#Binding Wire Types

[srjsteel]

When Binding Wire Fails—And What It Means for Structural Joints and Reinforced Rings

The Unsung Heroes of Construction

Binding wire, construction rings, and dowel bars — these three unsung heroes are often overlooked in the spotlight of construction materials. Yet, when binding wire fails, the consequences ripple through the very heart of a structure. It's not a surface issue. It's a core failure, one that compromises the integrity of reinforced joints and weakens the load transfer across construction rings and dowel bars.

The Critical Role of Binding Wire in Reinforced Concrete

In reinforced concrete structures, the purpose of binding wire goes beyond just "tying things together." It secures the steel framework, holding bars in position during casting and vibration. A small gauge wire — yet it bears the massive responsibility of ensuring that construction rings and dowel bars remain precisely aligned under pressure. When it fails, nothing stays where it should. Steel cages shift, spacing gets compromised, and the placement of dowel bars turns inaccurate. The result? Joints that were designed to carry stress now buckle under it.

Visualizing the Impact: Columns, Dowel Bars, and Construction Rings

Imagine a reinforced column rising from a footing. Dowel bars connect the two with precision, while construction rings provide lateral support to resist hoop stresses. The entire setup is stable only if the steel configuration holds its designed shape. Binding wire ensures that. If it snaps, stretches, or corrodes prematurely, that shape begins to deform. Concrete then flows around a flawed frame — one that may look solid on the outside but carries internal weaknesses no eye can see.

Early Warning Signs and Long-Term Consequences

And those weaknesses don’t wait for decades to show. Even before finishing stages, poor-quality binding wire can cause ties to loosen during shuttering or compaction. This leads to uneven distribution of load, unexpected stress zones, and cracking at critical joints. Over time, the lack of reinforcement integrity due to binding wire failure makes even the strongest dowel bars useless, and the construction rings struggle to distribute tension efficiently.

Real-World Lessons: Failures from Neglecting Binding Wire Quality

Contractors often learn this the hard way — not through theory, but through real-world collapse. Slabs that sag. Columns that shear. Beams that settle. And at the root of many such failures lies the underestimation of something as small and seemingly insignificant as binding wire. It doesn’t just hold — it stabilizes. It aligns. It preserves the engineering intent of dowel bars and the reinforcement rhythm of construction rings.

The Cost of Cutting Corners

The temptation to cut corners with cheaper wire is common. But the price paid is often in compromised safety. Good binding wire resists corrosion, retains tension, and doesn’t snap under handling stress. It's tested not just for tensile strength but for its ability to work under field conditions — from wet formwork to prolonged setting times. When construction rings are meant to resist expansion forces and dowel bars must remain locked in shear zones, the reliability of the ties holding them is non-negotiable.

Separating Cost from Value in Construction Materials

This is where discerning construction professionals separate cost from value. The journey from blueprint to standing structure depends on details. Binding wire may be minor in cost, but it’s major in consequence. The strength of reinforced joints is not defined by size or concrete grade alone — it's defined by what holds it all together when stress builds and movement begins.

The Invisible Strength That Holds Structures Together

When structures breathe under load, twist with wind, and shudder with seismic waves, what keeps the steel skeleton from unraveling isn't magic—it's the reliability of the ties that bind. Binding wire may never be visible in the final product, but its failure speaks louder than its presence ever could.

[kapilasteel]

Why Binding Wire is Essential with TMT Bars in Concrete

When building bolstered concrete structures, TMT bars offer the critical tensile energy needed to withstand various structural stresses. However, these excessive-strength metal components don't work successfully in isolation—they require right fastening via binding wires to create the reinforcement cage that bureaucracy the spine of concrete systems. Let's explore why binding wires plays this type of critical function while running with TMT bars.

The Foundation of Reinforced Concrete

TMT bars (thermo-mechanically treated bars) have revolutionized contemporary construction with their superior electricity-to-weight ratio and extraordinary ductility. These steel reinforcement bars create the inner framework that lets in concrete to face up to anxiety forces. But clearly placing TMT bars into concrete isn't sufficient—they must be properly placed and secured.

This is in which binding twine turns into quintessential. This thin, annealed cord holds TMT bars collectively at their intersection factors, keeping the perfect spacing and alignment essential for structural integrity. Without the right binding twine utility, even the very best satisfactory TMT bars should shift in the course of concrete pouring, compromising the entire structure.

Critical Functions of Binding Wire

Binding twine serves several important functions while used with TMT bars:

First, it maintains the geometric configuration of reinforcement cages. By securing TMT bars at their junction factors, binding wire guarantees that the spacing between bars remains constant during the concrete pouring and curing system.

Second, binding twine prevents displacement of TMT bars in the course of concrete placement. The vibration and stress from pouring concrete can motivate unsecured bars to shift from their supposed positions, probably growing vulnerable points in the structure.

Additionally, binding cord enables the advent of complex reinforcement patterns. Modern production frequently calls for complicated arrangements of TMT bars, which might not be possible to preserve without proper binding.

Super Rings: Enhancing Binding Efficiency

For large construction projects using vast quantities of TMT bars, Super Rings have ended up becoming increasingly famous. These pre-shaped binding cord coils substantially accelerate the tying system while ensuring steady tension across connection points.

Super Rings are particularly designed for compatibility with TMT bars of numerous diameters. Construction professionals respect how Super Rings lessen exertion time while preserving first-rate binding. The uniform application provided with the aid of Super Rings additionally enables the elimination of human error that might arise with guide binding wire utility.

Quality Considerations for Structural Integrity

Not all binding cord performs similarly while securing TMT bars. Low-excellent binding cord may additionally corrode upfront, probably contaminating the encircling concrete or even causing enlargement that cracks the shape. Quality binding twine should possess sufficient tensile energy to maintain tight connections among TMT bars without breaking in the course of construction sports.

Similarly, well-synthesized Super Rings make certain regular binding tension throughout all connection points. This uniformity contributes extensively to the overall structural integrity while running with TMT bars in important load-bearing elements.

Making Smart Material Choices

Selecting appropriate binding twine primarily based on the precise requirements of TMT bar installations can pay dividends in structural longevity. For outside or corrosive environments, galvanized or PVC-covered binding cord offers advanced safety. Standard annealed wire may also suffice for indoor structural elements where corrosion concerns are minimal.

The modest cost of quality binding twine and Super Rings represents a trifling percent of average construction budgets, yet their effect on structural integrity is big. Cutting corners on these critical components while operating with premium TMT bars without a doubt would not make financial sense given the capability and long-term consequences.

Smart builders apprehend that the interplay among TMT bars and binding cord basically influences concrete structure overall performance. Making knowledgeable picks about these substances ensures homes stand the test of time.

[thyfleshc0nsumed]

TME people really do throw out the tactical ''bro' on purpose in online arguments. Like they're setting a trap and they win either way. I don't think it's always a cognitive decision, but they fucking know somewhere that's what they're doing. The options for the doll are to either take the punitive misgendering, or object and get made out as the crazy, angry tranny cuz they have plausible deniability.

Trans women truly are at the intersection of trans ness and womanhood, like this is the same fucking playbook every anti feminist man-on-the-street video has used for the last 15 years at least: say something inflammatory but plausibly deniable in a calm tone, get the woman to call you on your bullshit, and say "woahhh calm down I'm just asking questions." Then everyone who is feminist-in-name-only gets to go "I'm a feminist/I don't even agree with this guy/etc. , but this woman is CRAZY," and bam, the provoked is sold as the provocateur. It's the same exact shit my drunk of a mother did to me as a teen--it's the double bind, you react, you lose, you don't react, you lose.

