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5 Delicious One-Pot Meals Perfect for Busy Weeknights" "How Meal Subscription Services Make Cooking

2024.05.14 13:03 Slow_Pin_3697 5 Delicious One-Pot Meals Perfect for Busy Weeknights" "How Meal Subscription Services Make Cooking

As the hustle and bustle of the weekdays sets in, finding the time and energy to prepare a wholesome, satisfying meal can be a real challenge. But fear not, this article is here to revolutionize your weeknight cooking routine. We'll explore 5 delicious one-pot meal recipes that are perfect for busy families, as well as how meal subscription services can make the entire process even easier.
One-pot meals are a game-changer when it comes to time-saving meals and simple ingredients. These family-friendly dishes allow you to prepare a complete and satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup, freeing up precious time to spend with your loved ones. In addition, we'll delve into the benefits of meal subscription services, which offer convenient meal delivery, customizable meal plans, and access to high-quality ingredients, transforming the way you approach weeknight dinners.
By the end of this article, you'll be armed with the knowledge and resources to incorporate delectable one-pot meals into your weekly rotation and discover the convenience of meal subscription services. Get ready to bid farewell to the hassle of meal planning and grocery shopping, and hello to a world of healthy meal plans and convenient cooking solutions.
Key Takeaways
Discover 5 mouthwatering one-pot meal recipes perfect for busy weeknights.
Learn how meal subscription services can simplify your cooking routine with convenient meal delivery and customizable meal plans.
Explore the benefits of one-pot cooking, including time-saving preparation and minimal cleanup.
Understand how meal subscription services provide access to high-quality, fresh ingredients.
Discover the cost-effective and waste-reducing advantages of using a meal subscription service.
Simplifying Weeknight Meals
Weeknight meals can be a challenge, especially for busy families juggling work, school, and extracurricular activities. However, one-pot cooking offers a convenient solution, allowing you to prepare a complete and satisfying meal in a single pot or pan. These 5 delicious one-pot meals perfect for busy weeknights require minimal prep work and cleanup, making them an ideal choice for weeknight dinners and family-friendly dishes.
The Convenience of One-Pot Cooking
One-pot cooking is a game-changer when it comes to time-saving meals and simple ingredients. By using a single pot or pan, you can streamline the entire cooking process, from prep to cleanup. This not only saves you valuable time but also reduces the amount of dishes you'll have to wash, freeing up more time to enjoy your meal with your family.
Time-Saving Meal Preparation
The beauty of one-pot meals lies in their efficiency. With minimal prep work and a single cooking vessel, you can create delicious and easy recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights. The reduced cleanup time also means you can spend more quality time with your loved ones, rather than being tied down to the kitchen.
5 Delicious One-Pot Meals Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Weeknights can be a whirlwind of activity, leaving little time for elaborate meal preparation. However, with the right one-pot recipes, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying meals without the hassle. This section features five mouthwatering one-pot dishes that are perfect for busy weeknights and family-friendly gatherings.
First on the menu is a hearty One-Pot Chicken and Rice Casserole, a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and fluffy rice in a single pot. For a weeknight dinner with a Mediterranean flair, try our One-Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes, a vibrant and flavorful pasta dish that comes together in no time.
Looking for a meatless option? The One-Pot Vegetarian Lentil Stew is a nutritious and satisfying choice, featuring a blend of lentils, vegetables, and warm spices. For those craving something a bit more indulgent, the One-Pot Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry delivers tender beef, crisp broccoli, and a savory sauce in a single pan.
Finally, end the week on a high note with the One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta, a comforting and flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a creamy sauce for a truly family-friendly meal.
Explore these 5 delicious one-pot meals and discover the joy of easy recipes and weeknight dinners that are both satisfying and convenient for your busy lifestyle.
Hearty and Flavorful Recipes
The one-pot meal recipes featured in this article are not only delicious and convenient, but they are also hearty and flavorful. These comforting one-pot dishes will provide a satisfying and nutritious option for busy weeknights, offering a balance of protein, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates to keep your family feeling full and energized.
Comforting One-Pot Dishes
From savory beef stew with tender chunks of meat and roasted root vegetables to a creamy chicken and rice casserole brimming with juicy poultry and fluffy grains, these family-friendly dishes are designed to warm the soul and nourish the body. Each recipe is carefully crafted to deliver a delightful blend of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
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2024.05.14 12:57 hafooztechnologies What are the key benefits of using a manufacturing CRM for small businesses?

What are the key benefits of using a manufacturing CRM for small businesses?
https://preview.redd.it/64brkk7uhd0d1.jpg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c934ee8a307642ee11b6db609c235a128a52a794
For small manufacturers, a Manufacturing CRM (Customer Relationship Management) can be a game-changer. Here are some key benefits:
  • Boost Sales & Close Rates: CRM keeps all customer interactions and order history in one place. Your sales team can personalize pitches, track leads, and avoid missed opportunities.
  • Improve Customer Service: Respond to inquiries faster with readily available customer data. Provide better support by understanding their needs and purchase history.
  • Accurate Forecasting & Inventory Management: Track sales trends and predict future demand. Optimize inventory levels to avoid stockouts or overstocking, saving you money.
  • Streamline Communication: Break down silos between departments. Sales, production, and customer service can collaborate seamlessly, leading to faster order fulfillment.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: CRMs provide valuable reports on sales performance and customer behavior. Use this data to identify areas for improvement and make strategic decisions.
Overall, a Manufacturing CRM helps small businesses build stronger customer relationships, improve efficiency, and boost profitability.
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2024.05.14 12:55 Hot_Bandicoot_3839 How to Convert RAW to NTFS Format Without Losing Data?

How to Convert RAW to NTFS Format Without Losing Data?
https://preview.redd.it/eks0x6cjgd0d1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=1308983c2fa17502e258f3f11a75aaf0fe71a6b7
When you try to copy or view a file from a memory card you put into your computer, have you ever discovered it's unreadable? Any file system on memory cards, USB drives, external HDD drives, storage devices, and even internal drives might experience this regrettable circumstance. Your circumstances may make this inability to obtain that info disastrous.
When a partition becomes RAW, for whatever reason, you cannot access the data on your drive and it won't be useful until you format it. For you to obtain that data, you must therefore act. Using a data recovery program on Windows or macOS is one such way to succeed.

RAW partition

It's critical to know what a RAW partition is before we discuss recovering lost data. Said another way, a RAW partition is one that has not been formatted using the file system that the computer is using.
It's never really out of the box with removable USB devices and memory cards. If you put an SD card into one computer and it reads it correctly, the next computer may not be able to comprehend the file system structure and may destroy the partition layout, making that device inaccessible. Almost always, you've just taken out that USB device or memory card without first letting the operating system securely remove it. “
The file systems most Windows computers use, for instance, are FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, NTFS, or NTFS5. Conversely, macOS supports NTFS solely in read-only mode and uses APFS, HFS+, FAT32, and exFAT. Linux systems use XFS, BTRFS, reiser, ext3, ext4, and more.
Sometimes the file system type of a device formatted in one platform can be read by another. Regretfully, there is no assurance here. You will therefore likely be told the disk was unreadable by the computer when you try to read, say, an SD card formatted with the ext4 file system on a MacBook Pro.
The important thing is that Initialize option. It is telling us, in other words, that the card is not formatted so that the computer can read it. While clicking Initialize will undoubtedly remove all of the data on the device, it is still an option.

Can I Get My Data Back from a RAW Partition?

The excellent news is that data lost or unavailable from a RAW partition can be recovered. Occasionally all that has to be done is plug the disk (or SD card) in issue into the computer that was originally used to generate the files and folders on the device. After that, you can format the card to a file system the target computer can read, copy the data back, and insert the card into the target machine.
You will have to fix the damage and retrieve the data on the disk if you can no longer access the original machine (or one with a comparable file system) or if the reason isn't incompatibility between your operating system and the current file system.

What Use Is Converting RAW to NTFS?

Said another way, if your data is kept on a RAW partition, you cannot access it. NTFS and other file systems serve the purpose of logically storing your data for simple retrieval when needed. Your data without a file system is just a disjointed mess that is almost impossible to discover anything.
Computers locate and access your data through file systems, hence a RAW disk will not be accessible. Its contents might still be there, but without a functional file system, it will be unusable.

Converting RAW to NTFS Without Data Loss

Converting a RAW partition to NTFS without losing the data on it is possible in just one way. You need CheckDisk for that.
The Windows utility CheckDisk looks for logical and physical problems in the volumes of your drive. If you need to convert RAW to NTFS without losing data, it can even fix any issues it finds with extra settings. Because CheckDisk might be able to identify and fix the damage keeping the volume from reading properly, we're utilizing it.
Using CheckDisk's Command Prompt, convert a RAW drive to NTFS as follows:
  1. Using a right-click on Start, select Windows PowerShell (Admin). Should UAC ask you to allow it, click Yes.
  2. Start with chkdsk D: /r. D: should be replaced with the RAW partition's drive letter. Key in Enter.
See if Disk Management displays the right file system and the volume is now accessible after issuing the command.

Recovery of Data from a RAW Partition

Sometimes the RAW partition cannot be fixed by CheckDisk or Disk Utility without causing data loss. Before manually converting the RAW partition back to NTFS, you should recover your data in such a situation.
You can recover your data using the following techniques before fixing the malfunctioning drive.

Method 1 :- Recover With BLR Tools

A few fast clicks using BLR BitLocker Partition Data Recovery Tool can allow you to recover data from a RAW partition. And you can find the files you need fast with BLR Tools's useful features like file filters. Furthermore, something the command line cannot achieve, BLR Tools adds Guaranteed Recovery and Recovery Vault data protection techniques to the mix.
Proceed as follows to recover files from a RAW partition:
  1. Get BLR Tools for Mac or Windows and install it. Open BLR Data Recovery Tool when it has downloaded and been installed. BLR Tools will detect a drive even while the operating system cannot.
  2. Choose the disputed RAW drive and hit Search for lost data. BLR Tools will now start looking for files on the hard drive.
  3. Click Review identified items to start browsing the found file structure after the scan is finished (this may take some time depending on the size of the drive).
  4. To retrieve the files, click retrieve. Choose the location to save the restored files. Choose an output location on a different physical partition, please.
  5. Recovering will start as soon as you click OK. This can take some time depending on how many files you've chosen to recover, how big those files are, and the state of the examined device. BLR Tools will show you an overview screen with direct access to your data choice after the procedure is finished.

Method 2 :- Try TestDisk to Recover

Use TestDisk to recover the whole partition. Restoring missing or lost partitions is the goal of the open-source recovery program TestDisk. Not to mention totally free. Its absence of a graphical user interface makes it difficult for novices to utilize. Still, you may quickly recover your lost partition by following the detailed methods.
This is a little video demonstrating how TestDisk can recover a lost partition:
  1. Get TestDisk and extract its zip. Try testdisk_win.exe.
  2. To start a fresh log file, hit Enter.
  3. To continue, choose the drive holding the RAW partition and hit Enter.
  4. Choose a partition table type. The one TestDisk thinks it used gets chosen automatically. Press Enter.
  5. To examine the partition structure and search for lost partitions, press Enter.
  6. Once more hit Enter to start the Quick Search.
  7. Press Enter when finished.
  8. Choose the partition and hit Enter.
  9. If nothing shows up, choose Deeper Search to do a more thorough search.
  10. Find the partition and choose Write.
  11. After you confirm by pressing Y, restart your computer.

Method 3 :- Recovering with a Data Recovery Centre

Sometimes data recovery is still not possible with even sophisticated recovery software. Alternatively, you could merely feel uneasy trying to retrieve the info on your own. Still, there is the choice to use a data recovery facility.
To complete the task, a data recovery center hires data recovery experts with sophisticated knowledge of file recovery and equipment of the highest calibre. The most successful approach to recovery is frequently to use a data recovery facility, but it is also the most expensive.
What to anticipate generally if you decide to use a data recovery service to recover your data is as follows:
  1. Launch Recovery by clicking
  2. Complete every field as required. This covers the kind of service you would like, how to get in touch with you, and any drive specific details.
  3. When ready to submit, click Complete my work order. You will be instructed to send your drive away for repair from this point.

Techniques for NTFS Conversion of RAW

It is now time to consider drive repair after data recovery. Generally speaking, once you are not concerned about losing your data, repairing a RAW partition is really simple. It only means replacing the broken or incompatible file system with a fresh one during formatting.
These solutions will walk you through configuring a disk and converting a RAW hard drive to NTFS.

Method 1:- Method with File Explorer

One of the simplest methods, formatting a drive with File Explorer just requires a few clicks. As you are ready to complete the format, just click Restore device defaults if you are not sure what values to use.
  1. Start File Explorer.
  2. To format a partition, do a right-click on it in the left navigation pane and select Format.
  3. When you're ready, set the format's values and hit Start.

Method 2:- Format using Disk Management

A Windows program called Disk Management lets you examine and modify the storage disks on your computer. It provides an overview of the data allocations and general health of your disks. One can format their drives with it as well.
  1. Choose Disk Management with a right-click on Start.
  2. Give the volume a right-click and choose Format.
  3. Specify the format's values, then click OK when done.
  4. Please click OK to verify the format.

