text:
Lightsaber Creation Story
If you are reading this topic, I welcome you to witness one of the penultimate tasks that will be required of Jedi Hunter Syhpoc Rilkel as he progresses towards the rank of Krath Knight. It is my hope to, in this run-on, work alongside this member as he demonstrates his capabilities of creating a truly unique piece of Character Fiction that will set the tone for the character Syphoc throughout the Equite ranks.
I ask that only Syphoc and I post on this forum, interuptions/other posts will be deleted if they do happen to pop up. If you would like to leave words of support or offer insight to the Journeyman, I advise you to contact him via e-mail or mIRC.
Thank you, and I hope you enjoy!
Krath Pontifex Braecen Kaeth Kunar
Towards the end of the month, Syphoc's master, Braecen Kaeth Kunar, left him a message on his Data-Pad that he did not notice until he returned to Antenora. The message caused the holo-generator to activate, making a small, blue model of his master appear.
"Greetings Syphoc, it has been a while since we have last met, for which I apologize. Xan however, has informed me that you have been progressing quite well in your lightsaber-training." Braecen took a deep breath and let it out slowly before continuing, "Many students reach this point in their lessons, but go no further, for you are about to embark on the most coveted of missions given to a Journeyman… the creation of your Lightsaber." The Jedi Hunter's breath caught upon hearing those words, the creation of his lightsaber.
"However, as you must be aware, the Brotherhood is preparing for war, and so new lightsabers are being constructed by greedy Dark Jedi Knights and Equites so color crystals are running low at this point," the Heir of Kun continued. Syphoc's heart fell at hearing that, but still had a glimmer of hope, for why would his master contact him with an impossible mission?
"To that end, we must scour the galaxy in an effort to locate a suitable crystal for your lightsaber. I say we, because I will be going with you, as you embark on this, your final Trial of the Dragon."
The azure orbs of the Consul pored over the schematics his middle-aged Apprentice had provided him. His brow contorted as he read over the list of necessary supplies, several of them could become very pricy comodities during a time of unrest within the Brotherhood.
"Interesting design, Syphoc." The Consul concluded. "I would suggest Phrikk Alloy for the hilt. And instead of this second crystal, I would replace it with a stronger Nova to give the blade more... bite." The Pontifex handed back the short piece of paper to his Apprentice, concluding his thoughts on the matter. Unconsciously, his hand ran up to his chin, stroking the stubble growing there.
Rilkel sat across from Braecen in the cockpit of the Corellian transport, firmly attached to the co-pilots command chair. "Where are we going, Master? Coruscant? Antei? I heard you took Mayda to Antei for her standard issue parts."
"Actually," the Patriarch of the Kaeths began, "we are going to Corellia."
"Corellia, Master?" Syphoc asked.
The Consul looked into the grey eyes of his pupil as he spoke in even tones. "We cannot move forward until we know where we have begun..." The words help a cryptic significance, but the Jedi Hunter could not discern the Equite's intent. "Plus, to recover a cyan crystal, of significance, it is the best place to begin."
The lines of starlight retracted to their normal positions, as the Corellian transport emerged from the depths of hyperspace. The nearest star, a bright yellow one by the name of Corell, momentarily blinded the occupants of the transport. After several hours spent traveling through hyperspace, they had arrived at the boundaries of the Corellian system, and were now headed towards the capital planet of The Five Brothers, Corellia.
As they neared the blue-green planet beneath them, the comlink beeped signaling an incoming message. Braecen punched a button on the control panel to activate the voice comlink. A crisp military voice came over the cockpit’s speakers, “Incoming Corellian transport, please identify yourself, your cargo, and your destination.”
Braecen glanced at Syphoc who whispered, “We are currently running under the name Sanctum. We could probably convince them that we are Jedi,” the Jedi Hunter glanced at his Master’s clothes, “especially since you’re wearing those. As for our destination, Coronet, as the capital city, is probably the best place to start our search, but also where security will probably be tightest.”
The Heir of Kun stared at his apprentice with wide eyes, marveling at his quick thinking. He responded to the question over the comlink with that information and was granted a landing spot at the Coronet Spaceport with no other questions asked.
As the pair of Dark Jedi approached the ground, the giant metallic spies of Coronet rushed up to meet them; Braecen deftly maneuvered the transport into a large valley in the midst of all of the metal: the spaceport.
The transport had just settled onto the ground when the welcoming committee appeared at the entrance to the hangar. It appeared to be a party of six Corellian Security Force members, and the spaceport officer. The Master and Apprentice glanced at each other however as they could sense the other CorSec agents waiting outside the door.
Braecen shook his head, “Patience my apprentice, they are just here to collect the docking fee, I think. They heard ‘Jedi’ and immediately become suspicious because they were not notified before we entered the system that we were coming.” Syphoc nodded, and punched the button to lower the boarding ramp. Braecen, brown and off-white Jedi Knight Robes billowing around him, walked off the ship with his head held high.
