#ev charging spot near me

[charge-zone]

https://chargezone.com/charger-locator.html

India’s Fastest Growing EV Charging Network CHARGE ZONE is a tech-driven EV Charging infrastructure company specializing in B2B and B2C charging services on both dedicated and opportunity based charging using smart-grid network.

#ev charging stations near me #ev charging spot near me #ev charging points near me #public charging station nearest ev charging station #nearest car charging station #nearby charging stations #ev car charging station #find ev charging stations

[creature-of-the-stars]

Beyond Fortunate

Read -> here

Vreenak/OC

No warnings. SFW

Summary: Vreenak has been away on a diplomatic mission for almost a month. Once he returns home, he shares a tender reunion with his wife, Eve. A tiny Keep Your Enemies Closer sequel; takes place before the events of Rekkhai.

This little piece was supposed to be my third (and way overdue) installment for SoC, but it was too sweet to make spicy.

Tag list: @starrynightgardens @deepspacedukat @horta-in-charge @emilie786 @indignantlemur @darkmattervibes @wafflingchemist

If you want on this list, let me know!

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Vreenak dropped his bags at the door and went in search of his wife. He had a good idea of where he’d find her, most likely babying her plants in the greenhouse he’d built for her, and was pleased when he saw her blurry silhouette through the dewy glass panes. 

The sight of her made the senator stop, standing transfixed as he savored the view. He was beyond fortunate that he could call such a prize his mate, and he told himself so nearly every day. But, though he could have stood there forever and watched her, the anticipation to see and hold his prize pushed him toward the greenhouse door. 

He called out in greeting, making Eve jump in surprise, and she nearly decapitated her delicate Terran orchids (which grew much better in their Romulan home than they ever did on Earth or Deep Space 9) with her shears. She’d been waiting anxiously all day for him to walk through the door, and now that he was cutting a path through the greenery - a good head taller than some of her largest plants - Eve was bursting with excitement. She was poised to run and throw her arms around him when Vreenak stopped before her, his expression morphing into shocked surprise.

“What?” Eve asked and worriedly looked at her apron but only spotted stray bits of dirt, nothing more.

“Nouhha…” Vreenak whispered as he drew near. “ I was gone for less than a month. How have you grown so large already?” 

He stared down at his wife in amazement - his wife, who looked significantly more pregnant than she had when he’d left. Vreenak had been on a diplomatic mission for a few weeks, and while leaving his pregnant mate for so long made him anxious, he tried to remind himself that a month really wasn’t such a long time.

Except now that I see her…leaving was a mistake, he thought and gawked at the exceptionally prominent bulge ballooning out from under his wife’s breasts.

Eve had to laugh. “Well, yes, love. That’s what happens.” She tossed her apron onto the workbench so she wouldn’t get potting soil all over Vreenak’s tunic. “It only takes nine months to bake one of these things. And, now that I’m in my second trimester, I’m only going to get bigger from here.”

Vreenak gingerly palmed the curve of her stomach as if afraid to break something. He could scarcely imagine his lithe wife growing even wider, but he couldn’t deny that the vision appealed to him greatly.

“Setting aside how huge I’ve become,” Eve joked, “How was your trip, love?”

“Too long,” replied Vreenak, crouching down so he was level with his wife’s bump. “I never should have left... I didn’t miss anything important, did I?” He looked up at her sharply, hoping she’d say no. 

This child was his first, perhaps his only, so he was going to be rather distraught if he’d missed out on anything significant. Just knowing that he’d been absent for a handful of his unborn child’s enthusiastic kicks was a jab to his heart. 

“No, no,” Eve reassured him as she played with his hair. “Nothing too exciting. Just back aches and weird cravings.”

Vreenak hummed and pressed his face against Eve’s stomach. He could swear he could hear the fluttering of something - or someone - as they twisted and turned, just beyond Eve’s soft skin. 

Beautiful, he thought lovingly.

It took a few minutes before he could tear himself away, but he did eventually stand and take his wife’s hand. Although Eve didn’t consider seemingly trivial things such as aches and cravings exciting, Vreenak was swimming in regret and was keen to make up for lost time. 

“And what about you?” he asked her. “How have you fared in my absence?”

She looked at him quizzically. “What do you mean? I told you, back aches and cravings.”

“I’m not talking about the baby or the pregnancy, e’lev. How are you ?”

A slow, warm smile spread over Eve’s face, and she was instantly reminded of why she’d fallen in love with her austere senator. Even though the way she’d met her husband had been intense and deadly, she’d willingly agreed to go with him to Romulus, thus turning her back on her career and altering her life forever. For a time, she’d been worried that she may come to regret that decision, but the life Eve had built with Vreenak was more fulfilling than anything she could have imagined. 

Eve smoothed her palms up her husband’s chest and stepped in close, or as close as she could manage, considering the extra person wedged in her belly. “I’m happy, deyhhan. Much happier now that you’re home.”

#I wasn't going to make a whole moodboard just for this one #it's too wittle for that #vreenak #senator vreenak #romulan #romulans #star trek deep space 9 #star trek deep space nine #star trek ds9 #star trek fanfiction #star trek fanfic #fanfiction #my writing #my fanfic #fanfic #ao3 #writing #creative writing #st ds9 #ds9 #deep space nine #deep space 9 #dsnine #start trek writing

[oldbutnotyetwise]

Mrs. McDonald

     I would like to tell you a story of a lady who wandered into my life for a decade or two.  She was an unremarkable woman who led a rather unremarkable life, but all lives are worthy of some recognition and perhaps this is hers. I became a character in the last few chapters of her life, and I was with her to the end.  

    She was raised in a large family on a farm in the Thorold area near to St. Catharines.  She didn’t get on well with her mother, but the way she tells it she was her Father’s favourite.  For High School she was shipped off to the Loretta Academy in Niagara Falls where she was under the iron fist rule of the Catholic Nuns but they failed to turn her into a Nun as expected.

     She was a short, stocky woman, just getting above the five foot mark and a disease struck her later in life causing her to have limited use of her legs.  I don’t know what happened in the earlier years but after marrying Ron they both drank too much and took on all the usual characteristics of an abusive relationship.

     It was Christmas Eve in the early 90’s, my good friend and partner Dave was working the nightshift with me.  Christmas Eve, families getting together, drinking too much and then getting violent with someone often ending up in jail.  Over and over this same scene plays out, just more so on holiday occasions where people gather and start to party together. 

     It was probably the early morning hours of Christmas Day by the time we were dispatched for a woman in distress on the porch of a house at the edge of downtown.  When we got there there was no woman on the porch but the front door was wide open.  We carefully entered the house concerned for the woman’s well being, we saw a large man passed out on the couch but then I spotted her laying on the floor of the bedroom.  There was a small table lamp on the floor beside her head and the cord from it was wrapped tightly around her neck.  To this day I remember how much trouble I had removing it because of how tight it was digging onto the skin around her neck.  I could see the fear in her eyes, I think she probably had thought that this was finally the day he was going to kill her.  Based on what she told us we arrested her husband and roused him from his drunken slumber on the couch. We charged him with Aggravated Assault, which is one step down from Attempted Murder.  

     Her husband Ron never fought the charges, in fact he pled guilty the first chance he got and was sentenced to a year in jail.  I don’t doubt that he loved her, and that he felt very guilty about what had happened, but it was a cycle of violence that I don’t think either of them could break.  

     With the Assistance of the Victim Services Branch we reunited Mrs. McDonald with her estranged daughter.  Her daughter lived in London and Mrs. McDonald thought she would like to live in St. Thomas, close enough, yet far enough from her daughter.  Victim Services found some subsidized housing and she got a cute little one bedroom townhouse that was close enough to downtown that she could get her own groceries on her scooter.  She and her little dog seemed happy, perhaps for the first time in many, many years.  I knew her as Elizabeth McDonald but she decided she now wanted to be called Eliza, maybe this was her way of making a break from her past.  Either way it didn’t matter, she was always Mrs. McDonald to me.  Now that should have been the end of the story, but it wasn’t.

     Whenever I attended the Police college in nearby Aylmer I would visit with Mrs. McDonald, maybe take her out for dinner and see how she was doing.  There was also the phone calls to check in on her, somewhere along the way I became somewhat of an adopted son.

     It took a while but then Mrs. McDonald’s life took some bad turns.  She called me to tell me that her daughter had told her that she had to move in with her to help look after the children.  As well, she would have to sign over her disability cheque to them for room and board.  Mrs. McDonald didn’t want to do that and I assured her that she didn’t have to.  This resulted in much fighting and at one point she was assaulted by her daughter’s husband.  Then a man from the complex forced his way into her unit and sexually assaulted her, her dream home had become a nightmare.

    We found a place in nearby Smithville that had an Accessible Unit available, or at least it became available when I explained the situation to the program coordinator.  I called my dear and always reliable friend Larry and we rented a U-Haul and went down and moved her to Smithville.  This was about twenty minutes from where I lived and it made it easier for me to keep an eye on her.  She would join us for holiday gatherings and she made friends at the Legion Villa where she lived.

     As time wore on dementia started to set in, she would tell me about things being stolen from her unit but when I spoke with the person who ran the Villa she explained that it was likely that Mrs. McDonald was the one taking things, from herself and others.  Her neighbour was in contact with me frequently kept me updated on how things were going.  The neighbour called me one day and said she was worried as she didn’t think Mrs. McDonald had been out of bed for days, when I phoned Mrs. McDonald she assured me she was fine.  I drove there and found her in her bed, covered in her own filth, she didn’t want to go, but I wrapped her in blankets and took her to the hospital.  I think we both knew as I carried her out to my truck that she would never be coming back home to her apartment.  

     After a while of being in the Grimsby Hospital she was transferred to St. Peter’s Hospital in Hamilton, a long term care facility where she settled in.  As I was working in Hamilton it allowed me to stop in and see her more often on the way home from work, and take her out for walks in her wheelchair.  We would go in search of orange popsicles that she seemed to love.  In time she passed away there and so ended her rather sad story.

     The daughter suddenly reappeared when learning of the death but quickly disappeared again when she found out there was nothing in the will for her.  As per her wishes Mrs. McDonald was cremated and had no service, no obituary.  I wanted to memorialize her in some way, and I remembered that at the Villa she would spend hours sitting on her scooter down by the creek that ran through the property.  I would get excited reports of the birds, turtles and muskrats that kept her company there.  Arrangements were made for a bench and some plants to be installed where she has spent all that time.  I screwed a small plaque Memorializing her onto the bench.  Her neighbour and I met there one day, we spread her ashes around the bench and then we sat sharing memories of our time with Mrs. McDonald.  I think Mrs. McDonald would have approved.

     The thing I remember most about Mrs. McDonald was how grateful she was for any small thing that we would do for her.  It is a life lesson that she taught me, how to take joy in the small things despite all the challenges in your life.  

     There is a movie called Land which stars Robin Wright, in it a stranger saves a woman’s life, helps to bring her back from near death. When she was healthy again she asks him, “Why did you do all this for me?”, he replied “Because you were in my path.”  I love that line, that explanation.  There is just a gentle, mindful, rightness to it.  

     Who has stopped to help you while they traveled on their path, and who have you stopped to help while travelling on yours?

[kennak]

EVs are getting too heavy and too powerful, safety chief says | Ars Technica As someone who was recently hit by a car, this is a bit horrifying. Also, as an environmental awareness wannabee, this is a blind spot. I wanted a bigger EV with bigger batteries for less frequent charging, but maybe that’s not a good idea. If so, what I need is a close-enough charging spot. It’s unlikely that I get one in near future. This outlook makes me sad.

Link: EVs are getting too heavy and too powerful, safety chief says | Ars Technica – Spinach Forest

[chaisaidaw]

How to ring in the New Year at a rooftop bar in Bangkok?

Imagine a night where the city's skyline serves as a glittering backdrop to welcome the New Year. The secrets of planning the perfect New Year's Eve at a rooftop bar sukhumvitare unravelled in this blog. We have covered everything from selecting the venue to curating your menu, and from choosing the right attire to capturing the countdown magic. Keep on reading and plan a New Year’s Eve adventure under the starlit skies of Bangkok!

Why Choose a Peruvian-Japanese rooftop bar near me for New Year’s Eve?

Wondering how to make your New Year's Eve truly exceptional? Opt for the extraordinary by choosing a rooftop bar that fuses the vibrant flavors of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines. This unique combination promises a culinary adventure that transcends the ordinary, offering a diverse and delightful menu for various palates.

Imagine savoring the richness of Peruvian Lomo Saltado Rolls, where Australian Angus striploin meets crabstick, avocado, and lomo saltado sauce, alongside the delicacy of Nigiri Nikei Hamachi Truffle, adorned with truffle oil and ponzu sauce.  

How to Plan Your Evening at a Bangkok rooftop bar?

Start by choosing a rooftop bar that offers the unique Peruvian-Japanese fusion experience. Research and explore reviews to find a venue that not only captures the essence of these two dynamic cuisines but also boasts a breathtaking view of Bangkok's skyline. Consider making a reservation to secure a prime spot for the New Year's festivities.

