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MIKEM Leavening Agent Description
The leavening agent is made from wheat flour. It can decompose when heated and then generate the gas. Then, a dense porous structure can be formed, which makes the related product bulkier, softer, and crisp.
This product an odorless white powder, stable in dry air, and can be dispersed in water. Its aqueous solution is alkaline.
Leavening agents are naturally present in high-quality yeast in various forms. In addition to a lengthy application history, it is non-toxic, cost-effective, easy to obtain, and has good processability.
Leavening agents can be divided into three categories: inorganic leavening agents, organic leavening agents, and biological leavening agents. Inorganic leavening agents have the following properties: ①Low dose can produce more gas; ② The gas generation speed in the cold dough is slow, but faster when heating; ③its decomposition products do not affect the quality of products such as flavor and color.
Leavening agents play an essential role in food production. It can help food produce soft, spongy, porous tissue, making it delicious and expanded in dimension. Besides, it can make saliva quickly penetrate the tissues of the product during the chewing process, thereby exposing the soluble substances in the product and stimulating the taste nerves to reflect the flavor of the food promptly. When food enters the stomach, various digestive enzymes can quickly join the food tissue, so that the food is easily and rapidly absorbed to avoid nutrient loss. It is extensively used to produce flour-based baked goods, including cakes, biscuits, bread, and steam buns.

domain: agronomy


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The steel liner size designs by the PVC profile in side, then could max add Wind pressure resistance moment of inertia. Which will let the hardware fitting perfectly contact with steel liner, the doors and windows are strong and durable.


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Nigeria exit: Shoprite decries low patronage, devaluation
Naira devaluation and lower sales, especially as a result of the anti-xenophobic attacks on its shops may have influenced the initial report of Shoprite leaving Nigeria.
The South African group which has 25 stores across eight states in the nation (including the Federal Capital Territory) reportedly announced its exit from the Nigerian market on Tuesday.
The company in three of its most recent reports had hinted some challenges it was experiencing in the country, which includes currency devaluation and low sales.
Xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa, especially Nigerians, in September 2019 had resulted on attacks in Shoprite outlets in Nigeria in the act of retaliation.
The incident had ultimately led to lower sale figures in the country, as indicated by the retail company in its recent operational results.
The company also highlighted the impact of the naira devaluation on its business in the report. The Central Bank of Nigeria recently has been technically devaluing the Nigeria naira as the market continues to defy its interventions.
Shoprite stated in its 'unaudited results for the 26 weeks to 29 December 2019' that:
"With regards to Nigeria, the impact of store closures and subsequent reduction in customer count, both during and after the September Xenophobic attacks, resulted in a difficult half with sales declining by 8.1 per cent in constant currency terms.
"Zambia is [performing well with sales in constant currency growing by 14.7 per cent. Since the first store opened in Kenya 2018, additional three stores have been opened".
Also, in its 'Operational update for the quarter ending September 2019', Shoprite stated;
Naira devaluation and low sales is likely to push Shoprite out of the Nigerian market
"The supermarkets non-RSA segment has seen no change to the difficult operating environment articulated in our recent results.
"Currency devaluations have continued, and our Nigerian business had a particularly challenging quarter marred by xenophobic attacks. Overall our supermarkets non-RSA segment's sales declined by 4.9 per cent.
"Management is assessing the performance of the supermarkets in non-RSA segment, with specific reference to the group's return on capital invested in Africa.
In its recent report on Nigeria which was titled, "Operational and voluntary trading update (52 weeks ended 28 June 2020), the group through its head office in South Africa expressed its intention to leave the Nigeria market.
Shoprite Holdings Ltd Operational and voluntary trading update (52 weeks ended 28 June 2020) page 1
A part of it reads, "Following approaches from various potential investors, and in line with our re-evaluation of the group's operation model in Nigeria, the board has decided to initiate a formal process to consider the potential sale of all, or majority stake in Retail Supermarkets Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Shoprite International Limited".
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Joint statement by the Council and the Commission on "stablecoins"
The Council and the EC adopted the following statement:
1. Technological innovation can produce great economic benefits for the financial sector, promoting competition and financial inclusion, broadening consumer choice, increasing efficiency and delivering cost savings for financial institutions and the economy at large.
2. So-called "stablecoins" may present opportunities in terms of cheap and fast payments, especially cross-border payments. At the same time, these arrangements pose multifaceted challenges and risks related for example to consumer protection, privacy, taxation, cyber security and operational resilience, money laundering, terrorism financing, market integrity, governance and legal certainty. When a "stablecoin" initiative has the potential to reach a global scale, these concerns are likely to be amplified and new potential risks to monetary sovereignty, monetary policy, the safety and efficiency of payment systems, financial stability, and fair competition can arise.
3. As underlined by the recent report of the G7 working group dedicated to these issues, global "stablecoin" projects and arrangements should not come into operation until all of these risks and concerns are properly addressed. We reaffirm our willingness to appropriately tackle the challenges raised by these initiatives on the basis of an EU common understanding and coordinated approach. These initiatives should not undermine existing financial and monetary order as well as monetary sovereignty in the European Union.
4. There is a need to ensure legal clarity about the status of "stablecoin" arrangements. Some recent projects of global dimension have provided insufficient information on how precisely they intend to manage risks and operate their business. This lack of adequate information makes it very difficult to reach definitive conclusions on whether and how the existing EU regulatory framework applies. Entities that intend to issue "stablecoins", or carry out other activities involving "stablecoins" in the EU should provide full and adequate information urgently to allow for a proper assessment against the applicable existing rules.
5. Tackling the challenges raised by "global stablecoins" requires a coordinated global response. The risks raised by "stablecoin" arrangements should be subject to clear and proportionate regulatory and oversight frameworks, established on a sound evidence base and based on general principles and applicable to all "stablecoin" arrangements. Consistent with the global response, the Council and the Commission are willing to act swiftly, in cooperation with the ECB and with national and European Supervisory Authorities. This approach should include consultation and development of the evidence base as precursors to potentially developing new legislation for a common EU approach to crypto-assets, including "stablecoins". While the Council and the Commission are committed to put in place a framework that will harness the potential opportunities that crypto-assets may offer, we acknowledge the risks that some present. The Council and the Commission are prepared to take all necessary measures to ensure appropriate standards of consumer protection and orderly monetary and financial conditions. All options should be on the table, including any measures to prevent the creation of unmanageable risks by certain global "stablecoins".
6. In view of the above, the Council and the Commission state that no global "stablecoin" arrangement should begin operation in the European Union until the legal, regulatory and oversight challenges and risks have been adequately identified and addressed.
7. The emergence of "stablecoin" initiatives highlight the importance of continuous improvements to payment arrangements in order to meet market and consumer expectations for convenient, fast, efficient and inexpensive payments – especially cross-border. While European payment systems have already made significant progress, European payment actors, including payment services providers, also have a key role to play in this respect. We note that the ECB and other central banks and national competent authorities will explore further the ongoing digital transformation of the payment system and, in particular, the consequences of initiatives such as "stablecoins". We welcome that central banks in cooperation with other relevant authorities continue to assess the costs and benefits of central bank digital currencies as well as engage with European payment actors regarding the role of the private sector in meeting expectations for efficient, fast and inexpensive cross-border payments.
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domain: finance


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Say ‘hello’ to Lost in Detroit. A historical spa, a masonic temple for dancing, a warehouse for book lovers, daytime parties at abandoned spaces and an empty zoo…Get lost in the comeback city.
Lost In Magazine features 68 technicolour pages filled with tips on: Eating, Drinking, Shopping, Partying, Outdoor activities and wellness. Includes 5 long-form interviews with celebrated locals on their relationship with Istanbul and their absolute favourite spots, a selection of the hottest places to visit in two of the city’s most charismatic neighbourhoods and a selection of our top picks for the entire city.
Lost In Magazine (formerly known as 38HOURS magazine) works closely with local bloggers, journalists and photographers from the featured cities. The interviews, in-depth stories and photographic showcase present the city from a locals perspective. Lost In Magazine is about the value and worth of the experience. It is about the smell, taste, feel, sound and sight that such experiences conjure up. This guide will serve to hone sensitivities and improve the level of engagement with this emerging city. Joseph Djenandji and Philipp Majcher founded 38HOURS Magazine in 2013 (which became Lost In Magazine in 2016). Through prior experience building Groupon’s travel channel in Europe, a great passion for travelling and frustration with the lack of innovation in online travel companies led them to build Lost In Magazine. The Lost In city guides are curated by locals.
Includes 5 long-form interviews with celebrated locals on their relationship with Detroit and their absolute favourite spots
A selection of the hottest places to visit in two of the city’s most charismatic neighbourhoods
A selection of our top picks for the entire city
An in-depth story about Detroit’s famous Coneys by Margot Guicheteau
A photo showcase about urban walls by Eleanor Oakes
An original piece of experimental fiction by Isaac Pickell
Details: Lost in Detroit – The Travel Guide
68 pages, 21 x 16 cm

