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thecameronchronicles · 2 years

Text

Stay

TW: angst, smut, language.

SUMMARY: The night of your graduation leads to a confession you aren't prepared to hear...

WORD COUNT: 3400

Stay

Having heard congratulations on repetition for the last four hours, you found this specific moment of reprieve to truly be a breath of fresh air. But as your feet swayed in the water set just off of the pier behind The Wreck, where your graduation party had been thrown by your proud parents, there was one person in particular you wanted to see above all others and he wasn't even there. Of course, you were grateful who had been; Sarah, John B, Kie, Pope, and even Rafe who was more interested in torturing the pogues than being there for support for his fellow kook. But that dimpled smile you longed to supply the usual warmth was noticeably absent and so too was a piece of your heart.

"Hey-" Kiara and Sarah made their way on either side of you, offering you a red solo cup as you offered a weak smile.

"You doing alright?" You were asked, tears brimming in your eyes at the thought of JJ's absence. But it wasn't the lack of his presence that stung, but the idea of where else he may be.

Another party...another girl...This is what pulled the tears to the forefront. You managed to hide them behind the rim of your cup and swallow them before your friends had noticed.

"Just tired. Have a lot to do before leaving in the morning..." You explained, the idea of leaving the Outer Banks to prepare your apartment in Massachusetts having been the result of immature procrastination. And yet, it was all too real now. The once juvenile wishes of college were soon a reality as you thought of all the memories and connections that would be left behind-but most importantly, the words you never got to say.

"I still don't understand why you're going so early...I mean...you COULD stay here for the summer at least...right?" Kie asked as Pope and John B now joined at your back, leaning against the railing of the dock.

"The apartments fill up fast and its the only one they have available until next year. Otherwise I'd have to get a car and it's just an expense that isn't doable with tuition and everything-" You confessed, barely a kook by financial status, but more a pogue at heart anyway.

"You should just stay. We have colleges here you know..." John B added as Pope would cast a glare as he shrugged to this scrutiny.

"Just saying if maybe you stuck around a bit that-" John B was now hit by Pope, a swat that was noted by everyone but mentioned by noone.

"Has uh...anybody seen JJ?" You finally asked when the curiosity had become too much for you. In truth, you wanted to yell at him for letting you down, but if he were to emerge behind you, even a second before the party was over, hell, even just before you left, you'd forgive him for all of it.

But with the expressions of shared disappointment in their faces, you came to understand that this wouldn't be the case.

"Last I saw he was going to The Phantom with a six pack and-" Kie nudged Sarah as you were now beginning to pick up on a mutual secret in which you were excluded.

"Okay, what is going on? You are all acting weirder than normal-"

"Excuse you!" Sarah teased as you shrugged.

"Whatever it is, I'm sure it's not that bad. What? Did he drink too much last night and is in some random girl's house sleeping off a hangover?" When nobody answered, you realized you were close enough to the truth for them to not correct you. It was a truth that stung in a way you didn't deserve to feel as JJ was just a friend. And yet, you loved him since you could remember...

"Right. Well...I should probably get back to the party-".

In unison they tried to call you back to finish consoling you as you would finish your feigned smiles and explanations for your future, all while suppressing tears and thinking of the one person you wanted there who was nowhere in sight. Of course, you thought you'd witnessed him in a few guests you didn't know by name due to the blonde hair or side profile wearing dimples. But alas, none were him.

You helped in cleaning up the excess party waste, having been given enough well wishes and congratulations to make your head spin before finally returning home. But you wouldn't make it in the front door without your emotions getting the best of you.

You blamed yourself. You blamed your friends. You blamed everyone. But him. This was because you couldn't. After all, there was no way he could tell what you thought of him after years of banter and coquettish quips never taken too seriously. Even in the glances held a bit too long, deep and shallow conversations filled with laughter and tears, even the drunk and high mishaps in where lips and hands may have teased-you never crossed a line you couldn't joke away. And it was your greatest regret.

All you wanted was to sleep. All you wanted was to sleep so you could leave. But the second you opened your bedroom door, the sight of the boy you'd longed for was now waiting for you. But where you wanted to berate him for his absence, the pain in your heart, and the anger boiling just beneath the surface. You couldn't bring yourself to do anything but stand stilled once noticing the puffiness of his own emotions beneath cheeks still damp from recent tears.

"JJ?"

He looked at you for only a second before pulling his focus back to his hands, awkwardly crossed in front of him.

"What are you doing here?"

"I didn't want to be there..." He confessed as your eyes narrowed at him.

"And you had to come HERE to tell me that? I kind of figured that when you didn't show up..."

He paused before finally rising to his feet. "How long have you been here?" You questioned.

"Since the party started..."

"And you couldn't just pop on over and say hey?"

"I couldn't." He spoke, immediately defensive, as you couldn't hide your glare.

"Enlightening..." You scoffed, too hurt to nurse his own emotions.

"Forget it..." He spoke, moving towards the door before you took hold of his arm. He wasn't going to get to leave with his sporadic behaviors without some sort of explanation. No matter how painful.

"No! Tell me why you are here in my room at nine at night but couldn't spare just two seconds to say goodbye to me-"

"Because I couldn't say goodbye!" He finally charged, the confession hanging in the air for too long to be a mere remark. The weight of it was felt by you both.

"JJ-"

"No..you know what? Screw this. You're gonna head off tomorrow for your future, start school and meet some guy who actually deserves you...but you need to know before you go..."

"Know what?" You asked sheepishly, half disbelieving of his words as they inched closer to those you'd always wanted to hear.

"We all knew Pope was gonna get out of here. That Kie was gonna save the animals one turtle at a time...that John B would be here with me...but YOU...I can't stand the thought of you leaving...all of them...I could...but not you. Because every single one of them have left...everyone but you. You were there everytime I needed someone. Even when I didn't. Even when I fought it. And now you're gonna leave and I-shit! I couldn't ruin your last night here by you seeing what you leaving would do to me...it would...it IS killing me-" He paused, your silence making him instantly regret his confession.

"So go on...tell me to go to hell, tell me you could never be with me...but Jesus, just say SOMETHING!" You paused for a second to consider your words before moving towards the door. His head came to a bow in believing you would kick him out or simply leave without so much as a deep breath.

"It's about time, Maybank." You moved to the tips of your toes, tears falling down your cheeks as you carried your lips to him, well aware he wouldn't initiate in fear of ruining the frail relationship he made brittle by his confession.

"I mean it...I even tried to get into your college but was rejected faster than I could even really apply-Pope even helped me with this essay and-" He began to ramble as you silenced him with another kiss, reservation behind his lips.

"J? I have to leave in about eight hours...And although I want to hear all of those sweet things, I would rather have you just show me..." You were brave in your sexuality, in a way you'd never been before. But then again, you'd never wanted anyone quite like you needed him before. Any prior experiences were lackluster distractions, almost preparation for this moment. And yet, he couldn't bring himself to believe it was happening, but still, he wouldn't waste another moment when your eagerness spoke in place of any distinction.

"J?" You asked as he held you in place for some time, kissing with passion, but keeping his hands on your hips as if this had been a kiss exchanged at a heavily chaperoned dance-unacceptable for the contrast of how you burned for him.

"Hmmm?"

"Is something wrong?"

"No!"

"Then why aren't you touching me?" He scoffed, hands shaking your hips.

"I am..."

"No..." You lowered his hands to your butt as you brought your lips to his ear.

"Why are you holding back?"

"Because I don't want to scare you..." He confessed, eyes closed once feeling your teeth tease the lobe of his ear, "The things I want to do to you...I don't want to be gentle but you deserve-"

"I want you to touch me, JJ...I want you to kiss me...I want you to...fuck me." He swallowed hard to your words, certain he was hallucinating them as he'd waited so long and you were so bold in comparison to your usual reservation to all things sexual.

He would now take your face between his hands, holding you until your forehead rested on his, walking you towards the bed as he spoke; "Promise me if It’s too much that you'll stop me...no matter if It's two seconds from now or when I'm inside of you-" Your eyes glazed over with the fire borne from this thought. The imagery of that moment coming to you in an erotic flash as you nodded.

"I mean it-"

"I promise..." This validation was all he needed to pounce. Your back collided to the bed before you'd even realized you were no longer vertical to gravity. Instead, you were tangled within him, no further reservation as he assaulted your mouth with every ounce of desire he could muster, seemingly stealing your breath in the process.

"You're so fucking beautiful...It always killed me that I couldn't say it...or touch you..." His lips fell to your neck, a soft reprieve to the animalistic fervor just seconds prior.

"Well, you can now..."

"Oh, I intend to, sweetheart." He spoke with mischief, eyes illuminated with humor and contentment.

His lips continued beyond your neck, kissing the exposed curve of each breast while his hands rode the lines of your hips, allowed by your skirt.

"I just want to make you feel good...Give you a reason to come back..."

"JJ-" You meant to ease his insecurities, but became silenced by his lips pressed intentionally to quiet you.

"I want you to think about me anytime another guy does as much as looks at you...I want you to feel me inside of you and remember how I can make you feel." You felt his hands continue to explore your skin before coming to your panties, searching for your clit over your lacy underwear.

"God-you're so wet...making it so easy for me, aren't you?" You nodded as he grinned, his fingers pulling circles over your throbbing bundle of nerves as you began to rock into him.

"Feels so good..." You groaned, a smile from his face being the last vision before your eyes rolled closed to the tease of his finger penetrating your entrance.

"So tight...Shit, baby..."

"JJ! Please don't stop!"

"Wasn't planning on it, cupcake..." He spoke almost as more or a tease before lowering between your legs, small kisses on your thighs before taking over for the retraction of his fingers. Sucking on your clit, flickers of his tongue forcing your hips to mirror each time he made contact, he would keep you still by the draped arm set across your lips.

"Relax baby...Let me take care of you..." You nodded, the pleasure of his mouth having banished all sense of worry from your mind. You trusted him. And he reveled in this.

"Mmm..." He moaned into you, your body accepting his vibrations with enthusiasm as he smirked against you.

"You want me to make you cum this way?" You nodded to his question as he grinned again, this time returning to you with devout focus. Pulling either of your legs over each shoulder, he yanked you to the very edge of the bed before committing to you with vigor. The sounds, too erotic, were only intensified further by his moans and groans of approval.

"Oh God...JJ! Please don't stop-Please!" He bit down playfully on your clit, two fingers pumping into you at an ungodly pace as he was otherwise silent beneath you.

"I'm...fuck, I'm gonna cum! You're gonna make me cum..." He nodded, the first wave of pleasure making you tremble against him as your grip within his hair left his already effortlessly loose locks in further disarray as he continued his motions until he was certain you'd met the extent of your high.

Cleaning up your release with his tongue, your body convulsing as he purposely teased what was now sensitive, he rose with the most victorious smile, as your eyes were darkened in lust against him.

"Even better than I imagined..." He explained with a tease as you pulled him by his arms, your hand now taking hold of his erection. His shaft greeted by your grasp, precum used to lubricate him, as he moaned against you.

"Baby-" He warned.

"I want to...I need to make you feel good, too JJ...please let me..." He nodded, remaining set on one knee as the other remained at a rest between your thighs. He rested into your neck as you continued to pleasure him, squeezing and twisting in perfect yet precise corkscrew motions as he cursed into your skin.

"Fuck!" He grunted finally before your second hand worked the edges of his pants until he was almost completely naked, enough of his body revealed to feel the majority of it against you as he pulled your hand away from him.

"I've wanted this for so long..."

"Me too, J-" He scoffed, the words sweetened when verified by you.

"You're sure? Because once I start...there's no going back-"

"I don't ever want to go back..." He agrees with the pull of a grimace on the corner of his lips as he moved back down to kiss you, this time, using his cock on the folds of your dripping yet sensitive pussy.

