#toys business in india

[newbusinessideas]

How to Start a Toy Store Business: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Turn playtime into profits! 🎲🧸 Learn how to start your own toy store business and bring smiles to little faces while building your dream venture. 🚀✨ #ToyStoreBusiness #Entrepreneurship

A toy store business is a place or shop in the market where people can buy toys and play materials for children. In today’s time, various types of toys are made all over the world.  By playing with toys, children acquire knowledge very quickly, the special thing is that toys can be used not only for entertainment but also for studying while playing. This is the reason, that today on many…

[vendekin11]

Toy Vending Machine Innovations by Vendekin

Vendekin’s toy vending machines deliver efficient, user-friendly solutions for businesses, ensuring smooth operations and satisfied customers. Learn More:

[dhananjaya04]

7 Effective Ways to Set Up an Eco-Friendly Preschool

With the growing consciousness of environmental preservation, setting up an eco-friendly preschool is a fantastic way to merge business with sustainability. Not only will this appeal to environmentally aware parents, but it will also instil early eco-friendly habits in children. If you're interested in launching a small franchise business in India, especially if you're exploring options like a work-from-home franchise or a toy rental business like Khilonewala, focusing on sustainability can set your preschool apart. Here are some effective ways to set up an eco-friendly preschool.

1. Use Sustainable Materials

One of the first steps in creating an eco-friendly preschool is choosing sustainable materials for construction and furniture. Opt for non-toxic, recycled, or biodegradable materials. For instance, bamboo furniture, recycled wood, and energy-efficient lighting can contribute to a greener setup. Additionally, solar panels and proper insulation can reduce energy consumption, making the preschool both eco-friendly and cost-effective.

2. Incorporate Nature-Based Learning

Encouraging children to learn through nature is a core principle of eco-friendly education. Outdoor learning spaces like small gardens, compost pits, and sandboxes provide children with a hands-on way to understand the environment. Kids can plant trees, water plants, or even learn about recycling and composting firsthand. This integration of nature teaches sustainability while allowing children to explore the world outside traditional classrooms.

3. Offer Eco-Friendly Toys

An eco-friendly preschool should use toys made from natural materials such as wood, recycled plastic, or fabric. These toys are durable and safe for children, unlike their plastic counterparts. If you're running a toy rental business or considering a franchise, offering eco-friendly toys for rent is a great business model. This approach reduces waste by encouraging reuse, a key pillar of sustainability.

4. Develop a Green Curriculum

Your curriculum should reflect your eco-friendly philosophy. Through interactive lessons, teach children about the environment, recycling, and energy conservation. Activities like crafting with recycled materials, learning about animals, or simple lessons on reducing waste can make environmental awareness part of their daily routine. This curriculum can make your preschool more appealing to eco-conscious parents.

5. Promote Green Transportation

Encouraging green transportation is another effective way to enhance sustainability. You can create a carpool system for parents or promote walking or cycling to preschool. Some preschools even provide rewards for families who opt for eco-friendly transport, fostering a sense of community and contributing to a greener environment.

6. Adopt Water and Energy Conservation Techniques

Install low-flow faucets and energy-efficient appliances to reduce water and energy usage. You can also consider using rainwater collection systems for outdoor play or watering plants. These eco-friendly technologies not only help the environment but also serve as teaching tools, allowing children to see how small changes can make a big impact.

7. Encourage Waste-Free Lunches

Introduce a waste-free lunch policy by encouraging parents to pack lunches in reusable containers. Discourage single-use plastics and promote the use of stainless steel or glass containers. Additionally, offer organic, locally sourced snacks to further promote healthy, sustainable eating habits among children. This way, the children can learn about healthy food choices while reducing waste.

Focusing on sustainability can help you create an eco-friendly preschool that provides a healthy, engaging, and responsible environment for children. Whether you’re building a small franchise business in India, operating a work-from-home franchise, or launching a toy rental business, these eco-friendly approaches will help you stand out in the marketplace and make a positive impact on the planet.

[coimbrabertone]

MotoGP and the KTM Situation

So...KTM's parent company, Pierer Mobility Group, is in a bit of a mess.

A $3 billion in the red kind of mess.

How did this happen? Well, the short answer is that Pierer Mobility Group and KTM expanded too fast, too quickly, and now their debt is catching up with them. As for the long story, well...

Stefan Pierer, an Austrian businessman, founded an investment company called Cross Industries (what is now Pierer Mobility Group) in 1987, and in 1992, he took over KTM Motorrad in his native Austria. In 1994, KTM launched the Duke line, which took the traditionally dirt-bike focused KTM brand into the road bike business for the first time.

Dirt bikes remained a key element of KTM's business - and racing dirt bikes in things like Motocross and the Dakar Rally is a huge part of KTM's identity - but the allure of road bikes is what we'll be focusing on for this story.

A series of adventure and supermoto bikes followed, before in 2003, KTM entered Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing for the first time. While Ducati entered into the 4-stroke 990cc top class that same year, KTM instead focused their efforts on the 2-stroke 125cc class, as well as the 250cc class from 2005 onwards.

They took their first win at the 2004 Malaysian Grand Prix when Casey Stoner won the 125cc during his only season on KTM machinery, followed by a championship challenge the very next year. Mika Kallio won at Estoril, the Sachsenring, Motegi, and Valencia, whilst teammate Gabor Talmacsi won at Mugello, Assen, and Qatar. Qatar and Valencia were 1-2 finishes for KTM, and ultimately, Kallio finished second in the 125cc standings while Talmacsi finished third. Julian Simon on a third bike would win in the wet at Donington Park and finish eighth, putting three KTMs in the top ten in 125s in 2005 - a very respectable showing in just their third season competing.

Kallio would again finish second in 125 in 2006, with three wins to his name, whilst in 250cc, Hiroshi Aoyama won at Turkey and Japan, finishing third in those standings.

Aoyama and Kallio would both compete in 250cc in 2007, with Aoyama winning at the Sachsenring and Malaysia, while Kallio won in the wet at Motegi and then again at the season finale in Valencia. Aoyama would finish sixth while Kallio was seventh.

2008 would mark a full barreled 250 effort with Aoyama and Kallio joined by returning third bike man Julian Simon. Kallio would perform well, winning at Jerez, a wet Shanghai, and at a dry Donington Park, but Aoyama and Simon would go winless. The 125cc effort had also atrophied by now, with the most notable result being some rookie called Marc Marquez taking a third place at Donington.

KTM's attention was fading by this point, and their road bike efforts turned from Grand Prix racing and towards their new RC 1190 superbike. Additionally, the X-Bow track car gave KTM an exciting new toy to play with.

Their Grand Prix efforts were winding down.

KTM only competed in the 125cc class in 2009, and with Marc Marquez only managing a single podium at Jerez, they decided not to continue for 2010.

Marc Marquez in 2010 would move to the Red Bull Ajo team riding a Derbi/Aprilia RSA-125 and would win 10 races to dominate the championship.

So yeah...it wasn't a rider problem, their bike just kinda sucked by that point.

Meanwhile, KTM continued to expand their company. In 1995, they acquired Husaberg AB, a manufacturer established to keep dirt bike production in Sweden after Husqvarna's parent company Cagiva moved their production to Varese, Italy. KTM would in 2003 move Husaberg production to Mattighofen, Austria, making the whole thing rather pointless. Next, in 2007, came ventures with Indian giant Bajaj, who began distributing KTMs in India in exchange for a 14.5% stake.

In 2011 a similar collaboration would begin with CFMoto in China, which in 2017, became a downright joint venture between them and KTM.

Then in 2013, Husqvarna - now in BMW's hands - was sold to the Pierer Mobility Group, who promptly merged it and Husaberg, so instead of being produced in Sweden or Italy, it was all now in Austria.

In 2012, KTM would reenter GP racing with the introduction of the 4-stroke 250cc Moto3 class. They'd win the championship with Sandro Cortese, while in 2013...they won everything. Maverick Vinales in first, Alex Rins in second, Luis Salom in third, and Alex Marquez in fourth were all on KTM RC250GPs.

Fifth place was Jonas Folger on a KTM-engined Kalex.

Complete and utter domination.

On the back of this, KTM planned to enter the top class for the first time. With a V4 engine, a steel trellis frame, and Red Bull sponsorship, KTM entered the RC16 in the 2016 Valencian GP ahead of a full debut in 2017.

Who rode the RC16 at Valencia? None other than Mika Kallio, the Finn returning to KTM as their test and development rider after stints with Ducati in MotoGP and Marc VDS in Moto2.

