#and provide for it in your coding. and test for it. and not leave ANYTHING to chance.

[katzensilber]

Man, this is why I always hated math class.

Khan Academy gave me this easy (or so I thought) problem to solve:

"A factory makes toys that are sold for $10 a piece. The factory has 40 workers, and they each produce 25 toys a day. The factory is open 5 days a week. What is the total value of toys the factory produces in a day?"

I said to myself, okay...

10 times 40 times 25 equals 10,000. That means the factory produces $10,000 worth of value per WORKING day.

10,000 times 5 equals 50,000. And then there are two days per week (the weekend) when no value is produced. So, per week, the total value produced is still only $50,000.

And finally, there are seven days in a full week, so $50,000 divided by 7 equals roughly $7,142.86. That's the total value of toys produced per day. Not "per work day", but "per day", as it specifically says in the problem.

But what does the teacher say as he guides us through it? 10 times 40 times 25 equals 10,000, so the answer is 10,000.

That's it. The end.

He even acknowledges: "So, you might be thinking, 'Hey wait, we didn't use all the information! We didn't use the "five days per week" information!' And yeah, as it turns out, that was information we didn't need."

'As it turns out'?! Are you kidding me right now?! I carefully read the question, precisely calculated exactly what it was asking for, taking all of the provided information into account... and now you're saying I'm supposed to have somehow magically known to ignore one of those pieces of information in order to make it easier for myself?

Just admit that your problem is worded badly, dude. UGH this kind of shit drives me crazy. Why can't people use words clearly >:(

[queer-ragnelle]

Have you read through Daniel von dem Blühenden Tal yet? Curious to know what your thoughts are on it!

Yep I sure have. I've been trying to read things soon after getting them so I don't abandon them and forget. I've been liveblogging it in the Arthurian Theater Discord Server and I'll tell you some of my favorite parts! I've included highlighted passages which contain spoilers but if you love all manner of monsters, from automatons to vampires to mermaids, this story's got you covered!

Also this is all I can think of every time Daniel does anything. (It's a youtube link to a short SFW meme.)

Anyway here's a link to read the text and below the cut are some quotes and thoughts!

First of all, for the uninitiated, German authors LOVE Arthur and Guinevere, so they're peak here. The best of the best, everyone cherishes them and worships them, they're generous and kind and Arthur gets to go on adventures with the knights! But also who was bullying der Stricker for liking Arthur?? Leave him alone!

Secondly, Daniel is a great main character. He's very sweet. But he's also a savage. Keii had bragged he was a fearsome jouster and when Daniel unhorsed him, he said this:

Daniel is nice enough to give Keii his horse back, so when Keii returns to court, he had clearly had a tumble, so Arthur asks him about it.

Fun stuff. Daniel is all around a sweetheart, I loved his encounter with the daughter of the Duke of the Dark Mountain, this is so tender.

But Danny boy aside, this text has really cool antagonists in it. The first one we meet is an automaton giant who rides in on a camel. He supposedly has indestructible skin and was created by a kooky old inventor who also made this beast in the land of Cluse. (Cluse is Middle East coded based on the fauna (like elephants) but is apparently in a secluded valley 3 days ride from Arthur's court.) The giant also has a brother made likewise indestructible. He rides a camel and carries no weapons save a club.

Anyway after this, Daniel encounters the first giant's brother guarding the entrance to Cluse, and he can't be fought with normal means because of his horn-skin. Here the daughter of the Duke of the Dark Mountain provides a solution, as there's a dwarf-knight named Sir Juran who's in love with her and she doesn't wish to have. He has an evil sword that can penetrate any armor, which he used to kill this maiden's parents. So Daniel sets out to fight Juran. Now Juran is pretty interesting because although he perpetuates the Arthurian stereotype of mischievous/evil dwarfs, he's a named knight who actually does battle with Daniel in the same capacity as a tall knight. He and Daniel agree to use normal swords instead of their magical/high quality ones as a true test of their prowess and "love" for the lady.

Ultimately, Daniel wins, and keeps the magical sword to use against the horn-skin giant. But before Daniel can do that, he's stopped by another lady, the Countess of the Bright Fountain (who is not Laudine, to my disappointment). Her castle has been overrun with demons who killed all six of her children and hold the count, her husband, captive! The descriptions of these creatures are wild, I've never read anything like this in other Arthurian stories. It's long but you gotta see the whole thing.

So crazy. Der Stricker what even. What's so fun about this resolution is the countess ends up giving Daniel a mirror, so he enters the battle with this creature backwards. They have a fun banter where Daniel pulls an Odysseus with his identity...

Then, holding the mirror, and Daniel tricks the monster into seeing it's own demonic head, killing it. From there Daniel picks it up and uses that to kill the whole host of monsters. He then throws the head away and rescues the count from inside the tower, reuniting him with his wife. Last two things I'll mention are first, Arthur is so sexy here oh my days look at him in battle.

Hot. Last but not least, there are so many wild magical items in this story. I love magical items, especially when they're not strictly weapons. So had a look at this wild armor this mute knight was given by a mermaid.

So yeah this text rules and I highly recommend it!

[viburnt]

Takami K. (Hawks) || Public

Type: Reading bites

Genre: NSFW/Suggestive

Notes: Oh, God. Oh, fuck. I still don't know how to write sex, jfc. I'm practicing.

Characters involved: Takami Keigo (Hawks)

Prompt: “You smell so sweet”/ Public indecency

It would be a scandal if the number two pro-hero, Hawks, dated someone in public. It'd backlash, that's for sure; the media is known for its vicious bite once they manage to catch a prey.

Perhaps that's why Keigo is tangled up between your legs this morning, his hips erratically moving as he shoots one last load before getting ready for work.

—Fuck, baby, you have me shooting blanks!— The dirty blond hollers with a slight grunt, allowing himself to rest next to you.

You purr in content, feeling him cuddle against your naked torso in search of warmth.

—I guess it's true that birds are a very horny kind.— Keigo hears you tease as your hand gently moves away the hair from his sweaty forehead. —Now if only you took the boring part of your job as seriously as this.

—I don't wanna go to that fucking meeting.— The hero pouts, throwing a small fit.

—Can't do that, you have an interview. A deal's a deal, remember?

Yes, pro-hero Hawks doesn't date anyone in public, but he certainly plows his personal assistant in secret.

—Now, now, hop in the shower. I have to pick my suit for today.— You instruct, allowing Keigo a couple more seconds of laziness between the cotton sheets of your bed.

Stretching, Takami curses underneath his breath. He hated public interviews, and even though he was a sucker for the camera lenses, he hated having to leave the comfort of your body to go pose for the fans.

—Can you at least wear the blue one? The one that makes your chest pop out more.— He begs, finally leaving the bed to run the shower. —I like it, it's sexy as hell.

You rise a brow, but indulge into his petition.

—Alright, I guess. Anything else?

The blond's golden eyes scan the way your naked body waltzes from one corner of the room to the other, picking up all the necessary items to dress up.

—Say, is underwear really necessary?— Keigo's lips trail, testing the waters. It was common for him to slip a sly comment like that to gauge a reaction from you. —You know, we could always play a little while working.

And for the very first time, you decide to follow the flow.

—Oh, yeah? What kind of game, hmm? Gonna sneak a hand on my pocket?— Takami hears you say with a ribbing tone, his lips curling into a smirk as you continue. —Or perhaps you want to open that little new gadget I saw you buy a few nights before?

The blond raises his hands, much like a thief caught red-handed.

—Guilty as charged but, it's cheating if you peek at my Amazon account.— He blurts with a lazy side smile.

—Not really, specially not if you leave your account open on my laptop.— You laugh.

—Want to shower together? You know, save the planet, be eco-friendly.— Takami says, inviting you.

—We just had sex, though.

—Doesn't mean I can't grope your butt while I get clean.

…

—So, see this little remote here?— The hero says, shaking a black device between his fingertips. —If I feel like it, it'll vibrate just enough for you to cum.— He whispers into your ear.

You feel your heart beating hard inside your chest, biting your lip for a second as your eyes wandered to the many people in the studio.

—Alright, then I must be quiet while you play, huh? Wouldn't want anyone knowing your out here playing with me.

A grin splashed Keigo's face.

—Exactly! You catch on pretty fast, baby. Just sit nearby where my eyes can see you squirm.— He commands, sending a shiver down your spine.

The interview begins normally. You sit next to the cameras in a chair the staff provided. Keigo eye's you, waving his hand briefly.

—I also want to thank my lovely assistant for making this meeting happen, they work real hard every day!—

A camera lens quickly lands on you. The shocking sensation of the toy was, more or less, expected, but it still made you wriggle once it started. You just nodded your head, not wanting to draw much attention.

As the hero starts answering more questions, his fingers quickly shifted between speeds and patterns, edging your body up and down. He could see the way your hand tried to- unsuccessfully -hide the embarrassment on your face.

—Thank you so much for allowing us to interview you, Hawks! That's all for tonight's show, everyone, wonderful night!

The show wraps up.

Keigo waltzes up to you, helping you stand as your knees weaken. He leans closer for a second, taking a deep breath of your perfume.

—You smell so sweet… I wanna push my cock inside you again.— He mutters, earning a needy whimper from you.

—Please, just - take this off, I can't hold it any longer.— Takami hears you whine.

—Walk with me for a second, there must be a bathroom nearby.

Finding a private spot, Keigo leans your body against a wall and allows his hand to cross the limits of your clothing.

—Fuck, look at this, you are a mess.

In a swift movement, he lowered your pants enough to have access to your hole. He rubbed his clothed election against you, making you hiss.

—Say you want it.

—Please, please give it to me. Keigo, I need to cum...— You cry, feeling the toy still going on. —I feel like I'm going crazy, just put - fuck- put it in.

Plunging two fingers inside your drooly mouth and unbuckling his pants with the other, you feel his cock slowly pushing into you.

—Oh my fucking God.— The blond hissed, feeling you clamp around him as your climax was just next door. —You're so tight, Jesus Christ!