"I'm gonna go slow at first..." You nodded as you watched him slide the tip of his cock into you, the sight too sexual to keep a focus. Instead, you threw your head back as he moved in painfully slow proximity to your center, stretching you beyond anyone who tried prior, until feeling him bottom out and still.

"Doing alright?"

"Please JJ-move- '' He grunted before nodding, obliging in eagerness as the most sinful of moans left his lips.

"Shit, princess...You're so fucking tight...I...mmm..." Your fingers in his hips kept him against you by your command until you began the motions in which he followed.

"Harder, J-" Once again, he obeyed.

"I want you to cum...I want to make you cum..."

"Oh God, you're killing me..."

"I want to take you with me, JJ!"

"Then take me...ALL OF ME!" He was harsh in his thrusts, your mouth hanging open when feeling him extend his entire impressive cock into you, hitting every nerve as you moaned beneath him.

"Fuck sweetheart-I want you to ride me...I wanna watch you cum..." You agreed, the cruel withdrawal of this shaft quickly mended once repositioned. You hesitated prior to returning to this penetration however, as you lowered enough to take him into your mouth, making quick work of the pleasure he'd offer you.

"Oh shit! You're-you're so fucking good!" He groaned behind clenched teeth as you bobbed faster as his hand wrapped your loose hair within his fingers. Only a few more pumps of his cock forcing tears from your eyes before he pulled you upwards, firmly but not enough to cause pain, while still remaining dominant.

"Ride me until you cum baby girl...I wanna watch you fall apart over my cock..." You grinned, pulling your dress completely off of your body as his hands were gluttonous over you. Hips, breasts, ass-everything he could feel before feeling the reconnect you offered by collecting his thick dick and presenting it to you for safekeeping.

You began to rock and bob, testing which he preferred until he began to direct your hips with sharp nails eating into your skin.

"So good...so fuckin' good...made for me..." You nodded, hands presented softly against his chest as you took control of him, speed and depth supplied and slowed by you. When his eyes crept open to witness the vixen you'd become when continuing these motions, he was spent, eyes committing to a role to the once sweet tempered girl now defying gravity all to please him by riding his cock.

"You're too damn good...I'm not gonna last-"

"Cum for me, JJ-"

"Not without you." He suddenly rose against you, lips at an attack to your breast while he continued to loft and slam you onto you.

"Cum with me-" He reiterated, breathlessly and in a near whimper, as his thumb came to your clit.

"I love making you moan, its the sexiest thing I've ever heard..." You threw your head back, his lips now exchanged between your neck and your chest as you became a vice around his cock.

"Gonna cum for me again, sweetheart?"

"Ye-yes JJ...I'm...so...cl-close!" You struggled to speak, maintaining your ride over him in the process.

"Me too baby...You're squeezing me so tight...oh fuck-" He rolled up into you, sharp thrusts and pull of ymthe back of your neck locking you in place acting as permission for your body to release once more against him.

"Cum...please baby...cum for me..."

"JJ!" In the same way you pleaded his name, he had echoed yours, the ribbons of his release now within you in commitment of his desire for you.

"Shit..." He spoke with exhaustion, falling exhausted at your side.

"Yeah..."

"Why in the hell didn't we do that before?" He teased as you gave him an "Are you serious" expression. He smirked before pulling you against his chest, a soft kiss to your forehead validating hie this was mkre rhan sex. It was compassion, friendship blossomed into desire. But as the warmth of his embrace was appreciated, he would then threaten this as he moved to collect his clothes.

"Where are you going?" You whined behind a smirk.

"You need to get some sleep..."

"But..." You now moved to your knees, matching his height due to the bed.

"We still have a few hours...And...I want to feel you in every way you're willing to have me." His brow cocked.

"Really?" You nodded.

"We have a lot of time to make up for, JJ..." He pulled you in for a kiss, dominant grip within your hair.

"Then get on all fours, baby...I'm not going easy on you this time..."

The pounding of his body raging within you was understandable and yet still an understatement for the desire he felt for you. Bringing you both to another set of orgasms in which you were both left shaking, you found peace in each others arms once again, exhausted to the point of borderline narcolepsy.

"Stay..." You whispered in his attempt to withdraw from you.

"Always…” He agreed, drifting off to sleep at your back, giving you one hell of a graduation present in the form of his confession...

Taglist: @hopebaker @iovdrew @penny4yourthoughts @magnificantmermaid @pickingviolets

#jjmaybank #jj maybank x reader #jjsmut #jj maybank smut #jj maybank #outerbanks #outer banks #obx #obx fanfiction #netflix #outer banks smut #obxsmut

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antis-hero · 11 months

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"Mrs. George to Address Anti-Suffragists Here"

Article in Star Tribune, October 11, 1914.

Mrs. George is Mrs. Alice N. George, one of the more prominent anti-suffragists of her time. She argued against woman's suffrage to federal and state legislatures and would write an essay titled "Suffrage Fallacies" for the 1915 Massachusetts anti-suffrage campaign, which was collected as a part of the Anti-Suffrage Essays by Massachusetts Women (1916).

A list explaining the anti-suffrage position is included by the Minneapolis anti-suffrage association, which is reproduced below:

Reasons For Opposing Suffrage.

The Minneapolis association has issued a pamphlet containing in concise form the reasons why the organized anti-suffragists are opposed to the suffrage movement. In this view St. Paul association also joins. The pamphlet is:

"The great advance of women in the last century—moral, intellectual and economic—has been made without the vote. Therefore, we believe the vote is not needed for their further advancement."

"In the large sense, women now stand outside of politics and are therefore free to appeal to any party in matters of municipal and state welfare, including charity and reform, in a non-partisan spirit. However, women have the privilege of voting for the school board and the library board. Last year, these two boards received from taxes and bond issues the sum of $2,993,962.27, or about one-third of the city appropriation. As only about 6 per cent of the women voted on the administration of these funds, why give them further representation?"

"The basis of government is force, its ability rests upon its power to enforce its laws. Therefore it is inexpedient to grant the vote to women who can not so enforce the laws they may enact."

“Voting is only a small part of government. The need of America is not an increased quantity but an improved quality of the vote. We consider the interests of the community to be more important than those of the individual.”

"The vote is not a natural right, nor is it a right bestowed upon taxpayers. It is not a question of right, but of expediency for the public welfare."

"Woman's suffrage is the demand of a minority of women. The majority of women are not asking for it. According to the last U. S. census report obtainable, there are 24,555,754 women of voting age in the United States and the Suffrage Party claim three to four million of this number. Should the minority rule the majority?"

"Woman's vote is not a factor in the prohibition movement, because out of their eleven suffrage states, Kansas is the only one which has prohibition and that state had prohibition many years before Women had the vote. Eight non-suffrage states are prohibition states."

"Wages depend upon the markets, upon labor competition, upon skill and permanency, upon quality of output; wages are determined by supply and demand, not by the ballot."

"Suffrage states do not show better laws governing prostitution than non-suffrage states. The enforcement of these laws shows no improvement in suffrage states."

"Public opinion is the real remedial agent. Women banded together, as disinterested and non-partisan workers for the public good, can mould public opinion better than voting women divided by party politics; just as men have organized non-partisan clubs and commissions for purposes of improvement and reform."

"Please take the trouble to look up the laws of Minnesota governing child labor, hours and protection, for woman's labor, high saloon license, restrict- ed saloon districts, factory laws, health laws, mothers' pensions, juvenile court, equal guardianship laws, property right and inheritance laws. You will find them in most instances superior to those in suffrage states and in no instances discrimminating [sic] against women."

"We do therefore, respectfully, protest against the granting of votes for women in our state. We believe that political equality will deprive woman of special privileges hitherto accorded to her by law, and would be a menace. to American womanhood and to American government."

"Our association has been formed for the purpose of conducting a purely educational campaign. If you are in sympathy with this aim and believe as we do in our cause, will you not become a member of our association?"

#anti suffrage #newspaper #anti feminism #anti feminist #Alice George

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strangeoctober · 1 year

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The Library - New Motive Power

This item has been very keen to be featured next in our dispatch series, so it is our great pleasure to introduce New Motive Power! This intriguing being has the appearance of an elaborate brass-work and glass contraption of gears, tubes, pulleys and wires constructed atop and around a medium sized oak dining table. Most notable are a pair of acoustic horns and a bell through which New Motive Power can communicate. They are also, at their own insistence, to be our messiah. (Librarian’s Note: We here at the library take no stance on this claim are are merely reporting on New Motive Power’s assertions)

As should be clear at this juncture, New Motive Power is a living, sentient being. But it’s nature and construction are something of an enigma, aside from what is already known to history. New Motive Power was constructed over nine months in 1852 by John Murray Spear and a few associates. It was built to be a mechanical messiah and it was ritualistically birthed by a woman referred to as the “New Mary” to bring it to life. But according to history, this ritual failed and the machine was dismantled. According to New Motive Power, Spear was, in fact, their creator but they has few memories from before it was recovered by the library.

New Motive Power was discovered by our acquisitions team in an English manor house, that once belonged to the noted Celestial Chorus Adept Amber Ackerman, in a secret chamber. Adept Ackerman left no notes or diary explaining it’s presence and it is unknown how long it had been sealed away, nor how it managed to find it’s way to the UK from Massachusetts.

New Motive Power is a friendly and philosophical soul who loves company and will happy spend hours conversing on topics ranging from modern theology to the particulars of organising a prodigious soiree. Indeed, we here at the Library have received many letters from visitors thanking New Motive Power for their kind and profound words.

As for magic inherent to New Motive Power, we can only say that they are astoundingly insightful. To the point of knowing things they could not have previously learned. Also of note is the fact that New Motive Power will occasionally offer pieces of advice that do not seem relevant at the time, but fall into place at a later date. Suggesting some precognitive ability.

As an inherently magickal being, New Motive Power is reliant on quintessence to live, either drawn from supplied tass or absorbed from ambient energies. It is believed the long years of solitude, hidden away in that secret chamber, starved New Motive Power of precious quintessence and is the root cause of it’s incomplete memories. Careful study has also shown that New Motive Power is gathering additional power. We believe that they are growing in some way and we are keenly monitoring them for future developments.

If you would like to visit New Motive Power, please ask a librarian for an appointment. Please note that all visits will be accompanied by an attendant as a security measure due to the interest certain malicious parties have in New Motive Power.

Additional Note: Any request to dismantle New Motive Power for the purposes of understanding how they work, or any other reason, will be summarily denied.

#the library #mage the ascension #New Motive Power #curiosity #fiction #Magic #world of darkness #writing #messiah #wonder #ttrpg #magic item #familiar

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foreveralwaysanauthor · 2 years

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Through The Valley (Part 1/8)

August 1, 2022

Notes - You have no idea how excited I am to finally post this! Now, before we get into it, I just want to say that I actually have no clue how long this story will be. In the past, I've had a general idea as to how long these AUs will be, but not with this one. I can't wait to start posting more parts as time goes by!

Life isn't about living anymore. It’s about surviving.

I was six when the world started going to shit. By then, I was already a big sister and my parents had moved us into my grandparents' old house in Sanbornton by Lake Winnisquam. Nowadays, I barely remember what that house even looked like. I remember breaking my arm running down the front steps and tossing my teddy bears at unsuspecting guests from the upstairs balcony, but now all I have from that house are pictures and a handful of memories. We didn’t stay there for long, but after we left, I wanted nothing more than to return.