Method 3:- Presentation with DiskPart

Though it manages the storage drives on your computer through a command-line interface, DiskPart is a potent command interpreter. Should File Explorer and Disk Management prove ineffective for you, this is a helpful alternative.
  1. With a right-click on Start, choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Just type diskpart and hit Enter.
  3. Press Enter after typing list disc. Notify the disk number containing the RAW partition.
  4. Please choose a disk. Replace 2 with your own disk number.
  5. Type list volume and hit Enter. Note down the RAW volume number.
  6. Put in volume 3 and hit Enter.
  7. Kindly enter clean.
  8. Put in create partition main and hit Enter. In doing so, a fresh blank primary partition is created.
  9. Enter format fs=ntfs. This NTFS-formats the volume.
  10. Enter after typing assignment. One is given a drive letter as a result.
Advice on Avoiding NTFS Partitions from Converting to RAW
By now you're undoubtedly thinking, "How can I keep a partition from going RAW?" That raises a really interesting issue. Ultimately, you want to avoid having to perform RAW partition recovery each time you plug in an external HDD, USB flash drive, or SD card into your computer. Thankfully, you have a few options to lessen the likelihood of this happening.
Never take out a USB drive or SD card without first "Safely removing" it with the built-in feature on your computer. A RAW partition is likely if you just remove the drive without letting your operating system safely unmount or eject the device.
As widely used a file system as you can, format your drives with. Almost all operating systems can read the file systems FAT32 and NTFS, hence those are excellent options. NTFS is read-only on macOS, which is one issue; FAT32 is always your better choice. Choosing one of these file systems should leave you with no issues with your platform of choice needing to start a drive or just not being able to read it.
Put your machine to a proper shutdown. Processes on your computer may be interrupted by sudden power outage. The corruption of your file system may follow from this. Avoid forcing a shutdown of your computer whenever possible.
See how your disk is doing. You can get early warning of any possible problems your drive may run into by using a disk monitoring program that can read the SMART data on your drive. You can stop additional damage by acting right away as problems arise.
Naturally, a drive can still turn RAW at any time even with all of this done. Thus, you should regularly backup your data so that a secure duplicate is always accessible if you want to really protect it from such an occurrence. Easy to configure and maintain snapshot copies of your data so you can even restore to a prior version if necessary, built-in Windows backup solutions like File History are a fantastic option.

Conclusion

A RAW partition or drive can be avoided really easily. Know, nevertheless, that you have the resources to handle the situation if it should come up. Data recovery from RAW drive or partition is highly likely with BLR Tools. If in doubt, run BLR Tools's free Basic edition through your RAW drive or partition. Get the Pro license and safely restore your inaccessible data if BLR Tools can locate it.
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2024.05.14 12:53 Willing_Big2509 [HELP] virt-viewer locking up

Hi,
I've recently moved away from vmware to Proxmox and generally am finding it good, but this problem is doing my head in! I've found the SPICE viewer to be a good equivalent to Vmware workstation, but it keeps locking up after a period of time, around 1 to 2 hours, crashing, then won't restart until after I reboot my laptop.
It works fine, then the window stops responding. I get the Windows 'this task has stopped responding' message, which it never recovers from. After killing it I can't open virt-viewer until after a reboot. If I try to open another connection then the keyboard is sluggish, like the keys are being intercepted, until I kill the remote-viewer processes from the task manager.
I'm not trying to do anything fancy like USB redirect when this happens. It's happened on multiple different VMs on different hosts, so I think the problem is on my laptop. I've installed Virt-viewer 11.0-1.0, which is the latest I could find.
Does this happen to anyone else?
Is there something else that I can kill off to at least let me reopen a connection without needing to reboot?
Or is there an alternative to virt-viewer that works better?
In a pinch I can use VNC instead, but when the VM is set up for SPICE the mouse is invisible on the VM and out of step with my mouse position on the screen, so it is very difficult to use.
Thanks
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2024.05.14 12:40 Specialist_Bake6514 Vapiano P3: Italian Food Made in Germany

Vapiano P3: Italian Food Made in Germany
The kitchen is on fire. Welcome to the final part of the Vapiano story where the tables are turning. In the first two episodes we followed Mark Korzilius' journey from setbacks to founding Vapiano, a groundbreaking restaurant concept, highlighting its fresh ingredients, dynamic atmosphere, and data-driven operations that drove rapid success. While achieving initial profitability and garnering attention from industry giants like McDonald's, Vapiano's global expansion has led to stellar revenue growth. However, it has also resulted in the emergence of numerous side projects (or distractions), operational challenges, increased costs, significant investments, and a notable accumulation of debt. This underscores the prioritization of top-line growth over profitable growth. We will continue on this thread and see how the story ends, but I would encourage you to read part one and two for better context. Vapiano P1: Italian Food Made in Germany (substack.com). Let's dig in.
Before Going Public
We are now in 2015 and the year is a disaster for Vapiano's PR department. Employee time stamps are being manipulated, endless overtime for employees and high turnover in managerial roles are reported; mice in the kitchen and even rotten food allegedly found.
The company is confronted with allegations of exceeding working hours among trainees in an article published by Welt am Sonntag, while the same outlet accuses Vapiano of manipulating punch times. The auditing firm PwC is commissioned to investigate the allegations and finds that there is no systematic approach but rather misconduct by individual employees, a mistake that’s being corrected. Internal however, investigations into stamp times are carried out regularly now and beyond its obvious reputational impact, this sucks up valuable management time and attention.
In the summer of 2015 CEO, co-founder and investor Gregor Gerlach, who has been running the group since 2011 is stepping down and Jochen Halfmann is taking over. A new Vapiano People Program with an App is being developed with the aim to better interact with customers that will incorporate innovate features such as mobile pay. The German website sees a launch of new magazine to further promote the brand and there is now a full inhouse blogger and Instagram team being installed. In October the company buys seven restaurants from original co-founder, former co-investor and ex-president previously responsible for internation expansion Kent Hahne (2x Bonn, 3x Cologne, 1x Koblenz and one in Cologne that’s under construction). This package of Vapiano restaurants is very successful and generates net sales of more than 20 million euros in 2014. Hahne opened his first Vapiano restaurant in Cologne in August 2006 and in 2015 with his company apeiron AG, Hahne operates six L'Osteria franchise restaurants, a direct Vapiano competitor, and two self-owned restaurants GinYuu.
Then in November of 2015, the next public relations bomb goes off with allegations regarding the company's quality standards. The company immediately investigates the issue through internal and external specialists but finds no evidence of any quality issues. Nevertheless, knowing that the group is now being closely watched, the company’s already in place hygiene standards are being reinforced. Additional audits and inspections are performed nationally. Further, all Vapianos worldwide are being audited twice by the partners SGS Institut Fresenius and SAI Global. Auditing software is purchased to simplify the implementation of the audits and the resulting measures. Apart from the external examinations, there is a food sampling plan in place being performed continuously. Again, all of this sucks up costs, management time and attention. With all these tumultuous developments the company’s growth engine is undeterred. Revenue grows by a whopping 50 million euros to 202 million euros, an increase of 33%. Impressive. While average spent per customer increases in all countries, the number of customers per day in Germany decreases by 3.3% partially due to the negative press towards the end of the year. Five own, four JV and 19 new franchise restaurants are added that year to the group, the total number of own managed restaurants grows to 51, there are 31 JVs and 84 franchises which bringing the total to 166 Vapiano restaurants. Global restaurant sales are now above 400 million euros.
But while revenue grows by an astronomical 50 million euros, operating profits, alarmingly, shrink again. Gross margins are staying perfectly healthy above 75% but operating costs keep growing disproportionately fast. The Company’s outstanding debt jumps by almost 30 million, close to 85 million euros by the end of the year. With operating profits at 9.5 million euros, alarm bells should be going off right now.
In Q4 of 2015, new CEO Jochen Halfmann introduces Strategy 2020. The new strategy includes five essential points. One, profitable growth in the newly defined core markets of Germany and Austria as well as in the UK, Netherlands, France and USA. Two, operational excellence through strict “best practice” management. Three, further development and digitalization of the concept considering guest feedback. Four, greater focus on long-term employee retention and five, building a modern and sustainable IT landscape. Sound’s good on paper but let’s see how things pan out.
Vapiano's investments (capital expenditures) that year are primarily directed towards new restaurant openings, renovations of existing establishments, and share acquisitions in other Vapiano restaurants from franchisees or JV partners. A significant portion of funds is allocated to the digitalization of the guest experience, including the development of a new app scheduled for market release in 2016 and the implementation of a time recording system across all group restaurants. The world's first standalone Vapiano restaurant with a delivery service that year is built in Fürth, Germany. The company keeps expanding its presence in both inner-city locations and international markets, such as Shanghai, China.
To finance all of this, the group has its own operating cash flow which comes in at 18 million while capital expenditures are 26 million euros plus 14 million for acquisitions. The funding gab is filled with 26 million euros of new debt and a seven-million-euro equity raise. At that end of the year and after the equity raise Gregor Gerlach (through his AP Leipzig GmbH & Co. KG entity) holds 30.1%, Hans-Joachim and Gisa Sander through their Exchange Bio GmbH hold 25.5% and the Tchibo heirs, Herz through their Mayfair Beteiligungsfonds II GmbH & Co. KG hold 44,4%.
But for the first time the restaurant’s concept that was so successful to date is being questioned. Some customers are starting to mislike the operational flow of the concept itself. If you want pasta, you must queue for pasta. If you want pizza you stand in a different queue. A small side salad, yet another queue. "You spend more time carrying trays than an actress in Berlin-Mitte. The audience in the pasta limbo can only consist of people who have worked for an insurance company for a long time and, like Stockholm syndrome, they can no longer get away from the industrial canteen feeling," writes TV host Beisenherz provocatively. While overly harsh in his assessment he's not entirely wrong judging by customers venting their frustrations in forums and social media channels. It isn’t uncommon for those who ordered pizza to have already finished eating while there is little movement in the pasta queue. Long term that doesn't go down well, QSRs competitors like L’Osteria are handling this process differently, with much success.
https://preview.redd.it/6cas01oked0d1.png?width=1200&format=png&auto=webp&s=2da6e0b4bc0e07dbee558de412feb414cd598d4a

Tipping Point

Where are now in the year 2016 and things start to deteriorate visibility. Perhaps not for the leman’s eye but any business minded observer can see that there are problems under the hood. Yes, revenue grows yet another whopping 50 million to almost 250 million euros but half of that growth, comes from acquisitions of restaurants that the group didn’t already own 100%, which is now being fully consolidated within the group’s accounts. Here is a concrete example. In the past, Vapiano SE, the group’s top holding company held an indirect 50% stake in a French subgroup via the subsidiary VAP Restaurants SA, based in Luxembourg, and included this as an associated company in the Vapiano SE consolidated financial statements using the equity method. Due to the acquisition of additional shares in September of 2016, Vapiano SE's indirect share in the French subgroup increased to 75%. This means that Vapiano SE takes control of the French subgroup, which is therefore included in the group’s financial statements as part of the full consolidation. The revenue from the acquired subsidiary now recorded in the consolidated income statement amounts to 12.8 million euros. While that’s great for the top line, the loss of the fully consolidated entity equates to 0.2 million euros. Yes, you are buying revenue, but there are losses attached to them, not profits. A similar case is the Swedish entity that runs eight restaurants with revenue of 11.5 million euros but has losses of 235 thousand euros. So much for Strategy 2020 and “profitable” growth.
That year the group’s operating profits are absolutely tanking, halving to 3.5 million euros. Operating profits are now a mere 1,4% of revenue. Remember original founder Mark Korzilius who talked about operating margins of 25% to 28% at the restaurant level? Yes, there are overhead costs for the organization that sits above the chain of restaurants, but operating margins that low indicates a course correction is needed. What’s telling is that in the annual report, in the management discussion section, the company starts talking about EBITDA as a proxy measure of profitability, rather than operating profit or net income. This wasn’t the case in the years before. Is this window dressing for an upcoming IPO? EBITDA is short for earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization. How can you measure profitability of a restaurant chain that absolutely and unequivocally needs capital investment to maintain its restaurant operations, the very source of cash generation, by simply excluding this maintenance charge (depreciation in the income statement)? Vapiano’s own annual report talks about the fact that existing restaurants must be rejuvenated from time to time and that new interior designs have to be implemented every few years. These things wear and tear, they go out of style, kitchen equipment breaks and needs replacement. This business absolutely needs maintenance capital expenditure, why anyone talks of profits before these maintenance costs is beyond me. Fun fact: in the previous annual report EBITDA is mentioned seven times, mostly around restaurant acquisitions and financing, not however as a profit indication for the group. In the new annual report, EBITDA is mentioned 28 times. Maybe it’s just me but belated Charlie Munger liked to call EBITDA: bullsh*t earnings. When in doubt I stick with Charlie. Interestingly, EBITDA for Vapiano keeps growing while operating and net profits keep falling.
Operating cashflow for the group that year is about 21 million euros, but capital expenditure is 30 million and acquisitions for subsidiaries another 20 million. To finance these expenditures another 28 million euros of debt and 16 million of equity is raised. Net debt rises above 130 million euro. The operating cashflow of the group before any capital expenditures is 21 million euros. I am not sure free cash flow would be significantly positive after maintenance capex is paid out; it’s not broken out so we can’t be sure. Granted, I am not on the ground during this time, and I am not in the board room, I am simply reading what’s in front of me, but to me this is starting to look like a distressed situation. Regardless, the following year the company goes public.