domain: library


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Article Title: Mechanism of aspirin-induced inhibition on the secondary hyperalgesia in osteoarthritis model rats
Figure Lengend Snippet: Effect of ASA on ASIC3 expression in DRG. (A–F) Fluorescence microscope image of FB- (A, D), ASIC3- (B, E) labeled DRG neurons and their overlay (C, F) 3 weeks after MIA injection (1 week after FB injection). Arrowheads (white) indicate ASIC3 positive cells in FB-labeled neurons and yellow arrows indicate ASIC3 negative cells in FB-labeled neurons innervating the knee joint. Scale bar: 100 μm. (G) Effect of ASA on ASIC3 expression in DRG. ASIC3 expression was counted in FB-labeled neurons in L3-4 DRGs and quantified as the percentage of total FB-labeled neurons. Means ± S.E.M, N = 4–6, ∗: p
Article Snippet: After washing with 0.1 M PBS (pH 7.4), sections were incubated at 4 °C overnight with rabbit anti-ASIC3 antibody (1:500, Alomone Labs, Jerusalem, Israel).
Techniques: Expressing, Fluorescence, Microscopy, Labeling, Injection

domain: medical


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For had ye believed Moses
The doctrine of Moses, and what he says in his writings:
ye would have believed me;
for there is an agreement between Moses and Christ; Christ is the end of the law of Moses, and in him is the accomplishment of his writings:
for he wrote of me;
in the books written by him, Christ is spoken of, as the seed of the woman, that should bruise the serpent's head; as the seed of Abraham, in whom all nations of the earth should be blessed; as the Shiloh, to whom the gathering of the people should be; and as that prophet, who should be like unto himself, to whom the people of Israel should hearken; and he wrote many things typically of Christ; and indeed, the whole Mosaic economy was typical of Christ, as the epistle to the Hebrews shows: and therefore disbelieving Christ, was disbelieving Moses; who therefore would be an accuser of them, and a witness against them.

domain: literature


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Welcome to Paul's new website
Please note that this site is still under construction, and your patience and understanding will be appreciated.
Paul is now practising at Field Court Chambers in Gray's Inn, having left the Chambers of Ami Feder in Lamb Building, Temple, in August 2011. Together with 5 other accredited mediators from LADR (Lamb Building ADR), and 6 other Civil practitioners he joined 5 Field Court Chambers, in Gray’s Inn, and is now leading their Field Court Mediation panel.
Following a year of extensive travel in 2012, which involved Paul speaking at Conferences and conducting mediation training in Jordan, South Africa, Albania, Croatia, Romania and Portugal, Paul is now hoping to concentrate more on his mediation practice in the UK.
Paul was a Keynote Speaker at The International Trusts Disputes Conference in December 2012. His presentation on Applying Psychology to Trusts Disputes was much acclaimed.
Click on the following link to see Paul's article on Mediation for Workplace Disputes in the HR & Training Journal (Winter 2012 Edition page 105):
News in 2012
Paul was a speaker at the 25th International Conference on Conflict Management in Cape Town. He was part of the Tutu Foundation UK delegation and spoke about the similarities between the African "Ubuntu" philosophy and the European 'Existential' philosophies which underpin his Mediation courses at Regent's College
Paul's book was translated into Romanian, and has now been published in Romania. The book has also been published in Russia, Israel, and Hungary. For details of his book, please click here
Paul has headed two mediation courses for the Tutu Foundation UK, in June and October 2012, for senior NHS Executives. The October course coincided with Archbishop Desmond Tutu's visit to the UK.
Paul has travelled extensively in 2012, training Judges and senior lawyers in Albania,Romania, and Jordan. He will be continuing to conduct training for Judges and Lawyers at the Albanian Foundation for Conflict Resolution (AFCR), and on behalf of the United Nations Development Program and the UN Joint Programme on Economic Governance, Regulatory Reform and Pro Poor Development. (for further details click here).
Paul is a highly successful mediator, with an established career as a Barrister, and many years' experience mediating in a large number and wide variety of disputes. He is known for his patience and perseverence in resolving the most intractable of disputes. He is also a highly skilled trainer, as well as a knowledgeable speaker, particularly on the psychological aspects of conflict, having written a book and countless articles on the subject.
Click here to download a full Mediation ProfilePsychological Expertise
Paul has developed a special expertise in the psychology of conflict, enablling him effectively to handle the emotional and psychological blockages that so frequently arise in disputes.
Paul is rapidly becoming one of the most in-demand speakers on mediation and in particular on the psychology of conflict. He has given presentations on all aspects of Mediation at conferences in the UK, Europe and Asia to a wide variety of professional and non-professional audiences. (for more information click here)
Involvement in Mediation Organisations
Paul is on the Board of the Civil Mediation Council, and chairs its Communications Committee. He is a member of the Bar Council ADR Committee, the International Bar Association Mediation Committee, the Professional Standards Committee of the College of Mediators - and several other prominent mediation organisations. This enables him to be constantly at the forefront of developments in the mediation world.
Paul is one of the most experienced and skilled mediation trainers in the UK. having trained and accredited well over 1,000 mediators in the UK and in Europe. His training is conducted through the School of Psychotherapy and Counselling, Regent’s College, London, as well as through the Slynn Foundation and his Chambers at Field Court. (For more info click here)
Paul's book, Mediation - A Psychological Insight into Conflict Resolution, co-written with Dr Freddie Strasser, has received wide acclaim. (For more info, click here)
Paul has also written and had published numerous articles on mediation. (click here for articles)

domain: law


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Ground Gas Barrier System
- Expert Ground Gas Protection: Newton, in partnership with A. Proctor Group, offers high-performance Ground Gas Barrier Systems across the UK. These BBA Certified gas membranes safeguard against Radon, Carbon Dioxide, and Methane while also serving as effective damp-proof membranes.
- Certified Gas Protection: A. Proctor Group’s gas membranes, available through Newton, ensure comprehensive protection against harmful gases. With BBA certification, they’re proven effective against Radon, Carbon Dioxide, and Methane, doubling as reliable damp-proof membranes.
- Dual-Purpose Gas Barriers: The ground gas barriers from A. Proctor Group, supplied by Newton, provide dual functionality. Not only do they protect against Radon, Carbon Dioxide, and Methane, but they also serve as efficient damp-proof membranes, offering a versatile solution for various applications.
A. Proctor Group are experts in ground gas protection systems. As partners of the Scotland-based company, Newton can supply their range of high-performance ground gas barriers across the UK. A. Proctor Group’s two main gas membranes are both BBA Certified and protect against Radon, Carbon Dioxide and Methane. Both membranes can also be used as a damp proof membrane.

domain: chemistry


The BMW X3 facelift is expected to debut in Europe next year, and will retain its rivalry with the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Audi Q5
BMW confirmed its plans of launching a fully-electric version of the X3 called the iX3 just over a month ago, and now there is news of a mid-life facelift of the compact luxury crossover SUV being spied on test wearing minimal camouflage. The third-gen X3 was debuted in June 2017, and is surely in need of a makeover.
The BMW X3 LCI (G01) will likely retain its bodywork, however, is expected to feature new bumpers and even redesigned headlamps and tail lights. This is the reason that the camouflage can be seen on the front bumper and the rear bumper only, while the rest is seen without any cover.
Since it’s just a facelift, we do not expect the BMW SUV to feature the latest iteration of its kidney grille as seen on the upcoming 4 Series. However, it could be tweaked a bit to look fresher. The small wheels and the round exhaust tips suggest that this is possibly an entry-level variant of the upcoming X3 facelift, but rest assured, the top-end X3 M will also be updated.
Inside the cabin, no major changes are expected to be made, since it’s just a facelift. However, BMW could offer fresh trim options with some new features as well as an updated version of its iDrive system. The X3 facelift is not expected to be revealed this year, and will likely only debut sometime in 2021 in Europe.
As of now, BMW retails the X3 in India in two trims i.e. xDrive 30i Luxury Line (petrol) and xDrive 20d Luxury Line (diesel), priced at Rs 60.5 lakh and Rs 60.9 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively. The former is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that belts out 252 hp of maximum power, along with 350 Nm of peak torque.
On the other hand, xDrive 20d Luxury Line gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder oil burner with a power output of 190 hp, and a 400 Nm peak torque rating. Transmission duties on both the engines are handled by an 8-speed automatic transmission.