Look for signature dishes that embody the fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors. From sushi rolls that blend Australian Angus striploin with crabstick to tantalizing drinks like the Uzuki Blossom. Choose items like Amarena cherry-infused Whisky, Umeshu, and Sake for a celebration of cultural diversity.

Some venues may host live music, countdown parties, or themed decorations to enhance the festive atmosphere. Checking for these additional elements for a memorable New Year's celebration.

What to wear at a rooftop bar in Bangkok Sukhumvit?

When planning your attire, consider the stylish and sophisticated ambiance of a rooftop bar. Think chic dresses, tailored jumpsuits, or stylish shirts and trousers.

Choose footwear that complements your ensemble and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Stylish sandals or fashionable sneakers can strike the right balance. However, avoid overly casual or beachwear footwear, as rooftop bars often enforce a smart casual dress code.

Tips for Memorable Celebrations

Arrive Early for Prime Views: To secure the best views of the city and ensure you have a prime spot for the New Year's countdown.. Rooftop bars can get crowded during special events, so arrive ahead of time.

Capture the Countdown Magic: New Year's Eve is all about the countdown to midnight. Ensure your phone or camera is fully charged to capture the magical moment when the clock strikes twelve. These photographs will be cherished memories of your unique celebration.

Toast to the New Year with Signature Drinks: Explore the rooftop bar's signature drinks and raise a toast to the approaching year. Try exotic flavors of a Maracuja Sour and the sophistication of a Uzuki Blossom. 

Conclusion

Planning your New Year's celebration in Bangkok can be worthy if you indulge at a Peruvian-Japanese rooftop fusion bar. The unique culinary experience shared above can be found at Above Eleven. It is the most sought-after rooftop bar nana that assures a night of unparalleled flavors, breathtaking views and festive joy.

#rooftop bar nana

[shelbyrushing]

EV Road Trip, December 25-29, 2023

I’ve had my BMW i4 eDrive40 for a little under five months now and I finally got the chance to take it out for an extended road trip to visit family in Louisiana this past Christmas. Fear of the unknown is baked in with any new tech and electric vehicles are no exception. In this case, most of my anxiety was related to the availability of fast chargers on the road and questions over how close the car would get to its estimated range of 301 miles on a full charge. Knoxville to Baton Rouge clocks in around 650 miles one way, meaning I would need to fast charge on the road multiple times. I wanted to share my experience here for current EV owners and anyone who may be considering acquiring an EV to give you a sense of the current state of things in this neck of the woods.

Most of my charging is done at home, I’d say around 90%. This number hovers around 80% for EV owners in general. I have a Level 2 charger in my garage that I use to recharge the battery when I’m at home. The charger itself came with my car, and I hired an electrician to install a 240V outlet (basically, a dryer outlet) to enable me to complete a full charge within a reasonable amount of time. My car is capable of charging from a regular 110V outlet in a speedy 80 hours. Using the 240, it will fully charge in 8-10 hours, meaning you can wake up with a full battery every morning if you so choose. Realistically, I only need to charge about once a week, maybe twice if it’s a busy week. My cost to fuel up at home is around $6.15 for 300 miles of driving. Compare that to my last internal combustion engine (ICE) car, a Ford Fusion that got around 30 mpg, which would cost me $27 to do the same distance at today’s price of $2.70 per gallon, or closer to $45 at the peak of a few years ago. This is truly an ideal situation, right in the sweet spot for EV driving these days, and one of the main reasons I bought this car, along with the obvious environmental benefits and the sheer pleasure of driving these vehicles. I haven’t visited a gas station since August. I nearly pulled into one to grab a soda a few weeks ago but thought to myself, “No, I don’t belong here,” and popped over to the grocery store instead.

Although EVs have been in mass production for over a decade, the state of public charging is highly variable depending on where you live and what kind of car you have. The first thing to know is that there are two main types of EV plugs: Tesla’s and everyone else’s. If you drive a Tesla, you have access to their Supercharger network, which is by far the most extensive and reliable network in North America. If you have anything else, you are relegated to using a mishmash of public charging networks that each have their own apps and payment systems and varying degrees of reliability. Electrify America, ChargePoint, EV Connect, and EVgo are some of the more popular ones. Last year, most of the major car companies committed to adopting Tesla’s NACS standard in the U.S., unlocking access the Supercharger network using an adapter sometime in 2024 and without one in the coming years, but at the time of my trip I could only access a small handful of Tesla chargers, none of which were really along my route. 

I’ve taken a couple of shorter road trips to locations within a few hours of my home in the past few months and had a largely positive experience. My stated range of 301 miles can fluctuate depending on various factors including the outside temperature, the speed I’m driving, the amount of cargo I’m hauling including luggage and passengers, and things like how much heat or AC I’m using. It can also be reduced by degradation of the battery, but my car is still too new for that really to be an issue.

At Thanksgiving we drove to my in-laws’ house near Athens, GA, 240 miles away, through both highways and winding, hilly backroads. I arrived with 20% battery life, meaning my car hit its benchmark exactly. I brought my charger along and hooked up to their 240V outlet (my father-in-law had it installed in anticipation of getting his own EV at some point—he has a Cybertruck on order) and got the battery back up to 100% overnight. No public charging was required for that trip, making it even easier than doing the same trip in my old Fusion since I didn’t have to stop to refuel on the road.

We made short trips to Nashville and Atlanta in December, both of which required me to use public charging, with mixed results. In Nashville I used an Electrify America station near the airport, about 25 minutes from our Airbnb. I ended up having to make two separate trips to that station because their payment network was offline during the first visit and they had the charger set to complementary mode, which would have been nice save for the fact that I already get two years of free charging with Electrify America through BMW, and because it was free they lowered the charging speed (“derated” it, in EV parlance) to 40 kW. My car is capable of a max of 205 kW, so a steady 40 kW increases the charging time significantly. I should be able to get from 20% to 80% battery within 30 minutes but I sat at that charger for 41 minutes and only recovered 32% of my battery (30% to 62%) before I ran out of time and had to leave. I went back the next morning to top it off and after trying a couple of different stalls I was able to get up to 93 kW, still well below my car’s potential. Regardless, I was able to charge and get back home without having to pay anything because of my free subscription through BMW.

When we went to Atlanta, I charged in a suburban shopping area in Kennesaw, northwest of the metro area, and topped out at 147 kW, going from 20% to 75% in 25 minutes, also free of charge through Electrify America. Around 10 other vehicles were docked at the same station, including some that I had never seen in the wild before, like a BMW iX, a Genesis GV60, and a Volkswagen eGolf. I have become an expert (or as my wife Young pronounces it, “dork”) at recognizing EVs on the road, and it’s always a treat to see one I’ve never seen before. I charged at another Electrify America station in Atlanta on that trip, this one in a Walmart parking lot. Speeds were not quite as good, but I was able to get the charge I needed while passing the time inside the store grabbing a few last-minute gifts while I waited for my charge to complete. We also stopped at an EVgo station at a Flying J Travel Center just outside of Knoxville to top off. Pilot and Flying J are partnering with GM to install chargers at hundreds of their gas stations in the next few years, a huge boon to EV drivers. This station was one of the nicest I’ve seen, with covered parking by the chargers, a full convenience store with restrooms and even a restaurant. It was also very expensive compared to other fast charging stations: this stop cost me $16.88 to pull down 26 kWh ($0.65/kWh). My cost at home would have been around $2. Still, I would love to see this kind of setup become the norm.

Because of various family and professional scheduling conflicts, Young and I found ourselves driving from Knoxville to Baton Rouge on Christmas Day. There are plusses and minuses to driving on Christmas. On the plus side there is very little traffic on the road and consequently very little congestion at fast charging stations. I’ve made this trip dozens of times and it typically takes around 10 to 10.5 hours in an ICE vehicle, already a long day. One of the things I worried about with the EV is arriving at a charging station fully occupied by other drivers and having to wait 30 minutes or an hour to charge my car. Travelling on Christmas when very few people are on the road means it’s that much less likely you’ll get stuck behind other drivers, and indeed I never had to wait for a charger (the trip back home was a slightly different story as you’ll see later).

The downside is that nothing is open. Many charging stations are situated at the edges of Walmart or Target parking lots, meaning they can be accessed at any time of day or night, but along my route, the only option was often at a car dealership that could very well be behind a locked gate during off hours. Since this would be my first time charging at these particular stations, I felt I needed to do a little extra research to make sure I would have no trouble accessing the chargers I needed.

I spent an inordinate amount of time using various EV route planning apps to identify the most efficient way to reach my destination. BMW has their own navigation system, which sensibly focuses heavily on the location of charging stations, and there are other third-party apps like A Better Route Planner (ABRP) and ChargeHub that do more or less the same thing, though each has its own nuances. The basic way they work is that you input your origin and destination, what type of car you have and your current battery percentage, and it plots your route and tells you where you will need to stop and for how long to achieve the maximally efficient road trip. This is good in theory, but the charger inventory on each app is slightly different, and they have different opinions of which stops are the best options for your trip. I ended up considering several different possibilities and picked the stops that seemed to make the most sense. I slightly favored Electrify America stations since they are currently free to me, and I tried to stay away from slower chargers when possible. I also tried to find backups in case my preferred stations were for some reason unavailable.

Mississippi was the toughest leg of the trip to navigate, since there are really very few good options throughout much of the state. My apps kept trying to route me to a charger at a dealership in Hattiesburg that has a maximum speed of 50 kW. Even if that were the most efficient overall route, I just couldn’t see myself sitting at that station for over an hour to wait for my car to recharge, so I routed around it, opting to stop at a dealership in Jackson with a faster charger. Even though some of the apps say this charger is 180 kW, it’s actually only 90, but it’s still the fastest charger for hundreds of miles around. Since this would be a crucial stop on my trip, I called several days in advance to make sure that I could actually access the property and the charger on Christmas Day. The salesman assured me that the gate would be open, but trusting a stranger multiple states away with information that, if wrong, could leave me stranded on the one day of the year tow trucks will be most difficult to get, is inevitably going to be a little scary. Regardless, I decided to operate under the assumption that I was receiving accurate information and that the charger would be open when I needed it.

With all my planning done and feeling pretty good about the stops I had selected, I loaded the car with suitcases, sandwiches and snacks for the road, Christmas gifts, a guitar or two, a very sleepy spouse, and a very nervous cat, and we hit the road around 6:45am. As anticipated, the roads were as empty as I’ve ever seen them, even in normally congested areas like Chattanooga. Our first stop was Fort Payne, AL, 170 miles from home, at a ChargePoint station in a parking lot near a rail depot. This station is rated at 125 kW, and I was able to achieve a charging speed of 86 kW, going from 31% to 75% in 29 minutes. I was grateful to have downloaded the ChargePoint app ahead of time, because that seemed to be the only way to pay at this station. In fact, I had downloaded every app I could think of a few days prior, created accounts, and linked my payment method. If I hadn’t done this, I would have spent significantly longer fumbling with apps in the cold and drizzling rain just to get a charge. Cost was fairly reasonable, $15.60 for 37 kWh ($0.42/kWh). Overall, this was a nice stop, right in the middle of downtown, with shops and cafes within easy walking distance, and relatively clean public restrooms that were accessible even on Christmas Day. I look forward to stopping here again when things are actually open.

Next up was an Electrify America station 132 miles from Fort Payne at the Mercedes Benz Welcome Center in Vance, AL. Mercedes, like a lot of foreign car manufacturers, has factories in the non-unionized south, and this is their flagship location. The chargers—six of them, all empty—are set up in the visitor’s center parking lot. Payment authorization was again done using an app. The first cable I tried didn’t recognize my car so I had to try a second, which connected right away. There was a beautiful Mercedes EQE SUV across the parking lot, probably a demo for the EV curious. On normal days there would be restrooms available, but no such luck today. Still, this was one of the fastest chargers I’ve used to date, topping out at 169 kW. I arrived with 21% and left 30 minutes later with 80%, pretty much exactly as the brochure advertised. I should have stayed another 10 minutes.

The third and final charging stop on this trip was the aforementioned EV Connect station at the dealership in Jackson, 200 miles from stop #2. If you do the math here, my car was at 80% battery leaving Mercedes, supposedly 240 miles of range if you believe the estimates. I figured I would arrive in Jackson with around 10-12% of battery left. What I was not accounting for was 1) the weather, as EV batteries lose range in the cold, plus we were running the heater at a pretty good clip, 2) my highway speeds, close to 80 mph on wide open Interstate, and 3) a fully laden vehicle with much more cargo than I typically carry.

My car’s nav system can be set to arrive at a destination with a specified battery percentage. I had it configured to arrive with at least 10% remaining. For the first part of this leg of the trip, that seemed achievable, with an estimated arrival percentage of about 13%. But slowly I watched that drop to 12%, then 11%, then 10%. When it dipped below 10%, my car began to warn me that we wouldn’t make it, and suggested I make another stop to charge.