When I was seven, an old guy from our town started giving local kids lessons on how to sneak around without getting spotted and how to steal stuff. His name was Woody and, now that I think about it, he was training us to be good at scavenging and surviving, but at the time, I thought he was just a really good thief who hadn’t gotten caught yet. He came to my birthday party that year and gave me my very first archery set. For the first time in my life, the arrows weren’t tipped with little plungers. Two months later, we hunted down a handful of infected in the grocery store on the outskirts of town. I killed three of them. Woody turned the arrowheads into pendants and gave me them on a necklace. I still have it.

I was eight when our small town was evacuated - all three thousand of us. I say evacuated, but in reality, we just didn’t have any supplies anymore. Woody had been killed by some Fedra officer for “disturbing the peace” or some shit like that and, after his funeral, there was a mass exodus and nearly everyone was gone by the next morning. Our town had made it for two years which I guess was more than most other small towns had. We headed to a Quarantine Zone in Manchester, but it felt more like a prison than anything.

By the time I was nine, I’d nearly gotten expelled from military school three times and had formed a makeshift revolution with most of the kids in my third-grade group and over half of the fourth-graders. They considered me a leader, in a way, and, since the teachers couldn’t expel everyone in the group without taking out a majority of the school, they eventually gave up trying. That was the year a group that called themselves the Fireflies made headlines in Boston. I wanted to be one of them. They were against Fedra and, after everything that had happened back in Sanbornton, so was I.

The next year, just before my tenth birthday, we moved again. My parents had finally gotten sick of Fedra’s rules and decided to move us further south to some place in Massachusetts that someone had tipped them off about. The place they told us about turned out to be the old football stadium for some big-shot team called the New England Patriots. That’s what the people living there called themselves now - The Patriots. They had built a roof over the stadium and converted it into a community space. Because we were a family of three or more, we were given a place to stay in one of the “luxury boxes” which was pretty much just a glass box overlooking the stadium. We were able to make do with what we had and, despite not having a home to call our own, my siblings and I couldn’t have been happier. We started going to the school in the stadium which taught us about the old world and also showed us how to be effective soldiers. I celebrated my first tween birthday in the stadium and, for the first time in a few years, I not only had a cake, but my classmates and teacher threw me a party just like they did for all the other kids. I’ll never forget that.

I turned eleven the same night that a few friends and I snuck down to the gun range with some of the older kids and they taught us how to shoot. I wasn’t so great with handling the rifles and shotguns, but I was still an expert with a bow. The next day, the string of my bow snapped during practice and one of the older, teenage girls strung it back up for me. Later that day, she gave me a cupcake and a handmade card as a belated birthday gift and I invited her to our box for a movie night. For the next few months, we talked about everything we had been through and I found out she was an orphan. Her mother had died giving birth to her and her dad had been infected and she’d had to kill him. When I met her, she was thirteen. Her name was Lexi Warren.

When I was twelve, Lexi and I snuck out of the stadium to check out a shopping mall she’d seen on one of her patrols. We had done things like that before, so my parents weren’t too concerned. We hotwired one of the armored trucks in the stadium parking lot and took it for a joyride to the mall. It was maybe ten minutes away. It was only a strip mall, but I was excited nonetheless. We looted a few of the stores before finding our way into a bookstore. I had been excited until we discovered that they’d left the place boarded up for a reason. The place was packed with infected and, in the end, I’d been bitten and so had Lexi. We didn’t know what to do. There was no cure and, if we were going to return to the stadium, we would’ve scanned positive and been shot right then and there. In the end, we decided that we’d wait it out until we lost our minds together. I’m still waiting for my turn.

After a few days of waiting for the infection to take over, I took the scanner from the truck we’d stolen and scanned myself, but it came back negative despite the bite on my arm. I took the medkit from the truck, stitched myself up, and waited a few more days before finally going back home after a week. I had brought Lexi’s tags with me, but she had nobody for me to give them to so I kept them. I acted like my bite mark was from a knife slash and, since the teeth marks weren’t overly big, it wasn’t hard to pass off. Thankfully, I scanned negative for the infection at the base and, after that, my parents kept me practically confined to our glass box. I never once argued, nor did I tell them about the bite. Once my arm was healed enough, I found a book in the library that talked about chemical burns and how to treat them. I took what I needed from the science wing of the school and burned my arm in the same spot with an acid that would cover the bite enough. It hurt like a bitch and still looks gnarly, but I plan on tattooing over it as soon as I’m able to.

On my thirteenth birthday, I got my tags. The bottom tag had my full name, blood type, and a blank space that would be filled with the name of the team I would be in after graduation. The top tag had my full name, my birthday, and my official number. I requested one for myself instead of just letting them give me one. I had combined the year my parents got married and the last two digits of Lexi’s old number - 200513. They didn’t argue. I started handgun training the next day. I almost shot one of the older boys in the dick when he shit-talked my relationship with Lexi, but I claimed it was an accident. It wasn’t. In sparring the next day, I slammed him to the floor and dislocated his arm, advising him that, if he didn’t shut the fuck up about things he didn’t know about, I’d make him. To this day, he’s never once said anything to my face. I can’t say I’m upset about that.

By fourteen, I was top of all my classes and a few teachers had petitioned for me to be signed up for some of the top soldier groups. My parents argued that I wasn’t old enough, but most kids in the stadium were signed on as soldiers once they graduated at sixteen so it wouldn’t have been out of place for my teachers to start offering positions when I was two years away. Just before August, I got a letter of early acceptance for an all-girl group that called themselves Hunters of Artemis. Lexi had joined them at some point before her death. They were known for clearing places out using stealth and looting the crap out of places afterward. I met up with them after school one Friday and spent the weekend training with them to see how I liked it. The lead girl, Makana Birch, approached me on Monday, letting me know that they didn’t need my decision immediately, and told me that, even if I chose another group, if I ever felt like training with them more, I was more than welcome. Without telling my parents, I joined their group by the end of the week. They took my tags and had their insignia stamped onto them. Seeing the little archer shooting up at the crescent moon on my tags, I felt like I’d found where I belonged.

Once I turned fifteen, I was allowed to go on missions with the Hunters of Artemis. My parents weren’t too thrilled, but I was fine with it. My first mission with them was a scavenging expedition in a small town about half an hour away called Mendon. I had never been to Mendon before that, but there were a few people still living in the small town. How they managed to hold out for nine years after Outbreak Day, I’ll never know, but I wished Sanbornton had lasted nearly that long. We made some trades with the community and offered to clear out some places for them, which they accepted. They split up our group of fifteen and brought us to three separate locations - the high school, a gun shop, and a bank. I was in the group that went to the bank. We went inside and found a small horde of runners and clickers. It was easy to clear them out with my group. We took the guns and supplies that the infected had on them as well as some of the money for a keepsake. According to the townspeople, a group of robbers tried breaking into the vault on Outbreak Day and got themselves locked inside the bank with whatever infected were already there. What a bunch of fucking idiots.

On my sixteenth birthday, our group was called to the stadium leader’s office. His name was Brady and he was one of the nicest people in the stadium. Up until that day, I thought he was just the principal of our school and an overall great guy. He grew crops for the people and even took the time to visit everyone and check up on how people were doing. Everyone in the community loved him. We stood in his office with a couple of other groups, listening to him talk about how far our groups had gone since they were started.

“As I’ve told very few others,” Brady began as he stood from his chair, “your skills surpass that of other organizations. Because of this, I’ve decided that you three will be sent on some of our most difficult missions yet.”

“We can handle anything,” the leader of one of the other groups declared.

“Good, Liam,” Brady said with a smile. “You and your Angels of Alliance, are being sent to Chicopee to clear the Westover Airport. The Fireflies in Boston are moving some of their supplies to a new base in Philidelphia and need to use the airstrip since the Logan Airport in Boston is under Fedra control.”

“Not a problem, sir,” Liam said.

With a nod, Brady pulled something from his desk and held it out. “This is a cellphone with a built-in solar charge case. It charges if you leave the back of it in the sun. There is a built-in map with all locations you’ll be going to and you can call base or any of the other groups just like you could with the cellphones we gave everyone for Christmas. Figure out how to use this one on your own time, but use it sparingly in the field. You leave at seven tomorrow morning. Sergeant Smith will be dropping you at the airport.”

“Got it, sir,” Liam claimed, taking the cellphone from Brady.

“Good,” Brady said. “You’re free to go.”

“Thank you,” Liam said before he and the rest of his group left the office. Then there were two.

As soon as the door closed, Brady turned to the leader of the other group, The Paragons. “Paragons, you are being sent to Worcester and Amherst. UMass Amherst has been under strict lockdown after those morons let off Fourth of July fireworks a month ago and they need help. You’re going to be dropping supplies at Coolidge Hall. Then, UMass Worcester has new medical tests that have been proven effective. They’re giving us a few doses of it to test in the labs at Brigham and Women’s as well as enough medical supplies to last us another five years, give or take. They also have a few students from this area looking to come home for a while, so bring them back in the caravan if you have the space.”

The leader of their group, a snobbish girl named Nadya, stepped forward, “We won’t let you down, sir.”

“I know you won’t, Nadya,” Brady said with a smile. “Your caravan will be led by Lieutenant Vasiliev.”

“My dad is running the caravan?” Nadya asked.

Brady nodded. “As per his request. He wanted to see you off on your first expedition and I don’t blame him. My wife and I will be doing the same for our daughter.” Once Nadya gave him a reluctant-looking nod, Brady held out another cellphone and told her, “Pick up your weapons and the supplies tomorrow morning before heading out. The caravan will leave at nine on the dot - with or without you.”

“Understood,” Nadya stated, taking the phone and leaving with her group after being dismissed.

Being the last group in the room felt intimidating, to say the least. I’d never been in Brady’s office before, but now that I knew he wasn’t just a friendly face and was truly the leader of the community, I felt nervous just looking at him. Brady smiled at us as he said, “Well, Mick, you’ve sure put together a good group.”

“Thanks, Dad,” Makana said. Was Brady her dad? Since when?! “So, where are you sending us?”

“Holyoke,” he answered. “More specifically, the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside. One hundred and fifty stores, twelve restaurants, a food court in the basement, an indoor trampoline park, and an arcade, among other outlet buildings.”

“A mall?” Mick asked, turning to me before turning back to Brady. “Dad, Vivien has past experiences with-”

“I know,” Brady said. His gaze turned to me and I instantly felt like melting into the floor and disappearing from sight. “I’ll give you an out if you’re looking for one, but if you feel up to it, you can join them.”

“Has-” I cut myself off with a sharp breath and a cough before saying, “Has it been swept before?”

“We do it every year and the Fireflies have done it a few times before, yes,” Brady replied.

“Then I’ll go.”

Mick turned to me and said, “You don’t have to.”

“I’m alright,” I said with a small smile. “The mall that I went to before had never been swept; this one has. I’ll be fine, Mick.”

She looked me over for a while and, for a moment, I thought she was going to call me out for lying. Then, with a huff, she nodded. “Alright, then, but you’ll stick with me in there, yeah?”

I had every intention of doing so anyway, so I said, “Yeah, sure.”

Mick nodded to me before turning back to her dad. With her focus on him again, Brady said, “You girls will be doing a thorough sweep of the mall, clearing out everything you can. I don’t care what it is. Bring back anything and everything. We’ve alerted all Fireflies outposts in that area that the mall is now under Patriot control and they’ve given it to us. If you find anyone in the area that might not know, don’t shoot. We’re all survivors in this world.”

“Anything else?” Mick asked.

He seemed to think for a moment before saying, “If you get the chance, stop by Baystate in Springfield and see how they’re holding up on supplies. If they’re too low, we might have to send them a shipment before the end of next week.”

Mick nodded and sighed before asking, “Are you and Mom really going to join us on this expedition?”

Brady chuckled, “I have some meetings at the school tomorrow, so I can’t, but your mother has every intention of joining you and helping with the mission.”