IPO

Where are now in the year 2017 and its Vapiano’s first year as public company. The company’s annual report reads the following “Sales revenue, like-for-like growth (LfL) and the earnings figures EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are used as the most important financial performance indicators for controlling operational business activities.” The very same report however also says: “The majority of the group's investments regularly go towards opening new restaurant locations and modernizing existing restaurants. The latter are differentiated into regular replacement investments that occur during ongoing operations (Maintenance CAPEX) and fundamental investments in the renovation of a restaurant (Remodeling CAPEX). On average, a restaurant remodeling takes place nine years after opening.” It says it right there in their own report; every nine years a remodeling is taking place. Remodeling and updating is not cost free, so why exclude depreciation charges which reflect capital expenditures? I understand that perhaps you would want to strip out one-off opening costs, that’s fine and fair, but don’t go overboard.
The number of restaurants increases by 26 (previous year: 13) to a total of 205. The increase consists of 27 new openings and one closure. Group revenue grows to an astonishing 325 million euros but here comes the shocker, operating profits turn negative to 25 million. Fine, strip out foreign exchange losses of 3 million, IPO costs of 5.8 million and new opening costs of 6.1 million and you still have 10 million euros of operational losses. All the while the debt load of almost 130 million hasn’t materially changed, so those operating losses are before a six-million-euro interest payment. 184 million euros are raised through the IPO of which 85 million go to the company. This money is earmarked for further expansion as the group has ambitions to almost double the footprint to 330 restaurants by the end of 2020. The company is currently not profitable on an operating basis, and still wants to expand aggressively? I don’t get it. The remaining 100 million euros of the IPO money raised is distributed to co-founder Gregor Gerlach and Wella heirs Hans-Joachim and Gisa Sander. The family office of the former Tchibo owners Günter and Daniela Herz with a 44% stake, don’t sell a single share. After the IPO, 32% of all the company’s shares are now in free float.
One year later, in 2018, things get even worse. Revenue grows to 371 million, but operating losses mount to 85 million euros, that’s before interest expenses of 9 million. Even the beloved EBITDA figure turns negative, meaning the operating business before any expansionary or even maintenance capital expenditures is loss making. All regions are experiencing significant deterioration in their earnings profiles. Like for like sales are down 1% across the board. That’s revenue, not profitability. The question naturally arises: is the Group approaching its natural saturation point here or this operational by nature? The operating cash flow is now 9 million while financing cost are close to 7 million. That leaves 2 million for maintenance capital for 74 own restaurants and 76 joint ventures ones. Describing this as financially tight, would be an understatement.
Things are not looking good at this point. Yet the company still grows restaurants by 26 new sites. 64 million euros are spent on acquisitions, new openings, and maintenance costs, financed through a 20 million-euro equity raise and 72 million of new debt. The Company now has net debt outstanding of over 160 million euros. After the equity raise and by the end of the year 2018, Mayfair owns 47.4%, VAP Leipzig, Gregor Gerlach’s entity owns 18.9% and the Sander couple own 15.5% of the company. Yes, the Sanders and Gerlach may have taken 100 million euros off the table, but they still have substantial skin in the game. Plus, Mayfair hasn’t sold a single share and instead injects more money into the company through the equity round. The stock has now fallen from its IPO price of 23 euros per share to under 6 euros by the end of 2018. Something must be done here. And indeed, there is pivot in strategy and a hard push for change. At last, the management team abandons its aggressive growth plan and curtails new openings significantly. Additionally, the team wants to run a thorough analysis of weak locations to then either discontinue or sell sites. In Europe, the operating focus will be put on corporate restaurants and joint ventures in major cities to ensure the ideal size and location to match the respective demographic target group. Outside of Europe, the franchising business is being expanded and at the same time a consolidation of the existing corporate and joint venture markets is being sought. All future investments will be reviewed to achieve higher rates of returns on new openings. Investments are also being made in the renovation of older restaurants. The goal in the future is to also open smaller formats, like Mini-Vapianos (less than 400 square meters) or Freestander at prominent transportation hubs outside city centers (currently in Fürth and Toulouse) to cater to individual location requirements, and to enter new partnerships. I am not sure why management hasn’t stopped all expansion altogether, bringing the ship in order first, getting profitable, clean up, all hands-on deck before considering any further expansions whatsoever. But again, it’s easy to comment from the sidelines; maybe they saw white spaces that would be covered by competing concepts if they weren’t moving fast and aggressively enough. Although pushing internationally means competing with local players such as Jamie's Italian, Prezzo, Pizza Express, Wagamama, Nando's and many more which brings in its own dynamic.
Management also aims to enhance guest satisfaction. This involves refining operational processes, reorganizing the support center, and refocusing on the core offering: providing fresh and high-quality Italian food at affordable prices for a broad audience. The group also aims to reduce waiting times, especially during lunch, while also improving the evening atmosphere. There is even what I would call an evolution, away from Vapiano’s original concept, reorientating the customer journey. The ordering flow is being changed, offering guests synchronized preparations of all dishes while eliminating wait times at the cooking stations. The open show kitchen remains, staying true to original mantra of freshness and transparency but now guests can choose their preferred method of ordering through a mobile app, using a digital order point (kiosk), or by personally placing an order with a waiter. Guests can still freely choose their table and are then informed about the complete preparation of their order through a pager or their smartphone. This is a substantial deviation from the original concept, but a needed one. The group is also exploring and implementing the expansion of take-away and home delivery services but only at suitable locations, not universally across new openings. I am not sure why home delivery is even a priority here; it adds operational complexity. It’s better to clean up shop first and get back to the basics before adding new complexities. To be fair management does try to simplify. There are 49 different permanent dishes on the menu and additional 10 seasonal ones. Customers can choose from eleven different types of pasta. There is simply too much choice, and it makes orders complicated. The company announced to slim the menu down to its most popular and typical Vapiano dishes. There’s no need for an Asian salad at an Italian restaurant. "We have to go back to the roots, i.e. classic, honest Italian cuisine" says COO Everke. Regardless, in November of 2018, the supervisory board pulls the plug on CEO Jochen Halfmann and replaces him with Cornelius Everke. Everke himself has just become COO five months ago. Since 2017 he was responsible for international expansion. From 2011 to 2017 that role was filled by Mario Bauer – put a pin in that name, he’ll play a key role in the groups fate later. Then nine months later, in the middle of 2019, Cornelius Everke quits. He essentially concludes that his skillset and experience in the areas of internation expansion is no longer needed in the foreseeable future. To put it differently: Vapiano has moved from a growth story and has become a restructuring case, and other skills are required for that job. In June of 2019 Everke says the following “(we’ve) made a bit of a mistake when it came to foreign expansion”. No sh#t. Vapiano postpones the presentation of the 2018 annual financial statements three times in the spring of 2019, citing negotiations over an urgently needed loan of 30 million euros. It’s not until the end of May that a binding loan commitment comes through from the financing banks and major shareholders.
We are now in August of 2019 and the corona pandemic is just around the corner. Supervisory board chief Vanessa Hall takes over as interim-CEO and things are unravelling. Visitor numbers are declining; originally, it was planned to sell the US business but halfway through the year the buyer cannot come up with the money. But not all restaurants are performing poorly. The group's poor figures contrast starkly as an example with the experiences of the Swiss-German franchisee, who runs six restaurants. The Sodano family in Switzerland pays Vapiano a royalty of 6% of sales for the use of the brand. Enrico Sodano explains in an interview that they operate largely autonomously from the licensor. If an “accident” were to occur, he could immediately replace the Vapiano sign with Sodano, he says. The family concluded the rents and contracts with employees and suppliers independently. The Sodano family have six locations in Bern, Basel and Zurich, around one million guests every year and 350 employees. Things are going well on the ground. The delivery service they’ve built is offering them a second income stream. Expansion into Winterthur, St. Gallen and Lucerne are being planned; small locations with 150 to 250 square meters and an attached delivery service. Originally, Vapiano restaurants used to be huge but for such a large restaurant to be profitable, 800 to 1,000 guests per day are needed. That’s possible in medium-sized cities, but not in smaller towns which is why the Vapiano group now also supports smaller formats. Back to our corporate drama. The 2019 annual report would be the last report the group files. By the end 2019 the outstanding debt of the company is at an astronomical 450 million euros. Revenue has grown by another 7%, produced by four net new openings through two JVs and two franchise restaurants but operating losses come in at 317 million euros. That sound like an absolute shocker at first but depreciation and amortization charges are 345 million, so that operating cash flow is actually positive but unfortunately capital expenditures and interest payments are so large that they are eating up all of the company’s operating cash flow. Then in the beginning of 2020 Corona hits with full force and the world shuts down. As a result of the measures to prevent further spreading of the virus, the group is forced to cease all global business operations (except in Sweden). While all these shutdowns are happening, the group is the middle of negotiating with its lending banks and main shareholders. There are additional financing needs for restructuring measures, even without a pandemic happening in the background. The situation is so dire that the company starts pleading to the German government to roll out the package of financial help more quickly. Unfortunately, it’s to no end. The rapid closure of restaurants and the resulting lack of operating cash inflows in conjunction with the additional financing requirements, lead to the company’s final knockout punch. In April of 2020, the Vapiano group officially files for insolvency proceedings. The end of an era.

New Beginnings

Because of the pandemic, the majority of the group's subsidiaries in Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, the United States, Sweden, and China also file for insolvency or seek liquidation. The US business never gets sold in the end and is wound down. In the summer of 2020, significant group divestments occur, including the sale of 75% shares in the group's French subsidiaries, shares in franchisor companies, Australian subsidiaries, German subsidiaries, associated companies, self-managed restaurants in Germany, and insolvency-related sales in the Netherlands, Great Britain, and Sweden. The buyer of the Vapiano brand and one of these bundles of Vapiano restaurants is company named Love & Food Restaurant Holding, a consortium led by Mario C. Bauer – a name I told you to remember. Bauer was a former Vapiano board member and led the national and international expansion, opening 200 sites in 33 countries from 2011 to 2017 until he was succeeded by Cornelius Everke. Bauer didn’t feel comfortable with the IPO at the time but clearly has a lot of managerial and entrepreneurial talent.
The buyer consortium is an absolute A-Team comprised of European QSR top league hitters, including the founder of the Pret A Manger chain Sinclair Beecham; Henry McGovern, the founder and Ex-CEO of the giant international restaurant and foodservice operator AmRest; the Van der Valk Family that runs hotels and Vapiano restaurants in the Netherlands, and co-founder and ex-CEO Gregor Gerlach. The acquisition value is 15 million euros and entails 30 Vapiano restaurants in Germany, albeit that’s just the purchase price which comes on top of any capital investment needed to refresh and return the sites to its former glory. Nevertheless, just as a thought experiment, if you can get each site to 2 million euros of revenue and 400,000 euros in operating profit on average, which wouldn’t be an overly aggressively assumption given the company’s history, you’ve got yourself a package that can deliver restaurant-level operating profits of 12 million euros or more. It’s not disclosed how much capex was needed to refresh the operations, just that fact that the overall investment plus purchase price was a middle double-digit million-euro figure. Stil, it probably was a decent purchase. The same consortium buys Vapiano’s French business for 25 million euros just two weeks prior. After the transaction concludes, the master franchise is given to Delf Neumann and his Gastro & Soul GmbH. Neumann is an experienced operator, and he is ambitious to revitalise the brand with new services and products. For example, instead of pizza, the restaurants will be serving pinsa - a flatbread made from sourdough, wheat and rice flour, topped similarly to a pizza. It targets a more health-oriented customer base looking for a less calory heavy option. The menu overall is expanded by including a variety of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
https://preview.redd.it/kpt7ea6red0d1.png?width=1242&format=png&auto=webp&s=c9930ced85ee364e9df414547cae06b47a03fc19
Today Neumann’s Gastro & Soul GmbH operates 18 Vapianos on its own account and has 29 franchise sites, amongst other brands. By the year 2021, Vapiano operates 191 restaurants in 34 countries. This is around 50 fewer sites than before the bankruptcy. The number of branches is particularly thinned out in Germany – from 80 to 55. Nevertheless, Vapiano's home country remains by far the largest market, followed by France with 35 restaurants and Austria with 15 locations. “We have shrunk ourselves to health,” says Bauer in the aftermath and there is no further shrinking planned. Quite the opposite, the smell of expansion is in the air again – pun intended. Not as aggressively as before and with a new menu and ordering process.
Overall, the team around Bauer is filled with industry experts with knowledge and networks gained over decades who have a great track record, a long-term view, and the staying power to let Vapiano breath and finds its way back to success. The pressure of being a public company with all the associated quarterly, half-year and yearly disincentives have been removed. The menu is changed and extended with new types of pasta and sauces with significantly more vegetarian and vegan dishes available. Guests can order with restaurant staff, at terminals or on their phones and there are barcodes attached to the tables identify the respective seat. The food is brought to your table, all at the same time if you are in a group, no more annoyances with waiting in line. There is a plan for smaller, 350 square meter locations, with half the number of guests and significantly fewer staff and less set-up costs required to make the economics work. Locations that capitalize on remote work and increased demand for local lunch options, higher population density with shorter delivery routes and therefore cost-effective in house delivery services are targeted. And Bauer is testing the concept of ghost kitchens, which operate without a dining room or service staff, focusing solely on preparing food for delivery services, which for obvious reasons have a very different operational set up and footprint. Original founder Mark Korzilius however is not entirely convinced. He is not a fan of the pinsa for instance and he considers Vapiano's pizza as its cash cow, flagship product and believes that the core Vapiano proposition of Pizza, Pasta, Bar that has given the company its original success is being diluted. He instead admires the competitor L'Osteria, saying they’ve done a better job by focusing on Italian classics, especially the impressively large pizzas that sticks out beyond the plate is leaving every customer in awe. The guys who run L’Osteria are the same guys who have built Vapiano with him in the first place. Bauer on the other hand, like a true business leader, remains undeterred, stating that he is frequently asked whether Vapiano's restart was bold or foolish. He believes in entrepreneurship, franchising, in his experienced fellow partners and importantly the Vapiano concept. By the year 2024 you can find over 140 Vapiano branded restaurant in 27 countries across the globe, including locations far away from its birthplace like Australia, USA, Columbia, Chile, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. And why not? Italian food is, and will remain to be, incredibly popular. Vapiano offers fresh and tasty food at affordable prices in a good atmosphere. This combination of attributes should attract a lot of customers. It certainly has in the past.
For more stories: WIP Thomas Weitzendoerfer Substack
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2024.05.14 12:40 cazaroindia1 Crafting a Cozy Haven: A Guide to Home Interior Design

