and day-to-day stress of vehicular movement call for smart solutions to make roads endure longer. Among all contributing factors that make a road resilient, dowel bars rank as unsung heroes providing smoother transition, stress mitigation, and considerable elongation of pavement life.

Understanding Dowel Bars: A Fundamental Engineering Solution

What Are Dowel Bars?

Dowel bars are small, cylindrical steel bars cast across joints in concrete pavements. Their function is basically to transfer loads from one pavement slab to the next with a balanced distribution of load and weight without cracking or failure at the joint. These humble yet vital pieces are often overlooked but play a crucial role in the long-term durability of roads, especially those subject to high traffic volumes.

The Scientific Principles Behind Dowel Bar Technology

Concrete, though very much durable, expands and then contracts with temperature changes in a natural manner. When this happens, it pushes the joints apart, providing uneven surfaces that compromise functionality as well as safety. A dowel bar counters by:

Load Transfer Efficiency: Ensures that the distribution of weight across slabs is equal, thus minimizing localized stress.

Joint Stability: Faulting, or height differences of slabs, is more unlikely to happen because its alignment is maintained.

Crack Prevention: Minimizing the kinds of stresses that, left on their own, will surely crack and wear off fast.

Why Dowel Bars Are Indispensable in Modern Road Construction

Advanced Pavement Life

Without good means of load transfer, road pavements are soon susceptible to degradation under repeated stressing through vehicles. Dowel bars help to sustain large stresses; thus, there would be a long service of the pavement.

Smoother Road Surfaces

Smooth transitions between pavement slabs create safer, more comfortable journeys for motorists. Dowel bars help maintain these transitions, reducing vibrations and wear on vehicles.

Cost-Effective Maintenance

Proactive use of dowel bars reduces the need for frequent repairs and overhauls, saving considerable time and resources in the long run.

Environmental Benefits

Dowel bars also help in sustainable infrastructure development as they prolong the life of roads, thus reducing frequent reconstruction. This conserves materials and energy.

Diverse Applications of Dowel Bars

Highways and Expressways

In high-traffic areas, dowel bars are crucial to accommodate the weight and frequency of vehicles, ranging from commuter cars to heavy-duty trucks.

Urban Roads

City streets are subject to extreme thermal stress combined with large vehicle loads. Dowel bars maintain their integrity under challenging conditions.

Airport Runways

The stresses generated by airplanes during landing and take-off require a solid pavement design. Dowel bars assure that runways continue functional and safe under extreme conditions of stress.

Critical Installation Techniques

The effectiveness of dowel bars is not only in design but also in proper installation practices. Some of the major considerations include:

Precise Alignment: Proper placement is necessary for effective load transfer.

Corrosion Resistance: Dowel bars coated with materials such as epoxy are long-lasting because they cannot rust.

Joint Sawing and Sealing: Making sure joints are correctly cut and sealed to complement the dowel bar system.

Comparing Dowel Bars to Alternative Solutions

Although there are diverse measures of increasing pavement sustainability, dowel bars are by far the most effective, though most expensive, ways to strengthen pavement. Even if such alternatives as continued reinforcement have the potentiality for greater costs and less realisable uses in certain road settings, dowel bars, without any doubt find themselves balancing between performance and expense.

The Future of Infrastructure: Investing in Quality

Long-term investment in infrastructure projects will need to focus on the quality and sustainability of dowel bars. The idea of dowel bars as part of pavement design strategy ensures that roads are fully functional and safe for centuries to come.

For engineers and construction companies, selecting a high-quality dowel bar specific to the needs of a project is essential. This includes material composition, size, and coating options that relate to the expected load conditions and environmental factors.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

Modern infrastructure demands innovation, durability, and cost efficiency. Dowel bars meet these demands, serving as a cornerstone of resilient road construction. Their role in distributing loads, maintaining stability, and reducing wear ensures that roads can handle the stresses of daily life while remaining safe and reliable.

Investing in dowel bars is an investment in infrastructure that lasts. By integrating these simple yet effective components, construction professionals can build roads that not only endure but excel.

[askagamedev]

Vertical Slice Breakdown - Dragon Age Veilguard

It's been a few days since the Dragon Age Veilguard gameplay video was released. I posted a challenge for aspiring developers to identify as many specific features and systems as they could spot. My expertise is in gameplay, so that's where I will be focusing. Expertise on visuals like lighting, rendering, shaders, etc. should be directed elsewhere.

0:22 - In-Game Cinematic with moving cameras 0:30 - Seamless cinematic transfer to gameplay, quest tracking UI element, different walking speeds 0:36 - Interactable element with UI 0:43 - Camera movement - orbital motion, but likely not detachable 0:53 - Party member movement, including waiting for the player as part of an escort sequence 2:08 - Uninteractable NPC actors perform animations 2:13 - Scriptable terrain changes/destruction 2:18 - Scriptable interactions with multiple actors 2:29 - Uninterrupted conversations when transitioning from gameplay to in-game cinematic 2:39 - Context-specific traversal method with special traversal animation (balancing across a thin beam) 2:50 - Small sequence that is likely unloading the last area and loading in data for the next environment. Likely also locks players off from returning to the previous area. 3:22 - Conversation wheel with "personality" icons and paraphrased words 3:39 - Dynamic inventory in game cinematics, show player's items 3:46 - Scripted Player equipment change during cinematic 4:04 - Quest variables (e.g. player background) result in different NPC response 4:27 - Combat UI including current target (four red dots), Combat log 4:30 - Player can jump 4:33 - UI Melee danger indicator for incoming attacks - silver for enemy attacking, gold for shortly impending damage 4:35 - Player can dash/dodge 4:39 - Event log - Items/Loot notification 4:42 - Shooting UI including hit/miss indicator (red reticle), time scaling, arrow charging (rounded purple bar above arrow count), arrow refill cooldown 5:03 - Some kind of special charge/jumping attack 5:09 - XP gain UI, Quest objective completion UI, Quest objective map indicator UI 5:12 - Auto sheath weapons 5:15 - Potion use/Health recovery 5:18 - Recover potions from the environment 5:40 - Quest objective indicator change on approach 5:49 - Ranged attack danger indicator 5:51 - Defensive action (player reflects damage back on ranged attacker) 6:06 - Enemies can be knocked off edges when fatal 6:10 - Destructible objects in combat, can be scripted 6:16 - Some kind of "special" dodge skill with VFX, likely a rogue class skill 6:51 - Second context-specific traversal method (sliding down a slope) also likely a second "can't go back" type of lockoff 7:01 - Action/Command UI (party/self ability commands) 7:06 - Specific skill used, skill cooldown, enemy debuffed + UI (weakened), resource used (purple bar at bottom of screen) 7:07 - Quick use button mapping, likely for controller face buttons 7:09 - Resource bar refills on its own and on attack damage 10:47 - Different kinds of health bars (likely magical shield and armor) 11:59 - Boss UI with both magical shield and armor bars. Not sure what the number 4 there indicates 12:15 - Telegraphed danger zones projected onto the floor 12:22 - Quick recover timing event 14:45 - Conversation option for branching cinematic 14:51 - Follower approval UI event log 18:49 - Destructible object with health bar and UI highlighting

Each of these elements is something that would need to be designed and implemented by someone on the gameplay team working with UI, engineering, and art. See anything I missed? Which did you get?

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Got a burning question you want answered?

Short questions: Ask a Game Dev on Twitter

Long questions: Ask a Game Dev on Tumblr

Frequent Questions: The FAQ

[iovebarca]

Transfer of Heart - Marc Guiu

Authors note: omg spain won that surprised absolutely no one!!!!

Warnings: incorrect grammar (probably), my first language isn't english so if you notice any mistakes please tell me, angsty, fluff!

WC: 1000+

You're standing in a crowded bar in the heart of Barcelona, the vibrant music and chatter of people creating a symphony of nightlife around you. You’ve always loved the energy of this place, the Lower East Side vibe transplanted to Spain. Tonight, however, feels different. There’s a tinge of anticipation mingling with your excitement, a flutter of nerves in your stomach as you glance at your phone.

Then, you see him – Marc. Tall, with an effortlessly handsome look that makes your heart race. His eyes light up when he spots you, cutting through the crowd with an easy confidence that always leaves you breathless.

"Hey," he says, pulling you into a warm embrace. The scent of his cologne wraps around you, a comforting familiarity.

"Hey," you reply, your voice soft against his shoulder. "How was training?"

"Exhausting," he laughs, pulling back to look at you with those sparkling eyes. "But seeing you makes it all worth it."

You both grab drinks and find a quieter corner to talk. The conversation flows easily, as it always does with Marc. He tells you about his day, his teammates, the latest locker room banter. But tonight, there's a tension in his eyes, something unsaid lingering between his words.

"You seem distracted," you finally say, placing a hand on his arm. "Is everything okay?"

He hesitates, then shakes his head with a forced smile. "Just a lot on my mind, I guess. But don't worry about it. How was your day?"

You decide not to press further, though the unease lingers. As the night wears on, you lose yourself in the comfort of his presence, pushing the doubts aside.

A week passes, and Marc seems more distant. He’s been busy before, but this feels different. The late-night texts are fewer, the calls shorter, and there’s a vague, disquieting sense of something slipping away.

One evening, as you’re scrolling through Instagram, you see a post from Chelsea Football Club. Your heart stops as you read the headline: "Welcome to Our New Transfer: Marc!". The accompanying photo shows Marc holding a Chelsea jersey, smiling broadly.

Shock and hurt hit you like a tidal wave. He’s leaving Barcelona. He’s leaving you. And he didn’t tell you.

Your phone buzzes with a message from him: "Hey, can we talk?" But you ignore it. Anger and betrayal surge through you. How could he keep something so significant from you? You turn off your phone, needing time to process this on your own.

Days go by, and you try to focus on anything but Marc. Yet, everything reminds you of him – the places you went together, the songs you listened to, the lingering scent of his cologne.

A week later, there’s a knock at your door. You open it to find Marc standing there, looking desperate and exhausted.

“Can we talk?” he asks, his voice almost a whisper. His eyes are filled with a mix of regret and longing that makes your heart ache.

You step aside, letting him in. He stands in your living room, looking around as if trying to find the right words.

“I’m sorry,” he finally says, his voice breaking. “I should have told you about the transfer. I didn’t know how to, and then it all happened so fast. But I can’t leave without telling you how I feel.”

You cross your arms, trying to maintain your anger. Knowing deep down you've missed him loads.

He steps closer, his eyes searching yours. “I love you. I’ve loved you since the moment we met. And the thought of leaving without you... I can’t do it. Come with me, please. I can’t imagine my life without you.”

The sincerity in his voice breaks down your defenses. Tears fill your eyes as you realize how much you’ve missed him, how much you still love him.

“I love you too, Marc,” you say, your voice trembling.

In an instant, he's closing the distance between you, his lips crashing into yours. The kiss is urgent, filled with all the emotions of the past week – the anger, the longing, the love. His hands are on your back, pulling you closer, and you can feel his heart racing against yours.

You lose yourself in the kiss, in the feeling of his body against yours. The world outside fades away, leaving just the two of you, wrapped in each other’s arms. His lips move with desperation, as if trying to make up for all the time lost, and you respond with equal intensity, pouring all your emotions into the embrace.

