#lifecycle cost

[asestimationsconsultants]

Bridging Smart City Visions and Budgets with a Construction Cost Estimating Service

As cities worldwide shift toward smarter, more sustainable development, the idea of a "smart city" has moved from aspiration to implementation. These urban environments are designed to leverage data, technology, and intelligent infrastructure to improve livability and efficiency. However, turning smart city concepts into real, functional spaces requires more than innovation—it requires precise financial planning. A construction cost estimating service plays a critical role in aligning bold urban visions with practical, achievable budgets.

Understanding the Smart City Framework

Smart cities are built on interconnected systems that include digital infrastructure, energy-efficient buildings, intelligent transportation, and real-time public services. Examples include sensor-based lighting, integrated data platforms, automated waste management, and green infrastructure.

Each element has financial implications, from high-tech installations to long-term maintenance. Cost estimating services help translate these visionary features into actionable plans by forecasting expenses across the project lifecycle.

Challenges of Budgeting for Smart Cities

Smart city projects pose several budgeting challenges:

Technology evolution: Rapid innovation can make systems obsolete mid-project.

Cross-sector integration: Combining infrastructure, software, and construction raises cost complexity.

Data infrastructure: Building digital backbones adds another layer of cost beyond traditional construction.

Long-term sustainability goals: Energy systems and green design often involve higher initial investment.

These challenges make it essential to include experienced cost estimators early in the planning process to anticipate and manage financial complexity.

Benefits of a Construction Cost Estimating Service in Smart City Projects

Translating Vision into Numbers

Convert abstract smart city features into quantifiable line items.

Include software, hardware, and systems integration costs.

Map budgets to both current needs and future scalability.

Balancing Innovation with Cost

Assess value versus cost for smart features like IoT devices or automated systems.

Identify areas where innovation yields the highest return.

Prevent overinvestment in tech that doesn't improve efficiency or performance.

Integrating Infrastructure and Digital Layers

Estimate costs for physical and digital components together.

Include broadband, sensor networks, and control centers in construction budgets.

Forecast long-term operational costs such as data storage, upgrades, and monitoring.

Scenario Modeling for Smart Alternatives

Compare options like smart HVAC vs. conventional systems.

Evaluate solar energy integration versus grid reliance.

Analyze smart parking systems against traditional parking infrastructure.

Creating Adaptable Budgets

Smart cities evolve constantly. What’s innovative today may need updating tomorrow. A construction cost estimating service develops flexible budgets that adapt to:

Phased implementations

Future technology upgrades

Changing regulations or codes

Shifting funding sources

This adaptive budgeting ensures that smart city initiatives stay on course—even in a changing environment.

Collaborating Across Stakeholders

Smart city developments involve a mix of partners:

Government agencies

Private tech firms

Utility companies

Community stakeholders

Cost estimators provide a unified financial picture that all stakeholders can understand. This helps build consensus and trust, especially when projects are funded by public-private partnerships.

Risk Management in Smart Infrastructure

The technical complexity of smart cities increases financial risk. A single system failure could disrupt multiple services. Cost estimators manage these risks by:

Including redundancy costs for critical systems

Building in cybersecurity considerations

Accounting for maintenance, system support, and service contracts

This forward-thinking approach supports not just the build-out of smart infrastructure, but its sustainable performance.

Cost Planning for Sustainable Smart Design

Sustainability is a pillar of smart cities, encompassing:

Energy-efficient building design

Renewable energy integration

Low-impact materials and construction

Green transportation systems

Estimating services align sustainability goals with realistic budgets by:

Forecasting ROI for sustainable features

Incorporating incentives, rebates, and tax credits

Calculating lifecycle cost savings versus upfront spending

Linking Digital Twin Technology with Budget Planning

An emerging tool in smart cities is the "digital twin"—a real-time virtual model of the physical city. These systems help manage infrastructure more efficiently but come at a significant cost.

Cost estimators help:

Quantify the setup and operational cost of digital twins

Align them with existing construction and infrastructure budgets

Model upgrade paths and maintenance needs

This integration ensures the technology’s benefits are achieved without undermining financial feasibility.

Planning for Scalability and Future Growth

Smart cities are designed to grow. Estimators help projects prepare for future demands by:

Including scalable systems in original budgets

Creating allowances for future construction phases

Modeling per-capita infrastructure costs based on projected growth

This long-term outlook prevents underinvestment and supports urban resilience.

Conclusion

Smart cities represent the future of urban living—data-driven, energy-efficient, and responsive to the needs of their populations. But without detailed financial planning, these projects risk becoming too expensive, overly complex, or disconnected from reality.

A construction cost estimating service brings structure and clarity to the process. By accurately forecasting the cost of innovation, integration, and long-term performance, it enables urban planners, engineers, and policymakers to turn smart city concepts into budget-aligned action. In a world where cities must be both intelligent and sustainable, the foundation of success begins with smart estimating.

[themorningnewsinformer]

Are Fire‑Rated Steel Doors More Cost‑Effective in the Long Run?

Introduction Fire‑rated steel doors may cost more upfront than standard wooden options, but when viewed over the full lifecycle, they often provide significantly more value. From superior fire safety to lower maintenance and energy savings, these doors are a smart investment for commercial facilities and high-risk environments. 1. Superior Fire Protection & Compliance Steel doors are…

[wachinyeya]

A company making wooden wind turbine blades has successfully tested a 50-meter-long prototype that’s set to debut soon in the Indian and European markets.

Last year, the German firm Voodin successfully demonstrated that their laminated-veneer timber blades could be fabricated, adapted, and installed at a lower cost than existing blades, while maintaining performance.

Now, Voodin has announced a partnership with the Indian wind company Senvion to supply its 4.2-megawatt turbines with these wooden blades for another trial run.

Wind power has accumulated more than a few demerit points for several shortfalls in the overall industry of this fossil-fuel alternative.

Some of these, such as the impact on bird life, are justified, but none more so than the fact that the turbine blades are impossible or nearly impossible to recycle, and that they need to be changed every 25 years.

Wind turbine blades are made from a mixture of glass and carbon fiber heated together with sticky epoxy resin, and these materials can’t be separated once combined, which means they go into landfills or are incinerated when they become too battered to safely operate.

GNN has reported that folks will occasionally find second-life value in these giant panels, for example in Denmark where they are turned into bike shelters. In another instance, they’re being used as pedestrian bridges.

But there are way more wind turbine blades being made every year than pedestrian bridges and bike shelters, making the overall environmental impact of wind power not all green.

“At the end of their lifecycle, most blades are buried in the ground or incinerated. This means that—at this pace—we will end up with 50 million tonnes of blade material waste by 2050,” Voodin Blade Technology’s CEO. Mr. Siekmann said recently. “With our solution, we want to help green energy truly become as green as possible.”

The last 15 years have seen rapid growth in another industry called mass timber. This state-of-the-art manufacturing technique sees panels of lumber heat-pressed, cross-laminated, and glued into a finished product that’s being used to make skyscrapers, airports, and more.

At the end of the day though, mass timber products are still wood, and can be recycled in a variety of ways.

“The blades are not only an innovative technological advancement but a significant leap toward sustainable wind production,” said Siekmann, adding that this isn’t a case of pay more to waste less; the blades cost around 20% less than carbon fiber.

Additionally, the added flexibility of wooden blades should allow for taller towers and longer blades, potentially boosting the output of turbine by accessing higher wind speeds.