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Historic Hood River
“Early Day Indians”
[ed. note: updated May 1 2012 with information about the location and photographer]
I wish we knew more about this image. It has two notes on the back: “Early Day Indians” and “Mark Weygandt Comes West.” It certainly seems like it was taken by a professional photographer. I suspect it to be the work of one of the well known photographers who traveled our region in the 19th century, but the only published version of it I can find was from the copy in our collection.
Mark Weygandt was a well know guide on Mount Hood. He was born in 1880 and lived in Parkdale. I am unaware of any involvement of his with Native Americans.
Can anyone identify the spot, the photographer, or add any insight into this image?
And we have an answer! HHR reader Tim has sent me a photo and a great story which solve our mystery. He sent me another photo with many of the same people, but his is clearly labelled “F.H. Howell” and “Bluffs of Topkuk”. Topkok is near Nome, Alaska, along the Iditarod trail. F.H. Howell is well known for documenting Nome and the 1906 Alaska gold rush– many of his photos are at the University of Washington archives. Tim’s grandfather and great grandfather were in Nome trying unsuccessfully to recover gold from a sunken ship off Nome, and he ran across this HHR post while researching the SS Alameda.
Solve one mystery, uncover another: how did this photo of Native Alaskans near Nome wind up in our history museum, with Mark Weygandt’s name on it?

domain: geography


Looking after your motorcycles chain:
A quick guide to inspection, cleaning, and adjustment.
How often should I lube my motorcycle chain?
For road bikes, we suggest once a week if you use your bike every day. For off-road/motocross bikes it’s much more regular as the conditions will strip the chains dry. We suggest every ride and certainly after every wash. With any bike you want to ideally apply chain lube and don’t ride the bike for 30 minutes or more. This will give it time to dry in.
Can I use WD40, Spark, Q20 or similar on my motorcycle chain?
The short answer is NO. These products are good if you want to clean chain lube and dirt off your chain. It’s terrible if you want to lube it. It’s so thin that it will fling straight off. If you’re on a road bike it’ll fling straight all over your clothes and your back tyre. Use a proper chain lube. It comes out of the can thin, penetrates the chain and thickens out as it dries on.
How do I know if I need to change my chain?
If you’re out of adjustment, it is a general rule that you need to change your chain. Also if you can pull your chain off the rear sprocket and there’s a gap it’s time to change. Fitting a good chain onto old sprockets is asking for trouble.
Follow your bike manufacturer’s specifications for both chain tension and how to ensure proper chain alignment.
While replacing a chain is not all that complicated, having the chain replaced by a trained professional is often a very good idea. Master link installation is absolutely critical and securing the master link can be accomplished by riveting (requiring special tools), screw type master link or clip-type. Installing the Z-Rings and lubricating the pins goes along with proper maintenance.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD CHAINS BE INSPECTED AND ADJUSTED?
Depending on how aggressively you ride, chains should be inspected every 500-800 kilometres, or roughly twice a month.
Dirt Bikes and Quads, just about every ride…
WHAT ITEMS WILL I NEED ON HAND FOR CHAIN MAINTENANCE?
Keep the following items on hand:
- Various spanners.
- A soft brush, or, simpler, your other halfs toothbrush.
- An O-ring friendly chain cleaner (if, like most chains, yours is of an o-ring, Z-Ring type.)
- O-ring friendly chain lubricant (again, if applicable.)
- A new cotter pin (when adjusting the chain tension.)
- Rags (for wiping grime off the chain.)
- A rubber mallet (optional.)
- A rear wheel/paddock stand (optional.)
- A tape measure (optional.)
HOW TO INSPECT A MOTORCYCLE CHAIN
Using a tape measure (or visual estimation, if necessary), grab the chain at a point halfway between the front and rear sprockets, and pull it up and down. The chain should be able to move roughly two and a half centimetres up and the same down. If your motorcycle is on a rear stand or centre stand, note that the swingarm will drop if the wheel is lifted from the ground, which will affect the rear geometry and the tension in the chain; compensate accordingly, if necessary, this is generally why a rear paddock stand is preferred as it will essentially keep the chain under the same tension as though the wheel were on the surface carrying its normal load and allowing for more accuracy – for road bikes, get yourself a paddock stand, they really aren’t that expensive.
Because motorcycle chains can stiffen in certain spots and stay pliable in others, it’s important to roll the bike forward (or turn the rear wheel if it’s on a stand) and check all sections of the chain. If it moves more than about 2.5cm, the chain will need tightening, and if it’s too tight, loosening will be in order; this is outlined in subsequent steps. If individual chain links are too tight, the chain might need replacement.
NOTE: DON’T GET YOUR FAT FINGERS ANYWHERE NEAR THE SPROCKETS.
INSPECT YOUR MOTORCYCLE’S SPROCKETS
Front and rear sprocket teeth are good indicators of maladjusted chains; inspect the teeth to make sure they are meshing well with the chain. If the sides of the teeth are worn, chances are they haven’t been mating well with the chain (which probably shows corresponding wear.) Wave-shaped, (the peaks are rolled over), teeth wear is another irregularity that might suggest that you need new sprockets. It is essential to replace both your front and rear sprockets when replacing your chain as worn or misshapen sprocket teeth will destroy your brand new chain very quickly.
CLEAN YOUR MOTORCYCLE CHAIN
Whether or not your chain needs adjusting, you’ll want to keep it clean and well-lubricated. Most modern chains have some kind of seal which uses rubber components and are sensitive to certain solvents. Make sure you use an o-ring or similar approved cleaning agent when you spray the chain and sprockets or use a soft brush to apply the cleaner.
WIPE OFF EXCESS GRIME
Next, you’ll want to wipe off the excess grime using a rag or towel, which will create a clean surface that’s friendlier to lubricants. Be sure to thoroughly reach all the sprocket teeth and chain links by rolling the rear wheel (or the entire bike, if it’s not on a stand.). Be extremely careful if you decide to use a high pressure washer to clean your chain as they can cut through or blow the rubber seals out and significantly shorten the lifespan of your chain – it is advisable not to use high pressure cleaners on your chains
LUBRICATE YOUR CHAIN
While rotating the wheel, evenly spray a layer of lubricant across the chain as it runs along the sprockets. Be sure to also spray the bottom of the rear sprocket, where the lubricant can spread across the chain from the inside using centrifugal force, and penetrate the entirety of the chain. Wipe off excess lubricant with a rag.
ADJUST CHAIN TENSION, IF NECESSARY
Chain tension is generally determined by the distance between the front and rear sprockets, and most bikes have index marks on the swingarm to help with alignment.
Bikes have differing chain adjustment mechanisms, and in general, the rear axle and wheel move forward or backward in order to set chain tension. Single-sided swingarms usually have an eccentric cam which sets the position of the rear axle; other more traditional designs feature hexagonal-headed inner nuts to move the axle and an outer one to lock and unlock it.
When chain tension is properly set, it should be able to move up and down between approximately 1 inch (2 and a bit CM’s). Make sure that the index marks on the swingarm correlate.
TIGHTEN THE REAR AXLE
Once you’ve moved the rear axle, make sure that both sides are aligned perfectly before tightening, since not doing so can prematurely wear both the chain and the sprockets. Evenly tighten the axle nut(s) and replace the cotter pin with a new one.
More on types of chain next week.


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Rosa’s Sausage and Tomato Sauce
February 1, 2011
Winter is a good time for hearty pastas drenched in rich and dense sauces, and this sausage and tomato sauce is one of my favorites. I’m not big on plain tomato sauce unless the fruit is just-picked, perfectly ripe, and barely cooked. One of the reasons I love this sauce is that once the tomato is cooked with sausage, grated zucchini, and fresh rosemary, and then doused with cream, the tomato flavor plays only a bit part.
My friend Rosa is one of those women who can make or bake anything to perfection, and her prowess in the kitchen is enviable. Recipes gush out of her like uncorked spumanti, and I only wish I could remember half of those she’s shared with me — or make them half as well as she does. We’re often cooking or eating when she shares those recipes, so they end up scribbled on napkins or paper scraps. I’m lucky if I get all the ingredients down, much less the quantities. I doubt my version of this sauce tastes as good as hers, and I’ve surely adjusted the quantities to fit my tastes (heavy on the meat and rosemary), but it usually turns out good all the same.
This last time, however, something wasn’t quite right. Since I was hoping to turn it into a post, I called up Rosa and ran through the list of ingredients. She assured me I was in the ballpark with the quantities, and we decided that it must have been the sausage that wasn’t quite up to the quality needed for the quantity I used in a meat-based sauce. (I usually use our favorite link sausages, but I didn’t have any on hand, so I settled for bulk sausage at the local market.) The sauce wasn’t terrible by any means, it just wasn’t amazing. (The leftovers were already better than the original dinner, though, likely due to the flavors melding with the pasta and the addition of a little more cream while reheating.)
Starting with good sausage is key, and find the freshest rosemary you can (since it’s going to fall apart into the sauce, use only the softer tips). Even though the tomatoes play a supporting role, if they’re not good tomatoes, you’ll know. Unless it’s the middle of a sun-kissed tomato season here in Oregon, I strictly use imported tomatoes in sauce.
(Kathleen’s version of) Rosa’s Sugo di Salsiccia e Pomodoro
- 1/2 onion, chopped small
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 – 1 pound good sausage, ground
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 small to medium zucchini, grated
- 4 tips fresh rosemary, each about 3″ long
- 1 28 ounce can Italian tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1 pound hearty pasta, such as penne rigate or rustic linguini
- fresh-grated Parmigiano
Saute the onion in the oil. As you’ll be adding additional fat with the sausage, you need only enough oil to coat the onion, but if it’s not coated, add a bit more.
Meanwhile, grate the zucchini. When the wine has mostly evaporated from the sausage mix, add the zucchini and rosemary and cook until the zucchini is soft.
Add the tomatoes and their juice, mash well, and cook until the liquid created by the zucchini and the tomato water condenses. Once you’re sure the sausage has cooked (shouldn’t be more than 10 minutes into this stage), taste for salt and add if needed. The quantity will depend on how seasoned your sausage is.
Start your pasta water boiling if you haven’t already.
Because of the moisture in the zucchini and tomatoes, this sauce can easily take 45 minutes to condense. This could help you pass the time:
When the oil starts pooling on top of the mix, you’re nearly there. Once you’re sure your sauce is almost ready, cook your pasta al dente.
Strain the pasta, add the cream to the sauce, and toss it all together with the pasta. Serve with freshly-grated Parmigiano and a bottle of hearty red wine.
Unless you like your pasta swimming in sauce, this recipe makes enough for up to 8 servings (2 pounds of pasta). Keeps refrigerated for 4 or so days or frozen for 30. Add a little cream when reheating leftovers to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Buon Appetito ~