When you finally pull away, you're both breathless. Marc rests his forehead against yours, his eyes closed.

“Come with me,” he whispers again. “Let’s start a new life together.”

You look into his eyes, seeing the depth of his sincerity and the love that’s always been there. “Yes. I’ll go with you.”

His face breaks into a relieved, joyful smile before he pulls you into another kiss, softer this time but just as intense. His hands move to your face, cradling it gently as his lips explore yours, slow and deliberate.

The kiss deepens, and you feel his hands travel down your back, pulling you closer until there’s no space left between you. You can feel his heartbeat, strong and steady, matching the rhythm of your own.

You guide him towards the couch, your bodies entwined. He lowers you down gently, his lips never leaving yours. The heat between you is palpable, every touch, every kiss stoking the flames of desire that have been simmering for so long.

“I can’t lose you,” he murmurs against your lips. “Not now, not ever.”

“You won’t,” you promise, your fingers tangling in his hair as you pull him closer. “I’m yours, Marc.”

His response is a fervent kiss, his hands exploring your body with a reverence that makes you shiver. You lose yourself in the moment, in the love and passion that’s always been there, just waiting for this moment to be unleashed.

The world outside ceases to exist, leaving only the two of you, wrapped in each other’s love and desire.

[joelmillerisapunk]

Girl Next Door

Neighbor!Joel Miller x F!Reader

Masterlist

Wordcount: 3,646

Summary: Joel finds himself overwhelmed by the desire to possess something that belongs to you, leading him to indulge in a secret fantasy.

~Or~

What Odette dreams about

Warnings: 18+, mentions of Tommy being in jail, underwear/ underwear sniffing kink? Unprotected bathroom bar sex, hair pulling, no physical description of reader minus hair being pullable, oral - m!receiving

Notes: NERVOUS AS ALL HECK TO POST THIS AS MY FIRST FIC IN A MINUTE. didn't know I had this kink until I had a similar dream, so don't look at me, but also, if anyone else likes this, please let's talk so I don't feel weird 😂 thanks as always @saradika-graphics for the divider

Joel is restless as he mindlessly tosses his clothes into the washing machine in the shared laundry room of his apartment complex. He can't stop thinking about the woman he saw moving in across the hall. There's just something about her that captivated him, and he can't shake her from his mind.

As he goes to add the detergent to the machine, he notices a basket of laundry sitting next to his. His eyes scan over the pile of clothes until they land on a pair of lacy panties. A thrill run through him as he realises that they were hers - yours.

The ones he saw when he was watching you move boxes, the ones he watched appear when you bent over and your shirt exposed the small of your back.

And before he can talk himself out of it, he quickly grabs the panties, stuffing them into his pocket. He turns around just in time to see you walking into the laundry room.

"Oh, hey there," you say with a friendly smile. "I didn't realize anyone else was using the machines right now."

Joel feels his face flush with embarrassment as he stutters out a response. "Uh, yeah, was just finishin' up."

You chuckle softly. "Well, don't let me interrupt you. I just need to switch my load over to the dryer."

As you bend down to transfer your clothes, Joel can't help but steal a glance at your body. He feels a stirring in his pants, and he quickly looks away, hoping you don't notice.

When you straighten up, you catch him looking and raise an eyebrow. "Everything okay?"

Joel feels his face grow even hotter. "Uh, yeah, sorry. I just got a little distracted."

You smile knowingly. "Well, I hope it was a good distraction.”

You make small talk as you wait for your laundry to finish, and Joel finds himself even more drawn to you.

As you’re about to leave, you turn to him. "Hey, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, what is it darlin?"

"Well, I seem to have misplaced a pair of my favorite underwear. I was wondering if you might have seen them around here?"

Joel's mind races as he tries to think of a response. He can't very well admit that he had taken them, could he?

"Uh, no, I haven't seen them," he stammers, hoping you don't notice the lie.

You look disappointed. "Oh, well, thanks anyway. I guess I'll just have to buy a new pair." And with that, you're gone. Shortly after, he gathers his things and leaves.

As soon as he’s outside the room, Joel lets out a sigh of relief. The adrenaline rush from stealing your underwear sends shivers down his spine. He can’t believe how easy that was. This is definitely the highest he's ever felt.

But as he walks away, a wave of guilt washes over him. What kind of sick fuck gets off on stealing women's underwear? He knows how wrong it is, but damn if it doesn't turn him on like nothing else ever could.

He walks aimlessly for a while, trying to distract himself from the thoughts in his head. But every time he thinks about those lacy panties clinging to his thigh, he feels his cock throb.

He needs to do something with them. He needs to feel them against his skin, to smell them, to touch them. But what? Should he hide them away in a drawer? Or should he just keep them nearby for whenever the urge struck?

Joel hesitates for a moment before finally making up his mind.

As he walks back into his apartment, he can’t help but imagine what it would be like to feel those panties on his body. The idea of feeling your softness against his skin makes his cock throb even harder.

Joel decides to try and sleep it off. Maybe by morning, the urge would pass, and he would be able to put this whole thing behind him.

He walks toward his bedroom and strips off his clothes before he climbs into bed. But try as he might, sleep eludes him. The urge to grab those panties and explore them with his tongue is too strong to ignore. He continues to shift restlessly in bed until finally giving in to temptation. He reaches down grabbing the soft fabric from his jeans wrapping one hand around his hard cock and using the other hand to bring the fabric up to his nose and inhales deeply.

Joel's hand moves up and down his shaft, stroking with a rhythm that he knows will bring him to climax in no time. He focuses on the sensation of his own hand, the softness of you on the lace, letting out a low moan as he feels himself getting closer to the edge.

But then, just as he's about to come, Joel hesitates. What if you found out? The thought makes him pause, making him wonder if it’s worth the risk. He decides to take a break for now. Throwing the panties to the floor, he lays there for a few moments, trying to catch his breath. But then he can't resist. The urge takes over slowly and then, all at once, crashing over him like a tidal wave about to suffocate him. Joel picks up the panties one more time and brings them close to his face, inhaling deeply.

"Fuck," he mutters under his breath as he licks them slowly, savoring their scent. He runs his tongue over every inch of fabric before finally taking them into his mouth, sucking on them hungrily. "You taste so sweet baby."

He stops to hold the panties in front of his face, admiring their form, admiring the cut and color. He imagines how it would taste if he were to lick your pretty lips and your pretty little clit, imagining how it would taste when he slips his fingers inside you as you’re making a mess all over his face. It almost makes him come right then.

He moans softly as he imagines all the things he would be doing to you once he gets you alone. How you would feel wrapped around his cock, moaning as he pushes into you. His eyes light up as he envisions how you would feel, naked against him, begging and whimpering as he fucks you. He knows the perfect way to drive you insane; torturing you for pleasure before finally plunging into you, making you scream his name, begging daddy for his big cock. He pictures you writhing and crying underneath him as his seed spills all over your soft skin, filling the air with the musky scent of sex.

His fantasy is interrupted, however, as his phone rings, shattering the illusion of the forbidden paradise his imagination created. Joel groans in frustration, reluctantly answering it.

"Ya?" He demands, his voice rough with need and lust, not bothering to ask who it is.

"Hey, big brother. It's me." it was Tommy, and Joel could only guess what this was about. Tommy had seen himself in jail, his fair share these past few years, and Joel was tired of bailing him out.

"Tommy, I swear to god -" Joel starts, ready cuss out his brother and give him the old "I'm gonna kick your ass..." spiel, but Tommy cuts him off.

"I know what you're gonna say. You're gonna kick my ass. But it wasn't my fault this time. The guy had it comin. He was gonna hurt her. I was just tryin' to help. You gotta respect that, Mr. Southern gentleman himself." Tommy says, sounding sincere enough for Joel to believe him. He relaxes slightly. Tommy never did anything particularly bad, but he always manages to get himself in trouble somehow. Even as kids, he was always bailing Tommy out.

Joel rolls his eyes. “That's what you said the last time. I'm gonna kick your damn ass Tommy. I should leave ya in there."

"Alright, alright, look man-"

"What? Make it good, or I'm goin’ back to bed." Joel says impatiently.

"You bail me out this one last time, and I'll buy you the next round'a beer." Tommy bargains.

Joel can't help but laugh at his brother's proposal. "You're really tryin’ to bribe me with beer, huh? Fine, I'll bail you out one last time. But you better not fuck this up, Tommy, you ain’t gettin' another chance." Joel warns.

"Thanks, Joel. I won't let you down this time, I promise - promise on our mamma," Tommy replies, sounding genuinely grateful.

Joel sighs and hangs up the phone, shaking his head. He can't believe he was letting his brother talk him into this again.

But as he gets dressed and heads out to bail his brother out of jail, Joel can’t shake off the feeling of excitement that still lingers from his earlier encounter. The memory of those lacy panties, the scent of you on his fingers, the taste of you on his tongue - all of it is still fresh in his mind.

As he drives, Joel's mind starts to wander. He can't stop thinking about you, about the way you probably look in those silky panties, the way you feel and taste. He feels himself getting hard again just thinking about it. There’s something about you that draws him in, something that makes him want to possess you, to make you his own.

With one hand on the wheel, his free hand pulls out the underwear from his pocket, his hand shaking with desire as he holds the lacy panties up.

He lets out a low moan, his cock already rock hard in his pants and without thinking, he begins to rub himself through the fabric, imagining it’s your hand on him instead.

The sensation is overwhelming, and Joel can feel himself on the brink of climax almost immediately. He tries to hold back to savor the moment, but it’s no use. Within seconds, he’s coming hard, staining his jeans with his own release.

Panicked, he starts feeling around his truck for something to cover up the stain on his pants. He rummages through the glove compartment and the back seat before finally finding an old sweater that Tommy had left behind on a previous visit.

Joel quickly places the sweater over his bulge, hoping it would be enough to hide the stain.

When he arrives, he parks in the loading zone and jumps out of the truck, still trying to act casual while tying the sweater around his waist. But as he approaches the entrance, he can feel the eyes of the other visitors coming in on him, no doubt noticing the bulge in his pants and the sweater tied around his waist.

As he walks into the jail, his face flushes with embarrassment, and his mind still preoccupies with thoughts of you. He makes his way to the visitor's area, scanning the crowd for Tommy.

When he finally spots his brother sitting at a visitors table, looking bored and impatient, Joel approaches him, trying to act as casual as possible.

"Hey, Tommy," Joel says, as he sits across from him.

Tommy looks up and does a double-take when he sees the sweater tied around Joel's waist. "What the hell happened to you?" Tommy asks, with a smirk on his face.

Joel feels his face grow even hotter with embarrassment. "Nothin’, just spilled some coffee on my pants.”

Tommy raises an eyebrow, clearly not convinced.

Joel shifts uncomfortably in his seat, trying to discreetly adjust the sweater tied around his waist. He can feel Tommy's eyes on him, still skeptical about the "coffee" stain.

"Sure thing, big brother. Whatever you say," Tommy says, chuckling to himself.

—

Joel and Tommy walk out of the jail, the weight of the situation heavy between them but still Joel can't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him as they step out into the cool night air. He had done his duty as an older brother once again, bailing Tommy out of a sticky situation.

As they make their way to Joel's truck, he can’t shake off the thoughts of you that have been consuming him all day. He wants you, needs you, in a way that he has never felt before.

