#safely transport books without boxes

[anastasiareyreed]

Try to feel what Ukrainians are going through by imagining a hypothetical situation.

Imagine that you have to leave your home. Not to go on vacation or travel. Not because you are uncomfortable in this house and not because you have found a better place for yourself.

You leave your home because you can already hear gunfire on the front line and you know that the front is rapidly approaching, that any day now the enemy army will enter your city or village and begin to kill and torture civilians and animals, loot houses, destroy everything they see.

All the memories you have, all your stuff, your clothes, furniture, flowers, toys, books, posters. You will have to leave it all behind. You will only have the memories you created during the years of peaceful life.

You won't be able to take everything you own from your home. You'll have to take only the bare essentials. Important documents, medicine, some clothes. And it's good if you have your own transport that can fit a little more. But what if all you have is a suitcase?

You will have to fit your entire life into one suitcase.

And it's scary to admit but I'm afraid that one day I'll have to flee too. I look at all my collectibles of my favorite characters from movies and TV shows. At accessories and toys. At the miniature Christmas tree that stands on the table decorated. At the Christmas lights, comfortable and cozy bed with a soft blanket. At my dog's little bed. At every detail that I personally chose to make this place my home. And something inside me breaks.

For many Ukrainians, this situation is a harsh reality. Today many Ukrainians are already packing their lives into suitcases, while the Christmas tree still shines with lights in the corner of the living room, reminding of the safe times. And somewhere far away the world celebrates Christmas and awaits the New Year, because life goes on.

At this moment their homes are not filled with celebration. There is fear and doom and confusion, life there is divided into "before" and "after". And very soon this life will freeze. Dishes in drawers, clothes that didn't have enough space during the evacuation. All the little things that once gave comfort, remain on shelves and boxes.

Cafes and restaurants where people once gathered, coffee shops where people had their first dates, parks where people once went for walks with their pets... all of these are turning into ghosts. Post offices and shops are gradually closing. The electricity is gradually turning off.

When they leave their homes, they know that russians will enter and destroy everything. For fun. And because of hatred. They will burn furniture, clothes, books and toys. They will destroy gardens and flowerbeds, rob, take away household appliances and expensive things, send them to russia as a gift to their families and friends. They will tear the soul out of every house they enter.

And these Ukrainians will not be able to return because there will be nowhere to go. They will have to seek shelter elsewhere, they will have to start life from a new, damaged page, experiencing all the stages of grief at the same time.

The situation would be different if the partners, who promised Ukraine protection and support, helped not only in words, acting at minimum. If they gave the weapons they promised and in the same quantity as promised. And as often as promised. If they imposed sanctions on russia and didn't continue cooperation with russians. If they didn't allow russia to speak in international arenas and head the UN (like how tf is this even possible). If they treated russia as the terrorist state that it is. If they helped fight against tyranny and Nazism as a real democratic united world that we often see in movies.

I still have faith that the world will wake up and help Ukrainians stop russia. But with every news about Ukrainian civilians and soldiers tortured by russians, with every news about Ukrainians who leave their homes without hope, with every news about shelled children's hospitals, residential buildings and playgrounds my faith weakens. I don't see the world's reaction, russia feels impunity and I feel like everyone doesn't care, like no one understands the scale of this threat to the entire world.

please do not stop supporting Ukraine.

[madhattervanessa]

Kill You To Try (Chapter 4)

Summary: Between old and new issues, you let your own health drag. Not everyone seems to be okay with it.

Warnings: grief, suicidal thoughts, gunshot wounds, stitching wounds

Words: 2621

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Series Masterlist

-

The summer goes by smoothly.

Ignoring the countless hours you spent crying until your throat was raw, the tears stinging your cheeks, and the air burning your lungs from too many heaving gulps of it past your salty, snot-sticky lips.

Everything is fine.

After telling Gabriel you needed more time, a week later, a book about grief had appeared on your doorstep.

You had tried not to feel patronized.

You are fine.

Everything is fine.

You failed.

You hadn’t talked to Gabriel since.

Time had been spent by yourself, crying, in various places, in your new home.

You watch the bear every now and then from your porch. Sometimes you debate crossing into the river. Just to see what happens. To see if you have what it takes.

What better way to find out if you actually want to live?

But then you slip into a shirt and your hat and make your way down to the ranch instead, without fail.

It fills you with a sick sense of satisfaction.

Who is proud about not facing a bear?

Who even debates that?

Down at the farm, everything is back to how it was before you left- you are joking around with the men as you work together to keep the herd safe and healthy.

You spent half a week in the mountains putting up a new fence, wrapping wire with thick gloves on your hands that cook your hands through instead of facing Gabriel.

After work, it’s straight back to the cabin instead of down to the ranch. But as long as you get up and come to work with a smile on your lips, nobody says anything.

Except for the nights when you go grocery shopping with Rip, you keep to yourself. 

You mostly pick out the vegetables for him, some fruit - somehow, half of it always lands in your grocery bags that he carries inside for you afterward “as a reward for picking out all the best produce”.

You start to notice your kitchen cabinets filling up with all sorts of dry ingredients and canned food, even the occasional pre-mixed cocktail. There’s never any moldy food in your mostly untouched fridge.

The cabin is a mess, especially with all the dirty laundry strewn around in piles, the clean laundry staying in its basket until you’ve worn it all. The thick layer of dust that had quickly returned reminds you of your own inertia, daily.

Your writing crawls, but never quite makes it to the walking stage.

You never unpacked more of your moving boxes, finally retiring the duffel bags that had served as your wardrobe.

All you had managed in the past week had been wiping away the dust sitting on every surface and even prying open the vents, exchanging the filters to make sure it didn't come back.

Instead, you start to pick up some decorations on one of your grocery trips. Fall is basically around the corner now, at least according to the supermarkets.

So you had started picking up a few pumpkins, some fairy lights, a little bit of this and that, slowly browsing every aisle while Rip focused on getting food for the bunkhouse.

You turn into the next aisle and grab a candle, cedar, and … cotton?, and close your eyes. It’s too sweet and heady for your taste. You put it back and browse some more, settling on pine and smoke for another sniff.

When you close your eyes and inhale, you immediately get flooded with cinnamon and deep wood smells- the warmth of it immediately transports you back to the heavy perfume Tess, your godmother, used to wear all of the time. Especially on her visits, her smell would linger just like this.

You fight to smile against the heavy frown that settles on your face and open your eyes. You gulp down another breath of air and put the candle back with shaky hands.

“Hey…”, Rip’s soft murmur behind you makes the fat tears roll down your cheeks immediately. He shushes you, turning you to face him. His arms close around you, wrapping you up in warmth.

The squeeze of his arms does its trick. You sob into his jacket as he runs one of his hands up and down your back. He moves his head and you feel his breath fan over your head for a moment.

“You’re okay, honey.”

You feel too hot and cold at the same time as you sob into his chest. 

He keeps holding on to you, his tight grasp never faltering. 

You can hardly breathe like this and as you struggle with your runny nose, you feel one of his arms dropping. Shortly after, he squeezes a pack of tissues into the slim space between the two of you.

Your hands shake as you take the tissues, quickly wiping at the mess of your already swollen face. You blow your nose and quiet down your crying to small, sniffly sounds.

“You’re okay.”

His chin drops to sit on top of your head as you continue sniffling.

He gives you another minute before he withdraws. He holds on to your shoulders, taking a long look at your face. You try your best not to shiver too much but it’s like your body has detached. You shake like a newborn foal, barely managing to stop your teeth from chattering.

“I’ll just grab one more thing and then we can go, okay?”

You don't remember getting in the car.

Everything seems miles away.

Rip's voice is a dull background sound, melding with the low crooning coming from the radio as your eyes stare out of the car window without focus.

It's like you've blinked and you're back at square one.

What is truly happening in your life?

Nothing is moving forward.

You graduated, you worked, you got the fiance, you moved in, you visited the families, he cheated and here you are. 

Back like a ten-year-old left after she cried blood at the cash register. Left after just enough warning, you came back. Desperate, hurt, looking for something to cling to.

Maybe you shouldn’t ever have left.

Pathetic.

To be precise.

But apparently looking healthy enough for someone to hit on you.

It makes you queasy.

What if you're just clinging to the next best thing?

Worse, what if it's just because you're vulnerable right now?

What if you look desperate?

Oh god, what if-

"-doll. Come on."

The quick raps of Rip's knuckles against the car door make you jump out of your reverie.

He is leaning against the truck, pressing down his hat with his palm before looking out at the ranch.

You sniffle and get another tissue out to quickly wipe away any remaining wetness on your cheeks.

You push the door of the truck open and let yourself fall onto your feet. 

Immediately, dark spots line your vision and you sway.

“Woah, hey-”

“I’m fine-”

You barely feel Rip touch you, before the world faints to black.

-

When you wake up, it's dark outside. 

Your sheets are firmly tucked underneath your body and you detangle from your hug with your pillow to lift your head.

There's light on in the living room.

"Hello?"

You swing your legs out of bed- the dizziness returns immediately and with it, a dull pounding behind your eyes.

