Macrame table runner diy
Is getting to the venue 2 hours before the ceremony too early?
2023.06.03 00:17 rj3581 Is getting to the venue 2 hours before the ceremony too early?
I am having some trouble figuring out my timeline! My wedding ceremony is at 6pm. We don't get access to the venue until 4pm. I plan to have my hair and makeup done by about 3:30 so we can head to the venue with my mom and sisters (no bridal party and no getting-ready photos or first look). There's a bridal room, so I will put on my dress there. Is getting to the venue 2 hours before the ceremony overkill? I don't think I'll be DIYing anything much, but I may decide to set up the guestbook table myself and set name cards on the reception tables. I could also have one of my sisters do this. (It's a small wedding -- only 25 people). What do y'all think? Should I get there at 5 instead?
submitted by rj3581 to weddingplanning [link] [comments]
2023.06.03 00:17 NameInAHat 29[M4F] #St. Louis/#Midwest - Life is what you make it. So let's make it the best together.
Let's explore the world together. Let's cuddle up together on the sofa while it storms and hold each other when we've got no other plans. Just make the most of every moment. Ambition, a thirst for knowledge and adventure, and a little competitiveness will go a long way to help.
I come from a big family of engineers and I'm an artificial intelligence software engineer myself, so I'm more than a little nerdy. Some people find me intimidating but I'm easy to get along with. I make friends fast and I've got a pretty large group that have all been hanging out regularly since college.
Movies are a passion of mine. Good movies, bad movies, all have their place depending on my mood. My favorite movie is the new Dune, with Blade Runner 2049 being a close second. It's safe to say Denis Villeneuve is my favorite director. I like complex, immersive movies that feel like they transport me to a new universe. It would be nice to find someone who feels the same way and wants to share that experience. Let's dissect the brilliant works of art and have fun laughing about movies that are so bad they're good.
I'm also a really good cook but bonus points if you know how to cook too or would like to learn. I'd love to have someone I can cook with. Cooking and good food in general helps me relax after a long day. Food is important in my family, especially seafood. Everywhere we travel we bring back new recipes. I cook from all kinds of different cuisine but in a normal rotation and no particular order, you'll see me making lots of French, Italian, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Mexican, and more. Parties are often planned around the food with everyone hanging out in the kitchen while it's made. You'll always eat well with me around.
I have a lot of other hobbies I switch between pretty often. It helps me prevent burn out on any specific thing. I pick up skills very quickly, so that definitely has something to do with having so many. Drawing, painting (digital, oil, and miniatures), DIY projects, TTRPGs, PC gaming, airsoft, wood/metal working, and more. I've even published my own TTRPG and I'm working on two more books for it.
I should probably mention I'm mildly allergic to cats.
If you made it through that wall of text, drop me a line. I love meeting new people and so does my dog.
submitted by NameInAHat to r4r [link] [comments]
I come from a big family of engineers and I'm an artificial intelligence software engineer myself, so I'm more than a little nerdy. Some people find me intimidating but I'm easy to get along with. I make friends fast and I've got a pretty large group that have all been hanging out regularly since college.
Movies are a passion of mine. Good movies, bad movies, all have their place depending on my mood. My favorite movie is the new Dune, with Blade Runner 2049 being a close second. It's safe to say Denis Villeneuve is my favorite director. I like complex, immersive movies that feel like they transport me to a new universe. It would be nice to find someone who feels the same way and wants to share that experience. Let's dissect the brilliant works of art and have fun laughing about movies that are so bad they're good.
I'm also a really good cook but bonus points if you know how to cook too or would like to learn. I'd love to have someone I can cook with. Cooking and good food in general helps me relax after a long day. Food is important in my family, especially seafood. Everywhere we travel we bring back new recipes. I cook from all kinds of different cuisine but in a normal rotation and no particular order, you'll see me making lots of French, Italian, Indian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Mexican, and more. Parties are often planned around the food with everyone hanging out in the kitchen while it's made. You'll always eat well with me around.
I have a lot of other hobbies I switch between pretty often. It helps me prevent burn out on any specific thing. I pick up skills very quickly, so that definitely has something to do with having so many. Drawing, painting (digital, oil, and miniatures), DIY projects, TTRPGs, PC gaming, airsoft, wood/metal working, and more. I've even published my own TTRPG and I'm working on two more books for it.
I should probably mention I'm mildly allergic to cats.
If you made it through that wall of text, drop me a line. I love meeting new people and so does my dog.
2023.06.03 00:10 fur_fox_sake_ AITA for not going to my friends’ kid’s sporting events?
My husband (35M) and I (35F) are good friends with a couple who we’ll call Justin (40M) and Maddie (40F). We once worked at the same company as Justin and over the course of 10 years became close with them. They have 3 children: 11F, 9M and 7M. They own a boat on a lake and they like to invite us over to hang out on the lake, have game nights and dinner. This does mean that their kids are usually around when we are together and we’re happy to entertain and play with them. It’s very rare that they get a sitter to go out on double dates or go out on dates themselves. I think that over the years, Justin and Maddie have become comfortable with having us over and seeing us with their children and their children enjoy seeing us as well. My husband and I currently do not have kids of our own.
Maddie is a stay at home super mom. She’s a planner and is very involved in her children’s lives. She ensures that they have a full agenda of activities and are involved in sports and she loves it and I love that for her. She is also involved in her local PTA and has a solid group of mom friends that she’s met through PTA and community events.
I personally feel that Justin could really help her out more. There have been times when we have been over where my husband and I are helping Maddie get the children to bed and Justin isn’t engaged. He travels often for work, works late or is out golfing with colleagues. Due to this lack of support, I am one of the people she reaches out to for favors (I assume she asks others but I am not sure). My husband and I both work and are in high level leadership roles at our respective companies so we recognize the work commitments Justin faces.
I’ve driven one of her sons to his baseball games when her other son was playing on a different field. I’ve even helped watch her kids when Justin had surgery and she would visit him during recovery. One favor I declined to do was to be at Maddie’s home when the kids got off the bus at 3pm because her FIL was getting discharged after having heart surgery and Justin was at work and had a meeting. I too had a meeting at 3pm that day and was in the office an hour away. I couldn’t understand why Justin couldn’t take time off for a family medical emergency. At this point, I was beginning to question all these favors we were being asked when it came to child care. I was annoyed that they were asked with no regard to our job schedules and with little to no explanation as to why Justin wasn’t around to help. Messages to me would also imply that since I could sometimes work from home or didn’t have kids, I should be around /free to help.
One day, I was asked day of, if I could take her daughter to gymnastics and again was annoyed because she had to be there by 4pm. I still had more work to do. I was venting to my husband and he reminded me that they were great friends who always welcomed us into their home and that acts of kindness like this is a small way to show up for our friends. So he picked up her daughter at their home and dropped her off at gymnastics and brought her back when practice was over. He ran errands in between. Months later we are at a Christmas party with friends and a different friend was talking about her own daughter’s gymnastic competitions. Out of nowhere Maddie makes a comment/joke that my husband likes watching girls’ gymnastic practices. The table got quiet and my husband was shocked, upset and uncomfortable. He only dropped her off that one time and did not observe the practice as Maddie was claiming. I too was upset because of what it implied and already felt very taken advantage of. Luckily the comment wasn’t acknowledged since it really had nothing to do with the conversation and our other friends didn’t bothered to entertain it. We both were so upset and but chose not to say anything at the party.
We did decide to re-evaluate the amount of support we would be giving to Justin and Maddie. Our thoughts were that we didn’t want to loose the friendship but we could set better boundaries on what we were able to do. Perhaps we should have recognized earlier that it was strange we were the ones to be called when they had other parents in their community they could rely on. I remember getting dropped off at soccer by my teammates parents when mine couldn’t. We also decided that it wasn’t worth confronting Maddie because she wouldn’t take the feedback well or maturely. I also feared that the discussion could dive into Justin’s lack of support when it came to raising their children and that is not our place to comment. I also had heard from a mutual friend that some of the mom’s in the mom group were beginning exit the mom group because Maddie was overbearing. Maddie is also very insecure and is in denial about other issues she and and her family has so it didn’t seem right to pile our disappointment on top of that when we could simply change how we interacted with them.
For months, Maddie and Justin would invite us to watch their boys’ soccer and baseball games on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. We declined to attend, we never attended games before and we also don’t do this for our other friend’s. Also, watching children’s sports is the last thing we want to do on Friday nights/Saturday mornings. Maddie mentioned that she would like to see me come to one of the games and that it was so much fun as her and her mom friends fill their yeti’s with cocktails and have a blast. I assume to entice me into thinking it was as cool as going out to a bar. I said that it sounded like a fun time for them especially since they needed to be there but I had other commitments during those times (watching Succession obviously). She didn’t understand and she continues to ask me to show up to her kids’ events. The most recent ask was to run a motheguardian-daughter 5K with her daughter because she couldn’t run. I’m a runner and this is something I would love to do but I also don’t want this to spark a debate about showing up for one kid and not the others. I feel bad that I haven’t been fully honest about my reasons but I just think that there’s so much to unpack with their family dynamic that I’m respectfully choosing to stay out of it and continue to politely decline. Am I the asshole?
submitted by fur_fox_sake_ to TwoHotTakes [link] [comments]
Maddie is a stay at home super mom. She’s a planner and is very involved in her children’s lives. She ensures that they have a full agenda of activities and are involved in sports and she loves it and I love that for her. She is also involved in her local PTA and has a solid group of mom friends that she’s met through PTA and community events.
I personally feel that Justin could really help her out more. There have been times when we have been over where my husband and I are helping Maddie get the children to bed and Justin isn’t engaged. He travels often for work, works late or is out golfing with colleagues. Due to this lack of support, I am one of the people she reaches out to for favors (I assume she asks others but I am not sure). My husband and I both work and are in high level leadership roles at our respective companies so we recognize the work commitments Justin faces.
I’ve driven one of her sons to his baseball games when her other son was playing on a different field. I’ve even helped watch her kids when Justin had surgery and she would visit him during recovery. One favor I declined to do was to be at Maddie’s home when the kids got off the bus at 3pm because her FIL was getting discharged after having heart surgery and Justin was at work and had a meeting. I too had a meeting at 3pm that day and was in the office an hour away. I couldn’t understand why Justin couldn’t take time off for a family medical emergency. At this point, I was beginning to question all these favors we were being asked when it came to child care. I was annoyed that they were asked with no regard to our job schedules and with little to no explanation as to why Justin wasn’t around to help. Messages to me would also imply that since I could sometimes work from home or didn’t have kids, I should be around /free to help.
One day, I was asked day of, if I could take her daughter to gymnastics and again was annoyed because she had to be there by 4pm. I still had more work to do. I was venting to my husband and he reminded me that they were great friends who always welcomed us into their home and that acts of kindness like this is a small way to show up for our friends. So he picked up her daughter at their home and dropped her off at gymnastics and brought her back when practice was over. He ran errands in between. Months later we are at a Christmas party with friends and a different friend was talking about her own daughter’s gymnastic competitions. Out of nowhere Maddie makes a comment/joke that my husband likes watching girls’ gymnastic practices. The table got quiet and my husband was shocked, upset and uncomfortable. He only dropped her off that one time and did not observe the practice as Maddie was claiming. I too was upset because of what it implied and already felt very taken advantage of. Luckily the comment wasn’t acknowledged since it really had nothing to do with the conversation and our other friends didn’t bothered to entertain it. We both were so upset and but chose not to say anything at the party.
We did decide to re-evaluate the amount of support we would be giving to Justin and Maddie. Our thoughts were that we didn’t want to loose the friendship but we could set better boundaries on what we were able to do. Perhaps we should have recognized earlier that it was strange we were the ones to be called when they had other parents in their community they could rely on. I remember getting dropped off at soccer by my teammates parents when mine couldn’t. We also decided that it wasn’t worth confronting Maddie because she wouldn’t take the feedback well or maturely. I also feared that the discussion could dive into Justin’s lack of support when it came to raising their children and that is not our place to comment. I also had heard from a mutual friend that some of the mom’s in the mom group were beginning exit the mom group because Maddie was overbearing. Maddie is also very insecure and is in denial about other issues she and and her family has so it didn’t seem right to pile our disappointment on top of that when we could simply change how we interacted with them.
For months, Maddie and Justin would invite us to watch their boys’ soccer and baseball games on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. We declined to attend, we never attended games before and we also don’t do this for our other friend’s. Also, watching children’s sports is the last thing we want to do on Friday nights/Saturday mornings. Maddie mentioned that she would like to see me come to one of the games and that it was so much fun as her and her mom friends fill their yeti’s with cocktails and have a blast. I assume to entice me into thinking it was as cool as going out to a bar. I said that it sounded like a fun time for them especially since they needed to be there but I had other commitments during those times (watching Succession obviously). She didn’t understand and she continues to ask me to show up to her kids’ events. The most recent ask was to run a motheguardian-daughter 5K with her daughter because she couldn’t run. I’m a runner and this is something I would love to do but I also don’t want this to spark a debate about showing up for one kid and not the others. I feel bad that I haven’t been fully honest about my reasons but I just think that there’s so much to unpack with their family dynamic that I’m respectfully choosing to stay out of it and continue to politely decline. Am I the asshole?
2023.06.02 23:05 Dianthus_pages Table cloth and runner “rules”?
I’m choosing and buying the tablecloths and runners for the wedding myself because for some reason it’s more expensive to use a rental company in my area. But, I don’t know if there are rules to this and if there are, I’m having trouble finding them online. I want to do white tablecloths and emerald green runners. Satin is the less costly option but is it weird to do a satin tablecloth with a satin table runner on top? Are you supposed to do that or are you supposed to mix textures? Also I’ve been playing around with the idea of placemats because we’re doing compostable plates to save money. But the one article I found online says you shouldn’t do tablecloths and placemats so is that true or just one random guy’s opinion?
Thank you in advance for all opinions and ideas!
submitted by Dianthus_pages to weddingplanning [link] [comments]
Thank you in advance for all opinions and ideas!
2023.06.02 22:28 lostbutyoucanfollow LF DIY angled signpost & stone table. Willing to trade for NMTs or bells, TIA!
 | submitted by lostbutyoucanfollow to Dodocodes [link] [comments] |
2023.06.02 21:57 ChoiceFabulous 37 [M4F] #DMV Dom seeking a partner
I'm 37, in the NoVA area. 6'0 with brown hair (some gray) blue eyes, a wicked smile for those that earn it and a lover of kink, kindness, and a keenness for adventures.
I've been a Dom for several years now, I was introduced at 19 by my ex at the time, and it wasn't for me then. But over the years it grew to something amazing, I truly can't imagine life or love without this kinky side of myself. Impact, breath, Restraints, orgasm control and denial are just a few of the kinks I love.
I'm a tea drinker by day, and scotch on the rocks at night. I'm a nerd and geek. I work in IT. Enjoying working out, reading, movies, sports, and some traveling. My date ideas tend to be active like bowling, walks in Oldtown Alexandria, or other fun adventures getting to know you. I grew up in NYC, and joined the military out of high school. Spent half of it chasing drug runners in the Caribbean, and the other half behind a desk being an IT. I'm passionate about literacy, and education. My friends mean the world to me, and I'd probably be like Liam Neeson if anyone were to threaten my family or my friends. I'm a huge nerd, and I'm just as comfortable in a board room as I am at a comic convention. I'm affectionate to those that matter in my life, but I'm awkward when it comes to hugs from strangers. I used to love writing stories but the only short stories I've written in the past few years have been erotic tales of my adventures. I've never been married, although I got within 12 hours of it once. I love days in with someone, curled up on the couch watching Netflix, just as much as an evening out to dinner and a fun date. I'm in an LDR (yes we date separately) and I practice kitchen table poly.
I'm seeking a submissive, a partner, and a friend.
What's something you wish more people knew about you?
submitted by ChoiceFabulous to AgeGapPersonals [link] [comments]
I've been a Dom for several years now, I was introduced at 19 by my ex at the time, and it wasn't for me then. But over the years it grew to something amazing, I truly can't imagine life or love without this kinky side of myself. Impact, breath, Restraints, orgasm control and denial are just a few of the kinks I love.