Tommy notices Joel's distracted state and ribbs him about it. "Hey man, you got a girl on the brain or somethin’? You've been acting weird since you got here."

Joel hesitates for a moment, as much of a dumbass his kid brother is, he’s really all he’s got, "Uh - yeah, there’s this girl... Can't stop thinkin’ about her."

Tommy chuckles. "Well, maybe you should ask her out or somethin’. What's the worst that could happen?"

Joel shakes his head. "It's not that simple. I... I don't even know her name."

Tommy raises an eyebrow. "Well, where’d you meet her?"

Joel hesitates for a moment before admitting the truth. "I saw her move the other day across the way. I couldn't take my eyes off of her. Just sat there starin’ for a bit, I just couldn't help myself.”

"Well, maybe you'll run into her again sometime. And this time, you can introduce yourself like a normal person."

Joel nods, feeling a glimmer of hope. Maybe Tommy was right. Maybe he would run into you again. And this time, he could do things differently.

—

The next evening, Joel finds himself at the bar down the street, hoping against hope that he might see you again, somewhere, somehow. He sits at the bar, nursing a beer and scanning the crowd for any sign of you.

As he sits there, he can't help but feel a sense of déjà vu. Has he been here before? It was like a fog had settled over his memory, making it difficult to recall the details.

And then, just as he's about to give up hope, he sees you walking towards the bar, your eyes scanning the crowd. And then, as if by some miracle, they land on him.

You smile, a shy, tentative smile that makes Joel's heart race. Joel can't help but feel a wave of nervousness wash over him as he sees you approaching him at the bar.

He's always been awkward around women, especially ones as beautiful as you. He tries to play it cool, taking a sip of his beer and glancing up at the TV, but his eyes keep flicking back to you.

"Hey there, cowboy," you say, a playful smile on your lips. "I haven't seen you around here before."

Joel feels a wave of nervousness wash over him, but he tries to hide it with a grin. "Oh, I'm just passin' through," he says, hoping he doesn't sound as awkward as he feels.

But you seem to be enjoying his discomfort, your eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, I'm glad you stopped by."

You lean against the bar, your body close to Joel's. He can feel the heat radiating off of you, and he finds himself struggling to focus on anything but you.

"So, cowboy, tell me what really brings you to this little dive bar?" You ask, your voice low and sultry.

Joel takes a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. "Just needed a break from the rodeo, I guess," he says, trying to play along.

You laugh, a loud, genuine laugh that makes Joel's heart skip a beat. "Well, I'm glad you found it. Maybe we can make each other's night a little more interesting."

Joel feels a thrill run through him at your words. He knows what you're suggesting, and he can't help but feel a surge of desire. "I'd like that darlin."

You lean in closer, your lips brushing against Joel's ear. "Follow me."

Joel follows you through the crowded bar, his heart racing with excitement. He can't believe what's happening, but he doesn't want it to stop.

You lead him to the bathroom, pushing open the door and pulling him inside. The room is small and dimly lit, but Joel can see the desire shining in your eyes.

You push him up against the wall, your body presses against his. Joel can feel your breath hot against his skin, and he finds himself struggling to breathe.

"I've wanted you since the moment I saw you."

Joel feels a surge of desire run through him. He's wanted you just as badly, and he can't believe this is finally happening. He reaches out, his hands tangling in your hair as he pulls you closer. Your lips meet in a passionate kiss, your tongues dancing together as you explore each other's mouths.

Joel's hands move down your body, sliding under your skirt and finding their way to your panties. He can feel the heat radiating off of you, and he knows you want him just as badly as he wants you.

He slides your panties down your legs, his fingers lingering for a moment before he lets them fall to the floor.

You break the kiss, your breath hot and heavy. "Take me."

Joel doesn't need to be told twicn.sbb

De. He helps you up onto the sink and your legs wrap around his waist as he slides inside of you.

You moan with pleasure, your head thrown back as Joel thrusts into you. The bathroom is small and cramped, but neither of you care. All that matters is the heat and the pleasure between you.

Joel can feel himself getting close, the pleasure building up inside of him. He knows he won't be able to hold back for much longer.

But just as he's about to reach his climax, you pull away, your body sliding down his.

"Not yet, cowboy," you say, a playful smile on your lips.

Joel watches as you sink to your knees in front of him, your eyes never leaving his. He feels a surge rush through him as you reach for his hard cock, you wrap your hand around it, stroking him slowly. Joel lets out a low moan as he feels your hand on him, the sensation almost too much to bear.

You lean in closer, your breath hot against his skin. He can feel your lips brushing against the tip of his cock, and he holds his breath in anticipation.

And then, finally, you take him into your mouth. Joel lets out another moan as he feels your lips around him, your tongue swirling around his cock. His thoughts are consumed with desire as he watches you pleasure him.

He reaches down, tangling his fingers in your hair as he begins to thrust his hips, fucking your mouth with a roughness that takes you by surprise. You moan around his cock, the vibrations sending shivers down his spine. He can't believe how good it feels and how much he wants you.

He feels himself teetering on the edge, and he knows he's about to come. He pulls out of your mouth, your saliva glistening on his cock.

Without a word, he pulls you up and turns you around, bending you over the sink. He can see your face in the mirror, your eyes wide with desire and anticipation.

He slides inside of you, your wetness coating his cock as he begins to thrust. He can feel you clenching around him, your body trembling. Joel reaches around, his fingers finding your clit. He begins to rub slow circles, hearing you moan with pleasure as he hits the right spot.

He knows he won't be able to hold back much longer, and with one final thrust, he spills his seed deep inside of you, filling you up as you moan with pleasure.

Joel watches in the mirror as you come with him, your face flushed with pleasure, and your eyes glazed over with desire. He can't believe what just happened, but he knows one thing for sure - he needs more of you.

He pulls out of you and helps you to your feet. You lean into him, your body trembling with pleasure.

"Wow," you say, your voice barely above a whisper.

Joel chuckles, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over him. "Yeah, wow," he says, pulling you close for a kiss.

He helps you straighten your clothes, his fingers lingering on your skin for a moment before he pulls away.

You reach down, picking up your panties from the floor. You hold them out to Joel, a mischievous glint in your eyes.

"A souvenir," you wink.

Joel takes the panties, his heart racing with excitement.

You lean in, your fingers putting a pre-written note in his pocket, and your lips brush against his ear. "Call me, cowboy," you say, your voice low and sultry.

And then you're gone, leaving Joel alone in the bathroom with nothing but the memory of your body and the scent of your panties to remind him of what just happened. He can't believe what just happened, but he knows one thing for sure - he's never felt this alive before.

[a-little-revolution]

Hi lovely, I hope you are well?

I saw the ask about the bathroom accommodations and it got me really interested in two things.

1) what are accommodations that are hLepful (trying to 'help' without actually considering the needs of the individual, for example the step not enabling independence and I imagine from prior posts that it would also cause strain on your joints? (Plus the whole hygiene side, run into that one myself with suggested accommodations) )

2) what accommodations would you want to see in public spaces (doesn't have to be bathroom related, this just showed me a gap in my awareness and I'd like to work on it so I can include more awareness whenever I'm partaking in conversations around accessibility. If you have prior posts do link them, the only one that's coming to my mind right now was discussing the lack of accessibility in hospitals)

Hope you have a good pain/energy day, and I really love your style!

Hello! Indeed, I spoke about some ways to make public spaces more accessible for little people here - particularly when it comes to public washrooms. Here's some more accommodations I'd love to see!

I would love to see more information/reception desks with varying heights! This is an excellent piece of infrastructure that allows little people (and wheelchair users) full access to the counter and a place to speak to an attendant.

In the realm of public counter tops - a huge point of inaccess for me is grocery store conveyor belts. They come to about my chest, which makes loading and packing very difficult. And the "accessible" lane is no different! Plus every grocery store I've been to makes the "accessible" lane also the express lane - so while I'm buying my load of groceries, there's always a disgruntled customer behind me - I've even been denied access for having too many groceries!

The self check out is even worse - in a world where we're now being ushered to interact with these robots instead of real people, I can't reach the screen or the debit machine! So either way I need to ask for help, which completely defeats it's purpose. I would love to see a more accessible option that is lower to the ground.

A second, lower handrail on public stairs is a must! I've seen these in children's hospitals and schools, and would love them to be common place. Average handrails often land at shoulder height or higher - they provide little to no stability or safety for little people.

An access issue that often gets overlooked is the height of public seating - this includes doctor's office chairs, modern theatre seating, bar stools, booths, and office swivel chairs. The irony of a disabled person not being able to sit down is one I come across on the regular. The number of times I've showed up for an interview and not been able to sit without assistance is absurd.

Having a variety of seating options, or providing public step stools (or a combination of the two) could be easy fixes to this issue. In hospitals I am seeing a slow shift towards even lower chairs and beds since this issue is not always unique to little people - anyone who has difficulty bending, sitting, or transferring from a wheelchair has this issue. Modern design needs to account for diversity, instead of steering towards minimalism.

Step stools are of course the easiest means of making public spaces more accessible for little people, but I want to point out that they're not always the be-all-end-all solution, and can actually just be a band aid to some problems. While stools are incredibly versatile, not everyone has the ability to use them and they can pose a hazard in certain situations. In points of high traffic, built-in steps are far safer and could even be designed to fold up when not in use - they can also account for weight and wear.

Additionally, when stools are option in public, it's vital that they be easily accessed and borrowed by patrons without the need for a special request. I've said it before, "If I have to ask for help, it's not accessible". In order for stools to be a viable accommodation, they should be as freely obtained as toilet paper.

[babygirl-diaz]

Can't stop thinking about an omega tommy being lonely all those years thinking maybe he's just too unloveable to be mated and not good enough because he doesn't have the typical omega physique that every alpha want in an omega and that until he met Evan😌

Oh my god, anon, now I can't stop thinking about it either. My hand slipped and I wrote it as a fic 😅

Also a special thanks to @sarastars for also giving me the ideas for this fic!

Also, sorry for making Tommy so out of character.

***

Tommy knew he would never find an alpha. He wasn't built like a typical omega. In fact, he was reminded of that every day at the 118 firehouse.

"Hey, Tommy!"

Tommy sighed, stopped loading the dishwasher, and got up. "Yeah, Deluca?"

"Bet you're used to bending, huh?" Deluca teased and made crude thrusting motions with his hips, but then he stopped and pouted at him. "Oh wait, you don't have anyone to bend for! How sad is that?" And then Deluca and his pals were laughing while high-fiving each other.

Tommy gritted his teeth and walked away without saying a word. He just wanted to leave this place. Go somewhere where he is actually respected.

"Don't let them get to you."

Tommy looked up from where he was sitting on the bench outside and saw Hen giving him a sympathetic look.

"They treat you worse and you're an alpha," Tommy pointed out and moved to make space for Hen.

"Yeah, that's true," Hen agreed and sat down. "They just want people to fit in a certain mold and when they don't-"

"-they make their lives a living hell," Tommy finished her sentence for her. "Do you ever wish you could work somewhere else?"

"I don't think it's any better anywhere else," Hen shrugged.

"I am more optimistic and think there is someplace out there where no matter who you are, you are treated right," Tommy replied.

***

"Hey, handsome."

