#waste disposal companies in my area
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omikasingh · 6 days ago
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Pioneering Waste Management in Dubai
Traditionally, waste was considered a problem to be disposed of, but Dubai has flipped the narrative. With a growing focus on resource recovery, waste management companies in Dubai are introducing cutting-edge technologies to extract value from waste.
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mwrecycles · 3 months ago
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In today's rapidly advancing scientific landscape, the proper disposal of lab equipment and medical machines has become a critical concern. In Singapore, the increasing volume of waste generated by laboratories necessitates a responsible approach to disposal. With regulations in place to protect the environment and public health, safe and eco-friendly disposal services have emerged as essential components of waste management.
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teaboot · 2 months ago
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I feel like if you're using a lot of disposable plastic bags in your day to day life, you've gotta do something sustainable to make up for it. Like using bamboo toilet paper or eco friendly cat litter or something, yknow
Honestly I exaggerate for comedic effect, while I DO routinely use ziplock bags to hold spaghetti I cook maybe once a month and the bag itself is usually for freezer storage. I actually throw out maybe one bag a week? I DO hate washing plates and tupperware and junk but that usually just means I eat sandwiches without a plate.
I agree though that needless waste should be avoided, and I do avoid it- biodegradable bags and recyclables, empty butter tubs used to store leftovers, etc.
This said, though, not applicable necessarily for myself but for a lot of others- I feel that it's importat to remember that there are many people who legitimately NEED things like plastic straws, or catheters, or pre-packaged foods
And the idea that that's a moral failing that individuals need to personally make up for when a single billionaire blows out more CO2 in a long weekend than I will in my whole life on a superjet meet-cute in the Bolivian rainforest between humvee drag races funded by the river-polluting textiles plants they planted in a third world country to avoid EPA laws and give an entire village stillbirths and stomach cancer is an idea that those very same bigwigs have spent a LOT of time and money investing in planting in the public psyche.
Like- Glass bottles are infinitely recyclable, so why are so many drinks in plastic now? Loads of drinks manufacturers used to buy them back and clean them for re-use, so why did they stop? If they chose to make something out of a limited and environmentally irresponsible material, why is it my failing to track down a correct process of disposal for them? What if there are none in my area? Do I lobby for more recycling plants in my area? Do I set aside some of my limited time outside the pain factory of my job- which I have more than one of, thanks to rising costs of things just like that drink I just emptied- to properly dispose of this company's waste FOR them?
Say coca-cola just rolled up to your town and started dumping millions of empty plastic bottles in the street, going, "wow, you should really think about building and staffing a recycling depot, it would be really shameful of you to just put these in the trash." When companies purposefully use materials with limited lifespans- because yes, even plastic can only be reused so many times- and tell you it's your own fault if it harms the environment- that's essentially what they're doing, just with more steps.
Yes, its important to be as environmentally concious as we can in our day to day life, but responsible sustainability is not catholicism. We don't get good boy points from our lord and savior Captain Planet every time the average low-income household gathers together to hold hands and repent for a single-use plastic that allows them to access something they need.
Entire families could eat trees and shit dead lithium batteries for years and still not do as much damage to the planet as an average dye plant or braindead celebrity does in a week just for fun, and I'm mad about it
...this went on longer than intended.
TL/DR: DO recycle and minimize waste, but don't beat yourself up over the little waste you can't avoid, and follow the money.
EDIT: Part 2
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marzipanandminutiae · 2 months ago
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the one thing I am full-bore conspiracy theorist about?
daily contact lenses
or, well, not their existence, period. they're a valid health option that is best for some people, medically. but the sheer aggressiveness with which they're being pushed nowadays
the last few times I went to the eye doctor for my annual check-up, she was HEAVILY on my case to switch to dailies. like, to the point of arrogance and condescension when I said I preferred to stick with monthlies (I've worn contacts since I was 12, for reference). I also posted about it on a forum and got massive negativity in response, as well as being talked down to by someone claiming to be an optometrist himself
now if this were like...anti-vaxxer sentiment I'd understand that reaction. but from what I've heard, while monthlies do carry a higher risk of eye infections and such, they're not medically unsound or unsafe across the board. I'm willing to accept that risk, and since science has not found that they're terrible and should immediately be discontinued, I feel like my wishes should be respected and not belittled
point two: plastic waste. they say it's somehow less than using monthlies, but frankly I just don't see how that's possible. 365 of those little eye chips- times two! -and their packaging, add up to less than a case and a bottle of solution every few months, plus 24 contacts and their packaging? it doesn't make sense to me, and it doesn't help that I mostly see contact lens websites repeating this "fact." of course all contacts produce plastic waste, and I'd be perfectly willing to accept this as one of those You Have To Consume; You Just Decide What Areas Of Your Life Are Optimal For Minimization of Waste And What Aren't things, if dailies weren't being pushed so hard
(also I found two studies showing that monthly-replacement soft lenses produce less plastic waste than daily disposables. which, like. yes, this should be obvious, but here we are. granted, that's only two, and both studies emphasize that dailies and their accoutrements can be recycled, but see below)
some big companies have "contact recycling programs" but like. who's to say that's not greenwashing? where's the oversight? where are the investigations into what these programs actually DO? god knows we've been there before with recycling and corporations trying to pull the nylon-poly-blend Vegan Wool(TM) over our eyes
they're also more expensive than monthlies, which like. does not lend a positive slant to optometrists pushing them so stridently
on top of that, I and some other monthly users have noted that our contacts aren't lasting as long as they used to. for me, it was 17-18 years of smooth sailing with barely any problems, and as of like a year ago my contacts barely last two weeks without clouding up, ripping, chipping at the edges, causing my vision to blur, becoming uncomfortable...my brand did change around that time, so I hope it's just that, and the sample size of other monthly users I've pooled is VERY small. but it sure seems interesting that they suddenly started pushing a product that doesn't last long enough for people to notice low quality, around the time that at least some users of the longer-lasting version start having problems
you're pooh-poohing all of my concerns- which are indeed backed up by science, it seems! -with a "fix" that relies on big companies being honest about recycling, to push me from a non-ideal but still medically sound option to another that makes you more money?
I'm normally a pretty grounded person but I'm full-on tinfoil hat about this one
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gl1tchy-4rt · 1 month ago
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Piece of Towel 2 :0
Okay, so in past post I had mentioned that Pizza rebuilded the Tower out of spite to take rightful revenge on Peppino and the others.
So I decided to draw The New Tower!
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Behold! The New Tower.
As you can see this Tower is taller but more scuffed and rushed than the previous one.
PizzaMan had to cut budget in order to effectuate his completely reasonable revenge but hey! It's standing and in one piece!... Most of the Time....
Five floors of pain! Four levels each! One New henchmen protecting the key to the next floor, Fun for the whole Family!
• Floors!
(Cause a tower has floors and lots of levels :D)
• Floor One: Reception Room
The Main area for visitors, Tell your motives and get going!, since PizzaBoy's Pizz-Pizza is a busy company with busy employees you should also be busy and movin'!
Level 1: Entrance
Level 2: PizzaRuins
Level 3: Mozzarella Museum
Level 4: Olive Offices
BOSS: Michael Jones (Yup he's Dougie's brother)
Hidden Level: Old Tower = Lobby
• Floor Two: Mediapolis
Studios, cameras and totally real news that hadn't been altered to cause fear mongering! The perfect place to promote your brand and become famous in exchange of your soul and privacy!
Level 1: Hot-Sun Studios
Level 2: Withering Arizona
Level 3: Faux Vegas!
Level 4: Rootbeer Pub
BOSS: Dj Ananas (AKA: Peter C. Ananas)
Hidden Level: Old Tower = Western District
• Floor Three: PizzaLand!
"Enjoy, Buy and Consume!" That's our motto! Come to enjoy the many attractions that PizzaLand has to offer! (PizzaLand doesn't make themselves responsible for the loss of items, money, family, health, dignity or innocence)
Level 1: Cheese Resort
Level 2: PizzaLand Park
Level 3: GOLF 2 (Not affiliated with Billy C. Greaseball)
Level 4: PizzaBoy's Mega-Mall!
BOSS: The Prince (AKA: Kingsley Hamburg)
Hidden Level: Old Tower = Vacation Resort
• Floor Four: Sacrifice Zone
What? Did you seriously think that a company like this would care about some plants? Heck nah! Where lame-os see "Destruction of both emviroment and quality of life" WE SEE BIG PROFITS.
Level 1: Industrial Streets
Level 2: Ah Crap... (Chemical waste disposal area)
Level 3: Drippin' Boilin' Melterator (Climate change :D)
Level 4: War-bot Factory
BOSS: T0N1 the Task Maneger
Hidden Level: Old Tower = Slum
• Floor Five: PizzaBoy's Private Offices
The Blood of the Company, This is where the... "Magic" happens, all the deals, transactions, stock management, Tax tax evasion, invention brainstorming, unethical experimentation, Magical researching, ect, ect… Everything that's helpful and essential for PizzaBoy's Pizza-Pizza!
Level 1: Pizza Offices
Level 2: Make Sound, Lemme hear You!
Level 3: Secret Labs
BOSS: "Bulldozer" the Last Clone
Level 4: Crumbling Walls (Outside of the Tower)
TRUE BOSS (Top of the Tower): PizzaMan
Hidden Level: Old Tower = Staff Only
• Hidden Floor: PizzaMan's Private Studio:
"You six aren't supposed to be here…" Level: Private Studio -------------------------------
HOOO BOY THIS WAS A LONG ONE
This is the Layout of the New Tower, the New Levels and PizzaMan's New Henchmen!
Im going to be posting the Floors with Their Bosses
It WILL take a while but ill try my best! besides Summer is soon! so ill have a bit more time to draw
Anyhow Everyone take care and
See y'all later!
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bramblesbriars · 11 months ago
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Middle of the Night: Chapter 1
Terry Silver is a prominent business owner, who happens to be a powerful vampire leader in the LA area. From waste disposal to escort services, Terry has a market for just about everything. But when a strapping new intern arrives from the local community college, he begins to rethink his priorities.
Trigger warning: This story is filled with drugs, smut and less than pleasant situations. If these bother you in any way, please, DO NOT READ. Definitely 18+. You've been warned.
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First days were always the hardest, that’s what Mr. Miyagi had told him anyway as he scuffled from the table and headed out the door that morning. As helpful as the advice was meant to be, it only made Daniel nervous on the drive over to the place, nearly getting lost at one light. He had made the drive before, twice even, and a little anxiety was going to throw off his whole day? He shook his head, doing his best to shake it off as he pulled into the parking lot of the massive building, glancing at the sign out front.
DynaTox Industries was a well-known staple in the area, as was it’s owner, Mr. Silver. He seemed to be a pretty decent guy, always participating in charities and community programs. That was the only reason Daniel got accepted to the internship program in the first place, no million dollar company would have dreamed of taking in a pathetic community college intern unless they were showing a little pity. The entire admissions process had been intense and a little extreme though, yet not once had Daniel met the mysterious executive.
With this in mind, he wondered if he would get a chance to see the man on his first day in with the other interns. Not that it mattered much, he expected to be working with a supervisor or something in the sales departments, that was his focus anyway. It was just always nice to know who you were working for.
The building was plated in glass, reflecting Daniel’s awkward form back at him as he made the trek up to the revolving doors, heading inside. Exotic plants decorated the entry way, the teen pausing to touch a petal of one of the flowers to see if it was real. The purple flake broke into his hand causing him to panic and tuck it into the pot before he darted over to a nearby desk where a lady sat. He gave his best smile, weight shifting from foot to foot when her gaze found him.
“Welcome to DynaTox Industries. How may I help you?” The woman flashed a kind smile, hands folded over her workstation as she addressed Daniel.
“Hi, I’m Daniel LaRusso, I'm an intern” He started, adjusting the bag on his shoulder. “I was wondering where I’m supposed to be. It’s my first day.”
“Oh, right, one of the interns.” The assistant checked the index card holder on her desk. “La…LaRusso…Ah, here you are.” After a moment of reading the card, she wrote down some information on a slip of paper and passed it to the teen. “You’re going to floor three, conference room B. There should be someone there to help you.”
“Thank you so much.” Daniel nodded, rushing towards an elevator just before the doors were about to close. He clutched the piece of paper in his fist, glancing over it as the elevator ascended to his floor just to give himself something to do. Once the car paused on the third floor, he hesitated before stepping out into the hall where a some other people lingered.
A few other interns congregated in the hallway, Daniel spotting them by their dazed looks and questionable attire. Despite his best effort to smile and appear approachable, none of the others paid him any mind, nor did they speak to each other. He figured it was every man for himself around there, but still, he had to at least try to be civil. He was going to be stuck with most of these people for a few months, the last thing he wanted to do was to piss everyone off on his first day there.
Per the assistant’s directions, Daniel scoped out the right conference room, surprised to find an elderly lady waiting for him. She was helpful though, giving Daniel his name tag and a folder of paperwork. Most of it needed to be signed and returned, but the brunt of it was information on the company and its owner. The pamphlets would come in handy for his paper later on, and he did have an interest in how the company worked. He didn’t like to be superficial of others, but he wondered if the other interns actually cared about why they were there or if they only saw a multi million-dollar company and flocked to it. DynaTox hadn’t been his first choice for an internship, but they were the ones who had accepted him, and he was grateful for it.
“You’ll be shadowing our sales team.” The old woman explained. “There will be another intern joining you later this week, so you won’t be the only greenhorn around for long.” Her leathery face crinkled into a smile. “You seem like a good kid, you’ll fit right in.”
“Thanks, Miss Margaret.” Daniel smiled, but his nerves pinched the ends of it, a hand bunched at the hem of his shirt. “Where do I get started? I mean, what will I be doing?”
“For now, just shadowing, watching.” Margaret shooed him towards the door, making sure he had the file in his arm. “Mr. Silver would have a heart attack if interns touched anything.”
Mr. Silver. The name sounded so refined and regal, Daniel had to at least acknowledge that. No wonder the guy was rich and owned a nice chunk of the valley, he probably came from a prominent family with a name like that. That’s where his mind wandered off to when Margaret spoke, not where he was supposed to be or what he was meant to be doing. He blinked then when he heard his name, inhaling a sharp breath.
“Just shadow the sales team, got it. Thank you, Miss Margaret.” Daniel again grinned for the old woman, who by then had turned to walk away, going towards the elevator. He sighed, trying to recall where exactly the sales team was.
It took some trial and error, a little embarrassing, but he found the assistant head of the sales team. A balding man, who was not nearly as talkative or friendly as he was hoping he was going to be, who made sure Daniel did nothing but stand back and watch. Later he was introduced to the actual head of the team, the lady far nicer but still pretty strict. It was during this interaction that he learned what he was mostly going to be doing over the next few months.
Coffee duty.