His pace is fast, messy, trying to give you as much as he can as quickly as possible. Besides the very slight buzz the toy produced, only his grunts and your heavy breathing could be heard.

—Want me to cum inside you? Just look at you, you're practically swallowing my cock effortlessly.

You roll your eyes behind your back as his free hand grabs your throat. The numbing sensation of your climax soon reaches you, milking the hero on the process.

Keigo likes this part of the job a bit more now.

Like my content? Comment and follow! The feedback encourages me.

[thebeesatemyknees]

Simon Riley x reader BLURB

Word count: 340 || No warnings || Reader: gender neutral, mentioned having hair. Pronouns: "you"

First time writing anything. Not proofread and English is not my 1st language, so excuse any mistakes 🙏 Not much happening here, just wanted to test out if I'm even capable of writing anything lol.

Simon slips into your room at night. He used to knock, he used to wait for you to let him in. But he's far past that now. And you don't mind it. Maybe even expect it.

You wake up to the soft click of the door being closed, the room pitch black. You can't hear his footsteps approaching your bed, but you can hear the thump of his balaclava being discarded on the bedside table. You can feel the mattress dip under his weight, and finally you can hear him let out a breath right by your ear as he puts his arm around you, pulling your back close to his chest. 

It started as a hook up. Then, it developed into an unspoken agreement to relieve each others needs, to provide each other with the rare comfort of physical closeness of another body. However, things have changed. 

Now, he more often sneaks in just to sleep by your side rather than to fuck you. His chest, moving with his breath, pressed to your back. His face buried in your hair. Hands laid relaxed on your hip, stomach, chest, rather than greedily gripping the flesh. His fingers sometimes tracing patterns on your skin, though he only does that when he thinks you're asleep.

Some things have changed, yes. But one thing stayed the same - he's just like his code name - a ghost. A vivid dream, leaving no evidence behind. Not for anyone to discover in the light of the dawn. 

You wake up alone and greet him in the morning meeting the same way you greet Gaz or Soap. Never doing anything that could give away what happened during the night.

You're not sure what caused the change in your dynamic and where you're going with it, but for now the quiet night visits must satisfy you both. Neither of you can afford to complicate it right now, to dirty it with too many questions, with too many feelings.

Though, you can swear you can still feel his eyes on you throughout the day.

[valeriantempest]

"So, You Want to be Part of My Club?~"

"Club Dev Hour is a nightclub which is host to all kinds of individuals. Open every night each week, you will find some comfort in the music to dance the night away to, the tasty drinks and if you want to, in the pits of someones gut or have your gut filled~"

Here are some things about the Club Dev Hour lil universe. You are welcome to make original characters or writing based in this universe, see more info below~:

You must have a ticket to enter.

Do not remove your wristband you receive while in the club, you will not be allowed back in if you leave or you can be removed if there is no valid proof you had a wristband (eg; copy of a ticket, ticket receipt, etc.)

No devouring anyone without permission! Any misbehaving with this rule will have that happen to them, often carried out by Valerian himself.

Do not do anything without another permission PERIOD! Again, this can result in a ban from the club or possible Karma brought to you.

If any guests are making you uncomfortable, harassing, etc; report to the guards or staff of the club. We strive to make sure everyone feels safe in this environment.

All employees as part of their contract will be assigned reformation to ensure if the boss does get hungry, you will return!

Some job roles include; bar tender, bouncers/guards within the club, clean up duties, performers, dj's, receptionist and hosts.

Valerian has his personal body guards which are separate from those who's roles are to make sure everyone is safe in the club

Like any job, you are given holidays and with Club Dev Hour, you are not expected to work every night!

The pay is fair for everyone

If you are having issues or problems with your tasks or another staff member, Valerian and/or his body guards will happily help out in any way they can.

You call in sick? Don't worry, we all have our off days and Valerian will happily make sure to take the time you need to rest up.

You are allowed to devour on duty, but do adhere to the rules of the club.

All guest are recommended to have an active reformation in place. We can provide a single night reformation service if you do not have one in place.

There are seven types of tickets; Prey ticket (if you are strictly prey; you will receive a special code to remember along with your full name if you are to be digested, more info below), Pred ticket (if you are strictly pred), Switch ticket (You lean both towards prey and pred, you will also be given a code like the prey ticket), D.N.E ticket (Do Not Eat which is a ticket for those who do not wish to partake in any vore happenings but wish to attend the club for its other entertainments or wish to observe instead.) and the highest priced tickets, V.I.P. tickets (Very Important Prey, Very Important Pred or Very Important Person (for those who do not want to be part of the vore aspects); these ticket holders have access to special rooms and services the club provides)

There are seasonal tickets as well which are like membership cards for reoccurring customers if they are interested. Tickets will be at a discount for these club members and offers such as a free drink or an upgraded ticket can be handed out to luck winners too.

You will receive a colored wristband which allocates you to your ticket so everyone can be identified. There are signs around the club to help you identify what each wristband means

These wristbands can not be destroyed easily so, for example, if you are an endo or temporary prey, the wristband will not dissolve.

There is on sight reformation locations for those digested on sight which allows you to receive your wristbands again. This is where you say the code or your full name to a staff member who will happily be of service to you. If you are a pred who has tested the waters, please provide your full name and we will see what we can do.

Of course I have this open to anyone who would like to create an oc or even do some writing based in Club Dev hour! There are some rules to follow that i am sure you all will do anyways:

Do not claim this as your own idea, its not nice to steal peoples ideas :(

No, you cant vore Valerian. He is strictly pred, sorry!

If you see anyone stealing this idea, please let me know!

Feel free to tag me in your works! I would love to see them so much if anyone does do anything! I might even do some works with your ocs (with permission of course ^-^)

There is a special tag for this now, #ClubDevHour ~

If you have any questions, my ask box is open for public and anon messages alike! You can also directly message me here or on my twitter or discord!

Thanks for reading, and do enjoy your stay at Club Dev Hour~

💟 Support me on Eka’s Portal for more content~

💟 Follow me on twitter where I'm most active! I also have discord under the same username, I am not very active there but feel free to send over a message there!

💟Ask box open on tumblr for anon messages if you have questions or suggestions~

[qualityassurance11]

Best Practices for Successful Automation Testing Implementation 

Automation testing is an essential part of modern-day software development that accelerates delivery, reduces manual work, and improves software quality. But success in automation testing is not assured, it should be achieved by proper planning and execution along with proper compliance of best practices. 

In this blog, we will talk about key actionable strategies and best practices to ensure the successful implementation of automation testing in your projects. 

1. Start with a Clear Strategy 

Jumping straight into automation testing without a clear strategy will not always yield the desired results. Define the following: 

Objectives: Define the goals of the automation, whether it is about shorter test cycles, improved test coverage or eliminating human error. 

Scope: Set the areas of your application for automation and focus much on areas that have a high impact like regression and functional testing. 

Stakeholders: Get early involvement from the development, QA and product teams to avoid misalignment regarding expectations. 

A well-formed strategy helps guide the way and make sure everyone involved is aligned. 

2. Prioritize the Right Test Cases for Automation 

One of automation testing’s biggest mistakes with it is to use automation for everything. Rather than that, shape your test cases to that of: 

Are monotonous and time-consuming. 

Wherein critical for application functionality 

Have stable requirements. 

Some of these tests are regression tests, smoke tests, data-driven tests, etc. Do not automate the exploratory or highly dynamic tests that often get changed. 

3. Choose the Right Automation Tools 

The effectiveness of your automation testing initiative highly relies on appropriate tools selection. Look for tools that: 

Support the technology stack of your application (e.g., web, mobile, APIs). 

Give the flexibility to expand your project. 

Offer extensive reporting, reusability of scripts, and run across browsers. 

GhostQA is one example of a codeless platform that works well for teams across the skill set. GhostQA can let you focus on what matters and Auto Healing reduces your maintenance to enforce. 

4. Build a Strong Automation Framework 

An automation framework is the backbone of your automation testing process. It helps in standardization, reusability and scalability of test scripts. So, when you start designing your framework, make sure to leave some room for these features: 

Modularity: Split test scripts into reusable components 

Data-Driven Testing: Use Data-Driven Testing to separate test data from the scripts to provide flexibility. 

Error Handling: Install anti-malware solutions to prevent potential threats. 

A good framework streamlines collaboration and makes it easier to maintain your tests. 

5. Write High-Quality Test Scripts 

A good test script decides the reliability of your automation testing. To ensure script quality: 

When naming scripts, variables, or methods, use meaningful and descriptive names. 

For adaptability, you should leverage parameterization instead of hardcoding these values. 

Set up appropriate error-handling procedures for handling unforeseen problems. 

Do not add anything unnecessarily, the more complexity, the more difficult it is to debug and maintain. 

Tools such as GhostQA minimize the efforts put behind scripting providing no-code possibilities allowing even non-technical users to write robust tests. 

6. Regularly Maintain Your Automation Suite 

Even though automation testing is a great way to ensure quality in applications, one of its biggest challenges is keeping the test scripts updated with application changes. Keeping your test suite effective and up to date, regular maintenance. 

Best practices for maintenance include: 

Frequent Reviews: Conduct periodic audit of the test scripts to ensure that they are not outdated. 

Version Control: Utilize version control systems to maintain history of your script modifications. 

Auto-Healing Features: GhostQA and similar tools can track UI updates and modify scripts to reflect changes with little to no human intervention, minimizing maintenance costs. 

Take good care of your automation suite so that it doesn't become a liability. 

7. Address Flaky Tests 

Flaky tests—tests that pass or fail randomly—are a common issue in automation testing. They reduce trust in test results and take up time when debugging. To address flaky tests: 

Dig deeper into what might be the underlying causes — timing problems or dynamic elements. 

Use explicit waits instead of static waiting in tests to make them aligned with application behavior. 

Prefer smart detection-based tools (GhostQA, to be precise) to eliminate the chances of flaky tests. 

This translates into flourish as flakiness and is the most significant impact in strengthening confidence in your automation framework. 

8. Ensure Cross-Browser and Cross-Platform Compatibility 

Most modern applications work across many browsers and devices, so cross-compatibility testing is a necessity. Your automation testing suite must: 

Add test cases for popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. 