A faint light illuminates the living room. You let one hand skate over the wood of the wall as you approach- you can see the top of Rip’s hat from over the back of the sofa. 

He sighs loudly. A faint grumble follows. His face is covered by his hat, a green blanket half covering his body. His boots hang over the edge of the sofa as he dozes.

“Rip?”

He jumps, a surprised grunt escaping him.

“Fuck, h- Bones. Y’scared me.”

You hold on to the back of the sofa.

“Sorry, I don’t know what happened-”

“Did you have a panic attack or something?”

“A- what?”

He sighs and slowly sits up.

“What do you mean? I’m not- It’s not like I am mentally ill or something- I-”

“Honey. Please, just, sit down”, he grunts, sitting upright.

There’s that pitying tone again.

“I’m fine! I don’t need your fucking pity, Rip!”, you bite, despite your voice cracking. You hold your ground against the worrying look.

He bites his lip and averts his eyes. He gets up, the blanket left behind carelessly, and grabs his hat off of the arm of the sofa.

"I should leave-"

"Yeah. I think so, too."

Your face feels hot, burning up, as you flick between rage and shame.

He stands in front of you for a moment before turning to leave.

You stay where you are even as you hear him opening and then violently shutting the front door.

You perk up as you hear yelling outside, your hand immediately reaching for the gun next to the door.

You hear a faint growling, another yell, as you tear the door open.

"Get out of the way!", you scream before pulling the trigger-

Five shots ring out and you hear the bear growl, yelp, and scurrying off but your eyes are on the blood spraying from Rip's side.

He groans and his arm shoots out to hold on to the wooden beam next to the entrance of the cabin.

"Oh my god, Rip-!" You leave the gun on the table next to the entrance and run out towards him as the blood starts dripping down from his side.

"I'm so sorry- oh my god, I-", you press down on his bleeding side as you glance up towards the river.

There's a trail of blood left but no bear in sight.

"Let's get you inside. Come on."

He's spitting curses and you press your hand against him, trying to stop the bleeding.

It's a tumble to get him inside and to sit. The blood is slippery and the cabin hallway is barely big enough to fit the two of you through.

Getting to stitching him up is much more calming.

At least to you.

It's a familiar routine to tend to a wound. You grab your utensils one by one, preparing a kidney tray, some swabs, and some synthetic string with a needle, amounting to a little pile of sterile packaging while Rip gets out of his shirt.

"Put some of that on the wound", you murmur and point toward a bottle of iodine. "Take a cotton pad. It's gonna stain."

He just grunts and reaches out- it's the last thing you watch before you concentrate on pulling on your gloves.

"Clear it up."

He throws the pads into the spare bowl you had set out. You reach out to him and press at the edges of the wound.

All grazes. No clear shot wound. You hum as you try to figure out how to best stitch him up.

Another loud groan and another slam of his hand next to you don't deter you from continuing your probing.

You're used to the men writhing when you have to stitch them up after another accident. This is no different.

It's no different.

Just an accident.

"Got anything- fuck, Bones-"

You look up from the wound.

"Anything for the pain?"

"You can have a stick to bite on. No hand holding."

He groans and reaches out for one of the wooden spatulas to jam in between his teeth.

You stay curled up in front of him, waiting patiently until he sits back again.

"You good?"

He nods but you can see him twitch in his seat when you place the first stitch.

"C'mon, stay still. We've done this song and dance."

"Y'Haven't been the one shooting me, yet, honey."

"Good thing my aim is alright then and I didn't sink a bullet into you."

It's easy to fall back into the banter. Like after a hard reset.

After all, this is Rip.

Rip who has the blood of most of your ex-lovers and affairs on his hands, plenty of branded men and farmhands.

He’s knee-deep in the pool of your combined mistakes, every bruise, cut, broken bone, and tear, always side by side. Misplaced trust and the smell of hay in the sunshine, beating down on the two of you when you had had nowhere to go. The crackling fire in the stove of the bunkhouse when winter came and neither of you had any family to go home to.

You're both all but drenched in the collective of both of your past mistakes. One way or another.

“Almost there, hun”, you murmur halfway through, fully concentrating on stitching the skin together in a tight, neat line. The table creaks miserably next to your shoulder as you push through another part of his skin.

He bites down hard on the stick in his mouth as you place the last pair of stitches, his chest heaving with heavy breaths.

You look at his unclenched hand that now lays flat on the table before twisting the thread around the needle. You look back down as you neatly tie it up, snipping it quickly.

Rip inhales sharply through his nose, eyes finally opening again. You discard your instruments into your kidney tray before grabbing the wound disinfectant again.

“Just gonna bandage you up now and then we’ll be done”, you murmur, more to yourself than to him, before you pour some clear antiseptic over the fresh stitches. You don’t jump at the loud bang next to your shoulder, completely undeterred by the twisting of the man in the chair in front of you.

“Settle down”, you murmur and grab some more gauze to dab at the residual blood pouring out with the liquid. As the wound settles, you reach for a big adhesive plaster. You carefully place it, going over the edges a second time with your fingertip to make sure everything sticks.

When you look back up with a short “all done,” Rip lets his head fall back, throwing the stick he had been biting down on into the corner of the room before letting his arm fall. His chest is heaving with harsh breaths and you can’t help but look, his head still thrown back, a bit of sweat pooling in his clavicle. You swallow and turn back to gather your utensils up.

“Let's get you into bed, big guy.”

He grunts and you try a reassuring smile before hoisting him up.

“Going through all the nicknames tonight, huh, Bones?”

You look up at him from where you’re squeezed under his arm, furrowing your brows at him.

He laughs quietly, a little too flat for your liking, as you help him hobble through the door frame of your bedroom.

“You got a real sweet bedside manner, is all.”

You grunt as he bears more of his weight on you to get down onto the mattress.

“There you go”, you murmur, softly letting your hands swipe over his shoulder. “You okay with sleeping like this?”

“It's fine, Bones. Really.”

“Yeah- yeah, okay.” You back off of him, wringing your hands. “I’ll be on the couch, just call me when you need something, yeah? Doesn’t matter what.”

You look him up and down again.

"Do you need something to drink?"

He just looks at you again, a silent reprimand. When he leans back, he grunts loudly and you bite at your lip. Instead of reaching out to steady him, you pull the blanket over to cover him.

He takes it out of your hand and when you turn your head towards him, he averts his eyes.

"Goodnight. Don't bleed out."

He chortles before grinning.

"Goodnight. Don't fucking say that shit to me again."

You smile and leave the bedroom.

You doubt you'll catch any sleep. But you can try.

-

Taglist: @graniairish, @tragerlover, @lexixstewart, @deathbytidep0ds, @hoooli13

If you would like to be tagged, shoot me a quick message!

Requests are open and always appreciated

[whohasthecards]

Top Gun Coffee Shop plus other stuff AU Idea (Part 1)

Jake moves to California to start a new life and starts working as a barista in a coffee shop.

The shop owners are Iceman and Maverick, who runs it with their son, Rooster, who manages the books and a lot of the behind the scenes stuff. Phoenix is the general manager, and Bob is the other barista/event coordinator.

The coffee shop is a front for the real business of them participating in information brokerage, middle man, forgery, smuggling, and other underworld business.

There are a series of different interesting customers that come in, and the staff are surprised that Jake just rolls with it. They're confused on how stuff doesn't faze him, they think he might already be on to their business, but nope, he's way too focus on making coffee great and learning how to cook pastries.

(A very tall man with a slightly beat down suit and a small scratch on his cheek came in. He was shifting his weight between two feet, making sure that the bag he came in with was hidden behind his back.

"Hello there, welcome to the Top Flight Cafe, where we may not offer flights, but our coffee can send you to the moon, what can I get for ya?" Jake drawled barely giving the man a glance before scowling back at the POS system.

"They don't do flights, anymore? What happen to the shipments?" The man asked confused as he squinted at Jake.

"I dunno, sir, you gotta ask Mr. Bradshaw about that one, but I'm pretty sure we don't do supply shipments ourselves, a truck comes with the flour and all the imported coffee goods," Jake said, shrugging. "All I do is help carry them on my shoulder to the back and count 'em, that's all.

"You guys transport the flour on regular flour bags," the man's voice said incredulously, stressing the word flour too much for Jake's understanding.

"I mean, what else are we gonna use?" Jake asked, raising a brow. "If ya really wanna know, you can call Mr. Bradshaw, but aside from that what can I get for ya?"

"Hey Jake, I'll take this customer back in my office, he's my guy, did you take his order, yet?" Mav said bursting from the back of the bakery as he speed-walked towards the counter flashing an awkward smile between the two of them. "He's new, he didn't know to bring you directly to me," Mav said.

"Not yet, Mav," Jake said.

"Yeah, what do you want, our meeting may take a while," Mav said glancing at the other man.

"Uh huh," the man said, squinting suspiciously, "An espresso would be fine, Mav," the other man, said.

"And I'll have a double shot espresso and an everything bagel with strawberry cream cheese and bacon," Mav said cheerfully rounding the counter and clapping the other man on the shoulder. "Leave the goods on the employee's break room table, me and Sli will catch up, no need to ring him up," Mav said steering the taller man away.

It was comical to see how the much taller man let him.

