#the key components of sailing

[alasforher]

it’s never too late, baby, so don’t give up

[nasa]

Ways NASA Studies the Ocean

We live on a water planet. The ocean covers a huge part of the Earth's surface – earning it the name Blue Marble.

The ocean is one of Earth’s largest ecosystems and helps moderate Earth’s climate. NASA scientists spend a lot of time studying the ocean and how it is changing as Earth’s climate changes.

In the last few years, NASA has launched an array of missions dedicated to studying this precious part of our planet, with more to come. For World Oceans Month, which starts in June, here are new ways NASA studies the ocean.

1. Seeing the colors of the ocean 🎨

A new NASA mission called PACE will see Earth’s oceans in more color than ever before. The color of the ocean is determined by the interaction of sunlight with substances or particles present in seawater.

Scheduled to launch in 2024, PACE will help scientists assess ocean health by measuring the distribution of phytoplankton, tiny plants and algae that sustain the marine food web. PACE will also continue measuring key atmospheric variables associated with air quality and Earth's climate.

2. Surveying surface water around the globe 💧

The SWOT satellite, launched in late 2022, is studying Earth’s freshwater – from oceans and coasts to rivers, lakes and more – to create the first global survey of Earth’s surface water.

SWOT is able to measure the elevation of water, observing how major bodies of water are changing and detecting ocean features. The data SWOT collects will help scientists assess water resources, track regional sea level changes, monitor changing coastlines, and observe small ocean currents and eddies.

3. Setting sail to understand interactions between the ocean and atmosphere 🚢

With research aircraft, a research ship, and autonomous ocean instruments like gliders, NASA’s S-MODE mission is setting sail to study Earth’s oceans up close. Their goal? To understand ocean whirlpools, eddies and currents.

These swirling ocean features drive the give-and-take of nutrients and energy between the ocean and atmosphere and, ultimately, help shape Earth’s climate.

4. Building ocean satellites the size of a shoebox 📦

NASA’s HawkEye instrument collects ocean color data and captures gorgeous images of Earth from its orbit just over 355 miles (575 kilometers) above Earth’s surface. It’s also aboard a tiny satellite measuring just 10cm x 10 cm x 30 cm – about the size of a shoebox!

5. Designing new missions to study Earth’s oceans! 🌊

NASA is currently designing a new space-based instrument called GLIMR that will help scientists observe and monitor oceans throughout the Gulf of Mexico, the southeastern U.S. coastline and the Amazon River plume that stretches to the Atlantic Ocean. GLIMR will also provide important information about oil spills, harmful algae blooms, water quality and more to local agencies.

6. Taking the ocean to new heights ⬆️

The U.S.-European Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite is helping researchers measure the height of the ocean - a key component in understanding how Earth’s climate is changing.

This mission, which launched in 2020, has a serious job to do. It’s not only helping meteorologists improve their weather forecasts, but it’s helping researchers understand how climate change is changing Earth’s coastlines in real time.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[donethedevilspedicure]

For a long time now, I've been wanting to write something based on Star Treatment by Arctic Monkeys, but with my writer's block being what it is, it probably won't happen. So instead, here's what I told Cart (@/cartoonsinthemorning) about it!

Six fingered!Stan AU feat. Age Gap Stancest and Reverse Portal

In this AU, as the title says, Stan was the one to be born with six fingers on each hand. Everything else about the twins is the same – their personalities are the same, Ford is still a super genius, Stan is still prone to lying and punching things.

Since Ford is very individualistic and believes himself to be special, he still thinks that, but it's only based on his intellect in this case. There's nothing that physically sets him apart from his peers, but he’s still Ford, so he still does not like other children or form friendships with other people than his own twin. He still gets teased for being weird, however, as children are cruel, and Stan's extra fingers, them being twins, and Ford’s mannerisms just makes them more of a “the freak Pines twins” unit rather than the onus being all on Ford being the freak. More on how that affects Ford and their general relationship later.

Stan, however, takes to having six fingers much much differently than his brother in canon. Inspired by how he takes to the role of Mr. Mystery in canon, in this AU, he likes to show off his hands to kids and adults, not minding whether the attention he gets is positive or negative, and he can defend himself if he gets bullied. He even postulates that having larger hands makes him better at punching things. They're a part of him that he's proud of, and he feels cool for having them, rather than being like canon Ford who hides his hands and sees them both as a mark of being some sort of the chosen one as well as destined to be ostracized from society. Stan understands the necessity of leaning into the clown mask that he was born with, in order to fit in, if that makes sense.

So. As they grow older, the strain from being even more of a freak unit as children becomes very heavy on Ford. He longs both for being the most special of them, loathes every instance where Stan is the one to get attention, while also not wanting to share Stan with anyone. I like to imagine that he goes a little mad with being obsessed with Stan and them being twins, to the point where he regularly fantasizes about a way to incorporate Stan into himself and make them one – one as in, make them be just Ford. Ford feels like Stan holds a key component to who he, Ford is, and he hates him for it and wants to run away from his twin, while also suffering from deep obsession with Stan. This of course results in Ford having deep sexual urges for Stan that he tries his hardest to suppress, resulting in them drifting slightly apart as they grow up.

Stan, in the meantime, still thinks Ford hung the stars and the moon, and is not at all pleased that Ford pulls away from him. But without Ford being the sole twin with all the freakiness, Stan has also been less conditioned to cling to his brother like moss by not having to protect Ford all his childhood while being almost invisible himself, so while he still never becomes the popular guy, he does manage to develop a hobby outside of being Ford’s brother. In this case, it's his music teacher that encourages him to learn the piano because of his six fingers, and Stan, as we know, is smart when he wants to be, so he learns very quickly.

This is not to say that they aren't close, and that their dream of sailing the world isn't still there – it is. But when Ford gets offered a scholarship to WCT, Stan is heartbroken but does not destroy the machine. Rather, after Ford succeeds in impressing the representatives, he packs up his things and leaves quietly without saying goodbye.

Ford then goes to college, but seeing as he is going somewhere where everyone else is as smart as him, he gets to experience just living up to expectations. Which is horrible for him. He gets hired to teach after his first degree and hates every second of it, then, at the age of maybe 30-35, he decides to study anomalies because he's been spiralling about not being special and still obsessed with his twin brother and his hands after all those years. Seeing as he isn't anything special, he then saves up his salary to move to Gravity Falls on his own, already half mad. The portal still happens. The postcard still happens.

As for Stan, he has been living off piano gigs, sometimes for a night only, sometimes for a season or two. He misses Ford, and he's still nomadic in nature, but he drifts through life a little more aimlessly, trying to fill the hole inside himself with sex and drinking. When he gets the postcard, he has just been offered to be signed to a record label and promised fame (“a jazz pianist with six fingers! You're bound for Hollywood!”) and yet, he still chooses Ford over that. But he thinks about it, hard, before he does.

So when they fight, it's a fight that's much more vicious on Ford’s behalf compared to Stan, who’s more sad-hurt that Ford still pushes him away, and therefore, Stan doesn’t fight back as hard as he does in canon. And therefore, Stan is the one to be pushed into the portal. Where he eventually ends up at an alien jazz bar (a little more sophisticated than the cantina in Star Wars), where he decides to just stay and mourn the loss of his potential and cursing his fingers (Ford probably spat a lot of bullshit about how Stan didn't deserve to be the special of them, it should have been Ford, and Stan just took it).

Until a more canon Old Ford comes by and decides to woo this six fingered, jaded Stan ✨ Which is where it gets interesting and where I haven't thought further than “dang that would be hot”, haha.

[eirist]

Little Bits and Pieces of Heaven

THE ART OF BEING SUBTLE

One-shot #: 37

Disclaimer: One Piece (and its characters) belongs to Eiichiro Oda-sensei.

Reminder: I have no beta-reader. Any grammatical and spelling errors are solely mine.

