#Parcel ID Number

[najia-cooks]

[ID: Two large flatbreads. The one in the center is topped with bright purple onions, faux chicken, fried nuts, and coarse red sumac; the one at the side is topped with onions and sumac. Second image is a close-up. End ID]

مسخن / Musakhkhan (Palestinian flatbread with onions and sumac)

Musakhkhan (مُسَخَّن; also "musakhan" or "moussakhan") is a dish historically made by Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest season of October and November: naturally leavened flatbread is cooked in clay ovens, dipped in plenty of freshly pressed olive oil, and then covered with oily, richly caramelized onions fragrant with sumac. Modern versions of the dish add spiced, boiled and baked chicken along with toasted or fried pine nuts and almonds. It is eaten with the hands, and sometimes served alongside a soup made from the stock produced by boiling the chicken. The name of the dish literally means "heated," from سَخَّنَ "sakhkhana" "to heat" + the participle prefix مُـ "mu".

I have provided instructions for including 'chicken,' but I don't think the dish suffers from its lack: the rich, slightly sour fermented wheat bread, the deep sweetness of the caramelised onions, and the true, clean, bright expressions of olive oil and sumac make this dish a must-try even in its original, plainer form.

Musakhkhan is often considered to be the national dish of Palestine. Like foods such as za'tar, hummus, tahina, and frika, it is significant for its historical and emotional associations, and for the way it links people, place, identity, and memory; it is also understood to be symbolic of a deeply rooted connection to the land, and thus of liberation struggle. The dish is liberally covered with the fruit of Palestinian lands in the form of onions, olive oil, and sumac (the dried and ground berries of a wild-growing bush).

The symbolic resonance of olive oil may be imputed to its history in the area. In historical Palestine (before the British Mandate period), agriculture and income from agricultural exports made up the bulk of the economy. Under مُشَاعْ (mushā', "common"; also transliterated "musha'a") systems of land tenure, communally owned plots of land were divided into parcels which were rotated between members of large kinship groups (rather than one parcel belonging to a private owner and their descendants into perpetuity). Olive trees were grown over much of the land, including on terraced hills, and their oil was used for culinary purposes and to make soap; excess was exported. In the early 1920s, Palestinian farmers produced 5,000 tons of olive oil a year, making an average of 342,000 PL (Palestinian pounds, equivalent to pounds sterling) from exports to Egypt alone.

During the British Mandate period (from 1917 to 1948, when Britain was given the administration of Palestine by the League of Nations after World War 1), acres of densely populated and cultivated land were expropriated from Palestinians through legal strongarming of and direct violence against, including killing of, فَلّاَحين (fallahin, peasants; singular "فَلَّاح" "fallah") by British troops. This continued a campaign of dispossession that had begun in the late 19th century.

By 1941, an estimated 119,000 peasants had been dispossessed of land (30% of all Palestinian families involved in agriculture); many of them had moved to other areas, while those who stayed were largely destitute. The agriculturally rich Nablus area (north of Jerusalem), for example, was largely empty by 1934: Haaretz reported that it was "no longer the town of gold [i.e., oranges], neither is it the town of trade [i.e., olive oil]. Nablus rather has become the town of empty houses, of darkness and of misery". Farmers led rebellions against this expropriation in 1929, 1933, and 1936-9, which were brutually repressed by the British military.

Despite the number of farmers who had been displaced from their land by European Jewish private owners and cooperatives (which owned 24.5% of all cultivated land in Palestine by 1941), the amount of olives produced by Palestinians increased from 34,000 tons in 1931 to 78,300 in 1945, evidencing an investment in and expansion of agriculture by indigenous inhabitants. Thus it does not seem likely that vast swathes of land were "waste land," or that the musha' system did not allow for "development"!

Imprecations against the musha' system were nevertheless used as justification to force Palestinians from their land. After various Zionist organizations and militant groups succeeded in pushing Britain out of Palestine in 1948—clearing the way for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to be dispossessed or killed during the Nakba—the Israeli parliament began constructing a framework to render their expropriation of land legal; the Cultivation of Waste Lands Law of 1949, for example, allowed the requisition of uncultivated land, while the Absentees’ Property Law of 1950 allowed the state to requisition the land of people it had forced from their homes.

Israel profited from its dispossession of millions of dunums of land; 40,000 dunums of vineyards, 100,000 dunums of citrus groves, and 95% of the olive groves in the new state were stolen from Palestinians during this period, and the agricultural subsidies bolstered by these properties were used to lure new settlers in with promises of large incomes.

It also profited from the resulting "de-development" of the Palestinian economy, of which the decline in trade of olive oil furnishes a striking example. Palestinian olive farmers were unable to compete with the cheaper oils (olive and other types) with which Zionist, capital-driven industry flooded the market; by 1936, the 342,000 PL in olive oil exports of the early 1920s had fallen to 52,091 PL, and thereafter to nothing. While selling to a Palestinian captive market, Israel was also exporting the fruits of confiscated Palestinian land to Europe and elsewhere; in 1949, olives produced on stolen land were Israel's third-largest export. As of 2014, 12.9% of the olives exported to Europe were grown in the occupied West Bank alone.

This process of de-development and profiteering accelerated after Israel's military seizure of the West Bank and Gaza in 1967. In 1970, agriculture made up 34% of the GDP of the West Bank, and 31% of that of Gaza; in 2000, it was 16% and 18%, respectively. Many of those out of work due to expropriated or newly unworkable land were hired as day laborers on Israeli farms.

Meanwhile, Palestinians (and Israeli Palestinians) continued to plant and cultivate olives. The fact that Palestinians do not control their own water supplies or borders and may expect at any time to be barred by the military from harvesting their fields has discouraged investment and led to risk aversion (especially since the outmoding of the musha' system, which had minimized individual risk). In this environment, olive trees are attractive because they are low-input. They can subsist on rainwater (Israel monopolizes and poisons much of the region's water, and heavily taxes imports of materials that could be used to build irrigation systems), and don't require high-quality soil or daily weeding. Olive trees, unlike factories and agricultural technology, don't need large inputs of capital that stand to be wasted if the Israeli military destroys them.

Olive trees are therefore the chosen crop when proving a continued use of land in order to prevent the Israeli military from expropriating it under various "waste" or "absentee" land laws. Palestinians immediately plant olive seedlings on land they have been temporarily forced from, since even land that has lain fallow due to status as a military closed zone can be appropriated with this justification. The danger is so pressing that Palestinian agronomists encouraged this habit (as of 1993), despite the fact that Israeli competition and continual planting had lowered olive crop prices, and despite the decline in soil quality that results from never allowing land to lie fallow. In more recent years, olive trees have yielded primary or supplementary income for about 100,000 Palestinian families, producing up to 191 million USD in value in good years (including an average of 17,000 tons of olive oil yearly between 2001 and 2009).

Israeli soldiers and settlers have famously uprooted, vandalized, razed, and burned millions of these olive trees, as well as using military outposts to deny Palestinian farmers access to their olive crops. It prefers to restrict Palestinians to annual crops, such as vegetables and grains, and eliminate competition in permanent crops, such as fruit trees.

This targeting of olive trees increases during times of intensified conflict. During the currently ongoing olive harvest season (November 2023), Gazan olive farmers have reported being targeted by Israeli war planes; some farmers in the West Bank have given up on harvesting their trees altogether, due to threats issued by organized networks of settlers that they would kill anyone seen making the attempt.

The rootedness of olive trees in the history of Palestine gives them weight as a symbol of homeland, culture, and the fight for liberation. Palestinian olive harvest festivals, typically celebrated in October with singing, dancing, and eating, have inspired similar events elsewhere in the world, aimed at sharing Palestinian food and culture and expressing solidarity with those living under occupation.

Support Palestinian resistance by calling Elbit System’s (Israel’s primary weapons manufacturer) landlord, donating to Palestine Action’s bail fund, and donating to the Bay Area Anti-Repression Committee bail fund.