"I don't want to catch up with you, I wanted Ice," the man name 'Sli' said with a sigh. Almost like he's pouting.

"Tough luck, we're a two in one deal," Mav said as they walked through the back area.

Jake shrugged and made the order. Mav always had chaotic orders.)

---

He's so focused on doing his job, that he manages to miss some telling signs that the coffee shop wasn't just a coffee shop.

("Hey Bradley," Jake says bursting into the managers office, darting forward to the supplies closet without a glance towards his general manager. "Do we have anymore markers? We ran out, and writing with a pen on cups is annoying." Jake said opening the closet widely and rummaging through it.

Bradley immediately muttered something in another language on the phone before hanging up, shutting several folders, and shoving papers down his suitcase and into some of the desk drawers.

"Yeah, buddy, I think they're behind the box of batteries--"

"Found them, thanks, man," Jake said barely even glancing his way as he waved before he went out.

Making Bradley's efforts useless, but better safe than sorry, right?

He really should start putting the supplies closet outside the office.)

---

Javy, Mickey, and Reuben visit Jake and they seem to be wary of the coffee shop. Jake shrugs them off because he's starting to really like the place and the job he's steadily getting good at.

("I don't burn the coffee all the time, anymore, man!" Jake said smiling widely as he handed Javy a cup.

"I'm so proud of you, buddy." Javy said in a deadpan as he sipped his coffee. "Do you know how to froth milk, now?"

"Yeah, Ice taught me during my first day," Jake said smiling brightly.

"Ice, huh?" Payback said muttering to himself.

"Yeah, they apparently have weird nicknames, his is Iceman," Jake said nonchalantly as he wiped down the counter.)

---

Eventually, shit hits the fan. The coffee shop is stormed during regular day hours on a weekday. After the lunch rush where everything has been quiet. Men armed to the teeth burst in, making people drop to the ground as they pointed guns at the few customers that were there.

Jake just continued to wipe down the counter as he calmly walked in front of the register.

"What can I get for you folks today?" Jake said in a bored manner. "If you wanna buy some manners, you gotta get them somewhere else, though, unless you wanna show me ya got some by putting away the guns? These ladies and gentlemen are customers just like ya'll they have the right to be here like you do."

"Jake," Bob hissed tugging the back of the other man's shirt harshly.

"SHUT THE HELL UP, Where the fuck is Iceman, Bobby?" The leader said pointing the gun at him.

"Mr. Kazansky ain't here today, and even if he was, you can't just ask for him easily like you can ask for coffee," Jake drawled.

"Jake, stop." Bob gritted out before facing the antagonists. "He's not going to give in with whatever you guys want, you know. However, if you put the guns down, we can talk about this," Bob said with steel in his voice as he removed his glasses and rested them to the side.

One of the men huffed out a laugh, "You have no leverage against us, Bobby-boy, we have you outnumbered today. All we got to do is to kill you one by one, he's always been fond of his staff. Especially normies like him," the man said nodding in Jake's direction. "He really knows nothing, huh? Unfortunate that his hick brain doesn't have a sense of self-preservation--"

"Rude, I am a delight," Jake drawled, resting his hands on the counter and leading forward. "Buttt that's more of my charmin' personality, you won't find it delightful if I take action. Only I can call Bobert names after all, ya know?"

"Pfft-- what's blondie here gonna do--"

Bob couldn't believe his eyes, he was accustomed to violence. Raised in it by this point, but he never expected it from Jake of all people. And he never expected it to be so smooth, fast, and efficient. By the end of it, all of the armed men were incapacitated on the ground, the leader on his knees as Jake looked down at him and pinched his cheeks together with one hand, staring impassively.

"Considering I'm the one standing here while all your friends are done for," Jake started, voice even and smooth. "It seems like this hick has more self-preservation than you, do," Jake said smiling before delivering a sharp hit to the temple making the man pass out on the ground.

Jake put his hands on his hips and looked upward as if praying to God for strength before pulling out his phone. He looked back at Bob and gestured for him to give him a moment, as he brought the phone to his hear.

"Hey Coyote," Jake said chuckling weakly as he pinched the bridge of his nose and gave a deep sigh. "Seems like I'm back in the game, although, it may have seemed that I never left in the first place," Jake said huffing out a low laugh and shaking his head in disbelief. "I need clean-up crew, now."

---

part 2

[itsawhumpsideblog]

The Safehouse, pt. 7

CW: for institutionalized slavery, mentions of abuse, treatment of people as things, description of injuries

Advice from the Box Boy Liberation Movement:

Perform a basic medical examination on the day of the rescuee's arrival and render appropriate first aid. Virtually all rescuees will require further medical assistance, but in many cases this can wait until some trust has been developed and rescuees can be safely transported to a medical facility with in-network providers. [1] If none of the volunteers at your site have medical training, don't hesitate to call the secure number provided to you for assistance at any time.

[1] In-network provider: a medical professional connected with the B.B.L.M. who provides services without generating records of treatment.

For an hour, perhaps more, very little happened. Master and Mistress sat on the sofa and turned on the television to something that, of course, Francis had never seen before. They sat quietly in front of it; Mistress played with her phone sometimes and Master had a book he was halfheartedly reading.

His old Master had never let Francis watch television, even pausing it when Francis entered the room. Now that it was on, it made him a little nervous and he wondered if this was a test, to make sure he knew how to avert his eyes properly. Mikey was obviously passing; he hadn't even looked up when the television came on. Francis tried to distract himself by counting things, which was an old trick he had learned while serving at Master's dinner parties. He wasn't supposed to react to anything they said but he couldn't help hearing- and anyway, he was supposed to respond when they needed something- so Francis would count things. Ten chairs. Seven people with hats. Four ladies and six gentlemen. Ten pictures on the wall, then ten more pictures, then ten more pictures after that- three tens of pictures. Sometimes he wished there was a number past ten, to make the counting last longer.

When he ran out of things to count, Francis stole the opportunity to have a closer look at his new housemate. Mikey was a tall and broad-shouldered Pet who should have looked hulking and self-assured and powerful, but who now just looked frightened and injured and out of place in his surroundings. He was knelt on his cushion cradling his arm and rocking softly back and forth and Francis wondered what he was thinking about.

Like Francis, Mikey had put himself into a kind of holding pattern, as he was also accustomed to doing when he was not needed. Eventually, he supposed, Master and Mistress would show him his post and tell him what threats the house faced so that he could protect them properly, but for now they seemed to want to keep him inside. Maybe the threats were here, but would he know them when he saw them?

Mikey tried not to think about how he would protect the family now that his arm was bad. He would have to do it, that was all- if he could move his arm and keep his eyes open. It was hard to do both at the same time. But Master and Mistress had given him something to hold the broken arm in, so maybe they understood that it wasn't working quite right at the moment.

Mikey didn't know the word "apprehensive" but it would have come in handy to describe the way he felt when Master and Mistress came over to him and Master knelt down next to him. He did know the word "cornered" and felt that, too. All his training said he should never be cornered, but it also said that he should do exactly as Master and Mistress wanted.

He would try.

"Mikey," Master said, very gently, the way he might talk to a beloved lap Pet, not the way the old Master had talked to his guard dog, "Now that you're cleaned up, we'd like to do something to treat all those cuts and bruises. Is that okay?"

"We won't touch your hurt arm," Mistress said, but Mikey barely heard her. He did not want to be touched, but he did want to obey. He waited for an order. Mistress walked off to another room and when she returned with a stool, Mikey flinched. It looked heavy, but they just set it on the ground next to him.

"Can you sit on this?" Master asked. To Mikey, it wasn't even a question. If that was what they wanted, that was what he would do. He began to struggle to his feet, feeling a little weak and finding it difficult to rise without using his hands. As he shifted to stand, his arm dropped away from where he had carefully tucked it next to his body and stars danced in front of his eyes, but he kept going. He knew better than to stop when an order had been given. Guard dogs never gave up, even when they were on the ground.

Very slowly, Mikey transferred his weight to his feet, then down to the stool. Everything looked strange and sounds were coming from far away. He hoped anxiously that he wouldn't miss any important commands.

But there didn't seem to be any. They were going to do to him whatever it was they wanted and he couldn't figure out what that might be. Master unclipped the sling and Mikey reached up to steady his arm as the fabric fell away. Then they pulled his shirt off over his head and he had to give them this much- they had worked it off over his damaged arm very gently. He seemed to go almost blind, then, as if sealing himself off from whatever was coming next.

From across the room, Francis was watching them. He knew the other Pet- Mikey- would not want them touching his arm- not that Pets had wants. Mikey, too, would have to learn to be useful. Francis wondered why Master and Mistress had wanted such damaged Pets and his stomach twisted a little, knowing it couldn't be for any good reason.

The first thing they did was take pictures of Mikey, from all kinds of angles. They were documenting the bruises on his torso and the partially-healed cuts that seemed to be everywhere. They took pictures of his twisted right hand and his swollen eye and every inch of his left arm and shoulder.

