#cleaning services in maryland
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What Questions Should You Ask a Cleaning Service Before Hiring Them?

Hiring a cleaning company isn’t just about who’s available—it’s about trust, transparency, and peace of mind. Asking the right questions upfront is how you separate an average cleaner from a Reliable cleaning service.
Here are the most important questions to ask any cleaning company before booking:
📝 Questions That Reveal Reliability
Are you bonded and insured? This protects both you and your property.
Do you conduct background checks on your staff? Trust begins with who they hire.
How do you train your team? Proper training ensures consistency and safety.
Can you provide references or reviews? A reputable company will always say yes.
What cleaning products do you use? Especially important for allergy-sensitive households.
📅 Questions About Service and Scheduling
Do you bring your own supplies? Saves you the hassle and ensures quality control.
What happens if I need to reschedule? Look for flexibility and clear policies.
Will I get the same cleaner each time? Helps maintain consistency and comfort.
Do you have satisfaction guarantees? A must for service-based businesses.
✅ What to Look For in Their Answers
Clear and confident responses
Transparent policies and pricing
A customer-first approach to special requests or feedback
Hiring a cleaning service should make your life easier, not harder. Ask these questions and trust your gut—you’ll quickly find out who’s the real deal.
Choose Immaculate Clean for professional cleaning services in Maryland that answer every question with confidence—and back it up with results.

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💨 Understanding the Cost of Air Duct & Dryer Vent Cleaning! 💰✨
Imagine coming home to a space where the air you breathe is clean and fresh, and your dryer works efficiently without the risk of overheating. It’s easy to overlook air duct and dryer vent maintenance until issues arise—higher energy bills, poor indoor air quality, or even a potential fire hazard. Understanding the cost of these essential services can help you make informed decisions and protect your home.
In this article, we’ll break down the costs of air duct and dryer vent cleaning, the factors that influence pricing, and why these services are an investment in your home’s safety and efficiency. Let’s explore everything you need to know.
What Affects the Cost of Air Duct and Dryer Vent Cleaning?
Factors Influencing the Cost
The cost of air duct and dryer vent cleaning varies depending on several factors. Here’s a detailed look:
Size of the System: Larger homes or commercial spaces with extensive duct systems generally incur higher costs. More square footage equals more time and resources. The more extensive the system, the more necessary it becomes to schedule professional air duct and dryer vent cleaning services to ensure proper maintenance. For larger homes with multiple vents and ducts, understanding the air duct and dryer vent cleaning cost is crucial for budgeting effectively.
Condition of Ducts and Vents: If your air ducts or dryer vents have significant debris, mold, or blockages, it can increase the cost due to additional cleaning efforts and treatments. Poorly maintained systems make air duct and dryer vent cleaning a necessary expense to avoid larger repair bills. Systems clogged with excessive dust or lint may require specialized tools, further impacting the air duct and dryer vent cleaning cost.
Accessibility: Difficult-to-reach ducts or vents may require specialized equipment, which can add to the price. Professional cleaners, like AirDuctVet Cleaning Services, are equipped to handle these challenges efficiently. Accessibility can significantly influence the air duct and dryer vent cleaning cost, particularly in older homes or commercial properties with unique layouts.
Additional Services:
Mold Remediation or Sanitization Treatments: These services address health hazards and improve air quality but can add to the overall cost.
Discounts for Bundling Services: Many providers offer package deals for air duct and dryer vent cleaning, reducing the combined cost while ensuring comprehensive maintenance.
Average Cost Breakdown
Understanding average costs can help you plan your budget effectively:
Air Duct Cleaning: $300–$500 for a standard residential system. Regular air duct cleaning is necessary to keep your HVAC system running efficiently and prevent energy wastage.
Dryer Vent Cleaning: $80–$150, depending on the vent’s length and condition. Preventing dryer overheating is one of the key reasons why dryer vent cleaning is necessary, and it directly affects the overall air duct and dryer vent cleaning cost.
Combination Deals: Bundled services typically range from $400–$600, offering significant savings and comprehensive system maintenance. Combining these services not only lowers the air duct and dryer vent cleaning cost but also ensures your home’s entire system operates at peak efficiency.
In addition to these average costs, factors such as the number of vents, the complexity of the ductwork, and regional pricing trends can also impact the air duct and dryer vent cleaning cost. Working with a reputable provider like AirDuctVet Cleaning Services ensures transparency and value for every dollar spent.
Invest in Clean Air & Home Safety! 💨🏡
Air duct and dryer vent cleaning is a smart investment in your home’s safety, efficiency, and air quality. Understanding the costs and benefits helps you make the best decision for your family’s health and comfort.
📞 Take the Next Step!
Schedule your air duct and dryer vent cleaning with Air Duct Veterans Cleaning Services today! Let us help you create a cleaner, safer, and more efficient home.
🔹 Serving: Alexandria, VA | Arlington, VA | Fairfax, VA | Woodbridge, VA | Manassas, VA | Washington D.C., and surrounding areas.
🔹 Call Now for a Free Estimate: (571) 970-8489
🌐 Book Online: www.airductvet.com

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Water Damage Restoration Services MD - Diamond Shine Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
Expert solutions are provided by Diamond Shine Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning to shield your house from unforeseen catastrophes. With a focus on Water Damage Restoration Services MD, our skilled staff guarantees prompt action and comprehensive drying to avoid mold growth and structural harm. We restore your property, upholstery, and carpets to their original state using state-of-the-art tools and tried-and-true methods. In addition to water damage, we provide deep cleaning services that give your interiors a new, healthy appearance by getting rid of stains, allergies, and filth. You can rely on us for dependable, effective, reasonably priced care that puts your comfort and security first. When it counts most, pick Diamond Shine Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning for outstanding service and peace of mind. To arrange for your cleaning or restoration service, contact us right now.
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Brighten Your Home with Keenwick’s Residential Window Cleaning in Maryland