Warning: OOC possible. One shot.

Rating: T

Note: I just wanted some ZoNa as seen through Usopp’s eyes. I love how he’s close to both of them.I swear he’s probably, possibly one of the first to notice if something is up with them. It’s just cute to think.

Summary: Things will definitely be more interesting from here on, ne?

It was subtle.

So subtle you will never really notice it… especially if you are not paying any attention.

Which most of the time is what happens because honestly, who would even think that something like that is happening between two of the most hard-headed individuals you ever came across the Grand Line and even in the New World?

Yes they are friends, but not really the makes-your-heart-warm type. Theirs is more… complicated—for the lack of word. Plus it does seem like irritation is the key component of their relationship.

Also there is that distance… that certain reservedness between them. Kind of like a safe space that the two seemed to inadvertently placed in the middle that neither one would deliberately try to step foot on.

But despite that, when push comes to shove… they always have each other’s backs.

In a way that makes it alright.

One fine day of sailing along the New World sea, while everything around them was quiet and calm (no marines or pirate enemy on their tail, no sea kings attacking, nothing) and the Thousand Sunny was smoothly gliding above the water heading towards their next destination…

…something in Usopp’s perception regarding his two friends changed.

He was playing a game of catch along with Luffy and Chopper on the lawn deck. They were all being boisterous, more than the usual, as if they are trying to make up for the day’s tranquillity.

They were tossing the ball up and running around, catching it and tossing it up again as they chased each other back and forth on the whole expanse of the deck.

The trio were momentarily distracted when the galley’s door opened and out step Sanji at the same time Zoro descended down from the crow’s nest.

Usopp groaned inwardly. He was having so much fun playing around and he’s really not in the mood for another squabble between the two-thirds of the monster trio.

Thankfully both seemed preoccupied with their respective thoughts and they just ignored each other, as Sanji headed towards where the aquarium hatch is, earning a sigh of relief from Usopp. Thank heavens for that!

Good thing too that Luffy managed to snag the green-haired man’s attention. The rubber captain immediately bounded towards the swordsman when he saw him. Usopp absent-mindedly threw the ball towards an eager Chopper, who shifted to his heavy point to catch it before instantly reverting back to his usual tiny form.

He called out to Luffy to get his attention. Their ever-juvenile captain was obviously pestering the taller man to play with them. And based from the way Luffy’s tone was reaching a rather whiny pitch (and also from the way Zoro was now looking totally irritated), it was a lost cause. 

Usopp called out to Luffy again and as if on cue, Chopper threw the ball towards him. Luffy immediately laughed, his attention shifting away from Zoro and in one swift move, he stretched his arm to meet the ball halfway… with enough force like he was about to sucker punch one of their enemies.

Suddenly Zoro nudged Luffy’s shoulder with his own. Not too much but just enough to make Luffy turn his attention back to his friend, his gaze questioning. The younger man’s outstretched arm wobbled in the air slightly though that wasn’t enough to make him miss the ball. His closed fist still struck it, only with less force than before.

And right at that moment, Nami stepped out of the aquarium bar.

Usopp could swear everyone froze on the spot when she appeared.

Except for the ball.

It headed straight to her. Usopp can only squeeze his eyes shut as he braced himself for the unwanted impact.

Which never came—much to his disbelief. The ball ended up hitting the wall a few good inches from her.

Nami let out a loud shriek from surprise and glared icily at them before proceeding to kick the ball which has rolled down the grassy deck.

The trio let out a disappointed cry when the ball went overboard, falling down the water below.

Nami silenced them with a scowl, huffing angrily before she marched away from them. Usopp was thanking his lucky stars that she didn’t resort to physical violence or even financial.

Though he clearly doubted if they really got away from the latter.

“Why is she mad,” Luffy complained with a pout, a tad disheartened at the loss of their ball. “It didn’t hit her.”

“But it almost did!” Chopper said with a hint of fear in his tone.

“Still it didn’t,” Luffy argued, a bit stubbornly.

“Yeah it didn’t,” Usopp mumbled, “Luckily.” He shot a quick glance at Zoro who had walked away from them to head to the men’s quarters while Nami was busy giving them her death glare. 

Usopp can tell that that ball would definitely hit Nami face first… if Zoro didn’t pushed Luffy earlier like he did.

Talk about good timing.

Then he stopped and blinked himself into a thought.

Nope that definitely wasn’t just good timing.

No one knew that Nami was in the aquarium bar, and certainly no one had known that she’ll be exiting it right when Luffy smacked the ball towards that direction.

Yet Zoro already bumped Luffy even before he hit the ball, effectively derailing its path and diminishing it strength, preventing it from hitting Nami.

And saving her.

Usopp blinked again.

Saved her in one swift and subtle movement. Huh.

Usopp scratched at his cheek.

------------------------

From that point on Usopp decided to train his watchful eyes on Zoro and Nami, observing their daily interactions attentively and inconspicuously.

True enough, their disagreements had dwindled down after their two-year separation and astonishingly, it continued to do so the further they sailed into the New World.

He’d sometimes see them quietly talking to each other on one side of ship or at the far corner of whatever island they are currently on, instead of having their usual loud interactions (that definitely includes yelling and fighting). They still engage in their good, old bickering sometimes but not as often as they used to.

And that was when he noted that there were a lot of subtle things the swordsman was doing to keep Nami out of harm’s way.

It was just small little things. Just tiny things. Things that can just be overlooked.

It was so unnoticeable… that not even Nami or the whole crew was aware of it.

Unless you pay really, really close attention.

Like what Usopp was currently doing.

He once saw the green-haired man casually moving her cup of hot tea a few inches away to the side before her elbow can hit it and the steaming liquid inside spills on her.

And Nami never realized what Zoro did.

There was one time when they docked on an unruly island filled with shady people and equally shady pirates and Zoro kept bumping and nudging her so she’d change directions while they were walking. Usopp later realized that he was moving her out of the reach of the bounty hunters who were persistently following her.

Though that instance actually ended up in a violent shouting match between the two because Nami finally snapped from all that pushing. She even summoned Zeus, his lightning fully-charged, intent on unleashing it at Zoro.

The bounty hunters that were targeting her decided to high-tail it out of there instead of getting caught in the crossfire between the two terrifying pirates. No one wants to mess with the totally vexed woman, armed with a weapon that can jolt the life out of them. Nor do they want to face off with an equally annoyed swordsman with three katanas who they now realized was the fabled pirate hunter Zoro.

There was also a time that Zoro deliberately knocked down Nami’s beer mug thrice while they were all out eating and drinking in a rather seedy bar because it he knew it had been tampered.

That also resulted in another shouting match. This time with belis and debts involve along with some throttling.

Usopp didn’t need to mention the times when Zoro helps her out with shopping and carrying their groceries and stocks without being told or forced to. Which Usopp also realized, kind of happens a lot as of late.

And in all these occurrences… Nami remained oblivious.

And Usopp had to freaking stop himself from knocking her on the head because it was really goddamned obvious what was actually happening.   

Once, they decided to camp by the beach of an uninhabited island. They settled around the fire that the boys enthusiastically made as Robin was about to narrate these amazing ghost stories from her newest book. Usopp quietly observed at the corner of his eye that Zoro strategically sat near Nami, knowing she’d definitely shift closer to him once she gets scared.

Usopp did the same. He deliberately sat near Zoro—on his other side, to be exact—in case he also gets scared and needed comfort.

All these were subtly done. Very subtly done, that no one had an inkling that it was happening at all.

But Usopp does. And he continued to watch and observe and wonder how long will it actually take Nami to figure it all out.

------------------------

Dinner was as usual chaotic, with a lot of laughing, talking and even yelling as they tried to get their fill of their cook’s delectable dinner dishes.

Usopp chewed on his food slowly yet with gusto as he eyed his crewmates, especially those who were at the other end of the table.