Ingredients:

For the dish:

2 pieces taboon bread, preferably freshly baked

2 large or 3 medium yellow onions (480g)

1 cup first cold press extra virgin olive oil (زيت زيتون البكر الممتاز)

1 Tbsp coarsely ground Levantine sumac (سماق شامي / sumaq shami), plus more to top

Ground black pepper

For the chicken (optional):

500g chicken substitute

5 green cardamom pods, or 1/4 tsp ground cardamom

4 cloves, or pinch ground cloves

1 Mediterranean bay leaf

1 Tbsp ground sumac

For the nut topping (optional):

2 Tbsp slivered almonds

2 Tbsp pine nuts

Neutral oil, for frying

Notes on ingredients:

Use the best olive oil that you can. You will want oil that has some opacity to it or some deposits in it. I used Aleppo brand olive oil (7 USD a liter at my local halal grocery).

If you want to replace the taboon bread with something less laborious, I would recommend something that mimics the rich, fermented flavor of the traditional, whole-wheat, naturally leavened bread. Many people today make taboon bread with white flour and commercial yeast—which you might mimic by using storebought naan or lavash, for example—but I think the slight sourness of the flatbread is a beautiful counterpoint to the brightness of the sumac and the sweetness of the caramelized onions. I would go with a sourdough pizza crust or something similar.

Your sumac should be coarsely ground, not finely powdered; and a deep, rich red, not pinkish in color (like the pile on the right, not the one on the left).

For this dish, a whole chicken is usually first boiled (perhaps with spices including bay leaves, cardamom, and cloves) and then baked, sometimes along with some of the oil from frying the onions. I call for just frying or baking instead; in my opinion, boiling often has a negative effect on the texture of meat substitutes.

Instructions:

For the onions:

1. Heat a cup of olive oil in a large skillet or pot. Fry onions on medium-low, stirring often, for 10 minutes or until translucent.

2. Add 1 Tbsp sumac and a few cracks of black pepper and reduce to low. Cook for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are sweet, reduced in volume, and pinkish in color.

For the chicken:

1. Briefly toast and finely grind spices except for sumac (cardamom, cloves, and bay leaf). Filter with a fine mesh sieve. Dip 'chicken' into the pot in which you fried the onions to coat it with olive oil, then rub spices (including sumac) onto the surface.

2. Sear chicken in a dry skillet until browned on all sides; or bake, uncovered, in the top third of an oven heated to 400 °F (200 °C) until browned.

For the nut topping:

1. Heat a neutral oil on medium in a small pot or skillet. Add almonds and fry for 2 minutes, until just starting to take on color. Add pine nuts and fry until both almonds and pine nuts are golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon.

To assemble:

1. Dip each flatbread in the olive oil used to fry the onions, then spread onions over the surface.

Some cooks dip the bread entirely into oil; others press it lightly into the surface of the oil in the pot on both sides, or one side; a more modern method calls for mixing the olive oil with chicken broth to lighten it. Consult your taste. I think the bread from my taboon recipe stands up well to being pressed into the oil on both sides without tearing or becoming soggy.

2. Top flatbread with chicken and several large pinches more sumac. Bake briefly in the oven (still heated to 400 °F / 200 °C), or broil on low, for 3-5 minutes, until the sumac and the surface of the bread have darkened a shade.

3. Top with fried nuts.

Musakhkhan is usually eaten by ripping the chicken into bite-sized pieces, tearing off a bit of bread, and eating the chicken using the bread.

Some cooks make a layered musakhkhan, adding two to three pieces of bread covered with onions on top of each other before topping the entire construction with chicken and pine nuts.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Matt Bors’s “Justice Warriors: Vote Harder”

On SEPTEMBER 24th, I'll be speaking IN PERSON at the BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY!

There's no political satirist working today quite like Matt "Mr Gotcha" Bors, whose 2023 masterpiece Justice Warriors just got a timely – and brutally funny – sequel, Justice Warriors: Vote Harder:

https://www.mattbors.com/store/p/justice-warriors-ffzgn

You've doubtless seen Matt Bors's work, which has repeatedly attained viral liftoff, most notably with his Mr Gotcha strips, easily one of the most useful additions to online political debate in internet history:

https://thenib.com/mister-gotcha/

Last year, Bors, along with Ben Clarkson and Felipe Sobreiro, published Justice Warriors, a postapocalyptic cyberpunk graphic novel in the vein of Warren Ellis's classic Transmetropolitan:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/05/22/libras-assemble/#the-uz

Justice Warriors is the tale of Bubble City, a domed enclave walled off from the teeming masses of the UZ (which stands for "Uninhabited Zone" – see what they did there?). Bubble City runs on vibes, therapy-speak, social media nonsense, memes and garbage hot-takes. And while there's a lot of broad satire here, the thing that makes Justice Warriors stand out is how its creators do the relatively straightforward futuristic exercise of asking themselves, "What if deeply unserious nonsense was taken seriously?"

Others have done this before – Mike Judge's Idiocracy, say – but Bors, Clarkson and Sobreiro attain a density of sight gags, trenchant wordplay, and outrageous cyberpunk imagery that is just next level. Think Al Jaffee meets William Gibson, with art direction by Vaughn Bode, who's had one too many at the Mos Eisley Cantina. To that, mix in all kinds of MAD Magazine style fake ads and social media postings, layering joke on gag, all of it walking the fine line between "you gotta cry" and "you gotta laugh."

Justice Warriors did big numbers, selling out three printings, and now the gang is back together for the sequel, Vote Harder, which drops just in time for the final, all consuming election-season media apocalypse.

Vote Harder sees Bubble City facing its first election in living memory, as the mayor – who inherited his position from his "powerful, strapping Papa" – loses a confidence vote by the city's trustees. They're upset with his plan to bankrupt the city in order to buy a laser powerful enough to carve his likeness into the sun as a viral stunt for the launch of his comeback album. The trustees are in no way mollified by the fact that he expects to make a lot of money selling special branded sunglasses that allow Bubble City (and the mutant hordes of the Uninhabited Zone) to safely look into the sun and see what their tax dollars bought.

So it's time for an election, and the two candidates are going hard: there's the incumbent Mayor Prince; there's his half-sister and ex-girlfriend, Stufina Vipix XII, and there's a dark-horse candidate Flauf Tanko, a mutant-tank cyborg that went rogue after a militant Home Owners Association disabled it and its owners abandoned it. Flauf-Tanko is determined to give the masses of the Uninhabited Zone the representation they've been denied for so long, despite the structural impediments to this (UZers need to complete a questionnaire, sub-forms, have three forms of ID, and present a rental contract, drivers license, work permit and breeding license. They also need to get their paperwork signed in person at a VERI-VOTE location, then wait 14 days to get their voter IDs by mail. Also, districts of 2 million or more mutants are allocated the equivalent of only 250,000 votes, but only if 51% of eligible voters show up to the polls; otherwise, their votes are parceled out to other candidates per the terms of the Undervoting and Apathy Allotment Act).

Despite the structural advantages afforded to Mayor Prince – like the fact that residents of District 12 on floors 120-145 of the Bubble each get 2048 votes, while District 1 (floors 1-7) only get a single vote – he's not taking any chances. Officer Schitt (a humanoid poop emoji) and the lovelorn Officer Swamp (an anthropomorphic catfish) are each prowling the Uz . Swamp – suffering from a head injury and gripped by a delusion that a TV cowboy has sent him to infiltrate the Flauf Tanko campaign – is playing spy/provocateur, while Schitt hunts dangerous subversives.

What unfolds is a funny, bitter, superb piece of political satire that could not be better timed.

