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X-Men comic fans have always hailed the series for its appreciation of diversity and its attempts to understand and undo bigotry. More than any other franchise both within and without Marvel, the X-Men’s blend of sci-fi and real-world prejudice makes it a true force in advocacy. I’m enjoying the X-Men movie franchise so far, but it’s past time that its creators take the necessary steps towards diversity that make the comics so popular. The “save the world” X-Men movies have been fun, but Deadpool proved that focusing on the spirit of a main character can be even more rewarding.
Here are ten characters of color from the X-Men comics that I would like to see done right in the movies. Note: I didn’t include my X-love, Storm, on this list because I already wrote my hopes for her in this previous article.
1. Forge (Cheyenne Native American)
This list must start with the fan-favorite Forge. Using his mutant ability to be really, really, really good with technology, he helped design S.H.I.E.L.D.’s Helicarrier in the comics. Forge could easily be a background player through much of X-Men’s sci-fi sets. Someone had to invent the Danger Room, right? If done with respect to Forge’s roots as a Cheyenne Native American, this X-Man has all the right elements for an original mutant story with heart.
Speaking of heart, Forge also had a fairly serious relationship with X-goddess Storm. (So much for leaving her off this list.) Personally, I’m rarely a fan of romance stories, but I’d pay good money to see the ups and downs of their relationship within a tumultuous, mutant-fearing world. The Kirk and Uhura kiss on Star Trek was revolutionary in its day, but isn’t it time we social justice-minded geeks had an interracial love affair to celebrate? Come to think of it . . . lightning and future tech . . . there are a lot of fun things you could do with that. So yeah, I think we need a Forge and Storm solo movie.
2. Dust (Afghani)
Sooraya Qadir is an Afghani woman who used to live under the oppression of the Taliban. She would be the first Arab X-Man brought into the franchise and would be an instant hit for Arab and Arab-American X-Men fans alike. Her ability to turn into living dust would also be fun to see in action. Imagine the Sandman from the third Spider-Man film – but with a much more compelling origin story. One other inescapable part of her story is her choice to wear the traditional abaya and niqāb as part of her devotion to Islam. I’m not a woman or a Muslim, but even I’m sick of hearing how often Muslim women have to defend their decision to wear or not wear whatever they want. An X-movie with Sooraya would almost certainly have her discuss that decision, and her answer onscreen could leave audiences with a greater respect for the challenges of being a Muslim woman in today’s global society.
3. G. W. Bridge (Muslim African-American)
This one might be a little tricky depending on whether Fox or Marvel Studios has the rights to use him. He is not a mutant, but he made his first appearance in X-Force, which would put him in Fox’s X-Men territory. But, he’s also a onetime S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, which would situate him with Marvel Studios. If Fox does have the rights to him, though, then they should consider commissioning G. W. Bridge as X-Men’s own version of Nick Fury (minus S.H.I.E.L.D., of course, although wasn’t that a Helicarrier in Deadpool?) The majority of government liaisons in the X-Men movie franchise so far have been mutant haters. Bridge could be that one, high-ranking officer fighting for mutant rights, and the films need some mutant allies to start showing up. Bridge also converted to Islam, but I don’t believe it has ever been mentioned which tradition of Islam Bridge follows. However, if he was a Shiite and if he starred opposite of Dust, we could be treated to two denominations of Muslims in a single comic book movie! Wouldn’t that be something?
4. Jubilee (Chinese American)
Jubilee has been in several roles to date in the X-Men movie franchise, including X-Men: Apocalypse. Sadly, however, no movie yet has fleshed out her potential. Being the daughter of Chinese immigrants, Jubilation Lee is as Chinese-American as they come. Have you seen the episode “Parents” on Aziz Ansari’s Master of None on Netflix? It poignantly highlights the disconnect between first generation Asian-American kids and their immigrant parents. That’s only part of what Jubilee can bring to the table, and that culture clash would be even more explosive (pun intended) when you throw in her mutant power to create plasma bombs from her fingertips. Jubilee’s comic book story begins with her parents being killed, but there is no reason why her being the daughter of immigrants shouldn’t still be part of her story and outlook.
5. Black Box / Commcast (Indian)
Even though Commcast has never been an X-Man, Garabed Bashur entering the mutant movie verse would bring the mutant phenomenon straight into the 21st century. Bashur is a mutant technopath and as such, his mere presence would have us question how the mutant phenomenon itself is evolving with the times, especially if he were to star opposite Forge. His ability to access every kind of electronic information that has ever been transmitted makes Bashur the digital equivalent of Charles Xavier.
As an Indian myself, I would love to see India’s culture, disparity, and strife explored through the mutant phenomenon. My pick for Garabed would be Bollywood actor Sharukh Khan, who has repeatedly expressed his fondness for X-Men comics and the X-Men movie franchise. Bringing in a famed Bollywood actor into the X-Men Universe would not only expand the X-Men’s story, but would be a monster hit internationally.
6. Omega Sentinel (Indian)
Not veering from either the Indian sub-continent or technology is the X-Woman Karima Shapinder. Karima is not a mutant, but was once a Prime Sentinel—a cyborg programmed to kill mutants on sight. That concept alone would highlight the seemingly insurmountable evil of intolerance. Creating giant, killer, purple robots (as Bolivar Trask did in X-Men: Days of Future Past) is one thing, but using nanotechnology to turn regular people into soulless mutant-killing machines is quite another. Fortunately for Omega Sentinel, that part of her programming was fixed by Professor X and Magneto before she joined the X-Men. An individual who’s dealing with some rather unique body identity issues and has nowhere else to go, yet is welcomed to join the team is in itself what X-Men is all about. And besides all that, where else will we ever see a cyborg, Hindu, vegetarian super-heroine? She’d be like Iron Man, except not at all.
7. Karma/X’ian Coy Manh (Vietnamese American)
Sadly, a Catholic, French-speaking Asian-American might seem like a mutant power all its own to folks who are used to the uniformity of current superhero movies, but that barely scratches the surface for some refugee families from the Vietnam War. As someone who lost friends and family to hatred, Karma has plenty of reasons to fight for justice and a better world. We often don’t consider how refugees are part of America’s fabric, which is why Karma’s superhero story would go a long way. Karma’s power is to take control of other people’s minds. It comes with a Rogue-like curse, where her host’s personality and habits can over take her own. Each time she uses her power she faces a possible identity crisis, though her identity is already fractured after having to leave her war-torn home. It’s not the kindest power to have, for either Karma or the people she controls. Her decision to use it would be painful to see on screen, so painful that we wouldn’t be able to look away.
8. Bishop (Aboriginal Australian-American)
Lucas Bishop had a throw-away role in X-Men: Days of Future Past. As the resident time traveling X-Man, it’s a shame that he has already been overlooked for the X-franchise’s first time-traveling adventure. Bishop is an Aboriginal Australian-American refugee, who hails from a future where mutants are being hunted and put into death camps. Let me spell that out: a black mutant slave from an American concentration camp comes back through Time to stop the horror from ever happening . . . how has his story not already been told in cinema?! After all, the entire X-Men movie franchise began with a scene from a concentration camp where we see Magneto first use his powers as a child. Lucas Bishop’s story brings that trauma right back by saying “this can happen again if we don’t act now against prejudice.” Oh, and his power? Bishop can absorb all kinds of energy and redirect it into powerful blasts, so not only is his origin compelling, but he’ll whoop ass on any super-powered battlefield.
9. Sabra (Israeli)
This one would be controversial, which is why it needs to happen. Have you ever met someone for the first time and asked,”So, what’s your take on the conflict between Israel and Palestine in the Middle East?” Of course you haven’t. It’s not something we ever talk about, even though it’s been a part of both world and American history for decades. As a mutant and a super soldier for the Israeli army, Ruth Bat-Seraph would bring the realism of this life-wasting conflict right to us. Using her superhuman strength, agility, and reflexes, Sabra would also give us a glimpse into what war would be like in a world with super-powered beings. It wouldn’t be the superhero escapism that we’re used to (and I’m sure that there are fans who wouldn’t want to go there), but merging escapism and real-world issues to understand and combat hatred has always been what sets X-Men apart. A Sabra done right with respect to the horrors of war would have lasting effects on all of us.
And speaking of war . . .
10. Warpath (Apache Native American)
The great and beloved Hugh Jackman is on his way out of the X-franchise. The upcoming Wolverine movie will draw heavily from the “Old Man Logan” storyline, and it might just put the Ol’ Canucklehead out to pasture. Jackman has been the point X-Man on the team since the first movie in 2000. He’s gained quite a following, but Fox’s reliance on Wolverine’s popularity is also what has prevented them from exploring other X-Men lore. Still, if Fox wants to stick to having a main mutant who is rugged, a skilled combatant, possesses keen animal senses, and the ability to heal rapidly, they only have to look back to re-doing James Proudstar from Days of Future Past. Wielding a pair of Bowie knives (that could easily be made of adamantium instead of vibranium), Warpath is Wolverine 2.0. Did I mention he also has super strength and speed? He’s more than just a cheap knock-off, however; Proudstar has had a long history in the X-Men, stemming from his first appearance in 1984 when he almost single-handedly took down the entire X-Men team. If Fox studios would dare to be forward-thinking enough to have Warpath take over for Wolverine as the main character of the franchise (and cast an Apache or at least a Native American actor in the role), it would not only shake comic book movies and Hollywood to its core, it would grant a great character of color some well-deserved fandom.
There is so much diversity within the X-Men comics that this list could have gone on and on. Which X-characters would you like to see on screen who would help the franchise celebrate our collective humanity?


