#ripple effects

[allura-raine]

[cheyla-v]

December 2024 Update Schedule

December 4 - Strange Magics, ch. 5 December 11 - Double, Double, Toil & Trouble, ch. 4 December 18 - Grimm's Reaper (Shadow Prince one-shot) December 25 - Ripple Effects, ch. 12

I'll probably make a more in-depth post about this later on during the month, but this will be the last month I'm doing my WIP Wednesday posts. So, starting in 2025, my updates will be more sporadic and I can't guarantee how often they'll occur.

[obsidianquill]

A man lived a life full of trials, always striving to do good despite the hardships he faced. He gave to the poor, helped the weak, and spoke kindly to all. Yet, misfortune followed him relentlessly, illness, loss, and betrayal became his companions. Despite this, he held fast to his virtue.

One day, after a particularly cruel turn of fate, the man died. Upon his passing, he found himself standing before a radiant figure seated beneath a grand tree...the Buddha.

The man, overwhelmed by curiosity and frustration, fell to his knees and asked, "Why do the good suffer, while those who are cruel thrive? I devoted my life to goodness and yet was met with nothing but sorrow. Why is this world so unfair?"

The Buddha gazed at him with a serene smile and replied, "Tell me, why do you believe the world owes fairness to the good?"

The man hesitated. "Is it not the purpose of goodness to be rewarded? To bring harmony and joy?"

The Buddha nodded gently. "That is the hope of many. But consider this: the world operates on a vast web of causes and conditions. Suffering and joy arise not as a reward or punishment, but as the ripples of actions stretching across lifetimes. Do you plant a seed today and expect the fruit to ripen immediately?"

The man shook his head. "No, but then what is the purpose of doing good if it brings no relief from suffering?"

The Buddha pointed to a river flowing nearby. "Look at this river. It carries everything: clear waters, debris, even filth. Yet it flows onward, undeterred. Goodness is like the river. It is not bound by the rewards it seeks or the trials it endures. It flows because it must."

The man remained silent, pondering the words. Finally, he asked, "But what of those who harm others and thrive? Should they not face justice?"

The Buddha's eyes twinkled with compassion. "Justice is not bound by the clock of this life. Actions have consequences, but those consequences may unfold in ways beyond your understanding. Your task was never to control the world or demand fairness, but to live with integrity. The good you sow may not bloom for you but will nurture the world."

The man sighed, his heart heavy yet lighter than before. "So, there is no answer to suffering?"

"There is," the Buddha said, "but it is not one that seeks fairness or blame. It is the understanding that suffering is part of life, and by accepting this truth, you rise above it. The question is not why you suffered, but how you transformed through it."

With these words, the man felt a profound peace washing over him. The Buddha smiled once more and said, "Now, return. Live again, and do so with this understanding."

[rajeshwaria]

How the Middle East Crisis is Reshaping the Global Resin Market

Geopolitical Crisis and Oil Distribution

In October 2024, heightened tensions between Iran and Israel escalated into missile attacks and counteroffensives, sparking concerns over oil supply disruptions. Though direct impacts on oil production were minimal, crude oil prices surged over 8%, influencing resin production costs.

Red Sea Shipping Bottlenecks

The Red Sea, a critical trade route, has experienced military activity that has delayed shipments and increased transportation costs. This has restricted resin exports from the Middle East, leading to supply shortages in major markets.

Production Disruptions

Several petrochemical facilities in the region halted operations for planned maintenance, compounding supply constraints. The resulting shortages have pushed resin prices higher, amplifying global market instability.

Impact on Resin Prices

The resin market has faced volatility in 2024, with geopolitical tensions driving price surges. Key impacts include:

Oil Price Volatility:

Following the October crisis, Brent crude oil prices spiked by 7%, leading to a 5% increase in PE and PP prices.

Logistical Challenges:

Shipping delays in the Persian Gulf have caused a 3% rise in resin prices due to increased transportation costs.

Market Speculation:

Investor sentiment and speculative trading further fueled a 2% increase in resin prices, reflecting broader market uncertainties.

Resin Price Trends

Polyethylene (PE)

Price Growth: LLDPE prices in Asia rose from $1,171/MT in January 2024 to $1,182/MT by March, while European prices saw a 13% increase.

Demand and Supply: High demand, coupled with constrained supplies from the Middle East, continues to push prices upward.