Pol Espargaro and Bradley Smith would be their full-time riders for 2017 and 2018, with Pol scoring KTM's first podium at the 2018 Valencian GP - KTM sure does have a weird affinity with Valencia, eh?

2019 would mark two big changes: first is that Johann Zarco replaced Bradley Smith, second is that KTM gained a satellite team for the first time. Yup, after competing as Monster Energy Yamaha for ten years, Tech3 became Red Bull KTM Tech3, with Hafizh Syahrin and Miguel Oliveira riding for them.

Zarco would force his way out of KTM before the year was even over, forcing Kallio to fill in for him at the final six races, but other than that...KTM's 2019 was more of a building year. They collected some points while, in the background, KTM began to move away from the steel trellis, aluminum swingarm, and old school screamer engine.

The frame became a more typical steel/aluminum hybrid, the swingarm a radical carbon fiber, and the engine conformed to the now ubiquitous big bang firing order.

The results? Rookie Brad Binder wins the 2020 Czech Grand Prix in just his third start, while on the Tech3 bike, Miguel Oliveira wins at Styria and Portimao.

KTM also took the opportunity to buy out the struggling GasGas brand in 2019, giving Pierer Mobility Group its third brand.

KTM was winning in MotoGP, it was expanding its business, but it was also already signing its own death warrant.

With the purchase of GasGas, Pierer Mobility Group now had three different brands that were predominantly in the dirt bike business. They tried to position GasGas as the entry level brand, KTM in the middle, and the Husqvarna as a premium brand, sort of trying to be the General Motors of motorcycles, there's just two problems with that:

One: Bikes are so much more niche compared to cars.

Two: even in cars the multi-brand thing doesn't work so well, with GM killing off storied brands like Oldsmobile and Pontiac in recent memory, along with more recent ventures like Saturn and Hummer failing to carve out a niche.

Nevertheless, with COVID giving a lot of people a lot of time on their hands, KTM initially had very strong sales. Lots of people were trying out their motorcycles for the first time, and with KTM giving variety between dirt bikes, road bikes, and even teasing a return to the superbike market with the RC 990, maybe things would work out.

They did not.

KTM banked on the COVID bubble.

They spent money acquiring the likes of GasGas, Husqvarna, and now a 50.1% stake in MV Agusta as well, they banked on joint ventures with Bajaj and CFMoto giving them access to the eastern markets only to develop a reputation in India for being overpriced and having bad build quality. On top of this, KTM began the scummy business practice of hiding riding software behind a paywall, most notably with their cruise control.

(For no reason at all, I'm also going to point out that Stefan Pierer has a seat on the Mercedes-Benz supervisory board.)

The end result of all this? KTM sits on 265,000 unsold bikes. Unsold bikes which only meet Euro 5 emissions standards, meaning that when the Euro 5+ standards come into effect in March, KTM will not be able to sell those bikes in Europe, where, with 11.8% market share, KTM is the largest motorcycle manufacturer.

Furthermore, KTM was not able to pay its workers their December salaries until last Friday, the 27th. November salaries remain unpaid, and Christmas bonuses have been cut entirely.

300 jobs at KTM are expected to be cut in January.

So...with all this going on, there are some big, big question marks about whether KTM will be able to continue racing in MotoGP.

They have released a statement confirming they will race in 2025 and with KTM having already sending two of their three factory rally raid riders to Dakar - the third is out with a leg injury - that seems reasonably secure.

Beyond that? It's unclear.

It's unclear how much development KTM will be doing to stay competitive as well. Initial reports suggested that KTM has already paused development, but KTM disputes this.

Now, a recent Austrian report says that KTM plans to withdraw in 2026, citing contracts and not wanting the PR disaster of early termination. What does that mean.

Well, KTM is contracted with Dorna through 2026, the end of the current regulation cycle.

Brad Binder has two years left on his contract, while Acosta, Vinales, and Bastianini are all on multiyear deals - traditional wisdom in racing says that multiyear deals typically translate to 2 years + a 1 year optional extension.

Furthermore, an engine freeze is coming into MotoGP in 2026, which will reduce development costs.

So...I believe that this means that KTM will see out their contracts, racing through 2025 and 2026 with their current set of riders. 2025 is already budgeted and we know that's secure, while seeing out the 2026 season and leaving at the end of 2026 seems to match up with these Austrian reports.

This is still a developing story, so I may well be wrong here.

It's also important to remember that this is about more than racing, it's about the people. Many, many, many people work at KTM, both on the production bike side and on the race team. These people are going through a tough time right now with this KTM bankruptcy drama, and you have to hope things turn out well for them.

I'm not much of a KTM fan - I don't oppose them either, I suppose I'm more of a neutral then - but I'd hate to lose them in MotoGP. I'd hate even more to see people lose their jobs because the ownership chased unsustainable growth.

That COVID bubble has been vicious to the business world.

[designsfromtime]

How will Tariffs effect the Historical Costume Community?

How will Tariffs effect the Historical Costume Community?

Maybe it was divine inspiration that I chose the summer of 2025 to semi-retire, because textiles are about to increase, ya'll! - so are avocados, strawberries, and fruits and vegetables from Mexico; electronics (from China) - like your cell phones and computers, televisions. But it doesn't stop there: building supplies, car parts, clothing, toys, medical supplies, medications, and much, much more is about to increase!

Why?

Because of Trump's brilliant economic plan to implement tariffs on countries like China, Mexico, and Canada on "Day one," to quote him directly.

Yes, that was sarcasm. For those who haven't been following the dire warnings economists worldwide and in America were shouting to the rooftops, i.e., that tariffs will cause economic disaster for many companies in the USA, and you still think the cost of gas and eggs and groceries are going to decrease in the Trump administration, boy oh boy are ya'll gonna have a huge awakening come January 20, 2025.

The way tariffs work is like this: American companies, who purchase goods outside of America, "are the ones who pay the tariffs" - NOT the companies sending goods to America for American consumers to buy. American companies will be paying MORE to import goods from other companies, and that increase will be passed on to the American people. These large corporations, who have already been recording record breaking profits since 2020, will use Trump’s tariffs as an excuse to raise their prices even more! – because there are no regulations on what they can charge the public. ALSO, they will be receiving more tax cuts, while the rest of us, especially the middle class who already carry the burden of the majority of the taxes in the USA, will see an increase in our taxes. These tariffs will cost us an additional $2500 a year per household. That doesn't sound like much, but it adds up, especially for many who are already barely scraping by - myself included.

How will these tariffs impact the historical costume community specifically?

While Mexico, China and Canada are our top exports (places we buy from), the following countries are ALSO popular sources that USA consumers import textiles and clothing:

Vietnam

India

Bangladesh

Indonesia

Honduras

The majority of fine woolen textiles are exported from the UK. The cost of wool will also be affected, with costs going up from 10 to 20%. Maybe that doesn’t sound like much, but when you’re already paying $30 to $40 (and more) a yard for a good wool product an additional $3 to $6 per yard will carry a punch on my client’s budgets.

Companies like Silk Baron, who import silk fabrics in bulk from places like India, will have to increase their prices by a minimum of 20%. The price of silk is already $20 to $30 or more a yard through Silk Baron, and we can expect their prices to increase to $22 to $24, or $33 to $36 a yard.

Fabric-Store.com, used to only charge $12 a yard for linen, but beginning in 2020 they have raised their prices every year and are now charging $18 a yard. The impacts of tariffs will only increase these costs.

Trump’s tariffs on China will raise prices by 60%, and 10 to 20% to other countries who import goods to the USA. Tariffs impact consumers, NOT the companies who produce the products and ship them to American businesses.

Walmart and Lowes have already rung a warning nell that their prices are about to increase. According to an article by Reuters, a Walmart spokesperson stated, “We're concerned that significantly increased tariffs could lead to increased costs for our customers at a time when they are still feeling the remnants of inflation"…"Trump has vowed to make tariffs, which are a fraction of U.S. tax collections, central to his economic agenda. Executives have been increasingly fielding questions on the subject, with many noting ongoing efforts to continue to diversify their supply chains, particularly away from China, Trump's top target.”

Additionally, the CFO of Lowe’s, Brandon Silk, said: "Roughly 40% of our cost of goods sold are sourced outside of the U.S., and that includes both direct imports and national brands through our vendor partners"…"And as we look at the potential impacts (of tariffs), it certainly would add to product costs." These tariffs will impact the cost of appliances and building supplies, which means the cost of new construction will increase.