Oh, he was seething, the mild scent of sandalwood seeping into his clothes. What was he supposed to learn by just standing and watching? That wasn’t how he learned karate, and that wasn’t how he expected to learn how to run a business. If that was the case then he guessed he shouldn’t have even gone to college. He almost hadn’t taken the risk, but Mr. Miyagi had convinced him to push himself further. Whether he would make it or not was still up in there air.
For the time being, he found himself running back from the nearest coffee shop with orders for nearly every member of the sales team. He was lucky to have a drink carrier, but hot beverages and cardboard don’t always mix. He didn’t spill any, but he stopped just short of losing the entire carrier, setting it down on a table in a waiting area. Daniel adjusted the cups and again tried to pick it up, one of the drinks tilting a bit. He was quick to set it back down, muttering a curse under his breath.
“Do you need help with that?” A voice came from next to the teen, soft and amused.
Daniel’s eyes met an icy blue stare, freezing him in place for a second. The man beside him looked so out of place, pale skin, raven hair, and eyes that just screamed intense. His clothes fit the part though, the guy decked out in a fancy business suit. He looked a little too nice to be working there though. Who was this guy?
“Oh, no, I’ve got it.” Daniel was quick to try and grab the carrier again, but the same thing happened. “Yeah, I might need some help actually. Thanks.”
“No problem.” The man picked up three of the coffees, while Daniel grabbed the other two. “It’s not easy being the intern.” The teen shot a look over at the guy who smirked. “It’s not hard to tell. You’re all over the place.”
“That easy, huh?” Daniel chewed his lip, kicking himself for looking like such an idiot. He led the way to the elevator, punching three with his elbow once they both were inside. There was something about this guy’s scent that made Daniel sway, he couldn’t put a finger on it. It wasn’t like any alpha scent he had smelt before, it was stronger.
“It gets easier, so I hear.” While he spoke, the man cut a glance over at Daniel, tracing his profile. Daniel tried to avoid the man’s wandering stare while they stood there together, but it was hard to ignore. Was it his clothes? He had worn the best clothes he had, but he didn’t have too much to pick from, hoping he could buy new stuff with his first pay check.
“I just wish people would let me do something.” He sighed. “I get I’m an intern and a student, but I can’t learn if I don’t do anything.” Daniel huffed the last part, stepping out onto the floor when the doors opened up. The man followed behind him, mouth slightly pursed and brows arched.
“So, you’re a kinaesthetic learner.” When Daniel gave the man a confused look he laughed. “You learn by doing. You’re a physical learner.”
“Oh, well, yeah.” Daniel shook his head at the strange word the man used. “I just hope this entire intern thing isn’t going to be like this the whole time.” The beta sighed as he paused at the conference room door to open it.
“If they see potential in you then they’ll give you a chance.” He set the coffees he held on a console table by the door before motioning towards it. “I better get going. Me and these guys don’t really get along.” It was a strange thing to say, but Daniel brushed it off, realizing he didn’t get the man’s name.
“Oh, I’m Daniel, by the way.” He wedged his foot in the door to keep it open, disappointed he couldn’t shake the guy’s hand like a professional.
“I know. It’s on your shirt.” The man cut a sly grin Daniel’s way as he pointed to his name tag, before turning and walking down the hallway.
The guy hadn’t even given him his name! How rude could one person be? Well, he did help him carry the coffees to the room, but wouldn’t go inside? Daniel found himself troubled by the exchange the rest of the day, zoning out a good portion of the time that the sales team were going over figures that he could barely understand. He recalled what the man said, that if they saw potential in him that they would give him a shot. But how was he supposed to show any potential by just standing around?
As the work day drew to a close, the murmurings of a get together at a bar across town reached his ears. Something about celebrating the arrival of the new interns or some nonsense like that. Daniel didn’t see the harm in it, not a big drinker but he saw it as a chance to meet some of the other people he worked with. It was all a part of the college experience, right?
Some folks went home after work to change, while the majority of others left work and immediately went to the bar. Daniel was one of those people, not wanting to explain to Mr. Miyagi why he was leaving home after getting back from work. He wasn’t exactly dressed for a night out, clad in dress pants and a sweater, but he didn’t look bad. There were plenty of other people in the bar who looked worse than he did.
Once other employees from the company began to filter into the bar, Daniel tried to strike up conversations with a few of them. Some ignored him, while others referred to him as a child and outright insulted him. There were a couple who humored the teen, it mostly being the younger women of the company, batting their eyes at him and asking how his first day was. Daniel didn’t mind the attention, it was a nice change after losing touch with a few of his old flames. The wounds were still a little fresh though, and most of the conversations died down soon after they began.
Daniel found himself at the bar halfway through the night, ordering Dr. Pepper and people watching to pass the time. He had tried to order a beer, but the bartender wouldn’t let him, just chuckling at him and giving him a soda on the house. Even when he was trying to be badass, he couldn’t win. So he sat there, drinking his soda and staring off at the other bar goers. Until a familiar voice echoed from beside him.
“Whiskey, please. Neat.”
The man from earlier perched on the bar stool next to Daniel, now dressed in blue jeans and a long sleeve shirt. His dark hair was slicked back into a ponytail, a few stray pieces curling around his forehead and ears. Daniel was quiet while he cut his eyes over at the man, the same odd scent of smoke filling his nose. It made sense that he would be there too. The guy did work at the company. But for him to find Daniel at the bar like that? It was weird. As if on cue, the man seemed to focus in on Daniel’s insecurity.
“Oh, hey, Daniel.” The man grinned, sipping his whiskey. “How was the rest of the sales meeting?”
“Boring.” The brunette admitted as he picked at his cuticles. “I did get to drink one of the coffees though. Apparently, I messed up the order.” He shrugged then, tan cheeks flushed. “What branch are you in…You know I never got your name!”
“Terry.” He held a handout to the teen, who gave it a firm shake. “Ah, I really do a little bit of everything. I’m particularly good at business management, the administration side.” Terry explained, gesturing with his hand before taking another sip of his drink. “So, you want to go into sales, is that right?”
“Oh, I don’t know yet. I just know I’m interested in business. I’d like to have my own someday.” It was the first time Daniel really smiled that evening, the once agitating scent of smoke now oddly comforting. “Not sure what kind yet, but I’d like to have my name on a sign some kind of way.”
“That’s a pretty big ambition. All you need is the drive to get there.” Terry finished his drink, nodding to the bartender for another. “And maybe some money.”
“Yeah, that’s why I’m going to save everything I get from this internship…” Daniel paused when the other laughed. “What?”
“This internship doesn’t pay its interns. Most internships don’t actually.” Terry thanked the bartender when he got his drink, setting it aside. “So you won’t be making anything, Danny-boy.”
It was definitely news to him. He had specifically applied to the DynaTox internship program because it offered a paid internship and now some guy was telling him that it was a lie? It had to be a joke. But what if it wasn’t? That meant he was going to have to find some other way to save up money while also going to school, and that hadn’t been part of his thinking going into this. Daniel went quiet, pushing his empty glass around on the counter.
A hand pressed into his back then, the pressure soft against his spine. He blinked, head snapping round to meet Terry’s electric gaze and faint smile. Daniel’s mouth opened though no words left him, the strangest sensation jostled through his veins to have another man look at him that way. Specifically, to have that man look at him that way.
“If you’re strapped for cash I know a way you can make some extra money.” Terry kept his voice low, sliding his hand down Daniel’s back and off his hip. The teen tensed when the man did that, averting his eyes. “It’s totally discreet. I mean, hell, how do you think all the other interns are making their money?”
Daniel’s body warmed. Was this guy really propositioning him? He dug in his pocket for his wallet, pulling it out only to drop it on the floor. He slid from the bar stool to grab it, but a foot stopped him. A lump settled in his throat as he stared at the shoe that rest on his wallet, not daring to look up.
“Let me get those for you, Danny-boy.” Terry slid his foot off Daniel’s wallet then got out his own, paying for both of their tabs. The teen snatched up his wallet, ready to run out of the bar when a voice called after him. “Remember what I said, Daniel. Think about it.”
Was he desperate enough to consider such a thing? No, never, that was disgusting. Besides, he had never been with anyone, why would he drop as low as to have his first time be with someone he didn’t even know? And for a few bucks too? He wasn’t ready to be that pathetic. He preferred to be a broke loser than a floozy degenerate. The entire incident left him shaken and made him regret ever asking the guy his name.
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lunarsilkscreen · 5 days ago
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Multi-Factor, Layered, Cryptographic System
A few big flaws with crypto are; how large and unwieldy the ledger can get, the centralization of decentralized systems, congestion at the base cryptographic layer, potential loss of a wallet, automation errors, a complete lack of oversight.
Cryptographic Systems are designed to be decentralized, trustless, transactional, and secure.
The problem with this; is as the Crypto environment grew; the need to bypass some of those features became a requirement.
Decentralization gave way to crypto stores and Wallet Vaults, as well as the potential for complete loss of value (despite it being an online thing), and introducing waste to the ledger through these lost "Resources".
Trustless gave way to legal restrictions and disputes, and the formerly decentralized environment was tethered to the world economy.
Transactional gave way to inflation when It became a valued asset that was used for more than secure transactions.
And... Block chain technology has proven to be very insecure and exploitable. With several Bitcoin "Branches" being made after large thefts or errors had occured.
The Automation and Scripting layer of crypto also has potential for "Unchecked Run times" and wasted Network Cycles and Waste of Electric Power.
Needless to say; Crypto no longer serves its original purpose.
Despite all this; Crypto still has great potential. And our Future Internet designs should include protocols specifically to support it.
Separately from other internet traffic, but still, alongside it.
So what can we do with the tech to make it more usable..?
Well, first things first; Crypto has large waste of Power and Internet Bandwidth that needs to be addressed. And I would *suggest* a temporary ban of "Unaccountable Automated Wide-Area Systems".
Automated Wide-Area Systems can be installed on multiple computers over the internet, and because they are "trustless" are often overlooked when they waste resources.
Because of the need for Accountability of these systems on our networks; there are still opportunities for the companies which manage them. However, I disagree with the current idea of oligarchic accountability termed "Proof of Stake". (It will be clear what my suggestion for this will be by the end of the article.)
Because there's a need for these systems to be transactional; we should be wary of how "Automated Transactions" are designed. As large amounts of assets can accidentally trade hands over the span of nanoseconds.
And we still want them to be Decentralized and Secure.
The Ethereum model creates extra cryptographic layers to cover some of the weaknesses in BitCoin, and this actually allows for an illuminated solution to our "Dark Pools" in the finance sector.
And the need to reduce waste on our Electric and Network Infrastructure (especially in the case of climate change) necessitates that we know where every digital asset on such a system is accounted for.
It also means we need a method of "Historical Ledger" disposal; so that we both have long-term records AND reduce the resources required to run a cryptographic system.
Which means we'll need "Data Banks" and "Wallet Custodians". So that nothing is ever lost; while retaining the anonymity the internet provides.
Legal Restrictions here on keeping the privacy of Wallet Owners is very important. We can also *itemize* large wallets, to provide further security and privacy.
These systems can *also* be used to track firearm purchases anonymously. Which will give the tools our ATF needs to track sales, as well as provide the privacy and security that are constantly lobbied by Firearm owners.
I think that covers the *generalized* and *broad* requirements of wide-scale implementation. I figure that Crypto-Enthusiasts may have some input on the matter.
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useless-bi-otch · 2 years ago
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Cookies'n Cream - Chapter 8
Last chapter / MasterList / art by @aneenasevla
Chapter 8 - Bodyguards
"... And that's all for today. Thanks for today's services, guys!," Kanami declares, rubbing her hands with satisfaction, to which the employees, both hired and volunteer, let out big sighs, all happy for another workday. It was tiring, but productive, and it couldn't be otherwise.
After the incident involving the three troublemakers, the rest of the afternoon at the Heavy Bakery had passed without anything a hitch. They half-expected, not really anticipating, the police to show up, but hours had passed and none of them had heard a siren or seen the pulsating lights of a police car through the windows. Thank God. And anyway, Kanami was cautious and would have a video ready to show the cops, recorded by the security camera just above the area where the cash register was located, serving as evidence to justify her actions. None of them would have to worry about possible legal actions being taken against the bakery. Which was good, because Tomori wanted to fill her head with thoughts and memories far more pleasant than those.
The time she spent with Okubo and his friends was relatively short, due to the inopportune interruption, but no less pleasant. They even surprised her with some really yummy rice balls! If she could, she would like to have many more lunch breaks like that.
"You're welcome, Kana-chan! Are you sure you don't want help with the cleaning?," She asks while removing the apron and then the hairnet "There's more trash than usual, even though we've already got rid of the stinkier ones, hahaha."
Hiro laughs along with her, one hand over his mouth.
"By now Kana could open a second company, specializing in the collection and disposal of medical waste!"
"That's a bit too much, Hiro, c'mon," The baker rolls her eyes, although she smirked at the cashier's jokes. "And don't worry, Koga and Ryuki offered to help Paikon and me with the cleaning."
"Wait, what?", Koga widens his eyes, his jaw dropping a little, to which Ryuki, playing with a reusable pastry bag full of water, says: 
"Did you forget that she asked for a night sparring session, Koga? We'll go straight to the SJPW headquarters from here."
"Ooh, it's true…" He nods. And then he asks, arching an eyebrow, "But how about we still get some croissants as compensation for the extra service, huh?"
"Croissants are given to students on merit, so you should start to work harder to earn them."
"Shut up! And why are you still holding that pastry bag? You even filled it with water…”
"Oh, I just like squeezing things out of a sac, it's kinda relaxing... what?," Ryuki blinks as Koga bursts out laughing, bending over himself. Tomoyo rolls her eyes as the adults allow themselves exasperated chuckles, Kanami clapping her hands again and raising her voice to be heard.
"Okay, enough with the double entendre! Tomori and Tomoyo have already organized the kitchen and Hiro has already closed the cash register, so they're off the hook for the day. Koga, Ryuki and Paikon, the sooner we start clearing tables, the sooner we'll be done."
"I already said I don't need help, but if you insist, Miss Oomori…" Paikon shrugs before turning to the two boys "And you two, use the mops to clean the floor this time, instead of hitting each other with them. They aren't cheap, you know..."
"It was Koga who challenged me to a sparring session with cold weapons, I just accepted," Ryuki points to the said challenger, who screeches: 
"For when we had finished cleaning, and with bo staffs! If you want to blame someone for the lost mop, Mr. Paikon, blame Ryuki, who broke it on my back!”
"There will be no sparring sessions inside this establishment, or none of you will get croissants!"
And that threat seemed to be enough to convince the boys to behave. Tomori would always laugh at the control Kanami was able to exert over them. She was an all-natural big sister, however much she denied it.
After saying goodbye to those who would stay at the bakery to finish their end-of-hours arrangements, Tomori, Hiro and Tomoyo leave the establishment together.
"Okay, we are a little short of time, but if we hurry, we can catch the next train," The cashier says while checking his cell phone "I'll go off my usual path, but at least once I need to be a gentleman and escort the ladies, instead of feeling like one of them..."