Nami had just entered the kitchen and Luffy accidentally barreled into her while running away from Sanji with a stolen plate of newly-cooked meat. Their captain shouted a quick apology to her before hurriedly bounding towards his seat at the head of the table before she can even hit him.

The blond chef was automatically at his tail, yelling expletives at the younger man about stealing food and hurting his Nami-swan.

If Usopp was not mistaken, Nami had been charting her maps all day. He hadn’t seen her since breakfast and she did have smudges of blank ink on her hands and fingers.

Grumbling and promising hell to their captain later after dinner, Nami bent down to retrieved the eyeglasses that she dropped when Luffy bumped into her.

Usopp instantly knew that the orange-haired navigator miscalculated her position. Nami was near the edge of the table when she bent down and had moved closer to it, as her glasses had fallen a bit farther under the table. He can hear her muttering something about Luffy paying for a new pair if her glasses where damage from his idiocy.

If she lifts her head up…

The sniper paused on his chewing, his eyebrows lifting up, when he saw the swift yet subtle way Zoro’s hand move to position itself at the table’s pointed corner, grasping it and effectively covering it.  He had done it so casually while still keeping his attention fixed on what Chopper was explaining to him, that the movement was barely noticeable at all.

When Nami finally raised her head and was about to stand up, her forehead hit Zoro's knuckles. A quick flare of temper showed on her face and she glared irritably at the man before her as she straightened up. Zoro looked unfazed and didn’t bother looking at her direction.

Nami continued to stare daggers at him for a few seconds before a confused look crossed her features.

Usopp watched her intently as she took in Zoro’s hand at the corner of the table and why it was there.

Then her hand went up to touch her forehead.

In his mind’s eye, Usopp was nodding his approval at the turn of the events.

Nami must have realized that if it wasn't for Zoro's hand, she would definitely be sporting a large bump on her forehead or worse…

…the dining table’s sharp edge would have caused a bleeding wound that would send her directly to Chopper’s office.  .

Usopp continued looking at her, as she in turn continued staring at Zoro.

Her brown eyes suddenly widened as realization dawned onto her.

Well, looks like she finally caught on.

Things will definitely be more interesting from here on, ne?

[northernolddragon]

Wouldn’t Ciri and Vernon Roche be an awesome power couple?

Hello. I'm inclined to believe, that it would be a power couple, like any other pairing, with Ciri or Roche. And everything would be fine, if there was an adequate component in this whole story. By adequacy I mean: don't insult other people's pairings, that don't fit with your favorites, don't write to those, who don't belong to the Witcher fandom, even if they are familiar with it. This is inappropriate.

This position isn't clear to me. Because both Cirilla and Roche are one of the key characters in the Saga. The fandom will ship them to its heart's content with Cerys and Iorweth and anyone else, as well as any other characters in every fandom, as a great many ships rush forward across the ocean of the universe. :) Some drown, some keep moving. Your ship would have sailed further, if you had not tried to point your cannons at other ships. And towards those who consider them important to themselves.

My ship is Regis and Geralt - I have been sailing on it for a long time, but I will give up to those, who ship Regis with Dettlaff or Geralt with Emhyr or Yen. So many pairings. Everyone has their own preferences. Have respect. Elementary respect. I'm never against other pairings. Often, in addition to my main one, I also like additional ones. The authors create so much content, that you can't help but get carried away with something else. You are interested, because images of relationships form in your head into a story that can be written. I think, should just be more friendly. And don't do as the people did, who insulted your ship. Start with myself, I guess. There will always be those, who don't like your ship. They are in every fandom. Whether to react or not is your choice. But to respond with hatred to those who valued your stories - sorry, I don’t understand. I just don't understand the search for constant approval through mailings of this kind. Think about it.

[gendrie]

the interesting about clash within the context of arya's arc is that its the only book - so far - that ends with arya fully embracing her identity. it ends on a, relatively, high note as far as that is concerned. which i would argue makes it feel a lot different from the rest.

in game her last chapter features ned's execution and arya's life is torn apart. her identity and future are both thrown into doubt.

in storm arya is left reeling from the aftermath of trw and she is flung further off course than ever when she sets sail for braavos

in feast she is blinded

in dance her last words are "no one" as she prepares to receive a new face

but clash is different. it breaks the pattern. which is why ive always felt it represents arya's greater arc on a smaller scale. when it opens arya is using her first true alias. over the course of the book she struggles until arya is doubting who she is and where she belongs. its at that point that the old gods intervene. they remind arya; her identity and her place ("arya of winterfell, daughter of the north") and of what matters most to her ("the pack survives") arya hears wolves howling from outside harrenhal again and again and again as these last few moments play out in clash.

arya grabs a hold of it with everything she's got. she smashes the broomstick over her knee. she gathers her boys. she steals supplies. she cuts thru the guard standing in her way. she gets her hands bloody. she is resolved to return to her life as arya.

i ALSO think arya's twow arc will mirror clash in terms of storytelling more than any of the other books so far. arya's clash arc is split into two equal sections: 5 chapters in the wartorn countryside and 5 chapters as a "servant" (pow) in harrenhal for a total of 10. twow will reverse this with x number of chapters as a "servant" in braavos to start and x number of chapters back in westeros @ war to finish. the ratio might be different but i think she will have a similar number of chapters in total.

when clash opens arya is forced into the identity of arry. yoren has done this to try and protect her from arrest and assault.

Afterward he told her that from there to Winterfell she'd be Arry the orphan boy. [...] "This lot, half o' them would turn you over to the queen quick as spit for a pardon and maybe a few silvers. The other half'd do the same, only they'd rape you first." (ACOK)

and we have arya's opening twow chapter

Mercy, I’m Mercy, and tonight I’ll be raped and murdered. Her true name was Mercedene, but Mercy was all anyone ever called her… (TWOW)

arya is once again using an alias and one of her first thoughts is that she will be raped and murdered. but arya is no longer the one in danger here. at least not from that.

arya's early clash chapters also introduce some key components that have already become relevant as of her first twow chapter. lommy greenhands, arya's traveling companion, is ruthlessly murdered by raff the sweetling which is echoed in mercy. arya makes raff beg for mercy. despite what was supposed to be 5 years of indoctrination she hasn't forgotten anything.

jaqen h'ghar is also introduced in arya's early clash storyline. jaqen is an incredibly mysterious character. when he first speaks arya is instantly reminded of syrio forel, her braavosi mentor. jaqen is a faceless men, but this is never directly stated in the text. his fake persona claims to be from lorath - the free city nearest to braavos. where this man was born will never be known but the assassin is a braavosi figure at his core just like syrio. which is reinforced when he sends arya in that direction as they part.

"You don't know what's out there, Arry. I heard wolves before." Yoren wouldn't like it if she fought with him. She tried to look afraid. "Wolves? For true?" (ACOK) Mercy looked down at her feet, so shy. “Izembaro said to please the lords,” she whispered. “If there is anything you want, anything at all…" (TWOW)

in clash we see arya have to start acting. she is in a dangerous situation on the road. she has to conceal her true identity. in mercy its official as arya trains with the mummers. she is playing a role within a role. her acting skills has improved, but arya does still show thru the mask.

I won't cry, she thought, I won't do that. I'm a Stark of Winterfell, our sigil is the direwolf, direwolves don't cry. (ACOK) “I would like to see a dragon,” Mercy said wistfully. “Why does the envoy have a chicken on his chest?” Daena howled. “Mercy, don’t you know anything? It’s his siggle. In the Sunset Kingdoms all the lords have siggles." (TWOW)

part of the routine is that arya is foolish and braavosi born. she pretends not to know what sigils are with mercy's friend daena despite arya's own sigil being the direwolf.

the biggest role arya takes on in clash is that of a servant. her secret girlhood is "taken" like everything else when her and the boys are captured. arya then becomes weasel - a serving girl. servitude is a major component at this point in her storyline as it has become again in braavos. both ask the same question: can arya forget who she is and submit to this?

the answer is no. arya reaches this conclusion in harrenhal as she prays before the heart tree. she remembers who she is and finds a way out of the situation that was causing her identity crisis. the situation in the hob&w is very similar. arya will remember herself and get out.

