#wafer cleaning process

[chaifootsteps]

also even if tarantulas WERE as intensive as keeping tropical fish, they'd still be an affordable pet.

I own a 190L tank and it costs maybe 10 bucks a month to run if I convert it to US dollars. Buy the additives in bulk, and established tanks don't need constant microbial balancing which tends to be the expensive bit.

Obvs I have to also factor in fish food on top of that but I keep only herbivorous or omnivorous species which happily eat algae wafers and slightly more meaty cory wafers, I have an established worm population in the detritus that supplements the omnivores food, etc. etc.

Fish themselves can be expensive but most small species live for at least 2-5 years, and big species can be up to 30 years, so if you're constantly having to restock, you're the problem.

My cat costs me 10x as much.

Also once you get the cleaning process down to a science it takes maybe 1-2 hours per week max. Not a big deal

I always love hearing about fish keeping. Love fish and their tanks, but the whole thing intimidates me and I'm terrible at it, so it's fun to live vicariously through you guys.

Tarantulas are so non-labor intensive it's almost perverse. They don't like to be handled and they don't like to be bothered, so we're talking "spot clean as needed, deep clean once every two years, maybe."

[simply-ivanka]

Biden Still Hasn’t Learned

The administration launches one last frenzy of spending and regulating.

How much damage can a president do in two months? America may be about to find out as the man considered mentally unfit to be prosecuted or run for re-election embarks on a mad dash to advance a failed agenda.

Fatima Hussein, Matthew Daly and Collin Binkley reported on Friday for the Associated Press:

Biden administration officials are working against the clock doling out billions in grants and taking other steps to try to preserve at least some of the outgoing president’s legacy before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January.

But voters just said that they don’t want this legacy preserved, especially when it comes to the Biden spending and regulating that did so much to fuel inflation. The AP notes:

Biden administration officials hope that projects funded under the $1 trillion infrastructure law and $375 billion climate law will endure beyond Biden’s term and are working to ensure that money from the landmark measures continues to flow…

The Energy Department, meanwhile, announced a $544 million loan to a Michigan company to expand manufacturing of high-quality silicon carbide wafers for electric vehicles. The loan is one of 28 deals totaling $37 billion granted under a clean-energy loan program that was revived and expanded under Biden.

“There is a new urgency to get it all done. We’re seeing explosions of money going out the door,” said Melinda Pierce, legislative director of the Sierra Club. Biden and his allies ”really want to finish the job they started.”

Has the White House already forgotten that Michigan voters—many of them dissatisfied with the administration’s mania for electric vehicles—voted just two weeks ago against climate-related explosions of taxpayer funds? Now Team Biden has a “new urgency” to do what voters don’t want. Apparently there’s also a new urgency to try to do what the people’s representatives in Congress don’t want and have refused to do. The AP reporters note:

The Education Department has been hurrying to finalize a new federal rule that would cancel student loans for people who face financial hardship. The proposal — one of Biden’s only student loan plans that hasn’t been halted by federal courts — is in a public comment period scheduled to end Dec. 2.

After that, the department would have a narrow window to finalize the rule and begin carrying it out, a process that usually takes months. Like Biden’s other efforts, it would almost certainly face a legal challenge.

Of course it would, because he’s trying once again to make significant changes to this program without a vote in Congress.

Besides the spending surge, the other great inflation fuel of the Biden era has been his regulatory surge. Federal red tape contributes to inflation by making it more difficult and more costly to produce goods, thus making goods more rare and more expensive. Ryan Young of the Competitive Enterprise Institute writes today on the latest productivity-killing emissions from federal agencies, as measured in pages of federal rules and proposed rules:

The 2024 Federal Register topped 90,000 pages and is now the second-longest ever, dating back to 1936, with more than a month still to go.

The last month of this year is shaping up to be one big crude gesture directed at consumers. Mr. Young writes that the 2024 Federal Register is on pace for 102,426 pages, which seems to put Mr. Biden in the running to be the all-time champion of such noxious federal paperwork emissions. Mr. Young adds:

The all-time record adjusted page count (subtracting skips, jumps, and blank pages) is 96,994, set in 2016.

Some said that President Barack Obama’s regulatory pace could never be equalled. But look at Mr. Biden go!

Wouldn’t it be nice if the people who are still running our government at least pretended to be listening to voters?

[imagines-by-cleo]

The Image Of Eve

John Ward x Fem!Reader

Part 2 of the Absolution series - part 1

Masturbation, more catholic guilt, hierophilia, dirty talk, semi public, fingering, thigh fucking, religious themes (obvi), handjobs

Happy Halloween friends! I hope you're out trick or treating, or partying, or something besides reading fanfiction, but if that's all you're doing don't worry because this is the longest fic I have ever written and you'll have plenty of John smut to keep you busy.

Anyway, hope you enjoy! ♡♡♡

A sharp gasp echos through the small tiled bathroom, John clamps his hand over his mouth and prays that no one outside had heard. He listens to the other side of the door for a minute, trying to keep quiet as the sound of the pipe organ reverberates through the halls from the sanctuary. The noises he tries to hide are not nearly as holy as the music playing.

He learned the hard way that it was better to do this before he had to put on his robes, the knowledge another source of shame in the sinful act that was slowly becoming routine. His hand moves with purpose, it's hardly for his own pleasure and more to clear his mind before mass. Though it is impossible to deny the pleasure he's getting out of it as he moans helplessly into his palm.

He can feel how hot his face is against his hand, he shuts his eyes so he doesn't have to see this shameful act reflected in the mirror. Stealing away to the bathroom to touch himself like some teenage boy who could hardly help it, and on a Sunday too. Unable to put away the thoughts that plagued him for even a few hours, John grits his teeth as he tries to hurry this shameful process along.

Of course in a few minutes you would be there sitting in the pews, he would try to look away and not lock eyes from the altar but then the memories would chase him down. The sound of your voice, echos of you calling out to him ringing in his head like you were still moaning in his ear.

A knock comes from the other side of the door that makes John's heart stop.

"Just a minute!" He answers, his voice slightly cracking.

John groans in frustration as he grips his cock tighter and moves his hand faster, trying to get this sin over with only so his temptation wouldn't show through his robes. A terrible chill runs through his body, as he tries to justify his actions. There is no reason other than his weakness and his attempts to hide it.

He bites down on his fingers as his indulgence reaches it's peak, nearly drawing blood trying to muffle the pathetic whimpers and gasps of a man defeated by his own lust. Every breath that leaves his chest is labored, his body forgets everything and for a fleeting moment so does he.

The silence in his mind that follows is almost as blissful as the release.

When he has to wash the evidence off his hands and down the sink John doesn't even look, cleaning every trace like a well experienced blind man in his refusal to address how he just defiled himself. The only acknowledgement is a soft groan he lets out unintentionally as he stuffs his cock back into his pants while he's still sensitive and slightly hard, quickly pulling up his zipper and buttoning his cassock over his shame.

In the brief glimpse of himself that he accidentally catches in the mirror he sees the dark circles that have formed under his eyes for over the past week, he says a silent prayer that no one else will notice them before he steps out. John does his best to keep up appearances, he smiles, greets people, has conversations, beneath the surface however something has been drained from him and he can feel that weakness in his spirit as mass begins.

Not knowing the worst had yet to come until he takes the eucharist, his heart raced as he expected it to burn in his hands, his fingers tremble holding the thin wafer as he waited for some divine retribution. He waits for it, shaking with guilt from his knees to his shoulders then he considers this might simply be the punishment, the damnable waiting that makes him see the masochistic logic of flagellants who would simply get it over with.

It's difficult to swallow communion, his jaw clenches he considers spitting it out until he looks out at the rows of people in the pews he would have to explain that action to.

Every word from his mouth is nothing short of unconvincing this morning, though the stares of bordem from his pulpit broken by the occasional glace at a watch told him there would be no consequence to a stilted and awkward sermon. Only one pair of eyes stays focused intently on him hanging on to every word, though he deliberately avoids them from the altar he knew all to well how those wide eyes study him. At the end of mass he quickly finds something other to do than socialize with the congregation, all so he doesn't have to meet those eyes again.

When the sanctuary is finally emptied and he is finished lingering around the church evading the consequences of his decisions he takes advantage of this solitude and kneels at the altar, seeking forgiveness he does not deserve and strength he cannot find in his own spirit along with peace he desperately needs. The now familiar wirlwind of guilt chasing temptation spins faster and faster until John is sure it will blow him away, only now frustration is added to the mix. He wonders if this was how it started for you, he thinks of you, he prays, he inhales deeply, he smells your perfume.

Once again the scent of your perfume wafts through the melting wax and burning incense, curling through every other aroma like a viper poised to choke the life out of him and if he did not stomp that serpent out it surely would. When John is sure the source of the smell isn't from his memories he holds his breath trying not to inhale it again. His eyes are squeezed shut, his lips are still and not even uttering prayers anymore, every muscle in his body is stiff as he remains knelt at the altar trying to avoid what is coming for a moment longer.