“We were not alerted to this… mission that you were on in this area. Will you require assistance from CorSec, Master Jedi?” the officer asked.
“No, but the Jedi Order thanks you for the offer of assistance. How much is the docking fee?” the Heir of Kun asked, acting for the entire world to see as though he were a Jedi.
A half hour later, the two Krath were standing in the street outside of the spaceport. Air-speeder traffic cut through the sky high overhead and the occasional land-speeder drove by.
”Never had to argue with someone to pay a fee before,” Braecen muttered, “The air-speeder we are renting should be just around the corner.” He strode off in the direction of the air-speeder.
Syphoc caught up to his master, who told him that they were going to start their search at the apartment in which the Jedi Hunter had grown up. When asked why, the Equite only replied with the same cryptic answer as before, “We cannot move forward, until we know where we have begun.”
A short time later, the two Krath stood outside the skyscraper in the northern region of the town. “Abandoned…” The Jedi Hunter mused, “If the building is abandoned what do you expect to find here?”
Braecen did not respond, merely walking into the building and calling the elevator. Though rusted and unused for several years, the elevator came and they were quickly on it and heading upstairs. When they reached the floor, Braecen heard a sharp intake of breath as the elevator doors opened onto the state of total destruction. Though beggars and squatters had lived in the building, they had steered clear of the floor whose former residents had provoked the wrath of the Empire. Even now, during the height of the New Republic, the floor was abandoned.
Entering the apartment, Syphoc different from when he had last walked in the apartment physically. The Force felt as though a Force-user had made their mark on the spot. This was impossible however, as his skills in the Force had lain dormant until recently and his father couldn’t have been a Jedi…
Revelation dawned slowly in the Jedi Hunter’s mind, spreading like a plague through his body. He suddenly understood every action that his father had taken, from ensuring Syphoc’s independence, to becoming a Rebel operative.
Braecen finally broke the unnatural silence saying, “Your father was a Jedi that is clear from the Force. He undoubtedly served the light to his final moments; turn your disgust to your advantage. Use it to fuel you in your quest, for you have just discovered a possible crystal that would definitely succeed in your lightsaber.”
“I will, my master. It was the Empire that made him disappear that day, but whether or not he is dead I don’t know, nor do I care. However, they will have confiscated his lightsaber, so it is probably still within the garrison,” Syphoc replied.
“Very good my apprentice,” Braecen responded, “Now that we know where you began, we can now move forward to recover the crystal. You are correct in where it is probably located: the garrison. I doubt if it was touched when the garrison was converted from the Empire to the New Republic, so to the New Republic military garrison we shall now head.”
The duo of Krath - Master and Apprentice - stood before a monolith of duracrete and transparisteel. Though they had radically different backgrounds, both stood motionless as the brisk wind cut through their clothing - the robes flapping dramatically in the wind - and their eyes soaked in the possibilities before them. Each seeking something different, yet both aligned for the same purpose: recovery of an ancient blade.
The talented, once Rebel operative scrutinized the building from a tactical standpoint. His eyes flashed back and forth as he divined the what he could. In a matter of moments he discerned the location, and patrol routes, of the soon-to-be enemy forces. In addition, he identified potential entrances and exits... should their first attempt fail. To compensate his keen senses, he drew a data pad and sought to glean any additional information readily available in the Corellian archives.
Beside him, still adorned in the simple robes of Corellian Jedi, Braecen was seeking answers as he communed with the Dark Side. His gift with the Force laid in his ability to 'see' the Force as tendrils, or threads, flowing constantly before him. Of his own power, he could create threads or modify current ones to make his will incarnate... but he could not change the future, only use the clues before him to find the 'future' he wished to bring forth. His eyes glistened with hunger as he picked through countless paths before finding the one he had sought... the one that would unlock the potential of his Apprentice.
To recover this crystal, the Heir of Kun reflected, will unlock unlimited power within Syphoc. It will be from this point that he begins his initial, and crucial, steps towards Mastery of the Dark Side. The Pontifex neglected to acknowledge the sacrifices that would come with such power. His task was to tear down the walls between his charge and unlimited, unyielding power.
The Consul began to march towards the front entrance, Rilkel falling into step beside him. A trio of guards, with their commanding officer in tow, shuffled forward to initiate contact with the approaching tandem. The Captain raised his hand, his voice readying to shout "Halt!" Quickly, four tendrils of the Dark Side shot out and connected with the minds of the sentries.
Suddenly, the quartet of soldiers found themselves standing at the ready... yet the could not recall why. The Officer dropped his hand and the words fell away - dead - in his throat. The Corellian could not shake the insistence that something was amiss, but he dismissed the strange moment as excessive fatigue from a working a double shift. Perhaps the grind was wearing away at his attentiveness.