Now partnered with Voodin, Senvion will begin feasibility analysis in the next few months, before official testing begins around 2027.

[ruchikalts]

Teamcenter PLM Costing

[reasonsforhope]

Green energy is in its heyday. 

Renewable energy sources now account for 22% of the nation’s electricity, and solar has skyrocketed eight times over in the last decade. This spring in California, wind, water, and solar power energy sources exceeded expectations, accounting for an average of 61.5 percent of the state's electricity demand across 52 days. 

But green energy has a lithium problem. Lithium batteries control more than 90% of the global grid battery storage market. 

That’s not just cell phones, laptops, electric toothbrushes, and tools. Scooters, e-bikes, hybrids, and electric vehicles all rely on rechargeable lithium batteries to get going. 

Fortunately, this past week, Natron Energy launched its first-ever commercial-scale production of sodium-ion batteries in the U.S. 

“Sodium-ion batteries offer a unique alternative to lithium-ion, with higher power, faster recharge, longer lifecycle and a completely safe and stable chemistry,” said Colin Wessells — Natron Founder and Co-CEO — at the kick-off event in Michigan. 

The new sodium-ion batteries charge and discharge at rates 10 times faster than lithium-ion, with an estimated lifespan of 50,000 cycles.

Wessells said that using sodium as a primary mineral alternative eliminates industry-wide issues of worker negligence, geopolitical disruption, and the “questionable environmental impacts” inextricably linked to lithium mining. 

“The electrification of our economy is dependent on the development and production of new, innovative energy storage solutions,” Wessells said. 

Why are sodium batteries a better alternative to lithium?

The birth and death cycle of lithium is shadowed in environmental destruction. The process of extracting lithium pollutes the water, air, and soil, and when it’s eventually discarded, the flammable batteries are prone to bursting into flames and burning out in landfills. 

There’s also a human cost. Lithium-ion materials like cobalt and nickel are not only harder to source and procure, but their supply chains are also overwhelmingly attributed to hazardous working conditions and child labor law violations. 

Sodium, on the other hand, is estimated to be 1,000 times more abundant in the earth’s crust than lithium. 

“Unlike lithium, sodium can be produced from an abundant material: salt,” engineer Casey Crownhart wrote ​​in the MIT Technology Review. “Because the raw ingredients are cheap and widely available, there’s potential for sodium-ion batteries to be significantly less expensive than their lithium-ion counterparts if more companies start making more of them.”

What will these batteries be used for?

Right now, Natron has its focus set on AI models and data storage centers, which consume hefty amounts of energy. In 2023, the MIT Technology Review reported that one AI model can emit more than 626,00 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalent. 

“We expect our battery solutions will be used to power the explosive growth in data centers used for Artificial Intelligence,” said Wendell Brooks, co-CEO of Natron. 

“With the start of commercial-scale production here in Michigan, we are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for efficient, safe, and reliable battery energy storage.”

The fast-charging energy alternative also has limitless potential on a consumer level, and Natron is eying telecommunications and EV fast-charging once it begins servicing AI data storage centers in June. 

On a larger scale, sodium-ion batteries could radically change the manufacturing and production sectors — from housing energy to lower electricity costs in warehouses, to charging backup stations and powering electric vehicles, trucks, forklifts, and so on. 

“I founded Natron because we saw climate change as the defining problem of our time,” Wessells said. “We believe batteries have a role to play.”

-via GoodGoodGood, May 3, 2024

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Note: I wanted to make sure this was legit (scientifically and in general), and I'm happy to report that it really is! x, x, x, x

[poolvision]

https://thepoolvision.com/mvp/

Mastering Project Management with MVP: Building Successful Software

In the fast-paced world of software development, where innovation drives success, the concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) has emerged as a game-changer. MVP project management has revolutionized how startups and entrepreneurs approach software development, allowing them to validate ideas, minimize risks, and maximize outcomes.

We'll delve into the depths of MVP software development, exploring its lifecycle, methodologies, benefits, and real-world success stories.

[maaruin]

How Andor (sort of) ruins Mon Mothma

I am less happy with what Andor did with Mon Mothma than many. I enjoyed her in Season 1, and if Season 2 had brought her story more in line with what we hear second hand about the Rebellion in the OT (and what we see in Rogue One), I would have been happy. The following is a long(ish) explanation for why I am not.

Part One: How to overthrow a government

Some patterns around rebellions can be generalized to allow for a simplified model on how they can succeed. I got the following from this video: The Insurgent Lifecycle. There are several phases.

Legitimate Grievance: A group of people has a grievance that politics could address but doesn't.

Political Action Committee: Some people from this group organize to try to get the political leadership to address this grievance. They try to go through legal channels.

Activism: When politicians fail to respond, the PAC goes to the public instead. It tries to drum up support to put pressure on the politicians. Spontaneuos violence is possible at this stage, but not a deliberate strategy.

Insurgency: The government cracks down on activism, so the movement turns to illegal means. This can go from property damage all the way up to terrorism. Insurgencies however are incapable of overthrowing the government because the balance of power heavily favors the government. The have some hope that the government will consider the cost higher than the benefit and make some concessions. But if it doesn't, the insurgency will need to have to turn itself into a guerilla force.

Guerilla war: For this, the rebellion needs a place it can withdraw to, where it will be save from attacks by the government. Difficult terrain like mountains or jungle are possible, but better is another country which border the governments forces are unwilling to cross. Guerrilla movements need to be able to do real damage to government forces and for that they need help. So they often depend on foreign governments to give them arms, supplies, and military advisers. But this cannot be the final step, because the balance of power still favors the government. Concentrated force will crush the guerrilla force, which is why they need a safe place to withdraw to.

Conventional war: What the rebellion actually wants is to become a conventional military that can defeat the government's forces, hold territory and eventually take the capital and become the legitimate government itself. (Or, if it is an independence war, force the government into a treaty that grants independence.) For that it needs to approach the capabilities of a conventional military.

There are two points where this chain is especially vulnerable to be interrupted. One is in the activist phase. If the movement is unsuccessful in the activist phase, people might decide to give up. They may be unwilling to risk their life for the cause (or to kill for it), so they decide to go home. The other is in the insurgency and guerrilla phase. If the movement cannot gain supplies through supporters, it may turn more and more towards crime, like robbery, extortion, and drug smuggling. Over time an unsupported insurgency or guerrilla force may become little more than a gang. So in this phase the movement has a ticking clock to either grow or fail. It needs large scale support.

Part Two: The insurgent lifecycle in Star Wars

Star Wars doesn't follow the outlined steps to the letter (in the real world each successful revolution also has its own quirks too), but we can roughly place different scenes along the it.

Original Trilogy

The Original Trilogy shows the Rebel Alliance in the guerrilla phase. The title crawl of the first movie says it, the Rebels attack from a hidden base, but have managed to win their first battle against the Empire. In Return of the Jedi Mon Mothma says that the Imperial Fleet is "spread out throughout the Galaxy in a vain effort to engage [the Rebels]". The Emperor's trap in that movie was an attempt to lure the Rebel fleet into a conventional battle where it could be destroyed - a miscalculation and the Rebels show themselves capable of winning that battle. I said above that guerrilla forces need support to challenge the governments forces, support that is difficult to get without friendly states supplying you. But in Star Wars, the Galactic Empire rules the entire galaxy, so there cannot be support on on that level, can there? Actually, yes there can be, if one pays careful attention to the dialogue.