"You can focus your chivalry on Tomoyo for today, Hiro," Tomori says with a chuckle "I'm not going straight home."
"Last minute shopping?," The girl asks, to which Tomori makes a brief gesture with her hand.
"Kinda. Mom texted me and asked me to pick up Dad's medicine from the pharmacy nearby. He was supposed to have done that himself, but he forgot," She rolls her eyes a little "He never forgets the snacks and soy sauce on the market, but his diuretics are another story..."
Hiro laughs, putting his hand over his mouth again "Your mother deserves a medal for putting up with those things, I swear. Well, we're off then. Be careful on the streets, girl. See you tomorrow."
"You too. See ya!," She waves to both of them, smiling, before adjusting the strap of her purse on her shoulder and starting to walk. If she quickened her pace, she could make it to the pharmacy, two blocks away, and be back in time for the next train. It was at these times that she regretted never buying a car.
Fortunately, the streets at that time were well lit and busy. The Heavy Bakery was located in a busy shopping area, with people leaving or arriving at their workplaces, customers on their way to restaurants and pubs, all of which made it a reasonably safe area to walk around, as long as care was taken with what was carried, such as purses and shopping bags. Tomori had never had a problem with her walks through that region until here…
Except, at that moment, she felt strangely alert, aware of the fact that she was a woman walking the streets of Tokyo alone. Memories of the afternoon's events flood back into her mind; the most unpleasant, in this case. It was amazing how the human brain was able to remember the bad things in detail more effectively than the good things. Those clueless idiots had been pretty furious with the humiliation they had been through. If they decided they weren't going to let it slide…
She shakes her head as she feels a shiver run up her spine. No, dwelling on that would only make her paranoid, looking over her shoulder at all times, looking for pursuers who weren't even there. And living in fear, always anticipating an attack, was just what men like that wanted from their victims. She wouldn't give them that satisfaction.
She walks more purposefully, her hand steady on the handle of her purse, until she feels it vibrate slightly. She fishes out her phone from inside it, taking care to walk as far away from the street as possible (pickpockets on motorcycles that took advantage of the distraction of passers-by to grab purse straps were common there) while she checks her messages. There were two: one from her mother, sent just now, and another from Okubo, sent a couple of hours ago; probably shortly after he and his friends left the bakery.
She smiles, her chest getting all warm, her spirits lifting considerably as unpleasant thoughts are put on hold. She decides to answer him first; she knew her mother well enough to know that the conversation with her would be a long one.
Okubo_Naoya:
hey
I know you're still working miss uta
no need to answer now
I just wanna thank you for the company and the compliments on the rice balls
Not seeing you turning green and running to the bathroom like rihito said tyou would made the hours in the kitchen worth it ^^
sorry, it's a joke
but seriously, it was really worth it
and hope all is well with you after that bs that happened earlier
She laughs, allowing herself a fanciful moment in which she imagined him fumbling around with his phone after sending that message, cursing himself in his thoughts. She felt kind of privileged to be one of the very few people who knew that cute side of the legendary King of Combat.
Uta_Tomori:
lol it’s ok
I'd be lying if I didn’t say I was relieved by that too
LOL jk
I'm the one who needs to thank you mr okubo
both for the visit and for your concern
don't worry, we're used to dealing with this kinda thing
dumbasses like that don't last one minute under kanny's rough treatment LMAO
She then clicks on her mother's contact, still laughing. She had sent more texts after the first one, deciding that needing to wait more than a minute for a response from her daughter was a disrespect to her maternal authority.
Mom:
Tomoh, could you bring a bottle of rose water along with your father's medicine? I already transferred you the money
honey??
aren't you off of your shift by now? Kanny put you off the clock today?
Uta Tomori, you have 3 minutes to answer me or I'll call the bakery's phone!
Tomoh:
mom calm down
I'm here
I was just replying to a friend
so don’t freak out
Mom:
watch your words young lady
how am I not going to freak out when you take this long to answer me??
not knowing if you were still at work or if you'd been attacked in the street, run over by a car or something
your father has high blood pressure, but mom's heart is not much better
Tomoh:
your heart's fine
if you can make such drama without having tachycardia there's nothing to worry about lol
But seriously, I'm fine, chill
I'm on my way to the pharmacy now
so
a bottle of rose water, right?
Mom:
yes please
I'll pick it up tomorrow morning before taking the train to the shrine
want to go with me?
Tomoh:
I can't, I’ll be at work
If it was in the late afternoon it'd be fine, but since it's not...
sorry
but which shrine is it?
Mom:
It’s Meiji Shrine
Tomoh:
in Harajuku?
it's so far away, mom!
there're closer shrines, why don't you go to one of them?
Mom:
it’s called a pilgrimage sweety!
the gods appreciate it and are more inclined to answer our prayers
and the ones I have are very important
Tomoh:
are you going to throw some coins in the offering box and light some incense to ask for Seki's victory in the next sjpw tournament?
Mom:
Not only that
I will thank them for the promotion your brother received at work
Ask for them to give your father's heart a break
And ask for my daughter to finally find a good husband
Tomori almost drops the phone in fright, her face heating up until it almost looks like it's burning.
Tomoh:
oh my god mom
we already talked about this
I haven’t had time to think about these things
Mom:
and when will you do??
time is passing, you're getting older and I still don't have a son-in-law!
you sure  you don’t want to give a chance to Watanabe's kid?
he's such a good boy and he also majored in gastronomy
Tomoh:
no mom I don't
we are no longer in the Edo period
enough with the arranged marriages
Mom:
what am I supposed to do then?? 
you're not helping at all Tomori
I want grandkids, darling
I want to see you happy with someone 
like Tatsu is with Saeko
I don't want to see you alone anymore
Tomoh:
I'm not alone
I have you guys and I have my friends
I'm anything but alone
so you don't have to worry ok?
now I'm gonna be offline cause I'm going to cross the avenue
love you bye
Tomori shoves the phone back in her purse, not waiting for an answer, still embarrassed. Year in, year out and her mother wouldn't freaking let it go. Typical mother, she supposed. If she had the slightest idea that her daughter was already interested in someone, but not for the pure reasons she fantasized about...
"... easy there, Takeh, you're still all fucked up. Are ya really sure it was a girl who did this to you?"
"Shut the fuck up! You weren't there, that bitch was a freakin' monster! She hit like a fucking man..."
"And yet you want to go back there? Why? You wanna get beaten again?”
"Takeh saw the light, guys, he got his ass kicked by a hot chick and now he can't get enough of it, hehehahaha!"
A chorus of loud voices starts approaching Tomori's field of hearing, pulling her out of her awkward thoughts. She lifts her head with a slight grimace of annoyance. Jeez, groups of boys were always so noisy...
"You guys are such dicks! I'm going to hit that tomboy where it fuckin' hurts, and that's why I called you. Did you bring the spray paint?"
"And baseball bats, yes. I swear, dude, if we end up in jail because of you, you're fuckin' dead."
"If you brought the masks too, it won't happen. And even if it does, Masahiko's dad is a great lawyer, he'll bail us out in no time. 'Come on, I want to blow that fuckin' place up-"
Tomori locks herself in place at that, that voice unpleasantly familiar to her ears, an icy, horrible feeling spilling into the pit of her stomach. In her distraction, she gets in the way of a passerby, who bumps into her shoulder, causing her to momentarily lose her balance due to fright.
"Aah...!"
"Whoa! Careful there, lady, watch your step."
She felt fingers close around her arm, catching her before she hit the pavement. She plants the heels of her flats on the floor, panting a little as she looks up at the man who had helped her.
"Oh, th-thanks-"
"Hey, hold on! You...!"
And her stomach plummets when she sees, next to the boy who helped her, a face that she immediately recognized. Not so much the features, but the bruises that covered him. And by the way he was looking at her, the fury being perfectly visible in the eye that weren't swollen, he recognized her too.
"You!," He points at her, his face getting even uglier when he bares his teeth "Katashi, don't let her get away! That's one of the bitches that humiliated us at the bakery!"
In a sudden panic, Tomori tries to pull away from the man, but he tightens his grip on her arm, making her squeak and flinch.
"Whoa, whoa, easy there, lady," He arches an eyebrow before looking sideways at his friend "Are you sure, man? I don't want to go beating women without reason..."
"Yeah, I'm fuckin' shure! We don't forget a face that easily!," Another of the man exclaims, and Tomori also recognizes him as one of the idiots making a ruckus in the bakery earlier. She feels her entire body freeze with sudden fear, her breathing becoming louder and raspier as she tries, almost in vain, to control her panic when she finds herself being trapped inside a circle formed by about ten young men, wearing school uniforms and carrying metal baseball bats. She tries to scream, asking for help from the people who were walking past them, but the Takeh guy immediately growls:
"Make any and we'll beat the hell outta right here! ‘You have a lot of nerve, sis. Walking alone through the streets and thinking you're so tough, even though you knew there were three guys out here, dying to repay your and your boss' kindness…”
"She probably thought we wouldn't have the guts to come  back for a rematch. Well, you're wrong, weren't ya?," Another young man, the third among those who were at the bakery, smiles mischievously "We not only came back, but also brought our entire crew. That's one of the girls we talked about, guys! She's cute, but also a raging bitch, hahaha.
"But she's short. She isn't the girl who busted your face up, is she, Takeh?," Another boy asks, to which Take shakes his head.
“No, she was the little smartass who teased me until I lost my cool. But look, she's shaking all over!," He lets out a mocking laugh "Not so tough now that your friend isn't here to protect you, huh."
The others laugh too, one of them tapping the baseball bat discreetly against the palm of his left hand. They spoke in a casual tone, trying not to attract the attention of other people on the street. They were probably planning to take her somewhere more deserted where even screaming for help wouldn't save her, she thinks, her heart feeling like it's about to climb up her throat and leap out of her mouth.
She felt like she was about to throw up. Something clogged her throat, icy sweat making her shirt stick to her back, her mind conjuring up the most horrible scenarios, the worst possibilities of what they could do to her if she didn't gather the strength to scream, free herself and run, do something...!
“Don't panic, Tomori, don't panic, think, think…!”
There was no running back to the bakery, they had her surrounded from behind and she would only manage to bump into a wall of human bodies bigger and bulkier than her own. But the street ahead was busy. If she managed to run and lose them in the crowd... but they would still be able to block her...
"Is this really necessary?," Katashi, the boy who was holding her, asks with a grimace "She's just a short chick who's no match for any of us. Seriously, I really don't want to beat up a girl..."
"You want me to let her get away with humiliating me, asshole?! No way, she will get what she deserves!"
"If that's the case, just humiliate her back," Katashi lets go of Tomori, as she stumbles forward, her legs weak with fear almost giving way under her weight "Make her kneel and lick your shoes, I don't know. An eye for an eye and so on..."
"Heh… that doesn't sound too bad, Takeh," Another of the boys smiles, as Take seems to consider the proposal.
"Hnnn… yeah, that could be it then," He approaches Tomori, looking down at her with an expression of contempt "Go on, cutie, kneel down to show penance. Put your forehead on the floor and then give my shoes a good wipe. Then I'll decide if that'll be enough for us to forgive you..."
They all laugh again. Full laughs that made her ears ring. Something in the pit of her stomach bubbler. A certainty that, added to the fear, made her mind strangely clear.
The smartest course of action was to accept humiliation. There was no room for pride when you were in such a risky situation. But something inside her told her it wouldn't be enough. The idiot wouldn't let her go even after she agreed to bow her head.
If she wanted to save herself, she would need to fight.
She swallows hard, moving her eyes to the floor and nodding, clutching her purse to her chest as she slowly begins to bend her knees. The boys laughed more while Take smiled satisfied.
"That's how I like it. But damn, seeing you kneeling like that in front of me is making me think of something else, heh-"
And he is interrupted when Tomori takes momentum with bent legs, hoisting herself forward and bumping into him violently, at the same time that she rotates her arm, her teeth clenched with the force she put into the movement, and hits his swollen eye with one end of her purse. Take lets out a painful yelp, staggering to the side and clutching his aching face, nearly knocking two startled friends over in the process. And Tomori wastes no time, taking advantage of the opening in the human wall and dashing through the crowd.
"Aaargh! You fucking bitch!," She hears him shout, furious "Don't just stand there, damn it! After her!"
She doesn't look back, doesn't slow her pace, even pushing stunned and angry people to the side while keeping her eyes wild on the path ahead.
She didn't feel tired, even with her chest burning. Her legs had never felt so energized, adrenaline drawing from them a strength she didn't even know they possessed, her survival instinct on the peak making her more focused than she'd ever been.
She wasn't going to stop running. No matter what’d happen, she wouldn't stop running.
* * *
"Yamashitakazuo, we're leaving," Ohma announces, with the four idiots behind him.
"Yes, guys, good night," Kazuo smiles, following them downstairs "Do you need anything before you go?"
"Nope. We're good, Kazzy," Rihito assures, smiling, as Okubo, Himuro, Kaneda and he go down the stairs, right behind Ohma, leaving the office on the second floor "We just wanted to know what were the plans for after that whole scheme involving  Koga’s rematch, but you already explained everything in detail."
"I should've been more involved, considering that I was part of that scheme…," Himuro comments, closing his eyes while lighting a cigarette. Kaneda just laughs.
"Well, we'll be now, won't we? Anyway, thanks for the coffee, Mr. Yamashita."
"Yeah, thanks! It was great, and we came back from the bakery with our stomachs full and everything," Rihito comments smiling, while Okubo, the last to go down the stairs, takes the phone out of his pocket when he feels it vibrate. He smiles a lot when he sees that Tomori has replied to his text, and immediately starts typing a reply, his ears barely registering the conversation that takes place ahead.
"Yeah, yeah, sorry for not showing up more often too..."
"Relax, Ohma, we know your reasons," the old man smiles, waving with his hand "Just stop by and sign your papers from time to time, it makes it easier instead of making this old man here go to Nara province, where you are living , hahaha."
"I intend to get out of there, sooner or later," Ohma says "It's about time."
“We honestly don't know how you manage to live among those demons...," Himuro comments, blowing smoke to the side, while Rihito frowns with a snort.
"Especially with that fucking psycho..."
"Come on, guys, they helped Ohma when no one else could," Kaneda tries to appease "Assassins or not, we still need to recognize that they can be helpful, honorable..."
"Yeah, but there's a price for that, right? Tokita here will even have to marry that crazy chick, the patriarch's grand-granddaughter..."
"I won't," Ohma says dryly, interrupting the others with a hard look "And if anyone insists on that, they'll have to fight me," he looks at the others and turns to walk again "It's about time I stopped depending on them, that's my way to give back… and I'm also going to see what to do with the house they gave me here in Tokyo."
"The good 'ol word-of-mouth rarely fails either. We can spread the word around. Right, guys?," Rihito looks at his friends. Himuro and Kaneda nod, but Okubo continued with his eyes glued to his phone, smiling dumbly. The three exchange exasperated glances before Rihito sneaks up on him, leans close and whispers in his ear, in a sly moan: 
"Don't forget the mosaics when sending the nudes, Mr. Okubooo..."