Testing across different operating systems on mobile (e.g., iOS/Android). 

GhostQA abstracts cross-browser and cross-platform testing so you can verify functionality in several types of environments without repeating yourself. 

9. Leverage AI and Smart Automation 

AI is revolutionizing automation testing with better efficiency and lesser maintenance cost. Next-generation tools like GhostQA powered by AI offer: 

Auto-Healing: Automatically adjust to any changes made to the app;such as modified UI elements 

Predictive Analysis: Showcase areas with the most potential high risk to prioritize tests. 

Optimized Execution: Run just the tests that yield the most performance insights. 

Use AI-Powered Tools as these can help you to increase the efficiency and accuracy of your testing. 

10. Monitor and Measure Performance 

To measure the effectiveness of your automation testing, you should track key metrics that include: 

Test Coverage: Number of automated tests covering application features. 

Execution Time: Time taken to execute automated test suites. 

Defect Detection Rate: Number of bugs detected in automation testing 

Flaky Test Rate: Frequency of inconsistent test results. 

Consistent assessment of these metrics helps in discovering the areas of improvement in your automation efforts while also exhibiting the ROI of the same. 

Conclusion 

So, the right approach of selecting the right tool and plan properly will help to do a successful automation testing implementation. This could be achieved by adopting best practices like prioritizing test cases, maintaining test scripts, making use of the AI-powered tools and collaborating with other stakeholders in the process. 

Tools like GhostQA, which come equipped with codeless testing, auto-healing features, and user-friendly interfaces, empower teams of both technical and non-technical backgrounds to streamline their automation processes and devote their attention to shipping quality software. 

[echantedtoon]

Come Back..

Literally Reader x that Type F guy Yor fought in the Spy x Family Code White movie. He's handsome.

He promised that he would come back.

He promised that to you the day he left. He promised his heart and soul to you and promised his life to you.

"Why do you have to go?" Your voice was wavering. Nearly cracking up to the point of sobs as you held onto the warmth he provided tightly. "You promised me that you wouldn't leave me. Why does it have to be you?!"

He barely said anything to that. Choosing instead to wrap his arms around your body and held you like it'd be his last moments on earth. For you both it would be. Sighing in the fresh scent of your perfume and relinquishing in the tears you sobbed into his chest. 

"They need a suitable subject for the tests. With it...I have a chance to be invincible. The East and West will be divided once more, and the true order will be established."

"I don't care! It's fine right now! It's peaceful! Why can't you just stay with me and let them choose someone else!?"

"We can make the life we always wanted together. The life you deserve."

"I don't want to lose you!"

"And you won't. Once this is all over, I'll come back to you...I promise."

Promises break. Words crack. And reality shatters. For the lose of life can easily be a promise breaking.

[watchyourdigits]

Falloutober Day One:

War Never Changes

I'm a little late to the party, but here's what I've got for day number one of Falloutober! The main fic for these two is Danse-centric, so I thought it'd be a fun challenge to rewrite the opening scene from Frankie's perspective this time. Enjoy~

Word count: 1.3k

Warnings: mild sexual language, canon typical violence

Ship: Paldadin Danse x male Sole Survivor

"What's the plan here?"

Frankie rolled his eyes behind his gas mask, barely suppressing a groan. His newly acquired commanding officer had been, up until that very moment, the one calling the shots.

Why would Danse, an otherwise by-the-book kind of man, hand him the reins without warning? The question served as an obvious test; it wasn't as if this so-called 'Paladin' had been anything but wary of him thus far.

Now, facing down an unknown number of super mutants, he was suddenly leaving Frankie to figure out the best course of action.

He wouldn't know subtlety if it smacked him clean across his stupid, perfect face.

Frankie peered above the bushes they were squatting behind to get a better look at the camp. He did a quick visual scan of the place before pulling his head back down behind cover.

"I see three, but there's definitely more."

He tried to explain that his preferred method of sneak-attack wouldn't be as effective with super mutants as it would with human enemies, but the Paladin cut him off.

Typical.

Frankie tapped his fingers against his thigh impatiently as he was, once again, chastised for his manner of dress.

"You'd see better if you weren't wearing that ridiculous thing."

That tone of his was enough to make Frankie grimace. Despite his disarming good looks, Danse was proving no different than the military officials he served before the whole world went to shit. Society was functionally nonexistent and all Danse could seem to think about was arbitrary uniform codes.

Maybe you should just, I dunno, show him your ugly fuckin' mug? Then he'd get it.

He knew that was never truly an option, but it was nonetheless entertaining to imagine Danse's reaction to the grand reveal that he'd been on the receiving end of an unsightly facial disfigurement.

Deathclaws and power armor... Bad combo. Should probably warn him about that...

Frankie opted to ignore him, a momentous exercise of restraint on his behalf, the likes of which the Paladin would probably never be able to appreciate.

"It's not my favorite idea, but how's about you provide covering fire and I'll go in guns blazing?" he said confidently.

"I suppose it's not the worst plan in the world," Danse replied, shrugging his hulking, metal-clad shoulders, drawing an unseen smirk from Frankie at the sight of it. "You point, I shoot."

It was all too obvious that Danse didn't think he'd succeed. Frankie wasn't one to take such a challenge lightly. Hell, if a deathclaw and the literal end of the world couldn't take him down, he was practically invincible, right?

Frankie gave a smug smile behind his mask, clapping Danse on the shoulder.

"Good man. I'll see you on the other side."

He gave a quick two-finger salute, knowing damn well it was sure to piss Danse off to no end since it wasn't the classic Brotherhood salute he'd been taught. Just before he slid down the side of the hill, he caught a glimpse of Danse's face as expression changed to that of a man questioning his life choices.

He sure is somethin'... Guess this shit ain't so different from how it used to be, though. Murderin' everythin' in sight, dealing with annoying military bullshit… Annoying commanding officers with big ole cow eyes. Tryin' not to think about how good said commanding officer would look on his knees…

Frankie shook his head, trying to reel himself back in. He could dwell on his perversions later. Right now, he had to prove he was all he claimed and then some.

God, if you can hear me, just know that I think you're a real sick sonuvabitch.

"Two-hundred years on ice and a fella still can't catch a fuckin' break," he mumbled to himself.

He loaded his shotgun as he approached the first mutie he saw guarding the entrance to the camp. He noticed Frankie far too late.

Before the lumbering abomination could open his mouth to alert the others in his company, a laser fired from the hillside hit him square in the chest. He stumbled a little and Frankie finished him off with two shots to the head, whistling low.

He's a phenomenal shot, I'll give him that. Good timing, too.

Frankie took great delight in the easy flow of the battle. The mutants were slow to react, giving him ample time to sort out his strategy as he went. He made his way through the camp, drawing out his enemies toward the chaos and systematically taking them down, ducking behind cover to reload as Danse provided covering fire from above.

When things finally settled and the last of the super mutants fell, he allowed himself a moment to relish in the silence that rang in his ears. Frankie pulled up his mask just enough to spit on the ground, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

The mask fell back into place as he reached the entrance of the camp, giving a thumbs up in Danse's general direction. The Paladin was down the hill and standing before him within seconds.

"Great work up there," Frankie commended. He understood better than most the value in having a trained set of eyes looking out. "Good to know you've got my back."

Danse began removing the helmet of his power armor. Frankie felt a tug in his gut, firmly aware of the way his jaw hung open like an idiot upon watching him run a hand through that thick, dark hair of his. His mind began to wander as Danse's mouth moved, Frankie only barely hearing the words he spoke.

"Same to you, soldier. It's been a while since I've seen potential like that."

Danse sounded genuine about it, too. For half a second, Frankie found himself delusional enough to believe that perhaps he was flirting. With a subordinate, no less.

Just keep it casual, for once in your goddamn life. No sudden advances.

"I told you I had military experience," Frankie replied jokingly, testing the waters. "Did you think I was lyin'?" he asked, leaning himself against one of the rotting wooden fences, paying no mind to the super mutant blood that now called it home.

"No. However, your secrecy leaves you with a lot to prove."

There it is. Damn… Audacious prick.

"Is that so?" Frankie drawled, huffing a little through his nose. "Remind me to tell Elder Maxson that he should give you a promotion."

Danse raised an eyebrow. Of course it was the one with the scar through it. Frankie felt heat traveling up his neck, choking him.

He wanted nothing more than to grab him by those stupid handles of his power armor, pull him down to his level, and-

"Why is that?" Danse asked curiously, cocking his head.

"Because I'll be the best damn thing that's happened to the Brotherhood yet," Frankie answered without missing a beat.

"That's a bold claim. I admire your ambition."

Danse sounded amused, much to Frankie's dismay.

He kept bringing the conversation to the brink of what could constitute flirting. It was maddening, especially as Frankie's body continued to relax, muscles melting under his skin as the adrenaline faded away.

"Bold? I've earned my ego, pal."

Frankie pushed off the fence and had to look away from Danse, growing increasingly concerned that his impulses might cause him to do something idiotic. Like give him a right hook. Or kiss him. Maybe both.

"Maybe one day you'll get it through that thick skull of yours..." Frankie continued bitterly, "I'm not your average wastelander."

He turned on his heel and stalked away into the camp to loot it for all it was worth. A good enough distraction as any, he figured.

The backhanded compliments, the unsolicited commentary on his attire, and the fact that Danse was the most delicious thing he'd laid his eyes on… Frankie knew he was in for a hell of a time working with the Brotherhood of Steel.

Despite all his tense irritation, there was the undeniable feeling of 'home' that came with working with Danse.

It was all so familiar, comforting in a sentimental way. And Frankie was a sentimental bastard, if there ever was one.

Yeah, nothin's changed a lick.

[reversedout-blog]

5 Reasons Cheap WordPress Hosting is Costing You More | Reversed Out

The cost of cheap WordPress hosting goes far beyond the monthly price. You’ve seen the ads—“Web hosting for just $5/month!”—but what are you actually giving up?

It sounds like a no-brainer—until your website slows down, gets hacked, or vanishes from Google search results. Suddenly, that cheap hosting deal becomes a liability.