Is the view from your home a little cloudy? Keenwick’s professional residential window cleaning services in Maryland restore clarity and shine to your windows, inside and out. Our trained team carefully handles all residential windows, ensuring a streak-free, spotless finish every time.
From removing dirt, dust, and smudges to cleaning sills and tracks, we use high-quality tools and techniques for a deep clean that enhances your home’s curb appeal and natural light.
Let your windows sparkle like new! Contact Keenwick today for expert residential window cleaning in Maryland that makes your home feel brighter and fresher. Learn more on our website and request a free estimate.
#window cleaning services maryland#residential window cleaning#professional window cleaning#home window cleaning
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How to Find the Best Residential Air Duct Cleaning Service in Washington DC
Why You Should Prioritize Residential Air Duct Cleaning in Washington DC
Your HVAC system is essential for keeping your home comfortable, but it’s easy to forget about one of its most important components—your air ducts. Over time, air ducts can become clogged with dust, mold, allergens, and other pollutants, leading to poor air quality and an inefficient HVAC system. That’s why investing in residential air duct cleaning Washington DC is crucial for maintaining a healthy, energy-efficient home. Let’s explore the importance of air duct cleaning and what to look for in a cleaning service.
When Should You Clean Your Air Ducts?
You may not always see the dust accumulating in your ducts, but there are several signs that it's time to schedule a cleaning:
Increased Dust Around Your Home: If your home seems to accumulate dust faster than usual, it’s a sign that your ducts may be clogged with dust and debris.
Strange Odors: A musty or dusty smell when your HVAC system kicks on could indicate mold or mildew growth in the ducts.
Visible Debris: Dust or other visible contaminants around your vent covers could mean that debris is circulating through your ducts.
Worsening Health Issues: If you or your family members suffer from asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems, it could be due to allergens circulating through dirty ducts.

The Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning
Cleaning your air ducts is more than just improving air quality. Here’s how regular cleaning benefits your home:
Improved Air Quality: Air ducts circulate air throughout your home, and if they're dirty, they can spread pollutants like dust, mold, and pet dander. Clean ducts help keep these allergens at bay, improving the air quality indoors.
Increased Energy Efficiency: A buildup of dust and debris restricts airflow and forces your HVAC system to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. Clean ducts allow for better airflow and more efficient energy use, leading to lower energy bills.
Extended HVAC Lifespan: Regular cleaning reduces wear and tear on your HVAC system, preventing costly repairs or replacements down the line.
Fire Prevention: Excess dust and debris in the ducts can pose a fire hazard. Cleaning reduces this risk, making your home safer.

How to Choose a Residential Air Duct Cleaning Service
Not all air duct cleaning companies are created equal. Here’s what you need to look for when choosing the right service for your home:
1. Experience and Certification
Look for a company that has certifications from trusted organizations in the HVAC industry. Certification ensures that the company follows high standards and industry best practices. Additionally, ensure the technicians have experience with air duct systems and HVAC cleaning.
2. Clear and Honest Pricing
A reliable company should provide clear, upfront pricing that’s based on the size of your home and the condition of your ducts. Avoid companies that charge per vent or have hidden fees.
3. Positive Customer Reviews
Check online reviews or ask for recommendations from friends and family. A good company will have a track record of satisfied customers who can attest to their work.

4. Advanced Cleaning Methods
The best air duct cleaning companies use modern equipment and proven techniques to clean your ducts thoroughly. Ensure that the company uses high-powered vacuums and agitation tools that can remove debris without releasing contaminants into your home.
5. Comprehensive HVAC Cleaning
A top-notch cleaning service will clean more than just your air ducts. Make sure the company offers a comprehensive HVAC cleaning that includes the blower motor, coils, and other components to ensure your entire system is working efficiently.
Why Choose Eagle Duct Cleaning Services?
When it comes to residential air duct cleaning Washington DC, Eagle Air Duct Cleaning Services is a trusted name. Their certified technicians use advanced equipment and techniques to provide a thorough cleaning, ensuring your home’s air quality improves and your HVAC system operates efficiently. They offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees and focus on customer satisfaction.
For a cleaner, healthier home, contact Eagle Duct Cleaning Services today at (855) 6400-404 for a personalized quote. See the difference their expertise can make in your home’s air quality and HVAC performance.
#cleaning and sanitizing services#cleaning service maryland#cleaning service#dryer vent cleaning#air duct cleaning
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Dryer vent cleaning services maryland
Improving energy consumption; wasting energy; prolonging the life span of the dryer vent cleaning services maryland; enhancing the quality of clothes are some of the primary advantages. The vent that connects the dryer pulls lint, dust, and whatever debris is attached to the laundry. Over time, this vent gets choked, reducing air supply and increasing heat. Not only does this unnecessarily extend the time taken for drying, but it also wastes a lot of energy and also places an extra burden on the dryer.
Visit us at https://foxairduct.thezenweb.com/best-service-for-homes-and-businesses-in-fire-prevention-with-the-support-of-fox-air-duct-cleaning-69533758
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How to Keep Your Kitchen Clean and Germ-Free Daily
A clean kitchen is not just a delight to work in; it’s also essential for maintaining a healthy home. Since the kitchen is where you prepare meals, it can easily become a breeding ground for germs if not properly maintained. Here’s a simple guide to keeping your kitchen clean and germ-free daily.
1. Start with a Clean Slate Every Morning
Empty the Sink: Before starting your day, make sure the sink is clear of dirty dishes. Load the dishwasher or hand wash dishes the night before so you can wake up to a fresh kitchen.
Wipe Down Surfaces: Quickly wipe down countertops, stovetops, and tables to remove crumbs and spills that attract bacteria.
2. Adopt a “Clean as You Go” Policy
While Cooking: Wash cutting boards, knives, and utensils as soon as you’re done using them. This prevents messes from piling up and keeps your workspace hygienic.
Between Tasks: Wipe up spills immediately to prevent stains and bacteria growth.
3. Disinfect High-Touch Areas
Handles and Knobs: Wipe down cabinet handles, appliance knobs, and light switches with a disinfectant daily. These areas often harbor germs that can spread throughout your home.
Cutting Boards: Clean cutting boards thoroughly after use, especially if you've handled raw meat, to prevent cross-contamination.
4. Tackle the Sink and Faucet
Clean the Sink: After washing dishes, rinse the sink with warm soapy water and disinfect it.
Don’t Forget the Faucet: The faucet can harbor germs from frequent touching. Use a disinfectant spray or wipe to keep it germ-free.
5. Keep Your Sponge and Dishcloths Fresh
Sanitize Sponges: Microwave your sponge for 1-2 minutes or soak it in a bleach solution daily to kill bacteria.
Switch Dishcloths: Replace dishcloths and towels every day or two to prevent bacterial buildup.
6. Clean Appliances Regularly
Microwave: Wipe down the inside of your microwave daily. For tough stains, heat a bowl of water and lemon juice for 3-5 minutes to loosen grime before wiping.
Fridge Handles and Doors: These are often touched with unclean hands, so disinfect them daily.
7. Sweep and Mop Floors
Sweep Daily: Kitchen floors can accumulate crumbs and spills, which attract pests. Sweep the floor at least once a day.
Spot Clean Spills: Quickly mop up any sticky or wet spills to keep the floor safe and clean.
8. Take Out the Trash
Empty Regularly: Trash bins can become smelly and germy if left too long. Empty them daily, especially if they contain food waste.
Disinfect the Bin: Wipe down the trash can with a disinfectant weekly to keep odors and bacteria in check.
9. Use Natural Cleaning Solutions
DIY Cleaner: Mix equal parts water and vinegar for a safe, non-toxic cleaner. Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent.
Baking Soda Scrub: For stubborn stains, sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and scrub gently.
10. End the Day Right
Final Wipe Down: Before heading to bed, do a quick wipe-down of all kitchen surfaces. This ensures you wake up to a clean and inviting space.
Load the Dishwasher: Start the dishwasher before bed, so you wake up to clean dishes.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining a clean and germ-free kitchen doesn't have to be a chore. By incorporating these simple habits into your daily routine, you can enjoy a hygienic and pleasant cooking environment. A little effort each day goes a long way in ensuring your kitchen remains the heart of a healthy home.
Would you like to see other tips, or perhaps create a downloadable cleaning checklist for readers?
📞Contact us at +1 443-794-0450
🌐 https://affordablehomesvcs.com/
Email: [email protected]
https://affordablehomesvcs.com/index.php/2024/11/25/keep-your-kitchen-clean-and-germ-free-daily/
#cleaning services#Kitchen cleaning services in Halethorpe#Residential cleaning#home cleaning#halethorpe#Maryland
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Professional Sidewalk Cleaning Service In Hagerstown
Professional Sidewalk Cleaning Service In Hagerstown
The idea of investing in professional sidewalk cleaning is centered on the various advantages and worth it provides to property owners, businesses, and the community. Expert sidewalk cleaning goes beyond looks; it is a vital part of property management affecting safety, appearance, value, health, adherence, and maintenance expenses.
We think that by taking care of their walkways, property owners can extend their lifespan and prevent expensive repairsor replacements for cracks and deterioration. In addition, keeping sidewalks clean helps create a positive image of your property and promotes a safer setting for residents, customers, and pedestrians.
1. Health Benefits: Professional cleaning gets rid of pollen, mold, and other allergens that build up on sidewalks, leading to a healthier environment for residents and visitors.
2. Cost Efficiency: Regular cleaning prevents extensive damage, reducing the need for costly repairs and replacements.
3. Safety Enhancement: Sidewalks may pose a danger when they are covered in algae, mold, or other harmful substances. Professional cleaning is able to eliminate these potential causes of slipping, which leads to a notable decrease in the likelihood of accidents and the related legal responsibilities.
More about side walk cleaning service Please visit our website :-Professional Sidewalk Cleaning Service In Hagerstown