The crucial scene is the one in the conference room on the Death Star. Here we learn several important bits of information:

The Rebellion is well equipped.

The Rebellion has a growing support in the Imperial Senate.

Before the Death Star the Empire needed the Senate to control the local systems.

The Death Star induced fear of planetary destruction will (so at least Tarkin's plan) make the local systems obedient to Imperial sector governors.

If we read between the line, reasonable conclusions from this are:

The Empire doesn't have enough manpower for direct control of the local systems (so it tries to solve this problem with superior firepower).

There are local systems that are semi-openly funneling military equipment to the Rebellion. (Alderaan seems to be a well known supporter of the Rebellion, but there are others. Tarkin wanted to demonstrate the Death Stars power on a high profile Rebel world, trying to get Leia to talk merely determined which world it would be.)

So the supporters of the Rebel Alliance at this point seem to be not only individual, but the governments of entire planets.

Prequels and Rogue One

In the deleted scenes of Revenge of the Sith we see the Rebellion in its infancy as a Political Action Committee. Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, and other senators (The Delegation of 2000) give a formal petition to the Palpatine where they object to establishment of sector governors. This also gives insight into what the legitimate grievance that forms the base of the Rebellion is: local autonomy, meaning the traditional rights of local systems within the broader framework of the Galactic Republic.

Rogue One adds some interesting nuances:

The Rebellion on Yavin at the point of Rogue One doesn't seem to be in a state of open war against the Empire yet. (Mon Mothma says she thinks open war is "inevitable", meaning it hasn't started.)

Mon Mothma tells Jyn that she wants Galen to testify about the Death Star before the Senate. Vader tells Krennic that the Senate has been informed Jedha was destroyed by a mining accident. The Senate seems at least in theory to be capable of taking action against Palpatine.

Five senators are part of the ruling council of the Rebellion (together with some generals/admirals). The council seems to work on a consensus base.

Learning about the Death Star leads some of these senators to advocate surrender to the Empire.

Here is how I interpret the general political situation from these facts: There is a growing group of senators that wants to remove Palpatine from power and restore the Republic. Legally it is within the Senate's power to do that, after all, they gave Palpatine these powers in the first place. They expect however that Palpatine might not accept this, so they have been building a military at secret locations in parallel to their political efforts. The Rebellion has ties to various local insurgencies (like the one of Saw Gerrera), but is not identical with them. So we have a top-down PAC with ties to bottom-up insurgencies, with the PAC preparing to transition to a guerrilla force when necessary. The Imperial leadership knows this and has for years been working on the Death Star to get the upper hand. In the end, it is not action in the Senate that marks the beginning of open warfare, but the Rebel attack on Scarif, which happens against the decision of the Alliance's ruling council. Rogue One starts it and Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Admiral Raddus decide to support the attack without the others' approval (instead of denouncing at as, well, rogue). My headcanon is actually that when the Emperor dissolved the Senate soon after, the attack on Scarif was the pretext.

I should also note that Rogue One presents Mon Mothma as the leader of the Rebel Alliance already at this stage (not a role she grows into after Bail's death).

Part Three: Andor Season 1 already has problems with Mon Mothma, but it mostly works

Andor presents two parts of the Rebellion in two different phases. Ferrix shows activism turning to violence. Meanwhile Luthen is building a network of various insurgencies, getting them funding, and organizing the theft of Imperial military equipment. Cassian's story connects both plotlines and adds his personal journey of radicalization.

Okay, so what does Mon Mothma do? Her scene with Tay Kolma gives insight into how Andor interprets her. I couldn't find a video of the entire scene, this one is the best I can do. So in Andor Season 1 she says her work in the Senate is a front. What she is really doing is raising money. That money, as we learn in other scenes, is going to Luthen, who forwards it to various insurgent cells.

Good scenes, but I have a problem with them. What's the problem? The problem is that in the long run this approach doesn't scale. Local insurgencies may irritate the Empire, but to overthrow it you need an full on military. And a military cannot be financed from Mon Mothma's personal accounts. Nor can she or Luthen buy them large numbers of X-Wings and U-Wings and Corellian Corvettes and Mon Calamari Cruisers under the table. No, for the Rebellion to have a shot at winning, it will need to become much larger.

What the Rebellion needs is coalition building. What the Rebellion needs is entire systems supporting it, not just wealthy individuals. Who could build such a coalition? Not Luthen, he is building a spy network. No, it would be someone like Mon Mothma.

Season 1 is not about that. Her storyline is about crossing moral lines for the Rebellion (framing her husband to hide the money she gave the Rebellion, starting her daughter on the arranged marriage path).

Well, perhaps this will come later.

Part Four: Andor doesn't show how to fight fascism

Unfortunately it doesn't. Mon Mothma has two important events in Season 2: Letting Luthen kill Tay Kolma and denouncing the Ghorman massacre. Somehow there is a coalition in the Senate that builds an army on Yavin, Mon Mothma and Bail Organa are part of it. They even discussed what to do when the Empire commits a large scale atrocity. But the important work of bringing that coalition together happens offscreen. Convincing local planetary governments to supply Yavin happens offscreen. Yavin is built largely offscreen. The Alliance's ruling council is brought together offscreen. Basically the entire transition of the Rebellion from a network of insurgencies to a guerrilla force capable of inflicting real damage on the Empire happens offscreen.

Because of this, there is a gaping hole in Andor if we take it as a manual on how to fight fascism. And I very much think it is supposed to be that. The series was conceived during the first Trump term and many elements of Season 1 are taken from leftist theory. The series shows personal radicalization with Cassian, communities turning to violence as a form of resistance with Ferrix, the building and running of underground organizations with Luthen and how they are funded. Season 2 explores the role of narrative, with regime and rebellion both trying to take control of it.

The coalition building is missing. In Season 1 we don't see how Luthen convinces the different insurgences (who hate each other) to work together, and in Season 2 we don't see Bail and Mon convincing senators and planetary governments to build a military together. But to defeat an authoritarian government that is necessary. (There are three ways an authoritarian system can fall: Either the government loses faith in itself and steps down, or the military loses faith in the government and steps aside when the people are in the streets, or someone brings an army large enough to challenge the military. Star Wars, and with it Andor, shows option three, so if Andor wants to be a serious exploration on how this can be done, it would need to show how get people together who can build such an military.)

Part Five: Why Andor cannot show how to build a coalition against fascism

Now here is my provocative thesis: Andor cannot show how to build a coalition against fascism because the leftist theory it is based on, together with widespread cynicism about politics, has undermined the hope that good government is possible. Government is power and much of modern leftist theory thinks all power is oppression. Therefore being the government is inevitably immoral.

But an alliance that is aiming to overthrow a government is aiming at becoming a government. It needs an idea for what it wants the world to look like. And Andor is silent on that. Luthen talks about the "sunrise he will never see". Nemik's manifesto says one act of resistance will eventually "break the siege". But I don't think at any point in the series does anyone talk about something specific, like restoring the Republic, which is in the Rebel Alliance's official name. There are hints at what some of the various insurgencies that Luthen connected want (and that they don't agree on their goals), but they are mostly mentioned so that Saw can dismiss them.

The Original Trilogy could afford to be vague about the political vision of the Alliance, but even in its vagueness I feel it had a clearer vision than Andor. It's allegiance was to democracy. To liberal democracy of the American variety. George Lucas wrote the Empire as a dark reflection of the United States where the authoritarian tendencies he observed (during the Vietnam war, for example) won out. The positive vision was a republic in which these authoritarian tendencies were defeated (and where spirituality played a larger role - a story for a different time). But this vision has lost its power for many and none of the alternatives seems to be widely convincing.

