#mimics have caught to our trends! | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

groundluxe · 9 months ago

Text

Does Earthing Support Wound Healing? Unveiling Science & Success Stories

I've always been fascinated by the natural remedies that promise to improve our health and well-being. Recently, I stumbled upon a concept that caught my attention: earthing, also known as grounding. It's a practice that involves connecting with the earth's natural electric charge. Proponents claim it can offer a myriad of health benefits, including improved sleep, reduced inflammation, and yes, even enhanced wound healing. But how much truth is there to these claims?

As someone who's always eager to dive deeper into the science behind alternative healing methods, I decided to explore whether there's any real evidence supporting earthing's role in wound healing. It's a topic shrouded in both intrigue and skepticism, making it all the more compelling to investigate. Join me as I sift through the research, anecdotes, and expert opinions to uncover whether earthing is just another wellness trend or a legitimate practice for supporting our body's healing processes.

Understanding Earthing and Its Principles

In exploring the intriguing concept of earthing, it's essential to grasp its foundational principles and how they potentially interlink with the human body's healing mechanisms. Earthing, also familiarly referred to as grounding, hones in on the practice of reconnecting individuals with the earth's inherent electrical charge. This reconnection is theorized to stabilize the electrical environment of our bodies, reinstating a lost electrical synchronization with the Earth.

At its core, earthing is a straightforward yet profound practice. It involves engaging in direct contact with the earth's surface—think walking barefoot on grass, sand, or soil, or alternatively, using conductive systems like sheets or mats connected to the earth through grounding wires. The primary principle behind this practice stems from the belief that Earth emits a vast supply of free electrons, capable of neutralizing positively charged free radicals in the body known for their role in causing inflammation and oxidative stress.

The science articulates a compelling narrative; our bodies function electrically. Neurons communicate via electrical impulses, and cellular processes depend heavily on the balanced movement of ions, which are electrically charged. Disruption in this electrical balance may contribute to inflammation and disease. Consequently, earthing advocates suggest that by re-establishing our connection with the Earth's negative electric charge, we might correct these imbalances, promoting healthier inflammatory responses and enhancing the body's natural healing processes.

Supporters present earthing as a return to an ancient practice, a forgotten link in the modern chain of wellness strategies. The Earth, in this perspective, serves not only as a physical foundation but also as an immense source of bioelectrical harmony. By tapping into this natural reservoir of electrical energy, the hypothesis suggests a potential avenue for supporting wound healing and various other health improvements, taking a step back to more align with our biological heritage for advancements in health and healing.

Exploring the Link Between Earthing and Health

Diving deeper into how earthing, or grounding, may influence health, I've discovered a compelling body of evidence suggesting this practice could have a multifaceted impact. Earthing revolves around the concept of reestablishing our connection with the Earth's surface, believed to offer numerous health benefits due to its natural electric charge. This connection is thought to stabilize the body's innate electrical environment, which plays a crucial role in our health and well-being.

First, considering the scientific perspective, the Earth's surface possesses a limitless supply of free electrons, a critical component in reducing oxidative stress in the body. By walking barefoot or utilizing conductive systems that mimic direct contact with the Earth, individuals may absorb these electrons, which are natural antioxidants. These antioxidants have been shown to neutralize free radicals, potentially reducing inflammation, a key factor in numerous chronic diseases.

Moreover, the impact of earthing on wound healing presents a fascinating area of study. The process of wound healing is complex, involving inflammation, new tissue formation, and tissue remodeling. Earthing might influence this process by modulating the inflammatory response, thereby accelerating healing. Specifically, the reduction in inflammation can lead to an improved circulation, facilitating the transport of oxygen and nutrients critical for tissue repair.

A few studies offer preliminary insights into these effects. For instance, research has indicated that earthing can result in changes in blood parameters associated with inflammation, suggesting a decrease in overall inflammation levels. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play, these findings underscore the potential for earthing to support wound healing and promote health more broadly.

In essence, the practice of connecting with the Earth's electrical energy appears to offer promising benefits for health, particularly in reducing inflammation and supporting the body's healing processes. As I continue to explore this intriguing connection, it's clear that earthing could be a valuable addition to lifestyle practices aimed at enhancing health and well-being, bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science.

Earthing and Wound Healing: Reviewing the Evidence

Building on the understanding that earthing may stabilize the body's electrical environment, I've turned my attention to its specific impact on wound healing. The concept is intriguing: by reconnecting with the Earth's natural electric charge, could we really speed up the body's own repair process? Let's delve into the scientific evidence available.

Research studies suggest a link between earthing and reduced inflammation, a critical factor in the wound healing process. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine observed reduced blood viscosity and improved inflammation markers in participants who engaged in earthing. Reduced inflammation directly supports faster wound healing, suggesting that earthing might play a beneficial role.

Additionally, the grounding effect of earthing has been posited to enhance circulation. Improved blood flow can provide more oxygen and nutrients to a healing wound, potentially accelerating the recovery process. The Journal of Inflammation Research has highlighted that increased electron flow from earthing could enhance tissue repair and reduce the oxidative stress that often delays wound healing.

A pivotal case study further explores this potential. The study documented the recovery of 60-year-old woman with a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer. After incorporating earthing into her treatment, significant improvement was noted in just one week, with the wound fully healed over a short period. This case, while singular, points towards promising outcomes for individuals with chronic wounds, especially those complicated by diabetes.

It's essential to note, however, that much of the research on earthing and its effects on wound healing is in early stages. While the findings are promising, more comprehensive studies are needed to fully understand the mechanisms and consistently replicate these outcomes in larger populations.

The evidence supporting earthing's role in accelerating wound healing is compelling but not yet definitive. The potential for improved recovery times and reduced inflammation makes earthing an intriguing adjunct to traditional wound care practices. However, I always advocate for a balanced approach, incorporating proven medical treatments with supplementary practices like earthing, especially in the context of wound healing.

How to Practice Earthing for Wound Healing

As someone deeply versed in the realm of holistic health practices, I recognize the burgeoning interest in earthing as a supplementary approach to traditional wound care. Considering the scientific backdrop that associates earthing with enhanced wound healing, let's delve into practical ways to integrate this natural remedy into your recovery regimen.

Direct Contact Methods

Barefoot Walking: Engaging in barefoot walks on natural surfaces such as grass, soil, or sand enables direct contact with the Earth. This practice, ideally for about 30 minutes a day, can facilitate the transfer of electrons from the ground into the body, purportedly reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

Grounding Mats or Sheets: For indoor application, grounding mats or sheets can simulate earthing effects by connecting you to the ground port of your electrical outlet. Placing a grounding mat on your chair or using a grounding sheet on your bed overnight offers continuous earthing benefits, especially for wounds that limit mobility. You can buy this

Gardening without Gloves: Immersing your hands in soil during gardening activities provides a form of indirect earthing. This not only allows for the therapeutic benefits of touching the Earth but also engages you in a peaceful, grounding hobby that can detract from chronic pain.

Water-Based Earthing: Standing or swimming in natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, or the ocean helps conduct the Earth's healing electrons through water. This method is especially beneficial in soothing and healing wounds, given water's natural conductivity and the added benefit of hydrotherapy.

Implementing these earthing techniques can play a pivotal role in your wound healing journey, alongside medical treatments. Despite the necessity for more expansive research, the current studies and anecdotal evidence present earthing as a promising adjunct in the domain of holistic health and wound care. Embracing earthing practices not only aims at accelerating your wound healing process but also at enhancing your overall wellness by reconnecting with nature's healing energies.

Testimonials and Personal Stories

Following the exploration of earthing's scientific underpinning, I've discovered a wealth of testimonials and personal stories that further illuminate its potential benefits, especially in wound healing. Individuals who've incorporated earthing into their healing regimes often share remarkable outcomes, providing real-world evidence that supports the scientific findings.

One standout account comes from a man in his fifties, recovering from a surgical wound. He reported that after starting daily barefoot walks, his wound's healing process noticeably accelerated. Compared to previous experiences where healing took longer, this time, his recovery was quicker, with reduced pain and inflammation.

Another compelling story involves a woman using a grounding mat for her elderly mother, who was battling a long-standing leg ulcer. The family had tried numerous treatments with little to no success. Within weeks of using the grounding mat, there was significant progress—the ulcer's size reduced, and the surrounding skin's health improved. This story aligns with the case studies highlighting earthing's effectiveness in reducing inflammation and enhancing wound healing.

Moreover, a hobbyist gardener shared how regular gardening without gloves and direct contact with the earth seemingly sped up the healing of small cuts and abrasions on their hands. These anecdotes, although anecdotal, serve as powerful testaments to earthing's healing potential beyond controlled scientific settings.

The personal experiences of individuals from various backgrounds provide a rich tapestry of evidence that complements scientific research. Whether through barefoot walking, using grounding equipment, or engaging in earth-connected activities like gardening, the stories highlight how earthing may offer a natural, accessible means to support wound healing. Collectively, they underscore earthing's role not just in promoting physical well-being but also in enhancing the body’s natural reparative processes.

Conclusion

Exploring the connection between earthing and wound healing has been an eye-opening journey. The scientific evidence and personal testimonials we've delved into paint a promising picture of how reconnecting with the Earth's natural electric charge can support our body's healing processes. From reducing inflammation to enhancing circulation, the benefits of earthing for wound healing are backed by both research and real-life experiences. Whether it's through barefoot walks, grounding mats, or gardening, incorporating earthing into our daily routine can be a simple yet effective way to promote healing and overall well-being. I've been inspired to integrate more earthing practices into my life, and I encourage you to explore how it might benefit your health and healing journey too.

#grounding #earthing #wound healing #inflammation #sleep

0 notes

newlifemortgages · 11 months ago

Text

The Uncomfortable Truth About The Canadian Mortgage Market

March 13, 2024 | Posted by: Dallas Martin

The Triple Threat: Mortgage Arrears on the Rise

Let's start with a scene that's been getting a lot of screen time lately: the surge in mortgage arrears. According to Canadian Mortgage Trends, Equitable Bank has seen its mortgage arrears rate triple amid a flurry of renewals. Now, if that doesn't make you want to grab a lifebuoy, I don't know what will.

However, let's not forget that Canada, the land of the polite and home of the resilient, still boasts some of the lowest mortgage arrears rates in the world. That's right; despite the recent uptick, we're doing alright on the global stage. We're sitting pretty compared to many of our international friends. While we're here fretting over our triple somersault increase, other countries are performing full-blown Cirque du Soleil routines with their mortgage arrears rates.

So, while it's easy to get caught up in the doom and gloom of rising arrears, especially reading the news, remember that in the grand scheme of things, Canada's still paddling steadily along. But It's a stark reminder that the house doesn't always win in the game of mortgages.

Rent Prices: The Sky's the Limit

And for investors? Many investors with mortgage rentals, whose mortgage rates have decided to mimic a rocket heading to Mars, don't have a buffet of choices. They're kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place. Their once cozy mortgage payments have now decided to hit the gym and bulk up, leaving these investors with little choice but to raise rents to offset their beefier mortgage payments.

So, while renters are feeling the pinch, it's crucial to remember that this isn't some grand conspiracy to make life harder. It results from a financial ecosystem as unpredictable as deciding to wear white on a day when you're also starting to crave spaghetti for lunch.

Interest Rates: The Pendulum Swings

These developments spell out a cautionary tale for buyers. The dream of homeownership is becoming a maze of higher costs and tighter lending standards. Sellers, meanwhile, might find themselves in a conundrum where rising values meet a dwindling pool of buyers able to afford those prices.

Charting a Path Forward

In the end, navigating Canada's mortgage landscape requires a blend of courage, wisdom, and a dash of foresight. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or simply survive, the key is staying informed and seeking guidance when the waters get choppy. Knowledge is your power-up in this game, and sometimes, you might need to call in a wizard (aka your trusted mortgage agent, Dallas Martin) when the going gets tough.

Remember, every challenge presents an opportunity—it's just a matter of finding the right compass to guide you through. So, strap in, folks. 2024 will be one heck of a ride through the Canadian mortgage market. Stay savvy, stay informed, and most importantly, don't lose sight of the shore.

#mortgage #realestate #ontario #canada #real estate #realtor #bank of canada #finance

0 notes

todoroki-waifu · 4 years ago

Note

Can I ask for some fluff with Chifuyu~~Where girlfriend reader is use to being affectionate (she’s a naturally affectionate person) so when saying sweet things to him, hugging, cuddling, hand holding, etc. she’s not shy about it and doesn’t really blush compared to Chifuyu who is the opposite! Like he’s always blushing bad and nervous with her being so sweet or close like that. So what if one time Chifuyu decides to be confident and try and make her blush hard for him instead?!! What does he do and/or say💗?

Note: Thank you soooo much for the request! I’m so sorry that this is so late! Not sure if you saw my previous post, but I was out of town and got sick. Feeling much better now! Please don’t hate me!

Chifuyu x F! Reader

Warning: Some slight suggestive NSFW themes? Cursing (just ass and hell was used a couple times here). Female reader.

Genre: Fluff and comedy

Word Count: 1,193

----------

Note: This was the video I used for reference lolol. Chifuyu was desperate. He wanted to make you feel the way he did. He wanted to see if he could make you nervous or blush.

No.

He needed to know if he could also make your heart flutter the way you did to him.

But maybe going to Baji wasn't really the best idea. Chifuyu was hesitant at first, but he trusted his captain and hoped that he could provide him with some quality advice.

"Slap her ass." "Wha-what?" "You know, give her ass a little smack." Baji said as he tied his hair back to keep cool from the burning sun. The Toman gang and you were hanging out at the park, taking advantage of the clear weather and summer break. "I can't do that! That's disrespectful!" "Not unless she told you she likes and wants you to do it." Baji replies quickly. He'd never suggest touching anyone without permission. "I wouldn't know. I never tried it." You and Chifuyu have been dating for a few months, but your physical touches only consisted of kissing, holding hands, and hugging. He was too nervous to go any further. He really valued your and his relationship! "Okay, okay. I got it." Baji grins as he calls you over. "Wait, what's your idea?" He sees you slowly approaching him. "Tell her her ass looks juicy. It's a trend going around and apparently girls like it." "What?! I can't say that! Isn't that a little too much?" Chifuyu was trying to think of an alternative but it was too late. "Say what?" You smile at your boyfriend, tilting your head as Baji slaps his hand on his friend's back. "Yeah, buddy, you told me to call her over. What did you wanna say?" He encouraged his vice captain. "Oh, need some privacy? My bad. Let me give you some space." "Everything okay?" You asked, seeing how he looked a bit nervous once Baji left. "Ye-yeah. I just wanted to tell you that your b-butt looks. . . j-juicy." God he just wanted to punch himself until he passed out. This was such a bad idea! Why the hell did he even go with Baji's plan!? "Wait, really? You think so?" Chifuyu hears the excitement in your voice, taking a moment to process your reaction. He thought you'd slap him or think of him as a pervert! "Ye-yeah! It looks great!" He quickly responds. "I'm so happy!" You squealed as you did a little dance. "I've been training with Mikey and doing these new exercises to build my endurance. I have noticed that my muscles are a little bit tighter so I'm glad you noticed, too!" You've been learning how to fight so you wouldn't be a liability to the others. Your main goal was to keep up in a fight so you weren't really focused on building your bottom. But hey, you'll take the added bonus. "Really? Well, it's been paying off! You look amazing, babe! I mean, you always do." Chifuyu felt slightly guilty that he didn't notice until you twirled around a bit. He didn't want to be rude if you caught him staring, but he did steal enough glances to realize a difference. In all honesty, he didn't care much for physical looks. What was important to him was the inside and you had one beautiful soul. "Yay! Thank you!" You turned to the side to show more of your backside. "Did you wanna touch it?" Cue Chifuyu's face erupting into different shades of red. ----------- The first attempt was a failure for him. The only positive was that you were happy with your progress, but you didn't blush once! It was your date night today so he thought he'd try out his new approach this time. Without his captain's help. He got the idea from one of his shoujo mangas and prayed that it would be a success. Chifuyu arrived earlier than the designated meeting time, not wanting to be late. "Chifuyu-kun!" He heard you call his name as you rushed over to him. "Sorry, I hope you weren't waiting too long." "Not at all. I just got here as well." "That's good. I was afraid I wasn't gonna make it. There's a lot of people out today." You fixed your hair. "How do I look? It was super crowded at the train station." "Gorgeous as always." He smiles as he gently takes your hand and plants a soft kiss. "Ready to go, princess?" The only nickname he's ever used with you was 'babe' or 'baby' so he thought to switch it up a bit this time. "Princess?" Although his heart was pounding at his attempt to act smooth around you, he kept his gaze on you. Was that a blush? Was your heart finally fluttering? "That's new. I love it!" You giggle as you now wrap your arms around his neck. "Then if I'm your princess, that means you're my prince." He feels you lay a quick kiss on his lips as you stare lovingly at him. "O-of course!" Now he was faltering. "I hope that our story will have a 'happily ever after'." You buried your face in his chest and he's thankful that you couldn't see his flustered reaction. Chifuyu's heart is joyfully dancing in his chest while he couldn't believe that you'd want a happy ending with him, too!