And like the thing is, I do believe people when they say they bro people all the time. I call people "girl" all the time, like ill refer to my cishet dude friends as girl, like "girlllll why did I say yes to this..." But like if I were experiencing 'good-faith' conflict with one of them, I wouldn't be calling them that, not even cuz it would be "misgendering," but because it would feel like talking down to them and showing them a lack of respect, like I wouldn't be calling them 'bro' in that moment either. So like, when you're having a conflict with a tranny, you get to talk down to her, show her you don't fucking respect her, and misgender her, AND you get to do it consequence free. All that's missing is coffee and a blowjob.

Idk, it just frustrates me to no end that so many fuckin "queer, fuck terfs, trans women are women types" are so stoked that they have acceptable targets to bully and push around like they just got a Daily Wire gig.

[kemystery-chemicals]

Exploring Different Types of TMT Bars and Their Applications

In the realm of construction, TMT (Thermo-Mechanically Treated) bars have become the backbone of structural integrity, offering superior strength and resilience to concrete structures. However, within the category of TMT bars, there exist various types, each tailored to specific construction requirements and environmental conditions. Let's delve into the different types of TMT bars and their diverse applications.

1. Fe-415 TMT Bars:

Description: Fe-415 TMT bars are the most commonly used type, characterized by their moderate tensile strength and ductility.

Applications:

Residential buildings

Low to mid-rise commercial structures

Small bridges and culverts

2. Fe-500 TMT Bars:

Description: Fe-500 TMT bars offer higher tensile strength compared to Fe-415 bars, making them suitable for structures requiring increased load-bearing capacity.

Applications:

High-rise buildings

Industrial structures

Heavy-duty infrastructure projects like bridges and flyovers

3. Fe-550 TMT Bars:

Description: Fe-550 TMT bars are engineered to provide even greater tensile strength and durability, making them ideal for structures subjected to extreme loads and harsh environmental conditions.

Applications:

Seismic zones

High-traffic areas such as highways and airports

Power plants and industrial facilities

4. Fe-600 TMT Bars:

Description: Fe-600 TMT bars represent the pinnacle of strength and resilience in TMT bar technology, offering the highest tensile strength among commonly available TMT bar grades.

Applications:

Specialized infrastructure projects with stringent safety requirements

High-rise structures in earthquake-prone regions

Heavy industrial applications

5. Corrosion-Resistant TMT Bars:

Description: Corrosion-resistant TMT bars are specially designed with additional alloying elements to enhance their resistance to corrosion, making them suitable for coastal areas or structures exposed to aggressive environments.

Applications:

Marine structures such as seawalls and docks

Chemical plants and refineries

Water treatment facilities

6. Weldable TMT Bars:

Description: Weldable TMT bars are formulated to facilitate easy and reliable welding, allowing for efficient construction processes that require the joining of reinforcement bars.

Applications:

Prefabricated construction

Retrofitting and repair work

Large-scale construction projects with intricate designs

In conclusion, the diverse range of TMT bars available caters to the varied needs of construction projects, offering solutions for everything from residential buildings to heavy industrial infrastructure. Understanding the characteristics and applications of each type of TMT bar is crucial for selecting the most suitable option to ensure the structural integrity and longevity of the built environment.

[nouvxllev]

the girl across your street

Pairing: Jenna Ortega x Fem!Reader

Summary: "Hi!" You exclaimed, mouth jutting as you shook from the cold, that was oddly hot? You couldn't explain the feeling, being this close to Jenna in the freezing cold, every sense you had was malfunctioning. Nothing really prepared you to meet the girl across the street, the girl that caught your heart in mere seconds.

Words: 1.7k

Warnings: Swearing. Other than that, I believe none

a/n: i'm new to writing in tumblr so apologies if its not the best!!

part 2 || masterlist.

Invisible string.

That was the saying for those who believed there was some string of fate binding people who were destined to be together, or for anyone who believed in love for that matter. It's a sweet thing, you'd admit, but you can't just shake the feeling that it's not entirely true. Given the fact that you spent so much of your life waiting for that person tied to your soul to magically appear in front of you, you were growing weary of love. It's not that you've entirely given up on it; hope was definitely there, but it just feels like your string was loose by the person who was tied to it.

——————————————————————————————————

'All along there was some invisible string...

tying you to me...?'

Music from your wired headphones was blasting in your ears while you took your morning walks around your neighborhood. The air was chilly and took upon like an ocean breeze. Ever since winter came, you were always going on walks than usual; it was your favorite time of the year. Snow was starting to build up on roads, and it was even snowing as you strolled down. It was only 7:00 in the morning, and you were already feeling slightly happy.

Your neighborhood was a small one, everyone knew each other along with their secrets. That's why you should let it all out before it becomes the number #1 talk of the town.

You'd take different routes every day, and soon enough, you became familiar with everyone and everything. A smile played on your lips as you allowed snow to fall on your body, and let the music take over your steps.

But something changed when a girl across the street recently moved a couple weeks ago. Everyone welcomed her but you.

It was an unspoken rule in your area to always greet a newcomer whenever you pass by their house. But you? You were too afraid.

She was stunning, that was an understatement, she was too stunning. She's like a breath of fresh air after a long walk, she's like an untouchable star for people who study astronomy, she was everything to you.

You knew of her name, yes, it was Jenna. But did she know yours? You only hoped so. Ever since she caught your eye, you only ever took that route instead of the other ones. Your morning walks would never be the same now that you have something, someone rather, to look forward to. You even started waking up earlier than usual to catch a glimpse of her.

You wanted to talk to her, you really did, seeing how she consistently wakes up at, like, 5:30 in the morning to sit on a bench, engrossed in a book. Hell, you even bought the same book she was reading a couple of days ago to understand what she likes.

Sometimes, she would just sit there with closed eyes, Sony headphones on her ears, immersed in her music—a sight that warmed your heart, seeing how close she is to her own music like you are to yours. Maybe that was a conversation opener? To ask what type of music she likes listening to? But then again, how many random strangers you live with randomly asks you on a cool winter day what type of music you listen to.

——————————————————————————————————

You find yourself unconsciously walking down the same road that never failed to make you giddy, knowing that you'd find her sitting down on a bench, either reading or listening to music. One of your favorite moments of the day, you'd say.

You look up to your side, and there she was. Jenna. A little crush you formed on her was starting to take over your heart, wanting to fill it until it was no longer yours to beat. A faint smile ever so slightly graced your lips, taking how she was still in her PJs yet so effortlessly breathtaking at the same time. A beanie pushed down on her bangs, slightly covering her eyes, and she was, obviously, wearing her wired headphones, listening to music with her eyes closed. Oddly, she has her Sony ones still wrapped around her neck.

Then she opened her eyes, her gaze meeting yours.

Oh fu—

"—FUCK!" You screamed as you landed face-first on the pile of snow that had built up on the side of the road. You tripped on a fucking crack on the sidewalk.

You heard laughter, followed by more laughter from one of the prettiest voices you ever heard in your entire life.

If you stand up now, you'd face one of the most embarrassing moments of your life that would play every time you go to sleep, and if you lay in the snow forever, you'd probably freeze to death and still embarrass yourself in front of the girl that was beautiful than any forms of nature. Not a lot of good choices.

You started to get up, shaking your face to get the snow that stuck to your face. Then you heard footsteps coming your way, a hand extended out to you. You could only hear the faint sound of her voice, "here," she muttered, and then the whole world went silent as you reached for her hand then pulled yourself up.

Shit, she's even prettier up close.

You start to wonder if she was even real or not.

"Hi!" You exclaimed, mouth jutting as you shook from the cold, that was oddly hot? You couldn't explain the feeling, being this close to Jenna in the freezing cold, every sense you had was malfunctioning. Nothing really prepared you to meet the girl across the street, the girl that caught your heart in mere seconds.

She chuckled, "Gosh, You're freezing!" She took your hand yet again, and you felt warm. Warm enough to start a fire, her hands fit perfectly into yours, and your freezing palm was melted by the slight touch of her fingers. "Here, come, let's get you warmed up."

