text:
Opposition party LMP announced its support for a “climate pass” that would be valid for all forms of public transportation, said Péter Ungár, the green party’s parliamentary leader, in an online press conference on Sunday. The Hungarian system would be based on a similar German model introduced in June.
As the party envisions it, the all-encompassing pass would only cost 5,000 Ft. (US $13) per month, which would promote public transportation and thereby help solve the energy crisis. LMP plans to submit the proposal to the National Assembly next week, Ungár said.
The politician believes that the fundamental reason for the current energy crisis, in addition to the war in Ukraine, is that the worldwide system based on energy from fossil fuels is coming to an end. He added that until this happens, humanity will continue to face energy crises from time to time.
He also pointed out that although Hungarian officials have spoken favorably about introducing such a climate pass, the government has not yet done anything about it.
The recent rise in energy prices prompted the German Parliament in May to approve a new, three-month public transportation pass costing only €9 ($9.39) per month, helping reduce travel costs in the country. The system went into effect on June 1. [444, Telex]


Southeast Asia April Report
Japan Post, Honda Test Electric Delivery Bikes
Japan Post Co., Ltd., and Honda Motor Co., Ltd., have signed a memorandum of understanding under which postal deliveries will be made using electric motorcycles instead of its current gasoline-powered delivery motorcycles.
PSR Analysis: Japan Post has 24,000 post offices and 85,000 delivery bikes, a very large scale program in the Japanese bike market. If the post office converts all of its delivery bikes to electric power, this move could stimulate similar conversions in the general motorcycles market. Although it will take some time to implement, this successful project could show that an electric motorcycle is suitable for home delivery projects. PSR
Hyundai, Kia Recalls Nearly 1.5 Million Vehicles Over Engine Issue
Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp. plan to recall 1.48 million vehicles in the United States, Canada and South Korea due to engine issues. It's the latest blow for the two firms already struggling in key markets. The recall could cost the two firms hundreds of millions of dollars, and each revives quality concerns at a time when Hyundai and Kia face a sharp drop in China sales and sluggish demand in the United States and South Korea.
The South Korean companies are recalling 1.19 million cars and sport utility vehicles in the United States, 114,187 in Canada and 171,348 in South Korea due to the engine issue that increases the risk of a crash, according to safety regulators in those countries. The U.S. recall involves Hyundai's Sonata and Santa Fe and Kia's Optima, Sorento and Sportage.
The recall could hit earnings with the recall costing each company as much as 250 billion won (U$220.19 million), said Koh Taebong, an analyst at Hi Investment & Securities. The companies declined to comment on the cost of the recall.
Source: Reuters Business News Read The Story
Source: Autoweek April 7, 2017 Read The Story
PSR Analysis: The engines in question are 2.0liter and 2.4liter fourcylinder Direct injected (GDI) units codenamed Theta II, which are used in a wide variety of Hyundai and Kia vehicles in North America and in South Korea. The affected engines were all produced before August 2013, according to Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, with the risk of stalling linked to metal debris in crankshafts, left over from the manufacturing process. Many of recent automobile recalls publishe by other OEMs are often solved by ECU program updates, but this is a recall of the cylinder mechanism in the engine itself. It may have a serious impact on both cost and branding. PSR
Honda Malaysia Rolls Out 600,000th Unit
Honda Malaysia achieved a milestone when its Pegoh plant in Alor Gajah rolled out its 600,000th unit. The car manufacturer also achieved 100,000 unit sales for the financial year ended March 31, 2017.
The dual achievement, Honda Malaysia said, marks a robust Q1 2017 for the company. The 600,000 units of production was achieved in 14 years. Currently, Honda Malaysia has two production lines in its Malacca plant; the second began production in 2014. The latest technologies used in the plant include automated smart welding and an international standard painting facility.
Source: The Star Online March 31, 2017
PSR Analysis: Besides this news, Honda doubled the production capacity of its continuously variable transmission (CVT), which is a driving part in automobiles in Indonesia this year. They invested US$ 12.45 dollars and strengthened production facilities. The currency rupiah has settled and the environment favorable for export continues, and they are trying to increase the supply to overseas factories and increase cost competitiveness.
In Indonesia, where Japanese OEMs account for more than 90% of the new car market, finished car factories aiming for domestic demand in the past few years have been investing one after another, but now the profitability is deteriorating with the prolonged depreciation of the rupiah. This is a rare large investment as an export oriented parts factory and it is consistent with the policy of the current administration aiming at nurturing export industries. These news are not only Indonesia but also shows the strength of Japanese OEMs in Southeast Asian countries. PSR
Akihiro Komuro is PSR's analyst in the Far East and Southeast Asia


A year ago at this time, Mike Tice held his first pre-draft press conference. In that and in private meetings with media types who had the forsesight to ask the question, Tice was honest. Brutally honest.
Of a small group of defensive tackles available in the first round, there wasn't a clear consensus as to who was the best -- except in Tice's opinion. Ryan Sims was the only DT the Vikings would consider and, if he was available at No. 7, they would take him.
The rumor mill in Dallas has it that Cowboys officials called the Vikings when they hit the clock with the sixth pick asking if the team was considering safety Roy Williams. The Vikings allegedly told them no. So, the Cowboys made a trade with the Chiefs that let them move ahead of the Vikings, take Sims and let the Cowboys drop behind the Vikes and take Williams.
As Tice steps to the podium tomorrow for his second pre-draft news conference, don't expect to see similar harsh honesty. Having been burned once, Tice may not be as forthcoming as he was when he announced his interest in Sims or when he made it clear he thought Dewayne Robertson was the best DT in this year's draft -- which coincidentally was about the time he went from being viewed as the No. 11 pick to Seattle to No. 7 to the Vikings and now No. 4 to Chicago.
The reality is that when the Vikings pick, barring a trade down, the pick will likely be made for them. With Carson Palmer and wide receivers Charles Rogers and Andre Johnson expected to go with the first three picks, the Vikings will be guaranteed that one blue-chip defender -- Robertson, Jimmy Kennedy, DE Terrell Sugss or CB Terence Newman -- will still be on the board. It will be a waiting game at that point, so don't expect Tice to make any big predictions tomorrow when he speaks publicly about the draft. Hopefully, he learned from last year's mistake.
* Former Vikings LB Jim Nelson signed with the Colts Tuesday, opening up another vacancy in the backup LB corps and special teams. While Nelson hadn't been targeted as a priority re-signing, VU was told the Vikes had hoped to bring him back.
* Red McCombs won't be attending the draft at Winter Park because it conflicts with his annual cattle auction at his Texas ranch, where he flies in dignitaries from around the country.
* At least eight teams attended a private workout by RB Willis McGahee -- 13 weeks after knee reconstruction. He got rave reviews and some think he made end up being drafted in the first round despite his injury.
* CB Dennis Weathersby, who VU has tabbed for the Vikings to select in the second round, was shot after a gun fight broke out in his California home town among rival gangs. Weathersby, who was thought to simply have been in the wrong place at the wrong time and not affiliated with either gang, was hospitalized when a bullet when through his back. However, he was said to not be seriously injured and will be released from the hospital today.
Vikes To Discuss Plans Tomorrow
Viking Update Top Stories
Recruiting, college analysts assess CookWhat was Dalvin Cook in college and what will he provide the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL? Recruiting and college football analysts weigh the positives and negatives.
Viking Update9:54 AM
What did Vikings accomplish with draft?Nick Kostos, Pete Prisco, D.J. Williams and Brady Quinn recap how the Minnesota Vikings did in this year's draft.
Viking Update8:37 AM
Rick's review: Spielman reviews Vikings draftMinnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman reviews the late-round picks and the draft in general.
Viking UpdateYesterday at 5:42 PM
Hodges: ‘I want to be a legend’Some players love being selected in the sixth round of the NFL draft. New Minnesota Vikings tight end Bucky Hodges is not one of them.
Viking UpdateYesterday at 5:20 PM
VIKINGS DRAFT BOARDThe picks, reaction from players and Minnesota Vikings, analysis, videos and more building throughout the draft.
Viking UpdateYesterday at 4:00 PM


text:
14 miles from 23504 Hampton Chevrolet Mazda1-855-832-1291
86 miles from 23504 Sheehy Ford Lincoln of Richmond1-866-959-0971
WARRANTY......PRICE BELOW KBB VALUE.....ASK FOR MILITARY SPECIAL.....WE BUY CARS....BRING IN YOUR CAR FOR AN APPRAISAL......3 row seats........
112 miles from 23504 Ellas Auto Outlet1-877-540-8283
10 miles from 23504 Charles Barker Pre-owned Outlet1-888-368-3922
We are the only dealer on the Eastern Shore to win Ford Motor Company's prestigous Presidents Award. All vehicles are Carfax certified. All ...
115 miles from 23504 Pittsville Ford1-855-213-7745
View all sponsored results
I am the second owner. Purchased in 2005. Faithfully maintained. Maint. records available since 2006. Reason for selling: getting something ...
83 miles from 23504Private Seller
Vehicles for every budget! $5,000 and up, call us today! Serving Greenville, Goldsboro, Kinston, New Bern, Washington
109 miles from 23504 Greenville Motor Company1-877-342-4147
CLEAN TRUCK AND RUNS GREAT.1 OWNER WITH NO ACCIDENTS. ALSO AVAILABLE IS A 12 MONTH/UNLIMITED MILE WARRANTY.
90 miles from 23504 East End Auto Ashland1-888-311-5420
You have already selected three cars.
Range of prices within this search:
- Highest Price:$10,995
- Lowest Price:$1,998
- Average Price:$5,554

domain: geography


text:
Preferred Buyer From
|Anywhere in India
Our company stands tall among the successful Manufacturers, Suppliers and Exporters of Precision Spin Coater (Model - Deltaspin - 1). The Spin Coaters offered by us are compact and easy-to-use. It is designed for precise and uniform deposition of thin film coatings. One can obtain these at nominal rates from us.
It is rugged, vibration-free and portable design makes it a versatile tool for your research facility. The economic Model DELTASPIN-I Spin Coater can be used to deposit Metal oxide thin films, polymer coating and organic thin film.
Hi! Simply click below and type your query.
Our experts will reply you very soon.

domain: chemistry


Can you imagine walking into a hotel and completing your check-in process with a robot? In this Japanese hotel, aptly named the Weird Hotel, that's exactly what happens.
Not only do doll-like robots greet you as you enter, but they also provide room and other guest services. The robots check you in and out and give you details about the upcoming day.
The operator of the Weird Hotel, Hideo Sawada, says that the use of robots instead of employees cuts down on crippling labor costs. Robots can't do everything that humans can, though.
Because of this, Sawada has implemented several state-of-the-art functions in the hotel. One of which is the facial recognition scanner that collects profiles of the guests' faces so they don't have to program individual room keys.