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Thu, May 23|
James A Little Theater
School for Advance Research Presents: Nicholas Carr
New York Times best-selling author and Pulitzer Prize finalist in non-fiction, Nicholas Carr presents a talk on the development of the internet and the role it has played on how we think, work and live.
Registration is ClosedSee other events
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We, as women, aren't as comfortable doing.
Also, men generally network with a clear goal in mind and are more comfortable asking for what they want. Helen Fisher, Ph.
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Today on the site we’re revealing the cover of Fault by Lumen Reese, an adult sci-fi reimagining of Moby Dick releasing August 24, 2023, complete with an m/m romance between the stand-ins for Ishmael and Queequeg. Here’s the story:
A grieving mother.
A ship crewed by the damned.
The Thing swam out of the magma in the Earth’s core and clawed its way up through the San Andreas Fault on the night that a chunk of the California coast sank into the Pacific. Millions died, including the two children of Lucille ‘Ceely’ Bennett, an accomplished engineer stranded in rural Montana when the cataclysm occurred. Ceely builds a submarine, complete with mechanical arms and a set of harpoons -the biggest on the market- with the intention of going down among the ruins of Los Angeles to collect her daughters’ bodies.
A mother’s love -and fury- drive her to hunt the creature across oceans and decades in this story of grief and revenge.
Whether you loved this dreamy m/m YA fantasy as much as I did or haven’t gotten to it yet, you’re definitely going to want to snatch up a copy of Reverie by Ryan La Sala when it comes out in paperback on June 7th from Sourcebooks, because look at that cover! What cover, you ask? Why, the gorgeous one below! But first, the story:
A few weeks ago, Kane Montgomery was in an accident that robbed him of his memory. The only thing he knows for certain is that the police found him half-dead in the river. The world as he knows it feels different―reality seems different. And when strange things start happening around him, Kane isn’t sure where to turn.
And then three of his classmates show up, claiming to be his friends and the only people who can tell him what’s truly going on. Kane doesn’t know what to believe or who he can trust. But as he and the others are dragged into increasingly fantastical dream worlds drawn from imagination, it becomes clear that there is dark magic at work. Nothing in Kane’s life is an accident, and only he can keep the world itself from unraveling.
And here’s the gorgeous cover redesign, illustrated by Jonathan Bartlett and designed by Liz Dresner and Nicole Hower!
But wait, there’s more! Ryan stopped by for a little chat about the book and its stunning new cover, so check it out!
This cover is gorgeous! What did you think when you first saw it?
Well, first I thought: “lksjdfslkjsdlfk,”and that’s a quote.
And then I thought “holy smokes, there he is!“
It’s beyond exciting to see Kane, the unlikely hero of Reverie, on the cover in all his reality-unraveling glory. I created Kane when I was a kid myself, and I looked up to him all throughout my teenage years. Finally I started writing down his adventures in High School. Getting to see him — finallyseehim — on the cover of his own story feels like such a triumph. Atriumph for me as his creator, but also a triumph for little gay boys who want to find a way to feel powerful beyond just your typical man-up-and-get-muscular-and-pick-up-a-sword story.
Kane wields a magic that reacts to his empathy and imagination. The fate of reality hangs upon his ability to balance the world as we know it against the many worlds of those who dream beyond our reality’s limits. He’s difficult and fascinating and so, so important to me. I’m so gladthe artist did him justice.
What has the response toReveriebeen like since its release in 2019?
In a word: dreamy.
In many more words: the response to Reverie has been a dream come true (pun intended). I use this phrase because I have always,alwayshad huge dreams for this book despite many people telling me to temper my expectations. Reverie is not the kind of thing you’d expect togo mainstream. It’s super queer and very weird. It spins through many genres, things get surreal and even scary. Hell, the hero throws rainbow chaos magic and the villain is a drag queen sorceress! But you know what? All of these ‘niche’ elements have just brought more readersinto the pages of Reverie, and I’m thankful for every one of them. I love you all!
What’s also been interesting is the diversity in reactions. Most authors I know avoid reviews, but I revel in them–good, bad, or otherwise. I wrote Reverie to be reacted to, and to inspire people to write their own stories (out of inspiration, or even out of spite, which is how I got started writing Reverie in the first place). It’s been fun watching that take place in real time!
Unfortunately, as Reverie has risen in popularity, it’s also found the spotlights of peopledetermined to ban queer books from school librarires. Right now, Reverie is on a list to beinvestigated for it’s ‘inappropriate’ and ‘potentially pornographic’ content. Anyone who has read Reverie knows this is a wild claim, but I actually don’t think the people who make these lists know how to read. Not very well, at least.
I’m not worried. Reverie will always be here for those that need refuge from an unkind reality.Our jobs (mine, as the author, and yours as the reader) is to stand by these books, defend them, and fight for their availability so that readers who need them, have them.
When it comes to characters, who has been the fan favorite in all theReveriereactions?
Oh, easy. Ursula and Poesy, which is so interesting to me as the author because when I first concocted the idea of dream-unraveling, world-hopping heroes, Ursula and Poesy were the same person. In fact, they were sorta the main character — this hyperfeminine, dress-wearingforce of nature that was as likely to wield a broadsword as they were to wear a ballgown. I think readers can tell how much joy I have writing them, which is why they get a lot of love.
What are you excited for asReveriegoes into paperback?
Can I be frank? Hardcover books are annoying. The dust jackets are pretty but my god do they make it hard to handle a book. I’m always worried about ruining them! So I tend to just let them sit on the shelf, which–don’t kill me–is no place for a book to be.
For me, books are companions, and all my favorite books are well-worn paperbacks that have been shoved into backpacks, suitcases, and *gulp* maybe even cargo pants once or twice. Reverie going into paperback means it’ll be even more available to join readers on their own journey, whether they’re reading it on the bus to school or late at night with a flashlight. I love that. I love knowing the book’s life is about to bloom again, and I can’t wait to welcome in all of those who have been searching for a story like this, a character like this, or a world like this. What I think when I imagine all of those future readers is not quite coherent, but it feels like saying “Welcome home.”
Any further dreams for Kane andReverie?
Oh, tons. There’s no confirmed continuation forReveriein the works right now, but recently I’ve been feeling an intractable pull back into Kane’s world. There’s a lot more for him, Ursula, andthe Others (his team of dream unravelers in the book). And if you’re a fan of Poesy, don’t worry: if I were to pick up this story again, I suspect I would start before the events of Reverie evenbegin, somewhere in the past as Poesy hatches her dreams for a better world. A world onher terms.*insert witchy cackle here*
Ryan La Sala writes about surreal things happening to queer people. He is the author behind the riotously imaginative Reverie, and the brilliantly constructed Be Dazzled, both of which made the Kids’ Indie Next List. He has been featured in Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Tor.com, and one time Shangela from RuPaul’s Drag Race called him cute! Ryan is the host of the infamous La Sala Writers Salon, the co-host the Bad Author Book Club Podcast, and a frequent speaker at events/conferences. When not writing, Ryan does arts & crafts, and rollerblades around Central Park.
Today on the site, we’re welcoming Kevin Klehr, author of The Midnight Man, which just released on August 30th from Ninestar Press! Before Kevin gets to talking about finding yourself as you get older, let’s get a glimpse of his speculative romance:
Stanley is almost fifty. He hates his job, has an overbearing mother, and is in a failed relationship. Then he meets Asher, the man of his dreams, literally in his dreams.
Asher is young, captivating, and confident about his future—everything Stanley is not. So, Asher gives Stan a gift. The chance to be an extra five years younger each time they meet.
Some of their adventures are whimsical. A few are challenging. Others are totally surreal. All are designed to bring Stan closer to the moment his joyful childhood turned to tears.
But when they fall in love, Stan knows he can’t live in Asher’s dreamworld. Yet he is haunted by Asher’s invitation to “slip into eternal sleep.”
We all do it. Some are ready for it while others avoid it all cost. But there is no fountain of youth. We all get older.
The tragedy of aging is when you feel like your life hasn’t begun. That’s the dilemma Stanley faces in my new novel, The Midnight Man.
Stan is in a failed relationship, he hates his job, and he has an overbearing mother. But soon he’ll be facing his fiftieth birthday, and this is not how he planned his life to be at this stage.
When this manuscript was accepted by my publisher, my editor emailed saying she liked what the story ‘had to say about the good and bad aspects of getting older.’ And even though she was obviously referring to my book, it was the first time I realised that was the underlying theme of this work.
When I came up with the concept, I was listening to Kate Bush’s haunting track, ‘Man With the Child In His Eyes’, a song about a mystical lover who appears when the songwriter goes to sleep.
But this is one of my novels. The plotline can’t just be about an ethereal romance.
Stan’s midnight visitor is Asher, a twenty-one-year-old who appears in his dreams. Asher offers Stan a gift. Every time they meet for their night-time adventures, Stanley is another five years younger than the last time they met.
This is how ageing is examined in the story. Stan gets to be himself at an age he once was, while bizarre dreamlike scenarios happen. He reflects without actually reliving moments of his life. He remembers what youth feels like as Asher organises whimsical, or sometimes challenging, scenarios for Stanley to face.
Sometime in the past six months I realised all my books feature a love story. Odd, I thought, because I’ve only written two books you could call Romance. The Midnight Man, like many of my novels, is Urban Fantasy, Magic Realism, Speculative Fiction or whatever you’d like to brand it. But it doesn’t mean our two heroes don’t fall for each other as Stan becomes younger.
In the end, this work is about taking control of your life, and sometimes it takes a special someone to help you do it.
Kevin lives with his husband, Warren, in their humble apartment (affectionately named Sabrina), in Australia’s own ‘Emerald City,’ Sydney.
His tall tales explore unrequited love in the theatre district of the Afterlife, romance between a dreamer and a realist, and a dystopian city addicted to social media.
His first novel, Drama Queens with Love Scenes, spawned a secondary character named Guy. Many readers argue that Guy, the insecure gay angel, is the star of the Actors and Angels book series. His popularity surprised the author. The third in this series, Drama Queens and Devilish Schemes, scored a Rainbow Award (judged by fans of queer fiction) for Best Gay Alternative Universe/Reality novel.
So, with his fictional guardian angel guiding him, Kevin hopes to bring more whimsical tales of love, life and friendship to his readers.
Today on the site I’m thrilled to be sharing the cover of All That’s Left in the World by Erik J. Brown, a post-Apocalyptic m/m (gay and bi) YA releasing March 8, 2022 from Balzer+Bray! Here’s the story:
When Andrew stumbles upon Jamie’s house, he’s injured, starved, and has nothing left to lose. A deadly pathogen has killed off most of the world’s population, including everyone both boys have ever loved. And if this new world has taught them anything, it’s to be scared of what other desperate people will do . . . so why does it seem so easy for them to trust each other?
After danger breaches their shelter, they flee south in search of civilization. But something isn’t adding up about Andrew’s story, and it could cost them everything. And Jamie has a secret, too. He’s starting to feel something more than friendship for Andrew, adding another layer of fear and confusion to an already tumultuous journey.
The road ahead of them is long, and to survive, they’ll have to shed their secrets, face the consequences of their actions, and find the courage to fight for the future they desire, together. Only one thing feels certain: all that’s left in their world is the undeniable pull they have toward each other.
And here’s the cover (complete with glorious finger graze oh my God I died when I saw this), designed by Chris Kwon with art by Na Yeon Kim!
Erik J. Brown (he/him) is a writer of genre-blending books for young adults. His debut novel, ALL THAT’S LEFT IN THE WORLD, will be published by HarperCollins/Balzer+Bray in March 2022. When not writing, he enjoys traveling (pre-pandemic), collecting disco compilations on vinyl, remodeling his haunted house, and embarking on the relentless quest of appeasing his Shiba Inu. He lives in Philadelphia with his husband. You can find his website at erikjbrown.com, on Twitter @WriterikJB, and Instagram @ErikJB.
The gifts of Pride month continue with this giveaway for two advance reader copies of The Other Man by Farhad J. Dadyburjor, a gay rom-com set in Mumbai (!) and releasing October 12th from Lake Union Publishing! Here’s the story:
Heir to his father’s Mumbai business empire, Ved Mehra has money, looks, and status. He is also living as a closeted gay man. Thirty-eight, lonely, still reeling from a breakup, and under pressure from his exasperated mother, Ved agrees to an arranged marriage. He regrettably now faces a doomed future with the perfectly lovely Disha Kapoor.
Then Ved’s world is turned upside down when he meets Carlos Silva, an American on a business trip in India. As preparations for his wedding get into full swing, Ved finds himself drawn into a relationship he could never have imagined—and ready to take a bold step. Ved is ready to embrace who he is and declare his true feelings regardless of family expectations and staunch traditions. But with his engagement party just days away, and with so much at risk, Ved will have to fight for what he wants—if it’s not too late to get it.
Once you see the cover, it’ll become quickly clear why it feels so extra special to be able to introduce to you The City Beautiful by Aden Polydoros, a queer, Jewish historical YA thriller that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about in weeks. It releases from Inkyard Press on September 7th, and I could not encourage you more strongly to use the preorder links below! Here’s the story:
Death lurks around every corner in this unforgettable Jewish historical fantasy about a city, a boy, and the shadows of the past that bind them both together.
Chicago, 1893. For Alter Rosen, this is the land of opportunity, and he dreams of the day he’ll have enough money to bring his mother and sisters to America, freeing them from the oppression they face in his native Romania.
But when Alter’s best friend, Yakov, becomes the latest victim in a long line of murdered Jewish boys, his dream begins to slip away. While the rest of the city is busy celebrating the World’s Fair, Alter is now living a nightmare: possessed by Yakov’s dybbuk, he is plunged into a world of corruption and deceit, and thrown back into the arms of a dangerous boy from his past. A boy who means more to Alter than anyone knows.
Now, with only days to spare until the dybbuk takes over Alter’s body completely, the two boys must race to track down the killer—before the killer claims them next.
And here’s the magnificently Gothic cover designed by Mary Luna with art direction by Erin Craig!
Yes, that is my blurb on there! “The City Beautiful is the haunting, queer Jewish historical thriller of my darkest dreams.” Extremely accurate!
Aden Polydoros grew up in Illinois and Arizona and has a bachelor’s degree in English from Northern Arizona University. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys going to antique fairs and flea markets. He can be found on Twitter at @adenpolydoros.
Today on the site I’m excited to reveal a very dashing cover for the upcoming Contemporary m/m Romance Hard Sell by Hudson Lin, which releases May 25, 2021 from Carina Adores! It stars two Asian-Canadian men bonded by their mutual love for Wei, Tobin’s big brother and Danny’s best friend, and follows what happens when they meet again in the boardroom after a one-night stand… Here’s the official story:
Danny Ip walks into every boardroom with a plan. His plan for struggling tech company WesTec is to acquire it, shut it down, and squeeze the last remaining revenue out of it for his Jade Harbour Capital portfolio. But he didn’t expect his best friend’s younger brother—the hottest one-night stand he ever had—to be there.
Tobin Lok has always thought the world of Danny. He’s funny, warm, attractive—and totally out of Tobin’s league. Now, pitted against Danny at work, Tobin might finally get a chance to prove he’s more than just Wei’s little brother.
It takes a lot to get under Danny’s skin, but Tobin is all grown up in a way Danny can’t ignore. Now, with a promising patent on the line and the stakes higher than ever, all he can think about is getting Tobin back into his bed—and into his life for good.
If only explaining their relationship to Wei could be so easy…
And here’s the brutally suave cover, designed by Victor Cheng!
Hudson Lin was raised by conservative immigrant parents and grew up straddling two cultures with oftentimes conflicting perspectives on life. Instead of conforming to either, she has sought to find a third way that brings together the positive elements of both.
Having spent much of her life on the outside looking in, Lin likes to write stories about outsiders who fight to carve out their place in society, and overcome everyday challenges to find love and happily ever afters. Her books are diverse romances featuring queer and disabled people of color.
When not getting lost in a good story, Lin hosts a podcast, interviews queer people of color, and coaches aspiring authors.