"How did you-" the words fell short as the Jedi Hunter stood awed by the performance of his Master. "That was more than a Mind Trick... they simply did not register our presence. It was as if we were ghosts."
"Unfortunately," the voice of the Consul rasped, "I have not found the necessary technique to circumvent recordings." He looked to his quick-witted Apprentice and, upon seeing the look of uncertainty, understood he would have to elaborate. "The technique requires 'rubbing' the short-term memory of an individual in close proximity. As I cannot connect with recording devices on the same innate level... they present a risk."
Syphoc took the information in stride, knowing he could glean further information - if not the entire technique - on their return trip to Judecca. The Krath Hunter transitioned his conversation towards their mission. "I have identified three potential areas that may hold my Father's lightsaber: the armory, the museum and the personal quarters of the Garrison's Cee-Oh."
"And which do you believe will hold the weapon of your ancestory?"
"I do not kn-"
The Consul interjected, "What does the Force tell you, Rilkel? Trust in its unending knowledge and guidance and you will have overcome the first of many, many roadblocks that even the wisest of Equites suffers."
The pair came to a junction in the hall that split into two, separate paths: right or left. Even though they were in the heart of an enemy encampment, the Master stood motionless awaiting his Apprentice's decision. It was a necessary evil meant to help bolster the decisiveness of the soon-to-be Knight, allowing him to react intuitively. A skill that would serve him well once he was assigned solo missions.
The Hunter began speaking slowly, in measured words. "Experience tells me that weapons should be stored in the armory, but this is no typical weapon. As such, I would normally believe such an antiquity would be displayed within the Museum. However, my gut tells me the Commanding Officer would not allow such a treasure to exist without adding it to his personal collection of trophies." The middle-aged man nodded as he drew to his conclusion, "It is in the personal quarters."
"Very good," the Pontifex smiled in delight. Quickly, he withdrew one of his lightsabers and handed it to his Apprentice. "Xan informs me that you are now proficiently rated with this weapon type. Should things turn ugly, you will need this weapon not only to defend and attack... but to instill fear in your enemies."
Syphoc reached out to take the weapon, "Why do I need a weapon? We were undetected."
"Three... two... one," The Consul intoned mere seconds before a shrill siren began to scream in distress. A voice breaking over the PA system informing that the base had been infiltrated. "Always must be observant of the Living Force."
Lights continued to flash red along the wall, and a siren wailed in the distance, as the master and apprentice traversed the corridors of the complex at a light jog.
The first several patrol parties that the Dark Jedi came across were easily avoidable, either by using alternate hallways or waiting for them to pass. However, as Syphoc and Braecen drew closer to the Commander’s Quarters, patrol parties grew larger and more frequent.
The pair was very near to its ultimate goal when Braecen suddenly stopped in the middle of the hallway; his apprentice stopped next to him, looking at the Pontifex with some concern.
“Thus far, we have been relatively unchallenged, Syphoc,” the Heir of Kun said, “However, around this corner I sense a large force of troops that lie between us, and the quarters. Remember what Xan has taught you.”
Braecen motioned that the Jedi Hunter should continue on in front of him. Syphoc nodded and took a deep breath, preparing to step into the large hallway that intersected the one they were on. To the left, he could feel the life that was the task force that had been sent to secure the officer’s quarters once the infiltration alarm had gone off.
The Journeyman’s hand dropped to his belt where the lightsaber hung, a black and bronze bar against the dark grey cloth of his robes. Its comforting grip in his hand, Syphoc walked into the hallway with his head held high in defiance.
The squad of guards, which was on high alert, took five crucial seconds to realize that there were intruders in the hallway; they then wasted another ten seconds receiving their orders from the unit commander. It was enough time for Syphoc to take five steps down the hallway and bring Braecen’s lightsaber up into an offensive position—the eyes of the troops tracking the bar’s progress through space as it moved.
Syphoc gave the front most guard a smile and activated the weapon, causing a silver-white blade to extend from the hilt. The pupils of the guard dilated in fear and a second later his head rolled across the floor having just been severed by the lightsaber; the head was stopped by Braecen’s boot as he, light brown cloak billowing behind him, walked out of the hallway intending to support his apprentice.
The guards however, thinking that the ‘light Jedi’ was going to help them, began a quick counter-attack bringing their rifles to bear on Syphoc. They opened fire and red laser bolts shot across the room at high speeds, many burying themselves in the wall or floor, but nearing the Hunter and Pontifex. The Pontifex, using his remaining lightsaber, swatted the blaster bolts back at their shooters, hitting several in the neck or heart. The Hunter, being much less adept at the art of saber-fighting than his master, made do with deflecting the bolts into the walls and ceiling, advancing slowly so that he could press the attack.