I'm a tea drinker by day, and scotch on the rocks at night. I'm a nerd and geek. I work in IT. Enjoying working out, reading, movies, sports, and some traveling. My date ideas tend to be active like bowling, walks in Oldtown Alexandria, or other fun adventures getting to know you. I grew up in NYC, and joined the military out of high school. Spent half of it chasing drug runners in the Caribbean, and the other half behind a desk being an IT. I'm passionate about literacy, and education. My friends mean the world to me, and I'd probably be like Liam Neeson if anyone were to threaten my family or my friends. I'm a huge nerd, and I'm just as comfortable in a board room as I am at a comic convention. I'm affectionate to those that matter in my life, but I'm awkward when it comes to hugs from strangers. I used to love writing stories but the only short stories I've written in the past few years have been erotic tales of my adventures. I've never been married, although I got within 12 hours of it once. I love days in with someone, curled up on the couch watching Netflix, just as much as an evening out to dinner and a fun date. I'm in an LDR (yes we date separately) and I practice kitchen table poly.
I'm seeking a submissive, a partner, and a friend.
What's something you wish more people knew about you?
2023.06.02 21:19 aliJo108 LF: iron garden table diy
If you want me to pay, I will pay you 1,000 bells. DM me for a code! -If you have the chair diy as well that would be lovely :)
submitted by aliJo108 to AnimalCrossingTrading [link] [comments]
2023.06.02 21:13 Eduiwbroad Discover the Beauty of Custom River Tables: A Complete Guide
Experience the stunning allure of a river table with our complete guide. Discover how to get your own custom river table today! Perfect for any space.
One reason why a custom epoxy table has become so popular is their uniqueness. No two pieces can ever be identical, making them perfect statement pieces for any living room or office space.
Another reason for their popularity is how versatile they are both in style and function. You can choose from various styles ranging from rustic to contemporary designs while also selecting different types of wood species that suit your taste and interior decor.
Whether you're looking for a coffee table, dining table, or even a custom desk made out of solid wood with an attached river-like design; River Tables will leave everyone who sees them awestruck and admiring its beauty!
Another aspect to consider is whether you want a live edge or straight edge for your tabletop. Live edges add an organic feel while straight edges provide a more polished look. No matter what type of wood you choose, it's essential to make sure it's properly dried before building your river table. Moisture in the wood can create bubbles in the epoxy resin which will ruin its appearance.
In addition to considering physical qualities such as color and grain pattern, think about how sustainable each option is - investing in sustainably-sourced materials can contribute positively toward our environment while beautifying our spaces at home!
First and foremost, it's important to choose the right type of epoxy resin. Make sure to select a high-quality product that is specifically designed for furniture or tabletops. This will ensure that your table stays durable over time.
Before mixing the epoxy, prepare your workspace by covering the floor with plastic or newspapers. Wear gloves to protect your hands from any skin irritation caused by contact with the liquid.
Mixing equal parts of resin and hardener together in a clean container is crucial in achieving perfect clarity without cloudiness or bubbles which could worsen over time. Be sure not to mix too vigorously as this may introduce air bubbles into your mixture which will ruin the final result.
Finally, pour slowly onto one side while gently spreading across then move on to other areas often alternating sides until you have achieved an even finish across all surfaces allowing gravity has ample time to push excesses towards edges before curing begins within a temperature-controlled environment away from direct sunlight.
Another trendy option is to incorporate different colors or elements into your epoxy resin pour. Some people choose to add crystals or stones for an eye-catching effect while others opt for metallic pigments or even glow-in-the-dark powder for added flair.
No matter what style you choose, remember that this is meant to be a unique and personalized piece that reflects your individual taste and personality. So take some time to experiment with different styles and designs until you find one that truly speaks to you!
On average, a basic 6-foot table could cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 while a larger or more intricate design could run upwards of $5,000 or more. It's important to remember that investing in a high-quality piece will pay off in the long run as these pieces are built to last for generations.
If you're looking for an affordable option or have your heart set on a certain design but don't want to break the bank, consider working with local artisans who specialize in creating custom furniture. They may offer competitive pricing compared to bigger companies and can often provide personalized attention throughout the process.
Ultimately, when it comes time to purchase your custom river table make sure you do your research and get quotes from multiple sources before making a final decision.
Regular cleaning is also essential for preserving the beauty of your river table. Use a soft cloth dampened with water or a mild cleaner specifically designed for use on epoxy surfaces. Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach which can cause discoloration over time.
If scratches do occur on the surface of your table, a quick fix is using a polishing compound specifically made for epoxy resin surfaces. For deeper scratches, consult with an expert in furniture repair rather than attempting DIY fixes that could make matters worse.
With proper care and attention, your custom river table will remain both functional and stunning for many years to come!
In conclusion, custom river tables are more than just a piece of furniture - they're works of art that can add beauty and elegance to any space. With the right combination of wood and epoxy resin, you can create a stunning focal point in your home or office that is sure to impress. Remember to choose high-quality materials and work with experienced craftsmen who have mastered the art of pouring epoxy resin. Whether you prefer classic styles or trendy designs, there's a custom river table out there for you. And with proper maintenance and care, your beautiful new piece will continue to shine for years to come. So go ahead and explore the world of custom river tables- we guarantee that it will be an experience worth having!
submitted by Eduiwbroad to u/Eduiwbroad [link] [comments]
River Table
There's something truly mesmerizing about a river flowing through a landscape. It's a natural beauty that captivates us, drawing us in with its calming sounds and graceful movements. But what if you could bring that beauty into your home? Custom river tables offer just that - a stunning piece of furniture that captures the essence of a flowing river. In this complete guide, we'll dive into the world of custom epoxy tables and show you how these unique pieces can bring both style and function to your space. Whether you're looking for a statement piece or simply want to add some natural beauty to your home, a custom river table is sure to impress. So let's explore the possibilities and discover the beauty of these one-of-a-kind creations.What are River Tables and Why They're So Popular
River tables are a growing trend in the furniture industry, and for good reason. They are stunning pieces of art that bring nature to your home decor. These tables feature a river-like design created by filling the gap between two slabs of wood with epoxy resin. The result is an eye-catching piece that looks like it was carved from a natural riverbed.One reason why a custom epoxy table has become so popular is their uniqueness. No two pieces can ever be identical, making them perfect statement pieces for any living room or office space.
Another reason for their popularity is how versatile they are both in style and function. You can choose from various styles ranging from rustic to contemporary designs while also selecting different types of wood species that suit your taste and interior decor.
Whether you're looking for a coffee table, dining table, or even a custom desk made out of solid wood with an attached river-like design; River Tables will leave everyone who sees them awestruck and admiring its beauty!
How to Choose the Perfect Wood for Your Custom River Table
When creating a custom epoxy table for sale, the choice of wood is crucial in achieving that perfect look. Hardwoods like black walnut, maple, and cherry are popular choices due to their durability and unique grain patterns. It's important to consider the size of your table as well when choosing wood, since larger tables may require heavier woods to support the weight of the epoxy resin. One thing to keep in mind is that softer woods like pine or poplar may dent more easily over time.Another aspect to consider is whether you want a live edge or straight edge for your tabletop. Live edges add an organic feel while straight edges provide a more polished look. No matter what type of wood you choose, it's essential to make sure it's properly dried before building your river table. Moisture in the wood can create bubbles in the epoxy resin which will ruin its appearance.
In addition to considering physical qualities such as color and grain pattern, think about how sustainable each option is - investing in sustainably-sourced materials can contribute positively toward our environment while beautifying our spaces at home!
The Art of Pouring Epoxy Resin: Tips and Tricks You Need to Know
When it comes to creating a stunning custom river table, pouring epoxy resin is the key element that gives it its unique and mesmerizing look. The process of pouring epoxy resin can be intimidating for beginners but with a little bit of practice and some tips and tricks, anyone can achieve beautiful results.First and foremost, it's important to choose the right type of epoxy resin. Make sure to select a high-quality product that is specifically designed for furniture or tabletops. This will ensure that your table stays durable over time.
Before mixing the epoxy, prepare your workspace by covering the floor with plastic or newspapers. Wear gloves to protect your hands from any skin irritation caused by contact with the liquid.
Mixing equal parts of resin and hardener together in a clean container is crucial in achieving perfect clarity without cloudiness or bubbles which could worsen over time. Be sure not to mix too vigorously as this may introduce air bubbles into your mixture which will ruin the final result.
Finally, pour slowly onto one side while gently spreading across then move on to other areas often alternating sides until you have achieved an even finish across all surfaces allowing gravity has ample time to push excesses towards edges before curing begins within a temperature-controlled environment away from direct sunlight.
Trendy Styles and Designs for Your Custom River Table
When it comes to the design of your custom river table, the options are endless. One popular style is to include live edge wood in the design. This means leaving the natural shape of the wood intact rather than cutting it into a straight line. The addition of a live edge adds a touch of rustic charm and uniqueness to your piece.Another trendy option is to incorporate different colors or elements into your epoxy resin pour. Some people choose to add crystals or stones for an eye-catching effect while others opt for metallic pigments or even glow-in-the-dark powder for added flair.
No matter what style you choose, remember that this is meant to be a unique and personalized piece that reflects your individual taste and personality. So take some time to experiment with different styles and designs until you find one that truly speaks to you!
How Much Should You Pay for a High-Quality Custom River Table?
When it comes to custom river tables, the price can vary greatly depending on several factors. The size and complexity of the design, as well as the type of wood and epoxy resin used will affect the cost. High-quality river tables that are made with exotic woods can be particularly expensive due to their rarity.On average, a basic 6-foot table could cost anywhere from $1,500 to $2,500 while a larger or more intricate design could run upwards of $5,000 or more. It's important to remember that investing in a high-quality piece will pay off in the long run as these pieces are built to last for generations.
If you're looking for an affordable option or have your heart set on a certain design but don't want to break the bank, consider working with local artisans who specialize in creating custom furniture. They may offer competitive pricing compared to bigger companies and can often provide personalized attention throughout the process.
Ultimately, when it comes time to purchase your custom river table make sure you do your research and get quotes from multiple sources before making a final decision.
Maintaining the Beauty of Your Custom Epoxy River Table Over Time
After investing in a beautiful custom river table, it's important to take proper care of it so that it can continue to delight you and your guests for years to come. One key element of maintenance is preventing damage from heat sources, as epoxy resin can become soft or even melt at high temperatures. Always use coasters or trivets under hot dishes, and avoid placing anything too hot directly on the table.Regular cleaning is also essential for preserving the beauty of your river table. Use a soft cloth dampened with water or a mild cleaner specifically designed for use on epoxy surfaces. Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach which can cause discoloration over time.
If scratches do occur on the surface of your table, a quick fix is using a polishing compound specifically made for epoxy resin surfaces. For deeper scratches, consult with an expert in furniture repair rather than attempting DIY fixes that could make matters worse.
With proper care and attention, your custom river table will remain both functional and stunning for many years to come!
In conclusion, custom river tables are more than just a piece of furniture - they're works of art that can add beauty and elegance to any space. With the right combination of wood and epoxy resin, you can create a stunning focal point in your home or office that is sure to impress. Remember to choose high-quality materials and work with experienced craftsmen who have mastered the art of pouring epoxy resin. Whether you prefer classic styles or trendy designs, there's a custom river table out there for you. And with proper maintenance and care, your beautiful new piece will continue to shine for years to come. So go ahead and explore the world of custom river tables- we guarantee that it will be an experience worth having!
Common Questions
What is a river table?
A river table is a type of furniture that incorporates a river-like design feature using resin and wood.Who can make a river table?
Anyone with woodworking skills can make a river table with the right materials and tools.How is resin used in a river table?
Resin is poured into the gaps between wood slabs to create the river-like design feature in a river table.What types of wood are best for a river table?
Wood with interesting grains and colors like walnut, maple, and oak are popular choices for river tables.How long does it take to make a river table?
Depending on the size and complexity, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to make a river table.But aren't river tables too expensive?
While they can be more expensive than traditional tables, the unique design and craftsmanship make them worth the investment2023.06.02 20:54 Mista9000 Perfectly Safe Demons -Ch 13- Kidnappers hate this one weird trick!
[Chapter One]
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Late at night, in the back of a warehouse.
Grigory squirmed against his restraints. The rope binding his hands was coarse and too tight, causing his hands to lose feeling. A bored council guard stood nearby, but was mostly ignoring him. He wasn’t going to get far with his hands and feet tied together. It was worse than he had thought possible. They are very much going to kill him tonight. This was even worse than either Stanisk or Aethlina had speculated, and he just knew that they would use his role in this disaster against him in future disagreements. However, he might be overly optimistic worrying about a future that might not include him.
Grigory thought over what he had left in his notebooks, contemplating if it would be enough for someone to continue his work. He wasn't sure. It was a lot more than he started with, but there weren't a lot of qualified scholars looking to follow his footsteps. The best outcomes for a lot of different paths all need him to survive.
Grigory tried not to be distracted by the ropes digging into him, and frantically wracked his mind for any sort of escape plan. He had a single imp totem on him, and they left him with his satchel nearby. That’s something. He would need to be untied to invoke it, and a single perfectly safe imp wouldn’t change the balance of power much. Perhaps if everyone but the four executive members left, he and Stanisk might have a chance to overpower them. Well he could at least be distracting while Stanisk overpowered them. They also hadn’t checked his satchel yet, so maybe he could bribe them with the ten thousand glindi engraved gold bar he brought to pledge his support? Bribes are a type of negotiation, and being tied up while they already had the gold put him in a frustratingly weak position to start negotiations. Not getting executed by the organised crime successor to the Council of Demonologists wasn’t on his list, but he still felt it was important.
Grigory could clearly see and hear the meeting continue in the centre of the warehouse. A small detail that he noticed was just how small the sums were. Robberies of a few hundred glindi? The value of a business protection racket being ten glucks a week? Had the runaway success of his imp-made goods distorted his value of money? Pandemonium Partners profited a few hundred thousand a month, and the big safe in the workshop’s basement held about a million glindi, mostly in heavy gold bars. That was after the expenses, taxes and salaries had been paid. Maybe bribes will work here.
Another trend that emerged was how cheap lives appeared to be. Stole a knife from the boss? Death. Miscounted the take? Death. Didn’t show up to the job? Finger loss. How they attracted or retained any talent at all was its own mystery. On that note, we wonder if he enormously overpaid his people? These goons were killing each other over sums of money close to what he paid each of his security goons a day, which in turn was a fraction of what he was paying his partners. All the people he hired seemed excited when he told them the starting salary, and not a single one asked for a raise. Not the time for that! Focus on the matter at hand! Grigory continued to look for anything that he could use to escape.
All too soon the business part of the meeting was concluded. Two of the Council's guards wheeled out a cask of beer, and a crate of cheap clay mugs. Not great news for plans that require being left alone. In singles and groups the ‘Demonologists’ started to come over to where he was tied up. To drink cheap beer and look upon true evil in his demon summoning face.
“Hullo gentlemen! This is all a silly mistake, I’m sure we can work something out,” Grigory said with a calmness and pleasantness he didn’t feel.
A gangster in a threadbare tunic and patched leather pants started going through his coat, and then his satchel. His notebooks with neatly written titles were thrown on the floor, and the minor spell reagents placed on top of a nearby crate.
“Holy shit!” he exclaimed far too loudly, ensuring everyone saw him pull out the slim gold bar, about the size of a knife handle. “This can’t be real?!” The gangster saw how everyone near him stared, mouths agape at the bar in his open hand. The bar’s engraving of the Royal Mint of Hiruxia glinting in the flickering rushlight.
“Back off! I found it!” He held the gold tight in his fist and drew his dirty, nicked knife from his belt with his free hand. Quicker than a blink of an eye every member had their blades out and the men at arms from the edges moved towards the commotion.
“PUT IT AWAY!” boomed Arcanist Devorio. He reasserted control of the situation with palpable menace. “The prisoner and all his goods are the property of the Council! Put it down on the table, Tricky Tupo!”
The gangsters grudgingly resheathed their weapons, and Tricky Tupo passed the bar to the Arcanist without making eye contact.
“Holy shit, it is actually real gold!” Devorio muttered after inspecting it for a second. “Where the hell did you steal something like this?”
Something in his phrasing crystalized a plan in Grigory’s mind. An insane, reckless, dangerous plan. Grigory tried not to smile when he replied, “Not stolen at all, well not from our plane of reality.”
“You summoned it?” the well dressed head of the council asked incredulously.
