#barber shop equipment

[salon-world]

How to Choose the Right Barber Shop Equipment?

Whether you're setting up your barbershop or looking to upgrade your existing equipment, making the right choices is crucial. The success of your business depends on providing a comfortable and efficient experience for your clients, and having the right equipment plays a significant role in achieving that. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of selecting the right barber shop equipment, taking into consideration your specific needs, budget, and target audience.

Assess Your Needs

Before you start exploring the different types of barber shop equipment available, it's essential to assess your needs. Consider the services you plan to offer and the specific equipment required for each. For example, if you plan on offering facial grooming services, you may need to invest in a high-quality facial steamer. If you specialise in intricate hair designs, a barber chair with adjustable height and tilting capabilities may be necessary.

Additionally, you should also consider factors such as your budget and the available space in your barbershop. It's important to set a realistic budget and stick to it, ensuring you can afford the equipment you need without compromising on quality. Take measurements of your space to ensure that the equipment you choose will fit comfortably, allowing your barbers and clients to move around easily.

Research Different Types of Equipment

Once you have assessed your needs, it's time to research the different types of barber shop equipment available. Start by exploring the various types of barber chairs, styling stations, and other essential equipment. Each type of equipment comes with its own set of features and benefits, so it's important to understand them to make an informed decision.

When it comes to barber chairs, you'll find options such as hydraulic chairs, electric chairs, and reclining chairs. Hydraulic chairs are known for their smooth height adjustment capabilities, while electric chairs offer additional features like remote control operation. Reclining chairs are ideal for clients who prefer to lean back during their haircut or shave.

Styling stations are another important component of a barbershop. These stations typically include a mirror, storage space, and electrical outlets for tools. Consider the layout of your barbershop and choose styling stations that complement the overall aesthetic and functionality.

Consider Quality and Durability

Investing in high-quality equipment is crucial for the long-term success of your barbershop. While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper options, they may not withstand the demands of daily use and may require frequent replacements, costing you more in the long run. Look for equipment made from durable materials that can withstand the rigours of a busy barbershop.

To assess the quality and durability of different brands, consider factors such as the construction of the equipment, the reputation of the manufacturer, and the materials used. Look for brands that have a proven track record in the industry and positive customer reviews. Pay attention to details such as the stitching on barber chairs and the sturdiness of styling stations.

Compare Prices and Warranty Options

When it comes to purchasing barber shop equipment, price is undoubtedly an important factor. However, it shouldn't be the sole determining factor. Comparing prices across different suppliers and brands will help you get the best value for your money. Keep in mind that higher-priced equipment may offer better quality and durability, but it's important to strike a balance between quality and your budget.

In addition to comparing prices, it's also essential to consider warranty options. A warranty can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your investment is protected. Look for equipment that comes with a warranty, and be sure to read the terms and conditions. A good warranty should cover manufacturing defects and offer a reasonable duration of coverage.

Read Customer Reviews and Seek Recommendations

One of the best ways to gain insights into the performance and quality of barber shop equipment is by reading customer reviews. Many online retailers offer customer reviews on their websites, providing valuable feedback from barbers who have already purchased and used the equipment. Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded perspective.

In addition to reading customer reviews, don't hesitate to seek recommendations from fellow barbers or professionals in the industry. Ask for their opinions on reliable brands and specific equipment. They can provide personal insights and advice based on their own experiences, helping you make an informed decision.

Visit Local Suppliers or Research Online Retailers

While researching online can provide you with a wealth of information, it's also beneficial to visit local suppliers if possible. Physically inspecting the equipment allows you to see the quality and craftsmanship firsthand. Sit in the barber chairs, test out the hydraulic and reclining features, and assess the overall comfort and functionality.

If visiting local suppliers isn't feasible, spend time researching reputable online retailers. Look for retailers with a wide selection of barber shop equipment, positive customer reviews, and secure payment options. Take advantage of any virtual tours or detailed product descriptions provided by online retailers to get a better understanding of the equipment.

Conclusion

Choosing the right barber shop equipment is a crucial step in creating a successful barbershop. By assessing your specific needs, researching different types of equipment, considering quality and durability, comparing prices and warranty options, reading customer reviews, and seeking recommendations, you can make an informed decision. Take your time in selecting the right equipment for your barbershop, keeping in mind the comfort and satisfaction of your clients. 

Remember, investing in high-quality equipment is an investment in the long-term success of your business.

[afeelgoodblog]

The Best News of Last Week

⚡ - Goodbye Fossil Fuels, Hello Renewables: The Energizing News You Need

1. Fungi discovered that can eat plastic in just 140 days

Australian scientists have successfully used backyard mould to break down one of the world's most stubborn plastics — a discovery they hope could ease the burden of the global recycling crisis within years. 

It took 90 days for the fungi to degrade 27 per cent of the plastic tested, and about 140 days to completely break it down, after the samples were exposed to ultraviolet rays or heat. We really see a solution within five years, according to environmental scientist Paul Harvey, an expert on global plastic pollution.

2. Topeka Zoo welcomes new African Lion as female sprouts mane

The Topeka Zoo has welcomed a new African Lion to its pride, a male, as one of its females started to sprout a mane following the 2021 passing of the pride’s last male.

The Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center announced on Thursday, April 13, that Tatu, a 4-year-old African Lion, has arrived in the Capital City. He comes to Topeka from the Denver Zoo and his arrival marks a time of growth for the zoo.

3. This barber opens his shop on his day off for children with special needs – and all of their haircuts are free

On his day off, Vernon Jackson still goes to work, opening up his Cincinnati barber shop, Noble Barber and Beauty, for VIP clients: children with special needs. 

It's something he's done since 2021. "I was hearing so many horror stories that parents were going through with other barber shops and just the barbers or stylists having no patience with their child," Jackson told CBS News. "So I figured I would compromise by coming in on my day off so there were there would be no other barbers or stylists in the shop and I could give them the full attention that they need."

4. Renewables break energy records signalling ‘end of the fossil age’

Experts are calling time on the fossil age as new analysis shows wind and solar power produced a record amount of the world’s electricity last year.

The renewables generated 12 per cent of global electricity in 2022, up from 10 per cent the previous year, according to the report from clean energy think tank Ember. Last year, solar was the fastest-growing source of electricity for the 18th year in a row, rising by 24 per cent from 2021.

5. New nuclear medicine therapy cures human non-hodgkin lymphoma in preclinical model

A new nuclear medicine therapy can cure human non-Hodgkin lymphoma in an animal model A single dose of the radioimmunotherapy, was found to quickly eliminate tumour cells and extend the life of mice injected with cancerous cells for more than 221 days (the trial endpoint), compared to fewer than 60 days for other treatments and just 19 days in untreated control mice.

To explain it in simple terms because this is so freaking cool: There is a radioactive atom attached to a drug. The target cell eats the drug and the energy coming off of the radioactive atom kills the target cell

6. Colorado passes first US right to repair legislation for farmers

Colorado farmers will be able to legally fix their own equipment next year, with manufacturers including Deere & Co obliged to provide them with manuals for diagnostic software and other aids, under a measure passed by legislators in the first U.S. state to approve such a law.

Equipment makers have generally required customers to use their authorized dealers for repairs to machines such as combines and tractors.

7. When a softball player falls after hitting a grand slam, this is how her opponents reacted

----

That's it for this week :)

This newsletter will always be free. If you liked this post you can support me with a small kofi donation:

Buy me a coffee ❤️

Also don’t forget to reblog

[juniperskye]

Bangin’

Summary: I’m back with more hair stylist reader!!!  Eddie finally graduated from Hawkins High and moved to New York City. There was definitely a culture shock, but he was finding it easier to fit in there than back in Hawkins. The one thing he was having trouble with however, was his hair management. His neighbor in the trailer park, Ms. Sweeny, used to cut his hair for him, but now living in a new city…he needed to find a good salon. The events of season 4 did not happen.

Eddie Munson x Hair Stylist (Fem)Reader (she’s kind of sunshiny emo lol also she’s described to have colored hair, tattoos, and piercings)

Fluff

Word count: 977

REQUESTS ARE OPEN - not edited - please be kind. Requests are open and feedback is welcome if it's constructive!

Warnings: My blog is 18+, minors DNI, no use of y/n, half assed salon info, let me know if I missed any!

I do not consent to having my work translated or reposted to any other site. That being said I do not own the characters portrayed in this story.

Eddie let out a huff of air in attempt to blow his bangs out of his eyes. His hair had been pulled back into a low messy bun, to keep it out of his face while he moved stage equipment for tonight’s show.

He had moved to New York six months ago after finally graduating from Hawkins High. The big move hadn’t come as a surprise to his friends back home, they all knew that Eddie was destined for greatness. The day he left, he made a promise to Garreth, Jeff and Grant, letting them know that the band wasn’t dead, and he’d be waiting for them to join him in the city when they graduated. That same day, Wayne handed Eddie an envelope, letting him know he had been saving it to ensure Eddie could get by until he had a steady job.

Wayne had pulled Eddie into a tight embrace and they both sniffed, ensuring to keep themselves composed. Refusing to shed any tears. They had separated, shared a curt nod and then Eddie got in his van and drove off.

New York had been everything he had dreamed of, the hustle and bustle of the city was far more his speed than that of suburban Hawkins. He had gotten a job at this bar; it was a few blocks away from his apartment and they had needed someone to bartend and help out with the bands that played there. Eddie had jumped at the opportunity, and he had mentioned his band upon his employment.

The owner of the bar had told Eddie to get him a demo tape and that he would decide if they would play there. He’d been overjoyed when the manager expressed interest after hearing the tape, telling Eddie that as soon as his friends got to NYC they’d have a place to play.

But that was still a few months off. Until then, Eddie would have to make himself useful at the bar. Which is how he currently found himself setting up amps on the stage for tonight’s show. The bar was pretty warm, heating had kicked on to combat the chill from outside. Which is exactly why Eddie had pulled his hair into a lazy bun, only now it wasn’t the heat that was getting to him, but his unruly curls that framed his face.

“Hey man, once the stage is set, you’re good to go for the night. I appreciate you coming in on your day off to help.” Carol, the bar manager, informed Eddie.

“Thanks Carol!” Eddie said, blowing his bangs out of his face once more.

“Cutting Edge.” Carol said.

“What?” Eddie questioned.

“Cutting Edge, it’s a salon over on Bleecker. The hairstylist there can fix up those bangs.” Carol informed as she walked to the back office.

“Hey, thanks!” Eddie called after her.