As Syphoc reached the last of the guards, he passed his saber through the neck of two of them, and then shoved the silver blade through the heart of the captain. He then held the pose while the bodies dropped to the floor.
Braecen however, wasted no time, striding over to the door just as the lights went off. He let out a soft curse and said, “They must’ve cut power to this area. This door is all that separates you from your family’s heritage however, so it will not remain here for long. Put the blade through the control panel, and then together, we will open the door through the Force.”
Syphoc, nodded, a motion that his master could not see despite the faint glow from the lightsabers. He followed his instructions to the letter, and then they opened the door and walked inside.
As the door slid open, under the physical strain of the Force prying at it's weight - overcoming the lock previously set in place - it grated against the track. A soft, yellow light spilled into the darkened chamber where the two stood. The light forced both individuals to squint as their pupils adjusted to the change. Syphoc, quickest to recover, slowly entered the quarters with the saber still ignited. The soft humming echoed throughout the chamber as he took in the surroundings. vzzm, vzzzm
His attention turned back upon the Pontifex that stepped into the room. A chill ran up the Hunter's back as his Master seemingly drifted out of the darkness... like ink spilling outward and taking tangible form. The Apprentice opened his mouth to ask how he could duplicate that skill when his warning sense screamed in his mind. Instinctively, Syphoc dived to his right into an awkward roll that brought him up on one knee with the silver flame slanted across his form in a defensive posture.
An enormous bulk emerged from an adjacent room, a blaster held in hand. The former Rebel operative instantly recognized it as a modified version of a Relby K. A quick glance back at his Master found the Equite holding his saber in a similar defensive nature.
"Easy, tiger." Braecen's tone did not belay any sense of dread or fear he may be harboring. "We can do this the easy way, you know." He took two tentative steps forward before the pitch and whine of blaster fire directed another two crimson bolts at the Consul's head. A deep growl erupted from the throat of the Heir of Kun. "I will not harm yo-"
"Imposter! Liar!" The big man barked over the calm, soothing voice of the Equite. "You will not harm me, you will leave this place at once." Then, as if wholly unsure of his statement, he tossed in, "My personal guards are on the way!"
Now the anger of the Kaeth Patriarch was palpable. His body language betrayed his emotions as his lips spilled forth a threat. "I said I wouldn't kill you... I didn't say I couldn't, Colonel." Rilkel's eyes flashed back to the big man and quickly settled upon the rank insignia of the man, confirming his identify. Slowly, purposefully, the Hunter stood up from his position and began to move away from his Master. Now, the Command Officer retreated several steps with his barrel swiveling back 'n forth to keep both antagonists in his sights.
Rilkel's words came laced with genuine curiosity, more so than contempt. "How long have you held this post, Colonel?" Instantly, a line of questioning formed in his mind should he have been the commander of forces that brought his father to an early demise. "Not over a period of five years," the Officer retorted in bewilderment - the question was unexpected. Rilkel's heart deflated at the comment, knowing this man would not have the answers he so desperately sought.
The Hunter's next words came with bitter resolve, "Where is the blade? And do not feign ignorance with me." His eyes, as they settled upon the simple man promised death should he lie to the Dark Jedi. The man gulped as he pulled at his collar, trying to ease the constricting feeling that had settled about him. His eyes shone with true terror and he, dejectedly, nodded to the room behind him. Carefully, he edged his way against the wall and away from the Jedi Hunter.
Syphoc marched into the room, knowing that his Master would kill the man and then join him shortly thereafter. His guess was confirmed as the man cried out and a decidedly evil hum of the lightsaber snuffed the man's existence from the Living Force. Always be mindful of the Living Force, Rilkel could hear his Master's words in his mind.
His feet carried him to a chest tucked away in the corner of the room. A lavish, wooden box that had been treated with great respect and well maintained over the course of many years. His breath caught as he opened the box, revealing an old saber hilt resting upon a bed of teal satin. Slowly he reached for the blade, letting his fingers run down its form before he firmly gripped it in his right hand and raised it before him. He could feel his father's presence upon the blade, so deeply ingrained into the item that would have served as his tool for countless years.
Expectantly, he thumbed the blade... hoping to bring it to life. Nothing happened. Several more times he clicked the activation button, yearning to see the blade of his father ignite just once. A hand fell upon his shoulder, Rilkel could feel his Master's concern in their connection. "We must be going, Syphoc."

domain: literature


text:
Your calm, self-love sanctuary
In the peaceful village of Bampton, West Oxfordshire, we had our log cabin studio custom built, during lockdown one, in 2020.
We were fortunate to have this time to plan out something truly special - creating a space that is tranquil and welcoming. From the moment you arrive with us, you will start to unwind (we can't speak for your nerves beforehand, of course!).