“How long are we staying out there?” one of the girls on my team, Caitlynn, asked.

“A week, give or take,” Mick answered. “We’ll spend two or three days clearing the mall out as well as scavenging it for supplies. Then, when we can, we’ll hit the surrounding area, then we’ll go to the hospital in Springfield. After all that, we’ll come back.”

A week away from the base wouldn’t go over well with my parents, but I had to admit, I wasn’t too fond of it either. I hadn’t been away from my family for that long since Lexi and I had gotten bit. As much as I wanted nothing more than to go on a week-long trip with my team for an important mission like this, I couldn’t help the twist in my stomach at the thought of being away from my family for so long. I guess you could say I had attachment issues.

By the time my focus was brought back to what Brady had been saying to us all, he was dismissing us. I found myself hoping that someone else had paid attention to whatever else he had said because there was no way that I’d be able to recall any of it if anyone asked. Then, just as I was about to follow everyone else out, Brady said, “Actually, Makana, Vivien, could you stay back a minute?”

Oh, great, I was being singled out. That kind of thing happened a lot when I started that revolution in the Manchester military school. Needless to say, I knew the drill and stayed back as everyone else made their way back to our dorms. While they started packing for our trip, it was time for me to get told off for whatever the fuck I did or didn’t do. As I watched Sherry and Christiana lead the rest of the group away, I sighed to myself and closed the door, plastering a smile on my face before turning to Brady and Mick.

“Yes, sir?” I asked.

He waved me off with a hand. “Don’t bother with formalities, Vivien. I’ve known you since you were nine and you’ve been a model student and fighter. You’re not in trouble.” He gestured to the chairs in front of his desk as he sat down. “Have a seat, you two.”

I let Mick pick a chair before taking the other. Mick made herself comfortable, sitting cross-legged in her chair and lightly drumming her fingers on her dad’s desk while he inspected some papers on his desk. The room had already begun to feel less tense. If anything, it was like his meeting room at school, just without the fingerpaintings and little keepsakes on the walls from kids over the years. Deciding to follow Mick’s example, I brought my legs onto the chair and grabbed a pen from Brady’s desk, drawing on my jeans while we waited for Brady to discuss whatever it was he had kept us for.

As I worked on drawing a small flower, a folder was placed in front of us on his desk with my name printed on the plastic spine. Before I could take it, Mick pulled it to her and opened it. I tried asking what was going on, but Brady merely shook his head and told me to wait. I shrugged and watched Mick as she continued reading through a few papers. Eventually, her eyes grew wide and she turned to her dad in shock. “Dad, is this real?”

Instead of answering his daughter, Brady turned to me and asked, “Vivien, could you explain how you got that chemical burn on your arm?”

I had been asked that before about a million times, but I’d gotten pretty good at lying about it over the last few years that I easily answered, “I was screwing around in the chem lab at school and got burned. I went to the infirmary for it so it should be in my medical records.”

“It sure is,” Mick breathed, placing the folder on her dad’s desk. When I turned to her curiously, she asked, “Why didn’t you tell me your mask filter broke? When did it break?”

I knew it broke. It wasn’t noticeable from the outside, but it was obvious if you looked inside the mask. I’d debated getting it fixed or replaced, but that meant revealing to everyone that I’d gone through spores on a mission with a broken mask. Not wanting to get shot for something like that, I chose to keep it to myself. I figured that, since all of our masks were kept in a decontamination chamber together, if it was found to be broken after coming out of there, I wouldn’t have to worry about it.

“It broke a while ago - maybe a month or two - so I’ve been using a spare mask and-”

“No, you haven’t,” Mick cut off. “All of our masks have labels with our names on them and I’ve put yours away for you more than once since you keep leaving it in the trucks. Yours has a label, the spares don’t. That means you’ve been breathing spores for a month or two and you haven’t turned.”

Okay, maybe I needed to keep better track of my stuff. I turned my gaze to the ceiling and allowed my head to drop onto the back of my chair before I clamped my eyes shut; there was no way for me to get out of this. "How did you find out?" I asked Brady.

Brady cleared his throat and said, "The person who tested your blood for your last lab reported to one of the doctors that they found traces of Cordyceps in your blood. I got a report from them about it last week."

With a slow, heavy sigh, I steeled myself and hardened my gaze before lifting my head off the back of the chair and turning to Mick and Brady. “What do you want me to tell you?” I asked. “I’ll tell you whatever you want so long as it doesn’t go any further than us.”

“What about the girls?” Mick asked. “And the doctors?”

“Yeah, fine,” I agreed, “the doctors can know, but I want to tell the girls on my own time.”

Mick stared at me for a moment and I tried to read her expression, but before I could try too hard, she nodded and said, "Okay."

Without allowing us to talk any further, Brady asked, “When did it happen?”

With a sigh, I said, “You’re going to have to be a bit more specific. Are we talking about how I got infected, the breathing spores, or the broken mask?”

“Whichever,” Brady offered.

I moved so I was a bit more comfortable and let out an exaggerated huff before saying, “I was bit the same day Lexi was. We had hotwired one of the armored trucks and taken it to a strip mall. She and I hung out in a few different stores and gathered supplies for the base, but then we broke into a bookstore and it was packed with infected. I got bit on the arm while trying to keep a runner off of me. Lexi got jumped by a stalker while pulling the runner off of me and got bit on the shoulder. We decided we would live through it and, when one of us turned, the other would shoot. Obviously, I never turned. You can guess what happened next.”

The room was silent for a while. I doubt either of them expected me to talk about that day in much detail. I hardly ever talked about it in the first place. Before anything else, I pulled Lexi’s tags from where I kept them tucked under my bra and set them on the desk. “If you want evidence that Lexi is dead, there it is,” I declared. “I know she’s been considered AWOL for a few years now since her body wasn’t recovered, but she loved our team and never would’ve left willingly.”

Mick reached forward, gingerly picking up the chain and examining it before softly asking, “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“What would I have said?” I asked in return. “I couldn’t have gone up to just anyone and said, ‘Lexi and I got bit while we were out, so I had to make sure I wasn’t going to turn into a freaky ass zombie before I came back to base.’ I haven’t told anyone what happened that day, not even my parents.”

Mick got up from her chair and knelt beside me. “Viv, you were - what? Twelve when this happened?” I nodded. “So you’ve kept this to yourself for four years?”

“Almost, yeah,” I confirmed. “We were bit on October twenty-sixth in what would have been twenty-nineteen. It’s not quite four years yet.”

Before I could think to stop her, Mick’s arms came around my shoulders and she pulled me close. “Keeping all of this to yourself for so long isn’t healthy.”

I nodded against her shoulder and brought my arms up to her back. “I know, but at least you know now, right?”

Mick nodded and, as she leaned back, handed me Lexi’s tags, and took her seat again, her dad spoke, “Now, onto the topic of spores?”

With a sigh, I said, “I didn’t know I could breathe them until my mask broke on a mission to clear an old neighborhood about two months ago. I had worn my mask all day and I’d felt the filter knock out of place when Mick and I were in the basement of a spored-out house, but I didn’t even check it until we were on our way back.”

“And you had no symptoms?” Brady asked. “No coughing? No fever?”

I gave him a confused look and asked, “Would I be sitting here if I’d had symptoms?”

“Touché,” he chuckled. After a moment, he shook his head and put on a more serious tone. “Well, as your medical records say, your medical tests do show a strain of Cordyceps, but it's not the same strain as the infected we’ve done tests on previously.”

“What does that mean?” I asked.

Brady pushed the folder in my direction and I opened it, finding a stack of papers about me. The top papers were my physical reports, dental and school records, and a scanned copy of my tags, but under that were some medical papers like my MRI scans and bloodwork reports. Everyone in the field needed tests, scans, and bloodwork done. I’d seen the reports before, but seeing as I didn’t have a lot of medical knowledge in the first place, I didn’t know what most of it meant apart from the abbreviations for the Cordyceps infection, white blood cells, and red blood cells.

As though he sensed my confusion, Brady told me, “The lab techs across the parking lot at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital have tested your blood against different strains of the infection and have found that, while you are positive for Cordyceps, you aren’t positive for the strain that infects the brain and turns people into the walking dead.”

“So, I’m infected, but not?” I asked.

He nodded. “The strain most infected people have is called Ophiocordycepts Unilateralis. The strain you have is a strain that is, believe it or not, used in an anti-fungal, immunosuppressant medicine called Cyclosporine. I’d butcher the name of the strain if I said it, but it’s in your papers.”

I scanned over the papers before reading the bottom of a page, “Negative for Cordyceps, positive for Tolypocladium Inflatum… That sounds like some knock-off Harry Potter spell or something.”

“It does,” Mick agreed with a snort.

Brady chuckled, “Basically, your infection is keeping you from getting sick through spores or bites. Your scans come back clean every time you come from a mission and, since it’s been a few years since your bite, we can assume that there’s nothing in your body that will eventually turn you. If anything, we’re going to try testing the blood samples we’ve taken from you against the Cordyceps strain and see if maybe it can help fight off the infection.”

“I’ll give them whatever they need,” I said, placing the folder of papers back on his desk.

Brady smiled. “Thank you, Vivien, but that can wait until after you return from the mall and hospital. We don’t want you doing anything major before a big mission like this. Pack up your bags, get some rest tonight, and try not to do anything stupid on your mission, okay?”

With a smirk, I replied, “I make no promises.”

Mick smacked my arm. “I’ll keep her safe, Dad.”

“I know, honey,” Brady said. “As I said earlier, your mom will meet you by the trucks at six. Do you have another driver? You’re taking three trucks.”

When Mick hummed thoughtfully, I slowly raised my hand and said, “I can drive.”

“Since when?” Mick asked.

“Since I was eleven,” I answered with a shrug as I dropped my hand back to the armrest of the chair. “Lexi and some of the older girls taught me.” I glanced at Brady before sheepishly admitting, “I know how to hotwire them too, by the way.”

He shook his head. “I’m not surprised.” He clasped his hands together and leaned forward in his chair. “Alright, then. You two are dismissed." He paused as we stood before saying, "Happy birthday, Vivien. Have a good rest of your day, girls.”

Mick and I thanked him before getting our things together and leaving the room. The walk back to our dorm room was pretty quiet for the most part, the only thing we said was a few ‘hi and bye’s to people we knew as we made our way through the halls of the stadium. As soon as the door to our shared room closed, though, Mick said, “I still don’t know what to think about all of this.”

“Then don’t think about it,” I said with a shrug as I headed for my side of our room. “That’s what I usually try to do.” Instead of arguing my statement or joking with me the way I expected her to, Mick stayed silent. When I turned back to her, she was watching me with a look on her face that just screamed pity. I sighed, “Don’t give me that look. It’s been four years and I’m over it by now.”

As I turned back to my desk to grab my backpack, I heard Mick ask, “Were you scared? When you were bit, I mean.”

“Of course,” I replied. “I was twelve. I had to watch one of the people I was closest to die in front of me. I loved Lexi and I had to be the one to kill her when the infection began taking over.”

“I didn’t know…” When I realized she hadn’t finished her sentence, I turned to Mick and saw her watching me. She shook her head before saying, “Nevermind. You and Lexi were always super close. Were you dating or just friends?”

I shrugged. “If you consider cheek kisses and holding hands in the cafeteria ‘dating’, then yeah, I’d say we were,” I answered before turning back to my stuff and shoving things into my backpack. “And if you’re worried I’ll fall in love with you or some shit like that, don’t. No offense, but you’re not my type.”

“I wasn’t worried about that,” she replied with a snort. As I attached the sling for my bow to my bag, she asked, “How come I never see you going out with anyone nowadays?”