But the longer Francis watched, the more confused he became. They didn't even touch Mikey at first, just took pictures. And then, when they did touch him, they didn't add to the documented marks in any way that Francis could see. Mistress just put something on a cotton ball and began touching it to the raw cuts along Mikey's back and when he let out an audible whimper- he probably didn't even know he was doing it- she stopped immediately and smoothed his hair and said, "I'm sorry, I know it hurts. It's antibiotic cream, to keep those cuts clean."

Francis' eyebrows furrowed. Antibiotic cream was a new concept. He wondered whether the marks would be visible later. But they put bandages on the larger cuts and then put Mikey's shirt back on. They gave him the thing that held his arm still for him and then, after a brief discussion, gave him a second one for the other arm.

And then they actually helped him back to his pillow, to kneel where he was clearly more comfortable. It was all very suspicious, and Francis was still focused on watching Mikey when he realized that now Master and Mistress were hovering over him. He froze. They had not said he could watch them.

"Your turn!" Master said, very cheerfully. Francis felt his blood run cold, but there was no way to object. Still, he must not have controlled his expression properly- damn his fever- because Master made an odd face.

"Don't worry," Master said, in that voice that must be threatening, because Francis could not genuinely conceive of it being kind. "We won't hurt you. Can we look you over?"

"This Pet is to be used in any way you desire, Master," Francis said. That would be the correct answer, wouldn't it? But they didn't respond and when Francis struggled to sit up, they reached over and helped him, putting their hands only on his shoulders.

When he was upright, it was his turn to have his shirt off and pictures taken of his sore back and burning chest. His old Master had placed the marks of discipline so carefully and Francis was a little embarrassed that his new Master and Mistress knew about them. They were proof that he had been a bad Pet, and he was ashamed. Master and Mistress would want an obedient Pet, and Francis was desperate to show them that he could be a good Pet, like they had ordered.

They moved from taking pictures of his back to taking pictures of his feet and at last they set the camera aside.

"Did you see me putting antibiotic cream on Mikey?" Mistress asked. "I'm going to do the same thing for you. It might sting a little, but I'll try to be gentle."

"Yes, Mistress," Francis responded automatically. He sat, tensed for the pain, and was surprised when the first cotton ball touched a weeping laceration on his chest. It did sting but, as Mistress had said, only a little. It was nothing to what Francis had endured before and it was a cool feeling against his hot skin. He let his eyes fall closed for a second when he felt a second application of it touch his back. That was Master, probably, and Francis could not for the life of him understand why they were doing this.

When his cuts had been treated, they wrapped soft gauze all around his body and Francis could have cried in relief, except that good Pets didn't draw attention to themselves like that. But he was grateful all the same- now his shirt wouldn't stick to the cuts, wouldn't tear them open when he changed.

Then, Master knelt at Francis' feet and it was all he could do, compounded by Mistress's hand on his shoulder, to keep from jumping up. Master should not sit at his feet- that was Francis' job, to sit at Master's feet and do as Master pleased, to act without having to be asked if that was what was required.

"Almost done," Master said, not that Francis knew why. And then it became clear. Master cupped a hand around Francis' heel and raised it up, then began to dab at the soles of his feet with the same cool ointment they had put on his back. And even though it was soothing, his feet hurt so badly that Francis couldn't help but sway where he sat as pain shot up his legs. Mistress put an arm around his shoulders and he almost couldn't feel the embarrassment when he shuddered and sagged involuntarily back against her steadying embrace.

Master treated first his left foot, then his right, and then, to Francis' relief, pulled out the gauze and began to bind up his feet in layer after layer of soft bandages until it looked like he was wearing thick gauze socks. Master taped the bandages in place and looked up at Francis with a smile that Francis could almost trust.

"Can we ask you to do one more thing? A really difficult thing?" he asked, and for the soft bandages that eased his wounds, Francis would have done anything.

When they moved him to the couch, he let them. They didn't allow him to stand, just lifted him and laid him there, the softest place he had ever been, with a pillow under his head and another under his throbbing feet. Mistress even brought him a cool towel and laid it across his forehead and Francis thought he might have died, it felt so good.

The room got quiet again after that. Master and Mistress went back to the other sofa and pushed some buttons on the remote and turned on a new TV show. Mikey swayed on his pillow, silent and waiting but, if Francis knew anything about Pets, listening to everything in secret.

The show that Master and Mistress put on was confusing at first. Francis watched, since they didn't seem to mind and only smiled when they saw him looking and Master said, "This one is really funny, isn't it?"

It was a show about some oddly-dressed people with sharp teeth who lived in a big, dark house and sometimes turned into bats and didn't seem to understand how the world outside their house worked. They kept an unusual kind of Pet, a plump young man in sweater vests, who took care of all the practical considerations and it was the strangest thing, Francis thought.

On this show, the Pet was the clever one, the only one who really understood how anything was done. These people would be lost without him, even if they didn't know that- and the more he watched, the more Francis began to suspect that deep down, they did know. What a strange house, where the people were fools and the Pet was clever.

And what a strange Master and Mistress he had now, who wanted him to see such things.

Next time: Tim and Angie report back to their contacts.

Master Post

[departmentq]

From David Gerrold's Facebook

Text, yeah, it's tl;dr but it's worth reading:

This morning's HuffPost reports that Kamala Harris has a lead in the national polls, and even a couple of states that were considered safely red may soon be in play.

Elsewhere, I expect to hear that Mar-A-Lago's chef has had to order more ketchup, and the cleaning crew has had to order more bleach. And probably more diapers too.

He is visibly tired and has cut his campaign appearances way back. The public appearances he has been making are disjointed and dysfunctional. He doesn't listen to his "handlers" and is focused more on personal issues than political ones.

Harris has promised that in her first hundred days, she is going to take action against corporate price-gouging on food. Bringing down the grocery bill hits home for anyone who has to balance a weekly budget.

Sean and I were remembering that thirty years ago, when he moved in with me, we could go to the store and spend less than $50 on a week's worth of food. Quality food. One Christmas, we saw an old man with a dog sitting outside the store. We bought him a bag of groceries and gave him a $20 bill. I didn't even think twice about the cost. Food was a small part of the budget.

Today, the mortgage payment is the only item in the budget that is larger than our monthly food bill. Okay, we're feeding five people now. But even so, the cost of food is easily five times what it used to be only a few years ago. (Maybe closer to ten. I'd have to look it up to be sure.)

Yeah, if I'd conserved my early profits better instead of spending on life, I wouldn't be so concerned about money today. Stupid me. But we're not missing any meals and all of the monthly bills are paid and I'm out there selling books and working on ending the last few debts as well — so you might say I'm speaking from a position of privilege. I won't argue — but if I'm worried about it then I have to realize how many other people are struggling with daily despair as prices climb but income doesn't.

Back in the last century, an asshole named Milton Friedman, pretending to be an economist, said that the purpose of a corporation was to generate profits for the shareholders. That man deserves a tenth circle of hell for the damage he has done to the global economy. He created a phony justification for greed.

Milton Friedman was a corporate shill, a tool of the oligarchs who have stolen trillions from the global economy and intend to steal trillions more.

The purpose of a business is service. SERVICE.

The purpose of a gas station is to provide fuel for transportation. The purpose of a supermarket is to provide convenient access to healthy food. The purpose of a school or university is to provide education. The purpose of a trash collection company is to keep a community clean and livable. The purpose of a book's author is to provide information or entertainment. The purpose of a news agency is to provide ACCURATE information about the larger community. And so on.

I defy anyone to state an example of a legitimate business that is not designed to provide a service.

But where corporations have put their attention on monetization instead of service, you get planes falling out of the sky. You get dogs being poisoned by dangerous ingredients in the food. You get people getting sick from producers' dependence on corn syrup, a generally unhealthy ingredient. You get shrinkage, where boxes contain less product and prices go up. You get the opposite of service. You get theft.

The urge to monetize is why you can't watch a YouTube video without it being interrupted by an ad, why you can't click on a link without half a dozen popover advertisements, why so much of the internet is click-bait and scams, why our cities have become towering mazes of giant flashing screens. It's why we as a species are becoming more and more separated from the ecology we are a dangerous part of.

It's because corporations have succumbed to the addiction of greed instead of remembering service.

Let me tell you about service. I had a veterinarian who took care of all my animals and never billed me. Whenever a large check came in, I paid him in full. The local diner knew Sean and I so well that when I was traveling, Sean could run up a tab and I would pay it when I came home. Our mechanic who serviced our cars often found ways to keep his bills low because he regarded us as friends more than customers. And so on. That's what service looks like.

Our bank, here in Vermont — they know who we are. They treat us like friends. That's service.

You know what isn't service? The computer that says, "Declined." And there's no one to talk to. You know what isn't service? The website that doesn't recognize our address and doesn't provide a place to input the correct address. You know what isn't service? The corporate retreat behind phone menus and websites that deny the opportunity to talk to a human being?

And this is why (coming back to the beginning of this rant) Kamala Harris will win the election — she's talking about putting the government back in service to the people.

The founding fathers understood that government had to function as a tool to provide services to the people that they couldn't achieve as individuals. That our government has repeatedly been manipulated by business institutions is not service. It's greed.

