chipilin

[lixbf]

i Need to stop trying to figure out for myself what technologies that are common today would exist in panem during katniss' time and whether theyd be implemented in the victors' houses

[jupitersolar]

Which Solar Water Heater is the Best in Bangalore?

Which Solar Water Heater is the Best in Bangalore?

Discover the best solar water heater in Bangalore and make an informed choice for your home. Find expert insights, tips, and FAQs about solar water heaters to help you decide. Which solar water heater is the best bangalore ?,Jupiter Solar,www.jupitersolars.in is one of the best solar water heater .

Introduction: Embracing Solar Energy in Bangalore

Welcome to the comprehensive guide on finding the best solar water heater in Bangalore. As the demand for renewable energy sources grows, solar water heaters have become a popular choice among eco-conscious homeowners in Bangalore. With abundant sunlight throughout the year, Bangalore offers the perfect setting for harnessing solar energy to meet your hot water needs.

In this article, we'll explore the key factors to consider when selecting a solar water heater, review some top options available in Bangalore, and provide answers to frequently asked questions to assist you in making an informed decision. Let's dive in and find out which solar water heater is the best for your specific requirements!

Understanding Solar Water Heaters

Before we delve into the specifics of the best solar water heaters in Bangalore, let's first understand how solar water heaters work and the different types available.

How do Solar Water Heaters Work?

Solar water heaters utilize sunlight to heat water for various domestic purposes. They consist of solar collectors, usually installed on rooftops, that absorb sunlight and convert it into heat. This heat is then transferred to a storage tank filled with water through a circulating pump or natural convection, ensuring a steady supply of hot water.

Types of Solar Water Heaters

Active Solar Water Heaters: These systems use electric pumps or controls to circulate water through the solar collectors and into the storage tank. They are ideal for regions with colder climates like Bangalore during winters.

Passive Solar Water Heaters: These systems rely on natural circulation and gravity to move water between the solar collectors and storage tank. They are simpler in design and well-suited for regions with milder climates.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Solar Water Heater

Selecting the best solar water heater for your home requires careful consideration of several crucial factors.

Solar Insolation in Bangalore

Before installing a solar water heater, it's essential to assess the solar insolation, which indicates the amount of solar radiation received in a specific area. Bangalore enjoys high solar insolation throughout the year, making it an excellent location for solar water heating systems.

Storage Capacity

The storage capacity of a solar water heater depends on the number of occupants in your home and the daily hot water consumption. Consider a larger storage tank if you have a large family to ensure an uninterrupted supply of hot water.

Type of Solar Collector

Choosing the right type of solar collector is crucial for efficient water heating. Flat plate collectors are cost-effective and suitable for moderate climate conditions in Bangalore, while evacuated tube collectors perform better in colder climates.

Budget and ROI

Evaluate your budget and calculate the return on investment (ROI) for different solar water heater models. While initial installation costs may vary, remember that solar water heaters offer long-term savings on electricity bills.

Warranty and After-Sales Support

Ensure that the solar water heater you choose comes with a comprehensive warranty and reliable after-sales support. This ensures peace of mind and hassle-free maintenance.

Top Solar Water Heaters in Bangalore

Let's explore some of the top solar water heaters available in Bangalore based on customer reviews, energy efficiency, and performance.

Jupiter Solar Water Heater

Jupiter Solar Water Heater, www.jupitersolars.in is known for its cutting-edge technology and high-performance solar water heaters. With a variety of models to choose from, their products cater to different household sizes and hot water demands.

Solar Geyser

Solar Geyser offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for your hot water needs. Their systems are designed to withstand Bangalore's climatic conditions and provide reliable performance.

Solar Water Heating System

Solar Water Heating System provides innovative solar water heating solutions, integrating advanced features for maximum efficiency. Their Solar heater products are known for their durability and low maintenance.

Best Solar Heater

Solar Heater combines efficiency, affordability, and durability. It's an excellent choice for budget-conscious homeowners without compromising on performance.

Are solar water heaters suitable for all weather conditions in Bangalore?

Yes, solar water heaters are suitable for Bangalore's weather conditions as they can effectively harness solar energy even during cloudy days.

Can I install a solar water heater on my own?

It is recommended to hire a professional installer to ensure the proper and safe installation of your solar water heater.

How long does it take to recover the initial investment in a solar water heater?

The payback period for a solar water heater in Bangalore typically ranges from 3 to 6 years, depending on your hot water consumption and the model chosen.

Do solar water heaters require regular maintenance?

Yes, regular maintenance is essential to ensure the optimal performance and longevity of your solar water heater.

Can a solar water heater be integrated with an existing electric geyser?

Yes, solar water heaters can be integrated with existing electric geysers to complement each other and ensure a continuous supply of hot water.

What should I do in case of low solar insolation for an extended period?

During periods of low solar insolation, an electric backup in the solar water heater can ensure an uninterrupted supply of hot water.

Conclusion

Choosing the best solar water heater in Bangalore requires considering factors like solar insolation, storage capacity, type of solar collector, budget, and after-sales support. Remember that solar water heaters are a sustainable and cost-effective solution that benefits both the environment and your household finances.

We hope this comprehensive guide has provided valuable insights to help you make an informed decision about the best solar water heater for your home in Bangalore. Embrace solar energy and contribute to a greener future while enjoying the luxury of hot water throughout the year.

Remember, before making a final decision, research and compare different models and brands to find the perfect fit for your needs.

[sleepymccoy]

News is running a bit on how to make your house warmer in winter here, and starts with a bloke inspecting a house and it literally goes, "this house has no insulin in the walls, floor, and the ceiling insulation is full of gaps. The windows are single glazed and have poor coverings. There are nearly inch wide gaps at the base of every door including the external ones. Is very breezy inside."

Like. I know that's normal here, I live here, but sweet jesus.

News ended up advising that people put blinds in and get solar power. How tf are poor people gonna do that? Renters? Stupid advice. It's getting below zero at night rn and barely scratching 10°C in the day, which means it's the same damn temp indoors

I've improved my home by putting furniture against external walls as insulation. I've got fleece safety pinned to the inside of my curtains ($10 for a half sheet of fleece at spotlight rn!). I've taped the balcony door shut. I've committed to only heating two rooms and I've door snaked the doors to the rest of the house to save money. Do this even if you dont have a heater, your body heat is doing something. I chose bedroom and living room, some people might include kitchen to use heat from the oven but my house doesn't lay out for that to work.

Also, wear lots of clothes and blankets. It's 1pm, I have three shirts, a jumper, and three blankets on rn. Drink tea to keep hands warm. Try cleaning something with hot water instead of turning the heater on in the day, helps get your fingers warm and is slightly active. It's okay to sleep in gloves and a beenie. A hot shower to get your temp back up is good if you prep clothes and don't wet your hair.

If the world were better these houses would have been built well, but that's not where we are. There are tricks to use, use them

[batboyblog]

Things Biden and the Democrats did, this week. #5

Feb 9-16 2024

The Department of Education released the first draft for a wide ranging student loan forgiveness plan. After Biden's first attempt at student debt forgiveness was struck down at the Supreme Court in 2023, this new plan is an attempt to replace it with something that will hold up in court. The plan hopes to forgive debt for anyone facing "financial hardship" which has been as broadly defined as possible. Another part of the plan hopes to eliminate $10-20,000 in interest from all student loans, as well as a wide ranging public Information push to inform people of other forgiveness programs they qualify for but don't know about.

The House passed 1.2 Billion Dollars to combat human trafficking, including $175 million in housing assistance to human trafficking victims

The Department of Transportation announced $970 Million for improvements at 114 airports across 44 states and 3 territories. They include $40 million to O'Hare International in Chicago to improve passenger experience by reconfiguring TSA and baggage claims, and installing ADA compliant bathrooms(!). The loans will also go to connecting airports to mass transit, boosted sustainability, installing solar and wind power, and expanding service to under served committees around the country.

Medicare & Medicaid released new guidelines to allow people to pay out of pocket prescription drug coats in monthly installments rather than as a lump sum. This together with capping the price of certain drugs and penalties for drug companies that rise prices over inflation is expected to save the public millions on drug coasts and assure people don't pass on a prescription because they can't pay upfront

The EPA announced its adding 150 more communities to its Closing America's Wastewater Access Gap Community Initiative. 2.2 Million Americans do not have basic running water and indoor plumbing. Broken and unreliable wastewater infrastructure exposed many of those to dangerous raw sewage. These Americans live primarily in poor and rural communities, many predominantly Black communities in the south as well as those on tribal lands. The program is aiming to close the wastewater gap and insure all Americans have access to reliable clear water.

The White House announced deferred action for Palestinians in the US. This means any Palestinian living in the United States, no mater their legal status, can not be deported for any reason for the next 18 months.

The Department of Energy announced $60 million in investment into clean geothermal energy. The plan will hopefully lead to a 90% decrease in the coasts of geothermal. DOE estimates hold that geothermal might be able to power the hopes of 65 million Americans by 2050 making it a key step in the Biden administration plan for a carbon-free grid by 2035 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

The EPA launched $83 million to help improve air quality monitoring across America. With updated equipment local agencies will be better able to report on air quality, give more localized reports of bad air quality and the country will be better equipped to start mitigating the problem

The Department of Energy announced $63 million in investments in domestic heat-pump manufacturing. Studies have shown that heat-pumps reduce green house gases by 50% over the most efficient condensing gas boilers, as technology improves this could rise to 75% by 2030. Heat pump water heaters meanwhile are 2 to 3 times as energy efficient as conventional electric water heaters.

HHS awarded $5.1 million to organizations working with LGBTQI+ Youth and their Families. The programs focus on preventing homelessness, fighting depression and suicide, drug use and HIV prevention and treatment, as well as  family counseling and support interventions tailored for LGBTQI+ families.

The House passed two bills in support of the oppressed Uyghur minority in China. The "No Dollars To Uyghur Forced Labor" Act would prohibit the US government from spending any money on projects that source materials from Xinjiang. The Uyghur Policy Act would create a permanent post at the State Department to coordinate policy on Uyghur Issues, much like the special ambassador on antisemitism.

[billthedrake]

This story is a follow up to The Hard Part. I figured it was time for a romantic story.

PARADISE

I won't say the country, but it was a remote, non-touristy tropical place that had developed a low-key "anything goes" reputation for gay vacationers. Underaged shit wasn't tolerated, but the beaches were long and largely private, and word was you could be naked or even have sex on the beach, and it wasn't a big deal.

Dad had a real excited grin on the prop plane ride over and on the jeep ride to the thatch bungalow. The guy who ran it gave us the run down on the basics. Limited hot water in the solar-powered heater, mosquito netting that was a must at night, a fridge stocked with the basics. Breakfast would be dropped off each morning at 7. Any issues just ring him on his cell phone. His English was broken but good, and he concluded his rehearsed speech with a smile.

"Most of all, the one rule here is have fun, guys," he grinned with a knowing expression before he bowed out and left me and Dad alone. I wasn't sure if people here were really laid back or if they just knew where the money came from.

Any way, it made me feel like I came to the right place, especially as I stepped out onto the back verandah and saw the water lapping the shore about eighty yards from our place for the next week.

"Glad we came?" Dad growled softly in my ear as his lips brushed against my lobe and his hands gently gripped my sides. I had resisted the vacation idea. It was winter break at school, and I had completed my last water polo season, which had ended my four years at USC on a high of a championship win. My parents were divorced now, and it was all complicated. But I had a plan to split my time between Mom and Dad this year - Mom's for Christmas and the week after down here with Dad.

"Mmm.. yeah," I replied as I backed into his embrace and even without looking, I knew he'd unbuttoned his oxford stripe dress shirt. Dad had a casual side but lately had leaned into that Brooks Brothers professional look, even on the weekends. I shuddered to think that would probably be me in twenty or thirty years.

I could tell Dad was horny as he pulled me tight against his warm body and ran his hands underneath my T-shirt, touching me for the first time in nearly two months.

"I almost forget how big you've gotten," he said. At 6'4", I was three inches taller than my father, but by now I'd pretty much matched his muscular build. I think we were both adjusting mentally to that development.

"I think you may have preferred me leaner," I said in a half tease.

Dad's fingers traced up my shaved-smooth abs, and up to my chest. "You kidding?" Dad grunted. "You're my top dog, Matty..."