While I was glad the topic of our conversation had finally moved away from my bite and all, the matter of my love life wasn’t my favorite thing to talk about either. There wasn’t much there to talk about anyway. “I guess it’s just that I haven’t found anyone - male or female - that I particularly like that way. The girls in our squad are like my sisters and most of the others around my age are bitchy or prissy. The guys in most of the other squads either can’t get their heads out of their asses or - in the unfortunate case of my former crush on Cooper Wallace - gay. Besides, if and when the right person comes along, I’ll love them for their personality above anything else, if that makes any sense.”

“It does.” She was quiet for a while before I heard her begin humming a song as she packed up her things. “You know, when I was around your age, I was dating this guy from a group that was traveling in the area. I fell in love with who he was as a person and it made everything feel so much happier.”

I didn’t know she’d dated anyone. Then again, when she was sixteen, I was twelve and going through a lot of shit with Lexi’s death and being bitten, so I wasn’t exactly paying attention to anything else at that time. “What happened to the two of you?” I asked as I zipped my bag shut.

Mick sighed and I heard her bed squeak as she sat on it. “Like I said, he was from a traveling group. Some of his group stayed here, but a lot of them left when the rest did and he was one of the majority. I haven’t seen him since I was maybe eighteen.”

“So you were together for two years and haven’t seen each other in two years?” I asked as I sat on my bed. Mick nodded. “Wow. Do you know where his group was headed?”

“Last I knew, they were heading into South Carolina to check on a radio signal from a family there,” Mick answered. “We had texted for a few months before, eventually, my texts stopped going through and my calls went unanswered.”

“Have you ever tried finding him?”

Mick shook her head. “I had wanted to go with him when he left, but I knew my responsibilities were here. Even after he stopped answering me, I knew I couldn’t leave no matter how hard it was on me. I have no idea where he is now or whether or not he’s even alive, so going out and risking my life for something that might not be out there was never on the table for me.”

I understood where she was coming from. If someone I loved had disappeared the way her ex-boyfriend had, I doubt I’d spend much time looking. With his last known location being so far from our base and so much time passing between then and now, it would be like a needle in a haystack. The United States was a huge country and searching for just one person in it would be pointless if you didn’t know where they were.

“Maybe you’ll see him again someday,” I offered optimistically.

Mick sent me a small grin and nodded. “Maybe, but I won’t hold my breath.”

We grabbed some extra changes of clothes for the trip and shoved them into a bag that we left by the door to our room before going our separate ways. While she left for the cafeteria to pick up some popcorn for the movie night we decided to have before our mission, I headed to my family’s box apartment to fill them in on what I’d be doing for the next week. My parents weren’t too thrilled with the idea, but they couldn’t dispute what Brady had ordered. When I told them that Mick’s mom would be joining us, they seemed to be at least a little more okay with it. I had dinner with them and played some games with Abby and Oliver before heading back to the dorm I shared with Mick. We watched two movies before finally going to bed and I was glad we had gotten the time to relax before the mission. I just knew that the next few days would be hectic.

#Through The Valley #Vivien #Mick #Brady

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market-spy · 1 month

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The Ins and Outs of the Used Construction Equipment Market: A Witty Dive

Welcome to the wild world of used construction equipment, where bulldozers have more stories to tell than a seasoned detective and excavators have seen more dirt than your garden shovel. In this blog, we're going to take a jaunty stroll through the bustling market of pre-loved machinery, exploring its quirks, challenges, and triumphs. So, buckle up and let's dig in!

The Scoop on the Market:

Picture this: a dynamic sector where giant machines find new homes faster than you can say "Jackhammer." With a market size valued at a whopping USD 115.32 billion in 2022, the used construction equipment market isn't just big; it's colossal. And guess what? It's only getting bigger, poised to reach a staggering USD 191.55 billion by 2031. Talk about growth spurts!

What Drives the Madness:

Why the craze, you ask? Well, imagine scoring a perfectly functional crane at a fraction of the cost. It's like finding a vintage treasure in a thrift store, but with more steel and hydraulic fluid. Plus, with emerging economies clamoring for shiny new infrastructure, the demand for used equipment is skyrocketing faster than a faulty elevator.

Regional Rumbles:

North America leads the charge, waving its flag of developed infrastructure and construction galore. But don't count Europe out; it's hot on America's heels with its well-oiled building sector. And let's not forget the underdog, Asia Pacific, rising like a phoenix with its urbanization frenzy and tech-savvy construction wizards.

The Dance of Equipment Types:

Excavators and loaders take center stage, stealing the limelight with their versatility and charm. But hold onto your hard hats; cranes are waltzing their way to the top as the fastest-growing segment. It's a battle of the titans, and everyone's invited to the spectacle.

The Game of Applications:

From infrastructure development to residential and commercial construction, there's a piece of the pie for everyone. Earthmoving equipment reigns supreme, digging its claws into every construction project like an eager puppy in a pile of dirt. And with technology playing cupid, the marriage between construction and innovation is a match made in heaven.

For More Information:

https://www.skyquestt.com/report/used-construction-equipment-market

The Nitty-Gritty of Regional Insights:

North America flaunts its construction prowess, Europe brings its A-game with a dash of environmental consciousness, and Asia Pacific is the new kid on the block, ready to shake things up. It's a global dance-off, and every region's got its own moves.

The Heroes and Villains:

In this epic saga, our heroes Caterpillar, Komatsu, and Volvo Construction Equipment fight tooth and nail for market supremacy. But watch out for the villainous depreciation and maintenance costs lurking in the shadows, ready to spoil the party.

The Rising Stars:

Rental and used equipment are the rising stars of the show, offering budget-friendly alternatives in a world of shiny new toys. And with technological advancements turning used machinery into high-tech marvels, it's a win-win for buyers and sellers alike.

Conclusion:

So there you have it, folks, a whirlwind tour of the used construction equipment market, where every machine has a story to tell and every deal is a dance of supply and demand. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a wide-eyed rookie, there's never a dull moment in this bustling marketplace. So, grab your hard hat, roll up your sleeves, and join the fray. After all, in the world of construction, the only way to go is up!

About Us-

SkyQuest Technology Group is a Global Market Intelligence, Innovation Management & Commercialization organization that connects innovation to new markets, networks & collaborators for achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

SkyQuest Technology Consulting Pvt. Ltd.

1 Apache Way,

Westford,

Massachusetts 01886

USA (+1) 617–230–0741

Email- [email protected]

Website: https://www.skyquestt.com

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brookstonalmanac · 2 months

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Events 2.29

888 – Odo, count of Paris, is crowned king of West Francia (France) by Archbishop Walter of Sens at Compiègne. 1504 – Christopher Columbus uses his knowledge of a lunar eclipse that night to convince Jamaican natives to provide him with supplies. 1644 – Abel Tasman's second Pacific voyage begins as he leaves Batavia in command of three ships. 1704 – In Queen Anne's War, French forces and Native Americans stage a raid on Deerfield, Massachusetts Bay Colony, killing 56 villagers and taking more than 100 captive. 1712 – February 29 is followed by February 30 in Sweden, in a move to abolish the Swedish calendar for a return to the Julian calendar. 1720 – Ulrika Eleonora, Queen of Sweden abdicates in favour of her husband, who becomes King Frederick I on March 24. 1768 – Polish nobles form the Bar Confederation. 1796 – The Jay Treaty between the United States and Great Britain comes into force, facilitating ten years of peaceful trade between the two nations. 1892 – St. Petersburg, Florida is incorporated. 1908 – James Madison University is founded at Harrisonburg, Virginia in the United States as The State Normal and Industrial School for Women by the Virginia General Assembly. 1912 – The Piedra Movediza (Moving Stone) of Tandil falls and breaks. 1916 – Tokelau is annexed by the United Kingdom. 1916 – In South Carolina, the minimum working age for factory, mill and mine workers is raised from 12 to 14 years old. 1920 – The Czechoslovak National Assembly adopts the Constitution. 1936 – The February 26 Incident in Tokyo ends. 1940 – For her performance as Mammy in Gone with the Wind, Hattie McDaniel becomes the first African American to win an Academy Award. 1940 – Finland initiates Winter War peace negotiations. 1940 – In a ceremony held in Berkeley, California, physicist Ernest Lawrence receives the 1939 Nobel Prize in Physics from Sweden's consul general in San Francisco. 1944 – The Admiralty Islands are invaded in Operation Brewer, led by American general Douglas MacArthur, in World War II. 1960 – The 5.7 Mw  Agadir earthquake shakes coastal Morocco with a maximum perceived intensity of X (Extreme), destroying Agadir and leaving 12,000 dead and another 12,000 injured. 1972 – South Korea withdraws 11,000 of its 48,000 troops from Vietnam as part of Nixon's Vietnamization policy in the Vietnam War. 1980 – Gordie Howe of the Hartford Whalers makes NHL history as he scores his 800th goal. 1984 – Pierre Trudeau announces his retirement as Liberal Party leader and Prime Minister of Canada. 1988 – South African archbishop Desmond Tutu is arrested along with 100 other clergymen during a five-day anti-apartheid demonstration in Cape Town. 1988 – Svend Robinson becomes the first member of the House of Commons of Canada to come out as gay. 1992 – First day of Bosnia and Herzegovina independence referendum. 1996 – Faucett Flight 251 crashes in the Andes; all 123 passengers and crew are killed. 1996 – The Siege of Sarajevo officially ends. 2000 – Chechens attack a guard post near Ulus Kert, eventually killing 84 Russian paratroopers during the Second Chechen War. 2004 – Jean-Bertrand Aristide is removed as president of Haiti following a coup. 2008 – The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence withdraws Prince Harry from a tour of Afghanistan after news of his deployment is leaked to foreign media. 2008 – Misha Defonseca admits to fabricating her memoir, Misha: A Mémoire of the Holocaust Years, in which she claims to have lived with a pack of wolves in the woods during the Holocaust. 2012 – North Korea agrees to suspend uranium enrichment and nuclear and long-range missile tests in return for US food aid. 2016 – At least 40 people are killed and 58 others wounded following a suicide bombing by ISIL at a Shi'ite funeral in the city of Miqdadiyah, Diyala. 2020 – The United States and the Taliban sign the Doha Agreement for bringing peace to Afghanistan.

#Events

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sqinsights · 3 months

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Citrus Extracts Market Unwrapped: A Tangy Journey through Numbers

Greetings, citrus enthusiasts! Today, we’re peeling back the layers of the global citrus extracts market — no frills, no rollercoaster analogies. Grab your shades, and let’s delve into the juicy details without any unnecessary AI-generated dance moves.

The Tangy Numbers:

The citrus extracts market is no small player, boasting a juicy value of USD 7.26 billion in 2021, poised to skyrocket to a staggering USD 10.59 billion by 2030, with a growth rate of 4.3%. But hey, who’s counting?

Why the Citrus Hype?

People are catching on to the fact that citrus extracts, from oranges to lemons and beyond, are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and all the good stuff. As the world embraces natural and plant-based goodies, citrus extracts are having their moment in the sun (pun intended).

Market Flavors and Aromas:

Orange extracts take the lead at USD 10.025 billion, while lemon extracts are the rising stars, growing faster than a lemon slice squirting into your eye. Grapefruit extracts are not far behind, adding their unique flavor to the citrusy fiesta.

Segments, Segments Everywhere:

The market is sliced and diced into types (orange, lemon, etc.), functionality (flavoring, coloring, etc.), and applications (food, pharmaceuticals, etc.). It’s like a citrus salad of options!

Regional Citrus Showdown:

North America has been hogging the citrus limelight, thanks to health-conscious folks and a well-established food scene. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific is catching up, fueled by rising incomes and a thirst for healthier options. Get ready for a citrus showdown!