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Revitalize Your Home with Air Duct Cleaning Services in Maryland
Discover unparalleled freshness and comfort within your home with our premier air duct cleaning services in Maryland ,Say goodbye to dust, allergens, and pollutants lurking in your HVAC system as our expert technicians employ cutting-edge techniques to ensure thorough cleaning and optimal air quality. Experience the difference as we rejuvenate your living space, promoting healthier indoor environments for you and your loved ones. Trust Chimney Pro for thorough and reliable air duct cleaning services tailored to meet your needs. Breathe easy with Chimney Pro.

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If you're disabled in the US and have medicaid, you might be able to get approved for free home care services through your state's Home & Community Based Services! You can have someone come by and help you with chores and/or nursing care once or more every week for FREE! I've had it for 2 years and it's been life changing. Someone comes by to do chores for me twice a week, saving me from constantly feeling bad not being able to clean. You can select form a list of approved companies, or you can even have someone you know get paid by the state to help you out!
Here's where you can find more information about it!
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota(1) (2)
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Please reblog so that it can reach anyone who might need it!
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The Hidden Health Benefits of Regular Seasonal Cleaning
Beyond just making your home look nice, regular seasonal cleaning can have a profound impact on your health. Dust, bacteria, and allergens often lurk in areas we don’t clean every day. Adopting a few consistent home cleaning tips for better air quality can lead to a cleaner space and a healthier you.
Surprising Health Benefits of Seasonal Cleaning
Reduces allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold spores.
Improves sleep quality by eliminating nighttime irritants.
Boosts mental clarity by reducing clutter and chaos.
Decreases stress with more order and fewer distractions.
Supports immune health by lowering exposure to bacteria.
What to Focus On Each Season
Clean behind appliances and under furniture to remove hidden dust.
Wash windows, sills, and screens to improve light and airflow.
Sanitize light switches, doorknobs, and remote controls regularly.
Keep vents, ducts, and filters clean for better air circulation.
Rotate and launder bedding and seasonal textiles.
These home cleaning tips for better air quality are easy to incorporate and pay off in long-term comfort and wellness.
Your health starts at home. Stay consistent with support from Maryland cleaning services offered by Immaculate Clean—cleaning made smarter, not harder.
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Crystal Clear Views with Keenwick: Home Window Cleaning in Annapolis

Transform your home with Keenwick’s expert home window cleaning in Annapolis. From sparkling glass to spotless window sills and tracks, we deliver comprehensive cleaning beyond the surface. Whether refreshing for spring or preparing for the holidays, we ensure your windows shine inside and out.
With over 20 years of trusted service in Downtown Annapolis, we specialize in storm window cleaning, including expert removal, cleaning, and reinstallation. Building a new home? Our post-construction cleaning team removes stickers, paint, and debris, leaving your windows flawless.
Trust our trained, uniformed technicians for top-tier results every time. Schedule Keenwick today and enjoy pristine windows that brighten your home!
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house of addams (1)