Polypropylene (PP)

Rising Costs: PP prices in North America rose 3.6% in two months, while European prices climbed from EUR 1,313/MT to EUR 1,362/MT.

Market Dynamics: Middle Eastern supply shortages and increased domestic demand in India drove prices up by 6% month-over-month in early 2024.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

Global Fluctuations: PET prices surged 2.5% within three weeks of January 2024, driven by rising production costs and disrupted logistics.

Regional Pressures: European PET prices rose by 6%, fueled by demand from the beverage and packaging industries.

Long-Term Implications

The ongoing geopolitical instability is reshaping the resin market, with several potential long-term outcomes:

Strategic Reserves: Companies may increase reserves of petrochemical feedstocks, potentially driving short-term price spikes.

Supply Chain Diversification: Manufacturers could reduce reliance on Middle Eastern supplies by sourcing feedstocks from other regions or adopting alternatives like bio-based resins.

Technological Innovations: Advances in recycling and bio-resin technologies could mitigate dependence on volatile petrochemical markets.

Conclusion

The Middle East crisis has exposed the resin market's vulnerability to geopolitical instability. Rising oil prices, logistical challenges, and production disruptions have collectively created an environment of heightened costs and uncertainty. Businesses reliant on resins must adopt agile strategies, including diversifying supply chains and exploring sustainable alternatives, to navigate these turbulent times.

At SpendEdge, we specialize in helping companies mitigate supply chain risks and optimize procurement strategies. Our insights and data-driven solutions enable businesses to thrive in dynamic markets. Reach out to us to learn how we can assist your organization in overcoming challenges in the resin market and beyond.

For more information please contact

[scifi4wifi]

On 'The Event Horizon' | Bryant Dillon of Fanbase Press

Join us this Saturday July 29 11 at 7 pm Eastern / 4 pm Pacific as we welcome Bryant Dillon of Fanbase Press to the guest’s chair on SCIFI.radio’s THE EVENT HORIZON. The topic of the evening will be Fanbase Press’s very first Kickstarter, a push to get their already released graphic novel Ripple Effects, by Jordan Hart and Bruno Chiroleu, rereleased as a hardcover. Jordan Hart’s critically…

[theversevoyager]

In days of old, when magic reigned supreme, A young wizard sought the power he'd need, To time travel, change the course of fate, And mend what was broken, with pure intent. Through ancient spells and hidden realms, He ventured forth, to past and to future, Treading carefully, mindful of changes, For every action had a ripple effect. With newfound knowledge, courage and grace, He overcame the obstacles in his way, Reshaping destiny's tapestry, And weaving a brighter future for all.

[webdevrahul007]

jquery plugin for ripple, jquery ripple, jquery ripple effect, jquery water ripple effect, online tutorials, realistic ripple jquery, ripple effect on click, ripple effects, SFO, stackfindover, water ripple, water ripple

[pwrn51]

Beneath the Surface: Silent Heroes in Our Midst

  In this engaging interview, Betsy welcomes Jim B. North, writer, speaker, and former reporter with Gaylord News. Renowned for his multiple journalism awards, particularly for human interest storytelling, Jim North is the author of “UNSUNG HEROES WEAR NO CAPES: 12 Essential Virtues For An Extraordinary Life.” During their insightful conversation, Jim delves into the motivation behind his book…

[dcxdpdabbles]

Hii 👋 i really love your works i would eat it if i can, especially freelance inventor, will you ever countinue writing it? (Sorry if it sound rude, English is not my first language)

"So what's the deal with them?" Steph dares to ask when Bruce and Mr. Fenton finish passing out the souvenirs the inventor brought back. She wasn't sure why she was included in the gift giving, as she never even met the man before, but she now had a bowl from Irland tucked in her purse.

She's heard about Mr. Fenton through Tim and a bit from Jason. Both boys practically worshiped the ground the man stepped on. She understood that, on some level, they owed him their lives.

Jason, after being rescued from the Joker and Tim after Mr.Fenton found him on the rooftops all those years ago. She won't lie. How they spoke about Mr.Fenton painted a completely different image in her mind.

She expected someone regal, with a cold, calculating glance, who could figure out what she was expecting with a mere glance. Someone that she wouldn't be surprised if he was found tucked away in a pure white lab, working with glowing chemicals. She knows that they never claim Mr.Fenton was terrifying, but she had personally witnessed Dick threaten to tell Bruce to the man.