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Family of Victim in One-Way Crash Sues Township, Trucking Co.
A Mississippi family has filed a lawsuit against the city of Ellisville, Jones County, and Beech’s Towing after 23-year-old Jada Bright was struck head-on in a one-way crash driven by Shelly Rose. Rose was driving a rented Dodge Caravan which is much larger than the Saturn that Bright was driving. Bridge, Rose, and a third man in another vehicle were all killed in the accident.
According to the plaintiffs, two days prior to the fatal accident, the same driver, Shelly Rose, was arrested at a truck stop after others reported that she was trying to run people off the road. She was charged with a DUI (fourth offense) and released from jail eight hours later and her vehicle was released from impound.
The next day, Rose was reported looking suspiciously into vehicles and police were again called to the scene. Rose admitted that she had driven to the area where she was now casing vehicles. Instead of charging Rose with another DUI, they charged her with public intoxication, a misdemeanor. This ensured that Rose would be released six hours after the arrest.
Rose was taken to the detention center just before 10 a.m. and Beech’s Towing, a named party in the lawsuit came out to retrieve the Caravan. Rose posted bond and was released about an hour later. The rented Caravan was again released to Rose who then proceeded to kill herself and take two others with her.
Who is at Fault for the Accident?
In a case like this, it’s perfectly possible that multiple parties contributed some form of fault. Often, one act of negligence can proceed another. Obviously, Rose is primarily responsible for this crash, but several mistakes were made along the way that allowed Rose to get her vehicle back where she continued to operate under the influence of alcohol despite having three DUIs and operate a rental car. It’s unclear if the company that rented Rose the Caravan without conducting a cursory check that would have revealed several prior DUIs will also be named in the lawsuit.
The towing company is being sued for releasing the rental vehicle back to Rose despite the fact that it was a rental. This directly preceded the fatal accident which could have been avoided simply by following procedure.
The county and city are both being named in the lawsuit for failing to keep Rose in custody or at least prevent her from getting her vehicle back.
The lawsuit is filed on behalf of the plaintiff’s estate and seeks damages in the form of wage loss and burial expenses, while family members will be compensated for their emotional grief.
Talk to a Florida Defective Autopart Attorney
If a defective auto part is responsible for your accident, you can file a lawsuit against the company that produced it. Call the Coral Gables tire defect attorneys at Halpern, Santos & Pinkert today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.