— 🌖 pairing: ot7 x fem.reader
— 🕷️ genre: mystery, angst + fluff + smut
— 🗝️ word count: 4.3k
— 🍄 summary: hired to look into the mysterious deaths, disappearances, and disturbances in the small town of Farrow's End, you soon meet a certain gang of oddballs who help you connect the dots. and NO, you are NOT taking a liking to them.
— ☕ content warnings: private investigator!reader, cozy small town mystery/addams family vibes, botanist!yoongi, magical absurdity, bookshop owner!namjoon, barista!jin
— 🕸️ a/n: first chapter! directly influenced by this fic on ao3 by tinyratthief, which is loosely based on the addams family.
series m.list/schedule → next chapter

chpt. 1: new digs
september 16, 2004
If this job has taught you one thing, it’s that the laws of truth can and will be bent by anyone with enough concentrated effort. People come to you to find very specific truths; birth parents, cheating spouses, the details of shady business deals.
But if this job has taught you one thing, it's that the truth will also reveal itself to anyone with enough concentrated effort.
Though, there's always a handful of cases that force you to delve deep into things you’d rather leave buried. Like the person in Oregon who didn't show up in any photographs. Or the small town in Maryland with the strange, centuries-old secret society.
You’ve seen sides of human nature that have left you cynical, distrusting. Some have called you “dead inside,” but you’re not here to brag. Naturally, you are excellent at your job.
And when the Mayor of Farrow’s End, a sleepy town with enough missing persons cases to warrant a low budget documentary, contacted you about a possible case, you accepted almost instantly.
Even her first correspondence and initial offer were strange. She stated a preference to discuss the finer details in person and in person only, which to you immediately suggested that the entire investigation would be a matter of confidentiality.
You were proven right when you met with her a week later. And while being proven right is usually one of your favorite things, you didn’t exactly expect this.
The offer: investigative services regarding (but not limited to) local missing persons/homicides, ecological disturbances, environmental chemical imbalances. etc.
In exchange for: monthly salary, rent support, covered business expenses.
And above all, everything must remain off the books.
The salary along with the rent support is very generous considering what you're used to, but you don’t tell the Mayor that. You do inform her that, while you wear many hats, you are not an ecologist, nor a chemist.
Mayor Summerbee, a middle-aged Asian woman with a sweet smile and even warmer eyes, informs you that you will have access to the local University’s college of natural sciences. She gives you the contact information for one Min Yoongi, a botanist who works in the school's research department.
Then she gives you the contact information for one Kim Taehyung, the town coroner and pathologist. Apparently, both of them will be available for consultation.
She is eager, maybe even desperate, smiling at you with an urgent sheen in her eyes.
When you accept her offer, shaking her hand with your usual firm grip, she seems to exhale in relief.
You move to Farrow’s End by the end of the week. It’s not as if you have much to move, just a trunkful of books and a handful of duffel bags. You’ve always moved around for work, and even if you didn’t, staying in one place for too long makes you nervous.
Your bags hit the pavement beside your boots as you survey your new home. It's a small, quaint house. The paint is faded but the architectural structure is sturdy. Two bedrooms, one bathroom, kitchen, living room. The whole place is in a slight state of disrepair, but you can't complain.
You spend the next day cleaning and unpacking, which doesn't take long since you leave most of your books in the trunk. You're exploring the town by the end of the afternoon.
The town square, though full of shops and businesses, is nearly barren. A few civilians putter around, their faces weathered and reflective of the gloom in the air. They stare at you as you pass by, a cocktail of curiosity and slight suspicion.
The next thing you notice is the posters. They're everywhere, on the crumbling brick walls, stuck on lampposts, taped to the windows, all displaying a variety of subjects. Events at the University, local night markets, antiques for sale.
But there are a few that stick out. THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE LAKE! Sign the petition to restrict land access →
HAVING STRANGE DREAMS? You're not alone, contact a psychic today!
BEWARE! DO NOT FEED LOCAL WILDLIFE.
Though, what's more strange to you is what you don't see. There are barely any missing person posters, and the few that you do see appear to have been ripped away.
Work begins now, you think to yourself as you snap some photos of several posters, flapping in the cold wind.
You pop into the general store to pick up some essentials, and the store clerk immediately recognizes that you're not a local.
He asks where you're from, you reply with the standard answer: a city not too far but not too close. He asks what you're doing here, you reply with the standard answer: you're a journalist. You add in the suggestion that you're working with the University about a story, and he doesn't question any further.
You're not sure if it's because he takes the hint or because he loses interest.
During the drive home, you notice something looming in the distance. Atop the highest hill is a dark house, with spires and towers rising from the tops of spindly trees. Even from here, you can see that the architecture is old and ornate, almost ancient in a hypnotic way. You're fairly certain you can see a murder of crows circling above.
An unusual feeling hangs around the house, like there's some kind of aura surrounding it. Welcoming some, yet blocking others.
Very strange indeed.
You spend the rest of the night huddled next to the fireplace, using the flickering orange light to skim over newspaper clippings.
No, the house does not have a heating system. But you don't mind too much, you have plenty of wood and warm clothes.
Five missing and three dead in the last year. Local law enforcement has done everything they could with what they had to work with, which apparently wasn't much. Scattered locations, no visible connection between the victims, and an alarming lack of evidence.
Eyelids heavy, you leave the papers scattered across the floor and head to bed, already looking forward to tomorrow's first coffee.