Someone greeted Tommy and he looked up from his drink to see a beautiful brunette with gray eyes standing next to him giving him a flirtatious look.

He was currently having drinks at the bar with his teammates and to have a beautiful woman's attention on him in front of them flustered him.

"Do you mind if we talk in private? Away from your friends?" The woman asked biting her bottom lip. "I bet an alpha like you could show me a good time."

Laughter suddenly rang through the table, making Tommy cringe.

"Sweetheart, if you're looking for alpha then he ain't it," one of his teammates, Andy, told the woman.

The woman looked confused for a second before her eyes widened. "Ew! You're an omega?"

Tommy felt his heart shatter in a million pieces.

"You look so deceptive. Maybe stop taking steroids to make yourself look like an alpha," the woman huffed and walked away.

And then Tommy was left with his laughing teammates.

"She really thought you were an alpha!" Deluca teased.

"Yeah, maybe stop taking steroids, Tommy," another teammate, Gary, teased him as well and laughed.

Tommy wanted the Earth to swallow him whole but he had no such luck.

He felt a hand on his shoulder and saw Howard giving him a sympathetic look.

***

When Tommy could finally transfer to the 217, he felt like he could breathe. The 217 were a lot better. There were a few who teased him but it wasn't as bad as it was in the 118.

But then, years down the line, he was forced to transfer back to the 118. It wasn't his choice, but their firehouse ironically caught fire and the place had to be shut down, with everyone transferred to different stations. Since Tommy had a history there, they transferred him back to the 118.

Things had changed at the 118, though. Many of the alphas that he worked with were gone but Deluca was still there, much to Tommy's chagrin.

There were a few fresh faces there but one in particular piqued Tommy's interest: Evan Buckley.

Evan was a young, cocky guy, who seemed like he was a bit of an asshole but Tommy kind of dug that. Evan mostly stayed to himself but sometimes Tommy found him giving him looks he couldn't quite decipher.

But then something happened one day that made Tommy realize Evan wasn't any better either.

Tommy was about to go home and he had parked his car next to Evan's jeep. So when Evan approached him, Tommy thought nothing of it. That is until Evan cornered Tommy against his car.

"Hey, whoa, I don't want any trouble, okay?" The words left Tommy's mouth before he could stop himself. He was always so used to being defensive.

Evan smirked and said, "You're so hot, Tommy. I've been admiring you from day one."

Tommy frowned when he heard that. So Evan was even more cruel than the others. At least they didn't play with his feelings.

Evan pressed Tommy further against his car and Tommy felt his heart racing. "You're such a pretty omega. So fucking breedable." Evan's breath ghosted next to Tommy's ear, making him shiver. "Can't believe you're not already taken but maybe that's because you were waiting for me."

Tommy felt like crying. He hated being toyed with like this. "Please stop."

"Why?" Evan whispered breathlessly in his ear.

Instead of answering Tommy pushed Evan away and got into the car and left.

***

Tommy knew he was close to his next heat. But it was a few days away so he went to work anyway.

Before work, as he changed his clothes in the locker room, he felt a presence behind him.

"Hey, Tommy." It was Deluca.

Tommy sighed, put on his shirt, and turned around to face him. "Yeah, Deluca?"

There was something different about Deluca today. He had a small smile, and his features were soft. "Listen, I just- I wanted to apologize for treating you like trash for all these years."

Tommy was taken aback by that. "Uh what?"

"Yeah, but I was mean to you for a reason," Deluca said rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "I have feelings for you."

Tommy thought he heard wrong. Because there is no way Deluca of all people just admitted that he had feelings for him. "What?"

Deluca stepped closer to him. "I've had feelings for you for the longest time. But I was in a relationship. I couldn't do anything about it so I treated you horribly instead."

Tommy's heart started racing. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

Deluca took a few more steps towards Tommy, trapping him against the lockers. He reached out to touch Tommy's cheek, who flinched at the gesture.

"You're so beautiful," Deluca continued to say.

The omega in Tommy was giving in to the touch. He couldn't help the whimper he let out.

Deluca put one hand on Tommy's waist and leaned in to bury his face in Tommy's neck.

Tommy's heart threatened to burst out of his chest. "W-what about your wife?"

"We're separated," Deluca replied and kissed Tommy's scent gland.

Tommy suddenly felt warm all over and slick started running down his thighs.

"Shit, you're in a heat," Deluca said and squeezed Tommy's waist.

Shit, having an alpha so close sent him into a premature heat.

"Sal," Tommy whispered when Deluca nuzzled his neck.

And then Deluca started laughing. He pulled away from Tommy and let out a full belly laugh. "Oh my god, that- I can't believe I held out for so long- I should get a damn Oscar."

Tommy stood there stunned as he watched the other man in confusion. But deep down he knew what was going on.

"I sent you in a premature heat with all that bullshit!" Deluca laughed even louder. "Jesus, Tommy, you're so pathetic." He wiped his lips with the back of his hand and made a disgusted face. "Gross, I actually kissed your neck."

Tommy felt his eyes fill with tears but he refused to cry in front of this bastard and he looked away.

"Aw, are you gonna cry now, little baby?" Deluca teased. "You're so desperate that you were gonna spread your legs for me and beg me to fuck you, weren't you? God, Tommy, can you be any more of a slu- "

Before Deluca could finish his sentence, someone grabbed him and slammed him into the lockers next to Tommy.

Evan snarled and his eyes flashed gold. "You fucking asshole!" He growled and slammed Deluca against the lockers again.

"Evan stop!" Tommy said weakly. He couldn't focus on anything. The alpha pheromones from Evan were too strong and the omega in Tommy was whining for the alpha despite Tommy's protests.

Evan immediately stopped. "You mess with him again and I will end you, Deluca," he warned Sal and let him go, immediately coming to Tommy's side.

"Tommy, you okay?" Evan asked him worriedly and touched his shoulder.

"Oh, you two deserve each other. The broken omega and the broken alpha!" Deluca spat out.

Tommy ignored him and instead focused on Evan's touch which made him whimper.

"What's going on here?"

Tommy heard the captain's voice and gulped.

"Buck attacked me!" Deluca complained.

"And I'll do it again if you treat Tommy like shit!" Evan growled.

"Tommy, are you okay?" Bobby asked him gently.

"No, I'm in a heat," Tommy whimpered again.

"Yeah, thanks to that asshole!" Evan pointed at Deluca. "He was messing around with Tommy and sent him into a heat."

"Is that true?" Bobby asked Tommy.

Tommy could barely speak. He was sweating profusely and slicking up. So instead, he just nodded.

"He's a lying who-"

Bobby glared at Deluca and flashed his eyes at him before he could finish his thought. "You're suspended. I want you out of my firehouse right now."

"Are you serious?! You're suspending me for that omega bitch?" Deluca growled and got up in Bobby's face.

"You want that to turn into a termination?" Bobby asked.

"Well, fuck this firehouse, and fuck you. Your house of misfits won't last long," Deluca kept on going.

"I'll take that as a yes. Take your stuff and get out. Right. Now," Bobby angrily told him.

Deluca huffed and left. Once he was gone, Tommy felt like he could breathe again. "Th- thank you," he said to Bobby. He couldn't think. Evan's proximity and his scent were too overpowering.

"I'm taking him home," Evan said taking Tommy's hand.

"I can't let you do that, Buck," Bobby got in Evan's way before Evan could pull him along.

"Bobby-"

"Buck, you are not Tommy's alpha and he is not in the right frame of mind to give you consent right now," Bobby told him.

"I am capable of consenting and I want Evan," Tommy replied. He hated being treated like he wasn't even there.

"You heard Tommy, Bobby," Evan told the other alpha and pulled Tommy along, taking him to his jeep.

Once they were inside, Evan put a hand on Tommy's cheek and pulled him close but kissed his forehead. "I know what you said back there, but I want you to consent to this when you're not in a heat," Evan said pressing their foreheads together. "Do you have toys at home?"

Tommy felt his cheeks heat up at that. "Y-yeah," he replied.

"Good. So we're gonna go back to yours. I'm gonna help you build your nest and then I'll stick around while you do your thing. Is that okay?" Evan gently stroked his cheek with his thumb.

"You- you can help me if you want. Like I told Bobby, I am capable of consenting," Tommy whispered and closed his eyes.

"I know, babyboy," Evan kissed his forehead again. "But until yesterday, you didn't even like me." He smirked.

"That was yesterday," Tommy replied. "This is today."

Evan let out a breathy laugh and kissed Tommy's eyelids. "Come on, let's get you home. You wanna give me your address?"

Tommy put his address in Evan's phone and Evan held his hand as he drove them back to Tommy's place.

Once there, Evan helped Tommy build his nest. Tommy directed him to where the additional comforters and pillows were and Evan came back with them and set them up on the bed. He finally took off his hoodie and gave it to Tommy.

"You might need this," Evan told him.

Tommy took the hoodie and took in Evan's smell. "Thank you," he said. "For everything."

Evan leaned in and kissed Tommy's cheek. "I'm right outside. If you need anything, just call me."

"And what if I just need you?" Tommy asked.

Evan chuckled at that. "You're gonna be fine," he told him and pulled away.

Tommy immediately missed his touch and whined. "Alpha, come on. I know you want me. So just take me."

Evan clicked his tongue and shook his head. "That's just your heat talking, babyboy."

Tommy huffed and climbed into his nest. "Do you wanna at least cuddle with me?"

"I don't think I'll be able to stop myself, if I touched you right now, babyboy. I can smell your slick and I can feel the heat radiating off your body," Evan told him.

"Then don't stop yourself. Do what you want to me," Tommy insisted.

"No," Evan replied resolutely.

"Do you not want me because I'm not your typical omega?" Tommy asked sadly.

"What's that even supposed to mean?" Evan asked. "You're a beautiful fucking omega whom I want to knock up so bad."

"You're lying. You want a pretty. dainty omega. Not someone like me."

" I don't know if you're trying to reverse psychology me but I can see myself mating with you, Tommy. I want to mate with you. But just not today. I want us to talk when you're not in a heat and then I want to make you mine."

Tommy felt a smile play across his lips and nodded. "Okay," he said.

"Okay," Evan replied and kissed Tommy's forehead one more time before leaving, letting the door stay slightly ajar.

Tommy took off his clothes but pulled on Evan's hoodie. He took out his purple dildo from the side drawer and lay back, circling his hole with it. He slowly pushed it inside and moaned. "Evan."

He slipped his hand under the hoodie and played with his nipples with his other hand while he started fucking himself with the dildo. "Evan, Evan, Evan," a litany of his coworker's name escaped his lips. He was loud enough that he knew Evan could hear him outside. "Please, Evan. Knock me up. Need your baby in me," he groaned as he started fucking himself faster with the dildo.

He imagined Evan on top of him, penetrating him over and over again, making him scream. Tommy stopped playing with his nipple and wrapped his other hand around his cock. He stroked it only a few times, imagining Evan's hand on it before coming, loudly screaming out Evan's name. He lazily fucked himself with the dildo as he came down from the high. If Evan would not fuck him, then Tommy wasn't about to make it easy on him.

[jeremiah-arkham]

Is it true that arkham is homophobic. The patients claim it is

...okay. this is a bit of a loaded question.