domain: news


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These statistics demonstrate that there is a significant number of working age people with disabilities who are more than capable of working and want to work, but are not. Particularly in the case of those with learning disabilities it is because the recruitment process can put them at a disadvantage due to online-only applications, formal interviews and unrelated qualification and experience requirements.
In many cases with only a few small changes to the recruitment process and job role, the disabled candidate will be the best candidate for the post.
Employing Disabled People - Recruitment
In 2021 17.8% of the population across England and Wales were classed as disabled. In 2022 Mencap carried out the ‘Big Learning Disability Survey’ and discovered only 26.7% of working age adult respondents were currently in work, 36.7% of those without a job would like one. Another staggering statistic is that only 4.8% of adults with a learning disability (who are known to adult social care in England) are in paid work.

domain: economics


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Little ballerinas will love this delightful story about budding ballerina, Tutu Tilly – complete with pretty ballet outfits.
It’s nearly ballet recital day . . . Tilly has been practising her ballet steps but she’s still a little nervous. Then, the night before the big day, she has a wonderful dream and she knows everything is going to be just perfect.
The third book in the charming Tutu Tilly series from award-winning author, Adele Geras.
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It seems like only yesterday Martin Garrix was the 17 year-old DJ with the super awesome and super overplayed smash, Animals. My defining moment of Garrix fandom came in 2014 when he absolutely killed it at his EDC Las Vegas Kinetic Field debut without even dropping the only song anyone really knew him for at that time.
Fast forward 2 years and Garrix is the youngest DJ to ever close out mainstage atMiami’s Ultra Music Festival. Ultra is known as the official preview of festival season — the spot where DJs release their new tracks and the tone for the summer is set. Garrix brought the goods, offering 10 new songs to his set filled exclusively of his own songs, collabs and remixes — something we don’t hear often in EDM performances.
And he wasn’t the only one. Hardwell tried it too with 12 unreleased tracks that translated into a one-note performance*. It’s that juxtaposition that proves just how dynamic Garrix’s sound really is. He’s made a career out of learning from and collaborating with the world’s best DJs and it creates a sound that can stand on it’s own.
Garrix recentlysplit with his label and started his own, giving him complete creative freedom he clearly had a blast showing off. Ultra 2016 was his moment and it won’t be his last — this Animals artist is a straight beast.
*Sorry Hardwell, I still love you. And that newCraig David collab is sick!
By: Desiree Roughton Writer and Rhythm Chaser


Man shot in chest in Chattanooga
Chattanooga Police are investigating a shooting that landed one man in the hospital.
Police say they responded to the 2500 block of Judson Lane around 11:45 p.m. Friday.
Officers found 27-year-old D'Andray Thomas with a gunshot wound to the chest. Police reported Thomas was standing outside the home when someone shot him and then fled.
He was taken to the hospital with non life threatening injuries.
The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when available.


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What neighborhood do you live in and how long have you lived there? I’ve lived in Logan Square since 2008. It’s right near all of the museums, and has perfect neighborhood vibes—my block is beautifully tree-lined—but is also conveniently close to Center City.
Where do you put up friends visiting town? Our friends at the Loews Philadelphia always provide a comfortable home base for guests, and its central location is ideal for sightseeing (1200 Market St.; 215-627-1200; loewshotels.com).
Where is the best place to find your hometown’s signature dish? Many consider the cheesesteak to be Philadelphia’s signature dish, but the namesake roast pork sandwich at John’s Roast Pork is the real deal. Nestled deep in South Philly, it’s an absolute institution: They just celebrated their 85th anniversary. Just be sure to get there early, since they don't keep late night hours (14 E. Snyder Ave.; 215-463-1951; johnsroastpork.com).
What is your favorite restaurant to take visitors? Philadelphia is full of some of the best old-school Italian restaurants anywhere, and Dante & Luigi’s is one of my top picks in the category. There’s something on the menu for everyone. I find myself craving their linguine with clams in white wine sauce (762 S. 10th St.; 215-922-9501; danteandluigis.com).
Where can you find the best cocktails? Hop Sing Laundromat. Be aware that there are rules for entry (no cell phones, no photos, dress code), but the cocktails there are delicious (1029 Race St.; hopsinglaundromat.com).
Beer list? My friend Marc Vetri’s Italian gastropub has a thoughtful yet extensive list that includes some Italian beers you don’t see anywhere else (1410 Mt. Vernon St.; 215-600-0017; allaspinaphilly.com)
Wine list? I’m really proud of the wine list at my restaurant in the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Volvér. Curated by our sommelier Gordana Kostovski, our list features a selection of over 1,500 bottles from around the globe, with a strong focus on sparkling wines (300 S. Broad St.; 215-670-2303; philadelphia.volverrestaurant.com).
Where would you choose to splurge on a night out? Vernick Food & Drink. Chef Greg Vernick’s cooking is elegant, but never fussy or overwrought. Be sure to check out his toast creations (2031 Walnut St.; 267-639-6644; vernickphilly.com).
What is your go-to after-hours bar? Pass–I have kids. I don’t do after-hours!
What’s the best way to spend a Saturday afternoon in town? Head to The Barnes Foundation on the Parkway to peruse their unbelievable collection of art. From there, if the weather is suitable, make your way to the paths on Kelly Drive for a walk or bike ride to contemplate and reflect on all of the masterpieces you’ve just seen (2025 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.; 215-278-7200; barnesfoundation.org).
What is your Sunday morning routine in your neighborhood? At my house, Sunday morning means bagels and smoked fish. It’s not exactly in my neighborhood, but the short trip over to Famous 4th Street Delicatessen in Queen Village is always worthwhile (700 S. 4th St.; 215-922-3274; famous4thstreetdelicatessen.com). They offer a good variety of smoked fish—my favorites are the kippered salmon and the pastrami salmon—and a platter comes with all of the proper accompaniments. If I’m staying in my neighborhood, I’ll head to Spread for a stellar sandwich on one of their Montreal-style bagels (262 S. 20th St.; 215-545-0626; spreadbagelry.com).
Where is the best brunch? Sabrina’s is a Philadelphia brunch staple. I’d suggest arriving early or checking it out during the week, since the wait for a table on the weekends can be pretty substantial. The huevos rancheros are always perfect, and my kids love the mile-high stuffed challah French toast. (Various locations; sabrinascafe.com).
Where do you go for the perfect cup of coffee? Local guys Jonathan Adams and Damien Pileggi of Rival Bros. do it right! (2400 Lombard St.; rivalbros.com)
What’s your favorite view in town (that tourists might not know about)? Even though tourists definitely know about it, my favorite view is the one from the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, looking down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway straight to City Hall. On a clear, sunny day, Center City’s skyscrapers just sparkle. Since I live nearby, I often use the museum's famous steps as a part of my workout, and despite having seen it hundreds of times, this view never gets old. When the Pope visits Philadelphia this upcoming September, he’ll be holding mass on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, too, which speaks to the grandeur of the view (2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.).
What’s your favorite path or trail to follow on a walk? The trails off Forbidden Drive in Wissahickon Valley Park are gorgeous, with leafy paths, streams, and an old bridge here and there. You wouldn’t believe you’re just 30 minutes outside of the bustle of the city.
What are your favorite offbeat cultural attractions? Magic Gardens. Artist Isaiah Zagar’s mosaic murals can be seen all around Philadelphia, but this is the epicenter. The name says it all: “magic” really sums up the vibe of this spot (1020 South St.; 215-733-0390; phillymagicgardens.org). On the other end of the spectrum is the Mütter Museum, where you’ll find medical oddities and instruments (19 S. 22nd St.; 215-563-3737; muttermuseum.org)
What’s your favorite shop or boutique? For me, custom is the way to go, and Wayne Glassman from Wayne Edwards Workshop is my tailor. I love the options that are available with custom clothes, where I can choose the monogram style down to the fabric lining my shirt cuffs and collars (1710 Sansom St. 2nd Floor; wayneedwardsworkshop.com).
What’s the best-kept local secret? The Ranstead Room. This tiny speakeasy is dark and intimate, and they serve expertly mixed cocktails (2013 Ranstead St.).
Image Credits: © Daniel Krieger for Volver, Sabrina's Cafe, Vernick
In our Hometown Guides series, we're seeking the best restaurants, bars, vistas, and things to do in a given place from the people who know best—the artists, designers, chefs, and store-owners who live there. See more Hometown Guides »