At Reversed Out Creative, we’ve migrated countless businesses away from cut-rate hosting providers like GoDaddy, Bluehost, and HostGator after they discovered just how costly “cheap” can be. Most had no idea what they were missing until their website broke, or worse—stopped converting altogether.

This post breaks down exactly what you’re not getting with cheap WordPress hosting, and why making the switch to our $300/month all-in-one hosting + support plan may be the smartest investment in your digital presence.

Cost of Cheap WordPress Hosting: What You’re Not Getting

1. Speed Optimization: Shared Servers Are Slowing You Down

Most cheap WordPress hosting companies run your site on a shared server, which means your site is sitting on the same machine as hundreds (sometimes thousands) of other websites. If one of those sites has a traffic spike or a poorly coded plugin, your performance suffers. This leads to slow load times, server timeouts, and a poor user experience.

Page speed matters. Google’s Core Web Vitals make site performance a ranking factor, and users expect fast load times. According to Google, 53% of mobile users abandon a site that takes longer than 3 seconds to load 【source†Google Think Insights】.

Our Solution:

We host your site on enterprise-grade WP Engine infrastructure with CDN, caching, and advanced server tuning. Your site gets its own optimized slice of server resources — never shared with unknown neighbors.

2. Plugin & WordPress Updates: “Set and Forget” Isn’t Safe

Cheap WordPress Hosting rarely maintains your WordPress install beyond offering one-click updates. If your theme or plugins are out of sync, your site can break. Worse, outdated plugins are one of the most common attack vectors for WordPress-based sites.

One of our clients came to us after discovering their contact form hadn’t worked in three months—a plugin update had failed, but no one noticed because the host didn’t test anything.

Our Solution:

We use WP Engine’s Smart Plugin Manager with visual regression testing. Updates are applied in a staging environment first. We only push them live if nothing breaks. That’s peace of mind you won’t get for $5/month.

3. Security & Backups: Your Safety Net Is Missing

Cheap WordPress Hosting often includes basic SSL and “malware scans,” but that’s it. If your site is hacked or corrupted, you’ll be lucky if your host even has a backup—and you’ll likely wait days for support.

Our Solution:

We include:

Daily backups with instant restores

Web Application Firewall (WAF)

Real-time threat detection

DDoS protection and CDN-based security

Your site is actively monitored, and if something ever does go wrong, we can restore it instantly.

4. SEO & ADA Compliance: Invisible Costs of Inaction

Google doesn’t just look at keywords—it looks at technical SEO, site speed, mobile responsiveness, and accessibility. If your host is dragging down load times, breaking plugins, or leaving your site inaccessible to disabled users, your rankings will suffer.

And legally? ADA lawsuits over inaccessible websites are on the rise—more than 4,000 were filed in 2023 alone.

Our Solution:

With every migration, we perform a full:

On-page SEO audit

ADA compliance review

Site structure optimization (URLs, headings, internal links, image alt text) at a discounted rate

Speed + mobile UX fixes at a discounted rate

We don’t just host your site—we make it better.

5. Strategic Partnership: Real People, Real Support

Budget hosts offer ticket-based support queues or low-level call centers. They won’t guide your marketing, flag issues proactively, or offer strategy.

Our Solution:

Every Reversed Out client gets:

2 hours/month of expert dev & strategy time (rolls over to December)

Quarterly strategy calls to align on goals

Monthly web reports with SEO insights, traffic stats, and action items

Priority email/phone support with real people who know your site

We become part of your extended digital team.

Feature Comparison Table

Who This Is For

Mid-sized businesses with websites driving real revenue

Funded startups that need infrastructure but not a full in-house team

Marketing directors and CMOs who want a proactive digital partner

Agencies looking to white-label our team for their clients

Companies that have outgrown Wix, Squarespace, or GoDaddy

Real Impact: Before & After Switching to Reversed Out

“We didn’t realize how slow our old host was until we moved. Our bounce rate dropped by 18%, and leads increased by 22% the first month. The peace-of-mind alone was worth the switch.” — Insurance client in Cincinnati

These results are common when we move a client from bargain-bin hosting to our fully managed, optimized environment.

FAQ’s

Isn’t $300/month a lot for hosting? Not when you factor in the performance boost, dev time, SEO improvements, ADA compliance, and actual support. You’d spend more piecing this together yourself—and you’d still have to manage it.

Can you migrate my site for free? Yes. We handle the full migration, staging setup, and go-live with zero downtime.

What happens if I want to cancel? No contracts, no lock-in. But most clients don’t leave because they finally have a digital partner they trust.

What’s Your Website Really Worth?

If your website brings in leads, sells products, or builds credibility—why risk it on $5/month hosting that does nothing beyond keeping it online?

With Reversed Out Creative, you get:

Enterprise-grade hosting

Real SEO and ADA support

Strategic dev time

Peace of mind

Move once. Fix everything. Stay ahead.

Ready to Switch?

👉 Schedule your free site audit and migration plan

Contact Us

At Reversed Out Creative, we understand the challenges and opportunities presented by AI disruption. Our team of experts specializes in web design, SEO, graphic design, and digital marketing services. Reach out to us through our contact form to learn more about navigating the evolving job market and embracing the potential of AI. Together, let’s shape a future that combines human ingenuity with the power of AI.

Content source: https://reversedout.com/cost-of-cheap-wordpress-hosting/

[rapidesim]

How to Switch Between eSIM Plans Without Losing Data or Service

Making Mobile Switching Easier Than Ever

The convenience of eSIM technology has changed the way travelers and digital nomads use mobile data abroad. But with that convenience comes a common question: how do you switch from one eSIM plan to another without disrupting your mobile service or losing any important data? Whether you're changing countries, updating your coverage plan, or switching to a better deal mid-trip, managing eSIM transitions smoothly is not only possible—it’s simple with a bit of know-how. Understanding how eSIM profiles work, and how to manage them effectively, ensures you stay connected every step of the way. visit more information International eSIM

Understanding eSIM Profiles and Activation

An eSIM is essentially a rewritable chip embedded in your device that can store multiple mobile profiles. Each of these profiles represents a plan from a carrier, much like a traditional SIM card would, but without the need to physically insert or remove anything. Most modern smartphones allow you to store multiple eSIM profiles, though only one can be active at a time in most cases. When you switch between plans, you're not deleting data or contacts from your phone; you're simply activating a different data connection. This means your apps, messages, photos, and files remain untouched. The switching process is as easy as selecting which eSIM you want to use from your phone’s settings menu.

Preparing for the Switch Ahead of Time

To avoid service interruptions, it’s wise to download your next eSIM profile before you leave a country or before your current plan expires. Most eSIM providers send a QR code or offer an app-based installation process. You can store the new plan on your phone while your current plan is still active. This ensures that when it’s time to switch, all you have to do is activate the new eSIM profile—no waiting for a download or dealing with slow connections. It’s also recommended to take screenshots of any installation instructions or QR codes in case you lose access to Wi-Fi or email during the transition.

Seamless Activation Without Losing Internet Access

The best time to switch eSIMs is typically just before your current plan ends or right as you enter a new country where your existing eSIM is no longer valid. To ensure continuous service, activate your new eSIM while you’re still connected—either via your old eSIM or Wi-Fi. Once activated, the new eSIM will take over your data connection, and you can disable the previous one. Since this change occurs instantly in most modern smartphones, you won’t experience any gap in service, provided both plans were set up correctly. Be sure to monitor the switch by testing internet access and confirming you’re on the correct network.

Preserving Your Contacts and App Data

Many users worry that switching between eSIMs could result in data loss, but rest assured, that’s not the case. eSIM plans do not affect your contacts, stored messages, app data, or phone settings. Those items are saved directly to your phone’s internal memory or synced via cloud services like Google or iCloud. The eSIM only controls mobile network connectivity. As long as your data is backed up (which is always a smart habit while traveling), switching eSIM plans is no more disruptive than connecting to a different Wi-Fi network.

Managing Multiple eSIMs on One Device

If you're traveling through multiple countries, you can preload several eSIM profiles onto your device and switch between them as needed. Some smartphones, like the latest iPhones and Google Pixels, support dual eSIM mode or allow one physical SIM alongside an eSIM. This gives you the flexibility to run a local data plan and a permanent home number at the same time. You can name your eSIM profiles based on location or provider to keep things organized, and toggle between them in your device settings with just a few taps. This approach minimizes downtime and eliminates the stress of being offline while in transit.

Stay Connected Without Disruptions

Switching between eSIM plans while traveling doesn’t have to mean downtime, confusion, or lost data. With proper preparation and a basic understanding of how your device manages eSIMs, you can move from one provider to another smoothly and confidently. eSIM technology is designed to simplify the travel experience, and once you’ve made a successful switch, you’ll appreciate the flexibility and control it offers. Whether you're crossing borders or just optimizing your data plan, eSIMs make it easy to stay connected wherever your journey takes you.