september 17, 2004
The University appears to be just as old as the rest of the town. Original wood, aged stone, curved iron accents. The brick walkway is slick with morning rain, and the sky is swirling with fog.
Perfect weather, it makes you ready to get to work.
The directory stated that Min Yoongi would be in Montgomery Hall, the natural sciences building, either in the greenhouse or in one of the labs, according to the TA you talked to earlier on the phone.
It takes some wandering, but what you like about this place is that people don't seem to notice your presence as much as they do in town. Out there, you're an easily identifiable outsider. Here, you're just another passerby with a purpose.
You find him in one of the lab rooms, tucked into a little nook that's encased with plastic sheeting, dotted with beads of moisture. The small space is crowded with greenery, big pots of tall plants with fanning leaves, draping vines from wall planters, seedlings in little trays.
Through the condensation dripping down the plastic walls, you can see that he's spraying the plants down with water, wearing a classic white coat.
You're indulging in your bad habit again. Your footsteps are notoriously quiet (you've been told), and you (apparently) have a tendency to sneak up on people and observe them for several minutes before they notice that you are there.
But it's a skill you delight in.
The man is of average height, thin, black hair, delicate features. You notice that the soles of his boots are caked with mud, and his skin is dewy from the humidifiers pumping moisture into the room.
"You already know my opinion on this," you hear him say, muffled by the spray of the water.
For a moment, you think he's talking to you, that he's rejecting your case before you've even presented it to him. But he isn't facing you, and his tone is decidedly casual, like he's talking to an old friend.
"It's bad for the others, anyway," he continues. "Don't wiggle your trigger hairs at me like that."
A pause, the water flow stops. Then a sigh of defeat.
"Fine, one puff. Then you quit pouting, got it?"
There's the sound of shuffling, then the fwick of a lighter being ignited.
Your curiosity gets the better of you, and you step forward to peer through the slit in the plastic sheeting.
There's a Venus fly trap on one of the shelves, and between the jaws of one of the trap mouths, is a lit cigarette.
The man's head piques up when you enter his field of vision. Eyes widening, he looks like a cat that's been caught off guard.
He looks between you and the plant several times. You're fairly certain you see the tip of the cigarette glow ember, as if the plant were actually inhaling.
The man snatches the cigarette away and crushes it beneath the wet sole of his boot.
"Nasty habit," he finally says with a nervous chuckle. An awkward, straight-mouthed smile crosses his face, making his cheeks puff out slightly.
"Min Yoongi?" you ask.
"Yes, ma'am," he responds politely.
"I'm ______," you say, holding out a hand to shake.
He shuffles forward, his cold slim fingers meeting yours.
"Ah, the mayor mentioned that you'd be around."
That throws you a bit, because from what you've gathered about this case, you assumed that the mayor didn't want to be associated with it.
"Yes, would you mind filling me in on some of the ecological disturbances that have been going on in town?"
It's as if the question sends ants crawling down his spine. His neutral smile dissipates into an anxious twitch of his lips. He turns the hose back on and resumes spritzing the plants.
"What do you want to know?" he asks, a new tension in his voice.
Odd.
"Well," you start, "The mayor tells me that locals have been complaining about strange mushrooms invading their yards, increased acidity in their soil. Would you know anything about that?"
His eyebrows are knitted as he dampens the leaves of a spiraling fern.
"Mushrooms are really just the fruit of fungi, they bloom like flowers when the conditions are just right. Moisture, shade, an abundance of organic material, stuff like that. When it comes to the acidity, there's a variety of factors. All the rainfall recently leads to leaching, and the increased use of fertilizers causes nitrification. It's pretty standard."
You raise an eyebrow. He's deflecting.
"People have been saying that these mushrooms have been particularly hard to get rid of."
Yoongi 's brows furrow as if he's thinking hard.
"Fungi are tricky like that. We don't know much about them, really. They're their own class of life form. It could be a particularly stubborn strain."
"There's also been some unusual plant growth, creeping vines or the like. Very resistant to herbicides, apparently."
He pauses, considers it.
"Hmm," he mutters, the nozzle of the hose going lax in his hand.
“Also,” you continue, trying to further engage his curiosity. “There's been several cases of strange root rot?”
You add a questioning tone to your voice, gauging his reaction. Apparently, he hasn’t heard about it, because he looks up at you with the same question in his eyes.
“Root rot? In household plants?” he asks.
“No, in residencies.”
Yoongi stares at you for a moment, and you can tell he’s intrigued.
“I would benefit a lot from your knowledge, if I could just bring you a few samples, maybe go out and do some fieldwork—”
“You wouldn’t like working with me,” Yoongi interrupts. “I’m very…particular.”
You have a feeling the word is meant as a substitute for something else.
“Wonderful, so am I,” you reply, digging one of the many notebooks out of your bag. Flipping to the calendar, you click open your open your pen and start scribbling.
“Mornings are best, get the most out of the daylight. Make sure to bring your equipment and something to write on, and a camera if you have one.”
“Wait, I just don’t know if I’m going to be much use to you,” Yoongi says a little nervously, sticking his hands in his pockets.
You pause your scribbling to look at him. He’s pale in the fluorescent light, but not just physically. He has pale mannerisms and pale expressions, the countenance of a person that doesn’t feel as if they belong.
You know the feeling well.
“Coffee is always on me. How do you like it?” you say instead.
“Does Wednesday work?”

september 18, 2004
Three dead and five missing in less than six months. First, Michael Bradley, aged forty-two. Cause of death: chronic poisoning/exposure to toxic chemicals. He was found in his garage surrounded by household cleaners and herbicides. Apparently he’d been trying to get rid of the same strange mushrooms in his yard.
For now, all you have to work with is what they’ve published in the newspapers, and it seems that all that's come out of it is a public service announcement warning homeowners to be careful around toxic chemicals. His wife, Mary Bradley, hasn't commented on the circumstances of her husband’s death. And no one else has inquired any further into the matter.
Until today, obviously. Mrs. Bradley didn't answer her phone, and when you knocked on her door earlier this morning, she seemed less than pleased.
You opened with the standard introduction: I'm a journalist working on a story, would you mind consenting to an interview? Mrs. Bradley narrowed her eyes and scanned you up and down with barely concealed suspicion.
She asked what a journalist would find interesting about a common, accidental death in a small town. Apparently, the citizens of Farrow's End are very perceptive to outsiders.
You mentioned that fact that although Bradley's death appeared accidental, it's not common for people to die at the hands of household chemicals from prolonged exposure. Chronic poisoning is rarely without symptoms, why didn't he go to hospital?
She didn't have anything to say to that. You asked if she'd be comfortable divulging some of the details of his death, maybe even giving you access to the autopsy report. But she just grimaced at the mention, insisting that she had nothing to say about the matter and that you should leave right away.
She slammed the door in your face, but luckily it wasn't the first time people have resisted your questions. Unfortunately, a significant part of your job involves being a pain in the ass.
You linger in the front yard, where it's impossible not to notice the gnarled tree stumps and large rings of mushrooms scattered across the lawn.
You're not a mycologist by any means, but even you can tell that these mushrooms are strange. They seem to be multicolored, red and orange and brown, changing depending on the light like a hologram, but without any of the shine. They aren't bulb-shaped like many other mushrooms, but twist in tendrils this way and that, stretching.
And a smell hangs about them. You can't really describe it, something like damp and musk and old meat. Standing there, breathing them in, for too long makes your head spin.
And the trees, or rather, what's left of them. Nothing but stumps now, but you can tell that they were old when they were cut down. There's that same multi-colored effect to them, except it runs in veins throughout the tree's bark, spiraling into the rings.
You'll have to ask Yoongi about it.
Curiosity nips at you like a non-venomous snake even after you're home. It's not deadly, but it sure as hell is annoying.
What kind of disease infects fungi and trees? Why would the mayor care about privately investigating such a thing? And a thousand other questions.
You shove your boots on and enter back into the chill. You remember seeing a bookstore in town.