----------- Note: This video was used for reference lolol. The vice captain's next effort was inspired by a video he saw while scrolling through his phone. This had to be it! He's never done this before so he was excited to see your reaction. You were hanging out in his room, trying to pick a movie to watch. While you browsed through the selection, he asked if you could stand up. "I wanna show you something." He tries his best to not stutter. "Sure! What is it?" "Hold your hands together." He interlocks his fingers and you do the same. You mimic his movements, watching him lift all his fingers from one hand. Once your fingers were up, he laced both your hands with his, raising your arms above your head. Chifuyu swifty and gently pins you against the wall while his free hand settles on your hip. "Chi-chifuyu-kun..!" Your __(e/c) eyes widen as a red hue decorated your cheeks. There it was! He did it! Gosh, you looked so cute! "A-ah, sorry! Was that too much?" He instantly releases you, Chifuyu's daring demeanor now replaced with his usual, bashful self. Your boyfriend looks away, trying not to seem like he was relishing in your embarrassment. He kind of was and he'll forever keep that image in his mental file, but he didn't want to make things awkward. Chifuyu then feels a slight tug on his sleeve and he directs his head towards the source. He sees his girlfriend, staring up at him with big and mesmerizing __(e/c) orbs while your cheeks continue to hold their red tint. "Can you..can you do that again?" You ask timidly, pulling him slightly closer to you. Heat suddenly rises to his entire face, his mind too frazzled to produce any coherent sentences. You were definitely going to be the death of him.

388 notes · View notes

screamting · 4 years ago

Text

superbat highschool au - Halloween

[warning for: non consensual kissing, implied abusive living situations]

As Halloween grew closer, Tommy (bundled up in the same scarf and loafers as Bruce) asked if anyone had plans for the evening.

Clark hadn’t celebrated Halloween in a couple of years now. Not really. Maybe a Halloween party here or there but that was it. Houses were too far spaced out for trick-or-treat back home.

“Uh, I mean I think Bruce ‘n I were going to head to the library again, but--” Clark began, looking to the other boy for confirmation.

Bruce began to nod, but--

“No, Bruce and I are gonna go out on the town,” Tommy said, swinging his arm around Bruce’s shoulders and tugging him close.

“...Tommy, curfew exists,” Bruce said, huffing a little.

“Not if we break it, it doesn't,” he said, grinning.

“Uh, okay. Is that an invitation then?” Clark smirked.

Breaking curfew once wouldn’t get him expelled.

“It can be,” Tommy said. “Harv?”

Harvey gave him a look that called him an idiot.

“Gotham on Halloween?” he said. “You're not exactly strolling around the hill houses for candy.”

“Is it bad?” Clark asked. “I’ve actually never been off school grounds.”

He’d never seen the city.

“Halloween’s crazy for crime everywhere,” future lawyer Harvey Dent said flatly. “It's thematic.”

And if Gotham didn't follow a trend towards the thematic… whew.

Bruce just seemed to be taking a moment to be stunned that Clark hadn't been anywhere outside the school.

“Okay,” he said, turning to Tommy. “What’s the plan?”

“I was thinkin’ ice cream and bowling,” Tommy said, grinning. “You wanna plan our escape?”

(Bruce had been thinking too much about the library lately. It was time to steer him towards literally any other thinking direction)

And Bruce nodded, accepting that assignment.

“Sounds fun.” Clark said, shrugging on his jacket.

“So how do you usually sneak out?”

“Badly,” Harvey said, still crossing his arms and clearly not pleased.

“Dodge the guards. Hop the gate,” Bruce said. “Not hard. Easier with a rope. Getting in again’s worse.”

“Cause they actually expect it,” Tommy explained before there were any questions.

“But at least we’re only on the second floor this year. If we weigh down the curtains and leave the window open it shouldn't be noticeable.”

“If it helps any I can jump pretty high,” Clark said. “So you shouldn’t have to worry much about me keeping up.”

Totally within normal human standards. Yes.

Bruce snorted. Laughed almost.

“The gate’s ten feet at lowest,” he said. “Plus spikes.”

Clark was so stuck between keeping everything under cover and bragging. He could fly since he was 10. Ten feet was nothing. Ten feet was laughable.

He opened his mouth, swallowed, and sighed.

Dammit.

Keep it under wraps.

“Right.”

The boys just huddled together again, nodding and still discussing. “So, do we need rope? Or are we gonna be able to grip the bars?”

“I need the rope,” Harvey said miserably.

“Got it,” Tommy said. “Leave it to me.”

“Please don't steal stuff and get us in more trouble when we get caught.”

“Never,” Tommy promised. “As if Bruce and I would get caught.”

(Bruce laughed then, but it was anxious for different reasons, then.)

“I’ll be able to grip the bars.” Clark said, for what little it was worth. For a moment he even considered offering to carry Harvey over on his back, but he thought maybe that was too much.

Could kids his age carry kids their own size on their backs?

He looked pensive for a moment.

…

No. Probably not.

“Anything I can help with?”

Tommy shook his head just as Bruce did.

“Lay low,” Bruce said. “...have any hats?”

Clark thought about that before turning and digging through his things.

He slapped on an old, beat up John Deere baseball cap.

Bruce made a distressed face.

“...have any other hats?”

“I gotta winter hat but it’s not that cold out.”

…

“What’s wrong with my hat?”

“That Bruce’s gotta wear it,” Tommy said, grinning.

… Clark grinned, took off the hat, and shoved it onto Bruce.

“Nnnooo,” Bruce said, hat shoved onto his head and shoved down even more securely by Tommy.

It tilted his dark hair out of place and looked completely out of place with his ironed white oxford and school blazer.

“It suits ya.” Clark grinned.

It really didn’t.

“You're a shit liar,” Bruce said.

“Quick, get the smallest shirt you have, Kent. He still sticks out too much!”

“Just use some of mi--” Harvey started to say.

But that got hushed as Tommy urged them into a game of Bruce Dressup, and Halloween grew ever closer, until finally the night arrived.

Clark couldn’t do anything about Bruce’s very pressed pants, but he could find a small shirt for him.

‘Small’ being relative.

Bruce would drown in it a little, but at least in the end he didn’t stand out so much in his old ratty John Deere hat.

And when the night arrived he followed their lead.

….Bruce, unwillingly, donned the shirt and cap when it was finally time, looking a bit more like a ruffian with the shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbow and the cap on his uncombed hair.

It made him look shorter. His face seemed rounder. Almost puppyish.

He was a very determined looking puppy as they rigged up their window so that the corner of the bunk bed jutted into view of the opening.

Tommy had, indeed, acquired a rope from somewhere, and they tied one end into a loop, tossing it around the shallow jut of the bedpost and getting ready.

Tommy was lookout as Bruce descended first.

Then Harvey. They'd wait for Clark. Tommy last. They flicked the rope until it came loose from the bedpost, gathered it up, and raced to the gate, sneaking around the buildings and in the bushes in the low light.

The gate was closed for the night, and they snuck under the desk guard to reach it.

Again, Bruce took it first, climbing up between the bars using the traction on his shoe to get up.

The rope was thrown over between the spokes at the top. Used to control their descent.

He ushered Clark to mimic him once he'd made it to the other side and decided it was clear. Harvey had to have his foot in the loop and he pulled over to make it.

Tommy went last again, staying behind to make sure Harvey had someone to catch him if he fell.

And they were outside.

It was hard for Clark to do things like these guys.

He… might have flown a little to descend out of the window a little faster, but kept his feet on the wall and his hands gripped to the rope so at least it looked like he was doing it like everyone else.

The gate though.

Ugh.

He tried to mimic Bruce as best he could, but it looked a little too… flawless. He didn’t strain or land on the other side very hard.

But they had made it.

… And outside, in the dark, there was even more light for his eyes to catch than usual.

He was lucky the boys were largely too focused on their own descents to notice.

That streetlights were common enough to make his eyes look somewhat normal for the moment.

Once they were on the street, Tommy and Harvey definitely took the lead, steering them up north of the academy, to a slightly more crowded--and festive--area.

“Is this what you guys do every year?” Clark asked anyone who wanted to answer.

He always kinda wondered what these rich city kids did for fun.

“What? No way,” Tommy said. “I mean. That'd be nice…”

Harvey shook his head, too. His hands were wrapped around his elbows in a self-protective hug. “Normally wouldn't be able to get away with it.”

“Besides. Our old roommate was really bad at stuff,” Tommy added. “Like not getting all of us in trouble.”

“Spent last year in detention,” Bruce mumbled.

(By now, Clark knew that didn't necessarily mean Bruce had done anything to deserve detention.

It could've just been he'd been around while someone did something. Or been the dorm mate of someone who did something.

...Harvey’s caving to come made more sense if he would just be punished anyway, if they were caught.)

“So, what, you just spend Halloween in your dorm studying? That’s… a lot less than I expected out here.” Clark said, not looking as defensive as maybe he should have been in Gotham of all places, hands in his pockets and head up.

Casual.

(Bruce kept his head down and the baseball cap over his eyes.)

“...what did you think we did?” Bruce asked. “Orgies? I'm taking you out for ice cream and bowling, Kent.”

“I dunno… parties? I thought that's what rich kids did. Go to clubs. Drink. That kinda thing.”

“... Not that I'm saying I want to do those things, but…” Clark shrugged.

All the same, all three kids had paused in walking to stare at him.

“...I wouldn't even be able to set foot out of the house if Mom had her way,” Tommy said, staring.

“....” Bruce just had that look on his face.

“Hey. I worked my way in,” Harvey said.

“I did too!” said Tommy, turning on Harvey a little. “I had to barter to get here.”

“...”

Bruce shuffled a little closer to Clark and breathed out, “their dads are the ones who drank all night.”

And that was all he mumbled before trying to step forward and break up the fight again.

The bowling alley would close, late hours or not, if they didn't get a-moving.

“Oh.” He mumbled to Bruce, and started walking too.

“Sorry, I guess the TV makes you think one thing even when it isn't very true. Sounds like I get it more'n you guys.”

Once more they turned, surprised.

“You've fucked?” Tommy said.

He had definitely pegged Clark for a virgin.

Clark nearly tripped over his own feet.

“N-no!! No! God.”

He was beet red.

“Did you mean ‘out’?’” Harvey asked, baffled, at the same time as Tommy said, “oh. Okay. Harv still has company then, at least.”

Bruce could finally see the bowling alley coming up. Extended hours for the weekend.

Ice cream parlor across the street.

Yes.

“Ugh, shut up.” Clark groaned, following them while rubbing his face to try and get some of the red from his cheeks.

“Yeah, yeah,” Tommy said, dropping it as they ducked into the building. It was much warmer inside. “...it's not like we have the money to get into clubs or buy alcohol, though. Seriously.”

“TV,” Harvey shrugged, quietly trying to reassure Clark a little that it was fine.

“What’d ya mean? You at least get an allowance, right?” Clark said.

“Even I get an allowance. Or at least paid a little when I help out on the farm.”

….Harvey shook his head. “...my family doesn't have the money for an allowance, anyway.”

Tommy just scowled. “If I see any of my dad’s money it'll be long after mom’s died.”

…

Meanwhile, Bruce ducked his head, and pulled out a ten dollar bill, handing it to Tommy, who took it and huffed up to the counter to pay, being the one who was clearly not dark-haired Bruce Wayne in a baseball cap and oversized shirt.

“...I get an allowance,” he admitted. “But it's not like I’m going to hike ten miles into the city from the manor to use it.”

“Jeeze…” He mumbled over Tommy talking about his mom needed to die for him to get his dad’s money.

“I guess that makes sense.” He said to Bruce again, watching Tommy pay for them.

“Thanks for treatin’ us though.”

Even if it made sense Bruce would pay for it. Still polite to thank him.

Bruce smiled a little. “Yeah. No problem. It's nice to get out. Thanks for the hat.”

“Shoooes!!” Tommy called once he'd paid, waving them over to change.

A four player game was being set up for them, the first letters of their names being their designations.

And ready to go.

A night away.

Clark smiled back.

He got his change of shoes and then looked around for the heaviest ball they had. It still wouldn’t be enough to offset his throw, but it would help. It was easier not to look too strong when you needed to roll it rather than throw it. It was just a matter of dialing back the momentum.

His first throw though it went way too fast. Nothing that would break everything in its way, but still just too fast.

Shit.

He would try and hide his distressed face and play it off and… dial it back for the one after that.

The desk manager warned him the ball was probably way too heavy, but thankfully, the other three boys seemed to tack up his wild throw to weight and momentum, laughing wildly as it careened impressively fast-- into the gutter.

“Beautiful!” Tommy whistled at him.

“Like you'll do any better,” Harvey said.

(And Tommy did not.)

But after a few rounds, everyone was adjusting a little better to the balls, and…

Bruce sat beside Clark while waiting his turn, and jeered the others when they missed just like they did him.

And… seemed relaxed and happy for once.

Smiling.

“Hah!” Clark hollered as Tommy did just as poorly as him.

As the night went on though he did get used to rolling the ball down the lane and compensating for how little it weighed to him in comparison.

It was a lot of fun.

He cheered and jeered everyone when they did well or poorly, jabbing them with words just the same as they did him. He tended to stick to Bruce more than Harvey or Tommy. They had grown to know each other a lot better over the past month working on their Court of Owls stuff.

It was good.

This was fun.

He was clapping and laughing along with the rest of them, and upon noticing Bruce looked happy too he would give him a little nudge and a smile.

Happy to see him happy.

Bruce had gotten a lot better at being casual with Clark with their search together the last month, but--

It wasn't as if he smiled much during the investigating. It wasn't like he was giddy over crime scenes. Any excitement he had about finding a pattern quickly turned to seriousness as soon as he had to explain what he’d noticed.

And in school, he said little. Let people part in front of him or walk by him without any seeming preference.

But here, finally, it was just fun.

...through some twist of fate, Harvey’s score was highest at the end of the game.

They had no real way they planned to reward the winner. But it was fine if they just mocked Bruce's place in dead last.

He had wonderful aim, after all--if he was aiming for the gutter.

But when the game ended, Bruce trotted over to the shoes, picking up his and Clark’s, and bringing them back over to change quietly before heading across the street for the last half hour the ice cream parlor would be open.

Bruce didn't have to tell Tommy what he wanted--a float--but Tommy would ask the other two before trotting up once more with Bruce’s cash in hand to pay and order at the counter while the four slid into a booth.

And maybe because Tommy was up paying, Bruce found himself sliding in beside Clark to sit across from Tommy, instead of beside him for once.

Clark’s choice of ice cream was pretty much the most boring of all; a vanilla shake.

He sat on the inside by the window, and didn’t think twice about Bruce sliding in beside him.

“How often have you gone bowling before, Harvey?”

Harvey shook his head. A lot. “Almost none? I think in Jr High we went once as a class trip, but I was terrible at it.”

“Harv has two settings,” Bruce said, leaning his chin on his hand and very carefully not putting his elbow on the table. “Professional, and worst luck ever.”

Clark snorted, “Man now I feel worse, I go bowling like… at least once a year when my friends and I are bored back home. It’s one of the few things to do back in Smallville.”

“Yeah?” Bruce said, leaning in a little, interested. “You've mentioned your town a couple times. What's it like?”