domain: geography


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Every time I think of you, my heart pounds,
Every time I speak of you, my lips burn,
Every time I hold you, my body weakens,
As long as I am with you, I'll never learn.
When I say 'I love you', my soul dances,
When I say 'I want you', my body calls,
When I say 'I need you', my hands yearn,
When you ask me to kiss you, my judgement falls.
Once your lips touch mine, my knees tremble,
Once your hands hold mine, I can't let go,
Once you cup my face, I can't turn away,
Whenever I am near you, my heart won't slow.
You're not only my sky – you are my Sun,
You're not only my night – you are my moon,
You're not only my protector – you are my challenge,
The day always seems to end so soon.
Whenever I see you, I have to smile,
Whenever I'm with you, I don't have to lie,
But whenever it's time for you to leave,
I truly hate to say goodbye.

domain: artistic


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Independent studio Fallen Flag and publishing house United Label have released a new animated trailer for the grim pixelated action film Eldest Souls. In it, the creators showed the main essence of the future game: difficult tight fights with superior opponents and the ability to gain special abilities in the event of a win. Eldest Souls gameplay concentrated on a single type of battle: boss battles.
As a lone warrior, we will explore the vast dark citadel in which the Old Gods took refuge and destroy them one by one. Each of the gods is unique, and no fight will be simple.
And by absorbing their vital energy, the hero will be able to acquire divine powers and assemble a set that matches the chosen style of play. ElDest Souls is released on July 29 on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series and Nintendo Switch.
More on Psychonauts Game 2: Story Trailer, Gameplay Recording, Interviews and Mass Previews Fall Guys The Jungle Season Five Starts Tomorrow The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD UK retail chart leader.


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Toronto – The legislation that Premier Doug Ford has called a “job-killer” has not put the brakes on significant job creation in Ontario, says Ontario Public Service Employees Union President Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
“Statistics Canada says Canada created more jobs in September than it has in the last eight months,” Thomas observed. “Just the other day, Doug Ford said he was cancelling the worker protection in Bill 148 because it was killing jobs. He said employers couldn’t afford to give frontline, hardworking people two sick days a year.
“As far as I can see, it’s Doug Ford who’s killing jobs – good jobs that generate tax revenues and build up communities. And it’s hardworking Ontarians who are going to need more than two sick days with the kind of economic medicine that this Premier is doling out.”
Statistic Canada indicated that virtually all the jobs were created in BC and Ontario. Only BC and Quebec now have a lower unemployment rate than Ontario. The agency also said that virtually all the new job creation was within the private sector.
“We all know the story about the boy who cried wolf,” Thomas continued. “We’ve got a Premier who does just that. The difference is, he’s deliberately fearmongering to impose an extreme right-wing agenda to please his corporate pals and punish ordinary Ontarians – the ‘little guys’ he used to talk about before taking power. Remember them?”
The jobless report also noted that this was the third jobs increase in the last four months in Ontario, with 101,000 new full-time jobs created year over year.
“We’re seeing the lowest unemployment rates in the province since the turn of the century,” said Thomas. “Protecting workers has not stopped job growth in Ontario. Raising the minimum wage has not stopped private enterprise from hiring. And raising it to $15 will not stop companies from investing here and hiring even more hardworking Ontario workers.
“Treating workers fairly doesn’t kill jobs. And in other breaking news, Premier, the world isn’t flat.”
For more information: Warren (Smokey) Thomas, 613-329-1931

domain: politics


Connie Hogge has been an instructor of classical ballet and pointe since 1972. At age eight she began what was to be a decade of ballet training under the direction of Ballet Master Robert Irwin in Corvallis, Oregon. Connie went on to study and perform ballet, modern dance, folk dance, and pre-classic dance as part of the University of Oregon Dance Department. She has continued training with classes and teaching seminars throughout the United States including the Zena Rommett Floor Barre Technique Certification 2008. Connie served as Dance Program Director for Crossroads Creative and Performing Arts Center from 1973–1986 and Program/Curriculum Director for Pacific School of Dance (previously Pacific Dance Spectrum) 1988–2013. Connie is also the Founder of Dance Umbrella Repertory Company (currently Ballet Pacific). She served as both Artistic Director and Choreographer from 1993–2013.


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A recent article in the New York Times affirmed what we have known for years: Many teenagers won't ride a school bus because it's "uncool." Those teens fortunate enough to have a driver's license and their own car prefer to drive themselves to and from school or to hitch a ride with a friend or their parents — anything rather than ride the "loser cruiser."
The article focused on the lack of parking space at high school campuses in Connecticut, a situation created partly by the reluctance of teens to ride available school buses. Because of the teens' unwillingness to ride the "loser cruiser" to school, the article said campus parking spaces are scarce and school buses are arriving at school with few students aboard.
This is a sad state of affairs in more ways than one. Not only does it suggest that school transportation programs are an inefficient use of taxpayer money, but it also accentuates the fact that teens would rather drive themselves than take the bus.
Oldest are least likely to ride
The New York Times article cites a Connecticut study performed by Dunlap & Associates that shows that younger students are the most likely to take the bus and older students the least likely. According to the Transportation Research Board's (TRB) recent study, "The Relative Risks of School Travel," teens driving themselves and friends to and from school are far more likely to be killed than those who walk, bicycle and, especially, ride the bus.
A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety bolsters the TRB study's findings: Teen drivers have the highest death rate per miles driven than any other age group. Not surprisingly, 16-year-olds have the highest death rate among teens. Parents should be aware of this statistic before handing their teenage sons and daughters keys to the car, or allowing them to ride to and from school with teenage friends.
Are parents who drive their own cars to and from work rather than using public transportation setting a bad example for their children? That is, why should kids ride the school bus when their parents hop in the car every morning for their commute?
It's a good question, but not always valid. In many cases, public transportation is less convenient than school bus transportation. School bus stops are generally less than a half mile from a childÕs home, whereas transit stops may be farther away. Also, adults often work long distances from their homes, making it difficult to use public transportation without time-consuming transfers and other trade-offs.
Still, adults should use public transportation when it's convenient, even if only a couple times a week. Like school buses, transit buses help to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.
A few suggestions
Rather than just gripe about this situation, I'd like to offer a few suggestions. Why not convince parents to encourage their children to ride the bus through presentations at parent-teacher organization meetings? Or how about packaging some information about the results of the TRB study and including it in school newsletters sent to parents? It's the parents, after all, who need to persuade — or order — their children to ride the bus. Maybe the parents can't get full compliance, but even if they can get their children to leave the car at home twice a week, that would probably save lives.
If you have any other ideas on how to get the kids back on the school bus, please e-mail them to me. I'd like to hear what you think.