The paperback edition of The Lost Cause, my nationally bestselling, hopeful solarpunk novel is out this month!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/09/11/uninhabited-zone/#eremption-season

[chocolatepot]

Rating: Mature Fandom: 人渣反派自救系统 - 墨香铜臭 | The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System - Mòxiāng Tóngxiù Relationship: Mobei-jun/Shang Qinghua Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Always a Different Gender or Sex, Female Mobei-jun/Female Shang Qinghua, POV Mobei-jun, Shang Qinghua in Sha Hualing's clothes, Bottom Shang Qinghua, Top Mobei-jun, maybe some consent issues but it's part and parcel with the whole moshang dynamic imo

Mobei-jun opens the door to her chamber, and finds that Shang Qinghua is actually on the other side of it; specifically, she’s sitting on the pile of furs that make up Mobei-jun’s bed. She makes a little surprised gasp when Mobei-jun enters, but Mobei-jun stares in absolute silence, without moving a muscle. Because Shang Qinghua isn’t wearing the plain, simple An Ding robes she normally has on, the ones that make her look like a harmless little human who can fade into the background. Instead, she has on a number of very transparent pieces of light blue silk that look like something Sha Hualing would be traipsing around in ...

I just haven't been able to write more than a couple of sentences at a time lately, so I unleashed my id and wrote a ridiculous spicy fem!Moshang ficlet today to try to prime the pump. Enjoy!

[ahauntedblog]

Thinking about The Substance from the perspective of all the other characters. Like it's a black market drug so most people have no idea it exists. But both Elisabeth and Sue were public figures.

First there's Elisabeth. After loosing her job she hardly goes outside. When she does she's often seen carrying a box. But if the police checked any cctv footage after she'd gone missing there would be no footage of her entering a post office or any other location where you normally pick up parcels. Also there's nothing on the box except a number. The only people she really speaks to during this period is a couple of people at a diner and an old school mate on the phone.

Then there's Sue. She's taken over Elisabeth's spot on TV. And moved into her apartment? Or at least according to her neighbor. But there's no evidence Elisabeth moved out? And there's CCTV footage of both women leaving the building separately, but never on the same week, after Elisabeth had reportedly moved out. And Sue had people round, and they never saw Elisabeth, but there was no sign of Elisabeth leaving either. Then both women disappear around the same time. And when they check the apartment it has all Elisabeth's furniture. Not to mention the blood stains, the smashed up table, and the secret room in the bathroom. So they decide to look into both women. Except it seems Sue has no id, no social security number, and no one knows where she came from. She says she's from a farm in Idaho (was it Idaho my memory for place names sucks), but her last name doesn't match any of the families that own these farms. And even if they contacted them they'd all say 1) they have no daughters (around that age) 2) their daughter lives at home 3) she doesn't live at home but they know where she is, 4) she's dead or 5) she is missing but she looks nothing like Sue. Oh and she has no medical records or anything. They're sure Sue must be a fake name but no one knows what her real one could be. None of the public seem to recognise her from before she was on TV. She appeared with out a trace and disappeared the same way.

Then if that's not weird enough there's the fact the last person seen leaving the apartment (by another person) was a very old woman. Except there's no cctv footage of her entering the building? So where did she come from?

Then there's the "monster" that appeared at the new years eve show. Wearing the dress Sue had last been seen wearing. If it wasn't for the body parts exploding and the head regrowing maybe its appearance could be explained as an "unfortunate combination of or particualrly severe deformities" (doctors are saying none they've ever heard of or would have thought medically possible). But no there is something unatural about this thing. And CCTV footage shows it leaving the building of Elisabeth/Sue's apartment. After both the old woman and Sue were seen entering it. And if the only weird thing had been this monster then you could come to the conclusion it had killed Elisabeth and/or Sue. But that doesn't explain the weird stuff going on before New Years Eve. And who is that old woman? Should she be treated as a suspect or a third missing person?

True Crime enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists in the substance universe are probably going nuts.

[alespov]

Preach til the morning light.- A.Wesker 18+

Tw: Content: No mention of religion, he's really just posing as a priest. Umbrella is cult-like. Swearing, smut to come in later chapters. age gap, creepy creature… anything else lmk loves

a/n : this is going to be a dark fic! I don’t condone this in real life! Feedback is appreciated, requests are open! (If the text is to small, don’t hesitate to ask for bigger text :) )

Consider Supporting me of Ko-Fi

As autumn leaves shifted their hues, a growing eagerness to depart from your stagnant hometown emerged. You and your mother were about to embark on a fresh chapter in Raccoon City, reuniting with family and liberating yourselves from the stresses of your former existence.

Upon setting foot inside your new residence, a surge of thrill washed over you. The charming essence of the house embraced you as you ascended the staircase towards your bedroom. Bathed in gentle sunlight filtering through the windows, it epitomized the idyllic sanctuary you had always imagined. Eagerly, you began to unpack and create a space that was truly yours. You occupied the bright upstairs bedroom while your mother chose the one on the ground floor.

Each possession that emerged from the moving boxes contributed to crafting a snug refuge for your soul. Beloved novels found their home on shelves, cherished photographs were displayed as reminders of fonder times, and nostalgia blossomed while recalling halcyon days when life was uncomplicated.

"Honey!" your mother's tender voice permeated through the air, urging you to reluctantly set aside your book. You hesitantly rose from the soft embrace of your bed and navigated the stairs to locate the living room. There, amidst flickering light from the television screen, your mom lounged comfortably on the sofa, leisurely absorbed in her show.

Upon turning off the television, a deafening silence filled the room, amplifying her burgeoning sense of unease. Her eyes, brimming with anxiety, locked onto yours as she inquired, "Have you noticed the alarming number of people vanishing lately?" Her voice trembled with palpable concern, and understandably so - such occurrences belonged to the world of fiction, not reality.

"Before I forget, I have a little something for you," she mentioned with hope as she made her way to her bedroom. She reemerged holding a dark green gift bag. "I'm always worried about you being out late, so I just wanted to help ensure your safety." Her laughter was strained and nervous; she was visibly unsettled. Handing over the bag, she embraced your appreciative hug. "Thanks, Mom. I truly appreciate it. But please don't stress about me," you told her gently while giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. She offered a bittersweet smile and responded, "I know, but after losing your sister and your dad... I can't help it." Tears streamed down her cheeks; your heart weighed heavy with guilt. Dabbing at her eyes, she motioned towards the bag.

As you delicately unwrapped the tissue-covered parcel, anticipation surged through you; her eyes danced with excitement. "Go on, open it already," she urged playfully; her infectious laughter warmed the room.

A soft gasp escaped your lips as a self-defense keychain was unveiled alongside a coordinating student ID holder. Both were adorned in your most treasured color - one that deeply resonated within your soul and intertwined with the present moment.

"Wow Mom, this is amazing! I love it - thank you so much," you expressed gratefully. After nodding in acknowledgement and exchanging smiles, you both went on to enjoy the rest of the evening separately. Clutching your bag and new keychain, you ventured out the door to make your way to work.

You genuinely enjoyed your job, and your colleagues were pleasant, with the exception of Victoria. Even though you had minimal interaction with her, she would deliberately make your life miserable for no obvious reason – from splashing water on you to knocking over books and taking unplanned days off. You were greatly irritated by her behavior, but there was nothing you could do about it. Victoria was quite popular and well-known.

Fortunately, she had called off today which turned out to be a hidden blessing. However, that also meant you had the responsibility of closing the library all by yourself. There weren't many people around today, so your workload was relatively light.

As evening approached and the sun vanished beneath the horizon, the library doors slowly shut. With the keys securely in your possession, a satisfying click echoed through the desolate streets, signaling the arrival of a peaceful nighttime ambiance. With the day's hustle and bustle finally over, you eagerly anticipated the warmth and relaxation waiting for you at home.