Once the stage was all set up, Eddie grabbed his stuff and made his way over to Bleecker. He walked past an assortment of restaurants, shops, barbers, until he found your salon. Tucked between Joe’s pizza and The Paw Spa was a tiny salon, on the front window painted in clean white letters were the words “Cutting Edge” with a pair of scissors painted below.

As Eddie entered, a small bell rang out from above the door. He looked over to see two hair cutting stations and two shampoo stations, there was a narrow hallway that seemingly led back to additional space. The salon was designed using mostly black and white accents, checkered floors, bright walls, polaroids lined the wall behind the front desk. In the pictures, Eddie took note of the incredible haircuts and colors that the patrons in the images wore.

“I’ll be right with you hon.” Your warm voice called out over the buzzing of the clippers.

“No rush, thank you.” Eddie replied.

He watched as you faded the sides of this guy’s haircut. The top had been longer, curly and blue, but you had brought the sides in with a perfectly blended fade. As you turned the chair Eddie noticed the design you had lined in his hair. He was in awe of how meticulous you had been in your work.

That is when his gaze shifted to you. You took his breath away, with your black and pink hair, your septum piercing and the tattoos that littered your exposed arms.

“Alright Theo, your total today is, $15. Thank you so much for coming in!” You greeted.

“Thank you! The cut is great, and the color has been holding up well. I’ll call you to schedule a root touch up soon.” Theo suggested before making his leave.

“How can I help you?” You greeted Eddie, finally noticing how handsome he is.

“I uh, I just need a trim. My hair is in my eyes all the time and it’s driving me insane.” Eddie explained,

“Absolutely! Come on back and have a seat.” You gestured to your station.

Eddie sat and you asked him a few questions to gauge how short he wanted his hair. You had inquired about the last time he had a trim and what his current haircare routine was. Once you’d started cutting his hair, he’d been able to ask you a few questions. He’d asked about your taste in music, how long you had been in New York, and how you got into hair.

By then you were done with his hair, and he couldn’t help but feel saddened by the fact that it was over. He wanted to keep talking to you, it had been so easy, he didn’t want it to end.

“Are you done for the evening?” Eddie inquired.

“I am, I just have to close up.” You explained.

“Would you want to come see this band at the bar I work at?” Eddie offered.

“I would love to.” You smiled.

[jamdoughnutmagician]

A Cut Above The Rest

Mechanic!Eddie x Fem!Hairdresser!Reader

Back To Work (Part 6)

Summary:You make good on your promise of giving Steve his haircut, whilst also learning a few things from him about Eddie.

Word Count:1, 131 (sorry it's a short one this time!)

<-Previous Part Next Part ->

Masterlist Series Masterlist

You drive your way over to Steve’s home, a modest little place, an apartment on the edge of the town not from where he works in the coffee shop.

You knock at his door with your hairdresser’s kit in a bag slung over your shoulder.

“Steve! It’s me!” you shout from behind the door. 

He opens up the door, dressed in an old, well-worn t-shirt and a pair of shorter than you expected shorts. So this is what Steve ‘The Hair’ Harrington wears on his day off, huh?

“Hey! How are you?” he says, welcoming you into his apartment.

“Good thanks.” you nod. “So where do you want to do this? '' you ask, gesturing to your heavy bag of haidresser’s equipment.

“Oh you can put your stuff right here, it’ll be fine.” he says, tapping his hand against the small dining table in his kitchen.

You set down your bag as he pulls out a chair from underneath the table and sits down.

“So what are we doing today, Steve?” you ask, as you swish a hair-dressing cape around his shoulders to stop the hair going all over his clothes.

“Anything you can do that doesn’t involve any kind of clippers going anywhere near my head would be deeply appreciated, thank you.”

“Don’t worry you’re in safe hands with me.” you reassure, as you rake your fingers through his tousled mess of hair. “You’re going to feel like a new man once I’m done with you, Harrington.”

You grab your water bottle and begin by spritzing his hair just enough to wet everything down, before turning to grab your comb to slick through his hair. Then you reach into your kit to pull out your scissors to start snipping away at the longer strands. You alternate between snipping the hair and combing your brush through to ensure that everything is the right length.

“I drove past a perfectly good barber’s shop on my way here, so what’s this hang-up you have over hair clippers and going to the barbers?” You ask, easily falling into the natural chatter that you used on all your clients. It was one of the skills you prided yourself on, to put people at ease 

“Well, it’s just that when I was a kid my mom would always take me to the salon with her when she went, and I would get my hair cut there too sometimes. Then, one day, my dad took me to a barber shop, said it was about time that a boy like me should be going to the same barber’s as his old man, said that my long hair made me look like a girl, then they clipped my hair so short. I cried the whole time.” he says, the hurt in voice still present even now. "I even have a little scar at the back where the guy got a bit too trigger-happy with the clippers." He huffs.

Sure enough through the layers, there it is. A small line of scarring where the base of his skull flows down to his neck, where the hair refuses to grow.

"I guess I wanted to grow my hair out as an act of rebellion?" He offers, as some semblance of explanation. 

“For what it’s worth, I think you suit longer hair in my opinion. I’m just here to tidy you up.” you reassure with a hand on his shoulder.

“Thanks. Anyway! Enough about me, a little birdy told me that you went on a date with a certain metal-head yesterday?” he asks, his voice raising slightly in a teasing tone. 