“Lives up to the name.” Clark smiled. “Small. Bowling alley, gas station, market. Got one street light in the whole town. The farm is about five miles from the center of town, you gotta have a car or a bike to get anywhere.”

“People always hang out by the train tracks or the ol’ Glott farm that’s cavin’ in on itself.”

“Does it rain any less?” Harvey asked, a little sardonic, but still listening all the same.

It was about then that Tommy came back with their ice cream.

Vanilla shake. Two root beer floats. A sundae.

But when he made it to the table, he paused before setting things down, as if he had to… look around and see where they were all sitting for a second.

“Yeah but we gotta worry about tornados way more.” Clark said, and was already reaching for his shake since he was the only one to get one by the looks of things.

“Thanks Tommy.”

“Y’welcome,” Tommy said, and... passed out the rest.

Sundae for Harvey. Floats for him and Bruce. He sat across from Bruce at the table, and didn't interrupt the conversation. Just started to drink silently through his straw.

“...are tornadoes actually like what they say?” Bruce asked. “I read they can pick up a carton of eggs and just set them down miles away, completely intact.”

“Oh yeah, they’re capable of some crazy stuff. After one I saw someone’s record just… stuck in a tree. Like it was a razor blade. Powerlines bent over like they were made of playdough. Then sometimes it’ll set a full can of soda down on someone’s steps without a dent.”

He took a sip from his milkshake, oblivious to anything amiss with Tommy.

It was a nice way to ease into the later part of the night. A nice wind-down from bowling as they asked questions about Kansas and what it was like to live on a farm. In a small town.

When his float was almost drained, Bruce stood, saying, “bathroom, be right back,” and turned to head to the back of the shop.

“Me too,” said Tommy, following along behind him a moment later, wobbling to get out of the table with his long legs.

(They turned a corner and headed into the boy’s bathroom, and once they were there, door shut against anyone listening, Tommy said, “Bruce?”)

“Okay,” Clark said, and thought nothing of it. He slurped the last of his shake through his straw.

But he did overhear their conversation, whether he intended to or not.

Neither did Harvey, who had gotten content to just sit and listen after a while, and was now just quietly watching the street go by, trying to find room in himself to finish up his sundae.

(“Hm?” Bruce said.

“Are you mad at me?”

“What? No. Why would I be mad at you?”

“You’ve been avoiding me, lately,” said Tommy.)

… Clark turned and looked in the direction of the bathroom.

He didn’t look too hard. Not yet. But he was definitely listening.

As far as he knew Bruce wasn’t mad at Tommy at all.

Nothing had changed.

“Don't lie to me,” Tommy said, voice no louder, but a thousand times more sharp than it'd been a moment before.

There was a stutter in Bruce’s heart.

“We tell each other everything,” he said. “I told you everything. And now all you do is hang out with Clark.”

“...we’re just looking stuff up,” Bruce said, voice low and careful. “It's just hanging out. It's different.”

“Really? Because you barely ask to just hang out with me. You were gonna be with him before I got this plan together, you remember?”

There was a footstep. A set of footsteps. Shuffling around.

Clark narrowed his eyes.

He glanced at Harvey, then leaned his head in his hands to try and hide the line of sight to his eyes as they glowed blue and looked harder.

Into the boy’s bathroom.

He'd find them both shuffled into the two-stall bathroom, neither in stalls. Just Bruce taking a step back towards the back wall, and the tail end of Tommy moving forward, teeth clenched in distress.

“It's not like that,” Bruce said, keeping his voice certain, even if he didn't look it. “We came along, we went with your plan, didn't we? You're still my best friend, Tommy, come on--”

“Prove it,” Tommy said.

“What?” said Bruce, furrowing his nose.

“I told you everything Bruce,” Tommy said, and took a step forward once more, even without Bruce moving back. “So if you really care then just--”

And Tommy had pushed Bruce by the shoulders against the wall, and pushed their mouths together.

For a long, silent moment, Bruce just stared, unresponsive at him.

Then, he reeled back with a punch, and slammed Tommy flat on his back.

Before Clark knew it he had crushed his now empty shake glass in his hand.

“Gnnhshit.” He mumbled, blinking hard and looking away from the bathroom.

Holy shit.

The woman working behind the counter was already looking up and heading towards their booth to see what happened.

Harvey practically jumped in his seat at the shattering, turning to stare. “Oh, crap! Are you okay?!”

He grabbed a napkin and started trying to help, dabbing up the spilled milkshake and reaching for Clark’s hand to check for injuries.

“Yeah, I’m-- yeah I’m fine.”

He showed him his hand.

No blood. No glass stuck in it.

“What happened over here?” The woman asked, and Clark mumbled out something that was hard to hear. Something like ‘wasn’t paying attention’ and ‘sorry’.

“There must've been a crack in the glass,” Harv reasoned, helping her pick the glass up from the floor and countertop. “It just broke while you were holding it?”

From the back of the shop, two boys exited the bathroom.

“Did something happen?” Bruce asked, coming over.

(Tommy was quiet, behind him.)

Clark started to help too.

“Broke my glass.” Was all he managed, still a little too stunned to say much.

“You kids be careful, I’ll clean this up. Don’t worry about it.” The woman said, trying to shoo them off lest they end up cutting themselves.

The other three figured he was stunned from his glass exploding in his hand, and they shyly backed off a bit as the waitress shooed them.

“Sorry about this-- here,” he said, and shuffled in his pocket.

He pulled out a five.

“Whatever doesn't replace the glass is a tip,” he said, handing it to her.

“Sorry.” Clark said again, and carefully got out of the booth, picking any glass off his lap if there was any.

“Thank you young man.” The woman said, not recognizing who it was handing her the money.

“It's no problem,” he said, but even though she didn't recognize him at that moment, he still was hit by an overwhelming urge to put the cap on and hurry the group outside.

If Clark had ice cream in his lap, it was wiped off with napkins, and Tommy said, at some point, “we should probably head back.”

He and Bruce left their floats unfinished, and were ready to get out the door.

“Yeah. Good idea.” Clark said, and quickly started to walk towards the door.

God.

Shit.

Things were going to be so awkward back in the dorm.

Should he ask Bruce about it??

Bruce and Tommy said nothing. Nothing at all about what happened.

They followed Tommy and Harvey back to the Academy’s gates and took the rope out of Harv’s bag to throw it up again and get them all over.

Bruce first. The surest climber. Clark. Harvey.

Tommy picked up last. A sure climber, but big enough to catch them if they fell.

They snuck back on campus. Lassoed the end of the bed in their window, and rock climbed their way up the building in reverse order. Tommy lookout up top to keep the knot stable. Bruce, surest climber, getting up when no one would be there to catch him if he fell.

...once they were on campus, all three boys fell into their usual quiet, reserved for avoiding detection after hours, but still-- Harvey said, quietly, “...thanks for doing this. I think I needed to have a day.”

“Course,” Tommy said, stripping to his Pjs and grinning. “Anytime.”

Bruce nodded too.

“It was a good idea.”

...he returned the hat. The shirt.

He tugged on his night clothes too.

As if nothing had happened.

Clark followed them all in, kicking off his shoes and sitting on the edge of his bed as everyone wound down.

“... Yeah. Was fun.” He said, trying to sound convincing.

It was already way past hours and he didn’t want to risk sneaking out in his street clothes, so even he changed into his pajamas in the room too. At least the lights were off so maybe they wouldn’t notice anything weird.

Not that he was… that weird. A little more jacked than a sixteen year old should be, but it was dark, so…

He hurried through it and climbed into bed.

...tonight, they were all a little too distracted to really notice.

Even Bruce was too tired to have one of his quiet nightmares, which surprised even him upon waking.

...and upon waking, Tommy and Bruce would get changed together as usual.

Head off to class after sitting together at breakfast.

No hint of what had occurred between them the night before.

Clark changed in the bathroom again that morning. He was still too self-conscious to do it around everyone else.

He didn't mention anything to anyone. He ate breakfast with the others, went to classes even if it was just him and Tommy in the same one.

Waited until that evening when again it was just him and Bruce walking to the library.

“Hey, so… last night.”

…

“You and Tommy fight or anything? I thought I heard something when we got ice cream.”

There was an uptick in Bruce’s heart rate, but his confused expression revealed nothing of the sort.

“No? Maybe you heard him spook me when I got out of the stall. Wasn't expecting him.”

Ah.

“Okay, yeah. Maybe.” Is what he said instead though rather than keep prying. “Just checking that you guys are okay.”

“...why wouldn't we be?” Bruce asked, his own thoughts loud panic bells that couldn't be heard by anyone else.

No one could know. Even if Bruce didn't want it. That didn't matter as much as Tommy had done it and Bruce was a boy.

And he didn't want to know what their teachers, or the press, or Tommy’s Mom would do if they found out.

“Is something wrong?”

“Tommy seemed kinda distracted I guess. Quiet. Normally he doesn't shut up.” Clark tried to huff a laugh.

“But maybe I'm reading too much into it. I was kinda distracted too.”

“He might be tired,” Bruce said, making a mental note to tell Tommy to talk more. (Maybe it’d even make him happy.) “or dreading break, now that it's officially November.”

November.

Clark had made it to the third month.

“Dreading-- oh right, he doesn't seem to like his mom very much.” Clark said, wanting to get off the topic he brought up.

“Man I can't wait to go home and visit.”

“...it hasn't been a good couple years between them, yeah,” Bruce admitted. “...what are you going to do at home?”

Clark shrugged, “See my friends. See Ma ‘n Pa? Pet my dog?” He chuckled.

“... What do you do on break?”

“....” Bruce needed to think a moment. “Walk. Mostly.”

“... Walk?”

It sounded so weird Clark needed to make sure he heard right.

...he nodded.

“Around the grounds. I walk. Maybe read.”

He would definitely read. But.

Even he got tired of reading.

A massive manor with nothing to do in it but wander.

…

“Don't have any other family to spend Christmas with?”

He shook his head.

“...the Kanes, I guess. But no. We’re Jewish, anyway.”

“...and Tommy and Harvey’s parents won't let them escape long enough for coming over.”

…

“It's fine,” he said, already sensing the look on Clark’s face. “It's been like this for years. It's not upsetting or anything. Just dull.”

“Oh.”

…

“Would you wanna come spend it at my place?”

Bruce turned to look at him, startled.

“Huh?”

Like he hadn't quite understood for a moment.

“Do you wanna come spend break at my house? In Smallville?” Clark asked again as though Bruce hadn't heard.

“I'd have to call my parents but I don't think they'd say no.”

Before he'd even said he wanted to, Bruce was doing math in his head.

Clark had been open about how his family couldn't really afford GA. Last minute decision to come. If they couldn't afford that with only one kid it might be rough to take in another and

(Okay. Okay. What do I have to do to get out. How much money. What did he have to do.)

“Yeah,” he said, calculating the price of a plane ticket if Alfred tried to say ‘no.’ Taxi fee. Plane ticket. Get out. “Yeah, if they say yes-- they don't have to worry about much from me, I can pay for my own food and room if they need me to.”

Clark laughed a little, “You don't have to pay for room ‘n food. Maybe bus ticket though.” He stopped and looked around for one of the school's pay phones.

“You got a quarter?”

He would need to call and ask. Letters were too slow for this.

Bruce didn't usually carry the money around school, but he dropped his book bag and started rooting around in it for a stray quarter in the bottom, finally coming up victorious.

“Nice, thanks.”

Clark took it and walked over to one of the phones bolted to the wall, pushing in his money before dialing back home.

“Hey Ma. … I'm good. Um, question actually. Would you mind if a friend comes over for break? His name is Bruce. … Nah he's-- well he's Jewish but he usually spends it alone, so-- yeah. He can buy his own ticket don't worry about it. Can he use the guest room? Cool.”

Then he paused.

“Uhhhhhhh okay. Hold on.”

He held the phone to Bruce. “She wants to talk to you.”

Bruce’s spine was straight as a rail and his shoulders set, the way they always were when he knew exactly what he wanted and was staring down something in his way.

He nodded and took the phone.

“Yes, ma’am?” he said.

“Hello, Bruce? Clark says you're thinkin’ about staying with us over break. I'm fine with that but I need to know, have you run this by your parents?” A kind-sounding woman on the other end asked.

“Oh my god.” Clark groaned, having not gotten to that part yet with her and able to overhear it over the phone. He mouthed a 'sorry’ at Bruce.

“My guardian will be fine with it,” Bruce said, not letting a pang of anything show on his face. “He's been hoping I'd find someone to be with.”

“... Really?” The woman on the other end said. “I know you boys are at school but is there any way I can call your… ‘guardian’ and make sure?”

Clark was rubbing his eyes.

“Yes,” he said. “And if you tell him we called Kansas he’ll handle the distance fee.”

Fine. Fine.

He gave her the manor phone number.

“Let me call him real fast and make sure he knows.”

He mouthed to Clark, ‘kidnapping plot,’ and rolled his eyes.

Clark gave him a ‘really??’ look like he didn’t quite believe it, but said nothing.

“Okay, thank you Bruce. Is there anything I should know before you come over? Allergies…?”

Bruce nodded, looking bored as sin thinking about it.

He had to let Alfred know the nice lady on the phone was not trying to get permission to sneakily kidnap him or else he'd never get out of here.

“No, nothing like that.”

“Okay, I’ll make up the guest bed for you. Mind handing the phone back to Clark?”

“Alright.”

He did. Handed the phone back.

Listened from the short distance between them.

You didn't need super hearing to do that. And Bruce’s ears were still sharper than most.

Clark took the phone.

“Yeah?”

“Is this the Bruce you’ve been writing home about?”

“Yeah.”

“You sure his parents are going to be okay with it?”

“Guardian, Ma. He’s got a guardian. And yeah, probably.”

There was a moment of silence on the other end.

“Oh. Ohhhh. Okay, honey.”

Clark thunked his head onto the side of the payphone and looked like he would rather die. “So it’s cool? You don’t have to worry about him getting there or anything. He can afford a bus--” He paused and turned to look at Bruce.

“You gonna get a bus ticket and come with me or like…?”

“However I should get there,” he said, letting Clark suffer. “...might have to borrow your hat again for the first part, if it's a bus from here.”

“Yeah he’s gonna get a bus ticket with me.” Clark said. “Anyway we got studyin’ to do so--”

“Okay honey. I’ll call Bruce’s guardian tonight to make sure. But I guess I’ll see you in a few weeks?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay. Love you, sweetie.”

“.... Love you too, Ma.” Clark said a little quieter before saying goodbye and hanging up.

“You've been writing to her about me?” was the first thing out of Bruce’s mouth.

“Yeah?” Clark said. “I told her I made friends with my roommates. If I didn’t tell her that she’d think I was miserable and alone.”

“... Mentioned we’ve been working on a report, but that’s it really.”

… “Oh, okay,” Bruce said, not really sure what the knot in his chest (which was normal to have) meant right now, and whether it was loosening or tightening at that.

“I'll call Alfred,” he said, starting to dig around for another quarter in his bag. “You can go ahead if you want.”

“Nah man, I wanna see if he really does think this is a kidnapping plot.” Clark grinned, leaning up against the wall.

“Ugh,” Bruce said, rolling his eyes again and shoving in the quarter. “I'm doing it so he doesn't.”

He dialed a number. Waited.

“Hello. Alfred Pennyworth. You've reached the Wayne Estate.”

“Hi Alfred,” Bruce said. “I'm going to Kansas for winter break.”

“Pennyworth.” Clark whispered in disbelief.

What. A. Name.

Bruce turned back to look at him. Whispered: “I could've been a millionaire named ‘Pennyworth.’”

“Oh? I see it's all already been decided then, has it Master Bruce?”

“Master Bruce?”

Clark was grinning from ear to ear, like this was the most hilarious thing he’d ever heard.

Holy crap was he glad he stuck around for this conversation.

That one, Bruce kicked him for.

“...I'm just going to stay with my roommate for a bit. Okay?”

“I see. And which roommate moved to Kansas, again?” Alfred sounded dry.

“...the new one’s from there,” Bruce said. “Look, his mom’s going to call tonight and make sure it's alright. I've still got plenty of allowance. I'll just pack weekend clothes and head out from school.”

“...I see. Are you sure you wouldn't like to--”

“Yes.”