That was not what I wanted to hear, so I updated the arrival status to 5% battery. The percentage continued to drop: 9%, 8%, 7%. At this point, I decided that I didn’t particularly want to wait hours for a tow truck on Christmas Day, so it was either make another stop or take measures to reduce battery consumption. I opted for door #2, turning down the heat and reducing my speed to 70 mph. There wasn’t any cargo I could unload, so that’s about all I could do. Thankfully, it was enough. The estimated arrival percentage stopped dropping and I was able to make it to Jackson with 6% battery remaining.

This was not an experience I would recommend to anyone. It seemed like every exit I passed from Vance to Jackson had at least one gas station. Many had 3 or 4. But charging stops in this part of the country can be 100 miles apart or more, so if you miss your chance to charge when you can, or if your app was wrong about there being a station there, or if it’s not open or all the cables are broken or someone parked their ICE truck in front of the charger and left it there all day, your outlook starts to look pretty bleak. On the return trip I encountered a couple from Huntsville in an Audi e-Tron who experienced just that: app routed them to a non-existent charger. Battery was depleted. Tow trucks were called. Garments were rent.

Thankfully we avoided that fate. The dealership’s gates were open, as promised, though I had to cross the steepest speed bumps I’ve ever seen and navigate past the line of Level 2 chargers to find the fast chargers I was looking for. These were of the EV Connect variety, max charging speed of 90 kW. A Mach-E was leaving as I arrived, and a very friendly Tesla driver grabbing some free electrons from the Level 2s chatted me up while we waited. We were at this stop for 50 full minutes charging from 6% to 82%, more than I really needed to get to Baton Rouge, but I wasn’t taking any chances this time. This was also one of the cheapest stops I actually paid for, $21.08 for 65 kWh.

The last leg was uneventful, mostly empty highways and grey skies.  Overall, my trip time was around 11.5 hours, 1 to 1.5 hours longer it typically takes me, or 10-15% extra time. Not that bad, all said and done. We didn’t make any additional stops for food, but ate packed sandwiches and snacks in the car, another one of the little joys of travelling on Christmas Day.

In an ideal world, on a long road trip you would be able to pull your car into a charging station near a restaurant, set it to refuel while you enjoy your meal, then come back out just as it hits your desired state of charge. The reality is not always so neat. Stations are often placed in locations that lack the amenities you would hope for (only 1 of the 3 stops on this trip had bathrooms that were open). The dearth of stations also interferes with optimal trip planning. With a 300-mile range, I should theoretically be able to make this trip with only 2 stops rather than 3, but because of where the available chargers are located I had to make some compromises. Charging speed is also an issue. Having access to faster chargers could shave off 25%-50% of the time I spent at charging stations. Tesla has it figured out. Their chargers are fast, reliable, plentiful. Getting access to their network and to the charging infrastructure that’s supposedly on the docket from other companies in 2024 should make this trip much easier on the next go-round.

Baton Rouge, somewhat surprisingly to me, has very few EV charging options. There are a few in the works including an EVgo at a Pilot Travel Center in Denham Springs, noted as “Coming Soon” in the PlugShare app. Thankfully, my parents happen to have a 240V outlet at their house so I was able to do Level 2 charging there with my portable charger while I hung out with them. I also did some fast charging at the Porche dealership in Baton Rouge. That one was weird, a $20 flat fee that you pay inside, meaning you can only charge during business hours. Charging was also slower than I would have expected, 40 minutes to get from 46% to 92% ($0.49/kWh). At least I got to ogle the Taycans they had on the lot while I waited. There was a brand new Kia EV9 charging next to me. The owner was from Houston, in town visiting family. He said he was the first person to take delivery of that vehicle in his city. It looked fantastic, big and black and shiny. His first EV road trip as well.

I was able to bop around town on those charges with no problem, never in danger of dropping too low.

The trip back home was significantly more tedious than the trip down. We drove back on December 29, so at least things were open, but unlike our Christmas sojourn we started out around 50% charge instead of 100%, which immediately put us at a disadvantage. It’s generally not recommended to fast charge beyond around 80%, both for the longevity of the battery and because the charging curve drops off sharply beyond that point. It’s almost always faster to get to 80% and do your additional charging at the next station when your battery is further depleted. What this means is that you can’t just multiply your battery capacity by the number of stops you make and expect to make a trip of that distance with anything approaching expediency. Just because my car can go 300 miles on a charge doesn’t mean I can efficiently do a 600-mile road trip with only one recharge. Starting out at 100% is your best shot at satisfactory performance on long trips. Since we didn’t do that, the return trip took 5 stops rather than the 3 we made on the way down.

The first stop was one of my worst charging experiences ever, rivaling the broken and de-rated chargers in Nashville. There were no Electrify America stations in Baton Rouge but we found one just up the road in Hammond, in what appeared to be a rather bougie shopping center with a Target (pronounced the French way, naturally) and a few restaurants. There were four stations, one occupied by a Hyundai Ioniq 5 and two by slow-charging Chevy Bolts. I slid into the fourth slot, which appeared to be online and functioning but which would not connect to my car. I called the Electrify assistance number on the stall and the person on the other end of the line informed me that that particular charger was offline. I told them there was nothing to indicate this. They had no response. Shortly after this, one of the Bolts pulled away so I switched to that stall and connected to start my charge. Unfortunately, the tap-to-pay function wasn’t working on this station, so I had once again to call EA to ask them to kindly allow me to charge my car. We were eventually able to get this to work, but this charger was derated, maxing out at a paltry 46 kW, and it took me 27 minutes to get from 46% to 70%. That was enough to take me to my next stop, so I moved aside to allow the previously mentioned Audi drivers to power up. This was the only station of the trip I failed to get a picture of because I was so frustrated by the experience.

Next it was back to the dealership in Jackson. It was open that day, so I was able to use the restrooms. A Rivian R1T was charging up in the stall beside me, its driver catching a few winks. Still a relatively slow charge, maxing out at 87 kW, taking me from 14% to 93% in 53 minutes, but consistent, and really the only reliable electric port in the Mississippi sea of petrol. This stop cost $20.94 for 64 kWh ($0.32/kWh).

We continued to reverse the trip, travelling the 200 miles back to Mercedes, but this time with extra juice in the tank to avoid the scary scenario we experienced on the way down. Arrived with 15% battery and got up to 80% in 30 minutes, topping out at 156 kW. Again had to try two cables before finding one that would connect. There was another i4 fueling up when we pulled in, sparkling in jet black, one of just a handful I’ve seen on the road.

Next, we faced a choice. We could have stopped again in Fort Payne and gotten home on one last charge, but we opted instead to stop in Birmingham, where there looked to be better food options that would still be open when we arrived. The stop itself was a ChargePoint station at a Hyundai dealership northeast of downtown. We grabbed takeout from a taco truck and ate it in the car while we waited. Distance to home was 253 miles, so I figured we could potentially make it without another stop if we topped off the battery. I took it from 59% to 99% in 41 minutes—not a very fast charger (maxed out at 62 kW), plus I was getting into the inefficient part of the charging curve. Cost was $15.94 for 33 kWh ($0.48/kWh).

We were making good time, but the weather and the load were working against us (somehow we came home with nearly as many gifts as we brought with us), so my range wasn’t anywhere close to the published 301 miles. I might have been able to make it all the way home if we had reduced our speed and turned off the heat, but that would have extended our already extremely long trip even further, so I opted to stop instead at an Electrify America in Ooltewah, TN for a quick top up (36% to 50% in 5 minutes, lightning fast) to make sure we’d arrive home with a comfortable buffer, which we did.

With the extra stops, the return trip ended up being over 13 hours, long enough that we were both pretty tired and cranky but ready for a good night’s sleep and grateful that we still had a three-day weekend ahead of us. I was also glad to be back home to my cozy garage where I could plug in my charger and wake up to a fully charged battery for the cost of a fancy coffee.

My total cost for public charging on this trip was $93.88 over a distance of 1,669 miles (would have been somewhat more if not for free Electrify America charging). Add another $15 or so for home charging. For comparison, that distance would have cost $153 in my Fusion at $2.75/gallon.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading, apologies for my long windedness, and I hope it was helpful. Even with all the challenges, I still believe in this technology and I feel strongly that we’re right on the cusp of a tipping point. The signs are looking favorable that 2024 is the year America will get its act together with fast charging. This year, my trip was doable, if a little rough around the edges. This time next year, I hope to be able to report that it’s not only doable, but easy.

#electric vehicles #bmw i4 #fast charging

[execrentacar]

The Growing Trend of EV Car Rental: Exploring the Reasons Behind its Popularity

The rise of Electric Vehicles (EVs) is redefining the automotive industry worldwide. Alongside the ever-evolving popularity of EVs, the growing trend of EV car rental services has also emerged. As concerns about climate change and sustainability become more pronounced, people are seeking eco-friendly transportation.

If you are planning a road trip and want a hassle-free driving experience, renting an EV is your best bet. An EV is powered by an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. You can search forEV car rentals near meto travel in an eco-friendly way.

Electric cars have no tailpipe emissions, which plays an integral role in decreasing the rate of air pollution. Let’s explore the reasons behind the surging popularity of electric car rentals and the benefits they offer to users.

Heightened Awareness of Climate Change and Sustainability

Climate change is an urgent global challenge, and people are becoming more conscious of their carbon footprints. If you are one of those who want to minimize your carbon footprint, EVF car rentals are a practical solution.

Electric vehicles are one of the most effective modes of transportation to combat climate change and reduce emissions. Furthermore, EV rental services allow you to travel efficiently without the commitment of buying an electric car.

Rapid Advancements in Infrastructure

The surge in popularity of EV rental services can be directly attributed to the development of EV charging infrastructure. Nowadays, charging stations are a common sight across major highways and gas stations. So, you don’t have to worry about driving a car with a low battery. You can very well select the best electric car rentals near me to enjoy your vacation.

An Enhanced Driving Experience Awaits You

Do you know that electric cars offer a superior driving experience than gas-powered ones? Moreover, a recent study highlighted that more than 90% of people would prefer purchasing or renting EV cars.

One of the key reasons behind the popularity of electric cars is their enhanced driving experience. And once you rent an EV, there is no way you will want an internal combustion vehicle for your next road trip. Listed are some ways in which an EV offers an enhanced driving experience.

Instant Acceleration

Compared to internal combustion vehicles, EVs can accelerate faster. So, if you are planning to embark on a road trip with friends, renting an electric car is worthwhile.

Let’s You Enjoy a Quiet Ride

Electric vehicles don’t have internal combustion engines. Therefore, if you are allergic to the sound of a throttling car engine, an EV is your best option.

Innovative Driver-Assisted Technology

Nowadays, most rental agencies offer EVs that come with smart driver-assisted technology. It can help drivers avoid potential collisions and assist them in driving with great stability. From emergency braking to blind-spot monitoring, you can hardly go wrong while renting an electric car.

EVs and Smart Tech – Things to Know

As a driver, you will always want the confidence in knowing that your rental car can reach its destination. Rental EVs come equipped with smart technology that can maximize the range of the vehicle. For instance, regenerative braking can help save battery power during emergencies.

So, the popularity of renting electric cars is heavily dependent on environmental awareness, smart technology, enhanced driving, etc. If you want to rent affordable EV cars in Norwalk, visit EXEC Rent-A-Car. They have a wide selection of electric cars to make your vacation eco-friendlier.

[stuckthemarket]

Benefits of EV Charging Points at Shopping Malls

The electric vehicle (EV) sector is thriving; purchases of electric passenger vehicles increased by 186% in 2020 and are expected to reach a new high in 2021. There are already over 12 million EVs on the path, and this figure is likely to climb. If the shopping centre does not currently have EV charging stations, you should carefully consider installing them. There are commercial EV charging station installers available in the market. Electric vehicles are the trend of the future, and their popularity is growing by the day. Don't let your shopping centre fall behind. Instead, accept the next phase by installing charging stations for electric vehicles and get the benefits.

 Operators of electric vehicles are going to check out parking spaces with charging stations. They will wait a minimum of thirty minutes for their car to be fully charged after being dragged to the charging station. They'll most likely shop around that time, boosting your total sales. It is a turning point with the ability to highlight the benefits of EV charging stations. These drive-ins are an excellent method to expose non-EV driving to a more sustainable car, particularly if they are only there as an incentive. Selecting the best EV charging station installers is essential.

 Many individuals are concerned that their automobiles would not have adequate power, but if their exact location were more widely advertised, this would not be a problem. All retail malls may install EV charging stations, providing vehicles with accessible target charging spots in their local vicinity. There are around 200 EV charging station Installers in Mumbai.

 Improve the Purchaser's Experience

Shopping mall operators are continuously seeking new ways to attract young, affluent clients. To encourage a more lucrative group of customers to invest additional time at shopping malls, it is critical to adjust to evolving consumer trends and acknowledge their aspirations.

 Shopping mall proprietors must have a thorough plan for implementing improvements that will benefit all. Organisations must evaluate how consumer groups approaat tr sites and figure out crucial changes that may be done to enable extended visits at shopping malls.