“Oh no, not at all! I stole it from the treasury of Hell! You see that’s the point of having a perfectly obedient demon, it does what I say, and not what the Lords of Hell say,” Grigory lied. The Hellplane wasn’t organised like that at all. There was no such thing as a treasury there. He still wasn’t sure how to sell it, but he hoped there was enough ignorance and greed in the room to do the heavy lifting for him.
“Demonologists have never stolen from hell! As far as I know. I think?” The arcanist was in uncertain territory.
“Mostly true! But we steal minor things all the time, like magical energy, or arcane secrets, but the exciting advance I wrote to you about was stealing things like minerals or artefacts and sometimes regular boring gold.” Grigory was hoping he was priming their greed enough. He worried he was being too subtle.
“Well, it looks like you have a new job! You steal Hell gold for us now!” The Arcanist-turned-crime-lord was back in familiar territory of coercing people into giving him what he wanted.
“Oh I couldn’t!" Grigory feigned reluctance. “I don’t have the right equipment, I haven’t done the full balancing equations for today’s planar alignments! I should go home and get what I need, and I’ll be happy to come back tomorrow and we can get a fresh start on this.”
“Not a chance! You’re doing the ritual this instant, or your blood will cover this entire floor!” Davenio countered.
Grigory, aware that excess blood could damage goods, decided against arguing. “Alright, you win, I’ll have my imp steal another dozen gold bars tonight, I guess. But that’s it! I’m leaving after that!”
“Hah! We’ll see about that!” The arcanist cut Grigory’s bonds while staring straight into his eyes.
Grigory rubbed his sore wrists, and looked at the fifty or so people that had gathered around him. Cruel smiles and the stink of cheap beer surrounded him, but he had a plan. “First I’ll need to summon my imp, to help me set up the ritual!” Grigory found himself speaking like a showman at a fair, with exaggerated gestures and in a loud clear voice. The assembled thugs, goons and crime lords backed up to give him some space. Aethlina suggested obscuring the details of invoking a demon, which was a great idea. He slowly and rhythmically chanted in demonic detail how he likes his tea, with lots of hand gestures and steps and ritualistic looking movements. After a few long seconds he pulled out the imp totem from his vest, waved it around like a wand for a bit before doing the quick gesture of invocation to actually invoke the imp. With two small clicks the tiny imp landed on the rough floorboards of the warehouse. Several goons gasped, and one of the lady goons even shrieked a bit. Truly a sad state of affairs when someone calling themselves a demonologist is startled by a tiny perfectly safe imp!
Grigory picked up his notebooks from the floor, and found the one titled ‘Charts, Formulas, and Tables.’. Doing some mental maths, and modifying a few old spells and rituals on the fly, Grigory gave his imp simple directions in demonic. He could have just spoken plainly, but he was aware he was also putting on a show. Keeping everyone’s attention was important for the next part.
“Ahem, is there any furnace ash, or the like? I’ll need to create a circle in ash or wax or sand.” A few people turned to look for what he needed, and Grigory returned to working out the planar alignment in his notebook. They returned with a canvas bag of stove ashes, he looked them over and nodded. “Does anyone have a silvered steel blade I can use? Anyone at all? No matter, I have one!” Grigory pulled out the small pocket knife he used to cut his food with. It actually was silvered steel, since that also came up from time to time in his line of work. Besides it was interesting to learn that was the only silvered steel blade in the room.
Grigory passed the bag of ash to the imp. He gave detailed instructions on the shape, symbols, and spacing of the elements, all crucial to the huge circle taking shape in the middle of the warehouse floor. The assembled crowd of dirty, dangerous, and desperate deviants started to look concerned. What had started as a bit of mean spirited fun was fast turning into the exact thing they knew was evil incarnate. A path to Hell was being built in front of them! A few moved to leave, but the others called them names and threatened their reputations, forcing them to stay and watch. There was a good reason to stay, there was about to be a lot of gold for everyone. In theory.
At last the preparations were complete. Grigory slowly walked the entire outside of his circle to make sure it was unbroken. He had done similar rituals before, but always with hours of double checking, and never with an audience. His hands were sweaty and shaking as he tore a page out of his notebook. Quickly, he scribbled down a final set of instructions in demonic script and handed it to the imp.
“Merp!” it said in agreement.
Grigory turned to address everyone. He saw a very worried Stanisk standing off to the back, and he subtly gestured for him to wait. Steadying his nerves for a second he addressed his gathered kidnappers, “Soon you will see a small tear in reality! Plug your ears, lest the screams of the damned drive you mad!” Grigory looked around, to make sure everyone was properly alarmed, and activated the ritual.
With a crack of thunder and a hurricane blast of dry wind that reeked of hot iron and sulphur Grigory’s surprise appeared in the centre of the circle. A towering rage demon, its black armoured hide covered in dancing hellfire, its wolf-like face filled with jagged fangs, and its shoulders brushing the rafters of the old warehouse. The assembled criminals looked up from the floor and saw the bipedal nightmare towering over them. They stood stalk still, not knowing how to react, nor sure what exactly was happening.
Grigory stood up straight and turned on the crowd, in a commanding bellow he condemned them, “What kind of idiots let a master demonologist do any summoning ritual he wants?! Look upon the true power of hell and despair!! Your petty schemes are –”
Grigory’s gloating was cut short by a foundation shaking roar from the demon. It started grabbing people at random, and biting them in half, throwing hunks of torso against the wall with splattering force. In accordance with the note, Grigory’s imp hopped up on the table, grabbed the bar of gold from where Arcanist Devorio put it, and sprinted figure eights between the demon's legs. With everyone’s fear AND greed now focused in the same area, Grigory took his stuff and ran for the door. Most of the so-called ‘demonologists’ were trying to escape, but a few were focused on the imp running with a gold bar held over its head. That was as much as a labourer would make in a year, and they couldn’t just walk away from that. The massive demon continued to kill and dismember with glee. The sound of tearing meat and snapping bones was even louder than the screams of the dying. As far as distractions go, Grigory was pretty proud of this one.
Grigory started for the door they had entered by. However, it was jammed with people trying to escape. He stopped at the edge of the chaos, trying to gather his thoughts. As he did, a better solution appeared to him. The demon grabbed one of the cutthroats that dove at the imp’s gold, and threw him at the wall with enough force to vaporise him. The impact filled the whole side of the warehouse in a steamy red mist, and sprayed meaty chunks over everything. The demon howled with laughter when he saw how people popped when thrown into walls.
The important part for Grigory was that there was now a second exit. An exit covered in gore and bone fragments, but entirely clear of goons. Signalling Stanisk, he made his way out through the wreckage. Slower than he’d like, and getting blood and worse on everything, but a clear path. The demon had stopped feeding entirely and was just throwing people as hard as he could, first at the floor then at other people. Its roars of rage were now peals of terrifying laughter. The air in the warehouse was thick with a mist of blood from the high energy impacts.
“I assume it knows not to kill us?” Stanisk asked in a ragged voice once he caught up to Grigory.
“Yes, but only not to kill people in purple. So don’t take off your tabard! It was the best I could do!”
They struggled out into the cool night air of the yard, free of the stenches of hell, gore and terror.
Stanisk looked down at his tabard, so soaked in fresh blood that it looked black. He ran even faster to the wagon.
“So this thing is just going to destroy the city until someone slays it then?” Stanisk asked, as they ran to the cart while frantically gesturing for his two guards to turn the wagon around and get it rolling.
“Oh no! Just until midnight” Grigory explained after he dove into the moving wagon. He wiped his blood soaked hands on his blood soaked robes, to no benefit.
Stanisk stared backwards at the destruction unfolding behind them. The demon had brought the warehouse down around himself and was clearly visible from the road. It was still energetically killing and smashing. “That's more than an hour! You reckon it’ll come for us?”
The single horse dragging a cargo wagon with four men on it was maddeningly sluggish
Grigory fumbled around for something to get the blood and bone fragments off his glasses. Finally finding part of his undershirt clean, he wiped them and he replied,“Oh my no,It’s bound to the summoning circle. Within a hundred paces.” They both watched as a few people fled on horseback, and a wagon rattled away at a gallop. Mostly it was a mess of shouting and terror. Knife fights broke out as people tried to commandeer the remaining horses. Horses were panicking and bolting without riders. Some survivors just ran away on foot. With every fresh kill the demon laughed so loud that Grigory felt like it was coming from his own skull.
“What the hell happened in there, sirs?” asked the terrified guard driving the cart.
Grigory turned around to answer, but Stanisk put a hand on his arm and answered instead, “Those filthy witches in there tried to kill us with a demon, but Grigory outsmarted them and turned it on its creators. Keep driving Kedril, we should be safe in an intersection or so.”
“Light preserve us all!” Kedril the driver said. “Is that a real demon Sir?”
Grigory watched the demon grab one of the goons fighting in the yard and threw him in a high arc towards the city centre. The demon’s arm cracked like a whip as it threw. The ragged corpse left a trail of blood mist as it arced far overhead.
Grigory answered calmly, “Yes.”
Grigory pulled out his demon totem from his robes, and devoked the imp, causing a gold bar a block and a half behind them to clatter to the blood soaked warehouse floor and slide into some debris. He was surprised how calm he felt. By all accounts his plan was in shambles and he’d stirred up a dozen hornets nests. Facing certain death and prevailing did wonders for one’s perspective.
Grigory looked over at Stanisk, and he was looking less calm. Which was entirely fair. A lot of uniquely horrific things happened tonight. Stanisk’s mouth was a tight line, face pale and eyes bloodshot. That might have just been blood from before, that got in his eyes.
“We can’t go through town looking like we bathed in the blood of the innocent, take us to the Golden Anchor’s warehouse on Glibstone Street. We own that place, we can clean up and change there,” Stanisk tersely told the driver.
Grigory countered, “First off, the previous owners of this blood were far from innocent, and secondly that’s across town, let's just lay in the bed, throw the rainsheet over us, and go to the main workshop.”
Stanisk groaned and tried to rub the blood off his face while he thought it over, but just smeared it around.
“Fine, Kedril, Remember to do a few triple left turns to make sure we aren’t being followed, like we discussed last month.” Stanisk undid the oilcloth on the side, connected it to the mounting points, and slid underneath.
“I think we need to review our plans!” Grigory whispered.
“Shhhh, cargo don’t talk.” Stanisk whispered back. The soldier cupped his head in one hand, and covered his eyes with the other and tried to get comfortable enough to sleep. Grigory rolled onto his back and stared at the cloth in front of his face. He tried not to dwell on the odd whip crack sound coming from behind them, nor the horrified gasps of the two guards on the driver’s bench while he mentally updated his plans.
****
A few hours later Grigory was bathed, wearing fresh clothes and feeling much better. He sat contemplating at the kitchen table in his workshop. He was troubled by what this was going to mean for his business and for himself. Stanisk was still in the tub cleaning up, and the two guards had been dismissed for the night. It was shortly after midnight now, and that meant more to Grigory than it did other nights. He hoped no one innocent died tonight, but he was also a little surprised how little he was bothered by the destruction he unleashed this evening. Considering it was the first time he took another human’s life, albeit indirectly, he expected a stronger emotional response. Part of this was a clear case of kill or be killed. Another part was these people were awful people. Grigory worried this might mean he had more subconscious bias against the value of the lives of the economically disadvantaged, but that’s probably not it. Being biassed against people that were willing to kill him made more sense, but also he knew the coming years mean that will become the same as willing to kill most of the world.
Grigory put on some fresh tea, and set out another cup for Stanisk when he was done washing. He couldn’t shake the feeling that his worst fear, being mad with power and using that power to violently kill everyone he perceived as an enemy, wasn’t as far-fetched as it was before. These were the goons that might have killed his mentor, Archmage Willoford. Avenging a mentor was a reasonable rationale, at least in songs and plays. Grigory knew that wasn’t his motivation tonight. And besides that was the inquisition from the sounds of it, these ones just celebrated his mentor's execution, which isn’t really moral grounds for demonic dismemberment. He also knew he could have summoned a stench demon or a screaming demon, or just non demon based rituals he could have used to escape without violence. He didn’t even offer to bribe them, just straight to violence. Grigory wasn’t sure he liked finding out who he really was when lives were on the line.
His introspection was interrupted by a sound coming from his workshop door, and he sagged with relief when he saw it was just Aethlina. Relief that was short lived, because the questions started immediately.
“I assume you had something to do with the demonic giant that threw seventeen people into the side of the Cathedral of the Light?” the elv asked, without reproach or scorn.
Grigory took a second to answer. “I had something to do with the presence of that demon in our plane of reality. I had a little to do with either the people it chose to throw. Nothing to do with where it chose to throw them nor its accuracy. Interesting it threw them at the Cathedral, you’d think it would have some kinship with the church? They both love burning people.”
“By all accounts the accuracy at least, was excellent. All the bodies hit Cathedral Square. The Cathedral itself requires extensive repairs to the nave, and two flying buttresses collapsed. At least according to the terrified lady I ran into.” Aethlina paused for a few seconds in case Grigory chose to share more details.
Aethlina asked mildly, “How rude of me. I meant to ask, how did your meeting go tonight?”
Stanisk came out from around the partition wearing fresh clothes. “The fucking witches weren’t even witches! They were just shadow blighted gangsters what stole the demonologists reputation! Broke as shit, and twice as dumb!”
Stanisk grabbed a bottle of whiskey off the shelf and sat down at the table, ignoring the cup and the pot of tea. After drinking right from the bottle he continued, “It hit the actual main Cathedral? The one right in the centre of town? That’s like an hour walk from where we were! A catapult wouldn’t have thrown a person half that far!”
“The one and the same, The Grand Ubrafadter’s residence is in that square, so I assume what follows will be the sort of witch hunt the city has never seen before.” Aethlina turned to Grigory, “May I also assume your reasons for staying in the city are weaker and your reasons for leaving are stronger than they were yesterday?“
“There were definitely survivors, and I was introduced by name. I can’t stay here, probably not in the empire at all. I don’t think they know the name of the company, but Stanisk and I were wearing the company’s sigil, so it might not be long for them to work it out.” Grigory rubbed the bridge of his nose without taking off his glasses. “I guess we should start planning our exit immediately.”
In a rare show of emotion Aethlina smiled for a second, “We are leaving on a ship named the Widow’s Remorse, it’s provisioned for us and departs on the morning tide, in about nine hours. The captain agreed to wait until we were in open water to hear our destination. He and his crew also suffer from a rare medical condition where their memory fades entirely anytime they are given a bag of money. The ship can carry thirty-five passengers, so the guards can bring their families. I’ll describe the places I think we should go, after we are in open waters.”
Grigory was both very impressed and a touch alarmed. “Did you know what would happen at that meeting? Did you know what I was walking into?”
“No, I had mistakenly assumed you were on top of that, and took you on your word about them. The odds of them being what you expected were poor. I also had a detailed plan in case they kidnapped you.”
Stanisk burst out laughing, “Imagine if they kidnapped you, Boss! All trussed up like a rotisserie chicken! Hah! I guess I’ll get packed and meet back here to get everything organised! I’ll miss my townhouse, but I’ve had enough of living in Jagged Cove, it's loud and crowded.”
Stanisk stood up, and turned to leave, but paused mid stride. “Miss Aethlina, how big of an investigation do you reckon it’ll be? Reckon they could keep after us after we leave?”
“Likely.There are cases where the inquisition spent entire centuries on the trail of heretics and their descendents. Those heresies were vocally opposing an aspect of doctrine. This may be the first heresy in which a building-sized demon flung citizens into Cathedral Square. I assume yes, they will be interested in following up.”
“Alright, I’ve got an idea that might buy us some time. Grigory, are there any specific numbers that are significant to demons?”
“Um, not actually, but the older texts are filled with references to threes and eights I guess?” Grigory said with a shrug.
“Perfect!” Stanisks' smile strengthened and he turned to Aethlina. “Can you think of eight nobles, eight businessmen, and eight clergy the city would be better off without? Here, write 'em on this!” He slid her a notebook page when she nodded.
Grigory leaned forward,”I’m not sure what you are going for?”
“In the army, there was a famously clever bird that would trick soldiers, called a red heron. We are going to make a whole flock of ‘em!” Stanisk excitedly explained. “Oh, draw a demon circle on this page, doesn’t have to work or anything, like the one from the warehouse”
Grigory began his sketch. “I don’t think red heron is quite right, but I’m catching your drift.”