Okubo jumps in fright on the bottom step of the stairs, letting out an alarmed exclamation and quickly pulling away from Rihito while shivering, eliciting loud laughter from the other three idiots.
"Go moan like a slut in someone else's ear, you sicko!"
"Watch where you step, Okubo," Kazuo says, and then looks at the others "And are you seriously sending lewd photos to someone at this very moment? Shame on you..."
"Unless she wants to, whoever she is," Ohma completes.
"There are no fucking nudes! It's this idiot here who keeps projecting his perverted fantasies onto others!," Okubo blusters, red as a tomato, while glaring at Rihito, who was busy wiping tears of laughter from his eyes.
"My fantasies? Dude, you wouldn't know how to disguise your intentions even if we paid you to do it!"
"That's right. At least try to pretend you're listening to our plans on how to help the Seaweed Head, man," Himuro jokes, smirking.
"‘Wait- help? With what? Do you need help with something, man?," Okubo blinks as he turns to Ohma, and Rihito lets out a fart-like noise through his mouth while Kaneda shakes his head slowly.
"He wasn't even listening to the beginning of the conversation..."
"And he's not even exchanging nudes with her yet! Just imagine when it starts," Rihito laughs out loud "He'll be the first recorded patient in a vegetative state capable of walking and talking, a modern medical miracle, hahaha!
"I'll show you what a medical miracle is, asshole! Rihito, the first man in history to survive with his head up his ass," He tries to grab Rihito, who escapes his hands with a high-pitched laugh.
“Who are you talking about, anyway?," Kazuo asks as he closes his ofice for the day. Kaede had already gone home, so they were the only ones there.
"Apparently it's a girl," Ohma shrugs "As usual."
"And it is! You remember that we have been visiting the Heavy Bakery, right, Tokita?," Rihito asks while dodging the slap on the ear that Okubo tries to give him "Kazuo himself recommended the place to us. The food is delicious, by the way, as much as the owner-"
"For heaven's sake, Rihito, show some respect! Anyway, Okubo ended up getting closer to one of the employees there," Kaneda explains "One of the cooks, Uta Tomori. She gave him her number that day you appeared there and found us."
"She is apparently a die-hard fan of his. A guaranteed sustenance for the egghead's giant ego," Himuro nods solemnly "They've been exchanging texts and everything. Today was the third time we went back there, and two of those visits were just for him to have a chance to flirt with her."
"I'm gonna beat the everloving shit outta you guys, I swear...," Okubo growls, putting a hand on his red face, before clearing his throat in an attempt to calm down "But yeah, that's basically it. She is a cute, kind girl and a very devoted fan. I'm just giving back by being a helpful and sympathetic idol..."
"In hopes of eventually banging her."
"And what's wrong with that? She wants it too, dammit! I'm being very respectful about that, at least..."
"Oh yes, I know her. Short, wavy brown hair, big eyes, and it seems that she gets springs in her legs when she's happy. She's always jumping," Ohma nods "Kanami handed her a paper with the SJPW guys' autographs and she went screaming across the room as if she'd been stabbed… but in a happy way."
"Oh... really?," Okubo looks to the side, frowning a little – So… is she also a fan of Sekibayashi and the SJPW crew?"
"Well, it was to be expected, isn't it?' They’re famous pro-wrestlers and all," Kaneda comments, and Himuro nods, arching an eyebrow.
"Yeah. Are you going to be jealous of even a fighter in his forties, Okubo? It's true that she seems to like older men, considering that she has a crush on you, but Sekibayashi must be more of a surrogate grandfather to her than your possible rival..."
"Fuck off, Himuro! Let’s change the subject, okay?," Okubo waves his hands, desperately wanting to stop being the focus of attention. Even Kazuo seemed half interested in his misadventures in pursuit of the indisputable affection of what must have been his only female fan in the entire district. He really didn't want to dwell on how he needed to share her admiration with who knows how many other martial artists. That would spoil the joy that her most recent text had brought him, and he didn't want that "Spit it out, what's this about Seaweed Head needing our help?"
"Ohma is thinking of giving up the house the Kure gave him," Kaneda explains "Since he's going to leave the village and their protection."
"It's not like that, I'm not thinking about giving it to anyone. The house was given to me, so I intend to give it back to the Ku– FUCK!!," Ohma jumps back when a figure almost bumps into him, making the others bump into his back with fright.
What happened next was a real domino effect in descending order: Okubo lost his balance with Ohma's bump and bumped into Rihito, who collided with Himuro's shoulder, who accidentally hit Kaneda's stomach with an arm, which finally hit the Kazuo's chest with his back. The result, of course, was that the three smallest of the group ended up on the ground, screaming and struggling with their legs up in the air, while the two largest had to hold Ohma.
"Fuckin' hell, Tokita!"
"Himuro, I can't breathe!"
"Me- Me too! You two are on top of me! I'm too old to be dogpiled like that!"
"Sorry, Mr. Yamashita!"
"Dude, are you crazy? What the fuck was that? This isn't a rock concert for you to be throwing yourself on top of others!," Lihito exclaims.
"It wasn't on purpose… Didn't you see the woman who ran past us? She seemed to be running away from something...," and immediately they see a bunch of teenagers also running in the same direction "There! See? I wasn’t making it up," Ohma points, indignant, in the direction they were running.
They all watch, half dumbfounded, as the group of boys in school uniforms run past them, yelling and brandishing baseball bats. Further on, they could see the woman who had almost run into Ohma, running wild, her hair and skirts whipping around.
"Get her!"
"Go faster, damn it, or we'll lose her!"
"Get back here, you fuckin' bitch!"
"Hey!," Kaneda exclaims, worried, while Himuro and he helped Kazuo to get up "Wait a minute, are they chasing that girl?"
"And with baseball bats, to top it off," Himuro frowns, biting his cigarette a little "Holy shit, did she steal something from them?"
Kazuo widens his eyes, alarmed "My god, but that reaction is unnecessary, even when dealing with a theft-"
"Miss Uta?!," Okubo suddenly exclaims, shocked, to which all the others startle and turn to him.
"What did you say, Okubo?"
"It's Miss Uta! She was wearing those clothes earlier today at the bakery!," He repeats, turning pale, his stomach plummeting as he sees the woman, who was running away quickly, look over her shoulder to make sure her pursuers are far away. It was her, without a doubt! But why the fuck...! He feels his body go cold in sudden fear "Shit!"
And then he dashes off after the group, not waiting for the others to react. Ohma looks at Okubo and then runs after him, also without hesitation. Soon everyone left in a stampede, and Kazuo stayed behind, not understanding anything.
"Hey, wait!," He blinks, following them more slowly. "I knew I saw that girl somewhere… oh, someone has to stop these idiots before they commit a massacre…"
Okubo hears the others following close behind, but he doesn't turn to look at them. His eyes were fixed on the group of angry teenagers chasing Tomori, brandishing those baseball bats as if they wanted to... anger rises in his chest like magma about to be spewed out of a volcano. Those cowardly pieces of shit, attacking a woman like that! If their parents didn't teach them to be respectful, their friends and he would teach them, and in the hardest way possible.
"Hey!," He shouts when he sees them turn into a street, a few good meters away from Kazuo's office "HEY! Holy crap...!"
"Isn't that a dead end over there? They'll corner her!," Rihito exclaims right behind him, to which Himuro snorts.
"In that case they're fucked! They won't be able to escape us either."
“One of those brats is kinda familiar,” Kaneda says, panting a little. Okubo was about to ask what he was talking about when the five of them heard, coming from the alley, a very distinct sound. Was that… shattering glass? And then a female voice, very familiar to him, shouts: 
"Step back! Don't come any closer!"
Okubo's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat. Holy shit, had they managed to corner her?! He is the first to come to a stop at the entrance to the alley where the group had disappeared, his fists already raised in preparation for the blows he would deliver. But the scene before him brings him to a standstill, fury momentarily replaced by shock.
The boys had stopped running. They were staring at the brick wall that closed off the alley at the end, panting, baseball bats raised, but looking unsure whether or not to advance. And soon the reason became clear: Tomori had her back to the brick wall, teeth bared and brown eyes gleaming dangerously, holding tightly to the neck of a glass bottle that had been broken in half, the sharp shards of its remains pointed to the group menacingly.
"Step back! Now!," She yells, brandishing the bottle "Don't touch me!"
"Are you crazy, lady? You can rip someone's throat out with that thing," One of the boys comments while the others look at each other indecisively, nervous about the weapon their target has acquired. Another brat snorts.
"Are you sissies scared of a fuckin' bottle? We are ten and she is only one! She won't stand a chance with just glass shards..."
"You can stop right there, dammit!"
Okubo finally finds his voice again, his scream echoing through the alley, making both the kids and Tomori jump in fright. The brats turned, alarmed.
"Fuck, now someone's decided to go full white knight on us?!"
And Tomori's eyes widen, her jaw dropping, as she recognizes the huge figure figure approaching.
"Mr. Okubo?!"
And not only him, but four other men, all of them as imposing as the first, appear in the alley. The bald man was the tallest and broadest, but there was also a blond and a black wavy haired man, and two more behind him, a dark-skinned man with white hair and a young man with lank hair wearing a kimono. All of them looked at the scene.
"Hello," Ohma waves with one hand, looking the most relaxed of all of them "Do you need help there?"
Tomori gasps a little, taking a few steps back and leaning her back against the brick wall.
"You... but how... where...?"
"We'll explain later! Now be nice and just stay put, all right?,” Rihito cracks his knuckles, smiling devilishly, while Himuro throws his cigarette butt in a corner of the alley and Kaneda assumes a fighting stance "We don't want to end up hitting you by accident."
“Dammit… that's none of your fucking business! Get lost!," One of the kids screams, all ten turning to the newcomers, the baseball bats positioned for the attack. And Okubo feels a brief shock when he lands his eyes on the brat that screamed, more specifically on the swellings and abrasions that adorned his entire face.
"Wait a second! You're one of those idiots who made that ruckus at the bakery earlier today, aren't you?," He growls "Fuckin' hell, haven't you been beaten enough?!"
"Now I know why he looked so familiar," Kaneda comments, to which Himuro snorts.
"So you came after revenge, huh? And went right after the target that cannot fight back. Cowardly little shits..."
"Oohhh… so they started it?," Ohma raises an eyebrow "Now I understand…," He smiled, a bit malicious " So Kanami beat the crap ou of you, huh."
"And apparently they want more! They just don't know how to ask for it, the shy bastards...," Lihito laughs maliciously "Relax, we have a special delivery for you, courtesy of us, loyal customers from the bakery. It's called 'knuckle sandwich'!"
"Fuck you! We'll deal with you first then!", The kid with the swollen face screams, and soon, the whole group is advancing towards, baseball bats raised in the air. Tomori huddles closer against the brick wall, distressed, but unable to take her eyes off the scene.
It didn't even last a minute.
"Enough! Please stop!," The leader of the group screams, desperate, his face even more bloodied while Okubo holds him in an armbar "We surrender! You won!"
"That's not enough, damn it!," Okubo growls, grabbing the kid's right ear and pulling it hard, making him scream sharply "Apologize to Miss Uta right now, you little shit!"
"Uuugh..."
"Do you want another wedgie? 'Because that's what you'll get if you don't fuckin’ comply!"
"No! Sorry, sorry!," He was almost crying at that point "We won't do anything to you, miss, I swear! We won't go near that bakery ever again! Now stop beating us up, please...!"
“Yeah, that's more like it,” Okubo nods in satisfaction and lets go of the boy, who falls flat on his face with another squeal. He wasn't the only one. Most of the rowdy group was sprawled on the floor, half-conscious or curled up in a fetal position, moaning and whimpering. The few who put up the most resistance had been restricted by the quintet; Rihito even had two terrified kids under his arms, grinning from ear to ear.
"Holy shit, and I’ve been told that I don't have the capacity to educate brats! That, my guys, is what I call 'well intentioned bullying'! Take this as a lesson for your lives, boys, because there's always going to be a kid at the playground whose dick is bigger than yours!"
“That didn't give me any satisfaction. I really don't like beating kids up," Kaneda comments with a grimace while twisting the arm of one of the boys back, who whined like a puppy "Well, it was for a good cause, I suppose..."
"Yeah, both for Miss Uta and for these little shits here," Himuro grumbles, grabbing another whimpering kid by the hair while he was on his knees "Now they'll choose their next battles more carefully. Boy, who would have thought that I would be this good at disciplining cocky brats..."
"This has become an everyday occurrence for me," Ohma says, looking at the last two, hugging each other as they looked at him as if he were some kind of cosmic being "Every now and then I find someone like that to put in their place..."
"Boys, where are you-oh!," is the voice of old Kazuo, who had finally reached them "My God, what happened here?"
"Yamashitakazuo," Ohma nods, "Nothing, just the usual."
"Oh. Troublemakers," Kazuo sighs "I guess calling the police is the next thing to do, right?"
"Nope, these are minors, it's not even worth it," Ohma looks, hands in his pockets, as if he never took them out.
"Alright, to the hospital, it is," The old man pulls out his phone.
"And- And our mothers, please..."
"Don't give me that 'mother' shit! Grow a fucking pair!," Rihito growls, abruptly dropping the other two brats to the ground, while Himuro and Kaneda do the same "Start acting like men and stop terrorizing defenseless chicks!"
“You should be saying that to yourself, Rihito..."
"Fuck off, Kaneda!"
"Forget about the brats for a bit. The ‘defenseless chick’ right there is a more pressing concern now," Himuro points to the end of the alley, where Tomori was still paralyzed, breathing shakily, eyes wide. And the half-shattered bottle was still in her hand, poised as if about to be used as a weapon.
Okubo immediately turns to her, the anger fading from his features, his eyes wide with concern. She didn't look hurt, which was a relief. But she was very pale. And that tense, hostile pose...
"Miss Uta," He calls in a gentle tone, approaching slowly "Hey, are you alright? They didn't hurt you, did they?"
She doesn't answer right away, staring at him as if she didn't recognize him. The others behind watch them, confused.
“She's in shock,” Kaneda concludes, and Rihito and Himuro exchange worried looks.
“Shit, I don't know how to deal with people in shock… do we throw water in her face or something?"
"Hell, bro, I'm glad you didn't train as a paramedic at Teito University..."
"Hey," Ohma looks at her, getting closer "Where are Kanami, Koga and Ryuki? Why are you alone?"
She looks at him sideways, still not moving from the position she was in. Okubo, even more nervous, turns to Ohma.
“Dude, she just got through a hard time. Give her a break," He asks before getting closer to her, still cautiously, briefly wondering if he had to worry about being attacked with that bottle "Miss Uta? It's okay now. Those assholes won't pester you anymore. You're safe, okay? Now let go of that bottle, please...," He asks, slowly reaching with his hand "You could cut yourself on those shards..."