domain: food


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Since then a few more great books have been published, helping us to explain to our children about the day when Australians stop to remember those who died that we might be free. I've added these books here, and updated the lists. All of the books are available from the Readings links, I believe.
Lest We Forget.
A Day to Remember - The Story of Anzac Day by Jackie French is the story of Anzac Day through the years, beginning with the very first Anzac Day in 1915 and continuing right up to the current day...and beyond. Written by Jackie French, who many will recognise as an author of many excellent living Australian history books, this beautifully illustrated book does a terrific job of explaining that while we remember the soldiers who died, we do not glorify the fighting.
One for older children, Jemimah raised many interesting questions after we read this book.
Lone Pine by Susie Brown and Margaret Warner
A magnificently illustrated book, this story for younger children tells the story of the Lone Pine at the War Memorial in Canberra. The pine - a descendant from the sole remaining pine on the ridge near the Anzac trenches in the Gallipoli campaign - was sent home as a pine cone by a young soldier, Benjamin Smith, to his mother in NSW. When Benjamin"s younger brother, Mark is killed during the fighting, his mother plants the seeds. Two trees survive. One of them commemorates Mark's life, as well as the lives of all young Australian soldiers taken too young.
The Red Poppy by David Hill
The story of young New Zealander, soldier, Jim McLeod, fighting the Germans on the Western Front in France where the red poppies that are now synonymous with Remembrance Day grow.When the allies charge across no-man's-land, Jim is shot ...and finds himself trapped in a deep shell hole face to face with an enemy soldier. And there, with them in the hole, is the red poppy, symbolising hope...and friendship.
The Red Poppy also comes with a CD of the song ‘Little Red Poppy’ written by Canadian Rob Kennedy. It was after hearing this song that David Hill was inspired to write this story.
Do Not Forget Australia by Sally Murphy and Sonia Kretschmar
Another one about the war on the Western Front, this book tells the story of the bond between France and Australia formed on the battlefields of Villers-Bretonneux in 1918. More that 2000 soldiers are buried in the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, including 770 Australians.
I went to visit the Memorial in 1985, and the appreciation that the local people had for us as Aussies was heart warming. They have certainly never forgotten Australia. Strangely enough, though, the story of the war that was fought here, and the contributions made by Australians, is little known here at home. This delightful story of two young boys - one in Melbourne, and the other in France - will go some way towards changing that.
Photographs in the Mud by Dianne Wolfer and Brian Harrison-Lever
Photographs in the Mud by Diane Wolfer, beautifully illustrated by Brian Harrison-Lever. This book tells the stories, side by side, of Aussie soldier Jim and Japanese soldier Hoshi, both sent to fight on New Guinea's notorious Kododa Trail. Though fighting on opposing sides, it doesn't take long for us to realise that these men's stories are both the same.
Then the two soldiers meet. And fight...
There is no romanticising of war in this story. I thoroughly recommend this one.
My Mother's Eyes by Mark Wilson
The story of William, a sixteen year old boy who lies about his age in order to enlist for the War to End All Wars.
Twenty three teenage soldiers fought in World War I, and those that paid the ultimate price, like William, are listed on the Australian War Memorial's Roll of Honour.
You'll shed a tear over this one.
My Grandad Marches on Anzac Day by Catriona Hoy.
I blogged about this book here. It is my pick of Anzac Day books for kids 4-8.
This is what I wrote about it then:
In the story, Anzac Day is seen through the eyes of a young girl who rises early on Anzac Day to watch her grandad march in the Anzac Day parade. She shares her day in a realistic way, and Jemimah can easily relate to the little girl and her experiences. She can also relate to the little girl's grandad. She can sense his pride. She can also begin to understand a little about the thousands of man and women who didn't make it home.I cried when I read this one as well.
My grandad marches...to remember them.
I thoroughly recommend this book. It is one of our family's favourites. It also started our ANZAC Day hot chocolate tradition!!
Anzac Day Parade by New Zealanders, Glenda Kane and Lisa Allen is a new one to me.
It is a story in rhyme of war through the eyes of a former member of the 18th Battalion. An elderly veteran tells a young boy not of the glories of war and death; but the reality of war as he remembers it.
This one is on my list...
Simpson and his Donkey by Mark Greenwood
This is an excellent retelling of the classic story of John Simpson Kirkpatrick and his donkey, Duffy,and how the pair rescued over 300 men over only 24 days during the campaign at Gallipoli.
The little known story of how he rescues the playmate of his childhood is also told in this book.
Read The Book Chook's review of this one here.
Memorial by Gary Crew
Down by the war memorial monument in the main street of our small country town are two oak trees planted by the ex-servicemen on their return from war. They commemorate the men who died in the Two World Wars.
Lest We Forget.
Our trees are badly stressed by the long drought, but they are lovingly tended by the Council gardeners and they show pleasing signs of regeneration. I love our trees.
There is a tree planted by the war memorial monument in the small country town that the young lad that narrates Memorial lives in as well. His was planted when Old Pa came home from Ypres in 1918. Only his tree is causing grief. It is big and unruly. It is lifting the bitumen and drops seeds on cars. It obscures the traffic lights and it is knocking the statue over. It is a traffic hazard.
And now they want to cut the tree down.
Angel of Kokoda by Mark Wilson
Kari's teacher at the mission school house on the banks of the Kusumi River, Sister Mary, has disappeared. A message in her music box suggests to Kari that he might find her at Kokoda.
But Kari doesn't find his teacher, he finds soldiers - Australian soldiers covered in mud and wearing big hats.
"You see Sister Mary?" he asks. "Sorry Mate," is the reply from a young Aussie.
Suddenly a huge bomb rips through the quiet jungle. A battle rages and the Australians retreat. As they leave Kari comes across his friend lying wounded in a ditch.
Together they make the perilous journey to safety along the Kokoda Track. The young Australian thinks he has seen an angel. A Fuzzy Wuzzy Angel.
During the Pacific War of World War II, the Kokoda Track was the site of terrible battles between the Imperial Japanese Army and the Allied troops. The New Guinean villagers who assisted the troops became known as the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels. This is the story of one of them.
Yep - cried in this one as well.
Why are they marching, Daddy? by Di Burke
Written to explain the traditions of Anzac Day to children as young as four, this book is the work of the wonderful Anzac Day Commemoration Committee of Queensland.
Madi is watching the parade with her father. "Why are they marching, Daddy?" she asks. Madi's father tells his daughter the story of Anzac.
He talks about war too: "Is war bad?" asks Madi... Daddy answers by talking about the good and bad. The reasons and the consequences. He talks about freedom. This little book addresses the big issues simply and clearly. It's a great book to talk about what we are commemorating on the 25th April every year.
The House that Was Built in a Day - Anzac Cottage by Valeria Everett
Arise, arise, Anzac Cottage is to be built today!
The true story of the community of Mount Hawthorn in Western Australia, who united to build a house that would serve as both a home for a wounded soldier, and a memorial to the Anzac landings.
When the town crier awoke the suburb at 3.30 am on the 12th February 1916, hundreds of men responded to the call. They set out working from sun-up to sun-down, in a race against the clock, to build the cottage in a single day.