…

The other side of the phone was quiet for a while. Bruce just stared down at the buttons.

“Of course,” Pennyworth finally said. “...but please. Try to keep me more upbraided on things, wouldn't you?”

“It's not hard to find o--”

“I’d just like to not have to go searching all the time is all,” Alfred interrupted. And Bruce went silent again. “...I'm glad you've found someone to spend break with. I'll let his mother know it's fine.”

“...thanks, Alfred,” Bruce said.

And he hung up without saying goodbye.

Clark didn’t move from the kick, but his amusement died a little when things got… not exactly antagonizing between the two, but not fully great either.

“... I’m sure my mom will give him our address and everything.” Clark said when Bruce was finished, pushing himself from the wall so they could start towards the library again.

Bruce nodded. Headed off still feeling good about getting out, but…

Alfred made it hard sometimes.

“Yeah. He'll ask. What are we looking for tonight?”

“Left off with the Belinsky murders.”

#80s gay superbat #superbat #high school au #boarding school au #bruce wayne #clark kent #thomas elliot #rp logs #long post

43 notes · View notes

allycryz · 3 years ago

Text

Master Chouxchotement’s Illustrated Daily

News for Ishgardians of Discerning Minds and Tastes

The following articles are from MCID's FFXIV Write 9-15 Prompt: Crane. The content therein is rated M for Mature and hints at several pairings. Please direct your questions and comments to the nearest PostMoogle with our refined periodical's name.

“Artisans of Amorous Aides Seeing New Trend” by Master S. G. D. Chouxchotement

Our own Ishgard has long been home to artisans who direct their skill and expertise towards Amorous Aides. One such person has an exclusive and private clientele who pays for one-of-a-kind items as well as for her discretion. Not all people are as Modern as this paper and our dear readers, who do not shy from frank conversations about the body. Thus your understanding reporter has agreed to pseudonyms and the excising of certain identifying details.

Mistress X— crafts ingenious harnesses for those who wish to don a phallus. Her creations of leather, cloth, and sometimes precious metals are available only to those with deep pockets. Her chief delight is to create new devices which heighten carnal pleasures. I was allowed to examine one such item which uses aether to heat and pulsate in such a way as to stimulate a partner. Another allows the user to feel penetrated as they penetrate through ingenious design and not a little spellwork.

But as of late, more and more of her commissions are based upon the notion of mimicking Draconic Sex. Naturally, Mistress X— confided to me, there were products of that sort in the past. Such exchanges could only be created in the most discreet and trusted of places. I for one, dear reader, understand that one’s sensual fantasies needn’t reflect real life behavior. Alas, such was not the belief for most; and many who dreamed of such delight feared too much the Inquisitors’ sword.

In this new enlightened age, many are now free to seek aides that mimic a dragon’s ridges and scales. I am unable to describe her grandest commission as it will be so unique as to be a threat to the client’s anonymity. Suffice to say, it proves the fascination many might have with aspects of dragon procreation.

Editor's Note: I am told that dragons do not reproduce as we do and instead only bow to carnal desires simply for the pleasure of it. I suspect many believe our new allies assume they are rather like the pet lizards they encountered as youths.

Harnesses and their accompanying phalluses remain Mistress X—’s chief business. However, she is experimenting with a sleeve that may be fit to the customer’s flesh phallus, so as to simulate the sensation of a dragon member when they take their partner or partners. She has explained that such a trend is starting in other shops and she would like to provide her own version.

We will follow up, should this sleeve become a popular notion in discreet shops of Ishgard. Until then, I remain your humble reporter,

S. G. D. Chouxchotement

Seen and Heard: Dispatches from the Inner Circles of Ishgardian High Society

Item 1:

Last week, a certain lady stayed at her family’s home for a short rest from military duties. A certain young lord was seen throwing pebbles at her window at an outrageous hour of the night. No response was made until the lady’s father emerged to shoo him on his way.

Item 2:

Once again, a certain lord’s manservant is reported to have ordered enough food to serve three people. It is known the certain lord lives alone besides said manservant and a yet undetermined number of cats. Our source noted the purchase of breakfast ingredients as well as other goods.

Incidentally, it is said that a long-standing friend of this certain lord has recently returned to Ishgard. This friend, another son of our fair city, has yet to be seen by our sources but the rumors of his presence are from reputable people who would have such information.

Item 3:

A renowned Mor Dhona merchant has set up shop in Ishgard with her comely employees. The merchant was seen in a dress of brilliant honey yellow at Lord X—’s ball, dancing with every available lord and some who were unavailable. Mayhaps she shall add “Lady” to her name in the future?

Item 4:

Reports came of a famed songstress and a mistress of Thavnairian dance both visiting Ishgard. Neither seemed here to perform and so they must have simply desired to see the glorious sights of our home. They were seen dining with a certain retired lord, a widower of several years who greatly enjoyed their company. If he favored one over the other, no one was able to tell.

Last-Minute Addition:

We have halted printing to include this recent item: a certain lord and his long-standing friend were seen embracing most intimately with a third party. Details are scarce but observers agree that this third party was a Hyur man in a long white coat. Mayhaps a visitor caught the eye of these two esteemed sons of Ishgard?

Discreet Advice from M. Flauvien Fleur, Expert in the Sensual Arts

Dear M. Fleur,

I am in a predicament. My lover (a fine lady) and I (a man of limited experience) have arranged a private evening of pleasure with a gentleman of our acquaintance. She is quite excited.

As for me, I am also eager. But I have not ever been with another gentleman and do not want to burden them both with my inexperience. How shall I go about this?

-Mystified by Menage

Dear Mystified,

Congratulations on the splendid happenstance of a dear partner and a friend willing to share pleasure with you. I remember well my first menage, the glorious exploration of how multiple bodies might bring new and exciting bliss.

Everyone is a beginner in a thousand different ways. You are no burden. Rather, it seems you are extremely concerned with their enjoyment. I am sure they feel the same and would like to know how to better ease your way.

Before the evening, have an honest talk with both. If they are as kind as I hope, they will agree to ease you into the play and teach you as you go along. There are few things better than teaching a lover a new way in which to achieve new heights.

I suspect that you may like some practical advice. If you are able to get your hands either on M. Giroux's Pleasures of the Other Man or M. Etienne's Encyclopedic Guide to The Bodies and Its Senses, they will offer more mechanical details.

I suspect however, that your love and your friend will be more than willing to show you the way.

With love,

M. Flauvien Fleur

A note, from Lord Aymeric de Borel

My dear Haurchefant,

I suspect I know the answer but have you by chance taken on a second career; wielding the pen as you do the sword?

Yours,

Aymeric

A note, from Lord Haurchefant Greystone

My lovely Aymeric,

I am a man of many talents. By the by, what delights did you two get up to with Thancred and will you invite me next time?

With love,

Haurchefant

#ffxivwrite2021 #ally writes #ishgard #lemon

9 notes · View notes

themangledsans0508 · 5 years ago

Text

Big Gnome

Craig Tucker was in no way oblivious, he could tell when his stuff was going missing. In particular, his sweatshirts he was so fond of. Yes, he did indeed have multiple of the same sweatshirt, his mother insistent on making sure he had extras in the case he lost one, or it tore, or perhaps it was stolen.

Yes, he was aware that someone was stealing his sweatshirts, in particular, a younger shakey blonde. He gave him one to borrow, and it was returned, and then it disappeared, along with Craig’s spare.

Tweek basically lived at Craig’s house, spending a lot of his free time there and spent the night most days. Yeah, they did spend quite a lot of time together, but they still hung out with their own friends. Craig would hang out with Clyde, Token, and Jimmy and play some video games or just chill out. Tweek would meet up with Scott or Butters and they would do stuff on their own, whether it be board games or just talking about what was going on.

There was no jealousy, and they trusted each other. Being in a relationship for six years helped too, as everyone knew they were exclusive.

That being so, Craig was rather convinced that his sweatshirt disappearing was Tweek’s doing.

He didn’t just forget things, he’d remember if he set his sweatshirt down. He doubted anyone would steal it either, it was just a plain blue sweatshirt.

Unless, of course, they wanted to send a message.

Not to him, but to everyone else. A message that said; “Back off, he’s mine.”

Tweek didn’t need to, he had no competition. To Craig, that twitchy blonde was the universe, someone he was committed to. Tweek could be a murderer, and Craig would still be head over heels for him.

The only problem was, he had no proof it was actually Tweek.

Craig may have been (and occasionally, still was) a level fourteen thief, but when it came to Tweek, he outranked him. The only man who could steal from Craig Tucker and not get caught was Tweek Tweak. Even the level fifteen thief, Douchebag, had gotten caught trying to sneak past him. Tweek however, could rob Craig blind right in front of him and he wouldn’t notice. Not because Tweek was stealthy, but because he would be distracted by the beautiful man in front of him.

He decided he wanted to find out if his lovely boyfriend was in fact the reason his sweatshirts kept disappearing, and to do that he decided that instead of spending the night at his house, they would be spending it at Tweek’s instead.

So that being said, he sent a text to tell Tweek he would be spending the night at his house with him. The only reason Tweek was home was because his father wanted him to spend some time at least in the house for “the family aspect of the business.”

Craig hated Richard for a few reasons. The main one being that he didn’t truly care for Tweek and only used him for his own gain. He once thanked him for dating his son, like he was doing it for Richard or like it was a burden he had to carry.

Thinking about it made his blood boil. He didn’t understand how someone could not care about their kids. He knew it happened, he just didn’t understand why it happened.

Yes, Craig was typically cold to most. Yes, he had been a bully. He was different now though. Maybe not to the outside eye, but to those close to him it was obvious. He was less irritable and cruel, and more patient. It would be difficult to connect these changes to anyone but Tweek. He could, in theory, be maturing. In reality, however, Tweek taught him a lot.

Of all the couples in South Park, they were the pair seemingly guaranteed to last. Soulmates, dare he think.

He would make it last. He was sixteen, young enough to be told he wasn’t old enough to know what he was feeling, but in his opinion, he was old enough to know what he was feeling.

What he was feeling was love, he decided when he was thirteen. Three years later, the feelings had only intensified, confirming his suspicions. They were like two puzzle pieces; they fit perfectly together. Their bodies, their personalities, just like pencil and paper or the moon and the stars.

What didn’t fit together was his sweatshirts and disappearing.

Which is exactly why he was walking down the street as the sun set, daydreaming away. He arrived on the Tweak’s doorstep and noticed the lights on in the living room. He sighed in annoyance. Richard was probably sitting on the couch, watching the news to see what trends he could hop on board of. He knocked to be polite despite the fact it was no longer necessary, and to his dismay, saw Richard stand from his seat.

“Hello Craig,” Richard said with a smile, “Are you spending the night on this fine evening. Fine, like the freshly ground coffee-”

“Yes I am,” Craig interrupted quickly. He didn’t need to hear him go off about coffee, no matter how many years passed or how many times he said it, his coffee still tasted like shit.

“Alright son, Tweek is upstairs.” He patted him and returned to the couch, watching intently for anything teenagers may be attracted to.

Craig moved swiftly up the stairs, eager as always to see his boyfriend. He didn’t think he’d ever not be eager to see his boyfriend, not after ten years, not after a thousand years, not after a million.

He opened the door slowly as to not startle Tweek and saw the blonde sitting at his table and working on a lego set. He was focused, his head snapping from his book to the blocks in his hands. Craig wasn’t sure that he had even heard the door open. He took a few steps towards the blonde and tapped his foot a few times to mimic knocking.

“Hey babe,” Craig said. Tweek carefully placed the lego structure on the table and hurried towards Craig, wrapping his arms around him.

“My God, man! I thought you were joking when you said you were coming over tonight!”

“Why would I be joking?”

“I don’t know, I just thought you weren’t actually coming!”

“Don’t want me here?” Craig smirked.

“No, no, no! Opposite of that, dick.” Tweek stuck his tongue out playfully. “Whenever I’m here, my parents drive me crazy!”

“I know, honey, I know.” Craig squeezed him and then released his grip. “One day we’ll be out of here, Tweek,” he murmured, running his hand down Tweek’s cheek.

“Someday soon, I hope,” Tweek muttered. Craig kissed Tweek’s forehead and rested his chin atop his head.

“After we graduate, we’ll get a place of our own, baby. I promise.” Tweek placed a kiss on his chin and smiled.

“Did you eat already, Craig? Because I can go grab you something if you want.”

“Yes, Tweek, I already ate. It’s like eight at night now,” he chuckled. “What about you, Tweekers? Did you eat?” Tweek nodded.

“Yeah, I was just gonna finish this set and then go to bed.” Tweek pulled away and sat in front of the unfinished building. Craig followed swiftly and picked him up, seating himself in the chair and placing Tweek on his lap.

“I’ll keep you company,” Craig breathed into his neck. Tweek shuddered but continued his work.

It took around three hours for Tweek to finally finish his project, no thanks at all to Craig who kept running his hands up and down his body, planting random kisses on him, and squeezing rather vulnerable spots.

Craig completely forgot about why he had even come over to spend the night in the first place. That is, until Tweek asked to be released so he could brush his teeth and shower.

“It’s eleven at night, and you want to take a shower?” Craig asked, “Why not just forget it and go to bed?”

“Because I didn’t take one this morning. I like being clean. It won’t take long dude. You can do what you need to in there first so you don’t have to wait for me.”

“Yeah, I’ll go first. But I’m still going to wait for you.” Craig took his hand and kissed it before removing his grasp to allow Tweek to get up.

Craig went to the bathroom, feeling suspense now that it was almost time for his plan to come to full fruition. He gave Tweek a kiss as they passed in the hallway and returned to the bedroom.

He took a moment to really look at the lego creation. It was a city block, with a pet shop, cafe, and living space. Three of Tweek’s favourite things in one creation. He shook his head, he was getting distracted.

Focused on his mission, he opened the closet door and looked inside the small space.

He was surprised, not at the fact that indeed, both of his sweatshirts were in there, but at how many other articles of his clothing were there as well. Shirts in particular, but there were a few pairs of pants hidden around too, most likely however from Craig himself throwing them in a random place. He suspected there was more too, just not as organised as the ones he found. He smiled a little thinking about why Tweek had stolen the clothes in the first place.

Craig moved to the bed, taking his shirt off and tossing it off somewhere off to the side and laid himself on his side of the bed. He listened to the running water in the other room, the soft humming coming for a beautiful angel, and the wind gently blowing against the windows. If he hadn’t been at the end of a mystery he may have fallen asleep.

Tweek kept to his word, soon coming into the bedroom wearing a shirt that hung loosely off his body (perhaps because it belonged to Craig). His hair was drooping downwards and sticking to his face due to the water. Craig reconsidered his opinion that Tweek was an angel. He thought he was a god in disguise now.

“Craig, I thought you would have fallen asleep,” Tweek yawned. He wouldn’t normally be tired, thanks to all the caffeine in his system. With Craig, however, he didn’t feel as stressed or the urge to drink (as much) coffee. His addiction to caffeine was wearing off but in turn, he was picking up a new one.

At least the new one didn’t cost anything and was much more pleasing in his opinion.

“Nah, I told you I would wait for you.” Tweek chuckled quietly.

“You can’t control sleep, dear,” he smiled. Craig smiled back and pushed himself off the bed.

“I can try. Also, that shirt looks familiar for some reason.” Tweek looked down at the white shirt that was now slightly sliding off his shoulder and back to Craig.

“Yeah, I found it on the floor over there. I think someone lost it in here somehow,” Tweek teased. Craig couldn’t keep his smile from growing but shook his head gently. He moved past Tweek and opened the closet. He gestured slightly to the stash of his clothing and crossed his arms.

“You know, I’ve been looking for these,” Craig pointed at his sweatshirts dangling from hangers. “I need at least one of them.”

“Well, I need one too for when I’m trapped in this hell hole,” Tweek huffed, crossing his arms.

“I need one too so I don’t fucking freeze to death Tweek.” Tweek made a few small sounds and one of his hands moved to pull at his hair. Craig took a few quick steps forward and took his hands to keep them from doing any damage to those golden locks.

“You can’t freeze to death, what would I do?” Tweek twitched slightly and Craig sighed.

“I meant it as an expression, babe. I would never leave you,” Craig said softly.