Contact us

Rapidesim .2100 Eastridge DR NEAlbuquerque, New Mexico. 87112.USA 044 7874 190730 rapidesim@gmail.com

[cleverhottubmiracle]

Hairspray needs a publicist. For years, and for no defensible reason, the best hairspray for men—an enormous category of styling products—has been largely ignored by the fellas, most of whom will go their entire lives without so much as uncapping a can. Perhaps it’s the perception that hairspray is only for big, elaborate styles—or, more likely, that it was never really meant for men in the first place. Of course, neither could be further from the truth.If you have hair longer than an inch in length, I can confidently tell you that there is a hairspray product that was made for whatever style you’re going for, and so much more. Yes, hairspray is a great way to ace the more complicated, gravity-defying looks out there. But it’s also a virtual cheat code to instantly imbue hair with more texture, volume, and life—regardless of your hair type.The Best Hairsprays for Men, According to GQLooking for Something Specific?AccordionItemContainerButtonThe Best Hairspray Overall: IGK No LimitTruth be told, I had a hard time picking one product for the top spot, because you can’t really compare something like a sea salt spray with a product that specializes in, say, humidity protection. So this pick is based on a combination of some of the more common use cases for hairspray, like adding volume, texture, and hold. With this in mind, IGK’s No Limit emerged from testing as the best all-rounder. Whether you’re looking to add fullness or non-sticky, touchable texture, this spray is a no-fuss solution that seems to be a hit across all hair types (including hair that’s been colored or chemically treated).The Best Hairspray for Re-Styling: Kevin Murphy Bedroom.HairThis spray is marketed as the go-to product for achieving perfect bedhead, but its core competency is the flexible hold it offers. If you’re someone who likes to switch up your style on the go, say, as you transition from work to play, or if one hairstyle per day is simply too much of a commitment for you, this flexible texturizing spray could be the answer to your hair prayers. I also like that Kevin Murphy thought to include ginger root extract, which helps stave off dryness. It is possible to overdo it with this one, though, so my recommendation would be to start with a few spritzes here and there and then adjust if or as needed.The Best Sea Salt Spray for Men: Sachajuan Ocean MistEver notice how a day at the beach does things to your hair that no product can seem to replicate? Curls and waves become curlier and wavier. Thin hair takes on more volume. Even short hair benefits from some added choppiness. This is what a good sea salt spray can do for you, and in my experience none does it better than Sachajuan’s Ocean Mist. It’s got just the right amount of hold—which is to say not very much, but enough to create just a little bit more structure—and leaves your hair with a nice matte finish, a touch more texture, and absolutely no stickiness.The Best Hairspray for Oily Hair: R+Co Bleu Ultra Dry Texture SprayR+CoBleu Ultra Dry Texture SpraySwap oily shine for natural sheen with this versatile texturizing spray from R+Co’s premium R+Co Bleu collection. When you have hair on the oilier side, the last thing you want is a product that will drag it down even more. This is not that. If anything, hair feels lighter and generally less affected by earthly gravity. The aerosol provides thorough and even coverage, making it perfect for hair of pretty much any length—but it’s especially magical for longer hair, allowing you to create waves out of thin air and bend would-be flyaways to your will.The Best Maximum-Hold Hairspray: Pete & Pedro FreezeA couple of months ago, I stumbled onto what seemed like the ultimate styling product for my unruly medium-length hair. Sadly, it wasn’t long (as in, a few hours) before it had given up its grip and relinquished all responsibility in the matter. These are the situations that Pete & Pedro’s Freeze was made for. Boasting the strongest hold of any product on this list, it’s the ultimate way to lock a look in place, regardless of your primary styling product’s work ethic. Use whatever pomade, potion, or lotion you need in order to get your hair to do what you want, then lock it in with this bad boy.The Best Anti-Humidity Hairspray: Oribe Imperméable Anti-Humidity SprayOribeImperméable Anti-Humidity SprayIf humidity is an issue for your hair, be wary of sprays that claim to do it all. Oribe’s Imperméable Anti-Humidity Spray is here to do one thing, and it does it better than anything we’ve tried. It’s not going to freeze your hair in place or do much in terms of adding volume or bounce; rather, this is a finishing spray to protect from frizz, static, and pretty much any unauthorized, humidity-induced behavior in the most extreme conditions. That said, you will get a little bonus texture boost. Use it as the final step in your styling regimen and enjoy your newfound immunity to the elements.The Best Hairspray for Short Hair: American Crew Matte Clay SprayAmerican CrewMatte Clay SprayHairspray isn’t just for lengthy locks—and applying it doesn’t have to feel like aiming a leaf blower at your head. For short to medium-length hair, American Crew’s matte clay spray is the perfect middle ground in between traditional hairspray and the kind of product you’d scoop out of a tub, like a clay, wax, or pomade. Offering the best of both worlds, a few spritzes of this stuff is enough to let you scrunch and style your hair into place while also enjoying a decidedly more lightweight feel than those spreadable options. Of course, this also means it’s a great pick for guys with oilier hair, complete with a subtle matte finish.More Hairsprays We LoveDevaCurlFlexible Hold HairsprayThis wouldn’t be a comprehensive roundup of the best hairsprays without a nod to DevaCurl. The brand’s Flexible Hold Hairspray is a household name (in curly-haired households, that is) for its unwavering ability to set curls in place while still allowing for natural movement and bounce. It does particularly well to prevent curly hair from frizzing out, while also protecting from the unwanted effects of wind and any other elements nature can throw at you. For a relatively heavy-duty spray, the absence of residue and crunch is especially impressive.R+CoHalfpipe Dry Wax Finishing SprayAnother great option for hair of all lengths, R+Co’s Halfpipe is advertised as a finishing spray but works just as well as a primarily styler, particularly for shorter cuts. This is a pretty specific thing to call out, but if you enjoy the pliable hold of wax, this will give you some of that without any risk of clumpiness. You’ll sacrifice some hold, but the result is an objectively more natural look. Also, to give credit where it’s due, it’s got a great fragrance: simultaneously woody and bright with notes of blood orange, juniper, and rhubarb.MoroccanoilPerfect Defense Heat ProtectantFrequent blow drying or styling with hot tools can push hair to its breaking point, but it doesn’t have to. A high-quality protectant will shield your hair from high heat (in this case, up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit) while also preemptively nourishing and hydrating your locks with functional ingredients. Moroccanoil is the house that argan oil built, and Perfect Defense Heat Protectant harnesses the power of this natural ingredient—rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids—to optimize your hair’s radiance, shine, and overall appearance.TresemmeWorkable HairsprayNot only is this a great budget option, but it’s also the product you’re likely to see everywhere from the shelves of your local barbershop to backstage at New York Fashion Week. Needless to say, if you’re testing the waters with hairspray, you couldn’t pick a better place to start. It goes on dry, making it easy to layer and build, and the innovative double-sided nozzle allows you to regulate the product’s output and switch between a light and strong hold—ideal for creating nuanced styles with just the right amount of movement.Living ProofStyle Lab Control HairsprayIf you’re looking for a firm-hold hairspray for fine hair, this fan favorite from Living Proof could be a game changer. In addition to long-lasting hold that won’t flake, this lightweight spray adds heaps of brushable volume to wispy strands, along with a touch of shine. The color-safe formula is equally equipped to handle chemically treated hair (and pretty much all hair types, by the way), and with heat protection up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit you can confidently blast it with a blow dryer without fear of damaging your fragile follicles.What to Look for in a HairsprayAccordionItemContainerButtonJust like a gel or pomade, hairspray can vary in strength and, subsequently, its ability to hold your hair in place. At one end of the spectrum, something like a sea salt spray will offer very minimal hold to help you achieve an easygoing, beachy vibe with some nice, natural movement. An extra-strength spray, meanwhile, will freeze follicles in time, allowing you to blissfully forget where the nearest mirror is. My recommendation for picking one: Don’t. Give yourself the freedom to switch up your style by grabbing two or three different sprays offering varying degrees of hold.AccordionItemContainerButtonWhile most hairsprays are positioned as being compatible with all hair types, your best bet will always be to find one that’s a bit more specific to your own personal situation. Fine hair, for example, will benefit greatly from a lightweight spray with a light to medium hold that won’t weigh it down. Thick hair, on the other hand, can get away with a stronger hold, but if you plan on brushing it you’ll want something with a fine mist or “brushable” hold so that your look doesn’t lose its integrity the moment you hit it with a comb. And for curls or waves you’ll want a product that adds definition without creating unnatural stiffness.AccordionItemContainerButtonA product’s finish can be just as critical as its hold. If you’re going for a messy, bedhead-type look, opting for a hairspray with a matte finish can be the difference between getting the intended effect and looking like you actually just rolled out of bed—not what you want, trust me. Conversely, if you’re making the effort to craft a special look for an important event or big night out, a high-shine finish can take it to the next level, whereas something more on the matte side may dull your edge.AccordionItemContainerButtonIf you use a blow dryer or any kind of hot styling tools, this one is super important. Not all sprays are formulated to withstand high heat. In this case, you’ll want to look for a product that explicitly calls out its ability to protect hair from these factors, so you don’t end up doing any damage. Similarly, some sprays are better than others at shielding hair from environmental heat and humidity. If you live in a humid climate, or plan on visiting one, be sure to reach for a hairspray that offers protection from the elements. Source link

[norajworld]