"God, Dad," I hissed, my dick surging. We'd actually cut back on that talk the last few times. Dad was going through a lot emotionally with the divorce. The visits to LA were less frequent, and we were back more to weekly dad-son phone calls rather than constant texting. It had pained me to see, but I had only myself to blame.

Dad sensed my excitement. "A whole week, son... just us..." he grunted. Now that we were alone, it was like Dad felt liberated in the possibility we had to verbalize what had been hushed in our furtive sessions before. His hands were undoing my shorts.

"We gonna fuck like bunnies, Dad?" I hissed. His words, his touch, were driving me crazy.

I heard a chuckle behind me and Dad gave a gentle pat to my abs. My shorts fell to the floor and Dad was already peeling down my briefs. My erection felt great in his smooth warm hands. "I think someone's been a horny boy away at college," he growled.

I had. I was closeted, still, and maybe would stay that way. But I had fooled around with a professor. He couldn't hold a candle to Dad, but the secret sex was hot. Maybe I was too addicted to the secrecy.

I started thrusting in and out of my father's fist, seeing my sizable tool push out past his curled thick fingers. Dad looked over my shoulder to watch, too.

Finally he withrdrew his hand and stepped back. When I turned I saw his beautiful blond chest fur, now streaked with silver, and all that daddy muscle. Dad was just past the 5-0 mark now and handsome as fuck. Not overly big, but a man's body, simply and quietly masculine. With a smile he walked over to the bed and pulled down the covers, then undid his shorts.

"Wanna take our time today, Matt?" Dad said in a soft voice.

"Yeah," I replied, my voice croaking in lust. "I do."

We got fully naked and got on top of the cotton sheets together. We could feel the humid tropical breeze blow over our bodies as he scooted closer, our hands surprisingly tentative as they reached out to touch one another.

"It's been a while," I said as my fingers traced Dad's mid section. I don't know if it was the stress of his divorce or just work kept him busy, but my father had put on some weight around his middle. Not too much, but the love handles were fuller and there was a hint of a belly. I loved his body, the way it was before, and the way it was now.

"Yeah, it has," Dad sighed. "I guess I needed a little break... doesn't mean I didn't dream of this, a lot."

I felt deeply emotional at that point. "You don't have to explain, Dad," I said. And I eased forward to kiss my father, softly. I wasn't gonna push him on this trip. I was the one who'd put it out there first, the idea of being boyfriends, and I knew that may have been partly responsible for my parents' divorce.

The carefree naughtiness Dad had when we started our affair was gone now, but that didn't make the lust or attraction between us die down. Dad kissed me back, just as softly, and ran his hand over my lats, silently appreciating my fuller muscle. He shifted his body a little and like that our cocks were pressing against one another. Father to son, erection to erection, and nothing between us. It's hokey, maybe, but at that moment, I thought Dad and I were saying the things that need to be saying through our hard dicks.

I've never been a frot guy. The friction doesn't actually work for me in a pleasant way, much less in a manner to get me off. But that afternoon was the closest I'd get to it. Dad and I clung to one another, hands pawing and gripping and caressing each other's bodies as we made out and humped each other. Like we were making up for lost time. In a way we were.

Dad started kissing up along the side of my neck, muttering in his deep soft growl as he did. "God, son, this is so incredible... YOU feel so incredible."

He pulled back and looked into my eyes. We were on our sides but Dad was angled a little more on top. "Can I show you what I've been dreaming about doing to you the last few months?" he asked playfully.

"God, yeah," I laughed, feeling my hardon surge against his hip.

He bit his lip and made a show of raising my arm and pressing my wrist up against the pillow next to my head. Then he dove down and started licking and kissing my arm pit. I'd kept my upper body and legs shaved for water polo, and my underarm was completely smooth. Now that my final season was over, I'd actually looked forward to growing in my body hair for a change. But for now, Dad feasted on my smooth skin, giving my pit one last soft lick before moving over to my chest and nipple.

"Damn, Dad..." I sighed, almost laughing from half-ticklish sensations. But he kept his slow exploration, taking his time back and forth between my two nipples, then tracing his tongue over the ridges of my abs. I kept my lower abdomen shaved, but I was proud of my full light brown bush. Dad kind of nuzzled his nose through my pubes before his latched his mouth along the sides of my shaft.

I was enjoying the slow approach but was glad Dad wasn't trying to be too much a tease. He lifted my prick and took me into his mouth. The blowjob was soft and gentle and could have made me cum if he'd gone at it any harder. For now, I rose the crest of that ultimate pleasure, my toes curling down some as my body shook involuntarily.

Dad chuckled as he pulled off. "You're worked up," he observed, holding my prick up and just looking at it directly and lovingly.

"You have no idea, Dad," I said. "Ever since you suggested this trip."

My father's blue eyes looked up at me. Love and a lot of lust. "Guess I made the right call, then," he said. For all the emotional messiness of the last year, it was like we knew we needed this closeness.

"Guess you did," I smirked.

Dad's fingers relinquished my cock and ran along my upper thighs, savoring their smoothness. "Do I still get to show you what I've been fantasizing about?" he asked.

I nodded. "Please." I was so horny, and I could have cum real quick if I had a hand or mouth on my dick working me. But the build up was even better.

"Lift your legs, Matt," Dad urged softly.

"Fuck," I said, having an idea what was coming. For all of our times together, Dad had never actually rimmed me. It was the other way around, me as Top Dog, and maybe he thought I'd object to having my hole licked.

I didn't and certainly not now. I pulled back my thighs and held my knees toward my chest. Dad had a close and direct view of my lightly furred pucker.

"Goddamn," he hissed. And he leaned in to start licking me.

Dad wasn't the first guy to rim me but he was only the second. Maybe it was psychological, but I didn't think I enjoyed having my hole eaten. I was wrong. In that resort bungalow, I leaned back and let my father make love to my ass. French kissing it, and then exploring deeper with his soft, talented tongue. My dick was dripping the whole time.

That rim job probably lasted five minutes but it felt like a glorious eternity.

Dad had been in control but now seemed super horny and impetuous. "My turn," he hissed and I watched as he let my legs down and turned to face away from me, scooting back toward my face. My hands touched his strong thighs. I might have had the more athletic build, but Dad was solid, and his muscle had the advantage of his age and years of activity. The glutes flexed some at my touch, then Dad leaned forward, which pulled his buns apart.

I dove in. I loved eating Dad out and I was particularly worked up then. My father moaned out loud, almost grunted even, as my tongue circled around his pucker and started fluttering against his entrance.

"Eat my ass, son," he hissed. And then, as I ate him, he leaned forward more, nudging my legs back up. Turns out Dad wasn't done eating my hole, either. Fine with me. I pulled my legs back to let him at it again, and like that we settled into our first rim 69.

I knew then that we'd be doing this a lot more. It was like an electrical circuit flowed between us. The more I licked, the more I felt the sensations along my own hole. So I licked more, urging Dad to follow suit.

Maybe it got too much for him. maybe he just wanted my cock. Because Dad finally pulled out of my trench and leaned up to start licking my cock. I grunted into his ass, and grunted louder when my father bucked his rump back against my face. I thought he was trying to get me in deeper into his hole, and maybe he was, but I realized the new position was to take my cock into his mouth.

No slow approach now, Dad was going in for the kill. Steady, controlled suck motions up and down on my hard as nails prick.

I moaned against into the cheeks that practically smothered my face and gave up my cum. Right into Dad's cocksucking mouth. It was a surprisingly intense orgasm, and I rode it out, stopping my full on ass licking and just enjoying Dad's spit-wet hairy cheeks pressed against my face as he milked my load out.

My father finally got off of his perch and climbed off the bed, his own prick beet red in excitement. He searched his bag for some lube and squirted some on his prick.

"Think you can rim me some more?" he asked in a plea.

I nodded, then watched Dad return to the position he had before.

"Lie back, son," he urged, clearly horny and ready to shoot. I did as instructed and my father sat his butt on my face. It wasn't the optimal position for a skilled rim job but there was something very hot about having my face covered with my father's ass. I licked wildly at his trench while he stroked frantically.

"Fuck!" he growled and I felt the hot sperm shoot in thick ropes over my chest and abs. Dad was clearly backed up and I loved feeling his jizz rain down on me.

He was all smiles when he finally pulled off and maneuevered himself to a sit beside my supine body.

"Thanks for that, Matt," he said with a grin as he patted my upper arm gently. "That was incredible."

"Fuck yeah, it was," I laughed, finally leaning up and wiping the spit from my face. "Wasn't expecting that for our first day."

Dad smiled. God, he looked so sexy then. "I wanted to try something new."

I ran my fingers up his furry thighs, more in a lazy caress than a tease. "I hope we try some a lot more new stuff this week," I said.

Dad nodded and leaned down for a soft kiss. Then when he pulled out he had an playful smile. "Looks like I made a mess of you, buddy."

I looked down at my torso and had to laugh. Dad had really painted my whole upper body with his sperm, which was now liquifying on my smooth muscle. "Jesus, Dad, how long were you holding that load in?"

"A solid week," he admitted, sheepishly. "Wanted to be ready for our vacation."

"Damn," I hissed, then got up to rinse off before the cum ran all off my body and onto the sheets.

When I stepped out of the bathroom, Dad was looking through the fridge that was set up to the side of our room. He was naked and even though I'd just cum, it was hard not to be turned on by his middle-aged body. So much like mine, yet a total contrast, too.

Dad looked up. "There were some sandwiches here and a bottle of wine," he said. "What do you say we just enjoy that as our dinner here?"

"Yeah, sounds awesome," I said as I stepped over to the door and looked out onto the beach. "We certainly got an incredible view."

Dad pulled out the wine bottle and found the opener. "Gonna put any clothes on, Matty?" he chuckled.

I reached down and tugged at my soft genitals. "Nah... no one's gonna see us, Dad.... come on."

I could see the cautious side of him debating in his own mind. Guess which side won out. "All right," he conceded.

It was a strangely romantic meal, me and Dad out on the verandah, sipping wine and just enjoying being there, naked and free.

"Sorry I had to step back last year, Matty," Dad said at last, as our conversation veered from light hearted to serious.

"Dad..." I objected. "You don't have to explain yourself." I sighed. "It's complicated."

"It is," my father agreed. "And I do have to explain myself. I called you my boyfriend two years ago, and I meant it... only it was one thing to imagine divorce, but the reality is harder than you can ever imagine, son."

I gave a grimace and nodded. "Yeah, it hit me hard in a weird way. I mean, I wanted that... you know, fantasized about it happening, but then it hit me that it's my own parents getting a divorce... I don't know..."

Dad sighed. "I sometimes worry I made a mistake..."

I stopped on. "Come on, Dad. If it wasn't me, it would be another guy." I paused. "Sorry to be blunt." I realized there was this tricky line where I wasn't sure whether I could talk to Dad as a parent, lover, or friend.

"Yeah, probably," he admitted, his face softening some. "I did have a couple other experiences with men. Honest truth, they can't hold a candle to my Top Dog."

"Fuck!" I hissed.

"What?" Dad asked, concerned he'd said the wrong thing.

I chuckled. "You just gave me a boner, that's all."

Dad scooted back and looked down. "I'll be damned." He took another appreciative look at my erection then leaned back in his chair. "Things were... complicated... with your mother and me. But I never felt her desire me that much, son. Ever."

"Dad," I said. "I've been thinking... maybe we shouldn't rush things. I mean, we have time right? You're divorced and I'm a single young dude. Let's just enjoy that, OK?"

Dad seemed relieved by my words and he gave a big smile. "Sounds amazing, buddy," he said. He nodded down at my lap. "Need me to take care of that boner for you, Top Dog?"

I grinned. Just hearing him say those words made my dick twitch. Probably always would. But I shook my head. "Later. We got all night. All week even. I want you keyed up for it, too."

****

It was our first full day in Paradise, and we'd come in from the beach, already frying in the midday son. I wasn't sure if we were going to wait for sex, but after I took a quick rinse in the shower, Dad slipped down a pair of trunks and let his meaty dong out.

I slipped on some shorts while Dad stepped into the bathroom. He was taking some time, and when I realized he was prepping himself, I slipped my shorts back off. We he came out, freshly showered, I was in bed and rock hard. Dad grinned, tossing aside the towel and showing off his amazing body and a dick that was firming up by the second.