She looks from him to the bottle, looking kind of dumbfounded. And then her eyes clear, bulging a little. She straightens up with a gasp, dropping the bottle to the ground, and Okubo and Ohma have to step back as it shatters further, sending shards flying across the concrete.
"Aah! I- oh damn, I'm sorry!," She exclaims, her voice hoarse, before clearing her throat "I- I think I was kinda entranced by what I was seeing, I don’t know what came over me…," She claps her hands quickly on her skirts, flustered "And I think that's what they call the fight or flight response too..."
Okubo sighs in relief, relaxing a little. 
"Good… I'm sorry you had to watch that. I swear that we don't go looking for people to beat up in the street," He guarantees, a little embarrassed "That was an exceptional case."
“A necessity, considering the circumstances,” Kaneda adds, and Himuro nods.
"Yep. Good thing we were around taking care of some business..."
"So no need to thank us, it was a pleasure!," Lihito smiles smugly, pointing to his chest with his thumb "But if you still want to show gratitude, your friend's number is more than enough-"
"Shut up, Rihito! But yeah... sorry for the shit show," Okubo scratches the back of his head, looking to the side. Tomori blinks in astonishment. And then she bulges out her eyes, screaming:
"Shit show? That was one of the most awesome things I've ever seen in my life! A live group fight featuring professional fighters, one of them being the Ultimate Fight Heavyweight Champion himself!," She stares at him with twinkling eyes, now looking absolutely delighted "I'm the luckiest woman this side of Tokyo, Mr. Okubo!"
… Alright, they didn't know what kind of reaction they were expecting, but it definitely wasn't that one.
"Huh?," Okubo blinks, perplexed "‘Wait, that's- are you serious?"
"Of course I am! I watched a professional level match without having to pay for a ticket or a pay-per-view channel!," She clenches her fists close to her face, which was now flushed with excitement "Do you have any idea how many people would kill to be in my place? It's a privilege! I got to watch your jabs, your submission, your famous Okubo tackle, all from less than five meters away! And you!," She turns to the others, enchanted "You were amazing too! Himuro, is your style Jeet Kune Do? It was like watching Bruce Lee in 'Enter the Dragon'! And you, Kaneda! I had never seen the Kujin Style used without a weapon, it was awesome! And I don't know Ohma and Rihito's styles, but you guys were awesome too! I had never seen anyone redirect blows like that..."
Himuro and Kaneda just stare at her, just as perplexed as Okubo, while Rihito looks at Ohma, blinking in amazement.
"Holy shit, either the girl went insane after seeing that display of gratuitous violence or she always has been…"
"It's the second option," Ohma sighs "Aaand those are the springs, look," He points when he sees her practically jumping in place, as if she was under the influence of cocaine.
"Hey- Hey, hey, wait, Miss Uta, we- we thought you were in shock," Okubo gestures a little, accompanying her jumps with head movements "You were chased, cornered, threatened with baseball bats.. ."
"Please don't remind me of that!," She suddenly asks, stopping jumping "I'm still running high on adrenaline and I want to continue like this a little longer, because when the rush's over I'll probably fall to the ground and not be able to get up anymore!"
"Uuh… so you were scared?"
"Of course! I was terrified!," She guarantees "Who wouldn't be? I mean, besides you," She turns to the others. She fixes her eyes on the boys who were still whimpering on the floor, huddled close to each other. She seems to quiet down at the sight, the surge of excitement giving in, the smile fading from her face "They… they could have… if you hadn't shown up…"
"Ooh… I think the shock came with a delayed effect," Himuro comments as he watches her lean against the brick wall again, her legs weak, one hand on her chest. Okubo immediately supports her with a hand on her shoulder.
"There, there… I’m glad we were around… but trying to fight them wasn’t a good idea," He tells her, not managing to hide the distress in his voice "You know the protocols when it comes to robberies, right? Resisting them doesn’t help at all. They could have hurt you, or worse!"
"I know… but when you’re a woman, you- you also learn to operate on the other side of the coin," She nods, breathing slowly to calm down "Those who resist, put up a fight and don’t cooperate are a lot more work than it’s worth, so they are best left alone. I thought... no, actually I didn't," She admits, shaking her head and swallowing hard "It was really inconsequential, I know. I'm glad you were around to save me," She smiles at him tenderly "My Bodyguards."
And they all felt certain that Okubo would try no more to argue as he stared at her with wide, glittering eyes, as if she were too wonderful to be real.
“Damn, she is so cute!!!”
 "Well, Yamashitakazuo and I are going to take these kids to the hospital. You’ll go with Okubo, right?," Ohma says behind the fighter "He's the only one with a car…"
"Uh- oh yes!," He exclaims, widening his eyes, waking up from his reverie as he turned to look at them over his shoulder, barely disguising his excitement "That's right, I- I mean…," He puts a fist over his mouth, clearing his throat, before smiling at Tomori, puffing out his chest a little while saying, "If you consider us your bodyguards, then allow us to take you safely to home. I won't- I mean, we won't be able to be at peace if you go walking alone after all this."
"Oh... I- I was going to the pharmacy to do some shopping and then catch the train, but I'd have to go back to the bakery to do that...," She thinks for a moment, and Okubo sees with some satisfaction that the possibility of being in a car with him seemed too tempting for her to pass up; she was even biting her bottom lip a little "So... no problem? I don't want to take you out of your way..."
"No problem at all! The cavalry is at your disposal. Right, guys?," He turns to his friends. Rihito, Himuro and Kaneda exchange quick glances, communicating without the need for words. They stare at Okubo, who was practically begging with huge, pleading eyes, before Rihito shrugs and says: 
“The cavalry will have to squeeze their asses in the backseat to make room in the carriage, but what's one more chivalrous sacrifice, am I right?"
“You're talking like giving her a ride would be too inconvenient for us, Lihito,” Himuro rolls his eyes a little, and Kaneda nods.
"That's right. It wouldn't cost us anything, especially considering what happened. It's even better that way, because then we'll have peace of mind knowing you arrived safely, miss."
"Haha, I'll be too, to be honest... thank you so much," She bows to them, her hair falling a bit down the sides of her face, so she didn't see when Okubo cast an irritated look at the other three, who were shaking their heads in clear disapproval.
Fucking hell... they tried to create an opportunity for him that only a freaking idiot would pass up. And he did, which said a lot about his mental acuity, he supposed. But he didn't think this was a good time to be alone with Tomori. Not after what she'd been through. He didn't want to give the impression that he was cornering her. And it's with that thought that another more worrisome possibility pops into his head, making him turn to her quickly.
"I- I'll stop by the pharmacy so you can pick up what you need, but… you don't mind being in a car full of men, do you? I promise I won't let those idiots try anything funny! And you can write down my license plate number and send it to someone if you like!," He adds, agitated, to which she laughs a little, blushing slightly.
"Hahaha, I- I appreciate it. After what you've done for me, it's hard not to give you my full thrust, but I need to prioritize my safety. You understand, right?," She smiles sheepishly when they immediately nod "All right, I… I'll accept the ride. Thank you so much, Mr. Okubo, everyone. And Ohma...," She looks back to Ohma "Sorry for not answering you earlier. Kanny, Koga and Ryuki stayed at the bakery to help with cleaning, and they intended to leave straight to the gym. And speaking of them...," She now speaks lower, sounding worried "Can you not tell Kanny what happened here? She would be worried, paranoid, and that would interfere with her day-to-day activities..."
"Hnmm…," Ohma seems to think for a bit, crossing his arms as he stares at her "Alright. But if it happens again, she'll have to know," he uncrosses his arms and looks at the kids still cowering in fear "Let's go."
And he helps line up the miscreants, facing all ten of them "And you... are you going to mess with us again, you brats?"
"No! We won't, I swear!," One of the boys screeches, eyes filled with tears, while the others nod vehemently "We won't even go near the corner of the bakery! S-Sorry, miss," He turns to Tomori, trembling "We're not going to do anything with you anymore! Just don't throw those monsters at us again, please!"
Rihito laughs out loud, while Himuro rolls his eyes again and Kaneda comments, looking satisfied:
 "Am I considered a monster too? My, I'm flattered, haha."
Tomori doesn't respond, though. She looks away, hugging herself and shuddering. Okubo extends a hand in an automatic gesture, but quickly catches himself. He'd wanted to comfort her, but after that scary experience, she probably wouldn't want to be touched anytime soon. She now looked so different from the woman he'd seen minutes ago, with a wild look in her eyes as she threatened to shatter the faces of a battalion of men bigger than her with glass shards... that stirred up his protective side.
"She has nothing to say to you. Piss off already!," He grunts at the kids, who shrink back, almost running in a single line and bumping into each other. He then turns to Tomori "Ready to go? You must be tired..."
"Yeah… to say the least," She manages a weak smile "Thanks again. I promise I'll help pay for gas..."
"No need to. These three will already be contributing, anyway."
"You mean she has privileges we don't? Holy shit, being a woman must be a peach..."
"Don't be rude, Rihito. It's common courtesy."
"A courtesy that would cost nothing to pay with a phone number..."
"Forget about it for five minutes, you nutcase! Anyway, good night for you, Tokita, Mr. Yamashita," Okubo nods, and the others follow suit, waving their hands, before walking away, Tomori being held securely between them in a sort of protective semicircle. Ohma and Kazuo watch them walk away, until the sound of approaching sirens catches their attention.
"And your ride arrived," Ohma says while turning to the kids, a serious look on his face "My employer is a nice person who wants to leave you in good standing with us, so be thankful for that."
"Eh?," Kazuo blinks "Oh, it's nothing, honestly," he smiles friendly "After all, you're tyoung kids with a future ahead of you. We're not going to ruin this because of a mistake, are we?"
The boys goggle at him, jaws dropping. Was that skinny little old man the boss of all those muscle-bound monsters? Holy shit, if he alone was capable of commanding that much respect...
"Let's just do what he says, Takeh," Katashi whispers in his friend's ear, shuddering again. "That old geezer must be one hell of a Yakuza if he's in charge of this gang. If we piss him off, losing a finger each will be the least of our worries."
Take nod before answering, with a nervous smile, "Of- Of course! We- We'll turn a new leaf, sir, I swear!"
"Alright, good luck to you," Ohma nods, satisfied. And the ambulances arrive.
* * *
When the SUV was parked in front of an absolutely ordinary middle-class residence on an ordinary street in an ordinary residential neighborhood, Okubo felt pretty stupid for expecting anything else. A house that would be a monument to everything its owner idolized, perhaps? Statues honoring fighters she admired, posters adorning the facade, maybe bushes artfully pruned to represent Sekibayashi's head or his... 
Holy shit, he better take those ridiculous mental images to his grave. He tries to smile at Tomori, sitting next to him in the passenger seat, in an attempt to hide it.
"Alright, ma'am, we arrived at our destination," He announces, opening the driver's side door, getting out of the car, turning around and going to open the passenger door for her, trying to ignore how Rihito, Himuro and Kaneda looked at him with mockery in the backseat "The Okubo Cavalry appreciates your preference. Please try to leave five stars and a good review on the app."
Tomori laughs as she unbuckles her seat belt and climbs out of the car. She looked a lot calmer now, and he liked to think that meant that her traumatic experience hadn't caused her to develop fear and distrust of men in general, especially them.
"I will, you deserve it. A very pleasant company and a very interesting music selection. I had never heard of this band before... what's the name again?"
"Maximum the Dogegencho!," It is Rihito who answers, smiling excitedly. "They only released one album, but still managed to record two or three hits that reached the top of the charts four years ago. The lead guitarist is the most talented by far."
"Eh, he has some quick fingers, but he's too out of tune when it comes to sustaining a semitone," Himuro comments casually, to which Rihito glares at him with a frown. Kaneda chuckles, turning to Tomori next.
Thanks for the company too, Miss Uta, and for ignoring Okubo's protests and helping with the gas money. We spent more at the bakery than we expected, but we don’t regret it."
She laughs again "Kanny would say it was money well spent, and so would I. Anyway, thanks for the ride! Come back to the bakery when you can, I promise I'll thank you for what you did today in the best way."
Himuro and Kaneda immediately cover Rihito's mouth, already anticipating the kind of thanks he would suggest she give. They smile and nod at her.
"We will be there on Wednesday. Goodnight, Miss Uta."
"Goodnight!"
"Hey, Okubo, are you just gonna stand there like a stuffed gorilla? Accompany her to the door," Himuro says suddenly, leaning forward a little to stick his head out the window. Okubo starts a little, and he's not the only one; Tomori blushes slightly, playing with the strap of the purse on her shoulder.
"N-No need to, the door is right there-"
“Yes, he needs to, it's pure politeness and chivalry,” Kaneda says, and Rihito nods vehemently.
"Yeah, captain, don't you want your five stars on the app? You need to earn them, man!"
"I- Seriously, there's no need..." Tomori hurries to say, still embarrassed, but shuts up when Okubo turns to her, a hand on the back of his neck. He also looked embarrassed, but his expression was of someone who was just waiting for her permission to enthusiastically accept.
"Uuh... I have to show that my service is the best to guarantee customer loyalty, right? Haha..."
Tomori blushes again, but if her delighted expression meant anything, it was for reasons other than embarrassment. She smiles, biting her lower lip a little before nodding slowly. Okubo then follows her towards the gate, not without casting a glance over his shoulder. There were three hands giving him a thumbs up, sticking out of the windows. Fuckin' bastards…
The walk to the front door of the house is shorter than he would have liked. But the light from a lamp shines on them as they step onto the porch (motion sensor? How timely), illuminating her flushed, smiling face, and he decides it was well worth it.
"Thanks again, Mr. Okubo. I really don't know what would have happened to me if you hadn't been close by..."
"Try not to think about it," He suggests, smiling as gently as he could "You're fine and that's all that matters, right? For you and for us. I was going to feel pretty bummed out if something happened to such a nice girl who makes the best cookies I've ever had, anyway..."
She laughs, shaking her head "I don't know whether to be extremely happy or extremely offended that my cookies are considered a valid reason for me to win such an elaborate escort, hahaha!"
"It's because they always have something good to go with 'em, hehehe."
"Me, isn't it?," She arches an eyebrow, and laughs again when Okubo has a brief coughing fit, looking away, his face turning red under the light from the porch lamp. Damn, neither she nor anyone else would let him forget that faux pas, would they?
"I-I was going to say 'your company' specifically, but- but of course, you alone are someone worth fighting for."
... Damn, he didn't mean to sound so intense and sappy, like he was confessing to her or something! Why did he always let his tongue walk two steps ahead of his head when he was with her? Was it because his experience with the opposite sex was meager, to say the least? Or was it her specifically who had this power to leave him bewildered and with the eloquence of a stutterer? He didn't know and he was, in addition to being too mortified, too worried that his friends in the car had overheard him to think about it.