“A little birdy, huh? You mean Robin.” you poke back with a laugh. “Yeah, Eddie took me out to the Maple Bridge fall festival. It was nice.” you answer, with a slight smile playing at your lips as you begin to refine Steve’s layers.

 “Maple Bridge, huh?” he retorts with a smirk that despite the fact that you couldn’t see his face, you just knew was gracing his features. “Interesting.”

“Yeah, we picked pumpkins and had a quiet drink in the barn. I had a nice time with him. Why is that interesting?” you say, unsure what Steve was getting at with his line of questioning.

“I’ve known Eddie for a few years, and if it’s one thing I know about him is that he loves the fall, like, all of it. Halloween, Pumpkins, Pumpkin Pie, everything. The whole shebang. He goes to the Maple Bridge festival every year. Never misses it.

Steve keeps talking as you start to ruffle a texturising clay through his now freshly cut hair, listening intently as he speaks.  

“..And for the past few years he’s always gone alone. We’ve all offered to go with him, of course, but he always insists on going by himself. So, he must really like you if he’s taken you there on a first date.”

“I don’t know what to say.” you stammer at the revelation of this news. 

“Look, I’m hosting a Halloween party next week. Robin's gonna be there, you can invite Eddie, it’ll be great, I promise.”

“Alright. I’m down for a party.” you say, as you reach for your hairdryer.

“Good. Of course it’s a costume party, so I expect to see you all dressed up.” he laughs.

You cut Steve off with the loud sound of your hairdryer, completely ignoring him.

“Alright! That’s you all done.” You say as you gather your kit up.

“Thank you so much, you’ve done an awesome job of it. Better than any other haircut I've had before, that's for sure." he says with a smile ruffling his fingers through his freshly styled hair. “This is for you.” he nods, pressing the money into your hand.

"Oh thank you!" You smile, slipping your money into your back pocket.

"Seriously! I'm going to be coming to you for my haircuts from now on!" Steve praises.

"Anytime! It was a delight to work on such a glorious head of hair such as yours" You nod.

"I really do hope you come to the party, it'll be nice to have some more friendly faces there!"

"I'll see you then!" And with that, you wave him goodbye as you make your way out of his apartment. 

You burst through the door to Robin’s apartment, dropping your bag on the floor as you come in.

"Robin. I need your help." you rush out in a panicked tone.

"What’s going on?” she spluttered back, matching your alarmed nature.

"Steve invited me to his Halloween party next week and I need to find a costume."

Robin breathes a sigh of relief, you always did have a flair for the dramatics.

"Don't worry, we'll find you something, We can hit up the mall tomorrow, there's gotta be something there."

@penguinsandpotterheads @xxhellfiregirlxx @sunflowerdaydreamer @mmunson86 @avalon-wolf @ali-r3n @jesssssmaybankk

[gh0st-bbygirl]

Task Force 141 Domestic Headcanons

Cpt. John Bravo Six Price:

enjoys fishing on his days off and spends a lot of money on his equipment

likes 80s rock songs and is actually a decent acoustic guitar player, sometimes he sings but stops whenever he thinks someone is listening

has a favorite barber shop where everyone knows him as 'Old Man'

needs his black coffee to function in the morning

he has a duvet cover of his favorite football team

Lt. Simon Ghost Riley:

in his free time he is an avid reader of non fiction

enjoys ken burns documentaries

actually he is a very talented handyman and build a lodge by himself where he lives at

has chosen the call sign ghost because he once had a dog that went by the same name

his all time favorite band is Pink Floyd and he knows the lyrics to every song

Sgt. John Soap MacTavish:

used to be a rugby player in his teenage years until he had an injury on his left leg and had to quit

he owns a mariah carey cd because he thought she looked hot on the cover and wanted the inlay as a poster

has a close bond with his family

he likes trap music much to the dismay of ghost

during a night out and about he enjoys karaoke but fails at it miserably

can't cook for a living

Sgt. Kyle Gaz Garrick:

he enjoys hip hop and is a decent beat boxer

he can entirely quote monty python and the holy grail

during a night out and about soap forces him to join him doing karaoke because he is an average singer

he owns a cat that he gives to his relatives when he is on missions

he likes asian food especially sushi

has created a bucket list

[tiger-is-a-certified-idiot]

I saw the 2:00 performance of Beetlejuice yesterday (December 30th) with Elliott Mattox as Beetlejuice and Dana Steingold as Lydia and I figured I’d document whatever differences I remember or that I found notable for those interested!

Mattox opened The Whole Being Dead Thing with the “Hey folks, ain’t it pretty! Guess who’s here in New York City?” lyrics

During the puppet show joke, Elliott pointed to a kid in the audience and said “wow! Really young. Interesting choice, parents!”

Mattox did add the “shit” after “Jesus I can’t spell”

He also said “and that is how I got herpes from Katherine Hepburn” instead of “made nachos”

Mattox sung the word “Helpless” (Hamilton reference) The crowd loved that. He didn’t say “skeeewp” during “Here’s help, here’s you… it’s less”

Leslie used “sadness is like a third nipple, no one wants to see it, but it’s a part of you” instead of the kale salad joke.

Dana took some extra pictures of Delia during No Reason and Leslie said “No paparazzi!” Instead of “Unicorns are scary!”