While they wrote, Stanisk went to the carved chest where all the imp totems for the workshop were stored, and invoked twenty four of them. Taking Aethlina’s list and Grigory’s sketch, he ordered each imp to sprint across town and use hellfire to scorch the circle into the street in front of the home of a specific name.
After the final imp bounded out of the building and was leaping along the rooflines Stanisk returned to his partners. “Now they’ll have too many leads! Hopefully folk see the imps and hellfire, that’ll be even better!”
“We can just outvoke them in an hour or so, that's easy enough. Great idea, Stanisk!” Grigory said cautiously, still thinking through the plan.
“If your big demon didn’t cause a public panic, I can’t imagine a better way to finish the job.” Aethlina replied.
Stanisk smiled and shrugged. “It wasn’t my good looks alone that kept me alive this long! I’ll send some runners to gather the lads and get this show on the road. Human runners I mean!”
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Late at night, in the back of a warehouse.
Grigory squirmed against his restraints. The rope binding his hands was coarse and too tight, causing his hands to lose feeling. A bored council guard stood nearby, but was mostly ignoring him. He wasn’t going to get far with his hands and feet tied together. It was worse than he had thought possible. They are very much going to kill him tonight. This was even worse than either Stanisk or Aethlina had speculated, and he just knew that they would use his role in this disaster against him in future disagreements. However, he might be overly optimistic worrying about a future that might not include him.
Grigory thought over what he had left in his notebooks, contemplating if it would be enough for someone to continue his work. He wasn't sure. It was a lot more than he started with, but there weren't a lot of qualified scholars looking to follow his footsteps. The best outcomes for a lot of different paths all need him to survive.
Grigory tried not to be distracted by the ropes digging into him, and frantically wracked his mind for any sort of escape plan. He had a single imp totem on him, and they left him with his satchel nearby. That’s something. He would need to be untied to invoke it, and a single perfectly safe imp wouldn’t change the balance of power much. Perhaps if everyone but the four executive members left, he and Stanisk might have a chance to overpower them. Well he could at least be distracting while Stanisk overpowered them. They also hadn’t checked his satchel yet, so maybe he could bribe them with the ten thousand glindi engraved gold bar he brought to pledge his support? Bribes are a type of negotiation, and being tied up while they already had the gold put him in a frustratingly weak position to start negotiations. Not getting executed by the organised crime successor to the Council of Demonologists wasn’t on his list, but he still felt it was important.
Grigory could clearly see and hear the meeting continue in the centre of the warehouse. A small detail that he noticed was just how small the sums were. Robberies of a few hundred glindi? The value of a business protection racket being ten glucks a week? Had the runaway success of his imp-made goods distorted his value of money? Pandemonium Partners profited a few hundred thousand a month, and the big safe in the workshop’s basement held about a million glindi, mostly in heavy gold bars. That was after the expenses, taxes and salaries had been paid. Maybe bribes will work here.
Another trend that emerged was how cheap lives appeared to be. Stole a knife from the boss? Death. Miscounted the take? Death. Didn’t show up to the job? Finger loss. How they attracted or retained any talent at all was its own mystery. On that note, we wonder if he enormously overpaid his people? These goons were killing each other over sums of money close to what he paid each of his security goons a day, which in turn was a fraction of what he was paying his partners. All the people he hired seemed excited when he told them the starting salary, and not a single one asked for a raise. Not the time for that! Focus on the matter at hand! Grigory continued to look for anything that he could use to escape.
All too soon the business part of the meeting was concluded. Two of the Council's guards wheeled out a cask of beer, and a crate of cheap clay mugs. Not great news for plans that require being left alone. In singles and groups the ‘Demonologists’ started to come over to where he was tied up. To drink cheap beer and look upon true evil in his demon summoning face.
“Hullo gentlemen! This is all a silly mistake, I’m sure we can work something out,” Grigory said with a calmness and pleasantness he didn’t feel.
A gangster in a threadbare tunic and patched leather pants started going through his coat, and then his satchel. His notebooks with neatly written titles were thrown on the floor, and the minor spell reagents placed on top of a nearby crate.
“Holy shit!” he exclaimed far too loudly, ensuring everyone saw him pull out the slim gold bar, about the size of a knife handle. “This can’t be real?!” The gangster saw how everyone near him stared, mouths agape at the bar in his open hand. The bar’s engraving of the Royal Mint of Hiruxia glinting in the flickering rushlight.
“Back off! I found it!” He held the gold tight in his fist and drew his dirty, nicked knife from his belt with his free hand. Quicker than a blink of an eye every member had their blades out and the men at arms from the edges moved towards the commotion.
“PUT IT AWAY!” boomed Arcanist Devorio. He reasserted control of the situation with palpable menace. “The prisoner and all his goods are the property of the Council! Put it down on the table, Tricky Tupo!”
The gangsters grudgingly resheathed their weapons, and Tricky Tupo passed the bar to the Arcanist without making eye contact.
“Holy shit, it is actually real gold!” Devorio muttered after inspecting it for a second. “Where the hell did you steal something like this?”
Something in his phrasing crystalized a plan in Grigory’s mind. An insane, reckless, dangerous plan. Grigory tried not to smile when he replied, “Not stolen at all, well not from our plane of reality.”
“You summoned it?” the well dressed head of the council asked incredulously.
“Oh no, not at all! I stole it from the treasury of Hell! You see that’s the point of having a perfectly obedient demon, it does what I say, and not what the Lords of Hell say,” Grigory lied. The Hellplane wasn’t organised like that at all. There was no such thing as a treasury there. He still wasn’t sure how to sell it, but he hoped there was enough ignorance and greed in the room to do the heavy lifting for him.
“Demonologists have never stolen from hell! As far as I know. I think?” The arcanist was in uncertain territory.
“Mostly true! But we steal minor things all the time, like magical energy, or arcane secrets, but the exciting advance I wrote to you about was stealing things like minerals or artefacts and sometimes regular boring gold.” Grigory was hoping he was priming their greed enough. He worried he was being too subtle.
“Well, it looks like you have a new job! You steal Hell gold for us now!” The Arcanist-turned-crime-lord was back in familiar territory of coercing people into giving him what he wanted.
“Oh I couldn’t!" Grigory feigned reluctance. “I don’t have the right equipment, I haven’t done the full balancing equations for today’s planar alignments! I should go home and get what I need, and I’ll be happy to come back tomorrow and we can get a fresh start on this.”
“Not a chance! You’re doing the ritual this instant, or your blood will cover this entire floor!” Davenio countered.
Grigory, aware that excess blood could damage goods, decided against arguing. “Alright, you win, I’ll have my imp steal another dozen gold bars tonight, I guess. But that’s it! I’m leaving after that!”
“Hah! We’ll see about that!” The arcanist cut Grigory’s bonds while staring straight into his eyes.
Grigory rubbed his sore wrists, and looked at the fifty or so people that had gathered around him. Cruel smiles and the stink of cheap beer surrounded him, but he had a plan. “First I’ll need to summon my imp, to help me set up the ritual!” Grigory found himself speaking like a showman at a fair, with exaggerated gestures and in a loud clear voice. The assembled thugs, goons and crime lords backed up to give him some space. Aethlina suggested obscuring the details of invoking a demon, which was a great idea. He slowly and rhythmically chanted in demonic detail how he likes his tea, with lots of hand gestures and steps and ritualistic looking movements. After a few long seconds he pulled out the imp totem from his vest, waved it around like a wand for a bit before doing the quick gesture of invocation to actually invoke the imp. With two small clicks the tiny imp landed on the rough floorboards of the warehouse. Several goons gasped, and one of the lady goons even shrieked a bit. Truly a sad state of affairs when someone calling themselves a demonologist is startled by a tiny perfectly safe imp!
Grigory picked up his notebooks from the floor, and found the one titled ‘Charts, Formulas, and Tables.’. Doing some mental maths, and modifying a few old spells and rituals on the fly, Grigory gave his imp simple directions in demonic. He could have just spoken plainly, but he was aware he was also putting on a show. Keeping everyone’s attention was important for the next part.
“Ahem, is there any furnace ash, or the like? I’ll need to create a circle in ash or wax or sand.” A few people turned to look for what he needed, and Grigory returned to working out the planar alignment in his notebook. They returned with a canvas bag of stove ashes, he looked them over and nodded. “Does anyone have a silvered steel blade I can use? Anyone at all? No matter, I have one!” Grigory pulled out the small pocket knife he used to cut his food with. It actually was silvered steel, since that also came up from time to time in his line of work. Besides it was interesting to learn that was the only silvered steel blade in the room.
Grigory passed the bag of ash to the imp. He gave detailed instructions on the shape, symbols, and spacing of the elements, all crucial to the huge circle taking shape in the middle of the warehouse floor. The assembled crowd of dirty, dangerous, and desperate deviants started to look concerned. What had started as a bit of mean spirited fun was fast turning into the exact thing they knew was evil incarnate. A path to Hell was being built in front of them! A few moved to leave, but the others called them names and threatened their reputations, forcing them to stay and watch. There was a good reason to stay, there was about to be a lot of gold for everyone. In theory.
At last the preparations were complete. Grigory slowly walked the entire outside of his circle to make sure it was unbroken. He had done similar rituals before, but always with hours of double checking, and never with an audience. His hands were sweaty and shaking as he tore a page out of his notebook. Quickly, he scribbled down a final set of instructions in demonic script and handed it to the imp.
“Merp!” it said in agreement.
Grigory turned to address everyone. He saw a very worried Stanisk standing off to the back, and he subtly gestured for him to wait. Steadying his nerves for a second he addressed his gathered kidnappers, “Soon you will see a small tear in reality! Plug your ears, lest the screams of the damned drive you mad!” Grigory looked around, to make sure everyone was properly alarmed, and activated the ritual.
With a crack of thunder and a hurricane blast of dry wind that reeked of hot iron and sulphur Grigory’s surprise appeared in the centre of the circle. A towering rage demon, its black armoured hide covered in dancing hellfire, its wolf-like face filled with jagged fangs, and its shoulders brushing the rafters of the old warehouse. The assembled criminals looked up from the floor and saw the bipedal nightmare towering over them. They stood stalk still, not knowing how to react, nor sure what exactly was happening.
Grigory stood up straight and turned on the crowd, in a commanding bellow he condemned them, “What kind of idiots let a master demonologist do any summoning ritual he wants?! Look upon the true power of hell and despair!! Your petty schemes are –”
Grigory’s gloating was cut short by a foundation shaking roar from the demon. It started grabbing people at random, and biting them in half, throwing hunks of torso against the wall with splattering force. In accordance with the note, Grigory’s imp hopped up on the table, grabbed the bar of gold from where Arcanist Devorio put it, and sprinted figure eights between the demon's legs. With everyone’s fear AND greed now focused in the same area, Grigory took his stuff and ran for the door. Most of the so-called ‘demonologists’ were trying to escape, but a few were focused on the imp running with a gold bar held over its head. That was as much as a labourer would make in a year, and they couldn’t just walk away from that. The massive demon continued to kill and dismember with glee. The sound of tearing meat and snapping bones was even louder than the screams of the dying. As far as distractions go, Grigory was pretty proud of this one.
Grigory started for the door they had entered by. However, it was jammed with people trying to escape. He stopped at the edge of the chaos, trying to gather his thoughts. As he did, a better solution appeared to him. The demon grabbed one of the cutthroats that dove at the imp’s gold, and threw him at the wall with enough force to vaporise him. The impact filled the whole side of the warehouse in a steamy red mist, and sprayed meaty chunks over everything. The demon howled with laughter when he saw how people popped when thrown into walls.
The important part for Grigory was that there was now a second exit. An exit covered in gore and bone fragments, but entirely clear of goons. Signalling Stanisk, he made his way out through the wreckage. Slower than he’d like, and getting blood and worse on everything, but a clear path. The demon had stopped feeding entirely and was just throwing people as hard as he could, first at the floor then at other people. Its roars of rage were now peals of terrifying laughter. The air in the warehouse was thick with a mist of blood from the high energy impacts.
“I assume it knows not to kill us?” Stanisk asked in a ragged voice once he caught up to Grigory.
“Yes, but only not to kill people in purple. So don’t take off your tabard! It was the best I could do!”
They struggled out into the cool night air of the yard, free of the stenches of hell, gore and terror.
Stanisk looked down at his tabard, so soaked in fresh blood that it looked black. He ran even faster to the wagon.
“So this thing is just going to destroy the city until someone slays it then?” Stanisk asked, as they ran to the cart while frantically gesturing for his two guards to turn the wagon around and get it rolling.
“Oh no! Just until midnight” Grigory explained after he dove into the moving wagon. He wiped his blood soaked hands on his blood soaked robes, to no benefit.
Stanisk stared backwards at the destruction unfolding behind them. The demon had brought the warehouse down around himself and was clearly visible from the road. It was still energetically killing and smashing. “That's more than an hour! You reckon it’ll come for us?”
The single horse dragging a cargo wagon with four men on it was maddeningly sluggish
Grigory fumbled around for something to get the blood and bone fragments off his glasses. Finally finding part of his undershirt clean, he wiped them and he replied,“Oh my no,It’s bound to the summoning circle. Within a hundred paces.” They both watched as a few people fled on horseback, and a wagon rattled away at a gallop. Mostly it was a mess of shouting and terror. Knife fights broke out as people tried to commandeer the remaining horses. Horses were panicking and bolting without riders. Some survivors just ran away on foot. With every fresh kill the demon laughed so loud that Grigory felt like it was coming from his own skull.
“What the hell happened in there, sirs?” asked the terrified guard driving the cart.
Grigory turned around to answer, but Stanisk put a hand on his arm and answered instead, “Those filthy witches in there tried to kill us with a demon, but Grigory outsmarted them and turned it on its creators. Keep driving Kedril, we should be safe in an intersection or so.”
“Light preserve us all!” Kedril the driver said. “Is that a real demon Sir?”
Grigory watched the demon grab one of the goons fighting in the yard and threw him in a high arc towards the city centre. The demon’s arm cracked like a whip as it threw. The ragged corpse left a trail of blood mist as it arced far overhead.
Grigory answered calmly, “Yes.”
Grigory pulled out his demon totem from his robes, and devoked the imp, causing a gold bar a block and a half behind them to clatter to the blood soaked warehouse floor and slide into some debris. He was surprised how calm he felt. By all accounts his plan was in shambles and he’d stirred up a dozen hornets nests. Facing certain death and prevailing did wonders for one’s perspective.
Grigory looked over at Stanisk, and he was looking less calm. Which was entirely fair. A lot of uniquely horrific things happened tonight. Stanisk’s mouth was a tight line, face pale and eyes bloodshot. That might have just been blood from before, that got in his eyes.
“We can’t go through town looking like we bathed in the blood of the innocent, take us to the Golden Anchor’s warehouse on Glibstone Street. We own that place, we can clean up and change there,” Stanisk tersely told the driver.
Grigory countered, “First off, the previous owners of this blood were far from innocent, and secondly that’s across town, let's just lay in the bed, throw the rainsheet over us, and go to the main workshop.”
Stanisk groaned and tried to rub the blood off his face while he thought it over, but just smeared it around.
“Fine, Kedril, Remember to do a few triple left turns to make sure we aren’t being followed, like we discussed last month.” Stanisk undid the oilcloth on the side, connected it to the mounting points, and slid underneath.
“I think we need to review our plans!” Grigory whispered.
“Shhhh, cargo don’t talk.” Stanisk whispered back. The soldier cupped his head in one hand, and covered his eyes with the other and tried to get comfortable enough to sleep. Grigory rolled onto his back and stared at the cloth in front of his face. He tried not to dwell on the odd whip crack sound coming from behind them, nor the horrified gasps of the two guards on the driver’s bench while he mentally updated his plans.
****
A few hours later Grigory was bathed, wearing fresh clothes and feeling much better. He sat contemplating at the kitchen table in his workshop. He was troubled by what this was going to mean for his business and for himself. Stanisk was still in the tub cleaning up, and the two guards had been dismissed for the night. It was shortly after midnight now, and that meant more to Grigory than it did other nights. He hoped no one innocent died tonight, but he was also a little surprised how little he was bothered by the destruction he unleashed this evening. Considering it was the first time he took another human’s life, albeit indirectly, he expected a stronger emotional response. Part of this was a clear case of kill or be killed. Another part was these people were awful people. Grigory worried this might mean he had more subconscious bias against the value of the lives of the economically disadvantaged, but that’s probably not it. Being biassed against people that were willing to kill him made more sense, but also he knew the coming years mean that will become the same as willing to kill most of the world.