——————————————————————————————————

The inside of her house was warm to the bone, it was unlike any other, even if all the houses were built the same, but Jennas home felt like it was built by the Greek Gods themselves. It was perfect, and all too comforting for you, hell, you'd live in this one if given the chance. There were pictures of her family across the living room, and her dining area was right near her kitchen.

You didn't really know this day could come, to even get a slight interaction with Jenna you had been undoubtedly crushing on ever since she arrived in your neighborhood, and now you're literally in her place, warming yourself down because you trip over a damn crack.

You were sitting comfortably, but also had this shiver in your spine, on the chair she had offered you. You had your hands wrapped around you while you were staring at Jenna who was preparing hot coffee for the both of you. You insisted on making it yourself, considering how you were the book-perfect description of a people pleaser and would rather jump off a cliff before you ever make someone do something nice for you, but she persisted on doing it herself. 'A thank you for making her day slightly better,' she had argued.

"People don't often invite other people in their houses the first time they meet eachother," you remarked, your voice slightly jittery from the cold, and mostly how you're talking to the girl of your dreams.

"You seem nice enough to not murder me. Seeing how most murderers don't really fall face-first into the snow." She grinned, a sight only you could really fall for. Apart from cracks on the sidewalks.

She approached you with two steaming coffee mugs then placed it down on the table, one for you and one for herself. "Also, I already knew you." She mentioned, taking a seat and cradling her mug as she gaze locked with yours.

You furrowed your eyebrows, eyes squinting. She knew you? As in, the pretty Goddess you've been anticipating seeing every morning, knew you? Well, it was definitely expected, but you never really hoped she would notice you. Considering how many people must walk pass her house.

"You... know me?" You pointed towards yourself. "Thank.. Thank you for the coffee, by the way."

"You think I wouldn't know the girl who wakes up so early to take a morning walk?" She exclaimed, "I sometimes hear the music playing in your headphones. You really do jam it all the way up, huh?" Her mouth curled up into a smile before blowing her mug and then taking a little sip.

"You're..." She closed her eyes, lips forming in a line as she snapped her fingers, "y/n! Y/n, right?" She clicked her fingers as she pointed towards you, her dimples showing from her smile.

At that moment, your heart was definitely skipping a thousand beats, and you couldn't help but let a smile come out. Her dimples might just be your favorite thing of all time, apart from your favorite snacks and TV shows.

"Yeah! I'm y/n. And you're Jenna, right?"

"One and only, I guess."

Time passed, and you both settled into a space that felt comforting. Jenna admitted to feeling nervous initially, considering she only knew you from observing your morning walks outside her home. However, the moment you spoke, she found herself at ease.

Before you realized it, the clock showed noon. Four hours had flown by, and in that time, you felt like you knew her. Maybe not on a personal level, but like someone you'd consider a friend.

"You'll walk by here tomorrow, right?" Jenna questioned as you stepped down from her porch.

"Yeah, of course!" You turned around, showing two thumbs up, slowly walking away with your back turned before she smiled at your antics.

You started to walk back to your house, headphones now jammed into your ears. The way she talks, and the way she makes you feel comfortable—even after meeting just a couple of seconds ago—exceeded your expectations. The way she smiles, the way she acts. Everything about her, from her actions to her demeanor, painted a picture that made you feel so at home.

You loved Jenna, fuck you loved her. The girl across the street, you loved her so much, you only realized the intensity of your emotions once she had invited you into her home. You were head over heels in love, it was over for you.

���—————————————————————————————————

a/n: thank you for reading, im absolute shit with writing endings. also! this will have a part 2 soon!!

[electricbluebutterflies]

If you’re taking prompts for Kastle, what about a marriage of covienience? They have to get married so she can’t testify against him!

PG-ish and also on ao3.

Karen never did think of herself as the marrying type. Just as well, she thinks on the steps outside a courthouse where she’s about to do something incredibly stupid. No heart left to break when this goes sideways.

On some level she supposes she’s surprised it took so long for this to happen. How tangled she’s been in Frank’s war, the things she knows that she is absolutely not supposed to know… the idea of using marriage to keep her safe was inevitable, maybe, and-

“We still doin’ this?”

Nearly late, but he did bring flowers for her. She’ll forgive him.

“Do you have rings?”

He taps a jacket pocket. “You did say nothing fancy, right?”

“I said nothing expensive,” Karen replies, almost a laugh. “But… yes.”

This is one of her more questionable ideas, fine. The kind of thing one suggests at around one in the morning, kneeling on the bathroom rug, assessing another round of DIY stitches and she’s gotten just a little too good at those lately. The fear that someday something might go very wrong, and it would be in both of their best interests if she had a certain immunity.

She hadn’t actually expected Frank to say yes, but even she can only predict his behavior so far.

Now here they are, three days later, a courthouse he does not have history at. With any luck, it’ll be in and out, and then…

Karen hasn’t really thought abut what happens next. Karen hasn’t thought about a lot of things she probably should.

“You… white roses. Again.”

“You did seem to like them-“

She is not a romantic, she thinks as she clears the distance between them, but she can appreciate being seen. She takes a heartbeat of a kiss, and for that heartbeat she can convince herself that all of this is normal, that she is minutes away from doing something legally binding because she wants to and not because…

Fine. She does want to. She’ll keep that quiet, but-

The flowers end up in one of her hands and the other entwines with one of his, and for the first time she feels the butterflies she’s pretty sure most women feel on their wedding day. Most women do not marry the vigilante who ended up with a key to their apartment after he broke the window lock, but…

She knows Frank, to the extent anyone ever will. He’s a decent man, in his way. Respectful of her. Loves her, maybe, if he’s still wired for that somewhere deep in what remains of his heart. Was a good husband, once, for another woman. Might be, again, for her.

Once they’re inside, Karen unzips her jacket, and this may not be a wedding but she still took the time to get a vintage dress for the occasion, and-

“You look…”

He’s speechless. She wants to kiss that away. She’ll ruin her lipstick if she does that.

Instead, a blush she can’t control. Instead, something soft and warm curled up in her heart, like this might mean something.

“You like the dress?”

“If we were different people…”

So, yes.

So, thoughts they won’t speak.

It’s enough to get her through the motions, what feels like an endless line and the creeping feeling that at some point other people in her life are going to find out about this and she cannot wait to see how bad certain people take it and-

Their turn. His hands around her hands around the flowers that are becoming very convenient for steadying her panic. This is real. This is either the biggest mistake she’s ever made or a better decision than she’s anywhere near realizing. Too early to call.

Karen doesn’t pay attention to most of her wedding. The tired judge doesn’t appear to realize she’s binding a notorious public figure in holy matrimony, so there’s that, and-

“I do.” Karen’s voice almost breaks. This part, she’ll remember all too well, her hands shaking again and-

“You wanna get the rings out of my jacket pocket?”

She does. She’s pretty sure this isn’t how it normally goes, but it gives her the chance to look at the plain gold band she’s going to wear for the rest of her days and-

“It’s perfect.”

“Figured if you’d wanted something sparkly you would’ve-“

“Can we not talk about my exes right now?”

Frank laughs, and his fingers are steady as he slips the ring onto her finger, and this is real now, this is so real and-

She’s not sure who kisses who first. She’s not sure she cares. It’s not the most romantic kiss this space has ever seen, but it’s real, and that’s enough.

“What now?”

“Don’t know what you’re supposed to do after this.”

Past experience doesn’t mean anything, she reminds herself. Neither of them have done this before, and-

“We should go out. Should. But I’d rather… apartment?”

Karen ends up spending the rest of her wedding day curled up on her couch. They have not discussed anything that happens next. They do not need to. This may have happened for legal-immunity reasons, but-

“When does this get weird?” she asks after a few hours – not all of which she remembers being awake for – and most of a bottle of wine split between them.

“What if it doesn’t?”

“It isn’t…”

“Wouldn’t have said yes to your proposal if I didn’t like you, ‘Ren.”