There's an old saying, "Power to the people." That's what democracy is all about. The day that Americans recognize that is the day that we redesign government as a public service. I think Kamala Harris understands that. I'm pretty damn sure the other guy doesn't.

(Yes, permission to share.)

David Gerrold is a writer, of both novels and television. He is most known for writing the TOS episode, The Trouble with Tribbles.

[maxblcmoving]

Small Moves, Epic Change: NYC’s Remarkable Job Solutions

When it comes to relocating, small moves often require just as much attention as larger jobs. Maybe you’re moving a single piece of furniture, a few boxes, or even just a small office. Finding the right movers for small jobs in NYC can be crucial. Small moves, though seemingly straightforward, demand efficiency and precision. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you find the best options for small moves in New York City.

Understanding Small Moves

Small moves are unique. They don’t involve the complexity of a full household move but still need careful planning. Small moves in NYC typically include transferring items such as single pieces of furniture, minimal household goods, or small office equipment. According to recent data, over 25% of New Yorkers who move annually require services for small moves. This percentage highlights a significant market for mini moves within the city.

The good news is that the NYC moving market caters well to these smaller needs. Many local moving companies are specifically geared toward handling small moves efficiently. Transitioning to a new location doesn’t always mean dealing with a large-scale operation. Instead, finding the right movers for small jobs can make the process seamless and stress-free.

Why Choose Specialized Movers for Small Jobs?

Specialized movers for small jobs offer several advantages. First, they understand the intricacies involved in moving fewer items. They often use equipment tailored to handle small moves without compromising on care. According to industry statistics, moving companies that focus on small moves have a 15% higher satisfaction rate compared to those handling larger jobs. This is because these companies are experts in optimizing their processes for small-scale operations.

Moreover, specialized small move services are often more affordable. Data shows that small moving jobs can cost up to 30% less than traditional full-service moves. This cost efficiency is particularly valuable in a city like NYC, where expenses can quickly add up.

Popular NYC Companies for Small Moves

Roadway Moving: Known for their efficiency, Roadway Moving handles small jobs with a focus on customer satisfaction. They offer comprehensive services that include packing and unpacking for smaller loads.

Moishe’s Moving Systems: This company has a reputation for reliability. They cater to small moves with professional care. The company ensures your items are transported safely and efficiently.

The NYC Moving Company: Offering tailored services for mini moves. They provide competitive rates and specialized equipment for small jobs.

Jersey City Movers: Although based in Jersey City, they service NYC and are well-regarded for handling small moves with expertise and care.

NYC Small Move: This company specializes in exactly what the name suggests. They are known for affordable rates and efficient service for small-scale moves.

Finding the Right Moving Quotes

When looking for quotes for small moves, it’s essential to compare offers from different moving companies. Data from recent studies indicates that requesting at least three moving quotes can save up to 20% on overall moving costs. Many companies provide online quote systems, allowing you to easily compare prices without needing to make multiple phone calls.

Tips for a Smooth Small Move

Plan Ahead: Scheduling your move well in advance can prevent last-minute issues. Aim to book your moving company at least two weeks prior to your desired move date.

Declutter: Before moving, sort through your items. Decluttering can reduce the volume of your move, potentially lowering costs.

Pack Smart: Use high-quality packing materials to protect your belongings. Efficient packing also helps in reducing the time and cost of the move.

Communicate Clearly: Provide detailed information about what needs to be moved. Clear communication with your movers can prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smoother transition.

Exploring Local Moving Companies

For those seeking local movers, NYC has a broad range of options. Local moving companies often offer specialized services for small moves. Their proximity can enhance convenience. Many local movers also provide customized solutions to fit your specific needs.

Single Item Movers in NYC

If you’re only moving a single item, such as a piano, the search for single item movers NYC can be focused. Piano movers, in particular, require specialized skills and equipment. For example, a professional piano moving service in NYC can cost between $150 and $500, depending on the distance and piano type.

Small Moves NYC: Key Takeaways

Targeted Services: Choose movers who specialize in small moves to ensure expert handling of your items.

Competitive Rates: Many companies offer affordable options specifically for small moves, providing better value for your money.

Efficiency: Specialized small move services often complete tasks faster, making your transition smoother.

Reviews and Recommendations: Check platforms like Reddit for reviews of single item movers NYC to gauge customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, small moves in NYC require careful planning and the right expertise. By choosing movers who specialize in small jobs, you ensure a more efficient and cost-effective process. You might need mini moves, single item movers, or just a reliable local company. The options in NYC are plentiful. Armed with this information, you’re well on your way to a successful small move.

[umzug-transport]

🚛 #ButlerUmzügeGmbH #UmzugsserviceBerlin Ihr zuverlässiger Partner für 

#ButlerUmzügeGmbH #UmzugsserviceBerlin Ihr zuverlässiger Partner für einen Umzug mit KrankenkasseCalculating an accurate cost estimate for your move: Detailed instructionsCreating an accurate cost estimate for your move is difficult due to the variety of influencing factors. However, with detailed planning and careful research, you can get a good idea. Below I will guide you through 16 steps that will help you:+ Determine the type of move• Self-move: You organize and do everything yourself. Cheap, but time- and labor-intensive.• Partial move: You pack and transport parts of the inventory yourself, a moving company takes care of the rest.• Complete move: The moving company takes care of everything, from packing to setting up. Most expensive, but most convenient option.+ Record the moving goods• Make a list of all the furniture and moving boxes.• Estimate the volume in cubic meters (m³). Rule of thumb: Living space x 0.125 = moving volume.• Pay attention to bulky items such as pianos or refrigerators.+ Determine the moving distance• Calculate the distance between the old and new apartment in kilometers (km).• Take into account possible detours or highway tolls.+ Determine additional services• Do you need assembly or disassembly work for furniture?• Do you pack yourself or will the moving company do this?• Should insurance cover be taken out for your moving goods?+ Obtain quotes• Request 3 quotes from at least reputable moving companies in your region.• Pay attention to the detailed scope of services and pricing.• Compare the quotes carefully and question any ambiguities.+ Consider cost factors• Volume of moving: The more moving goods, the higher the costs.• Distance of moving: Longer moves mean higher transport costs.• Floors: Moving to higher floors without an elevator may require more carrying work and are therefore more expensive.• Accessibility: Narrow staircases or narrow driveways can increase the effort.• Scheduling: Moving on weekends or holidays is usually more expensive.• Additional services: assembly, disassembly, packing and insurance increase the price.+ Select a moving company• Look for reputable providers with experience and a good reputation.• Check the company's reviews and references.• Make sure the company has the necessary insurance.• Compare the prices and services of different providers carefully.+ Negotiate the estimate• If necessary, get additional quotes to negotiate the price.• Ask about discounts for early bookings or moves in the off-season.• Agree on a fixed price in the estimate to avoid surprises later.+ Receive detailed order confirmation• Have the moving company send you a written order confirmation with all the details.• Pay attention to the agreed services, prices, dates and payment terms.• Clarify any open questions or concerns in advance.+ Organize moving day• Plan the moving day in detail.• Pack important documents and valuables within easy reach.• Provide enough drinks and snacks for the moving helpers.• Inform neighbors and property management about the move.+  Pack moving items carefully• Use sturdy moving boxes and enough padding material.• Clearly label the boxes with the contents and the destination room.• Disassemble furniture if possible to make transport easier.• Transport sensitive items separately.+  Instruct moving helpers• Instruct the moving helpers where each piece of furniture should go.• Inform them about any special features or weak points.• Create clear access routes and parking spaces.• Offer the moving helpers drinks and, if necessary, lunch.+ Complete the move• Supervise the move and coordinate the process. • Make sure that all items are transported safely and undamaged.+ After the move• Check that all items have arrived undamaged.• Assemble and put away your furniture and boxes.• Register with authorities and service providers at the new address.+ Billing and feedback• Check the final bill from the moving company.• Pay the agreed costs and evaluate the services provided.• Give feedback to the moving company.+ Deduct moving costs from your taxes• Keep all invoices and receipts.• Find out about possible tax deductibility of moving costs.• Submit the documents with your tax return.Good luck with your move! With  #ButlerUmzügeA comprehensive guide to moving costs tax in 2024Berliner Umzüge#BerlinerUmzügeunternehmen #BerlinerUmzügeservice #BerlinerUmzügefirma #BerlinerUmzügedienst #KostenvoranschlagUmzhttps://www.butler-umzuege.de/shi-niedersachsen/ https://www.butler-umzuege.de/techniker-krankenkasse/https://www.butler-umzuege.de/krankenkasse-umzug/https://www.butler-umzuege.de/pflegekasse-umzug/https://www.butler-umzuege.de/gek-krankenkasse/https://www.butler-umzuege.de/hek-krankenkasse/https://www.butler-umzuege.de/hkk-krankenkasse/https://www.butler-umzuege.de/kkh-krankenkasse/ #AOKKrankenkasseUmzug #TechnikerKrankenkasseUmzug #BARMERKrankenkasseUmzug #DAK-GesundheitUmzug #SHI NiedersachsenUmzug #KKHKrankenkasseUmzug #HKKKrankenkasseUmzug #HEKKrankenkasseUmzug #GEKKrankenkasseUmzug #BKKKrankenkasseUmzug #BKKKrankenkasseUmzug #PflegekasseAOKUmzug #AOKPflegekasseUmzug  #Umzug #PflegekasseUmzug #ZuschüsseUmzug  #UmzügePflegekasse Viel Erfolg bei Ihrem Umzug! Mit  #ButlerUmzügeEin umfassender Leitfaden zur Umzugskostensteuer im Jahr 2024Berliner Umzügehttps://www.butler-umzuege.de/#BlitzanfrageYOUTUBE.COM #ButlerUmzügeGmbH #UmzugsserviceBerlin Ihr zuverlässiger Partner für einen Pflegekassen-Umzug+ Instruct moving helpers• Instruct the moving helpers where each piece of furniture should go.• Inform them about any special features or weak points.• Cre...Insights und Anzeigen ansehenBeitrag bewerbenAlle Reaktionen:1Butler Umzüge

[betterbemeta]

I think the WGA strike is also an important movement against the audience's exploitation.