 Deal with Range Concern Concernsvers

Ring anxiety is a major issue among prospective EV riders. Many individuals believe that there are barely any charging facilities for electric vehicles, which is simply not true. Chargers, on the other hand, are scarce in more rural places. certain drivers have reason to be concerned; adaptable electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are the appropriate option because certain shopping malls might not be able to handle an entire fleet of outlets.

Servotech's EV chargers guarantee that the chargers operate at peak efficiency during your lease duration. We can provide our amenities for your retail centre, allowing you to fit EV cars and attract additional clients to your shops and shopping malls.

Provide Advertising Options

If a charging station includes ad displays, mall proprietors may be enabled to gain insight into their customers, give them with aonal amenities or items, or supply this marketing channel of communication to other firms, resulting in another source of income. 

Search" EV charging contractors near me" to know the EV charging contractors around you

#best EV charging station installers

[bfxenon]

Google SGE: Early Local Search Data

If the local version of Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) experiment rolls out broadly, what will that be like for local business owners and their marketers?

This is the question I set out to answer with a small study geared to gather some early basic data. Bearing in mind that there is no guarantee that the present version of SGE will roll out or will look exactly as it does now, I have what I hope are some interesting takeaways for you today!

Methodology

With SGE enabled, I performed 50 manual local searches. 100% of these searches generate local packs in the non-SGE setting, and 100% of them also generate local packs beneath the SGE box in the SERPs. I included both branded and non-branded terms (e.g. Safeway vs. grocery store), and modified and non-modified terms (e.g. bookstore vs. bookstore in novato). I tracked the data in a spreadsheet and took screenshots along the way.

How many local searches return SGE results?

100% of my keyword phrases (things like pizza, women–owned cafe near me, and bookstore in San Francisco) returned a local pack, signifying that Google recognizes their local intent, but of those searches:

10% returned no SGE display

34% returned a “generate” button to prompt to SGE display

56% auto-generated an SGE display without prompting

Takeaway: At this stage, Google isn’t sure whether users will automatically want SGE for everything or only as an option for some searches.

How many SGE results included an SGE local pack?

While 100% of my searches yielded a traditional local pack outside the SGE display:

Only 77.6% of the SGE results included a local pack

22.4% resulted in an SGE display of something other than a local pack

For example, most of us would expect a search for “shoes” to generate a local pack in Google’s interface these days, but here we see this SGE result, instead:

Similarly, we’ve been trained by Google to think we only need to type “Catholic churches” into a search box to be shown houses of worship near us, but SGE provided this very broad definition instead of any type of local result:

And SGE is really taking a surprising view of my intent in looking up “EV charging stations”. Instead of showing me a pack of nearby places where I can charge my electric vehicle, I’m being shown products to purchase:

When clicking on these products, I’m given an interstitial card of places to buy these products, like eBay and Best Buy, which feels quite remote from my intent:

Takeaway: There is a different logic powering SGE than what we’ve become accustomed to in pre-SGE Google. This may impact both your keyword research and your local search marketing strategy. Just because a search used to be perceived by Google as having an obvious local intent that would then be reflected in the SERPs returned, that doesn’t mean that the same logic applies in what SGE thinks your intent is. You’ll need to re-study the SERPs for your core keyword phrases if SGE rolls out broadly and is adopted by your customers.

The big question: Do SGE packs match traditional local packs?

The short answer is a decisive “no”. In my case study, 62.8% of SGE packs did not exactly match the contents or precise ranking of traditional local packs. That’s right, well over half the time, SGE rankings are different from local pack rankings.

As seen in the above side-by-side comparison, the SGE pack has a completely different business in first place, and the ranking order of restaurants 2, 3, and 4 is in a different order than its traditional local pack analog. These are significant differences for the businesses involved and one is left wondering why that #1 spot is being awarded to an eatery that isn’t strong enough to make it into the familiar local pack.

Takeaway: While I observed many instances of overlap of pack contents between SGE and traditional SERPs, the % of differentiation means that your traditional local pack rankings in no way guarantee the same spot in SGE’s recommendations. You’ll need to study and audit your SGE competitors separately if SGE rolls out to the public and is widely adopted.

How many businesses are included in SGE local packs?

Once upon a time, Google’s local packs contained 10 results. Imagine! Then we had 7. Now, we mostly have 3. SGE packs have their own variation. In my study, I found that:

46.6% have a 5-pack

22.2% have a 4-pack

4.4% have a 3-pack

4.4 have a 2-pack

Takeaway: In 68.8% of SGE packs, more local businesses are being displayed that would be shown in a traditional 3-pack in the organic SERPs. This provides more opportunity for you to be visible without a searcher having to click through an initial interface to something secondary like the Local Finder.

Is there an escape route out of SGE, and what about the ongoing importance of links and citations?

In my June live-tweeted thread documenting my first encounter with SGE, one of my first reactions to the interface was that it felt very enclosed. The SGE packs don’t click to the Local Finder or Google Maps or the reviews interface, making me feel sort of stuck. No matter where I was clicking around in the results, I was kept within the walled garden. Since that first experience, I’ve realized that the local version of SGE does contain an escape route in the form of these carousels to the right of the SGE packs:

In my case study:

53.3% of the carousels linked to Yelp

6.6% linked to Wikipedia

4.4% linked to TripAdvisor

4.4% linked to YP

15.5% linked directly to brands’ own websites

8.8% linked to a local informational site, like local online tourism sites or online local travel magazines

There was also a smattering of Facebook, Michelin, UberEats, GrubHub, and Superpages

This did not come up in my study, but I would like to anecdotally mention that in playing around with SGE, I am seeing a lot of citations of LinkedIn. Local businesses that don’t yet have a Linkedin profile should consider creating one.

Takeaways: Your structured citations in the form of formal local business listings still matter very much in the SGE setting. Your unstructured citations in the form of mentions on relevant local and industry sites still matter, too. The number of direct links from these carousels to local business websites is quite meager, and I would like to see Google reconsider this.

At any rate, there is some escape from SGE to third-party destinations, but here’s what I really want to emphasize:

100% of SGE results containing SGE packs include carousel links to local.google.com

When moused over, these bring up a local.google.com URL, including a Place ID, like this:

I was puzzled at first by that local.google.com subdomain. I feel like I hadn’t seen a URL from Google like that in a long time, but when clicked on, these types of URLs in the SGE carousel redirect to a google.com/search URL and this familiar display:

Takeaway: I could be 100% wrong about this, but looking at the way SGE is currently structured makes me feel like it’s not the ultimate way this will work. As it currently is, you’re already sitting right above the organic results while in SGE, and then there are these tiny cards in the carousel taking you back to the organic results, and the paths just feel a bit bewildering. So, while I like the escape routes out of the confines of AI, there’s something non-intuitive about the CTAs in these SGE packs.

What about local attributes in SGE?

I’m sorry to report that the work you’ve put into adding excellent attributes to your Google Business Profiles to serve specific customer intents seems to be wasted when it comes to SGE at this point. If you’ve taken the time to proudly add self-selected attributes like Black-owned or women-owned to your profiles, these results may let you down. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of my search for “women-owned clothing store Novato”:

The traditional local pack tells me my intent will be met at these two stores on the left with their clear women-owned attributes. On the right, though, SGE is apparently ignoring my modifier and just showing me women’s clothing stores, which may or may not be owned by women. The nuance is being lost. This made me lack confidence in using SGE to search for other businesses with particular attributes.

Takeaway: This version of SGE is coming off as a bit less “smart” about local nuances than the local results to which we’re accustomed.

How standardized are the results when SGE thinks your intent is local?

The answer is not very standardized at all. There’s something very vague and Google-y about the fact that some packs are headed with a simple message like “There are lots of yarn stores in Novato” or:

Whereas, for quite similar queries, Google suddenly wants to tell me a bunch of other information, which, quite frankly, seems rather random. A lookup of nearby Chinese restaurants generated a long list for me of people’s favorite Chinese takeout dishes (which I hadn’t asked about), and look at this example for Mexican restaurants. Explain to me the logic behind a 4-pack (when there are clearly enough choices for a 5-pack) being followed by a list of non-clickable “other” restaurants. What am I supposed to do with that list? What’s the CTA?

Another odd variant I encountered more than once is this one, where the “other” restaurant is clickable but, for some reason unknown to me, is being portioned off outside the other results. Why Google, why?

We won’t even get into the fact that Toast is not a Thai restaurant and is characterized (categorized?) right there in the results as an “American” eatery. So what is it doing there, being labeled a Thai restaurant? Ah, well.

Meanwhile, local business owners will likely be most curious to know how they appear for a branded search in the SGE world. Typically, you’ll see yourself presented like this, with location info, a descriptive summary, some photos, a couple of review boxes, and one of those local.google.com links:

Unless you have that special misfortune of having branded your business something that defies Google’s intent logic, as in the case of the great brand, Patagonia. SGE is uncertain as to whether I’m searching for a store or a geographical region here, and I get this:

Takeaway: As we can see, there is not strong standardization across SGE at this point, and while in some cases, you’d think time might yield a more uniform presentation, I wouldn’t count on it with Google. Traditional local search has changed continuously over the past two decades. Branding, features, pack counts, guidelines, and mysterious ranking logic are all in flux, all the time. I would expect the same from SGE, necessitating ongoing study.

SGE packs vs. local packs: which is better?

I may have oodles of objectivity from studying Google’s local results for nearly 20 years, but this opinion is entirely subjective: right now, SGE is simply not providing as good of an experience as traditional packs and GBPs for basic local search functions. Why do I say this?

If I just want to see an actionable set of local businesses, local packs are faster to access and easier to understand in terms of layout.

SGE is a whole new interface for people to learn without any obvious added benefit to learning it. I did not get into asking SGE further questions in this case study because such activity isn’t basic to basic local search. I want to talk directly to the business after finding it online - not to a bot, given that I have no idea how current its information is.

I really don’t like that I don’t get a review interface when clicking on the reviews portion of the SGE pack. It almost feels like an error that nothing comes up.

I am really surprised by, and not a fan of, the map disappearing when I click on one of the results. How can it be that Google, which has based its entire local search enterprise out of Google Maps, is letting maps take such a backseat in the local SGE interface?

The SGE results for branded searches in no way touch the depth of information provided by a direct look at a Google Business Profile. If Google is betting that people would rather see a bare-bones summary than a novel full of info, then maybe this approach will be popular, but I am not wowed by what I am seeing as the SGE replacement for a GBP. It feels very empty.

Looking at a branded SGE result really makes me wonder about the pressure for conversational search to become ‘a thing’. Local search has accustomed us to getting the name, address, phone number, and hours of operation in a neat little package, nicely organized, almost like a list. If you go back and look at the branded SGE result for The Good Earth Market, Google is expecting you to read through paragraphs of text to find this information. In many ways, local search has been like a giant experiment in shorthand, giving you quick data at a click so that you can make fast decisions. Conversational search presumes you want to read a lot and talk a lot before finding a place for a fast box of tacos. Conversational search is a real 180, and I have to wonder if, like voice search, it will struggle to find the kind of use cases that lead to longevity.

I remain unconvinced that AI, in general, is a natural match for local search. The introduction of an AI-based review filter has caused havoc in local business reviews, and I feel that this movement towards automation simply takes us further towards a virtual world and further away from the local world that local searchers want.

Takeaway: Do your own research and monitor your presence in SGE to see how it evolves. Be wary of hype. Every new thing that is being launched in the AI era comes with claims that it will “change the world forever.” Wait, watch, and see, and keep working on the things that you know work in local.

[thecelebrantdirectory]

Marriage Ceremony Venues: Tips On How To Find A Venue

The range of areas caters to all kinds of occasions similar to conferences and meetings, partiesand more. Senate House is an iconic art deco building and likewise regularlycatches the attention of filmmakers, photographers and stylists. That is why it is our number one promise that we are going to find and prepare one of the best venue for rent so that each one the stress in planning your event is eradicated. With us, you’ll have peace of mind in knowing that you could get pleasure from your individual corporate occasion with zero strain.

London remains the primary metropolis for conferences and there are such a lot of venues to choose from however different key vacation spot tendencies for events include Birmingham , Glasgow, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds and Edinburgh. Event ManagementVenue Finding We offer a freed from cost venue finding service to our clients. Better Venues prides itself on over 20 years of event celebrant near me administration expertise, with a various portfolio of occasion venues positioned all through the UK. With unique 'assertion' settings across London, and beyond, eve is right here that will assist you find that certain somewhere special to host a day everybody will remember.

Put collectively your on a daily basis tasks, the phone continuously ringing and a quick with strict constraints to search out a venue on your next convention or occasion. You cellphone around venues; some reply with twenty-page proposals, some not even replying! Your deadline is looming and with no venue that matches the transient celebrant listing, you just may really feel that you’ve had sufficient. Get in touch at present to find out more about how our service works and the way our event organisers can help you find a choice of the most effective places to carry your convention.