“We’re never that simple.”

She leans back against him anyways, lets his arms envelope her again, and this is hers now in more ways than it was this morning. She doesn’t know what she’s supposed to be feeling, but her fingers play with her ring and-

“You get to tell Red. I feel like he might rethink his no-kill rule over this.”

“Maybe I don’t tell him. Maybe I wait and see.”

Frank kisses the top of her head, and… maybe, she thinks, maybe they’ll be okay.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Hidden Treasure 1

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as dubcon/noncon, obsession, and other possible triggers. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: your quiet life is interrupted by a tempestuous man. (reader is Blair from Follow You Anywhere)

Characters: Thor

Note: I just did it, okay?

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me <3

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Asking for more or putting ‘part 2?’ is not feedback.

Love you all. You are appreciated and your are worthy. Treat yourself with care. 💖

You lay out the hand-sewn coin purses along the left side of the table, completing the array of your hand-made and repurposed goods. It’s a good day to sell, sunny but not too hot, the early days of spring when people are eager to get out. At least it should be. Despite your selection, you’re not the most personable vendor along the square. 

The last detail is the hand-painted wood sign. You did it yourself; an antique frame you added a gold hue to and filled with a thin sheet of board. It isn’t much but it tells people what they’re looking at; handmade and renewed goods. 

You fold your hands and hover behind your table. You’re a one-person operation. It’s your own table, your own money, your own everything. It brings in enough for you to live. Just you and your cluttered apartment. 

The coin purses and the sleepers you sew by hand are the more popular sellers. Anything for children goes first, you notice. Everyone seems to be having them. The older crowd radiate towards the old candlesticks you polished to a shine or the glass-shaded lamps you tediously re-wired. Most try to haggle but your prices are fair enough. 

You peer around at the produce stands, the soap and candle makers, and the crocheted stuffies of your fellow sellers. You do a bit of window shopping but never follow through on your wandering eyes. You don’t need to waste the money on the pretty new things, you have lots of lovely old things. 

The traffic picks up and you busy yourself with the browsers. A woman with a stroller buys several of the infant dresses and headband, a group of older ladies peruse the aged hardcovers and pick out a few, while a couple comments on the brass-based lamp with the dangling chain. You do your best to smile through the transactions. 

The rises higher in the sky towards its apex. The steady flow keeps you busy, with some time in-between to work on fixing the binding of one of the old editions. You like to keep yourself distracted, thinking can be dangerous. With how much time you spend alone, it’s hard to avoid. 

As you lock up the cash box and tuck it back under the table, a shadow passes over, large than any other. For a moment, you think a cloud’s passing over the sun. You look up at the sky as a broad figure stands across from you.  

You don’t know how you didn’t see the man’s approach. He’s huge. Tall and wide. He doesn’t seem the type to be interested in your selection. Still, he leans in to eye the embroidered coin purses and gives a rumbling hum that sounds like distant thunder. 

He picks up one with primroses sewn into it. His thick thumb brushes the threaded design and his large hand makes the coin purse look even smaller. You tap your fingers on the table as his eyes flick up and meet yours. 

“Hi, uh, how can I help you?” You whittle out of your tight throat. It’s not often a lone man finds interest in your things. You cater to a more femme audience. 

“This is nice,” he remarks, “do you make these?” 

“Uh, yes, I do,” you give a tight-lipped smile, “I just embroider old used purses.” 

“Just? That’s splendid work,” he brings it closer to his face and looks down his nose at the little flowers and leaves, “my mother would love this... mother’s day is coming, eh?” 

“Oh, um, yes, I suppose,” you agree. “It’s five dollars. Cash only.” 

“Mm,” he traces his thumb over the metal clasp as he taps his back pocket with his other hand, “don’t think I’ve any on me. Could you hold this for me?” He offers the coin purse, “I’ll find the ATM.” 

“Sure, I could do that.” 

You take the coin purse, fingers brushing his rough skin, and you set it aside. 

“Thank you,” he smiles broadly, blue eyes twinkling as lines creases around them and across his forehead. 

He reluctantly trails away and you watch him go. His golden hair is longer than most, twisted into a low bun behind his hand as a few strands dangle freely around his face. He wears a denim jacket over dark red tee and grey jeans, along with a pair of scuffed brown boots. He stands out even in his casual attire. 

You shrug off the encounter and turn to your next customers. More baby clothes. The women chat about a baby show and you point them to the newborn sizes, telling them about the fabrics you use for each. They buy a few bibs along with the sleepers and diaper covers. 

You back up and sit in the folding chair, drinking deeply from your bottle of water. You don’t know if it’s the interactions or the sun making you dizzy. It’s close to noon. You always start to feel it around this time.  

The hours surrounded by strange faces and buzzing voices are clustering in your head and chest. Only a little longer; the market only runs until two. If the world didn’t require money to survive, you might never leave your apartment. Yet your table is the only means you have to keep walls around you. 

You sit a bit longer and get up again. You’re okay. You should’ve eaten before you left the apartment. How silly of you to forget the overnight oats you had put in the fridge just the night before. You do forget quite a few things. 

The market thrums with the late morning rush and you brace yourself for the final stretch. If you can clear off half the table, you might not have to come back next weekend. You’d be all too content to stay in your own little world, the one beyond is too loud and too bright. 

🕰️

You fold your table up and push the hook around the peg to keep it shut. You fold up the chair as well and lean both with your boxes. As the market clears out, you pull up your small two-door and load your wares into the back hatch. 

You peer over at the other vendors and their vans and trucks. Crews of half a dozen or more pack away goods and chatter just as loud as the previous crowds. It’s an isolating moment. You don’t mind going unnoticed but sometimes you feel so small. 

As you put a box in the back of the car, your keys slip off your finger. You bend and feel around the tire to retrieve them and sense a shadow above you. You clasp your hand around the keyring and stand-up suddenly, turning to face the figure behind you. There’s no one there. 

You peer around but find nothing out of the ordinary. You return to your task and pause. You don’t remember putting that box away yet... 

You shake your head. You’re just tired and forgetful. Your cardinal vices. Your mind wanders too much to rest, too much to keep order. 

You put the last box away and close the hatch. You get in the driver’s seat and turn the engine. It putters softly but it runs well enough. The old car has gotten you through the years just fine. There was a time that tiny thing was your home. 

You pull away down the lane parallel to the edge of the market square and pull out into traffic. You drive without seeing, led by habit as you stop at signs along the way, turning around corners mindlessly. You stop and wait to pull into your building’s lot and notice the large storm grey jeep behind you. It strikes you as peculiar; you enter from a back street to avoid the rush. 

You steer into the lot and the jeep continues down the street past the building. You forget it as quickly as it rolls beyond the faded brick. You find your spot, parking pass dangling from the mirror, and shut off the engine. You linger and take a breath. You're hungry and tired. 

You leave your things in the car and go upstairs. You slow as you pass your neighbour’s door. You saw her yesterday, she was in trouble about something. The police came as she hid from her boyfriend in your apartment. You didn’t even know she had one. You tried not to be nosy but she seemed real upset. 

Your cheeks tinge as you stare at the numbers on her door. She’s the only person who’s ever been inside your apartment. You don’t welcome people in, not into your home or your life. You hadn’t meant to let her in but you were so tired and confused, you couldn’t stop her. 

You cringe and continue down to your door with one last glance over your shoulder. You put the key in the slot and turn with a grind. You scurry inside and quickly lock the door, afraid she might once more emerge and follow you inside. Or that man, the big one with the beard. 

You twist the latch back into place and put your keys in the tray on the cramped shelf. The apartment is dark, the windows shrouded in black fabric, and you flip on the overhead light to guide you down the hallway. The walls are made tighter as their lined with endless shelves and tables, all filled with your collection of curiosities. 