The Magic Shop: Books and Oddities
The front window glows with warm light, crowded with displayed volumes and curiosities (a stuffed raven, a jar of yellowing teeth, insects encased in amber).
The door swings open with the ring of a bell. Someone calls out "Welcome in," in a deep-velvet voice.
The smell of parchment and aged leather envelopes you like a familiar hug. You can't help pausing in the doorway and inhaling deeply. No matter what city you're in, places like this always feel like home.
It's everything that a bookstore should be: crowded, mysterious, and slightly dusty. The shelves are tightly grouped and arranged like a labyrinth few are privy to, and stacks—no, towers—of books occupy every corner.
You enter into the space, feet padding on the braided rugs, eyes drinking in the details. There are labels on the shelves, haphazardly spaced. They start normal enough: gardening, self-help, adventure.
But then you realize that they branch off into even more labels, or rather sub-labels. There's nocturnal gardening, gardening under the influence, Faerie gardens and goblin gardens. Each labeled sub-genre branches into even more specific sub-categories, creating a seemingly endless array of subjects.
You could explore this place for hours. In fact, you intend to over the course of your stay in Farrow's End.
You spend an indeterminate amount of time exploring all the labels and categories. The shelves twist this way and that, creating little nooks where the occasional armchair is tucked into.
Eventually, you come to a more open area with a wide-sprawling desk. The man sitting behind it is tall and tan, glasses perched on his nose, with short chestnut hair that shifts golden in the candlelight.
He's deeply focused on the book in his hands: A Comprehensive Guide to Navigating Parallel Universes and Pocket Dimensions.
Typically, you hate to bother people in a bookstore, especially if they're already reading. It's supposed to be a space for quiet reflection, for self-exploration and uninterrupted browsing. But you still have a job to do, and it's clear that you won't be able to navigate the complicated system yourself. At least, not in a concise period of time.
So you square your shoulders and prepare yourself to address the (handsome, you notice) man at the counter.
"Excuse me," you begin in a hushed voice.
The man's head whips up, as if he completely forgot there was another person here.
"Yes?" He says in that same deep voice, friendly and eager. "Do you need help finding something?" It sounds like he can't quite believe the fact. This place must not get many customers.
"Yes, if you don't mind."
His face lights up as if nothing would delight him more.
"Do you have anything on unusual mushrooms?" you ask.
The man sets down his book and slips out from behind the desk. "Hmm..." he mumbles to himself, expertly weaving between the shelves while you hurry to catch up.
"Let's see here..." he says, passing a wall draped with vines from a hanging planter, like the ones in Yoongi's lab, you notice.
"Fungi," he mutters, fingertips ghosting over the shelves. The sections under Fungi are vast and wide-ranging. Poisons & Antidotes, Moss & Lichens, Carnivorous, Aberrations.
He pauses at that last one, eyes flitting between the volumes.
"Anything specific?" he asks.
You debate on how much to disclose, but with the several cases of strange fungi in people's yards, it's probably common small town knowledge by now.
"Anything about an unusual fungus with...tendrils?" You can't help the hesitation, you're not sure if it's a common feature among mushrooms.
Apparently, it's not as unusual as you thought, because the man only nods and shifts his attention to one of the lower shelves. His slim fingers finally land on an old cloth-bound book with a red toadstool on the spine. There's no title on the cover, but the man seems to be familiar with it.
"Here you go," he says, handing it to you. "I think you'll find what you're looking for in this one."
He says it with the confidence of someone who's read every book in the building front to back. A very specific part of your brain tells you that this fact is almost certainly true.
"Thank you very much," you say, turning the book over in your hands.
"My pleasure," he replies, and means it.
"How much?"
He guides you back to the counter and rings it up for a very good price.
You're itching to ask questions, but you're not sure where to start.
The man places the book into a brown paper bag printed with Magic Shop Books and Oddities and hands it to you with a warm smile.
You lose your nerve and take the bag in silence. Then, as if he could smell the fragmented thoughts darting around in your skull, he says, "Be careful in the woods."
You look at him. There's the same friendly smile, but now with a hint of good-natured curiosity.
"If you're going mushroom hunting, I mean," he adds.
You stare at him for perhaps too long.
"Thanks," you say, dropping a generous tip into the jar next to the register.
"Hope to see you again," he calls out as you exit through the front door.

A moth to flame, bees to honey. Insert: you to coffee shops with perfect ambient lighting. You spot it just as you're leaving the narrow alley that leads to the bookshop.
Turning the corner onto a cobblestone walkway, you catch sight of the cafe windows, slick with the recent rain. But from what you can see through the glass, it looks like a warm, cozy place.
Glancing at the front door, you notice an OPEN sign, even though it's quite late. You're opening the door and stepping inside before you're even conscious of it.
The interior reflects the same aged aesthetic as the exterior, dark wood and brick and brass accents. But the kitchen area houses clean chrome appliances, and there are shelves stacked with white dishes behind them. Golden light warms a glass case fully stocked with a manner of pastries, breads, and other nibbles, all of which still seem to be steaming hot.
You immediately decide that you like this place.
"Good evening," a pleasant voice calls, though you can't yet identify the speaker.
The smell of steam and freshly-ground coffee beans becomes richer as you approach the counter. You can hear someone puttering around in the back room.
You glance at the menu's wide selection, and when you look back at the counter, a man is standing right in front of you.
You don't scare easily, but it's enough to make you jump a little.
"What can I get you?" the man asks cheerfully. He's tall and slim, wearing a white button-up and black slacks under an apron. Brown hair, dark eyes, and a full smiling mouth.
You order a coffee and a pastry.
"What time do you close?" you ask, wanting to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere but also not wanting to be the asshole that settles in just before closing.
"On Wednesdays we close at noon, otherwise we're open twenty-four hours," he replies, sounding delighted by rather than annoyed by the fact.
A twenty-four hour coffee shop? You really like this place.
He must see your eyebrows raise in surprise, because then he proudly adds, "Only one in town."
Pleasantly surprised, you look around the shop to assess the seating options. There are booths tucked along the walls, a few tables and chairs, and a few plush-looking armchairs near the windows.
"Please, have a seat and make yourself at home. I enjoy the company," the man says as he makes your drink.
You take him up on it, settling into one of the chairs by the frosted glass of the window. It's then that you take a closer look at the book the shop owner recommended.
A fraying cloth-bound cover, a red toadstool instead of a title. Inside, a table of contents. First, a bit of basic mycology, which you greatly benefit from. Immediately after, a range of mutations, circumstances, and environmental factors that caused the direct disturbance to said mycology.
You get lost in it quite easily, sipping your drink (which is expertly brewed) and nibbling your pastry (which is almost too delicious for words). You know that you'll be spending a considerable amount of time here throughout your stay in Farrow's End.
The book cites several case studies, all suggesting that a new strain of fungus is not only spreading rapidly, but infecting all other strains it has access to.
You read on, only momentarily distracted by the occasional customers that enter into the establishment. Like the group of students, most likely from the University, who order a large batch of espresso to-go. Or the old man who orders a sandwich and black coffee and sits outside despite the late-night chill.
You don't realize it, but you read on until the early morning. The first few faint, pale rays of sunlight stretch across your current page through the window, and you jerk to attention when you realize what time it is.
Not that you have somewhere in particular to be today. But you've always liked to get a jump on things early on in the investigation. And you have better luck getting interviews during the day.
You had no idea that time was passing so quickly. This place seems to have an air of particular tranquility, the kind that only a handful of coffee shops are able to achieve. It's the feeling of finding a quiet place after being overstimulated for hours.
You take your dishes to the counter, drop a tip into the jar, and step into the morning chill.
Exhaustion sets in on the journey home, and you crash moments after your head hits the pillow.
The dreams start that night.