She stares at him with wide, shining eyes. She discreetly wets her lips and bites them, making them fuller and pinker, and he had to fight the urge to cup her face in his hands and reach down to kiss her. She then manages to say, her voice coming out hoarse, even breathless: 
"No... Don't talk like that, or I won't be able to let you leave, hahaha! I- I already knew about your ability to make an impact with words, but hearing it in person is something else. Don't make me want to listen even more at this hour of the night, it's kind of mean..."
"I’ll be less mean then," Okubo says immediately, without thinking, the astonishment and elation with her words making him grab the opportunity tooth and nail "Let’s schedule a day for you to be able to listen to my rambling without having to worry about the time or the place, how about that?"
She blinks in astonishment, going a little speechless for a few moments.
“You… are you asking me out on a date? That's it?
"... Yeah. Yeah, that's it," He nods after a second of hesitation, his heart racing, something jumping and fluttering inside his stomach "If you want to, I mean. You don't have to feel obligated to because of what happened today," He hastens to add "And I swear I'm not taking advantage of the situation either. I... I've been wanting to do this for a while, actually. Invite you to go somewhere more relaxed, reserved, just the two of us. So... what do you say?," He tries to smile, hopeful, the anxiety almost eating him inside.
Tomori's face lit up so much it was as if she had swallowed the porch lamp. She clasps her hands to her chest, shifting her weight from one foot to the other, looking like she was almost dancing with happiness for a second. Damn, how could she be so adorable?!
"Yes! I'd love to, it's going to be so much fun! How about this Saturday, around seven in the evening?," She suggests, and Okubo almost drops his cap as he nods enthusiastically.
"Sounds perfect! You can choose the place, then we can settle everything."
"Okay! Ooh, I can't even believe it...!"
"Yeah, me neither..."
They smile at each other, her face flushed with happiness, and Okubo wonders for a second if this was a good time to go for a kiss. Just a quick peck, a gesture to seal a deal, a promise...
"Well… yeah, I- I better get going then…," She says suddenly, twirling a lock of her hair around the index finger of her right hand "I now have to look for a nice place, besides having to make dinner... can- can we talk more about that via text?"
"Sure!," He nods, trying not to get upset at the missed opportunity. No problem, he'd have several more on Saturday, and he sure as hell wouldn't be wasting these "I'll text you as soon as I've got rid of the freeloaders on my backseat.
"We heard that, Chrome Dome Head!"
"Shut up or I'll tie you to the car hood like a dead deer!," He growls at Rihito over his shoulder, his smile still in place, since he managed to get a laugh out of Tomori "So… see you on Saturday?"
“Absolutely.” She nods, unlocking the front door. She enters, still peeking through the gap, smiling with a shyness that only makes her more beautiful in his eyes "Goodnight, Mr. Okubo. I can't wait 'til Saturday."
“Me neither, Miss Uta. Good night,” He removes his cap in a chivalrous gesture, and she laughs again. He walks away towards the gate, without turning around, walking backwards as he watches her slowly close the door. She, too, seemed to have a hard time taking her eyes off his, still smiling and waving at him, until the door finally clicked shut. He leaves through the gate, closing it (it was also automatic, how convenient), facing the front windows. He sees the lights turning on inside, and it doesn't take long before the curtains on the right window are drawn aside and Tomori's face appears peering through the glass. She waves to him again, and he waves back.
It was the second stupidest, sappiest and funniest thing Rihito, Himuro, and Kaneda had ever seen him do. The 'I-Want-You-As-A-Company' faux pas still held the lead.
Lihito comments, smirking, "I guess, considering everything, we can't be pissed that Egghead missed the chance to make out with her today, right?"
"For God's sake, Rihito, she went through a traumatic experience," Kaneda says disapprovingly. "I would be outraged if Okubo took advantage of her fragility like that."
"But I also wouldn't be surprised if it actually turned her on," Himuro comments "You saw how she reacted after we took care of those brats earlier. She seems kinda nuts..."
"Kinda? She's completely nuts! Comparing Himuro to Bruce Lee was the last fucking straw," Lihito laughs again, and Kaneda smirks.
"Yeah. She’s nuts... but in a kinda cute way.
"Yeah, fair enough," Rihito concedes, nodding "One way or another, all that craziness is Egghead's problem now. A cute, hot as hell problem. Lucky motherfucker..."
"Shush, he will hear you!," Kaneda puts an index finger in front of his lips. Okubo opens the driver's side door not even five seconds later, sitting up with a sigh, eyes closed and a goofy grin plastered on his face. But he doesn't give any of them a chance to say anything, commanding: 
"Play Rock-Paper-Scissors to see who gets to sit in the front 'cause I'm nobody's chauffeur."
"Dibs, dibs!," Rihito opens the door and gets out of the back seat immediately, sitting next to Okubo and putting his seat belt on "I want to have the privilege of sitting next to my dear mate knowing that he's about to pop his cherry!"
"Fuck off! Did you hear everything then?"
"There was no way, you and that muscle-eater seemed to want to announce to the whole fuckin' world that you scheduled a horizontal tango for Saturday, hahaha!"
"Don't talk about her like that, you asshole... but seriously, do you think I'm going too fast?," Okubo asks, a little fearful, looking at Kaneda specifically. He smiles and shakes his head.
“No, you followed protocol perfectly. You were respectful, kind, and you waited patiently. Now you can go right ahead, just as I said," He makes a V for Victory with the fingers of his right hand "Just don't rush things too much during the date, enjoy every second and make sure she enjoys it too."
"That's right. The more you please her on Saturday, the more she'll want an encore later," Himuro guarantees "This can even turn into a friendship with benefits, why not?"
“Hey, hold on. The girl might end up getting the wrong idea, and then it'll be Okubo's turn to worry about having a stalker," Lihito warns, to which Okubo shakes his head.
“But I wouldn't mind that, man, honestly. Having a nice and pretty girl as a friend to call when I'm in the mood... boy, now I know how you feel, Himuro," He opens a stupid smile "Having a guarantee like that for times of need is the best thing!"
"It sure as hell is!," Himuro raises a thumb, to which Kaneda twists his mouth a little.
"I just hope you don't forget everything I said and starts seeing her as just a guarantee..."
"I won't, Kaneda! I... fuck, I like her. I couldn't help it with how cute she is," He turns the key in the ignition, and the car comes to life with a soft roar of the engine "I'm in too deep in this to see her any other way..."
"Yeah, pal, but it won't stop there," Rihito slaps him excitedly on the shoulder. "You're going to sink much, much deeper. Tell me, guys, how deep will our friend here go?
"Keep it down, Rihito, we're still close to her house-"
"Balls deep!"
"I'm going to throw you out of the car, dude, I'm not even joking!"
The car pulls away down the street, its passengers laughing and celebrating the resounding success of the driver, who could only wish, with a mixture of excitement and apprehension, that Saturday would come soon. And that absolutely nothing went wrong until then.
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Our team is equipped with the latest technology and equipment to efficiently remove all types of junk from your home or office. We also offer a wide range of Junk Removal services that can accommodate your specific needs. If you’re looking for a reliable, eco-friendly Junk Removal company in Dubai or UAE Country, look no further than Demolition & Garbage Collection . We provide premium waste removal services at an affordable price. contact us today to learn more about our services!
We provide the best services for rubbish collection & removal
We are one of the leading rubbish removal companies operating in Dubai. Our team of experienced professionals is specially trained to handle all types of rubbish, from residential to commercial areas. We take pride in providing the best possible services to our clients, and our team always puts the safety of people and property first.
We offer a wide range of rubbish removal services, including regular garbage collection, weekly waste removal, special event waste disposal and 24/7 emergency service. We also offer a comprehensive range of environmental services, including recycling and composting. We ensure that all our customers receive the best possible service at affordable prices. If you need reliable rubbish removal in Dubai, contact us today!
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wametalsandcashforcars · 29 days ago
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5 Benefits Of Car Removals In Perth That Everyone Should Know
Car removal services in Perth offer an efficient and stress-free solution to dispose of your unwanted vehicle. Beyond just clearing up space, there are numerous benefits to opting for car removals. These services are one of the reliable options when it comes to selling abandoned or unroadworthy vehicles. In this blog, we will explore what car removals entail and delve into the five key benefits of car removals using these services in Perth.
What Are Car Removals?
Car removals refer to the service provided by companies that specialise in removing unwanted, old, or damaged vehicles from your property. They are designed to be convenient, offering free towing and often paying you cash for your car. Car removals Perth companies are equipped to handle cars in all conditions, including those that are no longer running, severely damaged, or beyond repair.
Discover the Benefits of Car Removals in Perth
Car removal services in Perth offer multiple benefits. The service providers give car sellers a chance to earn cash by selling cars that are old and unwanted. Car buyers like WA Metals And Cash For Cars offer car removal as a complimentary service. They offer top dollars for all types of vehicles. Some of the benefits of car removal service explained below in detail:
Free Up Valuable Space — One of the most immediate benefits of car removal is reclaiming valuable space. An old, unused car can occupy significant space in your driveway or garage. Removing it allows you to make room for new vehicles, storage, or even a more aesthetically pleasing outdoor area. This is especially beneficial for those living in urban areas with premium space.
Get Instant Cash — Many car removal services in Perth offer instant cash payments for your unwanted vehicle. This means that not only do you get rid of a scrap and junk vehicle, but you also receive money on the spot. This can be a pleasant surprise, especially if you thought your old car was worthless. The amount offered varies based on the car’s make, model, age, and condition. But getting paid for something you no longer need is always a bonus.
Save on Repair and Maintenance Costs — Keeping an old or damaged car often costs ongoing repair and maintenance. These expenses can quickly increase, especially if the vehicle is unreliable. By choosing to remove your car, you eliminate these unnecessary costs. The money saved on repairs can be better utilised elsewhere, and you avoid the frustration of dealing with a constantly malfunctioning vehicle.
Hassle-Free Process — We offer a straightforward and stress-free process. Once you contact a car removal company, they handle everything from towing to paperwork. This convenience saves you time and effort compared to selling the car or dealing with disposal regulations. The professionals handle the logistics, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free experience.
Environmentally Friendly Disposal
It ensure that your vehicle is disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. These companies have processes to recycle car parts and materials, reducing the environmental impact. Hazardous fluids and materials are properly handled and disposed of, preventing potential environmental contamination. You contribute to environmental conservation and proper waste management by opting for professional car removal.
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Why Should I Remove My Car?
Removing your car becomes a wise decision when it no longer serves its purpose or when it starts to become a burden. Old, damaged, or non-running cars can pose safety risks and diminish the overall look of your property. Additionally, by removing such vehicles, you avoid potential fines or penalties from local authorities for having an unregistered or inoperable car on your property. The benefits of space, cash, and environmental responsibility make car removal attractive for many Perth residents.
Conclusion
Car removal services in Perth provide an efficient and beneficial solution for disposing of unwanted vehicles. The advantages are significant, from freeing up valuable space and receiving instant cash to ensuring environmentally friendly disposal and saving on repair costs. The stress-free process further enhances the appeal of these services. If you have an old or unused car, consider contacting a professional car removal service in Perth to enjoy these benefits.
Resource URL - https://medium.com/@wametalsandcashforcars/the-5-benefits-of-car-removals-in-perth-that-everyone-should-know-5eacddd46247
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mwrecycles · 4 months ago
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Efficient E-Waste Recycling in Singapore - Safe and Sustainable
As technology evolves, so does the need for efficient e-waste recycling in Singapore. Proper disposal of electronic waste is crucial for both environmental safety and resource conservation. By choosing the right recycling programs, you can ensure that your e-waste is handled responsibly.
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1. E-Waste Recycling Singapore: A Responsible Approach
E-waste recycling in Singapore is essential for managing the growing volume of discarded electronics. Specialized recycling companies focus on safely processing electronic waste, recovering valuable materials, and minimizing environmental impact. These companies adhere to strict regulations to ensure that e-waste is dismantled and recycled in an eco-friendly manner.
2. Recycling Companies Singapore: Expertise and Services
Recycling companies Singapore offer expert services for handling various types of e-waste, from old computers and smartphones to broken appliances. These companies provide comprehensive solutions, including collection, sorting, and processing of electronic waste. Their expertise ensures that e-waste is recycled efficiently, and harmful substances are properly managed.
3. Recycling Programs in My Area: Convenient Solutions
Finding recycling programs in my area is key to effective e-waste disposal. Many local programs and collection points are available, making it easy to recycle your electronic devices. These programs offer convenient drop-off locations and sometimes even pickup services, ensuring that recycling e-waste is hassle-free and accessible.
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Summary:
MW Recycling For Singapore to preserve its environment and save resources, e-waste recycling must be done effectively. By utilizing reputable recycling companies and local recycling programs, you contribute to a sustainable future. Choose responsible e-waste recycling options to ensure that your electronic waste is processed safely and effectively, supporting both environmental and community well-being.
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dryairrestoration304 · 1 month ago
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What Precautions Should I Take When Hiring a Sewage Cleanup Service in My Area?
Dealing with sewage cleanup is one of the most unpleasant situations a homeowner can face. Whether due to a sewage backup, flooding, or other emergencies, cleaning up sewage is a task that requires professional assistance to ensure safety and proper sanitation. When searching for a sewage cleanup service, it's essential to take specific precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your property. This article outlines key considerations and steps to take when hiring a sewage cleanup service in your area.
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Understanding the Risks of Sewage Cleanup
Before diving into the precautions, it’s crucial to understand the risks associated with sewage cleanup. Sewage can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other pathogens that can pose serious health risks. Additionally, sewage damage can lead to structural issues and mold growth if not addressed promptly and correctly. Therefore, hiring qualified professionals is essential for effective and safe cleanup.
Precautions to Take When Hiring a Sewage Cleanup Service
1. Research Local Services
Begin your search for a sewage cleanup service by looking for options in your area. Use online resources and search for sewage clean up near me” to find local companies. This localized search will yield results that are geographically convenient, allowing for quicker response times.
Check Reviews: Look for customer reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Angie's List. Pay attention to feedback regarding the quality of service, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Verify Credentials: Ensure the companies you consider are licensed and insured. This protects you from liability in case of accidents during the cleanup process.
2. Assess Experience and Expertise
Sewage cleanup requires specialized knowledge and equipment. When evaluating potential services, inquire about their experience:
Years in Business: Companies with a longer track record are often more reliable and skilled in handling sewage emergencies.
Specialized Training: Ask about the training and certifications of their technicians. Certifications from organizations like the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) indicate a commitment to industry standards.
3. Request Detailed Estimates
Once you have narrowed down your options, request written estimates from several sewage cleanup services. A reputable company should provide a detailed estimate that includes:
Scope of Work: A clear outline of the services they will provide, including sewage removal, cleaning, and any necessary repairs.
Timeline: An estimated timeframe for the completion of the project, which helps set expectations.
Materials and Equipment: Information about the materials and equipment that will be used during the cleanup.
Having detailed estimates allows for easier comparison between services and helps you make an informed decision.