In the Original Trilogy it is implied that Mon Mothma's political vision (shared with others like Leia) can bring together a coalition large enough to challenge the Empire. In Andor, which goes more into detail on politics, this implicit vision would need to have been made explicit. But the showrunners cannot do that, so they present a lesser (but still powerful) version of Mon Mothma to tell a story about sacrifice for the cause - even if it can tell very little about the cause except for that it includes the Empire's fall.

And that is why I think Andor ruined Mon Mothma (or rather falls way short of the potential Mon Mothma as a main character had to offer).

[lianadelune]

The Dragon's Lament

Pairing: Aegon II Targaryen x Reader

Synospsis: You arrive at the Red Keep as a lady-in-waiting to Princess Helaena Targaryen, your only expectation is a quiet life of courtly duties, a way for you to undo the mistakes of the past. But your world shifts when you capture the attention of Aegon Targaryen, the reckless and reluctant heir to the throne. What begins as distrust and curiosity turns into something far more dangerous—an undeniable pull neither of them can resist.

As whispers of war and succession swirl through the castle halls, their connection deepens, defying duty, loyalty, and the weight of the Targaryen name. But the closer they draw to each other, the more the walls close in. Forbidden love in the Red Keep is never without consequence.

In the end, dragons are not undone by steel, but by their own hearts—and Aegon’s will cost him everything.

AO3

The Dragon's Lament Masterlist

Chapter 2

The halls of the Red Keep were uncannily quiet as you followed Queen Alicent, your footsteps swallowed by the thick, ornate carpets beneath you. Ser Criston walked a few paces behind, ever the silent sentinel, his presence a reminder of just how much scrutiny you were under, how, even with the queen’s blessing, you were still being watched for any flaw, any mistake.

Though Alicent’s posture was straight, with her hands clasped in front of her with practiced composure, you could feel the tension rolling off her in waves.

When you finally reached the door to Princess Helaena’s chambers, a pair of guards stationed straightened with the presence of the queen. They pushed the heavy wooden doors open and without a word, Alicent stepped inside with the quiet authority only a queen possessed. You followed, keeping your expression neutral, though the weight of Ser Criston’s gaze on your back did not go unnoticed.

The moment you stepped inside, a distinct scent enveloped you - a blend of dried lavender and burning candles. A cool breeze drifted from the open window, carrying with it the crisp salt-kissed air from Blackwater Bay, rustling the sheer curtains.

The chamber was cluttered - not in the careless way of a neglected space, but in the manner of someone whose mind was a world into itself.

Books stacked upon books lined the shelves, their spine cracked from overuse, you were able to read some of the titles: The Delicate Wings of Time: A Study on Butterflies and their Metamorphosis, Echoes of Silk: The Lifecycle of Moths and Their Nocturnal Mysteries, The Evolution of Jewel Beetles, A Kingdom Below our Feet: The World of Insects and their Role in Nature.

The furniture was a mixture of fine craftsmanship and personal touched - a thickly embroidered drape draped over a cushioned chair, a moth delicately stitched onto a pillow, a line of ants sewed on the tapestry as if they were marching to a unknown destination, a dragonfly with shimmery thread on the hem of her bed canopy.

You also noticed two embroidery hoops half-finished on a table next to the window, one with a blue butterfly and another with a red dragonfly, as if the princess had too many ideas and started two projects at the same time but now couldn’t decide which one she should finish first.

While admiring the room, you finally found her.

Helaena sat curled upon the cushioned window seat, the sunlight spilling over her pale hair in an ethereal cascade. She barely seemed to notice her mother’s entrance, her gaze focused elsewhere - on the sky, on the garden below, on something unseen by everyone else in the room except the princess herself.

You knew the Targaryens were beautiful with their pale hair and lilac eyes, but you had never considered how bewitching they actually looked before you met Princess Helaena in person, because she was beautiful, but not in the conventional way of courtly ladies adorned in silks and jewels like your mother had introduced you before. No, Helaena was beautiful like something half-forgotten, something just out of reach - a dream slipping through your fingers before you could grasp it.

For a moment you hesitated, reluctant to disturb the quiet sanctuary of her world. It was rare, you thought, to see someone so utterly at peace with solitude, as if the whispers of courtly life never reached her here.

You wished you could write a tale about her.

The words came to you unbidden, rushing through your mind like an untamed current, desperate to be shaped into something real.

When her violet eyes finally flickered towards the new addition to the castle, there was a flicker of recognition - a moment where the veil between her world and (Y/n)’s lifted. Would she welcome the new girl into it?

Or had the lady in waiting stepped into a dream, one that would vanish, the moment (Y/n) reached out to touch it?

Alicent’s lips pressed together, the queen took a measured breath before speaking. “Helaena, I have brought your new lady-in-waiting”

Silence.

You resisted the urge to shift under the weight of the moment, acutely aware of Alicent’s frustration with the lack of answer from her daughter. She took a slow breath before trying again, this time firmer.

“Helaena”

Still, nothing.

Alicent inhaled, about to speak once more, but before she could, you took a small step forward.

“My lady,” you said, carefully measuring your tone, not too soft, nor too forceful “it is an honor to meet you.

The effect was immediate.

Helaena’s head snapped towards you with such swiftness that a shiver ran down your spine. Her pale lilac eyes bore into yours wide and unblinking.

For a heartbeat she simply stared.

Then, her lips parted.

“A flower does not bloom without the sun. But beware, the sun burns as easily as it warms. Petals may blacken before they even have the chance to wit.”

The words floated in the air between you, weightless and heavy all at once.

Behind you, Alicent stiffened. You felt it in the shift of her breath, the way her presence turned sharper, tenser. Even Ser Criston, a pillar of impassivity, subtly shifted his stance, his gloved hand flexing at his side. You glanced at the queen, catching a flicker of something carefully masked, as though she understood more than you did but had no intention of explaining.

You turned back to Helaena, your mind turning over her words, picking them apart like unraveling an embroidery thread.

A flower. A delicate thing, dependent on the sun’s warmth, yet vulnerable to destruction.

Your brows knit together slightly.

“You mean that… One must be careful of who they rely on?” You ventured, tilting your head slightly “That even kindness can bring harm, if one is not careful?”

Helaena did not blink.

Alicent drew in a slow, measured breath beside you, but said nothing.

Helaena’s fingers twitched, curling slightly against the fabric of her skirts as she pulled her legs closer to her chest, a sad expression on her face.

“The sun does not mean to burn,” she murmured, her voice softer now, distant “It only shines, sharing its warmth. But the petals do not know the difference.”

You frowned slightly, turning the words over and over again, trying to grasp them but failing, like water slipping through your fingers.

Perhaps she meant that sometimes people did not realize the harm they caused, even when acting with good intentions. Or perhaps she meant something else entirely - something deeper, something only she could see.

Regardless, you nodded slowly.

“I suppose that is true,” You said, offering a small, thoughtful smile “We cannot always see the dangers until they are upon us.”

Something in Helaena’s expression shifted.

Her fingers stilled. Her head turned just so, the way one might observe an insect they had never seen before.

Alicent exhaled, and though it was quiet, you could hear the relief in it. Whatever she had feared you might say - mockery, dismissal - you had not.

In that moment, something subtle yet undeniable passed between you and Helaena.