Grocery stores, who were already price gouging consumers since the pandemic, are beginning to raise their prices. By the way, the President of the United States (or the Vice President) does not control the prices that big corporations charge consumers, it’s greed on the part of these companies like Albertson’s, Fred Meyer, etc., who set the prices. Harris planned to institute regulations to control their greed and lower the cost of groceries, etc., but Trump’s “tariffs,’ WILL absolutely affect American consumers.

Furthermore, voters, pissed off about Biden’s handling of Hamas, voted for Trump in protest. By the way, Trump and his entire administration are 100% pro-Israel, and support the atrocities Netanyahu has perpetrated against innocent civilians who have nothing to do with the terrorists of Hamas.

Voting is the equivalent to an open book examination in college or high school. All the information needed to educate yourselves on the issues are available at your fingertips, but you have to open the damn book! Voters, angry about Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people, chose not to educate themselves about what control or influence on world politics a Vice President actually HAS. Harris was not pro-Israel, but publicly stated she was against Palestinian and Israeli aggression.

When textile and supply prices go up, those increases affect the cost for costumers. The tariffs that will be implemented will increase costs by 60% from any goods purchased from China. For my business, this will impact such items as “freshwater pearls,” that I use on my costume embellishment. China is the world’s largest exporter of pearls, which are “grown” or farmed in that country.

Coates embroidery thread, which I use in my embroidery machines, are based in Mexico. With Trump’s tariffs the cost will go up 20%. A spool of Coates gold metallic thread is $12.99 at JoAnns. That will increase by roughly $2.60 per spool.

Faux Baleen from Germany, used in corsetry, will go up anywhere from 10 to 20%.

American Duchess, who contracts with shoemakers in China to produce their historical shoes will have to raise their prices by 60%!!  

Buttons, thread, fabric, notions, everything you can imagine used in the creation of historical costumes are imported from China. Tariffs will have a noticeable impact on the entire historical costume community, which is already an expensive hobby.

At a time when American’s are paying more for goods and groceries than other countries, not only will tariffs impact the economy, but Trump and the Republicans as outlined in Project 2025, plan to cut Social Security by no less than 20%, but they also are planning to do away with it entirely, to include social security disability, which millions of disabled and retired Americans depend on to exist.

In a word, and I don’t give a flying fig that I’m bringing politics into historical costuming, you voted for more inflation and higher cost of goods. It would behoove all ya’ll among the younger generations to use Google and research how the stock market crash of 1929 happened, and how tariffs played a significant role in exacerbating the Great Depression.

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, passed in June 1930, was a key factor. This act raised tariffs on thousands of imported goods in an attempt to protect American industries and farmers, which had unintended consequences such as:

Retaliation by Other Countries: Many countries responded by imposing their own tariffs on American goods, which led to a significant decline in international trade.

Reduction in Exports and Imports: American exports and imports fell by about 67% during the Great Depression. This decline in trade worsened the economic downturn.

Global Economic Impact: The tariffs contributed to a global economic slowdown, making it harder for the U.S. and other countries to recover from the depression.

These consequences ended in joblessness, as companies closed down. Read about the how the banks went under, people lost their jobs, resulting in widespread foreclosures, and the rise in shanty towns to house millions of homeless who were once productive members among the middle class.

Is this hyperbole? No! If you do not educate yourselves, history will repeat itself. Trump’s tariffs will impact Americans on a catastrophic level, as well as impact the global economy.

So, next time, maybe study for the “open book test” rather than sourcing your information from word of mouth like, you know, Fox News.

Hang on to your butts, it’s gonna get rough for all of us.

P.S: If you voted for him, and your fee-fees are hurt by this article, don't you dare say one hateful thing in my blog or my Facebook page or you will be blocked.

[presidentlokis-hornyhelmet]

Cockroach!

Pavitr Prabhakar x f!reader

Summary: Reader is scared of roaches and accidentally finds one in the bathroom. Pavitr saves her + fluff <3 [used Google translate for Hindi words, sorry if it's wrong 😅] My boi has so less fics so i decided to do one myself '^_^ A/N: "N/n" means nickname

"Paviiiiiii beta!", Maya auntie calls from the kitchen. "Can you please get the door? I'm busy." 

"I got it, aunite!" 

Pavitr opens the door to none other than his best friend and partner-in-crime, Y/n. 

"Hey, N/n!", he pulls you into an embrace. You smile and return the sentiment, nuzzling his cheek before pulling away. 

You remove your shoes outside and step in, as is custom in India, greeted with a playful pinch to your cheek by Maya auntie herself. You giggle. She was like a mother to you and you loved her as such. 

"My beti, I haven't seen you in a week! How was your vacation?" 

"It wasn't great without you, auntie. We just got home and I came to see you right away!" 

"Suck up, suck up", mutters Pavitr in the background, gaining a playful slap to his head -courtesy of you. 

"Did you do your exams well? I didn't have a chance to ask you before you left." 

"I think I'll get an 'A', thanks to Pavitr's tutoring." 

You watch him perk up out of the corner of your eyes as your praise.

The boy in question puffs out his chest, showing off his biceps from where he's leaning on the kitchen door frame. "Have no fear, Pavitr is here!"

You cup your mouth, laughing at his antics as Maya auntie playfully shakes her head in exasperation. 

"Pavu can be like that sometimes", she chuckles, leaning into your ear in a stage whisper, "He missed you a lot, you know. Never shuts up about you. And, you know, beti, I keep asking him to already tell you but-" 

"AUNTIE!" 

You both blush as Pavitr hushes the old woman. She just winks at you. Of course, she knows. 

The awkwardness is too much and Pavitr takes your hand, leading you into his room. 

"Okay okay, enough talk, ladies. Y/n and I have some work to do -for a project!", he adds quickly when Maya auntie smirks at him. "I.. that-..auntie!" 

She just giggles and ruffles his hair before walking back to the kitchen, leaving you both standing awkwardly next to each other, flustered. 

Pavitr clears his throat. "She.. she was just kidding, I didn't-" 

"It's okay", you say shyly. 

You have feelings for him too but both of you are just too timid and would rather take it to your grave than admit it out loud. 

He falls onto his bed and crosses one leg over the other, resting his head on his elbows as you sit next to him. 

"So, what has my favourite person been upto in the meantime, leaving me all alone in this big, big city?" 

You playfully roll your eyes. Dramatic little shit. 

"You? Alone? Liar, the whole city is your friend." 

He pouts, trying to look offended, but gives in and laughs. 

You discuss about your project and he shows you some beta models of his brilliant ideas. You stare in awe at the young genius before you, playing with his "toys" as he explains them patiently. 

"Hey, can I use your bathroom for a sec?", you ask when he finishes. 

"Sure. Make yourself at home, N/n! I'll go sneak us some snacks", he winks, peeking from outside his door. 

You shake your head, smiling. It's not that Maya auntie would refuse you snacks, but Pavitr convinced you there was a thrill in food-stealing and you couldn't deny it. 

You shut the door, switch on the light and turn to the sink to wash your face when there it is -the thing that you most fear, the monster of your nightmares -a cockroach! 

You scream bloody murder and run out of the bathroom, colliding into a hard wall. You look up realising it's actually Pavitr. 

"You okay, N/n?" 

"R-roach! Roach!", you point at the bathroom door frantically. 

You stay in the corner as he goes in and stomps it dead, washing his hands before he comes to hug you. 

"Deep breaths, deep breaths.. now exhale.. that's it.." 

You cling onto him and follow his orders, grip loosing as your breathing slows down. His hand circle your waist, holding you firm and secure. You rest your head on his chest, calming down at the rhythmic beat of his heart. 

You only belatedly realize it: you're hugging him, your chests touching each other's. 

He seems to realizes it at the same time too, but instead of letting you go -like every other time- his hands tighten around your waist. 

Pavitr catches your eyes with his own mesmerizing brown eyes; yours unable to leave him, entranced by his orbs as he slowly, gently leans in. Without noticing, you lean in too. 

The gentle touch of soft lips spark fireworks in your body, your nerves tingling with the new feeling of his lips on yours. You could get used to this. 

You panick a little it registers what you're doing, but Pavitr chases your lips, pressing against them firmly and you instantly calm down. He cups your face, cradling your neck as he brings your lips closer. It's his way of reassuring that you have nothing to fear. 

"Hope I'm not interrupting anything." 