Dana had Lydia tell the Maitlands “you look like you run a failing coffee shop” and Adam says “I always wanted to run a failing coffee shop!” (I can’t remember if this is normally part of the script or not but I found it funny)

Elliott only has one Beetlejuice wig, so instead of “why is your hair purple” he said “why is your hair GREEN”

He also didn’t get red hair during his reappearance

Every magic trick worked! Including setting the suicide note on fire!

Since I haven’t seen it in any Slime, I feel like I should point out the light up game show sign above the stage that says “Life or Death” and turns into “Till <3 Death” during Creepy Old Guy

Instead of “Beetlejuice” David has Adam call BJ “Mr Juice” in a sort of angry/semi sarcastic Adam voice during the “you have touched me and harassed me and groped me” part, which was really funny.

The only-one-wig problem came back in the funniest way during Creepy Old Guy, the barber equipment fell away to reveal…the exact same hair as before (lmao)

Adam Dannheisser did an amazing job during the break in Home, he fake cried his lines and it was really raw and emotional. Dana did an incredible job performing the rest of the song as well.

Beetlejuice calls Delia “Jessica” instead of “Delilah” when saying his goodbyes

And then what you’ve all been waiting for: when making his final exit, carried by his clones, Mattox did the Defying Gravity riff and the crowd went MENTAL. It was AWESOME.

Everything else went off without a hitch! (If you ignore “Might not live till Tris-er, Christmas. ChoketodeathonTriscuits” (nice save, buddy)

Overall 10/10

Everyone did FANTASTIC and I’m so so stoked to have gotten to see the show before it closes.

And of course, if anyone saw the show and caught something I missed, please add on. I’m only one pair of eyes lmao.

[tieflingkisser]

Palestinian barber works in the ruins of damaged Gaza shop

In the shell of his former shop that was hit in an Israeli strike in Rafah, Palestinian barber Tamer al-Shaer continues to practice his profession to make ends meet. “Even though he only has simple equipment or tools I still come to get a shave” says one of his customers, as blades and products are hard to come by amid soaring prices due to limited supply caused by Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza.

[adminique]

Proof of Concept for Buy-a-Drink

Written evidence that proves that the concepts that are mentioned in Buy-a-Drink are very practically manageable. The concepts are the improvement of:

1. Physical appearance

2. Intellectual appearance

3. Professional appearance on the internet

4. Professional appearance on paper

Elements of the to be improved concepts and the changes that are the result of the applied methods of improvement are:

1 - Physical Appearance

a. Fashion

Investment into a more professional wardrobe. Currently, I have only a handful of outfits and none of them are suitable for professional appearances. After investment, I hopefully won’t be able to say that I do not have clothing for every possible occasion. (Best case scenario: to be mindful about shopping for loungewear.)

b. Fitness

Investment into clothing and equipment (such as gloves). Currently, I have two sets of clothing, two sports bras, one towel, no water bottle and no gloves. After investment, I hope to have more sets of clothing so I can visit the gym more often in a week without doing the laundry more often, be the owner of a glass bottle that is suitable for gym attendance (plastic gets more greasy) and prevent calluses with gloves in the increase of the weight that I lift.

c. Face

Investment into the treatment of face. Currently, I have terrible pcos, use non-organic skin care products and own a pallette of make-up not variable enough to adapt color to any outfit at any occasion. After investment, the pcos is treated, I use the suitable products of skin care and am the owner of a dream-pallette.

d. Hair

Investment into a more iconic type of voluptuous hairstyle. Currently, the wig that I own is a couple of years old and has shed quite some hair in the total period of near-daily use. For my natural hair I use whatever I use for my wig (an economic option). After investment, I hopefully am the owner of more voluptuous wigs, suitable for literally any type of appearance and am able to visit a proper barber shop.

2 - Intellectual Appearance

a. NHA

To become an official experience expert. A more intellectual appearance is in the carrying of the knowledge of the experience expert (applied).

b. Writing equipment

To write reports and other publications with more professional equipment. The more intellectual appearance is in the (allocation of tools for the) equipment that I use. Currently, for example, the battery of my laptop is too old for it to not be connected to a socket of power, so I cannot “work” anywhere that I want. After investment, I am mobile.

c. Reading

One who reads more, is wiser.

d. Contacts

One is as professional as the people who one surrounds oneself with. A more intellectual appearance is in the investment into a more professional network and investment into maintaining the contacts.

3 - Professional Appearance on the Internet

a. Freelancers

To outsource tasks to a selection of freelancers who have more time and skill for the objectives given.

b. Community

The maintenance of a community creates a more innovative environment.

c. Meeting events

If this all becomes as bubbly as I want it to be, I could invest into the organization of meeting events.

4 - Professional Appearance on Paper

a. Hard-copies of Written Publications

Special edition.

b. Newsletter by Tangible Mail

When the news is that exceptional.

[kp777]

By Jake Johnson

Common Dreams

April 16, 2024

"Make no mistake," said one expert, "the day will come when there is a president in the White House who will not hesitate to make full use of the Orwellian power this bill provides."

With the U.S. Senate poised to vote later this week on legislation to reauthorize a heavily abused warrantless surveillance authority, privacy advocates are ramping up pressure on lawmakers to remove a provision that would force a wide range of businesses and individuals to take part in government spying operations.