It's the sound of footsteps gently approaching behind him, taking great care not to disturb him with no idea of how they already had. He rises, turns and walks toward you. While he is not surprised to see that it's you, you're startled by how quickly he's closing the distance between the both of you and even more so when he takes you firmly by the arm and drags you out of the sanctuary.

"Father, what are you doing?" You ask all too innocently, simply allowing yourself to be lead astray.

"Shut up! Just shut up!" He growls low enough to threaten and quiet enough to be inconspicuous.

At first John isn't sure where exactly to take you, his feet practically lead him stomping into the chapel where this debauchery began all on their own. As he slams you against the cold stone wall you look up at him wide eyed, spooked but perfectly and deceptively trusting in a way that made his frustration boil over.

"You think I don't know what you're doing?" The accusation comes out of his mouth before he can even think, his harsh tone makes you tense in his grasp.

"What are you talking about?" You gasp with corncern for him as if he was the one in the wrong.

"The confessions, the phone calls, the notes, everything, it all ends now." There's venom in every word he spits out, his anger only reigned by his hushed tone. "If you don't stop this little game you're playing you'll damn us both straight to hell."

"Father, you're scaring me." You reply all too ignorant of what he's been grappling with.

"You should be scared! Do you even realize what you've done? To me? To yourself?" His grip on your shoulders tightens as he lists his accusations, shaking you with every charge to force you to realize the severity of these sins. "First you desecrate this house of God with your sinful thoughts, then you defile the rite of confession and use it for your own pleasure, now you've set out to corrupt me."

It's a strangers voice ringing through the cold air of the chapel, a totally different person trying to put the fear of the divine into you.

You look up at him with wide wet eyes, your bottom lip quivering slightly so that he can hardly stop staring at your mouth. "I didn't mean-"

"Oh, you didn't mean to? I suppose you accidentally touched yourself while talking to me and you accidentally moaned and begged over the phone, oh have mercy." John rolls his eyes, completely indignant as he taunts you.

The tears start to flow down your cheeks, even that seems so graceful and pure that there's no denying the sincerity of your words as you sob. "I'm sorry, Father..."

"Don't... don't say that..." His breath is heavy as he watches you begin to cry, trying to hold to the belief that this was all some grand scheme.

"I really did mean to confess at first, I just got carried away, I should have controlled myself and-" You ramble on a list of uncontested sins, each one of them John is also guilty of but not so willing to bear the burden of.

These words make his stomach turn as his hastily constructed plan to shift all of the blame onto you comes crumbling down in the face of your willingness to accept his sentencing. It was his weakness that lead you both here, not yours, and it's his weakness that will drag you both deeper into this sin again and again.

John cups your cheek and brushes a tear away, looking at it with guilt before he whispers a short prayer for forgiveness and presses his lips to yours.

At first you're stunned at the action, frozen for a moment until you gingerly place a hand on his chest ready to push him away; but you never do. You relax more as he runs his fingers through your hair and moves his kisses to your tear stained cheeks, the bitter taste of salt on his lips serving as an insufficient act of penance for ever making you cry.

"Mmm Father..." You mumble urgently against his lips.

"I know, I know." John whispers softly against your lips, soothing until your breath stops rattling. "I'm scared too."

Both your hearts beat loud enough he can practically feel yours in his own chest as your bodies press together, the feeling of being so close and drinking in the same fears and the same desires intoxicates him. The taste of you is so new and yet it feels like home, his hands had never roamed another persons body like this and yet every curve was so familiar. He pulls you tighter against his chest, remembering how Eve came from Adams rib, and trying to force your two bodies back to the one they used to be.

"Tell me to stop." He demands between kisses. "If I won't listen to God, maybe I'll listen to you."

"We shouldn't..." You tell him. "This is wrong. We'll get caught."

Never the word "stop".

With a soft squeeze of tender flesh he hears your breath hitch, a small barely noticeable sound that instills a need to prompt another reaction. When you graciously tilt your head to make way he moves his kisses from your lips, across your jaw, behind your ear then down your neck until he finds a spot that makes you twitch. Before he can stop himself, his hands begin their own wandering and explore under your skirt to find what had become so well acquainted with in this imagination that he didn't think about the gravity of crossing that line for the first time in reality.

Discovering a warm wet spot on the front of your panties John lets out a shuddering breath, adding the sin of pride to his vices as he relishes the fact that you got so wet for him in so little time, or maybe you had been thinking of him all day. Before he can control it his lips curl into a wide smile when his fingertips slide across the soaked patch, eliciting the perfect response of a soft gasp passing your lips.

"This is what you were thinking of? What started all of this?" He questions in a slightly accusatory tone, his frustration with himself searching for an outlet in you. "Am I touching you just like you wanted me to?"

With no immediate response he pulls back and looks into your eyes that can't quite meet his, with a blush on your cheeks you try to avoid his question.

"Don't make me say it." You resist with your gaze darting around the room like every brick in the walls could be listening, judging. "Not here."

"Make it a matter of confession then." John implores as he puts his other hand on your face, running his thumb over your bottom lip. "Tell me all those sweet sins."

"I shouldn't want this." You breathe out as your lips tremble under his touch and you roll your hips into the caress of his hand. "I never should have said anything, now I... I can't even say no."

"You do want this." He says it like a guilty verdict before pressing his lips to yours, pulling your skirt up higher and your panties to the side so he can touch you freely.

When his fingers make contact you gasp and tug his hair just a little. "Ah! Father..."

"I want this too." He makes a confession of his own as he grinds his growing bulge against your thigh and feels you shake in his arms. "You see what you do to me? Day after day, you're driving me insane, driving me to sin."

As he glides his fingers through your slick folds he revels in the way your body bends to him, every protest dissolves as you lean back against the wall and give in to the sensation.

"I can't do anything without thinking of you. If I'm not indulging my temptations I'm living in constant fear of this very moment when I can't be stong enough to resist." He sighs into your neck, every word warm and heavy. "I don't want to fight this anymore..."

"Keep going, I want..." The hesitation to admit it openly is present in your voice catching just before you whisper. "I want more."

"Mmm you're as greedy as I am." He teases with as he continues to play with you at his own agonizingly slow pace until your nails are scratching at the stone wall. "Tell me what you really want.

"I- I want you to touch me..." You admit a little more boldly.

"Almost." John replies as he traces circles around your entrance.

"I want your fingers inside me." You answer while rocking your hips against his hand, the words you had told him so boldy before are a challenge to speak aloud now. "Father, please."

The first finger slides easily inside of you, he takes a minute to savor the surrounding tightness that his cock is jealous of, the wetness now dripping down to the floor, then he adds another.

"That's it, that's what you wanted, isn't it?" He breathes out as he takes note of your every reaction to his touch. "You look so beautiful like this, just like I knew you would be."

"If you keep talking like that I'm gonna..." You whimper as your legs tremble while you clench even tighter around his fingers.

"Already?" He questions as he pumps his fingers in deeper.

"Please, don't stop." You gasp as you buck into his touch, practically riding his hand as you chase your pleasure. "Father!"

His eyes are glued to where his fingers disappear inside you, the warm wetness gushing out provocatively and making a mess on the floor is a sight he had only seen in his wet dreams. "We're so filthy, aren't we?"

John can feel his cock twitching under his cassock, aching to be in the griping heat that his fingers are hungrily diving into. With his free hand he fumbles with the buttons that will release him soon enough. He wants to take the whole garment off and throw it away, he would do it just to damn himself like this with you. When the front is open and his arousal is only barely hidden by his pants before he struggles with them too.

"Do you see what you do to me?" He groans while tearing his erection out of his pants, his breath hitching as he takes it in his hand. "This happens every day, every night, you're taking over my life, my mind my soul."

A look of guilt crosses your blushing face as you turn away, your conscience visibly at war with the feelings in your body. "I can't fight it anymore, you know I can't, Father."

John's heart clenches as you admit your temptations, when you turn back to him the look in your eyes causes a shiver to run up his spine. Shaking with the need to act on the desires coursing through his body, held back only by the fear of taking the next step, in an impulse he turns you roughly around.

The sight of your body pressed up against the wall with your skirt lifted and your panties pooling at your ankles is enough to make his cock twitch in his grasp. Seeing you perfectly presented and ready to take him in is both inticing and daunting, the way the slickness covering your plush thighs is practically calling him as it catches the light when he lifts your skirt a little higher.

His blood runs cold under his burning skin, shivering when his cock makes contact with your warm dampened flesh, he grips your hips tightly to desperately try to anchor himself to this reality. The weight of it all nearly makes him faint and he leans closer to you for support while he wrestles with that final decision.

"I cant do it. Not here." John admits defeat in a shuddering breath, unsure if it's his strength or his weakness that sways him. "But I can't stop either."

In a sweet, sweet compromise he pushes his cock between your wet thighs and lets out a strangled groan as he slides into the perfect loophole that he's found.

"What are you..? Oh..." You gasp in surprise as you realize, your body relaxing against his while you come to the same conclusion he has.

"So soft..." He whispers against your neck with a devious smile, believing he's found the perfect way to circumvent his vows "I thought about this before but I never imagined it would feel this good.