You guys jump back as if burned when the door suddenly flies open. Maya auntie is standing there with a guiless face and a bright smile. 

"I brought chai for you kids!", she says cheerfully and sets down the cups. "Did you hear that scream earlier? Where did it come from?" 

"It, uh, it was me, auntie", you say, quite embarresed, running a hand through your matted up hair. "There was a cockroach in the bathroom and I got scared." 

"Aww, poor child." 

Pavitr looks away, blush blooming on his cheeks yet not obvious due to his skin tone. He rocks on his heels, running a hand through his hair. You know he too can still feel your lips on his from the way his eyes never leave you. 

Maya auntie's eyes sparkle mischievously as she smiles and goes into the bathroom, finding the toy roach and throwing it into the trash can.

She smirks under her breath and washes her hands, sighing as she mutters in amusement. 

"Oh, the things an old lady gotta do.."

_________

Reblogs and comments feed my fic dragon <3

[whatdoseitmeantobehuman]

Caught in the tide

Harbor x female reader

Harbor thought he was being careful. After catching Mateo with his secret partner a few weeks ago, ( you can find that fanfic here) he'd been trying to maintain his professional demeanor at the facility. But today, knowing you were visiting the base for the first time since he'd joined Valorant, all his carefully constructed composure was crumbling.

"Varun?" Your voice was soft as you met him in what he thought was a secluded corner of the facility's meditation garden. The morning mist still clung to the air, reminding him of the early mornings back home in India, before all this - before Valorant, before the artifact, before his life had turned upside down. "My love," he whispered, pulling you close. "I've missed you terribly." Marriage during his Valorant service hadn't been easy. For security reasons, he'd kept his personal life separate from his work, meaning few of his colleagues knew about you.

The distance was hard - you still worked with the engineering firm in India where you'd first met him, before the incident that changed everything. Before he'd gained his powers and been recruited by Valorant. Your fingers traced the familiar glowing blue lines of his water-bending technology as he leaned down to kiss you. You'd been there when he'd first discovered these abilities, had helped him understand them before anyone else. The hydro gadgets hummed beneath your touch, as if remembering.

"I hate this," you murmured against his lips. "Seeing you once every few months... sometimes I wish I could just tell everyone I'm your wife and be done with it." Harbor chuckled. "Protocol exists for a reason, my dear. Though I must admit, sneaking around like this makes me feel young again." "Oh? Are you saying we're old?" you teased, pulling him down for another kiss. "AHAHAHA! CAUGHT YOU!" Harbor froze. That voice - young, triumphant, and unmistakably Mateo's - was the last thing he wanted to hear right now.

Spinning around, he found himself face-to-face with a grinning Gekko, Wingman bobbing excitedly beside him. The young initiator's green hair was practically bristling with delight. "Not so professional now, huh?" Mateo crossed his arms, looking entirely too pleased with himself. "What was it you said about 'no need for sneaking around'?" Harbor straightened his jacket, trying to maintain some dignity.

"This... this is different." "Oh yeah?" Mateo's grin widened. "How's that?" "Because," Harbor said firmly, "this is my wife." The silence that followed was deafening. "Your... wife?" Mateo's jaw dropped. "Wait, you're actually married? Like, for real?" "Seven years now," you said with a warm smile, showing him your wedding ring. "Since before all this Valorant business." "But... but why haven't we ever met you? Why all the sneaking around?" Mateo sputtered, while Wingman circled around you curiously.

"Security protocols," Harbor explained, his arm still around your waist. "Given my position and the sensitive nature of our work, we decided it was best to keep my personal life separate. Only Controller Command and a few others know." "That's... actually kind of romantic," Mateo said, his initial teasing giving way to genuine interest. "So you were together before the whole water-bending thing?" You laughed. "I was there when it happened. You should have seen his face when he first made a water wall - like a child with a new toy." "My love," Harbor protested, but he was smiling. "Some things perhaps shouldn't be shared with my colleagues."

"Oh no, please share more," Mateo grinned. "I need all the embarrassing pre-Valorant Harbor stories you've got." Wingman chirped in agreement, settling on your shoulder as if he'd known you forever. "Well," you began, eyes twinkling, "there was this one time during our honeymoon when he tried to-" "Perhaps," Harbor interrupted hastily, "we could save the stories for another time? When I'm not supposed to be maintaining some semblance of authority?" You and Mateo shared a knowing look that made Harbor slightly nervous.

"Fine, fine," Mateo conceded, backing away with his hands raised. "But this is so much better than catching you in some scandalous secret affair. Wait till everyone finds out our stern Controller is actually a big softie with a secret wife!" "Mateo..." Harbor warned, but the young agent was already bouncing away, Wingman reluctantly leaving your shoulder to follow. "Don't worry!" he called back. "I'll keep it quiet! Mostly!" As his laughter faded away, you turned to Harbor with an amused smile. "Well, that went better than expected." "Indeed," he sighed, pulling you close again. "Though I suspect my reputation for stoic professionalism may never recover." "Good," you said firmly.

"Maybe now you can stop pretending to be so serious all the time. I miss the Varun who used to make terrible water puns and dance with me in the rain." "He's still here," Harbor murmured, pressing his forehead to yours. "Just... under several layers of protocol and responsibility." "Well," you smiled, standing on tiptoes to kiss him properly, "we have three whole days before I have to return to India. Plenty of time to find him again." As you walked hand in hand toward his quarters, Harbor couldn't help but smile.

Perhaps it was time to let his colleagues see this side of him - the husband, the man behind the controller. After all, he thought, watching you chat excitedly about your latest engineering projects, some secrets were worth sharing. And if Mateo's discovery meant he could hold your hand openly in the facility corridors? Well, that was just fine with him.

[somethingboutafic]

To you I can admit, I'm just too soft for all of it by starryhaze (28,280) Rating: Not Rated Summary: “Harry?” Louis asks when he hears the frantic crying coming through the speaker. “H, darling what's wrong?”

Concerned, Louis puts on his shoes as he keeps hearing the sobs. It’s the middle of the night and the phone call has definitely pulled Louis out of his deep slumber, but Harry is crying, and Louis has to be with him.

“It’ll be okay, baby, I'm gonna come over, okay? You just- Haz you have to send me your address, yeah? Can you do that for me?” Louis asks, trying to remain as poised as possible as he presses his phone between his ear and shoulder so he can grab his jacket.

“No.” Harry cries out. “It's all wrong, Lou- It’s-” Another sob. “I hate it, Lou, I hate it so, so much, make it stop.”

the nesting shop au

leave it to the breeze by hattalove (81,459) Rating: Explicit Summary: a great british bake off au in which louis cares about winning and winning only, harry is made of sunshine and rainbow sprinkles, and niall sticks his nose into other people's business. also featuring liam as louis's best friend-slash-concerned mother, and zayn as a macaron connoisseur.

Hiding Green Smiles by HoldingOnToChaos (45,227) Rating: Explicit Summary: When Louis goes with Liam to a hidden sex shop, he discovers a new sex toy, the BiteMat, and he can't believe his luck. He loves being bitten, has a biting kink, even, and now he can be bitten over his bonding spot without the fear of anything permanent.

He hastily buys it to try with Harry, his friend and roommate, and his regular heat/rut partner for the last eighteen months. They've been friends-with-benefits outside heat or rut for eight months now, and Louis' been desperately in love with Harry for at least five of those months.

Or the BiteMat fic

sunshine, baby! by staybeautiful (106,528) Rating: Explicit Summary: Louis is in his first year of law school, Harry is a junior on the swim team dreaming of the Olympics, and they both agree that they don't have time for anything more than friends with benefits... right?

From This Moment On by therogueskimo (52,124) Rating: Not Rated Summary: Louis Tomlinson needs a tour photographer, and he thinks he's found the one in the mysterious H on Instagram.

Harry Styles swore he'd never do tour photography again - that is, until he did

no pressure, no diamonds ‘verse by karamelised (5 works; 71,463) Rating: ExplicitSummary: Louis is a thief, Harry a grifter.

I Figured It Out by therogueskimo (9,133) Ziam Rating: Not RatedSummary: The one where Liam and Zayn have their first kiss.

Just Breathe With Me by She_bear (90,410) Rating: ExplicitSummary: Louis and Harry meet at a yoga retreat in India, both struggling to reconcile ghosts of the past and uncertain about the future. Brought together by an irrepressible emotional and physical connection, they embark on a journey of self-discovery which will change their paths forever.