Quietly approaching your car, your fingertips gently traced the cold metal of the door handle. A serene atmosphere embraced the crisp night air, and all you wanted was to head home. However, something felt amiss, and you could sense it in the atmosphere. As you unlocked the door and reached to open it, suddenly someone grabbed your arm. Terrified, you glanced up and saw what used to be a man. His chin looked like it was half-separated from his face, with his skin slowly peeling away. Struggling to breathe amid choking on saliva emitted an even more unsettling aura.

you felt the whirlwind of emotions, the terror and vulnerability overwhelming you like a tidal wave. Your heart raced as if it were trying to outrun your tormentor, while the deafening sounds of the city seemed to mock your desperation. At that moment, the collision with the stranger felt like another attack, only adding to the chaos that had consumed you. You let out a piercing scream, causing the man to cover his ears and fall to the ground. Seizing the opportunity, you ran, dropping your belongings in the process. As you collided with another person, your fear escalated, making you sob uncontrollably.

"NO... let me go!" You continued to hit before you heard a soothing voice. Just as the stranger began to feel the full force of your distress, a surge of empathy erupted from within. They quickly wrapped their arms around you.

"Please, dear, calm down. You're safe with us, especially with me." You felt lightheaded, and soon you were struggling to keep your eyes open.

- sorry for the cliffhanger babes <\3

[sabrinahawthorne]

The Forever Game, pt 2: What Gets to Be a Forever Game?

referencing this post

Let's talk about what counts as a Forever Game, shall we? Considering it's a term I saw once on a post I can no longer find and proceeded to formalize with Proper Noun Caps, it certainly can't prove to be a reductive taxonomy, can it?

As I mentioned in part 1, I think of Forever Games as being a type of game on its own - something with a certain approach to character design & progression, which is built with some assumption of long-term play. After all, I don't usually suggest Mage: The Awakening as a one-shot game.

This conception clearly isn't universal - a number of respondents brought up the fact that just about any game can be the one a table comes back to as their baseline, so long as they like it enough. And that's absolutely true - For the end user, any game can serve any purpose. Unfortunately, and with respect to the people who brought it up, this observation just isn't very useful for our purposes.

It's absolutely true that any game can be someone's forever game. But that's a feature of tabletop games as a medium - the fact is, at the end of the day all games take place inside our heads. This is why people use D&D 5th edition as a murder mystery game, or a tabletop-visual-novel; they understand that the fundamental mechanism of this art form is the limitless power of imagination, and are comfortable using the same rules framework every time to build whatever narrative they like, regardless of whether or not better-tailored alternatives exist.

If we want to get on the same page about Forever Games, we need to look at something concrete - like on-paper design of games themselves. That in mind, let me put forth some qualities that a Forever Game might have:

Almost certainly a trad game. While games like Wanderhome exist, the vast majority of titles I'd list as forever game candidates have a GM and probably use at least two denominations of dice.

A multi-faceted character framework. In other words, a race/class system is better suited for a Forever Game than simple Playbooks, generally speaking. This is for replayability's sake. Some folks play wizards all the time, every time - but if you've just spent five years as Slagnarr the Axinator, it might be nice to start over as a healer for the next go round.

A customizable progression track. The more a game allows you to make a capital-B-Build, the better. This is part & parcel with the above point, re: replayability, but it serves another purpose - embodying your character concept. Imagination is well and good, but there's something special about having a class feature that supports the way you want to play your character. It makes them feel more real.

At least one game mode that involves intricate mechanical interactions. The classic version of this is a grid combat system - but a crunchy exploration system or involved crafting mechanic are also good examples of this. The more rich and interesting a game's... well, game elements are, the better the game will hold up over time. Note that I don't say complex, but rich. There's a reason GURPS light is more popular than the full ruleset. Games tend to last longer when they give more of the table something to be doing at any given time, minimizing dead zones in play.

Little in the way of social mechanics. Hear me out on this - for a lot of tables, the ability to get together with friends, put on a mask, and goof off without fear of social repercussion is a huge draw. Having to do the same kinds of rules reference for politicking that you use for mosnter slaying doesn't facilitate the fantasy; it hinders freedom of play. You want the chance to fail your Will save because it creates interesting drama. The idea that you might be punished for shamelessly flirting with the King while his consort is Right There ruins the fun. A table's forever game is going to be something that lets them play casually. I don't think this is a controversial opinion; the idea of a "beer and pretzels" game is older than I am, and anyone who's been in a long-term game with friends knows how loosey-goosey things can get. I think that facilitating jokes has a solid correlation to facilitating coming back to the game.

This isn't really working towards anything. Really, I just wanted to take the opportunity of my own vagueness to elaborate a bit on what exactly I mean when I say "forever game," so if I decide to keep poking the hornet's nest, we can at least agree on whether I'm using a stick or a branch.

[f-abulas]

’Hmm, interesting…”

Diamond sat at his desk, late’ beside the book he’d been reading. It was a book containing brief summaries of the Genius Society members, one in particular was being a nuisance for a number of reasons. Taking a small sip, his peace and quiet was disturbed by the barging of his office door. Deep brown eyes glare. Stopping the underling in his tracks, by the uniform it was the marketing department.

Great.

“You have five minutes. Explain your entrance. Go.”

The man sputtered. “Y-yes sir! The marketing department has f-finished the sample of Director Aventurine’s cologne. W-we were told to give y-you the first one.” He quickly placed a colorful box on his desk before excusing himself and leaving, the man raised a brow at the parcel. It was green, bright and gaudy… like his son’s style. He doubted that the man would actually commission the marketing department to publish a perfume based on himself.

He was curious as to how the mixers did. Popping the box open, he gave an amused smile at the bottle before taking an un used napkin. Spraying it heavily he took a whiff and… coughed. Wrinkling his nose at the scents, “Ung, how much are they under paid to not come even close?”

It was a mishmash of scents. Strong smells of Kumquat and red currant, sour to the nose. Mixed with geranium… which was already heavy in itself and a.. bitter smell? What WAS that? It smelt awful to him… was this the perfume he sprayed on himself? Should I ask them to redo this? If Kakavasha did ask for this, then Id highly recommends he rethink these notes.

Diamond put the horrible mix back in the box. This did not represent his child at all, it was far too chaotic and didn’t even hint at the Stoneheart. “Perhaps I’ll buzz him up here…”

No really if his child wanted to sell this, he doubted looks alone were going to earn him a profit.

[blurban-form]

Non-mail Post Office Services

Dad needs to get an address changed on what looks like his driver’s license in “Dance Mode”. He does this at a post office. (This is unusual from a North American POV, as this isn’t a service at our post offices.)

Australian Post Offices offer a number of non-mail services, including passport renewals, renewing drivers licenses, ID verification for real estate transactions, and getting documents notarized, amongst others.

You can also do typical post office stuff of course, like wait in line to mail parcels, and there are things for sale:

Like this book on space… (it was pointed out by a keen-eyed fan of this Tumblr that this isn’t the book from “Sleepytime”! My mistake, good though that Bingo spotted a book on space and took a look at it!)

and musical greeting cards…

[apresmidiaparis]

A Canadian Lolita’s guide to custom fees and self clearance!

***All of this is information is based on my experiences with the subject. I am not an expert and this is just advice.***

I’ve gotten most of my information by just googling “how to self clear a package Canada” and the following article. Please do your own research on addition to this guide!

https://borderbee.com/2014/01/13/how-to-self-clear-your-parcel-with-customs/

What are custom fees?

For most USA based lolitas, they have never faced customs and duties when receiving a package unless it is over 1000$ worth or more (the reasons for this I dont think I could explain very well, so please do us both a favour and if your curious just google it :,) )

Unfortunately for all of us who do not live in the US of A, we have to face taxation and fees on any imported shipment outside of the country. Yes, that means all of your beloved burando is going to cost even MORE! T^T

The price of these fees will be determined by you provinces tax % (in Quebec, taxes are around 15% of the total amount spent) and if you choose to accept the courrier company’s brokerage fees.

What are brokerage fees?

Brokerage fees are a fee imposed onto you by the courrier company for acting as your broker and clearing your shipments customs for you. These fees, like taxes vary with the amount spent and from company to company.

UPS notarially has the most expensive brokerage fees. As an example, I bought a dress from a us seller on lace market for around 285$ and my customs and duties came up to around 90$. They were trying to charge me more brokerage fees than taxes! If I remember correctly, it was around 50$ for the brokerage fees and 40$ of taxes.