Understanding, perhaps.

And for the first time since you entered her chambers, Helaena smiled.

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ 🐉⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

The chamber door closed behind Queen Alicent and Ser Criston with a quiet ‘click’, leaving only you and Helaena behind. For a moment, neither of you moved. The absence of Ser Criston’s ever-watchful gaze and the queen’s tense presence should have brought relief, yet a strange weight settled in your chest.

Helaena sat curled in the cushioned window seat, the soft light of dusk painting her silver hair in muted gold. She had been gazing out into the courtyard, fingers resting idly on one of the embroidery hoops on her lap, the ones you had noticed before that the princess had picked up from the table next to her as Alicent and Ser Criston left the room.

You took a deep breath before approaching her.

“Would you like some company, my lady?” Your voice is gentle but uncertain.

For a moment, there was no response. Then, without looking at you, Helaena shifted, patting the seat beside her.

You took the silent invitation, settling onto the bench. The cushion gave under your weight, and for a while, neither of you spoke.

On the contrary of what you had thought while traveling to the Red Keep, Helaena’s presence was calming, sitting with her in silence wasn’t uncomfortable as you were led to believe, the eerie feeling on the back of your mind more and more distant as the minutes in Helaena’s presence passed, you decided to enjoy the silence on her side watching her look out the window seemingly deep in thought.

Helaena turned towards you, her violet gaze meeting yours for the first time since the others had left.

“You do not run from my words,” she observed.

“Should I?”

A pause.

“No.”

The princess let the silence stretch between you again, as if testing your presence, gauging whether you would fill the quiet with meaningless chatter or let it simply be.

You let it be.

Then, with a softness that was almost hesitant, she lifted one of the embroidery hoops from her lap and placed it in yours.

“Here”

You looked down at the delicate stitching - intricate patterns of wings, each thread spun with care. A red dragonfly, frozen in time beneath your fingertips.

You traced the edges with a reverence she seemed to appreciate. “You wish for me to join you?”

A nod.

You hesitated. “I fear I am not as skilled as you.”

Helaena only hummed, her lips curving into the faintest of smiles “That does not matter”

Something about her words made warmth bloom in your chest, you smirked nodding. You picked up the needle, threading it carefully, beginning to weave the next stitch, slow and deliberate, scared to mess it up, as much as your mother had tried to teach you embroidery, it wasn’t something you particularly enjoyed doing back at home, but now with the princess it felt calming. Helaena watched for a moment, then resumed her own work, the two of you sitting in shared silence, accompanied only by the soft pull of the thread.

“The moth chases the flame, blind to its own burning”

The words were whispered, barely more than a breath.

Your fingers faltered over the fabric, you had just finished the details on the dragonfly’s wings, even though you weren’t as skilled as Helaena you were happy with the result of your hard work so far. But hearing her cryptic words once again, this time you could only feel dread, as if those words she whispered so softly were about you. Forgetting about the image you were embroidering, a shiver ran down your spine.

“What does that mean?” you asked, glazing at her.

Helaena did not look up, her fingers carefully working on the wings of the butterfly.

“Some lights are meant to guide. Others…” She trailed off “Others are meant to consume.”

You frowned, trying to piece the meaning together, but the threads did not weave into a full picture. “Is this… a warning?”

Helaena’s expression was unreadable.

“Perhaps”

You exhaled through your nose, thoughtful. You wanted to understand. You wanted to see the world as she did with her riddles and enigmas, but it felt out of reach, like you were missing an important piece of the puzzle that was the mind of Helaena Targaryen.

The embroidery remained on your lap, forgotten as you tried to decipher the meaning beneath her gaze.

Night had crept upon you both unnoticed, weaving its dark tendrils through Helaena’s chamber. The candle flickered, brightening the ancient stone walls and the soft crack of melting wax filled the silence, the flames swaying with each ghost of a breeze that slipped through the large window. The quiet comfort of the chamber had become something softer, more intimate, as exhaustion settled in.

Helaena let out a small yawn, her movements slowing.

“It is late,” you noted. “Shall I help you prepare for bed?”

She did not protest as you got up from beside her and held her hand gently urging Helaena to get up as well, she left her unfinished embroidery on the cushioned seat and did what you silently asked. You moved carefully, helping her undo the delicate clasps of her gown, letting the heavy fabric slip from her shoulders until she stood only in her shift. The brocade pooled at her feet, the princess was small beneath it all - smaller than you had realized.

You reached for the brush resting on the vanity, its polished wooden handle smooth beneath your fingertips. With slow, deliberate strokes, you ran it through Helaena’s hair - fine and silken, cascading over her shoulders like liquid moonlight - in a soothing rhythm, the faint rustling sound filling the quiet space.

The princess remained still beneath your touch, her breathing slow, steady, as though lulled by the tender motions.

She did not speak, and neither did you.

For the first time, Helaena let herself be tended to without cringing like had happened many times before with other maids, her usual distance softened by the quiet acceptance of your presence.

When you were finished and placed the brush on the vanity carefully, the princess laid down, eyes heavy with sleep.

“You are gentle,” she whispered, voice drowsy. “Even if you do not understand.”

The words settled deep in your chest, an ache you did not quite know how to name.

You tucked the blanket around her carefully. “Goodnight, my lady”

A maid arrived shortly after, softly knocking on Helaena’s door to not wake the princess, to escort you back to your own chambers, promising that soon enough you would be able to navigate the labyrinth that was the Red Keep with ease and find your room on your own. The rest of the walk was quiet, the castle hushed in the embrace of the night.

By the time you reached your room, exhaustion had settled deep into your bones, a dull ache spreading through your limbs with every step. As you pushed open the wooden door, its hinges letting out a faint creak, your gaze swept over the space you would call your own from now on.

It was simple - far simpler than what you were accustomed to back at your father’s state - but that didn’t surprise you. A modest bed sat against one side of the small room, its wooden frame unadorned, the blankets neatly tucked, offering little more than a promise of rest. Beside it stood a worn wardrobe, its dark wood showing signs of age as you trailed your fingers absently over its surface.

In the far corner, a modest vanity stood, its mirror reflecting the window and the starry night behind it. A single chair rested before it, pushed in neatly as if awaiting its occupant.

You exhaled slowly, rolling your shoulders to ease the tension coiling there. It wasn’t luxurious, nor was it particularly inviting, but it was enough.

You wouldn’t be spending much time here anyway.

The moonlight pooled across your chambers in soft, silvery patched, the cool night air brushed against your skin as you changed into your nightgown and ignoring your sleepness you also emptied your luggage, placing your dresses in the wardrobe, silk and brocade next to wool and linen, earrings and rings on the vanity next to your brooches and comb. But your most precious possession you carefully placed beneath your pillow.

Your favorite book.

You wished you could have brought more, but you had only a limited space on your luggage since your mother considered your more expensive dresses to be more important and you didn’t want to argue on your last day at home before taking the road to King’s Landing.

After carefully placing everything in its rightful place, your fingers brushed over the smooth surface of the vanity as you reached for your comb, its familiar shape cool against your palm. Standing before the mirror, you ran the comb through your hair in slow, absent motions, each stroke unraveling the knots of the day. The repetitive movement was soothing, almost hypnotic, a ritual of quiet solitude. The room was silent save for the faint crackling of the fireplace, the embers glowing softly in the dim light. A distant breeze ghosted through the small window, sending a shiver down your spine. You paused for a moment, fingers idly twisting a strand of hair, your gaze unfocused, lost in thought.