July 2, 2018 “I think one of the most important things about music is to reflect what’s going on in the world."
Author: Jessica Thomas
Subscribe toour Newsletter
Magic at the @rexorangecounty show 🧡
📸: @SarahOhta https://t.co/bGtetBAiSS
.@macmiller’s sixth and final studio album ‘Circles’ is here & it’s still tough to believe he’s no longer with us.… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
@Jenny_Gx @nicolesphases @ChaseAtlantic oh... u rich rich... 😳


text:
Westcreek Animal Clinic is proud to serve Fort Worth, TX and surrounding areas. We are dedicated to excellence in patient care and customer service.
We believe in treating every patient as if they were our own pet and giving them the same loving attention and care. We are a group of highly trained, experienced animal lovers who are devoted to giving our patients the best care possible.
What makes us different?We are an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital. That means we hold ourselves to a higher standard. Pets are our passion. And keeping them healthy is our #1 priority. Here, we strive to deliver excellent care for pets. Because your pets deserve nothing less.
Dr. Larry Gumfory, DVM
VeterinarianDr. Gumfory grew up in the Texas panhandle on a farm. He graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 1979, and in 1984 purchased Westcreek Animal Clinic. He has enjoyed practicing at Westcreek since that time and considers the people and pets we serve family. He has an interest in surgery and internal medicine.
Dr. Paul Hendon, DVM
VeterinarianDr. Hendon also grew up in the Texas Panhandle and also graduated from Texas A&M in 1979. He originally started practice on horses but later switched to small animal. Dr. Gumfory and Dr. Hendon merged practices in 1997. His interests are surgery and ophthalmology.
Dr. Jill McNeal, DVM
VeterinarianDr. McNeal grew up just outside of Wichita Falls. She graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2000 and has an interest in internal medicine and dermatology. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and camping in her vintage camper. Her daughter and she also have 2 fur babies; Daphne the cat and Truffles the French Bulldog.
LVT, Surgery Technician, Technician ManagerI’ve Called Westcreek Animal Clinic home since 1998. I have loved every moment of my time here and have become an LVT (Licensed Veterinary Technician) under the care of the awesome doctors here. I can share my love for people and animals here and hope for many more years to come.
Surgical Technician, Reception ManagerI have been working for WAC since 2006 and could not imagine working anywhere else. I have learned and grown so much here. I love what I do, it is different every day, the people and animals are fantastic. My favorite duties are assisting in surgery and helping clients learn how to be great pet parents. I have two non-fur babies, one canine baby, and three feline babies.
Animal Care Technician, Kennel ManagerI love taking care of your babies while they are here with us! I have been part of the Westcreek team since 2008. I have loved watching your 4 legged children grow up, and welcoming all the new additions to our Westcreek family.
Surgical TechnicianI have gone through a lot of change since I started here in 2007. Since I do not currently have a dog or cat, I get to take care of yours!
Customer RelationsI have worked at Westcreek Animal Clinic since 2009 as a receptionist, and I am one of the first smiling faces you will see when you come in. At home, my husband Nick and I have 3 dogs and 2 cats. I love being able to work with our amazing clients and help their fur babies.
Treatment TechnicianI was a member of the FFA and AGG during most of High School in Tucson. In September 2001, I started at Westcreek and have worked here full and part-time ever since. I love all animals and feel very lucky that I get to help care for them for a living. I love what I do and the people I do it with. I can’t wait to care for your fur babies.
Appointment TechnicianI am happy to have joined the Westcreek team in August 2015 and enjoy helping care for your pets. I also speak Spanish, so ask for me!
MadelineI joined the Westcreek family in November 2017 and have three cat children Willa, Billy, and Quinn. While I have many years’ experience working in customer service, this is my first experience working in the veterinary field. I have always wanted to work with animals and feel very lucky that I get to do so every day. I am a firm believer that our pets are our fur-children and everyone at the clinic here is dedicated to treating them as such.
DeborahOriginally from Houston, I went to UT Arlington to pursue a graduate degree in animal behavior and was lucky enough to become part of the Westcreek family in May 2018. I am so excited to go to work every day, meeting new fur babies and their families.
KelseyI was born and raised in the DFW area. My passion has always been for animals and I am happy to be a part of the Westcreek family!
Contact Westcreek Animal Clinic today!
Mon – Fri: – 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Sat: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
*We close every Wednesday from 12:00 pm – 2:40pm for staff development
Have questions? We’re here to help!

domain: pet


text:
Verses Compiled by :
Last Updated :
December 24, 2023
"Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil . . . And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:"
Genesis 3:1-5, 13-14, KJV
But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."
2 Corinthians 11:3, KJV
"By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent."
Job 26:13, KJV
"In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea."
Isaiah 27:1, KJV
"And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born . . . And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him . . . And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood."
Revelation 12:3-4, 7-9, 14-15, KJV
"And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season."
Revelation 20:1-3, KJV

domain: library


text:
JR owns the biggest art gallery in the world.
He exhibits freely in the streets of the world, catching the attention of people who are not typical museum visitors. His work mixes Art and Act, talks about commitment, freedom, identity and limit.
After he found a camera in the Paris subway, he did a tour of European Street Art, tracking the people who communicate messages via the walls. Then, he started to work on the vertical limits, watching the people and the passage of life from the forbidden undergrounds and roofs of Paris.
In 2006, he achieved Portrait of a Generation, portraits of the suburban “thugs” that he posted, in huge formats, in the bourgeois districts of Paris. This illegal project became “official” when the Paris City Hall wrapped its building with JR’s photos.

domain: artistic


text:
Hemorrhoids Home Remedies - Discover Hemorhoids Home treatment That You Can Start Today
Do you want to know more about hemorrhoids home remedies that can end you long-lasting problem? I know hemorrhoids could be one of the most painful things you have ever had. You may have tried many available treatments. However, none of them can get rid of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids affect your daily activities and you don't want to go outside to meet anyone again. Now, you're ready to get rid of hemorrhoids. Here are some home remedies that could stop hemorrhoids faster than you could imagine.
Hemorrhoids Home Remedies
The first home remedy for hemorrhoids is always to convey more fiber in your diets. You can find these diets in fruits, whole grains and vegetables. These can significantly soften your own stool. Moreover, you should start drinking tons of fluids. That can also help your own digestive system. Many doctors recommend having at least 8 glasses of water per day to shorten the treatment process.
- How about Vitamin C?
- Vitamin C can help you to strengthen the veins that cause pain for your hemorrhoids.
- By having Vitamin c, it is possible to significantly reduce your pain and also cure your problem.
How To Treat HEMORRHOIDS At Home Quickly & Naturally Without Surgery
How To TREAT HEMORRHOIDS At Home Quickly
Lets look at Which Hemorrhoids HurtLets look at Which Hemorrhoids Hurt. Calmovil Hemorrhoid Relief Kit contains calming topical cream, homeopathic drops, and natural supplement, developed to help target the source of hemorrhoids. Calmovil's active ingredients have been used for hundreds of years to support good blood flow, help reducing inflammation and support healthy hemorrhoidal veins. Improving blood circulation, reducing swelling and supporting healthy veins has been proven to alleviate the symptoms associated with piles.
Click Here to Read More »
Discover the Truth Behind the various Natural Ways that Can Cure Hemorrhoids Is it really possible to cure hemorrhoids naturally? A lot of people with hemorrhoids want to know the answer to this. The real score is that yes, it is possible to treat hemorrhoids with natural remedies. One of the problems that people struggling...
Also, You May be At Risk If You Put Higher Stress on Your Rectum Area
This happens when you're sitting down on a desk or being on a bathroom too long. Remedy for this is quite simple. Always stand periodically throughout the day whenever possible. Moreover, some exercises could help your blood circulation and reduce your swelling.
- Those are easy home remedies for hemorrhoids It is best to to check out strictly.
- If you start the treatment earlier, the treatment length are going to be shortening.
- Now, you need to begin your treatment today!

domain: medical


What is altitude hold?
Altitude hold or height hold is a feature that is becoming increasingly popular on consumer grade quadcopters/multirotors and has been common on flight controllers like the Naze32 and the OpenPilot for awhile. The use of altitude hold is as it’s name implies, it holds your quadcopter or other multirotor at whatever height/altitude you set it at.
How does altitude hold work?
Quadcopters with altitude hold use a barometric pressure sensor such as the MS5611 usually in combination with an accelerometer to get data for your quadcopter to use.
By combining barometric pressure data and accelerometer data your quadcopter is able to maintain a consistent altitude/height, and in some controllers like the Ardupilot they also use a sonar/ultrasonic sensor to improve height hold accuracy.
The way that this works is pretty simple, you tell your controller to hold it’s altitude, your controller uses the sensors to get the air pressure at your current altitude then just adjusts throttle to stay at that air pressure value.
The pressure sensors used are extremely accurate and can usually hold a stable altitude within about a foot of what you set it to.
Because air pressure can change rapidly with severe weather if you were to fly during that time you might have problems getting your quadcopter to hold a stable altitude.
How does a barometric pressure sensor work?
A barometer measures air pressure in units called Hectopascal(hPa) or Millibar(mb,mbar), these are both meteorological units of pressure and are both equal to one-thousandth of a bar (more unit info here).
Most pressure sensors such as the BMP180 are piezo-resistive sensors which measure air pressure against a mechanical sensor and changes its resistance value based on that, this combined with an analog to digital converter sends a value to whatever device you’re using and then that device uses some math to calculate the pressure from that value.
You can read this article about piezo-resistive sensors from Maxim for more information here.
Which is the best barometric sensor for a quadcopter?
Most flight controllers you buy will use either a MS5611 or a BMP180/085 though since the MS5611 has a higher resolution it is the most common. Like I said the biggest difference is resolution, the MS5611 has up to 0.012 mbar resolution while the BMP180 has 0.02 resolution. Smaller is better when it comes to this and as you can see the MS5611 has almost double the resolution of the BMP180.