Why Hire From Premier With over 20,000 items to manage at our Leicester warehouse, our rent team follow strict procedures, making certain we exceed our purchasers expectations. Hybrid Events Either on-site or in a studio, hybrid occasions are extraordinarily well-liked with our shoppers. Abbey Road Studios is as iconic because venue listing the legendary artists that also record here every day. The Studios are actually out there for occasion rent for a limited variety of alternatives every year.

Nestled in 34 acres of picturesque peaceful grounds near the Suffolk Heritage Coast, Seckford Hall Hotel & Spa is a wonderful nation home. Whether you would possibly be organising a small meeting or a large residential convention you might make use of our distinctive services. A vary of audio visible gear, in addition to devoted audio visible technicians, are available. World famous and immediately recognisable, the University of Greenwich's three magnificent campuses and excellent amenities provide a spectacular venue to go nicely with any event.

The Royal Society of Medicine is residence to 1 Wimpole Street, an excellent venue available for rent to the public, members and non-members. The family house of Princess Diana, The Althorp Estate has been the venue for a number of the most excessive profile, distinctive and really unforgettable occasions. Alternatively, you probably can view our obtainable venues right here for web site particular data, or see our FAQ page.

In addition, look out for connectivity restrictions if venues present free WiFi to friends – this can be free for a specific amount of minutes or it may be very gradual. Equally, if WiFi is ‘chargeable’ make certain it is packaged as a half of the speed. A useful truth to acknowledge is that the law dictates that within the case of attrition, venues can solely provide charges for loss of profile, quite than lack of whole income. It is straightforward to imagine that the majority venues will take on the same insurance policies, if not similar ones, however assuming this can lead to dropping essential money. In addition, cancellation insurance policies additionally range relying on the size of the event being held and how far in advance it has been cancelled. You can book a private dining room or, in case your occasion is big enough, book out the entire restaurant.

You should do slightly analysis right into a venue space to attempt to see if your event meets these social objectives. Under a ticket proportion break up, you agree to share a few of the ticket revenue with them in change at no cost venue hire. If it's your first occasion, this may be a nice way to keep your venue price down. Events may find a venue be costly if you’re on a price range or simply starting. You shall be shocked to see a number of the rental or hire prices of some venues so something you can do to the venue free of charge or at a reduction goes to massively allow you to. Master baker Katherine is a key provider of afternoon snacks for the team and loves exploring and discovering new venues in finding the right areas for client briefs.

Architect Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel remodeled a 1930s building within the Campaign Marzio neighborhood right into a 100-room resort, full with a restaurant by Michelin star chef Niko Romito. To guarantee we're leading the market in phrases of service supply we work tirelessly to realize our strict turn around time on enquiries which is between four to six working hours. From international wonders to local treasures and extraordinary areas we all the time level up, so you probably can have the last word expertise. We’re critically obsessed along with your brand and activate it at every touchpoint, from begin to finish.

#find a celebrant

[ecodweeb]

Training Wheels: 2017 Zero SR

After overcoming my fear of riding a motorcycle with John’s 2015 Zero, I decided it was time to get one of my very own.

Service Stats

In Service Date: 9/8/2017 In Service Mileage: 393 Out of Service Date: 8/16/2018 Out of Service Mileage: 6,518 Service Life: 11 months,  6,125 miles

The History & Story

We kicked off National Drive Electric Week 2017 with buying a new Zero motorcycle. Like the last one, it was the dealer demo unit and we got it as a discount. We also managed to cash in on the federal rebate for two/three wheel EVs. This is the bike that I’d make my second Myrtle Beach by EV road trip.

I had no major problems with this bike, aside from hitting the limitations of its design: on days above 80F the battery pack would heat up to above 120F and would refuse to charge. 

This refusal to charge situation occurred for several reasons. One factor was that I was maxing out the payload for the motor, so it was always under a heavy load. Another factor was the lucite-sealed battery cells wrapped in a heat absorbing black metal case that is complete exposed to the sun. The two combined meant that you couldn’t do 200+ miles days from May to October.

The straw the broke the camel’s back was on August 12, 2018. It was a Sunday, overcast, 83F. I’d done my usual ride around Falls lake and ended at our Brunch spot. The bike Level 1 charged for less than 2 hours while we had lunch. Then I rode it -- on I-540, which is unusual for me but I was feeling fast ‘n furious today -- to my friend’s home in Durham for a pool party. I stopped at a Level 2 near his house for all of 10 minutes to go bump up my SOC so that I wouldn’t need to charge very long at his house. I get to his house and plug in, and the bike stopped charging within 2 hours of being plugged in. The bike was at 20% SOC - enough for me to get it home taking the slow backroads - and it was sitting at 120F after less than 120 miles ridden. 

The following Monday I told Sev at Team PowerSports that I wanted to test ride their Energica floor model. I rode it on Wednesday, signed the paperwork, and picked the new bike up on Friday and never looked back.

#pastev #zero #zermotorcycles #motorcycle #zerosr #2017

[net2ubiz]

Subject: A New Life For A New Year

References: Galatians 2:20; John 14:20; John 15:13

Christ has given us new life and we are called to live it! Now it’s time to move to living the new life in 2003.

New Year’s Eve Is only a few days away and it is hard to believe that another year has come and gone.

After this year, we have seen that some things have stayed the same while many, many things have changed.

New Year’s Eve is a time to usher out the old and bring in the new. It is a time of freshness. It is a time of new beginnings. It is a time of new starts.

Now is the time of resolutions and changes to life. Now is the time to seize opportunities and move forward.

Today I want to take a few minutes to look at an old truth that could bring some fresh air to your new life in Christ.

Read Text:

I have been Crucified with Christ and I no longer Live, but Christ Lives in Me. The Life I Live in the Body, I Live by Faith in the Son of God, who Loved Me and Gave Himself for Me (Galatians 2:20).

1. Christ Was Crucified:

The most horrid execution created by the Roman government was without a doubt crucifixion. Crucifixion was a long and painful death that caused the person being executed hours of torment.

Christ was Crucified and died a miserable death but he was completely innocent. He did no wrong. He committed no crime. He caused no insurrection (This was the charge against Jesus). He was without fault. He was without blemish of character. He was without sin. So why did He die?

2. Christ took your place:

Most of you already know but let me take a moment to remind you. He died for you. Yes, he died for you.

He died because you have broken the Law. He died because you are guilty. He died because you have rebelled.

He died, so that, you with all of your guilt, all of your mistakes, all of your sins; wouldn’t have to die. On the Cross, Christ took your place and died the Death you Deserved.

B. You have been called to die:

1. By Faith in Christ, you accept His Death. During the Civil War, in the United States, a farmer named Blake was Drafted as a Soldier.

He was deeply concerned about leaving his family, because his wife had died and there would be no one to support and take care of his children in his absence.

The day before he was to leave for the Army, his neighbor Charlie Durham came to visit him. "Blake," he said, "I’ve been thinking. You’re needed here at home, so I’ve decided to go in your place."

The farmer was so overwhelmed that a few moments he was speechless. The offer seemed too good to be true. He grasped the hand of the young man and Praised God for this One who was willing to go as his Substitute.

Charlie went to the Front-Lines and performed his duties nobly. But sad to say, he was shot and killed in the First Battle.

When the farmer heard the news, he immediately saddled his horse and rode out to the battlefield.

After searching for some time, he found the body of his friend. He arranged to have it buried in the Churchyard near the spot where they had often stopped to talk after the services.

On a Piece of Marble he Carved an Inscription with his own hands. It was roughly done, but with every blow of the Hammer on the Chisel Tears fell from his eyes.

He Placed the Marker on the Grave of his Devoted Substitute (Friend). Many villagers wept as they read the brief but touching inscription: “HE DIED FOR ME.”

In John 15:13 Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

When you Accept Christ, you are accepting his Death. The punishment for your misdeeds and your sins has already been carried out on Christ. So, You Have Died With Christ.

A. Christ Has Become Your Strength:

1. Christ lives in you.This is simply amazing! When you place your Faith in Christ, He lives within you.

In John 14:20, He records these Words of Jesus: “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and You Are In Me, and I Am in You.”

Think of it this way. The same Christ who Loved you enough to Die for you, now Loves you enough to Live within your life, By The Power of the Resurrection. The Power of Christ now becomes your Strength.

WORD

Servant DCarlos Phipps

[mothwingwritings]

Valentine’s Day/White Day/Date Scenarios with Baki, Katsumi, Hanayama, Jack, Retsu, and Biscuit. <3 (ꈍᆺꈍ)♥(❛ε❛⋆)

Hello everyone and happy (a little early) Valentine’s day!

I just wanted to write something sappy, mushy-gushy, sweet, over indulgent (with maybe just a hint of spice), so some of the Baki boys became my victims for it looooool. This is my first time writing a scenario type post instead of just a straight up fic, so if it seems kinda off that’s most likely why. That’s also why I picked a small-ish selection of charas as a test run.

Valentine’s Day has always been one of my favorite holidays and I get sad when people hate on it or say they don’t have anyone special to celebrate it with. :( If that is the case for you, dear reader, this year that’s a lie because all these damn Baki boys are your valentine this year. And me! Whether you want me to be or not, love you. ღゝ◡╹)ノ♡

IDK about where you guys all are, but it’s usually cold as hell where I am on V-tines day, so all these that mention going out and having fun you are either A. someplace warm or B. It falls under the ‘date that is not necessarily V-tines day’ category. Because I love you Jack but my ass would not be camping in Winter 彡(-L-彡)  

WARNINGS: Honestly it’s mostly just cutesy stuff but there is some mentions of NSFW (nothing explicit), maybe some shoddy editing (I apologize I grow impatient).

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy!~ ♡

✧༺♥༻∞ Baki Hanma ∞༺♥༻✧

·         He is PUMPED to spend the day with you. Like, child on Christmas Eve night waiting for Santa to come level of excitement. He can barely sleep thinking of the adventure you two will be going on.

·         Offers the choice of date activity to you because he is honestly happy doing anything at all as long as he is by your side. Whether that be chilling at home watching a movie, or going out to a place of your choosing, he is game.

·         If you leave the decision to him he would pick a day out at a local park. He’d choose one with plenty of scenic walking trails that go on for several miles so he can get lots of quality time with you.

·         You help him plan a picnic, bringing along prepacked lunches to enjoy out in nature. He’s in charge of the main course and snacks, the dessert and drinks are handled by you.

·         On the day of, you trek for some time before you spot a secluded area near a wildflower field to set up. You get busy preparing the food while he gathers some of the random flora in the surrounding area to stick in a water bottle as the ‘centerpiece’ of your picnic blanket. He saves the largest and prettiest flower to tuck behind your ear.

·         You spend the next few hours just enjoying each other’s company. Sharing funny stories, divulging secrets, trying to decipher which birds are making what calls in the woods, etc. He revels in hearing you laugh, his heart at peace seeing you with such a carefree smile on your face. He finds the nature that surrounds you beautiful, but nothing can compare to your radiance.

·         After some time passes you both lay down on the cleared off picnic blanket. Nestled up next to him you rest your head upon his shoulder as his arm goes to wrap snuggly under your torso, keeping you anchored against him. You both drift off while cloud gazing.

·         You end up drifting off a little too long, your eyes blinking open to find the sun that was perched high in the sky previously, now sinking far below the clouds casting the world in hues of dark orange. You jostle Baki awake, concerned that you’ll be stuck out in the woods when it’s pitch black out. Unperturbed, he patiently helps you pack up all the left over supplies and helps load them on your back, all so that you have room to hop on his back. Securing your arms around his neck, he gets a firm grip on your thighs, lifts himself up, and BOOKS it down the path you came in on.

·         You are shocked at how fast he can go carrying you + luggage in tow, and are slightly concerned he may hurt himself or trip with the extra weight. When you express this to him he just laughs, doing some fancy footwork or jumping to show you it’s a breeze for him. Soon you are laughing along with him, pulling yourself as tight as you can against him. You press soft kisses to his neck and head that cause momentary blooms of red to emerge on his face. However, if you point it out he’ll play it off and attribute the cause being him running.

·         The date ends with the two of you picking up some late night snacks and crashing at your house. Snuggled up on the couch, contentedly wrapped in his strong embrace, you both have pleasant dreams as you drift off to sleep again.

✧༺♥༻∞ Katsumi Orochi ∞༺♥༻✧

·         He is going to go above and beyond to make this a date you will not forget.

·         Will have the entire day planned out, starting by taking you someplace exciting  and fun, like an amusement park.

·         Will spend the whole day dragging you from ride to ride, urging you to go on all the rollercoasters in the park with him. He’ll lightly tease you if you get scared, not so secretly enjoying basking in the attention he gets from you when you are nervous. He loves every moment of having you pressed up beside him, clinging to his arm, a cute little pout on your face as he pokes his fun.

·         He also loves taking you to the haunted house attractions for the same reason. Having you huddled up next to him the dark, regardless of if you are spooked or enjoying the atmosphere, is a treat for him.

·         He TOTALLY shows off by winning you every prize that catches your eye, no matter how ridiculous it may be. Ginormous stuffed animal you have no room for in your home, but is the cutest thing you have ever seen? Say no more, it’s yours.