I'm not going to pretend that the mental health system hasn't been historically oppressive towards women, homosexuals, transgender people, and people of color. While I cannot speak for other former heads of Arkham Asylum, I have a zero tolerance policy for any homophobia, sexism, transphobia, or racism.

In a perfect world, I could fire these people and bar them from ever working in the mental health field...but we do not live in a perfect world. usually they just end up getting transferred to a different facility. while I am the owner of this specific asylum, I would like everyone to remember that I also have a board of directors looking over my every decision before it can be approved.

if any former or present patients have reports of any employee (doctors, nurses, security, ect) they are more than welcome to fill out a formal complaint on our website. all of these complaints are looked over by myself and Doctor Joan Leland. we treat these very seriously and all of them result in intensive internal investigations. if you have a serious report of a crime committed by any of our employees, you are more than welcome to bring those to the gcpd and our attention.

I can guarantee no accusations will be swept under the rug. We here at Arkham Asylum are trying our very best to restore the public's trust in us.

Thank you for bringing this to my attention. if there are any further questions or concerns, feel free to send them here.

-Doctor Jeremiah Arkham, head and owner of Arkham Asylum.

[talkfastromance4]

Extra sweetened Sugar—Jake Seresin (An Arrangement series oneshot)

author's note: just a lil oneshot

An Arrangement Masterlist

Follow here for all updates as I do not have a taglist

word count: 2.5k

warnings: consumption of alcohol

Feedback, asks, comments/reblogs mean the world to me!

Enjoy!

You’re usually pretty good about handling your alcohol, you don’t mix and you can tell when your cut off limit should be but with everything going on with Betty and the new ‘relationship’ with Jake, you exceeded your limits. Normally, you don’t go out with your employees, Serena, Dom and Brynne but after a rough week of late deliveries, an extended stay on Betty’s part and eating dinner alone at Jake’s, you needed a night out.

They took you to the best known dive bar that served cheap rail drinks and the best cheese fries you’d ever tasted. After your second strawberry daiquiri, you were spilling about Jake’s arrangement and they listened with open ears and wide eyes. 

“I say sign it, girl,” Brynne says placing her decorative umbrella in her hair. “He’s hot, he’s attentive, and he’s loaded.”

“I agree,” Dom says, “if you feel guilty using it for yourself, then keep using it for Betty. I bet the sex is great with him.”

“We haven’t had sex!” you nearly choke on your cherry that was placed in your bright red drink. 

“Are you crazy? Girl, he wants you so bad,” Brynne shakes her head. 

“C’mon guys, you know how y/n is,” Serena pats your back, “she’s thinking of all angles. You have to admit, it does all seem too good to be true.”

“What do you mean?” Dom asks.

“I don’t get why it’s me, he could have someone way better looking and–”

Dom clapped his hand over your mouth, his eyes stern and shaking his head. 

“No, you’re cute and adorable and sexy and he’s right to have chosen you. You’re the cream of the crop, the diamond in the rough, the–”

“I think she gets it,” Brynne removes his hand from your mouth. “But Dom’s right. Jake’s probably caught in his feelings and this arrangement guidelines crap, he’s not sure what to do. But he wants you, that’s for sure.”

“But how do you know?” you stress and slap your hand on the high-top table for added emphasis. 

“It’s in his eyes,” Serena answers, sipping at her apple martini carefully. “He looks at you like he’s never seen daylight or has experienced a sunset for the first time.”

“Impossible,” you shake your head.

“No, it’s true, babes,” Dom says. “He’ll confess his love to you soon, I’m sure of it.” 

“I don’t want to get too into my feelings about this,” you wave your hands as if the conversation of Jake would disappear like an etch-a-sketch. “Let’s drink because the work week is done.”

“Hear, hear!” Dom clinks his glass with yours. 

But the more you drink the more Jake keeps coming into your mind. The more you drink the more you think of his green eyes and back to what he meant about pleasuring you in your flower shop. What did that mean? Were you that seducible? Could you succumb so easily to his advances?

While your three friends were at the bar getting more drinks and shots, you found yourself scrolling through Jake’s social media profiles. It really was unbelievable how attractive he was and the fact that he was somewhat yours? You knew if you texted him you needed money for drinks he would transfer some over instantly. 

Everyone else thought it was a good idea but it was your good conscience that kept interrupting. Was that a bad thing or a good thing? Peering over your third daiquiri of the night that your friends were still busy, you thought it was a good idea to call him. 

It rang and rang and rang then went to his voicemail so you left a message. 

“Hello, it’s me,” you sigh, “I’m out at Crazy Pete’s or Pete’s Crazy Saloon or something like that with Brynne, Dom and Serena and they think I should sign the arrangement. They think you’re hot. And it will help Betty. Your money not your hotness. Anywho, I’m a liiiitle tipsy and these daiquiris are very yummy. I don’t know where Reynolds is but I’ll get home. I do think you’re cute by the way so don’t think I don’t, okay?”

And for good measure, you went to Snapchat, chose a filter that placed pretty purple butterflies on your cheeks and took a dozen selfies before sending them to him via text message. It made you feel giddy inside because you were wearing one of his outfits he bought for you.

By that time, everyone else came back and you took a lemon drop shot, making sure to lick up the sugar on the lemon thinking how you’d want to kiss Jake with sugar on your lips. 

The night went on and when you came out of the bathroom for the third time, someone else was standing at the table with your friends. When you came closer, you caught a whiff of the familiar scent of Jake’s cologne and when he turned around, it was Jake. 

“Jake! What are you doing here?” you squeak but lean into him nonetheless. 

“I got your voicemail and adorable selfies so I wanted to stop by and make sure you were okay,” he wraps an arm around your shoulders making sure you don’t fall over. “You didn’t respond to my texts at all, Sugar.”

“I’m sorry,” you pout, “I was having fun.”

“I know,” he caresses your pout away, “have all the fun you want, I’m not stopping you. Just want to make sure you get home safe since Reynolds isn’t here.” 

“Reynolds is a babe,” Dom points his finger at Jake. “Is he single?” 

“I’m pretty sure he is, yeah,” Jake smiles, “want me to put in a good word for you?”

“Shut up! Yes, please!” Dom nods his head enthusiastically. 

“Aw, you two would make a lovely couple!” you gush leaning over the table to cup Dom’s cheeks together. “You have such a handsome face and he has a cute one. He could drive you everywhere.”

“That’s his job for you, Sugar,” Jake murmurs in your ear. His voice tickles  your lobe and it makes you giggle, pulling away from Dom. 

“When he’s not with me,” you turn your neck to him, it causes your noses to touch. “I’m usually with you, right? So they can go out when we’re out.”

“I like that idea,” he smiles. His arm drops around your waist. “Can I get you anything to eat?”

“Pizza!” you and the rest shout in excitement. 

“I’ll be right back,” he gives you a chaste kiss to the temple, sets you on the seat and then heads towards the bar. 

“Girl,” Dom squeals grabbing your wrist. “Please, sign the papers, take him to bed, marry him, I don’t care. He’s a keeper.”

You turn around in your seat, teetering a little from the off kilter chair legs to watch him converse with the bartender. You know he’s smiling and being his charming self and it warms your heart, he really is wonderful and you decide to let him know when he comes back. 

“Pizza’s on the way and I brought over some water,” Jake announces upon his return. Before he can set the pitcher down, you throw your arms around him. “Woah! Careful, darlin’.”

“Thank you for coming here and ordering pizza when you didn’t have to,” you murmur in his shoulder/neck. 

“You’re welcome, Sugar. Wanted to see you, you’ve been comin’ home late,” he kisses the top of your head. Butterflies form in your stomach. 

“We try telling her to to go home at a reasonable hour,” Serena interjects, “but she doesn’t listen.”

“Yeah, order her to go home on time, Lieutenant,” Dom smirks. 

You stick your tongue out at Dom which he responds with a kiss in the air in your direction. 

“I’m not in the air force so that won’t work,” you huff.

“And I like her feistiness,” Jake squeezes your waist.

He’s a good sport for the rest of the evening, taking care of you by making sure you’re drinking enough water and keeps guard outside the bathroom door while you use it. It’s when you hobble on your feet that he decides it’s time to go home. To your surprise and true to his word, he calls Reynolds up to take your friends home, Dom fixes his shirt and hair in preparation. 

“You take care of our girl, okay?” Brynne says over your head as she hugs you. 

“With my life,” Jake vows. “You three get on home, safe, now. I’ll make sure you’re over for brunch and a pool day soon.”

“Wow, you’re the whole package,” Serena says.

“Serena!” you gasp but Jake just laughs. 

“I’m working on this one to see that,” he pinches your cheek affectionately. “Ready, Sugar?”

“Yeah,” you sigh heavily, “my feet hurt.”

“They do?” he frowns and secures your cross body bag over his own before lifting you up into his arms. “We can’t have your feet hurtin’.”

“What are you doing?!” you shriek clinging onto his shoulders for dear life. The sudden movement from standing to being held threw your inebriated self off. 

“Carrying you,” he replies smugly and starts walking to his truck. 

“My feet aren’t broken.”

“But they hurt, so I’m helping. And when I help you, what are you supposed to say?”

You mumble in response.

“What? I didn’t catch that?” he drops his head lower so his ear is closer to your mouth.

“Thank you!” you nearly shout then giggle when he dramatically pulls away.

While he carries you it gives you an opportunity to stare at him. He’s got a bit of beard growth going on and you barely think once before pressing your palm to his chin and cheek. 

“Is it illegal to have a beard in the Air Force?”

“Not illegal, no,” he grins, “we just have to be clean-shaven. It’s not fun when you’re sweatin’ in the cockpit with a beard. I don’t know how Rooster does it with his ‘stache.”

“Rooster?” you laugh. “Who’s that?”

“My wingman, he has a 70’s porno stache and I don’t know how he can work with that thing over his lip,” Jake shakes his head.

“His name is really Rooster?”

“No, sweet girl, that’s his call sign. We all have them, so we know who’s who in the air and the enemy doesn’t really know who we are.”

“Oh,” you continue to stroke your fingers over his cheek and jaw. “What’s your callsign?”

“I don’t want to tell you.”

“Why not?”

“Because when I do and I tell you the meaning, you’ll stop touching me like you are,” he glances at you.

“Well, I know it’s not the devil or satan so how bad could it be? Please tell me, I want to know.”

His eyes move to yours again and he sighs. 

“Fine. They call me Hangman because in my earlier days of flight school and training, I always left my teammates in the dust so I could show I was the best.”

“Hangman…Hangman…” you let it sink into your muddled brain then shake your head. “That’s not how you are at all. Can’t we change it?”

“Nah, sweetheart, that’s my callsign until I retire. What would you change it to?”

“Hmm,” you hum tracing your finger under his chin, his jaw, then to the shape of his ear closest to you. “Wizard.”

“Wizard? Why that one?” he laughs.

“Because, your eyes are emerald green and it makes me think of the Wizard of Oz. He helped Dorothy home and you make me feel like I’m home.”

“I do?” he glances at you again, his arms tightening around you. 

“Yeah. I’m working on showing you that more. I do appreciate all that you do for me, Jake, I’m still getting used to it all.”

“That’s okay, I’ll keep doing it until you feel comfortable, Sugar.”

“Would that be my callsign? Sugar?” you perk up at the nickname. 

“Yeah, I think so, ‘cause there’s no one sweeter than you.”