Maybe It's Heaven by therogueskimo (81,713) Rating: MatureSummary: When Harry Styles finds himself forced to go home for Christmas, the last thing he expects is to fall in love.

But then he meets Louis Tomlinson … again.

[newbusinessideas]

How to Start a Soft Toys Manufacturing Business

🧸 Dreaming of starting your own Soft Toys Manufacturing Business? Look no further! This post will guide you step by step. 🌟 Ready to turn your passion into profit? CLICK THE LINK 💼 Let's embark on this fluffy journey together! #softtoys #smallbusiness

Soft toys are such a toy that attract people of all ages, Whether it is children, young or teens Soft Toys are very popular among all. These toys are Usually made of cloth and acrylic fur in various shapes and colors. In addition, different types of animal shapes are very popular. Because, younger children always love Soft Toys, especially teddy bears. Also, Soft toys are very popular for gifting…

[aboutsolarenergy]

Thinking About Solar Distributorship? Here's Why You Should!

 Hey there! Have you noticed how solar energy is becoming the buzz everywhere? It’s clean, affordable, and the future of power! If you’ve been toying with the idea of starting a solar distributorship, you’re onto something exciting and totally rewarding.

Here’s the deal—solar distributorship is more than just a business venture. It’s your chance to bring sustainable energy to your community, help the planet, and make good money in the process. The renewable energy industry in India is growing rapidly, and solar solutions are at the heart of this incredible movement.

Imagine this—empowering homes, businesses, and schools with affordable, green energy while creating a brighter future. Sounds awesome, right? Trust us, the benefits are worth it!

Not sure where to start? Don’t sweat it! We’ve created a handy guide to walk you through everything you need to know about starting a solar distributorship in India. From the perks to the step-by-step process, we’ve got it covered.

👉 Check Out the Complete Guide Here!

[jordanianroyals]

Queen Rania’s Interview with Times of India

February 10, 2025

Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan emphasises the importance of women's leadership in business and governance, and calls for inclusive education systems. She also highlights the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and urges a sustainable solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

In an exclusive interview to TOI, Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan spoke on a range of issues. Excerpts: What are the biggest barriers to women's leadership in business and governance, and how can they be reimagined?

Women's rise into leadership roles has been slow, but significant. In 1960, there was only one female head of state - in 2023, 60 countries were headed by female leaders, as were just over 10% of Fortune 500 companies. Every success story provides more proof of women's unique leadership qualities, such as the tendency to listen before leaping into action, and to choose cooperation over competition. Ensuring women's pathways to leadership positions is smart business. As multiple studies have shown, companies with more women on their boards outperform those without. If economies want to attract and foster talented women, they need to provide stable, flexible, family-friendly workplaces.

How can education systems be reshaped to create a more inclusive future?

An inclusive future begins with inclusive education. Unfortunately, millions of children worldwide are robbed of their right to education due to conflicts, instability, and governments failing to make it a priority. All children deserve better. Education must also be constantly adapted to keep up with our fast-paced world. It's not just about improving standardized test scores; it is about fostering creative, driven youth. Through emerging technologies, including AI, and highly-skilled educators, we must continue to reinvent education from the ground up to prepare upcoming generations for any curveballs life throws their way.

What are your thoughts on the ceasefire currently taking effect in Gaza? Do you believe it is a hopeful sign of future peace?

The ceasefire has brought some relief. The bombs have stopped, and aid is coming in. However, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic: 90% of homes, 90% of schools, and nearly every hospital is in ruins. Recovery and reconstruction will be a long, arduous process, requiring enormous levels of global support. My country Jordan has been active on this front, coordinating aid via airbridge and truck convoys.

A ceasefire is just the beginning. The ongoing targeting and displacement of Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank is proof that we need a lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. We cannot go back to the days before this war. That status quo has been broken forever, and the future needs to include respect for international law, self-determination for the Palestinian people, and mutual security for all.

[mariacallous]

Colombia and the United States nearly went to war last weekend, but if you blinked, you might have missed it. Piqued by Colombia’s refusal to accept U.S. military flights bearing shackled detainees, U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday posted on social media a blistering broadside of threats, including 25 percent tariffs on all Colombian exports, later upped to 50 percent after another heated exchange with Colombian President Gustavo Petro. Tucked away at the very bottom of the list, however, was an item that deserves more attention than it received. Briefly, it reads “IEEPA [International Emergency Economic Powers Act] Treasury, Banking and Financial Sanctions to be fully imposed.”

The implications of these words are easily missed. Most attention focused on the tariffs on popular Colombian exports such as coffee and cut flowers, which are easy for the average person to understand. Additional threats to restrict (or revoke) visas for members of Colombia’s government, and to conduct rigorous entry shakedowns for visiting Colombian nationals, were measures that would usually be aimed at a long-standing adversary, such as China, over some deep-seated dispute—as opposed to an economic and military partner, such as Colombia, raising a limited objection.

But the proposed banking sanctions went a giant leap further, toying with what, in economic policy, has often been called the “nuclear option.”

The details were, of course, as vague as a hastily posted threat can be. But taken at face value, the language implied all-but-wartime steps to treat Colombia as an enemy state, possibly freezing its assets (including reserve holdings of U.S. Treasurys) and cut it off from the U.S. financial system and all dollar-denominated transactions.

These are the kinds of measures imposed on countries such as North Korea and Iran or fundraising networks for al Qaeda. Even after Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, U.S. officials hesitated to impose such draconian sanctions on Russia, worried they might be considered an act of war—though they ended up pulling the trigger.

One reason U.S. officials wavered, in the case of Russia, involved the potential disruptions such a drastic cutoff could create for U.S. banks and businesses. A more profound concern, however, relates to America’s role as a trusted custodian of the world’s largest financial markets and reserve currency.

The effectiveness of U.S. financial sanctions depends on the perception that they are outliers in an otherwise predictable, rules-based order. Most countries, and most investors, have to believe that it would never happen to them. Sanctions on North Korea? That could never be me. Iran? Same. China or Russia? Things get a little trickier if (like Saudi Arabia or India) you do a lot of trade or investment with them or don’t always see eye to eye with the United States. But Colombia? Canada? Denmark? That could be anyone, tomorrow, based on Trump’s latest whim.

There are compelling reasons why most countries hold U.S. dollar reserves. The United States has the world’s largest and most liquid financial markets, allowing them to put their money in and out of those markets easily. It still has the world’s largest economy, ensuring that someone will always demand dollars to pay for the goods and services it produces—which mean other markets, for global commodities, are denominated in dollars, too. The United States is assumed to be good for its debts, and in moments of economic uncertainty, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, scared investors tend to abandon other assets and rush into U.S. Treasurys as a safe refuge.

But what if that safe refuge turns into a knife at your throat? Previously, that threat was reserved for rogue states and as a punishment for extreme actions such as invasions of a sovereign neighbor. Now, it seems, it might be anybody, on any given day, who happens to run afoul of Trump. Dollar holders may begin to consider alternatives, even if they come with some cost and inconvenience. Like many cataclysmic changes, it might happen gradually—and then suddenly.

Now, to be fair, dollar hegemony is not an unalloyed boon for the U.S. economy: The desire of so many foreign countries to hold dollars as reserves plays a key role in driving chronic U.S. trade deficits. But the “rapid unscheduled disassembly” (to use the SpaceX euphemism for “explosion”) of the dollar wouldn’t be a good thing either. It would translate into financial pain and a dramatically lower standard of living for millions of Americans.

Either the dollar would fall, making everyday imports a lot more expensive, or the U.S. Federal Reserve would have to hike interest rates, pushing the economy into recession. A real dollar crisis would probably mean both.

The latest standoff appears to have ended as quickly as it escalated. Trump claims that Colombia backed down, though which country actually conceded what may not become clear until flights resume. In fact, both countries had a strong incentive to fudge their differences and “agree to disagree,” if only to step away from the brink.

But to the extent that Trump walks away the perceived victor, he will be strongly tempted to make such threats again. And similar disputes—with Denmark over Greenland, the European Union over social media regulation, and Canada over Trump’s bizarre insistence that it become the 51st U.S. state—lie just around the corner. If threats of “nuclear” banking sanctions become the president’s go-to ultimatum, with friend and foe alike, Washington will be playing a very dangerous game indeed.

[standphillindia]

How to Get BIS Certification for Toys?