If he could make Batman cower by his mere mention, Steph had been expecting someone closer to what an evil version of Alfred would be.

Instead, she got a man in faded jeans, beat-up boots, and gentleness that hurt her teeth with how sweetly he smiled. If Bruce was a Bat, then Mr.Fenton could be a flower.

Gentle. Pretty. Unassuming.

Steph had logically known Mr. Fenton was a civilian. But she thought that he would be a scary one, at the least. Maybe someone in the justice system, a personal fighter like a boxer or hell, someone good with firearms.

"Hmm?" Damian glances up from his painting. Steph noticed that he has been doing a lot lately. Leaving his room to paint around the manor. She hasn't known the boy for long.

Steph had only recently forgiven Bruce for the whole Robin stunt he pulled (making her think she was his partner only to be used as bait for Tim, burned), and she wasn't around when Bruce's bio kid was found. Based on the stories Tim, Jason, and Dick shared, though, she thought he was a little more bloodthirsty.

He is more prone to violence after his upbringing, but he seemed to be shimmering down the last few weeks. Damian had apparently been given a talking to by Mr.Fenton, who took him out of the manor into the city for some "undercover training."

Steph hadn't been in Gotham then. She was busy helping a few teen titans with a mission that had her traveling to the other side of the world. But apparently, whatever harsh training Mr.Fenton had forced Damian to undergo had brought back peace to Wayne Manor.

Or as close as it could be.

He still referred to himself as the actual blood son.

"Bruce and Mr. Fenton," she repeated, nodding to where the pair could be seen conversing in the hallway. However, it looked more like Mr.Fenton was the only one talking. Bruce was too busy staring at him like he was the most fascinating thing he'd ever seen. "They seem really close, but in a weird way."

Damain's intense green eyes snap at her. She raises a brow, unwilling to let the brat see he made her flinch. "Do you have a problem with Father getting close to another man?"

It takes her a few seconds to understand why he sounds so guarded before she gasps. "It's not the gay thing! I don't care if their gay!"

"I should hope not. You come into our home and eat our food, Brown." The boy clicks his tongue distastefully. Steph has never seen someone look down their nose at someone two heads taller than them, but Damian proved it could happen. "I would not allow for homophobia to enter these halls. It is not within the rules of social justice."

"Social justice?" She repeats a little surprise that Damian was speaking to her without an insult so far. The only time the brat had bothered to talk to anyone besides Bruce had been to insult them. At least in the two months, she had seen him wander after her Teen Titians mission.

"Danny has pointed out that Father's civilian reputation is tied heavily with social justice. It would not due for his heir to cause trouble in his affairs." Damian places his paintbrush back on his canvas, sneaking glances at the window.

Curious, Steph creeps closer to take a peak and finds herself memorized by the water painting he is working on. It's Bruce and Mr.Fenton. In the painting, Bruce is staring lovingly at Mr.Fenton, who seems to be in the middle of laughing. Though neither have arms- Damian is working on those- it doesn't detract from their loving expressions.

"If it is not due to their gender, what do you find weird about Father and Danny?"

Steph considers the question before slowly getting closer, wanting to oversee the young boy splash some white into Mr.Fenton's eyes, making them appear glowing. "It's just.....weird how Bruce likes someone so normal. No training. No big fancy money. No ties to the capes. Just a man who's really good at science."

Damain shoots her a complicated glance over his shoulders before he slowly replies. "Yes. An average Joe, as you Americans would say. That is Danny."

"Right? Isn't it weird? And besides the fact Bruce is so obvious with his crush, Mr. Feton has no idea. But he can pull apart a toaster in ten minutes to curl Babs hair for her dance? Don't you think it's odd?"

Damian hums. "A true master does not need to show who they are until the blade is at their opponent's neck. But I will admit that Danny's appearance can be rather deceiving."

"Damian.....do you know something?"

The boy's face turned more complicated before returning his attention to his painting. He taps his paintbrush against his palate before he mutters. "I knew only Danny did not treat me like a rabid animal. He took me to the zoo. I haven't been outside the manor since his last visit and grew wary of these walls."

His words hit Steph like a brick. Her first instinct is to explain why it was essential to keep him here, but then she thinks more about it, and her teeth slam shut.