It goes without saying that writers are workers and should not be exploited, that's a given, you can read any other post about that. Workers are the ones doing work, of course we should center them in the discussion.

But, we should not forget that exploiting workers is just part of a greater system that exploits the general population, which is reframed as 'consumers' as if it's just everyone's nature 'to consume' whatever is put in front of them. But if 'we' do, it's because our lives are engineered so we behave in ways that also are the most profitable for the holders of property, including intellectual property.

We live in a world where our options to spend our time are shrinking. There are fewer public spaces than ever, fewer if you don't have a lot of disposable income or reliable transportation. For most people, if we aren't working, doing school work, or maintaining our condition (cooking, errands, etc.) 'Entertainment' is the most cost-effective activity and fills up most of our leisure that isn't spent on social media, which by now is so interwoven with 'entertainment' that it can be difficult to distinguish them.

'Entertainment' can be in the form of TV, movies, games, books and audiobooks, web content, whatever, but what's important here is that strategies to 'capture' as much of the market as possible also favor screwing the people creating the content that is being sold to do it. And increasingly, ordinary people are only able to rent said content. It's a mutual loss of control of what is being created.

Strikes fight the consolidation of power towards property owners who are profiteers between those work to produce goods and services and those who those goods and services are being made for. Safe working conditions and fair wages for workers highly correlate with not finding a severed finger in your cereal box, but this dynamic been true of media and nonphysical industries as well. Maximizing profit means selecting the most profitable media bought and sold as 'intellectual property' in the first place: cutting out stories that do anything other than serve as pig slop nonsense or plutocrat-friendly propaganda if left unchecked.

The more power property owners have to exploit their workers, the more power property owners have to exploit not only customers but the entire public. Internet marketing campaigns make money off you even if you aren't paying for any TV at all. And where I live, you need access to the internet to do practically anything, like get a job or pay your bills.

[rockislandadultreads]

New Title Tuesday: Graphic Novels

Land of the Dead by Brian McDonald 

There is wisdom in the land of the dead, for it is the place that all stories lay to rest. And what is a story, if not a simulation of survival?

Wielding his massive experience from film, tv, comics, and more, Brian McDonald lays out a history of storytelling and shows the reader how the best tales tug at our truest biological the need to survive. Readers will see how different forms of survival―physical, emotional, spiritual―inform the arc of character development in a way that makes them more complex and compelling. And how plot and circumstance must then force your protagonist to meet their worst nightmare. Toby Cypress’s electric art guides the reader through the underworld, visualizing each narrative masterpiece, and bringing the ideas to life.

Whether you’re in film, books, comics, or simply a story enthusiast, this book offers a way to see character development and the crafting of plot through the lens of human questions of morality and mortality.

Critical Role, The Mighty Nein Origins: Nott the Brave by Sam Maggs

When you become that which you fear most, how do you carry on?

Veth Brenatto doesn't have an exciting life, but she likes it that way. Unlike her childhood, it's safe. Predictable. And her husband and son love her almost as fiercely as she loves them. But Veth's cozy existence is turned on its head when she and her family are captured by raiders. In order to save them, Veth will commit an atrocity that will sever her from all that she loves--maybe forever--and lead her to become Nott the Brave of the Mighty Nein.

This is the fifth volume in the “Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins” series. 

Last on His Feet by Adrian Matejka

On the morning of July 4, 1910, thousands of boxing fans stormed a newly built stadium in Reno, Nevada, to witness an epic showdown. Jack Johnson, the world’s first Black heavyweight champion—and most infamous athlete in the world because of his race—was paired against Jim Jeffries, a former heavyweight champion then heralded as the “great white hope.” It was the height of the Jim Crow era, and spectators were eager for Jeffries to restore the racial hierarchy that Johnson had pummeled with his quick fists.

Transporting readers directly into the ring, artist Youssef Daoudi and poet Adrian Matejka intersperse dramatic boxing action with vivid flashbacks to reveal how Johnson, the self-educated son of formerly enslaved parents, reached the pinnacle of sport—all while facing down a racist justice system. Through a combination of breathtaking illustrations and striking verse, Last on His Feet honors a contentious civil rights figure who has for more than a century been denied his proper due.

Superman: Space Age by Mark Russell

Meet Clark Kent, a young reporter who just learned that the world will soon come to an end (Crisis on Infinite Earths) and there is nothing he can do to save it. Sounds like a job for his alter ego…Superman! After years of standing idle, the young man from Krypton defies the wishes of his fathers to come out to the world as the first superhero of the Space Age. As each decade passes and each new danger emerges, he wonders if this is the one that will kill him and everyone he loves. Superman realizes that even good intentions are not without their backlash as the world around him transforms into a place as determined to destroy itself as he is to save it. 

Uniting the critically acclaimed writer Mark Russell (One-Star Squadron and The Flintstones) and Eisner-winner Mike Allred (Silver Surfer and Bowie: Stardust, Rayguns & Moonage Daydreams) for the first time, this series promises fans an unforgettable journey through U.S. history and culture starring our beloved characters.

This is the first volume in the “Superman: Space Age” series. 

[nanceoir]

Can I just like donate books to my public library by putting them in the return drop box? I have really bad social anxiety and don’t have the confidence to take them in. I also live in a VERY conservative area and am afraid they’d like yell slurs at me for trying to donate queer themed books. They are all in good condition my personal library is just getting full and have read them or have multiples that I need to get rid of. Sorry for the long, weird ask

Hi, anon!

First, thank you for the ask, which is neither long nor weird. (If you want long, get a load of this answer!) As a matter of fact, I feel honored that you felt like you could safely ask me your questions, and that has kind of made my day.

So, book donations to your public library.

I wouldn't just put donations in the book drop. One, because no one will know if that's a donation or if someone accidentally grabbed some of their own books along with their library returns. (Trust me, this happens a lot.) Two, because some libraries are specific about when and how they accept donations. For instance, my library only accepts donations on Wednesdays, and they go in a big bin at the library's entrance.

Since most libraries have rules and guidelines about donations -- usually amounts and types of materials they accept -- the first thing you want to do is check out their donation policy. It's hopefully listed somewhere on their website.

As an example, I checked the different localities near to me, and the ones with listed guidelines agreed on not donating more than a banker's box or two at a time, and asked for materials in good condition, and said they don't accept things like cassettes and VHS and textbooks, that sort of thing. Other libraries didn't have their policy listed, but they have contact forms and email addresses, so that's something that's easily asked about without needing to make calls or visit.

What you've described as wanting to donate sounds to me like the perfect sort of library donation, so I don't think you'll have any issues so long as you follow their material donation guidelines in the whens and hows because you have the whats taken care of.

But I get it, being unsure because of where you live and how books and libraries in general are being treated these days. To ease your fears of being yelled at with slurs, you may want to do a little reconnaissance in the library's catalog to see if there are similar books in there to those you want to donate. If you find them in the collection already, you're in good shape. If you don't see anything similarly queer, well, that's certainly a decision by that library (one that I am intensely side-eying), and maybe there's another library system nearby you could try instead, if it's not too difficult for you to get around. (I'm lucky, as I live near enough to a city with a number of counties nearby, so I have, like, seven different library systems all within, like, a 30-45 minute drive, but not everyone has the luxury of location or transportation for that.)

So, anon, I hope this has helped. Maybe you'll luck out and have a big donation drop box you can use (I'm crossing my fingers for ya!). If not, if you're still not feeling confident about just taking books in, try calling the library beforehand and saying that you have some books you'd like to donate and ask if it's a good time to bring them in. I know phone calls are kind of the worst, but if you can manage that, you'll ensure that the library is aware of and even expecting you and your donations, which might help knock the anxiety back a few notches.

Good luck!

[teamremovalss]

Why Choose a Man with a Van for Your Move in Brisbane?

1. Cost-Effective Option

One of the primary reasons people choose a man with a van Brisbane service is cost. Traditional moving companies often charge for a large truck, multiple movers, and a set amount of time, which can make small moves unnecessarily expensive. In contrast, the man with a van service offers a more affordable solution where you only pay for the van and driver, with pricing typically based on an hourly rate or distance traveled. This makes it a great choice for people who want to keep their moving costs low.