[38gayrats]

HOMESTUCK OCSSSSSS prt: 3

Friefa Skagit (troll) he/it

Its a violet blood, and therefore is 'nobility' or whatever. He's never had much of an interest in the caste system, even less so after getting into a pale relationship with Rattie. He has a cybernetic leg (left) and arm (left), which were programmed by itself and built by Rattie. It mightve had a bit of an accident involving a certain... Aquaitence, the first time he went on land. (They made up years later. Check out part 4 for more info)

Needs glasses, but only on land. (So, most of the time) Despite this, it only really wears its glasses when he's not 'swashbuckling,' leaving him with blurred vision during escapades much of the time. He also puts on a sea traveler's pirate-y accent when on adventures, having a much more nasally and almost 'nerdy' voice when in private.

Despite being a seadweller, it spends most of its time out of the water. But not on land either. It spends its time on its pirate ship, where he can work on his coding projects from anywhere, as well as releasing unsuspecting passerbys of their dubloons.

His main captchalogue deck is a 'code deck' allowing for items to be directly alchemized, but all items stored are reverted to their base components and have to be reconstructed (or reprogrammed) to be taken out. (this is only after entering the game and collecting grist. before entering the game, it just used a deck similar to Jane's 'crocker deck' which shows how to alchemize items but can't actually alchemize items directly) BUT, when out on the high seas, he uses the 'Boon deck!' All items acquired are teleported to a horde of treasure. The horde is located inside of a chest that stays locked tight in the belly of his ship, only able to be opened with the key it wears around his neck. As the items are teleported there, they are unattainable unless you are on the ship the chest lives in. Luckily, it's ship is never far behind him! For you see...

The ship is also his losus! Sorta. The ship is built around Friefa's whale losus, who he affectionately calls 'The Beluga.' After the game is started, Beluga is prototyped with the kernelsprite, and then the ship immediately after (as the ship is attached to Beluga) in sprite form, Beluga can change from a small, troll/human sized sprite, to its full former size in the form of the ship! (And also everything that was on the ship.) Aside from the world ending (oops) the day the game started might've been the best day of Friefa's life, as it could finally speak to Beluga in English! Meaning his land dweller friends could join in on the conversation.

His strife specibus is "SwashbucklerKind" and it wields a mounted arm cannon (on his robot arm), a blunderbus that extends from his robo-peg leg, and a pirate's cutlass.

Is a derse dreamer and a 'Theif of Void,' able to steal the secrets and items from other people without even needing to be near them! When swashbuckling, it prefers to steal things the old fashioned way, but information (aka secrets) about where the treasure might be is fair game.

He likes robotics, writing, and sailing the 4 great seas of alternia on its ship 'The Beluga.' Plays the cello and the standing bass, favoring the second.

Its handle is 'CyberneticSwashbuckler'

His typing quirk is " @®®®gg!! L!k€ t#!$. !t ®€m!πd$ m€ °£ m€ ®°b°t$, @πd m€ ®€¶l@¥©€m€πt l!mb$" note that it only talks like this when out swashbuckling. Normally he speaks without the arrrgg and the 'me's instead of 'my's

Relationships:

Pale ♦ none rn

Flushed ♥ Rattie

Grey ♠ Ganari

Black ♣ none rn

Just normal friends 👥 Everybody else

[one-of-many-journeys]

Day 51

Spurflints Hunting Grounds

At dawn, I rode south west toward the Cauldron signal I detected from the Spearshafts Tallneck.

I stopped on the way to pick up another metal flower, overriding a Longleg to keep the rest of the herd off my back.

Rusted Deathbringers along the road, assaulted by the elements—unlike those preserved in the earth that the Eclipse are targeting.

After zeroing in on the Cauldron signal, I left my mount and proceeded with caution, since there were signs of human activity. Unfortunately I was right to be careful—the place was a fully-fledged Eclipse encampment.

I took out the Eclipse standing guard outside, beginning in stealth before picking up their leader's Deathbringer gun to finish the rest. I took a key from one of them and used it to unlock the gate to the rest of their compound. Found a couple more walking down through the cave system to the Cauldron.

The wilds had crept into the Cauldron long ago, the cavern ceiling caving in to spill sunlight and plant life. Crawling with Eclipse too. I picked off a few with my sharpshot bow from cover, then rappelled into the cavern, sneaking through the grass to take them on the ground with bow and spear. Once they were dealt with, I continued on toward the core.

There's more Eclipse in this place than I've ever seen at once, and this isn't even Shadow Carja territory. How many are there in Sunfall?

The Eclipse had the core surrounded as well. I took out their gunner first, then cleared the space around him so I could duck through and pick up his weapon, taking down the rest.

The cultists in the rest of the facility must have heard the racket, because as I was overriding the core I heard them come running. As the new overrides were transmitted to my Focus, the sealed parts of the facility opened up, letting a herd of machines into the core.

The cultists only had two ways into the core, and I kept both covered by my Deathbringer gun, picking up a new one from another dead gunner when the first was spent.

The machines kept the others busy, and as they turned their attention to me, I tied down the Ravager and overrode it, letting it tear down the cultists and machines alike.

Moving back toward the exit, machines had infiltrated the rest of the Cauldron as well. I watched a Stalker take out two cultists before I descended to make the kill.

More strange and powerful machinery in this place, weaving components from heat and light. Were the Eclipse looking for answers here as well? When I first entered the core, one of the Eclipse leaders warned the others to stay away from the core as ordered by the Buried Shadow. That's Hades. Maybe he was using the Eclipse to try and take over the Cauldron like Hephaestus took over Firebreak

As I made my escape, I ran past the rest of the Eclipse soldiers as they battled it out against machines. In the main cavern chamber, they were hiding in the tall grass from Stalkers. I set off a blaze barrel near their gunner, making a Stalker spot him and take him down with its cannon, giving me a clear run to the exit.

Outside, the camp was in chaos. Glinthawks and Bellowbacks and smaller machines attacking in force from the Cauldron's depths. I sailed past it all and ran back through the jungle, riding to a camp out of earshot of the battle, well-concealed and clear of machines.

It was early morning by that time, almost dawn. Back to Meridian tomorrow to see the newly minted Sunhawk.

[beardedmrbean]

Vacuum vessel sectors for the world's largest fusion project, made in South Korea, have been delivered to the construction site in Cadarache, France.

Four of the nine vacuum vessel sectors for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) were built in South Korea by Hyundai Heavy Industries at its large shipyard in Ulsan.

Vacuum vessels will improve radiation shielding and plasma stability by providing a high vacuum environment for the plasma. The fusion reactions will be housed in the vessel, which will also offer access to remote handling procedures.

South Korea was originally assigned two ITER vacuum vessel sectors but took on two more in 2016, increasing its responsibility to four.

Precision welding mastery

The ITER vacuum vessel plays a crucial role in nuclear fusion, creating the high-vacuum environment needed to sustain ultra-high-temperature plasma.

Weighing 5,000 tons, this massive structure is composed of nine sectors and features 44 ports for key functions like diagnostics, remote handling, heating, and fuelling. With an interior volume of 1,400 m³, the vessel offers a unique experimental arena for advancing fusion research.

Constructed in four segments per sector, the assembly process involves over 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) of precision welding. Maintaining tolerances within a few millimeters is essential to ensure the proper integration of internal components, reflecting the advanced fabrication and engineering required for such a complex structure. Its double steel walls are equipped with circulating cooling water to dissipate heat generated during operations efficiently.