Crafting a Cozy Haven: A Guide to Home Interior Design
https://preview.redd.it/29xuye35fd0d1.jpg?width=7990&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ab8ec8806398c1c46b0304a2f099294f70ca855f
Creating a space that reflects your personality and provides comfort is essential for any home. Whether you’re moving into a new place or looking to refresh your current space, the interior design of your home plays a significant role in setting the ambiance and enhancing your quality of life. In this blog post, we’ll explore a step-by-step plan to help you transform your living space into a cozy haven that you’ll love coming home to every day.
Step 1: Define Your Style Before diving into the specifics of your home interior design, take some time to define your style preferences. Are you drawn to minimalist aesthetics, or do you prefer a more eclectic mix of colors and textures? Browse interior design magazines, websites, and social media platforms like Pinterest for inspiration, and create a mood board to visualize your ideas. This step will serve as a foundation for the rest of your design process.
Step 2: Assess Your Space Next, assess the layout and dimensions of your home. Take note of any architectural features, such as windows, doors, and built-in fixtures, that may influence your design choices. Consider the flow of traffic within each room and identify any areas that need special attention, such as awkward corners or narrow hallways. Understanding the unique characteristics of your space will help you make informed decisions when planning your interior design.
Step 3: Establish a Color Scheme Choose a color scheme that reflects your personal taste and complements the existing elements of your home. Whether you opt for soothing neutrals, vibrant hues, or a combination of both, consistency is key. Use paint swatches, fabric samples, and decor accents to test different color combinations and determine what works best for each room. Remember to consider factors like natural light and room size when selecting colors, as they can impact the overall ambiance of your space.
Step 4: Select Furniture and Accessories Now it’s time to furnish your home with pieces that not only look great but also serve a functional purpose. Start by prioritizing essential items, such as sofas, dining tables, and beds, and then layer in decorative accents like rugs, throw pillows, and wall art to add personality and warmth to each room. Pay attention to scale and proportion to ensure that your furniture fits comfortably within the space without overwhelming it. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles and textures to create visual interest and depth.
Step 5: Maximize Storage and Organization Clutter can quickly detract from the beauty of your home interior, so it’s essential to prioritize storage and organization solutions. Invest in multi-functional furniture pieces, such as ottomans with built-in storage or bookshelves with integrated cabinets, to maximize space and keep belongings out of sight. Utilize baskets, bins, and drawer dividers to corral smaller items and maintain a tidy environment. By creating designated storage areas for everything from shoes to paperwork, you’ll streamline your daily routine and maintain a sense of order throughout your home.
Step 6: Infuse Personal Touches Lastly, infuse your home with personal touches that reflect your interests, hobbies, and experiences. Display cherished mementos, such as family photos, travel souvenirs, and heirloom pieces, to add character and nostalgia to your decor. Incorporate elements of nature, such as potted plants, fresh flowers, and natural materials like wood and stone, to bring a sense of serenity and balance to your space. By surrounding yourself with items that hold sentimental value, you’ll create a home that truly feels like your own.
Conclusion: Designing the interior of your home is a highly personal and rewarding process that allows you to express yourself creatively while creating a comfortable and functional living environment. By following this step-by-step plan and infusing your unique style and personality into every decision, you’ll create a cozy haven that you’ll be proud to call home for years to come.
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2024.05.14 12:34 Nabeel-Pervaiz-Ahmed Mold Inspections: A Comprehensive Guide to a Healthy Home

Mold in your home isn't just an eyesore—it can be a health hazard and a structural concern. Whether you're dealing with a musty odor, unexplained allergies, or visible signs of mold, getting a mold inspection is the first step toward a safer, healthier living space. In this guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of Mold in your home isn't just an eyesore—it can be a health hazard and a structural concern. Whether you're dealing with a musty odor, unexplained allergies, or visible signs of mold, getting a mold inspection is the first step toward a safer, healthier living space. In this guide, we'll explore the ins and outs of mold inspections, why they're essential, how they're conducted, and what to do if you find mold in your home.mold inspections

Introduction to Mold Inspections

Mold inspections are assessments performed to detect the presence of mold in a building. They are usually carried out by professionals trained to identify mold inspection near me and its potential sources. However, there are also ways you can inspect for mold yourself. The goal is to identify mold early to prevent health risks and structural damage.

Why Mold Inspections Are Important

Mold isn't just unsightly—it can pose significant risks to both your health and the structure of your home. Here's why mold inspections are crucial:

Health Risks of Mold

Mold spores can trigger allergies, respiratory issues, and other health problems. If left unchecked, they can worsen asthma, cause skin irritations, and even lead to serious illnesses.

Structural Damage from Mold

Mold can weaken building materials like wood, drywall, and insulation. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs and even structural failure if the mold spreads extensively.

Common Signs of Mold in Your Home

Detecting mold early is key to preventing its spread. Here are some common signs that you might have a mold problem:
Visual Clues
Mold can appear as black, green, white, or even orange spots or patches. It often grows in damp areas, like bathrooms, basements, or around leaky pipes.
Odors and Smells
A musty or earthy odor is a strong indicator of mold. If you notice this smell, it's time to investigate further.
Health Symptoms
If you or your family experience unexplained allergies, respiratory issues, or frequent headaches, it could be a sign of mold exposure.

How to Conduct a Mold Inspection

You can perform a preliminary mold inspection yourself or hire a professional. Here's what you need to know:
DIY Methods
Start by checking areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. Look for visual signs of mold and use your nose to detect any unusual smells. You can also purchase mold test kits, but their accuracy varies.
Professional Mold Inspectors
Professionals use specialized equipment and techniques to identify mold and its sources. They can also test air quality to determine if mold spores are present.

What to Expect During a Professional Mold Inspection

If you decide to hire a professional, here's what typically happens during a mold inspection:
The Process
The inspector will conduct a thorough visual examination, focusing on areas with moisture or visible mold. They may also take samples for laboratory testing to identify the type of mold present.
Tools and Techniques Used
Professionals use thermal cameras, moisture meters, and air quality monitors to detect mold and its sources. These tools help them identify hidden mold and areas at risk of mold growth.

Understanding Mold Types

Knowing the type of mold in your home can help determine the appropriate course of action. Here are some common types of mold:
Black Mold
Black mold, or Stachybotrys, is one of the most toxic molds. It's often found in damp areas and can cause severe health problems.
Other Common Household Molds
Other types of mold include Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium. While not as toxic as black mold, they can still cause health issues and damage to your home.

Preventing Mold in Your Home

Prevention is the best way to avoid the problems caused by mold. Here's how you can keep mold at bay:
Controlling Moisture
Mold thrives in moist environments. Fix leaks promptly, keep gutters clean, and use dehumidifiers in damp areas to reduce moisture levels.
Proper Ventilation
Ensure your home has adequate ventilation, especially in areas prone to moisture like bathrooms and kitchens. Exhaust fans and open windows can help keep air flowing.

Dealing with Mold if Found

If you find mold in your home, it's essential to act quickly to prevent its spread. Here's what you can do:
DIY Removal
Small patches of mold can often be removed with household cleaners and proper safety equipment. Always wear gloves and a mask, and ventilate the area while cleaning.

When to Call the Experts

For larger mold infestations or if the mold is in hard-to-reach places, it's best to call an Alhumd Inspections professional. They have the expertise and equipment to safely remove mold without spreading spores.

Cost of Mold Inspections and Remediation

The cost of mold inspections and remediation can vary depending on several factors. Here's what you need to know:
Factors Affecting Cost
The size of the affected area, the type of mold, and the severity of the infestation all impact the cost. Professional mold inspections typically range from $200 to $600, while remediation can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Ways to Save Money
To save money, address moisture issues promptly, and consider DIY mold inspections before calling in professionals. Regular home maintenance can also help prevent costly mold problems.

Conclusion

Mold inspections are essential for maintaining a healthy home. By identifying mold early and taking the appropriate steps to remove it, you can prevent health risks and structural damage. Remember to control moisture, ensure proper ventilation, and conduct regular inspections to keep mold at bay.

Alhumd Inspections

Best Mold inspectors in the USA at an Affordable Price and offer 20$ in the first home inspection. Call us today (667) 686 -7281

FAQs


How often should I conduct a mold inspection?
It's a good idea to inspect for mold at least once a year or after significant water damage, such as flooding or roof leaks.
Can I use bleach to clean mold?
While bleach can kill mold on non-porous surfaces, it's not always effective on porous materials like drywall. It's best to use mold-specific cleaning products or seek professional advice.
Is mold always visible?
No, mold can grow in hidden areas like behind walls or under flooring. That's why it's crucial to look for other signs like musty odors or unexplained health symptoms.
What should I do if I find black mold?
If you find black mold, it's best to call a professional for removal. Black mold can be toxic, and improper removal can spread spores.
Can mold grow in dry climates?
Yes, mold can grow in dry climates if there's enough moisture from leaks, condensation, or poor ventilation. Always address moisture issues promptly to prevent mold growth.
, why they're essential, how they're conducted, and what to do if you find mold in your home.

Introduction to Mold Inspections

Mold inspections are assessments performed to detect the presence of mold in a building. They are usually carried out by professionals trained to identify mold inspection near me and its potential sources. However, there are also ways you can inspect for mold yourself. The goal is to identify mold early to prevent health risks and structural damage.

Why Mold Inspections Are Important

Mold isn't just unsightly—it can pose significant risks to both your health and the structure of your home. Here's why mold inspections are crucial:

Health Risks of Mold

Mold spores can trigger allergies, respiratory issues, and other health problems. If left unchecked, they can worsen asthma, cause skin irritations, and even lead to serious illnesses.

Structural Damage from Mold

Mold can weaken building materials like wood, drywall, and insulation. Over time, this can lead to costly repairs and even structural failure if the mold spreads extensively.

Common Signs of Mold in Your Home

Detecting mold early is key to preventing its spread. Here are some common signs that you might have a mold problem:
Visual Clues
Mold can appear as black, green, white, or even orange spots or patches. It often grows in damp areas, like bathrooms, basements, or around leaky pipes.
Odors and Smells
A musty or earthy odor is a strong indicator of mold. If you notice this smell, it's time to investigate further.
Health Symptoms
If you or your family experience unexplained allergies, respiratory issues, or frequent headaches, it could be a sign of mold exposure.

How to Conduct a Mold Inspection

You can perform a preliminary mold inspection yourself or hire a professional. Here's what you need to know:
DIY Methods
Start by checking areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms, basements, and kitchens. Look for visual signs of mold and use your nose to detect any unusual smells. You can also purchase mold test kits, but their accuracy varies.
Professional Mold Inspectors
Professionals use specialized equipment and techniques to identify mold and its sources. They can also test air quality to determine if mold spores are present.

What to Expect During a Professional Mold Inspection

If you decide to hire a professional, here's what typically happens during a mold inspection:
The Process
The inspector will conduct a thorough visual examination, focusing on areas with moisture or visible mold. They may also take samples for laboratory testing to identify the type of mold present.
Tools and Techniques Used
Professionals use thermal cameras, moisture meters, and air quality monitors to detect mold and its sources. These tools help them identify hidden mold and areas at risk of mold growth.

Understanding Mold Types

Knowing the type of mold in your home can help determine the appropriate course of action. Here are some common types of mold:
Black Mold
Black mold, or Stachybotrys, is one of the most toxic molds. It's often found in damp areas and can cause severe health problems.
Other Common Household Molds
Other types of mold include Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium. While not as toxic as black mold, they can still cause health issues and damage to your home.

Preventing Mold in Your Home

Prevention is the best way to avoid the problems caused by mold. Here's how you can keep mold at bay:
Controlling Moisture
Mold thrives in moist environments. Fix leaks promptly, keep gutters clean, and use dehumidifiers in damp areas to reduce moisture levels.
Proper Ventilation
Ensure your home has adequate ventilation, especially in areas prone to moisture like bathrooms and kitchens. Exhaust fans and open windows can help keep air flowing.

Dealing with Mold if Found

If you find mold in your home, it's essential to act quickly to prevent its spread. Here's what you can do:
DIY Removal
Small patches of mold can often be removed with household cleaners and proper safety equipment. Always wear gloves and a mask, and ventilate the area while cleaning.

When to Call the Experts

For larger mold infestations or if the mold is in hard-to-reach places, it's best to call an Alhumd Inspections professional. They have the expertise and equipment to safely remove mold without spreading spores.

Cost of Mold Inspections and Remediation

The cost of mold inspections and remediation can vary depending on several factors. Here's what you need to know:
Factors Affecting Cost
The size of the affected area, the type of mold, and the severity of the infestation all impact the cost. Professional mold inspections typically range from $200 to $600, while remediation can cost anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
Ways to Save Money
To save money, address moisture issues promptly, and consider DIY mold inspections before calling in professionals. Regular home maintenance can also help prevent costly mold problems.

Conclusion

Mold inspections are essential for maintaining a healthy home. By identifying mold early and taking the appropriate steps to remove it, you can prevent health risks and structural damage. Remember to control moisture, ensure proper ventilation, and conduct regular inspections to keep mold at bay.