"We didn't get around to fucking yesterday," he said playfully as he got up onto the bed, too.

"No, sir, we didnt," I replied. Dad and I never had a formal relationship and I never called him sir, but at that moment it felt right, even if in a playful way.

Our bodies felt warm as we connected in an incestuous embrace. Slowly, we made out. It felt wonderful. It's funny: in the weeks leading up to this trip, I imagined all sorts of hard athletic sex, but now I was getting into the slowness of our sex.

I mimicked Dad from last night and started kissing all over his body. It hadn't been a particular urge of fantasy of mine, but the act was powerful and a turn on. My rim job was soft and measured, gently licking my father's pucker in contrast to the fevered munching of the night before.

When I got out the lube, Dad looked up at me with a look that was horny but very loving. "I dont need a lot of fingering today, Matty... I'm pretty horny for it," he said.

The contrast between his clear lust and his calm demeanor drove me wild. I slicked up my cock and applied some lube to his ring, then scooted up as he put a pillow under the small of his back to raise his ass up to the right level.

"Unnnfff... that's it, buddy. Nice and slow."

I was pressing in with some pressure to breach the ring but going as gradually as I could. I felt dad's natural defenses pull back and pretty soon let me inside him. The man's insides were hot and wet and incredible. I missed this. "Fuck, Dad," I hissed.

"Back in the saddle, right, Matty?" Dad growled.

My dick started bottoming out inside his ass. It was tight but not too tight and I got off on how it welcomed me back inside. "Fuck, yeah, Dad. I missed this."

"Missed this, too, son," Dad hissed and ran his hands up and down my flank. His legs were wrapped around me and we took advantage of the classic missionary position to kiss deeply.

I slow pumped him just like that, our bodies clinging to one another. Dad actually whimpered while I dicked him and instead of finding that passive or feminine or anything it turned me the fuck on. I put more power to my thrusts, not going fast but maximizing the depth of my fuck.

When I pulled off the kiss, Dad was clearly right on the edge of that path to orgasm. "I love you, son," he grunted.

"Love you too, dad." We'd had that conversation about taking it slow this week, but we weren't saying anything we hadn't said before.

My words made dad's eyes open wide in excitement. It was a romantic vibe but sexual too. "I love my son's cock fucking me," he grunted.

We didn't always or even usually bring up the taboo aspect of the incest during sex itself. But it never failed to fire me up. "God, I love fucking my father's ass."

I paused my fuck for a second. I didn't want to, but I needed to get the lube and squirt some on my father's cock. I tossed the bottle to the side and resumed that deep thrust. "Go for it, Dad. Cum on your son's cock..."

"Oh yeah," he hissed, stroking now as we fucked. "I'm so fucking close...."

"Yeah," I urged. "Top Dog's gonna get your there, sir. Gonna fuck a load out of those dad balls."

I could see Dad's eyes on me, not just my face but all of me. Taking in my hunky water polo body. Strong and muscular for 22. That gaze made me feel like even more of a stud, as I threw all of my poise and power into dicking Dad across the finish line.

"Fuck!" he cried, and I was grateful for the seclusion of this bungalow. Dad could be a moaner in sex sometimes, but this was the loudest I'd seen him. His whole body tensed up and he raised his hips up higher, mostly withdrawing off my dick as his cock jerked and a few heavy streaks of cum shot out. Not as crazy a load as the previous night, but it was an amazing sight.

I gave a few urgent thrusts, eager to get my nut before it all became too much for Dad. Sometimes when I feel that time pressure, I can't come right away, but I was so worked up, it was no issue at all now. I grunted and then started having one of those orgasms that made me grateful to be a top with a receptive ass to fuck. It was the kind of orgasm that feels like it's not gonna come and then when it does feels like it's not gonna end.

We kissed and embraced and felt the stickiness of dad's load between our warm bodies.

***

I'd learn that sex, particularly intense sex, usually tires Dad out.

It probably didn't take ten minutes before Dad was dozing off. More than dozing - dead asleep, snoring in the soft queen bed as the tropical breeze blew in.

I loved being with him as he slept, but I'm not much of a napper. And after reflecting on the mindblowing hotness of this illicit getaway, I figured it was weird to just watch my father sleep.

I quietly rifled through my stuff and put on a pair of running shorts. I'd be taking a break from lifting that week, but figured I could get in some cardio. Particularly since some clouds were coming in, and the afternoon sun waning in intensity.

Jogging in sand is its own challenge, but you get used to it after a bit. Plus, it was the most amazing view imaginable. Turquoise water, palm trees, lapping water against the shore. All to myself. I was in awe most of the time.

As I jogged I thought about the story Dad and I had rehearsed. I mean, no one knew we were related. So I was just a college kid having a fling with his professor. It was easier for me to tell a half truth than a lie. We had practiced our fictitious names and our backstory. But who knows if we'd even have to use it. So far we'd not seen a single soul since arriving.

Then, just as I was about to turn around, I saw a guy lying on the beach ahead of me. Then as I wiped the sweat out of my eyes, I saw it was two men. Tanned, good bodies, and naked. And I'd stumbled on them just as I saw one of them, a younger brown haired guy, lean over and start blowing the older guy.

My heart stopped in horniness. I so wanted to watch, these guys were just beautiful. But I felt bad for invading their privacy, so I turned around and made my way back.

I told Dad when I got back. He had woken up and was looking amazing in his nakedness.

"I just saw two guys on the beach having sex," I laughed as I gulped down some water.

"Out here?" Dad asked, incredulous, his furry, naked body propped against the pillow.

I shook my head, trying to catch my breath. Running in the humidity is a bitch. "No, further down. Older guy and younger guy, like us."

"Maybe not exactly like us," Dad leered. I was loving seeing my father's naughty side come out on this trip so far.

"Yeah, probably not," I laughed.

"Is that something you wanna do, Matt?" my father said, more than a little concern in his eye. He had an uptight, cautious side. Which I guess was a good thing given our incestuous affair. "Fucking out in the open?"

"They weren't fucking, the young guy was blowing the older guy," I corrected.

"Still... that's pretty wild." Dad said simply. "It's a little out of my comfort zone."

"Maybe mine, too," I admitted. "But it would be hot to try."

I slipped off my jogging sorts and jock strap, letting my dick swing free. I wasn't chubbed, but it felt good to expose myself to Dad.

It was like he was reading my mind. "It's incredible being naked with each other, isn't it?"

I nodded, feeling a strange excitement that was sexual but not about having sex at that moment. It was funny in my mind, I thought we'd be fucking nonstop all week, but now that we were here, I had to acknowledge that our sexual endurance had some pretty clear limits. That was cool, too, it just made me focus on Dad in a different way.

Dad took in a full view of my body. "I hate to see you cover up that beautiful body, son, but what do you say we go into town and grab some dinner?"

****

I showered up and got dressed - just a pair of cotton shorts, a T-shirt and flip flops. This was the most I would wear all week. The rental came with beat up bicycles that Dad and I rode down the dirt road. "Town" was something between a hamlet and a real town. But there were a few restaurants, even more bars, and a lot of tourists. Not all of them were gay, but maybe half were. Couples, mostly. It wasn't the nightlife or circuit kind of scene.

Normally, I didn't drink a ton. But it was vacation, and with the heat, the tropical fruit drinks went down easy. I had a good buzz by the time Dad and I had dinner.

He seemed like he had something on his mind as we had a drink at the bar after our meal. "Matty.... I've had three very difficult decisions in my life. Fooling around with you that first time. Divorcing your mom. And asking you to come down here."

"Dad..." I started to object. Everything sexual was off the charts hot between me and my father, but it was still tough to talk about the ramifications. About what the fuck we were doing. I didn't want to spoil the fun with reality.

"All of them were the best decisions I've ever made." I think the drinks were starting to let his inhibitions down, too. "Listen, bud... I know this is just some fun time, and last thing I'd ever want to do is get in the way of you going off to live your life."

This was getting heady, quick. Was Dad saying what I thought he was saying?

Just then a man appeared beside Dad. "Are these seats free?" he asked. The accent was European, but the English was flawless. He was about 55 and very tanned. Handsome, silver hair that was just starting to thin but which he kept trimmed short on the sides. Besides him was a much younger man, maybe a few years older than me, dark haired, thinner and good looking.

Dad blushed as our heart-to-heart conversation was quickly interrupted. I thought for a second he'd say no, but instead he gestured to the seats. "Help yourself," he said.

The couple talked among themselves at first until they got their drink. Then the Daddy struck up a conversation.

"You guys from the States?"

"Yep. Ohio," Dad answered using the script we'd created for ourselves for the week. "You?" Dad could be moody and withdrawn sometimes, but he was great at small talk, with acquaintances and strangers alike. It's one of those skills honed with his job, I realized, as well as the country club set my parents traveled in before Dad came out.

"Germany," he answered. "We come here every year."

"I can see why," I said. "It's fricking amazing."

"Your first time here?" the younger man asked. His English was even smoother, and had more of a British accent, probably from his education.

"Yeah," I said.

"But we'll probably be back."

We talked - about travel, about intergenerational couples, about soccer of all things. Then Walter, the older man, got a sly look on his face. Turning to me, he said. "I should admit I saw you today, Matt. On the beach."

I think I blushed. "That was you? Sorry, man, I didn't realize what was going on till it was too late."

"Wait, these are the guys?" Dad asked, turning from me to the couple.

"You told him," the man chuckled. Then leaning back and putting his arm on Karl's shoulder he smiled. "Yeah, me and Karl love the freedom here. Hope it didn't freak you out."

I shook my head. "No, not at all. Just..."

Dad chimed in. "I think you may have given us an idea or two of how to spend the week."

"Glad we could help," Walter grinned.

"You guys are a cute couple." It was Karl and his directness caught me off guard.

"You, too," I said truthfully,

"There aren't many of us," Walter said.

"Many what?" I could sense my Dad nervous for the first time. Like something was going wrong with the script.

"Intergenerational couples," Walter replied. "You know, daddy-son couples." He looked around. "Though you'll find a good number here."

"Matt and I are still working things out," Dad said. "We're not out or anything back home."

"It's tough," Walter said. "We still don't tell everyone... but we did get married last year."

"Yeah?" I said. I don't know why this surprised me.

Karl lifted his hand to show off a simple gold band, and I could see a matching one on his partner's left hand.

"Congratulations," my dad said.

"Thanks," Walter said. "It can be tough being in an unconventional couple but here we get to be ourselves, right boy?" he nudged Karl's elbow.

Karl laughed and smiled. "Fuck yeah, Daddy."

That hit me hard and turned me on, too.

"Listen, we're heading back but maybe you guys want to come over for dinner tomorrow? A little company would be nice. No pressure."

I looked at Dad and he nodded then turned to the guys. "It'd be our pleasure."

***

Dad and I were a little tipsy when we got back. We stripped down and made out in bed and pretty soon I was feeling up my father's erection. It was a sensation and powerful feel I'd never get sick of. Holding the dick that made me.

"Feels nice, Matty..." Dad hissed. "Only I'm probably too spent from earlier. I think you fucked every bit of cum from my balls."

I laughed then reached down to cup those testicles. "That's OK, Dad," I said. "All right if we fool around a little though? We can get off tomorrow..."

Dad nodded and we spent the next twenty minutes making out and feeling each other up. We started swapping blow jobs. Soft, slow exploratory dick sucking. Dad, then me, then trading places again. I thought of moving around to a 69, but I loved that position between my father's legs, working his hard dick lovingly.

Then it clicked for him, taking us both by surprise. Dad's fingers drew tighter on my neck and his body tensed. Turns out he had some cum left in the tanks after all. And he was spurting it into my sucking mouth.

***

The German guys' bungalow was a little nicer than ours but pretty similar in style. I guess they'd ordered some dinner brought there, because after Walter ushered us in and led us to the back verandah, we saw a big spread set out with some chilled wine.

Walter was casually dressed with an unbuttoned linen shirt that showed off his lightly hairy chest and a pair of cotton shorts. Karl wore less, just a pair of swim trunks.

"I feel over dressed," Dad chuckled as he walked over to shake the young man's hand in greeting.

"Hope you don't mind," Karl grinned. "We normally don't even bother with clothes."