text:
"There will be 1.8 billion unique active users of voice-enabled digital assistants worldwide by 2021." The Digital Worlds Outlook outlines Stylus' approach to tech-driven innovation as we move into the era of artificial intelligence - how is your experience keeping pace?
"In other words, study the way we speak and write. Study user-centered design processes and learn how to approach the challenge humanly. It’s usually not the limitation of speech technology that’s responsible for a horrible voice experience. It’s usually the designers not knowing how to apply these processes that result in a less-than-desirable voice interface. Hopefully, this article will help you design for mere mortals."

domain: design


This article has two parts, one that explains what exactly Nvidia’s Max-Q initiative means for existing and future gaming laptops, and a second one that gathers all the Max-Q notebooks available out there, in a weekly updated list.
Nvidia’s Max-X initiative aims to slim down gaming laptops and make them more pleasant to use, by lowering noise levels. In order to do that, Nvidia provides OEMs with what they call Max-Q versions of the GTX 1060, 1070 and 1080 chips, which in few words are down-clocked versions of those chips running at lower frequencies, but with much lower TDPs as well, as it’s better explained in one of the tables below.
Let’s take a regular mobile GTX 1080 for instance, which runs at around 150 W. The Max-Q 1080 variant only needs between 90-110 W. This allows manufacturers to put the 1080 chip inside much slimmer and portable laptops, like the Asus Zephyrus or the Acer Predator Triton.
However, the amount of performance is going to vary between the Max-Q chips, based on the exact implementation each OEM chooses to go with. Given the 1080 Max-Q chip can have TDPs between 90 and 110 and clock speeds between roughly 1100 and 1300 MHz, that means there will be performance variations of as much as 20% between implementations, which can get very misleading and confusing for potential buyers.
In other words, not all Max-Q laptops will perform the same, and while in theory a 1080 MaxQ chip sits between a regular 1070 and 1080 in terms of performance, in some cases a MaxQ 1080 can come very close to a standard mobile GTX 1070 chip (or even perform a little poorer).
That’s why it’s impossible to say a 1080 MaxQ chip is generically X% faster than a 1070 and Y% slower than a 1080, because X and Y are going to greatly vary from unit to unit, based on the implementation each OEM chooses for a given notebook. So it is imperative to properly research the laptop you’re interested in (read reviews, the forums, user reviews from online stores) before deciding it’s what you need or not. The same conclusion applies to the MaxQ 1070 and 1060 designs.
The architectural differences between the regular Pascal mobile chips and the MaxQ variants are explained below.
|1080||1080 MaxQ||1070||1070 MaxQ||1060||1060 MaxQ|
|Core Clock||1566 MHz||1101-1290 MHz||1443 MHz||1101-1215 MHz||1506 MHz||1063-1265 MHz|
|Boost Clock||1733 MHz||1278-1468 MHz||1645 MHz||1265-1379 MHz||1708 MHz||1341-1480 MHz|
|Memory speed||10 GHz||10 GHz||8 GHz||8 GHz||8 GHz||8 GHz|
|Memory size||8GB GDDR5X||8GB GDDR5X||8GB GDDR5||8GB GDDR5||3/6GB GDDR5||3/6GB GDDR5|
Hardware aside, the Max-Q initiative has a software component as well. Nvidia pushes a limit on fan noise, set at at maximum of 40 dB (at ear-level). That’s low, given most normal laptops easily go past 45 dB with gaming, and it’s especially low when corroborated with the slimmer form-factors.
In order to meet the requirement OEMs would have to develop new cooling solutions, but Nvidia also gives a helping hand with a feature called “WhisperMode” implemented within the GeForce Experience app. This balances graphics details with frame-rates in order to keep noise down, but what I understand it does is lower details so the GPU would work as little as possible to output a given amount of frames per second. There’s a cap on frame-rates as well, around 40-60 fps, similar to what the BatteryBoost feature does for gaming on battery. Will update on this matter.
Bottom point, Nvidia’s Max-Q design states that gaming performance does not have to sacrifice portability and pushes laptop manufacturers to improve their devices. There’s no hard-limit set for how thin Max-Q laptops should be or their thermals though.
From what I’m seeing, OEMs took two different approaches with MaxQ laptops. Some created brand new ultrathin designs (like the Asus Zephyrus and Acer Triton), while others took existing designs and crammed higher-tier Max-Q graphics inside.
The few MaxQ units available as of early July 2017 are very expensive though, that’s why those designs in the latter aforementioned category make little sense to me. In their case, potential customers are asked to pay a premium of a couple of hundreds of dollars just for a slight performance bump and potentially quieter fans, which might not be worth it for most. In fact, the bump in performance is not a guarantee, as from what we know so far a computer with an overclocked regular 1070 can perform better than one with a 1080 MQ, for a fraction of the price, but with increased energy costs.
We’ve added complete lists of the available MaxQ gaming laptops bellow, as well as relevant information for each model. The article is split into three main sections, based on the chip inside the units, and while there are few models listed as of right now, we’ll continue to update it as new models are announced.
Portable laptops with Nvidia MaxQ 1080 graphics
This section includes high-tier gaming notebooks with Nvidia MaxQ 1080 graphics and portable designs. If you’re just after performance and don’t care about the form factor, a list of laptops with regular mobile 1080 graphics is available over here.
|Acer Predator Triton 700||15.6-inch IPS FHD matte GSync||Kaby Lake Core HQ / max 32GB RAM||GTX 1080 MQ 8GB||Yes||5.75 lbs / 2.6 kg|
|nice build quality and looks; 18.9 mm / .74″ thick; mechanical keyboard with NumPad, with the trackpad placed above; matte FHD screen with GSync; Core HQ processors and GTX 1080 Max-Q graphics inside; up to 32 GB of RAM (2x DIMMs), M.2 NVMe storage; 54 Wh battery|
|Starting price: $2999 – scheduled for July|
|Alienware 15||15.6-inch FHD, FHD IPS GSync 60 Hz or FHD TN GSync 120 Hz||Kaby Lake Core HK / max 32 GB RAM||GTX 1080 MQ 8 GB||Yes||7.69 lbs / 3.49 kg|
|bulky and heavy in comparison to the other options in this list – 7.7 lbs, 22 mm / .86″ thick; several screen options; port for the Alienware Graphics Amplifier; Core i7-7820HK CPU overclocked at 4.1 GHz, 110W of the GTX 1080MQ chip, 2x memory slots, M.2 NVME storage; 99 Wh battery|
|Starting price: $2349 – configurations and latest prices|
|Aorus X5 v7 MD||15.6-inch WQHD or UHD 60 Hz GSync||Kaby Lake Core HK / max 64 GB RAM||GTX 1080 MQ 8 GB||Yes||5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg|
|– our full review is available here – sleek (.9″ thick) and portable for its class, multiple screen options with GSync support, Core HK processor, 3xM.2 and 1 x2.5″ storage, 95 Wh battery, 200 W power pack|
|Starting price: $2899 – configurations and latest prices|
|Asus ROG GX501VI Zephyrus||15.6-inch IPS FHD matte 120 Hz GSync||Kaby Lake Core HQ / max 24GB RAM||GTX 1080 MQ 8GB||Yes||4.94 lbs / 2.24 kg|
|– our full review is available here – nice build quality and looks; 18 mm / .70″ thick; the keyboard and trackpad are good, but oddly positioned in order to accommodate the hardware; matte 120 Hz FHD screen with GSync; Core HQ processors and 90W version of the GTX 1080 Max-Q graphics inside; up to 24 GB of RAM (8 GB soldered+ 1 DIMM), M.2 NVMe storage; runs hot under load, but fairly quiet; 50 Wh battery; poor speakers|
|Starting price: $2699 – configurations and latest prices|
Portable laptops with Nvidia MaxQ 1070 and 1060 graphics
|Asus ROG GX501VI Zephyrus||15.6-inch IPS FHD matte 120 Hz GSync||Kaby Lake Core HQ / max 24GB RAM||GTX 1070 MQ 8GB||Yes||4.94 lbs / 2.24 kg|
|– our full review of the 1080MQ version is available here – nice build quality and looks; 18 mm / .70″ thick; the keyboard and trackpad are good, but oddly positioned in order to accommodate the hardware; matte 120 Hz FHD screen with GSync; Core HQ processors and GTX 1070 Max-Q graphics inside; up to 24 GB of RAM (8 GB soldered+ 1 DIMM), M.2 NVMe storage; runs hot under load, but fairly quiet; 50 Wh battery; poor speakers|
|Starting price: $2299 – configurations and latest prices|
|Clevo P950||15.6-inch TN FHD 120 Hz, UHD matte||Kaby Lake Core HQ / max 32 GB RAM||GTX 1070 MQ 8 GB||Yes||4.2 lbs / 1.9 kg|
|thin (0.73″) and light; RGB keyboard; several screen options available, including a 60 Hz UHD panel or the 120 HZ FHD TN screen; 2x memory DIMMs, 1x M.2 NVME and 1x 2.5″ storage bay; 55 Wh battery; more customizable and affordable than the competition|
|Starting price: $2399 – configurations and latest prices|
|Eurocom Q5 / Clevo P957HR||15.6-inch TN 120 Hz or IPS FHD matte||Kaby Lake Core HQ / max 32 GB RAM||GTX 1070 MQ 6 GB||No||4.85 lbs / 2.2 kg|
|thin and light design; multiple configuration options available;get Optimus instead of G-Sync; low frequency GTX 1070MQ; noisy fans; dual storage (M.2 + 2.5″); good IO, 60 Wh battery; more affordable than the competition|
|Starting price: from $1699|
|Dell Inspiron Gaming 7577||15.6-inch IPS FHD or UHD matte||Kaby Lake Core HQ / max 32 GB RAM||GTX 1060 MQ 6 GB||Yes||6.3 lbs / 2.85 kg|
|new design with metallic chassis, average profile (~1″ thick) and quite heavy; red backlit keyboard; FHD or UHD IPS matte screens; dual storage (M.2 + 2.5″); 56 Wh battery|
|Starting price: $999 – configurations and latest prices|
|HP Omen 15||15.6-inch IPS FHD 120 Hz or UHD matte||Kaby Lake Core HQ / max 32 GB RAM||GTX 1060 MQ 6 GB||No||4.85 lbs / 2.2 kg|
|sober black design, average profile (~1″ thick) and fairly low weight; FHD 120 Hz or UHD IPS matte screens; dual storage (M.2 + 2.5″); 70 Wh battery|
|Starting price: $1399|
|HP Omen 17||15.6-inch IPS FHD or UHD GSync matte||Kaby Lake Core HQ / max 32 GB RAM||GTX 1070 MQ 8 GB||No||7.45 lbs / 3.35 kg|
|sober black design, thick (1.3″) but fairly light for a 17-incher; FHD or UHD IPS GSync matte screens; Dragon Red backlit keyboard; dual storage (M.2 + 2.5″); 96 Wh battery|
|Starting price: $1499 – configurations and latest prices|
|MSI GS63VR Stealth Pro||15.6-inch TN FHD 120 Hz matte||Kaby Lake Core HQ / max 32 GB RAM||GTX 1070 MQ 8 GB||Yes||3.96 lbs / 1.8 kg|
|very thin (0.69″) and light for a 15-incher; SteelSeries keyboard; average build quality; TH FHD 120 Hz screen, but other options should be available down the line; 2x memory DIMMs, 1x M.2 NVME and 1x 2.5″ storage bay; 57 Wh battery|
|Starting price: $2399 – configurations and latest prices|
|MSI GS73VR Stealth Pro||17.3-inch TN FHD 120 Hz matte||Kaby Lake Core HQ / max 32 GB RAM||GTX 1070 MQ 8 GB||Yes||5.35 lbs / 2.4 kg|
|thin (0.77″) and light for a 17-incher; SteelSeries keyboard, average build quality; FHD matte screen with 120 Hz refresh time, other options should be available soon; 2x memory DIMMs, 1x M.2 NMVe and 1x 2.5″ storage bay; 65 Wh battery|
|Starting price: $2499 – configurations and latest prices|
|Origin EVO15-S||15.6-inch FHD/UHD matte||Skylake Core HQ / max 32 GB RAM||GTX 1070 MQ 8 GB||No||4.4 lbs / 1.99 kg|
|slim (0.69″) and light; backlit RGB keyboard; 2x RAM slots, 1x M.2 PCIe storage and 1×2.5″ bay; highly customizable; small battery|
Rumors claim that a GTX 1070 Max-Q version of the Asus GX501 Zephyrus is also expected later this year, but we’ll only add it if it becomes official.
That’s about it for now, but we’re constantly updating the list and adding new devices as they are released. Please get in touch in the comments section below in case you spot anything that should be in here and it’s not, and down there you can also leave your impressions and questions about the Nvidia Max-Q designs.