You go to the fridge and take out the mason jar of steeped oats. You sit and eat the soft, pasty oats and the berries. You didn’t add enough cinnamon. It doesn’t matter, your stomach greedily mulches it. You put the kettle on and wait for it to steam. 

As you pace around, you hear a loud rumble. An engine. You don’t think much of it but you go to the window to peek out around the dark fabric. A woman walks a large dog past a grey jeep parked along the curb. Is it the same one you saw before? 

The question doesn’t pique your mind much. That’s the way of the world, you find. It’s a lot smaller than it seems, yet to you, it’s inexorably vast. It’s too fast, too unpredictable. You retreat as the kettle whistles. 

Your apartment is small and warm and safe. The world can’t follow you back here. Not if you don’t let it in and you won’t be doing that again. 

-🕰️

You decide, against your better instincts, to go to market. The weather is nice and it wouldn’t be so bad add a few extra bucks to your nest egg. You never know what might come up, or what you might find! Too many times you stumbled upon an antique you just couldn’t afford. 

You go through your usual ritual. You set up the table and the chair, and arrange your things in the same way around the wooden sign. As you put your boxes to the side, you hear a rattle at the bottom of one. You look into the crate and notice the silver ring. How’d that get in there? You didn’t bring any jewelry. 

You put down the box and reach inside. You take out the ring and turn it. You’ve never seen it before. There’s a strange stick symbol on the flat face. Maybe another language or a run of some type. You turn it in your hand and tuck it in your pocket. You’ll have to give a closer look at home. 

It’s early and a few stragglers trickle in, but they all walk by your table without pause. 

You sit and take out the jar of oats. You remembered today. You’d woken up with a hunger so deep, you almost ate before you left. You know better than to eat too early. Instead, you had your tea and got yourself moving. 

You stir the blueberries in and eat slowly, trying to measure your bites so you don’t feel sick after. You watch the other vendors, some still setting up, and lazily swallow down the thick oatmeal. It feels like it might rain after all, there’s a touch of damp in the air. 

You finish up and put the jar away. As you wipe your mouth with your sleeve, a woman’s voice trills and pricks your ears. Silver hair with a few wisps of gold peak out from her silk headscarf. The teal fabric matches the pattern of her blouse, tucking into a finely pressed skirt. She’s not alone, she has her arm hooked through another. 

Her companion is younger than her. His golden hair is pulled half up at the crown of his head as he towers over her lithe frame. You squint, they might be related. As they approach, you get a whiff of deja vu. 

“Yes, it was this one, mother,” the man’s voice is deep. 

“How lovely, look at all these treasures,” she slips her arm free as she approaches, “hello, dear, is this all yours?” 

“Mhmm, yes,” you stand up, “are you looking for something in particular?” 

“I think we’re just browsing,” she smiles brightly, her lips painted a gentle shade of rose. 

“A coin purse,” the man says, “with prim rose? Do you recall?” 

You look at him. Faces aren’t easy for you but his voice strikes something in your mind, and his size. You haven’t seen a lot of men that big, only the one in your neighbour’s apartment. You think you remember holding something but the customer never came back. 

“This one,” you point to the coin purse, set back in the row. 

“Yes, that was me,” he chimes, “mother,” he pulls the primrose purse to the top. She takes it and he looks back to you, “I apologise that I didn’t return, there was an emergency and I had to be off.” 

“It’s okay,” you shrug, folding your hands together. 

The woman is looking at you. There’s something in her gaze that makes you squirm. Her eyes linger just a bit longer before she aims them at the purse, admiring the embroidery as she feels it beneath her thumb. 

“Yes, I do like this one,” she says. 

“I brought cash this time,” the man booms and reaches into his pocket, “five, I believe you said.” 

“Yes,” you accept the bill from him, his skin rough as his fingertips touch yours, “thanks. Erm, did you need a bag?” 

“For this? No,” she wiggles the purse playfully and reaches for the man, her son, with other hand. She caresses his knuckles as she faces him, “you were right. Very beautiful.” 

He smiles broadly, proudly almost. It’s just a purse. You hide your discomfort as you grip your arm at your elbow. 

“Thank you,” the woman chirps back at you, sending another grin in your direction, “you might see us again.” 

She hooks her arm once more through her son’s and leads him to the next booth. You peer after them as her attention clings to the purse as she continues to feel it between her fingers. She leans into his arm as she speaks to him quietly. They seem close, it’s sweet. Your own mother had never been so affectionate. 

You look away before the scene can pluck in your chest. It doesn’t matter. You’re grown up now. That’s all behind you. 

[aqours]

anyone else feel like Tremor - Reverb is just like.......... what base Tremor should be like honestly

like, here's my take. if the enemy has no remaining stagger thresholds or had none at all, then it instead deals defense-ignoring Sloth damage upon a Tremor Burst. that way the base version of Tremor can still do something without having to convert it into one of the seven Tremor SOULS from Undertale. and like, say Tremor - Reverb's niche is that it always deals Sloth damage not caring about their stagger threshold, or maybe it deals like 2x Sloth damage instead of normal Sloth damage. maybe it inflicts a Binds debuff too, making them go slower bc of T Corp stuff or something.

idk it just. it bugs me askdafl;jsafdg do we really need 50 new types of Tremor for it to do anything. Tremor units already (usually) (at least before) don't hit super hard so like... projmoon please i know we don't buff old shit a lot but Smokes and Wires was changed so it doesn't murder Priest Gregor anymore. please can we do something about Tremor please i'm begging you.

i'm not even fully joking with that Undertale reference. between these and base Tremor we have 7 different kind of Tremor. we don't need anymore please we just need to make base Tremor better and maybe make new IDs that have effects that activate if they do a Tremor Burst

[srjsteel]

Types of Binding Wire and Their Applications

Binding wire plays an unsung yet vital role in every construction site. Often overlooked, this thin yet strong wire is what keeps essential materials in place, ensuring safety and precision. It silently supports the skeletal framework of buildings, helping everything from construction rings to dowel bars remain stable and aligned. Despite its humble appearance, binding twine is the spine in the back of orderly metallic reinforcement, giving electricity to a shape before it even takes form.

Types of Binding Wire in Construction

Understanding the kinds of binding wire available is crucial for choosing the right one for particular production desires. Each type comes with precise homes proper for unique applications.

1. Annealed Binding Wire

This is the most not unusual shape used on a web page. Annealing softens the twine, making it extra flexible and less complicated to twist without breaking. Ideal for manually tying metallic bars, it adapts properly to diverse environments and remains sturdy even after more than one twist.

2. Galvanized Binding Wire

Coated with a layer of zinc, galvanized twine is known for its resistance to corrosion. This makes it appropriate for coastal regions or humid conditions where rust is a subject. It's regularly used alongside dowel bars or construction earrings in bridge and flyover tasks.

3. PVC-Coated Binding Wire

Offering both flexibility and corrosion resistance, this wire is wrapped in a protective PVC layer. It’s extensively used in decorative structures and precise commercial programs wherein both aesthetics and durability are needed.

4. Stainless Steel Binding Wire

Used in excessive-precision or chemical-uncovered environments, stainless steel wire sticks out for its resistance to both rust and acid. It is a really perfect choice for touchy or excessive-stop tasks in which lengthy-time-period performance is essential.

5. Copper Binding Wire

Though not commonly used in basic construction, copper binding wire is often found in electrical or specialty engineering works where conductivity matters along with strength.

Applications That Highlight Its Role

Binding wire is used wherever steel reinforcement is needed. In slab casting, it ties rebars in grid patterns. In columns and beams, it secures vertical and horizontal bars, maintaining proper cover distance. When constructing pavements or highway joints, binding wire holds dowel bars aligned, ensuring proper load transfer.

How to Select the Right Binding Wire

To ensure the best outcome:

Match wire type to environment: Use galvanized or PVC-coated in damp climates.

Check diameter: Standard sizes range from 0.61mm to 1.22mm depending on the rebar size.