"My son and I have a little exhibitionist streak, if I'm honest," Walter grinned.

That gave Dad and me some pause. Dad especially. He blushed some but tried to play it cool. "To each his own," he said. I saw Walter try to read his face, then mine. I knew something was up. But Walter didn't press it, instead he got up and poured us some wine.

"To new friends," he toasted.

"To new friends," I said in return.

"Prost!" Karl toasted.

We made small talk, and over dinner chatted mostly more about the island and some of the activities you could do, even if it wasn't set up with as much as other resorts. And Dad asked them about their city back in Germany.

Dad and I gave a censored, half-fictionalized version of the truth. Me a college senior, Dad a divorced man in Ohio. The food was good, though I was still getting used to the cuisine.

We were in a relaxed mood as the sunset became night and the low lights on the verandah made the tropical evening seem perfect.

"You think you'll come back?" Karl asked.

Dad looked over at me, a playful glint in his eye. After the sun and the heat of the day, he was getting tipsy from the wine. I had to savor just how incredibly handsome my father was in vacation mode. "Yeah, we're definitely thinking about it," he said, verbally asking for some confirmation of the mood he was feeling. "It's a magical place."

"It is," Karl chimed in. "Father and I love coming every year."

I was definitely feeling a vibe now. Dad was too.

"So... he ventured... the father-son thing... is that a kink thing... you know, roleplay?" His tone was cautious but inquisitive and respectful.

Walter grinned. "Would it bother you if it wasn't just roleplay?" he asked.

Dad shook his head and quietly responded. "No." Looking over at me I realized Dad was getting turned on. "Don't think it would bother Matt either."

"It wouldn't," I assured the other couple.

Karl scooted up to Walter, running his hands along the older man's shoulder. "The family resemblance is hard to deny, isn't it?" he asked impishly. "But people don't expect it to be a possibility."

"Fuck," Dad whispered softly. Then more aloud: "You two are a beautiful couple," he said, with surprising directness.

Walter looked between me and Dad. "You men are, too."

I gulped. Dad did too. But he reached over on the wicker sofa where we were seated and placed his arm on my shoulder. His touch made me break out in goosebumps. "I gotta say...." Dad sighed. "I didn't expect this turn of events."

"We can change the subject," Walter offered.

"It's good to be able to talk about it," I piped in. I don't think I'd realized till then how bottled up it had all between me and Dad. The sneaking around was hot and all but it somehow felt lonely too.

"Happy to," the other father said. "But we're going to follow your lead how much you want to talk about."

Dad looked at me. "What do you think Matt?" he asked quietly.

I nodded. "Yeah," I replied softly. It felt like we were taking a chance, but I knew we wouldn't have another opportunity.

Dad gave me a quick peck then turned back to the other guys, pulling me close. "Matt's my son. We're dating."

Karl smiled. So did Walter. "What does dating mean for you guys?" the older man asked. "Just fucking?"

I shook my head. "We fuck," I said aloud, getting off on the transgression of verbalizing the forbidden. "But Dad's my boyfriend."

That made Walter smile. "For us, the romance is hotter than the sex. Or at least it's connected. Isn't that right son?" he said, patting Karl's bare leg.

"Jah, Papa" the son answered, sliping back into German.

The two leaned in and kissed softly, for longer than Dad and I had. Karl had a big grin on his face when he pulled back. "Dad's a great kisser," he said, returning to English.

I felt flush with heat of excitement. I was getting turned on, both from the voyeurism and from the open embrace of the incest idea.

Dad spoke up. "Matt is too. My boyfriend learned some moves in college," he chuckled playfully. I had to chalk some of Dad's relaxed mood to the wine, because he was definitely more uptight than this normally. But I think he too grasped the rarity of the situation and decided to go with the flow.

Walter leaned back in his seat and smiled at us. "How long have you too been together?" he asked. I could tell he was feeling flush with excitement, too.

"A little over three years," Dad answered. "Though we only talked about the boyfriend thing a year and a half ago."

"We've been involved longer," Walter said. "But like I said last night, we got married last year."

I had half forgotten about their professed wedded status until then. "How the fuck does that work?" I blurted out.

The men laughed, which made me glad I hadn't offended them.

"Would it hold up in a court of law back in Germany?" Walter said. "No. But it's a real marriage. They don't ask for many documents here. Karl and I have a license... and of course the rings," he added flashing his ring finger to display the band. "That's real enough for us."

"God, guys," Dad chimed in. "I have so many questions."

"Feel free to ask them," Walter replied. I could tell he was glad to share his and Karl's experience with us.

So for the next hour that's what he did. We listened to the process of applying for a license in the country and what the civil ceremony was like. We asked how they managed being a couple back home, how to deal with people's expectations and give excuses for living together.

"I won't lie, mates," Karl finally said. "There are some challenges. But nothing beats actually living with your own father as his husband. It's just incredible."

My breath was getting short. Something about the idea felt unreal but very appealing to me at that moment.

***

A half hour later, as we bid good night and thanked them for the hospitality, I could tell it was on Dad's mind too. The heaviness of that idea. We walked along in silence on the quiet deserted back road to our cabana.

"It's an insane idea, Matt," Dad finally said, breaking the silence.

"It is," I replied.

He looked over at me, his older more experienced face somehow seeming nervous and youthful then. "We can't rush into something like that."

"God Dad!" I hissed.

His face scrunched into a look of concern. "Did I say the wrong thing, Matt?"

I shook my head and dropped my voice to a whisper. "You gave me a hardon."

Dad looked down and sure enough saw my shorts tented up, beyond being able to hide it.

"That's my Top Dog," he grinned.

I felt a warmth come over me, and I decided to say the next words. "Would I still be your Top Dog if you did me?"

I let the words hang in the humid air and saw Dad's lips curl up into a faint smile at the corner. His response was measured. "You know you would, Matty," he said, reaching over to rub his hand along my lower back as we walked. "But is that something you want to try?"

I didn't answer him directly because I wasn't sure of the answer myself. Not 100%. "You like it, right, Dad?" I asked.

He nodded. "I do," he replied. "But mostly because you're the one doing me. It's hard to explain."

I mulled it over. I didn't say anything at first, then spoke. "I wanna try it, Dad. I need to know what it feels like."

I expected my father to object or try to talk me out of it. Instead he gave a gentle grin and let out a throaty whisper. "It's gonna be so hot, Matty... I promise." I knew then how much he wanted this. And a part of me felt bad for holding out this long.

Thankfully, we didn't have a long walk back to our bungalow. It was a still quiet night, and I remember the sound and feel of the ceiling fan as we methodically stripped down. Dad's body was tanned from the week, and the coloring made his gray temples stand out more.

"God, you're really fucking handsome, Dad," I hissed, just I peeled down my shorts and let my hardened dick free.

Dad followed suit. It never ceased to turn me on how similar my cock was to his and yet how his looked different. Fuller, meatier somehow. Older.

His skin was warm as he stepped up to me and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a kiss. Sometimes Dad urged me to go slower and softer with the kissing but at that moment he was right at my vibe... horny as fuck.

He growled in my mouth as he pulled back and patted my bare ass. "Why don't you get ready, son?" he asked. "I usually do a couple extra gos at it," he added.

I nodded and went into the bathroom, where Dad's portable enema kit was. I won't lie, this part felt weird at first, since I'd never used one. But I remembered the thrill I always have whenever he prepares himself for me, and I wondered if he felt the same.

I rinsed off and when I came out finally, I felt the thrill of my father's greedy eyes on me. His erection hadn't flagged one bit and I saw that dad cock jerk off his hairy belly.

"I can't believe we're about to do this," he said quietly, his brown eyes roaming all over my naked body. My own dick was jerking back to hardness, quickly.

"That makes two of us," I joked.

He patted the back next to him and I climbed on.

His kiss now was even more possessive, rougher even, as he pawed at me and rolled on top of me. The change of script thrilled me, actually, as did the feeling of his muscular, middle aged body on top of mine.

"I love you, Matt," he said as he raised his body above me, looking down with lust and affection.

"Love you, too, Dad," I replied, automatically. Then less automatically, I added, "Cliff."

That made his nostrils flare and a grunt emerge from deep in his lungs. It was the first time I'd used his first name since the divorce. I was taking a chance using it now, after all our talk of going slow, but after this evening's conversation, it felt right.

He leaned down and kissed my upper chest. A couple of soft pecs against my smooth muscle. "My baby boy," he sighed, and I felt his cock just against my thigh. He made his way down, kissing me and giving a few stray licks. I craved for him to take my dick into his mouth and just start sucking me, but I was also glad he held off, giving my nuts a lick before making his way down my inner thigh.

When he nudged my legs, I didn't need it spelled out. I lifted them up and pulled them back. I was vulnerable now, and open, my ass hole on full display for my father. '

He actually leered as he looked intently at my it, then looked up into my eyes. "I'm serious about what I said earlier, Matt... you'll always be my Top Dog."

Those words hit me deep. There was so much going on between us. The complication of being father and son, yet lovers. The realization that dominance and submission were flip sides of the same coin for us. About penetration, but not about it either.

"I want you to be Top Dog tonight, Cliff," I hissed.

Dad dove in. If my first rim job from Dad the other day was eye-openingly hot, this one felt particularly intense. Dad munched at my ring, and that gentle tickling sensation of his tongue switched into something else in me. Pleasure, but almost a tingling need. Particularly once my father's tongue drilled deeper.

I pulled my legs apart wider and gave Dad full rein of my hole. "Eat me out, Cliff," I grunted. Now relishing the first name basis. "Get your boyfriend's hole ready."

"Fuck, son," he grunted as he pulled back and wiped his chin before resting his thumb at my ring and pressing into its now relaxed state. "I gotta fuck you."

I hissed, feeling nervous and yet wanting it and feeding off the transgression of the whole thing. "Is my father gonna take my cherry?"

Dad nodded, like he was afraid he was gonna break the spell if he spoke. I watched him grab the lube and copy my actions from so many times before. I knew Dad had fooled around with a couple of other guys before we started our affair. But surprisingly, we didn't talk a lot about our sexual histories.

As Dad's fingers pressed into me, a second lubed one going in along the first, I shuddered to realized we'd have to talk about our sexual pasts, like boyfriends eventually do.

"Damn, Matty," Dad growled. "You're opening right up." I could sense the surprise in his voice and maybe a little disbelief that I was cherry.

"My father is really good at this," I shot back.

Dad leaned up on his knees, his paternal hardon throbbing as he drizzled lube on it. "You know," he said, stroking the slickness along his length. "Before we started, I would sometimes jerk off fantasizing about this," he said, taking a second to add some lube to my own prick. "I felt guilty as hell," he added with a smirk as he set down the lube again.

Those words hit me deep. I'd relaxed my legs some so they wouldn't cramp, but Dad was silently instructing me to place them on his shoulders before he leaned in and reached down to guide his cock. Not into me, but pressing against my vulnerable pucker.

"Did I get your cherry, Cliff?" I asked. Riding the knife's egde between sex talk and boyfriend talk. I'd never had the guts to ask Dad that the first time I fucked him. I was asking him now.

He shook his head. "No, Matt. That would have been hot though." He stared down into my face. "Too much?" he asked. Already he was pushing forward against my guarded entrance.

"Feels weird," I laughed nervously.

"It's gonna," he explained. In the back of my head I realized this was some fucked up version of the father-son birds-and-bees talk. My dad explaining how sex works. "Just focus on how much you want your dad to fuck you."

There was something crude and direct about that, and it made my hole unclench. There was a sting and a fullness as my father's cock bore into me.

"God yes, son," Dad cried.

My hands clenched at his arms, and I stifled my own cry. It didn't hurt exactly but it was the shock more than anything that caught me off guard. My mind wanting it, but my body resisting.

"I got ya baby boy," Dad hissed. "Your daddy's got ya."

"Fuck, Dad," I whimpered. I felt vulnerable and a little helpless and, yeah, that was messing with my jock ego some. But Dad was being my Rock at that moment. The man I could be vulnerable with. My insides unclenched and I felt myself being filled more steadily and deeply. This time, it felt amazing.

"Shit," I hissed, my talon grip turning into caresses of my father's strong arms.

"Yeah, Matty...? Feeling good?" He knew, but also was confirming.