Maybe a mechanic or your car fanatic cousin used terms like “2 cycle engine” or “4-stroke engine,” leaving you scratching your head. Cycles and strokes describe. 4-stroke motors differ in their piston movement, as it features 1 compression stroke, a return stroke, an exhaust stroke, and another return stroke. The purpose. Because combustion takes place with each revolution of the crankshaft with a 2-stroke, this format puts out more power than a 4-stroke engine and the power has. Today 4 stroke engines are the preferred design for passenger cars and trucks. They are also used in motorcycles, lawn mowers and in recent time outboard. A 2-stroke engine produces power on each revolution, whereas the 4-stroke produces power on every other revolution. This reduces the efficiency of the engine in. In a 2-stroke, the oil is mixed with the gasoline, but in a 4-stroke, the oil is not mixed. Here is how a 4-stroke engine works. A 4-stroke oil will flow from the crankcase to the engine components to be lubricated and then come back into the crankcase. The oil circulates without.
They are pushing hard to rid the world of the 2-strokes. Either one will push it on plane, the 4 is MUCH quieter and will definately have better fuel economy.
Boating Tips: Two-Stroke Outboards Versus Four-Stroke Outboards
Four-stroke engines are more efficient due to less demand for fuel. Fuel is consumed once every four strokes versus two. Four-stroke engines are better for the. More powerful: In 2 stroke engine, every alternate stroke is power stroke unlike 4 stroked one in which power gets delivered once every 4 strokes. This gives. Two-Stroke vs Four-Stroke ; Two Strokes. Four Strokes ; It has one revolution of the crankshaft during one power stroke. It has two revolutions of the crankshaft.
A 4 stroke outboard motor is much quieter at idle. While running, 4 strokes still tend to be quieter but depending upon the manufacturer, some 2 strokes compare. Four stroke motors are cleaner, smoother, more economical, great trolling motors and meet environmental requirements. This is not to say two stroke outboards. A 4 stroke outboard is far more fuel efficient than a 2 stroke. Being more fuel efficient means;. In a 4 stroke outboard engine, fuel is consumed once every 4.
2-stroke engines are lighter for the same HP, also cheaper and easier to repair. 4-strokes are cleaner and more fuel efficient and quieter. From a cost perspective, a 4-stroke outboard is far more fuel efficient than a 2-stroke. The fuel efficiency of a 4-stroke motor can be 50% better than that of. Larger and heavier than its two-stroke counterpart, four-strokes are more expensive to build, although manufacturers are now building more space-efficient.
Four-stroke engines are more efficient due to less demand for fuel. Fuel is consumed once every four strokes versus two. Four-stroke engines are better for the. A four stroke engine requires only unleaded fuel for power; oil is added only for lubrication into a crankcase, similar to automobiles. Motor manufacturer and. If you own an older two-stroke outboard, consider upgrading to a modern low emission (direct injection) two-stroke or four-stroke alternative at the earliest. 2 stroke outboards are smaller and lighter than their 4 stroke (of an equivalent power). Due to them being mechanically simpler with fewer major parts to.


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I stayed here 3 nights for a weekend get away by myself and was pleased with the facility and staff. In January the outdoor pool (although heated) was unusable really, but the hot tub area was quite nice. The free breakfast was about what I have come to expect - nothing special but everything was well stocked and fresh. 2 negatives: the elevators were always freezing! I don't know why, hallways and room were always comfortable. Also, one morning housekeeping neglected to dispose of used paper plates and styrofoam cups. Positives: lots of convenient outlets and lighting. Also plenty of wastebaskets, often missing in hotel rooms. Also, when I checked out, I accidentally left my credit card in the room. One phone call and they sent the head housekeeper up, found the card and immediately called me back and happily mailed the card to me. Thank you!
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
- The Wingate by Wyndam is located on airport property, about 200 yards from the terminal. You will find an excellent team of hospitality professionals that is committed to your absolute satisfaction. We cater to business clients, traveling teams and corporate groups. The Wingate by Wyndham is particularly tuned for guests that are flying in or out of Spokane International Airport. Our shuttle service is prompt and efficient for the earliest departures and the latest arrivals. You can enjoy a five minute stroll in a rural setting from the baggage claim to our front door if you prefer to walk. We also offer shuttle service to local restaurants, casino, and shopping. We offer a complimentary full hot breakfast buffet (Eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, waffles, biscuits & gravy, french toast,etc.) that is served from 530 until 10 am every day. For guests that are leaving before 530 am we always have fruit, cereal, bagels, muffins, pastries, oatmeal, yogurt, etc. after 4 am. See you soon. ... more less
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- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Expedia, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Orbitz, Travelocity, Hotwire, Cancelon, Priceline, TripOnline SA, Cheap Tickets, getaroom.com and HotelQuickly so you can book your Wingate by Wyndham Spokane Airport reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.
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domain: travel


Guangzhou Bus Rapid Transit (Guangzhou BRT or GBRT) is the bus rapid transit (BRT) system of the city of Guangzhou in the People’s Republic of China. Its first line was put into operation on 10 February 2010.
Bus rapid transit (BRT), also called a busway or transitway, is a bus-based public transport system designed to have much more capacity, reliability, and other quality features than a conventional bus system. Typically, a BRT system includes roadways that are dedicated to buses, and gives priority to buses at intersections where buses may interact with other traffic; alongside design features to reduce delays caused by passengers boarding or leaving buses, or paying fares. BRT aims to combine the capacity and speed of a light rail or metro system (LRT, HRT) with the flexibility, lower cost, and simplicity of a bus system.
GBRT handles approximately 1,000,000 passenger trips daily with a peak passenger flow of 26,900 passengers (second only to the TransMilenio BRT system in Bogota, Colombia). In fact, this rapid transit system contains the world’s longest BRT stations – around 260m including bridges – with bus volumes of 1 bus every 10 seconds or 350 per hour in a single direction. The BRT system has two new lines and two extensions planned.
The livery of the BRT is orange with BRT written in white on the sides. Several stations have connections to Guangzhou Metro. Same-direction transfers between buses within the BRT corridor are free. The project won numerous awards such as the Sustainable Transportation Development Award in 2011, the first Chinese transportation project to win such an award.
According to the Wikipedia


text:
Black Bellied President Dotes on Wife – Ch69.1
Translated by Aytise on foxaholic.blog.
Chapter 69 – A seed of doubt (Part 1)
Xie Zhuojun clearly remembered that at that time, he had just woken up from his coma, and most of his body functions were still in a state of slumber. Although two experienced nurses were invited at home to massage him professionally every day, he hadn’t moved for more than two years. His body was stiff and his muscles were weak. He couldn’t even walk, let alone wear clothes or eat.
Shangguan Ning had accompanied him all the time. She patiently helped him to rehabilitate by practicing his recovery movements again and again. And when he was in pain and wanted to give up, she would encourage him to go on and even praise him when he made even the slightest progress.
In order to make him happy, she would run all over A city to buy him models of all the Aston Martin models he liked. She would also smile all the time while pushing his wheelchair around. No matter how bad-tempered he was or how violent he got, she would always tolerate him and forgive him…
She also never cared about her appearance. She always went out wearing a plain T-shirt and a pair of jeans. She wouldn’t wear the most luxurious and expensive clothes like Xiao Xue, buy the latest shoes and bags, use the best brands of perfume and cosmetics, and go out wearing layers of exquisite makeup, yet, she would nonetheless look bright and radiant all the time.
She spent all her time taking care of him, buying him clothes and shoes from luxury brands she herself was reluctant to wear, and constantly sent him gifts. At that time, as long as he said a simple “Thank you”, she would be satisfied and happy all day.
Four years later, she had completely changed. She became cool and beautiful. Wearing Jing Sheng’s uniform, a white shirt and a black skirt, her body looked all the more distinguished and elegant. She also became sharp-tongued, and easily transitioned between speaking in a mild tone and mercilessly sharp words.
She was no longer the shy little girl who would only look at him.
“Xiao Ning, you have changed.”
Xie Zhuojun’s tone became lower and sounded somewhat sad.
Shangguan Ning wanted to leave, but when she heard his words, she instantly stopped and looking at him like he was an idiot: “Xie Zhuojun, do you want me to foolishly follow you around like in the past? You ignored our engagement and slept with other women. Should I wish you happiness and then die old and lonely?
“Xiao Ning, I… That’s not what I meant. I also hope you have a good life! ” Xie Zhuojun raised his head and explained uneasily.
Remembering the past, he felt embarrassed in front of Shangguan Ning.
He hoped that Shangguan Ning would also find her other half so that he and Xiao Xue could be relieved of their guilty conscience.
Thinking of Shangguan Ning’s other half, he suddenly remembered the cold man he saw with her that day.
“Xiao Ning, who was the man with you at the seaside that day? He… He doesn’t look like a good person. Stay away from him. Don’t be deceived by him!”
“Whoever I meet with doesn’t concern you!” She didn’t know if it was because she married Jing Yichen, but Shangguan Ning didn’t like it when people talked badly of him.
Xie Zhuojun thought that she was reluctant to admit her mistake and was being stubborn. He sighed, and still advised her: “You shouldn’t let your emotions affect your decisions. Matters of the heart cannot be forced, if you’re only doing this kind of thing to annoy me, it’s not worth it. You also shouldn’t casually follow him just because he’s wealthy, it’s important for girls to protect themselves.”
Shangguan Ning was thoroughly annoyed by Xie Zhuojun!
“Xie Zhuojun, you’re too narcissistic. Could it be the entire world’s women have to revolve around you?”