2. Flexible and Convenient

Another benefit of hiring a man with a van Brisbane is the flexibility it offers. Since you don’t have to worry about a large team or truck, you can book the service for as little or as much time as you need. Whether it’s a quick delivery across town or a half-day move to a new apartment, the service is adaptable to your schedule. You can also choose to have the van come on short notice, making it ideal for those who need a quick solution for their move.

3. Efficient and Fast

When you're moving a few boxes or pieces of furniture, time is often of the essence. A man with a van Brisbane can get your belongings to their new home or office quickly, without wasting time on a complicated moving process. Since the move typically involves fewer items, the job can be done in a fraction of the time it would take with a full-service moving company. The professional drivers are familiar with the city, so they know the quickest routes to get your items where they need to go.

4. Experienced and Careful Movers

Although a man with a van service may seem more casual than a large moving company, the movers are still professionals who know how to handle your belongings with care. From fragile items to heavy furniture, the driver or assistant will use the appropriate equipment to load and unload your things safely. You won’t have to worry about damaged furniture or broken boxes, as the movers are trained to protect your items during transport.

5. Ideal for Smaller Moves

For those who don’t have a lot of furniture or belongings, a man with a van Brisbane is the perfect solution. Whether you're a student moving into a new apartment, someone relocating to a smaller home, or even a business transferring a few items from one office to another, this service is designed to meet the needs of smaller-scale moves. With a van, the service is flexible enough to accommodate your specific requirements without the need for large trucks that may not even fit in narrow streets or parking areas.

How to Book a Man with a Van in Brisbane

Booking a man with a van Brisbane service is simple and straightforward. Most companies offer online booking, allowing you to get a quote and schedule your move in just a few clicks. Here’s how to do it:

Get a Quote: First, you’ll need to contact a local service provider. They will ask for details about the size of your move, the distance, and the time required. Some companies will give you an estimate over the phone, while others may require more specific information to provide a precise quote.

Choose the Time and Date: Once you’ve received your quote, you can select a time and date for your move. Many services offer same-day or next-day availability, making it easy to book at the last minute if you’re in a rush.

Prepare Your Items: Before the move, ensure that your belongings are packed and ready to go. If you’re moving furniture, make sure it’s disassembled, if needed, and wrapped for protection. Some services may provide packing materials, such as blankets and straps, but it’s always a good idea to double-check.

The Move: On the day of the move, the driver will arrive, load your items, and transport them to your new location. They will handle all the heavy lifting and ensure that your belongings are securely loaded into the van.

Unloading: Once at the destination, the driver will unload your items and help place them in the appropriate spots in your new home or office.

Conclusion

Whether you’re moving within Brisbane or relocating to a nearby suburb, a man with a van Brisbane service offers a simple, affordable, and efficient way to handle your move. With low rates, flexibility, and the expertise of experienced drivers, this service is ideal for smaller moves and can help take the stress out of your relocation. Say goodbye to the complexities of hiring large moving companies and enjoy a smooth, hassle-free moving experience with a man with a van in Brisbane.

[silverserviceremovals]

Top 10 Furniture Removal Mistakes to Avoid

Furniture removal involves the process of moving furniture and other household items from one location to another, whether it's for a home relocation, office move, or even just rearranging furniture within the same space. This process can be complex and involve careful planning, packing, and handling to ensure that all items are transported safely and efficiently. When planning a furniture removal, avoiding common mistakes can save your time, money, and stress. If you're looking for furniture removal services in Wollongong, here are few mistakes to avoid:

Not simplifying Before the Move Moving everything without sorting through belongings can create difficulties. Therefore, declutter and get rid of items you no longer need to save time, space, and money.

Underestimating the Amount of Stuff Assuming you have fewer items than you do can lead to inadequate planning and resources. Take an accurate inventory of your belongings to determine the right size truck and number of movers needed.

Failing to Measure Furniture Failing to measure large furniture or doorways can lead to complications on moving day. Measure all large items and entry points in both your current and new home to ensure everything fits.

Ignoring the Need for Insurance Assuming your belongings will be fine without insurance is a blunder. Ensure your moving company offers adequate insurance or consider purchasing additional coverage for valuable items.

Using the Wrong Packing Materials Using substandard or incorrect packing materials can lead to damage. Therefore, invest in quality boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape to properly protect your items.

Not Labelling Boxes Skipping detailed labelling or labelling boxes vaguely can create mess. So, label boxes with their contents and the room they belong to. This will make unpacking easier and more organized.

Waiting Until the Last Minute Waiting until the last minute to organize your move will make you forget important things. Therefore, start planning weeks in advance, create a timeline, and make a checklist to ensure everything is covered.

Overloading Boxes Packing boxes too heavily will lead to potential damage or injury. So, keep box weights manageable and use smaller boxes for heavier items like books.

Forgetting to Prepare an Essentials Box Packing all your belongings without setting aside essentials for the first night can cause stress afterwards. Therefore, pack a separate box with essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, medications, and important documents.

Failing to Hire Reputable Movers Hiring furniture removals Wollongong without checking their credentials, reviews, or insurance coverage is one of the common mistakes. So, research and hire a reputable moving company with good reviews and proper insurance.

Disclaimer: This is generic Information & post; content about the services can be changed from time to time as per your requirements and contract. This is written for only SEO purpose; we are not claiming it 100% accurate as it's a general content. The images we use in this context have been taken from the official website of "Silver Service Removals". To get the latest and updated information, contact us today or visit our website.

[falnestrelocations]

Reliable and Efficient relocation services in Kolkata | Falnest Relocations

Relocating to a new place can be exciting and challenging, especially in a fast-paced city like Kolkata. Whether you are moving your home, office, or vehicle, the process can be stressful without proper planning and assistance. This is where Relocation Services in Kolkata by Falnest Relocations come in, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free experience. With our expertise and reliable services, we handle every detail, making your move stress-free and efficient.

Why You Should Choose Professional Relocation Services in Kolkata

End-to-End Solutions: Professional moving companies in Kolkata manage every aspect from packing to loading to unloading and unpacking.

Experienced Professionals: With Kolkata relocation experts, you can trust that your belongings will be transported safely and securely.

Time-Saving & Efficient: Professionals know the best routes, packing materials, and tools to streamline your move.

Customized Services: Whether you need home relocation, office shifting, or vehicle transport, we offer tailored services to meet your unique requirements.

Insurance Coverage: Packers and movers in Kolkata offer insurance, giving you peace of mind by safeguarding your belongings during transit.

Benefits of Choosing Falnest Relocations for Relocation Services in Kolkata

Experienced Team: With years of experience, our team offers professional relocation services designed to meet every need.

Local Expertise: Our familiarity with Kolkata’s complex traffic and road systems ensures prompt and smooth relocations.

High-Quality Packing Materials: We use top-notch materials to prevent damage to your valuables during the move.

Relocation to Other Cities: We specialise in relocation to other major cities of India, making intercity moves easy and stress-free.

Affordable Packages: Get access to reliable services at competitive rates without hidden costs.

Tracking and Support: Stay informed with real-time tracking and get 24/7 support throughout the relocation process.

Our Services for Relocation in Kolkata

Home Relocation Services

Moving to a new home can be stressful, but with our expertise, every step is taken care of — from packing your delicate items to setting them up in your new home.

2. Business Relocation Services

We specialize in relocating businesses with minimal disruption. Whether you are moving to a small office or a large corporate setup, our experts ensure smooth transitions of furniture, IT equipment, and important documents to your new location without affecting your operations.

3. Domestic Relocation Services

Planning to relocate from Kolkata to other cities? We offer reliable domestic relocation services, ensuring your belongings reach you safely and on time.

4. Global Relocation Services

Relocating abroad? We provide global relocation services to make your international move seamless. From customs documentation to secure packaging for overseas transit, our team ensures a hassle-free global relocation experience.

5. Vehicle Transportation Services

Worried about moving your car or bike? Our vehicle transportation services guarantee your vehicle arrives safely at its destination without any damage.

5. Storage and Warehousing Services

Need temporary storage for your items? Our secure storage solutions keep your belongings safe until you’re ready to move them to your new location.

Tips for Stress-Free Relocation in Kolkata

Plan in Advance: Book your move at least 2–3 weeks ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress.

Declutter Before Moving: Get rid of items you no longer need to reduce moving costs and make packing easier.

Use Professional Packers and Movers in Kolkata: Trust experienced professionals for an organized and smooth relocation.

Label Your Boxes: Clearly mark boxes to save time during unpacking and setup in your new home or office.

Insure Your Belongings: Choose insurance coverage to protect your valuables from potential damage during transit.

Why Falnest Relocations is the Best Choice for Relocation Services in Kolkata

With Falnest Relocations, your move is in safe hands. Our team of Kolkata relocation experts is committed to providing stress-free relocation experiences, whether you are moving within Kolkata or to another city. We manage the entire relocation process, allowing you to focus on settling into your new space while we take care of the rest.

Contact Us Today for Reliable Relocation Services in Kolkata!