Peeling Back the Layers:

Why is the market going bananas over citrus extracts? Consumers are getting woke about health and wellness, and citrus extracts fit the bill. But hold your orange peel; there’s a catch. Fluctuations in citrus crops and supply chain woes are playing the spoilsport. Mother Nature, always the party crasher!

Citrus Superstars — The Players:

Now, let’s talk about the rockstars behind the scenes. Frutarom, Symrise, Kerry Group — these aren’t the latest boy bands; they’re the big shots in the citrus extracts game. They’re on a mission to flavorize the world, one citrus extract at a time.

The Tangy Trends:

Clean labels are in, and consumers want their products au naturel. Citrus extracts are riding the wave, giving that natural and flavorful kick. And hey, forget just orange and lemon — the trendsetters are experimenting with exotic citrus profiles. It’s a flavor adventure out there!

Conclusion:

There you have it, a tangy trip through the global citrus extracts market. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about the zest, the aroma, and the juicy goodness that citrus extracts bring to our tables and products. As the market continues to squeeze out innovations, we’ll be here, sipping our citrus-infused drinks, enjoying the flavor revolution. Stay zesty!

About Us-

SkyQuest Technology Consulting Pvt. Ltd.

1 Apache Way,

Westford,

Massachusetts 01886

USA (+1) 617–230–0741

Email- [email protected]

Website: https://www.skyquestt.com

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virginiaprelawland · 6 months

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The Legality of Fast Fashion: Temu and Shein

By Elizabeth Wolnik, George Mason University Class of 2024

November 24, 2023

Low prices have become an increasing draw when it comes to luring customers to a website. The new up and coming retail giants, Temu and Shein, are changing the way people view online shopping by catering to the need for things to be reasonably priced [2].

Temu is known as an “online superstore for virtually everything” and initially garnered mass media attention when they made their advertising debut during the Super Bowl this year [1]. Temu was established in 2022 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Even though it is still a new company, it is currently ranked at the top of the U.S. iOS app store. Temu is an extensive digital marketplace that offers a wide range of products across more than 250 categories. Their primary goal is to “foster a safe and inclusive environment and enable customers to shop with confidence without compromising on quality while enjoying the best online prices available”. Although many people have compared Temu to Shein, the two have some major differences. Temu connects consumers with small businesses who sell directly to them instead of generating fast fashion as Shein does. Temu hosts independent third-party sellers which allows customers to find virtually any product they can imagine [1].

The fashion brand Shein is one of the most popular brands with Gen-Z, due to their trendy clothing being offered at extremely low prices [1]. The brand initially gained exposure through TikTok and Instagram during the COVID-19 pandemic through videos of people showing off their vast clothing hauls from the website [3]. As the company expanded, they developed a supply chain with thousands of manufacturing partners. Because Shein doesn’t own the factories that make their products, their high order volume makes them a primary customer. Shein also sells directly to consumers in small batches to maintain their low prices, however this often results in product shortages [1].

Both Temu and Shein have faced scrutiny due to their ties to China [4]. As US-China tensions remain high, American legislators have increased attempts to restrict technology linked to foreign entities. In April of this year, a US congressional commission called out Shein and Temu in a report that suggested the companies were potentially linked to the use of forced labor, exploitation of trade loopholes, product safety hazards, and intellectual property theft. Part of the concern comes from the fact that Temu was launched by PDD Holdings. PDD Holdings was founded in China but has recently begun calling itself a Cayman Islands company by citing new corporate registration there. PDD also owns Pinduoduo, an immensely popular Chinese e-commerce platform that was found in a recent investigation to have the ability to surveil its users [4].

The low prices on Temu and Shein has caused some people to reconsider their purchases from the platforms [4]. Transparency and traceability of a product is becoming more important to consumers to want to shop more ethically. The fashion industry is responsible for 10% of annual global carbon emissions, more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. Around 85% of clothing ends up in landfills or is burned, and the problem is even worse with fast fashion. Fast fashion is defined as the rapid design and production of cheap and low-quality clothes that respond to fleeting trends. The items that fast fashion companies make are not meant to last long, which keeps the consumers coming back when their clothing falls apart or a trend goes out of style [4]. In response to this, Shein states that its business model enables it to reduce waste and overproduction by producing small batches and only responding with larger production if demand is shown. Temu says that they limit unsold inventory and waste by better matching demand with supply. However, researchers who study textile waste and sustainability in global supply chains say that these companies need to go a step further [4].

With the public intensely watching companies like Temu and Shein get into legal and ethical trouble, it brings up conversation about the conditions of fast fashion. The fast fashion industry employs about 75 million factory workers worldwide, but less than 2% of these employees make a livable wage [5]. Many employees work over 16 hours a day and child labor is a prevalent occurrence. To sustain mass production and meet consumer demands, fashion companies often take advantage of legal loopholes, like offshore outsourcing in developing countries. Because of this, employees in the fast fashion industry have limited rights and work in unsafe conditions. Companies commit to offshore outsourcing because labor costs are cheaper and there are less regulations surrounding it. There are currently no U.S. federal laws that regulate offshore outsourcing [5].

In February of this year a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators wrote to Shien, pressing them to disclose their supply chain practices [4]. They said, “We are concerned that American consumers may be inadvertently purchasing apparel made in part with cotton grown, picked, and processed using forced labor”. The inquiry was made following a report that showed lab testing that found garments shipped to the U.S. from Shien were made with cotton from Xinjiang. This is problematic because Washington has banned all imports from Xinjiang over concerns of forced labor. A spokesperson from Shein said that the company has zero tolerance for forced labor and has worked with third parties to audit supplier factories. To ensure compliance with U.S. laws, Shein requires that suppliers purchase cotton from only approved countries and has built tracing systems to get visibility into the origins of the cotton it uses. Shein also made headlines in December of last year when a documentary alleged exploitation at two Chinese factories belonging to its suppliers. The documentary alleged that staff were working 18 hours a day and making pennies on each item of clothing they made. Shein responded by saying that independent audits have refuted most of these allegations, but the investigation showed that employees at two of its suppliers were working longer hours than allowed [4].

On top of the controversies surrounding Temu and Shein, they have also entered into litigation with each other. Beginning in December 2022, Shein sued Temu in Illinois federal court alleging that Temu had enlisted online influencers “to make false and deceptive statements” about Shein to promote its own goods [3]. Temu filed to dismiss the suit, but the case is still pending. Shein has also accused Temu many times of copyright infringement [3].

Temu has also sued Shein, filing a lawsuit in federal court in Massachusetts of this year, accusing them of violating anti-trust laws by attempting to monopolize suppliers and engaging in other forms of illegal behavior [3]. Temu claims that Shein has “engaged in a campaign of threats, intimidation, false assertions of infringement, and attempts to impose baseless punitive fines” on apparel makers that were thought to be working with Temu. They also allege that Shein “forced” exclusivity deals on clothing manufacturers to prevent them from working with Temu. A court filing says, “As a result of its fast growth, Shein now views itself as being ‘at war’ with Temu and has engaged in an elaborate and anticompetitive scheme aimed at stymieing Temu’s business”. Temu also alleges that Shein tried to force manufacturers to sign loyalty agreements to vow not to do business with Temu, and that Shein would issue fines to suppliers that worked with Temu [3].

As of late October 2023, Temu and Shein have applied to end their lawsuits against each other. Joint declarations were filed in Chicago and Boston by lawyers representing the companies, requesting that two legal cases be dismissed without prejudice by the judge. The filings did not contain details on why the companies decided to drop the complaints or if any settlements were made [6].

As Temu and Shein continue to make waves in the online retail landscape, consumers should be mindful of the ethical concerns surrounding these companies. Balancing the allure of low prices with the need for responsible and ethical business practices is crucial for the long-term success and sustainability of these emerging giants. Only time will tell whether these retail powerhouses can strike a balance that satisfies both the demands of consumers and the expectations of an increasingly conscientious public.

______________________________________________________________

[1] https://fashionweekdaily.com/temu-and-shein-a-deep-dive-into-their-differences/

[2] https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/talking-points-too-good-to-be-true-deals-on-temu-and-shein/

[3] https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/19/tech/temu-shein-lawsuits-intl-hnk/index.html

[4] https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/23/tech/temu-shein-us-concerns-intl-hnk/index.html

[5] https://www.thenulj.com/nuljforum/fastfashion

[6] https://www.reuters.com/legal/low-cost-e-commerce-rivals-shein-temu-shelve-us-court-cases-2023-10-27/

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votivecandleholder · 1 year

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Birthday Party Places in Malden, Massachusetts (Kids & Adults)

New Post has been published on https://happybirthdaydecor.com/venues/birthday-party-places-malden

Birthday Party Places in Malden, Massachusetts (Kids & Adults)

Hey! Perhaps you’re in the midst of planning a birthday celebration in Malden, Massachusetts? There are plenty of creative options available to suit any taste and budget. From adventurous outdoor activities (Malden parks, beach, mountains, inflatable play facilities, Malden amusement & trampoline parks,…) to creative arts, crafts workshops, and other indoor places (Malden restaurants, pubs, hotels, Malden museums, swimming pool,…), there’s something for everyone to enjoy on their special day.

Contents

1 About Malden, Massachusetts

2 Malden Birthday Party Places

2.1 Sky Zone Trampoline Park

2.2 Pearl Street Station

2.3 Artlounge Arlington

2.4 Lucky Strike

2.5 Boda Borg

2.6 Laser Quest

2.7 Flatbread Company

2.8 Jump N’ Slide

2.9 Boston Paintball Chelsea

2.10 Mystic Brewery

2.11 Muse Paintbar

2.12 AMC Methuen 20

2.13 Playtime

2.14 AMC Assembly Row

2.15 Clip N’ Climb Chelsea

3 Birthday Party Ideas in Malden

4 Malden Map

5 Party Supplies in Malden

About Malden, Massachusetts

Malden Ma

Malden is a city in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. Malden is home to the historic Malden Mills factory, now known as the American Textile History Museum, which provides a unique glimpse into the city’s past. From adventure parks to art studios, there’s something for everyone in Malden.

Malden Birthday Party Places

Let’s review some of the best birthday party venues in Malden for kids and adults:

Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Looking for a high-energy party experience? Sky Zone Trampoline Park is the place for you! With wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball courts, and foam pits, your party guests will have a blast bouncing around.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park Malden

Plus, Sky Zone offers party packages that include a private party room, pizza, drinks, and a dedicated party host to ensure your event is a success.

Pearl Street Station

If you’re looking for a more low-key celebration, Pearl Street Station is a great option. Choose from a variety of menu options, including appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

Artlounge Arlington

For a creative bday party, consider Artlounge Arlington. Your guests will have a blast creating their own masterpieces to take home.

Lucky Strike

For an upscale birthday party experience, check out Lucky Strike in Boston. Lucky Strike can accommodate parties of all sizes, from small groups to large events.

Boda Borg

Boda Borg Boston Malden

For a unique and challenging birthday party experience, check out Boda Borg in Malden. This interactive gaming facility offers a variety of puzzles and challenges for groups to solve. With multiple rooms to explore, your guests will have to work together to complete each task.

Laser Quest

For an action-packed birthday party, check out Laser Quest in Danvers, just a short drive from Malden. This laser tag facility offers a variety of game modes, including team and solo play.

Flatbread Company

For a delicious and unique birthday party experience, consider hosting your event at Flatbread Company. This restaurant specializes in wood-fired pizzas and organic salads, and offers a private function room for parties.

Jump N’ Slide

For a birthday party that’s sure to tire out your little ones, consider Jump N’ Slide in Everett. Jump N’ Slide can accommodate parties of all sizes and offers party packages that include a private party room and access to all the attractions.