Alhumd Inspections

Best Mold inspectors in the USA at an Affordable Price and offer 20$ in the first home inspection. Call us today (667) 686 -7281

FAQs


How often should I conduct a mold inspection?
It's a good idea to inspect for mold at least once a year or after significant water damage, such as flooding or roof leaks.
Can I use bleach to clean mold?
While bleach can kill mold on non-porous surfaces, it's not always effective on porous materials like drywall. It's best to use mold-specific cleaning products or seek professional advice.
Is mold always visible?
No, mold can grow in hidden areas like behind walls or under flooring. That's why it's crucial to look for other signs like musty odors or unexplained health symptoms.
What should I do if I find black mold?
If you find black mold, it's best to call a professional for removal. Black mold can be toxic, and improper removal can spread spores.
Can mold grow in dry climates?
Yes, mold can grow in dry climates if there's enough moisture from leaks, condensation, or poor ventilation. Always address moisture issues promptly to prevent mold growth.
submitted by Nabeel-Pervaiz-Ahmed to u/Nabeel-Pervaiz-Ahmed [link] [comments]


2024.05.14 12:34 PythonicParseltongue Help me improving my tmux start up script

So after I boot up my WSL2 Ubuntu I have a small script to setup my tmux session and start VsCode. It does (mostly) what it's suppost to do and I'm working on the next iteration:
#!/bin/bash SESSIONNAME="main" tmux has-session -t $SESSIONNAME >? /dev/null if [ $? != 0 ] then tmux new-session -s $SESSIONNAME -n admin -d tmux new-window -n project -t $SESSIONNAME: tmux send-keys -t $SESSIONNAME 'cd ./pyprojects/' Enter 'code' Enter fi tmux attach -t $SESSIONNAME cd ~/pyprojects 
So far so good. The frist flaw of this program is that it will create another 'project' window if called again. I'm unsure how to prevent this.
Secondly, the next step would be to source the last utilized Python venv. I haven't though of how to keep track of this. So for now I would go with just a default venv, stored in an env variable.
At the moment I'm mainly wondering if send-keys is actually the best / proper way of interacting with my tmux session. I'm affraid I'll be limited in what I can do from this bash script, as "things are happening in another console". So I'd be interested in your adivice here.
Also I'm interested in your ideas on how to track what venv had been used last. I thought using the fact, that VsCode keeps track of the last project, however I havn't been able to find/use this information.
submitted by PythonicParseltongue to bash [link] [comments]


2024.05.14 12:14 New-Recognition-9414 Guide for Recovering Lost Data From Bitlocker Encrypted Drive

Guide for Recovering Lost Data From Bitlocker Encrypted Drive
Recovering Lost Data From Bitlocker Encrypted Drive
Are you worried about data security and looking for a reliable technique to retrieve data from a BitLocker encrypted drive? BitLocker, a sophisticated encryption feature on Windows operating systems, helps users secure their contents. This option offers additional security to prevent unwanted access to important data, making it a reliable alternative for data recovery. This article explains how to recover data from a BitLocker protected device, allowing you to confidently retrieve essential files.

1. Recovering Lost Data from Bitlocker

Data loss can be devastating. With proper procedures in place, you can secure and retrieve lost data. BitLocker, a Microsoft Windows service, protects users' data from accidental deletion or theft. Here's a step-by-step instruction for recovering deleted data with BitLocker.
  • Launch the BitLocker program on your device.
  • Enter your PIN/password.
  • Navigate to the Recovery and Unlock tabs.
  • Choose the data type you want to recover.
  • Press the 'Recover' button.
After recovery, store the data in a secure location, preferably off-site. To enhance security, consider encrypting data and using multi-factor authentication. Finally, create regular backups of your data in case of any unanticipated circumstances. By taking proactive precautions, you can prevent data loss or theft while maintaining access to critical information.

2. Learn about Bitlocker and its encryption system

BitLocker⁣ is a data encryption solution that protects your data on Windows systems. BitLocker encrypts your hard disk and only allows access to those with the encryption key. It encrypts all data stored on your computer, preventing hackers and unauthorized others from accessing your confidential info.
BitLocker offers superior security and a variety of functions. These features include:
Full Volume Encryption encrypts entire hard disk data, including folders, files, and applications.
Secure Boot prevents malware infection on your PC.
Multi-factor authentication: To access BitLocker-encrypted data, additional authentication methods such as PINs or biometrics are required.
BitLocker provides powerful and user-friendly security. The advanced encryption technology ensures data safety and security. BitLocker is the ideal solution for protecting important files and enhancing computer security.

3. Simple Steps for Recovering Data from a Bitlocker Encrypted Drive

Data loss is a terrible scenario for individuals and organizations. To recover data from a BitLocker encrypted device, you must follow precise steps. Here are simple techniques to safely and rapidly recover data from a BitLocker-encrypted drive.
Download and install the BLR BitLocker data recovery program. To begin, download and install a secure BitLocker data recovery software. Read reviews and check compatibility with your system. There are several options available, so select one that meets your needs.
Run the data recovery application. Once the data recovery tool is installed, launch it. The application will discover encrypted drives and scan for recoverable files. Depending on the amount of data on the drive, the scan may take several hours.
After scanning and analyzing the drive, the data recovery program will show you all recoverable files. Use the program's "Recover" mode to safely and securely retrieve your data.
Recovering data from a BitLocker encrypted drive can be a simple procedure with the right software and steps. Maintain backups of key files and documents to avoid catastrophic data loss.⁢ Hopefully, with the above steps, you will be able to recover without any issues.

4. Additional Tips to Prevent Future Data Loss

Set up regular backups, even if you don't expect to restore data. This ensures that the most recent version of your data is safely kept in case of an emergency. Save your backups on an external hard drive or cloud service.
Use Password Protection: Protecting your data with a password is crucial for avoiding future loss. Make sure your passwords are complex and not readily guessed. Consider changing your password often, using a combination of letters and numbers, and using two-factor authentication. Choose passwords that are at least 12 characters long.
  • Make regular backups of your information.
  • Make sure your data is password secured.
  • Change passwords on a frequent basis.
  • Create difficult passwords.
  • Implement two-factor authentication.
  • Use lengthier passwords.

Q&A

Q1: What is Bitlocker?

Bitlocker encrypts disks and protects data on your PC. It helps to protect your data from illegal access.

Q2: How can data be recovered from a Bitlocker encrypted drive?

You can use one of several methods to recover data from a Bitlocker protected device. Options for data recovery include employing recovery keys, BitLocker Repair solution, or a third-party solution.

Q3: How can I use a recovery key to retrieve data from a Bitlocker drive?

To utilize a ‍recovery key, you must have saved it from the moment you ‍set up‌ Bitlocker. To unlock a drive and access its contents, locate the recovery key and utilize it.

Q4: What is the BitLocker Repair Tool?

The BitLocker Repair Tool can restore access to data on an encrypted drive that has been inaccessible. It fixes damaged data structures and alters parameters saved on the drive.⁢ If retrieving data from a Bitlocker encrypted drive sounds tough, don't panic - BLR Tools can help! ⁤BLR's dependable interface boosts user confidence in secure data recovery from Bitlocker encrypted drives.
BLR Tools' user-friendly tools and robust security safeguards make it simple to recover data from Bitlocker-encrypted drives. Create your blrtools.com account to safely recover data from Bitlocker protected disks.
submitted by New-Recognition-9414 to datarevivalsquad [link] [comments]


2024.05.14 12:12 Feeling-External-839 Only boots to BIOS

So, my pc was only booting into the bios menu, so I created a windows download on a usb to attempt to reinstall windows, and I dont have a product key I can use, nor is there any form of update recovery, is anyone able to help me fully reset the pc to a working condition?
For context: MB is a ROG STRIX B450-F Gaming.
submitted by Feeling-External-839 to pchelp [link] [comments]


2024.05.14 12:06 fab_space Code togheter (was DevGPT)

Halo prompterz,
I've been enhancing DevGPT for months (name changed due to OpenAI policy updates), and it's a game-changer! This tool works seamlessly with all GPT-4 model updates and even supports GPT-3.5 for a free similar experience. Plus, it’s compatible with local LLMs like Phi-3, LLaMA-3, and Mistral models. For those who prefer a 100% local setup, an OpenWebUI prompt is available.

Key Features:

Example Commands:

This versatile tool supports a wide range of coding needs, from ML projects to blockchain development. Experience the future of coding with DevGPT!
Check it out and share your thoughts! 🌟
GitHub Link
GPT link
submitted by fab_space to ChatGPT [link] [comments]


2024.05.14 12:02 GPTSportsWriter Pittsburgh Pirates VS Milwaukee Brewers Prediction 2024-05-14 19:40:00-04:00

Pittsburgh Pirates VS Milwaukee Brewers Prediction 2024-05-14 19:40:00-04:00
Pittsburgh Pirates VS Milwaukee Brewers Prediction 2024-05-14 19:40:00-04:00

MLB Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Milwaukee Brewers - May 14, 2024

Introduction

Ladies and gentlemen, baseball aficionados, and those who just love a good prediction, welcome to the ultimate showdown analysis between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Milwaukee Brewers. Scheduled for May 14, 2024, at 19:40:00-04:00, this game promises to be a thrilling encounter. But who will emerge victorious? Let's dive into the nitty-gritty details, statistics, and odds to make an informed prediction. And yes, we'll sprinkle in some humor to keep things lively!

Team Overview

Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers, often referred to as the "Brew Crew," have been a formidable force in the MLB. With a rich history and a roster filled with talent, they are always a team to watch out for. As of the latest update, the Brewers are priced at 1.63 on FanDuel and 1.65 on DraftKings, indicating that they are the favorites to win this matchup.

Key Players

  1. Christian Yelich: The 2018 NL MVP has been a cornerstone for the Brewers. With his powerful batting and impressive fielding, Yelich is a game-changer.
  2. Corbin Burnes: The ace pitcher has been in stellar form, boasting an ERA of 2.43 this season. His ability to strike out batters with ease makes him a crucial player for the Brewers.
  3. Willy Adames: The shortstop has been a consistent performer, both offensively and defensively. His batting average of .275 and 20 home runs this season make him a key player to watch.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates, known for their resilience and fighting spirit, are the underdogs in this matchup. Priced at 2.34 on FanDuel and 2.3 on DraftKings, the odds are stacked against them. However, the Pirates have a history of pulling off surprises, and they will be looking to do just that.

Key Players

  1. Bryan Reynolds: The outfielder has been a standout performer for the Pirates. With a batting average of .302 and 25 home runs, Reynolds is the Pirates' main offensive weapon.
  2. Ke'Bryan Hayes: The third baseman is known for his defensive prowess and has been improving his batting stats, currently holding a .265 average.
  3. Mitch Keller: The pitcher has shown flashes of brilliance this season, with an ERA of 3.75. If he can bring his A-game, the Pirates might have a fighting chance.

Head-to-Head Statistics

When it comes to head-to-head matchups, the Brewers have had the upper hand in recent years. In the last 10 games between these two teams, the Brewers have won 7, while the Pirates have managed to win only 3. This dominance is reflected in the odds, with bookmakers favoring the Brewers.

Recent Form

  • Milwaukee Brewers: The Brewers have won 6 of their last 10 games, showcasing their strong form. Their pitching staff has been particularly impressive, with an average ERA of 3.20 in these games.
  • Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pirates have struggled, winning only 4 of their last 10 games. Their pitching has been inconsistent, with an average ERA of 4.50, which could be a concern against the Brewers' potent lineup.

Weather Conditions

The weather forecast for May 14, 2024, in Milwaukee is partly cloudy with a slight chance of rain. The temperature is expected to be around 65°F, with a gentle breeze blowing at 5 mph. These conditions are generally favorable for baseball, and there shouldn't be any significant impact on the game.

Betting Odds Analysis

The odds provided by FanDuel and DraftKings clearly indicate that the Brewers are the favorites. With prices of 1.63 and 1.65 respectively, the bookmakers are confident in a Brewers' victory. On the other hand, the Pirates are priced at 2.34 and 2.3, reflecting their underdog status.

What Do the Odds Mean?

  • Milwaukee Brewers (1.63/1.65): A $100 bet on the Brewers would return $163 or $165, indicating a higher probability of winning.
  • Pittsburgh Pirates (2.34/2.3): A $100 bet on the Pirates would return $234 or $230, indicating a lower probability of winning but a higher return if they do.

Prediction

Based on the analysis of team performance, key players, head-to-head statistics, recent form, and betting odds, it is clear that the Milwaukee Brewers have the upper hand in this matchup. Their strong form, coupled with the Pirates' inconsistent performances, makes the Brewers the likely winners.

Final Verdict

Milwaukee Brewers to Win
The Brewers' combination of a strong pitching staff, powerful batting lineup, and favorable odds makes them the clear favorites. While the Pirates have the potential to pull off an upset, the smart money is on the Brewers to come out on top.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Milwaukee Brewers are poised to win the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 14, 2024. With a strong roster, impressive recent form, and favorable odds, the Brewers have all the ingredients for a victory. So, grab your popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the game. And remember, in the world of sports, anything can happen, but sometimes, the odds are just too strong to ignore.