"Feeling great, Cliff," I grunted. "Dad."

"That conversation... those guys tonight..." Dad said as he bottomed out. "That got you worked up, didn't it?"

Oh fuck, Dad knew how to take me to that emotional place, all right. I nodded and felt my cock surge back to full rigidity. The harder my dick got the more it interacted with the buzzing of my prostate. Now I knew what Dad loved about bottoming.

"I don't wanna cross any lines, Dad," I replied.

Dad flashed a grin then his face got stone-cold serious before he leaned down to claim another kiss. We made out some, as best we could in that position as my father's dick started its slow pump of my hole.

When he leaned back he got into a steadier rhythm, and at a better angle to hit my spot. "I don't wanna cross any lines, either, son," Dad grunted as he held onto my outer legs and started fucking more steadily. "But hearing them talk about marriage got me pretty fucking worked up."

I watched in excitement and amusement as Dad fucked me. He was closer to cumming than even I realized and I could see the telltale look I'd seen dozens of times before on him. "Fuck me, Cliff!" I urged. "Fuck your boyfriend."

"You're my son," Dad grunted, sweat forming on his body now as his muscles clenched in rhythm. The thrusts were faster and heavier but not too rough. I was getting my cherry popped in the best way possible. "I'm fucking my own son," he cried, louder.

"God yeah, Dad!" I cried. I was stroking my cock now, and getting closer.

"My hot stud virgin son." It was wild to see my button-down, sometimes uptight dad let loose during sex. He was going all in now.

"Not virgin any more," I shot back.

That did. Dad's face turned red and he humped me excitedly with a few rapid strokes and then he was cumming, deep and hard. "God fucking DAMN!" he roared, glad to be able to let loose. I felt it, the impact of his deep thrust, and I knew he was seeding me good and hard.

The fuck had been kind of quick and overwhelming in its novel physical sensations. But I know realized the thrill that I finally had taken a man's cock and it was my father's. And my first cum, too. As I stroked, a wicked thought occurred to me that Dad's would be the only cum ever to enter me. Something about that fantasy, or maybe reality, had my own sperm jetting out of my cock, surprising me in the suddenness of my own orgasm.

"Let it out, Matty," Dad hissed, now coming down from his own high but thrilled to watch me cum.

I love fucking men. So I can't say this was a better cum than inside a man's hole, but it felt different and wonderful in that unique way. I got it now, what made men want this. My cum lasted longer than any I'd ever had.

I was exhausted when Dad finally pulled out and let my legs rest back down on the bed. "Good?" he asked me as he lazily stroked my abs and chest. Again, knowing it was but confirming. Checking in.

I nodded. "Jesus, Dad," I sighed. Words couldn't capture everything I was feeling and thinking, so I didn't try.

I shut my eyes and caught my breath and heard Dad get up to go to the bathroom. When he returned he was wiping down my cum-covered body with a damp wash rag. It was a simple gesture and felt surprisingly intimate.

"Thank you for that, son," Dad sighed. "If nothing else this week, I'll remember that."

I leaned up. Loving the fact of being naked in bed with Dad. "It was a gift to me, too, Cliff. For real."

We kissed, soft this time, and I could tell our cocks were jerking in that uncomfortable in between state, not ready to go soft but not able to enjoy sexual stimulation either.

Dad patted my shoulder when we broke the kiss. "Sorry if I went to far with the marriage talk."

My heart fluttered. "I don't know what to say, Dad," I sighed as I looked into his beautiful brown eyes. "I just... I know you just got out of a divoce and it's just all impossible anyway."

"It is," Dad chimed in, grounding me in reality. Grounding us in reality. "But if we wanna get carried away by the fantasy... just this week, you know..." he stopped mid sentence. Feeling me out.

"I wanna," I replied. "But you gotta tell me when I'm going too far."

"Same... it goes the other way, too," Dad said. He plopped down on the bed next to me, cuddling up to me some. "I love you Top Dog."

"Love you, too, Cliff.... Babe," I added, tossing out a term of affection that felt new and maybe a little awkward to us with my father. "So much."

[a-mole-of-iron]

Yes, we can stop climate change - and solve ecological problems in general

In the last few years, I have seen again and again a particular social response to climate change that can leave human civilization just as devastated as denying or ignoring climate change: and that is doomism, and fellow-traveler ideas of eco-fascism and eco-austerity. Make no mistake: climate change is a very serious issue that can cause noticeable damage to Earth and a hell of a lot of damage to humanity, but people absolutely love to take it to lurid extremes, like "Mad Max hellworld" and "Earth becoming the second Venus by 2100". In this post, I'm just going to lay out numerous reasons why the situation is far from hopeless, why sensationalized narratives of climate change are just a petty excuse for inaction, why "we'd better start taking mud baths to get used to being in the ground" rhetoric is incredibly dangerous (not to mention a betrayal of the weak and vulnerable by the strong and well-off), and why, ultimately, things aren't as dire as "the common wisdom" proclaims - so that people can stop feeling crushed by hopelessness, and start solving all of the very, very real environmental problems the way they're already being solved. All my examples will be sourced from the IPCC reports and real-world accomplishments in eco-restoration, via an extremely helpful blog called Doomsday Debunked, which just reprints all the IPCC and IPBES findings that doomist media and activism deliberately omits.

Most of this post is adapted from one I already made before elsewhere - but perhaps on Tumblr it's going to become more popular and widespread. I'm going to split it into three different sections: climate change mitigation, biodiversity recovery, and why "green austerity" is not a brilliant idea, will not save anything, and is ultimately an outdated falsehood that emerged from a place of insufficient knowledge and understanding. Almost all paragraphs contain links to sources/more info, but they may be hard to see in some custom Tumblr themes - be sure to mouse over if you want to find the links.

CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND YOU: how renewable energy really can save the world!

Here's the biggest thing first: Climate Action Tracker, which is a pretty damn respectable source, has slashed off 1.1 to 1.5 degrees Celsius off its average warming projections since 2010, according to their own records. Hell, in 2018, three degrees of warming was a pledge, and four degrees was the expected upper limit; now three degrees is expected if the current level of fossil fuel consumption continues without any reduction - and two degrees is the policy target, while optimistic projections are inching closer to 1.5 degrees. And to "achieve" 5 degrees Celsius of warming, which is misleadingly described by journalists as "business as usual" when by our current day it's anything but, we would need an economic mobilization from now to 2100 to burn all the coal that we can possibly burn. With coal plants shutting down in reality simply due to being unprofitable, I don't have to tell you how "realistic" and "plausible" that is. The takeaway from this is simple: the Paris Agreement and environmental activism work, and I really don't see them winding down unless we let doomism reign supreme.

A specific example of policy and technology that can seriously reduce climate change is the amazing growth of solar power over the last 10 years. I am old enough to remember the early 2000s, when solar photovoltaics (the panels that convert sunlight directly into electricity) were an unproven, esoteric, and expensive technology, and people meant solar water heaters when they said "solar power"… but nowadays? There is literally predictions that if solar energy keeps growing at current rates, and considering it already beats fossil fuels on price, it might simply price out gas, coal, and oil before 2050, rendering them entirely obsolete. Even now, investment into coal or gas power plants is seen as an incredibly stupid thing to do, because they might become "stranded assets" - too expensive to run, and unable to even recoup their initial cost.

The clathrate gun/Arctic methane bomb hypothesis has been effectively disproven at the current time. The release of methane from clathrates is endothermic, meaning it takes in more heating than it releases; a direct opposite of a gunshot/explosion, which is an exothermic reaction. More modern research also turned up the fact that methane has been seeping upwards at a constant rate for millennia now - we just didn't monitor it. Seabed disturbance could possibly upturn some of the clathrates, but ocean warming alone simply can't do it - it would take thousands of years of warming for the temperature change to propagate to the kind of depth that methane clathrates are found at.

The hypothesis of runaway greenhouse effect has effectively been disproven too: with a more powerful greenhouse effect, Earth's albedo grows just as fast as the heat-trapping capacity, meaning runaway warming is highly unlikely and the only cause are human industry CO2 emissions, which can be obsoleted by renewables and thus stopped.

The biggest threat from climate change as it is now appear to be extreme weather events; for example physically straining heatwaves, or severe floods from large amounts of rainfall. And those are serious problems. But heatwaves can be deal with by adapting our environments - the most obvious example being to plant some trees instead of layering our cities in concrete. Similarly, flood management isn't some arcane art; we know how to do it. It's just been ignored due to complacency and budgetary stinginess.

The expectations of social collapse from climate change are… overstated, let's say. The IPCC's own worst-case scenario is NOT "Earth as a lifeless desert" or "collapse of human society"; the situation IPCC associated with three-degree warming is that hundreds of millions risk being displaced by sea level rise and temperatures in the tropics getting too hot for comfortable life with no weather difficulties (NOT THE SAME as "you go out at any point during the summer, you die in ten minutes"), and the UN Sustainable Development Goals will be left in ruins. In other words, the poor people of the world will go back to starving and suffering, and the rich, especially in the West, will for the most part retain their quality of life. And so to me, as a non-Western, not-ultra-rich person, doomism is a personal affront, and doomism from solarpunks and environmentalists is a grave betrayal.

Speaking of the IPCC reports: the last one states with decent confidence that as soon as we stop pumping CO2 into the atmosphere, temperatures will begin to drop. Just think on this for a minute.

The "1970s MIT supercomputer that predicted the collapse of civilization by 2040"? That computer was not just less powerful than a smartphone from five years ago - it modeled the world as a single pixel, primitive even by the standards of the day. (Link to article that features actual model comparisons, via browser-based Javascript emulation. 'Nuff said.)

The so-called "deep adaptation" paper that managed to put people into therapy by its sheer grimness? Junk science that was rebuffed by Michael Mann - the author of the "hockey stick graph" of global temperatures, so not a climate denier by any means - in a four-letter tweet.

Earth turning into a second Venus by 2100? Yeah. That's… not gonna happen. We literally don't have enough fossil fuels to induce a greenhouse effect this bad, at any timescale, and I don't know if we could do it even if we started importing dry ice from space and cracking carbonate minerals for their carbon content to deliberately destroy the planet for some stupid reason.

And just because I feel like mentioning it: no, Earth can't run out of oxygen for us to breathe, barring an invasion of Galactus or some other planet-devouring alien.

BIODIVERSITY + CONSERVATION: lies, damned lies, and statistics

The infamous notion that we are heading for a world without insects was based on a study where half the map was blank, and some countries only counted the domestic honeybee (which relies on humans to thrive). Not all plants need insects to pollinate them, either. But at the same time, overuse of insecticides in agriculture is a serious issue with many adverse effects, and it has to be fought against. There is currently a campaign in Europe with this aim. Native grass lawns in cities help a lot too, more than you would think at first.

Similarly, there is a general notion that we are "in the middle of a sixth mass extinction", except we're not "in the middle". We're in the beginning of one. Now, if we all start/keep behaving like the Glukkons from the Oddworld series of games, or the Blargs from the first Ratchet & Clank game, for a few hundred more years - then we're totally going to face an impoverished biosphere with half or more known species dead. But if we do that, I'd say extinction of species would be far from our only problem.

The number one agricultural land use that drives deforestation is grazing cattle and growing crops to feed them; cropland and cities simply don't compare. Ergo, just by shifting to plant-based diets supplemented by lab-grown meat cultures and sustainable fish, we can rewild nearly 30% of Earth. And climate impacts there can be reduced too, if you simply buy local.

For a reforestation success story on a massive scale, look no further than the Loess Plateau.

Conservation success stories are actually plentiful; however, they do not get aired on the news because good news does not draw in views, clicks, and outrage. You can just go through this article on Doomsday Debunked to see how successful nature conservation can actually be.

The only two biomes that are most endangered by climate change are coral reefs (which would be replaced by the more resilient sponge reefs at 3 degrees of warming or around that), and the mountain glaciers, which will take thousands of years to recover, unlike the polar ice caps that'll be back in a couple of decades. But even corals have shown more resilience than expected before, so the scale of devastation is not nearly as huge as people might imagine.

GREEN AUSTERITY: "Friendly fire! Stop shooting, you pointy-eared leaf lover!"