a/n: thanks so much for reading!! love to hear any of ur thoughts 👉👈 → next chapter
#bts ot7#ot7 x reader#bts fanfic#bts x reader#bts mystery#bts x fem!reader#bts series#bts f#bts fic#bts angst#bts fluff
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Emily Singer at Daily Kos:
After illegally axing USAID and drafting plans to do the same with the Department of Education, President Donald Trump and his unelected co-president, Elon Musk, have now set their sights on decimating the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the federal scientific agency that helps forecast the weather, monitors oceanic and atmospheric conditions, and manages the protection of marine life. "Hearing reports that Musk’s cronies are targeting NOAA—infiltrating key systems & locking out career employees," Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland wrote on X. "NOAA is vital for weather forecasting, scientific research & more. Their critical work saves lives. My team and I are looking into this & we will not stand for it." As of Wednesday morning, parts of the NOAA website appear to be down, including the Global Monitoring Lab, which conducts research on greenhouse gasses. Greenhouse gasses lead to global warming and climate change, which Trump and the GOP deny are real, despite the scientific consensus otherwise. What's more, Trump on Wednesday nominated Neil Jacobs to lead the NOAA, the same guy who was reprimanded in June 2020 for "Sharpiegate"—when Trump used a sharpie to alter the path of Hurricane Dorian on an official map to say it would impact Alabama and Florida when it was not projected to. In fact, the report finding that Jacobs violated scientific ethics with his involvement with Sharpiegate is now offline, replaced with text saying, “These are not the sites you are looking for” (a reference to the film “Star Wars”). However, the report can still be accessed through the Wayback Machine, an internet archive that helps preserve websites even if they are removed.
[...] Ultimately, getting rid of NOAA is a goal of Project 2025, the far-right Heritage Foundation’s roadmap for a second Trump term. On last year’s campaign trail, Trump claimed he had nothing to do with that agenda, but it is now clearly driving the actions of him and his administration. Project 2025 also calls for privatizing the National Weather Service, which helps forecast major events like hurricanes, wildfires, blizzards, and flooding. That would make it harder for Americans to get accurate (and free) information about impending storms. Experts say that privatizing the NWS would make hurricane preparation and clean up even harder.
Not even the NOAA is safe from the dangerous un-American Musk Coup. #MuskCoup
See Also:
The Guardian: Doge staffers enter Noaa headquarters and incite reports of cuts and threats
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another hazbin hotel rewrite/redesign?
yup! and i'm so serious about it that i made a whole blog for it. i'm a white queer ex-cath tran doing this as an art and writing exercise, so feedback from other creatives + jewish and/or racialized folks is especially welcome.
i'm putting this post and only this post in the main tags for visibility. also, not gonna link my main, but i do make my own original stuff, and i encourage fans and haters alike to do the same.
anyway, here's a mostly good-faith 1.7k-word essay on the original. i think it's pretty funny and brings up some less talked-about points. correct me on the facts, disagree with my opinions, and ask clarifying questions, but don't come at me with any piss-poor reading comprehension.
the hellaverse is garbage, and here's why
cw: strong language, stronger opinions, intersectional feminist critical discourse analysis
1. vivienne medrano, the person
medrano was born as a well-off white-passing latina (salvadoran-american) in bougieass frederick, maryland. while attending new york's top art school, she got popular on deviantart-tumblr-twitter by being a prolific multifandom fujoshi furry who's more into ornamental character design than storytelling. upon graduation, she leveraged her fanbase and industry connections to make the hazbin and helluva boss pilots, get helluva made for youtube, and get hazbin made for amazon prime.
like every woman online, she gets harassed for no good reason, and as a certified autist, i will defend her right to be dumb, weird, annoying, and bad with words. however, there are legit reasons to criticize her:
racism, misogyny, homophobia, fatphobia, some antisemitism, past transphobia, past ableism
shitty boss, bad friend
cowardly, vindictive, manipulative, thoughtless behavior
skeevy friends
sucks at taking criticism
in short, i think she desperately needs a PR person and someone to clean up her digital footprint.
2. medrano's art
incurious
inauthentic
noncommittal
creatively stagnant
overindulgent, and the indulgence isn't even fun
shallow and childish framed as complex and mature
bland and boring framed as shocking and subversive
to be clear, i'm at peace with the existence of suckass art like this; i just think the money, attention, and praise it gets are unearned and should go to more interesting works, of which there are infinite.
medrano's had the time, money, and social cache to grow as an artist, learn from the best, and take creative risks, but she hasn't. if she truly has nothing more to offer, she should let her collaborators take the wheel, but she doesn't do that either. instead, she keeps getting more and more resources to make the same baby bullshit, and that pisses me off. she could be the nicest person ever, and this fundamental arrogance would still make her art blow.
stop with the pointless guilt: liking medrano's work does not make you stupid or evil. however, if you stay in the kiddie pool of culture, if you refuse to engage with a diversity of art, if the hellaverse is your point of reference for anything media-related, you can't expect to have your opinions on art, media, or culture taken seriously. you have not earned a seat at the table. you gotta hit the books first.
i cannot emphasize enough how much incredible stuff is out there if you're willing to look further than what social media and streaming services put right in front of you. if you come away from this blog having learned about just one new artist or piece of art, i'll be a happy camper.
3. the hellaverse
a. empty and confused
hazbin and helluva's content and marketing has no clear target audience. the subjects are inappropiate for teens, but the execution is too childish for adults, and lemme tell you what i don't mean by that, first.
not inherently inappropriate for teens:
sex and sexuality
violence, including when it intersects with the above
politics and religion
not inherently childish:
animation (any style)
comedy
episodic writing and/or loose continuity
young characters
fun, happiness, optimism, the power of friendship, cuteness, tenderness, sincerity, etc.
what i mean is that these shows are literally about adult characters who fuck, smoke, drink, do drugs, go clubbing, work full-time, manage their own finances, and deal with stuff like bureaucracy, sexual violence, domestic abuse, marriage, divorce, late adoption, and family estrangement.