text:
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Five Democratic Senators have sent a letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), urging that it ban the sale of menthol cigarettes.
The Associated Press reports that Sen. Edward Market (D-Mass.) wrote a letter to the FDA that stated that tobacco companies are marketing to African Americans more than any other group and that African Americans suffer from more tobacco-related health issues than any other race in the U.S. This letter was signed by fellow Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, Rhode Island Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed, and Connecticut’s Senator Richard Blumenthal.
David Clement, North American Affairs Manager for Consumer Choice Center, came out in opposition to this proposed ban, saying, “Sen. Markey’s call to ban menthol cigarettes is nothing but nanny state paternalism. Rather than trying to enact heavy-handed legislation infringing on consumer choice, Sen. Market should focus his efforts on promoting harm-reduction strategies, like vaping.”

domain: politics


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KABUL – Iran has publicly executed two Afghans for their involvement in a deadly attack on a shrine in the city of Shiraz. The attack, which took place last year, was claimed by ISIL.
The executed men, Mohammed Ramez Rashidi and Naeem Hashem Qatali, were hanged early on Saturday after their sentences were confirmed by the Supreme Court, as reported by the official news outlet of the judiciary.
The targeted site was the Shah Cheragh Shrine, a significant place of worship located in Fars province. On October 26, 2022, the shrine was assaulted by a lone gunman armed with an automatic rifle. Security camera footage released at the time captured the assailant entering the shrine, opening fire on a group of pilgrims and staff, and proceeding to the main compound. Initially, authorities reported 15 fatalities, but the number was later revised to 13, with 40 people injured. The gunman, believed to be from Tajikistan, was killed by security forces.
ISIL’s Amaq News Agency released a video claiming responsibility for the attack, adding to their track record of coordinated assaults on Iranian targets, including the 2017 attacks on the Iranian parliament and the mausoleum of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran.
Several individuals were apprehended by Iranian authorities for allegedly providing support to the shrine shooter. The two men who were executed were found to have been in contact with ISIL operatives in Afghanistan. They were responsible for supplying the gunman with the rifle and assisting him in reaching the site of the shooting. Three other men involved in the attack were sentenced to prison terms.
Among those sentenced, Mohammad Rahmani, identified as a prominent ISIL operative in Tehran, received a 25-year sentence. Mostafa Jan Amani was given a 15-year sentence for supporting the armed group, while Hamidollah Kaboli received a five-year sentence, according to the judiciary.

domain: news


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In case you couldn’t tell by my whole slew of Karlin posts recently, I’ve been feeling generally sad (and my recent compositions, since I only tend to compose when I’m unhappy somehow). This is because sometime toward the end of last summer, I realized that I was in love with her. I wrote her a love letter as she left for college, and she responded to me with kind words that felt a little… empty. Gradually it dawned on me that she didn’t love me in return, at least not in the same way. I confirmed that during an explicit conversation a little while ago. This whole christmas break I have been distressed, lonely, and emotional as a result.
So, what do I mean “I realized that I was in love with her”? I didn’t fall in love with her. Whenever I am sad, lonely, upset, angry, worried, etc. etc., when I spend time with Karlin I feel okay. Okay, better than okay. I feel peaceful, cenetered, complete (without holes; i.e. the opposite of holy). This is true even when the sadness, etc. stems from her. Indeed, when I get home, sometimes the feeling reverts, but while I am with her, it isn’t there. Cuddling on the couch watching some movie with her is as close to utopia as I have ever experienced. When she touches my hand or puts her head on my shoulder, I feel the most marvelous sensation, like a drug I have never tried. The latter is fairly typical stuff for most girls I date, I suppose, but keep in mind that I have known her and been friends with her for six years! That is much longer than such charges usually last. It makes me believe that this one is permanent.
Also, I am completely accepting of her (this wasn’t formerly the case, but has been for the last year or two), which is an indication to that this is a healthy relationship. Occasionally she bugs me or does something I don’t like, but I just tell her and she is receptive, and it isn’t a problem anymore. She is not infallible, but I’m never bothered when she decides anything, as long as I know she has put thought into it (this may just be because she has excellent judgement). I am okay (and I don’t just say this or put up with it, I actually mean it doesn’t bother me) with her dating or having sex with other people. So at this point, we have an extremely rare combination, because I typically am the jealous type.
This was all true at the beginning of last summer. Around then, she and a bunch of my friends went to a comedy show, and I said something about “my girlfriend”, referring to Karlin. When we got back, Namaste said “you still call her your girlfriend?”. I responded with uneasiness, and concluded that it was just a convenient label. That’s kind of how I felt: she’s a girl, she’s a good friend, I guess I’m just used to that label. That spring (before said summer), I dated a girl and told her about Karlin, that she was a good friend of mine and that I like cuddling with her and such, and that it didn’t mean that I had romantic feelings for her (i.e. assuring her that if that comes up, not to worry about it).
Over the summer, as I spent time with Karlin, I began noticing explicitly the things in the second and third paragraphs here. Sometime at the end, I put it all together: “this is what it means for me to be in love with someone.” It’s not romantic infatuation, but it’s not love like a sister either. It is less sexual than the former, and more charged than the latter, and somehow more divine than both. “This is the person that I would be willing to spend the rest of my life with,” I thought. This realization came with a fantastic feeling of happiness.
By our conversations, I think she feels all or most of the symptoms I have described in the second and third paragraphs. But in some way, she doesn’t feel the aforementioned divinity. And it is possible (in the most optimistic and implausible way) that she simply has not realized it as I hadn’t at the beginning of last summer. But what I feel is more likely is that her feeling for me is much more love like a brother (but incestuously :-). That is to say, unlike I with her, she would not be content in life without some other, more serious partner.
After having been through this series of term definition many times, I feel much better than I did when her letter’s emptiness first hit me. It’s clear to me now that I’m not just “the most together person who likes her back”. At first when I explained this to myself, I thought all the pain would go away (and it did in a cover-it-up kind of way for a day or two). I understand her position, and I am important to her, so isn’t that all I can ask for? I believe in the Turing Test theory of relationships, where you should never worry about how your partner feels, just how they act. Doesn’t that mean that I have nothing to be upset about, that I have no way of differentiating between her kind of love and my kind of love?
The answer is no. I can differentiate. When she finds her more serious partner, whether she says so or not, I will be put on the back burner, a suddenly minor part of her life, and I will be heartbroken. And that explains my pain right now.
Homer: How can the only thing I’ve ever been sure about in my life be wrong?
Marge: I don’t know, but it is.
 I do not consider Karlin a serious partner per se; it’s simply that, because of her, I feel no necessity for a serious partner.