Dubbed the "Make Everyone a Spy" provision by one advocacy group, the language was tucked into a House-passed bill that would extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which allows U.S. agencies to spy on non-citizens located outside of the country without a warrant. Americans' communications have frequently been collected under the spying authority.

The provision that has sparked grave warnings from privacy advocates was spearheaded by the chair of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio), and the panel's ranking member, Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.).

While supporters of the provision, including the Biden White House, claim the proposed change to existing law is narrow, civil liberties defenders say it's anything but.

Currently, U.S. agencies can use Section 702 authority to collect the data of non-citizens abroad from electronic communications service providers such as Google, Verizon, and AT&T without a warrant.

The Turner-Himes amendment would significantly expand who could be ordered to cooperate with government surveillance efforts, broadening Section 702 language to encompass "any other service provider who has access to equipment that is being or may be used" to transmit or store electronic communications.

That change, privacy advocates say, would mean grocery stores, laundromats, gyms, barber shops, and other businesses would potentially be conscripted to serve as government spies.

"The Make Everyone a Spy provision is recklessly broad and a threat to democracy itself," Sean Vitka, policy director of Demand Progress, said in a statement Tuesday. "It is simply stunning that the administration and House Intelligence Committee do not have a single answer for how frighteningly broad this provision is."

"You can't create a surveillance state and just hope the government won't take advantage."

The New York Timesexplained Tuesday that after the FISA Court "approves the government's annual requests seeking to renew the program and setting rules for it, the administration sends directives to 'electronic communications service providers' that require them to participate."

In 2022, the Times noted, the FISA Court "sided with an unidentified company that had objected to being compelled to participate in the program because it believed one of its services did not fit the necessary criteria." Unnamed people familiar with the matter told the newspaper that "the judges found that a data center service does not fit the legal definition of an 'electronic communications service provider'"—prompting the bipartisan effort to expand the reach of Section 702.

"While the Department of Justice wants us to believe that this is simply about addressing data centers, that is no justification for exposing cleaning crews, security guards, and untold scores of other Americans to secret Section 702 directives, which are issued without any court review," Vitka said Tuesday. "Receiving one can be a life-changing event, and Jim Himes appears not to have any sense of that. The Senate must stop this provision from advancing."

Elizabeth Goitein, co-director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, wrote on social media Tuesday that "it's critical to stop this bill."

"The administration claims it has no intent to use this provision so broadly—and who knows, maybe it doesn't. But the plain language of the bill allows involuntary conscription of much of the private sector for [National Security Agency] surveillance purposes," Goitein wrote. "Make no mistake, the day will come when there is a president in the White House who will not hesitate to make full use of the Orwellian power this bill provides. You can't create a surveillance state and just hope the government won't take advantage."

With Section 702 set to expire Friday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a floor speech Tuesday that he has placed the House-passed FISA legislation on the chamber's calendar and will soon "file cloture on the motion to proceed" to the bill, which is titled the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act (RISAA).

"We don't have much time to act," said Schumer. "Democrats and Republicans are going to have to work together to meet the April 19th deadline. If we don't cooperate, FISA will expire, so we must be ready to cooperate."

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and outspoken privacy advocate, has called RISAA's proposed expansion of government surveillance "terrifying" and warned it would "force any American who installs, maintains, or repairs anything that transmits or stores communications to spy on the government's behalf."

According to the Times, Wyden's office has in recent days been circulating "a warning that the provision could be used to conscript someone with access to a journalist's laptop to extract communications between that journalist and a hypothetical foreign source who was targeted for intelligence."

In a social media post on Tuesday, Wyden echoed campaigners in urging people to contact their senators.

"Congress wants to make it easier for the government to spy on you without a warrant," Wyden wrote. "Scared? Me too. Call your senator at (202) 224-3121 before April 19 and tell them to vote NO on expanding warrantless government surveillance under FISA."

[estirose]

Some quick notes about MTaS Multiplayer

Don't have any pics yet, but here's what I've noticed:

Mi-an's area is mostly empty of equipment. Mason is still there (unable to be befriended still) but we have his workshop area and I have not found where he's supposedly building things.

Missing places: Eufala Salvage (fixed in an early co-op mission), the barn on the Wandering Y Ranch, the entire train station and about half the tracks, the bridge over to the Gecko Ruins area (for some reason our character is able to get to Sandrock from there, have no clue why), the apartments where a bunch of characters live, part of the outside of the Blue Moon Saloon (also another early mission), Construction Junction, the barber shop, By The Stairs, Amirah's pottery shop, the museum, the Golden Goose, Fang's place, the bridge between town and the tracks, the water tower, and the shooting range outside the Civil Corps.

The stage outside the Blue Moon exists but currently Matilda is holding her Tuesday-Thursday sermons at the steps of City Hall for some reason.

Missing characters so far: All of Rocky's staff (Pebbles exist so I presume Krystal does too - I just haven't seen her), Amirah, Arvio, Grace, Jensen, Pablo, Pen (admittedly I could have just missed him), and Ernest. On the other hand, Trudy is there from the beginning, as is Banjo and Meerkat. From one of the missions, it looks like we get Nia permanently in Multiplayer (as opposed to single/solo player where she only shows up for 3 days currently).