With a final stroke of the comb, you set it down, the sound of wood meeting the vanity barely audible. You slipped beneath the waiting blankets, the sheets cool against your skin as you nestled into the mattress, however sleep did not come easily.

The memory wrapped around you like a cold wind, seeping into your bones, unshaken even by the warmth of the heavy blanket on top of you. It had been the night before you left for the Red Keep, and your mother’s words had settled over you like a shroud, their weight following you ever since.

You could still picture the chamber, bathed in the dim flicker of candlelight. The air had smelled of marjoram oil, a slightly spicy scent, and freshly cut grass, scents you had always associated with your mother, but there had been something else that night - something heavier. A warning. A bitterness that clung to every syllable that fell from your mother’s lips.

“You will serve Princess Helaena,” she said. “This is your last chance to prove yourself to me and your father, my child”

Your mother had been seated in her chair by the hearth, fingers lightly tracing the rim of her goblet, her gaze distant but sharp.

“Helaena is a peculiar girl, lost in her own mind, most likely cursed by the gods, a disgrace to the royal family… You must not let her strangeness seep into you. The court tolerates her because they must, but she is not someone to emulate.”

You had listened, standing still, hands clasped before you, unsure how to respond.

Was that what the court truly thought? That the princess was something to be endured rather than someone to be cherished?

But now, after only an afternoon in her service, you knew the truth.

Helaena was different, yes, but not in the way your mother had implied. She was quiet but not dull, lost in thought but not mindless. There was something otherworldly about her, as if she saw things others did not, as if the language of the world whispered to her in riddles and silk-spun secrets. She was kind in a way few people were. Helaena was not insane or cursed, she just needed someone who would at least try to understand her, not simply judge her for not being what most considered normal.

‘How wrong my mother was’ you thought.

But your mother’s warnings had not stopped with Helaena.

“And Aegon…”

A shadow passed over her face then, lips curling in something close to disgust.

“He is a disappointment. A boy who was raised to be a king but is more focused on his hedonistic lifestyle than court matters, gods protect us when he finally inherits that crown. The older prince is drunk more often than he is sober, careless, and reckless. His father and mother’s shame, though the king is the only one who refuses to see it” Your mother took a deep breath. “He is a storm, and you must not be the one who drowns in it.”

You had not yet met Aegon, but the image had already been planted in your mind - a prince slouched on his throne, goblet in hand, eyes half-lidded with some indulgence, laughing too loud to the point of hurting your ears. A waste of a man, if your mother was to be believed.

And then there was Aemond.

“The bitter one”

Your mother’s voice had lowered when she spoke of the younger prince, as if even the mention of his name demanded caution.

“Jealous, spiteful. A boy who lost something and will never forgive the world for it. He is not like his brother - he does not drink, he does not whore, but do not mistake him for honorable. Aemond holds his grudge like a blade, and he will cut if given the chance.” Your mother’s gaze shifted towards you “If you ever cross him, he will remember it, you would do well not to stand in his way.”

Aemond. The name carried a heavy weight, even among those who had never seen him. You had only heard of the one-eyed prince, the man who had claimed the largest dragon in the world in exchange for his right eye, the man whose sharp tongue cut deeper than steel.

You had yet to meet either of them.

And yet a thought began to take root in your mind.

“If my mother was so terribly wrong about Helaena, could she be wrong about them too?”

as always comments, likes and reblogs are appreciated ♡

[kosher-martian]

Jewish and Israeli Tumblr, I just can't deal with the USA anymore. We're on our tenth consecutive forever-year of stochastic politics. I feel like 2020 was 20 years ago at this point.

I'm tired.

I'll put all the justifications below the cut, but let me get right to my question: Olim & Natural-Born Israeli citizens: What can I expect from Aliyah? Is there a place for me? I want out of the USA.

I currently work as in IT asset management and procurement. Basically I just keep track of my employer's IT-related inventory (think paper, toner, laptops, and tablets), spec and purchase new devices as part of our IT lifecycle, prepare old assets for disposal through our e-waste vendor, and manage/deploy our new inventory when it comes in.

I know Israel has a booming tech sector, but I'm worried I won't make the cut. I'm not an impressive candidate. I have experience in IT but I'm not credentialed or anything. My academic background (Bachelor's) is in business.

Before my current job, I worked in QA software testing (APIs mostly), healthcare technology, and helpdesk (Tier 2). It's gotten me pretty far in the "firm handshake" economy of small town Texas, but I'm not sure it will get me far in the "real" IT world.

Does anyone have any advice for a prospective oleh who's coming from low-paying IT / IT-adjacent work in a low cost of living mid-sized Texan city? What are some good cities / towns to look at besides Jerusalem and Tel Aviv? Are there jobs for someone like me outside of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv?

I guess what I'm asking is whether Aliyah is a good economic decision for someone who doesn't already have money? Any olim here that could give me insights?

The ugly truth is this: The US is sliding into authoritarianism really quickly and I'm on the losing side. Sure there are supposed to be laws in place that will slow this down or mostly stop it, but the law only works if there's someone willing to enforce it and well... Can you name one person who has show the moral fortitude and is still in a position to do something?

To put it in more utilitarian terms: I'd rather be someplace where I'm unlikely to be scooped up and interrogated for being politically and ideologically incompatible with MAGA or whatever. They're already detaining Native Americans and Black Americans and trying to deport them. Bad things are coming, and I'd rather get out now while I still can.

It's not flattering for me to say, it reflects poorly on me, but it's honest: I'm no hero. I'm a coward and I'm not afraid to say it.

[asestimationsconsultants]

How an Estimating Service Powers Lifecycle Cost Planning for Long-Term Assets

Introduction For projects like hospitals, universities, or public infrastructure, initial construction is just one piece of the financial puzzle. Long-term operational costs often eclipse build costs. An estimating service helps clients plan for the entire lifecycle of an asset, from cradle to reinvestment.

Beyond Initial Construction Estimators traditionally focus on upfront costs, but lifecycle planning expands that role. Estimating services now project long-term expenses such as maintenance, utilities, staffing, and system replacements, giving a holistic view of asset ownership.

Durability and Material Forecasting Material choice directly influences lifecycle costs. Estimators compare the upfront cost of high-durability components versus cheaper alternatives, factoring in maintenance frequency, replacement cycles, and overall longevity.

Energy Performance Projections Energy efficiency affects long-term budgets. Estimating services integrate performance modeling into their forecasts, calculating how HVAC choices, insulation levels, and lighting systems will influence utility costs over decades.

Maintenance and Downtime Consideration Hospitals or data centers can’t afford frequent shutdowns. Estimators quantify the cost of scheduled maintenance and potential downtime, guiding decisions toward systems that balance performance with reliability.

Technology Obsolescence and Reinvestment Timing In high-tech buildings, estimating services help predict when technology will become outdated and budget for its eventual upgrade. This ensures financial plans account not only for installation but future modernization.

Supporting Asset Management Planning Lifecycle cost estimates become tools for facility managers and CFOs. Estimating services provide detailed documents that align capital investment with long-term operating budgets and help in scheduling reinvestment cycles.

Conclusion An estimating service isn’t just about today’s cost. It supports intelligent long-term asset planning by forecasting the financial implications of design and system choices, giving stakeholders a full lifecycle view.