“No, you’re pretty sweet, too, Jake,” you rest your head on his shoulder. The walk to his truck is very long but you’re okay being in his arms a little longer. “Who takes care of you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, you take care of me…and Betty and…the other women you’ve been with…who takes care of you?”

“No one, really,” he shakes his head and you frown. 

You shift your cheek higher up on his shoulder and hold onto his cheek so you can angle his face towards yours, his gait slows down so he can look at you. His whole demeanor has softened and he’s staring at you in a way you’ve never been looked at before. Was Dom right? Does Jake always look at you like this?

“Can I take care of you?” you ask quietly and he stops walking. You’re standing under the orange streetlights, the color of his eyes have darkened but they’re still your favorite shade. 

“How would you do that?”

“Well…I can’t pay for everything but I can listen about your work day, your thoughts…dreams you’ve had and we can watch your favorite shows. I’ll learn how to make your favorite foods if you’d like. And I can…” you bite your lip suddenly embarrassed. 

“You can what?”

“Help you fall asleep so you don’t have circles anymore,” you touch beneath his eye at the darkened bloom of his skin. 

“How’d you do that?” he smiles into your palm, nuzzling into your touch. 

“Well, you say you’re good at massages…I’m good at playing with hair and humming people to sleep.”

“Yeah? Can I test that theory tonight?”

“Sure, whose bed is comfier? Mine or yours?”

“They both have the same mattress, Sugar,” he smiles then starts walking again but you hear the click of his truck door opening. He sets you in the seat, hands buckling you in and he closes the door moving to his side before you can respond.

You rest against the headrest, staring at him as he sits in his spot and starts the truck. 

“Can I try your bed?” you reach over holding onto his forearm. His eyes meet yours, flickering to your hand on his arm then back again. 

“You have no idea what those words do to me,” he sighs, “but yes, we can sleep in my bed tonight. If that’s what you want when we get home.” 

You smile then start chattering about the evening before he arrived. As soon as he pulled onto the highway, however, you fell fast asleep, your hand still poised on his forearm. As much as he wanted to bring you into his own bed, he just couldn’t do it with you fast asleep like that so he made sure your shoes were off and that your pajamas were laid out on the bench at the end of your bed. 

“G’night, Sugar,” he kisses your forehead then retreats to his room alone. He hopes he’ll know what it’s like to sleep next to you soon.

[octuscle]

Chronivac suport i need some help

I dont normally take the bus but my car is in the shop. It was not a pleasant exspensive, because the bus was full of arrogant load tradies. They keep talking about there lates sexual conquests and how much there goibg to drink tonight.

So when the bus got to my stop i got up the leave but smacked right into the biggests loadest one of them, and my phone fell to the ground. I quickly scrambled to grab it and got off the bus.

Once i was off the bus i went to check my phone and its not mine. Its a old model the case offerd in sawdust and cement. There is nothing on the screen but the words begining owner transfer. My head is really starting to hurt and feel fuzzy. I dont know what to do. I guess ill just go lay down in my bed and wait for your help.

Fuck, another one of those cases where support should have responded faster. The transfer of the body is complete. How do I get you awake now…? And why is your cell phone now at the foot of the bed. Dude, I can smell your dirty socks…

It's about 6:00 p.m. when you wake up. You are no longer lying in the bedroom of your apartment but in a one-room apartment. It actually smells less like sweat than like cleaning products. You hear your neighbors arguing. And you can smell their cigarette smoke and old frying grease through the thin walls. The house is a shithole. But you keep your part of the shithole clean and tidy. And your body fit.

Hold on! What's going on here? You're a certified public accountant. You don't have a job where you have to wear hi-viz gear. Fuck! Or do you? You're a sanitation worker. Sure! You had to quit school when your dad died. Actually, you're quite smart. But you needed the money. There's no shame in hard work. Got your family and you through bad times. But now you have to learn. Get your A-levels. You don't want to end up at the bar in the pub with a fat belly like your colleagues.

On the way to the evening school, some arrogant tie-wearer bumps into you. He obviously doesn't take the bus regularly either. You hate it when such fellows feel like something better. And that's why you're going to make a career out of it and show it to everyone!

Thanks to @jocks--in--socks for the hot photo!

[rhettsgirll]

Leave No Trace pt. 1 ~ A Rhett Abbott Fic.

(Rhett Abbott x Reader)

Warnings: Gun mention,bones mention,pet names: Bambi,implied dad problems (help idk how to describe it)

PLZ ITS MY FIRST FIC BE NICE 😭😭

Your worn out boots crunch under you as you walk through a dry and overgrown field, your eyes are trained on the ground looking for bones. It’s a late summer night in the rundown town you call home. It’s a quaint rural town filled with ranchers and drunkards. All this town called Wabang has is a bar,a gas station,a bank and a small store. Everything that happens here,stays here. No one has really ever left,unless you count the old preacher and his controversially young lover.

—————————————

Rhett drives down the back roads of his several hundred acre ranch. Dust kicks up behind his fathers old pickup truck. He softly drums on the wheel as his highbeams hit the well-worn gravel path,taking his eyes off the path to glance at the rising moon,he catches the shifting of the dry prairie grass. He presses on the brake and quickly turns off the car, he reaches down to the floorboard and grips to his well worn shotgun. He slides out of the truck,off the worn leather seats and onto the side of the road. Rhett loudly loads his shotgun trying to get whatever it was to move. As soon as he loads it,a patch of low grass appears as well as swaying of grass near the patch.

—————————

You drop onto your stomach in the grass as soon as you hear the gun load,people in this town own guns,and they know how to use them. You slap your hand over your mouth in an attempt to stifle your shaky breath.

“Hey! Who’s out there!” A gruff voice tears through the peaceful night silence. You curl into yourself,suddenly hearing grass crunch around you. “And what would this be?” The same gruff voice utters. You untuck your head from the dusty ground and stare straight up. You’re greeted by a tall,broad man with dark blonde hair,soft blue eyes and faint freckles that litter all exposed skin.

—————————

Rhett turns the safety of his gun back on and tosses it down. He helps you up off the ground,picking stray pieces of dry grass out of your hair. “You a’right?” Rhett asks,oddly concerned “Yeah…” you flush as you adjust your now scuffed cotton dress. You push your small satchel of animal bones behind your back. Being raised in Hunting,Rhett notices everything. “What’s that.” Rhett questions,tilting his head to the side. You sway back and forth on your feet,transferring your weight,debating on answering honestly. “Oh,just berries” You lie. “Bullshit.” Rhett snorts. He caught you way faster than you thought. You hesitate as you now fiddle with your nails,still debating on answering truthfully. You had to leave your last home because of this macabre interest,your Pa wouldnt be pleased to have to leave again just after he got settled. “…Animal bones…” you mumble. Rhett cocks his brow “Animal bones? A carcass or just bones?” You glance up slightly than back down “Just bones…” Rhett smirks softly. “Pretty macabre for someone who looks like Bambi.” You flush a darker shade of red as you pick up your satchel. Rhett grabs his gun and tucks it on his shoulder. “Cmon. Let’s get you inside.”

———

After a few minutes of riding in the old truck,listening to the faint hum of the engine and letting the warm summer breeze flow through your hair,you and Rhett arrive at his families home,a small single story farm house. You slide out from your seat and land on the concrete driveway. A small farm cat rubs its spine against your calf as you bend down to stroke it. Rhett approaches from behind and softly tugs you braid once “Cmon Bambi,inside” You hop up from your squatting position and follow him inside.

—————

Rhett slowly pours hot water into a mug and dunks in a tea bag before putting some sugar than sliding it infront of you. He sits cross-legged on the ground with a first aid kit. He moves your leg infront of him as he takes a small alcohol wipe to the small pinprick cuts on your leg. “This might sting a bit…” Rhett says as he rubs your ankle and continues to clean the small cuts. He softly praises you as you manage to hold still. “Hope you don’t mind Hello Kitty. These’re for my niece usually…” Rhett says as he puts Sanrio bandaids on the cuts on your legs. You can’t help but smile at the cute designs. His calloused hand softly trails over your slightly stubbly legs,placing band-aid after band-aid as you sip on your tea,enjoying how it coats your throat in warmth. Once we finishes,he tosses the blood-soiled tights you wore in the washing machine. He grabs a now cold pot of coffee and pours himself a glass. “How do you like your coffee?” You ask,trying to make polite conversation. “Black.” Rhett responds as he nurses his mug. You glance over the lip of the mug and and stifle a giggle “Black? That’s crude oil.” Rhett snorts and shakes his head “You have an attitude Bambi,would’ve never thought you did” He sets his mug down and crosses his arms as he leans back in his chair “Guess I shouldn’t be callin a lady like yourself Bambi,what’s your name?” Rhett asks and you mumble your name in response. Rhett repeats it back to and smiles “Rolls off the tongue well. Suits you too.” He says “I’m Rhett. Probably know my dad Royal,he sells beef in town.” You nod softly and finish your mug of tea. You glance around the outdated kitchen,dark shiplap and an old General Electric oven. A rotary phone rests on the wall. You softly point to it. “Can I call my Pa real quick?” Rhett nods as you walk over to the phone and pick it up,quickly dialing your father’s number and making up a lie that you had to go out and buy stuff for a sewing project and are now at a friends house. Rhett’s eyes trail over your body,it’s littered with freckles from hours spent in the sun and a seemingly permanent flush on your shoulders. He smirks as he listens to the little white lie that you spout to your father. Once you hang up, he picks up his mug again and utters “Sweet Bambi girl! Can’t believe you lied to your poor old man like that!” He coos,teasing you. You glance away from him and at the clock. Rhett follows your eyesight and glances at the time. “10 pm…is that past your bedtime,sweet girl?” He teases as he cleans the mugs. Once he’s done he leads you down a hallway and to a guest room. “Bathrooms to your left,my room is the last door on the right,if you need anything” You nod softly as you strip down into your thin white cotton undershirt and panties. You crawl between the dated quilts. “Night Rhett…” you coo softly,Rhett stands at the half open door. “Night Bambi girl…” he mumbles before closing the door,letting the quiet darkness engulf you.

[srjsteel]

The Most Significant Advantages of Dowel Bars in a Rigid Pavement

The backbone of successful communities is infrastructure that lasts long enough, and among the many components contributing to the lifespan of roads, dowel bars play a vital role in rigid pavements. Steel bars ensure that roads can withstand daily wear and tear while keeping their structural integrity intact. To the engineers, contractors, and decision-makers, knowing the benefits of dowel bars can lead to better project outcomes and long-lasting results.

What Are Dowel Bars?

Dowel bars are small steel bars inserted across concrete joints in rigid pavements. The dowel bar acts as a load transfer device, which equally shares the load between two slabs for vehicular passage. In turn, this prevents damage to the slabs by providing a smooth transition between road sections, along with minimizing joint deflection and stress, thus contributing immensely towards elongating the pavement life.

Advantages of Dowel Bars in Rigid Pavements

1. Improved Load Transfer Efficiency

The other advantage that dowel bars offer is an improvement in load transfer efficiency. Where the vehicles are passing over pavement joints, there is load transfer from one slab to another. In the absence of dowel bars, the edges of the joint undergo more stress; hence cracking and faulting will occur. Proper installation of dowel bars helps distribute this load, thus minimizing structural damage.