I avoided these insanely high and unwanted fees by self clearing my package.

What is self clearance?

You can probably guess that self clearing is not accepting your courrier service to act as you broker and clearing your customs yourself.

This sounds intimidating and like you need a law degree to go through with it but I promise you this is so easy. There’s only 4 steps to this.

Step number one

First step is to find you courrier services email adresse or phone number.

Since I’m a girlypop with phone anxiety, I usually choose to contact them no matter what by email and sometimes that can be hard to find! Because these companies want to make money, they kind of want to make this as hard for you to do as possible! If you’d like to call them, The phone numbers for customer service is usually very clearly displayed on their official websites.

Here are the two email addresses that I’ve successfully self cleared my packages with in Quebec, Canada. I’ll try and add to this post when I have more!

UPS : custsvccaen@ups.com

FedEx : clearancehelpline@fedex.com

Once you have the email address, you send them a polite email saying

“hello, I would like to self clear my package with the following tracking number : [enter your tracking # here]. Can you please send me the necessary documents to do so?”

If you are uncertain about the email address you can always ask in advance that if they can’t help you to transfer you to someone who can.

Wait for a response with your needed documents, usually you will receive a response within 1 business days depending on the time of day you sent it.

Step number two

Print out ALL of the documents given to you. You are better off being over prepared than underprepared.

Step number three

You need to find your local CBSA office and get your poofy self down there. You can find your nearest cbsa by just googling cbsa [name of your city].

*Most if not all cbsa offices open at 8am and close at 4pm and are NOT open on weekends, so be aware of this if you work a 9-5*

Once you’re there you just need to wait in line, tell the customs officers that you’re there to pay your custom fees on a self cleared package and from there on they will tell you what to do and who to talk to. Make sure to bring ID with picture and corresponding address, just in case.

They might make you fill stuff out, they might not, all depending on how much information your shopping service gave the courrier service. When they’ve confirmed everything, they will ask for you to pay the taxes that are due and will give you a receipt. KEEP THE RECEIPT and pay attention to make sure they stamp it!

Step number four (final)

Take a picture or scan receipt and documents given back to you and send a copy back to the email address that sent you your documents (or if they direct you to send the receipt to another address, follow their instructions). Your courrier service needs to have proof that you have paid for your customs and duties.

And there you go! You have successfully self cleared a your package!

Sometimes you will have to pick up your package at l one of your courrier service’s locations but other times they will just proceed with the delivery as usual. They usually tell you in advance if you need to pick it up, but checking your tracking Is a more effective way to determine whether or not you need to do so.

If you do end up picking it up, be sure to bring your receipt and documents when getting it so the employees will have an easier time finding your package. Again, better to be over prepared than under prepared!

Extra tips!

- stick up for yourself! You have every right to self clear and you should not take no for an answer under any circumstances! The delivery people can be at your doorstep and you can and should deny accepting the delivery until they recognize that you self cleared or are self clearing your package.

- you should act as quickly as possible if you want to do this, especially if you have chosen an express delivery.

- usually you should only start this process when your package has entered Canada, but most of the time I have had success self clearing the second I get a customs invoice. I have had some unsuccessful attempts starting this process early with DHL though.

- in my experience, no two self clearances are ever the same. Sometimes it can go extremely smoothly and other times you be scared that they’ll send the package back to the sender. Be calm and always prepare for the worst.

- you should almost always declare your package as a gift, if your package is worth less than or equal to 60$ Canadian, you should not get charged custom fees. If it is more than, they should only charge you [the actual amount] - 60$cad (example 100$ - 60 = you should only pay 40$ worth of customs)

If you have any feedback on this I’d love to hear it! Again I’m just an amateur speaking from experience! :)

[fastwiemagie]

Nähkromanten* advent calendar swap exchange 2023!

*that's a wordplay from our sewing forum that really only works well in German. I assume you now what a necromancer is. It involves black magic... "Nekromant" or the plural "Nekromanten" is the German word for it. We're a sewing community though (well crafts community really, but it all started with sewing) and sewing = nähen in German. Thus, Nähkromanten. Some weird folk practicing sewing magic!

I decided to store the advent calendar in the amazing spiral shelf I have in my living room. For that I had to condense the usual decor a bit for that purpose. The calendar looks so pretty & festive in the shelf now!

!! I'm happy I thought about that place for it. Present number 3 of the calendar is big & flat, so it didn't really fit onto the shelf and I stuck it onto a bag (held by a cardigan I need to mend) close to the shelf. Works for me!

[id]Picture 1: Shows the advent calendar put away in the spiral shelf. The individual parcels are wrapped in green & red wrapping paper, with a white snowflake pattern on both! They look very festive and on brand.

Picture 2 & 3: A big brown parcel with a tabby cat sitting on top of it (and scratching at the parcel in picture 3).

Picture 4-6: All the individual parcels of the advent calendar (wrapped in green & red wrapping paper with white snowflakes printed on it) spread out on top of a big brown table. They're arranged in order of the numbers. In pic. 4 & 6 a brown tabby cat is walking over the table and checking everything out. Pic 5 is everything spread out without the cat.

Picture 7: Shows the "before" picture of the spiral shelf, before I re- arranged stuff and added the handmade advent calendar.

Picture 8: Shows the advent calendar put away in the spiral shelf & the present for day 3 hanging out nearby because it wouldn't fit into the shelf.

[/id]

[courierdelhi24x7]

Fast & Secure Medicine Courier from Bangalore to Canada

When it involves fitness, there’s no room for delays or uncertainty.

With lots of Indian families residing overseas, especially in countries like Canada, the need for relied-on remedy courier offerings has grown rapidly. Whether it’s a life-saving medicine, ongoing treatment, or conventional medication not available domestically, Couriers24x7 guarantees your Medicnes courier from bangalore to Canada on time, every time.

From Bengaluru’s pharma shops to doorsteps in Toronto, Vancouver, or Calgary — we concentrate on handing over medicines across borders with velocity, protection, and compliance.

Bangalore to Canada – A Trusted Healthcare Bridge

Bangalore, India’s tech and pharma capital, is home to a number of the country’s best pharmaceutical providers. It's no surprise many rely on its resources to send drug treatments overseas. Canada, while advanced in healthcare, sometimes lacks access to:

Specific Indian brands

Ayurveda-based formulations

Low-cost generics

So, what happens when your family member in Canada urgently needs a medicine only available in India? That’s where Couriers24x7 steps in — bridging the distance between care and loved ones.

Who Uses Our Service?

Our Bangalore-to-Canada medicinal drug courier service supports a wide range of people and scenarios:

Students in Canada needing ongoing medicines

Seniors relying on traditional Indian medicines

Parents sending remedy kits for chronic conditions

Families sharing Ayurvedic immunity boosters and wellness products

NRIs relying on trusted Indian drug brands

We understand how emotional and critical these deliveries are — and we handle each one with utmost responsibility.

What Can You Ship?

With us, you can ship a wide range of medicinal and healthcare products, including:

Prescription-based drug treatments (with valid documentation)

Generic and branded allopathic pills

Homeopathic and Ayurvedic drugs

Personal medical devices (e.g., insulin pens, nebulizers)

OTC products, health supplements, vitamins

Baby medicines or senior care supplies

Note: Narcotic or controlled tablets, and items not cleared by Canadian customs, cannot be shipped.

End-to-End Support – From Pickup to Delivery

Shipping medicines internationally isn’t like sending a regular parcel. It needs special care, documentation, and knowledge of regulations. At Couriers24x7, we offer a complete solution:

Free Pickup in Bangalore Schedule a pickup online or call our team — we’ll arrange it from your home, office, or pharmacy in Bangalore.

Documentation Assistance Don’t know what’s required? We help you prepare:

A copy of the doctor’s prescription

Invoice of the medicines

Sender’s government ID

Authorization letter (if sending for someone else)

Safe & Specialized Packaging We use high-quality, tamper-proof packaging. For temperature-sensitive drugs, we offer insulated containers and cold-chain packaging options.