·         He gets really into it if the game in question is a ‘strong man’ type of challenge, or games that require more skill than others because then he truly gets to show off for you (which just so happens to be one of his favorite things to do).

·         Is thrilled when you take part in any kind of competitive games with him in the amusement park arcade, but will NOT go easy on you. (Same thing for bumper cars, it’s kind of impressive how he can barrel through so many people just to keep smacking you over and over).

·         Stays the entire day with you until it starts to get dark. The park you go to has a nightly firework display, and you end the day of excitement enveloped in his arms, his cheek resting against your head as he holds you from behind, watching the sky explode in vibrant colors.

·         The next few days after that he will annoy everyone in the dojo gloating about how great the date was, flooding any social media he has with all the pictures he took, tagging and titling each pic things like ‘my babe <3’, ‘How did I get so lucky?’, etc.

✧༺♥༻∞ Kaoru Hanayama ∞༺♥༻✧

·         You are going to be SPOILED.

·         He contacts you ordering you to keep the date open because he has plans for the two of you, but no matter how hard you pry, he will not share any details.

·         He does however drop a hint as to how fancy of an evening it will be when a package arrives at your doorstep containing one of the most beautiful (albeit a bit revealing) outfits/dresses you have ever seen. Attached is a handwritten note from him instructing you to wear it on your date.

·         When the day arrives he has a limo pick you up, one of his most trusted men at the wheel to escort you to the nicest restaurant in town. Hanayama is waiting inside for you, the path leading to him littered in candles and flower petals.

·         The most elaborate part of the entire room may have been the heavily adorned dining table by which Hanayama stood. Your eyes fell from him to a take in the full spread of the finest champagne (and wild turkey ofc), various hors d’oeuvres, and even more flowers and candles that the table was decked out in.

·         This man is pulling out all the stops for you today, treating you like absolute royalty. He’s rented out the whole place so it’s just the two of you, your own little private oasis. As you make your way to the table, he meets you half way, scooping you up in a firm and needy kiss. Before it gets too intense, he pulls away, sharp eyes holding your gaze as he leads you to your seat.

·         Though you had no say in the menu, everything served to you was positively amazing. He may not outwardly show it, but he is absolutely delighted as he watches you enjoy your dinner. Your eyes sparkling up at him in the romantic atmosphere makes his heart beat fiercely in his chest, excitement coursing through him as if it were his first date with you.

·         Not to mention you look absolutely intoxicating in the clothes HE picked out for you. His eyes can’t help but shamelessly roam you whenever you shift a certain way, or excuse yourself to the restroom. He’s actively listening to everything you say, responding when spoken to, but as the meal drags on its getting increasingly obvious his focus has shifted to entirely different kind of hunger.

·         He grows impatient before you even get to dessert, ushering you out of the restaurant and back into the waiting ride to whisk you away to a nearby hotel. He’s all over you the entire ride, pulling you into his lap, hands feverishly running the length of your body in anticipation of what’s to come.

·         If you protest leaving early, he’ll reply he has something much sweeter planned for you than the restaurant could ever supply.

 ✧༺♥༻∞ Jack Hanma ∞༺♥༻✧

·         Since Jack has a habit of letting you decide the activities when the two of you are together, you make it a point to leave the details of this date up to him. You want to make sure whatever you end up doing it’s something he enjoys.

·         He picks camping, which in itself isn’t too shocking, but you begin to grow concerned when he mentions the place he has in mind isn’t a part of any campground, and overall seems rather remote and borderline dangerous to travel to.

·         He assures you that it’s OK, he been there plenty of times before and you are nothing short of safe in his presence. Regardless of your feelings on camping as a whole, he works hard to make sure he brings everything he needs to make the trip as accommodating and fun for you as possible. He wants you both to enjoy this.

·         The day of the trip comes and after traveling deeply into the wilderness, you finally stop at a clearing in the woods to set up camp. Though still on edge about being so isolated from civilization, you have to admit the untouched nature around you is incredibly lovely. The tree branches make a nice canopy above you, filtering out the harshest of the sun’s rays while still bathing you in a pleasant, warm glow.

·         You help him set up, though arguably he does most of the work. The whole time there is teasing banter between the two of you. You debate over if the tent is lop sided, where the best place to stash the food you brought is, the best method of keeping bugs from bothering you, etc. You bask in the time you are sharing with him, well aware of how rare it is to be around a Jack who isn’t overtaken by training. A comforting sense of tranquility washed over the two of you as you settle in, warmth blossoming inside you each time you get him to laugh over a silly joke you make.

·         After camp is set up, you come to realize how famished you are from the travel and the work you just put in. Offering to cook something for the two of you, a fire is started and you set to work preparing a meal from your supplies. You hum while you cook, taking brief pauses to look Jack’s way. More than once you catch him sneaking endearing glances your way, a small, content smile splayed over his usually stern face.

·         As you both enjoy the meal you so lovingly prepared, you carry on conversing about all manner of topics. When the conversation inevitably falls on your location, curiosity gets the better of you and you inquire as to how he ended up picking this spot in the first place.

·         He opens up that it’s a place his mom used to bring him to camp after she got out of prison. He had come to this location since he was a young man to not only train, but to find peace and solace when the path ahead of him grew daunting.  It was a special place no one else other than she and him knew about, and now he wanted to make it a place for you as well.

·         At a loss for words from his heart-felt answer, all you could think to do was make the move to huddle yourself against him. He chuckled as you sheepishly thanked him for bringing you someplace so important to him, wrapping his arm around you to pull you even closer as he tells you that he should be the one thanking you for coming.

·         That night you set up a large cot in a clearing not far from camp, away from the trees so you could see the night’s sky. Far from any city, the stars were as clear as you had ever seen them. The temperature had dropped considerably, but under several layers of blankets, tangled in each other’s embrace, the cold barely reached you.

·         You listened to the soft murmur of his voice as your lidded eyes grew heavier, the events of the day making you ripe for sleep to claim. Noticing your sleepy demeanor, Jack smirked, pressing a lingering kiss to your forehead as your eyes fluttered closed for the final time that night. As you quickly faded, the last words you heard from his lips were soft, profound confessions of his love for you.

·         Everything felt perfect as he held you against him, speaking to you with such gentle reverence, that for a moment you felt you may already be dreaming.

✧༺♥༻∞ Retsu Kaioh ∞༺♥༻✧

·         Retsu Kaioh is a well versed man in many regards, but when it comes to the dating scene he’s a bit rusty. A holiday like Valentine’s Day is not something he has ever really taken part in in the past. But seeing that it’s a day that you are looking forward to spending with him, he asks for tips and pointers from people in the dojo with significant others on what would be a good date activity for this special day. He knows you deserve nothing less than perfection, and he’s a bit worried he’ll mess it up somehow.

·         It’s this concern that ultimately makes him go WAY above and beyond, and before you know it, you are en route to his home country for a whirlwind getaway.

·         It all happens so fast you barely have time to even question whats going on. One minute he is leading you someplace blindfolded after he told you to pack your bags, the next you are on a plan headed to China.

·         The first stop of the  ̶e̶x̶t̶e̶n̶d̶e̶d̶ ̶t̶r̶i̶p̶  date is to meet some key people in his life at the Bailin Temple. When you realize where you are going, you are overcome with nerves (this is afterall essentially Retsu’s family, you want to make a good first impression). Retsu constantly reassures you that all is well, anyone to have won his heart will be well-received and respected upon entering the temple.

·         To your relief he is correct. Upon arriving, everyone is very hospitable and courteous, extremely interested in meeting the person Retsu has picked as an SO. They have a welcoming meal set up for you as well, full of delicious dishes catered towards the two of you.

·         Later on after you had caught your breath and settled in a bit, you both bundle up as he shows you around the temple and surrounding area, pointing out areas of significance from his childhood into adulthood. Enthralled in the stories of his youth, you barely notice he’s leading you further and further from the temple until you reach an uninhabited foothill overlooking one of the most beautiful  scenaries you’ve ever seen.

·         Beneath you is a wide lake frosted over, bare trees scattered around it creeping up from freshly fallen snow, the lake valley nestled amongst various mountains and hills, a clear vibrant sky to top it all off. It truly is like something out of a dream.

·         Once the destination is reached, he scoops you up bridal style and plops himself down, nestling you close in his lap. He doesn’t want to just spend time with you, he wants to be fully focused on you. He spends so much time devoted to Kenpo and honing his skills he often feels guilty he doesn’t get to give you the attention he knows you deserve, and today is the day to make that up to you.

·         With your head against his chest, you feel the rumble of his words and his laugh as he speaks to you. You intertwine your fingers with the ones he has wrapped loosely around your stomach, smiling at his contented sigh when you snuggle yourself closer against him. You discuss everything and anything, laughing and reminiscing as the sky turns from bright blue, to shades of orange and pink.

·         With the sun nearly set, you begin to head back to the temple for the night. He smiles at you with sincere fondness in his eyes as you trail behind him, your hand in his. There is excitement coursing through him as he muses on how the night will proceed.

·         He doesn’t plan on ending the date until he has ingrained in you just how much he treasures you.

  ✧༺♥༻∞ Biscuit Oliva ∞༺♥༻✧

·         Much like Hanayama, get ready to be SPOILED.

·         Biscuit is a thoughtful man, and takes pride in memorizing even the little things about you. You mentioned off hand you really liked a particular scent once? He makes sure all his cologne’s now match that it. Stretch a few times too many to help get the kinks out of your back from an uncomfortable desk chair? The next day it’s replaced with something much more comfortable, etc.

·         So when he finds out one of your favorite performers is doing a live show on Valentine’s Day he knows what he must do. Always willing to go above and beyond for you,  he not only scores tickets the moment they go on sale, but a back stage meet and greet with them pre performance as well.

·         Unsurprisingly, you call him the moment you find out about the show, excitement buzzing in your voice as you relay the details. He plays dumb while he listens, smile growing on his face as you vocalize your hope of scoring at least lawn seats.

·         Alas, no such luck on your end. Later that day you come to visit him at the prison (you, of course, have special clearances for this ;)). Downtrodden, you explain after hours of you and your friends trying to load the site to buy tickets, by the time you got in they were already sold out.

·         He can barely contain himself when he sees you moping, heartbroken that someone you have been a fan of for so long FINALLY comes to your home town and you missed your chance to see them. Then and there, he wants desperately to reveal his hidden plans, both hating to see you in anguish and shivering in delight over the thought of being the one to replace your sadness with unbridled joy.

·         Although he does admit, seeing you upset does spark a certain desire within him. Envisioning you pressing your body so deliciously against him, tears threatening to spill from your beautiful eyes, a needy little pout you would fight to try and hide from his view tugging on your lips… That scenario wasn’t so bad, either.

·         Managing to keep you in the dark until the day of the concert, he surprises you by letting you know he’s on the way to pick you up, telling you to wear something comfortable but nice. You smile lovingly at him when he arrives, happy to not only spend the day with the man you love, but also figuring he has planned something sweet to help distract you from what you will be missing out on today.

·         He keeps quiet about your destination as you climb in the car. You egg him on to spill the beans, but even with all your efforts he won’t budge. He remains sitting stoically, the knowing smile on his lips aggravating you to no end as he hums pleasantly to himself.

·         Butterflies grow in your stomach when you start to catch on that the route you are taking is the same route to the concert hall. You don’t want to get your hopes up, but can’t help but become fidgety as every exit you take just brings you closer to the venue. Praying desperately that Biscuit is not just teasing, you shoot him pleading glances in hopes he will give up some indication of your final destination.

·         Just as you reach your breaking point of HAVING to know, he juts an envelope your way. Opening it with shaky hands, you gasp as your eyes scan quickly scan two front row tickets WITH backstage passes.

·         Your jaw nearly hits the floor. You are going to the show? You are sitting front row?? You are going to a meet and greet??? Was this a dream???? Instantly you felt light headed, the pure shock putting you on the verge of passing out. If it weren’t for Biscuit asking “Did I do good baby?” you may have done just that.

·         Unable to articulate the words to answer him, you fling yourself on him. Smashing your lips against his, eyes growing watery with tears of elation, you jumbled, unintelligible words of thanks spill from you. Biscuit was momentarily shocked by such an enthusiastic response, but was more than happy to reciprocate, deepening your kiss as he latched on to you fiercely.

·         The next few hours floated by like a dream. Meeting your idol, getting a picture with them, even getting to hug them, it was all so surreal. Following that with one of the best shows you have ever seen quickly solidified the day as one of the best in your life.

·         Worn out after all the excitement, you head back to the prison where dinner is waiting for you. In between bites, you alternate between gushing about the experience and thanking Biscuit, garnering amused chuckles and loving glances from the large man.

·         After you both eat, you get ready to retire early. Fresh from the shower you enter the bedroom. Startled by a sharp intake of breath, your attention darts up to Biscuit to find him sitting shirtless on the edge of the bed, his ravenous eyes raking over every inch of you. The off cadence of his breathing mixed with the growing red of his cheeks made him look almost feverish, his hands balling into tight fists in his struggle to restrain himself the longer he took you in. His voice came out in a breathy whisper, “God damn… Do you even know what you do to me, baby?”