2. Minimizing Joint Faulting

Joint faulting arises when one slab edge is rising or sinking relative to the next slab, which usually occurs when the load is not balanced or when soil erosion exists. The existence of dowel bars also prevents joint faulting because the dowel bars rigidly bind the slabs together, leading to a longer lifecycle of pavements, better comfort, and safety in driving.

3. Longer Life of Pavement

Dowel bars in rigid pavements are much stronger than those without. Dowel bars reduce stress and prevent damage at joints, thus adding to the overall life of the pavement. That means fewer repairs, less maintenance cost, and savings in the long run.

4. Improved Ride Quality

It will provide comfort and safety for the drivers. With the presence of dowel bars, there will be elimination of uneven transitions between the slabs, thus a smoother ride. This is important in highways and roads where huge volumes of traffic pass through because ride quality affects the efficiency of vehicles and user satisfaction.

5. Cost-Effective Investment

The long-term advantages of dowel bars greatly exceed their high initial cost. Because dowel bars avoid early pavement deterioration and lessen the need for regular repairs, they will prove to be an affordable alternative in sustainable road building.

Science Behind Dowel Bars

Dowel bars work by allowing horizontal movement but not vertical movement. This is done through good design and location. The quality of steel used ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, while the proper spacing and alignment ensure performance. Parameters such as slab thickness, traffic loads, and environmental conditions are significant factors in determining the dowel bar specification requirements for a particular project.

Material and Design Considerations

Corrosion Resistance: Use of epoxy-coated or stainless-steel dowel bars does not allow rusting, hence ensures longevity.

Diameter and Length: The dowel bar size is determined by the pavement thickness and anticipated traffic load.

Spacing: Proper spacing ensures uniform load distribution and prevents stress concentration at joints.

Why Quality Matters in Dowel Bars

The performance of dowel bars would, therefore, be quality as well as proper installation-dependent. Poor-quality material or improper work will negate the whole concept, leading to pavement failure before time. Contractors and decision-makers must source the dowel bars from known producers following international quality and testing standards.

Critical Selection Criteria for Dowel Bars

Standards: The dowel bars shall be national and international quality standards compliant.

Proven Performance: Products selected with a history of proven performance in similar applications.

Technical Support: Those companies that can provide technical assistance and direction help to assure proper installation and operation.

Making an Informed Investment

Purchasing dowel bars is not a technical decision; it's a decision made with a commitment to safety, durability, and long-term savings. Contractors and engineers use the adoption of dowel bars into the design of pavement as proactive measures toward the development of resilient infrastructure.

Steps to Incorporate Dowel Bars into Projects

Needs Assessment: Determine the traffic load, environmental conditions, and project requirements.

Quality Materials: Work with reputable suppliers to supply dowel bars that are tough and resistant to corrosion.

Installation: Best practices for spacing, alignment, and embedding to maximize the performance of dowel bars.

Conclusion: Building Roads That Last

Rigid pavements constitute the backbone of modern infrastructure. Dowel bars form an essential component in ensuring durability and performance in pavements. Their benefits range from load transfer improvement to improved ride quality. Investment in quality material and proper installation means engineers and decision-makers can create roads that stand the test of time and provide value for decades.

[yuri-is-online]

Popping in with another Tokyo Debunker theory, so sorry you have to deal with me but I literally have nowhere else to go with this ;;;

This theory really is more of a shot in the dark on vibes alone but I just saw the Janitor in ch3 and idk if it's same face syndrome but I felt he looked strangely similar to Dante? I don't know if it's just me, but anyways, for some reason I feel like he's the Ed that Rui keeps talking about (accidentally killing) and was wondering what if he's the one Alan killed and not Dante? Maybe Alan mistook him in the heat of the moment, could explain why he wasn't dead since Rui's dialogue implies they're able to bring him back to life somehow. There really isn't enough info on this but couldn't help but think about it.

Also how is Haru such a mom to the anomalous creatures and yet so shady at the same time (casually putting trackers on Ren? Picking locks? Hello??) and seeing that I have to agree I do think he might've transferred from Sinostra, it'd be a way to connect Jabberwock to the next arc possibly too

My dearest friend, I am not "putting up with you" I am receiving your lovely thoughts and adding some of my own. You can come here and chat, we can keep filling up the Tokyo Debunker tag together. I do apologize to my twsties though, I promise I am not abandoning you.

Rui seems fully convinced that his curse will kill anyone who touches him, especially MC but he is much more casual about how he talks about "Ed" to the point I am almost curious if he is talking about a person or a dog. I lean towards person because he complains about him leaving his socks everywhere and not him constantly stealing his, but him being the janitor is a good guess. Now as for Alan having mistaken him for Dante:

While they do look similar to me personally it is closer to the similarity between Hyde and Sho than it is them being identical:

Who are of course related, so it could just be that Dante and the Janitor are also related. It would add to the friendship between Dante and Hyde if they both have brothers enrolled in the school, Hyde really seems proud of Sho and clearly has bragged to Dante a lot. It would be funny if he does that because Dante is in the same boat. What I personally think is that, based off of the Janitor's hair color and cut, he is likely the dorm captain of Obscuary as pictured here in the loading screen:

The dorm leader has lighter tips to his hair just like the janitor and is familiar/comfortable enough to talk casually with Haru who is another dorm captain. If that's true then I do not think Alan, who would be very familiar with Ed, would have mistaken him for Dante. We also need to consider that Dante is in a wheelchair, I don't think someone who tries as hard to be respectful and accommodating as Alan would mix up someone who can walk and someone who is in a wheelchair, unless that is something new for Dante this year and he was able to function without it last year σ(￣、￣=)

When Haru declared lock picking as one of his special talents I almost died laughing he is SO SKETCHY. He is also trying to run a business, something that Sinostra also does and since Hyde is the advisor for both dorms I think transferring between them would be relatively easier than say, transferring from Hotarubi or Frostheim. Come to think of it both cases of transfers we have seen so far have been (potentially anyway, we don't have confirmation about Haru yet) between dorms who have the same advisor. Something that could explain why it seems easier in Tokyo Debunker than in Twisted Wonderland.

Oh back to Ed/the Janitor for a moment. Obscuary seems to be themed around death, and seems to run a bar that might be themed around vampires? Or just super goth in general. Either way I think his ability to come back to life might have something to do with his stigma and the way it interacts with Rui's curse, but we don't know enough about him to make a specific call just yet. I'll keep my eye out for more information and you are more than free to come here and talk about more of your theories, my anon friend.

[blubberquark]

Wish List For A Dumb Phone

I have a dumb phone with 20 days of standby time. It's getting old. I might need to buy another one soon.

I only really need that phone for phone stuff. It's small and light. It's my backup in places where my smartphone does not have reception.

A replacement would need physical buttons, and have bar or flip phone form factor, preferably in a blight green or orange colour. It should be a dual-SIM quad-band with GSM for basic phone calls, SMS and MMS, and 4G or 5G connectivity. The web browsing or download speed doesn't really matter.

In terms of featurephone features, I don't need twitter, facebook, whatsapp, or any of those built-in apps. I want the ability to take pictures, play MP3 and OGG files, record audio, play audio, browse the file system, and assign audio files as custom ringtones. E-mail is optional.

The hardware features I want are an SD card slot, a 240p camera or better, a light, FM radio (DAB would be a plus), a replaceable battery, bluetooth for tethering and audio headsets, and USB-C for tethering, charging, and file transfer. It doesn't have to be USB-PD or USB 3.0.

There are some features that would be nice. It would be nice to have a playlist that I can sync with a desktop podcatcher application. It would be nice to be able to move contacts between the SIM card and the SD card in bulk, and to sync contacts with my NextCloud address book with a desktop application. It would be nice if I could mount my phone's file system via USB.

All these features boil down to this: My dumb phone is a bit beat up. I wish I could just replace it with a slightly newer model with USB-C, but otherwise it doesn't need apps or wlan.

There is no phone out there that is just slightly better than my old dumb phone, and can be charged via USB. Once you have all the hardware and features, you might as well slap Android on there, and a more powerful processor, and sell it on features.

It's sad. There are many dumb phones that are almost better than my old one. There is one that is just like my old one, but with 4G instead of 3G, but no USB-C. There is one that looks great, but all reviews say the software is buggy and bluetooth doesn't work reliably. There is one with loads of features that has a couple of days of standby time, not weeks.

There's also one that has all the features but costs more than a smartphone.

All I really want is a Nokia 215 with USB-C, tethering, and a comfortable way to sync my stuff to a PC.

[hariomtmt]

"Manufacturing Processes Used by Mild Steel Dowel Bars Manufacturers in Sweden"

INTRODUCTION

Mild steel dowel bars are indispensable in the construction industry, especially for enhancing the durability and stability of concrete structures. Known for their exceptional strength and adaptability, these bars play a crucial role in ensuring efficient load transfer across joints in pavements, slabs, and other structural applications. This article explores the intricate manufacturing processes employed by Mild Steel Dowel Bars Manufacturers in Sweden, focusing on precision, quality, and innovation.

1. Raw Material Selection

The manufacturing process begins with selecting high-quality mild steel, known for its optimal balance of strength and ductility. Manufacturers in Sweden adhere to stringent quality standards to ensure that the raw material meets the requirements for construction-grade dowel bars.

2. Cutting and Sizing

Once the raw mild steel is procured, it is cut into specific lengths based on the application requirements. Precision cutting ensures uniformity, which is essential for effective load transfer and durability in concrete structures. Advanced cutting tools, including laser and hydraulic cutters, are often used to achieve accuracy.

3. Surface Preparation

Surface preparation is a vital step in the manufacturing process. The steel is cleaned to remove impurities, such as rust, grease, or mill scale, that may affect its bonding with concrete or its durability. Abrasive blasting or chemical treatments are commonly used for thorough cleaning.

4. Heat Treatment for Strength Enhancement

To enhance the mechanical properties of mild steel, manufacturers employ heat treatment techniques. This process improves the tensile strength and resilience of the bars, making them suitable for high-stress applications. Controlled heating and cooling cycles ensure uniformity and consistent quality.

5. Corrosion-Resistance Coating

Mild steel is susceptible to corrosion, especially in harsh weather conditions or when exposed to moisture. To mitigate this, manufacturers in Sweden apply protective coatings, such as epoxy or galvanization. These coatings not only extend the lifespan of the dowel bars but also ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.

6. Straightening and Finishing

After heat treatment and coating, the bars are straightened to ensure they meet precise alignment specifications. Advanced machinery is used for this step, eliminating any deformations and achieving a smooth, uniform surface.

7. Quality Inspection and Testing

Quality assurance is a cornerstone of the manufacturing process. Mild Steel Dowel Bars Manufacturers in Sweden conduct rigorous testing to ensure that the bars meet international construction standards. Key tests include tensile strength analysis, corrosion resistance evaluation, and dimensional accuracy checks.

8. Packaging and Distribution

Once the dowel bars pass all quality checks, they are packaged using materials that protect them during transportation and storage. Proper labeling and documentation ensure that the bars reach their destination with traceability and compliance intact.

Advantages of Swedish Manufacturing Processes

Precision Engineering: Swedish manufacturers utilize advanced machinery and technology to achieve unmatched precision in dowel bar production.