“You better not, asshole.” Craig laughed.

“Nice to know you love me. Now can I please have one of my sweatshirts? I don’t care about the rest of the stuff you stole.”

“No, you can take it tomorrow when we go to school. It’s time to sleep for fuck’s sake.” Tweek wriggled out of Craig’s grip and went to the bed, laying with his back against the wall. “Well? Are you coming?”

“Of course,” Craig snorted. He slid into the bed across from Tweek so their faces were only inches apart. He looked into those blue eyes that he so often found himself getting lost in and found himself absentmindedly wrapping his arms around Tweek and pulling him closer, earning a squeak from the boy.

Tweek flipped himself so instead of facing the room, he was now facing the wall. He pushed himself so he was flush against Craig and sighed in content. God, he loved cuddling.

There was nothing sexual in their closeness, instead it being love and trust. Tweek would never have his back to someone if they were alone in a room unless it was his partner, and even then they had to have a strong trust. Craig, in turn, would never allow himself to appear soft or even caring for that matter. Simply cold and distant.

They had something special that almost no other couple in South Park had.

Hey! I already uploaded this onto Wattpad! My username is TheMangledSans0508! Check me out!

#chara writes #creek sp #sp creek #Craig Tucker #craigxtweek #craig x tweek #Tweek Tweak #tweek x craig #TweekxCraig #south park tweek #south park craig

52 notes · View notes

alwaysbewoke · 5 years ago

Text

As a whole, the Black community still has a long way to go in the area of loving the various ways our bodies and our hair present themselves in a world where beautiful and black have never meant the same thing. Well family, we really put our foot in our mouths this time and we gotta have a talk. Sometimes, a lot of the time, we are our own worst enemy and it’s going to be impossible for anyone else to take us seriously if we continue to despise ourselves.

On one hand, we yell from the rooftops that Black is beautiful and that we have to change the standard of which we define beauty. On the other hand, we collectively spend over $54 million annually on ethnic hair and beauty products to accentuate and transform ourselves into a version of beauty that both we and society still struggle to accept. Instead of further perpetuating this outrage culture where we fly off the handle every time a new topic trends.

If your first thought when seeing these pictures was “why they got that baby head looking like that”, I encourage you to explore why? What exactly were you expecting to see from a campaign where all the child models wore “messy” bed-head hairstyles? Did you get so caught up in messaging like, “I woke up like this” that you forgot how many of you actually look underneath the bonnets, protective styles and wig caps? Admit it, you don’t feel pretty unless your natural hair coils a certain way. You aren’t viewing yourselves as attractive when your hair is short, dry and partially combed. Society has only deemed black hair acceptable when it mimics euro centric styles. Black men, you struggle to look our way when our hair is less than “perfect”. Black moms, you associate length and silkier texture with “good hair” or only straighten out kinks for special occasions as if to say fros and braids aren’t special enough in and of themselves.

Let’s face it, we are still dealing with the residual damage of being made to believe we are less than in all ways. Listen up, no one is going to change this narrative until we do. Your hair was beautiful before you hopped on YouTube to get the latest tutorial, before you moisturized , detangled or swooped those edges. Your bodies, are beautiful whether they are built like Serena’s or are plump with undefined waistlines and stop feeding into any limiting belief that makes you feel otherwise.

(via)

we still got a long way to go to get over all this internalized self hatred. there’s nothing wrong with this girl’s hair. it’s pretty clear that even within the natural hair movement there’s a lot of respectability politics. a ton.

308 notes · View notes

italianclothing1 · 4 years ago

Text

Made-in-Pakistan: Improving Global Perceptions

The ‘Made-in-Pakistan’ label has the potential to become a symbol of repute, but this aspiration must be vigorously pursued. If we are to consider the increased digitization of markets in the wake of COVID-19 as an opportunity, with advanced tools and greater access to buyers, these tools must be used to address the international branding of our products, so that a label bearing our country’s name not only becomes a marker of great quality, but also a motivation to buy by choice. This would require an environment that facilitates exporting industries to focus on quality improvement through new processes, thereby developing new products and entering fresh markets.

Despite having low-tariff access to textile and apparel markets of the European Union, USA, Japan and China, Pakistan’s market share is low, which shows an inability to fully leverage our position as a textile-dominated economy, losing critical expansion opportunities to regional competitors. In addition, the EU and USA are now largely considered to be shrinking markets, and by continuing to focus on these rather than on expanding markets, our policies contradict global trends. Asian competitors have gained significant market shares from 2011-18 while Pakistan’s share decreased by 2.17%. It is not as if they possess something we don’t; rather their development of supporting policies, intelligent branding, market forecasting and diversification has helped them to excel.

Market Shares

China (33%) is the leading exporter of textiles in World followed by India (4.7%) & Bangladesh (4.6%). Pakistan’s share is only 1.7%.

When considering emerging textile markets, our best bet is to target those segments which have less market saturation by competitors. According to a report by the AfDB, Africa currently accounts for 1.9% of global trade, and trends have showcased it to be a major textile player in the near future. As stated by Hans Rosling, the African market is by far the largest potential market of the future. In order to preemptively capture this opportunity, we must enhance trade with Africa in order to secure a foothold in the fastest rising market in the world. Given that imports from China are restricted, South Africa is one country that offers ample opportunities for Pakistan to leverage. Furthermore, trade data for 2019 from Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland, Namibia and South Africa has shown that despite growing demand, textile related exports from Pakistan to these countries added up to a mere $114 million. The demand for textile continues to rise in these countries, so to capture market share, the industry must focus on trade and connectivity and the Ministry of Commerce must facilitate it. Reduction in tariff and non-tariff barriers by both sides would serve as a catalyst for accelerated growth in bilateral trade.

While it is often assumed that manufacturing inputs in Pakistan come cheap, this disregards the poor productivity and very real hindrances in power and logistics that raise costs of doing business. With numerous policy setbacks, and energy and infrastructural impediments at each level, exporters have been so caught up in trying to manage day-to-day affairs and onerous bureaucratic hurdles that there is little revenue left to be competitive, let alone consider a marketing plan. There is also a shortage of skilled labor in textiles, chemicals and hosiery/bed linen. Firms regard inadequate institutional training and the low quality of education as the most important reasons for the lack of labor skills, thereby hindering competitiveness.

Pakistan’s textile industry comprises an entire value chain from cotton production to prêt-à-porter and export, although it is more concentrated in the lower value-added end of the chain. The fragmentation of the supply chain falls into two main sectors: the formal sector, which involves spinning units/textile mills, and the informal sector, where sewing, knitting, as well as clothing and towel production fall under the scope of SMEs and small cottage units. In a fast-paced global market, the primary reliance on traditional goods in Pakistan is becoming a burden rather than worth maintaining. Textiles and clothing have accounted for nearly 60 percent of Pakistan’s export basket for more than a decade, and while this allows for a significant advantage in this sector, that advantage is not being leveraged as well as it could be. Other South Asian economies have diversified their export baskets to not only capture an abundance of untapped markets, but to increasingly tap into high-value-added products that utilize advanced technologies in their production. Pakistan must mitigate its reliance on primary and traditional goods and machinery and shift towards the export of value added, nontraditional goods. Only then can the country market itself effectively as a textile supplier that meets the greatest number of needs of global consumers.

With a myopic focus on short staple fiber raw cotton, we are essentially relying on a shrinking market while neglecting the rapidly expanding market for MMF. The MMF tariff regime effectively prevents Pakistan from aligning its products in tandem with the rest of the world. More than 60% of world textile trade is in MMF materials, the demand for which has grown exponentially owing to the convenience it affords as a cheap material used in the production of the ever-relevant active-wear trend. However, the duty protection given to obsolete plants in Pakistan is denying the Pakistani industry any chance to compete in this booming market, internationally or domestically. This brings us to the issue of polyester staple fiber, a raw material of the industry upon which it would be unreasonable to apply any duties. Alarmingly, at present there is a 7% customs duty on the import of polyester staple fiber. This racks up the total import duties, which subsequently fall in the range of 20% including antidumping duty. Despite the antidumping duty on cheap Chinese materials having expired, the duty has been extended for a further year.

This highlights the need for a policy environment and a tariff structure which favors global market needs, which are likely to be linked to synthetic fibers for the foreseeable future. The goals of the industry must remain aligned with the demands of the market, and this requires the industry to equip labor with new technologies and train them in the latest skills, thus shifting them from primary to secondary and tertiary activities. Agriculture must diversify into high value-added products, reduce the loss of fertile land to real estate speculations, improve domestic marketing systems, improve water management and set up centers for agro-genomics. In addition to investment in increased capacity and technology, there is a need to improve local design capacity through new clusters for training, design and testing and better managerial practices. Furthermore, the quality of these products should not be compromised at any level, as creating more processed products that rank later in the value-chain is no objective if quality is not simultaneously improved.

When it comes to apparel and ready-made garments, brands that have made it global have some pre-existing structures that have been instrumental in their success. Firstly, they largely benefit from being rooted in a more globally appealing culture, i.e. Zara specializes in Western fast fashion and streetwear, which is largely adaptable and worn across the globe. After all, fashion is an off-shoot of culture and its transferability depends on the culture of the origin country. In comparison, our signature shalwar kurta does not have an international appeal, save for our diaspora. If Pakistani brands aim to go global they need to introduce product ranges that cater to a wider and more diverse audience. Secondly, success stories in the global space relied on the existing clusters of the origin country’s textile industries. To mimic this, siloed efforts within the private sector in Pakistan need to join hands and work towards mutual success. Thirdly, once a Pakistani brand decides to go global it will have to reconsider its existing linkages. A common theme among global success stories is the disruption or specialization of supply chain models. Apart from aiming to supply to these internationally acclaimed fashion brands, if Pakistani brands can realistically emulate their business model, it could be the impetus for a booming industry.

Pakistani brands that have adopted a similar business model and targeted international consumer include Khaadi and Rastah. Behind efforts to export more and provide the country with valuable jobs and foreign exchange, there is a lot of effort and craftsmanship that goes into creating textile products, representing local talent and skills that should be showcased to the world via effective marketing. Khaadi was launched back in 1998 by introducing hand-woven kurtas. With its launch, it gained recognition for its distinctive embroidery designs, which reflected our traditional wear with a modern look. Khaadi soon expanded to create Western cuts without compromising on the traditional patterns of Pakistani culture. Intricate embroidery and block printing represent our rich South Asian heritage in a globally appealing way, and Rastah is a brand that has managed to achieve a blend of traditional Pakistani patterns and designs with Western streetwear cuts and styles.

Product planning is a crucial marketing activity in the garments industry. However, it is contingent upon ensuring product quality, developing attractive packaging, constantly innovating, distributing through the best middlemen, and maintaining an efficient inventory management system. Pricing lower than other countries and providing discounts to buyers is essential for competitiveness. At the same time, quality certification and adherence to health, labor, and environment standards is of utmost importance for exporters. However, awareness of these standards remains limited, thereby hindering quality assurance, and the procedures to avail the facilities provided in this regard are unnecessarily complicated. Measures must be taken to raise awareness and simplify procedures so that the maximum number of products can be brought up to an international standard. Given that a number of Pakistani textile firms are domestically owned and vertically integrated, activities like designing and branding can play an instrumental role in bringing the textile sector greater acclaim. As another measure to ensure vertical integration and a more diversified product mix, international buying houses should be incentivized to open outlets in Pakistan, with supporting policies such as tax exemption and free office and warehousing space. This would enable a larger geographical spread and allow for the goal of new products, processes and markets to be streamlined.

The Textile Policy for 2020-2025 proposes certain marketing strategies that go hand-in-hand with changing consumer behavior and technological upgradation. The strategies are outlined below:

Showcasing Products: an exhibition plan is to be developed in consultation with textile stakeholders and support from the Ministry of Commerce. The Ministry of Commerce has already initiated process of holding virtual exhibitions. In addition, Pakistan’s first virtual fashion show took place in June 2020 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, following a global trend of continuing the tradition safely. The plan also suggests holding the dedicated textile exhibition ‘TEXPO’ every year rather than alternate years, and expanding it to other countries.

Digital Marketing: this has already played a vital role in showcasing textile products and attracting new business. The Textile Wing, Ministry of Commerce has created a one stop E-Portal for this purpose. However, SMEs do not have ease of access to this portal, so measures are needed to make it more SME-friendly.

Market Access: The Ministry of Commerce is already in negotiation with developed and developing economies for market access. Competitor countries have taken bold steps by opening their markets, thereby securing access to major markets. Following this strategy, we must formulate a road map to increase market access, while remaining cognizant of the fact that this would be on a reciprocal basis and our market openness would also have to increase.

E-Commerce: Our first-ever e-commerce Policy is in the implementation phase, with the objective of giving open access to textile manufacturers/exporters to tap into business opportunities across the globe. Amazon has started registering Pakistan manufacturers and exporters including textiles. Ease of access must be granted to SMEs as well.

Exporters are presently allowed to retain / utilize 10% of export proceeds for marketing without requiring permission from SBP. Steps must be taken to extend this facility, allowing the establishment of development centers, design & marketing offices, near shore manufacturing, warehousing etc.

Moving forward, we must enable our textile industry to climb further up the value chain into original brand manufacturing (OBM) and original design manufacturing (ODM) categories. This will require support in development of skills eco-system around design and branding to capture higher value, and the development of fast-fashion design districts in Karachi and Lahore with strong academic linkages e.g., NCA and IVS. Furthermore, the industry must focus on the collection of relevant data. Hiring skilled graduates who can gauge emerging trends would make data collection more reliable and thereby significantly improve international marketing and branding. Finally, measures must be taken to promote private investment in the industry, contingent upon interest rate support and a reputation for never compromising on quality.

Some opportunities to attract investment and achieve expansion include the regional Textile Production-Consumption Hub, FTA 2nd phase with China, EU GSP+ until 2023 and a growing domestic market. CPEC in particular will allow the industry to leverage Chinese technology, efficiency and discipline to enhance its existing potential as well as to initiate new projects for higher value. CPEC’s improvements in infrastructure have improved trade routes, mitigated constraints to growth, and led to the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to enable smooth supply chains, enhanced innovation and economies of scale. Remaining on this track, CPEC has the potential to significantly boost industrialization and double Pakistan’s exports in four years, while also generating around 2.3 million new jobs in the country.

It is essential to promote foreign collaborations and joint ventures to improve technology, marketing and manufacturing processes, to introduce new technology and build brands. Pakistan's export-oriented industries are 25 percent more productive than non-exporting firms, and their productivity increases as exports increase. However, inefficiencies cannot be exported, so these must be mitigated from all input materials before results can be seen. Since exports in Pakistan are labor-intensive, expansion in this industry is a way to ensure large-scale job-creation, and an increase in foreign currency to pay for required imports. With the right policies in place, a diversified set of high quality exports will provide a crucial uplift to economic activity and lead to a cycle of development and improvement in perception.

#clothing #mens clothes #womens

3 notes · View notes

wkakadrac · 5 years ago

Text

Re:Warhammer The Old World

Since some people might recall my older posts on Tumblr being on Warhammer-related matters, and having poured easily $1000-$2000 USD between when I entered in 2001 and left in 2013, I feel like I’d be a bit negligent if I did not offer my opinions on the announcement for Games-Workshop bringing back the Warhammer Fantasy line.

Are you ready?

I’m tentative. Not tentatively optimistic, not tentatively excited, just tentative.

On the one hand, Warhammer Fantasy had something... unique, if you will, to a bit of its fantastical flair. It was a rather decently fleshed out fantastical world fit for mainstream production but also took efforts to differentiate itself from a lot of its competition. Its mainstay human Empire was notably - predominantly - Germanic in inspiration, for example, and the technology generally hovered somewhere between “On the cusp of Pike and Shot” to “Solidly Pike and Shot” depending on which books you read. The Elves were not the oldest race, but instead the Lizardmen were (who, for that matter, had both the traditional “Simple cold blooded warrior-beast” thing going for them with the Saurus and Kroxigors but also “Functional society with sophisticated artisans and philosophy” with the Skinks, too).