Boston Paintball Chelsea

For a thrilling and action-packed b-day party, consider Boston Paintball in Chelsea.

Mystic Brewery

For a unique and adult-friendly bday party, check out Mystic Brewery in Chelsea, just a short drive from Malden.

Mystic Station Malden

This brewery specializes in Belgian-inspired beers and offers a taproom and outdoor beer garden for events.

Muse Paintbar

For a creative and relaxing birth day party experience, consider Muse Paintbar in Lynnfield.

AMC Methuen 20

For a movie lover’s birthday party, check out AMC Methuen 20 in Methuen. AMC Methuen 20 can accommodate parties of all sizes and provides a fun and classic birthday experience.

Playtime

If you’re hosting a birthday party for younger children, Playtime in Arlington is a great option. This indoor play space offers a variety of activities, including a ball pit, slides, and climbing structures.

AMC Assembly Row

If you’re looking for a classic b-day party experience, consider hosting your event at AMC Assembly Row.

Clip N’ Climb Chelsea

For an adventurous and active bday party, consider Clip N’ Climb in Chelsea. Clip N’ Climb is sure to provide a unique and exciting birthday experience for all your guests.

Birthday Party Ideas in Malden

Bday Table Decor

Mystic Brewery

Okie Dokie Fun Zone And Party Rental

Love Is Sweet

Birthday Tent

Malden Map

Party Supplies in Malden

Big Balloons

Amazing Celebrations & Events

Play Time

Just In Case Party Rental

Okie Dokie Rental

Dollar Tree

Conclusion

In conclusion, Malden, Massachusetts offers a variety of options for birthday party venues, whether you’re looking for a high-energy experience or a more low-key celebration. From trampoline parks to art studios to breweries, there’s something for everyone in Malden. So, start planning your next birthday party and make it a celebration to remember!

#Malden #Malden Birthday Decorations #Malden Birthday Parties #Malden Party Supplies #Malden Venues #Massachusetts Birthday Parties #Massachusetts Party Supplies #Massachusetts Venues

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mystlnewsonline · 7 months

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F.W. Webb Co. Pays $3.2M to Escrow for 700 Employees

Plumbing Supply Company, F.W. Webb Co. Pays $3.2M to Escrow for More Than 700 Employees, and Cannot Retaliate Against Employees Who Exercise Rights After Federal Investigation and Litigation. The court concludes administrative overtime exemption did not apply to inside sales representatives. BOSTON, MA (STL.News) The US Department of Labor stands to recover more than $3.2 million in overtime back wages for more than 700 sales representatives of a Bedford, Massachusetts, plumbing supply company after a federal court agreed with the department and concluded on summary judgment that the employer misclassified the employees as exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act. The parties then agreed to resolve the remainder of the case via a consent judgment, which also forbids the company from retaliating unlawfully against employees who exercise their rights to raise wage complaints with the department. F.W. Webb Co. has appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. The department filed suit against F.W. Webb Co. in the US District Court for the District of Massachusetts in 2020, claiming that the employer exempted employees from federal overtime protections improperly and seeking the back wages owed to the workers. The department also alleged that Webb retaliated unlawfully against employees when the company’s senior management sent instructions to employees during the department’s investigation that could have discouraged employees from speaking to the department’s investigators freely. The Department of Labor and F.W. Webb Co. moved for partial summary judgment. On June 16, 2023, the district court entered summary judgment in favor of the department on the exemption issue, concluding that the inside sales representatives were not administratively exempt from the FLSA’s overtime requirements because they perform the very work that is F. W. Webb Co.’s primary business purpose, namely producing wholesale sales. The district court also found that the company had failed to pay the affected workers overtime back wages since August 2018 and violated recordkeeping provisions of the FLSA. On Aug. 24, 2023, the court entered a consent judgment and order, incorporating the summary judgment decision. In addition to payment of the back wages owed from Aug. 4, 2018, through June 30, 2023, the order prohibits F.W. Webb Co. from future violations of the FLSA’s overtime, recordkeeping, and anti-retaliation provisions. Under the consent judgment, F.W. Webb Co. preserved the right to appeal the court’s summary judgment decision, which it has done. The court also entered an order agreed to by the parties staying certain aspects of the consent judgment, including the requirement that Webb pay any overtime wages during the pendency of any appeal F.W. Webb Co. has paid the more than $3.2 million in overtime back wages owed and will pay future overtime wages that accrue during the period of any appeal into an account with the court Those wages will be distributed to employees if F.W. Webb Co.’s appeal is unsuccessful. “This case shows how aggressively the US Department of Labor will litigate to prevent employers from denying employees their wages by misclassifying them as exempt and retaliating against them,” said Regional Solicitor of Labor Maia Fisher in Boston “In this case, the court correctly concluded on summary judgment that F.W. Webb’s inside sales representatives are not administratively exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act In reaching that conclusion, the court applied the recent favorable decision the department obtained from the First Circuit in Walsh v. Unitil Service Corp.” The court’s actions follow an investigation by the department’s Wage and Hour Division and litigation by its Office of the Solicitor. “Employees have a right to be paid their wages, to seek those wages, and to cooperate with investigators without fear of employer retaliation The court’s summary judgment decision upholds the FLSA’s protections against employers misapplying the law’s administrative exemption to avoid paying overtime to employees and now opens the way for more than 700 F.W. Webb inside sales representatives to receive their hard-earned overtime wages,” said Wage and Hour Division Regional Administrator Mark Watson Jr. in Philadelphia. Based in Bedford, Massachusetts, F.W. Webb Co., which sells HVAC and plumbing and heating supplies, bathroom fixtures, pipe valves and fittings, and related equipment to contractors, industry professionals and homeowners, has wholesale establishments located in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. SOURCE: US Department of Labor Read the full article

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8778302885 · 7 months

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American Indipendent

American independence

K.Lazeeya

3rd B.A.HISTORY

GOVERNMENT ARTS COLLEGE OOTY

[email protected]

The American Revolution: A Quest for Independence

The American Revolution, also known as the American War of Independence, was a pivotal event in world history that unfolded during the latter half of the 18th century. It marked the thirteen American colonies' struggle to break free from British rule and establish themselves as an independent nation. Spanning from 1775 to 1783, this conflict fundamentally altered the course of history, laying the foundation for the United States of America as we know it today.

Causes of the Revolution:

The seeds of discontent between the American colonies and Great Britain had been sown for years prior to the outbreak of armed conflict. Several key factors contributed to the growing unrest:

Taxation without Representation: The British government imposed various taxes on the colonies without their consent, such as the Stamp Act and the Tea Act. Colonists believed this violated their rights as English subjects because they had no say in these tax decisions.

Proclamation of 1763: This royal decree prohibited colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains, which limited their expansion and angered those who desired to move further west.

Quartering Act: British troops were stationed in the colonies, and the Quartering Act required colonists to provide housing and supplies for these soldiers, which they found oppressive.

Intolerable Acts: In response to the Boston Tea Party, the British passed the Coercive Acts (known as the Intolerable Acts in the colonies), which further restricted self-governance in Massachusetts and increased tensions.

Ideas of Enlightenment: Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Thomas Paine had a profound influence on American colonists, inspiring them to demand greater freedom and self-determination.

The Road to War:

The conflict escalated with events like the Boston Massacre in 1770 and the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775. The Second Continental Congress convened in May 1775, and they appointed George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army.

The Declaration of Independence:

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, penned primarily by Thomas Jefferson. This historic document declared the colonies' separation from British rule, asserting that all people had the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Major Battles:

The American Revolution witnessed numerous battles, some of the most notable being:

Battle of Bunker Hill (1775): Although a British victory, it demonstrated the colonists' determination and ability to stand up to the British Army.

Saratoga (1777): A turning point in the war, as the American victory led to France formally entering the war as an ally of the United States.

Yorktown (1781): The final major battle of the war, where American and French forces, under General Washington and the command of General Rochambeau, laid siege to British forces, forcing their surrender.

Treaty of Paris (1783):

The war officially ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783. This treaty recognized the United States as an independent nation and established its boundaries. It marked the conclusion of a long and arduous struggle for freedom and self-determination.

Impact and Legacy:

The American Revolution's legacy is profound, as it set a precedent for future revolutions and independence movements worldwide. The ideals of liberty, democracy, and individual rights enshrined in the Declaration of Independence continue to shape the United States and inspire people globally.

In conclusion, the American Revolution was a complex and transformative event that reshaped the world. It was a struggle fueled by the desire for self-governance, individual rights, and independence from British rule. This revolution laid the groundwork for the birth of a new nation, the United States of America, and left an enduring legacy that continues to influence the course of history today.

Free Research Previ

#Independence

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amberfaber40 · 1 year

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Paranormal Investigator Embroidered Patch Astral Threads - Etsy

Paranormal investigator sew on patch. Black fabric with white or green thread Diameter: 8cm (3.15 ")

Exception, The

Shutter Island - 2010

Condition: Very Good. Never folded! Free shipping within the UK. A low flat rate for the rest of the world. Size: 69 cm x 102 cm (27 in x 40 in) A guaranteed original advance one sheet movie poster from 2010 for Martin Scorsese's psychological thriller "Shutter Island", based on the 2003 novel by Dennis Lehane. Set on a fictitious island off the coast of Massachusetts, this taught and twisting movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo as U.S. Marshalls investigating the disappearance of hospital patient Rachel Solando. Arriving in the midst of a storm they are trapped as the mysteries of the island deepen. Apparently HBO and Paramount TV are working on a TV series, Ashecliffe, an origin story for the movie. This poster, as dark as the film, has never been folded. It is in superb condition and displays very well. Our large scale images will help you get a better view. It is also double sided and so could be used in an Art of the Movies Light Box or framed traditionally. We only sell guaranteed original movie posters. We do not sell reproductions. Note: This poster is priced unframed. Photos showing framed and 'in room' images are for illustration only. Please check our hi-res images and the sizing information shown above.

Black Every Month Print - 11x14

***WARNING: PRODUCTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE! IN THE EVENT THAT WE DISCOVER ANY ATTEMPTS OF RESALE OR REDISTRIBUTION, ALL PARTIES WILL BE INVESTIGATED AND PROSECUTED TO THE FURTHEST EXTENT OF THE LAW.** ALL SALES ARE FINAL! Four sizes available! DOES NOT COME FRAMED! May not be reproduced! Processing/Delivery Time: Please allow 3-7 business days for this item to ship! Make sure you are entering your address correctly! Once you have received notification that your order has been shipped, I have no control. I will do my best to fix any problems that may occur but this carrier is responsible for delivery!

Take full advantage of our site features by enabling JavaScript. Click to zoom In 7 cartsPrice: $7.49 Loading13,287 sales | 5 out of 5 stars Primary colorSelect a colorGreenWhitePlease select a colorQuantity12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637Browse collections for more inspiration Created by Etsy shoppersListed on Mar 15, 20231901 favoritesReport this item to Etsy Choose a reason…There’s a problem with my orderIt uses my intellectual property without permissionI don’t think it meets Etsy’s policiesChoose a reason… The first thing you should do is contact the seller directly.If you’ve already done that, your item hasn’t arrived, or it’s not as described, you can report that to Etsy by opening a case.Report a problem with an order We take intellectual property concerns very seriously, but many of these problems can be resolved directly by the parties involved. We suggest contacting the seller directly to respectfully share your concerns.If you’d like to file an allegation of infringement, you’ll need to follow the process described in our Copyright and Intellectual Property Policy. Review how we define handmade, vintage and suppliesSee a list of prohibited items and materialsRead our mature content policyThe item for sale is… not handmade not vintage (20+ years) not craft supplies prohibited or that use prohibited materials not properly labeled as mature content Please choose a reason Tell us more about how this item violates our policies.Tell us more about how this item violates our policies. paranormal investigator embroidered patch astral threads phenomena ghost hunters Parapsychology supernaturalGo to cart ]]>

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bestrealestateinmulmur · 1 year

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What Is Realty Solution?