Artist: DJ Vartan & Techcrasher
Title: Give Me The Sunshine
Release Date: August 30, 2019
Catalog #: KSS 1785
Label: King Street Sounds
Moscow based DJ/producer DJ Vartan joins forces with Tech Crasher for their standout vocal single “Give Me The Sunshine.” Kicking things off is the original mix of “Give Me The Sunshine,” a fun and funky vocal house anthem perfect for peak time performance! Following suit we’ve included the radio edit of theof the original for those special, quick fire performances..


The UK is at a “tipping point” in the fight against coronavirus, a top scientist has warned, as millions in the north of England face a possible ban on meeting up with people indoors and outdoors from Monday.
Reports suggest under the top tier no household mixing will be allowed either, which could affect millions of people living in areas with high COVID-19 rates across England.
It comes as England’s deputy chief medical officer Professor Jonathan Van-Tam said the country is at a tipping point similar to the first wave of coronavirus, but can prevent history repeating itself, PA Media reports.
He said the best way to keep transmission low and stop the NHS being overwhelmed was for people to follow self-isolation guidance, wash their hands, wear face coverings and social distance.
He added: “Earlier in the year, we were fighting a semi-invisible disease, about which we had little knowledge, and it seeded in the community at great speed.
“Now we know where it is and how to tackle it – let’s grasp this opportunity and prevent history from repeating itself.”
One leading scientist went further on Sunday, saying a second national lockdown is a possibility and stringent measures are needed to avoid it at all costs.
Professor Peter Horby, of the University of Oxford, told the BBC’s The Andrew Marr Show on Sunday that the country was in a “precarious position” with rising coronavirus case numbers, hospital admissions and deaths.
Leaders across Northern England have criticised the plans for further regional lockdowns, accusing the government of treating the region as “second-class” and did not rule out possible legal action.
The Sunday Times reported ministers were drawing up proposals to give town halls more powers over the test and trace system to try to secure their support.
Meanwhile, people could be seen socializing in city centres across the UK – including Liverpool, Newcastle and London – on Saturday evening before pubs in their areas were potentially closed.
It comes as the number of people in hospital with coronavirus increased across every part of England on Saturday – rising to 1,167 in the north-west from 725 previous week.
A further 15,166 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK were reported on Saturday, and 81 more deaths were confirmed of people who died within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-19.
Separate figures published by the UK’s statistics agencies show there have now been 58,000 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
Under the proposed three-tier system, different parts of the country would be placed in different categories, with areas in the highest level expected to face the toughest restrictions.
The Conservative Mayor of the Tees Valley Ben Houchen said the third tier restrictions are expected to run in four-week blocks, with pubs and bars being required to close and no household mixing will be allowed for socialising either indoors or outdoors.
Real estate adviser Altus Group has said there are 7,171 pubs in areas with restrictions across the north of England at risk of temporary closure.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced on Friday workers in businesses which are forced to close under the new restrictions will have two-thirds of their wages paid by the government.
But Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said that accepting Sunak’s financial package would be to “surrender” people to hardship in the run-up to Christmas.
Speaking at a press conference with political leaders from Liverpool, Sheffield and Tyneside on Saturday, Burnham said the measures risked “severe redundancies” and business closures.
Burnham said the government was treating the North as second-class and did not rule out legal action.
He added: “It will level down the north of England and widen the north-south divide.”
The leaders of West Yorkshire councils also warned on Friday that “significantly” more financial support was needed to prevent an even deeper economic catastrophe.
Opposition Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer was also critical of the business aid package and said the government had “lost sight of the guiding principle” that restrictions are always accompanied by appropriate economic support.
But the Sunday Times reported plans are being drawn up to give local leaders powers to deploy an army of volunteer contact tracers as well as giving local authorities more control over mobile testing units and walk-in centres.
A government spokeswoman said all financial support will be kept under review, to support businesses and protect jobs over the coming weeks and months.
In North Wales, new coronavirus restrictions were introduced in Bangor at 6 p.m. on Saturday, meaning people will not be allowed to enter or leave the area without a “reasonable excuse” and can only meet people they do not live with outdoors, it said.
Calling all HuffPost superfans!
Sign up for membership to become a founding member and help shape HuffPost’s next chapter
Credit: Source link


text:
Early extension is common, and the truth is there can be so many causes from shaft angle to physical limitations, but this is a great drill to help work on improving it . This drill doesn’t really focus on the ‘why’ it happens, but more offers some feedback and awareness to help you move better and build some new feels . Just set your golf bag behind you and you are good to go 👊
From mid-1993 (while he was still an amateur) until 2004, Woods worked almost exclusively with leading swing coach Butch Harmon. From mid-1997, Harmon and Woods fashioned a major redevelopment of Woods' full swing, achieving greater consistency, better distance control, and better kinesiology. The changes began to pay off in 1999. Woods and Harmon eventually parted ways. From March 2004 to 2010, Woods was coached by Hank Haney, who worked on flattening his swing plane. Woods continued to win tournaments with Haney, but his driving accuracy dropped significantly. Haney resigned under questionable circumstances in May 2010 and was replaced by Sean Foley.
Ryder Cup: Was selected as a captain's pick for the United States in the Ryder Cup and made his eighth start in the biennial team event. Played in his first Ryder Cup since 2012 and failed to score any points for the U.S. in four matches played. Lost 2 and 1 to Jon Rahm in Singles as the Europeans regained the Ryder Cup with a 17.5-10.5 victory over the United States at Le Golf National in Paris, France.
When Woods won the 2001 Masters, he became the only player to win four consecutive major professional golf titles, although not in the same calendar year. This achievement came to be known as the "Tiger Slam." Following a stellar 2001 and 2002 in which he continued to dominate the tour, Woods' career hit a slump. He did not win a major in 2003 or 2004. In September 2004, Vijay Singh overtook Woods in the Official World Golf Rankings, ending Woods' record streak of 264 weeks at No. 1.
Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard: Birdied the 72nd hole to beat Sean O'Hair by one stroke and claim his sixth Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard. Sank a 15-foot birdie putt on the final green, duplicating his last-putt heroics from two previous years (2001, 15-foot birdie putt to beat Phil Mickelson; 2008, 24-foot birdie putt to beat Bart Bryant). Matched his largest comeback after 54 holes (five strokes) with his victory. He also came back from five strokes behind after 54 holes to win the 2000 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am (Mark Brooks and Matt Gogel). Out of 66 career wins, it was his 19th coming from behind. Became the first player to win six Arnold Palmer Invitational titles. The only other players with multiple victories at the event are Tom Kite (1982 and 1989) and Loren Roberts (1994-95).
PGA Championship: Finished second at the PGA Championship, and for the first time in his career (was 14-0), lost a third-round lead in a major to winner Y.E. Yang at Hazeltine National. Led after each of the first three rounds, including by two entering the final round, but Yang chipped in for eagle on the 14th hole to take the lead and then made birdie on the 18th hole to shoot 70 and win by three. His final-round 75 was his worst score in the final round of a major when he was in the last group.
In 1978, Tiger putted against comedian Bob Hope in a television appearance on The Mike Douglas Show. At age three, he shot a 48 over nine holes at the Navy course. At age five, he appeared in Golf Digest and on ABC's That's Incredible! Before turning seven, Tiger won the Under Age 10 section of the Drive, Pitch, and Putt competition, held at the Navy Golf Course in Cypress, California. In 1984 at the age of eight, he won the 9–10 boys' event, the youngest age group available, at the Junior World Golf Championships. He first broke 80 at age eight. He went on to win the Junior World Championships six times, including four consecutive wins from 1988 to 1991.
In October 2007, Gatorade announced that Woods would have his own brand of sports drink starting in March 2008. "Gatorade Tiger" was his first U.S. deal with a beverage company and his first licensing agreement. Although no figures were officially disclosed, Golfweek magazine reported that it was for five years and could pay him as much as $100 million. The company decided in early fall 2009 to discontinue the drink due to weak sales.
My son often dials up their videos and invites me to sit and watch with him. Pretty fun to watch. We live in California and my son has said, "I want to play with these guys. Maybe they'll play Montreux with us." Heck, we'd like to have them at our CC here in the Sacto area. They'd probably like the course. Will have to reach out... I dig their hats and will be getting a couple of them.
I joined meandmygolf just under a month ago, after I saw the free videos on YouTube. I liked the way Piers & Andy explained the concepts, and sign... ed up for the free 30-days. I've played one year previously (2008), before I went to university, and had to drop this expensive hobby. I started playing golf again this summer, and was playing somewhere around 95-110 shots. I wanted to get better fast, and started the Break100-plan to get under 100 constently. I went through the plan a bit quicker, 2 weeks of the plan in one week, and just after I finished the last week, I pulled an amazing score of 84!!! That is absolutely insane. Something just clicked. If you want to build your game back up, or just go back to the basics, don't skip the drills. They may sound tedious and lame, but they actually help. Stick with the plan, and I guarantee it will work! Can't wait for the Break90 plan! Awesome job Piers & Andy! Read More