Grigory put on some fresh tea, and set out another cup for Stanisk when he was done washing. He couldn’t shake the feeling that his worst fear, being mad with power and using that power to violently kill everyone he perceived as an enemy, wasn’t as far-fetched as it was before. These were the goons that might have killed his mentor, Archmage Willoford. Avenging a mentor was a reasonable rationale, at least in songs and plays. Grigory knew that wasn’t his motivation tonight. And besides that was the inquisition from the sounds of it, these ones just celebrated his mentor's execution, which isn’t really moral grounds for demonic dismemberment. He also knew he could have summoned a stench demon or a screaming demon, or just non demon based rituals he could have used to escape without violence. He didn’t even offer to bribe them, just straight to violence. Grigory wasn’t sure he liked finding out who he really was when lives were on the line.
His introspection was interrupted by a sound coming from his workshop door, and he sagged with relief when he saw it was just Aethlina. Relief that was short lived, because the questions started immediately.
“I assume you had something to do with the demonic giant that threw seventeen people into the side of the Cathedral of the Light?” the elv asked, without reproach or scorn.
Grigory took a second to answer. “I had something to do with the presence of that demon in our plane of reality. I had a little to do with either the people it chose to throw. Nothing to do with where it chose to throw them nor its accuracy. Interesting it threw them at the Cathedral, you’d think it would have some kinship with the church? They both love burning people.”
“By all accounts the accuracy at least, was excellent. All the bodies hit Cathedral Square. The Cathedral itself requires extensive repairs to the nave, and two flying buttresses collapsed. At least according to the terrified lady I ran into.” Aethlina paused for a few seconds in case Grigory chose to share more details.
Aethlina asked mildly, “How rude of me. I meant to ask, how did your meeting go tonight?”
Stanisk came out from around the partition wearing fresh clothes. “The fucking witches weren’t even witches! They were just shadow blighted gangsters what stole the demonologists reputation! Broke as shit, and twice as dumb!”
Stanisk grabbed a bottle of whiskey off the shelf and sat down at the table, ignoring the cup and the pot of tea. After drinking right from the bottle he continued, “It hit the actual main Cathedral? The one right in the centre of town? That’s like an hour walk from where we were! A catapult wouldn’t have thrown a person half that far!”
“The one and the same, The Grand Ubrafadter’s residence is in that square, so I assume what follows will be the sort of witch hunt the city has never seen before.” Aethlina turned to Grigory, “May I also assume your reasons for staying in the city are weaker and your reasons for leaving are stronger than they were yesterday?“
“There were definitely survivors, and I was introduced by name. I can’t stay here, probably not in the empire at all. I don’t think they know the name of the company, but Stanisk and I were wearing the company’s sigil, so it might not be long for them to work it out.” Grigory rubbed the bridge of his nose without taking off his glasses. “I guess we should start planning our exit immediately.”
In a rare show of emotion Aethlina smiled for a second, “We are leaving on a ship named the Widow’s Remorse, it’s provisioned for us and departs on the morning tide, in about nine hours. The captain agreed to wait until we were in open water to hear our destination. He and his crew also suffer from a rare medical condition where their memory fades entirely anytime they are given a bag of money. The ship can carry thirty-five passengers, so the guards can bring their families. I’ll describe the places I think we should go, after we are in open waters.”
Grigory was both very impressed and a touch alarmed. “Did you know what would happen at that meeting? Did you know what I was walking into?”
“No, I had mistakenly assumed you were on top of that, and took you on your word about them. The odds of them being what you expected were poor. I also had a detailed plan in case they kidnapped you.”
Stanisk burst out laughing, “Imagine if they kidnapped you, Boss! All trussed up like a rotisserie chicken! Hah! I guess I’ll get packed and meet back here to get everything organised! I’ll miss my townhouse, but I’ve had enough of living in Jagged Cove, it's loud and crowded.”
Stanisk stood up, and turned to leave, but paused mid stride. “Miss Aethlina, how big of an investigation do you reckon it’ll be? Reckon they could keep after us after we leave?”
“Likely.There are cases where the inquisition spent entire centuries on the trail of heretics and their descendents. Those heresies were vocally opposing an aspect of doctrine. This may be the first heresy in which a building-sized demon flung citizens into Cathedral Square. I assume yes, they will be interested in following up.”
“Alright, I’ve got an idea that might buy us some time. Grigory, are there any specific numbers that are significant to demons?”
“Um, not actually, but the older texts are filled with references to threes and eights I guess?” Grigory said with a shrug.
“Perfect!” Stanisks' smile strengthened and he turned to Aethlina. “Can you think of eight nobles, eight businessmen, and eight clergy the city would be better off without? Here, write 'em on this!” He slid her a notebook page when she nodded.
Grigory leaned forward,”I’m not sure what you are going for?”
“In the army, there was a famously clever bird that would trick soldiers, called a red heron. We are going to make a whole flock of ‘em!” Stanisk excitedly explained. “Oh, draw a demon circle on this page, doesn’t have to work or anything, like the one from the warehouse”
Grigory began his sketch. “I don’t think red heron is quite right, but I’m catching your drift.”
While they wrote, Stanisk went to the carved chest where all the imp totems for the workshop were stored, and invoked twenty four of them. Taking Aethlina’s list and Grigory’s sketch, he ordered each imp to sprint across town and use hellfire to scorch the circle into the street in front of the home of a specific name.
After the final imp bounded out of the building and was leaping along the rooflines Stanisk returned to his partners. “Now they’ll have too many leads! Hopefully folk see the imps and hellfire, that’ll be even better!”
“We can just outvoke them in an hour or so, that's easy enough. Great idea, Stanisk!” Grigory said cautiously, still thinking through the plan.
“If your big demon didn’t cause a public panic, I can’t imagine a better way to finish the job.” Aethlina replied.
Stanisk smiled and shrugged. “It wasn’t my good looks alone that kept me alive this long! I’ll send some runners to gather the lads and get this show on the road. Human runners I mean!”
Prev and Next
2023.06.02 18:51 Federal_Quantity5667 Brighton Multiverse - Last Day Drama
The round-robin, home-and-away format means that theoretically any of our matches could have fallen on match day 38. So it got me thinking, which of our results would have been the most dramatic for the last day push for Europe? Ties are out, because we wound up not needing a point on the last day thanks to our goal difference. I think this is the order, but curious what other people think - which of these would have been the most dramatic if it had been our final match?
Honorable mention: ManU 1 - Brighton 2; Pascal's brace sees us into Europe after some very nervy moments in the 2nd half.
3rd: Brighton 1 - Bournemouth 0; Mitoma's 87th minute winner is met by an explosion of pent-up anxiety and wild celebration as the Seagulls jump Villa for 6th and Europa League!
Runner-up: Chelsea 1 - Brighton 2: Gallagher's fluky 13th minute goal sees Brighton out of Europe altogether in the live table, but Welbeck claws one back before halftime, then Enciso sees us in to Europa with his 62nd minute thunderbolt - not his best goal of the season, but in this timeline, the most important!!
Winner: The 99th minute. Alexis MacAllister stands over the penalty spot, in his final appearance in a Brighton shirt (in this timeline, at least) - score, and Brighton is in Europa. A hush falls over the crowd - nerves jangling, silence deafening... a pause that lasts 10 seconds on the clock but forever in our hearts as Alexis centers himself... and then...
Brighton 1 - ManU 0 - Revenge and Europa in one thanks to the sweetest of strikes.
submitted by Federal_Quantity5667 to BrightonHoveAlbion [link] [comments]
Honorable mention: ManU 1 - Brighton 2; Pascal's brace sees us into Europe after some very nervy moments in the 2nd half.
3rd: Brighton 1 - Bournemouth 0; Mitoma's 87th minute winner is met by an explosion of pent-up anxiety and wild celebration as the Seagulls jump Villa for 6th and Europa League!
Runner-up: Chelsea 1 - Brighton 2: Gallagher's fluky 13th minute goal sees Brighton out of Europe altogether in the live table, but Welbeck claws one back before halftime, then Enciso sees us in to Europa with his 62nd minute thunderbolt - not his best goal of the season, but in this timeline, the most important!!
Winner: The 99th minute. Alexis MacAllister stands over the penalty spot, in his final appearance in a Brighton shirt (in this timeline, at least) - score, and Brighton is in Europa. A hush falls over the crowd - nerves jangling, silence deafening... a pause that lasts 10 seconds on the clock but forever in our hearts as Alexis centers himself... and then...
Brighton 1 - ManU 0 - Revenge and Europa in one thanks to the sweetest of strikes.
2023.06.02 17:10 r3dsca Obscure subreddit posting - The Branding Issue of Democrats from the 90s to Now
This was posted in the AngryObservation subreddit (that I stumbled on two seconds ago)
Essay posted by u/dcmetro7
https://www.reddit.com/usedcmetro7/
Democrats have a branding problem : AngryObservation (reddit.com)
I was inspired by u/Randomuser1520 's post about the Democratic Party's seemingly weak bench of future potential presidential nominees.
A lot of the problems trace back to 2016, but I'd argue the Democrats' branding woes go back even further. Think all the way back to the last time the Democrats had a consistently strong electoral record as a party -- the 90s, where the only truly bad year for Ds was 1994. Bill Clinton had successfully rebranded the party under the 'Third Way' label that Dems at any level could embrace and benefit from, and he had a clear successor in Al Gore. But Gore loses narrowly in 2000, and the problems for the Dems' brand begin.
'Yes We Can'
After 9/11, the electorate supports Bush and they support war. Dems' brand takes a hit and they lose the 2002 midterms. In 2004, John Kerry is successfully painted as an out-of-touch Ivy League liberal, disengaged from 'real America.' Dems lose and their brand suffers further.
But by the end of Bush's term, most Americans are disillusioned with Dubyaism. They wanted change, and one man promises to lead them to it with posters that proclaim 'HOPE' and cries of 'Yes We Can,' heralding in a new age of politics. Barack Obama and the Democrats are swept into a trifecta in Washington.
And we certainly got a new age of politics. When Obama was inaugurated, pundits speculated about the 'emerging Democratic majority', and how the GOP may literally go extinct in ten years. By the end of Obama's second term, those same pundits are surveying the absolutely decimated state of the Democratic party at all levels of power. Dems had lost the Senate, the House, most governorships, and most state legislatures. Control of the state legislatures makes the GOP's hold on the House even stronger. Control of the Senate effectively leads to control of the Supreme Court.
While Obama certainly can't be blamed for everything the GOP threw at him, I feel like it's safe to say his rebranding of the Democratic party failed in the long run. The 'Party of Hope' was sunk into the quagmire of a slow economic recovery, some of the most cynical politicking ever, and some of the most dysfunctional White House-Congress relationships in the history of the country. Obama's signature healthcare legislation would languish in the 30s approval-wise until after he left office. By 2015, no one was talking about the Democrats as the Party of Hope anymore. Even the guy who designed the original 'Hope' poster said he was frustrated by the lack of progress under the Obama admin. I'd argue that the Republicans were responsible for the clear majority of this dysfunction, but if their goal was to muddy the waters between the parties, they succeeded. And with the Tea Party, they were better at rebranding themselves even when they were in the opposition.
And none of this was helped by the face that Obama seemed extremely reluctant, even uninterested, in stepping into the role of party leader. Congressional Democrats were frustrated at the way he kept his distance from them, making it hard to solidify the policy goals they'd implemented in his first term. This article (https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/19/us/aloof-obama-is-frustrating-his-own-party.html) sums it up well, with this prescient quote sticking out:
'Stronger Together'
In 2016, Democrats didn't plan for a primary, they planned for a coronation. Hillary Clinton had been locking up all the support she could get from the Democratic establishment while Obama was serving his second term. Biden would seem like the clear establishment successor, but by the time he was able to turn his attention from VP duties to the primary he realized Hillary had completely boxed him out. She had already corralled all the big donors, operatives, and endorsements into her corner, and Joe was checkmated before he even sat down to the board. Thus, he turned down the opportunity, likely burying his long-nurtured presidential ambitions.
But then the coronation gets bumpy. Sanders challenges her from the outside, and immediately begins putting her on the spot as to why she's running. In other words, what does she envision for the Democratic brand? Hillary herself doesn't know. Is it a third term of Bill (whose star was starting to fade among everyone whose name doesn't rhyme with Shames Scarville), a third term of Obama (whose Hope posters have since become landfill), or an all-new thing?
To Hillary's credit, she couldn't portray herself as a total break from the past, both because she had been was strongly anchored to the national political landscape for the last thirty years, and because she could hardly attack Obama's record too harshly. In the end, she also struggled to brand both herself and the party. Consider the slogans most associated with her campaign; 'Forward Together' and 'Stronger Together' sound like the slogans of a centrist third party with no concrete policy ideas. They just attempted to project a feeling of unity onto a people who were united only, if the candidacies of Sanders and Trump meant anything, in the feeling that 'establishment' politicians like HRC had failed. And, of course, 'I'm with Her' was barely a rebrand at all, simply associating the party with its uncharismatic yet seemingly unstoppable frontrunner.
In the meantime, Trump had done the opposite, rebranding himself and the GOP as the party of 'America First populism.' What that meant exactly in terms of policy seemed to change from day to day But as a brand, as a forceful statement of intent, it worked, especially when contrasted with a seemingly rudderless HRC campaign that failed to answer the age-old question: 'Why are you running for president?'
'For the People'
After the 2016 fiasco, the Democrats were decimated and leaderless. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had passed his leadership position to Chuck Schumer and passed on soon after Trump took office. Tim Ryan led a mutiny against Nancy Pelosi, blaming her in part for the party's plunge from ascendance to irrelevance in the House. Hillary Clinton disappeared into the woods of Chappaqua. Obama started making a docu-series for Netflix. Joe Biden entered semi-retirement and wrote a book.
But in all of this, they found something they had been lacking. A brand.
Not the one they would have preferred, but one that would work nonetheless for winning elections. House Dems would embrace the (once-again) vague slogan of 'For the People' ahead of the 2018 midterms, but the aim was clear. The Democrats were now the Opposition; the Anti-Trump party.
Trump's approval rating was not just low, but incredibly sticky. People tended to have very firm opinions on him, and so his approval rating barely escaped the 35-45% range, with him almost hitting 50% before the pandemic hit. Thus, running on opposition to Trump would be fine electorally. In 2018, the Democrats had a blue wave year based mostly on opposition to Trump, retaking the house. Ironically, a big policy motivator for voters was backlash against the GOP's effort to repeal and replace Obamacare -- a promise that had driven Republican electoral gains since the bill was passed into law. Republican branding and messaging had been so successful that, for the better part of the decade, people trusted them to 'fix' the ACA until the very last minute before the replacement was signed.
'Battle for the Soul of the Nation'
But the problem remained for 2020 -- who would lead them? This was a difficult decision even before the pandemic. And Democratic primary voters were treated to a veritable buffet on angles on how to rebrand the party to beat Trump.
Should the party embrace democratic socialism under Sanders, or heavy consumer advocacy under Warren? Should it embrace a young, charismatic up-and-comer like Harris, Buttigieg, or O'Rourke or someone just as 'establishment' as Hillary, like Michael Bloomberg? Old-school liberalism with the Klob? Whatever Andrew Yang was doing?
But as the polls drew near, the Democrats seemed to conclude that beating Trump was simply more important than charting a new course for the party. If they could get elected or rebrand, they'd choose the former. And so all the other more moderate candidates dropped out to consolidate the vote around Biden, as the safe, expected pick who could stay the course. Biden and his surrogates began adopting the slogan 'Battle for the Soul of the Nation,' an epic and apocalyptic phrase that is still fundamentally reactive in tone, implying that the biggest motivator to vote for Democrats that fall was not to pass any specific agenda, but to put a stop to the GOP's plans.
Biden wouldn't govern in this way, but he would campaign this way -- as the normal, capable candidate who could lead the country's post-covid recovery in opposition to Trump's perceived incompetence. Biden won, but Democrats didn't get nearly the boost they wanted from covid, and House candidates underperformed Biden nationally, leading to a surprising loss of seats in the House. And after the effort to throw out the election failed, Trump left office with severely damaged standing with independents. The anti-Trump brand had delivered Dems a trifecta; now it was time to use it; hopefully to establish a new brand for a new decade.