It featured Bretonnians who went all in on some of the more superhuman aspects of Arturian Legend. It featured the start of the “Big, green, musclebound Orcs” trend (much of the portrayals before tending to be more blatantly porcine and / or ‘broken’ Elf in nature). It had Not!Ancient Egyptian who were explicitly polytheistic and made use of chariots who at times even lead mortal kingdoms instead of doing nothing but brooding in ancient pyramids planning the death of Lion-Oh. It had... I think you get the point. There was a lot of interesting lore aspects to it.

Not only that, the setting was generally rich in lore (surprisingly so for a mere war-game). Supplements like the Liber Chaotica / Necris, the complex history of Dwarves and Elvish mythology, how a lot of army books originally spent literally dozens of times as much length providing narrative hooks as they did rules (and sometimes even having as much pages of alternate rules / army lists as base rules, so as to give armies more unique flair).

This was stuff that caught my interest when I picked up the hobby ages ago, both in a way that 40K just couldn’t satisfy as well as missing some of the aspects I came to eventually recognize as... rather concerning / problematic. Not missing it outright by any means, but being less obvious / prolific.

But that brings me to exactly where I feel like the Warhammer Fantasy revival could be... less than inspiring. Horrifying, even.

Warhammer Fantasy is a setting that makes no effort to hide that its map is - barring a few subtle and not-so-subtle changes - a rather blatant mimic of our own. You have Not!Europe, situated above Not!Africa and connected to Not!Asia. Across the ocean you have the Not!Americas, broken up into familiar Not!North and Not!South American versions. There are nations such as “Ind”(ia) and “Arabay”, and the aforementioned Not!Egyptians. The faction settled in Not!South America blatantly cribs off various Mesoamerican aesthetics, the one on the Not!Steppes from pop culture Mongols, the Not!Russians going so far as to borrow terms like Cossack, etcetera.

This in and of itself is not horrifying. Warhammer Fantasy wears this openly on its sleeve, and it provides some ease in identifying / characterizing things without having to flesh them out too explicitly in text.

Where it does become problematic is how... shall we say, regressive a lot of the major Wargaming communities are, as well as how some of the lore has been handled. And how this might interact with things such as... say, a once powerful faction re-awakening and deciding to forcibly expel the outsiders, reclaim their stolen wealth, and make their nation powerful again. Or how a certain landmass is presented as being populated predominantly by Green-skinned savages who almost universally throw spears (let alone the formal name for their Bolt Thrower war machines), wear war paints, and operate in tribal structures. How one of the major four Chaos gods is heavily coded to represent - in an unfavorable light - the LGBTQ+ spectrum. How another of the major Chaos gods is blatantly - explicitly - referred to in older lore in a manner synonymous with signs of abuse... and has increasingly been whitewashed as being “The good one” or “The only one who truly loves you” or “Hurting his followers because he loves them” in an unironic light.

Basically, there is an ungodly amount of room for things to - if handled either less than tactfully or even just mindlessly carried back over without any revision - go terribly wrong, and that’s without assuming purposefully hostile intent!

From a business standpoint, it’s relatively easy for WHFB’s revival to become a sort of money printing exercise for GW. Outside on-demand square bases and publishing some additional books, there’s relatively minimal work that needs to be done for such an endeavor due to the cross-compatibility between lines (Daemons are by default meant for 40K and AoS / Fantasy, for example, and a lot of the AoS line remains old WHFB ones repurposed for AoS).

But from a community / Lore standpoint, I cannot help but see so many potential areas this revival could enable some of the worst aspects of modern Wargaming communities. Warhammer 40K was never exactly spotless, but it at least had a degree of separation due to the Sci-Fi veneer. Warhammer Fantasy has the real-world expies baked in.

#Warhammer Fantasy #Warhammer Fantasy Battles #WHFB #Warhammer The Old World

13 notes · View notes

snakes-and-island-fires · 2 years ago

Text

IRONY OF IRONIC FASHION

As consumers, we are so caught up in the speed with which new designs come our way that we often fixate on originality more than taste. Brands push to catch the eye of a generation accustomed to scrolling quickly and mindlessly. They rely on nostalgia and humor when simple intrigue no longer feels like enough. This has spawned a movement within the fashion industry that capitalizes on irony. Ironic clothes are traditionally and universally recognized as ugly, ridiculous, cheesy or cheap. The appeal is therefore not only in the way the clothes reference the darker fashion days of our childhoods and the whimsy that was present then. It is the fact that your grandmother will never understand, but you and your fashion-forward friend will.

Fashion houses like Balenciaga, Gucci, Moschino and Vetements are among the many embracing irony in the pieces they send down the runway. Gucci’s “web” or “grip strap” sandals are just two of the styles reminiscent of required attire for a whitewater rafting trip, and their jelly sandals are just a slightly upscale version of the shoes my parents put me in when I could not be trusted with destructible fabric. Balenciaga has turned crocs and dad-sneakers — seemingly antithetical to anything fashionable — into almost $900 shoes. Moschino created a garment bag-inspired dress while Vetements has turned slouchy t-shirts and sweatshirts into high fashion. For all brands involved in this movement, the expensive price tag and revered logos that adorn the garments, turn the clothes from cheap to chic. While theoretically promoting inclusivity and creativity in the fashion realm, this trend loses its potential for good in its promotion of cynicism, as well as intellectual and economic elitism.

The advent of ironic fashion was not as recent as its supposed originality might imply. The ‘90s saw the rise of ironic fashion similar to what we see today. As target consumers of high fashion were then not only educated, but also newly immersed in television and advertising, ironically embracing the banality of mainstream trends seemed genuine and refreshing. The notion of the hipster was still novel.

Even before that, the concept was not foreign in art in general. “Kitsch” used to describe cheapness, or art that draws from pop culture and therefore is easily accessible and generally unexciting. Kitsch took on a new meaning, however, in the mid to late 20th century. Skewed to mimic but still mock pop culture influence in art, the notion of “camp” grew from the appeal of exclusivity. It takes knowing that it would be ridiculous to take the conventionality of the work seriously to appreciate the humor in it. Thus jeans became a staple of everyone’s wardrobe. Guided by heavy advertising, a once practical piece of work attire became a comedic distortion of what it was. Jeans still held a relatable, one-with-the-working-class connotation, but high prices also said that the person wearing them “knew better.” Jeans were one of the earliest and largest reversals of the intended meaning behind a piece of clothing: their prevalence tells us that embracing anti-fashion as couture is natural.

I must admit that this movement makes sense — there is something to appreciate in anti-fashion fashion. Comfort, for one, is a valid reason to support the emergence of “ugly” fashion. As chunky sneakers and oversized sweatshirts replace stiff heels and fitted dresses, it is no surprise that women in particular are drawn to the change. There is also a sense of freedom that comes with abandoning mainstream styles: people can make expression a personal endeavor rather than one dictated by external standards. In theory, anti-fashion fashion is freeing in that it is relatable. It reminds us of the items we have hidden away in our closet or the ones we wear when one no one is looking. Older generations may make fun of those paying for Balenciaga crocs like they do those buying pre-distressed jeans, but the consumers are operating with the same intent: there is a casual and accessible appeal. It feels unedited, especially for people who feel excluded from the more classic take on the fashion world.

And while many of us welcome this opportunity to excuse a wardrobe disaster as deliberate, we find ourselves asserting that it is “ironic.” This need to be ostensibly “in the know” is telling of the problem with ironic fashion — it is not as inclusive as it appears.

The fact that this movement is not new is part of that problem. It is cynicism for the sake of cynicism rather than cynicism with any sense of originality. We have all seen and tried the hipster act and it has lost its novelty. We have come to the same realization: thinking you are better than everything is only entertaining for so long and it is no more tasteful than the lack of taste it mocks. Ironic fashion capitalizes on the whimsy that kitsch provides but demeans it, which besides feeling immoral, feels nonconstructive. It does not offer an exciting alternative to the “boring” mainstream nor a serious one to the ridiculous camp. The result is a movement that feels posed. It tries desperately to say something different, and consequently says nothing.

Yet, the potential benefits of an anti-fashion fashion movement, such as comfort and creativity, are ignored. First, the movement is only accessible to the generation that is both young and old enough for the pieces to be ironic, so any sense of creativity does not extend far. In addition, the qualities of these pieces that the mainstream loves become irrelevant, as they oppose the elitist outlook established. The excitement of ironic fashion is not the surprise itself, but the haughtiness of understanding the surprise when others do not. It prides itself on inherently elitist intellectualism, as understanding the irony in a piece implies a level of understanding of fashion (or art) history.

Finally and most obviously, the exclusivity of “ugly” fashion is also financial. To be done right, the irony has to be so obvious that it cannot be mistaken for being simply ugly clothing. For those who cannot rely on their ethos to tell others that they are, in fact, clued in, so much of kitschy clothing centers around logos and other forms of brand recognition. It is never just wearing the sandal, but wearing the $900 version. The movement becomes inaccessible to all those unwilling to spend hundreds on the best plain hoodie or platform sneakers. The pieces become acceptable not because they say something clever or funny, but simply because they are expensive. One need not even be clued into the intellectual side of camp to participate which undoes its (already flawed) purpose.

Vetements founder Demna Gvasalia said in his interview with SSENSE, “we do not want to be part of an idea of fashion that is about glamour and about something unattainable or super exclusive.” While his work was certainly not about glamour, it was perhaps less attainable and inclusive than “glamorous” fashion, which was not built on exclusivity. I do not mean to say that we need to leave behind our ugliest outfits and focus only on serious, conventionally beautiful clothing. I just mean that the movement as is feels arbitrary and limited. It does not need to center around knowing more, having more and poking fun, but around experimenting with choices, taking risks and taking things more lightly. In essence, the movement needs the sense of humor that it disingenuously nods to.

WORDS BY ALI ROTHBERG

0 notes

uwuzerotwo-blog · 6 years ago

Text

Alcohol Or Drug Addiction; Some Questions And Answers

Although there are many over the counter and prescription medicines available for heartburn relief, nature based medicines for heartburn may be just as effective and cause fewer side effects. The medicines you order, be it over the counter medicines or prescription cardiovascular disease medications, the online pharmacies keep a team of medical experts in the premise who screen the possible combination of medications that may be unsafe. There are many medical conditions that can mimic the effects of drug and alcohol. There are certain protocols which have to be followed in case, a person gets charged for any criminal act. Although it is the right of site owners to advertise to users, there are certain limits to these rights. Our experts provide in depth coverage of the market from various aspects right from global market scenario to future trends and opportunities. Yet not every programme and facility is right for every recovering addict. Prescription pain medication as well as muscle relaxants over used can lead to addiction. 100 billion. An estimated 2.2 million Americans, aged 12 or older, start using prescription pain relievers each year for non-medical uses. • Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the Drug. What happens when an addicted person stops using a drug? What are some other viewpoints concerning the reason for drug addiction? Brand manufacturers suffered the steep investment costs innovating the drug so generic manufacturers do not have to go through the same. Manuka honey, for instance is known to have relatively more antibacterial activity and strong curative properties. Honey is produced from many different floral sources and its antibacterial potency varies with origin and processing. Indian government has adopted the ambitious project named Digital India that is a turning point for technology driven services in India. Most popular social networking sites and email services have specific links for reporting spam. The moderators can then use this information to determine if the account was created for spam or has been hijacked from it’s original owner. Use this chart to determine what size prints you can reasonably make from your camera, then determine whether a printer of the class you’re considering can handle that size of paper. To find these details a user can use a simple, easily found whois search. Compared to other forms of formulations, this prescription only needs to be taken by user when it is necessary; whereas, others usually need the user to use it frequently during illness and even after recovery. Adderall is classified with the FDA as a controlled substance and yes it needs prescription because it is actually highly addictive if used over extended periods. You can save a lot of cash if you are willing to buy prescription drugs from other countries like Canada or India. Wall hangings, which are made of fabric, should be taken down because dust mites, mold and mildew can be easily gathered on them. This is not true; prescriptions are dangerous and should be thought of that way. They prevent hackers from accessing personal and company information from e-mails that are being sent. The initial symptoms of measles are similar to those of a cold. Many kids receive both Ritalin- type stimulant drugs and Prozac-type antidepressants, canada pharmacy online all these combinations add to the potential danger! Consult with your local tanning salon for a skin type analysis (from a Smart Tan Certified Tanning Consultant) so you can get a good idea of where to start. The largest sea snakes can grow to about 3 meters ( 9.8 feet ) in length, and come in some amazing colours. They come in through other software by either "piggybacking" or tricking users into installing them, similar to a Trojan horse. Other tourists have come home with a finger or two missing because camels bite. After you have caught a possum it is best to release it back into the woods. She represents Silicon Valley as part of CA, the same as Dianne Feinstein, and they also have different enough perspectives and legislative power bases to not be perfect indicators of voting direction. If you have never tried or learned anything about meditation before, it is something that comes highly recommended by many people in today's society. But I love the patterns in crochet and people say it's easier than knitting. Most people speak English at the Government hospitals here (and getting someone to go with you isn't difficult. In fact, its dose will require to be strictly adopted and require to not be changed with out having getting the guidance of a health care doctor. You might be thinking buying online will harm the health of your pet, don’t worry! Should you start an online magazine to be the online version of a print magazine, you will benefit in regards to exposure.