We have carefully designed every detail for your comfort, privacy and relaxation. Small, but perfectly formed, you will soon find that our little corner of the world is one which will inspire you to calm confidence.
"It has given me more confidence in myself"
A wonderful experience, from start to finish. Anna, Robin and Kristina were so supportive and gentle with me, but pushed enough so I have some stunning photographs that keep me grinning every time I look at them. Great touches that I wasn't expecting as well, such as all the make up product information afterwards. It has given me more confidence in myself and realisation that I am beautiful, which I never saw before. Thank you so much.
Ready to chat? I'm on hand to answer all of your questions
Call - 01993 210081
Email - firstname.lastname@example.org

domain: artistic


text:
How long after taking oxycodone will it take to show up in a, How long after taking oxycodone will it take to show up in a urine screen? how long does it last? posted: 24 sep 2009 by fortunate topics: methadone, oxycodone. How long does it take percocet to show up in your urine after, Need to know how long after taking a dose of percocet 10mg three times a day when will it show up in the urine? ## percocet is a trade name of endo pharmaceuticals. How long after your take a percocet will it show up in a urine, 1 answer - posted in: percocet, drug test, urine - answer: after 2-3 days, it should not show up in a drug screen, unless you are.
How long does oxycodone stay in your urine for? - blurtit, The opinions of experts seem to vary but, on the whole, it would appear that oxycodone could stay in your urine for up to five days after use.. How long does it take oxycodone to get out of your system? i, How long does it take oxycodone to get out of your system? i took 50 ml on saturday night and took a drug test on monday night? will it show up?. How long does oxycontin stay in your system - how to detox, What is oxycontin? the trade name of oxycontin is oxycodone hydrochloride, normally prescribed by physicians to cure chronic pain is said to be effective for up to 12.
How long can percocet be detected in urine? | ehow, How long can percocet be detected in urine?. percocet, a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen, is used to treat moderate to severe pain suffered by individuals. How long does oxycodone stay in your urine - the q&a wiki, How long will a 10mg oxycodone stay in urine? 3 days how long does oxycodone 20mg stay in your urine? 3-8 days. drinking water, eating different does not work.. How long does vicodin show up in urine drug screens - the q&a wiki, Answer how long is vicidin in your system and show up on a drug urine test vicodin is a combination drug made up of acetaminophen and hydrocodone..

domain: chemistry


text:
Got some more links for you on a hectic Tuesday...
- Ed Price of AOL FanHouse has a list of salary figures exchanged by players and their teams at today's arbitration filing deadline.
- MLB.com's Adam McCalvy breaks down the exchanged figures and the situations of the Brewers' remaining arbitration-eligible players.
- Jordan Bastian of MLB.com says the Blue Jays' payroll "will probably be in the $60-63MM range" next season, down from a previously reported figure of $80MM. Toronto's payroll, however, is "really a fluid number" according to Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos.
- Colorado may sign veteran catcher Paul Lo Duca to a minor-league deal, reports Troy Renck of the Denver Post.
- In a text message to Tyler Kepner of The New York Times (via Twitter), Johnny Damon said he's "sure things will work out somewhere." Damon added that he hasn't ruled out a return the Yankees either.
- The Phillies are discussing a multi-year deal with arbitration eligible center fielder Shane Victorino, reports Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com.
- With Bengie Molina returning to San Francisco, the Mets primary catching target is now Yorvit Torrealba, according to ESPN's Buster Olney (via Twitter).
- Morosi tweets that Joe Blanton filed for $10.25MM in arbitration today, but the Phillies countered with $7.5MM.
- Ed Price of AOL FanHouse (via Twitter) spoke to a scout who saw Ben Sheets' throwing session today. "He threw very well. He threw easy," said the scout, who guessed that Mets, Cubs, and Rangers were the leaders for his services.
- Clark Spencer of The Miami Herald tweets that the Marlins and Cody Ross are going to an arbitration hearing over a $250K difference.
- MLB.com's Brian McTaggart tweets that the Astros and Wandy Rodriguez are $2MM apart in their arbitration case.
- The Rays and B.J. Upton did not reach a deal today, and his agent indicated that the two sides will head to an arbitration hearing according to Marc Topkin of The St. Petersburg Times (via Twitter). He later tweets that they may be just $300K apart.
- Jon Paul Morosi of FoxSports.com reports that the Cubs, Cardinals, and Dodgers are monitoring free agent lefty Mark Mulder. Late last week we learned that the Brewers were going to wait before deciding whether or not to offer Mulder a deal.
- The Blue Jays have signed outfielder Jeremy Reed and righty Steven Register to minor league deals with invitations to Spring Training according to a team press release.