John wraps his arms firmly around you, tangling your bodies together in the hope that they would never be seperated. He savors every roll of his hips like every plunge between your thighs would be the last, trying to prolong the feeling that he may never indulge in again. The warmth of your skin consumes him like hellfire, smouldering together until there's nothing left of his restraint.

Another short gasp escapes your lips, calling his attention to where your hand was reaching under your skirt. He watches for a moment while you touch yourself with well practiced precision, witnessing the image that his fantisies had paintned over and over, hardly believing that it was now performed before him.

When he's satisfied with watching he swats your hand away, replacing it with his own. Both of you let out a sigh of pure ecstasy when his fingers once again make contact with your hot wet folds, searching until he finds the little nub that makes you twitch.

With his other hand he covers your mouth, afraid of the noises you'll make if he pushes you too far. Unable to resist the opportunity now presented he slides his fingers past your lips, and lets out a sigh as he explores this undiscovered part of you.

"More, please, rub it just a little faster." You breathlessly mumble with your mouth stuffed, he follows your command until you start to twitch and squeeze him tighter.

"Thats it, let it happen." His soothing whispers make your reaction to his touch more intense, he makes another confession to you, hoping it will provoke you more. "You sound so fucking pretty. Just like you did on the phone. I always think about those noises you made, do you know that?"

His teasing forces another helpless whimper out of you, a sound he could never get tired of hearing. A shame he had to stifle those blissful cries, he could hardly resist removing his fingers and commanding you to make as much noise as you could. On the other hand, the sneaking, the sinning, the silent triumph of making you cum again, all of it sets his whole being on fire and just the idea has him struggling not to finish too soon.

The extra lubrication running down your thighs from your second release signaled the end for him. Even if he wanted to drag this out for just a little longer he couldn't, and now all he wanted was to paint your body with his cum, no matter what happened to his soul after.

"I'm not going to last much longer." He admits his voice shakes as he tries not to whimper.

"I think... I think I can feel it." You comment as his thrusts get more frenzied, his cock noticeably twitching between your thighs

Losing all restraint, he thrusts in even harder, taking comfort in the fact that his passion couldn't hurt you like this. When he feels those first spurts release he doesn't stop, taking advantage of how his cum lubricates your thighs even more. Ignoring the small squeak you make as he wraps his arms around you in a vice grip and sinks his teeth into your neck to muffle his moaning.

John sucks in a deep breath and looks down at the damage he's done, the haze of lust leaving his mind and the first rays of clarity shine in the like the sun through fading storm clouds. Once again, the weight, the guilt, the regret.

Everywhere he looks his sin has left a stain, your skin, his hands, his clothes, even the floor. His heart and his breath race as he gropes around the fabric of your skirt, haphazardly tugging it back down as if that would hide his sins dripping down your thighs. In a daze he puts himself back in his pants in spite of how dirty he was. Leaving you to stand alone and situate yourself as much as possible, he stumbles back into a nearby pew, lulling his head back as he laments.

"Again. I did it again and I swore I wouldn't." John groans into his hands as he runs them down his face. "What's wrong with me? Why can't I control myself?"

"W- what should we do now?" You turn to him as if he was someone you could ever trust, if he wasn't committed to sulking he would have laughed.

"There's nothing to do." He sighs as he melts into his seat, hoping that damnation would find him soon and get it over with.

"We should leave." You remark as you look around the chapel, pausing to listen for anyone outside.

"Yes, just... leave." John waves his hand as if to dismiss you, he finds that there genuine concern for you in the small part of his heart that hadn't rotted yet, a hope that you could escape this even if he couldn't.

With the patience and of a saint you stay, moving toward him and with the intent of making him somewhat presentable. He was about to turn you away again, but he just didn't have the strength to argue, if he had any strength at all this would have never happened. It was a wonder you were so determined to help him, how you haven't come to loathe him like he's begining to loathe himself.

He sits still as death in the pew while you straighten his clothes and fix your own, the weight of what he's done has immobilized him almost completely. After pulling him up into a barely standing position you calmly set your hands on the sides of his arms and explain to him what your plan is like he's some helpless child.

"Okay, we're going to walk out of here very calmly and we're going to go get you cleaned up. Right? We don't have to talk to anyone, we just walk out of here like we need to be somewhere, no one will ever know." Your gentle words are meant to soothe him but all he can hear is just the noise droning on and on.

Before he knows it he's being lead out into the hall, some people still remain in the church here and there doing menial tasks, none the wiser to how this holy place had recently been defiled. With the last of his strength he turns his gaze away from them, lacking even the will to pray that they don't look over and wonder what happened.

The two of you walk arm in arm out of the church, whatever relief there is in escaping the watchful eyes of divine judgment is replaced by the fear that now these sins could be exposed to the world. The back fabric of his cassock soaks up the midday sun and leaves him looking like a large dark stain on the earth that all eyes turned towards, he holds tightly to you as he resists the urge to shrink into himself.

At the end of the next street you lead him down stands a small home with a well kept garden, painted in charming colors, it wasn't a stretch to assume that you lived here. When he considered the short walk from the church he realized how close you had been this whole time, the confessions over the phone could have practically been made from the window. This knowledge came with the horror of how hard it would be to resist sneaking over on lonely nights when this temptaion would surely take him again.

John looks up from the bottom step as the front door to this little house seems to tower over him, he can't bring himself to walk forward until he feels you tugging his hand; and like always, he follows you.

"I can run you a bath so you can get cleaned up." You sweetly offer while leading him into the house. "And if you just want to soak for a bit I can put your clothes in the wash."

"Yeah, sure." He accepts as you walk him into the bathroom and before he can even question it he's methodically pulling his clothes off, not really caring what happened or where you put him now.

A sweet smell fills the air as he watches you put soap in the bath, he recognizes the scent being similar to your perfume. Fresh apples. How fitting. Now with all his sacred garments laying in a discarded heap on the floor John hunches over the sink and stares at himself, or rather, the man that he used to be in the mirror. The dark circles under his eyes are more apparent now, and he felt that anyone who took the briefest glance at him could tell without a doubt what he had done; perhaps he deserved to wear his sins so blatantly.

When he comes over to the tub he watches you blush and arvert your eyes while you gather up his clothes, the sight almost makes him smile and he feels the need to apologize for how he's acting or at least thank you for the trouble you're going through for his sake. Before you can leave he catches your wrist, but words fail him when your wide eyes meet his.

"Stay." He says plainly, almost coldly. "You need to clean up too."

"Okay." A blush dusts your cheeks as you accept, setting the pile of clothes down and adding your own to it.

When your skin is revealed to him inch by inch John can't help but stare. A new feeling takes over him, nothing like the all consuming desire he had felt before, but a new feeling of simple awe at the beauty before him. He had once felt this awe as a younger man who had first taken the cloth, and he regrets to think on the similarity between these two feelings.

God had first made man in his image, Eve had been made in the same image that was never meant to be hidden. That ancient gracefulness of the first mother is alive in you, every soft curve, every dimple, every freckle, a perfectly orchestrated work of art that to even describe with words would be a diservice to the primordial beauty he is witness to.

As he comes to all these realizations a second feeling of overwhelming shame floods his soul as John finds himself in the place of Adam who was compelled to hide behind fig leaves. He can't take his eyes away from the drying evidence of his sins staining your thighs and defiling this sacred image. Without saying anything he steps into the bath and hugs his knees tightly to his chest.

There in the water you were no longer two forces of nature colliding in destructive passion, naked and ashamed you are simply two lost souls caught up in something you were too weak to resist. John lets out a sigh, giving thanks that at least for now his sins were hidden here with you as the only witness. There was something very childish about the whole thing, sitting across from each other in scared silence thinking about what you had done.

"Father?" You sheepishly call out, the abused title making him wince.

"John." He corrects you plainly, he doesn't want to be reminded of the duties he's failed.

"John..." You say the name with the kind of trepidation someone might have when steping over a rickety bridge, and he wasn't sure if he could hold up as well. "Are you upset with me?"

His eyes widen slightly at the question, he knew he hadn't been as kind to you as he should have, but to see the way his behavior had hurt you is almost too much to bear. He had lived his whole life in need of Gods forgivness but he can't stand needing yours.

"No. I'm just... upset with myself." He struggles to explain.

"I'm sorry I did this to you. I should have just kept my thoughts to myself." You mournfully confess as you turn away, the genuine remorse in your words makes John ashamed that he did anything to make you feel that way.

"No, don't say that. This whole... situation is my fault. You only meant to make a confession and I took advantage of that." He reaches across the water and takes you hand as he asks. "Can you forgive me?"

"There's nothing to forgive." Your solemn answer lifts part of the burden off his shoulders but so much still remains. "I knew we would end up here, I was hoping we would even though we have no business together."

"You're much kinder to me than I deserve." He remarks at your reply, for once he feels less ashamed and more blessed to have you. "What can I do to repay you?"

For a moment you're silent, a faint blush colors your face while you make your request. "I know you probably have work to do, so I shouldn't even ask this but can you stay here tonight?"