1 note · View note

renegadesrpg · 3 years ago

Text

Bonded Love Part 28: Second Date

@NoViohlence @RaPianoRP

Ra Morning. Vio "Good morning, my love." Rolls over on my side and nuzzles my face in his hair and breathes in his scent. "Are you ready for a day of adventure and fun?" Ra +I slowly open my eyes just enjoying your voice and smile.+ Mmm? Yes I'm excited to spend the day with my Panther. Vio "Me too. And I have a couple great things planned." I smile against his face, kissing his cheek. Ra Oh you do, do you? +I pull you close and kiss your temple.+ Will you tell me or is it a surprise? Vio I slide willingly into his arms, casing his mouth for a kiss. "No, I will tell you just in case you really don't want to do one or the other." I finally caught his mouth. We both laugh as we kiss. "First we can just wander and pick a place at random to have brunch because I love not planning everything out. Then we will go to the harbor and go boat racing and after that I thought we could wander some more. Do what we like for a few hours, go to the market, eat just unhealthy foods and be decadent or whatever we like. And then before we go home We are going for a Haunted cruise. What do you say?" Ra +A smile crosses my face. I grab your face and kiss you senseless.+ That sounds fantastic mio tesoro. Have you driven a boat before because I haven't. Just enjoyed riding in them. Vio I rub my nose against his smiling face. "Good, I'm glad you think it is a good idea. And no I haven't but they show you and guide you before you go out on your own. Let's be dare devil's, my Bear!" I look at his happiness radiating from his eyes and I go warm. Scribe I loved this male Ra Ohhh daredevils. I like it, we can start a new vampire trend. +I laugh and crush my lips to yours.+ Let's go eat lots of junk food. +I can't help but laugh at the image created in my mind. I follow you into the master bath to brush my teeth and spy the large towel. I grab it and fling it around my shoulders.+ Superheroes in capes! Mustn't forget the capes. +I mimic the Superman flying pose.+ Vio I snort out a laugh so intense I spurt toothpaste all over the mirror. In a fit of laughter I spit into the sink and rinse out my mouth. "Of course I can't forget the capes. I need to find you a real cape." I say still laughing. I pull open a drawer and take out another >> toothbrush putting it on the counter. "For you. Use anything you need in here and feel free to add to the shopping list if anything is missing and I'll buy it for you." I press a quick kiss to his cheek before leaving the bathroom to get dressed. Ra +Mission accomplished, you laughed. I tweak your fine ass as you leave the room. I grab the toothbrush and quickly brush my teeth and rinse off my face.+ So, are we going to bring stuff to each other's homes now? +The idea excites me in a way I never thought I'd feel.+ Vio I'm half dressed when Ra comes back into the bedroom and I stop mid move with my t-shirt half over my head. I think for a moment but pull it all the way on before I answer. "Yeah, it makes sense because we agreed to more sleepovers after all." I wink tucking my T in. Ra Absolutely we did. +I pull on my pants then my shirt then run my fingers through my hair.+ Ready to start our adventure day VioMine? Vio "I sure am, come on Ra love! Let's get this show on the road!" We step out of the house and as we start down the road I take Ra's hand. We weren't in a hurry for anything today so walking it was. "So babe, what are you hungry for?" Ra Ohhhhh mio tesoro so many things. +I smile and wink+ I have been craving nachos and calzones. That sounds really delicious and naughty at the same time. What about you? +I ask squeezing your hand.+ That sounds perfect. Get all that and some drinks and watch boats fly across the water before it's our turn. +We head into the market and make our way to shops that sell the items we want.+ What shall we get for drinks? Vio "Let's get some large iced coffees and a couple bottles of water. I mean it's brunch, coffee is a must and so is keeping hydrated, right?" We go by our usual coffee stand and get two large iced coffees to go and then we head to the waterfront with our goodies. Ra It's a beautiful night to do this. Clear, stars shining bright. Love it. +We find a clear spot near the water and set our things down on the blanket I bought at a shop before we left. I take a drink of my iced coffee before opening the food boxes.+ What should we eat first? Vio We sit down on a grassy area not far from the water and relax. "We have to have the nachos and cheesy bread for appetizers and Calzones for the main course and cinnamon buns for dessert." I grin placing the food in the right order next to us." Out on the water boats are racing. Ra Sounds good. The smells are making my mouth water. +I smile as I hand you one of the paper plates the calzone shop gave us and place pieces of bread and part of the nachos on it. I sit back and pop a piece of cheesy bread into my mouth.+ Ohhh this is good. Try Love. +I place the bread to your mouth so you can eat from my hand.+ Vio I take a huge bite, my eyes closing as I chew. I lean against Ra enjoying the food. Enjoying him. I can feel him chuckling next to me. I smile. "Yum, so good love." Do the same for Ra olding the calzone up to his mouth. "Now you, Bear." We eat and chit chat watching the boats race Ra +This is how life should always be. Eating, talking, sitting with my Love, just enjoying each other and the beauty around us. I kiss your temple then turn back to the boats.+ This here mio tesoro, is what life should be about. Good food, love, connection, and fun times. +I lean against you and watch one boat overtake another.+ Holy shit! Did you see that blue boat? He blasted that yellow one. Damn. Vio I look at him and smile "yes, I agree it should be and yes please let's make life about this." I let out a happy sigh watching the water again and for a moment I pretended that we're sitting in the sun enjoying this same day but with the sun out. "A happy life is all I ever wanted. That was what I longed for when I was little." I plop another bite of cheesy bread in my mouth. Ra +I frown, not liking that my male had such a sad childhood. Mine wasn't a picnic by any stretch but this is about you not me. I pull you closer and kiss your head.+ I don't like that your childhood was so sad. Makes me want to break someone on your behalf. You are amazing and anyone who doesn't see that deserves to be blasted from this planet. +I turn your face to look at me and caress your cheek.+ You are so precious to me. +I kiss you hard letting all my emotions flood our connection.+ Vio I lean into himself, he wraps his arms around me and we kiss. I lean my head against his shoulder enjoying being close, being I love and feeling loved. It was perfect. "It's perfect, Ra, us here and now." I smile. "It's ok. She's long gone and she can't hurt anyone any longer. Ra Good. I'm glad she can't hurt you any longer. No-one will ever again as long as I'm around. +I smile and rub your shoulder as we watch the world around us.+ Mio tesoro, is it time to try our luck at boat racing? Vio I give him a last lingering kiss, enjoying his beard tickling my face. This male is all kinds of yummy. Letting go I sit back and push up on my feet. "Of course it is and I'll race ya. First one to the dock drives!" I shout setting off in a dead run. Ra +I start laughing as I get up to run after you. I pick up my pace and soon am caught up with you.+ I do believe you'll lose my panther. +I push a little harder and gain the lead just as we hit the entryway to the docks we will be using.+ Alright PantherMine, I'm not going to argue, you drive. +I put on the life vest and grin as you take the wheel. I sit back a bit and just watch you talk to the instructor and admire your handsome face.+ +I also ogled your muscles as they flexed with the movements you make as you guide us out into the water.+ Vio As soon as the guide gets off we cruise out a bit further before speeding up. The wind blowing in my hair. After a few moments Ra comes up next to me. I use one arm to pull him in front of me to take over. When he has a handle on the wheel I stand next to him, wrapping arms around him. I rest my chin on his shoulder and the wind blows in our faces. "I love you mine." I speak in his ear. Ra +You eventually pull me in front of you so I can have a turn at the wheel. It's rather thrilling having control over this speeding vessel and I can't help the smile that comes over my face or the laugh that bubbles out of my throat.+ +You wrap your arms around me and rest your chin on my shoulder telling me you love me and my heart soars. As we speed along I lean my head on yours.+ I love you too mio tesoro. Think we will win the race? Vio "I think we already won the race, mine." I say squeezing him tight. "But maybe if you speed this boat up some more we will win this race too." I do a half turn, one arm still around Ra the other I hold on to the handle next to me. "Come on love, let's kick some ass!" RA +I look into your eyes and grin wide.+ Yes, let's kick ass. +We open the throttle (is that the right term?) and fly through the water taking over the race one boat at a time. Once we get to second place I'm laughing loudly and let a loud, joyful yell rip from my throat.+ Vio I laugh as he shouts out in triumph. As we slow in I see that we came in second place. "Hey second place ain't bad for two beginners like us! Good job my male." When we get back up on the doc we shake the winners hands and congratulate them. We start walking away from the docks both of us laughing and talking a mile a minute. "That was awesome!" Ra That was so much fun. I've been on boats before but not speed boats. I'm absolutely thinking we should make this a weekly thing. It's like flying! +My reaction is almost visceral. It's like something woke in me.+ What an amazing night mio tesoro. Thank you for this. +I pull you to the side of the walkway we were on and grab you in a deep kiss.+ Vio Sliding my arms around your waist I melt into his kiss taking my time to taste his unique flavor. It isn't until someone starts to cat whistle that either of us stop. I smirk and lean my forehead against his. "The boat racing was awesome, babe. And it was because you enjoyed it so much. That makes me happy." We start walking again, arms around each other. "I'd love to do this again. Next time we can race each other, maybe." Ra Ohhhhhh now that's an idea. We will have to decide on the prize. +I waggle my eyebrows.+ What is our next adventure PantherMine? Vio "Oh yes!" I turn around and start to walk backwards. "I really think the price should include no clothes and lots of sexual favors." I say grinning, running a hand down Ra's chest and hook a finger in his pants. I growl playfully and steal a kiss before turning back around. We are not going very far just down the walkway a bit for that haunted ghost tour. But we have some time if we want to have another coffee or something." I look around and a bit further up there's a large coffee cart guy. "What you say, can I treat you to some coffee?" Ra Absolutely. Let's get some coffee then hunt ghosts. +I've never felt this giddy! It's like I'm a different person but as I internally analyze all this, and get coffee with you, I realize that I'm just being me. The me years of put downs and expectations and sadness hid.+ +You have allowed me to unbury myself. Free a part of me I've forgotten existed. The carefree side that enjoys things and isn't ashamed of it or hiding it.+ Thank you mio tesoro. For this night and all the others. Vio I get our coffees and we go sit on a bench, people watching. Ra's words made my face warm. "You're very welcome, my love. Spending time with you and being with you is the part of any day. I love seeing you smile....you complete me." I lean in to give him a tender kiss. I realize that I'm holding both coffees still and hold one out to him. "Sorry this is for you my Bear." Ra Thank you, Love. +I take the coffee from you after our kiss. The coffee is a nice kiss chaser. I chuckle lightly at my lame joke. We watch people walking by. One couple walks by and they are both older humans, maybe in their 80's.+ They are holding hands and walking close to each other, whispering and smiling. Love radiates from them. Not passionate but comfortable love. The kind that comes from years of sharing hearts, souls, and lives. I smile, throwing my wish out. I point them out to you.+ Vio I follow where Ra's pointing, smiling at the elderly couple as I listen to the words he's whispering in my ear. I love the sound of his voice, the dark, smoothness of it. I beam at the last part of his words and turn to face him. "You can seen us together for hundreds of years?" My heart is pounding at the idea. I realize for the idea and dream to become more than just that I need to tell him everything but the idea of losing me prevents me from doing so. "I hope that's us too. It would be wonderful to share our lives for that long." I look back at them "they look so comfortable together. Happy and comfortable." I sip my coffee and laces my fingers with his. Ra Isn't that the end goal? To find that one that brings you not only joy but comfort? Passion comes in so many forms. Their passion comes in the form of enjoying the ups and downs of life together and knowing they got through it together. Yes, I absolutely see this in us. We have what it takes and that's what I want, with you. Someone who gets me and my imperfections and is ok when they flair because he knows the ups always return and I do that for him too. Fuck, that sounded lame didn't it? +I do a face palm+ Vio "You never sound lame when you tell me how you feel. I love that. I only had Silhas in my life who genuinely cared about me and showed it as well as told me. Now I have you too and I don't ever want to lose you. Ever. But..." I hesitate for a moment "my genes aren't the best..." that sounded so dumb "never mind. I... just love you very much. You're an amazing man who deserves nothing but the best." And I wasn’t the best for him. Not by a long shot. Ra +I see self-doubt flick quickly across your face as you bring up your genetics. Then you tell me I deserve the best. I raise an eyebrow and use my hand to move your chin towards me so I can look you in the eye.+ Genetics don't tell the whole of who we are mio tesoro. Vio "Come let's not talk about it now. I'm sorry I brought it up. It's almost time to go on our haunted ghost tour." I stand up smiling holding out my hand. "Are you ready to be scared my Bear. I've heard that this tour can be quite scary." Grins wide. Ra Scary? But you'll protect me from the ghosts right my Panther? +I pretend to shiver and lean against you as if scared, smiling the whole time.+ Vio "Of course I will, my Bear." I chuckle putting an arm around him. "I'll always keep you safe from anything that might want to hurt you. You're safe with me, babe," I lean in to whisper in his ear "at least for now but I can't promise it will stand when we get home." Ra +When you whisper in my ear a real shiver runs down my spine. I grin widely.+ Ohhhh let's get this haunted tour started so we can get home and do some touring of one another. +I chuckle as we head to a group who are apparently waiting for the tour to begin as well.+ Vio Together we go on the small steam ship that's going to take us around. It's a lovely evening, not too hot and not too cold. There are several other parties along for the ride and some of them are starting to try to get the others going. "If they only knew about what goes bump into the night." I whisper into Ra's ear chuckling. After a few minutes we start moving and the tour is on. Standing behind Ra I jump up sitting on a life jacket trunk so I can pull Ra close but still see over his shoulder. "I'll protect you, Bear." Ra +The whole boat is meant to create a spooky atmosphere and it works for some as they start sharing personal ghost stories. I chuckle when you whisper in my ear.+ Indeed mio tesoro, they do not know. +I lean into you, my thumb running over the skin of your hand.+ I know you will protect me, my Panther. And I will protect you. you want for the last meal, Ra babe?" I called out so he could hear me over the shower. I'm sitting on his bed with a towel wrapped around my waist. We decided on ordering food first before we get distracted by nakedness in the shower. +I stick my head out of the shower stall. You ask about food.+ Pizza and beers work for me. Give me 5 and I'll be out. +A few minutes later I came out with a towel around my waist and rubbed a towel through my hair to dry it.+ Hey Love. Vio My fist pumping the air at his request of pizza and beer I open the app ordering 3 pizzas. I mean if we're having pizza there needs to be enough for breakfast. Beers are in the fridge. "Dobe, done and done. Pizza will be about 30 minutes." I throw my phone on the bed. I get up and walk into the bathroom, dropping my towel on the counter before stepping into the shower behind Ra. I place my hands on his back running them up over his shoulder and down again. Pressing up against him basking in his strength and heat. "Mmmm, my beastly Bear." I place a kiss on his shoulder. "Such an incredible male you are, inside out." Ra Mmmm hello PantherMine. +I relish the heat you bring and feel you against me. You say I'm incredible and I turn a smile on my face. I wrap my arms around your waist and pull you tight against me looking into your eyes.+ You, mio tesoro, are everything. Thank you for a wonderful evening. +I kiss the tip of your nose and smile.+ How many pizzas did you order? Vio We cuddle close under the water touching and just being close. I smile. "I'm glad you enjoyed it, that boat race though... that was fun." I'm grinning now at the memory. "You looked good driving that boat." I press a lingering kiss to Ra's lips inhaling his scent in my lungs. "I love you too, my Bear. "I ordered three pizzas. I'm starving and hey cold pizza for breakfast..." Ra +I smile at the memory and enjoy our kiss.+ Oh that was fun, so exhilarating. It's already one of my favorite memories. +I kiss you again pulling you close.+ Pizza for breakfast is always great. How long before they get here? Vio I reach for the soap squirting some in my hand and start washing his body. "Oh, about 30 min. So, we have time to hang in here for a bit." I grin. "I agree it is an awesome memory and so is this." I slide my hands down to wash his bits, giving his cock and balls some extra love. Ra +You start washing me and I close my eyes just letting me feel your hands exploring and rubbing. Soon enough it'd be my turn to explore you. Then your hands find my cock and balls and I still, a growl rolling out my throat.+ Fuck, that feels amazing PantherMine. +I lean my forehead to yours and use some of the soap to do my own exploring and cleaning of your body. Soon we are both washing each other and moans permeate the air inside the shower.+ Vio His hands are heavenly. The sounds to the rhythm of our hands touching wet flesh is a turn on in itself. "I'm thinking we should make you really relaxed before the food gets here. Then we can have a real crash fest with food, beer, and Netflix." My hand moves swiftly. I can feel him growing harder in my hand. "I want to feel you come." I whisper as I wrap my hand around the both of us and seconds later one of his hands wrap around us too. I let out a long moan, and a gasp leaves my lips. He's hit against me and his scent is all around me. Ra +Damn your scent is amazing. Bathing in it wouldn't be enough for me. Our hands work our cocks together, the sensation alone hardening mine more and feeling yours harden turns me on something fierce.+ +You mention coming and Netflix but my mind is only feeling your cock, your skin, and hearing our mingled sounds and breaths.+ Yes, feeling you cum sounds like a really good thing. Yesssss...more mine male. +My breath is getting choppy as the sensations put me into overload.+ Vio I shift slightly, tipping my head to take his mouth in a heated kiss. His moans and ragged breaths shows he is right there on the edge with me. His hand tightens around us and a few more strokes together it's all it takes and my body goes stiff and a muffled cry and I shake undone in his arms. It's good. I'm lightheaded and flying, euphoric. My head rolls onto his shoulder, my body feeling like jello. Ra +We fly over the edge together and there's nothing like it. Our breath quickens and our kiss is frenzied before we both yell out. I feel your body loosen and pull you tight against me with one arm as the other finishes what we began only moments before.+ +You lay your head on my shoulder and my world feels complete. Like a missing puzzle piece finds its place. I turn my head and place a kiss on your head. Our breathing is finally becoming normal again.+ That was amazing mio tesoro. Feeling you come apart in my arms, holding you as you did. I want that every day. Vio "Yes, this was the perfect end to a perfect day." I humm happily, the male in my arms, is everything I could ever need and more. He makes me silly happy. "You make me so happy. And having this everyday sounds amazing." We kiss lazily as the water rain down upon us washing away all evidence of what we just did. I smile against his lips kissing him a moment longer. "Unless we want to meet the delivery person wet and naked i think we need to get out." I turn off the shower and open the door to grab his and my towel. "Do you have a pair of sweats I can borrow, you think?" I know they will be a bit big on me but I don't care. I start drying him and then give him the towel if he wants to wrap it around himself. Ra +I grin like a silly fool as we dry one another off. You hand me the towel and I wrap it around my waist. You had asked about sweats. I smile.+ I have some that will fit you fine. I'll grab them then get plates and drinks put out. Any idea what you want to watch on Netflix? +I walk into my room and pull sweats out for you and put on some myself. I take them back into the bathroom, setting them on the counter. I run a brush through my hair, placing a quick kiss to your cheek before heading to the kitchen to get the plates and beers out.+ Vio I slap his ass as he turns around to leave. He winks at me and I grin, my insides soaring. Igrab the sweats he left for me and pull them on. They are a little big but not by much. Either they shrunk or someone left them here. I simply don't care. I run my fingers through my hair. When I get out to the living room Ra's setting up with plates, beer and candlelight and Netflix is on the large TV. The doorbell sounds "I'll get it, love!" I hurry to the door getting the pizza and then return to the living room. "Dinner is served, mine." I place the boxes on the table and relaxes back on the couch. "As for what to watch. How about the first movie of the lord of the rings?" Ra +I grin as you practically bounce into the living room with the pizza in hand. I queue up the movie and sit back leaning against you. I take a bite of pizza and swallow it with a sip of beer.+ Good call on the movie. Haven't seen this one in a while. Vio Sliding two slices of pizza on my plate I lean back, my feet criss crossed. One of my knees more or less in Ra’s lap. But it's nice to be close and he doesn't seem to mind. I take a couple bites of pizza, chewing and humming. Gosh I am hungry, we had a steady brunch but nothing but coffee after that. "I love these movies but yeah I haven't seen them in a while. Now this is the perfect end of a perfect day, Bear." Ra +I rub your knee that is touching my leg. Then I set my plate down, take yours from you and maneuver it so you're leaning against the couch with your legs in my lap. I hand you back your food and drink and take my beer in hand.+ There. Now we can eat, watch the movie, and I get to rub on you. +I grin and sit back, my hand massaging your legs until we both nod off, movie finishing playing in the background.+

0 notes

neptunecreek · 3 years ago

Text

Why Data-Sharing Mandates Are the Wrong Way To Regulate Tech

The tech companies behind the so-called “sharing economy” have drawn the ire of brick-and-mortar businesses and local governments across the country.