The vessel’s interior is lined with actively cooled blanket modules, providing shielding from high-energy neutrons produced by fusion reactions. Some modules will also support future studies by testing materials for tritium breeding concepts, a step vital for sustaining fusion power.

According to the National Research Council of Science and Technology, by facilitating plasma confinement in a high-energy regime, the ITER vacuum vessel represents a landmark achievement in fusion technology, pushing the boundaries of sustainable energy development.

Thermal shielding breakthrough

The first vacuum vessel sector for ITER was delivered to ITER in August 2020 after it was taken off the assembly line in April 2020. The final sector sailed on August 24, 2024, and it went through the ITER gates after circumnavigating the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa and continuing north to the Strait of Gibraltar and into the Mediterranean.

Work started on the first of the four enormous components in October 2012. Two six-meter steel slabs that were 60 millimeters thick were shaped using high-pressure water jet cutting.

The press forming was followed by heat treatment to relieve internal metal tension, machining, welding, drilling (hundreds of holes, at 11 hours per hole), and finally assembling and welding the four segments and set of ports that make up the finalized vacuum vessel sector.

ITER noted that two layers of thermal shielding are placed between the vacuum vessel and cryostat to reduce heat transfer from warm components to those operating at 4.5K, like the magnets. This setup decreases heat loads by over two orders of magnitude, ensuring the cryoplant can manage the residual heat with a practical capacity.

[oceanicstarshipping]

Efficient Offshore Crew Management Solutions

When it comes to offshore operations, efficientcrew management is the compass that guides a successful voyage. In the demanding worlds of maritime, oil & gas, and renewable energy, the management of offshore personnel is a complex and critical task. To ensure smooth sailing and boost productivity, it's imperative to stay on top of the latest trends and technologies in offshore crew management. In this blog, we'll explore the key strategies and innovations that are transforming the offshore crew management landscape.

 Understanding Offshore Crew Management

Offshore crew management involves the selection, training, scheduling, and overall supervision of the workforce that operates and maintains offshore installations such as oil rigs, drilling platforms, wind farms, and vessels. It's a multifaceted task that demands meticulous planning, safety protocols, and a keen eye for efficiency.

 The Key Elements of Successful Crew Management

 1. Recruitment and Onboarding

The foundation of offshore crew management is selecting the right personnel. It begins with a thorough recruitment process to identify individuals with the necessary skills, experience, and qualifications. Once selected, a robust onboarding program ensures that new crew members are well-prepared for their roles and responsibilities.

 2. Training and Certification

Continuous training and certification are vital to maintaining a skilled and safety-conscious crew. Industry-specific training programs, emergency response drills, and the acquisition of relevant certifications are essential components of offshore crew management.

 3. Scheduling and Rotation

Efficient scheduling and rotation systems balance the need for continuous operations with crew well-being. Implementing well-thought-out shift schedules, including leave rotations, reduces fatigue and enhances performance.

 4. Safety and Compliance

Safety is paramount in offshore operations. Compliance with industry regulations, rigorous safety procedures, and regular safety drills are essential for offshore crew management.

 Embracing Technology

The digital age has brought forth a wave of innovations in offshore crew management:

 1. Crew Management Software

Specialized software solutions have streamlined the administrative aspects of crew management. They help with crew scheduling, training tracking, and compliance monitoring, making it easier to manage a large workforce across multiple locations.

 2. Communication Technology

Efficient communication is crucial in offshore environments. High-tech communication systems enable real-time connectivity between onshore and offshore personnel, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

 3. Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics helps in forecasting crew needs, optimizing schedules, and planning for crew training and certification renewal, reducing downtime and costs.

 Embracing Sustainability

As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, offshore crew management in the renewable energy sector is gaining prominence. Managing diverse crews working on wind farms and offshore renewable projects requires specialized approaches that prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility.

 Conclusion

Offshore crew management is the linchpin of safe, efficient, and productive offshore operations. By embracing the latest technologies, adhering to best practices, and staying attuned to industry trends, organizations can navigate the seas of offshore crew management with confidence. Whether it's in traditional oil and gas or the burgeoning renewable energy sector, a well-managed crew is the key to success in these challenging environments. So, set your course for success by prioritizing the well-being and productivity of your offshore crew.

Remember, in the world of offshore operations, a well-managed crew is your North Star!

[marineseo]

🎣 Reeling in Success: SEO for Fishing Rod Companies 🌊

In the vast sea of the modern marketplace, fishing rod companies need to ride the digital wave to boost online revenue. 🌐 Dive into the world of digital marketing with us and discover how SEO and social media can cast a wider net for your business. 🚀

🌟 Hooking Customers in the Organic Channel 🌿

Selling fishing poles in the organic channel is like setting the perfect bait for a passionate audience of anglers. 🎣 Building an organic presence that vibes with this community is key! 🌊 Content marketing is your anchor - share informative and engaging content through articles, blog posts, and videos. 📚 Dive deep into topics like selecting the right fishing poles, maintenance, and killer fishing techniques.

🔍 Don't forget the magic of keyword optimization! 🧠 Let our Fort Lauderdale digital marketing agency guide you in discovering those keywords that make your content discoverable in the vast ocean of organic search. 🗺️

🚀 Set Sail with SEO: Marketing Your Product Like a Pro 🌊

Wondering how to market your product for SEO? It's a comprehensive strategy aligning with what your audience is searching for! 🌐 Let's break it down:

Keyword Research: Find the magic words.

On-Page Optimization: Fine-tune your online game.

Technical SEO: Smooth sailing with technical finesse.

Content Marketing: Tell your story in waves.

Backlink Building: Connect your ship with others.

Local SEO: Navigate local waters with precision.

Combining these organic marketing components guarantees visibility and waves of conversions for your business. 📈

🌎 The Expansive Fishing Rod Market 🎣

Dive into the stats of the substantial fishing rod market! 📊 With an annual value in the billions, the global fishing equipment market is a vast ocean encompassing rods, reels, lines, and accessories. 🌍 The demand is steady, driven by a dedicated community of anglers worldwide.

But fear not, navigating this sea becomes more attainable with the right SEO and digital marketing tactics. 🚢 Cast your net wisely and watch your business sail smoothly.

Ready to embark on this digital fishing adventure? 🌊 Cast away, and let's make waves in the fishing rod market! 🚣‍♀️🔗

[mariacallous]

For most of the past 15 years, my interactions with young Chinese in their late teens and 20s have obeyed a familiar pattern. Having grown up in an age when their country seemed impervious to major economic setbacks, they easily shrugged off each new wave of Western assessments that China’s political and economic model—like all models—faced serious vulnerabilities.

They had heard and rejected the idea that China’s political system was inherently inferior to Western-style democracy. The evidence to the contrary seemed largely sufficient to their eyes as the United States and other high-income countries fell victim to the 2008-09 global financial crisis while China sailed forward almost placidly by comparison. The “democracy is superior” argument took another big hit in their minds during the Trump administration, when U.S. politics was dominated by one poorly informed but powerful man’s impulsiveness. Wasn’t that supposed to be a key flaw of dictatorships?

They had dismissed the widespread notion that China’s relatively closed authoritarian system would prevent the country from innovating fast enough. Yes, it was true that China had blocked most of the trailblazing U.S. companies of the early internet age, including Google, Facebook, Twitter, and many others. But hadn’t China come up with its own terrific domestic alternatives? Look at WeChat, young Chinese began telling me from the moment of that homegrown app’s birth. On “our” platform, they observed, one can seamlessly do everything that it takes a whole host of U.S. apps to accomplish. Has anyone in the West created something so brilliantly capable?