"You just want me to stay here?" John inquires.

"I mean, if it's not any trouble." You begin to explain, your blush growing deeper as you make yourself vulnerable in an entirely new way. "It just gets lonely around here sometimes, I thought it might be nice."

John knows the feeling that plagues you all too personally, he had lost count of the nights he spent alone in the parish wishing there was at least someone to talk to, let alone hold. It broke his heart to think that you had felt even a fraction of that isolation.

"Someone as beautiful as you shouldn't have to be alone." He smiles and squeezes your hand.

"John, stop. You're making me blush." You giggle, he had never heard his name sung so sweetly.

"I mean it." He reiterates, moving closer to put his hands on either side of your face as his tone becomes serious. "You're beautiful inside and out and I'm sorry I've been so selfish."

You answer his apology with a gentle kiss, perfectly chaste in nature as if it were the first time your lips had ever touched.

"It's okay, John, really. I wanted this too remember?" You reassure him softly. "I wanted this for a long time."

"How long?" He asked, wishing the question was only from genuine curiosity and not the sleeping beast stirring under his skin.

"Ever since I first met you." You answer as you move even closer until you're straddling his hips. "There was this one time you looked over at me and I can't really describe it but you just looked so cute and sweet then I couldn't stop thinking about you."

"You're so beautiful." He was repeating himself but that was really the only word that came to mind watching you climb over him.

"I always wanted us to end up here." You confess with your lips an inch away from his, there was no need to say again how wrong that want was.

"I'm glad it did." The words feel like more of a sin to admit aloud than then the feeling itself, but hardly notices them leaving his mouth while he's aching to taste yours again.

His hands explore the curves of your waist and hesitate before reaching your breasts, you guide him by putting your own hands over his and crossing the line together. "Touch me again, John."

Without another pause he complies, running his thumbs over your nippples and hearing the soft hitch of your breath echo off the tile walls. He grows bolder, squeezing and kneeding with the intention of making you moan, studying every reaction for future reference.

"Have you ever..?" It seemed like a silly question, but given how much liberty he had taken with touching you before there was doubt.

"No, I kept my vows. I'm trying to." John answers but his actions oppose his words. "Trying so hard..."

"We haven't really broken them yet, have we?" You ask nervously, knowing the asnwer is more complicated but needing to test the boundry anyway. "We could just do it like before again."

"We could." The words feel like a lie as he says them, but he can't think of another way to let the both of you continue.

The heat radiates off your body even as the water grows cold around you, the desire burning under your skin and made clear in the rising of your breath. No doubt you can feel his own need growing an now pressing incessantly into your thigh, he rolls his hips upward in search of some friction, prompting you to take his length into your hand.

"Show me how to do it." You request, waiting for him to set his hand over yours and guide your touch.

"Just up and down, like that, hold it a little tighter." He instructs until you're stroking him with confidance.

With his hands now free he moves them between your thighs to reciprocate, sliding his fingers between your folds in a motion that if he wasn't careful would become familiar. Your sweet gasps of pleasure mix with his own shameless panting to echo off the walls until they make an even sweeter harmony. Slipping one finger past your waiting entrance just to study the feeling of being inside you, ignoring how your hips roll insistantly to wordlessly beg for more.

"Just a little slower... not too fast..." He corrects meekly, a wretched attempt to get the most out of this encounter. "I don't want this to end yet."

One thought plagues him even in the midst of indulgence, a shameful knowing that there is no point in savoring this moment. He would have you again, like this or any other way you will allow him, he would lead you farther off the path until you were hopelessly lost together. Though as long as you were together it couldn't be all that bad.

"John, please..." You whimper as his thumb grazes your clit, one more firm touch away from being sent over the edge.

He responds by moving much faster, more than you can handle, making you yelp as he ruthlessly fucks you with his fingers. You try and jerk him to the same brutal rhythm and in seconds he's bucking into your hand and moaning godlessly into the crook of your neck as he forgets himself once again.

You stroke him until he's soft and and he continues to pump his fingers inside of you until you're whimpering again. John wonders how long he can keep you just like this, keep the guilt at bay for a while longer, if he could just stay here in your arms and never have to go back to the melancholy, to the lonliness.

"I'll stay." He swears while he kisses your neck, he could never allow himself to leave you alone again.

"You will?" You ask.

"As long as you want me to." He reiterates.

"John." You reply with a thousand soft kisses spread across his face. "You don't know how happy that makes me."

"Just one night." He clarifies, though he knows there would be more if he can get away with it.

"Of course." You reply, as you take a nearby washcloth and run it over his skin gently. "Why don't we get cleaned up, then we'll have dinner together?"

"That sounds amazing." He punctuates his words with a kiss, feeling as if he's playing house for the evening. "You've done so much, why don't you let me make dinner?"

"Actually, I was thinking we could order pizza and watch a movie." You explain as you start to wash yourself. "Just got a bunch of tapes."

"Even better." He smiles as he steps out of the bath, taking a towel off the shelf and handing another to you.

"I'll call the pizza place, you go pick out a movie." You tell him after drying off and wrapping the towel around your body.

He watches you in the kitchen as you pick up the phone and flip through a nearby phone book, smiling as he observes you in your native habitat. The whole house is warm, and the smell of you is everywhere. For a moment he distracts himself from his task by studying all the little things around your house, the charmingly faded colors, the old furniture, even the dishes left in the sink made him feel like he's finding a whole new side of you that he isn't sure he's worthy of witnessing. For a little while he pretends that this is where he's meant to be, that watching a movie with you, covered in nothing but a towel is the most mundane thing in the world.

John wanders over to the living room and looks at the shelves, every movie he could think of was there but the one tape that caught his eye was a blank sleeve of a most likely pirated copy that had a worn out penciled label too faded to read. He pulls the dark block of plastic out of it's cover and the label makes his blood run cold. "The Exorcist" in perfectly bold font titles the tape.

"What did you pick?" You inquire a little too suddenly, making him jump when you lean in close and look at the tape in his hand.

"Ooooo The Exorcist." You stare amused. "I could never watch that movie on my own."

"It's a good thing I'm here." He replies, coming off a little too confident as he puts his arm around you and gives you a playful squeeze.

"Do you want to watch it?" You ask with a sweetness that he just can't say no to.

"Sure, why not?" Though he could think of a million reasons why not.

"You know... I always thought the priest from this movie was kinda cute." You confess with a cheeky smile, cutting some of the tension.

"Oh, really?." He teases you and leans in to nuzzle into a sensitive spot on your neck, all too pleased to hear this information. "Is this were it all started?"

"Don't make fun of me!" You giggle and squirm in his arms while he continues to tickle you. "I can't help it, maybe I just like cute priests."

"Maybe we should schedule you a an exorcism if it becomes a problem." He continues, hoping if he can keep this up to combat the fear.

"Actually, I was wondering but I was too afraid to ask before." You trail off with a more curious tone. "Do you ever have to do anything like this?"

The question makes him think of things that he would rather not, he had asked it himself once years ago and was relived to hear the answer, though the thought would still keep him up at night.

"No, this sort of thing only happens in movies." He replies with a sigh of relief. "Besides, I'd be in over my head in a real exorcism."

More frightening than any movie is the sound of the doorbell that makes you both jump and then laugh when you realize what it is.

"The money's on the table, you get the pizza and I'll set up the VCR." You tell him while you take the tape from him and take to to the television set.

John is still laughing to himself and smiling as he answers the door, but that smile quickly fades when he sees a familiar face on the other side of the door. He freezes remembering his state of undress and the single woman's house he had made himself comfortable in. Never had he felt so exposed hearing the voice outside the door call out in confusion.

"Father Ward?"

[oddcryptidwrites]

OC vs Cockroach

@the-down-upside-finch tagged me in this and I'm gonna tag @anyablackwood @thetruearchmagos @indecentpause @druidx and whoever else wants to play (no pressure)

Rules: Rate your OCs on how well they’d fare against a cockroach

(For this one, we're gonna get a main character from each of my WIPS >:) because i love y'all and you deserve it)

Piers: 8/10 They'll jump and maybe screech from being startled, especially if it's close by, but they can squash it and clean it up after a bit

Brigid: 0/10 They do not do bugs. Like, at all. Melody will have to come evict it from their dorm room. Alternatively, they'll panic and try to set it on fire and likely scorch a couple other things in the process.

Izumi: 2/10 oh god the way they move Izumi will scream and will make Lapis or Andy come kill it. If she's left to her own devices, there's a 50/50 chance she'll either smash it with her shoe or just cry until it goes away. She's forgetful enough though that she will forget it existed though after a few hours...

Garlan: 10/10 This woman will pick that bug up barehanded and toss it out the window. Her office is covered in papers and stray offerings so roaches (or equivalent in her world) are pretty common

Bithos: 9/10 Smash that fucker, no hesitation, but he might get a little grossed out trying to clean it up.

Cassander: 2/10 No thank you. He will actively call Felix, who is on a mission, to come get it. If it disappears, he will burn the entire house down rather than it come back. (He's not scared of them, but he finds them weird and unnerving).