Evaluate flexibility: Soft annealed wire makes manual tying easier.

Consider project size: Bulk rolls suit large sites, while smaller coils work for localized repairs.

Binding Wire and Long-Term Construction Integrity

A well-tied reinforcement structure enhances load distribution. Especially when used with dowel bars and construction rings, binding wire ensures these components remain in position during and after the concrete pour. This prevents misalignment and cracking over time.

Durability Over Aesthetics

Unlike visible features like tiles or paint, binding wire works in the background. But its impact is lasting. It resists movement, shrinkage cracks, and structural displacement, ensuring that the building’s hidden skeleton stays strong throughout its lifespan.

When Cost Meets Quality

Though binding wire isn’t expensive, opting for the cheapest option can be a costly mistake. Low-grade wires snap easily, don’t hold twists, and corrode quickly. A slightly better investment upfront ensures fewer site issues and better overall structural strength.

Conclusion

In every building, from modest homes to massive infrastructures, binding wire works silently behind the scenes. Whether securing dowel bars or fastening construction rings, its role is indispensable. Selecting the right type isn’t just a technical choice—it’s a decision that defines the integrity, longevity, and safety of the structure. With proper binding wire, every tie counts and every structure stands firmer.

[starscream7799]

"Onlined Cold" Starscream oneshot

I've been working on this oneshot exploring how it may have felt for Starscream to first come online after being constructed cold. I find the concept of forged and CC so interesting, so here's my interpretation of it!

The first flicker of consciousness he had ever experienced in this world was disorienting. His senses were coming online one by one, slowly giving him more information about his situation and the world around him.

The first sense his processor finally connected to was touch. He was now able to feel everything against his frame, and the sudden sensation caused him intense discomfort. He tried to move, his motor functions finally kicking in after a brief moment, but his limbs were bound to whatever type of platform he was lying on. Panic filled his spark, not understanding what was going on.

Then his olfactory senses booted up, along with his audials. The air was thick with the scent of chemicals and he could hear the low hum of machinery around him in the room. It all felt unwelcoming and cold. A second later, a strange noise filled his audials before something clicked in his processor halfway through and the sound somehow morphed into a pattern he could understand. 

"┴ɥǝ sdɐɹʞ ɐup ɟɹɐɯǝ sǝǝɯ ʇo qǝ— responding well, despite initial observations."

"Once he's fully online, we'll see if the data transferred without complications."

"I'm sure it did. This one's spark didn't reject the frame like some of the others. He must genetically be a seeker."

"Kinda short for a seeker…”

“Blame whoever made the frame. They're not all going to be identical.” 

“...Continue monitoring his vitals."

The seeker didn't know what exactly was being discussed, but he seemed to be able to process what the words meant and understand the language.

Right after he began to interpret sound, his optics onlined and he was blinded by harsh fluorescent lights. When he shut his optics to avoid the brightness, he could still see markings in the very corners of his vision. His processor then deciphered the strange markings and informed him it was normal. He quickly understood the purpose and what the text said; It was a heads up display showing him his current energon levels, vitals status, communication channels, etc.

"All of his senses are functional, which means the language and basic informational drivers have been downloaded properly. Let's continue, then get onto the next one." 

He opened his optics again, this time finding the light more tolerable. When he got his first good look at everything, he saw machines all around the room and various wires and lines attached to his frame. He saw mechanical beings- "Cybertronians", his processor informed him- writing down information and observing him. 

"Answer these questions here and you can go." One of the mechs, a doctor he figured out, said to him, not bothering to look up from the data pad in his hands. Another one was detaching the wires and such from his frame and then unlocked the bindings that had been holding him down. He sat up, rubbing his wrists where the metal had been chafing against his joints.

"Alrighty, first: Do you know where you are?"

"I... what?" He asked, still confused and disoriented by everything. He then searched the data that had been downloaded into his processor and found the answer. "Uhh, Cybertron?"

"Primus- Did no one scan his protoform after it was put into the frame? His vocals are damaged, he sounds like a damn banshee." The doctor turned around to ask the other medical personnel, clearly irritated. A couple medics looked away innocently, while another one left the room entirely, avoiding responsibility for the oversight. 

The seeker just tilted his helm, trying to figure out what the problem was. "What's the issue? I can speak." He assured the doctor, frowning.

"Yeah... okay." The doctor pinched the bridge of his nose, writing down something on his data pad. "Next question: Do you feel any discomfort, pain, confusion, frame rejection, vibrations, delusions, murderous urges, nausea, paralysis, processor damage, aches, or abnormal sensitivity?" The mech spoke quickly and robotically, as if reading from a list.

"Uhh.." The seeker didn't know what to say and didn't quite catch everything. Some of that sounded nonsensical, if he was being honest.

"Good, good." The doctor gave a nod and checked something off his data pad, clearly not actually paying attention to the seeker's reply. He shoved something into the seeker's hands and then stood up. "Alright, you can go now. Here's your identification card, it'll tell you where you'll be stationed. Welcome to Cybertron, kid.” 

With that, the seeker was ushered out of the facility. He tried to argue that he didn't know what he was supposed to do, but he was ignored entirely, as if this wasn't the first time they'd heard a patient claim such. He frowned and looked at the identification card he was given.

“Starscream..” He said aloud, testing how the designation sounded. That was the name he was given, as stated on the card. Before he could read further though, he was harshly shoved to the ground.

"Get out of the way, air head!" 

"Why do they keep making fliers of all frames? There's too many of you freaks around." 

"Because they're good war-builds, duh. Brawn and no brains. Aww, did we scare the wittle seeker?” A tall mech snickered as he stood over the jet. Starscream didn't realize the position of his wings were a very good indicator of how upset he was at the comments. They hung low against his back. He still had so much to learn. 

Thankfully, the tall one and his friend didn't stick around too long, as they laughed at him and walked off. At that moment, Starscream felt discouraged, wondering how he was going to survive this intense world. It seemed like the odds were already stacked against him.

He picked himself up before he became more of a fool and looked back at his ID card.

Designation: Starscream

Frame Type: Aerial

Model: Seeker

Creation: Cold-Constructed

Function: [Redacted]

Secondary Function: Construction mapping and energon seeker

Starscream made a face that was a mixture of both confusion and disgust as he read he was supposed to work in construction. That sounded less than ideal, it actually almost offended him the longer he thought about it.

But what else was he to do? He hadn't been online for more than an hour, had been bullied, had no plans or goals. Sure, he had basic knowledge downloaded into his processor so he could be a functional Cybertronian, but besides that, he was clueless about the world and how it worked. He didn't know who he was supposed to *be*. 

He thought back to what the tall mech had said about fliers having no brains, just brawn, and a new feeling began to bubble up inside of him, simmering slowly. He wasn't going to let anyone tell him what he could or couldn't do. He didn't care what his stupid ID card said, he refused to work in something as menial as construction. Why should he?

Fuck it, he wanted to be a scientist.