Customs Guidance We handle customs clearance in India and Canada — ensuring compliance and avoiding delays.

Live Tracking & Updates Track your parcel in real-time with our portal and receive updates at every milestone.

Doorstep Delivery in Canada We deliver directly to the recipient’s address — whether in a major city or small town.

Why Families Trust Couriers24x7

We’re not just another logistics company — we’re focused on care delivery, not just product delivery.

Specialized in Medicine Logistics Built specifically for medical needs — trusted by doctors, pharmacists, and families.

Global Network, Local Support Local pickup in Bangalore + reliable delivery partners in Canada.

Express & Standard Shipping Options Choose:

Fast-track (3–5 business days)

Cost-effective standard (5–10 business days)

Temperature Control for Sensitive Meds Essential for insulin, vaccines, and other heat-sensitive items.

Affordable Pricing Transparent, budget-friendly pricing — no hidden charges.

24/7 Customer Assistance Just a call or WhatsApp away — we’re always ready to help.

Coverage Across Canada

We cover every major city and province, including:

Toronto

Vancouver

Ottawa

Calgary

Edmonton

Winnipeg

Halifax

Montreal

Mississauga

Brampton

...and more across the country

What Customers Say

Shreya P. – Bangalore "My brother in Toronto needed regular Ayurvedic medicines for digestion. I tried Couriers24x7, and the experience was smooth and professional. Delivered in 4 days!"

Anil M. – Toronto "I depend on Indian medicines for my parents. Couriers24x7 has never failed me — fast delivery and safe packaging every time."

A Note on Compliance

Health Canada and CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) have clear policies for importing medicines. With Couriers24x7, you don’t need to worry about getting stuck in legal technicalities.

We:

Pre-check every shipment

Prepare declarations

Ensure full compliance before your package leaves India

Tip: Always include a valid prescription and invoice for personal-use items. Unsure about a product? Speak to our team before booking.

Final Words

Your loved one’s health shouldn’t have to wait.

With Couriers24x7, sending medicines from Bangalore to Canada is now fast, compliant, and stress-free. From doorstep pickup in India to careful handover in Canada, we handle it all.

Health is precious — and so is peace of mind. Let us help you deliver both.

[courierduniablog]

Guide to Shipping with DHL Courier from Mumbai to Australia

Are you planning to send a parcel using DHL Courier from Mumbai to Australia or from Mumbai? Whether it's personal items, business documents, or gifts for loved ones, using a trusted service like DHL can make the process simple and worry-free. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about shipping with DHL — from how it works to the cost and tips for a smooth delivery.

Why Choose DHL Courier from Mumbai to Australia?

DHL is one of the most well-known names in global shipping. It offers fast and secure services for both personal and commercial shipments. If you’re thinking of using a DHL courier from Mumbai to Australia, you’ll benefit from features like:

Fast delivery times

Door-to-door pickup and delivery

Live tracking of your parcel

Help with customs clearance

Worldwide support network

If you’ve used DHL courier from Chennai to Australia or any other Indian city before, you already know how efficient their service is. From Mumbai, you get the same world-class experience.

How to Send DHL Courier from Mumbai to Australia

Sending a parcel internationally is easy when you know the right steps. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process:

1. Pack Your Parcel Safely

Choose a strong box or envelope depending on what you are sending. Make sure items are packed with enough protection to avoid damage during transport. Use bubble wrap or packing paper when needed.

2. Check What You Can and Cannot Send

Before you send your parcel, check DHL’s list of restricted and prohibited items. For example, you cannot send liquids, flammable materials, or some types of food. If you’re unsure, talk to your nearest International Courier in Mumbai or contact DHL customer care.

3. Get the Paperwork Ready

You’ll need to provide basic documents such as:

A valid government ID

An invoice or packing list for the shipment

A customs declaration form

If you’re sending business goods, you might also need a GST number or commercial invoice. DHL and local courier partners can help you complete these documents.

4. Book a Pickup or Drop Off Your Package

You can either schedule a pickup online or drop your parcel at a DHL service point. For those using a local international courier in Mumbai, many offer pickup services right from your home or office for added convenience.

Understanding DHL Courier Charges to Australia

When it comes to DHL Courier Charges to Australia, the cost depends on several factors:

Weight and size of the package

Type of goods (documents, personal items, business shipments)

Delivery speed (Express vs. Economy)

Insurance or declared value

Destination within Australia

To get the best rates, you can compare prices through services like Courier Dunia, which helps you find affordable options and even discounted DHL shipping rates.

What Can You Send with DHL?

Here are some common types of items sent through DHL courier from Chennai to Australia or Mumbai:

Documents and certificates

Personal items like clothes and shoes

Gifts and electronics (with original invoices)

Business samples or commercial products

Medicines with a valid prescription

Make sure that your items follow Australian import rules. Courier services like DHL can guide you, and experienced local couriers can assist with document preparation and product eligibility.

Choosing the Right International Courier in Mumbai

Mumbai is a major international hub, which means you have access to many courier companies. However, not all offer the same level of service, price, or support. When choosing an international courier in Mumbai, look for:

Tie-ups with leading services like DHL

Transparent pricing

Pickup and packing assistance

Reliable customer service

Help with customs paperwork

Courier Dunia is one such company that works with DHL and other major courier networks. They offer easy booking, great prices, and expert support — making them a popular choice for people sending parcels from Mumbai to Australia and other countries.

Tips for Hassle-Free Shipping

To make sure your DHL courier from Mumbai to Australia reaches its destination on time and safely, follow these tips:

Double-check the address (include postal code and phone number)

Use good-quality packaging to protect your items

Avoid sending restricted items to prevent customs delays

Fill in all paperwork accurately

Track your shipment using the DHL tracking number

Keep receipts and copies of important documents

When in doubt, ask your courier service for guidance. Using a well-known International Courier in India like Courier Dunia makes the process simple, even for first-time shippers.

Conclusion

Sending parcels from Mumbai to Australia doesn’t have to be complicated. With DHL, you get a world-class courier service trusted across the globe. And with help from a reliable partner like Courier Dunia, your shipment is in good hands every step of the way.

Whether you’ve used a DHL courier from Chennai to Australia before or this is your first time shipping internationally, following the steps in this guide will make the process easy and smooth.

[autisticiantojvnes]

[ID: Fourteen gifs of Torchwood. The first gif shows Ianto Jones walking into Torchwood's temporary hub with several shopping bags and parcels. Jack Harkness calls from off-screen: "Where've you been? We thought you'd got arrested." Ianto answers: "Just buying essentials. Technology's one thing, but let's not forget the creature comforts." The second gif shows Ianto getting a bar of chocolate out of his suit's inner pocket and showing Jack as he tells him: "I've got a secret weapon. Chocolate, preferably dark." The third gif shows Ianto walking through the Hub with a tray of tea mugs. The fourth gif shows him telling Beth Halloran: "You'll probably get dehydrated during the probing." He helps her take a sip of a water bottle through a straw stuck in it.

The fifth gif shows him telling Jack: "I've got reception, sir." Jack asks, baffled: "How do you do that? We're sealed off!" Ianto answers: "Just used the Water Tower as a relay." The sixth gif shows Jack, outside with the wind blowing through his hair, asking: "Tosh, can you get a tracking signal?" Ianto calls: "Already done. I took the liberty." The seventh gif shows Ianto telling Gwen Cooper: "There's a package on your desk." He smiles awkwardly at her, and she slowly turns to leave. The eighth gif shows him telling Adam, as he flips through Ianto's diary: "My diary. You're not in it. Everyone else is. Why would I leave you out when you've been here so long?"