Property solution is an activity in which a property agent or broker is employed to promote, advertise, and also market a building in behalf of a client. Real estate agents are usually certified by the state or province where the residential property lies. The representative may additionally be the seller's agent or the customer's agent. Property is the legal term for land and also structures. It can consist of a range of usages, consisting of property living, industrial organization, and investment residential properties.

Residence might be purchased as a financial investment, or rented out. Commercial residential or commercial properties might include office buildings, shopping center, and filling station. The New Tecumseth Realty experts function as the fiduciary for the seller and will remain focused till the end of the transaction. He or she prepares legal records as well as kinds for a purchase and also sale agreement, and also is in charge of the proper advertising and marketing of a residential property.

This can include a combination of electronic and also conventional advertising and marketing. The agent usually offers price quotes for repair services and might hold the down payment repayment till the closing. Real estate agents are called for to take courses as well as pass a test to get a license. Those who hold a certificate are needed to finish a particular number of hours of continuing education and learning every 4 years. They are required to reveal the nature of their partnership with the events, and also the amount of payment they have actually gotten.

There is a wide range of services supplied by a realty agent, and also each firm has its very own set of regulations and also commitments. A number of remarkable groups exist to advertise the industry. These include the National Association of Realtors, the Organization of Home Managers, as well as the Real Estate Buyers and also Sellers Association. Various other organizations, such as the California Realty Payment and the Florida Compensation, have made it feasible to prevent the fiduciary duty and have actually created alternatives that do not require a real estate agent to be present during the purchase.

A Deal Broker is a broker that focuses on aiding buyers and sellers in a deal. Unlike an agent, a purchase broker has no fiduciary duties for either party. A Transaction Broker is a neutral, third-party conciliator who works to assist both parties reach an usual goal. Commonly, a flat-fee broker will certainly charge a little cost for their solutions.

The quantity of the charge depends on the solutions they provide, as well as can be considerably less than the payments charged by various other property brokers. Some of the advantages of hiring the Palgrave Realty brokers include a much shorter sales cycle, and a reduced expense to the vendor. Many states require property professionals to obtain a permit prior to they can exercise.

Nevertheless, the type of partnership in between a realty agent and also a client will differ from jurisdiction to territory. For example, in the state of Massachusetts, a realty representative can be a vendor or a purchaser, however can't be both. To get a broker's certificate, an applicant needs to participate in at the very least fifteen hrs of pre-license education and learning. They need to then complete an additional forty-five hrs of post-license education. Applicants who do not meet these needs can get a certificate by signing a reciprocal contract with the suitable state or territory. Explore more on this subject by clicking here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_real_estate.

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market-spy · 3 months

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Squeezing the Juice: A Tangy Dive into the Global Citrus Extracts Market

Hey there, citrus enthusiasts and flavor fanatics! Today, we’re diving into the juicy world of the global citrus extracts market. Forget the corporate jargon; we’re here to unravel the zestiness behind the numbers, without any fancy AI-powered dance moves. So, grab your virtual sunglasses, and let’s squeeze out the details!

The Tangy Numbers:

The citrus extracts market is no small fry, with a juicy size of USD 7.26 billion in 2021, set to grow to a whopping USD 10.59 billion by 2030. That’s a growth rate of 4.3%, but who’s counting, right?

Why the Citrus Hype?

Turns out, people are catching onto the fact that citrus extracts, from oranges to lemons and beyond, are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and all the good stuff. As the world goes gaga over natural and plant-based goodies, citrus extracts are having their moment in the sun (pun intended).

Market Flavors and Aromas:

Orange extracts are the big shots, strutting their stuff at USD 10.025 billion, while lemon extracts are the rising stars, grooving at a growth rate faster than a lemon slice squirting into your eye. Grapefruit extracts are not far behind, adding their unique flavor to the citrusy fiesta.

Segments, Segments Everywhere:

The market is sliced and diced into types (orange, lemon, etc.), functionality (flavoring, coloring, etc.), and applications (food, pharmaceuticals, etc.). It’s like a citrus salad of options!

Regional Citrus Showdown:

Peeling Back the Layers:

Why is the market going bananas over citrus extracts? Well, consumers are getting woke about health and wellness, and citrus extracts fit the bill. But, hold your orange peel, there’s a catch. Fluctuations in citrus crops and supply chain woes are playing the spoilsport. Mother Nature, always the party crasher!

Citrus Superstars — The Players:

For More Information: https://www.skyquestt.com/report/citrus-extracts-market

The Tangy Trends:

Conclusion:

So, there you have it, a tangy trip through the global citrus extracts market. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about the zest, the aroma, and the juicy goodness that citrus extracts bring to our tables and products. As the market continues to squeeze out innovations, we’ll be here, sipping our citrus-infused drinks, enjoying the flavor revolution. Stay zesty!

About Us-

SkyQuest Technology Consulting Pvt. Ltd.

1 Apache Way,

Westford,

Massachusetts 01886

USA (+1) 617–230–0741

Email- [email protected]

Website: https://www.skyquestt.com

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the-firebird69 · 1 year

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We do have a couple more companies that we can fire John remillard from they're pretty much ready and we see what you're saying we need to push past where we can get and start hiring and we're doing it now and we're pushing for the infiltrators and we're going to go up there and see what the hell they're doing right now they're saying they can't get Sherry up there when we think she is up there and they're saying it could be this a****** screwing around please squid who actually possibly just underwater and we'd be in special suits and stuff so we figured out something else too she knows that she's special in a way Tommy wants to make clones and some outfits for some reason so he's trying to capture Mac Daddy too. And it's going on now and he wants to make a lot of them and that could be what's motivating him. We of course have a different plan we do know that several parties are up there now Forest Whitaker's people which is really Jason and some of Trump's not a ton no there's a lot of them New York numbered by Trump's and they try and kidnap Sherry all the time because they're losers.

They want to run the household so we are after them very hard we're going up there to clean them out actually get rid of the trumpsters.

The several more companies that we're finding John remillard from today and it's in the United States one of them is in cohasset Massachusetts it's a large firm and that's where they're based and they make a lot of products but it's really

*Stanley overhead door and they compete with the overhead door company yes and they have their own brand but it's a giant company compared to overhead door was just more or less residential they do they do all sorts of rolling shutters even for mega projects and then they had to re-engineer it it was totally different they said and that's what our son just thought it's probably totally different and it was an amazing effort they said it went on for years then designing and redesigning and finally they have huge ones that work pretty good and we can enhance it a little but we'd rather use there to sign and people know it's them. And we're taking over the whole company hardware offices ancillary all the buildings and storage facilities transfer facilities and shipping they have their own shipping companies and they're pretty big but not really huge and his schedule is starting up again and it's going to be 6:00 p.m. and it's coming up to 4:00 and it's on the east coast and all over Massachusetts and we have immunity to the poison but he does not and it's just deteriorating in the meetings it's gross at one point the skin fell off his chin is trying to hide it he said I must have hit something and I said no that's not I said you want to argue I said sure go ahead you're on tape so you stopped. It's a big company there's a lot of overhead doors all over the world but right now is a huge demand for residential overhead doors and the type that's in Florida in California they're pretty much the same door yes they're wider in California no it's the same with and the same reinforcing and pretty much the same storm resistance and shipping tons of them already today huge huge numbers for new homes and they're all being held by this idiot

*we are firing John Lord from these companies completely and we don't care if he has stock or absorbing and we say it too however you sign the stock over and we pay a fee or we absorb it and he's constantly saying I won't sign it over he thinks he has it and he hasn't checked and it's done that to our son for a long time. That's just one of many companies above but we are firing him from Moen, the world's largest plumbing supply company that's right they are tremendous they're tremendous they're the biggest company with plumbing supply by volume of sales by dollar value and by number of fixtures all across the board and they sell about a quarter more than the next company which we're getting to it's when our son hates they're a bunch of assholes or bothering him for no reason. And it cost them everything they own. But this company is superb they make excellent products they're most their products are not booby trapped or sabotaged and Jonathan Reema Lord took it over and he was trying to do it the whole time after taking it over he's trying to sabotage the product and he wanted to clear out the people in customer service and returns and so forth to own it himself and he had other motives like he wanted to make a crappy company out of it cuz his was always beat by it and that's the next company

*Ferguson plumbing and supply and we took it over most of it's already done and we're finding John rebelord today smell like 5:30 and Ferguson is huge they have gigantic warehouses all over the world huge huge warehouses and they will all be ours momentarily and John remillard doesn't own anything after today he thinks he has stock in them or something or will pay him at some point he's really a happy guy that way but no they don't want to pay him anything not a penny and we're insisting that he stopped telling people that were paying him because he's a terrorist and we noted that too in the report we sent to the government we said this guy has been hassling us since day one we're working at this company and he's ruined businesses he's a terrorist and he's from Australia and we said he's also after the United Kingdom that's where these idiots are from and it's not Max plan no hey Ferguson has about 30% of the world's plumbing supply business no they're number two and they have probably 35% but they are number two and they kind of suck. And it's like this massive disgusting sweatshop and building things by hand and they're all gross pigs and they're moving heavy things around that are fragile and not even cured and they're really stupid too and these are like metal wheels and they wear out faster than rubber it's really really it's arcane and we won't have people working in those conditions and we're upgrading all the factories and we'll have it done in probably one week and we're making tons of products and we're modifying and re-engineering a lot of them most of them were substandard and it's because he doesn't know how to make a nice product is an idiot and we don't like him and he doesn't like us and there's no reason why he should be parked next door but we are making good use of it and soon he'll be out of business completely. Only enough he and his mom went down there several times to look at stuff they're kind of assholes and I mentioning this and mentioning that told her she should get a walk-in tub and the sun said no because it Pampers you and stuff and you have to get your legs fixed but she couldn't and they're mad about it and they said he's after you and he said no I shouldn't sit in hot water he said I said why not it's not really good for you anyways I got reports to say it is I said well I guess it's a matter of opinion so you left and you're going out the door and you're going to screw you under your breath and the guy heard you of saying you said she's trying to run outside and we stopped him and you're leaving the parking lot and he's trying to get outside and he couldn't gets on the PA and go screw you and you're hearing it now and you're like f you too in space so the guy's saying it for like 10 minutes and the employees come up and they say what are you saying you're disturbing all the customers and we heard him he said it's not that great to sit in hot water it really isn't I agreed and he goes he'd already done the jacuzzi s*** and that was wrong and he knew it and so they started picking him apart and said we want the jacuzzi back the way it was and stop hurting her and they're telling him that and he would not listen so I'm going to have a lawsuit open up for Dee again and I'm going to say that it led to her death and that he was involved the whole time because he was the surgeon Dr Miller he was he was imitating people and we're going to sue him and we're going after the institutions as well because they're holding you and he was holding you directly and he was owning and running him and we're putting them on trial for it and they go up Monday they're doing all the preliminary work and we're getting our ducks in a row and we're collecting information and we're getting a witnesses and we're doing everything we can one thing we can tell you we're doing is we are going after their data and we have to because we don't want anyone else to get it and no matter where they try and bring it to they bring it here it's gone we take it all the time.

And that was a big company okay that is one of the world's largest between the two they hold about 67% of the world's plumbing supplies because he went in monopolized everything now we have it structured so it's not a monopoly and we're running it like it's not a monopoly it's like a big management company that's what our son does anyways but we do hand down rules and regulations quality controls and ways of treating employees and pay rates and things it's really run by us but it's not run by one corporation it's managed by a corporation that those are management things

Thor Freya

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