A Complete Guide

If you're a toy manufacturer, importer, or seller in India, you’re required by law to obtain BIS Certification to ensure the safety, quality, and compliance of your products. Toys are an integral part of a child’s development, but they can pose serious risks if they are not made to meet specific safety standards. That’s why the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has made certification mandatory under Indian Standards IS 9873 (for non-electric toys) and IS 15644 (for electric toys).

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the BIS certification process for toys, why it’s mandatory, and how Standphill India, one of India’s leading BIS Certification Consultants, can simplify this journey for you.

What is BIS Certification?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is India’s national certification authority. It ensures that products like toys meet stringent safety, quality, and performance standards. BIS certification is not just about following regulations—it’s about protecting children from hazards such as toxic materials, choking risks, and electrical faults in toys.

For toys, BIS certification involves compliance with standards set under IS 9873 for non-electric toys and IS 15644 for electric toys. Once certified, the product can carry the BIS Standard Mark, which assures customers that it is safe and reliable.

Why is BIS Certification Mandatory for Toys?

Toys are primarily used by children, making safety a critical factor. The Indian government has made BIS certification mandatory for all toys sold in the country to ensure that they are safe for children and meet quality standards. Here’s why BIS certification is essential:

Safety Assurance: Ensures the toys are free from harmful materials like lead, phthalates, or sharp edges. It also ensures electrical toys are safe for use.

Legal Compliance: Selling uncertified toys can lead to heavy fines, bans, and legal consequences.

Consumer Trust: BIS certification builds confidence among parents and guardians, encouraging them to buy certified products.

Market Reach: Certification allows you to expand your business within India and explore international markets.

How to Get BIS Certification for Toys

The BIS certification process might appear complex, but with the help of expert BIS Certification Consultants, it can be made smooth and hassle-free. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Application Submission:

Submit your application with required documents such as product specifications, manufacturing licenses, and test reports.

Standphill India can guide you through preparing and filing the application accurately.

Product Testing:

Your toys will be tested in BIS-approved laboratories to ensure compliance with IS 9873 or IS 15644 standards.

The tests evaluate safety aspects, including material toxicity, mechanical hazards, and electrical safety.

Inspection:

BIS officials may visit your manufacturing facility to inspect processes, quality control systems, and adherence to standards.

Certification Grant:

After successful testing and inspection, the BIS certification is granted, allowing you to use the BIS Standard Mark on your products.

Renewal:

BIS certification is not a one-time process. It requires periodic renewal to ensure continuous compliance with safety standards.

Why Choose Standphill India?

Navigating the BIS certification process can be time-consuming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the requirements. This is where trusted BIS Certification Consultants like Standphill India can make all the difference.

Here’s why Standphill India is the right choice for your BIS certification needs:

Expert Guidance: With years of experience, Standphill India assists you in every step, from preparing documents to completing inspections.

Affordable Solutions: Known for offering the most competitive rates, we help you achieve compliance without exceeding your budget.

Hassle-Free Process: We handle all the paperwork, coordination with labs, and follow-ups with BIS officials, saving you time and effort.

Quick Approvals: Our streamlined approach minimizes delays, ensuring your toys are certified and ready for the market as quickly as possible.

How to Apply with Standphill India

Getting started with BIS certification has never been easier. Simply:

Visit Our Website: Standphill India

Call Us: 96676 74225

Email Us: info@standphillindia.in

DM Us: For quick assistance and inquiries.

Conclusion

BIS certification is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a commitment to delivering safe, high-quality toys that parents can trust. With the help of BIS Certification Consultants like Standphill India, you can navigate the process with ease, save costs, and ensure your products meet the highest standards.

Take the first step toward compliance today. Apply for BIS certification with Standphill India and grow your business while prioritizing the safety and satisfaction of your customers.

For any questions or assistance, feel free to reach out. Together, we’ll ensure your toys meet the mark of excellence!

By Standphill India !

[thetycoonstory]

Kunal Bahl - Co-founder of Snapdeal | New judge on Shark Tank India Season 4

Kunal Bahl is a Founder of Snapdeal and Titan Capital, which is very popular e-commerce platform for women, men and kids all things like clothes, toys, footwear, and many more.... He will come as a new judge, shark on the popular India's business reality show Shark Tank India.

Kunal Bahl was born on 1st January 1984 in New Delhi, India. Kunal Bahl is a Indian Entrepreneur also a investor & expert in technology. He is a founder of Snapdeal and Titan Capital. Also investing in various companies, as a profession he is a investor and entrepreneur. Also going to perform as shark, judge on the set of Shark Tank India.

[rygoespop]

Thomas and Friends: Legends of Sodor (Story 100): The Railway Tourists (80th Anniversary Special)

In honor of May 2025 marking 80 Years of The Railway Series and this being the 100th Story, I decided to make this a Double Special, so enjoy

Scene opens with Earth spinning around

Narrator: All around the world, there are Railways, and railways have engines all over the world

Scene shows 7 Countries with their respective engines, Sam and Vinnie (The US), Gator (Colombia), Axel (Belgium), Ivan (Russia), Ashima (India), Yong Bao (China), and Hiro (Japan)

Narrator: And every engine on the railway pull or push coaches and goods to their destinations

The world turns as it zooms in on The United Kingdom, more commonly known as The Mainland

Narrator: But the most important railway is British Railways on The Mainland, which runs from Victoria Station, to Vicarstown on The Island of Sodor

Scene shows Flying Scotsman racing down the line pulling 6 Red Express Coaches, puffing through the Canal

Flying Scotsman: *whistling and racing* Morning express coming through!

Beresford: Good mornin Scotsman!

Flying Scotsman puffs into Roosevelt as Samson was puffing down on the other line pulling a Flour Car, a car full of Milk Churns, a Coal Car, a car full of crates, and Bradford, on the bridge above, a group of people from across the globe were taking pictures and recording

Flying Scotsman: *sees the tourists* Hello there! *whistles*

Samson whistled back

American Tourist: Wow! I can’t believe that was the Flying Scotsman

Finnish Tourist: I know man, and soon, we got a next stop

American Tourist: On the Island of Sodor, that’s our next stop!

British Tourist: Come on lots, let’s catch the next passenger train!

Soon, the Tourists came down from the Bridge and onto the platform

American Tourist 2: Look! Someone is coming!

Mallard puffed into Roosevelt, pulling 4 Blue Express Coaches

Mallard: Hello there, are you going to Vicarstown?

Canadian Tourist: Of course! We have a plan to see around the Island of Sodor

Mallard: Well, get in the coaches please

The Tourists all got in Mallard’s Coaches

Mallard: *blew his whistle* Next stop, Vicarstown! *puffs off*

American Tourist 3: This is grand, we’re gonna see the Island of Sodor

American Tourist 4: I know, they got the four railways

British Tourist: The North Western Railway

American Tourist 2: The Skarloey Railway

Canadian Tourist: The Culdee Fell Railway

Finnish Tourist: And the Arlesdale Railway

American Tourist 5: How Joy!

Mallard: We have arrived at Vicarstown!

The tourists peeked out of windows and see the Vicarstown as it was busy, followed by cameos of Murdoch, Paxton, Connor, and Theo all hauling and shunting coaches and cars

American Tourist: This is gonna be the best day ever

Camera pans up to the sky

Title Card: The Railway Tourists

Scene cuts to Thomas puffing down on his Branchline pulling Annie and Clarabel

Narrator: Meanwhile, Thomas was out on his Branchline

Thomas arriving at Elsbridge

Thomas: Ah, nothing like a good passenger run to start the day

Emily: You said it *blew her whistle*

Thomas: Oh, morning Emily!

Emily: Morning Thomas! Have you heard?

Thomas: No what?

Emily: We are gonna get a visit from Tourists, they wanna see us

Thomas: Wooooow, that’s amazing! Are they visiting us now?

Emily: No Thomas, their first visit is the Arlesdale Railway

Thomas: Oh, ok then

Scene transitions to the Tourists arriving at Arlesburgh West

Narrator: Later that day, the Tourists made their visit to the Arlesdale Railway

American Tourist 6: Wooooow, look at this railway, it looks like a toy railway

Mike: Toy? *puffed in*

American Tourist 6: Oh, sorry I said that

Mike: Yeah, you better

Bert: *puffed in* Sorry about that, that’s Mike, he’s a rather grumpy one! You must be the tourists

Finnish Tourist: Indeed we are

Bert: Then welcome to the Arlesdale Railway, you met Mike, I’m Bert

Camera shows to Frank pushing Ballast up, as well as Jock pulling coaches and Rex pulling coal cars

Bert: That’s Frank, and Jock too, and Rex

Frank: Hello there

Rex: Well, we got quite some tourists visiting this Island

American Tourist: Indeed

Australian Tourist: Which one of you will give us a tour around this railway

Jock: I will!