'Building Back Better'
Upon taking office, Biden and the Dems lay out their agenda; the 'Build Back Better' plan, which centers on a three-pronged approach; a pandemic relief bill, an infrastructure bill, and a social policy bill. Passing such plans will involve all 50 Senate D's on board in some cases, and a bipartisan filibuster-proof majority of 60 senators in other cases.
People laugh, think back to 2010, and begin arguing whether a prediction that the GOP will control 55 Senate seats by 2023 is too conservative. Nancy Pelosi is trying to manage a mere five-seat majority in the house. Mitch McConnell, who once feasted on the Democrats' lost hopes the way a hungry turtle devours a plate of juicy strawberries, still held enough sway in the Senate to hold up any significant policy not related to budget reconciliation. Even then, Schumer must wrangle mavericks like Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema. Dramatic divisions still rip across the fabric of American society. But then, something truly strange happens.
The 117th Congress ends up being one of the most productive sessions ever.
Whether or not you think any or all of the 117th's acts were good policy, it's undeniable that this was an unusually politically efficient session, especially considering the last decade of hardball politics. Bipartisan majorities drive the infrastructure act, a gun control act, a tech-manufacturing promotion act, and even a somewhat-legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide. Plus, Schumer and Pelosi navigate their tiny majorities toward passing partisan priorities, like the pandemic relief act and the scaled-down Build Back Better social policy bill, rebranded as the Inflation Reduction Act or IRA. McConnell drops his trademark stonewalling and collaborates with Biden on the bipartisan bills, and 'Yea' votes roll in even from deep red states -- Republican senators from Mississippi, West Virginia, and North Dakota get these bills over the line. Bipartisanship returns to Congress in fleeting glances -- something that I feel confident in arguing absolutely no one expected Biden or the Dem leaders to be able to do.
Of course, no one has forgotten 2010, and 2022 looks to be another rough year. Inflation soars, and Biden's approval rating drops. Dems brace for impact. The Dobbs ruling happens, but polls repeatedly suggest that the economy is the top issue on voters' minds, and they don't like Biden's handling of it.
But while these things are true, they ignore a crucial factor -- the GOP is embroiled in an identity crisis of its own. The leader of the party is claiming to be the legitimate president of the United States, which is a bit of a hard issue to ignore. Trump loyalists beat out 'establishment' Republicans in the primaries, and bring their hard promotion of the MAGA brand to the general elections. And they lose.
I think it's fair to say that the GOP lost most of the key races of the 2022 midterms, rather than Democrats winning them. Swing state Republican parties chose candidates who adhered so closely to a brand so toxic that independents still chose the Democrats, even in some cases where they were dissatisfied with the party. Republicans who have managed to establish a brand for themselves -- DeSantis, Kemp, and DeWine among them -- soar, while the Trumpiest candidates fall flat. McConnell remains in the minority, and McCarthy becomes the head of a very, very dysfunctional family.
Will Brandon's Rebrand Stand?
So, coming off an unusually strong midterm, where does the party go in 2024? Probably, as u/Randomuser1520 said, back to Biden. When your party wins one of the most fiercely contested elections in American history, has a productive legislative session, and then massively overperforms in the midterm, you don't usually change horses regardless of what approval polling says. If Biden were just 10 years younger and the health concerns were off the table, there would be no question in anyone's mind who to nominate.
The establishment and progressive wings of the party seem to be behind him if he runs, meaning challenges will only come from real outsiders like Marianne Williamson and Robert Kennedy Jr. The DNC will probably work to make those challenges as unviable as possible.
2024 is tricky to predict. Trump is favored on the Republican side, and as said before, his brand is so toxic that Biden can probably glide to reelection barring any massive economic downturns or serious health problems. I won't get too much into 2024, because it seems pretty clearly on the path to becoming another referendum on the GOP's brand, not the Democrats'. Biden's second term (and the rest of his first term) may be defined as much by implementation of the legislation they passed during the 117th as much as by new legislation, if not more.
So the question becomes this -- where does the party go in 2028? Or, in other words, what will Democrats take away from the Biden presidency, and how will Biden shape the party's brand going forward? Who they choose to lead the party next will tell, and Biden's presidency may already be laying out a blueprint.
In his 1996 State of the Union address, Bill Clinton declared 'the era of big government is over,' essentially conceding that Reagan and his vision of a small role for the federal government in domestic affairs had won out for the time, and that Democrats would need to work within that political reality in order to win elections. Obama's efforts to change that status quo resulted in an avalanche of backlash from Tea Partiers, self-proclaimed champions of fiscal conservatism. Hillary Clinton's failed campaign strategy arguably rested more on that understanding of the political climate than anything else, causing her to miss a series of growing frustrations with Reaganism at times channelled by Sanders and, at times, Trump -- at decimation of the manufacturing sector, at the growing gap between rich and poor, at China's seemingly unstoppable three-decade rise at the expense of the U.S.
Biden's approach to American industry and government is a strong repudiation of Reaganism, based around the idea that it is the government's job to fortify and guide the economy in ways that are necessary where the free market has little incentive to. It argues that the issues of infrastructural decay, manufacturing decline, and the growing need for green energy in the face of climate change will only be solved if the government directs the power of the private sector towards those goals at great upfront cost. And free trade, long held as the unassailable source of America's prosperity, must now only be employed in moderation -- if the U.S. has to arguably break international law to lure foreign investment into the U.S. through generous subsidies, it will be worth it, even if it earns the fury of our economic partners. This may be the groundwork of Bidenism.
These plans may fail. The money may be wasted by incompetent or corrupt administrators and the American people may become even more jaded at the thought of big government. But movement within the GOP may suggest a broader shift in the American mind towards this kind of economic interventionism is already in progress. Promising to reverse the decline of manufacturing through tariffs and other measures would have been political anathema twenty years ago, but it has become a core Republican plank. Florida Republicans' punitive measures towards Disney and the GOP's growing support for government action against Big Tech companies suggests openness towards not just using state power to guide the economy, but also to reshape the social landscape by manipulating the private sector. It may well be that the era of small government is over.
I've sorted some potential 'brands' and some of the people who might be nominated in 2028 / become party standard-bearers should the Democrats go in that direction. These lists aren't exhaustive; I'm just trying to establish a general vibe.
The 'Biden Blueprint': Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, Gina Raimondo
These are members of the Biden admin who have been given great power (and great piles of money) to enact the legislation of the 117th. If American sentiment towards big government changes as quickly as I think it could, a Cabinet secretary could have a decent shot in 2028. Harris would be the natural successor as the VP, but Transportation Sec Buttigieg and Commerce Sec Raimondo, who were empowered to implement much of the Infrastructure Act and the CHIPS Act respectively, could become standard-bearers for this new vision of technocratic governance if they administer these programs well (and in a way that makes headlines). If Energy Sec Granholm were a natural-born citizen, she would definitely fit here as well, considering how much power the IRA gave her department.
The 'New New Deal': Amy Klobuchar, Catherine Cortez Masto, Mark Kelly, Tammy Duckworth, Raphael Warnock
Liberal senators who are capable of working across the aisle to achieve compromise could be a strong bet if Democrats want to recreate the success of the 117th Congress in the future. There's always an argument that effective legislators won't necessarily make for effective executives, but these choices would help with Democrats' goal of rebranding the Democratic party as the party you vote for if you want Washington to function properly and anticipate constituents' needs. Such a ticket could brand itself as the path to bipartisan yet assertive solutions on familiar and emerging issues like immigration reform, federal protection for abortion, the housing shortage, and the drug crisis.
The 'Bulwark': Roy Cooper, Laura Kelly, Andy Beshear
I'll admit that when I began writing this post, I had a more favorable opinion of the above three governors and politicians like them as presidential nominees and the potential 'future of the party.' I no longer feel as strongly about them, however, because I don't believe they do enough to change the brand of the Democrats and the political environment as a whole. These governors are best known for winning races in red states; for holding the line against the most conservative policies while finding areas of compromise, especially on kitchen-table issues.
But this brand of Democrat is fundamentally reactive, even defensive -- it assumes that most of the job will be obstructing right-wing legislation from a red legislature. In other words, it is a kind of strategy you use when you're trying to hold ground, not gain it. It works well when your opponent's brand is toxic (as the GOP's has been since 2016), but this I suspect this brand of 'competent normality' will struggle if the opposition ceases to actively repel voters. If Trump and his acolytes continue to hold a strong grip on the party through 2024 and beyond, this brand may not be a bad bet short-term, but long-term Democrats want to be the ones establishing the rules of the game, not just beating your opponent at theirs. That's what a successful political brand does. While Dems in similar situation should definitely look to these governors for guidance in running their campaigns (and hopefully, their administrations), I would caution at this point against basing the national party's brand on their model.
I think somewhere between these three groups lies a successful path forward for the Democrats that towards becoming the dominant party in U.S. politics at the federal level. There are some other interesting currents in the party; like how Democratic governors like Whitmer, Evers, and Walz have rebuilt D strength the Midwest after a rough 2010s, and how Western Dems like Jared Polis, Mary Peltola, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez have found unexpected electoral stength by embracing a form of libertarianism. However, these currents may be regional, and Democrats shouldn't necessarily try to nationalize every idea that works in one part of the country. Creating different regional 'flavors' of Democrat would be necessary to keep the party relevant in all parts of the country.
Regarding the 2020 primary runners-up, I don't think most of the visions laid out then work post-2024, and for this reason I tend not to give too much weight to current Democratic primary polling, because it assumes these same people would be running again.
Assuming Biden ends his term without catastrophe, I don't think the party needs to place all their faith in a young, charismatic Obama wannabe like O'Rourke or Swalwell, nor does it need to drastically pivot to the center, nor does it need to proclaim itself the party of 'outsiders,' nor does it need to give the reins to the progressive wing. If everything goes right, they can remain ideologically where they are now (roughly) and establish a solid brand for the first time in a generation.
The Democrats been losing the branding war since the days of Nixon. They may currently have all the tools they need right now to change that, and set the expectations for the next fifty years of politics. Let's see how they do.
This is my first big write-up, so I almost certainly missed some stuff and made some assumptions. Let me know what you think.
submitted by r3dsca to redscarepod [link] [comments]
Essay posted by u/dcmetro7
https://www.reddit.com/usedcmetro7/
Democrats have a branding problem : AngryObservation (reddit.com)
Democrats have a branding problem
😴 Long Observation 😴I was inspired by u/Randomuser1520 's post about the Democratic Party's seemingly weak bench of future potential presidential nominees.
A lot of the problems trace back to 2016, but I'd argue the Democrats' branding woes go back even further. Think all the way back to the last time the Democrats had a consistently strong electoral record as a party -- the 90s, where the only truly bad year for Ds was 1994. Bill Clinton had successfully rebranded the party under the 'Third Way' label that Dems at any level could embrace and benefit from, and he had a clear successor in Al Gore. But Gore loses narrowly in 2000, and the problems for the Dems' brand begin.
'Yes We Can'
After 9/11, the electorate supports Bush and they support war. Dems' brand takes a hit and they lose the 2002 midterms. In 2004, John Kerry is successfully painted as an out-of-touch Ivy League liberal, disengaged from 'real America.' Dems lose and their brand suffers further.
But by the end of Bush's term, most Americans are disillusioned with Dubyaism. They wanted change, and one man promises to lead them to it with posters that proclaim 'HOPE' and cries of 'Yes We Can,' heralding in a new age of politics. Barack Obama and the Democrats are swept into a trifecta in Washington.
And we certainly got a new age of politics. When Obama was inaugurated, pundits speculated about the 'emerging Democratic majority', and how the GOP may literally go extinct in ten years. By the end of Obama's second term, those same pundits are surveying the absolutely decimated state of the Democratic party at all levels of power. Dems had lost the Senate, the House, most governorships, and most state legislatures. Control of the state legislatures makes the GOP's hold on the House even stronger. Control of the Senate effectively leads to control of the Supreme Court.
While Obama certainly can't be blamed for everything the GOP threw at him, I feel like it's safe to say his rebranding of the Democratic party failed in the long run. The 'Party of Hope' was sunk into the quagmire of a slow economic recovery, some of the most cynical politicking ever, and some of the most dysfunctional White House-Congress relationships in the history of the country. Obama's signature healthcare legislation would languish in the 30s approval-wise until after he left office. By 2015, no one was talking about the Democrats as the Party of Hope anymore. Even the guy who designed the original 'Hope' poster said he was frustrated by the lack of progress under the Obama admin. I'd argue that the Republicans were responsible for the clear majority of this dysfunction, but if their goal was to muddy the waters between the parties, they succeeded. And with the Tea Party, they were better at rebranding themselves even when they were in the opposition.
And none of this was helped by the face that Obama seemed extremely reluctant, even uninterested, in stepping into the role of party leader. Congressional Democrats were frustrated at the way he kept his distance from them, making it hard to solidify the policy goals they'd implemented in his first term. This article (https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/19/us/aloof-obama-is-frustrating-his-own-party.html) sums it up well, with this prescient quote sticking out:
In interviews, nearly two dozen Democratic lawmakers and senior congressional aides suggested that Mr. Obama’s approach has left him with few loyalists to effectively manage the issues erupting abroad and at home and could imperil his efforts to leave a legacy in his final stretch in office.And sure enough, Obama's legacy was in peril before he even left office.
'Stronger Together'
In 2016, Democrats didn't plan for a primary, they planned for a coronation. Hillary Clinton had been locking up all the support she could get from the Democratic establishment while Obama was serving his second term. Biden would seem like the clear establishment successor, but by the time he was able to turn his attention from VP duties to the primary he realized Hillary had completely boxed him out. She had already corralled all the big donors, operatives, and endorsements into her corner, and Joe was checkmated before he even sat down to the board. Thus, he turned down the opportunity, likely burying his long-nurtured presidential ambitions.
But then the coronation gets bumpy. Sanders challenges her from the outside, and immediately begins putting her on the spot as to why she's running. In other words, what does she envision for the Democratic brand? Hillary herself doesn't know. Is it a third term of Bill (whose star was starting to fade among everyone whose name doesn't rhyme with Shames Scarville), a third term of Obama (whose Hope posters have since become landfill), or an all-new thing?
To Hillary's credit, she couldn't portray herself as a total break from the past, both because she had been was strongly anchored to the national political landscape for the last thirty years, and because she could hardly attack Obama's record too harshly. In the end, she also struggled to brand both herself and the party. Consider the slogans most associated with her campaign; 'Forward Together' and 'Stronger Together' sound like the slogans of a centrist third party with no concrete policy ideas. They just attempted to project a feeling of unity onto a people who were united only, if the candidacies of Sanders and Trump meant anything, in the feeling that 'establishment' politicians like HRC had failed. And, of course, 'I'm with Her' was barely a rebrand at all, simply associating the party with its uncharismatic yet seemingly unstoppable frontrunner.
In the meantime, Trump had done the opposite, rebranding himself and the GOP as the party of 'America First populism.' What that meant exactly in terms of policy seemed to change from day to day But as a brand, as a forceful statement of intent, it worked, especially when contrasted with a seemingly rudderless HRC campaign that failed to answer the age-old question: 'Why are you running for president?'
'For the People'
After the 2016 fiasco, the Democrats were decimated and leaderless. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had passed his leadership position to Chuck Schumer and passed on soon after Trump took office. Tim Ryan led a mutiny against Nancy Pelosi, blaming her in part for the party's plunge from ascendance to irrelevance in the House. Hillary Clinton disappeared into the woods of Chappaqua. Obama started making a docu-series for Netflix. Joe Biden entered semi-retirement and wrote a book.
But in all of this, they found something they had been lacking. A brand.
Not the one they would have preferred, but one that would work nonetheless for winning elections. House Dems would embrace the (once-again) vague slogan of 'For the People' ahead of the 2018 midterms, but the aim was clear. The Democrats were now the Opposition; the Anti-Trump party.