And if one thinks this is a matter of ancient history, which is what the early app era is when talking about the history of the internet, what about electrical vehicles and the batteries that make them run? China has gotten so good so fast at developing sleek, well-functioning, and competitively priced cars in this space that it even has the Germans trembling, as seen at this week’s industry show in what is probably the West’s premium car-producing country. Or look at the U.S. attempt to stifle Huawei, China’s biggest cellphone-maker. Although prevented from using U.S. technology for 5G components, China has, using homegrown technology, just rolled out a high-end smartphone model that is capable of 5G-like data connectivity speeds and which throws in satellite connection capability as a bonus.

Young Chinese have also heard that the country’s poor environment would bottleneck their growth or drive an uprising by the middle class. Not so long ago, the air in big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai was frightfully polluted, drawing justified comparisons to the London of Charles Dickens. If one had to endure this much pollution in order to sustain further decades of fast economic growth, didn’t that call into question more than just the seeming disregard of the country’s leaders for the people’s well-being? What, in other words, is the purpose of growth if one’s child can’t play outside because it’s dangerous to breathe?

Well, something remarkable happened here, too. While traveling in China for much of the past summer, I discovered the air in many of the country’s biggest cities to be so vastly improved that a newcomer would have a hard time imagining the recent long era of “airpocalypses,” as the immovable domes of impenetrable smog encasing urban environments were called.

Though I have never believed that China had somehow repealed basic economic laws, which suggest that every great boom era must come to an end, I have always found a lot to admire in the great many young Chinese I have gotten to know over the last 15 years or so. Substantial numbers among them have been students in my own classes in the United States and elsewhere. And one of the qualities that has consistently struck me most among them is what I like to call civilizational confidence.

It is true that the Chinese state, through tightly controlled education and unstinting propaganda, works hard to instill this attitude, but there is something more at play here than just top-down manipulation. I suspect part of it comes from being part of such a large country with great historic depth and many, many cultural and scientific achievements to its name. Part of it, too, seems to be about resilience. Even if not during their lifetimes, young Chinese know that their country has been down before but has always sprung back impressively. All of this has bred self-belief.

But all of this also makes the impressions I received during my recent weeks of travel in China feel even more remarkable. What I heard over many conversations with young people was not a response to the perennial cycles of doomcasting about China that one finds in the Western press and in much publishing about the country. In fact, most of these people were not terribly well-informed about the current state of Western discourse about their country at all. What they were, however, was filled with their own doubts about the future, which they readily vented.

Some of the contours of this were unsurprising. After all, this was the summer that Beijing decided to suppress the publication of youth unemployment data, presumably because of how grim the numbers have become—in June, youth unemployment hit a record 21.3 percent. In conversation after conversation, my young interlocutors spoke with deep trepidation about their economic prospects in the near and even longer term.

It wasn’t the topic itself that surprised me so much as the swiftness and power of the shift in sentiment. At almost all times during this century, it has been an article of faith in the country that education, and especially higher education, would be rewarded with sharply rising incomes, secure entry into the middle class or better, and a version of the sentiment common in the United States during the boom decades that followed World War II: that it was the birthright of each new generation to be much better off than the one that preceded it.

If the problem of youth unemployment in a China whose economy may be set for long-term deceleration has been widely commented on, some of the profound problems that stem from this generally have not. A graphic representation of the number of new college graduates in the country over the last four-plus decades looks like the upward curve of a roller coaster track. Here we find the kind of problem that is an unintended consequence of what has always seemed like a very sensible proposition: Educating people equates to creating new waves of prosperity. In its current funk, though—and perhaps on a longer-term basis, due to deep contradictions in the country’s economic model—China can no longer find enough gainful employment for its huge numbers of newly educated people.

If you’re between the ages of, say, 17 and 28 or so—which was the case for almost everyone I spoke with—this is deeply discouraging and even scary, as so many people didn’t hesitate to tell me. “We are competing with each other in what has become a pure rat race,” a college freshman, whose name I am withholding for their security, told me in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. “Everybody is trying to push their education as far as they can, but we are competing for fewer and fewer jobs. As a result of supply and demand, lots of people are going to earn less, and lots of others will just have to accept low-grade jobs.”

But this was only the beginning of the new pessimism I was encountering.

For years when I taught in my graduate school classrooms in New York about the coming aging crunch in China—a time projected for the near future when the ratio of older adults to the young and working-age populations would rapidly flip in favor of the former—I drew a knowing look from many of my Chinese students. After all, it is a problem I have been writing about for many years already. “Here we go again,” the stares I received from some of my Chinese students seemed to say. “Professor French has given in to the doomsaying industry about our country, but we know better.”

This summer, though, I didn’t have to ask about aging. It was on everybody’s lips, not least the young people. I suspect that’s in part because the state quite belatedly has itself become alarmed. The Chinese government avoids shocking language about the stark nature of a demographic crisis of unprecedented scale, but the ability to read between the lines of official messaging to see the underlying urgency of this challenge is almost child’s play, especially for the dwindling numbers of young adults in the country who only recently were children themselves.

The country’s media are now filled with prompts for young people to get married earlier and have more children. Chinese President Xi Jinping has traditionally been loath to use social welfare spending or direct cash benefits to citizens to reduce China’s addiction to investment and stimulate the economy. But that is exactly what Beijing is rolling out in response to the alarming decline in birth rates. Suddenly, one city or province after another is introducing monetary inducements to women or couples to have more children.

The young people who will in theory be the source of the children of the future increasingly say they are discouraged by the costs of housing and of raising children. And as most of them belong to one-child families themselves, they also speak in fear of the financial burdens that await them when their parents grow old and infirm and need taking care of. Compared with most wealthy Western countries, the Chinese state’s social welfare provisions for retirement, health, and elder care remain bare-bones.

In response to this, not only are young people putting off marriage until later, but increasing numbers of young Chinese are also forgoing it altogether, with some even dropping out of dating. Young women, meanwhile, have been big beneficiaries of the enormous boom in higher education in the country, and with more and more advanced learning among them, growing numbers of them have been privileging their own career development and—“Why not?” some said to me—their personal fulfillment.

In my conversations in China this summer, I never once inquired about feminism, but one after another, young women freely identified with it themselves. Then came this comment from a 19-year-old in Shanghai, whose name I am also withholding for her safety. “Maybe you’ll think this is too dark, but I definitely don’t,” she said. “It seems like we are on track for a situation where the state tries to force women to have children, like take us away to a camp or something. It worries me a lot.”

During China’s long boom years, not succumbing to the skepticism and naysaying of others seemed like a real source of strength for the society, even a virtue. We are in a new era now, though, and one of the biggest tests will be something the country’s leaders are altogether unaccustomed to: how well the system can hear and respond to the growing concerns and doubts of its own citizens.

[seabreeze2022]

Bahamas 2023. Pre departure. We leave March 5 to the Bahamas

Lots of work before we go play in the Bahamas. In January we took the boat 10 miles north to a marina in Key Largo. The primary goal was to replace a Dripless Shaft Seal as preventive maintenance. This can only be done out of the water. The bottom paint was holding up pretty well. But now was the time to go ahead and redo the bottom paint. Previous paint was an ablative paint colored black. We used the same brand of ablative paint but changed the color to blue this time. Changing color helps you tell how far you might be sanding or how much paint has been scrubbed off over the years.

Nancy cleaned and waxed the hull once the bottom paint was done.

Due to tides we spent two nights at anchor waiting to get into the marina. I used this time to periodically spray PB Blaster on the rusty bolts holding the prop shaft to the transmission.

Here I have decoupled the prop shaft in preparation of removing the old Dripless shaft seal.

Nancy shines up the prop.

The boat has a new bottom paint and is shined and ready to splash.

We spent two nights on the anchor. Yoga on the foredeck in the morning.