Hairspray needs a publicist. For years, and for no defensible reason, the best hairspray for men—an enormous category of styling products—has been largely ignored by the fellas, most of whom will go their entire lives without so much as uncapping a can. Perhaps it’s the perception that hairspray is only for big, elaborate styles—or, more likely, that it was never really meant for men in the first place. Of course, neither could be further from the truth.If you have hair longer than an inch in length, I can confidently tell you that there is a hairspray product that was made for whatever style you’re going for, and so much more. Yes, hairspray is a great way to ace the more complicated, gravity-defying looks out there. But it’s also a virtual cheat code to instantly imbue hair with more texture, volume, and life—regardless of your hair type.The Best Hairsprays for Men, According to GQLooking for Something Specific?AccordionItemContainerButtonThe Best Hairspray Overall: IGK No LimitTruth be told, I had a hard time picking one product for the top spot, because you can’t really compare something like a sea salt spray with a product that specializes in, say, humidity protection. So this pick is based on a combination of some of the more common use cases for hairspray, like adding volume, texture, and hold. With this in mind, IGK’s No Limit emerged from testing as the best all-rounder. Whether you’re looking to add fullness or non-sticky, touchable texture, this spray is a no-fuss solution that seems to be a hit across all hair types (including hair that’s been colored or chemically treated).The Best Hairspray for Re-Styling: Kevin Murphy Bedroom.HairThis spray is marketed as the go-to product for achieving perfect bedhead, but its core competency is the flexible hold it offers. If you’re someone who likes to switch up your style on the go, say, as you transition from work to play, or if one hairstyle per day is simply too much of a commitment for you, this flexible texturizing spray could be the answer to your hair prayers. I also like that Kevin Murphy thought to include ginger root extract, which helps stave off dryness. It is possible to overdo it with this one, though, so my recommendation would be to start with a few spritzes here and there and then adjust if or as needed.The Best Sea Salt Spray for Men: Sachajuan Ocean MistEver notice how a day at the beach does things to your hair that no product can seem to replicate? Curls and waves become curlier and wavier. Thin hair takes on more volume. Even short hair benefits from some added choppiness. This is what a good sea salt spray can do for you, and in my experience none does it better than Sachajuan’s Ocean Mist. It’s got just the right amount of hold—which is to say not very much, but enough to create just a little bit more structure—and leaves your hair with a nice matte finish, a touch more texture, and absolutely no stickiness.The Best Hairspray for Oily Hair: R+Co Bleu Ultra Dry Texture SprayR+CoBleu Ultra Dry Texture SpraySwap oily shine for natural sheen with this versatile texturizing spray from R+Co’s premium R+Co Bleu collection. When you have hair on the oilier side, the last thing you want is a product that will drag it down even more. This is not that. If anything, hair feels lighter and generally less affected by earthly gravity. The aerosol provides thorough and even coverage, making it perfect for hair of pretty much any length—but it’s especially magical for longer hair, allowing you to create waves out of thin air and bend would-be flyaways to your will.The Best Maximum-Hold Hairspray: Pete & Pedro FreezeA couple of months ago, I stumbled onto what seemed like the ultimate styling product for my unruly medium-length hair. Sadly, it wasn’t long (as in, a few hours) before it had given up its grip and relinquished all responsibility in the matter. These are the situations that Pete & Pedro’s Freeze was made for. Boasting the strongest hold of any product on this list, it’s the ultimate way to lock a look in place, regardless of your primary styling product’s work ethic. Use whatever pomade, potion, or lotion you need in order to get your hair to do what you want, then lock it in with this bad boy.The Best Anti-Humidity Hairspray: Oribe Imperméable Anti-Humidity SprayOribeImperméable Anti-Humidity SprayIf humidity is an issue for your hair, be wary of sprays that claim to do it all. Oribe’s Imperméable Anti-Humidity Spray is here to do one thing, and it does it better than anything we’ve tried. It’s not going to freeze your hair in place or do much in terms of adding volume or bounce; rather, this is a finishing spray to protect from frizz, static, and pretty much any unauthorized, humidity-induced behavior in the most extreme conditions. That said, you will get a little bonus texture boost. Use it as the final step in your styling regimen and enjoy your newfound immunity to the elements.The Best Hairspray for Short Hair: American Crew Matte Clay SprayAmerican CrewMatte Clay SprayHairspray isn’t just for lengthy locks—and applying it doesn’t have to feel like aiming a leaf blower at your head. For short to medium-length hair, American Crew’s matte clay spray is the perfect middle ground in between traditional hairspray and the kind of product you’d scoop out of a tub, like a clay, wax, or pomade. Offering the best of both worlds, a few spritzes of this stuff is enough to let you scrunch and style your hair into place while also enjoying a decidedly more lightweight feel than those spreadable options. Of course, this also means it’s a great pick for guys with oilier hair, complete with a subtle matte finish.More Hairsprays We LoveDevaCurlFlexible Hold HairsprayThis wouldn’t be a comprehensive roundup of the best hairsprays without a nod to DevaCurl. The brand’s Flexible Hold Hairspray is a household name (in curly-haired households, that is) for its unwavering ability to set curls in place while still allowing for natural movement and bounce. It does particularly well to prevent curly hair from frizzing out, while also protecting from the unwanted effects of wind and any other elements nature can throw at you. For a relatively heavy-duty spray, the absence of residue and crunch is especially impressive.R+CoHalfpipe Dry Wax Finishing SprayAnother great option for hair of all lengths, R+Co’s Halfpipe is advertised as a finishing spray but works just as well as a primarily styler, particularly for shorter cuts. This is a pretty specific thing to call out, but if you enjoy the pliable hold of wax, this will give you some of that without any risk of clumpiness. You’ll sacrifice some hold, but the result is an objectively more natural look. Also, to give credit where it’s due, it’s got a great fragrance: simultaneously woody and bright with notes of blood orange, juniper, and rhubarb.MoroccanoilPerfect Defense Heat ProtectantFrequent blow drying or styling with hot tools can push hair to its breaking point, but it doesn’t have to. A high-quality protectant will shield your hair from high heat (in this case, up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit) while also preemptively nourishing and hydrating your locks with functional ingredients. Moroccanoil is the house that argan oil built, and Perfect Defense Heat Protectant harnesses the power of this natural ingredient—rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids—to optimize your hair’s radiance, shine, and overall appearance.TresemmeWorkable HairsprayNot only is this a great budget option, but it’s also the product you’re likely to see everywhere from the shelves of your local barbershop to backstage at New York Fashion Week. Needless to say, if you’re testing the waters with hairspray, you couldn’t pick a better place to start. It goes on dry, making it easy to layer and build, and the innovative double-sided nozzle allows you to regulate the product’s output and switch between a light and strong hold—ideal for creating nuanced styles with just the right amount of movement.Living ProofStyle Lab Control HairsprayIf you’re looking for a firm-hold hairspray for fine hair, this fan favorite from Living Proof could be a game changer. In addition to long-lasting hold that won’t flake, this lightweight spray adds heaps of brushable volume to wispy strands, along with a touch of shine. The color-safe formula is equally equipped to handle chemically treated hair (and pretty much all hair types, by the way), and with heat protection up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit you can confidently blast it with a blow dryer without fear of damaging your fragile follicles.What to Look for in a HairsprayAccordionItemContainerButtonJust like a gel or pomade, hairspray can vary in strength and, subsequently, its ability to hold your hair in place. At one end of the spectrum, something like a sea salt spray will offer very minimal hold to help you achieve an easygoing, beachy vibe with some nice, natural movement. An extra-strength spray, meanwhile, will freeze follicles in time, allowing you to blissfully forget where the nearest mirror is. My recommendation for picking one: Don’t. Give yourself the freedom to switch up your style by grabbing two or three different sprays offering varying degrees of hold.AccordionItemContainerButtonWhile most hairsprays are positioned as being compatible with all hair types, your best bet will always be to find one that’s a bit more specific to your own personal situation. Fine hair, for example, will benefit greatly from a lightweight spray with a light to medium hold that won’t weigh it down. Thick hair, on the other hand, can get away with a stronger hold, but if you plan on brushing it you’ll want something with a fine mist or “brushable” hold so that your look doesn’t lose its integrity the moment you hit it with a comb. And for curls or waves you’ll want a product that adds definition without creating unnatural stiffness.AccordionItemContainerButtonA product’s finish can be just as critical as its hold. If you’re going for a messy, bedhead-type look, opting for a hairspray with a matte finish can be the difference between getting the intended effect and looking like you actually just rolled out of bed—not what you want, trust me. Conversely, if you’re making the effort to craft a special look for an important event or big night out, a high-shine finish can take it to the next level, whereas something more on the matte side may dull your edge.AccordionItemContainerButtonIf you use a blow dryer or any kind of hot styling tools, this one is super important. Not all sprays are formulated to withstand high heat. In this case, you’ll want to look for a product that explicitly calls out its ability to protect hair from these factors, so you don’t end up doing any damage. Similarly, some sprays are better than others at shielding hair from environmental heat and humidity. If you live in a humid climate, or plan on visiting one, be sure to reach for a hairspray that offers protection from the elements. Source link

[chilimili212]