- MLB.com's Ken Gurnick tweets that the Dodgers have signed catcher J.D. Closser to a minor league deal with an invite to Spring Training. The former top Rockies' prospect last appeared in the big leagues back in 2006.
- ESPN's Jerry Crasnick penned a must-read on how Jack Zduriencik has transformed the Mariners in his short time at the helm.
- SI.com's Tom Verducci took a look at the most efficient teams of the last decade. The Marlins, Athletics, and Rays highlight the best, while the Mets were among the least efficient.
Full Story | Comments (0) | Categories: B.J. Upton | Ben Sheets | Chicago Cubs | Cody Ross | Colorado Rockies | Houston Astros | Jack Zduriencik | Jeremy Reed | Joe Blanton | Johnny Damon | Los Angeles Dodgers | Mark Mulder | Miami Marlins | Milwaukee Brewers | New York Mets | New York Yankees | Paul Lo Duca | Philadelphia Phillies | Shane Victorino | St. Louis Cardinals | Steve Register | Tampa Bay Rays | Texas Rangers | Toronto Blue Jays | Wandy Rodriguez | Yorvit Torrealba
Orioles Designate Alex Burnett For Assignment Indians Designate David Huff For Assignment Marlins Release Jon Rauch Derek Lowe Clears Waivers Cubs Claim Eduardo Sanchez Mets Sign David Aardsma Cubs Designate Michael Bowden For Assignment Blue Jays Claim Thad Weber Angels Claim Chris Nelson Yankees Acquire Reid Brignac
Current Free Agents 2014 MLB Free Agent Power Rankings 2014 MLB Free Agents 2015 MLB Free Agents 2013 Draft Order Transaction Tracker Agency Database MLBTR iPad/iPhone App MLBTR Android App Interviews Hot Stove Glossary MLBTR On Facebook MLBTR On Twitter MLBTR Mobile MLBTR On Kindle MLBTR Forums Team Twitter/RSS Feeds Team Facebook Pages
Baseball Blogs Weigh In: Walker, Hughes, Vogelsong The Best Spring Training Additions Of 2013 Quick Hits: Beltran, D'Backs, Montero, Draft, Cashner AL Central Links: Indians, Moore, Schneider NL East Notes: Utley, Amaro, Rizzo, Braves Managerial Notes: Mattingly, Nationals, Roenicke Mets Links: Davis, Wheeler, Bargain Signings Dodgers Notes: Ethier, Mattingly, Puig, Pederson Red Sox Sign Rafael Perez Orioles Designate Alex Burnett For Assignment White Sox Place Angel Sanchez On Waivers Jocketty Discusses Choo Indians Designate David Huff For Assignment Cherington On Ellsbury, Masterson, Theo Rangers Sign Mark Teahen, Waive Derek Lowe
Avoiding The Qualifying Offer Players Reflect On Arbitration Hearings Why I Chose My Agency Series Arbitration Breakdown
A's Rumors Angels Rumors Astros Rumors Blue Jays Rumors Braves Rumors Brewers Rumors Cardinals Rumors Cubs Rumors Diamondbacks Rumors Dodgers Rumors Giants Rumors Indians Rumors Mariners Rumors Marlins Rumors Mets Rumors Nationals Rumors Orioles Rumors Padres Rumors Phillies Rumors Pirates Rumors Rangers Rumors Rays Rumors Red Sox Rumors Reds Rumors Rockies Rumors Royals Rumors Tigers Rumors Twins Rumors White Sox Rumors Yankees Rumors

domain: news


text:
Comfort foods from the grill
By STEVEN RAICHLEN
Grilling is the world’s oldest and most universal cooking method, practiced in virtually every country and culture on six continents (seven if you consider the cookouts staged by grill-obsessed scientists in Antarctica). Especially during the warmer months, enjoying food fresh off the grill in the company of friends and family can be the epitome of comfort.
But there’s a lot more to grilling than throwing meat on the grill. Here, you’ll learn how to grill pork in all its smoky glory, as well as glean some new techniques to make your hot dog grilling game even better. Insider tips, cooking advice, and gear recommendations pair with each recipe, so you’re ready to cook the best meat you can. And now, ladies and gentlemen, fire up your grills!
Black pepper baby backs with whiskey vanilla glaze
If ribs epitomize barbecue, the baby back epitomizes ribs. Cut from high on the hog, next to the backbone, baby backs have tender meat (more so than spareribs), abundant fat, and a convenient shape and size that makes one rack perfect for feeding one or two people. But don’t ribs require low and slow smoking for the better part of a day? Well, that’s one way to prepare them, but ribs can also be grilled using the indirect method in particular, a technique I call smoke-roasting. Slow-smoked ribs are all about tenderness; smoke-roasted ribs retain some of the meaty chew that makes pork chops or loins so satisfying to bite into. You’ll still get plenty of smoke flavor, thanks to adding hardwood chunks or chips to the fire. The following rib recipe keeps the seasonings simple: pepper, paprika, salt, brown-sugar, and celery seed. The emphasis is on the pork. And because we Americans like our ribs sweet, I’ve added a whiskey brown sugar glaze with an unexpected note: the scent of vanilla extract.