[gjsxj0]

the dragon prince's last season was below mediocre, the finale was terrible and the major reveal was the worst thing i have ever witnessed. this post is long and strongly worded and typed up at midnight.

harrow being in pip was predicted since s1. everyone knew because they laid it out clear as day. it was intentionally set up and like all good bits of writing, the audience sees it and knows what is coming up.

why 6+ years into tdp's lifecycle was it made canon. after years of not answering it or just giving "half truths" (aaravos much?) all to just say "screw the audience" and make it confirmed in a scene that has its own issues and it was AFTER A TWO YEAR TIME SKIP.

not only that, it ruins harrow's and viren's relationship to such a degree i can only assume the creators just hated these two in the end. harrow being in pip implies:

viren intentionally did it without harrow's consent, costing harrow his autonomy whilst also making viren never actually caring about harrow in the end (which the canon does not support, i have eyes and reading comprehension). this begs the question: HOW COULD VIREN NOT HAVE UNFINISHED BUSINESS aka show up in the inbetween? harrow was the one relationship he cherished and then they pull this stunt and said "actually no viren is terrible even tho he DIED saving a kingdom that never deserved him."

viren did it and harrow WANTED it to happen which makes harrow look even WORSE than he was already set up to be. a king who struggles with the responsibilities and weight of his crown and is tired of these issues that he... kind of lets happen. it was interesting to see where it goes but wow this makes harrow an asshole if he just flew out of that window and did NOT come back to katolis for over 2 years.

viren... didn't?? do it??? which doesn't make sense because this show never has a mage unless its callum or its for plot convenience (and they die or are a one off character) and we are just back at square one. if they go this route, i will have to applaud the audacity for them thinking their audience is really that stupid.

not to mention the whole "black person spends a good chunk of time in an animal form" trope, which they should have just dealt with early on.

pip theory being canon in a two year time skip... let's pretend i accept this for a second:

they said arc 3 would be another time skip. 7-12 years possible. what the fuck. so harrow is never coming back (he said fuck katolis or he is DEAD EITHER WAY) or its gonna be relegated to a graphic novel or book (if they even complete the draft in time for publication YEAH WE KNOW WHY BOOK 3 NEVER HAPPENED). and even then. the original 2 year time skip. there is not going to be any actual explanation for it just like there was no good reason for rayla to leave callum bc there will be nothing to show for it.

they really couldn't just let this one theory never get addressed. it could have been a poorly done red herring but no. this is a massive fuck you to everyone that watched the show since day 1.

that interview on cartoon universe's youtube page where they just admitted they were tired of being asked where harrow was for so long they just did it. it was intentional and it was to spit in our faces.

their relationship means barely anything now, its too late in the story for them to fix this NOT LIKE THIS SHOW COMMITS TO ANYTHING ANYWAY and i hope aaron ehasz and justin richmond never write another cartoon again.

[sustainabilitythoughts]

Environmental cost of electronics

This is a good article on the environmental cost of all those electronic devices we use.  It covers manufacturing, use, and disposal, and then presents some suggestions to minimize the environmental impact of the electronics we use.  A few suggestions to highlight:

Turn it off or unplug it when it’s not in use.  Many of these devices draw small amounts of power even when they’re turned off. 

Keep your devices a little longer and repair them instead of replacing them.  When you replace them, buy the most energy efficient models or buy refurbished. 

Before you buy a new electronic gadget, think about how much you are actually going to use it.  Maybe you don’t need it after all.

When electronics are ready for disposal, take them to a reputable electronics disposal facility so that valuable materials can be recycled and toxic waste products can be appropriately managed. 

[suzunayoshiokablogforfuture]

My Role Model Emma Watson & Slow Fashion

Week 7: Social Media Influencers and the Slow Fashion

HELLO! Welcome back, friends!!! Today, I’d like to talk about slow fashion and how public figures, especially celebrities, influence this movement. Do you have any role models you look up to?

I’ve admired Emma Watson since I was a child, and after watching the Harry Potter series, she quickly became someone I deeply respected. In this post, I want to highlight one of the things I admire most about her which is her environmental activism, especially her strong commitment to slow fashion and creating a more sustainable future. 🌍✨

Firstly, what is slow fashion? Slow fashion is a movement within the fashion industry that promotes environmentally friendly and ethical choices, including ethical sourcing, the use of recycled and organic materials, durable high-quality products, timeless styles, respect for craftsmanship, and fair wages and protection for workers (Brewer, 2019). This concept draws inspiration from the “slow food” movement, which emphasizes responsibility in the production and consumption of food. Influencers and celebrities have made this movement visible and its values are spreading through digital spaces.

The fashion industry is recognized as one of the most environmentally damaging industries at every stage of its lifecycle. Fast fashion brands such as Zara and H&M, which continuously release imitation designs at minimal cost rather than adopting slow fashion principles, dominate the current fashion industry. According to Domingos et al. (2022), until about 20 years ago, only two collections (spring/summer and fall/winter) were produced annually. However, with the acceleration of trend cycles, 50 to 100 mini-collections are now released into the market each year.

As I mentioned earlier, the slow fashion movement has been gaining momentum in recent years and has drawn increasing attention from the public. Influencers and celebrities play a significant role in promoting sustainable and slow fashion and distributing its message. One of the most iconic figures in this movement is actress and activist Emma Watson, whom I briefly mentioned at the beginning of this blog. She has long been ahead of her time, championing vintage fashion before it became mainstream, and consistently appearing in eco-conscious and ethical looks on the red carpet (Chan, 2023). For instance, as shown in the image above, she wore a Calvin Klein dress made from recycled PET bottles to the 2016 Met Gala, an example of her active support for sustainable slow fashion. Moreover, she launched an Instagram account called @the_press_tour to raise awareness about sustainability. On this platform, she shares photos of her sustainable outfits worn at public events with captions that advocate the slow fashion movement and explain how vintage and slow fashion contribute to environmental protection. She also features brands that are committed to ethical and sustainable practices.

Of course, many other influencers and celebrities support and advocate for the slow fashion movement. However, I chose to focus on Emma Watson in this article because she not only supports slow fashion, but she is also my role model in my life and someone I relate to.

She does more than just wear sustainable clothing, she has created a dedicated Instagram account to raise awareness about environmentally conscious practices and actively promotes sustainability. For this reason, she is a suitable figure to discuss in the context of this theme. She not only supports her beliefs but also takes action to advocate for the public. Her sustainable mindset has actually influenced my way of thinking. To be more specific, since I started following the content she shares, I have become more mindful of the materials, durability, and production locations of the clothes I purchase. Instead of simply choosing inexpensive, trendy designs, I now make an effort to choose and purchase more sustainable options.

I hope that more people, like me, will be inspired by someone they admire and adopt a more environmentally conscious way of thinking, which will benefit the Earth and future generations. 🌍🌟

References：

Brewer, M. K. (2019). Slow Fashion in a Fast Fashion World: Promoting Sustainability and Responsibility. Laws, 8(4), 24. https://doi.org/10.3390/laws8040024

Chan, E. (2023, December 14). 13 of Emma Watson’s best sustainable looks to date. British Vogue. https://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/gallery/emma-watson-sustainable-fashion

Domingos, M., Vale, V. T., & Faria, S. (2022). Slow Fashion Consumer Behavior: A Literature Review. Sustainability, 14(5), 2860. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14052860

[almondenterprise]

Cost vs. Quality: What to Consider When Investing in Switchgear

In today’s energy-intensive world, switchgear plays a critical role in managing power distribution safely and efficiently. Whether you’re upgrading your industrial facility, building a commercial plant, or powering a large infrastructure project, choosing the right switchgear is not just a technical decision — it’s a strategic investment. One of the most common dilemmas buyers face is balancing cost vs. quality. So, how do you decide?