Hairspray needs a publicist. For years, and for no defensible reason, the best hairspray for men—an enormous category of styling products—has been largely ignored by the fellas, most of whom will go their entire lives without so much as uncapping a can. Perhaps it’s the perception that hairspray is only for big, elaborate styles—or, more likely, that it was never really meant for men in the first place. Of course, neither could be further from the truth.If you have hair longer than an inch in length, I can confidently tell you that there is a hairspray product that was made for whatever style you’re going for, and so much more. Yes, hairspray is a great way to ace the more complicated, gravity-defying looks out there. But it’s also a virtual cheat code to instantly imbue hair with more texture, volume, and life—regardless of your hair type.The Best Hairsprays for Men, According to GQLooking for Something Specific?AccordionItemContainerButtonThe Best Hairspray Overall: IGK No LimitTruth be told, I had a hard time picking one product for the top spot, because you can’t really compare something like a sea salt spray with a product that specializes in, say, humidity protection. So this pick is based on a combination of some of the more common use cases for hairspray, like adding volume, texture, and hold. With this in mind, IGK’s No Limit emerged from testing as the best all-rounder. Whether you’re looking to add fullness or non-sticky, touchable texture, this spray is a no-fuss solution that seems to be a hit across all hair types (including hair that’s been colored or chemically treated).The Best Hairspray for Re-Styling: Kevin Murphy Bedroom.HairThis spray is marketed as the go-to product for achieving perfect bedhead, but its core competency is the flexible hold it offers. If you’re someone who likes to switch up your style on the go, say, as you transition from work to play, or if one hairstyle per day is simply too much of a commitment for you, this flexible texturizing spray could be the answer to your hair prayers. I also like that Kevin Murphy thought to include ginger root extract, which helps stave off dryness. It is possible to overdo it with this one, though, so my recommendation would be to start with a few spritzes here and there and then adjust if or as needed.The Best Sea Salt Spray for Men: Sachajuan Ocean MistEver notice how a day at the beach does things to your hair that no product can seem to replicate? Curls and waves become curlier and wavier. Thin hair takes on more volume. Even short hair benefits from some added choppiness. This is what a good sea salt spray can do for you, and in my experience none does it better than Sachajuan’s Ocean Mist. It’s got just the right amount of hold—which is to say not very much, but enough to create just a little bit more structure—and leaves your hair with a nice matte finish, a touch more texture, and absolutely no stickiness.The Best Hairspray for Oily Hair: R+Co Bleu Ultra Dry Texture SprayR+CoBleu Ultra Dry Texture SpraySwap oily shine for natural sheen with this versatile texturizing spray from R+Co’s premium R+Co Bleu collection. When you have hair on the oilier side, the last thing you want is a product that will drag it down even more. This is not that. If anything, hair feels lighter and generally less affected by earthly gravity. The aerosol provides thorough and even coverage, making it perfect for hair of pretty much any length—but it’s especially magical for longer hair, allowing you to create waves out of thin air and bend would-be flyaways to your will.The Best Maximum-Hold Hairspray: Pete & Pedro FreezeA couple of months ago, I stumbled onto what seemed like the ultimate styling product for my unruly medium-length hair. Sadly, it wasn’t long (as in, a few hours) before it had given up its grip and relinquished all responsibility in the matter. These are the situations that Pete & Pedro’s Freeze was made for. Boasting the strongest hold of any product on this list, it’s the ultimate way to lock a look in place, regardless of your primary styling product’s work ethic. Use whatever pomade, potion, or lotion you need in order to get your hair to do what you want, then lock it in with this bad boy.The Best Anti-Humidity Hairspray: Oribe Imperméable Anti-Humidity SprayOribeImperméable Anti-Humidity SprayIf humidity is an issue for your hair, be wary of sprays that claim to do it all. Oribe’s Imperméable Anti-Humidity Spray is here to do one thing, and it does it better than anything we’ve tried. It’s not going to freeze your hair in place or do much in terms of adding volume or bounce; rather, this is a finishing spray to protect from frizz, static, and pretty much any unauthorized, humidity-induced behavior in the most extreme conditions. That said, you will get a little bonus texture boost. Use it as the final step in your styling regimen and enjoy your newfound immunity to the elements.The Best Hairspray for Short Hair: American Crew Matte Clay SprayAmerican CrewMatte Clay SprayHairspray isn’t just for lengthy locks—and applying it doesn’t have to feel like aiming a leaf blower at your head. For short to medium-length hair, American Crew’s matte clay spray is the perfect middle ground in between traditional hairspray and the kind of product you’d scoop out of a tub, like a clay, wax, or pomade. Offering the best of both worlds, a few spritzes of this stuff is enough to let you scrunch and style your hair into place while also enjoying a decidedly more lightweight feel than those spreadable options. Of course, this also means it’s a great pick for guys with oilier hair, complete with a subtle matte finish.More Hairsprays We LoveDevaCurlFlexible Hold HairsprayThis wouldn’t be a comprehensive roundup of the best hairsprays without a nod to DevaCurl. The brand’s Flexible Hold Hairspray is a household name (in curly-haired households, that is) for its unwavering ability to set curls in place while still allowing for natural movement and bounce. It does particularly well to prevent curly hair from frizzing out, while also protecting from the unwanted effects of wind and any other elements nature can throw at you. For a relatively heavy-duty spray, the absence of residue and crunch is especially impressive.R+CoHalfpipe Dry Wax Finishing SprayAnother great option for hair of all lengths, R+Co’s Halfpipe is advertised as a finishing spray but works just as well as a primarily styler, particularly for shorter cuts. This is a pretty specific thing to call out, but if you enjoy the pliable hold of wax, this will give you some of that without any risk of clumpiness. You’ll sacrifice some hold, but the result is an objectively more natural look. Also, to give credit where it’s due, it’s got a great fragrance: simultaneously woody and bright with notes of blood orange, juniper, and rhubarb.MoroccanoilPerfect Defense Heat ProtectantFrequent blow drying or styling with hot tools can push hair to its breaking point, but it doesn’t have to. A high-quality protectant will shield your hair from high heat (in this case, up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit) while also preemptively nourishing and hydrating your locks with functional ingredients. Moroccanoil is the house that argan oil built, and Perfect Defense Heat Protectant harnesses the power of this natural ingredient—rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids—to optimize your hair’s radiance, shine, and overall appearance.TresemmeWorkable HairsprayNot only is this a great budget option, but it’s also the product you’re likely to see everywhere from the shelves of your local barbershop to backstage at New York Fashion Week. Needless to say, if you’re testing the waters with hairspray, you couldn’t pick a better place to start. It goes on dry, making it easy to layer and build, and the innovative double-sided nozzle allows you to regulate the product’s output and switch between a light and strong hold—ideal for creating nuanced styles with just the right amount of movement.Living ProofStyle Lab Control HairsprayIf you’re looking for a firm-hold hairspray for fine hair, this fan favorite from Living Proof could be a game changer. In addition to long-lasting hold that won’t flake, this lightweight spray adds heaps of brushable volume to wispy strands, along with a touch of shine. The color-safe formula is equally equipped to handle chemically treated hair (and pretty much all hair types, by the way), and with heat protection up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit you can confidently blast it with a blow dryer without fear of damaging your fragile follicles.What to Look for in a HairsprayAccordionItemContainerButtonJust like a gel or pomade, hairspray can vary in strength and, subsequently, its ability to hold your hair in place. At one end of the spectrum, something like a sea salt spray will offer very minimal hold to help you achieve an easygoing, beachy vibe with some nice, natural movement. An extra-strength spray, meanwhile, will freeze follicles in time, allowing you to blissfully forget where the nearest mirror is. My recommendation for picking one: Don’t. Give yourself the freedom to switch up your style by grabbing two or three different sprays offering varying degrees of hold.AccordionItemContainerButtonWhile most hairsprays are positioned as being compatible with all hair types, your best bet will always be to find one that’s a bit more specific to your own personal situation. Fine hair, for example, will benefit greatly from a lightweight spray with a light to medium hold that won’t weigh it down. Thick hair, on the other hand, can get away with a stronger hold, but if you plan on brushing it you’ll want something with a fine mist or “brushable” hold so that your look doesn’t lose its integrity the moment you hit it with a comb. And for curls or waves you’ll want a product that adds definition without creating unnatural stiffness.AccordionItemContainerButtonA product’s finish can be just as critical as its hold. If you’re going for a messy, bedhead-type look, opting for a hairspray with a matte finish can be the difference between getting the intended effect and looking like you actually just rolled out of bed—not what you want, trust me. Conversely, if you’re making the effort to craft a special look for an important event or big night out, a high-shine finish can take it to the next level, whereas something more on the matte side may dull your edge.AccordionItemContainerButtonIf you use a blow dryer or any kind of hot styling tools, this one is super important. Not all sprays are formulated to withstand high heat. In this case, you’ll want to look for a product that explicitly calls out its ability to protect hair from these factors, so you don’t end up doing any damage. Similarly, some sprays are better than others at shielding hair from environmental heat and humidity. If you live in a humid climate, or plan on visiting one, be sure to reach for a hairspray that offers protection from the elements. Source link

[jcmarchi]

Shikhil Sharma, Co-Founder & CEO of Astra Security – Interview Series

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/shikhil-sharma-co-founder-ceo-of-astra-security-interview-series/

Shikhil Sharma, Co-Founder & CEO of Astra Security – Interview Series

Shikhil Sharma is the Founder of Astra Security – a continuous pentesting platform. At the very onset of his career, Shikhil consulted a number of businesses, startups & banks on cyber security. After helping some top businesses secure their websites & apps, Shikhil noted how in-effective traditional pentesting was, and founded Astra Security as an enabler to help bridge the same. He deeply cares about building habit forming products and designing intuitive marketing campaigns.

Astra Security recently raised $2.7 million to revolutionize cybersecurity with AI-Driven pentesting.

Your journey started with consulting businesses and banks on cybersecurity. What gaps did you identify in traditional pentesting that led to the creation of Astra Security?

A traditional pentest is often done as a point-in-time exercise, it’s usually triggered by regulatory requirements or when a vulnerability is suspected, leaving the applications vulnerable to hacks for an extended period between due pentest. Traditional pentesting, which is service-driven, often overwhelms customers with 500-page reports filled with jargon but lacking actionable insights.

Communication is typically unstructured, leaving stakeholders, developers, CTOs, CISOs, and even pentesters frustrated by the lack of seamless collaboration and clear remediation guidance. With AI increasing the rate at which new code is being pushed into production, the traditional penetration testing approach fails to keep up. This led us to create Astra Security, a continuous offensive pentesting platform.

Astra Security aims to make cybersecurity “super simple” for SMEs. How does your approach differ from traditional security solutions in the market?

SMEs need simple, effective security that doesn’t slow them down. That’s where Astra Security stands out. Our approach is built around ease of use, automation, actionable insights, and making security continuous at scale. Every few months there’s a new acronym of tools ranging from CSPM, SSPM, CTEM, and ASPM, which mid-sized businesses find difficult to keep up with. At Astra, we offer features from all of these without naming them anything fancy, to keep the platform user-friendly.

Our platform integrates directly into the CI/CD pipeline, providing real-time alerts and guided remediation so teams without dedicated security experts can stay protected.

What are some of the most innovative AI-driven security features Astra has developed to stay ahead of cybercriminals?

Astra’s AI-powered offensive security engine is designed to detect, correlate, and remediate vulnerabilities at scale. Our platform continuously scans infrastructure by leveraging AI-driven attack simulations via threat modeling, mimicking real-world hacker tactics to uncover even the most sophisticated threats. We offer a friendly bot, “Astranaut,” which has the context of each vulnerability in the customer’s stack, and helps developers fix vulnerabilities quickly.

Astra Security offers “continuous pentesting.” How does this differ from traditional pentesting, and why is this shift necessary?

Astra’s continuous pentesting platform makes security real-time and proactive, unlike traditional one-off tests. Our AI-powered platform continuously scans infrastructure, detects vulnerabilities, and simulates real-world attacks, providing instant alerts, risk prioritization, and AI-driven remediation so developers can fix issues faster. With cyber threats evolving daily, businesses can’t afford to wait months for the next test. Astra combines AI automation with expert validation, ensuring 24/7 protection and reduced risk exposure.

Your platform has identified over 110,000 vulnerabilities per month. Can you share insights on some of the most surprising or critical vulnerabilities you’ve discovered?

The actual number of vulnerabilities we identify every month is 200,000+. We still see injection-based attacks like SQL and scripting attacks that have been around for years remaining among the top findings on our platform. Surprisingly, broken access control is widespread, with many applications vulnerable to it. We were able to see this at scale after we launched a broken access control scanner module in beta internally. Another thing that surprises us is how many times unintentionally secret keys are committed to customer-facing code, from Stripe, Slack, to email service provider keys – we’ve seen it all.