223 Ackley Improved: A better 223?
Whether it’s simple curiosity or a desire to increase performance, exploring different cartridges is part of being a shooter. One way to accomplish this is to purchase a new firearm. Another, more economical option, is to convert a rifle you already own to another cartridge. Imagine making your beloved 223 Remington shoot the same bullets you’ve been using faster? All you would need it a modified chamber and a new set of dies- that’s the 223 Ackley Improved.
An overview of improved cartridges:
Parker Otto (P.O.) Ackley was a well known author and gunsmith who improved standard metallic cartridges by decreasing the body taper and increasing the shoulder angle. These changes provided increased case capacity and increased ballistic performance. Ackley Improved cartridges could be chambered in a rifle in a preexisting caliber. The brass for the improved version of the cartridge could be fire-formed from a parent cartridge or formed with a fast burning powder and an inert case filler (the Cream of Wheat method). Cartridges improved by Ackley are known as Ackley Improved (sometimes designated by only the word Ackley or Improved). For instance an improved version of the 280 Remington would be known as a 280 Remington Ackley Improved or 280 AI. Shooters might refer to it as a 280 Ackley or a 280 Improved.
Originally, the no-go gauge for the parent cartridge would be used as the go gauge for the improved version. The field gauge of the parent cartridge would be used as the no go for the improved cartridge. This would provide a safe chamber dimension for the fire forming the parent cartridge brass in the improved chamber, while requiring minimum work to improve a rifle barrel. The downside to this method was that firing the parent cartridges in the improved chamber would often provide inaccurate results and the parent case would stretch to the longer length when the case expands against the chamber wall.
Some smiths turned back the barrel tenon one thread, reset the shoulder, and chambered the barrel with a head space dimension .004″ short of minimum so that the parent cartridge would be supported at the neck shoulder junction and provide improved accuracy and less case stretching when fire forming. Resetting the barrel one full turn also allowed the existing markings on the rifle’s barrel to remain in the same spot when assembled. The only real downside to this method is that it requires a lathe, while the original method of improving a chamber can be accomplished by hand.
To properly headspace barrels so the parent cases is supported on the shoulder neck junction, Dave Manson, of Manson Reamers makes specialized Ackley Improved go gauges. When using one of his improved go gauges, the bolt should close on the Improved go gauge. The parent cartridge go gauge becomes the no-go for the Improved cartridge and the bolt should not close on it. Keep in mind, depending on the head space gauges used, the head space can be .008″ shorter for barrels chambered with the set back shoulder method. This provided less case stretching and greater accuracy when firing cartridges loaded in the parent calibers brass.
223 Ackley Improved (223 AI, 223 ACK IMP, or 223 Improved 40):
The 223 Remington Ackley Improved is one of Ackley’s most popular creations. Parent brass is readily available and reported velocity gains average 100-140 FPS depending on bullet weight. 6mmBR.com has an excellent page with information on the 223 Remington Ackley Improved here.
As popular as the 223 AI is, load data for heavier projectiles is still less available than you would think. In this post we are going to take a look at the 223 ACK IMP with four different bullets, the 69 grain Sierra MatchKing (SMK), 69 grain Tipped MatchKing (TMK), 77 grain TMK and 80 grain SMK.
Our test rifle has been around the pages of Rifleshooter.com for a number of years. Originally a 28″ 223 Remington, it’s been cut and modified a few times until it has ended up in its final configuration, a 24″ 223 AI.
The rifle is built with the following parts from Brownells:
- Stiller action
- Bartlein Heavy Varmint 1:8″ twist barrel
- Accuracy International AICS chassis
- Jewel HVR trigger
- Harris bipod
To see how the rifle was originally built, check out Building a Custom Bolt Action .223 Rifle. To see how I converted it into a 223 AI see, Chambering a rifle for an Ackley Improved Cartridge.
Before I could load 223 AI brass, I needed to fire form it. I used new Lapua brass with both 77 SMK and 77 TMK bullets. Note the standard 223 Remington case (above, left- loaded to AR mag length) next to a loaded improved case (above, right). Both of these cartridges are loaded with the 77 TMK.
During the load development process I used two different scopes on the same rifle. For the 77 grain TMK loads I used a TRACT Optics TORIC 3-15-50mm scope. TRACT Optics is a new company founded by a couple of guys who left the Nikon sport optics program. TRACT’s business model is new to the industry, they sell direct to the customer, no middle man, this means the end user ends up with more optic for the money. Right now they make hunting style scopes like the TORIC shown above and they are a solid value. If you are looking for an optic for a hunting rifle, check them out!
For the remaining 69 and 80 grain loads I used a Nightforce 15-55x52mm Competition scope in a Spuhr mount. This scope was designed for F-Class competition and offers a wide range of magnification. I typically run it in the 15-30X range, most often at 20X. The fine reticle and 1/8 MOA adjustments are great for precise target work.
Time to load some ammo!
I spent a few weeks tracking down data from various sources. Load data for the 223 AI, especially with the heavies, seems to be sketchy at best, but I found a couple loads that I wanted to work towards. In retrospect, starting at the top end of 223 Rem and working up slowly might be a more prudent choice. As always, the information presented here is for informational purposes only and all loads should only be considered safe in the test gun.
Before we move on, let’s take a look at the disclaimer:
WARNING: The loads shown are for informational purposes only. They are only safe in the rifle shown and may not be safe in yours. Consult appropriate load manuals prior to developing your own handloads. Rifleshooter.com and its authors, do not assume any responsibility, directly or indirectly for the safety of the readers attempting to follow any instructions or perform any of the tasks shown, or the use or misuse of any information contained herein, on this website.
That’s a 5 shot group (above), fire forming brass! .384″- not to shabby! This is why it pays to head space an Ackley Improved rifle the right way. Supporting the parent case on the neck body junction of the case works!
All loads were developed on fire formed (1 time fired) Lapua brass with a CCI 450 primer. Charges were dispensed with an RCBS ChargeMaster and bullets were seated with a Foster press with a Redding die.
All rounds were fired prone, from a bipod with rear bag. Ballistic information was recorded with a MagnetoSpeed V3 barrel mounted ballistic chornograph. Target distance was 100 yards. Air temperature on the day the data was recorded is displayed in the table below.
A look at the four test bullets (left to right): 69 gr. SMK, 69 gr. TMK, 77 gr. TMK and 80 gr. SMK.
Loaded cartridges (above, left to right) 77 TMK loaded to AR-15/M16 M$ mag length in 223 Remington, 69 SMK, 77 TMK and 80 SMK loaded in 223 Ackley Improved.
During the load development process I started with the 77 TMK, moved to the 80 SMK, 69 SMK and finished with the 69 TMK. For purposes of this post, I’ll post the load data in ascending weight of the bullets, beginning with the 69 grain loads and working up.
69 grain SMK and TMK
The 69 grain SMK #1380 is a staple of High Power rifle competitors. With a G1 ballistic coefficient of .301 above 2,800 feet/second and .305 between 2,800 and 2,200 feet/second this bullet is well known for it performance on the 200 and 300 yard lines.
The 69 SMK was 2.308″ to the lands in the test rifle, I loaded it to 2.300″ for a .008″ jump.
The 69 grain TMK #7169 is a newer offering. With a G1 BC of .375 above 2,700 feet/second, this new bullet offers a step up in ballistic performance over the SMK.
The 69 TMK was 2.355″ to the lands in the test rifle, I loaded it to 2.345″ for a .010″ jump.
For both of these bullets, I selected B-LC(2) powder. An established military ball powder, it seemed to have a good reputation with these bullets in the 223 AI from one source I found. I’m not a fan of ball powder, however, I decided to give it a shot.
For the 69 SMK muzzle velocities ranged from 3,076 to 3,256 feet/second with an average of 3,172 feet/second. Standard deviation ranged from 2.6 to 40.8 feet/second with an average of 21.9 feet/second. Group sized ranged from .411″ (.393 MOA) to 1.272″ (1.215 MOA) with an average of .898″ (.857 MOA).
For the 69 TMK muzzle velocities ranges from 3,104 to 3,269 feet/second with an average of 3,191 feet/second. Standard deviation ranged from 7.4 to 20.4 feet/second with an average of 14.9 feet/second. Group size ranged from .516″ (.493 MOA) to 1.239″ (1.183 MOA) with an average of .891″ (.851 MOA).
All 69 SMK and 69 TMK load cycled well from the AICS magazine.
77 grain Tipped MatchKing
The 77 TMK #7177 is another new offering from Sierra. With a G1 BC of .420 at velocities above 2,400 feet/second- the same as the 80 grain SMK! IMR 8208 XBR has an excellent reputation in 223 Remington with the heavies, so I it was an obvious choice.
The 77 TMK was 2.360″ to the lands in the test rifle, I loaded it to 3.355″ for a .005″ jump.
For the 77 TMK velocities ranged from 2,869 to 3,064 feet/second with an average velocity of 2980 feet/second. Standard deviation ranged from 31. to 26.2 feet/second with an average of 14.8 feet/second. Group sized ranged from .335″(.320 MOA) t0 .724″ (.691 MOA) with an average of .563″ (.538 MOA).
All 77 TMK loads cycled well from the AICS magazine.
Note: I shot these 77 TMK groups in poor wind conditions. Pretty steady 25 mile/hour winds with gusts to 33 mile/hour. I had dry leaves pressed up against the side of the chassis, held in place by the wind!
80 grain Sierra MatchKing
The 80 SMK #9390 is proven at the 600 yard line for high power rifle shooters. Offering a G1 BC of .420 at velocities above 2,200 feet/second, this round is capable of impressive performance for a 223, especially when pushed fast. I selected IMR 8208 XBR and Varget for the 80 SMK.
The 80 SMK was 2.430″ to the lands in the test rifle, I loaded it to 2.420″ for a .010″ jump.
For the 80 SMK muzzle velocity ranged from 2,832 to 3,048 feet/second with an average of 2,931 feet/second. Standard deviation ranged from 4.6 to 21.5 feet/second with an average of 12.7 feet/second. Group size ranged from .299″ (.286 MOA) to .948″ (.905 MOA) with an average of .615″ (.588 MOA).
The 80 SMK did not feed particularly well from the AICS magazine. I believe this was to the relatively long OAL, I believe shortening the load would allow it to feed well.
External ballistics of the 223 AI
Let’s take a look at how the 223 AI loads stack up. Since an improved cartridge is about greater powder capacity and speed, I decided to model the fastest load for each of the bullets tested. The results are displayed in the table below. I ran the 80 SMK twice, in addition to the fastest load which used IMR 8208 XBR, I added the fastest Varget load as well (2,976 feet/second). For comparison purposes I listed my 308 load with a 175 SMK at 2,670 feet/second (70 feet/second faster than Federal Gold Medal 308/175 advertised velocity). All values assume the shooter is at sea level and temperature is 59 F. The lowest value of drop and drift for each 200 yard increment is highlighted in bold text.
A few surprises here. While I was certain I would be able to out perform (on paper) the 308/175 with the 80 SMK, I didn’t think the fast 69 SMK and 69 TMK loads would be so competitive out to 600 yards (or stay as flat as they did out to 800 yards). It is worth noting that all of the loads besides the 69 SMK will stay supersonic past 1,000 yards (the 69 SMK gassing out just shy of 1,000 yards). At 1,000 yards all loads, except the 69 SMK, offer drop and drift advantages over the 308/175!
The data I gathered gave me a few options for loads to use in the future. While some of the 69 SMK and TMK loads shot fairly well and are flat and fast out to 600 yards. The wide swings in SD with the B-LC(2) reminded me why I dislike ball powder. The 77 TMK and 80 SMK both shot well for heavier bullets, as loaded the 77 TMK fed reliably from a magazine and the 80 SMK with it’s long OAL did not. I plan on doing more 80 SMK work with a shorter OAL that will feed better.
What are the upsides to 223 AI? Low recoil, increased velocity, readily available brass (to fire form) and a wide range of bullets make it an excellent choice.
Downsides to the 223 AI? You have to fire form brass. While the gun shoots the 223 Rem brass well, the fire forming does require another trip to the range. Alternatively, some AI shooters will form brass with the so called “cream of wheat method” using pistol powder and inert filler or a hydraulic forming die.
How useful is the 223 AI? The 223 AI has a well deserved following among varmint and predator hunters. If you shoot F-Class Target Rifle (F-TR) it isn’t allowed (223 REM/308 WIN only). Using a 223 AI would have you shooting in F-Class Open (F-O) against superior 6/6.5/7 mm cartridges, so I wouldn’t recommend it (NRA rule book here). For tactical and precision rifle matches, the small bullet will be difficult to spot hits on steel at longer ranges and again, the 6/6.5mm options are better. If you want a .224 diameter center fire rifle, with a decent velocity, easily available brass, minimal recoil, a long presumed barrel life and don’t mind fire forming brass the 223 Ackley Improved may be the better 223 for you. I’ll keep mine!