domain: psychology


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The talk doesn’t happen until two days later when Janine finally wakes up. The whole while, Vic and Kai try to keep calm and check with Mick from time via text messages and phone calls. They have both been discharged after a thorough checkup. Many doctors are still puzzled as to why they haven’t suffered from more injuries after such an accident. But they let it go anyway, claiming because both have been secured to the car and the impact wasn’t severed as what happened to Janine.
“Chronological events add up what happened to us,” Vic reasons as he settles back in his seat.
Mick was the one who told them of what happened after they supposedly blacked out – after the accident, not the black out when they were trapped in the other realm. The paramedics have called Janine’s emergency contact on the way to the hospital hence him arriving there around the same time as the paramedic team to look after his sister, providing more helpful information for the hospital before the operation.
“She was brought in first so that was why we couldn’t feel anything at first,” Kai takes over from Vic’s deduction.
“Then that means you woke up first,” Vic says, his eyes shifting towards Kai. “I could still hear her whimper before I passed out.”
Kai nods, agreeing with Vic’s theory.
“What are you two talking about?” Mick asks, wrinkling his face – and his eyes darting from Vic to Kai and back.
“You wouldn’t get it if we tell you,” Vic says, his voice sincere, not mocking.
Mick turns to look at his sister for an explanation.
“Trust me on this one, Little Bro,” Janine echoes Vic’s tone. “You would never believe it. Just take it that we’re friends.”
Mick raises an eyebrow. “And I never met them before?”
Janine nods and sends him a weak smile. It’s not that she couldn’t be as convincing, but she’s still recovering from her injuries. Between the three of them, Janine suffers from the most injuries because she had been thrown out of the car in the process. Vic and Kai’s cars were actually a distance from her, but just got impacted because of the other driver swerving madly after the initial crash with Janine’s vehicle. According to the police, the guy responsible for their accident was a drunk driver. It made sense because he sure came out of nowhere. Yet the most puzzling part was how Vic and Kai were seemed in a serious condition when they were first transported in the emergency vehicles but recovered so fast after they were brought in.
“But nothing makes sense,” Kai returns to their subject of discussion. “I meant how come our injuries seemed non-existence after we woke up and Janine still suffered from hers?”
Vic shakes his head. “The universal is playing the double standard game as well?”
Kai isn’t quite amused though Vic has already caved in with a wry smile. “And what about our acquired talents?”
Vic still has on his smart-aleck smile. “It’s obviously gone.”
“Yeah, but it’s just too strange that we were tossed into madness and escaped?”
Vic brushes the back of his right hand across his nose to scratch a certain itch, appearing to be deep in thoughts at the same time. “I don’t know. Maybe we should study the stars or planet movements at that time of the accident to see if that was the cause of the shift?”
“I’m serious here.”
“We shouldn’t be arguing over this,” Janine interferes, knowing it’s hard not to argue, especially when nothing makes sense. “Maybe just take it that we’re getting a second chance.”
Vic and Kai both give their attention to her at that time.
“Does that mean we have to resolve our past conflicts liked we agreed on before we returned?” Kai asks, reminding them all that they’re still waiting for Janine’s answer before they finally wake up.
Contrary to her hysterical state they witnessed two days ago in that strange realm, Janine smiles and nods. It’s like she’s so full of confidence and hope again. Or perhaps they’ve all been through a near death experience so they want to cherish this new chance?
Janine returns home a month later. Not only is Mick there to pick her up from the hospital, but Vic and Kai also accompany them. They have agreed to go conquer their demons together. Yet it doesn’t take place until another month later. It is because of their work schedule and whatnot. For one, Janine has to help Vic locate Margaret after all these years. It’s a miracle she could locate Margaret at all because Margaret still lives at her hometown. Or more like she had moved back there after graduation. Having Janine’s network of reporters as backup made the process easier to locate Margaret in such a short amount of time.
“This is it, ready?” Kai asks as they descend the car.
Kai and Janine have agreed to go with Vic. They have taken Janine’s car, not wanting Vic to be distracted. After suffering and surviving a car accident, they have taken extra caution whenever it comes to driving and the road in general.
“Ready,” Vic says, exhaling, not realizing he has been holding his breath.
“Let’s go then,” Janine says, taking the lead.
Though when they finally are in the set of houses that leads to Margaret’s place, the other two slow down and let Vic go first. Vic darts his eyes from Kai to Janine before turning towards that direction.
“Here it is,” Janine announces when they arrive at a grayish house at the end of the path – though it seems unnecessary.
As Vic is about to take a step forward, he spots two kids running out of the house, chasing one another – a little boy and a little girl to be exact.
“Give it back!” The little girl cries out. “If you don’t, I will tell Mommy!”
The little boy snickers and continues to run, taunting the little girl even more. The chase doesn’t last long because the little girl soon stops in her spot and cries for real this time, not just using it as threats like previously. The little boy turns around to face the girl at that time, his face looking alarmed. Before he could walk over to comfort her, they could see a young woman stepping out with a grim expression.
“Vic!” The woman calls out, looking at the little boy with much disapproval. “Did you bully your little sister again?”
Upon hearing “Vic”, both Janine and Kai turn to look at Vic. They, of course, know the young woman wasn’t referring to their friend. However, they couldn’t help noticing the coincidence. Vic is also looking at them, pondering about the matter himself. Yet before anyone of them have time to speak up, the conversation between the three family members continue.
“Mommy, I was just playing with her,” The little boy named Vic answers in his defensive tone. After explaining to his mother, the boy turns to his sister. “Stella, stop being such a big baby, here you go. Here’s your doll back.”
“Vic, don’t be mean,” The young woman continues in her chastising tone.
After a few more words being exchanged, the two kids head back inside while the young woman turns to face them. It’s like she finally notices their presence even though they have been standing there for a while now. Vic wanted to speak up a long time ago; it was just that he had lost his voice. To what, he wasn’t sure. But the smile fading away from the young woman’s face is obvious the minute she realizes who they are. At least when she’s staring at Vic.
“Margaret,” Vic says, finally mustering up the courage to call out to her.
It is then that understanding register for Janine and Kai. They exchange another look, wondering if the little boy’s name isn’t such a coincidence after all.
“We’ll wait for you by the car,” Janine says, speaking up for herself and Kai as well.
Kai nods as Vic turns his attention to them both again.
“No,” Vic objects, somehow grabbing onto Janine’s hand already.
Kai stops without needing to be told a second time. Though he could understand the complication that lies ahead. He could also guess why Vic’s impulse to grab onto Janine seems more urgent than addressing the situation at hand – like actually talking to Margaret. Has Vic figured out what Janine could possibly think of the situation hence the abrupt departure? Or she just doesn’t want to make it awkward for him – just like how Kai was thinking when he had turned to leave?
“I want you both to be present for this,” Vic explains, seeing Janine’s uncomfortable state. He finally lets go of Janine’s hand and turns his attention back on Margaret like before. “I know we parted on rough terms, but I have something I need to clarify about what happened in the past.” He pauses briefly – whether it is to wait for Margaret’s nod of agreement or to recollect his thoughts. “I don’t want us to be like enemies for the rest of our lives.”
Margaret turns around and takes a quick glance into the house. All three of them are staring at her right now and are waiting for her response, whatever it might be. It is up to her after all and they can’t force her to acknowledge their existence. Or give Vic a second chance if she doesn’t. Wanting to resolve the conflicts of their past is one thing, but holding out respect towards the other party is top priority.
“All right,” Margaret finally says – after what seems like an eternity to them.
She doesn’t say anymore, but turns around to walk back into her house. They follow without needing to be told. As they enter, they could see the living room looming to the left and a little hallway to the right. It’s one of those more traditional old houses in the countryside than the usual modernized architectures out in the cities that they’re accustomed to everyday. Margaret’s two kids are playing with their toys at a corner of the living room.
“Vic, Stella,” Margret calls out to her children. “Go get some water for our guests.
“Oh, no need,” Janine interferes, extending a hand.
“Let them go,” Margaret says, her voice consists a sense of determination. “It’s a distraction.” She has lowered her voice as she says those last few words.
Janine nods then, not wanting to stop the kids any longer. Instead, she unleashes her friendly smile on the kids as they disappear around a corner of the room.
“Go ahead and sit down,” Margaret urges, gesturing towards the wooden furniture ahead.
Vic and Margaret sit down at the longer chair, which could count for a sofa, while Janine and Kai settle at the side chairs nearby – with Janine being the one next to Vic.
“What are you here for this time?” Margaret asks, her eyes still on Vic.
Vic scans Janine and Kai’s faces first before answering. It’s like he needs to see their supportive expressions to reassure himself. Clearing his throat once, Vic speaks up at last. “I know it’s not a good time to bring it up but after what happened to the three of us several months back, I really want to clarify some matters with you.”
Vic, Janine, and Kai begin explaining to her what happened. Just a little background story – though a short version as to not startle her too much of their strange encounter with one another. The bottom line is they managed to survive and want to cherish this second chance – as they had declared months back. Between the storytelling, Vic and Stella have returned once to place down the water glasses before heading toward the hallway – which leads to another area of the house to play.
“Like I said in the past,” Vic speaks up again after the background story has been covered. “No one came between us. I just realized our different goals in life and I don’t want us to sacrifice those goals for one another.”
“I know that now,” Margaret says, interrupting Vic on purpose – and knowing he isn’t done. Margaret licks her lips once before continuing. “It’s just that I was too stubborn back then to admit that we’re too wrong for each other.” She looks towards the hallway where her two kids just disappeared to awhile back. “After we graduated, I moved back here and wanted to hide for a while. But I met Jack and got married. Little Vic’s really named after you, but it’s not for the reason you three might think. He’s named Vic because I wanted to remember it was because of Vic’s decision that I met Jack.”