For example, take-out apps such as GrubHub and UberEats have grown into a hundred-billion-dollar industry over the past decade, and received a further boost as many sit-down restaurants converted to only take-out during the pandemic. Small businesses are upset, in part, that these companies are collecting and monetizing data about their customers.

Likewise, ride-sharing services have decimated the highly-regulated taxi industry, replacing it with a larger, more nebulous fleet of personal vehicles carrying passengers around major cities. This makes them harder to regulate and plan around than traditional taxis. Alarmed municipal transportation agencies feel that they do not have the tools they need to monitor and manage ride-sharing.

A common thread runs through these emerging industries: massive volumes of sensitive personal data. Yelp, Grubhub, Uber, Lyft, and many more new companies have inserted themselves in between customers and older, smaller businesses, or have replaced those businesses entirely. The new generation of tech companies collect more data about their users than traditional businesses ever did. A restaurant might know its regular customers, or keep track of its best-selling dishes, but Grubhub can track each user’s searches, devices, and meals at restaurants across the city. Likewise, while traditional taxi services may have logged trip times, origins, and destinations, Uber and Lyft can link each trip to a user’s real-world identity and track supply and demand in real time.

This data is attractive for several reasons. It can be monetized through targeted ads or sold directly to data brokers, and it gives larger companies a competitive advantage over their smaller, less information-hungry peers. It allows tech companies to observe market trends, informing decisions about pricing, worker pay, and whom to buy out next. Sharing-economy corporations have every incentive to collect as much data as possible, and few legal restrictions on doing so. As a result, our interactions with everyday services like restaurants are tracked more closely than ever before.

Legislators want to force tech companies to share data

Several bills in states around the country, including in California and New York City, propose a “solution”: force the tech companies to share some of the data they collect. But these bills are misguided. While they might give small businesses short-term boons, they won’t address the larger systems that have led to corporate concentration in the tech sector. They will further encourage the commoditization of our data as a tool for businesses to battle each other, with user privacy caught in the crossfire.

Normalizing new, indiscriminate data sharing is a problem. Instead, regulators should be thinking of ways to protect consumers by limiting data collection, retention, use, and sharing. Creating new mandates to share data simply puts it in the hands of more businesses. This opens up more ways for government seizure of that data and more targets for hackers.

We’ve sung the praises of interoperability policy in the past, so how is this different? After all, if Facebook should have to share data with its competitors under something like the ACCESS Act, why shouldn’t UberEats have to share data with restaurants? The difference is who’s in control. Good interoperability policy should put the user front and center: data sharing must only happen with a user’s opt-in consent, and only for purposes that directly benefit the user.

Forcing DoorDash to share information with restaurants, or Uber to share data with cities, doesn’t serve users in any way. And these bills don’t require a user’s opt-in consent for the processing of their data. Instead, these policies would make it so that sharing data with one company means that data will automatically end up in the hands of several downstream parties. Since the United States lacks basic consumer privacy laws, recipients of this data will be free to sell it, otherwise monetize it, or share it with law enforcement or immigration officials. This further erodes what little agency users currently have.

Regulation should aim to protect user rights

The collection and use of personal data by tech companies is a real problem. And big companies wield their data troves as weapons to beat back competitors. But we should address those problems directly: first, with strong privacy laws governing how businesses process our data; and second, with better antitrust enforcement that puts a stop to harmful conglomeration and anticompetitive behavior.

It’s also okay for regulators to monitor and manage ride-sharing and other services that impact the public by requiring reasonable amounts of aggregated and deidentified data. Uber and Lyft have a well-documented history of deliberately misleading local authorities in order to skirt laws. However, any data-sharing requirements must be limited in scope, and minimize the risks to individual users and their data. For example, rules should carefully consider how much information is actually necessary to achieve specific governmental goals. Often, such information need not be highly granular. Whether the government or a private company is holding information, reidentification is always a real concern—by city transportation agencies, law enforcement, ICE, or any other third parties that purchase or steal data.

Despite what aspiring government contractors may say, agencies should not collect huge amounts of individualized data up front, then figure out what to do with it later. The way to fix bad actors in tech is not to increase non-consensual data sharing—nor to have governments mimic bad actors in tech.

from Deeplinks https://ift.tt/37HE3ik

#Deeplinks

0 notes

halseyrevolvesaroundfashion · 4 years ago

Photo

15 Tips and Tricks for Better Skin

I haven't had a stable skincare routine for some time now, and I usually neglect simple things like taking off my makeup after a night out (I know, I know – really bad) and basically the entire existence of a morning routine. However, good skincare is becoming more important to me lately, and these tips have drastically improved the condition of my skin.

1. Hydration

I'm sure you've heard it all before, but keeping hydrated is essential to healthy skin. Without proper hydration, your skin produces more oil which causes breakouts, irritation and dry patches. Adriana Lima recently shared that she drinks "at least one coconut water a day" and "juices with native fruits like acai and acerola" for healthy, glowing skin.

2. Apply sunscreen everyday

Did you know sunscreen slows down the development of wrinkled, premature aging skin? Sun degrades the skin’s collagen and elastin, and affects our body’s ability to create healthy new cells. If there's anything you should be applying daily, it should be sunscreen – even in winter and on cloudy days. There are way too many benefits you shouldn't miss out on.

3. Get enough sleep

This is honestly one of the most important skincare tips but it's always so overlooked. Do whatever you can to get seven to eight hours sleep a night. It offers results that no face cream can mimic.

4. Facial oils

There was a time I shuddered at the idea of putting oil all over my face, but once I gave it a chance, I never looked back. Facial oils are now my obsession and I have a growing collection. They've dramatically improved the appearance of my skin and have so many other benefits too. A few I couldn't live without...• Jojoba oil: Mimics the skin's sebum to produce less oil.• Rosehip oil: Penetrates deep layers of the skin where it regenerates cells, increasing collagen production which reduces the appearances of wrinkles and brightens skin.• Tea tree oil: A natural antiseptic, meaning it can be used to help treat wounds, burns and bacterial infections. Mostly I use this to prevent any and banish any blemishes. Works a charm!• Coconut oil: How could we forget, the one and only, coconut oil? The possibilities are endless. I use coconut oil as a makeup remover (grapeseed oil also works great), body lotion & scrub (my go-to DIY).

5. Exfoliate

When old skin cells start to pile up on the surface of the skin, it can leave skin looking dull, rough, and dry. The build-up of dead skin cells can result in excess oil and clogged pores, leading to blemishes and acne. Exfoliation can be performed mechanically, by scrubbing the skin or chemically, by using scrubs that contain special kinds of acids that remove the dead skin cells. Aim to exfoliate twice a week to ensure silky skin.

6. Keep it simple

Don't get caught up with using too many products at a time, because it can actually do more harm than good (to your skin and wallet). It’s so easy to accumulate more than is really necessary. The more you switch things up and the more products you use, the more confused your skin becomes. It’s all about finding products that suit your skin and sticking to them. A moisturiser (with SPF), oil/serum, toner, exfoliator, & a facial mist (I swear by this) are my essential staples.

7. Learn ingredients

Unfortunately, every day millions of people unknowingly use chemical-filled products that not only don’t help your skin, but actually harm your skin. Despite the bold claims of some skincare products, sometimes they can trigger skin problems. I'm not saying you have to make the switch to all-natural ingredients, but familiarizing yourself with the ingredients to avoid is really important.

8. Supplement your skin

There's a growing trend of taking vitamins and supplements to fight aging, wrinkles, sun damage, and breakouts. Everyone wants to know if supplements will provide a beauty boost that skin-care products alone can't. Here's a few I'd recommend.• Vitamin A is the best overall age-fighter. It repairs and reinforces the mucous membranes and tissues that protect against bacteria and viruses from entering your body. This means it helps reduce wrinkles, fade brown spots, smooth roughness, and prevent acne.• Zinc helps control the amount of oil your glands produce and helps reduce the visibility of acne scarring.• Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which helps replenish our skin's protective layer — or lipids. The acids also help calm acne breakouts.• Vitamin C is known to mop up the free radicals that trigger wrinkling, sagging, and other aging change.

9. Cleanse day and night

It's so important to cleanse your skin every night to remove make-up, impurities, dead skin cells, and excess oil. But a morning cleansing is also just as important, as it removes any toxins the skin eliminates during the night and refreshes the skin.

10. Increase your greens

Dark leafy greens, such as kale and Swiss chard, are one of the top sources of beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant that helps repair and renew your skin

0 notes

wichitahandyman · 4 years ago

Link

Best Laminate Flooring Installation Contractor Wichita KS | Handyman Services Of Wichita

More information is at: https://handymanserviceswichitakansas.com/laminate-flooring-installation-near-me/

Looking for Laminate Flooring Installation Service near Wichita KS? Handyman Services Of Wichita is the premier Laminate Flooring Installation Service in the Wichita KS. Laminate flooring is a multi-layered flooring of synthetic flooring material processed through lamination. If you are looking for an alternate for hardwood floors, laminate flooring is a great replacement to deal with.Best Laminate Flooring Installation Service in Wichita KS. Cost? Free estimates! Call now or Send a quick message for an estimate. REQUEST A FREE QUOTE NOW

LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATION SERVICE IN WICHITA KS The Laminate Flooring Installation Service will At Handyman Services Of Wichita, our experienced flooring experts can provide the best Laminate Flooring Installation in Wichita KS at a very reasonable price.We take pride in offering the best Laminate Flooring Installation.Laminate flooring has become a rival for top choice in flooring. It is presently the most highly searched for flooring material on the web. For many years hardwood was the unrivaled premium choice in the flooring industry. With advances in technology laminate has become in many ways comparable to hardwood. It is no longer just a cheaper alternative that only looks half decent from a distance. With it’s durability, affordability and it’s close resemblance to more costly wood and stone materials, laminate stands out as a most popular selection for both residences and business floors.Our Handyman Services Of Wichita experts take pride in providing the best service in the Wichita KS area. Laminate Flooring Installation Laminate flooring - is the perfect solution for a busy household and can be used in any room of the home including the basement. Laminate flooring takes technology to new levels by duplicating the beauty and warmth of natural wood while providing an inexpensive durable alternative to hardwood flooring. Available in many textures and colors, in plank or tile form, laminate can offer beautiful options for decorating your home. Laminate flooring is a multi-layered flooring of synthetic flooring material processed through lamination. If you are looking for an alternate for hardwood floors, laminate flooring is a great replacement to deal with. Why Choose Laminate Flooring? Laminate flooring for your home or business can be more beneficial and practical that other flooring options. Laminate flooring is so versatile that it can mimic the look of different varieties of natural materials, such as hardwood flooring, stone, or ceramic. When you choose laminate flooring, you will receive the elegant look you desire, without the high cost. Handyman Services Of Wichita provides the widest selection of laminate flooring available. It can be installed over any subfloor or existing flooring. Have radiant heat in your home? No problem! Most laminate flooring type can be installed over the concrete slab, bringing you warmth and beauty. Laminate flooring is durable and economic, so that it suits any environment or budget. Use in your office, restaurant, or store. Your laminate floor will not fade from sunlight and will resist stains and scratches. Use in your home for a cost effective attractive look. Have laminate floors installed today for maximum durability and affordability. Handyman Services Of Wichita dominates the Laminate flooring Installation market in Wichita KS. Laminate flooring in Handyman Services Of Wichita comes in all sorts of textures and shapes. If you are looking to cut down cost for hardwood floors and its installation cost, GO with laminate flooring. With Laminate flooring, you are can be sure of long lasting, durable and easy to maintain solution for your home. Laminate flooring is comparatively easy to maintain and it is the best solution for busy areas of your home. Laminate flooring cost is usually less than hardwood flooring, hence first choice for home owners. Beginning the trend of non-plastic looking laminate flooring in Wichita KS, Wood Flooring has provided countless homes with beautiful laminate flooring solutions. Handyman Services Of Wichita are professional in the complete supply and fit service of Laminate, Hardwood and Solid Wood Floors in and around the Wichita KS. Benefits of Laminate Flooring Wide Design Variety Laminate can bring you the look and feel of wood, stone, slate, and more at a fraction of the cost. Personalize the look of your home and business by combining different colors and styles. Cost Effective Choose laminate flooring over natural wood or stone and save yourself a great deal of money. It also will save you money in the long-run, since it is easy to maintain, durable and will last for years to come. Easily Match Your Home Decor With a wide variety of colors and styles, you are sure to find the exact carpet that is best for your home and existing decor. Use extra pieces of carpet to make area and throw rugs in other areas of your home for an added design element. Hygienic and Allergy-Friendly Laminate flooring will naturally resist the growth of bacteria and mold in your home or business. Its closed surface will aslo prevent dust and dander from getting caught. Installing laminate flooring will help protect your home and family from allergens. Easy to Clean Unlike natural flooring materials, laminate flooring can be cleaned with simple sweeping or vacuuming. The wear layer on laminate flooring will resist and protect from spills, stains, and normal wear and tear. Installs Anywhere Don’t want the hassle or expense of removing an older floor? No problem! Your new laminate flooring can be installed over almost any existing floor in your home and business. Affordable, appealing, and resilient. Today’s laminate is nothing like the laminate flooring of the past. Able to look like ceramic, hardwood, and even stone, these flooring products make your guests take notice. Most importantly, they provide an inexpensive way to enhance the appeal of your home and the overall value of your property. In addition, these floors are easy to maintain and clean. Resistant to stains, scratches, and moisture, laminate flooring only needs to be swept and mopped on a periodic basis. We also offer a special guarantee on laminate floors. If for some reason you don’t love your new four- or five-star floor, we’ll replace it and pay for labor too. Brand-Name Laminate Floors Perhaps you want hardwood or ceramic floors but you can’t afford them. No problem! We have a solution: laminate floors. Unlike the laminate flooring of yesteryear, our state-of-the-art products are created to look exactly like real wood, tile, stone, or other flooring materials. Change the look of your rooms by installing laminate floors that look like other flooring types. Some of the brands we carry include: ● Mannington ● Home Craft ● Mohawk ● Pergo ● Shaw ● Armstrong Taking care of laminate flooring is not a problem anymore. Handyman Services Of Wichita takes great pleasure in providing you with free estimate for your laminate flooring installation quote and estimates. Call us for : • Laminate Flooring Installation Tips • How To Install Laminate Flooring In Wichita KS • Installing Laminate Flooring • Installing Laminate Flooring For Beginners • Laminate Flooring Installation Kit • How To Install Laminate Flooring On Concrete • How To Install Laminate Plank Flooring • How To Install Laminate Wood Flooring On Wood Subfloor

BEST LAMINATE FLOORING INSTALLATION SERVICE IN WICHITA KS HANDYMAN SERVICES OF WICHITA REQUEST MORE INFORMATION. CONTACT US!

0 notes