The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State yesterday asked its embattled Chairman, Hon Isaacs Kekemeke to channel his grievances against the National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun and the acting Chairman, Ade Adetimehin to the reconciliation committee headed by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Director of Publicity, Mr Steve Otaloro in a statement said the suspension of Kekemeke as chairman and the appointment of Adetimehin as acting Chairman followed due process of law contrary to the position of the embattled chairman contrary to his position in an interview with newspapers.
Kekemeke in an interview had alleged that the letter appointing Adetimehin as acting Chairman was ‘black market’ as the National Chairman did not have power under the APC’s constitution to remove and appoint state chairman of the party.
The embattled Chairman also linked his grouse with Oyegun over his inability to provide vehicle to pick him from the Airport to the venue of the inauguration of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN as governor a year ago.
But, Otaloro who in his statement said Kekemeke lied on interview argued that the embattled Chairman deliberately maligned the national chairman and denigrated the highest authority of the party with a view to portraying himself as being innocent of all the allegations leveled against him.
He said: “The choice of Chief Oyegun as the national chairman of APC was not only based on his political prowess but his dignity and knack for speaking and standing by the truth at all times not minding whose ox is gored.
“The frivolities brought forth by Kekemeke are a miscalculated and misapplied political gimmick to see him wade through this political murky water he initiated by his inability to know when to be free and fair to all aspirants as a leader of the party and defy anti-party activities.”
Meanwhile, another attack by the Fulani herdsmen was yesterday averted in Akure barely twenty four hours after some Fulani herdsmen attacked and paralyzed activities at Akure South local government area of Ondo state.
The clash was yesterday averted at the Secretariat as three Fulani herdsmen invaded the area on a commercial motorcycle.
The three herders including the one that caused the skirmishes on Tuesday wanted to ride their motorcycle through the Council Secretariat when workers of the council and security men disallowed them from gaining access to the secretariat.
An official of National Union of Local Government Employee (NULGE) told New Telegraph that the gate leading to the back Secretariat had been locked to prevent recurrence of the incident of Tuesday. The attacking herdsmen came through the rear gate on Tuesday.
Lagos workers get N100m housing subvention
…as Ambode okays Fagba flyover
Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs Folashade Adesoye yesterday said that the state had increased its budgetary provision for Housing loans for its members of staff from N50 million to N100 million with a view to improving workers’ welfare.
Adesoye, who disclosed this at the on-going ministerial briefing, said the Staff Housing Board had so far disbursed loans to about 280 public servants from various MDAs, saying a total of N95, 033, 564 had so far been disbursed to the staff.
She said: ‘’ I am extremely delighted to inform you that the budgetary provision for Housing loan has increased from N50 million to N100 million, laying credence to government’s commitment to staff welfare.
“However, owing to the increasing number of staff and the opening up of new residential areas, there is a conspicuous deficit in the number of buses. However, His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has promised to re-fleet the scheme with state –of – the-art buses.
“In a bid to develop a world class public service where staff have the right attitude, government has initiated issuance of Letters of Commendation to officer identified to have consistently met or exceeded set targets and exhibited exceptional work ethics and diligence in the discharge of their duties.’’
Meanwhile, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had approved construction of a flyover bridge at the Fagba intersection to ease perennial traffic gridlock and reduce travel time within the axis.
The governor approved the construction of the Fagba Flyover Bridge after an inspection of the ongoing construction of Pen Cinema Flyover Bridge, where he observed the need to holistically address the traffic gridlock around Agege-Iju axis to make Pen Cinema Flyover Bridge more effective.
Stop killings or resign, protesters tell Buhari
Hundreds of Catholic Church members yesterday staged a peaceful protest in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, over the horrendous killings in some parts of the country.
They asked President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently embark on measures to stop the killings and restore peace to troubled spots.
The protesters, who gathered at the St. Anne Catholic Church, Ibara, Abeokuta, took to the streets after a requiem mass for the repose of two priests and 17 parishioners killed in Benue State by suspected herdsmen in April.
They were armed with placards bearing inscriptions such as “President Buhari, protect Nigerians or resign,” “Human life is sacred,” “Killing is a sin,” “We want peace in Nigeria,” and “Enough is enough, government be responsible.”
Speaking with reporters after the mass, the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo, said the Federal Government must act fast and curb wanton bloodshed in the country.
“Protection of lives is so important in the country. We must protect lives.”
End health workers’ strike now
The game being played by the Federal Government and health workers under the auspices of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) is dangerous to the health of Nigerians and the economic wellbeing of the Nigerian nation.
On April 17, JOHESU called out its members, which include the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutes (SSAUTHRIA), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Medical and Health Workers Union (NHWU) and the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Workers (NUAHP), on a nationwide strike to force the hands of the Federal Government to accede to its requests.
JOHESU’s demands include the implementation of the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), the payment of specialist allowances to deserving health professionals, payment of arrears of the skipping of CONHESS 10, increase of retirement age of health workers from 60 to 65 years and the review of the composition of the Boards of Federal Health Institutions (FHIs), as well as the abolition of the position of Deputy Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (DCMAC), among others.
But the Federal Government, from all indications, is not ready to accede to the striking workers’ demands.
In one of his reactions to the strike, the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said JOHESU’s demand to be on the same pay level with doctors was not realistic. Adewole, said instead, salaries and wages of the health workers would be adjusted.
While the altercation between the union and the Federal Government is going on, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) threw its hat in the ring.
The association threatened to embark on strike if the Federal Government acceded to JOHESU’s demands. Both the F e d e r a l G ov e r n – ment and the NMA seem to be on the same page in terms of their stand on the JOH E S U ’ s strike. But while the Federal G ov e r n – ment and the medical pract i t i o n e r s have taken healthcare to the chess b o a r d , many people, the majority being the poor, are paying the price.
While patients have been sent away from public health facilities, those who could afford to pay have gone to seek medical attention in private hospitals.
But those who could not pay have resigned to fate. It may be difficult to get the number of those who might have died because of lack of data in Nigeria. But certainly, a lot would have needlessly lost the battle to stay alive, albeit due to what could be termed minor health challenges, because of the ongoing strike. The strike has claimed lives. We sympathise with the 19 members of JOHESU who were injured in an accident on the Benin-Auchi Road on Saturday.
About 40 health workers, said to be staff of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) chapter of the union, were on their way to a function in line with the strike in Auchi, when the accident occurred. An engineer with an information technology firm reportedly lost his life.
The man, a victim of armed robbery, was reportedly rejected at a private hospital because there was no police report, but there were no health workers to attend to him at the government-owned health facility he was later taken to.
So the breadwinner of a family lost his life because of the strike. Several others are dying but their deaths are probably not reported. Unfortunately, the strike came when the President also had to take a medical trip to the United Kingdom. But apart from the leaders, how many Nigerians could afford to go outside the country for medical attention?
That probably explains why the leaders may not be keen in addressing the demands of the striking health workers.
While we cannot deny workers, particularly those in the health sector, the right to take steps to seek redress to their perceived short-change in the hands of their employers, going on strike at the slightest opportunity does nobody no good. In other climes, strikes have gone out of fashion. We encourage workers’ unions in Nigeria to devise new but proactive means to get employers to accede to their demands.
It is also pertinent to note that JOHESU was yet to comply with the directive by the National Industrial Court (NIC), Abuja, which, last Thursday, ordered the union to suspend its strike and resume duties within 24 hours.
Justice Babatunde Adejumo, who is president of NIC, gave the order after listening to the submissions of Mr. Okere Nnamdi in an ex-parte motion filed by a non-governmental organisation, Incorporated Trustees of Kingdom Human Rights Foundation International.
Adejumo ordered the Ministers of Health, Labour and Employment, among others, to immediately set up a committee to address issues raised by labour.
The judge ordered that the parties should arrive at an acceptable and amicable solution in the interest of Nigerians who are bearing the brunt of the strike action. We also implore the Federal Government to immediately find a lasting solution to the incessant strikes in the health sector.
This is necessary in order to safe many more souls which will be lost to the strike. A failed nation is it which cannot provide for the economic and health needs of its citizens.
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Hurricane Matthew – travelling at 140mph winds – is set to be the strongest Atlantic hurricane to sweep the region in almost a decade.
Four people have been killed, with two deaths in Haiti, and more than 700 people have packed into shelters in Jamaica.
"We are looking at a dangerous hurricane that is heading into the vicinity of western Haiti and eastern Cuba," Richard Pasch, senior hurricane specialist of US National Hurricane Center in Miami said.
“People who are impacted by things like flooding and mudslides hopefully would get out ”Richard Pasch
"People who are impacted by things like flooding and mudslides hopefully would get out and relocate because that's where we have seen loss of life in the past."
The Category 5 storm is set to bring 40inches of rain sparking fears of deadly mudslides and floods in Haiti.
And 1,200 people have abandoned their homes and taken to shelter in churches in the country.
The violent storm has sparked the closure of schools and supermarkets have been cleared in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince.
An unemployed mason Fritz Achelus said: "We are not prepared."
The eye of the storm is set to terrorise the east of Jamaica and the southwestern tip of Haiti.
The monster storm could batter Florida as it passes through the Bahamas, weather experts have warned.
But even if it misses a direct collision with the US, it threatens dangerous coastal flooding and beach erosion, experts said.
And there are fears the storm could be on course for Britain.