Vic smiles then, feeling relief that Margaret no longer hates him for what had happened in the past. It’s too late to now. And considering how happy she looks while talking to her kids earlier, it’s obvious her marriage is a blissful one. However, Vic still wants to settle the matters of the past once and for all.
“I’m glad,” Vic finally says.
After that, they catch up a bit about what had happened these past years and eventually say their goodbyes. But all parties have promised to keep in touch.
“One down, two to go, right?” Kai says as they walk back to their car.
Vic nods. “I’m glad her life’s following a favorable course.” And he doesn’t care that the other two might be picking on his flowery description of the situation either. He’s just glad something that has been nabbing him all these years have finally come to light – and going towards a better direction.
“I don’t mean to spoil things for you,” Kai begins, which gets both Vic and Janine’s attention pronto. “But do you think Little Vic’s really not…”
Vic shakes his head before Kai could finish the sentence. “It’s impossible he’s mine. Margaret and I haven’t advanced that far yet. And Little Vic’s age doesn’t match to make that theory possible.”
Kai nods, finally seeing all the pieces of the puzzle. For some reason, Janine’s expression seems less tensed than previously. Though she seems glad for Vic’s resolved matter, but she seems somewhat distracted as well the whole while since they left Margaret’s place.
“Let’s get out of here and go celebrate, huh?” Kai suggests, his voice full of excitement all of a sudden.
“Sure,” Vic agrees, feeling high-spirited himself.
“How about pizza?”
“That’s fine. Janine?”
Janine doesn’t answer though. She seems to be lost in thoughts. The other two finally realize her distracted state and turns to her.
“What’s wrong?” Kai asks, his voice reflecting the concerned expression on Vic’s face.
“Maybe I should take care of my situation today and get it out of the way,” Janine says at last, her voice a tad lower than her usual tone.
“You sure you’re ready?” Vic asks this time.
Janine nods. “I know it will be hard to face them, but I have to somehow make them understand my path, instead of hiding like that.”
The two guys exchange a look before nodding as well.
“You want one of us to drive then?” Kai asks.
Janine shakes her head. “Maybe on the way back.
The other two nod in agreement and enter Janine’s car. Kai’s still the one sitting in the backseat.
The drive to Janine’s mother and stepfather’s mansion takes about an hour or so. They stay silent on purpose, not wanting to distract her. When they arrive at the coast area, darkness already covered the area. The sunset view was actually quite breath-taking on the drive. Janine parks at an empty parking spot and exit without saying anything.
“It’s going to be okay,” Vic says, placing a hand on her shoulder. “We’re here.”
Janine manages a small smile and begins heading towards the front door.
“Sis!” Mick’s voice greets them at the door.
“What are you doing here?” Janine asks, surprised.
“Celebrating Uncle Lu’s birthday,” Mick answers.
Janine’s alarmness kicks up another notch. “Am I interrupting then? I should come back another day.”
“No, sis, come on in,” Mick rattles out in his happy tone as he grabs onto his sister’s hand to stop her from leaving. “The more the merrier. Besides, it’s only the three of us.”
“No grand party?” Janine asks, her shock mode has increased yet another notch.
Mick shakes his head. “The partying has tone down since several years ago.”
“Oh,” Janine utters, still trying to take in all the new information.
“Hey, Vic, Kai, come in,” Mick says, looking in their direction. “We’re glad to have more guests.”
Vic and Kai have no choice but to follow. After all, they can’t just leave Janine here all by herself to fend off whatever unexpectedness that is still yet to come. Though the situation seems less pressurized due to the absence of some crowd, but that doesn’t mean something out of the blue won’t occur within their own family.
“Janine!” A man with grayish hair calls outs upon seeing the four of them walking into the dining room. “What a surprise. Just in time to celebrate my birthday.”
“Hi, Uncle Lu,” Janine rattles out, still feeling numbed of what she’s seeing. “I’m sorry I didn’t bring a present.”
The old man whom Janine just called Uncle Lu maintains his smile and waves it off. “No need. As long as you’re here for the family dinner. Your mom and I really miss having you around.”
Upon hearing those words, Mick ushers everyone towards a chair along the long table. It seems so lonely with just some members present. But it now makes up a difference with the additional members. Janine is sitting across the table from an older woman, which Vic and Kai guesses is her mother – from their resemblance. Mick returns to his seat next to the older woman after ushering Vic and Kai to the chairs next to Janine.
“I guess we could start now, huh?” Mick says, still resuming his peacekeeping, host-like attitude.
“Mom,” Janine says, looking at her mother, her expression still tensed but it is reflecting a sense of worry more than hostility.
“Let’s eat first,” Uncle Lu interferes, keeping his happy smile on, trying to reduce the intensity that could threaten to tear them all apart.
They’re actually still waiting for the older woman to respond. She finally nods and smiles to her husband’s suggestion, releasing them all from the wait. They all dig in – with Mick still playing host.
“Where are the servants?” Janine asks out of curiosity when she realizes Mick have been making trips to the kitchen constantly to get some needed items.
“I let them have a day off,” Uncle Lu replies. “I want it to be just a regular family dinner.”
Janine smiles, nodding in a polite manner, still trying to get used to it all.
And after learning of that little new information, Vic and Kai end up volunteering to help Mick with the constant trips between the kitchen and the dining room as well. That little gesture has reduced even more of the intensity forming since Janine and the other two entered the room. Their conversations actually steer towards the playfulness path slowly. After dinner, they move to the living room. With the exception of Mick and his mother. They have actually volunteered to do dessert as the others sit in the living room and chat. Vic and Kai pretend to be studying various art pieces around the room as Uncle Lu approaches Janine. The two settle down at the sofa before Uncle Lu speaks up.
“I know that we haven’t been getting along since the beginning,” Uncle Lu begins. “But I never meant to steal your mother from you or Mick.”
Janine nods. “I know that now. It’s just that…” She stops and lowers her glass, trying to recollect her thoughts. “I think it was bad timing. And then all the parties…” She stops to gesture at a direction behind them.
Uncle Lu nods as well, understanding what Janine’s trying to convey. “Actually, your mother has always wanted to draw your attention and try to get you to like me. Those are the reasons for the parties. She’s not too fond of those guests either. They could be so gossipy and judgmental. But Ada – your mother, has always been holding onto some hope that those lively parties could stir your interests.”
Janine’s face displays some source of surprise at this point. She glimpses towards the direction of the kitchen briefly before returning her eyes on Uncle Lu. “I never know…I thought she was just…trying to fit in with your crowd and…I meant, I’m not trying to say that your friends are…”
Uncle Lu puts a hand up at that point to stop Janine, understanding her urgent rambling. “I know you didn’t mean it. Like you said, it was just bad timing, right? So it’s easy to assume about everyone’s motives, including your mother’s.”
Janine smiles at last. One containing relief, not the forced one she has been trying on just to keep things peaceful – and possibly respectful.
“I guess that means we could become a family after all?” Uncle Lu says, bringing his glass up to eye level.
Janine nods, clinging her glass to his.
At that time – whether preplanned or not, Mick and his mother step out from the kitchen with two trays in their hands. Vic and Kai step forward to help as Janine and Uncle Lu move to make some space on the coffee table for the desserts.
“We should do these family gatherings more often,” Mick says as he settles down next to his sister.
“Yes, we should,” Janine agrees, smiling across the table at her mother.
It looks like the older woman has recovered from the sudden appearance of her daughter after all these years. She seems more relaxed and actually returns Janine’s smile as well. Vic and Kai exchange a smile of their own, knowing that Janine’s past has been resolved. Sometimes, misunderstandings are unavoidable. But small misunderstandings could cause so much impact for many people, whether family or friends. Yet perception sure plays a major role in distorting one’s view of another thus driving forward the misunderstandings even more.
That night, they step out of the mansion late, but the guys do not mind. They are actually glad to have accompanied Janine on this trip. Kai volunteers to drive once again and Janine actually agrees. She still has much to reconsider. Vic actually switches to the back seat to monitor Janine, not wanting to just check on her well-being through the rearview mirrors.
Still another month passes by, they manage to catch a break at work and take some time off for a camping trip in the woods. They actually invite Janine’s family along as well. After they’re all set up at the cabin, Vic, Janine, and Kai head out to the river nearby to watch the sunset. Yes, it is the same area where Kai usually does his camping and fishing trips. The difference this time is settling for cabins instead of the usual rouge natural camping. The reason is because of both Uncle Lu and Janine’s mother’s health conditions. They do not want the old couple to exert too much strength for some leisure activity. Mick has volunteered to stay and help the other two unpack hence the three of them having all the time to themselves by the river.
“So, what do you guys think?” Kai asks, staring out at the view with much satisfaction. “We’re going to shoot two birds with one stone this time, right?”
Janine wrinkles her face. “What do you mean?”
Kai has settled down at a big boulder in front of the river and is tossing some stones into the water. Vic and Janine are still standing and watching the view ahead.
“You’re afraid of darkness in the woods, aren’t you?” Kai reminds her. “And I still have this whole wilderness to conquer.”
“Want to see who conquers what faster?” Janine challenges, her smile equally cunning.
“No deal,” Kai returns, his mischievous smile on as well. “I rather bet on how long before you two get together.”
At the mention of that, Vic and Janine’s smile fade at the same time. They turn to look at each other, feeling somewhat of the awkwardness unraveling already.
“Don’t even try and deny it,” Kai’s voice travels to their ears again. “I’m not that oblivious to things around me, you know.”
Vic and Janine have broken their stare already and continue to watch the sun rays hitting the water below – along with the water trickling down the different levels of the river’s curves.
“So, what’s the answer, guys?”
“We’ll see,” Janine responds at last, smiling out to the orange-yellow rays dancing back and forth on top of a tree nearby.
Somehow, Vic smiles also, feeling hopeful as they’re waiting for the darkness to wrap around them in totality. That is until they turn on their own flashlights and head back to their cabin. Until then, they still have some time to experience the various signs of nature transferring itself and preparing for the upcoming night. And also the little serenity of nature that accompanies the setting sun – after Kai has stopped tossing stones down at the river.
© Friday, August 31st, 2012
Posted: Friday, October 5th, 2012