·         You knew to anyone else, you probably looked like a wreck. You were exhausted, heavy bags under your eyes accompanying a slouch in your shoulders as you shuffled towards to bed, mismatched socks on your feet. You weren’t even dressed sexy, just throwing on one of Biscuits old shirts and some clean underwear to sleep in. But as your eyes met his you blushed under the intensity of his gaze, his drinking you in as if you were the most beautiful thing in the world.

·         A fluttering feeling formed in the pit of your stomach as you, in turn, took in the man you loved more than anything. Your eyes roved over his broad chest, thick arms, strong legs. Biscuit did so much for you; he was the person who made your dreams come true. As you both stared at each other so raptly, so hungrily, you felt yourself beginning to feel intoxicated from just his stare alone.

·         With renewed vigor, you sauntered his way. Crawling into his lap, you straddled his leg, leaning in until your lips ghosted the shell of his ear. You felt him quiver beneath you, a smile coming to your lips as his gentlemanly resolve was crumbling, his iron will straining against his deep desire to take you right then and there, ravish you until you were nothing but a blissed out mess beneath him. You wondered just how far you could push him until he snapped.

·         “Happy Valentine’s day,” you whisper coquettishly in his ear. A growl rumbles from his throat as you follow up your words with an open mouthed kiss to his neck, “I think it’s high time Mister Oliva gets a present, don’t you?”

*** The whole time I was writing Jack’s part I was like damn… Do they even make cots and tents Jack sized??? ^^;

#baki the grappler #baki reader insert #baki x reader #baki hanma x reader #katsumi orochi x reader #hanayama kaoru x reader #jack hanma x reader #retsu kaioh x reader #biscuit oliva x reader #valentines fic #valentines day #valentines fluff #just some real sweet moments with some real sweet boys #I thought about adding Yujiro and then I was like LUL THAT MAN WOULD NOT ROMANCE YOU SCRATCH THAT #mothwingswritings #thank you for reading!!! #I hope you enjoy #happy valentine's day #much love to you #baki scenarios #baki the grappler scenario

[teddy06writes]

Charlie Dalton's Annual Dead Poets Holiday Party: Halloween Edition

Requested: Nope {please send Dead Poets requests)

Dead Poets x reader (I like to think that any can be taken as romantic or platonic)

trigger warnings: swearing, some yelling, mentions/implied drinking/drunkenness

Premise: {Based on a few real events from both my last Saturday night party and a few other parties} Charlie has always been in charge of the Dead Poets Holiday Parties, be it the Nondenominational Winter Holiday Edition (CDADPHPNDWHE for short), New Years Eve Edition, or Fourth of July Edition, but this is your first time attending one of these famed parties since joining the group

{Might end up a loosely connected series, based on my other parties}

{Costumes: Y/n: Heather Chandler, Meeks: Heather Duke, Pitts: Heather McNamara, Todd: Veronica Sawyer, Neil: J.D. Charlie: Blossom, Knox: Bubbles, Cameron: Buttercup (they made him), Chris: Ghost with the sheets but party mode}

"Neil I am literally begging you- drive faster!" Meeks cried from the backseat.

Neil sighed, "Meeksie if I drive any faster we will slide off the road or something."

"You don't understand," He groaned, "Charlie's spam texting me!"

You laughed, "Well that's what you get for not telling him we were gonna be late!"

Meeks groaned, letting his head fall back against the glass, "I did tell him!"

In the middle, Pitts shrugged, "At least he doesn't have to worry about a part of his group costume missing."

"We aren't missing anyone," Todd said, "....Anymore."

"Look its not our fault we forgot (y/n)!" Neil argued.

"Yes it is! It is entirely your fault!" You yelled.

Neil started to protest, but was cut off by Pitts' sigh, "Tell Charlie we'll pull in in a minute."

~~ As Neil pulled up along the wide drive of the Dalton Manor (lets be real there's nothing else to call it), you looked around in awe.

The party had only officially started a half hour ago, but cars already packed the driveway.

Car safe parked in the designated space Charlie had left, the others began to climb out, and you followed them, straightening your blazer and fixing your hair.

Todd sent you an attempt at a reassuring smile, before turning to look up at the old stable that had been turned into Charlie's party spot.

"Remember what Keating used to say," Neil said, coming around the side of the car, "'oh to struggle against great odds, to meet enemies undaunted.'"

You frowned, turning to him, "How is that supposed to help my nerves?"

"No idea, let's go!"

People were packed inside, yet somehow through it all Charlie managed to spot your group, charging through the crowd yelling, "AyyyY! Mi Amigos! Are you ready to party???"

He through an arm around each of you in tern, adding a "Glad you final get to come to this (y/n)." To yours.

Almost as soon as he had appeared, he disappeared, though only for a moment as he quickly reemerged from the crowd with Cameron and Knox in tow, "Pictures, now."

Meeks laughed excitedly, joining the group in following Charlie off to the side where an open space had been designated for pictures, "Oh the insta stories are gonna be so lit!"

After all but bribing a random by stander to take a thousand pictures on everyone's phones, Charlie disappeared again, but not before giving the only slightly foreboding warning, "The party will begin momentarily."

It didn't take him long to make his way around to where the band had set up near the back, snatching a microphone, "Hey hey hey! Is this thing on?"

The crowd of people cheered, and you cheered with them, looking around at your friends with a laugh.

"Okay! I'd just like to say before we get this started, thank you all for coming to Charlie Daltons Annual Dead Poets Holiday Party: Halloween edition!"

Again the crowd cheered.

"Well we've got a real treat for you beautiful people this year! We've got catering by my fathers own kitchen staff, a live band The Keats, and for the first time, a winning costume trophyyy! Not to mention that first circle Dead Poet (Y/n) (y/l/n) has joined ussssss!"

Again the crowd cheered, turning to look at you as the rest of the dead poets laughed.

"So! Again, thank you all for obeying the costumes rule, I mean this turn out- We've got some nuns, the Heathers, Medea- and is that fucking Mutt Sanders I see? Anyway- without further ado! Let's fucking party!!"

The crowd began to cheer again, and you leaned over to Pitts, "Does he make a speech every year?"

"At every party!"

~~

The night was already beginning to go by in a blur, between rounds of pool/billiards (meeks or Pitts won nearly every round), dancing to the cheesiest party songs the band played (Neil and Charlie at the center of the dance circle obviously), and watching Knox getting syringe shots sent directly into his mouth by the 'magical shot fairy' everyone had a suspicion was Ginny Danbury.

Charlie had been dragged off by someone to see about something with the food, and Cameron, ever concerned with not getting sued by people with food poising had followed. Knox had gone after Chris, and Pitts and Meeks were in a very heated game of billiards.

You sighed, taking a swig of your drink as you turned to find Todd hurriedly mumbling something to Neil, "What's wrong?"

"Todd's uh, not feeling it, we're gonna take a breather." Neil explained.

"I'll go with- if that's okay, Todd?"

He nodded, and Neil began to lead the way through the crowd, you brining up the rear of the little procession you formed.

"You okay?" You asked Todd once you were all out and sitting safely in the gazebo.

"It's just loud in there." He sighed.

Neil nodded, "That's fair. We can chill out here for as long as you want Todd."

The gazebo lapsed into silence for a long while before Todd sighed, "Okay- best costume you've seen, not including your own."

"I liked Chris's. The sunglasses really worked." Neil said after a moment.

You nodded, "Definitely a tie between hers and whoever was doing Medea."

Neil chuckled, "That's Charlie's cousin. He's a real trip."

"Wasn't he bad James Bond last year?" Todd asked with a giggle.

"Yep. Carried a banana around instead of a gun." Neil confirmed.

"Best song the the bands played so far." You offered.

"Don't stop believing."

"I'm still holding out for Footloose."

~~

You'd stayed out in the gazebo for a long time, ignoring the cold, watching as the party slowly thinned as late night turned to nearly early morning, and eventually were joined by Knox, Chris, and Pitts, who came with a plate piled high with food.

"Okay, okay okay," Chris laughed, "Screw Marry kill, Charlie, Meeks, Cameron."

"Everyone that's not here? That feels like betrayal!" Knox objected.

"Marry Meeks, screw Charlie, kill Cameron." Pitts answered at the same instant.

You laughed, "No way. Marry Cameron for the benefits of he would literally do all the taxes and shit, Screw Charlie and Kill Meeks."

"You would kill Meeks?" Todd demanded.

You shrugged, "Call it in character."

"You can't just use that as an excuse!"

"I already explained it! Cameron comes with the benefit of never balancing a text book or filing tax shit, who wouldn't wanna screw Charlie! Meeks is just whos left!"

Before the last words had fully left your mouth, Neil, who had been remaining quiet shushed you, listening intently.

"What?"

"Shhhh!"

Another moment of quiet before he asked, "Does anyone else hear Chris Stapleton?"

Everyone went dead silent before a collective, "OH SHIT!" Was yelled, and you were all out of your seats, running back toward the stable building.

Just as had been suspected, Charlie was up on the stage, loudly singing, "Youuuuuuuurrr as smooooooth as tennesee whiskeyYyyyyyyyy!"

"Holy shit!" You exclaimed.

It took hardly a moment for you to join in with the rest of the inner circle poets, forming a line with your arms thrown around Cameron and Todd's shoulders as you swayed in time with them.

The song eventually ended, and Charlie all but vaulted from the stage to join the group, "Guys! Your just in time, fucking tesla guy came back! And guess what?"

"What?" Todd laughed.

"He brought a giant ass bag of McDicks!"

"Ah yes, the annual appearance of tesla guy." Cameron half laughed, half whispered to you.

"And his generous donation of fast food." Knox added.

Back up on the stage the lead singer of the band announced, "Alright, we've got another singer from the crowd. Bear with us, we don't actually know this song!"

"YEah MUTT!" Someone yelled from the crowd.

The group of poets had moved off to the side by now and you turned to look at Charlie with wide eyes, "Who is that?"

"Mutt Sanders!" He laughed.

"Mutt Sanders- Knox's doppelganger Mutt Sanders? He's here?"

"Yeah?" He laughed again, "I thought that was part of what I said earlier?"

"I thought it was a joke!"

"Nope!"

~~ By some miracle, the party seemed to fully disperse by 3 am.

Before you knew it, it was only you, the other first circle Dead Poets, Chris Noel and Ginny Danbury left, begining to clean up.

"Guys- guys- Stop cleaning." Charlie said around a yawn, "We have cleaners for a reason."

"Are they paid fair wages?" Ginny asked.

"Yeah. Like, way above minimum."

"Oh, fair enough." She shrugged, grabbing Chris' hand and tugging her toward the door, "See you all later then!"

Once they were gone Neil turned to Charlie, "Who's apartment then?"

"Cams is closest."

"Not a chance." The redhead said immediately.

Charlie sighed, "Yours then Neil. I demand a snack run first though!"

"A snack run?" You questioned, following them out of the stable and across the lawn.

Meeks nodded, "It's tradition, pick an apartment, pick snacks, go crash."

As you reached the door of the house, Charlie turned, suddenly serious, "Pitts, Cam, you two are closest to sober, go get the cars ready. The rest of you get to the pantry, grab as much as you can carry. I'll get the party crash bag."

"Holy shit it's like a whole operation." You marveled.

"Get used to it." Todd half scoffed.

~~

The next morning you woke up in pajamas you had barrowed from someone and a hoodie you had probably taken from someone else, only mildly confused when you found yourself near the bottom of a cuddle pile on Neil's giant ass bed.

You yawned, vaguely feeling someone's arm wrap around your waist.

From next to you and only partly trapped under a red head whom you couldn't tell was Meeks or Cameron, Charlie chuckled softly, "How did you feel about your first Dead Poets Party, (y/n)?"

#dead poets society #dead poets society x reader #neil perry x reader #todd anderson x reader #steven meeks x reader #gerard pitts x reader #knox overstreet x reader #richard cameron x reader #charlie dalton x reader #teddy06 #teddy06writes #teddy06 writes #teddy 06

[chaisaidaw]

How to ring in the New Year at a rooftop bar in Bangkok?

Imagine a night where the city's skyline serves as a glittering backdrop to welcome the New Year. The secrets of planning the perfect New Year's Eve at a rooftop bar sukhumvit are unravelled in this blog. We have covered everything from selecting the venue to curating your menu, and from choosing the right attire to capturing the countdown magic. Keep on reading and plan a New Year’s Eve adventure under the starlit skies of Bangkok!

Why Choose a Peruvian-Japanese rooftop bar near me for New Year’s Eve?

Wondering how to make your New Year's Eve truly exceptional? Opt for the extraordinary by choosing a rooftop bar that fuses the vibrant flavors of Peruvian and Japanese cuisines. This unique combination promises a culinary adventure that transcends the ordinary, offering a diverse and delightful menu for various palates.