[kraviolis]

someone liked one of my TOH headcanon posts from earlier this year and it reminded me about the specific headcanons i have for exactly what types of games the hexsquad plays and how they play them.

luz is obv an RPG fantasy fan. anything with a juicy story and a character creator and complex lore she’ll love. she definitely plays series like elder scrolls and baldur’s gate and final fantasy. she also plays final fantasy 14 and has her character as the good witch luzura and she isnt good at playing it like an mmo is supposed to be played but she loves the story. when endwalker came out luz couldnt stop sobbing to the point that camila was actually worried about her. also enjoys roguelikes such as hades or binding of isaac even if she can only play for so long before getting too frustrated. she also 100% plays genshin impact and gets into arguments online with other genshin fans.

amity is a fighting game girl. she is highly competitive and practices combos with her eyes shut. she prefers the tekken series but when luz wants to play with her they play guilty gear bcus luz likes it’s art style the most. she also likes fantasy RPGs but is way more picky about which ones she plays. she likes fire emblem. she also plays ff14 with luz and is actually good at the game (she carries luz sometimes) but isnt a huge fan of MMOs. she also is the one in the friend group with the NASA ass PC rig with a custom case and the most organized wiring you’ve ever seen with the lcd screen on the liquid cooled cpu and the azura figurine inside the case. she also does custom wraps for all her consoles.

hunter likes games that are very much like, micromanagement sims. like civ5 or cities skylines or factorio (i dont know anything about it but ive been assured by my sister that hunter plays modded factorio) but he’s also a fan of like, old school FPS games like doom and half life. i can see him doing speedruns of those games. (also he 100% once got addicted to some game like fuckin. galactic pinball or something to the point where he was staying up all night and not sleeping so he could play more pinball. in order to get him to stop playing so much and actually get some sleep, gus used illusions to make hunter think he was hallucinating about pinball and scared him into not looking at a single screen or monitor for like three weeks.)

gus is a very chill gamer but he likes games that he can sink hours and hours into. instead of playing a wide variety of games he has a select few that he dedicates his time into learning every last mechanic, but there’s also some games he just plays casually. like with pokemon games he’ll put hundreds of hours into them and carefully curate his team and does like nuzlocke runs but when he plays on his and willow’s shared-custody new horizons island he’ll just walk around and catch bugs and shit and not really worry about upgrading his house and make matching fits with his favorite villager.

willow prefers cozy games, like slime rancher or stardew valley or the aforementioned shared new horizons island, but she’s also a fucking menace about them. like she goes HARD on the min-maxing and automation and shit. while gus is wandering around their island catching fish, willow’s busy rearranging her fully upgraded mansion up in the hills and harassing any villagers she doesnt like with nets and deciding what hybrids to plant in front of her bell trees (she only has bell trees for the aesthetic. gus isnt allowed to harvest them) she would also be running the most high profit slime ranch ever but the way she treats her slimes makes hunter upset whenever he sees her just fuckin throwing them off a cliff the second they arent useful to her anymore. (meanwhile hunter names each one of his slimes and always feeds them their favorite foods and cried over casey & beatrix)

vee enjoys survival/strategic horror games, like DBD, resident evil, deadspace, or even FNAF. she’s the type of person to see the goriest most violent death in a video game ever and just go “ew yucky” then carry on. masha and her are often playing DBD together while in a call and are the most annoying pair of suvivors ever. she also likes games such as original katamari and pikmin 1 and chulip. she's also the undefeated DDR champion of the friend group.

and of COURSE they all play video games together. they all have a terraria world they play on together where they all are focused on their own little projects while still working together and are slowly building up their own village/mansion/castle/fort but luz keeps rushing ahead of everyone just bcus she's so excited and she definitely somehow ends up summoning the wall of flesh accidentally

they DID have a modded minecraft world for a few months with both tech mods and magic mods but while hunter, amity, and vee all focused on their factories and computers and technology, gus, willow, and luz fucked around with all the crazy magic and accidentally found out by blowing up a factory. this is where heightened tension between the the warlocks & the scientists began. this spark eventually turned into a full fledged war that lasted two months before it ended in mutually assured destruction to the point where no one could actually load into the server without their game crashing.

bonus: camila isnt much of a gamer with one exception-- when she was in college manny introduced her to WoW and got her hooked. it was Their Game that they played together all the time. they made cosplays of their characters together. they had several dates in game. they optimized their characters to perfect compliment one another when they ran dungeons with their guild. even since manny passed camila still plays every so often and keeps in touch with their guild members. for the longest time luz has 0 idea that camila plays WoW at all and only finds out after the whole secret nerd confession.

[konohagakurekakashi]

Favorite ninja weapon

It depends on the situation, really.

Different weapons work best in different circumstances, so I like to be well versed in the use of most of them, since you never know when you might need to pick up a certain weapon or skill as a shinobi.

A bow and arrows : It's quiet and its projectiles can be used over and over again - if you're not against plucking it out of your dead target and cleaning it up a bit. It's also good for catching a meal when you're out on a long term mission and your rations are starting to dwindle.

Kusarigama : There are three types of this weapon and all of them can be used to entangle an opponent's spear, sword, or other weapon. It can also be used to immobilize arms or legs. Having an opponent immobilized makes it easier to cast a close range Ninjutsu like Chidori or to strike the opponent down with the sickle end of the weapon. Also it looks cool.

Ninja Wire / Chains : Probably some of the most versatile items on the list. Wire string is light, lengthy and durable, with a variety of useful functions. It can be applied to traps, used to bind an opponent or to restrict their movements. It can cut through flesh and bone when tightened. And like chains you can use it to manipulate weapons and channel chakra; not to mention rappelling. Did I mention makeshift laundry line! Since you can use it to hang your flackjacket on to dry after an unexpected downpour.

Tantō : A short sword used for piercing and stabbing. Easy to carry and conceal. The Hatake clan tantō could also absord, channel and release chakra with a practices swipe.

Ninjatō : Sword shorter than a katana, but used in the same way. The shorter lenght allows for fast draw techniques centered around drawing the sword and cutting at the same time to create a simultaneous defensive, parying and attacking action. Used by many Anbu agents.

Shiruken : Long ranged weapon, mainly used to mislead or distract your opponent from your actual attack. This is one of the first, fundamental lessons taught at the academy.

Kunai : The most basic shinobi weapon, but also one of the most useful (and very likely the favourite). Can be used as a foothold or hold in rock / wall climbing. Can be used in hand-to-hand combat to block and deflect attacks and also to stab and slice through enemies, their attacks, or any barriers. It can serve as a projectile and is sturdy enough to be used in conjunction with other tools and shinobi arts, like Fūinjutsu, to expand on its function. A prime example being an explosive tag, which is just a kunai with an explosive seal tagged at its hilt.

Scrolls : Not typically something you would add to a list of weapons, but can be weaponized easily through sealing techniques and a little bit of chakra infused ink or blood.

So, did I answer the question? No? What a shame. Lesson over, I must be going now. I have plants to water.

[crristinaa-level6]

Specialist practice

Saddle Stitch Binding

Our first binding method is saddle stitch, which happens to be the easiest of all. Saddle stitching proves affordable and ideal for documents consisting of fewer pages. By stapling wire through the spine and folding printed sheets in half, a finished product takes shape. Alternatively, utilizing looped staples permits insertion into ring binders without requiring punched holes.

Side Staple Binding

The side staple technique is primarily employed to bind perforated pages, such as those found in quote books and delivery notes. The procedure involves stacking individual pages together before stapling them with wire through the front cover from front to back before trimming.

Singer Sewn & Side Sewn Binding

Singer-sewn binding is a sturdy technique employed for creating resilient materials such as passports. It employs an industrial sewing machine to stitch the pages together along the spine lengthwise. Additionally, side singer-sewn or side-sewn binding provides another option where pages are jointly fastened through both front and back covers, making it perfect for thicker books and notepads.

Padded/Pad Binding

The technique of pad binding, also known as "padding," is utilized primarily for notepads and enables the easy detachment of individual pages. A lower-strength adhesive coating is applied on the edge of a stack of pages to create these pads. To ensure stability and usability when held, a thicker board is generally affixed at the back end.

Wiro /Plastic Coil Binding 

The two primary types of punched binding are wire and plastic coil binding, enabling books to open fully flat with the pages rotating 360 degrees towards the back. Firstly, printed pages are trimmed and then hole-punched before being fastened using a spiral coil or wire that is crimped shut.

Japanese / Stab Binding 

Dating back centuries, Japanese or stab binding is a decorative technique where sheets are folded once at the center, hole-punched and sewn by hand along the spine using different needle and thread patterns.