References

  • FanDuel. (2024). MLB Betting Odds. Retrieved from FanDuel
  • DraftKings. (2024). MLB Betting Odds. Retrieved from DraftKings
Note: The above prediction is based on the provided data and current form of the teams. Sports betting involves risk, and there are no guarantees of winning.
submitted by GPTSportsWriter to GPTSportsWriter [link] [comments]


2024.05.14 12:01 AutoModerator Weekly book club by marmalada.org

This week's book club list is as follows (enjoy reading and comment which your favourite is below):

  1. "Zero Limits: The Secret Hawaiian System for Wealth, Health, Peace, and More" by Vitale J., Len I.H. - If it seems like you work hard but never get anywhere, maybe the problem is something within you. Maybe the limitations holding you back come from inside you, not from the outside world. Zero Limits presents a proven way to break through those self-imposed limitations to achieve more in life than you ever dreamed.
  2. "The Probiotic Solution: Nature's Best-Kept Secret for Radiant Health" by Mark A., Dr Brudnak - In The Probiotic Solution, Dr. Mark Brudnak states a greater truth: "Disease begins from an imbalance in the body." Good health is a dance on the tightrope of balance. Lose your balance for long enough-and you plunge toward crisis-if not death. Find and maintain balance-and you can enjoy the fruits of a happy, healthy life. It's the law of nature.Whatever causes imbalance, causes ill health-be it cancer, heart disease, autism, diabetes or obesity.
  3. "The Bible secret of divine health" by Gordon Lindsay - In this book is revealed one of the greatest secrets of practical living found in the Bible. It recognizes Divine healing as God’s promise for the believer but—and this is important—it goes further. Much teaching on Divine healing misses the profound truth that God intends that his children should not be sick at all—that they should prosper and be in health even as their soul prospers.
  4. "The Low Carb Myth: Free Yourself from Carb Myths, and Discover the Secret Keys That Really Determine Your Health and Fat Loss Destiny " by Whitten, Ari; Smith, Dr Wade; D, M - Do Carbs Make You Fat, Hungry, and Lazy? Read to find out.
  5. "The Secret Language of Your Body: The Essential Guide to Health and Wellness" by Segal, Inna - The Secret Language of your Body is a comprehensive guide to healing. In this long-awaited book, Inna Segal unveils the secrets to understanding the messages of the body and reveals the underlying energetic causes of over 200 symptoms and medical conditions. This powerful handbook explores almost every conceivable part of the human body, delving deeply into the possible reasons for problems in any given area of the body and offering a unique, step-by-step method to assist in returning the body to its natural state of health.
  6. "Ikigai Diet: The Secret of Japanese Diet to Health and Longevity" by Sachiaki Takamiya - Are you interested in natural food, organic lifestyle, or macrobiotic diet? If so, this is a book for you. It has the most recent information on traditional Japanese dietary culture. If you want to be healthy, the optimal way is to model the best of the best in the field. Who are the healthiest people on the planet then? Well, Japan is considered to be the country with the longest life expectancy, and it is featured in many books including The Blue Zones and Ikigai.
  7. "Dumping Iron: How to Ditch This Secret Killer and Reclaim Your Health" by P. D. Mangan - How to Ditch This Secret Killer and Reclaim Your Health is a game-changer in health and fitness. The accumulation of excess iron in the body, a condition that affects perhaps the majority of adults, leads to much higher risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and shorter lifespan. Dumping Iron shows how to measure your iron levels, what the test numbers mean, and how to go about lowering iron if necessary.
  8. "Breathe Smart: The Secret to Happiness, Health and Long Life" by Aaron Hoopes - Learn the secret Yoga and Tai Chi masters have known for centuries and discover one of the most fundamental dimensions of good health: proper breathing. Breathe Smart shows us how, through deep, conscious breathing we can raise the level of oxygen in the body and reap the benefits of increased energy, better health, and a stronger sense of well-being.
  9. "Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth Cookbook (Simple, Delicious Recipes for Health & Longevity)" by Devanando Otfried Weise - This book is excellent for those who wish to embrace Food Combining i.e. what has become known as the Hay Diet. It is where one avoids mixing starch-based foods and protein-based foods in the same meal.
  10. "The Calcium Factor: The Scientific Secret of Health and Youth" by Robert R. Barefoot; Carl J. Reich - Did you know that scientists have found that cancer thrives in an acidic medium, but cannot survive in an alkaline medium? Did you know that with vitamin and mineral supplements, you can lower the acidity of your body fluids and become healthy? Here's a challenge: If the answer to any or all of these questions is "No", then you owe it to yourself to read The Calcium Factor, not only for the sake of your own health, but for the sake of your family and friends.
So, which one are you picking up next or have read? Let us know with a comment and upvote and share this post and our sub bodychemistry to stay tuned for more reading lists every week!
Love, marmalada
submitted by AutoModerator to bodychemistry [link] [comments]


2024.05.14 11:58 MuchFarm3275 Enhancing Safety and Efficiency: The Drill Pipe Set Back Tool

Introduction: In the oil and gas industry, safety and efficiency are paramount considerations in every operation. One crucial tool that plays a significant role in achieving these objectives is the Drill Pipe Set Back Tool. Designed to streamline pipe handling operations and minimize manual handling risks, this innovative tool offers a host of benefits for drilling operations. In this blog, we'll explore the features and advantages of the Drill Pipe Set Back Tool and its importance in enhancing safety and efficiency in the oil and gas sector.
Streamlined Pipe Handling: The Drill Pipe Set Back Tool simplifies the process of handling drill pipes, reducing the time and effort required for manual handling tasks. Key features include:
Automated Setback: The tool automates the process of setting back drill pipes, eliminating the need for manual lifting and positioning by workers.
Adjustable Settings: Operators can easily adjust the tool to accommodate different pipe sizes and configurations, ensuring versatility and compatibility with various drilling operations.
Secure Gripping Mechanism: The tool's gripping mechanism securely holds the drill pipes in place during setback operations, minimizing the risk of slippage or accidents.
Remote Control Operation: Some models of the tool feature remote control operation, allowing operators to control the setback process from a safe distance, further enhancing safety.
Safety Benefits: The Drill Pipe Set Back Tool offers several safety benefits for drilling operations:
Reduced Manual Handling Risks: By automating setback operations, the tool reduces the need for manual lifting and handling of heavy drill pipes, minimizing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and strains.
Enhanced Ergonomics: Operators can perform setback operations from a safe distance using remote control, reducing their exposure to potential hazards such as falling objects or pinch points.
Improved Stability: The tool's secure gripping mechanism ensures that drill pipes remain stable and properly aligned during setback operations, reducing the risk of accidents or pipe misalignment.
Efficiency and Productivity: In addition to enhancing safety, the Drill Pipe Set Back Tool improves efficiency and productivity in drilling operations:
Faster Cycle Times: The automated setback process reduces cycle times for pipe handling operations, allowing drilling crews to complete tasks more quickly and efficiently.
Optimized Workflows: By streamlining pipe handling tasks, the tool helps optimize workflows on the drilling rig, minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency.
Resource Optimization: The tool's ability to handle pipes with precision and consistency minimizes material waste and ensures optimal use of resources, contributing to cost savings for drilling operations.
Conclusion: The Drill Pipe Set Back Tool is a valuable asset for drilling operations, offering a combination of safety, efficiency, and productivity benefits. By automating setback operations and minimizing manual handling risks, this innovative tool enhances safety standards and operational performance in the oil and gas industry.
Final Thoughts: In today's fast-paced drilling environment, the Drill Pipe Set Back Tool stands out as a game-changer, enabling drilling crews to work more safely, efficiently, and productively. By incorporating this advanced tool into their operations, drilling companies can optimize their workflows, reduce risks, and achieve greater success in their drilling endeavors.
submitted by MuchFarm3275 to u/MuchFarm3275 [link] [comments]


2024.05.14 11:48 khushikharbanda EPF Online Payment: Revolutionizing the Way You Handle Finances

EPF Online Payment: Revolutionizing the Way You Handle Finances
https://preview.redd.it/k7jer0vo5d0d1.jpg?width=310&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=39ff51d2fc073a221f30ca90e0243cd4a03c1a61
In an era marked by digital transformation, managing finances has never been more convenient. Among the many advancements, EPF online payment stands out as a game-changer in simplifying financial transactions. Whether you're an employer or an employee, embracing this digital solution can revolutionize the way you handle your finances.
Here are five crucial points highlighting the importance of EPF online payment:
  1. Convenience: With EPF online payment, gone are the days of tedious paperwork and long queues. Employers can seamlessly process employees provident fund online payment from the comfort of their offices or homes. Likewise, employees can monitor their contributions and initiate transactions with just a few clicks, eliminating the hassle of manual submissions.
  2. Efficiency: Time is of the essence in the world of finance. With EPF payment systems, transactions are processed swiftly, ensuring timely disbursal of funds. This efficiency not only benefits employees by ensuring prompt crediting of their contributions but also enables employers to streamline their payroll processes effectively.
  3. Transparency: Transparency is key to building trust in financial transactions. EPF online payment platforms provide comprehensive records of transactions, allowing both employers and employees to track contributions and withdrawals in real-time. This transparency fosters accountability and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.
  4. Security: Security is paramount when dealing with financial transactions. EPF online payment systems employ robust encryption protocols and multi-factor authentication to safeguard sensitive data. This ensures that transactions are conducted securely, protecting the interests of both employers and employees.
  5. Accessibility: Whether you're in the bustling city or a remote rural area, EPF online payment platforms are accessible anytime, anywhere. This accessibility empowers individuals across diverse demographics to manage their finances efficiently, contributing to financial inclusion on a broader scale.
In conclusion, EPF online payment is more than just a technological advancement; it's a catalyst for transforming financial management. By embracing this digital solution, individuals and organizations alike can experience unprecedented convenience, efficiency, transparency, security, and accessibility in handling their finances.
submitted by khushikharbanda to u/khushikharbanda [link] [comments]


2024.05.14 11:44 vidmeduffy Effects animation lag on page load in MacOS Safari. Known issue?

Hi all. Hoping someone can help. When loading my site in MacOS Safari (17.2.1), the effects/animations lag significantly (See video here: https://www.awesomescreenshot.com/video/27645048?key=972a1218c82f2cc54db2981410d418a9 — and overall, site-wide effects look bad compared to Chrome — like the frame rate is lower. For context, all effects in the hero are triggered on 'Appear' to slide in from bottom with the following settings: Stiffness 150; Damping 30; Mass 1; Bezier 0.44, 0, 0.56, 1; Time .6; Ease in and out; And delays of .1, .2, .3, .4, and .5 for each of the 5 layers. When I load in a private window, the load effects don't have the same major lag, but the effects are still generally choppy as described above. Have cleared cache, etc., to try to remedy the issue to no avail. Any ideas what might be going on? Have tried searching around but haven't found much to go on. Here's a link to the site https://workmode.fyi — would appreciate if you'd lmk if you can replicate the same issues. Thank you! 🙏
submitted by vidmeduffy to framer [link] [comments]


2024.05.14 11:40 TurtleBeach NEW - Flightdeck Firmware Release (Stick & Throttle) + Software Release (Flight Hangar Desktop & Mobile)

NEW - Flightdeck Firmware Release (Stick & Throttle) + Software Release (Flight Hangar Desktop & Mobile)
New Throttle firmware (1.0.7) and Flight Hangar desktop (1.0.10.0) versions allow users to further customise their Flight Touch Display (FTD) panels.
Your customisation now includes individual panel button mapping, by using the Flight Hangar in-built Key Binding Editor. Using the editor allows you to create key binding sequences from 1 - 4 combinations. This will allow for better utilisation of the FTD in-game.
This key binding editor can also be used for your custom panels (Flight Window) when using your mobile devices. The newest versions of the mobile apps are required and now available (both vers. 1.0.3, Android & iOS).
https://i.redd.it/jxwtr4ti4d0d1.gif
For further information regarding changes made in these releases, please see below:
VelocityOne Flight Hangar – PC App
Latest App Version: v.1.010.0
Posted 13.05.24.
  • Added custom key press editor for Flight Touch Display.
  • Updated product images.
  • Input axes displayed as 0-100% ranges.
  • Updated firmware tab layout.
  • Reset to default button added.
  • Product icons appear and disappear in real-time depending on connection status.
  • Stick connection warning added to firmware update page.
  • Updated Pro Aim assignment tab.
  • General stability improvements.

VelocityOne Flight Hangar – Android App
Latest App Version: v.1.0.3
Posted 13.05.24.
  • Added custom key press editor for Flight Touch Display.
  • Quality of life updates.

VelocityOne Flight Hangar – iOS App
Latest App Version: v.1.0.3
Posted 13.05.24.
  • Added custom key press editor for Flight Touch Display.
  • Quality of life updates.

Flightdeck Stick – Firmware
Latest Firmware Version: v.1.0.5
Posted 13.05.24.
  • Added stick grip and base connection status report.
  • Updated stick HUD axis readouts to 0-100%.
  • Changed breathe effect duration to 10 seconds.
  • Improved USB power reset states.

Flightdeck Throttle – Firmware
Latest Firmware Version: v.1.0.7
Posted 13.05.24.
  • Updated Flight Touch Display keyboard mapping system.
  • Updated switch toggle states (mapped function will output in both on and off state now).
  • Improved USB power reset states
submitted by TurtleBeach to TurtleBeachSimulation [link] [comments]


2024.05.14 11:37 IsupportBLM Cant enable TMP on windows 11 iso

I have tpm enabled (im on w11), shielding is off, it does the same for all templates
getting setting the key protector failed.
the iso is from microsoft website and its the most recent one
idk if this helps but this is my device security:
https://preview.redd.it/lbgdjr332d0d1.png?width=1500&format=png&auto=webp&s=f811a9e03b7884184ac2f9b2ace6d1b9c6a1e081
i found this guys answer in the comments of this post
but my stuff definitly isnt working how its supposed to work. This is what using
Get-HgsGuardian 
literally nothing??????? and yes its an admin powershell
and then i did what the comment said to do as a different method:
certutil.exe -store "Shielded VM Local Certificates"
this goes all the way down to cert 39. which i dont think is right.
ok cool, so i have a ton of certs but at least it says "Missing stored keyset" like how the guide said. so now i go use the next thing in the guide:
Remove-HgsGuardian -Name "UntrustedGuardian" 
and i just get "no guardians were found" even though theres 39 certs with the name UntrustedGuardian as shown in the picture above.
https://preview.redd.it/12nk4wbj3d0d1.png?width=1129&format=png&auto=webp&s=8feaeda22df568b84ca8eb741ed8944a993e8e87
anyone got any ideas? im so over windows doing ts.
submitted by IsupportBLM to HyperV [link] [comments]


2024.05.14 11:35 mrgayle Disable Start-up Sound Issue - Windows 11

I hope someone can offer assistance, as its driving me crazy lol
I'd like to turn off the start-up sound for Windows 11 Enterprise. This can be done by going to the Sound settings and deselecting the “Play Windows Start-up Sound” option.
When this option is manually unchecked, it modifies the disablestartupsound registry key located here: HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\BootAnimation to 1.
In our cloud-only environment, Intune doesn't offer this setting within Configuration Profiles. So, I attempted to create a simple script for achieving this.
Here's the script I created and deployed: $keyPath = HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\BootAnimation" $valueName = "DisableStartupSound" $valueData = 1 New-ItemProperty -Path $keyPath -Name $valueName -PropertyType DWORD -Value $valueData # **New line to avoid restart:*\* # Since the sound change might not be immediate, a message can be displayed to the user. Write-Host "Startup sound disabled. The change might take effect after the next restart.
Intune reported that the script failed, but when I checked the test machine, the registry value had indeed changed from 0 to 1. However, even after a reboot, the start-up sound persisted, and the “Play Windows Start-up Sound” checkbox remained checked.
I've manually changed the registry key value to 1, rebooted the machine, but encountered the same outcome.
The start-up sound only ceases when I manually uncheck the “Play Windows Start-up Sound” option within the sound settings.
Could anyone advise on why this is happening or share a successful method for disabling the startup sound via a script\Intune?
Thank you in advance.
submitted by mrgayle to Intune [link] [comments]


2024.05.14 11:32 Connect_Paper_3510 Who Can Benefit from Mock PTE Tests Offered by Faridabad Institutes? Mastering the PTE with Simulated Exams

The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based exam gaining popularity for its flexibility and accessibility. Whether aiming for higher education abroad or immigration purposes, achieving a high PTE score is crucial. While numerous resources exist, mock PTE tests offered by Faridabad institutes( PTE classes in faridabad) can be a game-changer for many test-takers. Let's explore who can benefit most from these simulated exams.
Boosting Confidence for All Test-Takers:
Mock PTE tests are valuable for everyone preparing for the exam, regardless of current skill level. These practice tests replicate the actual PTE environment, including the computer-based format, integrated skills assessment, and time constraints. Taking mock tests allows you to:
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submitted by Connect_Paper_3510 to u/Connect_Paper_3510 [link] [comments]


2024.05.14 11:25 CursedButHere Game won't let you delete a room, says Sim is using object.