Yield: 4 to 8 servings.
Method: Smoke-roasting (indirect grilling).
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Grilling Time: 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
Grill/gear: If you want a pronounced smoke flavor, cook these ribs on a charcoal grill. You’ll also need 4 hardwood chunks, or 3 cups hickory or other hardwood chips (the latter soaked in water for 30 minutes, then drained). If you want to grill 4 racks of ribs for a party on the standard 221/2-inch kettle grill, you’ll want a rib condominium-a rib rack, which allows you to stand the ribs upright. A rib rack also helps drain off the fat.
Shop: A 21/2-pound rack will feed 1 to 2 people as part of a meal. Alternatively, use St. Louis-style ribs, which are spareribs with the rib tips removed, trimmed to a rectangular shape. Because they’re meatier and better marbled than baby backs, they may take longer to cook.
Insider tip: “Fall-off-the-bone tender” – Never have five words done more harm to the notion of what constitutes good eating. Fall-off-the-bone tenderness usually results from steaming or boiling ribs-a practice frowned upon at the big barbecue competitions, such as Memphis in May and the American Royal. No, a proper rib is supposed to have a little chew to it.
Ribs have a papery membrane (the pleura) on the concave side. I like to remove it for aesthetic reasons. Slide the blade of a butter knife under the skin and pry it away from the bones, then grab one end of the membrane with a dishcloth or paper towel and gently pull it off the ribs. If you can’t find it, it may have been removed by the butcher beforehand. There’s no great harm in leaving it on.
4 racks baby back ribs, each 2 to 2 1/2 pounds, with membranes removed
3 tablespoons cracked black peppercorns
3 tablespoons smoked or sweet paprika
3 tablespoons coarse salt, sea or kosher
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar, dark or light
1 teaspoon celery seed
4 hardwood chunks or 3 cups hardwood chips (the latter soaked in water)
For the glaze:
1/2 cup rye, bourbon, or other whiskey
1/2 cup packed brown sugar, dark or light
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Place the ribs on a sheet pan.
In a small bowl, combine the peppercorns, paprika, salt, brown sugar, and celery seed, and mix with your fingers, breaking up any lumps in the brown sugar. Sprinkle the rub on the ribs on both sides, rubbing it into the meat with your fingertips, using about 3 tablespoons per rack. Store any leftover rub in a sealed jar away from heat and light.
Make the glaze by combining the whiskey, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla in a saucepan, and boiling until syrupy, about 4 to 6 minutes, whisking to mix. Set the glaze aside.
Set up your grill for indirect grilling, and heat to medium-low. Brush or scrape the grill grate clean, and oil it well with some vegetable oil. Add half the wood chunks or chips to the coals.
Arrange the ribs on the grate, bone side down, away from the heat, and lower the lid. Smoke-roast the ribs until sizzling, browned, and tender. When ready, the meat will have shrunk back from the ends of the bones by about 1/2 inch, and the ribs will be tender enough to pull apart with your fingers. Replenish the wood and charcoal as needed. Total cooking time will be 3 to 31/2 hours. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, baste the ribs with the glaze. Baste twice more before serving. Pour any remaining glaze over the ribs, and serve immediately.
Note: For sizzling crusty ribs, brush the racks on both sides with glaze, and move them directly over the heat zone for the last few minutes of cooking. Direct grill for a couple of minutes per side.
Direct versus indirect
- Direct grilling. Spread hot coals in a single layer, and place the meat directly above them.
- Indirect grilling. Arrange coals around outside of grill, and place meat in the center, away from heat.
Hedgehog hot dogs
Hot dogs are the first food most of us grilled, and you don’t need a cookbook to show you how. What special technique could I possibly bring to a food that’s essentially ready to eat when it comes out of the package?
Hedgehogging dramatically increases the ratio of crisp, smoky crust to center meat. Tip o’ the hat to Russ Faulk of Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet for this singular scoring technique, and the idea of grilling the hot dog buns with mayonnaise and remoulade sauce. He calls his version a “Po’ Dog.”
Yield: 8 hot dogs.
Method: Direct grilling.
Prep time: 15 minutes.
grilling time: 8 to 10 minutes.
Grill/gear: Hot dogs can be grilled over charcoal, wood, or gas.
Insider tip: These hot dogs use a technique called “hedgehogging,” in which you score the surface of the hot dogs in a crosshatch pattern. The edges puff and char during grilling, giving you an exceptionally crusty exterior and adding more smoke flavor. They also look cool as all get-out, and they may be the best hot dogs you’ve ever tasted.