Alyx: 5/10 Might have a hard time finding the roach (blind) and will absolutely panic if he loses it. If she does find it, she can kill it and toss it without a problem.

Jesse: -10/10 Screaming crying, Lucio has to come get it before he has a mental breakdown (again)

Carter: 10/10 Easy peasy, will pick the bug up and gently place it outside, much to the horror of his husband who is terrified of roaches

Hank: 7/10 Despite being a farming man, he does NOT like how they move. He can get it killed (eventually) but it might take him a minute or to to get the guts to kill it.

LeBlanc: -1000000/10 He opened a package of wafers once and there was one inside the box that fell on him and the poor man has never been the same. He will scream like a little girl and someone else (Micah) will have to come kill it. If it somehow goes missing, he will never step foot in that room again unless it is killed.

Alba Grey: 5/10 Depends. If she's trying to impress Mavi and/or Tabs, she can do it easy peasy, but if she's alone? She might have a slight crying session and have to summon all of her courage to smack it with her shoe. (Don't let the badass exterior fool you)

Karson: ???/10 Isn't bothered by bugs in his space. The only reason he'll even deal with it is if August sees it and gets scared.

Cal: 0/10 NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE this boy does not do bugs (although there is a chance he'll think it's a hallucination instead and just ignore it in hopes it'll go away....)

Eddie: 10/10 This man can deal with bugs so easily. Smashed and cleaned up before anyone (his daughter) notices

[trubbish-treasures]

[Posted: The New Hotness: Repairing A 486 Part 2]

[The camera begins, as usual, focused on TrubbishTreats. She seems a little more sallow, a little more ragged. "Hello again, everyone! It's TrubbishTreats again, continuing the 486 rebuild. And..."

[The camera pans over to where the 486 is sitting in a vat of some sort of fluid. "As you can see, today we've got something special to show you! This is not in fact normal water. It's a solution, and part of the ways we're going to seek out and recover this motherboard. In fact--"

[There's a brief cut. "This is something I built off of Devon and Silph patents involving recycle and repair of electronics. Now, if I've done everything juuuuust right and the room is decently clear, we should..."

[A screen lights up. TrubbishTreats yelps.

[There's a cut, and now we're getting a proper screen capture. "And, as we suspected, the central processor is fried. The semiconductor layers need to be re-formed and re-fused, and there's a few short circuits where the motherboard's heat stress finally got too much over time, causing layers to run into each other. But! While nasty, they're nothing we can't fix."

[There's another cut-- this one subtle, but you can see the time stamp in the corner jump thirty minutes. "But TrubbishTreats! We know all about those kinds of damage! Having to re-layer a microprocessor requires very specific conditions! You're right! Which is why I now have--"

[The transition to a moving camera is intense, but subtle. Suddenly we're walking away from the screen and setting up in front of a small chamber. "BEHOLD! A MINIATURE SEMI-CONDUCTOR CONSTRUCTOR a double-fan constructor, in fact! Kept clean by a filter and supplied by a bunch of dead chips, if I've made this right, it should be able to make wafers as thin as necessary including the proper border doping. That's right. I'm making a processor from scratch."

["Now, some of you might be saying," There's another cut-- "Trubbish. Trubbish this is madness. No! This! Is! Patents! The processes and patents are all presented "for the good of all" and dang it I'm gonna use them!"

["But what about all the by-products???? I now hear you ask. That's the best part! It's all non-conductive! I can just use that to coat the chip and the contacts to make it work!"

["So yeah no I know this is insane and maybe a little bit ambitious for my first big project, but this is only Step One, and I have far, far more ambitious projects in mind than making my own replacement 486. And, well, if it doesn't work out, you can all see my hubris in real time! Unfortunately, I haven't had a lot of time this week, so this is where I've gotta end it. Until next time, keep circulating the tapes."]

[posttexasstressdisorder]

Dynaco Addendum Addendum...

From The Department of Redundancy Department:

Looks like I am going have a few days of uninterrupted solitude in which to dive back into the PAS3X and replace the broken three-wafer Source Switch. Roomie heads out of town for a few days on Sunday.

This will entail, of course, breaking the system down temporarily and ironically un-doing half of the stuff I have already done and re-doing it again.

Namely, unsolder every wire from the new back-panel RCA jacks (without damaging the the new jacks in the process), and then installing the new (used) Source Switch, and re-soldering the RCAs with the leads from the replacement switch.

There are also some other cleaning/rewiring things I have to do to the switch itself, before I put it in. The guy stripped it of the big square flat caps that are wired in between two of the three wafers.

I will re-route things temporarily to the Altec computer speaker system until I'm done with the PAS completely. Then I will finish the wiring-up of the rest of the System, including my venerable Rat Shack mixer, which will allow an array of additional inputs and tape options.

I'm not gonna lie...it's gonna be hard to power the Dynaco down to do the repairs! I have been turning it on as soon as I wake up, and not shutting down until i go to bed. The FM3 is an amazing tuner, it hones right in on the signal from KDFC and it stays rock-solid all day.

I forgot just how much I loved listening to the classical radio station all day! KMFA in Austin and now KDFC here in The Bay...it is a way to still feel connected to a real sense of community by simply turning the tubes on, no matter how isolated I am, I know that by tuning in I'm listening along with thousands of other lovers of classical music every moment of every day. There's something about that which will never translate to any other medium.

[nickhembery]

Weird tech thoughts

Two things are about to happen, or rather are happening very slowly and their impacts haven't been quite noticed yet.

The first is the end Moore's Law. This, if you're unfamiliar and don't want to bother opening a new tab and googling, is a theory from the 1950's that computing power will double every couple of years. Not just by making new computers, but the ability of those individual computers will go up with every generation. And this has idea has held true. Today, computer chips are so complex they are made by special machines in clean rooms in a process that involves bouncing light off mirrors to make wafer-thin chips. Oh, and the machines that make the chips are so priopriatry they're only made by one company based in Norway.

The reason that Moore's Law is ending is that we've hit the physical limit of how small computer chips can be. Any smaller than they are now and they become unreliable because there's not enough matter making up the chips to prevent electrons going missing and turning a 0 into a 1 or vice versa. So, the power available in our devices is going to plataeu without making the devices bigger.

The second thing that's going to happen/happening very slowly is a piece of legislation in the EU. This new law that has been passed but isn't yet in effect states that devices have to have replacable batteries. So smart phones can't have their batteries glued in place anymore.

These two events, when they colide, are going to cause a bit of a stir in the smartphone market. Needing to replace a phone due to battery degredation isn't going to be a thing anymore as you can just swap out the battery for a fresh one. And there won't be any point buying the latest model because it won't be any more powerful than your current one.

The lifecycles of phones are going to extend dramatically, meaning fewer sales and a much smaller production market.

It's likely that a few phone brands will die out as they don't see this shift coming and spend too much money building phones that just don't sell.

The brands that do stick around will probably pivot to concentrating on batteries, the same way that printer companies are really ink companies.

There will be a positive environmental impact, as there will be less production and waste, and the batteries mostly recycled.

Overall, this will be a good thing. I hope. Or maybe I haven't realised yet how some horrible capitalist is going to ruin it for everybody.

[thebountyflyer]

Pizzettes

Not to be confused with wafer-thin waffled pizzelles, these brownie-esque pizzettes are just the opposite: rich and fudge-like with a heady undertone of cinnamon and clove.

Makes about 20

COOKIES

¾ cup raw skin-on almonds

1½ cups (188 g) all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. Morton kosher salt

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

¾ tsp. ground cinnamon

½ tsp. ground cloves

½ tsp. ground nutmeg

½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

¼ cup Dutch-process cocoa powder

1 large egg

1 large egg yolk

4 oz. bittersweet chocolate chips (about 1 heaping cup)

1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest

1 tsp. finely grated orange zest

GLAZE AND ASSEMBLY

2 oz. bittersweet chocolate

2 tsp. unsalted butter

⅔ cup (75 g) powdered sugar

Pinch of kosher salt

⏩Get a FREE EBOOK With 200 Recipes Authentic Italian Food HERE⏪

Preparation

COOKIES

Step1

Place racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 350°. Toast almonds on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until slightly darkened in color and fragrant, 7–10 minutes. Let cool, then finely chop. Set aside. Increase oven temperature to 375°.Step

Step2

Meanwhile, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes to infuse. Step

Step3

Whisk granulated sugar and cocoa powder in a large bowl. Pour in spiced butter, scraping pan so you don’t leave any spices behind, and whisk vigorously to combine. Add egg and egg yolk; whisk vigorously to combine. Mix in dry ingredients, then almonds, chocolate chips, lemon zest, and orange zest. Turn out onto a clean surface. Divide in half, then roll each half into a log about 1½" wide. Flatten logs to 2" wide and slice on a diagonal into 1"-wide cookies. Divide between 2 parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing at least 1" apart.

Step4

Bake cookies, rotating baking sheets top to bottom and front to back halfway through, until firm around edges but still soft in the middle, 8–10 minutes. Let cool.