Understanding Switchgear: The Heart of Electrical Safety

Switchgear is a combination of electrical disconnect switches, fuses, or circuit breakers used to control, protect, and isolate electrical equipment. Its primary role is to ensure the reliability and safety of your power system.

Types of switchgear include:

· Low-voltage switchgear (for commercial and residential use)

· Medium-voltage switchgear (typically for industrial applications)

· High-voltage switchgear (used in power transmission)

Investing in the right switchgear directly impacts operational continuity, personnel safety, and overall infrastructure reliability.

The True Cost of Cheap Switchgear:

While it’s tempting to opt for budget-friendly solutions, low-cost switchgear often comes with hidden risks and long-term expenses.

Inferior Material Quality

Cheaper models often use substandard materials that degrade faster, leading to frequent maintenance or early replacement.

Safety Hazards

Low-quality switchgear can result in arc faults, insulation failure, or overheating — putting workers and equipment at risk.

Increased Lifecycle Costs

Although the initial price may be low, the total cost of ownership (including downtime, repair, and energy inefficiency) is usually higher.

Limited Scalability and Customization

Budget systems are often rigid and harder to scale as your facility grows or needs change.

Why Quality Switchgear Pays Off

When you invest in premium switchgear, you’re not just buying a product — you’re buying peace of mind.

Enhanced Reliability

High-quality switchgear is engineered to perform in extreme conditions and handle high fault levels without compromising performance.

Superior Safety Standards

Reputable brands comply with international standards such as IEC, ANSI, or UL, reducing liability and improving workplace safety.

Ease of Maintenance

Well-built switchgear is modular and user-friendly, simplifying diagnostics and minimizing downtime during maintenance.

Energy Efficiency & Smart Capabilities

Modern switchgear includes IoT sensors, real-time monitoring, and predictive maintenance features, ensuring optimal energy use and proactive problem resolution.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Switchgear

When evaluating switchgear options, balance cost and quality by focusing on the following:

1. Application Requirements

Understand your voltage class, load types, and fault current ratings. Quality should match your operational demands.

2. Brand Reputation & Certification

Look for trusted brands with certifications like ISO 9001, CE, or IEC 62271. Positive reviews and case studies add credibility.

3. Lifecycle Costs

Don’t just compare sticker prices — consider maintenance, service availability, spare part costs, and expected lifespan.

4. Customization & Flexibility

Choose systems that can evolve with your operation. Modular designs support upgrades and expansions more efficiently.

5. Support and Service

Ensure the manufacturer provides robust after-sales support, technical training, and warranty services.

Cost vs. Quality: The Bottom Line

When it comes to switchgear, cheap is rarely cheerful. Cutting corners today can lead to outages, hazards, and hefty repair bills tomorrow. On the other hand, investing in high-quality switchgear ensures operational resilience, safety, and long-term savings.

The smartest strategy? Aim for value, not just price. Evaluate switchgear as a long-term asset, not just a one-time purchase.

Trending Tip: Think Smart and Sustainable

With rising energy demands and climate-conscious regulations, smart and sustainable switchgear is trending. Look for:

· Eco-friendly insulation (like SF₆-free switchgear)

· Energy management features

· Digital monitoring systems

Investing in such features not only future-proofs your infrastructure but can also help you qualify for green certifications and incentives.

Final Thoughts

Balancing cost and quality in switchgear selection is about understanding your long-term operational goals. By focusing on durability, safety, and lifecycle value, you can make a decision that protects both your budget and your business.

[psatalk]

Bambrew’s range of eco-friendly packaging alternatives

Bambrew, an Indian startup specializing in sustainable packaging, is making strides in the fight against single-use plastics by offering a range of 'eco-friendly' alternatives, says Vaibhav Anant, founder & CEO. The company provides packaging solutions made from renewable, biodegradable materials such as bamboo, seaweed, banana fiber, and agro-waste. According to Anant, these materials are fully compostable and serve as viable alternatives for businesses seeking to reduce their environmental footprint.

“Our solutions are governed by four core principles of sustainability—eco-friendliness, functionality, cost-efficiency, and scalability. These guiding principles enable us to deliver packaging options that are not only environmentally responsible but also commercially viable for businesses of all sizes,” Anant says.

Bambrew offers a range of packaging alternatives, including mailer bags, flexible pouches, rigid boxes, and custom solutions, all designed to meet the functional needs of various sectors while remaining scalable. It has developed solutions for industries such as FMCG, CPG, fresh fruits and vegetables (F&V), food and beverages (F&B), and e-commerce and retail packaging.

Notable clients include Amazon, Nykaa, Hindustan Unilever, Mahindra Logistics, and Tata 1mg.

Material-Agnostic Company

Anant explains that Bambrew is a material-agnostic company, meaning it develops solutions using various materials, all adhering to the four core principles of sustainability as mentioned earlier.

Bambrew prioritizes sustainability not only in its products but throughout the entire product development lifecycle, from sourcing and compounding to conversion processes, says Anant. The company works closely with raw material providers and maintains complete control over production with the latest technology machines for in-house manufacturing. It also operates tech-assisted warehousing and logistics to ensure timely delivery to customers.

“By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels through the use of biofuels and solar energy, we are significantly lowering our carbon footprint. Equally important is the well-being of our workers, and we are committed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We adhere to an 8-hour shift structure and offer a range of benefits to ensure a supportive and positive work environment, with a strong emphasis on mental health,” Anant states.

The company has its manufacturing facility in Bangalore and collaborates with several contract manufacturing units across India to expand its reach and capabilities.

Rapid Growth

According to Anant, the company has made big progress over the last 12 months, with growth exceeding 8x.

“This momentum has been incredibly encouraging, and we’re excited to continue building on it in the years to come. As the demand for sustainable solutions grows, we’re committed to scaling responsibly and staying focused on our mission,” he says.

New Offerings

Bambrew is actively working towards the continuous development of advanced meta-materials. It has been extensively researching materials such as Biophil, a home-compostable bioplastic alternative, while also exploring other renewable resources. These materials are designed to offer high performance while being environmentally friendly.

In August of this year, the company introduced a new category of rigid boxes that utilize Kappa boards produced from post-consumer recycled fibers. The product features components like non-animal-based glue, recycled paper cladding, plastic-free Biophil lamination, and plant-based inks. Each element of this product is designed to meet Bambrew's environmental goals and contribute to a fully sustainable manufacturing cycle.

“Additionally, we are actively developing alternative solutions for pharmaceutical packaging, as well as advanced barrier films for food packaging within the FMCG sector. While these are only a few examples, all our efforts are directed towards the broader aim of pushing the envelope of what’s possible within the realm of sustainability and delivering solutions that meet the highest standards of quality while supporting a greener, more sustainable transition into the future,” Anant concludes.

[azspot]

But there is a hidden cost of AI that needs to be considered: The toll on public health associated with the resulting increase in air pollution. So says a new study by Caltech and UC Riverside (UCR) scientists published online December 9 on the arXiv preprint server.

This air pollution is expected to result in as many as 1,300 premature deaths per year by 2030 in the United States. Total public health costs from cancers, asthma, and other diseases, as well as from missed work and school days are approaching an estimated $20 billion per year.