Trump's approval rating was not just low, but incredibly sticky. People tended to have very firm opinions on him, and so his approval rating barely escaped the 35-45% range, with him almost hitting 50% before the pandemic hit. Thus, running on opposition to Trump would be fine electorally. In 2018, the Democrats had a blue wave year based mostly on opposition to Trump, retaking the house. Ironically, a big policy motivator for voters was backlash against the GOP's effort to repeal and replace Obamacare -- a promise that had driven Republican electoral gains since the bill was passed into law. Republican branding and messaging had been so successful that, for the better part of the decade, people trusted them to 'fix' the ACA until the very last minute before the replacement was signed.
'Battle for the Soul of the Nation'
But the problem remained for 2020 -- who would lead them? This was a difficult decision even before the pandemic. And Democratic primary voters were treated to a veritable buffet on angles on how to rebrand the party to beat Trump.
Should the party embrace democratic socialism under Sanders, or heavy consumer advocacy under Warren? Should it embrace a young, charismatic up-and-comer like Harris, Buttigieg, or O'Rourke or someone just as 'establishment' as Hillary, like Michael Bloomberg? Old-school liberalism with the Klob? Whatever Andrew Yang was doing?
But as the polls drew near, the Democrats seemed to conclude that beating Trump was simply more important than charting a new course for the party. If they could get elected or rebrand, they'd choose the former. And so all the other more moderate candidates dropped out to consolidate the vote around Biden, as the safe, expected pick who could stay the course. Biden and his surrogates began adopting the slogan 'Battle for the Soul of the Nation,' an epic and apocalyptic phrase that is still fundamentally reactive in tone, implying that the biggest motivator to vote for Democrats that fall was not to pass any specific agenda, but to put a stop to the GOP's plans.
Biden wouldn't govern in this way, but he would campaign this way -- as the normal, capable candidate who could lead the country's post-covid recovery in opposition to Trump's perceived incompetence. Biden won, but Democrats didn't get nearly the boost they wanted from covid, and House candidates underperformed Biden nationally, leading to a surprising loss of seats in the House. And after the effort to throw out the election failed, Trump left office with severely damaged standing with independents. The anti-Trump brand had delivered Dems a trifecta; now it was time to use it; hopefully to establish a new brand for a new decade.
'Building Back Better'
Upon taking office, Biden and the Dems lay out their agenda; the 'Build Back Better' plan, which centers on a three-pronged approach; a pandemic relief bill, an infrastructure bill, and a social policy bill. Passing such plans will involve all 50 Senate D's on board in some cases, and a bipartisan filibuster-proof majority of 60 senators in other cases.
People laugh, think back to 2010, and begin arguing whether a prediction that the GOP will control 55 Senate seats by 2023 is too conservative. Nancy Pelosi is trying to manage a mere five-seat majority in the house. Mitch McConnell, who once feasted on the Democrats' lost hopes the way a hungry turtle devours a plate of juicy strawberries, still held enough sway in the Senate to hold up any significant policy not related to budget reconciliation. Even then, Schumer must wrangle mavericks like Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema. Dramatic divisions still rip across the fabric of American society. But then, something truly strange happens.
The 117th Congress ends up being one of the most productive sessions ever.
Whether or not you think any or all of the 117th's acts were good policy, it's undeniable that this was an unusually politically efficient session, especially considering the last decade of hardball politics. Bipartisan majorities drive the infrastructure act, a gun control act, a tech-manufacturing promotion act, and even a somewhat-legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide. Plus, Schumer and Pelosi navigate their tiny majorities toward passing partisan priorities, like the pandemic relief act and the scaled-down Build Back Better social policy bill, rebranded as the Inflation Reduction Act or IRA. McConnell drops his trademark stonewalling and collaborates with Biden on the bipartisan bills, and 'Yea' votes roll in even from deep red states -- Republican senators from Mississippi, West Virginia, and North Dakota get these bills over the line. Bipartisanship returns to Congress in fleeting glances -- something that I feel confident in arguing absolutely no one expected Biden or the Dem leaders to be able to do.
Of course, no one has forgotten 2010, and 2022 looks to be another rough year. Inflation soars, and Biden's approval rating drops. Dems brace for impact. The Dobbs ruling happens, but polls repeatedly suggest that the economy is the top issue on voters' minds, and they don't like Biden's handling of it.
But while these things are true, they ignore a crucial factor -- the GOP is embroiled in an identity crisis of its own. The leader of the party is claiming to be the legitimate president of the United States, which is a bit of a hard issue to ignore. Trump loyalists beat out 'establishment' Republicans in the primaries, and bring their hard promotion of the MAGA brand to the general elections. And they lose.
I think it's fair to say that the GOP lost most of the key races of the 2022 midterms, rather than Democrats winning them. Swing state Republican parties chose candidates who adhered so closely to a brand so toxic that independents still chose the Democrats, even in some cases where they were dissatisfied with the party. Republicans who have managed to establish a brand for themselves -- DeSantis, Kemp, and DeWine among them -- soar, while the Trumpiest candidates fall flat. McConnell remains in the minority, and McCarthy becomes the head of a very, very dysfunctional family.
Will Brandon's Rebrand Stand?
So, coming off an unusually strong midterm, where does the party go in 2024? Probably, as u/Randomuser1520 said, back to Biden. When your party wins one of the most fiercely contested elections in American history, has a productive legislative session, and then massively overperforms in the midterm, you don't usually change horses regardless of what approval polling says. If Biden were just 10 years younger and the health concerns were off the table, there would be no question in anyone's mind who to nominate.
The establishment and progressive wings of the party seem to be behind him if he runs, meaning challenges will only come from real outsiders like Marianne Williamson and Robert Kennedy Jr. The DNC will probably work to make those challenges as unviable as possible.
2024 is tricky to predict. Trump is favored on the Republican side, and as said before, his brand is so toxic that Biden can probably glide to reelection barring any massive economic downturns or serious health problems. I won't get too much into 2024, because it seems pretty clearly on the path to becoming another referendum on the GOP's brand, not the Democrats'. Biden's second term (and the rest of his first term) may be defined as much by implementation of the legislation they passed during the 117th as much as by new legislation, if not more.
So the question becomes this -- where does the party go in 2028? Or, in other words, what will Democrats take away from the Biden presidency, and how will Biden shape the party's brand going forward? Who they choose to lead the party next will tell, and Biden's presidency may already be laying out a blueprint.
In his 1996 State of the Union address, Bill Clinton declared 'the era of big government is over,' essentially conceding that Reagan and his vision of a small role for the federal government in domestic affairs had won out for the time, and that Democrats would need to work within that political reality in order to win elections. Obama's efforts to change that status quo resulted in an avalanche of backlash from Tea Partiers, self-proclaimed champions of fiscal conservatism. Hillary Clinton's failed campaign strategy arguably rested more on that understanding of the political climate than anything else, causing her to miss a series of growing frustrations with Reaganism at times channelled by Sanders and, at times, Trump -- at decimation of the manufacturing sector, at the growing gap between rich and poor, at China's seemingly unstoppable three-decade rise at the expense of the U.S.
Biden's approach to American industry and government is a strong repudiation of Reaganism, based around the idea that it is the government's job to fortify and guide the economy in ways that are necessary where the free market has little incentive to. It argues that the issues of infrastructural decay, manufacturing decline, and the growing need for green energy in the face of climate change will only be solved if the government directs the power of the private sector towards those goals at great upfront cost. And free trade, long held as the unassailable source of America's prosperity, must now only be employed in moderation -- if the U.S. has to arguably break international law to lure foreign investment into the U.S. through generous subsidies, it will be worth it, even if it earns the fury of our economic partners. This may be the groundwork of Bidenism.
These plans may fail. The money may be wasted by incompetent or corrupt administrators and the American people may become even more jaded at the thought of big government. But movement within the GOP may suggest a broader shift in the American mind towards this kind of economic interventionism is already in progress. Promising to reverse the decline of manufacturing through tariffs and other measures would have been political anathema twenty years ago, but it has become a core Republican plank. Florida Republicans' punitive measures towards Disney and the GOP's growing support for government action against Big Tech companies suggests openness towards not just using state power to guide the economy, but also to reshape the social landscape by manipulating the private sector. It may well be that the era of small government is over.
I've sorted some potential 'brands' and some of the people who might be nominated in 2028 / become party standard-bearers should the Democrats go in that direction. These lists aren't exhaustive; I'm just trying to establish a general vibe.
The 'Biden Blueprint': Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, Gina Raimondo
These are members of the Biden admin who have been given great power (and great piles of money) to enact the legislation of the 117th. If American sentiment towards big government changes as quickly as I think it could, a Cabinet secretary could have a decent shot in 2028. Harris would be the natural successor as the VP, but Transportation Sec Buttigieg and Commerce Sec Raimondo, who were empowered to implement much of the Infrastructure Act and the CHIPS Act respectively, could become standard-bearers for this new vision of technocratic governance if they administer these programs well (and in a way that makes headlines). If Energy Sec Granholm were a natural-born citizen, she would definitely fit here as well, considering how much power the IRA gave her department.
The 'New New Deal': Amy Klobuchar, Catherine Cortez Masto, Mark Kelly, Tammy Duckworth, Raphael Warnock
Liberal senators who are capable of working across the aisle to achieve compromise could be a strong bet if Democrats want to recreate the success of the 117th Congress in the future. There's always an argument that effective legislators won't necessarily make for effective executives, but these choices would help with Democrats' goal of rebranding the Democratic party as the party you vote for if you want Washington to function properly and anticipate constituents' needs. Such a ticket could brand itself as the path to bipartisan yet assertive solutions on familiar and emerging issues like immigration reform, federal protection for abortion, the housing shortage, and the drug crisis.
The 'Bulwark': Roy Cooper, Laura Kelly, Andy Beshear
I'll admit that when I began writing this post, I had a more favorable opinion of the above three governors and politicians like them as presidential nominees and the potential 'future of the party.' I no longer feel as strongly about them, however, because I don't believe they do enough to change the brand of the Democrats and the political environment as a whole. These governors are best known for winning races in red states; for holding the line against the most conservative policies while finding areas of compromise, especially on kitchen-table issues.
But this brand of Democrat is fundamentally reactive, even defensive -- it assumes that most of the job will be obstructing right-wing legislation from a red legislature. In other words, it is a kind of strategy you use when you're trying to hold ground, not gain it. It works well when your opponent's brand is toxic (as the GOP's has been since 2016), but this I suspect this brand of 'competent normality' will struggle if the opposition ceases to actively repel voters. If Trump and his acolytes continue to hold a strong grip on the party through 2024 and beyond, this brand may not be a bad bet short-term, but long-term Democrats want to be the ones establishing the rules of the game, not just beating your opponent at theirs. That's what a successful political brand does. While Dems in similar situation should definitely look to these governors for guidance in running their campaigns (and hopefully, their administrations), I would caution at this point against basing the national party's brand on their model.
I think somewhere between these three groups lies a successful path forward for the Democrats that towards becoming the dominant party in U.S. politics at the federal level. There are some other interesting currents in the party; like how Democratic governors like Whitmer, Evers, and Walz have rebuilt D strength the Midwest after a rough 2010s, and how Western Dems like Jared Polis, Mary Peltola, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez have found unexpected electoral stength by embracing a form of libertarianism. However, these currents may be regional, and Democrats shouldn't necessarily try to nationalize every idea that works in one part of the country. Creating different regional 'flavors' of Democrat would be necessary to keep the party relevant in all parts of the country.
Regarding the 2020 primary runners-up, I don't think most of the visions laid out then work post-2024, and for this reason I tend not to give too much weight to current Democratic primary polling, because it assumes these same people would be running again.
Assuming Biden ends his term without catastrophe, I don't think the party needs to place all their faith in a young, charismatic Obama wannabe like O'Rourke or Swalwell, nor does it need to drastically pivot to the center, nor does it need to proclaim itself the party of 'outsiders,' nor does it need to give the reins to the progressive wing. If everything goes right, they can remain ideologically where they are now (roughly) and establish a solid brand for the first time in a generation.
The Democrats been losing the branding war since the days of Nixon. They may currently have all the tools they need right now to change that, and set the expectations for the next fifty years of politics. Let's see how they do.
This is my first big write-up, so I almost certainly missed some stuff and made some assumptions. Let me know what you think.