Main missions take a backseat to co-op missions (I've seen 2, not counting the beginner missions - one where Elsie straight out gives you a fish trap, and one where Trudy hires you on as essentially assistant mayor). You can't take a solo commission until you're level 15. You gain knowledge points the same time at level 5.

I was a bit off on that last one. The missions with the orange label that the singleplayer game uses are solo missions in multiplayer. You get a few solo missions but everything else is co-op until you're player level 15 where you can take solo commissions.

The tutorial is, interestingly, the same stuff more or less as the Portia tutorial - a pickhammer, an axe, and a furnace, interrupted with a tutorial on how to use the commissions board.

The abandoned ruins for Multiplayer is The Breach (just like it was in the previous open multiplayer). You do have to dig it out before you use it. It's possible to enter the Breach with multiple characters or solo, but apparently if you enter the multiplayer version you get tin two levels higher up in the mines than solo, where you get tin at the same level (3) as the solo game. The Breach uses a lot of the same structure as the Eufala Salvage Abandoned Ruins, but mixed up a bit so don't depend on your knowledge of that place for this version.

You can build things buildings without having Construction Junction up and going. (See note below about controllers.)

You gain rep points for talking to people as well as building things. This makes sense. You're also very far behind in the rankings so you'll want to balance talking out with building.

Your ranking for what you can do is based on your workshop level, not your personal level.

You gain access to some things by leveling up your workshop, but for others you'll still need to visit Qi's machine.

I was a bit vague on the above - as you gain workshop levels, you gain the ability to research certain things - so for example, you don't immediately have access to the dew collector blueprint. You still have to use data discs to have Qi research the devices.

Buying blueprints costs workshop points, not gols, at the Commerce Guild. And those blueprints include bronze bars, for some reason. (Interestingly enough, not the feather duster, which is either available from the beginning or just shows up at some point at your workstation.)

Hugo sells the bronze axe and pickaxe, simple weapons, blueprints for weapons (I think they cost gols rather than the workshop points), and for all of us who hate that stupid bronze blade, yes, he sells those.

You can get these neat things that allow you to get NPCs to cooperate on... something. Trudy gives you one free, and the rest can be bought with reputation points at City Hall. ETA: You use these coupons to get these NPCs to give you something related to your specialty for a certain period of time.

Knowledge points are like single player, but you're not restricted to whatever skill you were using. So no matter if you've been fighting monsters, carving out ruins, or doing co-op missions, you can apply the point to anything - you can gain combat skill, for example, for just being good at digging things out. ETA: In the multiplayer version, you gain knowledge points like you did in Portia - 1 per level.

Note to Steam Deck users/controller users: While most of the game works just fine on controller (I've been running it with no problem on Steam Deck), the building placement gives you an error message if you try to use a controller. So instead of trying to place a building on Steam Deck extremely clumsily, you cannot place it at all.

Pathea is aware of the popularity of Sandrock on Steam Deck and is working on controller support for the multiplayer. (Hopefully it'll get fixed on singleplayer too, I have custom controls for this kind of thing but it's still annoying.)

[middleland]

West Salem, OH (2) by Robby Virus

Via Flickr:

(1) Sign in West Salem, Ohio for McCullough's Barber Shop, along with Hunting and Fishing Equipment. The barbershop was owned by the brothers Jack and Dick McCullough. Jack passed away in 2018 and the barbershop is now closed. (2) Sign in a window in West Salem, Ohio that says "We have nite crawlers and wax worms." Yum!     

[kudosmyhero]

Transformers (Phase 02) Spotlight: Trailcutter - The Reluctant Specialist

Read Date: October 08, 2022 Cover Date: April 2013 ● Writer: James Roberts ● Art: Matt Frank ● Colorist: Thomas Deer ● Letterer: Shawn Lee ● Editor: John Barber ●

Synopsis: The Lost Light suffers a hull breach when it scrapes against debris floating in space, but Brainstorm, Chromedome, Highbrow and Trailbreaker are able to fix the damage before it tears the ship apart. While working, Trailbreaker praises the others for their skills, but Chromedome responds that none of it would be possible without Trailbreaker's forcefield to seal the breach until they can finish their parts.

36 hours later, Rodimus is holding a ceremony to honor the ship's saviors: Brainstorm, Chromedome, and Highbrow. He awards each with the Rodimus Star, a medal in the likeness of his own visage. Trailbreaker, bitter at being passed over, drowns his misery in drink at Swerve's. He confesses the source of his unhappiness to Whirl, who then, against Trailbreaker's protests, asks Rodimus the reason for the omission. Rodimus explains to Trailbreaker that generating forcefields is just what he does, like Drift carrying swords, and thus doesn't warrant special recognition.

Hearing all this, Whirl takes it upon himself to help Trailbreaker re-make his image. Among his suggestions is a name change, since "break" makes him sound like a screw-up, and Trailbreaker decides on "Trailcutter." Trailbreaker/Trailcutter contends his real problem is that everybody only thinks of him as "forcefield guy," not as an individual, so Whirl suggests he get a new weapon. Towards that end, they find Brainstorm, currently in Shuttle Bay 3 examining the stowed space debris, but the weapons engineer's creations are all back in his workshop. Besides, Brainstorm asks, why would Trailbreaker want some handheld weapon when he has his built-in… "magnawheels"?