Perfect binding

The process of perfect binding involves using machinery to bind softcover books, magazines and brochures. The technique entails stacking individual pages together before affixing them to an outer cover that sports a square spine. This is achieved by the application of potent polyurethane (PUR) glue which gives the method its name- Perfect Binding.

Burst Binding 

Burst binding is essentially perfect binding with a unique twist whereby pages are grouped into sections, folded and then notched down the spine by machinery to achieve stronger adherence of glue. This results in an exceptionally robust finish that makes it particularly ideal for books containing a greater number of pages compared to standard bindings.

Quarter Binding 

In the past, quarter-bound, half-bound or taped bindings were commonly used to produce books at a lower cost by employing inexpensive materials. These binding methods involve two distinct materials - one for covering the spine and another for protecting the cover. However, to enhance durability, pages are often bonded together and fastened on one side which results in reduced ease of opening compared with

Case Binding 

The conventional hardcover book involves printing pages that are folded and stitched into multiple sections, safeguarded by a firm rigid cover. The covers may be coated with various materials like linen, buckram or leather; alternatively, a printed design can be affixed on top of the tough casing. Such casebound books have long-lasting durability and might even sustain restoration years down the road.

Pamphlet Stitch

A refined binding technique known as the pamphlet stitch is ideal for documents with a modest number of pages. After folding and hole-punching the printed sheets, one manually threads them together using needle and thread before tying them off at the book's center to finish it elegantly.

Exposed Spine Binding

Exposed spine binding, also known as exposed Smyth sewn or thread-bound, is an aesthetically appealing method of bookbinding. The pages are folded into sections and then hand-sewn together at the spine with a continuous thread. To reinforce durability, pad glue is applied to the spine after sewing it. Books bound in this manner open almost completely flatly for easy reading.

Chicago Screw Binding 

The Chicago Screw technique involves utilizing metal screw posts for fastening pages, allowing flexibility in terms of adding or removing sheets. This makes it a desirable option for materials like menus and folios that undergo frequent revisions. Furthermore, an expandable hardcover can be customized with exterior, interior or concealed screws to fit any desired dimensions. Given its versatile nature, this binding process is particularly popular among property sales pitches as well as showcasing photographic portfolios.

Custom Boxes, Slipcases and Ring Binding

sophisticated storage solution that allows for showcasing your valuable materials and samples, custom boxes and slipcases are just the perfect fit. This type of binding is artistically crafted according to your precise specifications. Manual assembly entails utilizing top-quality board material before wrapping it with an array of premium fabrics including buckram, linen cloths as well as leather or printed laminated paper.

[ray-fantasia]

game freak, can we get more environment stuff in pokemon battles?

pokemon battles have gotten kind of stale for me, and while adding new gimmicks like gigantamax and terrastulizing keeps it fresh... enough, those don't really affect the normal wild battles, so I propose you add environmental stuff to the battles, and I don't just mean adding weather, I mean the terrain can affect the battles, for example, Rock Slide might not work / be less effective in a normal field stage or an ocean stage, but in a rocky cave stage it could do bonus damage, or an ice stage could make the move become an ice type

also moves like Agility could be less effective in ceamped spaces, like tunnels, or moves that require the sun like Solar Beam could work less or not at all inside buildings or caves

this would open up possibilities of better gyms, because gyms are getting old, maybe a grass type gym could have a dense forest arena with no roof, adding bonus to sun based attacks for both the gym leader, and the trainer, and maybe this can be neutralized by setting up hail, and the vines and overgrowth make Constrict and Bind more effective, because environment is never taken into account in battles except for "oh, its going to use hail", but now there's even more strategy involved because now players would have to focus on where the battle takes place "oh this gym has a wire mesh floor, my ground type pokemon will be affected by electric moves", "oh we're in the sea, I can't use earthquake",

maybe the distortion world could change gravity based stuff, like High Jump Kick, the first time you use it, it wouldn't work and make your pokemon confused, then the second time, it would adapt to the new gravity and change the direction of the kick in the animation

this would also allow you to play around with more abstract areas, instead of just Cave, Field, Road, Snowy Area

I just want the battle arenas to be less "stand in the middle if this empty room" and more like you are battling pokemon in the dense world they inhabit, because the areas never feel like they are "inhabited by pokemon", it feels like you just crammed a bunch of pokemon onto this patch of grass, I want to be a part of this world, and your games feel like you just recreated Gen 3-5 on better hardware, rather than innovating and adding on to the world of pokemon, this could have been a idea you added when the hardware allowed it, like gen 8

also this would add new gimmicks to pokemon, for example, a dark area would reduce the accuracy of attacks, unless you use flash in battle, or if the pokemon can echo locate, Zubats accuracy would be unchanged whether the arena is dark or not

[darkonekrisrewrite]

Theory on how disassembly drones fly (and levitate):

From the wiki: "Disassembly Drones possess a dangerous pair of large retractable wings with several long blades in the shape of feathers that allow for high-speed flight and can be used to cut and impale."

The disassembly Drones wings are very large, being spread wider than the drone stands tall.

"They don't need to move their wings to fly either; numerous times throughout the first episode, Disassembly Drones are seen floating with their wings unmoving. It is unknown how this works."

I believe their wings and bodies have a magnetic quality that opposes each other and can be controlled by the disassembly Drones internal power.

Magnetism: a physical phenomenon produced by the motion of electric charge, resulting in attractive and repulsive forces between objects.

Electromagnetism: An electromagnet is a type of magnet in which the magnetic field is produced by an electric current. Electromagnets usually consist of wire wound into a coil. A current through the wire creates a magnetic field which is concentrated in the hole in the center of the coil. The magnetic field disappears when the current is turned off.

The wings of the disassembly Drone could be made out of some kind of magnetic steel that has been sharpened into blades.

And if the disassembly Drone has a body (or something within it's body) that opposes the metal of those wings it would create a repulsion.

Definition: When two opposite magnetic poles are close, they attract each other. When like poles are pushed together, there is a force of repulsion. The rule for magnets is that like poles repel and unlike poles attract.

The disassembly Drone (one opposing force)-

-and it's wings (the other opposing force)

-are fused together and their energy would flow through both areas to create a repulsion.

And (in theory) if the repulsion was controlled by the drone through electrical/energy manipulation, giving more power to one magnetic area than the other-

Then moving in any certain direction, if these forces were strong enough:

It could propel the drone into the air and replicate the abilities of flight.

(Steering and levitation could be controlled by specific wing movements in sync with power output.)

And as for the "power" part of this theory, I think there's evidence to the disassembly drones's using this kind of energy is in episode 1 of the series:

The disassembly drones's (specifically J) have the ability to produce an EMP Blast.

An Electromagnetic Pulse.

Controlled and used as a weapon against worker drones and demonstrating that the disassembly drones have a deterrent of control against it's effects.

Other examples of magnetism in the series:

In episode 8 we see the chains that were holding the sentinels blowing in the wind, despite there not appearing to be any kind of strong wind in the area and not effecting yena or Mitchell the intern.

A metal material strong enough to hold the sentinels (at least for a while) yet being able to blow in the wind presumably due to their own material make up and copper 9's own magnetic field making them so much lighter.

We also see these chains binding Yeva in episode 7 and I don't think this is a coincidence.

Magnets have been shown to be able to effect all the drones in some way, and depending on the kind of magnet; the effects are different.

There's a small scene in episode 4 of a young worker drone at the campfire who appears to be using magnet on his own head to...get high...I guess??

It didn't make much sense at the time but that seemed to definitely be what was implied.

But then in episode 6 Alice used a magnet against the main characters to help keep them captive.

So it's definitely a recurring factor.

And finally in the latest episode, several characters appear to float off the ground and into the air for a few moments before falling back down.

They weren't blown up or pulled upwards, it was as if the planet's gravity (or magnetic field) had turned off and was quickly turned back on.

Can't say for sure what this was yet but it all seems connected.

Anyone agree or disagree?

And any thoughts on how the mechanics of this theory might work?