domain: sports


text:
What a year it’s been for our graduates. First the unprecedented complexity of dealing with studying around a global pandemic, and all the emotional anxieties manifesting from not having human support at such a critical life moment, followed by the horrific death of George Floyd and the rising up of many in protest that Black Lives Matter. We’ve subsequently seen the media, arts and the photography industry finally called out for its colourblindness and systemic racism, and its complicity in not doing enough to amplify and support artists of colour.
We’ve witnessed the photography community respond to both issues with a suitable range of emotions; frustration, rage, exasperation; but also kindness, sensitivity and generosity. Despite many photographers being low income workers, some of the most important recent initiatives have been borne from individuals out of these two parallel situations, notably Pictures for Elmhurst, which raised $1.3m for the US hospital through its print sale, Photographs for Trussell Trust which similarly raised £620,000 for the food bank, and See In Black, an important new collective of Black photographers raising funds via prints for a variety of Black advancement charities. Many comparable initiatives continue to thrive and our community welcomes it.
Undoubtedly a strange and interesting time to be a photographer. But what kind of a photographer? This is a question I pose to the students during our reviews. Many have responded to the recent challenges by rejecting the methods and institutions that have built dysfunctional and corrupted systems; the concept of the gallery, the validity of the artist, the deconstruction of truth. They show me works that are rooted in their personal history, collective identity and individual passions, presenting a refreshing narrative in an industry often so preoccupied with the other.
One could argue there’s never been a more important time to be a visual documentarian. Photography has always been the tool of the curious, but it’s also been the tool of colonialism and in many cases, cultural suppression. Recent events have raised and re-examined ongoing and necessary debates around authenticity, authorship and the gaze within art and photography. Coupled with the age of fake news, the concept of the who’s behind the lens, and inevitably then, who is looking at whom, become a key consideration in disseminating and understanding a 360-degree view of the news and an ever-increasing flow of online content. It is said that photography can be a tool for change. Let’s hope that the gatekeepers are listening, and that we begin to see a more varied viewpoint in our infinite feeds.
We’ve seen the whole world move online. To coin a recent phrase, we’ve ‘pivoted’. Our graduates have ‘pivoted’ and navigated their ‘new normal’ with grace and innovation in the creation of this online platform. Three Men Make a Tiger, it’s content and its festival program, may not have existed if not for the need for a circumstantial reaction. It may be an unsatisfying and perhaps un-ceremonial end to three years hard graft, but as a result, the platform can be accessed by far more individuals than the standard, London-centric degree show often favoured by UK universities. It has a legacy. Better yet, there’s not a warm beer in sight.
Fiona Rogers is the founder of Firecracker. She is also Magnum Photos Global Business Development Manager, and has been a judge for various competitions including the Mack First Book Award and the Getty Images Grant for Editorial Photography.


text:
So many cat breeds are becoming more and more extreme at the cost of our cats' health. Learn how to avoid extreme breeds.
Unfortunately extremity seems to be the flavour of the decade, and the trend has led to a number of extreme cat breeds being developed. If you are relatively new to the world of pedigree cats, no doubt you will be overwhelmed by choice. There are so many pedigree cat breeds available to us these days, that it can be hard to choose a kitten.
The GCCF recognises 40 different breeds and TICA recognises a staggering 71 breeds of cat! Then within each of those breeds are all of the different colours and variations available...so choosing a kitten can be a mammoth task!
Unfortunately, the current trend for ‘cuteness’ has driven some breeds towards more and more extreme versions of themselves, and is driving the trend for extreme cat breeds.
Clearly, in the wild, only those animals that are the healthiest, fittest and strongest thrive: they are able to catch more food, find suitable mates, and rear kittens most successfully. Extreme cat breeds simply would not survive in the wild.
In captivity, cats are fed and cared for by their owners, or breeders, and therefore even those cats that would not thrive in the wild can continue to breed. This means that traits that would ordinarily make an animal less successful, and therefore would mean that animal would probably not have any, or many offspring, can be proliferated easily by breeders.
As these unusual traits get bred from more and more, they become ever more pronounced. The more pronounced they become, the more of a health issue they are. Unfortunately these traits have become so extreme in several cat breeds that they are now affecting the quality of life and the health of the cats.
Examples of extreme cat breeds
Extreme cat breed trait: very flat faced
If you see a photograph of a Persian cat from 20 years ago, and then compare it to a Persian today, you will see how much damage can be done to a breed in a relatively short time. The original ‘Bond’ cat (Blofeld’s cat in From Russia with Love) was a white Persian cat with beautiful green eyes:
And below is a photograph of a recent Persian cat, with an extremely flat face.
Probably most people would agree that the first cat is far more beautiful than the second. The first cat will also be far more healthy than the second (Persian cats with extremely flat faces suffer from pain, brain deformities and holes in their skulls as well as breathing difficulties). These two images show the dangers of breeding to extremes. Read more about extremely flat faced cats.
Extreme Trait: very flat faced
Exotic Shorthairs are basically a short-haired version of a Persian cat, and have unfortunately suffered the same fate as their long haired counterparts.
Extreme Trait: dwarfism
Munchkins are not actually a 'breed' of cat. They are simply cats that have the gene for dwarfism. Breeders then breed cats together with the dwarfism gene to further exaggerate the trait, and this results in what we call 'munchkin' cats. Unfortunately cats with dwarfism suffer from many wide and varied health complications, including limb and skeletal deformities and resulting pain. On top of that, munchkin cats have unusually short legs that make them unable to jump and very immobile, and this can cause further health problems.
Extreme Trait: dwarfism/small size
Like munchkin cats, teacup cats are also not a breed of cat. Teacup cats are the result of selective breeding for small size. That may seem relatively harmless, but the problem is that after multiple generations of breeding for unusually small cats, health issues can arise. Problems with births can happen, putting mum and kittens at risk. Additionally, the size of the breeding gene pool becomes so small that inbreeding coefficients soar, and that in itself can cause serious helath problems and inbreeding depression.
Extreme Trait: spine deformities
The cause of the Manx cat's missing tail is actually a genetic deformity which prevents the spine from forming properly. The gene that causes the deformity is a dominant gene, so a kitten only needs to inherit it from one parent. If a kitten inherits it from both parents, then the kitten will not be viable and will die before birth and be aborted/reabsorbed.
Extreme Trait: folded ears: bone and cartilage deformities
The Scottish Fold is basically a British Shorthair cat that has a genetic deformity which causes serious problems with the formation and growth of bones and cartilage. Recent research has concluded that all cats with folded ears will suffer from pain and mobility issues. The gene causes the cartilage in the ears to be soft and fold over, on top of the head, creating the folded eared look. But it also has an effect on all of the bones and cartilage in the body, particularly the hind legs. Scottish Folds must be bred with 'Scottish Straights' (non-folded eared equivalents) because if a cat inherits two genes for the folded ears then the cat will basically be crippled from pain by a relatively young age. Read more about Scottish Folds.
Extreme Trait: curled ears: bone and cartilage deformities
These cats also have a genetic deformity that causes problems with cartilage and bone deformity. So far, only Scottish Folds have been studied in any depth, but it is highly likely that other breeds with curled or folded ears have similar problems to the Scottish Fold.
Extreme Trait: very large size
Maine Coones are not currently an overly-extreme breed, but they do have problems with hip dysplasia and this is exacerbated by large size. As with teacup kittens, when we consistently, selectively breed for either extreme large size or extreme small size, this can cause problems with birth, growth and joint health.
Extreme Trait: triangular shaped skulls
If you were lucky enough to see a Siamese cat 20 years ago, you would have seen a beautiful, blue-eyed, healthy animal. Unfortunately modern Siamese cats are unrecognisable when compared to their fore-runners. Extreme breeding has pushed this breed to the limits, and in a relatively short time the breed has become a very unusual looking breed indeed. Modern Siamese cats have extremely triangular heads, with very large triangular ears. As a result they often encounter problems during the birthing process.
Problems caused by extreme breeding
Breeding for extreme traits causes a lot of problems. Firstly, there are the specific problems caused by the extreme traits and these can include:
- breathing problems
- brain problems (fits, neurological symptoms etc)
- mobility issues
- difficult births
- early death
Then there are the secondary problems that arise from such highly selective breeding practices. These include:
- inbreeding depression
- lowered immune systems
- higher susceptibility to Coronavirus
- higher susceptibility to FIP (which means higher death rates)
- higher instances of other genetic conditions and abnormalities due to the reduced gene pool
For more information, have a look at our article on inbreeding.
Extreme cat breeds: conclusions...
As you can see, it doesn't take very long for a breed to become extreme. When you are choosing a pedigree cat breed please do your research. So many people choose a breed and are completely unaware of the health problems of that breed. Choosing an extreme breed not only supports and encourages the breeding of extreme traits, but it could leave you with a lot of heartbreak, veterinary appointments and huge vet fees too.
Not all breeds are extreme cat breeds: there are plenty of healthy breeds to choose from, so please do your homework and avoid extreme cat breeds.
No animal should be born to suffer - please don't encourage these extreme breeds.
British Shorthair health
Fortunately, thus far British Shorthairs remain a wonderfully healthy breed, and have not been bred to have any extreme traits. There are, however, some worrying trends towards more flat faced British Shorthairs and this seems to be happening more in mainland Europe than anywhere else. Hopefully British Shorthair breeders will remain sensible and continue to focus on the health of their kittens. We will certainly never breed for extreme traits, no matter how fashionable they become!
Find out if we have any kittens available.
Learn more about extremely flat faced cats.
Learn more about Scottish Folds, and folded-eared cats.
Read our articles to discover more.