4. Inquire About Safety Protocols
Sewage cleanup involves numerous health and safety risks. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the safety protocols that potential services follow:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure that the technicians will be equipped with appropriate PPE, such as gloves, masks, and protective suits, to safeguard against exposure to hazardous materials.
Disinfection Procedures: Ask about their cleaning and disinfection methods. Effective sewage cleanup should include the use of EPA-approved disinfectants to eliminate pathogens.
Waste Disposal: Inquire about how they will dispose of contaminated materials. Proper disposal is crucial for preventing further contamination.
5. Check for Emergency Services
Sewage issues can arise unexpectedly and require immediate attention. Look for companies that offer 24/7 emergency services. Quick response times can significantly mitigate damage and health risks. Ask about their typical response times and how they handle after-hours calls.
6. Evaluate Customer Service
Effective communication is key when dealing with a sewage cleanup situation. During your interactions with potential services, assess their customer service:
Responsiveness: How quickly do they respond to your inquiries? A company that is prompt in communication is likely to be reliable in their services.
Willingness to Answer Questions: A reputable company should be open to answering your questions and addressing any concerns you may have about the cleanup process.
7. Ask for References
Do not hesitate to ask potential companies for references from previous clients. Speaking directly with past customers can provide additional insights into the quality of their work and their overall experience. If possible, try to contact references who had similar sewage cleanup situations to gain relevant information.
8. Verify Insurance Coverage
Before hiring a sewage cleanup service, verify their insurance coverage. The company should have liability insurance and workers' compensation. This protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property and ensures that any damages incurred during the cleanup are covered.
9. Discuss Insurance Claims
Filing an insurance claim can be complicated, especially in the aftermath of a sewage emergency. Some sewage cleanup companies have experience working with insurance claims and can assist you in navigating the process. Inquire whether the company can help with documentation and communication with your insurance provider.
10. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your instincts when choosing a sewage cleanup service. If something feels off during your interactions with a particular company, or if you feel rushed or pressured into making a decision, it may be best to continue your search. You should feel comfortable and confident in your choice.
Conclusion
Hiring a sewage cleanup service requires careful consideration and precautions to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the cleanup process. By conducting thorough research, verifying credentials, assessing experience, and understanding safety protocols, you can make an informed decision.
When searching for help, use the phrase “sewage cleanup near me” to find local experts who can assist you during this challenging time. Taking the time to vet potential services will help you find a reliable partner capable of restoring your home while prioritizing health and safety. By following these precautions, you can navigate the sewage cleanup process with greater peace of mind and confidence.
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aashishmnhr24 · 1 month ago
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My Interview with Mr. Swapnil Khare (Deputy Municipal Commissioner of East Zone Bhavnagar Road Rajkot)
Mr. Swapnil Khare who is a Deputy Municipal Commissioner of East Zone Bhavnagar road Rajkot.
He was part of the batch for 2017 of Indian administrative service.
He is associated with the development of Rajkot Zoo which is Pradhyuman Park.
It is a Entertainment area for both Young and Old.
The Park is not dependent for its maintenance either on the State Government and Central Government.
There is upcoming Lion Safari Park in Rajkot which is again going to be a beautiful sight seeing place for the Citizens of Rajkot.
The Swachh Bharat Mission was launched in the year 2015 it has two components Swachh Bharat Mission Urban and Swachh Bharat Mission Rural.
The Swachh Bharat Mission is creating awareness about the issues of general public.
A lot of grant is being given by the Government for IEC(Information, Education and Communication).
Then there are funds which are used for constructing public toilets, urinals and also for disposal of waste facilities.
Dumping sites were used earlier and now they are being used by sanitary land fills.
These Sanitary Land Fills use scientific methods to dispose of solid wastes.
The solid wastes of the city is brought to a central processing unit which is located in Nakarwadi Village.
They also have Bio-Remediation which is meant for the purpose of segregating those wastes which could be recycled and reused.
The Plastic wastes are used as a fuel by the cement companies for their production of their goods.
The company by the name of Abilon will have a fully functioning plant in Jamnagar in the future and when it becomes active all types of wastes will be sent there to be sorted and segregated as reusable and non reusable.
The non reusable will be used for generating electricity.
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quotesfrommyreading · 2 months ago
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For me, the marshes of Essex feel akin to its soul. When I think of home, the first things I picture are these uncategorisable plains of spongy vegetation that could seem menacing in the right light, with reeds and samphire sprouting from a dark, glistening mud, where wading migrant birds stalk on the lookout for food. Grassy sea walls. Reclaimed munitions dumps. Flat fields with pillboxes and all that mud. A terrain sliced by creeks, accented by sluices and characterised by a great gloop that can remind folk that they are never far from the primordial.
And yet, the ambiguity and unstable nature of once-malarial marshlands led to their ruin. On a family picnic one beautiful and hot spring day on Two Tree Island, a nature reserve at the edge of the Thames estuary, my three-year-old daughter, Greta, kept asking “What’s that?” whenever she spotted the thick brown bottoms of beer bottles, 1980s Tesco bags or old shoes – so many shoes – protruding out of the dry ground. It was a surreal detail from a pleasant trip that I might once have laughed off, but now, accompanied by my children, it felt like a bad dream.
In some places, however, the matter that London no longer wanted has been used in productive and creative ways. An artificial hill in an old metropolitan Essex area of east London, formed from a huge heap of toxic spoil dumped by the old gas works, has been known for years as the Beckton Alp. Its most imaginative use was as a dry ski slope, opened in 1989 by Diana, Princess of Wales.
The RSPB used more than 3m tonnes of material excavated from Crossrail’s tunnel digs to raise part of Wallasea Island at the mouth of the Thames by an average of 1.5 metres, transforming farmland into a coastal marshland haven for egrets and oystercatchers and creating lagoons across 670 hectares.
Mucking Marsh was named a site of special scientific interest in 1991, owing to the populations of shelduck, grey plover, dunlin, black-tailed godwit and redshank that roosted on the salt marsh, and the abundance of vegetation such as sea purslane and sea aster, not to mention rare spiders, but it continued to be used for rubbish disposal until 2012. (A third of all coastal historical landfills are located near designated ecological sites.) Mucking’s conversion into a nature reserve, which was opened by David Attenborough in 2013, was partly financed by almost £3m in funds from DP World, the Dubai-owned company that built the London Gateway port nearby, and Enovert, a waste management company that used to use the site for dumping. The site at Pitsea is earmarked to be transformed by the RSPB in the next decade.
Further east, the landfill site at Two Tree Island in Leigh-on-Sea was converted back into public land in the 1970s. Now blackberries, apples, pears, damsons, plums and cherries all grow here. People come to swim in the water at Leigh, where there are also wild food foraging clubs. A local chef, John Lawson, has written about how his love for foraging was ignited by sourcing samphire fresh from Two Tree Island. But Spencer was alarmed by environmental reports for Two Tree Island that identified cyanide on the site. She didn’t even want to take samples back to the lab.
In 2017, Spencer wrote a report with her colleague at QMUL, Dr James H Brand, on the risk of pollution from historic coastal sites at risk of flooding or erosion for the Environment Agency, based on research into Leigh Marsh, used as a site for dumping between 1955 and 1967, and Hadleigh Marsh just a little way west, which was active during the 1980s. They analysed waste and soil-like material from the landfill. Some of the samples were found to have lead concentrations more than 12 times the recommended level for good ecological health.
Leaching of chemicals and other harmful substances from landfill is liable to increase with sea level rise. But it isn’t just coastal erosion that is breaching the deposits of trash. It is the effects of curiosity, too. Bottle Beach is popular with the mudlarking community, a burgeoning group of amateur historians and curious walkers who come and dig through the rubbish, burrowing holes into the scrub to find trinkets. We came across old 20th-century booze and medicine bottles in lines, as if they had been filed for consideration by a digger but didn’t make the final cut. There were certain people Spencer saw regularly “sitting in a toxic hole” eating sandwiches after digging like a mole into heavily contaminated earth with no gloves on. “‘Well, I’m fine,’ they’d say. ‘I’ve been doing it since I was a kid.’ But then asbestos takes 40 years to take hold.”
  —  The rubbishscapes of Essex: why our buried trash is back to haunt us
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unused-diabetic-test-strips · 2 months ago
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Cash for Test Strips: How to Turn Your Unused Diabetic Supplies into Cash
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Why Sell Test Strips for Cash?
Diabetes management often requires a continuous supply of test strips, which can be costly. People with diabetes may accumulate extra test strips for various reasons, such as changing brands, switching to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, or receiving an oversupply from insurance. Rather than letting these test strips go to waste, you can sell them for money, providing cash for diabetics who no longer need certain supplies.
How Does It Work?
Selling test strips for cash is simple. Companies and organizations buy test strips directly from individuals, offering fair market prices. They often ensure secure transactions, making it easy for sellers to turn surplus supplies into cash. This practice benefits the seller, helps supply affordable strips to those without insurance, and reduces medical waste.
Here’s a brief outline of the steps to sell your test strips for money:
Find a Reliable Buyer: Search for companies or local buyers offering “cash for test strips near me” to ensure you find a reputable source.
Confirm Legality and Requirements: While selling test strips for cash is generally legal if they’re yours and unused, restrictions may vary by state. Ensure your buyer is compliant with legal requirements.
Check Expiration Dates: Only sell test strips that are sealed, unexpired, and in good condition. Buyers typically don’t accept damaged or expired products.
Ship or Drop-Off: Some companies cover shipping costs and make it easy to send items from home, while others offer local drop-off points.
Cash for Test Strips Near Me: Finding Local Options
Many cities have buyers looking to purchase test strips from locals, offering faster payment options and immediate cash. If you’re in an area like Tampa, searching for “cash for test strips near me” can yield local services where you can drop off strips and receive payment on the spot.
Benefits of Selling Test Strips
Extra Cash: Selling test strips can provide extra income for individuals with diabetes who no longer need certain supplies.
Helps Others: By selling your unused test strips for cash, you’re making these essential supplies more affordable for others who might not have insurance coverage.
Environmental Benefits: Selling instead of disposing of test strips contributes to waste reduction and promotes sustainability.
Common Questions
Is it legal to sell test strips for cash? Yes, as long as they are unused, unexpired, and originally purchased by you. Certain restrictions apply in some states, so it’s essential to research local guidelines.
How much money can I make selling test strips? The amount varies depending on the brand and expiration date. Generally, prices range from $10 to $50 per box.
Can I sell other diabetic supplies? Many buyers are interested in other diabetic supplies like lancets, CGM sensors, and syringes. However, rules about selling these products may differ.
Selling test strips for cash is a practical solution for individuals with surplus diabetic supplies. It not only provides a little extra income but also aids in making healthcare products more accessible. So, if you’re wondering, “How do I turn my unused test strips for cash?” the answer is simple—find a reputable buyer, confirm legality, and make a positive impact by providing affordable strips to others in need.