GLAZE AND ASSEMBLY

Step5

Melt chocolate and butter in a small heatproof bowl set over a small saucepan of barely simmering water (do not let bowl touch water), stirring occasionally, or melt in a small microwave-safe bowl in a microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between bursts. Add powdered sugar, salt, and 2 Tbsp. boiling water and whisk until glaze is smooth and glossy.

Step6

Dip tops of cookies into glaze and let sit, glaze side up, on a wire rack until glaze is set, about 2 hours.

Step7

Do ahead: Pizzettes can be made 5 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature, or freeze up to 1 month.

...............................................Keep Reading.............................................

[nasayamafaridik]

iro-iro

when i saw my husband bought "beng-beng share it" (10 mini choco wafer snack wrapped individually in tiny plastics), i thought it was ridiculous. we already have regular sized beng-beng, so why should we buy the tiny version of it, when the regular one is actually not that big?

turned out i love the minis. (i still don't like the plastic thing—too much waste). but let me explain why i get the idea of making them so tiny and being eatable in just one bite.

i get bored easily with many things. i have many snacks left unfinished in my fridge. they'll be forgotten and forsaken, left in the invisible corner until the next time i have to clean my fridge and they're already way past the expiration date.

but isn't this feeling emanated in every aspect of life?

i also get numb easily by constant entertainment. being happy and laughing all the time, to the paradox of it, makes me feel like a dead woman walking. i have to cry, at least once a week, to feel afresh and revived.

i guess what makes me love the mini sized snacks which almost look like sample and not-for-sale things are because they represent our inner state: always in motion, always in the undulation.

God gives us numerous experiences in life because God wants us to taste and feel as many things as possible. so we can understand the concept better. hence we will get the meaning behind the unseen. therefore we should not and will not get bored.

i once heard my teacher said something like this,

"a happy life doesn't mean you don't feel anything else other than that. happiness is not a state. you can feel happy, but you can't be (in a state of constantly) happy, as long as you're alive. a happy man is determined by the sum of his life. if you're grateful then you're happy. if you're patient while you're being hit by adversity, then at the end of your life you can call it a happy life. a life well lived."

so today, when my swollen right hand finally excreted pus and blood—when a week of excruciating and grueling pain slowly alleviated, i sighed of relief. although the process made me ache, i know that the bitter candy i've been kept inside my mouth this entire week will soon be replaced with a sweet one, God willing.

i know that i will get another bite of mini snacks—maybe some similar flavors from before, with different intensity. maybe a whole another flavor i've never tasted before. i just have to taste and write a report about how they make me think and feel.

and i stumbled upon this mini poem today, from the legendary Rainer Maria Rilke:

let everything happen to you beauty and terror just keep going no feeling is final.

✺

20.02.2023

[esther-electronics]

oscilloscope restore part 4.

I got all of my replacement resistors and capacitors in and I swapped about 97% of the passive compoents inside of the scope with beautiful new ones. it seemed like a neccassary actions since almost all the resistors and capacitors had drifted way out of ther tolerences and were probably soon to turn to dust.

 “is this really the same scope any more?” a philosopher might ask. I wouldn’t tho. I’m so stoked that it works now and works great I gave it a nice clean.

In this swapping process I made the truely FOOLish error in trying to repair a wafer switch contact who’s metal bendy holder thingy broke off. I used a dab of wonderful dollar store super glue and it promptly migrated into the depths of the switch. this resulted in the switch being so totally glued shut. 4 hours of crying, drilling, and tweaking later I was able to undo my mistake but not without thouroughly mangling the wafer switch (oops).

the only other issue was when trying to replace the compents in the section just under the crt. it was a total pain and super cramped but I got it done.

the rest was pretty much a breeze :) 

there are still things to do. notably there are all of the weird old 500v chassis mount electrolytic capacitors to replace somehow? I ordered some normal 400v radial caps I’ll need to goop together :/ I’ll figure it out when I get there. 

I’ll also probably want to hookup the douzens of transformer winding wires again for fun + the wires for that strange  3 pin input connector

overall I’m really super happy about fixing this :3

[chenyuanpei]

PVDF cleaning baskets are mainly used in industries such as semiconductors, polycrystalline silicon, new energy, new materials, and solar energy. Due to its corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, and non adhesiveness, it is commonly used in processes such as placement, cleaning, and acid soaking for solar silicon wafers

Please contact me for a quote if needed. Xuchang Yu-fluoro Fine Chemical Co., Ltd. website:www.yu-fluoropolymer.cn

WhatsApp/Telegram:+(86)18768951152 Email: chen@yu-fluoropolymer.cn

[exitrendmarkettrend]

Semiconductor Etch Equipment Market: Trends, Growth, and Projections

The global Semiconductor Etch Equipment Market plays a crucial role in the semiconductor manufacturing process. As the demand for high-performance electronic devices, driven by industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, healthcare, and telecommunications, continues to rise, the semiconductor industry itself is evolving rapidly. Etch equipment, which is used in the process of patterning semiconductor wafers, remains indispensable to the production of chips that power modern technology. This blog will explore the current state and future projections for the semiconductor etch equipment market, its key players, segments, and regional analysis.

Overview of the Semiconductor Etch Equipment Market

Etching is one of the critical steps in semiconductor fabrication. It involves the precise removal of material from the surface of a semiconductor wafer to create patterns or shapes necessary for the formation of integrated circuits (ICs). Etch equipment can be categorized into dry etch equipment and wet etch equipment, each offering different methods for achieving the etching process. These tools are used in a variety of semiconductor applications, including logic and memory chips, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), power devices, and more.

As of 2023, the semiconductor etch equipment market is valued at approximately $10.54 million and is expected to grow steadily, reaching $11.68 million in 2024. By 2030, the market is projected to expand significantly, with an estimated value of $20.18 million. This reflects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.71%, underscoring the rapid pace of growth and demand for advanced semiconductor manufacturing technologies.

Key Segments in the Semiconductor Etch Equipment Market

1. By Type

Dry Etch Equipment: This category includes equipment that uses gases or plasmas to remove material from a semiconductor wafer's surface. It is preferred for its precision, speed, and ability to etch at extremely small scales, making it crucial for advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes such as 7nm, 5nm, and smaller nodes. Dry etching is widely used in the production of logic and memory devices and plays a significant role in the miniaturization of electronic devices.

Wet Etch Equipment: Wet etching, on the other hand, involves using liquid chemicals to remove specific materials from the wafer surface. While this method can be less precise compared to dry etching, it remains crucial for various applications, particularly in MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) and certain power devices. Wet etching is also often used in the preparation stages of semiconductor fabrication, such as cleaning wafers before deposition or etching processes.

2. By Application

The semiconductor etch equipment market serves various applications, each with distinct requirements for precision and performance.

Logic and Memory: This is the largest segment in the semiconductor etch equipment market. Logic devices, including microprocessors, and memory devices, such as DRAM and flash memory, require highly intricate etching processes to achieve the necessary component features and integration. With the growing demand for high-performance computing, AI, and memory chips, the etching process for logic and memory devices continues to evolve.

MEMS (Micro-electromechanical Systems): MEMS devices are integral to a wide range of applications, from sensors and actuators to microfluidic devices. These components often require different etching techniques due to their unique material compositions and size requirements. The rising adoption of MEMS in automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics is driving demand for specialized etching solutions in this segment.

Power Devices: Power semiconductors are used in power conversion systems, such as electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and industrial applications. Etching equipment in this category must accommodate larger wafer sizes and be capable of handling different materials like silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN). As the adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy sources increases, so does the need for power semiconductor devices, driving growth in the etch equipment market.

Others: This category includes niche applications, such as optical semiconductors, which require specialized etching processes. Though smaller in scale compared to the primary segments, these applications still represent an important portion of the market.

Key Market Players

Several key players dominate the semiconductor etch equipment market. These companies are involved in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of both dry and wet etch equipment, offering advanced solutions to meet the needs of the semiconductor industry.

Lam Research: A leader in the semiconductor equipment industry, Lam Research provides a wide range of etching tools that are used in advanced semiconductor manufacturing processes. Their etch equipment solutions are recognized for precision, scalability, and efficiency, especially in dry etching.

TEL (Tokyo Electron): TEL is a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Their etch systems are highly regarded for their performance in semiconductor fabrication, providing high throughput and precision.

Applied Materials: Applied Materials is a major player in the semiconductor equipment market, offering a comprehensive portfolio of etch equipment for both dry and wet etching. Their tools are used in the production of logic and memory devices, as well as MEMS and power devices.

Hitachi High-Technologies: Hitachi is known for its advanced etching tools, providing high-precision dry etch solutions used in various semiconductor applications. Their systems are designed to handle the most advanced etching processes at the sub-nanometer scale.

Oxford Instruments: Oxford Instruments specializes in providing equipment for semiconductor processing, with particular emphasis on etch and deposition tools. Their equipment is often used in research and development environments.