Bank ABC was this week investigating an incident in which a staff member is reported to have stolen P2 million hardly a year after the bank lost P 5 million in theft believed to have been masterminded by staff . These are just two of the many theft cases Bank ABC is currently investigating yet the bank still considers itself the luckiest bank in the country as it is the least hit by the spate of in house theft reported to be bleeding commercial banks millions of pula every year.
Detective Superintendent Violet Tebape of Serious Crime Squad confirmed that they were investigating a BancABC staff member in connection with the P 2 million theft adding that they already have a number of cases they are investigating at BancABC. She however indicated that BancABC has fewer cases as compared to other commercial banks.
“It is true that my office is investigating a case in which over P2 million was stolen from Bank ABC by a certain employee who is assisting us with the investigation,” he said.
She explained although the investigations were still at an early stage, preliminary investigations have however revealed that the money was stolen in installments.
Tebape told Sunday Standard that commercial banks hardly ever recover the money stolen from their treasury because by the time they discover the theft the money would have been spent, mostly on property, so the banks resort to seizing the property and other proceeds of the theft.
“Our experience indicates that most banks do not screen candidates when hiring employees and this leads to the spate of thefts,” she said.
Contacted for comment Tebogo Seleka of BancABC stated briefly that “there is a matter that is being dealt with, at this point however we cannot make any further comment as it is still early stages and we are in the process of reviewing the situation.”


text:
Delicate Ministrations unfurls eleven speculative tales. This second edition introduces a new novella—Liminal. Honest Indie writes, “These are great stories from a writer who infuses them with heart, soul, insight and a fearful imagination.”
Brian Burt writes short and novel-length speculative fiction. His short story “The Last Indian War” won the Writers of the Future Gold Award. His debut novel, “Aquarius Rising: In the Tears of God,” won EPIC’s 2014 eBook Award for Science Fiction.


text:
This 12 months has been a calendar year of firsts all-around the planet.
Lots of people welcomed new “playmates” like a puppy or Nintendo console to lighten the times of the pandemic, and everybody tailored to modifications in all realms of existence.
In retaining with the new ordinary, how about we do one thing distinct to ring in the new year?
Can I entice you to sip feuerzangenbowle, a mulled wine drunk with rum-soaked sugarloaf as they do in Germany?
Or most likely invite you to established up a Scottish desk of buttery shortbread cookies to pair with a glass of whisky?
I consider there is a whole lot to celebrate this 12 months as we welcome a prosperous and harmless 2021, merely because we are nonetheless alive and kicking.
Also, I picture we are all travellers who unsuccessful to globetrot significantly of this calendar year but I hope to convey some cheer with new 12 months beverages all-around the planet to get us by the final hrs of 2020.
I invite you to “journey” 1 last time this yr as we elevate our Campari, caipirinha or sake to a wholesome, joyful and safe and sound 2021.
• Based in Europe, Australia-born Michelle Tchea is the creator of Chefs Collective and writes on food stuff, wine and journey.
Can you steer away from vodka, Russia’s legendary consume, through the new 12 months? Pretty unachievable.
While Russians do not want an justification to drink their national spirit, it is normally eaten through exclusive occasions: weddings, birthdays and, of program, through the new 12 months.
Even nevertheless Russia will be 1 of the initially nations around the world to welcome 2021, the Jan 1 celebrations are secondary to the extra conventional new yr festivities on Jan 14, which observe the Orthodox calendar.
Foodstuff plays an integral purpose, with a zakuska desk overflowing with caviar, dim bread, pickles and marinated mushrooms – alongside with vodka.
If vodka is not your vice, perhaps adhere to the example of other Russians by consuming champagne. But there is a twist – Russians write and burn off their new calendar year needs, incorporating the sooty continues to be to champagne, just before clinking their glasses at midnight.
The place Russians celebrate: In Moscow’s Red Square, looking at the fireworks around St Basil’s Cathedral. Or in entrance of the Kremlin though listening to President Vladimir Putin give his new year’s speech, with vodka in hand.
How to say satisfied new year: S novym godom
Germany is aware how to social gathering – after the clock strikes midnight and the fireworks have began, Germans start off munching on doughnuts referred to as pfannkuchen which are loaded with jam and in some cases liquor.
Seemingly, if you are unfortunate, you may perhaps come across a mustard-loaded one.
Sip feuerzangenbowle – a warm, spiced mulled wine made with cinnamon, cloves and orange peel – alongside with a rum-soaked cone-shaped sugar cube established on fire (previously mentioned). That is for a little bit of theatre – and it also intensifies the flavour of your new yr drink.
As they sip the consume – which virtually interprets as “fireplace tong punch” – old-college revellers maintain the fiery sugar cone.
The place Germans rejoice: Fireworks in close proximity to the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin or, my favourite, everywhere on the Rhine River.
How to say pleased new year: Frohes neues Jahr
New 12 months celebrations are observed as a loved ones affair, with a journey on the eve to a nearby shrine to pray for excellent fortune for the 12 months ahead.
Like many issues in Japan, food items is concerned. All through the three-working day new 12 months celebrations, there is a great deal of consuming and taking in, setting up on the eve with a hearty bowl of buckwheat noodles named toshikoshi soba, which loosely translates to “yr-crossing noodles”.
Sake is the ceremonial drink of alternative all through Shogatsu (New Yr), but not just any rice wine will do. O-toso (above), a sake with medicinal substances, is shared inside of the loved ones to expel terrible fortune from the previous yr, as nicely as to endorse great health and fortune for the new year.
Exactly where Japanese celebrate: In the Japanese cash, in close proximity to Tokyo Tower to see the fireworks. In Kyoto, at the Umenomiya Shrine, which is regarded as a “sake shrine” and presents cost-free sake on the eve.
How to say happy new yr: Akemashite omedeto gozaimasu
The new calendar year in Scotland consists of bonfires, sharing of sweets and a wee dram of whisky (higher than).
The celebrations of “Hogmanay”, as the new 12 months is named, come from the Viking ancestors. Several believe the get together is as prolonged as three times for the reason that Christmas was banned from the conclusion of the 17th century until finally the 1950s, so New Year’s Eve grew to become a excellent justification for locals to revel in good food stuff and booze.
Customary new year celebrations will see just one and all holding hands with new and previous friends and singing Auld Lang Syne, which was composed by Scottish poet Robert Burns.
And then family members and friends obtain in excess of Scottish treats like buttery shortbread biscuits and a fruit-and-nut cake known as black bun, although receiving into some mischief with a bottle of locally generated whisky to ring in the joyous new yr.
Wherever the Scots celebrate: The coastal town of Stonehaven for the final hearth ceremony with additional than 60 fireball swingers and loads of folks in costume.
How to say delighted new calendar year: Haud Hogmanay
Alternatively than reaching for any old champagne, why not go for a Spanish cava (above)?
The glowing white wine is produced with regional grapes these types of as Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada. It is considered to carry superior fortune for the new 12 months if you fall a coin or golden ring in your glass and drink at the stroke of midnight – but be sure to go away the trinket in the glass.
Before you get also tipsy, observe custom in Spain with 12 grapes. Spaniards believe that luck and prosperity will be with you if you consume a grape for just about every month of very good fortune.
To signify a bounty of prosperity, lentil soup is served alongside a pork dish like cotechino, a spicy pork sausage.
Wherever Spaniards rejoice: Any place the place there is a clock. Puerta del Sol, the central sq. in Madrid, is a excellent position to eat grapes and look at the fireworks.
How to say delighted new 12 months: Feliz ano nuevo
Just like Spain, Mexicans eat a grape to rejoice the new yr but they will also make a want.
To ramp up luck, Mexicans take in a sweet bread termed Rosca de Reyes. It is baked with a coin and, if you are fortunate more than enough to locate it, you will have a wonderful calendar year in advance.
But for imbibers, absolutely nothing states new 12 months much more than a warm tequila punch known as ponche Navideno (over), to remind you of great periods in Mexico.
The consume is fruity and refreshing, with components that consist of tamarind, prunes, hibiscus, cinnamon and piloncillo, a sweetener.
Exactly where Mexicans celebrate: In Mexico Town around the primary square Zocalo, and observing the fireworks in close proximity to Angel de la Independencia.
How to say joyful new 12 months: Feliz ano nuevo


text:
Share your love for the Holy City and vote in the Condé Nast Traveler 2016 Readers’ Choice Awards to name Charleston the No. 1 U.S. City for the sixth consecutive year! This year’s categories include Arts & Culture, Friendliness, Hotels & Resorts, Restaurants, Shopping, Sights & Scenery, and Transportation. Scroll on to see why Charleston scores at the top in each category!
The fine arts community has thrived in Charleston since 1736 with the opening of the Dock Street Theatre, the nation’s first structure to be built for theatrical use. Charleston is also home to the nation’s first museum, demonstrating the destination’s longstanding role as a center for the arts and culture. Today, fine arts take shape in the area’s many noted galleries, many of which participate in the during the Charleston Gallery Association ArtWalk, and exhibit during the internationally acclaimed Spoleto Festival USA, an annual 17-day celebration of performing arts that illuminates every established and nontraditional performance space in the region.
In recent years, Charleston has garnered top honors as the #1-ranked U.S. City according to readers of Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Southern Living, and other esteemed media outlets. While cuisine and hotels always merit mention in the reader polls, the warm hospitality extended by Charleston’s locals is a deciding factor in the destination’s enduring charms and widespread appeal.
As a guest at one of our many award-winning hotels and resorts, you may find yourself sipping pre-dinner cocktails on an open-air piazza, enjoying sweeping ocean views from the balcony of a grand seaside mansion, or savoring a heavenly slice of Ultimate Coconut Cake during evening turndown. Trust us; you wouldn’t be the first to ask for an extended checkout.
Is it the acclaimed restaurant scene? The pristine seafood? The passionate chefs and purveyors? The unique Lowcountry recipes? Whatever it is, Charleston exudes a gravitational pull for food lovers as the one Southern destination they absolutely, positively must visit.
Leave room in your suitcase! Charleston was recently named among the “Best Shopping Cities in the World” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. One characteristic that sets Charleston’s shopping scene apart from other destinations is the presence of multi-generation merchant families, including Charleston treasures Croghan’s Jewel Box and M. Dumas & Sons.
The charming streets of Charleston wear the polish of more than 330 years of history, an enchanting chronology that is evident at every turn. Earthquake bolts and ornate ironwork adorn handsome antebellum dwellings, while copper lanterns and hitching posts hint at a bygone era.
The Charleston peninsula is a fabulous example of intelligent urban planning, The early city was laid out on a grid, which resulted in scores of easy-to-navigate perpendicular streets that are pedestrian friendly. It is very easy to walk the entire peninsula. However, when you want to see all that Charleston has to offer at a pace a that’s a few steps quicker, hop on the Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH), a cable car/trolley-replica bus that offers free hop-on, hop-off service or opt for a horse drawn carriage to learn about Charleston’s history and Colonial style.