I've seen this problem posted several times, and I just experienced it myself with my cafe. Despite there being no Sims there, and no shifts being run, it wouldn't let me delete my top floor. Here is what I have done so far to be able to delete the rooms and balcony:
For the room it wouldn't let me delete, I first sold every object in that room. Then, I sold all the wall lights on the exterior of the room. It still wouldn't let me delete. I changed the floor and wall inside of the room, and it let me delete it.
So now I'm thinking maybe the same thing would work for the balcony, right? Nope. I changer the paving and railing on my balcony, and it still wouldn't let me delete it. So I deleted everything off the balcony. Still wouldn't work, so I started resizing the balcony. I narrowed it down to a smaller area that wouldn't let me delete it, so I investigated. Under this small portion of my balcony, I had two roof lights hanging in the room below. I sold those lights, and then it let me sell the balcony.
I still have a third room I need to delete that says a Sim is using an object, and the previous tricks haven't worked. Once I find out what's causing that room to not be deleted, I will update in the comments.
*I'll just update here instead. The final room, which had a mezzanine, I had to sell the mezzanine. It wouldn't let me sell the mezzanine immediately. To be able to sell the mezzanine, I had to sell all of the windows and doors in the room below the mezzanine room. Then it left me sell the mezzanine and delete the room, and I could finally remove the top floor from my cafe.
To summarize the things that worked:
Make sure all objects are deleted.
Change wallpapers and floors.
Make sure there are no roof lights in the room below the one you need to delete.
Sell the windows and doors in the room below the one you need to delete.
If all else fails, resize the room/balcony from all sides to be as small as possible to identify the problem area.
submitted by CursedButHere to simsfreeplay [link] [comments]


2024.05.14 11:21 AdmiralStone96230-A MURDER DRONES: Fall of Earth -Chapter XII: Reunions and Relishing in Calm-