A common, in fact extremely common, idea is that the only way to save the planet is accepting massive reductions to our quality of life - and by "massive" I mean "living in dugouts and doing subsistence agriculture while literally billions of people die for lack of warmth and medicine". Not only is this unacceptable, it's also a complete lie. The best way for someone living in the car-dependent, fossil-fuel-hungry sprawl of North America to reduce their carbon footprint is actually moving to a country with walkable, bikeable cities and good public transportation, like the Netherlands… or preferably, reforming and rebuilding their own local environment to this standard that used to exist in NA before its suburbanization that included zero public transport due to auto industry lobbying. NotJustBikes is an entire YouTube channel that explains this better than I ever could.

Another common idea is that building enough renewable generation capacity is just not possible with existing resources here on Earth. But consider this for a moment: when we mine metals and make them into electric engines or batteries, they don't go anywhere, with the only possible exception being metal flaking off due to corrosion. The metals composing wind turbine generators, electric vehicle motors, and batteries, or silicon composing the solar panels, remain in place and can be recycled several times, if not infinitely. Oil and coal that our current civilization burns for fuel EMPHATICALLY CANNOT be recycled - the entire problem we have is that they turn into carbon dioxide and clog our atmosphere, while soot and other exhaust fumes damage the health of people living in cities. Getting rid of 99% or more of fossil fuel infrastructure doesn't seem like that hard of a choice when you remember that feeding a renewables-based infrastructure requires a far more modest production capacity.

The issue of soil depletion from intensive agriculture is not only exaggerated by the negative/doomist framing (no, we are NOT going to run out of topsoil in 60 years!) - it's also a problem of mismanagement rather than an inherent agricultural problem. Stop oversaturating fields with fertilizer, introduce polyculture and crop rotation, and you'll see how much better things can get.

Similar to the above: the production of fertilizer does not require fossil fuels, no matter what some people might be saying. The three types of fertilizer are nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium. All of those are abundant chemical elements on Earth, and circulate through the biosphere freely; nitrogen is the 70% of our atmosphere and cannot possibly run out, and phosphate with potassium are abundant in the Earth's crust. The only direct use of fossil fuels in fertilizer production is the Haber-Bosch process that condenses nitrogen from the air into ammonia, and guess what molecule it needs for that? Hydrogen, which is the stronger half of the elements composing hydrocarbon fuels and which we could have in abundance by simple electrolysis of water!

Related to the above: it is beyond ridiculous how cow manure is dumped into rivers or similar by most modern farmers, when with right subsidies it could be transformed into cheap-as-free fertilizer to be used in agriculture. Someone should go create subsidies for large-scale composting...

Surprisingly enough, even consistent economic growth - which I am not a fan of by any means - can be achieved on a finite planet, because economic growth is all in what you count and how you count it. If we calculate economic growth not by production, but by improvements in human condition and condition of ecosystems (i.e. an economy that grows with the growth of trees), then we'll see that right now some world regions (like, again, North America) are failing as much as countries poor in money, but also that there is an enormous space for growth measured in sustainable prosperity.

The much-touted problem of water wars is an actual problem only for regions way, way inland. Any coastal countries have access to efficient desalination; it's not 1850 anymore. Water doesn't disappear from the world after people use it in cities and industries, it goes right back into the soil/atmosphere/rivers and oceans, so we can't "run out of water".

Interesting fact: we don't actually require any particularly specialized carbon capture technology to remove all the excess CO2 from the atmosphere, and will not require us to divert society's resources to expensive machinery. The old adage about the best carbon capture technology that's called "planting trees" still holds - and what's even more interesting is that there actually are even better methods that are not much more complex… and produce other things for the environment and for civilization in the process.

CONCLUSION

To sum things up: yes, the situation is serious, and "already bad enough" as Michael Mann put it (admittedly, he's been leaning into negative framing himself… but it can't be all positive, the problems of climate change really are dangerous, especially to the world's poor), and there's been a lot of environmental damage due to industries and rich consumers deliberately ignoring the externalities/knock-on effects of their resource use - but it's not nearly as horrifically bleak as some people presume. Right now there is great momentum behind climate action - which, yes, is partially propelled by increasingly hostile weather, but also by an understanding that social progress, democracy, and collective action are vital to build any form of a decent society, as well as by seeing new opportunities rise from cheaper renewable energy, better cities, and other innovations that will both stop climate change and make life actually worth living no matter where you might be. And in these conditions, throwing in the towel or surrendering to eco-austerity or even eco-fascist thinking is the worst possible action any one person can take. The green, sustainable, egalitarian future is not merely a dream or flight of fancy - it's eminently attainable if only we keep pushing for it and help eachother achieve it. But of course, there are people who stay up nights thinking how to take that future away from us, and now that climate change denial is no longer tenable, with more and more people believing their own eyes, the doomism and inactivism have become their primary, perhaps only, means of holding onto their power…

I hope this post will be helpful to people here who find themselves in the grip of doomism and hopelessness. I expect some people to disagree, but I prefer to believe the sources like the IPCC, IPBES, Climate Action Tracker, and all the climatologists behind these organizations' reporting - who've been closely watching both the worsening extreme weather from climate change, and the emergence of all the simple, usable, life-improving technologies and social practices to combat it. If we don't believe these people, then really, who can we believe? And if you do trust their reports on all the positive things being done and planned for environmental needs, it is not simply an idea that we can deal with climate change and restore, then protect our environment - it's objective reality, it's respectable science, and thus, it's good hard common sense.

More information: Doomsday Debunked (layman explanations and positive framing, also covering a ton of other "not actually the end of the world" topics for scared people), Carbon Brief (more technical and a bit less brazenly optimistic, but showing things like the absolutely crazy speed of renewable energy development), Not Just Bikes (an urbanist YouTube channel showing how cities can be improved, not made poorer, in the process of reducing fossil fuel use and car dependency).

[aelfheimerandrobots]

Sims au: Old Helex, Castle Heights, Old Dreadnaught Castle| Overlord

Brought to you by popular demand we are now featuring a tour of the infamous, Dreadnaught Castle! This castle has gone by many names over the centuries and certainly has a reputation of a sort but it's current owner has certainly done quite a deal to turn this crumbling old fortress into a magnificent mansion! Now this tour may take us awhile ( a reblog or two) due to its sheer size, but don't let that deter you! This masterpiece is worth the long walk! Should you survive ....

Rather than a street view look we'll start this tour with an aerial shot of this sprawling estate. From it's magnificent front towers to it's beautiful gardens and lovely private pool this mansion features of plenty modern touches to bring the crumbling relic up to our contemporary standards. With solar panels galore, on-site farming, rain capture water heaters, and natural springs this space does it's best to erase whatever carbon footprint it might take to keep this place up and running. And the incredibly manicured gardens surely- wait...do those trees look...phallic to anyone else?

*ahem* Yes, well, phalic nature of the tree-lined exterior approach aside, the gardens are excellently maintained and offer lovely moments of picturesque splendor in this quaint countryside. And what a front walk this makes for! With a romantic fountain, iron lampposts, and an expansive patio with elegant architecture this space certainly holds to higher standard of elegance and atmosphere.

Continuing our tour of the grounds, we'll be starting with the southern garden path. This lovely pathway beckons us in with a fantastical archway and leads down an ancient but lovingly restored path to the Castle's growing fields. While not terribly expansive this section of the grounds do offer horribly fertile ground to grow grapes for the ground's famous in-house wine. I'm told that most of the manor's food needs can also be supplemented from these fields and offer a lovely tableau for the grilling and picnicking area adjacent to the fields. This outdoor rest area looks out perfectly over the estate's expansive pond, which we will happily explore next!

This large pond can be easily accessed via the posterior entrance to the estate grounds as well as from the Castle directly. The Castle entrance here leads from the ground-floor laundry and storage area directly onto this waterway and it's lovely collection of flora and fauna. With romantic archways and grottoes reserved for enjoying the beauty of nature one can hardly blame Overlord, the current owner, from doing his best to stock the pond with local wildlife. Why there's a lovely pair of swans who- Is that an Alligator? No not the log, the thing next to the log. I saw it move! I did! Right there! I- ugh... okay fine. Let's move on to finish the tour of the grounds.

This long back walk opens toward the road leading to the estate and back out to the road, allowing access to staff and guests alike from the rear should they not wish to traverse the long drive to the front entrance of the estate. Though, I'm told it's bad manners to approach the estate in this manner. The walk is lined with lovely memorials to beloved pets who once walked these grounds and opens up to the west side of the grounds which feature a historical graveyard that has largely been overtaken by native plant growth, now cut back and cultivated to reveal more of the old facade. How odd though that some of those graves seem freshly dug. Also why is there a giant bonfire located near the gravesite? Hm. Yes well, moving on. The West end of the grounds also feature some ruins from the old castle which have been left intact for posterity but removed from the castle proper due to their crumbling nature and state of disrepair. And with the grounds wrapped up, let's head on inside for the rest of the tour!

We enter on the ground floor into the lovely foyer which features many of the estates modernized furniture while also highlighting the eras that have come before. Particularly the nineteen twenties which saw quite a bit of activity for the Castle! With lovely art deco revival pieces and stately vintage furniture to highlight updated facades and restored architecture, this foyer feels grand and welcoming. The water feature in particular is quite lovely and an amazing statement piece! Huh, that vase...is that really an urn? Hm. I'm sure I must just be mistaking it for a funeral urn, that's all. Shall we move on?

Heading into the hallway on the right we've entered into a stately passageway that features some lovely modern art pieces as well as a bit of industrial storage while still providing access to the safety measures included in the castle to protect the owner's vast investment into this home.

Heading into the door on the right and we've entered into the ground floor office space. This cozy den has plenty of charm and really highlights the use of industrial, art deco, and luxury inspired pieces to create a cohesive and good-looking environment. The office's private bathroom also features lovely tile work that manages to avoid feeling cramped thanks to the vaulted ceilings and large mirror. Just around the corner from the couch is the first set of stairs on the east end of the castle, which will eventually become the east tower. Ah and I see we've included a few antique taxidermy pieces. What a...lovely vulture skull. Oh and a preserved cow-plant! How...unsettling beautiful. Erm, let's just head on out shall we?

We'll head next into the door at the end of the hall which leads us into the ground-floor laundry which has access to both the exterior grounds as well as the pool deck and patio space! The laundry itself is serviceable and feels charming with much of the original stonework and infrastructure remaining intact. And with this room we'll go ahead and take a break before returning to our impressive tour!

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from the Nation of Change:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled a monumental $4.3 billion funding initiative targeting climate pollution and environmental justice across 30 states. This announcement comes as part of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. EPA Administrator Michael Regan emphasized the importance of community-driven solutions to tackle climate change, stating, “President Biden believes in the power of community-driven solutions to fight climate change, protect public health, and grow our economy.”

The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program, supported by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting environmental justice and economic growth. The selected projects are estimated to cut greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 971 million metric tons by 2050, which is comparable to the energy consumption of 5 million homes over 25 years.

Transportation

One of the major allocations includes $500 million dedicated to decarbonizing freight transportation at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. This funding will support the installation of electric charging equipment, the deployment of zero-emission freight vehicles, and the conversion of cargo handling equipment to reduce emissions.

Energy

Michigan is set to receive $129 million to accelerate its renewable energy projects. This initiative aims to streamline the siting, zoning, and permitting of renewable energy infrastructure, helping the state achieve its goal of 60% renewable energy by 2035.

Industry

Pennsylvania will benefit from $396 million to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrial facilities, including cement and asphalt plants. This effort is part of a broader initiative, RISE PA, to target industrial sector emissions and promote cleaner industrial practices.

Agriculture

Nebraska will receive $307 million for sustainable agriculture and energy efficiency projects. These funds will support climate-smart agriculture practices, reduce agricultural waste, improve energy efficiency in commercial and industrial facilities, and deploy solar panels and electrified irrigation wells.

Commercial and residential buildings

The northeastern states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Maine will collectively receive $450 million to promote the adoption of cold-climate heat pumps and water heaters. These technologies are crucial for improving energy efficiency in homes and commercial buildings, particularly in regions with harsh winters.

Waste management

The grants will also support various waste management projects aimed at reducing pollution and promoting recycling and waste reduction initiatives. These efforts are vital for minimizing the environmental impact of waste and improving public health.