domain: travel


text:
Into the Meat Grinder CD
Into the Meat Grinder, Full length album, Jewelcase CD
This was our first full length album, and our first release on a label.
1. Tank Corps Unleashed
2. Black Twisted Limbs
3. Stench of Guts
5. Where Men Are Made and Undone
7. Meat Grinder
8. Panzerfaust Sacrifice
9. Bones of the Conquered
10. Beneath Freezing Waves
Recorded at Big Balls Studio, Karlstad, Sweden, with recording engineer Dennis Eriksson.
Mixed by Dennis Eriksson.
Mastered by Jonny Pettersson (Gods Forsaken, Henry Kane, Just Before Dawn, Wombbath) for vinyl, CD and streaming.
Album art: William Persson Öberg.
Relased on Growls from the Underground 25th of September 2019.


text:
What You Get
Three-night all-inclusive stay for two in an ocean-view room. Combine two Groupons to extend your stay.
- Option 1: $825, valid 8/28–10/6 (up to a $2,292 value)
- Option 2: $885, valid 10/7–10/31 (up to a $2,409 value)
- Option 3, $1,299, valid 11/1–12/20 (up to a $2,409 value)
Book by: 10/1/12
All-inclusive stay includes the following:
- All meals and snacks
- Unlimited local and brand liquors
- Access to nonmotorized sports, including kayaks, sunfish sailboats, and snorkeling equipment
- Tax and gratuities
- Complimentary premium club rental at Mahogany Run Golf Course
- 10% off spa services
Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.
All-Inclusive Caribbean Resort with Grotto-Style Pool and Private Beach
The eye-catching centerpiece of the all-inclusive Sugar Bay Resort & Spa is a sprawling pool complex made up of three contiguous freshwater pools. Large rock formations are built in, creating waterfalls and cavernous grottos. You can get an overhead view of the action from a raised wooden walkway, or get comfortable in the cabanas or on one of the surrounding padded lounge chairs.
Before heading to the resort's private white-sand beach, grab some complimentary snorkeling equipment and check out the coral reefs just offshore or take an ocean kayak out for a sunset cruise. When a more relaxing afternoon is in order, make your way to Journeys, one of the largest full-service spas in the US Virgin Islands. With this Getaway, you're entitled to a 10% discount on services such as a hot-stone massage with warm basalt stones and a Fijan scalp massage with aromatic oils. Other perks include a complimentary premium club rental at Mahogany Run Golf Course, which hugs the Atlantic Ocean 2 miles from Sugar Bay.
The all-inclusive package includes meals and drinks at six dining venues, ranging from formal candlelit restaurants to poolside bars. Pimentos spices up lunch and dinner with à la carte Caribbean classics, and Mangrove Restaurant hosts themed dinner buffets. For a taste of the nightlife, head to The Ocean Club, where 95 slot machines, weekly karaoke, and live-DJ dance music create a lively atmosphere.
Afterwards, you'll retire to an ocean-view room featuring a private balcony with dazzling views of Water Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Rooms are spacious and feature Balinese furnishings to reinforce the resort's casual island vibe.
St. Thomas: World-Famous Beaches and Diving Sites
St. Thomas is home to some of the best water recreation and duty-free shopping in the Caribbean. Professional and first-time scuba divers flock to the island's more than 30 dive sites, where networks of coral tunnels are filled with parrotfish, turtles, and other forms of marine life. The pristine waters are also ideal for fishing, boating, and windsurfing, but many visitors who come to St. Thomas never leave the shore. That's because the island boasts miles of white beaches, including heart-shaped Magens Bay, which was hailed by National Geographic as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. You can pull up a rented chaise longue and admire the scenery at this picture-perfect spot located just 3 miles from the hotel.
For an up-close look at the island's diverse animal inhabitants, visit Coral World, located a 10-minute walk from Sugar Bay. Here you can swim with sea lions, feed lorikeets, and catch glimpses of turtles, sharks, and stingrays during treks along the ocean floor. Another kind of treasure can be discovered in the capital city of Charlotte Amalie, where old Danish buildings house shops selling duty-free jewelry, clothing, and gifts.
Ocean-View King and Ocean-View Double
- One king bed or two double beds
- Standard occupancy: 2
- Maximum occupancy: 4
- Adding occupants above standard: adults 18 or older may be added for $163 (all-inclusive) each per night; kids 17 or younger may be added for $55 (all-inclusive) each per night
- Private furnished balconies
- Check in: 3 p.m.
- Check out: 11 a.m.
- Parking: lot parking available for $15 per day
- Rollaways: available for $25 per night
- Smoking policy: no smoking inside the property
- Pet policy: pets are not allowed inside the property.
- Accessibility: handicap-accessible rooms are available upon request during booking.
- Room upgrades: upgrades may be available during booking or check in for an additional cost.
- Three interconnecting pools with waterfalls and hot tub
- Private beach
- Six restaurants, ranging from casual to formal
- One bar and two lounges, including a nightclub
- Full spa and salon onsite
- Complimentary watersports
- Supervised kids' club programs
The Fine Print
- Promotional value expires Oct 1, 2012. Amount paid never expires.
- Book by 10/1/12 or promo value expires
- Must complete travel by 10/6/12, 10/31/12, or 12/20/12 depending on option bought
- Limit 2/ person +2 as gifts
- Limit 2/ visit
- Valid only for option bought
- Subject to availability
- 3-day cancellation notice or fee of applicable 1-night stay up to amount paid for Groupon applies
- Must be 21+ to check in; 18+ to purchase or consume alcohol
- Credit card required at booking & check-in
- Must provide full name upon purchase, which will be provided to resort
- Not valid w/ reward points
- All resort taxes & fees are included.
- Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services.
Sugar Bay Resort & Spa
- By plane: about 9 miles (14 km) from Cyril E. King Airport (STT)
- By cab: about US$15 per person from STT


text:
Gone For The Weekend Jeans
We’re taking off in the Gone For The Weekend Denim Jeans! These cutie runs true to size with a classic skinny jean fit. Rendered with a real five pockets, distressed details and a five button down closure. Designed for a comfortable, flattering and obviously trend-forward look!
Fits true to size
Model is wearing our size 3/25
11" RISE / 26" INSEAM IN SIZE 3/25
Materials: 68.5% COTTON 23.3% POLYESTER 7% RAYON 1.2% SPANDEX