The ninth gif shows Ianto counting time on his pocket watch: "Nine minutes fifty, forty-nine, forty-eight..." John Hart looks up in horror. Ianto holds up the pocket watch and says with a bright smile: "Always at the ready!" The tenth gif shows Toshiko Sato saying: "The software can't function properly." Ianto replies: "It's narrowed the numbers down. I could check through the rest. The old fashioned way. With my eyes." He points to his eyes. The eleventh gif shows two scenes, the first of Jack rushing out of his office, with Ianto calmly taking his coat off the hook and handing it to him. The second scene shows the Hub shaking and the light flickering, with Jack leaning on Ianto as they leave. As they pass through his office, Ianto takes Jack's coat off the hook.

The twelfth gif shows Ianto holding a dead, partially Cyberman-converted body, as he tells an off-screen Lisa Hallett: "I'll hide the body. Everything's gonna be OK." The thirteenth gif shows the Torchwood team (Gwen, Tosh, and Owen Harper) looking on in annoyance and frustration as Jack drives away in the SUV. Ianto crosses the street and raises his arm as he shouts: "TAXI!" The fourteenth gif shows Ianto, in a hardhat and reflective vest, driving a forklift as he takes out a chunk of concrete from a building. End ID]

ianto jones + being a reliable & efficient king

“I think Ianto likes things that run like clockwork – literally – and he doesn’t like to rely on machines. He’s much more drawn to hard copies of things, like his diary, and books that have been written hundreds of years ago. That need for things that are timeless and lasting works to his advantage in Adam, when he goes to his diary, which cannot lie or be tempered with. […] And, on another level, Jack is timeless and lasting, too, and you see Ianto’s fascination after he sees him on the screen in From Out Of The Rain. So I do love all that. The reliability of his personality, which he tries to hide a lot of the time.” (Gareth David-Lloyd, Torchwood – The Official Magazine, Issue #5, 2008)

[couriermedicines]

Sending medicines abroad from India

Sending medicines abroad from India involves a few factors that you need to keep in mind:

Step 1: CHOOSE SERVICE:

▪️ Specialist:

The most important step involves opting for an authorised courier service company, which complies to the local and international standards, and I can assure you with my previous experience that courier medicines rank as number one company that you can blindly trust upon. Many courier services are unable to fulfil your order because of Lack of Equipped Knowledge to send medicines abroad, so therefore you need to verify whether they’ll be able to deliver certain type of medicines or not. To verify this, do check customer reviews and feedbacks on their website to know about genuineness. This is something we all do even to order food, then why not with choosing right courier company for Medicine Courier Service .

▪️ Experience:

All of us check doctor’s experience and patient feedbacks before consultation to know how good they are right?

Likewise, do you check companies experience before purchasing or getting service done from them?

If not, then this is the foremost factor - that how many years of experience a company has, which shows their potential, and how promising their services are.

▪️ Pricing:

Before opting for a courier service, you must compare the pricing of the medicine shipment. There are many courier companies you can check, compare and negotiate with.

After all there’s a saying that, ‘every penny counts.

▪️ Network:

Only an experienced courier company is well-acquainted as to which logistics service provider like -FedEx, DHL, Aramex, UPS, is appropriate for sending your medicines hassle-free. This is because, different countries and several types of medicines require special considerations that need to be fulfilled. You can unhesitatingly choose the ‘Courier medicines’ company that will help you in this aspect, because they are familiar of the correct service providers that will deliver your parcel smoothly.

Step 2 - MEDICINE EXPORT RULES AND REGULATIONS:

▪️ Prohibited Medicines:

One must be thinking of what could be the prohibited medicines? According to my past experience, I have faced issues in sending anxiety pills abroad because medicines like sleep pills, pills for ADHD, anxiety, strong painkillers etc. can lead to potential misuse by individuals. You must review the regulations of the country to which you are sending medicines as some medications require license and might go through strict export procedures. For example, sending Narcotic Medicines is banned so one should take guidance by choosing a perfect medicine courier company.

▪️ Allowed:

Some of the commonly shipped medicines which are allowed include- cold and flu pills, for cardiac ailments, anti-infectives, gastro-intestinal, anti-diabetics, and vitamins. 

Make sure your medications are permissible and meet the guidelines established by the specific authorities, as some of them need special permits, standards approval, and quality checks to maintain like Cold storage. They must pass all regulatory audits and inspections that is why we recommend you to choose a courier service that keeps you well informed about such permits.

Step 3- DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS OF CUSTOMER:

▪️ prescription: - An original prescription from a registered practitioner needs to be accompanied with the medicines. The prescription should include the name and dosage of the medicines and its purpose, with age of the patient and doctor’s signature.

▪️ Pharmacy invoice:

It should clearly mention name of medicines with HSN Code, Batch No. Expiry, MRP of medicines, Doctor’s name, patient’s name, date of bill generated, pharmacy name with stamp to validate it with prescription.

▪️ Receiver’s Identification:

The customs require ID proof of the receiver who is the patient. The
ID can be either local Id of a specific country or passport which is integral for verification of other documents.

▪️ Export invoice:

The export invoice which is needed for custom clearance is mandatory to be attached with medicine parcel as it consists of details of medicines, and has to be complete.

One of my close friends has complained about custom rejection of medicine because dosage details of the export invoice and prescription did not match. So, it’s better to consult the right courier company to reduce the risk of elimination.

You can contact the ‘Courier Medicines’ company as their expert team coordinates with customs on your behalf to resolve any issues.

Step 4: PACKAGING OF THE MEDICINES:

▪️ Hard Packing:

To avoid medicine damage or spilling it is necessary to acknowledge fragile medicines and use bubble wrap, pharmocol wrap, hard container, cushion wrap, foam wrap etc. wherever required to secure the packaging.

▪️ Labelling:

The label on parcel should be absolutely correct, as it indicates the sender’s name, contact and address following the same with receiver’s details.

Step 5: TRANSIT TIME AND TRACKING:

▪️ Delivery time:

Transit time means the total time it takes for a shipment to move from the point of origin to the destination including all transportation process.

▪️ Ask for Tracking link:

Courier company will provide you tracking link to track your parcel as both have to make sure your shipment is being transported smoothly.

In case of any hindrance, you must inform the courier company or vice versa to solve it quickly and efficiently.

▪️ Express shipping for sensitive medicines:

Some sensitive medicines need to be delivered shortly so track them by asking the courier service about the delivery timing. Choose an express shipping service for a timely or short delivery, that also provides live tracking number or link to monitor your package.

Step 6- CHECK ON ADDITIONAL SERVICE:

▪️ Medicine insurance:

You can also ask the courier company whether it provides insurance for expensive medications, so that you can claim it in case of lost or damaged medicines, according to their policy.

▪️ Cold storage service:

Some Vaccines, antibiotics, insulins, blood component products, and other temperature-sensitive drugs or pills are required to be shipped through Cold Chain Logistics which involves using refrigeration to maintain the required temperature to keep the product quality intact. If you wish to send temperature sensitive medicines through express shipping, do inquire about this service availability with the courier company.

About Courier Medicines

Courier medicines is Best International Courier for Medicine by providing Express International medicine courier services from India to Abroad. We have expertise in Courier Different types of medicines be it Liquid or Tablets - allopathic medicine, ayurvedic, homeopathy, herbal, or cold storage / temperature control Medicine.

Courier Medicines provide Service of Buying Prescription medicines on our customer's behalf from a reputed pharmacy to Ensure you Receive Genuine Medicines with the best and most convenient service. Our expert team of Medicine makes it easy for you to get these Meds you need without having searching for them yourself. With our Reliable medicine delivery service, you can Also Enjoy hassle-free access to all prescription medications.

Courier Medicines helps in providing Free door pick up service all across India - Delhi Noida  Faridabad  Gurgaon  Bangalore  Hyderabad  Mumbai  Pune  Rajasthan  Gujarat  Kolkata  and others, with providing Door Delivery to all International countries - USA  Canada  Australia  United Kingdom(UK)  New Zealand  UAE  Dubai  Qatar  Oman  China  Japan  Philippines  Malaysia  Singapore  Hongkong  Kuwait  Qatar  Sri Lanka and many more.