The big addition this year for cruising the Bahamas is a water maker. We bought a Schenker 30 Zen water maker. It should make 30 liters an hour, or 7.9 gallons an hour. We were very frugal with our water usage last year. But our hygiene suffered, and the boat would not get salt washed off unless it rained. It was getting pretty crusty. You will never get a watermaker to be cost effective. But it will allow you to cruise in places where water is not available. Getting older this will save some wear and tear on us. “Jugging water” is strenuous and can be dangerous during the transfer from dinghy to boat.

Checking the dinghy engine which has not been run since last year in the Bahamas. It does run but is rough. Changed spark plugs but that did not fix the issue. Next thing to check is the carburetor. Starting with the easiest and least invasive, then digging deeper. After tearing down the carburetor multiple times and putting it back together before testing. I got it down to 20 minutes start to finish. It seems to be working but until we use it for a day locally, I will not have any confidence in it.

I needed professional help getting the electrical lines run for the watermaker. My mechanic Marcel finished that up Sunday February 26. By that evening I had lowered the actual watermaker down the hatch and laid it in place. Very little remains to be done now. Until we test run the watermaker and check for leaks the boat is completely in disarray. To access the bilge area for the intake and waterpump the aft cabin mattress has to be pulled out into the main cabin. Once we pressure test the watermaker and put the mattresses back, then we can start doing the final provisioning of the boat.

The Schenke Zen 30 is bolted down and pressure test on March 1. Now we can put the mattresses back into the aft cabin. Which allows us to start moving around the cabin and putting in all the provisions.

Nancy is drinking the out put from the watermaker. Our little multimeter tester shows great water. Nancy does the ultimate taste test, and the lagoon water passes the test. Absolutely amazing that we can turn yucky harbor saltwater into fresh drinking water.

While we are getting ready to leave March 4 (Saturday), Nancy’s relatives are dealing with a blizzard in Fargo N.D.. This time of year we are in the middle of “Spring Low tides”, we could not leave if we wanted too since the channel depth is so low.

A local friend and his wife, left a few days earlier in their Catamaran but a navigation component failed. So they had their replacement AIS shipped to our house on Wednesday. We will try and meet up with them south of Georgetown Exuma a week or so after we leave.

Saturday morning at daybreak on the 4 th, we navigated out the channel at our house. Very leisurely sail 5 miles at 3 kts. where we anchored on the back side of Tavernier Key.

While at anchor I set the “Jack lines” in place. Our Jack line is a web belt 3/4” wide rated to 4,200 breaking strength. It runs from the very back of the boat to the very front of the boat down both sides. If we have to go on deck ANY time when it is dark while underway. We tether ourselves to the boat. If we are underway and seas are rough we will also tether ourselves, via the jack lines to the boat. Nancy has an Inflatable Life Jacket and a Kong tether. Since I will be the one to handle any problems on deck. I wear a foam life Jacket that served me will in Water Tribe events. It has 2 knifes, flares, signal mirror, VHF radio, whistle, multiple lights, strobe and a Personal Locator Beacon. I wear a Kong tether and a sailing harness under the life jacket. If sailing at night we both tether into short jacklines that I installed in the cockpit.

Alarm is set for 0400, we will depart the anchorage and head perpendicular to the reef. Hopefully avoiding all of the lobster trap buoys and lines. Once we hit 250’ depth we will be clear of all traps. Then we will head for South Riding Rock. So about 70 miles across the Gulf Stream on a rumb line of 078 degrees. It would be nice cross on to the Bahama Bank during daylight but not mandatory.

Seas are predicted to be 1 foot with a 10 sec. period between them. Which makes for a calm crossing but not great for sailing. I assume we will motorsail the majority of the way. Another 56 miles puts us at the mouth of North West Channel. Great place to anchor Monday night. Then a quick 20 mile run to Morgan Wells, Andros Island Tuesday.

After clearing customs we will work on getting a Wi-Fi hot spot device and can then pick up internet. Till then don’t expect to get any updates until Wednesday at the earliest.

SV Sea Breeze, Tavernier Key, Florida Keys.

[tirthhvyas]

What is the BARS approach and why should every young startup use it?

The BARS approach abbreviated as Branding, Awareness and Acquisition, Retargeting, Responding and Retention and Support, is an outbound strategy that every startup should abide by. As a GenZ entrepreneur and a startup owner, I have identified them as the 7 pillars of every startup and even a working enterprise. Having these 7 pillars, the startup can avoid and even dodge the high tides that the market of red oceans throws at them.

Branding: What every startup founder aims for is a brand that sells itself, brands that are easily distinguished and known by people. Every startup, in order to be successful has to have a consistent branding strategy that stirs up curiosity and contentment amongst its audience.

Awareness: A brand that the audience is aware of and is able to distinguish from other brands, is a successful brand. It is essential for every startup, to make its target audience aware of the products or services that they offer. There are two key components of brand awareness, Brand recall and Brand Recognition, that every awareness campaign should abide by.

Acquisition: When the startup makes the audience aware of the products or services that it offers, it is time to acquire them. It acquires the set of customers by attracting them, using marketing and sales campaigns, offering them value and also solving their issues. They do this by maintaining consistency in their offerings and when the audience observes the credibility, they are converted into potential leads.

Retargeting: It is essential for every startup to retarget its potential leads. Losing prospective clients and not converting them, is what every startup should avoid. As a startup owner, I’ve been through the situation of losing a prospect due to not paying much attention, and as a result, I consider Retargeting as a very important step of Customer Acquisition.

Responding: After retargeting it now becomes important for the startup to respond to its prospects. Potential clients have some doubts about the product or service and it is very important for every startup to solve these doubts and assure them. Responding is the last step of customer acquisition and is indeed a very important one.

Retention: What every young startup needs is a set of loyal clients. Every startup goes through thick and thin during its run, and what really distinguishes a successful startup from a failed one is the number of customers that stayed loyal to the firm even when it faced hard times. Having proper retention strategies can make a startup stand ahead of its competition.

Support: Retention can not occur if the startup does not provide good customer support. What every customer needs is a two-way relationship. They stay loyal to the startup and the startup stays loyal to them. A startup that provides value and support to its customers can win and stay ahead when competing in a space of red oceans.

When executed with precision, these 7 pillars can become the pioneers of the company and can help gain a competitive edge over the competitors. In a contested market space of red oceans, having a competitive advantage can help the startup sail through and create a brand that the audience loves to use.

[utkarshindia]

What additional costs are associated with high mast pole installation?

High mast poles play an important role in outdoor lighting for large spaces such as highways, stadiums, industrial zones, and public areas. While the pole’s cost is often seen as the main expense, there are many additional costs involved in the installation process. These costs must be considered to provide a realistic estimate for the entire project. Below, we look at the key factors contributing to the overall expenditure.

Foundation and civil work

A strong foundation is essential for high mast poles to remain stable and perform well over time. The foundation work includes site excavation, pouring concrete, and reinforcing the base to withstand environmental challenges like strong winds.

The cost of this work depends on the site’s soil quality and geotechnical conditions. For example, in areas with loose or weak soil, more advanced engineering solutions may be required. These additional measures can significantly increase costs.

Transportation and logistics

High mast poles are large and heavy, making transportation a major cost factor. The expense depends on the distance between the manufacturing site and the installation location, the size of the poles, and any special requirements for moving oversized loads.

In some cases, permits may be required to transport heavy or oversized equipment, which adds to the expense. Also, unloading the poles at the site might need cranes or other specialised equipment - which further increases logistical costs.

Lifting and installation equipment

Installing high mast poles requires heavy lifting equipment. The cost of renting or using these machines, as well as hiring skilled operators, contributes to the total project cost. The size and weight of the pole determine the type of equipment needed. Taller or heavier poles may require more powerful and expensive cranes. Labour costs for trained operators are another significant factor during installation.

Electrical components and wiring

High mast poles are not just about the structure; they also need electrical components for the lighting system to work effectively. These costs include:

Cables and conduits: Necessary for connecting the lights to the power source.