text:
Startled, Danqing Shen pointed at his nose, “Me? How am I to save you? Like I said, we’re not that close, merely getting along. There’s nothing to make me risk so much just for you. You know very well that behind be there’s…”
“Yeah, I know. I’ve been hearing things ever since I entered central area.”
Zhuo Fan shook his head, “Old Dan fought with Invincible Sword, beaten and thrown down in merely five moves.”
Danqing Shen’s glared at him, “Is that how you see a duel of experts, a beatdown between thugs?”
“Pretty much. That’s its meaning and that’s how it spread, thus, that’s how I heard it, he-he-he…”
Zhuo Fan’s went stern the next second, “But it’s because of this fight that Old Dan had to become one of the Nine Sword Kings of Sword Star Empire, Dragon Cleaving Sword King. Behind you are countless innocent lives of your homeland. Old Dan is a kind man and won’t want them to suffer. This is why the Sword Star Empire caught you.”
Danqing Shen’s eyes shook and sighed in pain, “I have long said what was the point of being best in western lands. You’re still at another’s whim in the central area. I’m glad I didn’t take the Vaulting Sword with me or western lands would have been defenseless against the Invincible Sword. Maybe the whole western lands would’ve rose up to get that divine weapon back like Shangguan clan did, ha-ha-ha…”
“Oh, by the way, why are you with the Shangguan clan? Have you come for the Soaring Sword as well?” Danqing Shen’s aged face looked mournful, but recovered soon after, giving Zhuo Fan a weird look.
Zhuo Fan shook his head, “It’s just happened. My goal and theirs differ. I’m not interested in the Soaring Sword, ha-ha. Shangguan clan’s fate is of no concern to me either.”
“It’s good you’re not tied with them, because the Shangguan clan is now stuck.”
Danqing Shen looked at the blazing sky, where the Pill King Convention’s final round was being held, “Shangguan Feiyun and Baili Jingwei are working together, leaving no room for the Shangguan clan to escape this quagmire. Birds of a feather flock together. Drifting about, it’s hard to find a familiar face. I’ve been coming to enjoy your friendship, Zhuo Fan, and I’d hate for anything to happen to you.”
Zhuo Fan stared at his honest look and nodded, “I’ll be alright.”
“Then I’m relieved.”
Danqing Shen patted his shoulder, “I came here to confirm whether you were in danger or not. But seeing you so confident shows me it’s nothing. Just like back in Double Dragon Gathering, practicing what you preach, with everything in the palm of your hand. But there will always be incidents and when the time comes and you’re in real danger. I’ll do all I can to help you. “
Zhuo Fan grumbled then whispered in his ear.
Danqing Shen gasped, “That… can save you?”
Zhuo Fan’s eyes flashed, his smile oozing confidence, “Though it’ll hardly happen, ha-ha-ha…”
Meanwhile, in the clearing behind the manor, as the last towering flame was snuffed out, the candidates had finished their pill making. The guards went first and placed the pills in two piles.
Only this time, one was made up of top and perfect pills, shiny and smooth, evident of the alchemists’ broad experience; thirty-two pills in total.
While the other had average and low pills, with feeble aura, and looking crude. Any untrained eye would call them amateur work, if not duds.
And this pile came from only five people.
With a wide grin, Baili Jingwei pointed at the five pills, “Cast them out!”
Four sighed and lamented their luck. While only one relaxed, Shangguan Yulin.
[Cast out means I get to walk.]
There was no need for guards to lend a helping hand as the five left by themselves. The remaining candidates watched on with glee at their misfortune.
[He-he, useless! Vermin mixed with true alchemists like us should’ve been removed from the start.]
Baili Jingwei waved and the guards grabbed them before they get too far. Everyone jerked.
“Congratulations, you are the finalists welcomed to the imperial capital. Please wait in the parlor!”
Baili Jingwei clasped his hands and gestured with a smile.
The winners were ecstatic, cheerfully leaving with the guards, but not before giving the five losers one last taunting look.
Baili Jingwei turned to the five with a cold look. Shangguan Feiyun froze.
Taking a casual sip of tea, Baili Jingwei had a vague smile, “People, do you know why I wanted you to stay?”
“Please enlighten us, Prime Minister!” They all shivered.
Baili Jingwei flicked his hand and threw their pills on the ground with disgust, “You can make 8th grade pills so why can’t you even make a top 7th grade?”
The five looked at each other in silence.
“I’ll tell you, it’s because you don’t have the basics of alchemy, to the point you just crammed in over a short period of time!”
Shuddering, Shangguan Yulin was sweating buckets.
Baili Jingwei gave him a creepy smile, “With the Crown Prince’s serious situation, I’d understand if you made a lower grade, since all of it is based on one’s basics. But your skills show you’re posing as top alchemists, wanting to slink in. Getting you to heal the Crown Prince will be the same as harming him. Who’d be responsible? You have lied to me and lied to His Majesty. You deserve death!”
“Prime Minister, spare us, please! We didn’t mean to!” With such a huge crime dumped on their heads, the five lost their reasoning, falling to their knees and pleading.
Shangguan Yulin was scared to death, horror gripping his heart. He was a Shangguan clan spy and getting killed because of this was a serious blow to his illustrious name.
Baili Jingwei grinned, giving Shangguan Feiyun a look.
Shangguan Feiyun took a deep breath and said, “Get up. Even though death should be your only reward, I’m willing to give you a chance. If you can answer one question of mine, I’ll pardon you!”
“Thank you sir, thank you!” The five bowed at once.
Shangguan Feiyun muttered then began, “You might not know but I’ve been hailed as a mighty talent since young. My power was outstanding, getting the attention of great experts from eastern lands. I’ve always been the best among my peers, ultimately rising to become the best in eastern lands!”
The five were baffled.
[Where’s Sword King going with this? Where’s the question?]
Sinking into his memoirs, Shangguan Feiyun had forgotten his audience, “Despite outstanding and matchless, when it came to the Clan Head seat, father was biased towards my elder brother, giving it to him and not me. Saying something like my nature was skewed, detrimental to the clan. Humph, which expert isn’t skewed? From that moment, I left the clan, taking another path, Shangguan clan branch. Yes, my bloodline is the true Shangguan clan, representing its true power. Would you say so? “
The four looked at each other lost. [Is that the question? Ain’t this too easy?] Who didn’t know to smooch another’s rear? They did it all the time.
They bobbed their heads, “Yes, yes…”
“It’s good you realize it.”
Shangguan Feiyun said, “Then let me ask you this. When the yearly memorial of our ancestors is held, how many incense are lit and how long will the washing last?”
They five were stumped.
[How the hell are we supposed to know about Shangguan clan’s tradition? I bet not even the eastern lands know! That’s your affair, not outsiders’.]
[Is this a trick question, or what?]
Clueless as a newborn chick that this pardon wasn’t for them, but for Shangguan clansmen. The question was given to avoid rash action and ruin everything for the spy.
Also, the memorial of ancestors was a big thing in any clan. Shangguan Feiyun asked it so it fit his story and to make Shangguan clansmen easier to switch sides.
When a man was asked to betray, he was asked to forsake the clan, forsake one’s ancestors. But by admitting it here and now that you were a spy, you wouldn’t be a traitor, just siding with another branch.
Shangguan Feiyun was a bigshot of the Shangguan clan in the end. Who was to say which branch was the true one and which one the fake?
By using this cryptic logic, with life and death hanging by a thread, it was the easiest to break the enemy’s will. It was also a mind game cooked up by Baili Jingwei, so the enemy had no way of noticing it.
Sipping tea still, Baili Jingwei’s eyes glittered as he watched the five, especially the shaken up Shangguan Yulin…

domain: literature


text:
LONDON – Singapore remains the best place in the world to do business in the next five years, according to Economist Intelligence Unit – EIU’s business environment rankings (BERs) for the fourth quarter of 2022. Canada and the US are ranked second and third, with western Europe still well represented in the top 20.
The biggest improvements over the past three years, since before the ructions caused by the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, are in the business environments of Greece, Qatar, the US and the UAE. The biggest deteriorations are in Latin America, the lowest-ranking region, as well as in Russia and Ukraine.
Compared with the fourth quarter of 2019, Greece’s ranking increased by 16 places. This significant improvement reflects its poor starting point, given a long-delayed recovery from the government debt crisis that began in 2009, but also the impact of a pro-business majority government that has undertaken reforms, cut taxes and restored confidence in the country. Meanwhile, the US rose by ten places in the rankings. Its performance in most of our categories—including policy towards private enterprise and competition and the labour market—remains very strong.
Read the full story: https://services.eiu.com/singapore-retains-its-lead-in-business-environment-rankings/

domain: finance


text:
The Basilica of Saint Sebastian Outside the Walls is one of the oldest churches in Rome. It is built on top of the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian and is located outside the city walls. The entrance to these catacombs is inside the basilica.Continue reading “Saint Sebastian Outside the Walls Church Rome”
Saint Sebastian was a soldier who was martyred during the reign of Diocletian (end of the 3rd century). He was pierced with arrows, then killed by blows of a club and thrown into the Cloaca Maxima. He appeared in a vision to the matron Irene, who subsequently picked up his body and carried it to the catacombs. His cult became very popular and in the 5th century a crypt was excavated around his tomb.
Catacombs of Saint Sebastian Rome
Address, opening hours and admission
Address: Via Appia Antica, 136 – Rome (tel. +39 06 7850350). Opening hours: 10,00 till 16.30. Closed: Sunday, January 1, December 25, 26. Admission: 8 Euros (age 6-15: 5 Euros; age 0-5: Free).
History and description
The Appian Way, or the Via Appia Antica, passes through a valley near the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian. Since the bottom of the valley was called “ad catacombas“, the columbarii that were built there came to be called catacombs. Later the word became synonymous with all underground cemeteries.
Three mausoleums were erected at the bottom of the valley. In the 3rd century the church got ownership of the site and had the mausoleums covered by a platform, thus creating a so-called triclia (covered courtyard). In the 4th century a basilica was built above the earlier structures. This basilica was altered in the 13th century and renovated (by Cardinal Scipio Borghese) in the 17th century.
The Catacombs of San Sebastiano contain second century pagan as well as Christian tombs and consist of four levels. The tour will take you down a staircase along which remains of sarcophagi bearing imperial seals can be viewed. Underneath the church three pagan tombs can be seen, as well as some frescoes and a floor mosaic.
The Chapel of Symbols is called thus because of the early Christian symbols that can be found there.
Via Appia, 136 – Rome
Rome’s 26th quartiere is called Appio Pignatelli. The name refers to the Via Appia and to an influential family by the name of Pignatelli.
Appio Pignatelli District Rome
The district is situated in the south eastern part of the city and has little to offer for tourists.
Rome’s oldest and most venerable golf club is located in Appio Pignatelli. The Circolo del Golf di Roma Acquasanta was founded by members of the British Consulate in the year 1903.
Quartiere Appio Pignatelli Rome (Q. XXVI)
The Catacombs at Vigna Randanini in Rome, which were discovered in 1859, are one of the best examples of Jewish cemeteries. Continue reading “Vigna Randini Jewish Catacombs Rome”
The Mausoleum Cecilia Metella in Rome is a big funerary monument, built in the 1st century B.C. It is located along the ancient Appian Way in the southern part of Rome, about 5km outside of the city borders. The mausoleum’s location, on top of a hill, made it an important landmark for people traveling to Rome from the south. Continue reading “Cecilia Metella Mausoleum Rome”


Topic: Focus on the Ford company where it produces best cars which many people love. From this article I will sharing pictures of this cars in a lavish way where people enjoy their lifestyle riding cars from Ford.
> Ford has actually built enough great cars and trucks that it’s tough to pare the list down to 20. The Ford Motor Company has been building cars since 1903, through sheer longevity if nothing else, the carmaker is bound to have built some great ones over the decades.
First watch Ford F-150 SVT Raptor.
Power & performance meets comfort & convenience with the Ford® F-150 Raptor.
The Lotus 49 would finish second in the constructors’ championship for ’67, while versions of the 49 would win the title in ’68 and ’70. Meanwhile, the DFV engine would take drivers to 12 Formula 1 world championships and power cars to 10 constructors’ titles.
The Cortina was never a sports car, but it can still be a real hoot to drive. The 2.3-litre V6 is comfortably the best performer, being the largest capacity and highest power output of all Cortinas.
The Mark V was announced on 24 August 1979. Officially it was known as “Cortina 80”, although the Mark V tag was given to it immediately on release, by the press, insiders and the general public.
> Ford Mustang GT
Ford Mustang GT has been a best car which produces the module from above. The car is the 1982 Ford Mustang GT which had been in production since the 1979 model year and conventional wisdom was that no one cared about performance anymore.
For this days Mustang has a top speed of 186 mph, and it does 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds. The Shelby GT500 also does a quarter-mile time of 10.7 seconds and at a speed of 132 mph.
Content created and supplied by: 2:15Math (via Opera News )
Opera News is a free to use platform and the views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent, reflect or express the views of Opera News. Any/all written content and images displayed are provided by the blogger/author, appear herein as submitted by the blogger/author and are unedited by Opera News. Opera News does not consent to nor does it condone the posting of any content that violates the rights (including the copyrights) of any third party, nor content that may malign, inter alia, any religion, ethnic group, organization, gender, company, or individual. Opera News furthermore does not condone the use of our platform for the purposes encouraging/endorsing hate speech, violation of human rights and/or utterances of a defamatory nature. If the content contained herein violates any of your rights, including those of copyright, and/or violates any the above mentioned factors, you are requested to immediately notify us using via the following email address operanews-external(at)opera.com and/or report the article using the available reporting functionality built into our Platform See More