What role do human security researchers play in Astra’s AI-powered pentesting platform? How do automation and human expertise complement each other?

At Astra, AI automation and Astra’s security experts work hand in hand to deliver precise, actionable, and real-time security assessments. While AI accelerates vulnerability detection and automates attack simulations, our security researchers bring deep context, validation, and innovative analysis, ensuring no critical flaw goes unnoticed. We believe pentesters now have an even more important role to play, and no longer have to spend time reporting low-hanging vulnerabilities again and again, but focusing on actual critical potential attacks more.

With cloud environments growing in complexity, how is Astra Security evolving to protect modern SaaS and cloud-based infrastructures?

Our platform proactively scans cloud workloads, APIs, and identities, detecting misconfigurations, privilege escalation risks, and real-world attack vectors. Astra ensures businesses can scale securely – without compromising agility – with deep cloud integrations, automated compliance checks, and security embedded into CI/CD pipelines.

Your background includes participating in high-profile bug bounty programs. What was your most memorable vulnerability discovery?

One of my bug bounty journey’s most memorable vulnerability discoveries was identifying a critical authentication bypass and injection attack in a major marketplace platform. The flaw allowed attackers to access user accounts without valid credentials, potentially exposing sensitive financial data. What made this discovery stand out was its real-world impact—had it been exploited, it could have led to large-scale financial fraud. Responsible disclosure ensured the vulnerability was patched before any damage occurred.

You’re actively involved in cybersecurity and often speak at industry events. What role does community engagement play in shaping Astra’s mission?

Community engagement is key to Astra’s mission. Interacting with security professionals, developers, and CISOs helps us understand emerging challenges firsthand. These insights directly influence our product innovations, ensuring we build solutions that are not only cutting-edge but also practical, effective, and aligned with industry needs. At Astra, we’ve built The 403 Circle—our exclusive community of 100+ CTOs and CISOs, where security leaders share experiences, exchange insights, and seek guidance from peers on the frontlines of cybersecurity.

Where do you see Astra Security five years from now, and what’s your ultimate vision for its impact on the cybersecurity industry?

Five years from now, Astra will be at the forefront of AI-driven offensive security, making continuous pentesting the industry standard. Our goal is to eliminate the traditional, reactive approach to security by providing businesses with an automated, intelligent security engine that detects, prioritizes, and helps remediate vulnerabilities in real-time. Astra will shape the future of proactive cybersecurity, helping businesses move beyond periodic security testing to always-on, AI-powered protection that scales with them.

Thank you for the great interview, readers who wish to learn more should visit Astra Security.

[fastrateauto23]

Book an Engine Diagnostic with First Rate Auto in Milwaukee

Your car’s engine is like its heart—if it’s not running smoothly, your entire vehicle suffers. Ignoring engine issues can lead to costly repairs or, worse, leave you stranded on the side of the road. That’s why regular engine diagnostics are crucial. If you're in Milwaukee and need a trusted mechanic, look no further than First Rate Auto. Our expert team will diagnose any engine problems and get you back on the road with confidence.

What is an Engine Diagnostic?

An engine diagnostic is a process that identifies issues within your vehicle’s engine and related systems. Modern vehicles are equipped with onboard computers that monitor engine performance. When something goes wrong, the system generates error codes that a professional mechanic can interpret using advanced diagnostic tools.

At First Rate Auto, we use cutting-edge diagnostic equipment to pinpoint issues quickly and accurately. From fuel system malfunctions to ignition problems, we’ll figure out what’s going on under the hood.

Signs Your Car Needs an Engine Diagnostic

Not sure if it’s time for a diagnostic? Watch out for these warning signs:

1. Check Engine Light is On

That little light on your dashboard isn’t there for decoration. If it’s illuminated, your car’s system has detected an issue that needs attention.

2. Poor Fuel Efficiency

Are you visiting the gas station more often than usual? A failing sensor or fuel system issue might be the culprit.

3. Strange Noises

Hearing unusual knocks, rattles, or hissing sounds? That could indicate anything from a misfiring engine to an exhaust leak.

4. Sluggish Performance

If your car hesitates, struggles to accelerate, or feels different while driving, it’s time for a diagnostic check.

Ignoring these warning signs can lead to more severe damage, so it’s always best to act fast.

Why Choose First Rate Auto for Your Engine Diagnostic?

When it comes to diagnosing engine problems, experience and technology make all the difference. Here’s why First Rate Auto is the go-to shop in Milwaukee:

State-of-the-Art Equipment – We use top-tier diagnostic scanners to quickly and accurately identify issues.

Experienced Technicians – Our mechanics have years of experience working on all makes and models.

Honest & Transparent Service – We believe in clear communication, fair pricing, and no surprise fees.

Fast Turnaround Time – We’ll get your car diagnosed and fixed as quickly as possible so you can get back to your daily routine.

The Engine Diagnostic Process at First Rate Auto

Curious about what happens when you bring your car in for a diagnostic? Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Schedule Your Appointment

Call us, book online, or stop by our shop to set up a convenient time for your diagnostic.

Step 2: Vehicle Inspection

Our technicians will connect your car to our diagnostic equipment and run a full scan to detect any error codes or malfunctions.

Step 3: Identify the Issue

Once we retrieve the codes, we perform further testing to pinpoint the root cause of the problem.

Step 4: Discuss Findings & Solutions

We’ll explain the issue in simple terms, provide repair recommendations, and answer any questions you may have.

Step 5: Repairs & Road Test

If repairs are needed, we’ll fix the issue and test-drive your vehicle to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Benefits of Timely Engine Diagnostics

Still thinking about putting off that diagnostic? Here’s why you shouldn’t:

Prevents Major Repairs – Catching problems early can save you from costly breakdowns.

Improves Vehicle Performance – A well-maintained engine runs smoother and lasts longer.

Enhances Fuel Efficiency – Diagnosing and fixing issues can help you get better mileage.

Ensures Safety – Engine issues can lead to accidents if left unchecked. Stay safe on the road by addressing problems early.

How to Book an Engine Diagnostic with First Rate Auto

Scheduling your engine diagnostic with us is easy! Here’s how you can do it:

Online: Visit our website and use our simple booking tool to set up an appointment.

By Phone: Call us at +1 414-774-3738, and our friendly staff will assist you.

In Person: Drop by our shop at 5424 W State St, Milwaukee, WI 53208, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Conclusion

Don’t wait until your car leaves you stranded—stay ahead of engine problems with a professional diagnostic at First Rate Auto. Our skilled technicians, state-of-the-art equipment, and commitment to excellent service make us Milwaukee’s top choice for engine diagnostics. Book your appointment today and drive with confidence!

First Rate Auto

5424 W State St, Milwaukee, WI 53208, United States

+14147743738

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Understanding the Water and Sewer Line Replacement Process

Replacing water and sewer lines can feel like a daunting task for homeowners, but understanding the process can ease concerns and make you more confident about tackling it when the need arises. If you’re in Hillsborough, NC, you’re in luck because Thors Plumbing offers some of the best water and sewer line replacement services in the area. Let’s break down what you can expect during this process and why choosing an experienced service provider like Thors Plumbing can make all the difference.

Identifying the Problem

Water and sewer line issues often begin with warning signs such as slow drains, gurgling sounds, low water pressure, or unpleasant odors. These signs could mean anything from a small clog to a serious pipe failure. Once you notice these problems, it’s important to act quickly to avoid further damage. Professional plumbers, like those at Thors Plumbing, start by diagnosing the problem using tools such as video cameras that can inspect your pipes without invasive digging.

Planning the Replacement

Once the issue is identified, the next step is to determine the scope of the replacement. Will the entire line need to be replaced, or is a partial repair sufficient? This depends on the age of the pipes, the type of material used, and the extent of the damage. For instance, older homes often have clay or galvanized pipes that are prone to corrosion and may require a full upgrade. Thors Plumbing offers thorough assessments and provides a clear plan of action, so you know exactly what’s happening and why.

Permits and Preparation

Water and sewer line replacements often require permits because the work involves digging and may affect public utilities. A reliable service provider like Thors Plumbing will handle the paperwork for you, ensuring the process is compliant with local regulations. Before starting, they’ll also locate utility lines to avoid accidental damage and prepare the site to minimize disruption.

The Replacement Process

There are two main methods for replacing water and sewer lines: traditional trenching and trenchless technology.

Trenching: This involves digging a long trench to expose and replace the damaged pipe. While effective, it can be disruptive, especially if the line runs beneath a driveway or landscaped area.

Trenchless Technology: This modern method involves minimal digging. Techniques like pipe bursting (replacing old pipes by pulling a new pipe through the existing one) or pipe relining (creating a new pipe within the old one) are less invasive and quicker. Thors Plumbing specializes in both methods and will recommend the best option for your situation.

Testing and Cleanup

Once the new lines are installed, thorough testing ensures they function correctly and meet all safety standards. Afterward, the area is restored as closely as possible to its original condition. Thors Plumbing prides itself on leaving job sites clean and ensuring customer satisfaction with the final result.

Why Choose Thors Plumbing?

If you’re in Hillsborough, NC, and need water and sewer line replacement, Thors Plumbing should be at the top of your list. Here’s why:

Expertise: With years of experience in plumbing, they’re equipped to handle everything from minor repairs to full-scale replacements.

Transparency: Thors Plumbing believes in keeping customers informed at every step, so there are no surprises.

Cutting-Edge Techniques: They use advanced tools and methods to minimize disruption and maximize efficiency.

Customer Focus: Their team is known for professionalism and friendly service, ensuring a stress-free experience.

Local Knowledge: Being a trusted service provider in Hillsborough means they’re familiar with local codes, soil conditions, and common plumbing issues in the area.

Water and sewer line replacements may not be the most exciting home improvement project, but they’re essential for maintaining a safe and functional household. By choosing a reliable provider like Thors Plumbing, you’ll get top-notch service and peace of mind knowing the job is done right. Don’t wait for small issues to turn into big problems—contact Thors Plumbing today for an inspection and expert advice!