[sakhshimandal]

AWB Tracking vs. Other Shipment Tracking Methods: What’s the Difference?

Efficient shipment tracking is essential for businesses and customers relying on global logistics. Whether shipping via air, sea, or land, tracking systems provide visibility into the movement of goods and ensure on-time deliveries. Among the many tracking methods, AWB (Air Waybill) tracking is a widely used system in air cargo, but how does it compare to other shipment tracking methods?

This article explores the differences between AWB tracking and other shipment tracking methods, including courier tracking, bill of lading tracking, and freight tracking, to help businesses and customers understand the best tracking option for their needs.

What is AWB Tracking?

AWB tracking refers to the process of tracking a shipment using an Air Waybill (AWB) number—a unique code assigned to an air cargo shipment. An AWB is a legally recognized document issued by an airline or a freight forwarder that provides details about the shipment, including:

Shipper and consignee details

Origin and destination airports

Flight details and route information

A unique AWB number for tracking purposes

By entering the AWB number on an airline’s website or a third-party tracking system, customers and businesses can monitor their air cargo in real time.

Advantages of AWB Tracking:

✔️ Provides real-time tracking of air shipments ✔️ Ensures fast and efficient delivery updates ✔️ Reduces the risk of lost shipments with a unique tracking number ✔️ Supports global logistics and international trade

Other Shipment Tracking Methods

While AWB tracking is useful for air cargo, different types of tracking methods are used in other forms of shipping, including road, rail, and sea freight. Let’s compare AWB tracking with other common tracking methods.

1. Courier Tracking (Waybill Number or Tracking ID)

Courier tracking is used by express delivery services such as FedEx, UPS, and DHL. Unlike AWB tracking, which applies only to air cargo, courier tracking is used for parcels and small packages transported via air, land, or sea.

Each package is assigned a tracking number (waybill number or shipment ID) that customers can use to monitor delivery progress.

Scanning updates are provided at multiple checkpoints throughout the shipping process.

Courier tracking includes detailed updates such as out for delivery, attempted delivery, and package received.

Difference from AWB Tracking: While both systems allow real-time tracking, courier tracking typically provides more frequent updates at each delivery checkpoint, whereas AWB tracking focuses on airport-to-airport movement rather than door-to-door delivery.

2. Bill of Lading (BOL) Tracking

Bill of Lading (BOL) tracking is used for sea freight shipments. A BOL number is assigned to a shipment, which acts as a contract between the shipper and the carrier.

It is mainly used for bulk shipments and international container shipping.

Unlike AWB tracking, which is specific to air freight, BOL tracking is used for ocean freight transportation.

Tracking is often slower and less detailed, as sea shipments involve long transit times.

Difference from AWB Tracking: AWB tracking provides faster real-time updates due to shorter transit times in air transport, whereas BOL tracking may have limited tracking points due to the long duration of sea shipments.

3. Freight Tracking (LTL & FTL Shipments)

Freight tracking is used for road and rail transportation, including Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and Full-Truckload (FTL) shipping.

LTL freight tracking allows businesses to track shipments that share space with other cargo.

FTL freight tracking is used when a single shipment occupies an entire truck.

Freight tracking systems provide GPS-based tracking and estimated arrival times.

Difference from AWB Tracking: AWB tracking is linked to airline tracking systems, whereas freight tracking relies on GPS and logistics provider updates. Additionally, air cargo tracking typically has a shorter transit time compared to road and rail freight tracking.

Which Tracking Method is Best?

The best tracking method depends on the type of shipment and urgency of delivery:

✔ Use AWB tracking if shipping urgent goods via air cargo, as it provides fast and accurate tracking updates. ✔ Use courier tracking for small parcels and express deliveries that require frequent tracking updates. ✔ Use BOL tracking for bulk sea freight shipments, where tracking is less frequent but necessary for large-scale shipping. ✔ Use freight tracking for land-based logistics, particularly for long-distance trucking and railway transport.

Conclusion

While AWB tracking is essential for monitoring air cargo shipments, other tracking methods like courier tracking, BOL tracking, and freight tracking serve different logistics needs. Businesses and customers should choose the appropriate tracking system based on shipment type, transit time, and level of tracking detail required.

By leveraging the right tracking method, businesses can enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce delays, and improve customer satisfaction in the ever-evolving world of global logistics.

[dkaufmandevelopment]

The 10 Fastest-Growing U.S. Cities: Where Real Estate Developers & Investors Should Focus Next

Opportunities in the Nation’s Top Growth Markets

For real estate developers and investors, identifying the next high-growth market is key to maximizing returns. With housing demand outpacing supply, the question isn’t just where people are moving—it’s where development opportunities are emerging.

Using CoreLogic’s growth indicators, we can pinpoint metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) primed for expansion. These indicators assess new construction activity, land use changes, builder-owned parcels, and recent building permits—all critical factors signaling where the next wave of development is headed.

So, where should developers and investors set their sights? Here are the top 10 fastest-growing U.S. cities primed for real estate investment and development:

Top 10 Fastest-Growing MSAs

1️⃣ Lakeland, FL

2️⃣ Austin, TX

3️⃣ Raleigh, NC

4️⃣ Dallas, TX

5️⃣ Port St. Lucie, FL

6️⃣ San Antonio, TX

7️⃣ Wilmington, NC

8️⃣ Cape Coral, FL

9️⃣ Boise City, ID

🔟 Las Vegas, NV

The South is Leading the Growth Surge

One trend is undeniable—the South is dominating. Of the top 20 MSAs showing strong development indicators, the majority are located in Texas, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, or Tennessee. These states are experiencing rapid population growth, strong job markets, and pro-development policies, making them prime locations for real estate investment.

How Growth Indicators Identify Emerging Development Markets

CoreLogic’s methodology for measuring growth potential includes:

✅ New Construction Sales – The share of new homes sold in the past two years

✅ Recent Construction Activity – The percentage of new builds completed in the last three years

✅ Land Use Changes – The number of parcels with zoning or designation shifts, signaling upcoming development

✅ Developer & Builder-Owned Parcels – A leading indicator of future residential and commercial construction

✅ New Construction Permits – A strong sign of impending growth

When analyzed together, these data points paint a clear picture of the next high-growth areas, allowing investors and developers to stay ahead of the curve.

Cities to Watch: Future Development Hotspots

Beyond the top 10, some up-and-coming cities are showing early signs of major growth potential:

📍 Albuquerque, NM

📍 Madison, WI

📍 Milwaukee, WI

While these markets haven’t yet seen explosive real estate development, recent land use changes suggest that major projects may be on the horizon. For forward-thinking investors, these could represent early-stage opportunities to acquire land or initiate projects before the competition catches on.

Population Growth vs. New Construction Activity

A key takeaway from the data is that population growth strongly correlates with real estate expansion (0.8 correlation). However, there are outliers—Miami, for example, is experiencing high population growth without significant new construction activity.

Why? Miami was heavily overbuilt before the 2008 financial crisis, leaving behind a surplus of vacant properties. As a result, rather than expanding outward, Miami’s growth is happening through revitalization and infill development.

What This Means for Real Estate Developers & Investors

🔹 Short-Term vs. Long-Term Growth – While these indicators are powerful for identifying immediate growth opportunities, long-term potential depends on broader economic and demographic trends.

🔹 Strategic Site Selection – Investors should consider these fast-growing MSAs in combination with job growth, infrastructure investments, and business-friendly policies to ensure sustainable returns.

🔹 Balancing Risk & Opportunity – Some markets may be overheating, while others are on the verge of expansion. Understanding these growth indicators helps developers allocate capital strategically.

Final Thoughts: Where to Invest Next?

If you’re a developer, homebuilder, or real estate investor, now is the time to evaluate these fast-growing cities for your next project. The demand is there—the key is identifying where supply has yet to catch up.

As growth accelerates in these high-potential markets, those who act early will have the advantage. Are you ready to invest in the next real estate boomtown?