text:
Local protesters call for better policing, not dismantling
By Jim Hagerty
ROCKFORD – Removing officers from the Rockford streets would certainly bring change.
But, contrary to an array of cries to disband police departments across the country, a group of local activists wants something else. Nearly 30 protesters who rallied at Davis Park Monday say it’s time for Rockford to reallocate funds the police department spends on armaments and big salaries towards proactive community programs.
“There is so much money and equipment that’s being put into something that’s militarized–the police,” demonstrator Reggie Brooks Jr. said. “And they are still doing their jobs wrong. They aren’t getting their point across that they are here to protect and serve.”
Brooks said although people of color can make decisions to better themselves, he believes the system continues to stack against the black community. But with better opportunities locally, he said Rockford would see improvements in deep, multi-generational areas that continue to plague minorities.
“Take the money from the people who are doing the wrong thing and pour it into the people that want to do the right things,” he said. “People say black-on-black crime is such and issue. And it’s because we are stuck. We’re angry. We are stuck in low-paying jobs. We are uneducated.”
Other demonstrators noted those with untreated mental health issues that often lead to multiple arrests. Protesters say one way to better serve the mentally ill population is to use police funding to provide treatment instead of a revolving door of criminal charges. Maybe that means mental health professionals ride along with police officers, they said. Perhaps the city hires therapists instead of more cops. However those programs look, some say they’re overdue.
“This is extremely important, especially with mental health issues on the rise,” event organizer Logan Lundberg said. “I can’t tell you the numbers. I can only speak for myself.”
Lundberg said he has not only witnessed mental illness, it’s something that has hit home. He’s attempted suicide more than once and said the involvement of law enforcement during those events only added to an already heavy burden.
“I tried to commit suicide eight times this year alone,” Lundberg said. “Every single time, the police were not on my side. I don’t wish that on anyone.”
Lundberg, who’s bi-racial, said he’s also sick of teaching his niece and nephew about how to behave around police to avoid a confrontation, conversations few white people ever have to have with their kids.
“I am tired of having to make sure that if they go outside that they know for a fact that the police are there to protect you even though they look you in the eye and say they don’t feel that way,” he said.
Another protester, a 22-year-old white woman who preferred to be called Red, grew up on Rockford’s west side, and said her black friends were treated differently–by teachers and police.
“I am not black,” she said. “So, I am not going to sit here and say I get the struggles. But I stand (with people of color), and I think that everybody who is lighter than those who are marching on the front of these lines need to shut their mouths for one minute and just hear them. Open your ears and open your minds.”
Monday’s rally followed a 12-hour sit-in outside the Winnebago County Justice Center, where dozens of protesters remained until 8:46 a.m., signifying the eight minutes and 46 seconds Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin held his knee on George Floyd’s neck May 25. Floyd died as a result, sparking nationwide protests and riots in more than a dozen cities. Chauvin and three other ex-officers now face an array of charges, including second-degree murder, manslaughter and aiding and abetting.
Monday’s event also comes on the heels of an announcement by Mayor Tom McNamara that he has directed city staff to issue a Request for Information (RFI) on body cameras for the Rockford Police Department.


The pregnant celeb channeled her inner Martha Stewart on Thursday when she took to Instagram and shared with fans the sweet treat she whipped up for her "FabLife" costars!
"Cinnamon rollllllsssssss!!!" She captioned the photo
In the shot, the 30-year-old fashionista is seen preparing the delicious treat, and while the food looks yummy, we really can't stop staring at her assets! The star, who is expecting her first child with husband John Legend, showed off some major cleavage in a very low-cut dress, which she paired with a dangling necklace and a Balmain cardigan.
But that's not the only look we got of the Sports Illustrated model baking up a storm. Chrissy also shared a video of herself putting the finishing touches on her creation!
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
"Bringing some goods to the @fablifeshow holiday party!" She wrote.
This isn't the first time the gorgeous model has shown off her cooking expertise. Chrissy frequently posts delicious foodie pics and earlier this week revealed the cover of her highly-anticipated cook book!
"It's here!!! #CravingsCookbook is done and ready for pre-order," she wrote.
The book, appropriately titled "Cravings", hits shelves February 27th and features the star looking beautiful on the cover in a blue oxford and denim shorts while holding a yummy looking taco.
What do you think of Chrissy's sexy kitchen style? Tell toofab in the comments section below!


text:
Full Frame Initiative partnered with community leaders to develop the Community Bill of Rights. This resource serves as a guide for government systems, philanthropy and nonprofits to center community, shift power and heal systemic harms.
Community leaders across nine states have partnered with the Full Frame Initiative to develop the Community Bill of Rights — a starting point for centering community, shifting power and healing systemic harms.
For too long, communities have endured harms at the hands of government systems, philanthropy and nonprofits. Even institutions claiming to value community input can be extractive, disrespectful and tokenizing. It’s time to shift the paradigm by holding our systems accountable and guiding holistic community engagement.
Mayor Michael Passero writes about the impact of the city of New London's partnership with FFI. Together, we're shifting how leaders and residents see their roles in building a city where everyone has a fair shot at wellbeing.
Learn about how organizations design programs and initiatives with wellbeing at the center, how they work past barriers, and what this approach has unlocked for themselves and their communities.
Learn how to design procurement to focus on equitable access to wellbeing so that you can direct funds to bidders who are doing transformational work.