Imagine savoring the richness of Peruvian Lomo Saltado Rolls, where Australian Angus striploin meets crabstick, avocado, and lomo saltado sauce, alongside the delicacy of Nigiri Nikei Hamachi Truffle, adorned with truffle oil and ponzu sauce.  

How to Plan Your Evening at a Bangkok rooftop bar?

Start by choosing a rooftop bar that offers the unique Peruvian-Japanese fusion experience. Research and explore reviews to find a venue that not only captures the essence of these two dynamic cuisines but also boasts a breathtaking view of Bangkok's skyline. Consider making a reservation to secure a prime spot for the New Year's festivities.

Look for signature dishes that embody the fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors. From sushi rolls that blend Australian Angus striploin with crabstick to tantalizing drinks like the Uzuki Blossom. Choose items like Amarena cherry-infused Whisky, Umeshu, and Sake for a celebration of cultural diversity.

Some venues may host live music, countdown parties, or themed decorations to enhance the festive atmosphere. Checking for these additional elements for a memorable New Year's celebration.

What to wear at a rooftop bar in Bangkok Sukhumvit?

When planning your attire, consider the stylish and sophisticated ambiance of a rooftop bar. Think chic dresses, tailored jumpsuits, or stylish shirts and trousers.

Choose footwear that complements your ensemble and is suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Stylish sandals or fashionable sneakers can strike the right balance. However, avoid overly casual or beachwear footwear, as rooftop bars often enforce a smart casual dress code.

Tips for Memorable Celebrations

Arrive Early for Prime Views: To secure the best views of the city and ensure you have a prime spot for the New Year's countdown.. Rooftop bars can get crowded during special events, so arrive ahead of time.

Capture the Countdown Magic: New Year's Eve is all about the countdown to midnight. Ensure your phone or camera is fully charged to capture the magical moment when the clock strikes twelve. These photographs will be cherished memories of your unique celebration.

Toast to the New Year with Signature Drinks: Explore the rooftop bar's signature drinks and raise a toast to the approaching year. Try exotic flavors of a Maracuja Sour and the sophistication of a Uzuki Blossom. 

Conclusion

Planning your New Year's celebration in Bangkok can be worthy if you indulge at a Peruvian-Japanese rooftop fusion bar. The unique culinary experience shared above can be found at Above Eleven. It is the most sought-after rooftop bar nana that assures a night of unparalleled flavors, breathtaking views and festive joy.

[january31st]

In tune (Venable x reader): Chapter one

Summary: you arrive at the outpost and try to be the one to lighten the mood by making dumb jokes and playing the piano/singing, and accidentally get Ms. Venable’s attention.

A/N: this whole fic started because i saw the piano hidden away near the door in the music room in one of the first episodes, and then when Stevie Nicks sang later on i actually was so happy to confirm that it was in fact, a piano.

This has been sitting in my drafts for too long, maybe if i publish the first chapter i might feel forced to write the rest? 

Warnings: Nothing too interesting happens in this chapter when it comes to Venable, i really got carried away with context and writing bullshit? Other than that if you think i should add other warnings please do feel free to say it

|| Masterlist || Chapter 2 || Chapter 3 || Chapter 4 ||

~2200 words

 Ever since you were a kid you managed to get yourself into the strangest situations, and they always seemed to outdo each other. About now you were starting to think you reached the peak of life experiences, after the apocalypse what else was there for you to see?

When the end came you weren’t too phased. You just watched things happen to you and accepted them, not that there was anything else you could do. But you didn’t panic. You didn’t cry for your lost life. There wasn’t much to lose either way. 

You met Timothy eventually. You had time to think about all of these questions he kept asking you, but you didn’t really. For the most part you were numb. You knew he was trying to get to know you, given that you were in this situation together for a reason, and sure, you talked to him, you cracked a few jokes to ease the tension. You told him a bit about your life in the past year or so, and listened to his and to his plans for the future studying at UCLA. 

After some time you came to understand that you two were supposed to be some sort of modern Adam and Eve, the new beginning to humanity. The both of you were told about your perfect DNA, and that just magnified the voice inside you saying that this was a big mistake. You didn’t say anything about it because this was the only reason you were alive, but deep down you knew this was wrong. You were sitting in someone else’s spot. 

Sometimes you would look at Timothy and feel like there was a rock sitting in your stomach. He was good looking, sure, for a guy. But that was just the problem. You never had any actual relationships, you always distanced yourself from people. You did feel attractions, you did feel love, but not for men. You didn’t hate kids, but also didn’t want to have any. Especially not now with this guy you were stuck to. You also didn’t hate him. None of this was his fault, so you pushed the thought aside for the most part.

Two weeks later you were sent to Outpost 3, and soon enough you met the person in charge. Wilhemina Venable and her perfect everything. She showed you to your rooms and explained the purple-gray hierarchy, and at that you heard that voice again, telling you this was wrong, surviving And also being part of “the elite”?

Timothy asked a few questions, and you almost shivered at the tone in her voice. Very determined and void of emotions. You understood the sureness of everything she said and it didn’t leave any space for you to answer or question. You didn’t have anything to say really. You weren’t that interested in the logistics of this whole thing. If you started thinking about it you knew it would be hard to stop.

“The house rules are simple. You will refer to me only as Ms. Venable.” she said, looking straight into your eyes. She also said something about not leaving the building, not that you were planning on running away any time soon. The ice in her demeanour was impressive, you wondered for a second if her makeup and hair had looked this perfect when the bombs fell. If her outfit looked as crisp and if the grip on her cane was as strong, or if she was holding the cane at all. You could have assumed it was just an accessory, it didn’t look out of place on the hand of someone as elegant as her, but something told you otherwise.

You must have looked spaced out because Timothy was staring at you. She raised her voice just a bit, adding  “No unauthorised copulation of any kind, under any circumstances.” And at that you felt that rock get a bit less heavy, relieved you wouldn’t be forced into it at least for now.

“The two grays you saw on the way in should work as a reminder” 

Sure you were happy with the rule, but not everyone would, and it made you a bit uneasy to think about the tension that would form after a while. Killing people for it felt unnecessary and if there were other purples you knew there would be complaining to be heard. Just something else to look forward to!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the first week there you mostly listened to the other purples blabber on about their lives, and all the things they didn’t get to do and all the money they didn’t get to spend on all these useless things. There was arguing all the time, no one seemed to agree on anything except all of what they lost, and pitying themselves for the situation they were in. You appreciated Dinah’s attempts at motivating everyone and keeping a positive mindset, but all of those empty words fell flat. 

One day (or night? Or afternoon? You weren’t sure) everyone was sitting in the music room, purples in the couches, Mallory sitting on the floor next to Coco, some grays standing around and Venable at the farthest table seat from you, reading a book. You could sense the silence wouldn’t last long. It was only a matter of time until Mr. Gallant started complaining about the song playing on repeat, but before he could, you tried something.

“Let’s say we had a cat at the outpost”

Everyone looked at you curiously, a cat? Why would there be a cat?

“What would you guys name it?”

Coco looked at you as if you had just offended her family name “I don’t know why or how you plan to get a cat in here. Have you lost your mind Y/N?”

You chuckled at that “I don’t want a cat, it’s just a question, to get our heads away from the whole apocalypse thing”

She made a face at the stupidity of your question “I don’t know, probably Oscar or Felix or something”

“Ugh Coco don’t be basic. You know, I would name it Rip Taylor, or Larry Kramer. Or any of the great gay radicals of the 70’s and 80’s” Gallant said gettig more exited about the question.

Andre said “Judas, or Alejandro. Cats are traitors”

Gallant smirked “I see what you did there” 

Evie leaned forward, cup swaying in her hand “I don’t know about cats but I quite like poodles. Maybe even a greyhound. I would name him Mr. Chandon. After the champagne of course”

“My grandma had a cat, she was called Pumpkin.” said Timothy.

Coco scoffed “Let me guess, was she orange? How original”

“Actually she was white” he answered with a malicious smile.

Coco tried to change the attention from that interaction “Alright, Y/N you asked the question and you haven’t answered it yet. What would you name it?” 

You gathered everything in you to make a serious face. You waited for a bit until everyone had their eyes on you and answered “Fish.”

At that the room erupted with laughter, after a minute or so you wiped your eyes so that your makeup wouldn’t get ruined, your cheeks already hurting. You managed to straighten up a bit and looked across the room to Venable. You’d imagine she would call you all dumb and set a new rule that kept everyone from laughing, but instead she just looked at you with her eyes slighly narrowed, the rest of her face covered by the book.

“How about puppy?” Mallory said. Everyone laughed even harder.

Your voice was now high pitched, you struggled to get the words out all at once "You see… that's a great one, but i think Bark is even better" 

"Come here Bark" said Andre, laughing harder still and slapping his knee.

You knew this would make you look stupid, because it was. But still you welcomed a laugh after all this time, and only something this dumb would work. 

After that you took it upon yourself to keep people entertained. You wouldn't let your fears show in front of all these fancy people, especially not Venable. It would be much better if they thought you were funny and light hearted than to find out about the monsters you kept sitting in your room.

You knew she could crush you with a finger anytime, and you found yourself thinking about her way more than you should. Was it her looks? Was it the attitude? You had always been one to look in wonder at the strong confident women you met throughout your life. But you also convinced yourself you didn't need anyone. 

The things you had lived through were more than enough to confirm it. You always managed to figure things out on your own.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

By the third week you understood Mr. Gallant’s annoyance at the song constantly playing, even though you only had to assemble in the music room for the “Cocktails” once a day. Everyone was thankful about how oddly soundproof that room was, you couldn’t hear a thing down the corridor, and for that reason it would be mostly empty for the rest of the day. 

Despite that annoyance about the song, you still spent quite some time there. Ever since you stepped into the room for the first time, the shelves completely lined with books called out to you. For a while, the free time you didn’t spend reading, you spent hovering about the shelves, registering the titles and reading the synopsis for the ones you didn’t recognise.

The other thing about the room that called out to you was the piano, just sitting abandoned. It would probably get very dusty if not for the greys who had to keep the outpost spotless. You were surprised no one had played anything yet, after all, you were stuck with a bunch of rich people, and in your head every rich person had piano classes when they were little. At least that was the type of rich person you always wanted to be.

You had been anything but rich before the apocalypse, but you did know some music theory. You were a band kid and played classical guitar since you were little, and you found yourself thinking about how lucky you were that your mom put you in those classes. Music did become a very important aspect of your life very fast, always the thing you could use to escape, to soothe whatever mood you found yourself in. The end of the world, of course, couldn’t come without irony, and the one thing that used to keep you sane was starting to have the opposite effect.

Piano was most definitely not your instrument. You loved to listen to it, but to play anything you needed a lot of practise. Still, by now you wanted anything to drown out the voice calling the occupants of interplanetary craft, so every now and then you would try to go by ear on the chords for a pop song you remembered, and mess around with it until some other purple entered the room.

One evening during the Cocktail hour Coco asked you to play something. “We all know you can play, just please, I’m so sick of this song” She said looking at the radio with a disgusted look on her face.

“Ehrm, I don’t actually know any piece all the way through. Piano isn’t really my instrument so most of the music I remember would also not sound right.”

“You don’t know it all the way through, but that means you know at least a little something. Go on darling don't be shy” Evie said, and you couldn’t help but feel uneasy playing in front of these fancy people. 

You sat down on it’s large bench, you wanted to at least try something classical, to try and show them that you weren’t absolutely uncultured. Choosing Moonlight Sonata might have been predictable, but at least it wasn’t Fur Elise. The first movement was all you could remember, but it was the piece you knew the best. In the end you were met with applause, to your surprise.

“Ah splendid! I had no idea poor people even knew about Beethoven!” Evie was certainly one for theatrics, the way she overreacted made you giggle, almost letting you forget the shakiness in your hands.

“Play something you can sing to, I heard you sing before, you have a lovely voice” Timothy said with a big smile, and you realised just then how that sounded. When did he even hear you sing? By the way Coco and Gallant looked at eachother you could tell they had gossiped about you before, and the thought that the whole outpost might be thinking about it too made you want to puke. 

To hide your discomfort you started playing the first song you could think of, and while you played the only thought on your mind was Ms. Venable. What if she thought you and Timothy had a thing? Would she kill you both without even hearing you out? Somehow that wasn’t the part that disturbed you the most, though you couldn’t quite understand what was. She didn’t hang around the music room much during the day, and when she did she would either hide behind a book or have an argument with someone and leave. Right now you hoped she wasn’t even looking at you and didn’t hear the tone of what he said.

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#venable x reader #whilemina x reader #whilelmina #whilemina venable #ms venable x reader #ms venable #fanfic #fic #ahs fic #ahs fanfiction #fanfiction #ahs apocalypse #ahs x reader #AHS #american horror story #sarah paulson #mina #min #whilemina venable x reader #ahs imagine #outpost 3 #post apocalypse #apocalypse #piano #singing #moonlight sonata #bad jokes #like so bad #i hate this mostly because of that joke #im sorry you had to witness