Falnest Relocations — Your Trusted Relocation Partner in Kolkata 📞 Call Us: +91 9650006290 🌐 Visit: www.falnestrelocations.com

Let us handle the logistics so you can enjoy a smooth transition! Choose Premium Relocation Services in Kolkata by Falnest Relocations for a safe, reliable, and hassle-free move.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How much do relocation services in Kolkata cost? The cost depends on the type of move, the distance, and any additional services like packing or vehicle transport. Get in touch for a customized quote.

Q2. How far in advance should I book relocation services? It’s recommended to book 2–3 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and avoid last-minute rushes.

Q3. Do you provide insurance for goods during relocation? Yes, we offer insurance coverage for all types of moves to ensure your belongings are protected from any unforeseen damages.

Conclusion

Moving to a new place doesn’t have to be stressful. With Falnest Relocations, you get access to reliable relocation services in Kolkata, making your transition smooth and efficient. Whether it’s a local move, office relocation, or an intercity shift, our packers and movers in Kolkata are committed to delivering professional services. Trust us for a stress-free relocation experience and enjoy your new beginning with peace of mind.

[shyambhaviseo]

Top Tips for Effortless Packing and Moving

Moving to a new home can be an exciting chapter in your life, but it often comes with its fair share of challenges. From organizing your belongings to ensuring their safe transportation, the process can feel overwhelming. However, with proper planning and assistance from professional packers and movers, your relocation can be smooth and hassle-free. Here's an expanded guide with practical tips to make your packing and moving experience efficient and stress-free.

1. Hire a professional packer and movers company.

One of the first steps in ensuring a seamless move is to hire a reliable packer and movers company. Professionals have the expertise and tools to handle everything from packing fragile items to transporting bulky furniture. They ensure your belongings reach their destination safely and on time. If you’re searching for options, look up "packers and movers in Hyderabad

" or "professional packers and movers near me" to find trustworthy services. Reading reviews, comparing quotes, and checking customer feedback will help you choose the best option. Always ensure the company is licensed and insured to avoid unexpected issues during your move.

2. Declutter

Before you start packing, take time to declutter your home. Go through each room and sort items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Decluttering not only helps reduce the volume of items to move but also makes unpacking at your new home more manageable. Hosting a garage sale or donating usable items to charity can give your belongings a second life and make the process more rewarding.

3. Categorize All Items

Organize your belongings into categories such as clothing, kitchenware, books, and electronics. Packing similar items together simplifies the unpacking process at your new home. Use separate boxes for each category and label them clearly to avoid confusion. Adding a brief description of the box contents on the label can also help you prioritize unpacking.

4. Use a Color-Coding System

Make unpacking a breeze by assigning a specific color to each room. Use colored tape or labels on your boxes and inform the movers about the system. For example, blue for the bedroom, yellow for the kitchen, and green for the living room. This strategy not only saves time but also reduces the risk of misplaced items.

5. Pack Essentials in Transparent Boxes

Prepare a few transparent boxes for your immediate essentials, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, basic utensils, and chargers. Transparent boxes make it easy to locate these items quickly without rummaging through other boxes. These "first-day essentials" will help you settle into your new home comfortably.

6. Keep a Documents Folder with Yourself

Always keep important documents, such as passports, property papers, and financial records, with you during the move. Place them in a secure folder or file, and ensure they are easily accessible. Scanning and keeping digital copies of these documents can add an extra layer of security.

7. Keep a First-Aid Kit with Important Medicines

A well-stocked first-aid kit is essential during a move. Include basic medical supplies, pain relievers, and any prescription medicines. This ensures you are prepared for minor injuries or health issues during the transition. Pack the kit in an easily accessible bag for emergencies.

8. Pack Personal and Important Items Beforehand

Valuable items such as jewelry, cash, and sentimental belongings should be packed and carried by you. Packing these items early reduces the chances of misplacement during the hustle of moving day. Use small, secure containers or bags for these items.

9. Prepare an Inventory List

Creating an inventory list helps you keep track of all your belongings. Note down the contents of each box and take pictures if needed. This can be particularly helpful if you are using insurance for your items. The inventory list also simplifies the unpacking process and ensures nothing gets lost.

10. Pack Cables with Appliances

To avoid a tangled mess, bundle cables and wires together with their respective appliances. Use zip ties or twist ties to keep them organized and label them for easy identification. Store them in resealable bags to prevent them from getting misplaced.

11. Take Pictures

Photograph your electronic setups, such as TV connections and computer systems, before dismantling them. These photos will serve as a reference for reassembly in your new home. Taking pictures of your furniture and valuable items can also help in case of damage claims.

12. Book Utility Works Beforehand

Don’t forget to schedule utility services like electricity, water, and internet for your new home. Having these services active upon your arrival ensures a comfortable transition. Inform your utility providers about your move well in advance to avoid service interruptions.

13. Consume Stored Food

Avoid wasting food by consuming perishable items in your fridge and pantry before moving day. Plan meals to use up leftovers and reduce the load of food to transport. For long-distance moves, consider donating non-perishable items to a local food bank.

14. Plan Your Meals in the New Place

Set aside time to plan meals for the first few days in your new home. This will save you the hassle of cooking while you’re still unpacking. Consider easy-to-make dishes or ordering food from nearby restaurants. Preparing a basic grocery list beforehand can also be helpful.

15. Monitor Loading

Supervise the loading process to ensure fragile items are handled with care. Communicate specific instructions to the movers and double-check that all boxes are loaded onto the truck. Keeping a checklist of loaded items ensures nothing is left behind.

16. Get Insurance

Protect your belongings by opting for insurance coverage during the move. This provides financial security in case of accidental damage or loss. Discuss insurance options with your moving company or explore third-party providers for comprehensive coverage.

17. Check the Credentials of Workmen During Unloading

When the movers arrive at your new home, verify their credentials to ensure the safety of your belongings. Keep an inventory list handy to cross-check items as they are unloaded. Address any discrepancies immediately with the moving company.

18. Keep Calm

Relocating can be stressful, but maintaining a calm and patient attitude will help you navigate challenges effectively. Take breaks when needed, stay hydrated, and remind yourself that the effort will be worth it once you’re settled in your new home.

Conclusion

Packing and moving can be an overwhelming task, but with proper planning and the help of professional packers and movers, it doesn’t have to be. Following these tips can make your relocation smoother and more organized. If you’re looking for reliable services, search for "best packers and movers near me" to find experienced professionals who can take the stress out of your move. Whether you’re moving locally or across cities, professional packers and movers ensure your belongings are handled with care, making your transition seamless and hassle-free. Toskie is here to help you connect with trusted packers and movers, ensuring a smooth and reliable moving experience for your next journey.

[quickmoversbc1]

Special Commodities Moving Services in Surrey

When it comes to moving delicate, high-value, or fragile items, specialized care is essential. At QuickMoversBC, we offer professional Special Commodities moving services in Surrey, ensuring your valuable items—antiques, artwork, musical instruments, and electronics—are transported with precision and care. Our eco-friendly, secure practices and experienced team make us the trusted choice for stress-free, specialized moves.

What We Offer

Special Commodities We Handle:

Antiques: Gentle handling of historical and sentimental items.

Artwork: Customized packing for paintings, sculptures, and framed art.

Musical Instruments: Secure transport for pianos, violins, and guitars.

Electronics: Safe handling for computers, sound systems, and TVs.

Fragile or Oversized Items: Mirrors, glass furniture, and sculptures.

We tailor our services to meet each item’s unique needs, ensuring secure and eco-friendly transportation.

Our Service Includes

On-Site Consultation: Assessment of items to develop a tailored moving plan and provide a transparent quote.

Customized Packing: High-quality materials, including padded boxes and custom crates, to secure delicate items.

Secure Transportation: Specialized vehicles equipped with shock-absorbing features for safe transport.

Insurance Options: Added protection for peace of mind during your move.

Why Choose QuickMoversBC?

Expert Team:

Our professionals have extensive experience in handling delicate and high-value items with care and precision.

Transparent Pricing:

We offer upfront, no-hidden-fee quotes, ensuring a predictable and cost-effective service.

Eco-Friendly Practices:

We prioritize sustainable packing materials and responsible disposal methods to reduce waste.

How It Works

Book Your Service: Convenient scheduling online or by phone.

On-Site Assessment: Tailored plan and clear quote provided after evaluation.

Packing & Protection: Premium materials ensure items are secured for safe transit.

Safe Transportation: Specialized vehicles designed for secure and smooth delivery.

Unpacking & Placement: Items are unpacked and placed in their designated spots with care.

Service Areas

In addition to Surrey, we serve:

Delta

Langley

White Rock

Cloverdale

South Surrey

Benefits of Choosing QuickMoversBC

Stress-Free Experience: We manage all logistics for a smooth and hassle-free move.

Efficient and Time-Saving: Prompt service without compromising on care.

Guaranteed Protection: Secure packing and handling ensure the safety of your items.

Eco-Conscious Approach: Recycling and donation minimize environmental impact.

Contact QuickMoversBC Today

Trust QuickMoversBC for reliable Special Commodities moving services in Surrey.

Phone: +16045180727

Email: quickmoversbc@gmail.com

Website: QuickMoversBC

Let us handle your delicate and high-value items with care and professionalism. Book your move today for a seamless experience!