Sustainability Practices: The focus on eco-friendly methods, such as recycling and reducing waste, aligns with Sweden's commitment to sustainability.

Compliance with Global Standards: By adhering to stringent international construction norms, Swedish manufacturers ensure that their products are recognized worldwide for quality and reliability.

Conclusion

The meticulous manufacturing processes employed by Mild Steel Dowel Bars Manufacturers in Sweden highlight their dedication to quality and innovation. From raw material selection to final packaging, each step ensures that the dowel bars are robust, durable, and suited for a wide range of construction applications. These processes set a benchmark for the global industry, making Sweden a leader in the production of high-quality mild steel dowel bars.

[lizzyk137]

You Were My Happily Ever After (Part Three)- A Spencer Reid X Reader Story

Summary: Sam is finally being put on trial, but you've yet to spend any time with Spencer. Was his declaration the truth or just something said in the heat of the moment? Warnings: Swearing, fluff, mention of a murder trial, mention of prison, brief mention of rape.

(Part One, Part Two) Want to read more, visit my Masterlist!

The room was bright and the air stagnant. Your vision still hazy and you could see black orbs moving around against the bright lights. You blinked rapidly a few times to clear your vision to find your team looking at you with big smiles on their face. You moved your head slowly to take them all in till you landed on Spencer, who was holding your hand with the biggest and goofiest grin you've ever seen.

"Spence..." you managed to get out, your voice raspy and barely audible, but he heard you cause his grin got even bigger that you had thought it might break his skin.

Tears poured out and he gently said back, "I'm right here, Y/N, and this time I'm staying."

You nodded your head slightly hearing his words before exhaustion overtook you.

It had been a week since you were out of your coma and the team had gotten an important case within that time. Penelope came and gave you company and was teaching you to knit, something she had taken up herself to help her anxiety when the team was on cases. She'd bring over her computer and you'd talk to the team via Skype when they could get a second and late at night when the world was asleep, you'd have Spencer calling and reading to you out loud all night long. It was sweet, but most times you were asleep so your nurse would answer the phone for you and put him on speaker. It didn't matter if you were awake or not to talk to him, most of the time you weren't, but he still did it every night.

You didn't know why he did, he had Sam. It must have been upsetting for her to listen to him talk away to another girl all night. You were used to his calls at the odd hours of the night when his brain wouldn't let him sleep.

Penelope wouldn't tell you much about Sam, when you asked why she wasn't with the team she had said that Spencer needed to talk to you about it, so you could only assume the worse.

That she had transferred back, and he was going to leave everything he knew here to be with her.

God, you were going to be so lonely. The past eight months was hellish, but you at least got to see, to be in the same room as him. And now, that wasn't going to happen.

A month into your recovery, you were back to building up your strength at the agency's in-house gym with Morgan beside you.

"Little girl." He warned as you added more weight to the already heavy load. Morgan only called you little girl when he wasn't pleased with you and lately, he wasn't pleased at how fast you were building up your muscle.

You were able to go back to solving cases and back to seeing your family the quicker you got yourself back into shape. You were already almost at your weight goal that you were at before getting shot.

"So," Morgan started, "have you spoken to Spencer recently?"

"Nope, he hasn't called for about two weeks now."

Morgan nodded his head as he helped spot you. "Have you tried talking to him at all?"

You huffed as you lifted the heavy weighted bar above your head. "No." You grunted as you brought the bar down near your chest.

Morgan didn't say much after that, just continued working out with you.

"Why doesn't anyone tell me what's going on with him? It's like walking on eggshells. Penelope won't tell me; she just says to talk to Spencer." You complained after thirty minutes of silence which was weird for Morgan. "Pretty soon, I'm just going to go to Hotch and ask my questions."

You knew if you threatened to get Hotch involved Morgan would tell you.

He rolled his eyes and gave out a small chuckle, "Fine, I'll tell you."

"Thank you."

"Spencer has been on trial for the past two weeks. And before you get all worried, he's not in trouble." He reassured you after seeing worry cross your face. "It's because of Sam."

Puzzled at why Spencer would be in court over his girlfriend, you decided to ask.

"Well for starters she was sent by the agency to us because they suspected that she was a serial killer. She had murdered ten people in Nevada, but no solid evidence could link her to the killings. So, Hotch put Spencer undercover since Pretty Boy was the type of guys she was going after. He played the part of her boyfriend for eight months to get information out of her." Morgan relayed to you as he tossed a medicine ball at you.

Catching it, you squatted and then threw it back as you stood up. "Why didn't he just tell me that instead of ignoring me? I'd be down to helping him collect information."

"In some of the murders she would kill the girlfriend or any female the victim was close too, or just stalk them enough to make them go mentally unwell. She wanted to be the center of their attention and Hotch and Spencer thought it was best to keep you out of the picture to be safe since Spencer was already putting his life on the line."

"I could take care of myself, no offense, but much better than Spencer. Why not just let me in so I could help?"

"Spencer told Hotch that he didn't want you to get hurt or worried for his safety if you knew." Morgan handed you a water bottle to drink. "Once he opened up about his concerns for you, Hotch laid down the ground rules and made sure Spencer had no contact with you besides which was a normal amount for an acquaintance or coworker."

"Why was he so worried for my safety for? Spencer knows I can take care of myself."

"That, princess, is a question for Spencer."

"Ugh!" You shouted as you slung a towel over your shoulder and stomped towards the showers, hearing Morgan's laughter behind you.

You were finally back working with a team two weeks later since you were cleared by your doctor, you just needed to take it easy, and he playfully told you that he would be glad if you took it more carefully, so he didn't have to see you again.

Spencer was wrapping up the trail against Sam and today was the verdict. The whole team was watching it play live on the television in the conference room. The story had captured the nation's interest when it was leaked that the FBI may have had a serial killer working for them.

"I don't wish ill will on anyone, but I hope she rots in prison." Penelope whispered.

"You know it doesn't matter if you whisper it or not, the world can still hear you." Prentiss laughed.

"I can dream." Penelope grumbled and went back to her knitted blanket.

"Shush, the jury just came out." Rossi said, quieting the room.

"In regard to the murders of victims: Hunter Widley, Jake Sly, Justin Gibbet, Rebecca Mole, Ashton and Tina Rock, Rob Pent, Matt Love, Jodi Langley, and Tyris O'Connor, we find the defendant, Samantha Tilly, not guilty of first-degree murder, but find her guilty of third-degree murder."

The whole room sat in shock as the judge announced that she would be sentenced to jail for a mere five years with the option of parole since during the time of all ten murders she was helping to take criminals off the street and since she did not harm Spencer at all she did not have urges to kill.

"I really hate the system sometimes." Rossi groaned as he collected his things and headed to his office.

The team was angry that the court didn't give her a harsher punishment, but they knew for at least five years that she would be locked away and people would be safe.

Hotch walked into the conference room with a stern look on his face. "We just got asked to head to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Five dead girls have been found on the boardwalk in the past two weeks. Three of which happened consecutively the past three nights. Looks like our unsub is getting comfortable. Each girl was raped repeatedly, bounded and tortured with whips then had their throats sliced. Wheels up in an hour."

Within the hour you were all making your way to the plane where you found an engrossed Spencer reading his paper copy file while tapping his finger on the table in front of him. You took a seat across from him, but he didn't even acknowledge your presence.

The debriefing and starting form of the profile was finished and you had about a half hour left of the travel. It was taking longer than it should've with the turbulence you were traveling through. You decided that while you had the chance to use the bathroom you were going to take it since who knows when you'd get a chance too once you landed.

You were closing the bathroom door when a hand blocked the doors path. It was then pushed opened revealing Spencer. You gave him a confused look as he closed the door behind you and locked it.

"Um Spence, I know we're close, but I don't think we're close enough for me to pee in front of you." You nervously chuckled as he stared down at you with a serious expression on his face. He stood there continuing to stare at you making you more confused than you already were. "Spencer?"

"Fuck it, I've waited this long." He growled slightly as he took your hips in his hands and pushed you against the wall then connected his lips to yours in a passionate kiss.

It was bliss. His lips were soft, and he was gentle but aggressive enough that it was making your knees weak, and you slightly turned on. He pulled away, both of you panting for air, as he cupped your face in his hands. He planted a small kiss on your lips then rested his forehead on yours.

"I've loved you, Y/N, from the first moment I laid eyes on you. It was torture not being near you those eight months then being away for another two months. It was pure agony." Spencer mumbled between kissing you.

Both of your hands roamed each other's bodies as you pressed against one another. "I love you too Spence. I've loved you for so long."

"I'm never leaving you again." He planted kisses down your neck, making you moan quietly. "Be with me? Be mine?" Each word being said as he nipped gently as your neck making your back arch in his hands.

"God yes." You breathlessly exclaimed.

[repairfoundation]

A Deeper Look Into Footing – The Central Support Of Construction

In the structural heart of every building, hidden beneath the surface yet providing the resolute foothold, lies an essential component known as the footing. It is the silent hero, shoring up a structure’s foundation and ensuring the long-life and stability of any building. Here, we will delve deeper into this important element, explain what footings are, and highlight their role in foundation support.

Footing, in construction terminology, refers to concrete that is poured into an excavated trench. Much like the feet help distribute our body weight, footings function as the office where the literal “”weight of the home”” is equally allocated into the soil or the ground beneath it. This crucial process happens underneath our feet (quite literally), where concrete footings lie quietly at work, warding off possible shifts or settlements in the structure.

The primary function of footings is to support the weight of the foundation, and by extension, the entire structure. They help balance the load of the building so that it doesn’t create too much presence on one section of the ground and cause an imbalance. An absence or improper installation of footing may lead to dangerous structural issues, like uneven floors, foundation cracks, and in the worst-case scenario, building collapse.

The design and installation of footings involve various considerations. Perhaps the most significant one is understanding the soil characteristics where the building is intended to be erected. Construction teams and associated engineers thoroughly study the soil for its type, composition, strength, and load-bearing capacity – essential data used to determine an appropriate footing size and design. This understanding of the ground underneath is vital because soil types, be it clay, sandy, silty, peaty or loamy, behave differently under stress loads.

Another primary factor to be considered when designing footings is the weight of the building itself, or more accurately, the live and dead loads implied on the foundation. Live load refers to the external forces, like people, furniture, and weather conditions impacting the structure. Dead load, on the other hand, involves the weight of the structural elements themselves, like bricks, steel, concrete, etc. The footing design has to accommodate these loads effectively.

Once soil conditions and weight loads are assessed, footings need to be accurately placed and poured. The excavation process unearths trenches typically at specific spots beneath the load-bearing walls or columns (also known as points of load transference). The trenches are then populated with a formation of steel bars (rebars), which provide additional strength and elasticity to the concrete. The concrete mix is then poured into these trench formations, enveloping the rebar, and left to cure until it’s properly hardened and structurally ready.

To conclude, footings are an integral part of building construction. They might not be visible once the structure is completed, but their presence is most certainly felt, and their function undeniably crucial. Constructed with precision and concrete (literally), they ensure that your placed-with-care bookshelf won’t slant and your favorite mug won’t slide-off the table. By evenly distributing the weight of a structure, footings prevent uneven settlement and guarantee a safer, more stable building experience. Remember, the strength of a building lies not just in its visible parts but also in its unseen yet steadfast footings.

Tagged Construction, Foundation Solutions