Crude, has she been acting like Bruce? Had she really allowed him to convince her that a child should be locked up like it was nothing? Then again, Damian isn't a prisoner here.

Even if he was, she helped break him out.

"Say, kid, you want to come with Tim and me to the mall this afternoon? I think they have an art store."

Damian twists around to stare in utter shock. For all his training, he really is just a kid because Steph can see the genuine yearning in his eyes as he tries to casually cover up his reaction with a regal shoulder shrug. "I suppose I will have time for more undercover training."

Strange, Steph thinks while texting Tim about Damian joining them. Mr. Fenton hasn't even spoken to me that long, and he already changed how I viewed Damian. Is this why Bruce is into a civilian?

[xponentialdesign]

Chroma Undulatione Unraveled waves Neon gradient, Drifting sine chrome, Unite in offset. Linked, in phase A pattern flows. Tiled in motion: Iridescent paths, Oscillating curves, Naturally, loops. DIGITAL ARCHIVE

[clumsypuppy]

littlest furth shop

@laikascomet

[cheyla-v]

November 2024 Update Schedule

November 6 - Ripple Effects, ch. 11 November 13 - A Dagger in the Back, ch. 1 (HP/dragel fic) November 20 - A Heart Well Worth Winning, ch. 6 November 27 - The Main Ingredient, ch. 4

[ambwosialive]

on gabe: ghosts, grief, and wants.

before i get started: this is all my opinion! i've been into n2n since 2010 so i've had a lot of time to think about this (thank you dunmar warehouse thank you) the thing that those who are pro-poltergeist/demon/ghost/etc gabe don't consider, i think, is that i'm alive tells us everything that we need to know.

he is not just want diana wants him to be. he's what natalie wants him to be, he's what dan wants him to be, he's even what dr. madden wants him to be.

one of the reasons why he takes the melody in superboy and the invisible girl is (aside from the absolute juiciness narratively of her brother that she's singing about overshadowing her in her own song about him overshadows her) because natalie in that moment wants to feel validated, like she's correct in assuming that gabe Is More Acknowledged Than Her and in fact Is An Asshole, which is why he's smiling and bragging so much. (in my opinion!!!)

he isn't able to be seen by dan for most of the show, because that's exactly what he wants him to be: invisible. not there. the reason why he sees him at the end (other than the acknowledgement of grief as a larger symbol and made into a tangible form) is because some part deep inside of him wants someone at that moment; diana is gone, natalie is too. he wants to feel held, so he gets held. (in my opinion!!!)

dr. madden knows him as a baby who died, which is why in make up your mind / catch me i'm falling he's cradling himself in his mother's lap, why his voice becomes more childlike. (in my opinion!!!)

the problem is we are trying to define an abstract concept in simple terms, which is just not possible. not only is gabe a symbol of grief, he very much is a hallucination of diana's, and tends to side with her for that reason. (in just another day, diana is talking about how beautiful the day is, and the only one who agrees with her is gabe- "birds are singing, things are growing", etc.)

and then, of course:

guys, that's the point.

poltergeist? ghost? hallucination? symbol of grief? abstract? that's the point. we aren't supposed to know what gabe is. it's paradoxical. "what you want me to be / your worst fear", "i'll hurt you / i'll heal you", "your wish, your dream come true / your darkest nightmare too". that's how grief is. you don't know exactly what it is. is it love without a place to go? is it anger for losing them? anger at yourself for letting them be lost? gabe can be more than one thing.

especially with theatre! every gabe is going to be different! aaron's gabe is different than jack's gabe is different than kyle dean massey's gabe is different than a community theatre somewhere's gabe! that's the point! some gabes may play him as the all american football throwing jock, some may play him as an evil poltergeist, some may play him as a whiny child who needs his mom. that's the point! the interpretation means what it means to you and how you see it! he means what he means to you! we can discuss all day long about what is the objectively correct opinion on who or what gabe is (i am guilty of this. look at the previous paragraphs), but at the end of the day…

he is what YOU want him to be.

[glitterghost]

Vessel thinking anyone could ever forget him? Sir, you are permanently etched into all our ears, minds, and hearts. Like fuck, I don't think anyone could forget you even if they wanted to.

[a-path-by-the-moon]

[dilf-din]

Also the fact that Abby is the one that woke the hoard too. She brought every single bit of suffering onto that town and family. Insane choice Craig I see you.