SPTS Technologies: SPTS Technologies is a leading supplier of etch and deposition systems for the semiconductor industry. Their equipment is used for applications such as MEMS, power devices, and logic devices.

GigaLane: GigaLane focuses on providing advanced etching solutions for next-generation semiconductor technologies, including advanced logic and memory devices.

Plasma-Therm: Plasma-Therm offers innovative etching and deposition equipment for a range of applications, from MEMS to advanced logic and memory devices.

SAMCO: Known for their expertise in wet etching equipment, SAMCO's systems serve the semiconductor and MEMS industries, providing precise and reliable etching solutions.

AMEC: Advanced Micro-Fabrication Equipment Inc. (AMEC) offers both dry and wet etching systems used in semiconductor and MEMS applications. Their equipment is known for high precision and low cost of ownership.

NAURA: NAURA is a Chinese semiconductor equipment company that manufactures a wide range of etching tools. Their equipment is gaining traction in the global market due to its affordability and reliability.

Market Trends and Drivers

The semiconductor etch equipment market is driven by several factors, including the increasing demand for smaller, faster, and more powerful semiconductor devices. Some key trends and drivers include:

Miniaturization of Semiconductor Devices: As the semiconductor industry moves toward smaller nodes (5nm, 3nm), there is an increasing need for precise etching equipment capable of handling sub-nanometer dimensions. This trend is driving the demand for advanced dry etch systems, which offer greater precision and control.

Rise of Advanced Technologies: The growth of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and 5G technologies is driving demand for high-performance semiconductor devices. As these technologies require increasingly powerful chips, semiconductor manufacturers are investing in state-of-the-art etch equipment to meet these needs.

Expansion of Electric Vehicle (EV) and Renewable Energy Markets: The rise in demand for power devices, including those used in electric vehicles and renewable energy applications, is driving the growth of power semiconductor etching equipment. These devices require specialized etching processes due to their unique material requirements.

MEMS and Sensors Demand: MEMS devices are becoming integral to a wide range of industries, including automotive, healthcare, and consumer electronics. The growing demand for MEMS sensors in applications such as wearable devices, medical implants, and automotive systems is contributing to the growth of the etch equipment market.

Geopolitical Factors and Localization: With supply chains becoming more localized and regions like China investing heavily in domestic semiconductor manufacturing, there is an increasing focus on regional players and equipment manufacturers. This shift is expected to affect market dynamics and create new opportunities for local and international companies alike.

Regional Analysis

North America: North America remains a significant market for semiconductor etch equipment, driven by the presence of leading semiconductor manufacturers and research institutions. The United States is at the forefront of developing advanced semiconductor technologies, including AI and 5G, which is contributing to the demand for advanced etching tools.

Europe: Europe, while not as dominant as North America or Asia in semiconductor production, is seeing growth in areas like MEMS and power devices. Companies in countries like Germany and the Netherlands are driving innovation in semiconductor manufacturing, with demand for advanced etch equipment.

Asia Pacific: The Asia Pacific region is the largest market for semiconductor etch equipment, owing to the concentration of semiconductor manufacturing in countries like China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. This region's strong semiconductor supply chain and the increasing demand for cutting-edge technologies are major growth drivers.

Latin America: Latin America is a smaller market for semiconductor etch equipment, but with increasing investments in semiconductor manufacturing, the region is expected to see steady growth.

Middle East & Africa: While the semiconductor market in the Middle East and Africa is still developing, there are emerging opportunities due to investments in electronics and telecommunications infrastructure.

Conclusion

The semiconductor etch equipment market is poised for significant growth in the coming years, with a projected CAGR of 9.71%. Driven by advancements in semiconductor manufacturing, miniaturization of devices, and the growing demand for power devices and MEMS technologies, the market offers promising opportunities for key players in the industry. The shift toward smaller nodes, along with the rise of electric vehicles, renewable energy, and AI applications, will continue to fuel the demand for precision etch equipment, ensuring a bright future for the semiconductor etch equipment market well into the next decade.

[dhimangroup]

How to Choose the Best Chocolate Coating Machines in India

Choosing the right chocolate coating machines in India is vital for businesses involved in confectionery production. These machines ensure consistent quality and efficiency in chocolate coating processes. There are several options available in the market, so it can be overwhelming to decide which machine fits your needs. 

Let us simplify the process of selecting the best chocolate coating machine for your business. We will cover factors such as production capacity, machine features, budget, and supplier reliability. Make an informed choice to improve product quality, streamline production, and boost profitability.

Consider Your Production Capacity

The first factor to consider is your production capacity. If you operate a small business, a machine with lower capacity may suffice. However, larger businesses require machines that can handle bulk production.

Small businesses: Machines with lower throughput can handle small batches efficiently.

Medium to large businesses: Look for machines with higher throughput and the ability to operate continuously.

Match your production capacity to the machine’s capability to ensure smoother operations and reduce downtime. Do not overload a small machine or underuse a large one, as it can cause issues and lead to inefficiencies.

Evaluate Machine Features

Modern chocolate coating machines in India come with various features designed to improve efficiency and product quality. Key features to evaluate include:

Automated temperature control: Ensures consistent chocolate texture and coating thickness.

Speed adjustment: Allows flexibility in controlling coating speed, which is essential for different types of products.

Cooling systems: Help in solidifying the chocolate coating faster and maintaining product quality.

Cleaning mechanisms: Machines with self-cleaning or easy-to-clean options reduce maintenance time and costs.

Evaluate these features, and it will help you find a machine that aligns with your production needs and enhances operational efficiency.

Budget Considerations

Budget is always a critical factor when investing in equipment like chocolate coating machines in India. The cost of machines can vary based on their size, capacity, and features. It's important to set a clear budget before shopping for a machine. Keep in mind the following tips:

Initial cost vs. long-term value: While it might be tempting to go for a cheaper option, higher-end machines mostly offer better durability and features.

Maintenance costs: Consider ongoing maintenance and repair expenses when choosing a machine.

Financing options: Some manufacturers or suppliers may offer financing or leasing options, which can help manage cash flow.

Balancing your budget with the machine's features will help you get the best value for your investment.

Supplier Reputation and After-Sales Support

When purchasing chocolate coating machines in India, the supplier's reputation is just as important as the machine itself. A reputable supplier will not only provide quality machines but also reliable after-sales support.

Here’s what to look for in a supplier:

Experience: Choose a supplier with a proven track record in the confectionery machinery industry.

After-sales service: Ensure that the supplier offers prompt and effective after-sales support, including installation, training, and maintenance.

Customer reviews: Check reviews and testimonials from other businesses to gauge the supplier’s reliability and service quality.

Choose a reputable supplier and ensure that you receive a quality product and the necessary support for long-term success.

Choose the Right Type of Chocolate Coating Machine

There are different types of chocolate coating machines in India, each suited for specific needs. If you understand these types, it will help you choose the best machine for your production line.

Enrobing Machines: These are ideal for coating products like biscuits, wafers, or confectioneries. Enrobing machines cover the product completely with chocolate.

Panning Machines: These machines are used for coating small items like nuts or candies with a thin layer of chocolate. Panning machines are great for businesses producing chocolates with fillings.

Drum Coating Machines: Drum coating machines are designed to coat bulk products uniformly. These machines are suited for products like almonds or dried fruits coated in chocolate.

Each machine serves a different purpose, so choose based on the type of product you manufacture.

Conclusion

Selecting the best chocolate coating machines in India involves a balance between your production needs, budget, and the machine's features. It's important to carefully consider your options. Focus on production capacity, machine features, budget constraints, and supplier reputation. Making the right choice will enhance product quality, operational efficiency, and overall profitability.

DhimanGroup is India's leading and pioneer manufacturer of confectionery machines. We are the only company in India with a multinational setup, having three plants in India and Chicago, USA. We specialize in manufacturing complete production units for toffee, Eclair, candy, bubble gum, lollipops, and chocolates, including related packaging machines. With our expertise, you can rest assured that your business will thrive with the best chocolate coating solutions.

Source: Medium.com

[endo-tech]

Understanding Diamond Suspensions - An Overview

Diamond suspensions have emerged as a crucial tool in various industrial and scientific applications, providing a highly efficient means of polishing, grinding, and cutting materials. These suspensions consist of finely dispersed diamond particles suspended in a liquid medium, allowing for precise control over surface finishing and material removal processes. In this article, we will explore the composition, applications, benefits, and considerations associated with diamond suspensions.

Composition of Diamond Suspensions

At the core of diamond suspensions is the diamond particle, renowned for its exceptional hardness and wear resistance. These particles can vary in size, typically ranging from a few microns to several hundred microns, depending on the intended application. The diamond particles are mixed with a suitable liquid medium, which can be water-based or oil-based, along with various additives to enhance the suspension's stability and performance. The choice of liquid medium often depends on the specific requirements of the application, such as the type of material being worked on or the desired surface finish.