[makuta-tobi]

Destinytober 2024: Flare+Perfection

(Link to AO3 chapter)

I'm really sorry this didn't get posted sooner, I got burnt out, but here's the first one for today <3

The Vex chambers deep under Nessus were cold and dark. Despite there being no sources of water to speak of, condensation accumulated in corners, and dripped from ceilings. A few dead space heaters sat in the labs once used by Maya Sundaresh - the Conductor, but now their metal only kept the cold.

A light illuminated the chamber and Soul swung around, casting his light on the corpses of the half Exo-half Vex constructs that littered the ground. Each one had once contained a consciousness, but had been snuffed out by Maya's avarice. Tobi-17 entered the lab as well, rifle slung to his back, a data pad in his hands showing him loads of data that had been gathered here; video records, notes on temperature fluctuations, and more, while a second data pad with his own notes was tucked under his arm.

"I hate this place," Soul murmured. "All this death for what?"

"A search for a perfection that didn't exist," Tobi-17 didn't look up, but he placed his pad that still flashed information at him on a bench, and, propping his leg on a stool, began to work more notes into his personal log. "Now all that's left is the cold reality, some angry robot juice, and a whole ton of metal that needs recovery."

Soul's light scanned over a blue chassis that had the trademark copper of the Sol Collective bursting out of its chest and rising up into the air, ending in appendages that resembled the petals of a flower. The Ghost shuddered at the abomination.

"How much longer are we gonna be here?" Soul whined, his shell plates flexing nervously.

"Soon, we just need to get some more stuff," Tobi-17 adjusted his gauntlet on his arm and summoned a ball of Solar Light in his palm. He focused it, and let it cover his entire forearm, the energy stopping just below his elbow. Kneeling down, he passed his flaming arm over some moisture that had gathered near another one of the weird Vex flowers, and it began to steam and bubble.

Suddenly the liquid congealed into a half dozen droplets and they all raced towards the Vex flower like slugs with their tails lit on fire. As soon as the liquid disappeared into the cracks the stem grew from, the flower wriggled in place, the single eye at the center illuminating in bright red. The petal fingers bent inwards and the flower lashed out towards him. At the sudden movement, Tobi-17 was knocked off balance, and his concentration fell away. The Solar Light enveloped his body for a moment, and was released in a wave in all directions. Objects on the bench were flung off with the force, and the flower was slammed into the wall behind it, crumpling to the floor.

"The hell was that?" Soul shouted.

"Which part?" the Warlock responded, rising to his feet and shaking off some strange component or another.

"We'll start with your little impromptu experiment," his Ghost's voice lowered, which meant he was more than a little annoyed.

"I mean, I more or less knew it was Radiolaria, but I wanted to see what was going on with this stuff that's on all the walls, and the ceiling. It's so strange that it lay down near these things, though," he absently kicked one of the other flowers that peeked just above the stone floor, "it's like it was mimicking real plant life and water cycles, but it's all the same stuff. So weird."

"It's disgusting, is what it is," Soul interjected, "I'm sick and tired of these things."

"Yeah, it's getting real annoying dealing with robots that I can't talk to," Tobi-17 sighed.

"Excuse me, crew members?" a voice on his comm said.

"However, robots that I can talk to," he winked at his companion, "what's up Failsafe?"

"I have detected more Vex activity on the surface. It would be wise to return as soon as possible to investigate."

"You got it, girl," Tobi-17 grinned.

"Now you have to explain what that weird thing you did was," Soul reminded him.

"Oh, the uh...solar burst...thing?"

"Yes, the Solar Burst Thing," Soul enunciated each word, "explain that."

"Well, you've seen it before, it's just... usually because Ikora has empowered us. Like when she raises that portion of the EDZ for the training during the Solstice."

"And you can just do that yourself?" his Ghost seemed skeptical, "How come you've never done it before?"

Tobi-17 shrugged, "There's usually better ways to do something similar, I just got surprised."

"Well I don't like it. Keep it to yourself." Tobi-17 laughed as his Ghost mumbled to himself, and transmatted them both out of the lab space.

The Vex flower's eye blinked red again as it raised itself off the ground, and swept its vision around the dead bodies. Then it retreated fully under the stone floor.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

NASA’s Europa Clipper Gets Set of Super-Size Solar Arrays

The largest spacecraft NASA has ever built for planetary exploration just got its ‘wings’ — massive solar arrays to power it on the journey to Jupiter’s icy moon Europa.

NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft recently got outfitted with a set of enormous solar arrays at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Each measuring about 46½ feet (14.2 meters) long and about 13½ feet (4.1 meters) high, the arrays are the biggest NASA has ever developed for a planetary mission. They have to be large so they can soak up as much sunlight as possible during the spacecraft’s investigation of Jupiter’s moon Europa, which is five times farther from the Sun than Earth is.

The arrays have been folded up and secured against the spacecraft’s main body for launch, but when they’re deployed in space, Europa Clipper will span more than 100 feet (30.5 meters) — a few feet longer than a professional basketball court. The “wings,” as the engineers call them, are so big that they could only be opened one at a time in the clean room of Kennedy’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, where teams are readying the spacecraft for its launch period, which opens Oct. 10.

Flying in Deep Space

Meanwhile, engineers continue to assess tests conducted on the radiation hardiness of transistors on the spacecraft. Longevity is key, because the spacecraft will journey more than five years to arrive at the Jupiter system in 2030. As it orbits the gas giant, the probe will fly by Europa multiple times, using a suite of science instruments to find out whether the ocean underneath its ice shell has conditions that could support life.

Powering those flybys in a region of the solar system that receives only 3% to 4% of the sunlight Earth gets, each solar array is composed of five panels. Designed and built at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, and Airbus in Leiden, Netherlands, they are much more sensitive than the type of solar arrays used on homes, and the highly efficient spacecraft will make the most of the power they generate.

At Jupiter, Europa Clipper’s arrays will together provide roughly 700 watts of electricity, about what a small microwave oven or a coffee maker needs to operate. On the spacecraft, batteries will store the power to run all of the electronics, a full payload of science instruments, communications equipment, the computer, and an entire propulsion system that includes 24 engines.

While doing all of that, the arrays must operate in extreme cold. The hardware’s temperature will plunge to minus 400 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 240 degrees Celsius) when in Jupiter’s shadow. To ensure that the panels can operate in those extremes, engineers tested them in a specialized cryogenic chamber at Liège Space Center in Belgium.

“The spacecraft is cozy. It has heaters and an active thermal loop, which keep it in a much more normal temperature range,” said APL’s Taejoo Lee, the solar array product delivery manager. “But the solar arrays are exposed to the vacuum of space without any heaters. They’re completely passive, so whatever the environment is, those are the temperatures they get.”

About 90 minutes after launch, the arrays will unfurl from their folded position over the course of about 40 minutes. About two weeks later, six antennas affixed to the arrays will also deploy to their full size. The antennas belong to the radar instrument, which will search for water within and beneath the moon’s thick ice shell, and they are enormous, unfolding to a length of 57.7 feet (17.6 meters), perpendicular to the arrays.

“At the beginning of the project, we really thought it would be nearly impossible to develop a solar array strong enough to hold these gigantic antennas,” Lee said. “It was difficult, but the team brought a lot of creativity to the challenge, and we figured it out.”

More About the Mission

Europa Clipper’s three main science objectives are to determine the thickness of the moon’s icy shell and its interactions with the ocean below, to investigate its composition, and to characterize its geology. The mission’s detailed exploration of Europa will help scientists better understand the astrobiological potential for habitable worlds beyond our planet.

Managed by Caltech in Pasadena, California, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory leads the development of the Europa Clipper mission in partnership with APL for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. APL designed the main spacecraft body in collaboration with JPL and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The Planetary Missions Program Office at Marshall executes program management of the Europa Clipper mission.

NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at Kennedy, manages the launch service for the Europa Clipper spacecraft, which will launch on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy.

TOP IMAGE: NASA’s Europa Clipper is seen here on Aug. 21 at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Engineers and technicians deployed and tested the giant solar arrays to be sure they will operate in flight. Credit: NASA/Frank Michaux

CENTRE IMAGE: NASA’s Europa Clipper is seen here on Aug. 21 in a clean room at Kennedy Space Center after engineers and technicians tested and stowed the spacecraft’s giant solar arrays. Credit: NASA/Frank Michaux

LOWER IMAGE: This artist’s concept depicts NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft in orbit around Jupiter. The mission’s launch period opens Oct. 10. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

[dollsahoy]

I'm not sure if people realize the solar panels Carter had installed on the White House were the kind that use sunlight to heat water, and not the kind that generate electricity?

which, yes, of course, using the sun to heat water is a very green way to save energy

but I just honestly don't know how many people these days even know that older solar panels were often water heaters and not electricity generators, because it took over 100 years of research to get photovoltaic cells to be able to generate more than about a 3% energy conversion rate (we're only up to about 25% now, so the future improvements in solar electricity generation efficiency will be amazing, and I honestly wouldn't mind seeing passive solar heating get popular, too)

[jupitersolar]

Solar Water Heaters vs. Electric Water Heaters: A Comprehensive Cost Savings Analysis

When considering options for heating water in your home, solar water heaters and traditional electric water heaters present distinct advantages and disadvantages, particularly in terms of cost savings. This detailed comparison will explore various aspects of both systems, helping you make an informed decision.

Initial Investment

The initial investment for a solar water heater is generally higher than that of an electric water heater. Solar systems typically range from ₹18,000 to ₹60,000 or more, depending on factors such as capacity, type, and additional features. While this upfront cost may seem daunting, it’s essential to consider the long-term benefits and savings.

In contrast, electric water heaters usually have a lower initial price point, with basic models starting around ₹6,000. This affordability makes them an attractive option for many homeowners looking for immediate solutions without a significant financial commitment.

Overview of Jupiter Solar Water Heaters

Jupiter Solar is a prominent brand in the solar water heater market, particularly known for its efficient and sustainable solutions. Their products harness solar energy to provide hot water, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional electric water heaters. Below is a detailed overview of the features, benefits, and types of solar water heaters offered by Jupiter Solar.

Call +91 9364896193,     +91 9364896194 to order solar heaters

Solar Water Heaters vs. Electric Water Heaters

Key Features of Jupiter Solar Water Heaters

Energy Efficiency: Jupiter Solar water heaters utilize advanced technology to maximize solar energy absorption, ensuring high efficiency and reduced energy costs.

Durable Construction: These heaters are designed with robust materials, including corrosion-resistant tanks and high-quality solar collectors, which enhance their longevity and performance.

Variety of Models: Jupiter Solar offers a range of models to cater to different household needs, including options suitable for hard water areas and varying capacities.

Energy Expenses

One of the most significant advantages of solar water heaters is their reliance on renewable solar energy. This means that once installed, the cost of heating water can be drastically reduced, as sunlight is free and abundant. Homeowners can expect to save anywhere from 50% to 80% on their monthly water heating bills. This substantial reduction in energy costs can lead to significant savings over time.

On the other hand, electric water heaters depend on grid electricity, which can fluctuate in price due to various factors, including demand and fuel costs. As electricity prices rise, the operating expenses associated with electric water heaters can become a considerable burden on household budgets.

Return on Investment

The payback period for solar water heaters is often favorable, typically ranging from three to five years. After this period, homeowners can enjoy nearly free hot water for the lifespan of the system, which can last for 15 years or more with proper maintenance. This long-term financial benefit makes solar water heaters an appealing investment for those looking to reduce their overall energy costs.

In contrast, electric water heaters do not provide the same level of long-term savings. While they may be cheaper to install initially, the ongoing energy costs can accumulate quickly, leading to higher overall expenses over time.

Environmental Considerations

Solar water heaters are an environmentally friendly choice, harnessing the power of the sun to heat water without emitting greenhouse gases. This renewable energy source contributes to a reduction in your carbon footprint, making it an excellent option for eco-conscious consumers.

Electric water heaters, however, often rely on electricity generated from fossil fuels, which can contribute to pollution and climate change. By choosing a solar water heater, homeowners can play a part in promoting sustainability and reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.

Maintenance Requirements

In terms of maintenance, solar water heaters generally have lower upkeep costs. With fewer moving parts and a simple design, these systems require minimal maintenance to operate efficiently. Regular checks and occasional cleaning of the solar panels are typically sufficient to ensure optimal performance.