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2023.06.02 13:46 Content_Call5083 NSB (Straud Legacy) Gen 7: Week In Review 5/27-6/2
 | The Story of a Family Told in Web Comic Format submitted by Content_Call5083 to thesims [link] [comments] --------------------------------------------- The boys spent some time chatting with the locals, trying to learn everything they could about the strangeness plaguing Strangerville https://preview.redd.it/ju0b5swbel3b1.png?width=1206&format=png&auto=webp&s=be06cfe5e647cb07d9026dcf441915eca632ed58 --------------------------------------------- Still in school, the boys spent some time making friends and finding their way at Cooperdale High https://preview.redd.it/y3mantqcel3b1.png?width=782&format=png&auto=webp&s=07c5ce45f6cd75f9f2ea2b0b9ef3afb53d5dd143 --------------------------------------------- Peachy, the front runner for Prom Court Jester, decided to turn the tables on himself and mean girl Molly, working instead to get two other sims near and dear to his heart nominated for prom court https://preview.redd.it/01g2bsldel3b1.png?width=536&format=png&auto=webp&s=b4bf3cb96c1a6895a0396f7d6cc9c82280f47ed9 --------------------------------------------- Spending all the time he wasn't already slacking off in school working to secure the others a prom court win finally caught up with Peachy https://preview.redd.it/9wc9t2heel3b1.png?width=330&format=png&auto=webp&s=5defc4736e33a0a180a3229ae82bf5b9849264ec --------------------------------------------- In a last minute attempt to raise his grades and get his dad off his back, Peachy and August hatched a plan with their mom to stay up all night and prepare for finals https://preview.redd.it/3r8gsosfel3b1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=8ec69f27b24f2df2fbeb862b4ca51a550ff0cc0b --------------------------------------------- Friday night saw the crew back in Strangerville, investigating the curio shop and finally making their way to the mysterious lab on the outskirts of town https://preview.redd.it/cxemj1sgel3b1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=94b4a5682151b19e626960ead5ac464d18fc138d --------------------------------------------- Saturday it was time to set aside the mystery once more and party with friends at the prom https://preview.redd.it/q7tos3oiel3b1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=43157b4217d3a4cf58420dd80e55c2cbbcb72978 --------------------------------------------- I started this series to share my sim story, and I love hearing from you. Please consider dropping me a comment or a vote, its always great to get your feedback. Thank you for your time! Want To See More? View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here |
2023.06.02 13:43 Content_Call5083 NSB (Straud Legacy) Gen 7: Week In Review 5/27-6/2
 | The Story of a Family Told in Web Comic Format submitted by Content_Call5083 to thesimslegacies [link] [comments] --------------------------------------------- The boys spent some time chatting with the locals, trying to learn everything they could about the strangeness plaguing Strangerville https://preview.redd.it/ccgqvwdpdl3b1.png?width=1206&format=png&auto=webp&s=1eb6a9133c21624e2f79c36069802e1c06fecb7b --------------------------------------------- Still in school, the boys spent some time making friends and finding their way at Cooperdale High https://preview.redd.it/94ijezypdl3b1.png?width=782&format=png&auto=webp&s=42dd765bc58faec3af5466a48bf1525fb2b256a9 --------------------------------------------- Peachy, the front runner for Prom Court Jester, decided to turn the tables on himself and mean girl Molly, working instead to get two other sims near and dear to his heart nominated for prom court https://preview.redd.it/osflhlkqdl3b1.png?width=536&format=png&auto=webp&s=abcca92dbede369461337b868f30ff796c3c1728 --------------------------------------------- Spending all the time he wasn't already slacking off in school working to secure the others a prom court win finally caught up with Peachy https://preview.redd.it/kgvpqv5rdl3b1.png?width=330&format=png&auto=webp&s=04dbff192979154146473c508a3031f0e0c68ce2 --------------------------------------------- In a last minute attempt to raise his grades and get his dad off his back, Peachy and August hatched a plan with their mom to stay up all night and prepare for finals https://preview.redd.it/2cvu200sdl3b1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=3a5c45ab33a2f913f0940a96a4a5ba7eb9ffc78c --------------------------------------------- Friday night saw the crew back in Strangerville, investigating the curio shop and finally making their way to the mysterious lab on the outskirts of town https://preview.redd.it/eu225j9tdl3b1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=d146c2dcb78fb0e0727d5383bb89ab6bb581e66c --------------------------------------------- Saturday it was time to set aside the mystery once more and party with friends at the prom https://preview.redd.it/8i8s7c5udl3b1.png?width=1920&format=png&auto=webp&s=dab2d721c00eb5337522c83399b07ab57e6677a7 --------------------------------------------- I started this series to share my sim story, and I love hearing from you. Please consider dropping me a comment or a vote, its always great to get your feedback. Thank you for your time! Want To See More? View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here |
2023.06.02 12:05 eurydice1789 [WIP]
![[WIP]](https://preview.redd.it/xkxgj6hkwk3b1.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=b52c6acc7016253f8cfd01fd47861c3eff89d2c5 "[WIP]") | A table runner for my in-laws, nearly halfway done. It’s a Vervaco kit. submitted by eurydice1789 to CrossStitch [link] [comments] Having said that, stitching xmas stuff during a heat wave does not help to cool off. |
2023.06.02 10:35 markwalker_southeast User The Benefits of Regularly Cleaning and Maintaining Your Roof - South East Roof Repairs
 | Introduction: submitted by markwalker_southeast to u/markwalker_southeast [link] [comments] Keeping Your Roof in Tip-Top ShapeDo you ever think about your roof? It's up there, protecting your home day in and day out, yet it often goes unnoticed and unappreciated. Well, it's time to change that! In this article, we'll dive into the benefits of regularly cleaning and maintaining your roof, and how South East Roof Repairs can help you keep your roof in tip-top shape. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's explore the world above your head!Aesthetic Appeal: Enhancing the Beauty of Your HomeImagine driving up to a house with a dilapidated, moss-covered roof. Not the most inviting sight, is it? Cleaning and maintaining your roof not only keeps it in good condition but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your entire home. A clean roof with no debris, moss, or algae instantly gives your house a fresh, well-maintained look. It's like a makeover for your home's curb appeal!Longevity: Extending the Lifespan of Your RoofYour roof is a significant investment, and you want it to last as long as possible. Regular cleaning and maintenance play a crucial role in extending the lifespan of your roof. When you remove debris, leaves, and branches, you prevent the accumulation of moisture that can lead to rotting or deterioration of your roof's materials. By taking care of your roof, you're essentially adding years to its life and saving money in the long run. https://preview.redd.it/dw4u7cm6gk3b1.jpg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=782f9a9a5bc32418943e3b26b24b79c6dc9d2160 Energy Efficiency: Lowering Your Utility BillsDid you know that a dirty roof can affect the energy efficiency of your home? When dirt, algae, or moss cover your roof, it can trap heat, making your home hotter during the summer months. This can result in increased energy consumption and higher cooling bills. By regularly cleaning your roof, you allow it to reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, which helps keep your home cooler and reduces the strain on your air conditioning system. A cleaner roof means lower utility bills and a more comfortable living environment.Preventing Damage: Keeping the Elements at BayYour roof acts as a shield against the elements, protecting your home from rain, wind, and sun. However, if your roof is neglected and not properly maintained, it can develop cracks, leaks, or weak spots, leaving your home vulnerable to water damage. Regular cleaning and maintenance help identify and address any issues before they become major problems. By proactively taking care of your roof, you're safeguarding your home from costly repairs caused by water infiltration.South East Roof Repairs: Your Roof's Best FriendNow that you understand the importance of cleaning and maintaining your roof let's talk about South East Roof Repairs, your roof's best friend! With their team of experienced professionals, South East Roof Repairs provides top-notch roof cleaning and maintenance services that will leave your roof looking pristine and functioning optimally.Expert Cleaning Services: Bye Bye, Moss and Algae!Moss and algae can take a toll on the health and appearance of your roof. South East Roof Repairs offers expert cleaning services that effectively remove moss, algae, and other unsightly growth from your roof. They use environmentally friendly solutions that won't harm your roof or the surrounding vegetation. Say goodbye to moss and algae and hello to a cleaner, healthier roof!Inspection and Repairs: Catching Problems EarlyRegular inspections are essential to catch any potential issues with your roof before they escalate. South East Roof Repairs provides thorough roof inspections, identifying any damage, leaks, or weak spots. They offer prompt repairs to ensure that your roof remains in excellent condition. By addressing problems early on, you can prevent further damage and costly repairs down the line.Gutter Cleaning: Keeping Water Flowing SmoothlyClogged gutters can lead to water buildup, which can damage your roof, walls, and foundation. South East Roof Repairs offers professional gutter cleaning services, removing leaves, debris, and other blockages that can hinder the flow of water. By keeping your gutters clean, you prevent water from backing up and causing potential damage to your home.Roof Coating: Adding an Extra Layer of ProtectionSouth East Roof Repairs also provides roof coating services to add an extra layer of protection to your roof. Roof coatings act as a barrier against UV rays, moisture, and other harmful elements, extending the life of your roof. They can also improve energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight and reducing heat absorption. With a roof coating from South East Roof Repairs, you can enhance your roof's durability and save on energy costs.Maintenance Tips: DIY Steps for Roof CareWhile South East Roof Repairs provides professional services, there are also steps you can take to maintain your roof between their visits. Here are some simple maintenance tips:Regular Cleaning: Clearing Debris and Keeping it CleanMake it a habit to clear any debris that accumulates on your roof, such as leaves, branches, and dirt. You can use a soft-bristle broom or a leaf blower to gently remove the debris. Avoid using a pressure washer, as it can damage the roofing materials. Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of moisture and keeps your roof looking tidy. https://preview.redd.it/8555xtgagk3b1.jpg?width=300&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bc2b9dc9e6e26ca585f957108fd0fa67a1fc055b Inspect for Damage: Keeping an Eye Out for IssuesTake the time to inspect your roof for any signs of damage, such as missing shingles, cracked tiles, or loose flashing. Look for any areas where water might be pooling or signs of leaks inside your home. If you notice any problems, it's best to call in the professionals at South East Roof Repairs to assess and fix them.Trim Surrounding Trees: Preventing Potential HazardsOverhanging tree branches can pose a risk to your roof, especially during storms. Trim any branches that are in close proximity to your roof to prevent them from scraping against the surface or causing damage during high winds. Keeping trees trimmed also reduces the amount of debris that falls onto your roof.Clean Gutters: Ensuring Proper Water FlowRegularly clean your gutters to ensure that water can flow freely and avoid backups that can lead to roof and foundation damage. Use a ladder to access your gutters and remove any leaves, twigs, and debris. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, you can rely on the expertise of South East Roof Repairs to take care of it for you.Final Thoughts: A Healthy Roof, A Happy HomeYour roof plays a vital role in protecting your home and everything inside it. By investing in regular cleaning and maintenance, you're not only improving the appearance of your house but also prolonging the lifespan of your roof and preventing costly repairs. South East Roof Repairs is here to assist you with their professional services, ensuring that your roof remains in optimal condition.Remember, a healthy roof means a happy home. So, take the necessary steps to care for your roof, enlist the help of South East Roof Repairs when needed, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a well-maintained and beautiful roof. The Importance of Professional Roof Cleaning and MaintenanceWhile DIY maintenance can be beneficial, there are certain aspects of roof cleaning and maintenance that are best left to the professionals. Here's why hiring South East Roof Repairs for your roof care needs is a wise decision:Expertise and Experience: Leave It to the ProsSouth East Roof Repairs brings years of experience and expertise to the table. Their team of trained professionals understands the intricacies of different roofing systems and knows how to identify potential issues that may go unnoticed by an untrained eye. They have the knowledge and tools necessary to handle any roof cleaning and maintenance job effectively and safely.Time and Convenience: Focus on What Matters Most Maintaining and cleaning your roof can be time-consuming and physically demanding. By hiring South East Roof Repairs, you can save yourself the hassle and free up your time to focus on other important tasks or simply relax and enjoy your day. They will take care of all the necessary work, ensuring that your roof receives the attention it deserves. https://preview.redd.it/ab82918dgk3b1.jpg?width=500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=91a39e56dbeac8132646096b22284cecc3e5d5e9 Safety First: Avoiding Risks and Accidents Working on a roof can be dangerous, especially if you're not accustomed to it. South East Roof Repairsprioritizes safety and employs professionals who are trained in proper safety protocols. They have the necessary equipment, harnesses, and expertise to navigate roofs safely. By leaving the job to them, you can avoid the risks and potential accidents associated with DIY roof maintenance. Comprehensive Services: A Complete Roof Care Package South East Roof Repairs offers a wide range of services to meet all your roof care needs. From thorough inspections to identify any issues to expert cleaning services that remove moss, algae, and debris, they have you covered. They also provide gutter cleaning, roof coating, and prompt repairs, ensuring that your roof receives comprehensive care and attention. Customer Testimonials: Satisfied Homeowners Speak UpDon't just take our word for it. Here are a few testimonials from homeowners who have experienced the benefits of South East Roof Repairs' services:Sarah M. from Brighton: "I couldn't believe the transformation after South East Roof Repairs cleaned my roof. It went from looking old and tired to fresh and vibrant. Not only does it make my house look better, but I also feel more confident in the durability of my roof. Their team was professional, efficient, and left no mess behind. I highly recommend their services!" John D. from Eastbourne: "Thanks to South East Roof Repairs, I discovered a minor leak in my roof during one of their inspections. They fixed it promptly and saved me from potentially major water damage. Their attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction is unmatched. I now have peace of mind knowing that my roof is in good hands." Conclusion: Invest in the Longevity of Your Roof with South East Roof Repairs Your roof is an essential part of your home's structure and deserves regular cleaning and maintenance to stay in optimal condition. By enlisting the services of South East Roof Repairs, you can reap the benefits of a clean and well-maintained roof. From enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your home to extending the lifespan of your roof, improving energy efficiency, and preventing damage, the advantages of regular roof cleaning and maintenance are undeniable. With South East Roof Repairs, you can trust that your roof will be in capable hands, receiving the highest quality of care. So, don't wait until problems arise or the condition of your roof deteriorates. Take proactive steps to ensure the longevity and functionality of your roof. Contact South East Roof Repairs today and let them be your trusted partner in keeping your roof in top shape for years to come. Your home will thank you, and you'll have the peace of mind knowing that your roof is in the hands of experts. |
2023.06.02 10:18 Professional-Row8286 Cozy Retreat: Rustic Bedroom Ideas for an Inviting Space
 | submitted by Professional-Row8286 to DIYMetalFurniture [link] [comments] Cozy Retreat: Rustic Bedroom Ideas for an Inviting Space original article: https://flowyline.com/blogs/for-diy-ers/cozy-retreat-rustic-bedroom-ideas-for-an-inviting-space A bedroom is an important place for us to spend valuable time after a long day. Thus, it’s necessary to look for rustic bedroom ideas in order to renovate and build your own tranquil space. You can totally build a rustic bedroom with a combination of natural materials and warm, earthy tones. By doing that, you can transform your bedroom from a boring bedroom into an inviting and cozy space that you never want to leave. The crucial part of rustic bedroom decor you should know is the natural materials applications. Things like wooden furniture, soft or comfortable linens, and woven rugs are considered great combinations in your bedroom design. They also help you to create a sleek and modern look that connects you to the natural or traditional aesthetic. If you’re still wondering how to incorporate natural elements or build a rustic vibe in your bedroom, these are some useful tips for you: Choosing the Right BedIf you’re a big fan of farmhouse rustic bedroom ideas, choosing the right bed is essential. Here are some elements to think about when you’d like to build the proper bed that matches perfectly for your rustic room.SizeMostly, the size of your bed will depend on your room size. Whether your room is small, you should pick a twin or full-size bed. However, if you have a larger room or medium room, a big-size or large bed is better. Remember that the bigger your bed is, the more space it will require. So you need to carefully calculate the capacity of your room to avoid the difficulty in moving the bed.MaterialBeBesideshe size of the bed, the material also plays an important role in the look and feel of rustic bedroom decor. Most people prefer to choose wood as a main material due to its warmth and texture to the space. You can consider picking a coffee table with metal coffee table legs or a functional table with elegant gold furniture legs. In addition, metal beds can be used in rustic bedrooms, especially if they have a distressed finish.StyleThe style of your bedroom is another factor that helps to complement the overall vibe in your bedroom. There are some common styles of rustic beds that you should know:Platform beds: These beds have a flattened background and typically do not require a box spring to lay on them. Canopy beds: These beds normally have four posts and a frame to support curtains or a canopy. Sleigh beds: Sleigh beds often have a curved headboard and footboard that remind us of a sleigh. When choosing a style, consider the other elements in your bedroom, such as your bedding and decor, to ensure everything works together seamlessly. Overall, selecting the right bed for your farmhouse rustic bedroom ideas is a crucial step in creating a cozy retreat. Consider the size, material, and style of your bed to ensure it fits your needs and complements the overall aesthetic of your space. Warm and Cozy TextilesWhen it comes to creating a cozy retreat in your rustic bedroom ideas, textiles are one of the most important elements. They add warmth, texture, and comfort to the space, making it feel inviting and relaxing. Here are some ideas for incorporating warm and cozy textiles into your rustic bedroom:BeddingYour bedding is the centerpiece of your bedroom, so it's important to choose something that is both comfortable and visually appealing. Look for bedding made from natural materials like cotton, linen, or wool, as these materials are breathable and soft. Consider layering different textures and patterns to create a cozy, inviting look.Throws and PillowsThrows and pillows are an easy way to add texture and warmth to your bedroom. Look for pillows and throws made from soft, cozy materials like wool, faux fur, or chenille. Consider mixing and matching different textures and patterns to create a layered look and fit your rustic bedroom ideas.RugsRugs are another important element when it comes to creating a cozy retreat in your bedroom. Look for rugs made from natural materials like wool or jute, as these materials are durable and add warmth to the space. Consider layering different rugs to create a cozy, inviting look.Overall, incorporating warm and cozy textiles into your rustic bedroom is a great way to create a space that is inviting and relaxing. By layering different textures and patterns, you can create a cozy retreat that feels like a warm hug. |
2023.06.02 09:33 comfortspace1 Private Balcony Room 💰 Next To Jaya One 💥
 | Lee 60133914903 submitted by comfortspace1 to u/comfortspace1 [link] [comments] Whatsapp: https://appoin.me/lee_tLgH Room Detail: https://appoin.me/rooms_18JJy This Room Have Private Balcony ! You can Now have your morning Coffee there! Can Use the Space for Gardening Wake Up with Unblocked Good View In House Dobby ! We Have Dryer & Washer in The House ! Save Your Time for Your Loved One! Whatsapp For Video before its too late! Hotel Standard Queen Bed ! Location : Pacific Star Condominium Enjoy PJ's Foods, Convenience and Activities Included Special Perks : - Dryer & Washer - 100% Full Signal Wifi - Remote Work With Peace - Cleaning Included : - Fan - Wardrobe - Premium Study Table - Office Roller Chair - 10 inch Good Quality Matress - Air Cond Facility : - Swimming Pool - Gym - 24 hours Security - 7 Eleven Amenity - Beside Jaya One (Mr Diy, Restaurants, Bouldering, Gym etc) - Beside Gasket Alley - 1km to SS2 Retail Shop - 1.5km to Uni Malaya - 1.5km to Asia Jaya Lrt - 1.5 km to Phileo Damansara Lrt - 200 M to Columbia Hospital ... |
2023.06.02 09:26 clmmgmt Premium fully furnished single room for rent in Taman Mas Puchong
 | rachel 60142349006 submitted by clmmgmt to u/clmmgmt [link] [comments] Whatsapp: https://appoin.me/rachel_0gVY Room Detail: https://appoin.me/rooms_VnuQf Premium fully furnished Single room for rent in Taman Mas Puchong RM500/month -Fully Furnished room with single bed, mattress, table, chair, wardrobe, Air cond, fan, lights -Kitchen comes with refrigerator, microwave, induction cooker, water filter, thermo water hotpot, washing machine, kitchen cabinet -We also providing iron board and iron in common area -Suitable for working adult -24/7 security guard safety guaranteed -Tenant can enjoy condo facilities such as swimming pool, gym, squash, bbq area, yoga deck and more -Walking distance to bus station, hawker stalls, Mr Diy , shops, restaurants and more -Approx 5-10mins driving to Taman Perindustian Puchong, Bukit Puchong, Puchong Utama, Puchong Prima, Meranti Jaya and more Bonus *Free High Speed Internet *Utilities included(except air cond usage) *Cleaning service provided Limited room available. First come first serve basis Whatsapp now ... |