Scene transitions to Jock, puffing down the line, pulling the coaches with Tourists all in

Narrator: Soon, Jock began to take the tourists around the Arlesdale Railway

Jock: Over here we have the Arlesdale Station

The Tourists were surprised as they took pictures

Jock puffed into Arlesburgh Harbor

Jock: And here we have Arlesburgh Harbor, a harbor that connects both the Arlesdale Railway and the North Western Railway

Frank oiled down the other line pulling Wool Cars, followed by cameos from Daisy and Neville carrying passengers and cars respectively

American Tourist: You can smell the sea air, its breath taking for the view

British Tourist: I know, it’s quite the view

Scene transitions to Jock arriving back at Arlesburgh West

Narrator: Later, Jock arrived back at Arlesburgh Junction

Jock: Thus concludes the tour around the Miniature Railway, now where do you plan on going to next?

American Tourist: Why we’re going to visit the Culdee Fell Railway next

Jock: Ok then, have a nice time over there

Oliver puffed in pulling Old Slow Coach and Toad

Oliver: I can get you there

Australian Tourist: Much obliged

Old Slow Coach: Oh this is fascinating, carrying tourists

Toad: Like a dream come true

The Tourists got in Old Slow Coach

Oliver: Next stop, Kirk Machan *blew his whistle and puffs off*

Scene transitions to Tidmouth Roundhouse Shed, the 12 Members of the Steam 14 (Edward, Henry, Gordon, James, Percy, Toby, Molly, Rosie, Stanley, Belle, Nia, and Rebecca) were getting the shed decorated

Narrator: Meanwhile at Tidmouth Roundhouse Shed, decorations were being put up

Belle: Oooh I’m so excited for the Tourists to see us!

Gordon: I know, they knew about my brother, but now it’s my turn!

Molly: Oh Gordon, don’t showboat

Toby: I wonder if they’ll appreciate a tram engine like me

Percy: I’m sure they will Toby

Stanley: I agree with Percy

Rosie: Same too

Henry: Although it’s gonna be one celebration to have tourists see us

Nia: I agree with Henry

Rebecca: Me too, it’ll be quite a party

Edward: Well, it’s only a matter of time until Thomas and Emily get here

James: Oooh yes

Scene transitions to Oliver arriving at Kirk Machan

Narrator: Meanwhile, Oliver brought the Tourists to Kirk Machan

American Tourist: Wooooow, look at that mountain

Culdee: *puffed backwards pulling Catherine* Hello Oliver! I see you brought me passengers

Oliver: Not just any ordinary passengers Culdee

Culdee: What do you mean?

Toad: They are Tourists from around the world Mr. Culdee

Culdee: Tourists?! Well I’ll be, get in please, and I’ll show you the mountain view

The Tourists all got in Catherine

Culdee: Thank you Oliver! *blew his whistle and puffs off as he pushes Catherine*

Oliver: Anytime Culdee!

Scene transitions to Culdee pushing Catherine up on the hills

Narrator: Soon, Culdee took the Tourists around the mountains

Culdee: Up there is the Summit, engines like us bring the hikers up for a view of the island

American Tourist: Ooooooh

Australian Tourist: What’s that down there?

Culdee: That, that track leads down to the passenger transfer on the Skarloey Railway

Finnish Tourist: Another Narrow Gauge Railway?

American Tourist: Sounds interesting

American Tourist 2: Lets go down there!

Culdee: If you insist *blew his whistle and puffs down*

Canadian Tourist: Oooooh, what’s that

Culdee: That, that’s the Lakeside Station on the Skarloey Railway, I heard stories about it, and one time, I was told that Peter Sam once left the Refreshment Lady behind

American Tourist 6: Was that true?

Culdee: Of course!

Scene transitions to Culdee arriving at the Passenger Transfer Shed

Narrator: Soon, Culdee brought the passengers down

Culdee: Here we are

British Tourist: I wonder who-

A whistle was heard

Duke: I’ll take it from here!

Duke puffed backwards with 2 Blue Narrow Gauge Coaches and a Green Narrow Gauge Coach

Finnish Tourist: Is that?

Australian Tourist: It is! It’s Duke! The legend, the Myth!

Duke: The myth? *chuckles* Oh you youngins never cease to make me laugh

British Tourist: Indeed

Duke blew his whistle and puffs off down the hill

Culdee: Goodbye Duke

Scene transitions to Duke puffing down the line with the tourists

Narrator: Soon, Duke began to show the tourists around the Skarloey Railway

Duke: First up is Rheneas Station

American Tourist; Rheneas Station?

Duke: Yes, named after one of the engines on this railway

Finnish Tourist: Oooooh, interesting!

Duke puffed into Rheneas Station

Duke: And here’s the station

Luke blew his whistle as he puffed in with Empty Slate Cars

Luke: Hello Duke! What are ya doing?

Duke: Greetings Luke, I’m showing these Railway Tourists around our Railway

Canadian Tourist: Look, it’s the engine who saved Thomas!

The Tourists took pictures on Luke

Luke: Oh thank ya kindly, if it weren’t for Thomas, then I would stay hidden forever!

Duke: Indeed! Well, time to get going, goodbye young Luke *blew his whistle and puffs off*

Luke: Goodbye Duke!

Scene transitions to Duke coming across a level crossing, the same one Sir Handel met George

Narrator: Soon, Duke came across a Level Crossing

Duke comes to a stop

American Tourist 4: Hey! Why are we stopping?

Duke: There’s a level crossing, so we got to let someone go through

Soon, Caroline rolled down the road

Caroline: Hello Duke

Duke: Hello Caroline

Caroline: Carrying tourists I see

Duke: Yes, and these tourists are from around the world

Caroline: Around the world you say, fascinating!

Finnish Tourist: Indeed it’s fascinating

Caroline: Well, better get going, goodbye Duke! *rolled away*

Duke: Farewell Caroline!

The Tourists took pictures of Kirk Ronan Station as it’s in the distance

Duke: Now then, onto Crovan’s Gate! *blew his whistle and puffs off*

Scene transitions to Thomas and Emily at Crovan’s Gate, they were waiting

Narrator: Meanwhile at Crovan’s Gate, Thomas and Emily were waiting for Duke

Thomas: Where is Duke?

Annie: He must not be late

Clarabel: As we got to take these tourists

Emily: Oh he’ll be here!

Soon, Duke blew his whistle as he arrived

Duke: Don’t worry you youngins, I’m here!

Thomas: There you are Duke, I was worried we would be delayed

Emily: Now the tourists are happy to see us

The Tourists got out and see Thomas and Emily

American Tourist: I don’t believe it, it’s them, it’s really them

Finnish Tourist: Oh this is perfect

Emily: Are you coming in?

British Tourist 2: Oh, right!

Soon, the tourists got in Annie and Clarabel, as well as Emily’s Coaches

Thomas: Ready Emily?

Emily: Ready Thomas!

Thomas and Emily blew their whistles and puff off

American Tourist: I can’t believe we got the king and queen of the Ffarquhar Branchline to take us

Finnish Tourist: I know right, it’s amazing!

Thomas: First stop, Ulfstead Castle!

Scene transitions to Thomas and Emily arriving at Ulfstead Castle

Narrator: Soon, Thomas and Emily arrive at Ulfstead Castle

Thomas: This, is Ulfstead Castle, a landmark on Sodor

The Tourists were amazed as they take pictures

American Tourist 5: This is amazing

Glynn: Indeed my young friends

Glynn and Stephen puff in

Thomas: Oh, Stephen! Glynn!

Glynn: Hello Thomas, what brings you and Emily here?

Emily: We are showing tourists around the railway

Stephen: And landmarks like Ulfstead Castle?

British Tourist 3: Whoa! It’s Stephenson’s Rocket! He does exist!

Stephen: Oh please, do call me Stephen!

American Tourist 4: By your request

Glynn: I never thought Tourists would visit the Island

Thomas: Well, there’s a surprise for them at Tidmouth

Glynn: Ooooh

Stephen: Sounds interesting

Finnish Tourist: *walks up to Glynn* So, your the old Coffeepot Engine who once ran on Thomas’s Branchline

Glynn: Indeed I am

Stephen: As long you didn’t get cream and sugar in your boiler *chuckled*

Glynn: You are funny Stephen

Thomas: *Chuckled* I guess that’s a coffee too sweet

Glynn: Real funny my predecessor!