Control panels and switches: Used to operate and manage the lighting system.

Earthing systems: Ensure electrical safety and compliance with regulations.

More complex installations naturally lead to higher costs.

Permits and regulatory approvals

Installing high mast poles often requires permissions and regulatory approvals from local authorities. These may include:

Structural approvals: Ensuring the design meets building and safety standards.

Environmental assessments: Required if the installation site is in a sensitive area.

Electrical safety certifications: Necessary to confirm the lighting system is safe and compliant with regulations.

The cost of obtaining these permits varies based on the project’s location and complexity. Paperwork and fees for these approvals can add a significant amount to the budget.

By carefully considering these factors, project planners can develop a more accurate budget and ensure the successful installation of high mast poles.

Looking for reliable high mast pole manufacturers in India?

Explore the high mast lighting systems manufactured by Utkarsh India. Their poles are designed to withstand wind speeds up to 300 km/h, and are manufactured with top-quality materials for durability and reliability.

Using premium steel from trusted brands such as TATA and SAIL, Utkarsh India ensures excellence. The company uses a meticulous hot-dip galvanisation process with zinc sourced from Hindustan Zinc. Each pole is PU-painted for corrosion resistance and an enhanced aesthetic appearance. The poles have motorised mechanisms for easy raising and lowering, as well as latching devices for efficient area lighting. Their poles feature grooved rope drums for precise alignment, rust-free components, and versatile suspension options, including three-point and two-point configurations. Rigorous testing, including wind tunnel tests at IIT-Kanpur, ensures optimal performance and safety compliance.

[yasirsheikh1898]

Turnbuckle: Essential Tool for Tensioning and Securing

Abstract

In various industries, from construction to marine, there is a need for secure and reliable tensioning systems. The device that serves this purpose, often overlooked, is an essential component for a wide range of applications: the tensioning tool. These tools are designed to apply controlled tension to cables, wires, and ropes, ensuring they remain in place without shifting or slackening. They provide a crucial link in securing structures, rigging, and other essential components, making them indispensable for safety and efficiency in several professional fields.

Understanding the Tensioning Mechanism

At its core, a tensioning device operates on a simple mechanical principle. It consists of two threaded bolts with opposing directions, a central body to hold them together, and a mechanism that enables easy adjustment of the tension applied to the connected cables or wires. The device functions by rotating these bolts, which either extend or retract, thus increasing or decreasing the length of the device. This action, in turn, tightens or loosens the cable or wire it is connected to, allowing for precise control over the tension applied.

This method is beneficial in various applications because it ensures that wires and cables maintain their desired tension, which is essential for structural integrity. Whether it’s holding up a fence, securing cables in a rigging system, or stabilizing a marine vessel’s rigging, this tool plays a crucial role in maintaining safety, functionality, and durability.

Applications of the Tensioning Tool

1. Construction

In the construction industry, these devices are essential for ensuring that structures remain stable and safe during and after construction. When setting up scaffolding or securing cables, it is important to control the tension carefully. Too much tension can cause the structure to be overly stiff, potentially leading to stress points and breakage. On the other hand, insufficient tension can cause the cables to slacken, compromising the safety and stability of the structure. These devices are often used to tension cables, support beams, and other key structural components, ensuring that each component is set at the correct tension for maximum safety.

2. Marine Applications

In the marine industry, such devices are particularly useful for rigging sailboats and securing the masts. The tension in the rigging needs to be precise, as it ensures that the sails can be adjusted effectively without causing damage to the structure or the vessel’s stability. Over-tightening can lead to breakage, while too little tension can make the sails ineffective and unmanageable. Whether for larger vessels or smaller sailing boats, these tools are instrumental in setting up the rigging properly. They can also be used in the maintenance of mooring lines or securing ropes that hold boats in place.

3. Fencing and Signage

Tensioning tools are also widely used in fencing applications, particularly when installing wire or chain link fences. The wires need to be kept taut to maintain the structure’s integrity. Without adequate tension, the fence can sag over time, leading to an unattractive appearance and potential security issues. These tools ensure that the wire stays taut, preventing it from loosening or bending and maintaining the fence's overall strength. Similarly, they are useful in securing signage in place, ensuring that banners or other large signs stay securely fastened without the risk of flapping or tearing.

4. Bridge Construction and Tensioned Cables

For larger infrastructure projects, like bridges and skyscrapers, tensioning devices play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the cables that hold up such structures. The tension in suspension bridge cables, for example, must be calibrated precisely to ensure that the structure is stable and able to carry loads without putting too much stress on any individual cable. The tensioning device allows for minute adjustments, ensuring the cables are neither too tight nor too loose, creating the necessary balance for structural strength.

Types of Tensioning Tools

Tensioning tools come in several types, each suited to specific tasks and needs. The most common types include:

1. Manual Devices

Manual tensioning tools are the most basic and cost-effective types. These tools often use a screw mechanism or a ratcheting mechanism to adjust the tension applied to the wire or cable. They are usually lightweight and portable, making them ideal for smaller, less heavy-duty applications. These tools are commonly used in smaller construction or rigging projects, such as fencing or securing cables on smaller boats. Despite their simplicity, they offer adequate precision and reliability for most small-scale tasks. For businesses or individuals seeking reliable equipment for tensioning, a turnbuckle equipment supplier in UAE can provide the necessary tools and expertise. When purchasing from a trusted turnbuckle equipment supplier in UAE, you ensure access to high-quality products that meet your specific tensioning needs.

2. Hydraulic Tools

For larger, more heavy-duty projects, hydraulic tensioning tools are often used. These tools apply pressure via hydraulic force, allowing for much greater tensioning force than manual tools can provide. Hydraulic tensioning tools are used in applications where large cables or structures need to be adjusted, such as in bridge construction or large-scale rigging projects. The advantage of hydraulic tools is that they offer a more consistent and powerful tensioning force, making them suitable for heavy-duty applications.

3. Electric Tensioners

Electric tensioners are used in high-volume applications where speed and efficiency are critical. These tools use electric motors to adjust the tension on cables and wires, which can significantly speed up the process when large amounts of wire need to be tensioned quickly and precisely. Electric tensioners are commonly found in industrial settings and are often used in production lines or during large construction projects where rapid installation of tensioned cables is necessary.

Benefits of Proper Tensioning

Using the right tensioning tool for the job brings a variety of benefits, ensuring that each application is performed with precision and reliability.

1. Safety

The most important benefit of using a tensioning tool is safety. Properly tensioned cables and wires reduce the risk of structural failure, which could otherwise lead to accidents, equipment damage, or even injury. Whether in a construction project or when securing a boat’s rigging, ensuring that cables are at the correct tension helps prevent accidents and maintains the stability of the entire system.

2. Durability and Longevity

When tension is applied correctly, the longevity of the materials is extended. Over-tightened cables can become damaged or brittle, while too much slack can lead to wear over time. Proper tensioning minimizes wear and tear on the materials, ensuring they last longer and perform more effectively.

3. Improved Performance

Whether it's the tension in a bridge’s cables or a boat’s rigging, proper tension ensures that each system works as efficiently as possible. Properly tensioned cables help maintain the desired balance and performance, whether it's the stability of a structure or the functionality of a system.

Conclusion

The tensioning tool is a crucial device across a variety of industries, offering control and precision for a wide range of tasks. Whether in construction, marine applications, fencing, or large infrastructure projects, these tools ensure that cables and wires are securely held in place, preventing accidents and wear. Turnbuckles are a key component in many of these applications, providing the necessary tension to secure cables and wires effectively. With options ranging from manual devices to hydraulic and electric tensioners, there is a tool for every application. By understanding the importance of tensioning and selecting the appropriate tool for the job, professionals can ensure that their systems remain stable, safe, and efficient for years to come. The use of turnbuckles in various industries helps maintain proper tension, ensuring structural integrity and safety in all applications.