however, none of these "adult" things are given enough specificity to create drama or comedy. it's all too stock, vague, flat, weirdly sanitized, and thus utterly banal—pure aesthetics on top of bad saturday morning cartoons. it's exactly what i'd expect from a sheltered disney kid who needs to log off and get into their local gay scene ASAP so their only contact with things like poverty, policing, addiction, and sex work stops being facile movies and TV.
if the shows were aware of this and played with it, that could be amazing, but they're not. they give you the mickey mouse version of the world with a straight face and then play looney tunes sound effects to try to make you laugh and sad_violin.mp3 to try to make you cry. now that's funny.
b. old and tired
let's make like americans and pretend that the rest of the world doesn't exist. even within the confines of the USA, home of the hays code, the red scare, and reaganite propaganda, this neopuritan fascist state ruled by 1000 megachurches in a trenchcoat, the indie/underground animation scene has been doing crazier shit for decades. anti-war films in the 60's, bakshi movies in the 70's, the simpsons shorts and r-rated movies in the 80's, adult swim and MTV in the 90's, flash/newgrounds/youtube in the 00's, streaming in the 2010's—so what are we doing in the 2020's with this wet white rice drowned in expired ketchup? i feel crazy making this point because it's obvious if you've watched these things, but if you haven't, you're gonna be like "well, there's gotta be something new here". no! there isn't! in the words of jimmy "the scot" jordan, nothing, nothing, NOTHING!
c. ideological purgatory
actually, there is one thing in these shows i've never seen before: the presbysterianism. shout out some interesting or at least intentional presbysterian art in the comments, because the way these ideas are presented here is not compelling. it just makes the rainbow neoliberalism even more confusing and contradictory.
i guess the big presbysterian things are protestanism, calvinism, and, uh, big church government? presbysterians, get your shit together. get your brand down. catholics have BDSM and vampires, evangelicals have TV and corporatism; what do you have? celtic crosses? no wonder medrano has such uninspired ideas on divinity.
d. queer deficiency
when i look at a piece of art, i ask myself: "what does this give me that i can't get from the hunchback of notre dame (1996)?" if the answer is as limp as "uhh, gay people, i guess", i can probably look for my gay shit elsewhere and rewatch the hunchback of notre dame (1996) in the meantime.
but let's say that you have no standards. you've been waiting for ages for a show about gays by the gays for the gays, and by god you're gonna get it. this is it! here we go! time for some
generic twink obliteration
male sexuality as aggression and dominance displays
WLW (sex and chemistry not included)
a couple straight femdoms
and the stalest sex jokes known to man
...yeah, it's not very queer. and by "queer", i mean "questioning or subverting gender norms (including sexual roles) within a given cultural context regardless of creator identity and intent". i'm not a queer studies scholar so LMK if there's a more specific term for this, but whatever you call it, it's not in the hellaverse much.
there's not even any transness, literal or metaphorical, just ancient drag jokes. i guess the writers thought we would've been too controversial. so much for an indie animation studio that prides itself in the diversity of its staff both above and below the line, bakshi-style. i wonder how medrano, a bisexual woman, would've felt if told that a lesbian main couple in hazbin would be "too controversial".
4. spindlehorse and the vivziepop brand
spindlehorse toons underpays its overworked staff and keeps outsourcing more and more labor to even more overworked freelancers overseas to cut costs. a rainbow sweatshop is still a sweatshop, and just because these practices may be "industry standard" doesn't make them any more ethical.
the studio has also been repeatedly accused by current and former employees and contractors of creating a hostile and abusive workplace. AFAIK, it still has no dedicated HR person, and victims are too afraid of retaliation like blacklisting and online harassment to speak out.
this is exactly the stuff that unions exist to prevent. as i'm writing this, the IATSE (the parent union of TAG, which is the parent union of all US animation unions) is negotiating with entertainment industry executives for better working conditions, and if the execs fuck around like last year, it's strike time again. so watch this space, voice your support, and don't cross any picket lines.
i hope spindlehorse unionizes, but until then and for these reasons, i don't think you should give money to the company.
first of all, all content on amazon-owned platforms is ok to pirate, and all youtube ads are ok to block. everyone involved in making the episodes has (or should have) been paid upfront, so you're not taking the bread out of anyone's mouth.
next, let's look at the succulent offerings of the official vivziepop merch shop:
$10 pins and keychains
$15 sticker packs
$20 mugs and acrylic cutouts
$25 shirts
$30 metal cards (not even tarot)
$40 lounge pants
$50 mini backpacks
random $80 skateboard deck
forgive my latin americanness, but this is all stuff you can get made by a local metalsmith, print/sublimation shop, or just crafty people in your life. it's cheaper, customizable, and better for the environment to skip all the shipping and packaging. also, not painting your own skateboard is poser shit.
the hazbin website also has $15 pins, one $20 keychain, and $6 trading card packs. people are weird about trading cards, so if for some reason you wanna gamble for a mass-produced bit of cardboard, plastic, and tinfoil, at least bulk-order for all the vivziepoppers in your area so it's less of a huge waste. better yet, trace the designs and make infinite bootlegs.
at the end of the day, buying merch is not activism. your bulk order of trading cards will not save any wage slaves from getting evicted from their overpriced studio apartments. however, the shop links you to all the credited artists/designers, and more of your bucks will actually reach them if you buy their designs directly, then turn them into body pillows or life-sized bronze statues or whatever the fuck.
go through the credits of any episode of helluva or hazbin, and you'll find even more creatives you might wanna support. get jinkx monsoon's albums on CD. subscribe to actually good artist, animator, and composer gooseworx. lots of voice actors now have patreon, cameo, or self-hosted pages where you can write better lines for their characters and have them read it. these things may not look as shiny as Official Merch™, but we all need less plastic shit and more culture anyway.
#spindlehorse#vivziepop#hellaverse#hazbin hotel#helluva boss#spindlehorse critical#vivziepop critical#hazbin hotel critical#helluva boss critical#hazbin hotel rewrite#hazbin hotel redesign#helluva boss redesign#communism#degrowth
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