Electric water heaters, however, may require more frequent maintenance and repairs, particularly as they age. This can lead to additional costs that can diminish the overall savings associated with using electric systems.

Conclusion

In summary, while solar water heaters necessitate a higher initial investment, they offer substantial long-term cost savings, environmental benefits, and lower maintenance requirements compared to traditional electric water heaters. The decision between these two options ultimately depends on your financial situation, energy needs, and commitment to sustainability. By carefully weighing these factors, you can select the water heating solution that best aligns with your values and goals.

[daintydoilypon]

You say you had to level up to evolve into a woman? What about trans women like me? What are our prerequisites ?

You just need an additional rock, what kind of rock? Depends on what kind of woman you wanna evolve into:

Leaf stone, you become a plant lady, I don't make the rules of nature. Though, you also might become a vegan. It's a 3.57% chance, so be careful with that rock if you like meat.

Water stone makes ya thirsty woman, make sure you have a water bottle by your bed or you'll wake up like Spongebob without his helmet in Sandy's dome. Will look good with wet hair now though.

Fire stone, you are the rare type of woman that runs hot, people will use you as space heater. If you don't like being touched, too bad, you are the heating pad now. Also might be spicy, what kind of spicy? That is something we all must find within ourselves.

Thunder Stone, thunder thighs. Tis a blessing and a curse, depends on the woman you ask, take that as you will.

Ice stone or touching the ice cube, 99.9% of women are always cold. It's a fact that we are heat leeches, it's in all the biology books, trust me. If you use this stone, you will gain the perk of cold feet, good weapon against your partner, but they may get sick of your cold feet shit and force you to wear socks to bed, which is a sin towards all. Weigh the pros and cons.

Dusk Stone, you will be active only at night, great for clubbing or gaming sessions depending on what kind of woman you are. May develop the move "insomnia", which takes several steps to replace with another move, bad for competitive play, but your nights will be legendary.

Dawn stone, you morning woman you. You get so much done in the day, but you will crash once the sun descends beyond the horizon, like those solar panel lights that only shine for like 3 seconds because you put them in a weird spot in your lawn, and you become a tired husk that must bath in lavender scented epsom salts, but that's treating yourself bby.

Love and friendship gives you the perk of self-love, which is rare in all womenkind. We pretend to have it, you know, 'fake it til you make it', and you will fall into this circle of love and hate at times, but the highs will be highs bby gurl.

[shri-homes]

Energy-Efficient Building Techniques in Tarneit

In reaction to the global movement towards sustainability, the construction industry in Tarneit, an emerging suburb of Victoria, has been integrated. In particular, house builders Tarneit can incorporate sustainable and efficient methods, materials, and technologies in building construction. 

These methods benefit the environment and are also financially sustainable for homeowners as they help cut down costs incurred in the provision of energy. This blog evaluates the various high-quality, energy-efficient building methods defining future housing in Tarneit.

Solar Power Integration

Integrating solar power systems is one of the most significant steps towards energy-efficient building. House builders in Tarneit increasingly embed solar panels and thermal systems in new constructions. Solar panels capture solar energy and directly convert it into electricity. 

Solar thermal structures harness sun energy to warm water, which reduces the use of steam on non-renewable power assets. This cuts carbon emissions and hence supports the environment while lowering utility expenses. 

Additionally, promoting incentives for solar power in Australia attracts new homeowners to embrace this power source.

Advanced Thermal Insulation

Proper insulation, therefore, plays a significant role in energy conservation, whereby temperatures within homes are well regulated, lowering the chances of using heaters or air conditioners frequently. House builders in Tarneit employ advanced insulation techniques, including foam insulation and high-quality batten insulation.

These materials are installed in the walls, roofs and floors as insulation and resist heat flow in cold and hot seasons. Insulation is crucial for making homes more comfortable by significantly reducing noise levels.

High-Efficiency Windows

Another strategy house builders in Tarneit use is installing energy-efficient windows to enhance home energy performance. Multiple-glazed or triple-glazed windows are made up of several glass panes separated by a gas with very low thermal conductivity. 

These windows also play a part in controlling indoor temperatures, preventing the formation of condense and giving better soundproofing. 

The frames employed in making these conservatories include fibreglass or composite frames, which are more energy-efficient and long-lasting.

Water-Saving Fixtures

Water performance in buildings is now considered one of the predominant additives of sustainable construction. In today's Tarneit homes, newer and more innovative houses feature energy and water-saving amenities such as low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets. 

Experienced house builders in Tarneit prefer these fixtures to minimise water usage in daily life while maintaining functionality without achieving high levels of water usage. 

By using significantly less water per minute compared to traditional fixtures, they help conserve a critical natural resource and lead to substantial savings on water bills. 

The deliberate incorporation of water-efficient technology in homes demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and economic efficiency.

Use of Sustainable Materials

The desire for building materials plays a vital function in the environmental effect of a construction undertaking. House builders in Tarneit use recycled building materials that are not obtained directly from the source and have been recycled first. Some sustainable materials used in construction include recycled steel, glass, re-use wood and bamboo. 

Also, paints and adhesives are non-toxic, and sealants are used to reduce the emissions of VOCs, which harm the inhabitants of homes by providing them with good air quality.

Implementation of Smart Home Technology

Smart home technology is crucial today and significantly affects home energy management. Some of the features in houses in Tarneit include intelligent thermostats that control heating and cooling equipment depending on the number of people using the house and the climate. 

For instance, LED lighting consumes less energy than traditional lighting; programmable appliances and water heaters also help save energy. These technologies allow owners to screen their power consumption behaviour in detail and, for this reason, be in a function to make rational selections.

Green Roofs and Living Walls

Some innovative house builders in Tarneit are incorporating green roofs and living walls into new constructions. These characteristics provide good thermal performance, minimise the speed and impact of water on buildings, contribute to air quality, and diversify the avian fauna within cities. 

A green roof is a vegetative layer covered with vegetation and a growing medium or partially or fully developed plant layer on a waterproofing layer. 

Similarly, living walls are part of the building's exterior or interior walls, covered with plants. They enhance a building’s insulation and add aesthetic value to the property.

Optimal Orientation and Layout

This is a fact because the position of a building and its architecture determine how much energy it will consume. Climatically responsive architecture is apparent, where house builders in Melton strategically place numerous windows and doors to maximise natural light and air circulation within the buildings. 

Additionally, the structures are oriented in alignment with the direction of the winds and the sun. This approach minimises using artificial lights and mechanical air conditioners, thus saving power. 

Such thoughtful placement enhances energy savings and ensures that living spaces maintain a natural comfort throughout the seasons, creating healthier and more sustainable living environments.

Final Takeaway

Thus, the residents of Melton who choose to live in a house constructed with the following features can have a relatively environmentally friendly way of life meeting the ecological requirements of the contemporary world. Various dedicated house builders in Melton are adopting these building practices, paving the way for a future where all newly constructed homes will be as energy-efficient as possible, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability.

[beardedmrbean]

Wait wasn’t it the boomers that preach to us this “We need to save the world!” shit? I mean would could have better eco system if wasn’t for say

1. The US, USSR/China piss competition that was the Cold War

2. SEVERAL countries being fucked over thanks to the push of communism/US meddling/ etc and many of those countries are still recovering from it.

3. I mean in the west developed countries, people have fucking meltdowns over a Japan McDonald’s wholesome family tweet. So our family unit need some fixing

4. Manufactured nihilism, so a lot of people don’t give about themselves much less the environment.

5. Have corporations that being run by medically confirmed sociopaths.

I can say more, but Greta sweetie, I know you want to do good, but blaming the older generation thinking many were hellbent on destroying the earth isn’t so simple. Many do/did want to save the world, but we have to deal with the fallout of ww2, communist dumbasses, and so much more with humanity itself before we can do the ideal environmentalism.

Was confused for a moment till I remembered I'd scheduled that one, was gonna run it yesterday but I had to get around the subscription wall which is more complicated than a paywall.

In the end just archiving it works but the links in the article don't work if you do that, which is what I had to do.

It's not even the stuff you're mentioning up there either. I had a 1966 Plymouth Fury III there was this weird green plastic thing with a device inside it and a couple vacuum hoses attached to it, one in one out.

Primitive Smog control device, if you never worked on older cars that were manufactured for sale in California you'll never see one, but every vehicle sold in CA had a smog control device for the longest time, all changed when the auto industry realized it was cheaper to just do the same thing to every car, it's something that's been going on since before I was even born though, so current generation isn't the first to care or take action.

Been lots of missteps along the way, the shift from paper bags to plastic ones at grocery stores is a big one, people thought it would save the trees and it didn't do much there and now we've got a totally different problem.

Hole in the ozone layer on the other hand, we got that issue taken care of and it's on the mend, has been since long before gretta was born too.

National parks predate my grandparents, thanks Teddy, leaving large swaths of land alone for the purpose of conservation.

My grandparents when they got their pool installed in the early 80's had a big fat solar water heater installed so it could heat the water for that as well as the water for the house, weren't super common but they existed and were in use by people who wanted to both be nice to the earth and lower their gas bill at the same time.

Nearly all of the solutions being discussed by the young climate weekend warriors involve technology developed for the purpose they want it used for before they were born.

I'm just dandy with people wanting to save the earth, I've been trying to do my part for decades now, which I would appreciate it if gretta and co would acknowledge instead of acting like they're the first people ever to give a damn.

Several centuries of damage all culminating at the peak of the industrial revolution that we need to undo, that takes time and being a snobby, whiny, self important, twit who bashes everyone who came before her, who's shoulders she's standing on, doesn't do anything real.

And quite possibly does more harm than good.

Not going to totally blame her though, she did start out as a pawn on someone else's game and to some extent she still is.

[cazort]

Just moved into a house that has an electric hot water heater and after monitoring the electric usage for a few days it became apparent that the hot water heater was driving the overwhelming majority of the usage of electricity. Our electric bill was on target to be around $130/month from usage alone (more for the customer charge), but after a few innovations we reduced our daily usage to where it's now set to average closer to $90/month for usage.

The temperature on the hot water heater was already turned down to the safest setting (120°F); you don't want to go any lower than this because harmful bacteria can start growing in the tank. In one previous apartment I lived in, the temperature was set higher, and we were able to lower it which saved about $15 a month.

Some of the innovations we made this time around include:

In the kitchen where there is a single faucet that you can turn to the left for hot and right for cold, we had been leaving the faucet in the middle most of the time, which was using a blend of hot water. We often wouldn't notice the waste because we'd just use the tap for a short burst of water, so the water wouldn't run long enough to get hot. But it was still wasting hot water, drawing it out of the tank to where new water needed to be heated. To address this, we started turning the handle the whole way to the right and we only ever turn it to the left when we specifically need hot water; otherwise we keep it the full way to the right.

I started using cold water for some usages where hot water wasn't strictly necessary.

I started taking cooler showers, going as cold as was comfortable for me, which in the summer heat was pretty easy.

In the long-run we've considered other innovations, such as adding more insulation along the hot water pipes coming out of the boiler, and also looking into potentially replacing it, such as with a heat-pump hot water heater or a solar one, both of which can yield huge savings.

We also considered getting a new showerhead with a detachable head and a setting that only runs water when you hold down a button. For example you can lather up with soap or shampoo and then only run the water to wash it off. This hugely reduces all water usage, including hot water if the settings are on hot. The cost of hot water with an electric hot water heater is much higher than the cost of water itself, so the savings on hot water alone by doing this can be huge. I'm not sure how much this stuff is going to save but I'm optimistic given that we seem to have already reduced our usage enough to save about $40 a month.

Even if you live at home with parents, or in an apartment where hot water is included in your rent, someone is paying for hot water. In the long-run, rent tends to go up as expenses go up so a lot of these expenses get passed on to tenants anyway, so you aren't necessarily just making your landlord richer by conserving: it can actually help to keep rents down for all tenants if you conserve hot water. You can also talk to your landlord about innovations like turning down the temperature of the water (which has other benefits like reducing scalding risk, which a landlord might care about because it could be a potential point of liability if someone is burned by water that was too hot) until it is around 120°F. In most apartments you can also just buy and install your own showerhead, most can be installed just by screwing off the old one, then if you want to take it with you you can just put the old one back on when you move out, or you can leave it for the next tenant to enjoy.