A tired Trailcutter heads back to his habitation suite to recharge. With his roommate Hoist away on a mission, he savours the solitude… only to be interrupted by a video call from Swerve. The ship's resident chatterbox has been promised a Rodimus Star if he can get through a sponsored silence, and he'd like the aid of a forcefield to cover his vocal synthesizer. Trailcutter angrily hangs up and goes to sleep, truly unhappy to be "forcefield guy."

Twelve hours later, he wakes up to find that things are amiss. Everyone else on the ship is frozen in place, in some kind of mysterious stasis. Worse, Decepticons have boarded the Lost Light! He encounters the bloodthirsty pair of Chop Shop and Venom, only to discover that his forcefield's inexplicably not working. Instead, he escapes the duo by means of his magnawheels—magnetic wheels that let him drive on walls—and leads the hunters to the medibay, where he's able to take them out with the equipment on hand.

He then heads off to confront the remaining Decepticons, who number practically a small army and are gathered in Shuttle Bay 3. Their leader, Lockdown, explains their M.O.: They're Titan hunters. They hunt space for Titans, kill them, and then scavenge the mythic giants' technology for their employer, who goes unidentified. They're here because the space debris is actually part of Metroplex's body, shed in transit.

Trailcutter bluffs that he's an incredibly powerful Autobot with amazing forcefield capabilities, so they had better retreat. To lend credence to his lie, he secretly hits a remote he grabbed from Brainstorm's lab, deactivating the artificial gravity for a few moments. With his magnawheels to keep him grounded, this gives off the illusion that he levitated the Decepticons with forcefields. He tells Lockdown that he's also generated a tiny forcefield in his spark, which he can expand to kill him. Psyched into believing he can feel the forcefield's pressure, Lockdown agrees to retreat.

Later, after everything's gone back to normal, a battered Hoist returns from his away mission. Trailcutter explains what happened: The ship-wide stasis was the result of one of Brainstorm's inventions acting up. Trailcutter had fallen asleep while angrily making forcefields, so there was one protecting him when the effect occurred. His forcefield generator shorted out in the process, but it's been fixed now. He proudly shows off the Rodimus Star he's earned for his little adventure… only for Hoist to one-up him: He pulls out a giant crest emblazoned with Rodimus's full figure. Hoist explains that everyone who was frozen received one for "exceptional endurance in the face of adversity." He's about to explain why he himself received one as well, but Trailcutter stomps off. He's going to Swerve's to get drunk… but first he intends to give Rodimus a piece of his mind.

(https://tfwiki.net/wiki/The_Reluctant_Specialist)

Fan Art: The Feels: Trailcutter by Grafeeni

Accompanying Podcast: ● Married with Comics: Rod Pod - episode 06

[samyelbanette]

Hii Kelley 😊 I am a tiny bit late for the Flatline ask game but if you are still up for it, could you answer ToyStory and Nerd for me, please? 👉👈🥹

Ah, I was waiting for your ask! 😅 Sure, here you go:

ToyStory 👨‍🚀 - Growing up, what was your favorite toy?

I had an American Girl (TM) doll. They sell them in every hair color and eye color, so I think most girls get a doll that matches them??

I have brown hair and eyes, but back then I thought blue eyes were prettier. So, that’s what I bought. 🤷‍♀️

I named her Isabella. When I was 10, my dad took Isabella and I to American Girl Place in Chicago.

They have a shop where you can buy doll clothes, a special salon where “barbers” will style your doll’s hair, and even a cafe where your doll gets her own chair and tea cup while you eat.

They have 8 stores like that now (including one near my hometown) but, back in 2003, there was only one. ^^;

I had such a good time. It’s a fond memory.

Nerd 🤓 - If Blind Channel were teachers, what subjects would they teach? 

Niko would be a music teacher, of course! I mean, he actually gave music lessons to children at a church irl, during his civil service…

Aleksi is always on his laptop, so I could see him teaching children basic computer literacy.

Olli would be a great gym teacher, patiently teaching kids how to do yoga poses.

Joonas is a plant dad, so maybe science? I could see him coming up with a catchy song to help kids remember botany facts. 🪴

Or, if he were teaching college instead of elementary, I could also see him as a professor of fashion design at a fancy art school lol

I can’t imagine Joel working with kids. But, I could see him at a trade school, teaching young people just out of high school how to use professional audio recording equipment.

Tommi….hmm. He would lead grad students, working on a PHD in zoology, out into the wild to study bears up close 🐻

[bandidosba]

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[autozcrave]

Explore premium barber supplies at Beauty Bazaar. Equip your shop with top-quality tools, grooming products, and accessories for professional barber services. Shop now!

[grade92-barbering]

Is Barber School in Poole Right for You? A Guide for Aspiring Barbers

Becoming a barber offers a fulfilling career, blending creativity with the satisfaction of helping clients look and feel their best. Attending a barber school in Poole is the first step toward success, providing hands-on training in cutting, styling, and grooming. The rise of the mobile barber shop adds flexibility, allowing you to bring services directly to clients. Nearby, Bournemouth Barbers presents opportunities to gain experience in a thriving market. Whether you choose to work locally or explore innovative business models, barber school equips you with the skills needed to excel in this dynamic industry.Originally published at- https://grade92barbering11.wixsite.com/my-site-1/post/is-barber-school-in-poole-right-for-you-a-guide-for-aspiring-barbers