Emily: *giggled* So, should we get onto Tidmouth?

Thomas: Your right Emily! We should get going

The Tourists got back in Annie and Clarabel and Emily’s coaches

Thomas: It was fun seeing you again, bye Glynn!

Emily: Bye Stephen!

Both Thomas and Emily puff backwards

Glynn: Goodbye Thomas and Emily!

Stephen: See you soon

Scene transitions to Thomas and Emily puffing down the line on separate tracks to Tidmouth

Narrator: Soon, Thomas and Emily were on their way to Tidmouth with the Tourists

Thomas: I can’t wait to show the tourists to everyone

Emily: I know Thomas

Scene transitions to Thomas and Emily arriving at Tidmouth Roundhouse Shed

Narrator: At last, they arrived at the shed

Thomas: And here, is Tidmouth Roundhouse Shed, home to 12 members of the Steam 14

American Tourist: Wooooooow

Emily: Now let’s show them everyone inside

Thomas’s Driver and Emily’s driver open the door, showing the other engines

Gordon: Well, they’re here!

James: Helloooooo Tourists!

American Tourist 7: Look, it’s really them

Canadian Tourist; This, is an amazing visit we get to have

Australian Tourist: You got that right

Finnish Tourist; Best, day, ever!

Soon, the tourists all got to meet all of the members of the 14, taking pictures with them

Narrator: Soon, everyone was delighted to see all the members of the Steam 14, they were taking pictures, evenly meeting Sir Topham Hatt for the first time l

STH: I’m sure you all have a splendid time visiting my railway, as well as the other railways

???: Oh, except one they haven’t visited yet

Thomas: Who said- Wait, I know that voice!

A golden glow appears on the Turntable, revealing the voice to be Lady

Lady: Hello Thomas

Thomas: Lady! I knew you came to see all of us!

Gordon: *sees Lady* So the magic engine, does exist!

Lady: Of course I do Gordon

Belle: It’s nice to meet you Lady!

Lady: I know Belle

Thomas: What brings you here from the Spirit Realm?

Lady: I’m here to say this to you Thomas, you are, a Really Useful Engine

Thomas: Oh, thank you Lady!

Scene cuts to a montage of Thomas and all of his friends working together on the Island of Sodor, evenly engines on The Mainland and Around the World, while the Thomas Anthem by Headmaster Hastings play, as the story ending with Thomas puffing into Ffarquhar Station like he did in the original intro, as the scene freeze frames and fades to black

HAPPY 80 YEARS TO THE RAILWAY SERIES!

I hope you all enjoyed this 80th Anniversary Special/100th Story, stay tune for the next story

[thelibraryghost]

An Overview of Life in Tudor England

The 1500s in England saw Henry Tudor die; his second son take the throne as Henry VIII; and his daughter Margaret Tudor wed to James IV of Scotland. Catherine of Aragon, a Spanish princess, married Arthur, Prince of Wales; upon his death, she married then-prince Henry and bore his first daughter, Mary Tudor. After Henry VIII established the Anglican Church and annulled his marriage to Catherine, he married Anne Boleyn, who bore the future Elizabeth I before being executed in 1536. Henry would go on to have four more marriages, only one of which produced a son: Edward.

More information below the cut and here.

General information     Banijay History. "Norwich: Wool Trade and Revolution - Britain's Most Historic Towns." YouTube. Posted October 11, 2024.     BBC Select. "Catherine of Aragon's 7-Year Wait To Marry Henry VIII | The Six Queens of Henry VIII | BBC Select." YouTube. Posted January 12, 2022.     History Hit. "Ray Mears discovers 400-Year-Old perfectly preserved Warbows Salvaged From a Sunken Tudor Warships." YouTube. Posted December 5, 2022.     Oxford University Department for Continuing Education. "Enter a rabble of plebeians! Social disorder in Shakespeare's England." YouTube. Posted September 28, 2015.     Ridgway, Claire. "Henry VIII’s ONLY Acknowledged Illegitimate Son - The Rise of Henry Fitzroy." YouTube. Posted September 12, 2024.     YaleCourses. "2. 'The Tree of Commonwealth': The Social Order in the Sixteenth Century." YouTube. Posted March 9, 2011.

Arts and architecture     Historic Royal Palaces. "Conservation of a Tudor ceiling at Hampton Court." YouTube. Posted March 10, 2020.     Historic Royal Palaces. "Henry VIII's Astronomical Clock at Hampton Court Palace." YouTube. Posted September 23, 2011.     Historic Royal Palaces. "The lost Tudor wall of Henry VIII's Hampton Court Palace." YouTube. Posted March 21, 2019.     Marchant, Katrina. "Hans Holbein's Portrait Drawings: A View of the Tudor Court." YouTube. Posted May 8, 2020.

Economy and trade     Marchant, Katrina. "Dr Kat and 'The Great Debasement'." YouTube. Posted December 13, 2019.     Marchant, Katrina. "Foundations of Empire: The Origins of the East India Company." YouTube. Posted November 19, 2021.     Marchant, Katrina. "Masters of 'Mystery': Apprentices in History." YouTube. Posted February 24, 2023.     Teysko, Heather. "Renaissance English History Podcast Episode 156: Medieval and Tudor Wool Trade." YouTube. Posted March 19, 2021.     The Exploress Podcast. "A Lady's Life in Tudor England, Chapter VIII: Women of Business." YouTube. Posted October 4, 2021.

Food and drink     History Hit. "We Cooked an Authentic Tudor Feast!" YouTube. Posted December 21, 2022.     Historic Royal Palaces. "Henry VIII's Kitchens at Hampton Court Palace." YouTube. Posted March 23, 2009.     Historic Royal Palaces. "King's Confectionary." YouTube. Posted June 24, 2009.     Historic Royal Palaces. "Lighting a Tudor fire without matches!" YouTube. Posted June 24, 2009.     Historic Royal Palaces. "Show and tell with spices." YouTube. Posted June 24, 2009.     Historic Royal Palaces. "Tudor Christmas Cookalong: Sauge." YouTube. Posted December 15, 2016.     Historic Royal Palaces. "Turning the spit." YouTube. Posted June 24, 2009.     Historic Royal Palaces. "What the cooks wore and why." YouTube. Posted June 24, 2009.     The Landmark Trust. "The Tudor Christmas kitchen." YouTube. Posted December 4, 2020.

Games and entertainment     History Hit. "The History Of 'Real Tennis' At Henry VIII's Royal Court | Tudor Tennis Challenge." YouTube. Posted April 6, 2022.     Marchant, Katrina. "Renaissance Prince: Henry VIII and His Music." YouTube. Posted January 4, 2025.     Marchant, Katrina. "Richard Burbage: Shakespeare's Star?" YouTube. Posted August 19, 2022.     Moriarty, Colm. "A hoard of 16th and 17th century children’s toys." Irish Archaeology. Posted February 16, 2013.     Pittaway, Ian. "Greensleeves: Mythology, History and Music. Part 2 of 3: History." Early Music Muse. Posted .     The National Archives UK. "Filling in the Blankes: The Life of a Black Tudor." YouTube. Posted April 25, 2023.

Health and medicine     Historic Royal Palaces. "Henry VIII: medicine in Tudor England." YouTube. Posted May 22, 2009.     Marchant, Katrina. "Dr Kat and Our Filthy Ancestors?" YouTube. Posted March 20, 2020.     Marchant, Katrina. "French Pox, Bloody Flux and Other Historical Illnesses." YouTube. Posted February 23, 2024.     Marchant, Katrina. "Pregnancy in the Past: 'The Birth of Mankind'." YouTube. Posted September 6, 2024.

Literature and education     FolgerLibrary. "Inside the Collection: A best-selling book and a 16th-century woodblock." YouTube. Posted April 18, 2018.     History West Midlands. "The Chained Library." YouTube. Posted September 9, 2019.     Marchant, Katrina. "What Was Literacy?: Perceptions of Intellect in History." YouTube. Posted December 10, 2021. Travel and transportation     AFP News Agency. "Treasures from England's Mary Rose ship resurface." YouTube. Posted May 30, 2013.     Historic Royal Palaces. "Meet the Shire horses of Hampton Court Palace." YouTube. Posted October 23, 2019.     Marchant, Katrina. "Dr Kat and the Spanish Armada." YouTube. Posted August 23, 2019.