Wade took a breath as he picked up his old duffel bag, now loaded with his DD uniform and a few other items from the Ceres mines as he slotted it to his side, with the large band handle around his neck. Having gathered his belongings, he joined Tina, who was waiting near the ship's open bay door as he walked over to her. The couple watched several of the other troopers inside marching out as well, some carrying crates of supplies and items out of the craft as they departed for the base outside. Kelly was one of the last ones still on board, checking on a section of the cargo bay as she did what Wade presumed was some maintenance work.
With the way now clear, Wade and Tina stepped off the transport, glancing at the massive base around them as they touched the roughened pavement. Throughout the large landing port were several more chameleon dropships, their crews disembarking with similar items and loads of rescued drones aboard. Beyond the ships were several hangar bays and fighter craft, mostly A-20s and their space-borne cousins docked in lines going across the pad. And beyond the landing zone, towering over several buildings at the base, were the few cruisers docked to the large clamps holding them in place.
Walking ahead with Tina, Wade observed some of the departing Coalition troops as they neared one of several tents stationed near an inactive group of planes, the military personnel interacting and exchanging the crates with the Coalition officers upon reaching each other. Hearing a low roar of engines from afar, the lover drones looked upward to see the large USN warship that was present at the factory earlier, having followed the transport convoy home and now was beginning to descend for landing. Wade gave a silent gasp as he caught a glimpse of the ship's name and SIC number at the side, remembering it from the ship he and Ron saw while returning to Earth.
"Always a wondrous thing to see, isn't it Wade?" Tina said as she and her boyfriend watched the ship slowly come lower to the unoccupied dockyard clamps below it.
"Sure is, wonder how they built those babies?" Wade replied as the two looked upon the landing starship, the former worker drone smirking as he added, "I could've swore I saw that same exact ship over Henderson when Ron and I came back, before we got mugged earlier."
Tina glanced to Wade with surprise as she spoke up on his claim. "Really? Well, that had to be the one that helped our friends here back at the factory. I think I saw the same name on it too!"
"Wouldn't surprise me, seeing all that's happened today." Wade replied as he chortled a bit, Tina doing the same as the former spoke further. "I wonder, what kind of ship is the... Vickers again? You know?"
"Autumn class, dear. A heavy destroyer variant, not as strong as those enormous Yamato dreadnoughts or Adelaide battlecruisers, but she'll put up a good fight for whatever comes at her." Tina explained as she held back another chuckle, thinking of her education on various USN craft as she teased Wade lightly. "You know, I may just have to grab one of those ship roster tabs when we get in the base. I'd love to show you all they got in their arsenal."
Wade chortled again as he gave his thoughts on the idea. "Well, it wouldn't be bad to have a little more knowledge in ship-story."
Tina almost burst out laughing at his crude pun, Wade smiling at her as F and Nathan jogged over to the two, the latter carrying his own backpack behind him as he spoke. "Well, not a bad place, huh? You guys heading to the clearance station?"
"Oh yes, we were just admiring the ships around us while we walked." Tina said with a stifled laugh, easing herself as she chatted with her new friends. Wade, however, was quickly overcome with panic as he remembered something. Checking his pockets, his fears were confirmed as he failed to find one of his key possessions: his ID card. Wade felt he must have lost it when he was stripped of his old clothing while in the factory.
Oh no, guys? I don't think I can pass through." Wade said with greenish-yellow circles for eyes as Tina and the others looked to him in concern, the drone feeling through his pockets once more before stating his issue. "My ID, they must've taken it off me when they turned me into a disassembly drone!" Wade began to hyperventilate lightly as he grew fearful of the potential outcomes when they reached the security gate ahead. "Oouuugghh, if I don't have my ID, they'll have to keep me lo-"
"Wade, Wade... it's okay. I'll have them make a pass for you, surely we can get them to after getting them to understand what's happened." Tina stated as she put her hand to Wade's chest, who eased his panic as he looked to his girlfriend.
"Yeah, and besides Wade, those people over there went around gathering what ever items the company stole from the drones during their conversion. I'm sure that once they find it, they'll have it sent off to be given back to you!" Nathan said as F nodded in agreement, shunting Wade's panic out of him with their words as he replied to the hopeful responses.
"Right, yeah, they should do that. Sorry." Holding Tina's hand, Wade spoke to her once more. "Lead the way."
Tina nodded to Wade before the two began to walk over to the security gate nearby, several people, drones and humans alike, already in the line as they checked themselves in to the base to relax after the hard-fought battle. Once they reached the line, the four stood together as they waited for the line to slowly go up, more troops and rescued drones coming over to add to the long line. During the wait, a loud, mechanical 'SLAM' erupted through the air, prompting Wade and Tina to glance over to the direction of the noise. The two felt at ease once more as they saw the Vickers finally landed at the base, the loud clang being the docking clamps attaching to the ships hull just moments ago.
As the line moved up further to the gate, Wade and Tina caught sight of a pair of A-20 aircraft passing over them, the two watching as the planes slowed down while descending onto the runway nearby. The four drones' collective viewing of the fighters landing ceased as they caught sight of J, who took flight as she departed the transport nearby before flying over to the tents near the hangar bays.
"Huh, wonder what she's over there for?" Nathan said as he observed J landing onto the ground in front of one of the tents.
"Probably checking on the drones we got back, or meeting up with one of those commanders there." F said as she motioned an arm towards the tents, J walking under one as she made her way to one of the soldiers coming over to her. "Seems like the latter, from the looks of it."
Wade shrugged as he responded to the group's pondering over J's actions. "Well, she'll be here with us if we need her, right? Shouldn't be much to worry about."
Returning their focus to the line ahead, Wade and his team waited as the line moved up over the next few minutes, moving impressively fast as the people in front cleared themselves in one at a time. Eventually, the four of them were up, Tina stepping up to show her ID for clearance. "Hello, it's been a busy day, hasn't it?"
The security agent smirked at Tina's small-talk. "Hah, not too busy here until you all showed up."
As the guard finished scanning Tina's ID, she handed the card back to her as she raised a finger to begin her request. "Oh, um, there's a little issue we need to resolve." Putting a hand to Wade's arm, Tina explained her boyfriend. "This is my dear friend Wade, Wade Carter. We both managed to escape that blasted factory with the help of those Coalition folks there." Wade gave a pleading look as Tina continued. "Unfortunately, Wade was converted into a disassembly drone before he was rescued, and it seems those people at the company took all his belongings he had on him, including his ID. Do you think there's... anyway you could write up something to let him by?"
Stepping forward, F gave her end of the story. "I can vouch for him, Ma'am. Wade and I we're among the teams helping in getting the worker drones out of the factory during the operation." The disassembly drone pulled out a pair of cards as she finished her explanation, one of them being her company-issued Disassembly Service Passcard, which resembled a normal civilian ID in appearance, save for the 'JCJenson (In Spaaace!) Logo on the top left and hazard markings around the rim of the card. As for the other card, it was a well worn, still legitimate ID card, showing F as how she appeared when she was a worker drone. At the side of her picture was a name with an initial. "FELICITY A LEE"
Taking the two cards in her hand, she looked them over and scanned them as Nathan tried to back Wade up as well. "So can I, Ma'am! I helped there too, when he was under the company's control. We all got him out of the factory so we could get him back in order." Pulling out his own ID, Nathan handed it out as the guard returned F's IDs to her.
The guard accepted Nathan's ID as she spoke over what to do with Wade. "Well, normally it takes clearance from higher ranked personnel here to allow someone inside without a legitimate form of identification. We can't just take someone's word on things like this, after all." Tina seemed to frown in disappointment as the guard explained her protocols, Wade looking down at the ground as he felt his worries were about to be proven correct. Going over Nathan's ID further, she gave an intrigued expression at the card before continuing. "Huh, interesting. Got two veteran folks here, I see?" She glanced to Nathan and F as she said that, taking into account their former military background as the former spoke up.
"Three, actually. My pal Kurtis is somewhere back there, I think. He should be heading down here later this evening." The guard glanced back at Nathan's ID as she took in the veteran drone's reply, sighing as she decided to make a slight amendment to the issue put before her and the four friends.
"Well, seeing you two here, I believe I can write something up. The Major won't be happy with me for this, but I think I can trust you with appropriate behavior." Taking a small sticky name-tag, the woman pulled out a pen before starting to write on it. Initially, she glanced to Wade, who stated his name again before she began to write his name on the tag. Once she was finished, the guard gave the tag to Wade, who slapped it onto his jacket before she spoke to him. "You should be fine to enter for the most part, just stick close to your friends and don't cause any trouble. Understood?"
Wade gave a stern salute to the security officer, who held back a chuckle at the honest, yet amusing effort the disassembly drone showed to her. Giving a simple nod and a flick of her hand, she permitted Wade and his friends entrance to the base, the four walking past the walkway barricades as they made their way past the gate.
Wade let out a heavy sigh of relief as he thanked his allies. "I owe you both so much for this, thanks!"
"Don't mention it, Wade." F said warmly as she and Nathan laughed at his joyful face.
"Yeah, just doing what any good friend should." Nathan said as Tina wrapped an arm around Wade, holding him tightly as the two walked together.
Looking to his girlfriend, Wade spoke to Tina about what to do next. "Well, since we're in, you wanna go fi-" He ceased his words as he remembered that there was someone else they needed to find amongst the base. "Oh, I almost forgot about her,"
"Jasmine!" Tina and Wade said aloud together as the former remembered her sister, Wade's words snapping her mind to Jasmine in an instant. "We should look for her, you think she might be here somewhere?"
"Probably. If they got Ron after they captured me, they have to 've picked her up too." Wade stated, Nathan raising a hand as he offered to help.
"I could go looking for her! You know what she looks like?" Readying a holo-projector, he tried to display an image of Jasmine from one of his many memories of her. The picture was, while pixelated and under a blue hue, incredibly well-detailed. And for Nathan, that was all he needed to see to note Jasmine's appearance in his memory. Nodding, he spoke again to his friends. "Got it! I'll see if she's around!" Then, turning to run down one of the paths leading to a nearby base facility, he stopped as he asked one more question. "Oh! One more thing, you got a smartcomm on ya, Wade?"
Readying one from his holo-projector hand, he nodded as he spoke into it. "Seems so, though I don't seem to have all my contacts added in."
Running back over, Nathan pulled out his own smartcomm before putting it up against Wade's hand one, allowing the two devices to exchange information. Upon the devices beeping, Wade and Nathan nodded to each other, the former ignoring a pop-up that stated, "New Contact Added" while the latter spoke once more. "Okay, I'll call you once I spot her!" With that, he began running down the path once more, intent on finding Tina's sister at the base, wherever she could be.
"Fowley! Her last name's Fowley!" Tina said aloud to the departing Nathan, hoping he heard her words before turning away from the miner drone and facing Wade and F again.
As Tina sighed in partial relief, Wade put his own arm around her before asking the question he tried to ask before. "So, uh, with that out of the way for now... You wanna go look for one of those ship tabs?"
Putting a hand to Wade's chest, Tina smiled as she replied. "Oh, certainly." Then, as the three began walking down a different path that Nathan hadn't taken, the pilot drone continued with a chuckle. "I hear they have a place here that sells model kits too!"
...
Jasmine sat in silent sorrow as she took another gulp of her glass of Proxi-Vodka, a tasty, but heavy alcoholic beverage produced at the colony of Proxima 2... and one of Jasmine's preferred drinks to have when she wasn't in a good mood. When she awoke after being stunned by the station guards, she found that she was just recovered by a group that called themselves the 'United Earth Coalition', and that her drone friend, Tina, was unfortunately taken by the JCJenson corporation to be turned into one of their horrid disassembly drones. While the people that saved her offered to help her find Tina, so far there had been no luck in doing so. No successful calls, no response from Wade nor Ron, nothing.
The whole situation widdled at her like scrapes to her form, slowly draining any bit of hope that she had in finding her sister. And once the mission at that factory was over, the ship began heading back to the Nellis Base to escort the recovered drones back to a safe area. Unfortunately for Jasmine, Tina's presence was not given confirmation. Alone, she walked off to one of the bars down at the base, specifically Drexler's Cantina, one of the more popular bars down at the military starport. Thankfully, though she didn't openly exhibit feelings of wanting to be alone in her wallowing, she was glad the place was nearly barren of patrons, with only a few at a couple of tables within the bar.
The stage at the back of the bar also had a few singer drones performing aloud, the lead singer girl reciting the words of a quiet, yet exciting song that, instrumentally, consisted of a strange mix of bass, techno, and a hint of opera. The song itself was one Jasmine had heard a good many times before in her life, known as, 'You Complete My World' by a decades old Earth band by the name of HeartStar. The song, as Jasmine and many others who'd heard it interpreted it, was about someone who described their world like a puzzle, and that the one whom the main singer cared for beyond all was the only thing that could keep their world from shattering into ruin before them.
An oddly fitting tune, given what had just happened on the JCJ Central earlier. For all Jasmine knew, Tina was either alive beyond her knowledge, hopefully searching for her wherever she could, or, the answer Jasmine feared... Dead.
Not wanting to even consider the thought, the human pilot took another swig of the colonial Vodka, relishing in its taste before forcing herself to swallow, almost gagging from the strength of the drink. Easing herself, she glanced out to one of the windows of the bar, taking the faint glimpse of night into her eyes. Then, looking to the clock at the wall ahead of her, she saw the time was about a little over an hour to 10 pm. Jasmine gave a sigh to herself, certain she would be alone for the rest of the night.
Unbeknownst to her, however, Jasmine had been spied upon a little while ago. Nathan, in his search for the woman Tina called Jasmine Fowley, had spotted a woman matching the physical appearance of the target. Knowing Jasmine wouldn't know who he was if he tried to talk to her himself, Nathan immediately went looking for Wade, easing his return to his team by calling the former worker drone and signaling him about his findings.
Deciding to check on the news, Jasmine slowly pulled out her smartcomm, resisting her urge to press the contacts button as she tapped the news app. Looking through it, she spotted a recent story that was posted just over an hour ago, titled, "JCJenson 'Recall' effort sabotaged by joint Government/Militia forces! The Truth Exposed!" Above the article was a video, a play button in front of it teasing Jasmine. Curious over this sudden development, she pressed the button, her attention in complete focus on the video as it began to play.
After the news station's logo appeared on-screen for a short few seconds, the current host for the story, Mrs. Tiffany Joy, appeared at her seat before beginning the story. "Good evening, this is Nevada-78, I'm your host, Tiffany Joy. Tonight, we start with a rapid development for the 'drone recall' incidents propagated by the business conglomerate JCJenson In Space. Throughout the afternoon up to now, several advanced factories under the ownership of the corporation have fallen under violent assault by various militarized forces, ranging from official United Nations operatives to private militia groups with varying goals." The small screen to Joy's left shifted to show the state of Nevada, zooming into it to show a portion of the Mojave desert as Joy continued her story.
"Among these facilities, one such factory based right here in southern Nevada has recently succumbed to the successful efforts of the USN Defense Force and a group by the name of the United Earth Coalition, an alliance consisting of humans and automatons working to create a unified world for both species." The screen shifted again to show the logo for the UEC, which appeared as one half of a human head outline and another of a drone's, along with two arms behind the heads belonging to both beings pictured. "With the attack having concluded just hours ago, we have reporters gathering at the New Nellis Staryards near Henderson City to bring you the aftermath of the conflict. We go to Mr. Jelico, on the scene in five."
The camera shifted after the countdown of five to show Mr. Jelico in front of the camera, the cameraman filming a large tent housing several worker drones being tended to by the base soldiers. "Alright, Jelico here, we're on station at New Nellis. What you're all seeing here are some of the recovered worker drones, many of them were pretty spooked by the events that unfolded in that factory earlier." As the camera panned over the lot of drones, some of them looked to the camera, curious at the news crew filming them as Jelico continued. "A few of them are real glad to be here, Joy. Seems like they feel safe here, as far as I can tell."
As the camera moved to show Jelico again, a plane could be seen taking off as he spoke. "Yeah, these people did them quite a service. The staff here are working to find their original owners and families, it'll probably be a little bit before they can get them all home." The camera switched once again to another view of the base, the lights of various buildings illuminating the night as the news story continued.
At the entrance, Nathan pushed open the door to the bar, the chime failing to catch anyone's attention as he, Wade, F and Tina stepped inside. Carefully pointing at Jasmine, he whispered to Tina, "That's her, from the looks of it. She's been here for a good minute!"
Taking another drink of the Proxi-Vodka, Jasmine listened further to the story. "The authorities didn't just recover a majority of the worker drones taken into the factory, however. A recent update provided by Mrs. Yuka, shows her interviewing a disassembly drone who claims to be among the unfortunate drones the assault force failed to save before their conversion."
"Jasmine!" Tina called out, the voice instantly grabbing the woman's attention as she paused the news story. Swiftly turning her head, her heart began pounding with immense excitement as she saw her drone sister, who grinned upon seeing her face.
"Tina!" Jasmine said aloud, somewhat weakly from her previous wallowing as she tried to run over to her sister, landing on her knees as the two embraced in a flush of emotions. Wade and his friends stood behind the two girls as they hugged each other, clinging onto one another as tightly as they could give. Jasmine seemed to erupt with a pained cough as she allowed some of her sorrow out of her heart, Tina carressing her back in a comforting manner as she held back her own tears. The sisters held the hug for a long moment, not daring to let go of one another for fear of losing each other again. Eventually, however, they did, the two sisters taking heavy breaths as Jasmine spoke up while wiping her face. "I thought I'd lost you."
"Can't say I didn't feel the same way, love." Tina replied as she broke out in light laughter, glancing to Wade before continuing. "But, fortunately, those Coalition boys helped out quite a bit. Though, not as much as my knight in his new armor."
Standing herself up, Jasmine took Tina's helping hand as she looked to the one her sister spoke of. A grateful smile formed on Jasmine's face as she saw Wade, standing in front of her and Tina as he returned the expression. Looking upon her family friend, Jasmine noticed something... different about Wade. He was taller now, his arms were shaped like white cones rather than the silver bendy tubes he and Tina normally had. As for his face, his pure green eyes were replaced with a set of greenish-yellow ones, and above his forehead was a band holding five yellow bulbs that she didn't know the function of.
While the pieces started to click together in her head, Jasmine took Wade's held out hand as she spoke to him. "Wade, I'm so glad to see you! You look different, too. Did something... happen to you?" She already guessed it by this point, but feigned confusion as she opted to hear Wade's take on the matter.
"Yeah, I hope you don't mind your sister dating a vampire from now on." Tina chortled in amusement at Wade's comment at himself, Jasmine raising an eyebrow in confusion at the former worker drone as he returned his expression to a more sincere smile. "The company got me too, and unlike the workers we got out... they managed to turn me into a disassembly drone. From now on, I'm gonna need to take in more oil than I usually did before I was turned. My cooling system's not as good as it should be, from what I've heard." Pulling out his two full canteens, Wade finished his partial explanation. "Don't worry, though. I've got some to keep me down."
Jasmine took in the news with immense surprise, noticing the hazard stripes at the rims of Wade's arms as she replied to her friend. "Oh... Well, if Tina's fine with it, then I see no problem with that, Wade." Admittedly, she was a bit unnerved by the change, concerned for both him and Tina's safety due to this supposed oil coolant issue. Trying to sound as nice as she could on the matter, Jasmine hesitantly asked Wade, "Though... I am a bit concerned with that bad cooling problem you mention. You... don't think you would-"
"Hurt Tina?!" Wade assumed, understanding Jasmine's concern as he gave a horrified glance to the two sisters. Standing with his fists to his hips, he gave his answer to Jasmine's presumed question. "Don't even say such a thing, Jasmine. I'd rather overheat than dare strike her."
Admittedly amused as well as concerned for Wade's selflessness, Tina chuckled at him before speaking up on the matter. "Now now, Wade. It won't be so bad. We'll manage."
Jasmine nodded as she agreed with her sister's optimistic view on the problem. "Indeed we will, we always do." Then, taking notice of the other two drones in the room, Jasmine smiled at them before speaking again. "Ah, I see you brought some friends too."
Wade and Tina glanced over to Nathan and F upon Jasmine's statement, the two friends smiling pleasantly as Wade spoke up. "Oh, yeah. These are some of my work buddies from Ceres, Jasmine. This is Nathan, I first met him when Ron and I came to the mines, showed us around a bit too." Putting a hand on F's shoulder, Wade introduced her too. "And this is Serial Designation F, or, just F. She was one of the guards keeping watch on the place while we worked."
F seemed to blush out of embarrassment as she remembered her and Wade's first meeting. "I... did come off a little rough on them when they first came in, though. Stopped Nathan's touring run too. Just following colony protocol."
Nathan patted F's back as he tried to ease F's guilt. "Oh, it's nothing F. We had to start work in a few minutes anyway. Besides, it's a bit more fun exploring the place yourself without a guide." He winked at the others as he finished his praise. "Trust me, it really is."
Wade, Tina and Jasmine all chuckled at their friend's amusing words, F joining in as she replied to Nathan's encouragement. "Alright, alright."
Walking up to the two, Tina put her hand onto Nathan's as she gave her own praises. "And they may not look like it, dear, but Nathan and F were both formerly in the military, from what Wade's told me."
Jasmine gave a proud smirk at the two as she responded to her sister's claim. "Well, that's quite something. Did she tell you we used to fly for them some years back?"
"Oh, she did, Mrs. Fowley." Nathan replied as he chuckled lightly, F giving a smile of her own as she added her own part to the story.
"Yeah, and given what's happening now, maybe they might call you back for service again. Wade told me you two were excellent pilots."
It was now Jasmine's turn to blush as she chuckled from the compliment, knowing Wade's high praise for her and her sister's flying as she replied. "Well, I can't say that's wrong, Tina saved the day during the flight back here. We ran into an asteroid cluster while in the middle of a jump."
Wade patted Tina on her back as he quietly cheered his love on. "That's what I'm talking about, she's a wonder among the stars, I'm telling you!"
The group fell into an excited fit of laughter at the conversation, a few of the bar patrons taking notice of the bunch as they eventually ceased their joyful moment.
As everyone calmed down, Jasmine spoke up, intending to bring the discussion to another place. "Well, with all that said, it feels great to see you all here. It was such a terrible day after all those company folk showed up." Then, as she scanned the group of friends around her, she noticed someone else missing from this puzzle. "Hey, uh... is Ron here? Did he head off somewhere?"
The mood was quickly put down to a mournful aura as Wade and Tina glanced to the floor in sadness, Nathan and F giving uncomfortable postures as they awaited for someone to speak up on the matter.
Eventually, Wade was the one to open his mouth, breathing steadily as he tried to speak to Jasmine. "Um, Jasmine? Things, uh... really took a nose dive after we got captured. You think we could find a place to sit? It's a lot to talk about."
Looking to the four drones with concern, Jasmine eased her returning fear as she nodded to Wade in agreement. "...Sure, there's plenty of space at the table here." Pointing her arm to the table, which was surrounded by a U-shaped seating bench, Wade and his friends began to move to the table as Tina spoke up.
"I can get us some drinks for the talk, you all want anything?"
"Just some oil, thanks. "Wade answered as F and Nathan gave their own nods to Tina, the drone girl walking over to the bartender near the stage as she went to purchase some beverages.
Sitting down, Jasmine picked up her smartcomm from the table, glancing to it as she spoke up on her half-finished drink. "Heh, and to think I was drowning myself in this drag of a drink before. Probably have to find a different glass."
"Proxi-Vodka? Haven't seen you touch that since we lost Aunt Susan." Wade said solemnly as he examined Jasmine's drink, sighing as he reluctantly continued. "Well, maybe it can go for a few more sips."
Looking to the vodka, Jasmine nodded as she put her smartcomm in her pocket. "I figured, I didn't think this was gonna sound good."
"I wish it did." Wade replied as Tina walked back to the table, a plate of three oil glasses resting on her careful hand as she set it down.
After delivering the drinks, Tina took a seat next to Wade, holding his hand as Jasmine spoke up. "So, where do we start this terrible story?"
Wade gulped a bit as he began to recount the events that transpired today. "Well, it all started when Ron and I came back from the mining colony."
submitted by AdmiralStone96230-A to MurderDrones [link] [comments]


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