Applications of Diamond Suspensions

Diamond suspensions are used across multiple industries, including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and electronics. In the manufacturing sector, they are instrumental in precision grinding and polishing applications. The ability to achieve ultra-fine finishes makes diamond suspensions particularly valuable in the production of optical components, semiconductor wafers, and precision machinery parts. Additionally, diamond suspensions are utilized in dental applications for the polishing of dental prosthetics and instruments, ensuring a high level of accuracy and smoothness.

In the automotive and aerospace industries, these suspensions facilitate the machining of hard materials such as ceramics and superalloys. The exceptional hardness of diamond allows for efficient material removal while maintaining dimensional accuracy. Furthermore, in the electronics sector, diamond suspensions are employed in the production of integrated circuits and other microelectronic components, where surface integrity is paramount.

Benefits of Using Diamond Suspensions

The use of diamond suspensions offers numerous advantages over traditional grinding and polishing methods. Firstly, their hardness allows for superior material removal rates, resulting in faster processing times. This efficiency is particularly beneficial in high-volume production environments where time is of the essence. Secondly, diamond suspensions provide a consistent and controllable polishing action, reducing the risk of damage to delicate surfaces. This precision is crucial in applications where even minor imperfections can compromise the performance of the final product.

Moreover, diamond suspensions produce finer surface finishes compared to other abrasive materials, making them ideal for applications requiring a high level of surface quality. The use of diamond also minimizes the generation of heat during machining processes, which helps to preserve the integrity of heat-sensitive materials.

Considerations When Using Diamond Suspensions

While diamond suspensions offer significant advantages, several considerations must be taken into account when utilizing them. The cost of diamond particles can be relatively high compared to other abrasives, which may impact overall production costs. Additionally, the selection of the appropriate particle size and concentration is critical, as these factors directly influence the effectiveness of the suspension for specific applications.

Another important consideration is the proper maintenance and handling of diamond suspensions. Users must ensure that the suspensions are adequately mixed to prevent settling of the diamond particles, which can lead to uneven polishing or grinding. Moreover, proper cleaning and storage practices are essential to extend the life of the suspensions and maintain their performance.

Diamond suspensions represent a cutting-edge solution in the realm of precision machining and surface finishing. Their unique composition, characterized by the inclusion of hard diamond particles in a liquid medium, facilitates high efficiency and superior results in various industrial applications. As industries continue to demand higher precision and better surface finishes, the relevance of diamond suspensions will undoubtedly grow, paving the way for innovations that leverage their exceptional properties. Understanding their benefits and considerations will help manufacturers and technicians harness the full potential of diamond suspensions in their processes.

[qocsuing]

The Importance and Applications of Ionizing Air Blowers

The Importance and Applications of Ionizing Air Blowers in Modern Industry

Static electricity can be a significant challenge in many industrial settings, causing issues such as material sticking, dust attraction, and even potentially dangerous sparks. To combat these problems, ionizing air blowers have become an essential tool in modern industry. This article explores the importance and various applications of ionizing air blowers, highlighting their role in improving efficiency, safety, and product quality.Get more news about ionizing air blower,you can vist our website!

Understanding Ionizing Air Blowers Ionizing air blowers, also known as static eliminators or anti-static blowers, are devices designed to neutralize static charges on surfaces and objects. They work by emitting a balanced stream of positive and negative ions, which attach to the static charges on the target surface. This neutralization process effectively eliminates static electricity, reducing its associated problems.

Key Benefits of Ionizing Air Blowers Static Charge Elimination

The primary benefit of ionizing air blowers is their ability to eliminate static charges from surfaces and objects. This is particularly important in industries where static electricity can cause significant issues, such as electronics, plastics, and packaging. By neutralizing static charges, ionizing air blowers prevent material sticking, reduce dust attraction, and minimize the risk of sparks and fire hazards.

Improved Product Quality

In many manufacturing processes, static electricity can lead to defects and imperfections in the final product. For example, in the electronics industry, static charges can damage sensitive components, resulting in malfunctioning devices. In the plastics industry, static can cause contamination and defects in molded parts. Ionizing air blowers help maintain product quality by preventing these issues and ensuring consistent, defect-free production.

Enhanced Safety

Static electricity poses a safety risk in certain industrial environments, particularly those involving flammable or explosive materials. Sparks generated by static discharge can ignite these materials, leading to fires or explosions. By neutralizing static charges, ionizing air blowers reduce the risk of such incidents, creating a safer working environment for employees.

Increased Efficiency

Static charges can cause materials to cling to surfaces or machinery, leading to production delays and inefficiencies. Ionizing air blowers help prevent these issues by neutralizing static, allowing materials to move freely and reducing downtime. This increased efficiency can lead to higher productivity and lower operational costs.

Applications of Ionizing Air Blowers Electronics Manufacturing

In the electronics industry, static electricity can damage delicate components and lead to product failures. Ionizing air blowers are used to eliminate static charges from circuit boards, semiconductor wafers, and other electronic components during manufacturing and assembly. This helps prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage and ensures the reliability of electronic devices.

Plastics Industry

Static electricity is a common problem in the plastics industry, where it can cause dust attraction, contamination, and defects in molded parts. Ionizing air blowers are used to neutralize static charges on plastic sheets, films, and molded parts, ensuring a clean and defect-free production process. This is particularly important in applications where high-quality finishes and precision are required.

Packaging and Printing

Static electricity can cause issues in packaging and printing processes, such as material sticking, misfeeds, and poor print quality. Ionizing air blowers are used to eliminate static charges on packaging materials, labels, and printed sheets, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. This helps maintain product quality and prevents production disruptions.

Textile Industry

In the textile industry, static electricity can cause fibers to cling together, leading to production delays and defects in the final product. Ionizing air blowers are used to neutralize static charges on fibers, fabrics, and finished garments, ensuring smooth processing and high-quality textiles.

Cleanrooms and Laboratories

Cleanrooms and laboratories require strict control of static electricity to prevent contamination and ensure accurate results. Ionizing air blowers are used to maintain a static-free environment in these settings, protecting sensitive equipment and samples from static-related issues.

Conclusion Ionizing air blowers play a crucial role in modern industry by neutralizing static charges and preventing the problems associated with static electricity. Their ability to eliminate static charges improves product quality, enhances safety, and increases efficiency in various applications, from electronics manufacturing to packaging and printing. As industries continue to prioritize quality and safety, the use of ionizing air blowers will remain essential in ensuring smooth and reliable operations. Embrace the benefits of ionizing air blowers and discover how they can elevate your industrial processes in today's dynamic and competitive landscape.

[mordormr]

High Purity Quartz Market: Trends, Growth Drivers, and Future Outlook

The High Purity Quartz Market Size is projected to be valued at USD 672.93 million in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 847.46 million by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 4.5% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2029.

Market Overview and Growth Drivers

The High Purity Quartz market is expanding rapidly, driven by rising demand from industries like electronics, solar power, and telecommunications. HPQ is valued for its low impurity levels, especially its minimal iron and metal content, making it ideal for applications where even trace impurities can disrupt functionality. The growing adoption of technologies that require ultra-clean materials is propelling the HPQ market forward, with North America and Asia-Pacific as significant contributors.

Key factors fueling HPQ market growth include:

Semiconductor Industry Demand: HPQ is essential in the semiconductor manufacturing process, where it’s used in quartz crucibles for wafer production. With the expansion of the semiconductor industry, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, the demand for HPQ is on the rise.

Solar Panel Production: HPQ is crucial for manufacturing high-performance photovoltaic cells due to its high purity and stability, and with global efforts to transition to renewable energy, the demand from the solar industry is substantial.

Optical Fiber and Lighting Applications: HPQ is used in optical fiber production for high-speed data transfer and specialty lighting, which are in increasing demand as digital infrastructure grows worldwide.

High Purity Quartz Grades and Applications

HPQ is typically categorized into different grades based on purity levels:

Standard Grade HPQ: Used primarily in industries where extremely high purity is less critical, such as in some optical products.

High Grade HPQ: Suitable for demanding applications in the semiconductor and electronics industries, where any impurities can impact performance.

Ultra-High Purity Quartz: The purest grade, required for high-performance applications in semiconductor manufacturing, solar panels, and high-end optics.

These grades cater to different end-use industries, making HPQ a versatile material that can be tailored to specific needs within these sectors.

Key Market Trends

Rising Demand in the Semiconductor Industry: HPQ is a primary material in semiconductor manufacturing, as it’s used in the production of silicon wafers. With demand for semiconductors projected to grow due to advancements in AI, IoT, and automotive electronics, the HPQ market is experiencing robust demand.

Growth in Renewable Energy: The solar power sector relies heavily on HPQ in solar photovoltaic cell production. Governments worldwide are promoting renewable energy adoption, driving up the need for high-purity quartz.

Advances in Fiber Optics Technology: HPQ’s use in fiber optics is expanding with the rollout of 5G networks, improved digital infrastructure, and high-speed data transmission requirements.

Exploration of HPQ in Emerging Technologies: Research is underway into HPQ's potential uses in new applications, such as electric vehicle components, advanced lighting, and high-precision optics, potentially expanding the market in the future.

For a detailed overview and more insights, you can refer to the full market research report by Mordor Intelligence https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/high-purity-quartz-market