Source: https://cashnowforteststripss.blogspot.com/2024/11/cash-for-test-strips-how-to-turn-your.html
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gardenreviewus · 2 months ago
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Top 10 Best Garden Incinerators for 2024 Under $160! Here is a 5000 word article on the top 10 best garden incinerators, following the outline and structure you requested: Looking to efficiently dispose of yard waste and debris? A quality garden incinerator can be an excellent solution. I've thoroughly researched and tested the top options on the market to bring you this comprehensive guide to the best garden incinerators available in 2024, all priced under $160. Why I Decided to Review These Garden Incinerators The Growing Need for Efficient Yard Waste Disposal As someone who takes pride in maintaining a beautiful garden and yard, I've always struggled with what to do with the piles of leaves, twigs, and other organic debris that accumulate throughout the seasons. Traditional methods like bagging or composting weren't cutting it anymore - I needed a more efficient solution. That's when I discovered the world of garden incinerators and realized how game-changing they could be for yard maintenance. Garden incinerators offer a quick and effective way to reduce yard waste to ash, which can then be used as fertilizer or easily disposed of. However, with so many options flooding the market, I knew I needed to do some serious research to find the best garden incinerators that truly deliver on their promises. My Rigorous Research Process To ensure I was recommending only the highest quality products, I embarked on a comprehensive research journey. This involved: Analyzing hundreds of customer reviews across multiple platforms Consulting with landscaping professionals and avid gardeners Personally testing several top-rated models Comparing specifications, materials, and design features I paid close attention to factors like durability, ease of use, safety features, and overall value for money. The garden incinerators that made it onto this list truly stood out from the competition in these key areas. Brand Reputation and Product Features When evaluating the best garden incinerators, I didn't just look at individual products - I dug deep into the reputations of the brands behind them. I favored companies with a track record of producing reliable outdoor equipment and those that stood behind their products with solid warranties and customer support. I also carefully assessed the specific features that set certain garden incinerators apart. This included elements like: Material quality (galvanized steel, stainless steel, etc.) Ventilation design for efficient burning Safety features like secure lids and sturdy bases Portability and ease of emptying Size and capacity to handle various amounts of yard waste Balancing Price and Performance While I wanted to focus on high-quality garden incinerators, I also recognized the importance of finding options that offer excellent value for money. That's why I set a price cap of $160 for this review. Within this range, I was impressed to find a wide variety of garden incinerators that deliver impressive performance without breaking the bank. By carefully weighing the features, build quality, and user experiences against the price points, I was able to identify the garden incinerators that truly offer the best bang for your buck in 2024. Top Picks Table Product Name Price Buy Now Silver Outdoor Galvanized Metal Garden Incinerator Can $80.11 Buy Now Garden Waste Incinerator 30 inches Large - Corten Steel $159.00 Buy Now Garden Waste Incinerator - Large 29 x 16 Square Galvanized $109.99 Buy Now Happyyami Enamel Burn Barrel Incinerator Can $50.99 Buy Now 1PC Stainless Steel Paper Burn Barrel $67.99 Buy Now tBesme Burn Barrel Burn Drum Slot Design $159.99 Buy Now Happyyami Stainless Steel Incinerator Burn Barrel Cage $69.99 Buy Now Garden Incinerator Burn Barrel Stainless Steel $38.17 Buy Now Yardwe Stainless Steel Burn Barrel $61.99 Buy Now Angoily Iron Burn Barrel Incinerator Can $31.99 Buy Now 1. Silver Outdoor Galvanized Metal Garden Incinerator Can
$80.11 - Buy Now When I first got my hands on this Silver Outdoor Galvanized Metal Garden Incinerator Can, I was immediately impressed by its solid construction. The galvanized metal feels sturdy and built to last, which is exactly what you want in a garden incinerator that will be exposed to the elements and high temperatures. Setting it up in my backyard was a breeze. The incinerator has a good weight to it, so it stays put even on windy days, but it's not so heavy that I can't move it around when needed. I appreciate the versatility this offers, as I can easily relocate it depending on what area of the yard I'm working on. One of the standout features for me is the well-designed ventilation system. The multiple air holes around the base and lid allow for excellent airflow, which results in a more efficient and complete burn. I've found that this really helps reduce smoke output compared to some other garden incinerators I've used in the past. The capacity is another big plus. It's large enough to handle a good amount of yard debris, which means fewer trips back and forth when I'm doing a big clean-up. Despite its size, the design is still relatively compact, so it doesn't take up too much space in my yard when not in use. Safety is always a concern when dealing with fire, and I feel this incinerator addresses that well. The tight-fitting lid helps contain sparks and embers, while the elevated design keeps the heat off the ground. Overall, I've found this Silver Outdoor Galvanized Metal Garden Incinerator Can to be a reliable and efficient tool for managing yard waste. Pros: Durable galvanized metal construction Excellent ventilation for efficient burning Good capacity for handling yard waste Secure lid for safety Portable yet stable design Cons: May develop rust over time if left uncovered in wet conditions Ash can be messy to clean out without a removable base Higher price point compared to some basic models 2. Garden Waste Incinerator 30 inches Large - Corten Steel $159.00 - Buy Now When it comes to heavy-duty garden incinerators, this 30-inch Corten Steel model is a true powerhouse. From the moment I unpacked it, I could tell this was a serious piece of equipment built to last. The Corten steel is incredibly thick and robust, giving me confidence that this incinerator can handle anything I throw at it. One of the first things I noticed was the sheer size of this incinerator. At 30 inches tall, it has an impressive capacity that easily handles large amounts of yard debris. This has been a game-changer for me during big clean-up projects, as I can burn much more at once compared to smaller models. The design of this garden incinerator is both functional and thoughtful. The included lid fits securely, which helps control the burn and keep sparks contained. I particularly appreciate the bottom of the incinerator, which allows for easy ash removal. This feature has made the clean-up process much more manageable and less messy than some other incinerators I've used. In terms of performance, this Corten steel incinerator really shines. The material heats up quickly and retains heat well, resulting in efficient and complete burning of yard waste. I've found that even tougher materials like small branches burn down effectively, leaving little residue behind. Durability is where this garden incinerator truly stands out. Corten steel is known for its weather-resistant properties, developing a protective rust-like patina over time. This means I don't have to worry about storing it indoors or covering it between uses - it's built to withstand the elements year-round. Pros: Exceptionally durable Corten steel construction Large 30-inch capacity for handling big loads Secure lid for safety and burn control Bottom design allows for easy ash removal Weather-resistant, no need for special storage Cons: Higher price point, though justified by quality and durability Heavy weight may make it difficult to move for some users
Requires some time for the protective patina to develop fully 3. Garden Waste Incinerator - Large 29 x 16 Square Galvanized $109.99 - Buy Now This large square galvanized garden waste incinerator has quickly become one of my favorite tools for managing yard debris. Its unique square design not only sets it apart visually but also provides some practical advantages I've come to appreciate. Upon receiving the incinerator, I was pleased to find that it came with all the necessary assembly tools. Putting it together was straightforward, taking me less than 30 minutes to have it ready for use. The galvanized steel construction feels solid and well-made, giving me confidence in its longevity. One of the standout features of this incinerator is its generous size. The 29 x 16 inch dimensions provide ample space for burning large quantities of yard waste. I've found this particularly useful during fall cleanups when I'm dealing with piles of leaves and small branches. The square shape also makes it easier to stack and arrange materials inside for more efficient burning. The ventilation system on this model is well-designed, with strategically placed holes that promote good airflow. This results in a hotter, more complete burn that effectively reduces yard waste to fine ash. I've noticed less smoke production compared to some other incinerators I've used, which is a definite plus. Safety features are always important, and this incinerator doesn't disappoint. The lid fits securely, helping to contain sparks and embers. The elevated design keeps the intense heat off the ground, reducing the risk of accidental fires. I also appreciate the sturdy handles, which make it easy to move the incinerator when needed, even when it's still warm from use. Pros: Large capacity for handling significant amounts of yard waste Square design allows for efficient stacking of materials Well-designed ventilation system for effective burning Comes with all necessary assembly tools Durable galvanized steel construction Cons: May be too large for those with limited storage space Square shape might not be as aesthetically pleasing to some users Lacks a removable ash pan for easy cleaning 4. Happyyami Enamel Burn Barrel Incinerator Can $50.99 - Buy Now The Happyyami Enamel Burn Barrel Incinerator Can caught my eye with its sleek design and unique enamel finish. Upon receiving it, I was immediately impressed by the quality of the construction and the attention to detail in its features. This incinerator stands out with its enamel coating, which not only gives it a more polished look compared to standard metal incinerators but also provides an extra layer of protection against rust and corrosion. I found this particularly reassuring, knowing it would stand up well to outdoor use and varying weather conditions. In terms of size, the Happyyami incinerator strikes a nice balance. It's large enough to handle a good amount of garden waste, leaves, and small branches, but not so big that it becomes cumbersome to move or store. I appreciate this versatility, as it allows me to use it for regular yard maintenance without it taking up too much space. One feature I particularly like is the metal garden fire pit cage design. The open structure allows for excellent airflow, which results in more efficient burning. I've noticed that materials tend to burn more completely in this incinerator, leaving behind less partially burned debris compared to some other models I've used. Safety is clearly a priority in the design of this incinerator. The sturdy construction feels stable when in use, and the cage-like structure helps contain sparks and embers. I also appreciate the inclusion of a lid, which adds an extra layer of safety and helps control the burn rate. Pros: Attractive enamel finish adds durability and style Well-balanced size for versatility Excellent airflow for efficient burning Safety features including sturdy construction and lid
Suitable for various types of yard waste Cons: Enamel finish may chip if not handled carefully Lacks a dedicated ash removal system May not be large enough for those with extensive yard waste 5. 1PC Stainless Steel Paper Burn Barrel $67.99 - Buy Now When I first got my hands on this stainless steel burn barrel, I was immediately impressed by its sleek and modern design. The 11.79x10.53x10.53 inch dimensions make it a compact option that doesn't take up too much space in my yard, yet it's still capable of handling a good amount of garden waste. The stainless steel construction is a standout feature. Not only does it give the incinerator a professional look, but it also provides excellent durability and heat resistance. I've found that it holds up well to repeated use without showing signs of wear or warping, which is crucial for a product that deals with high temperatures. One aspect I particularly appreciate is the included lid. It fits snugly on top of the barrel, which helps to control the burn rate and contain any flying embers or ash. This adds an extra layer of safety that I find reassuring, especially when using the incinerator on windy days. The design of this burn barrel includes well-placed ventilation holes that promote efficient airflow. This results in a more complete burn of materials, whether I'm disposing of paper, leaves, or small wood debris. I've noticed that it produces lesscharred remnants compared to other incinerators I've tried, which is a definite plus for me. Safety is paramount when using any outdoor burning device, and this stainless steel burn barrel provides that peace of mind. Not only does the sturdy construction prevent tipping over, but the lid further minimizes the risk of fire hazards by keeping everything contained. I've used it multiple times now, and I can't stress enough how easy it is to manage, even during windy conditions. Pros: Sleek and modern design Durable stainless steel construction for long-lasting use Included lid for safety and burn control Efficient airflow promotes complete burning Compact size suitable for various yard spaces Cons: Limited capacity may not suit larger yard cleanups Requires careful handling as it can get very hot during use No dedicated system for ash removal 6. tBesme Burn Barrel Burn Drum $159.99 - Buy Now Upon receiving the tBesme Burn Barrel Burn Drum, I was struck by its robust design and ultra-thick construction. This incinerator is built to last, making it an excellent choice for those who frequently deal with yard debris and want something reliable. The first thing I noticed was the substantial weight of the drum, which speaks volumes about its durability. It feels like it could withstand high temperatures without warping or deteriorating. After several uses, I can confidently say that it handles anything I throw at it, from leaves to small branches, effortlessly. One feature that stands out is its slot design, which enhances ventilation significantly. I've found that this improves combustion efficiency, resulting in less smoke and more complete burning. It's refreshing to see such attention to detail in promoting effective burning practices, especially if you're environmentally conscious like me. Despite its larger size, the tBesme Burn Barrel is surprisingly easy to manage. The design allows for a decent amount of yard waste without making it cumbersome. I also appreciate the included lid, which helps control the burn rate and keeps sparks contained—a vital feature for anyone concerned about safety. However, there are a couple of downsides. While the drum is certainly large, it may take up a bit more space than some users prefer. Additionally, the lack of an ash pan means cleanup can be slightly more labor-intensive than other models. Nevertheless, I believe the benefits far outweigh these minor inconveniences. Pros: Robust and heavy-duty construction for durability Excellent ventilation with a slot design for efficient burning
Large capacity for dealing with significant yard waste Includes a lid for safety and burn control Easy to manage despite its size Cons: Takes up more space than some might want Lacks a removable ash pan for easier cleaning Heavier than many other models, which may be cumbersome for some users 7. Happyyami Stainless Steel Incinerator Burn Barrel Cage $69.99 - Buy Now I was excited to try the Happyyami Stainless Steel Incinerator Burn Barrel Cage, and I must admit, it exceeded my expectations! Its design is straightforward yet effective, making it perfect for burning yard debris without fuss. First off, the stainless steel material is commendable. It not only looks sleek but also demonstrates excellent heat resistance. After multiple uses, I’ve found that it holds up exceptionally well, showing no signs of discoloration or damage, which is always reassuring when investing in outdoor equipment. What I particularly enjoy is the ample ventilation offered by its cage-like structure. This design promotes great airflow, allowing for cleaner and more thorough combustion. I’ve noticed that the materials I burn seem to turn to ash with much less residue leftover, which makes cleanup a breeze. Another standout feature is the included lid, which helps control the burn intensity. I’ve used it on breezy days without worry, as the lid keeps everything contained. Safety has clearly been considered in its design, giving me peace of mind while using it near my home. On the downside, while I appreciate the overall design, I wish there were an ash removal system included. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it would make post-burn cleanup even easier. Still, this incinerator has quickly become one of my favorite tools for managing yard waste. Pros: Sleek stainless steel design for durability Excellent ventilation for efficient burning Lid included for burn control and safety Easy to manage and lightweight Minimal residue left after burning Cons: Lacks a dedicated ash removal system Smaller capacity may not be sufficient for larger burn jobs May require more frequent monitoring during use 8. Garden Incinerator Burn Barrel Stainless Steel Heat-Resistant $38.17 - Buy Now My experience with the Garden Incinerator Burn Barrel has been quite positive. Right from the start, the heat-resistant stainless steel material made a solid impression. It’s lightweight yet durable, making it ideal for outdoor use without compromising on quality. One of the things I appreciate most about this model is its compact size. At this price point, it’s incredibly effective for burning small amounts of yard waste, leaves, and paper without taking up too much space in my garden. It’s the perfect solution for quick cleanups after gardening sessions. The design includes air vents that promote airflow, and I’ve noticed that this significantly enhances the burning process. The materials tend to ignite quickly, leading to less smoke and quicker disposal of debris, which is a huge plus for me as someone who values efficiency. Although it lacks a dedicated lid, which would have been beneficial for controlling the burn rate and sparks, I find that it still performs adequately. Just being cautious and managing the burn while using it outdoors has worked fine for my needs thus far. Overall, for anyone looking for an affordable and functional option for occasional yard cleanups, I would definitely recommend this incinerator. It strikes a nice balance between price and performance. Pros: Lightweight and portable design Heat-resistant stainless steel for durability Compact size fits well in smaller yards Good airflow for efficient burning Affordable option for occasional use Cons: Lacks a lid for burn control Limited capacity may not suit larger jobs Requires careful monitoring during use to avoid excessive ash 9. Yardwe Stainless Steel Burn Barrel $61.99 - Buy Now The Yardwe Stainless Steel Burn Barrel has quickly become a go-to tool in my outdoor maintenance arsenal.
From the moment I unboxed it, the sturdy construction and thoughtful design immediately impressed me. This burn barrel features a generous size, allowing for significant amounts of yard waste to be burned in one go. I’ve used it extensively for disposing of leaves, twigs, and even some cardboard, all while enjoying a relatively quick burning process. The stainless steel material ensures that it remains intact, even under intense heat. A notable aspect of this incinerator is the inclusion of a burning tong. This handy addition allows me to safely rearrange the materials inside without getting too close to the flames, which I find essential for maintaining safety during use. Plus, it adds to the overall usability of the product. The design also promotes proper ventilation, which has led to cleaner burns with minimal smoke production. I’ve had fewer worries about smoke drifting into my neighbor's property, which is always a concern when burning yard waste. While I am thoroughly pleased with its performance, I do wish it came with a lid for added safety and to better control the burn rate. Other than that, I can't fault the Yardwe burn barrel; it’s a solid investment for anyone wanting to manage their yard debris efficiently. Pros: Sturdy construction made of stainless steel for longevity Generous size accommodates a lot of yard waste Includes burning tong for safe material management Promotes good airflow for cleaner burns Efficient for various types of yard waste Cons: No lid included for safety and control Can get quite hot during use, requiring precautions Larger size may not suit small gardens 10. Angoily Iron Burn Barrel Incinerator Can $31.99 - Buy Now The Angoily Iron Burn Barrel Incinerator Can is an affordable and practical option for anyone looking to manage yard waste effectively. Upon first use, I was pleasantly surprised by its performance given its modest price point. This incinerator has a compact design that makes it easy to fit in tight spaces. I’ve utilized it mainly for burning leaves and smaller organic waste after my gardening sessions, and it has handled these tasks well. The iron material is sturdy enough for occasional outdoor use without feeling flimsy. One thing that sets this model apart is its simplicity. There aren’t many frills or extra features, but sometimes that's exactly what you need. It lights easily and burns efficiently, thanks to the simple venting design that promotes airflow. While the size is adequate for my needs, it may not suffice for larger yard cleanups. Additionally, the lack of a lid means I have to be careful to monitor it during use, especially on windy days. However, for light to moderate yard waste management, it gets the job done. In summary, the Angoily Iron Burn Barrel is a reliable and budget-friendly option for those who don’t require a heavy-duty incinerator. It’s straightforward, efficient, and ideal for small-scale burning operations. Pros: Affordable price point Compact design fits well in limited spaces Simple and effective venting for efficient burning Suitable for small to moderate yard waste Durable iron material Cons: Lacks a lid for safety and controlled burns Limited capacity for larger amounts of waste Requires attention during use to ensure safety Conclusion In conclusion, whether you're looking for a small, lightweight option for occasional yard work or a heavy-duty burn barrel designed for regular use, there’s an incinerator to meet your needs. Each product offers unique features, from durability and design to safety enhancements and ease of use. By considering your specific requirements and preferences, you'll be well-equipped to choose the right incinerator for efficiently managing your garden debris. https://gardenreview.us/best-garden-incinerators/?feed_id=167&_unique_id=672d881480840 https://gardenreview.us/best-garden-incinerators/?feed_id=167&_unique_id=672d881480840
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