8 high-quality all-beef hot dogs
8 hot dog rolls
6 tablespoons mayonnaise
Creole Mustard Sauce (below)
Baby arugula or other micro-greens
2 ripe tomatoes or 1 pint cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced
Using a paring knife, make a series of crosshatch cuts on the surface of each hot dog, about 1/8 inch deep and 1/4 inch apart, on all sides. (This will expose more of the hot dog to the grill’s direct heat.)
Slather the cut insides of the rolls with mayonnaise.
Set up your grill for direct grilling, and heat to high. Brush or scrape the grill grate clean, and oil it well with vegetable oil.
Arrange the hot dogs on the grate. Grill until the exterior is sizzling, crisp, and browned, about 2 minutes per side, 6 to 8 minutes in all. While you’re at it, grill the mayonnaise-slathered rolls until toasted, 1 minute per side.
Slather the rolls with Creole Mustard Sauce. Add the hot dogs, baby arugula, and tomato slices, and any other condiment you fancy.
Creole mustard sauce
Yield: 1 cup
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Creole mustard
1/4 cup prepared horseradish
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce, or to taste
3 tablespoons minced celery
3 tablespoons minced green olives
1 tablespoon drained capers
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl, and whisk to blend. Any leftover sauce will keep in the refrigerator for several days.
Excerpted from GRIT. To read more articles from GRIT, please visit www.grit.com or call 866-803-7096 to subscribe. Copyright 2020 by Ogden Publications Inc.
Please Enter Your Facebook App ID. Required for FB Comments. Click here for FB Comments Settings page

domain: food


In a bid to maintain a good relationship with Buganda Kingdom, the Chief Justice has today decided to visit the Katikiro of Buganda, Charles Henry Mayiga at Bulange Mengo.
“This is proof that we can settle differences between us politely,” said Dollo.
Chief Justice Owiny Dollo decided to personally go to Mengo and apologise to the kingdom over the inappropriate statements he made at the late Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah’s vigil.
The Chief Justice arrived at Bulange in the company of Olara Otunu, among other dignitaries, Owiny Dollo was received by Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, who introduced him to the Buganda officials and religious leaders.
They afterwards held a closed door meeting where the Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny Dollo apologized to the Kabaka of Buganda for the remarks he made recently. They jointly addressed the media.
Owiny Dollo said that they came here in peace and they are leaving knowing they are closer.
“After this, we are better people than before the meeting. I thank the delegation that accompanied me here, “said Owiny Dollo.
He added, “This is proof that we can resolve differences between us amicably as people than if it was my victory against the Katikkiro or the Katikkiro against me.”
For Mayiga, he commended the Chief Justice for his courage.
“I laud the Chief Justice for the humbleness he has exhibited. In Buganda, we say that friendship comes after a fight. The Chief Justice has come as a friend and he is going to leave as a brother,” Mayiga said.
The Katikkiro also called on Ugandans to leave all that was said behind us and move forward.


text:
ORGUT facilitates market-led development for generating economic development, creating employment and reducing poverty in developing countries. ORGUT has over 40 years of experience of implementing development initiatives and facilitating economic and social progress. It is clear that the role of the private sector in facilitating this progress has become increasingly more important for complementing the public sector’s efforts.
Markets for agriculture and other natural resources are probably most central to development, providing the main source of productivity gains, inputs and labour for economic diversification and the means for the poor to improve and diversify their incomes. ORGUT works towards the integration of agricultural markets by identifying underlying systemic problems when facilitating inclusive growth interventions that encourage small holders and other actors in the private and public sectors to transform market systems. ORGUT contributes with a deep appreciation of local context and an understanding of what makes a specific market work. In several countries, ORGUT has facilitated successful interventions in working with market driven approaches in agricultural and forestry value chains and building capacity in supporting ministries, institutions and enterprises. Based on extensive field experience, ORGUT knows that a systemic approach to market development entails not only identifying root causes and systemic constraints facing a market system but also to develop a strategic framework to address the fundamental operational and strategic issues of incentives, roles, structures and mechanisms.

domain: agronomy


text:
Researchers have found that heavy drinking and smoking can cause fast ageing.
An analysis of drinking and smoking patterns revealed a consistently heightened risk of looking older than one’s true age.
According to the observatory findings published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, light to moderate drinking didn’t affect biological ageing.
The researchers have studied more than 11,500 adults since 1976 when the study began.
The participants — aged between 21 and 93 (men and women) — were tested on their lifestyle, general health, and the state how much they drank and smoked.
This was before they were checked for four signs of ageing: earlobe creases; a greyish opaque coloured ring or arc around the peripheral cornea of both eyes (arcus corneae); yellow-orange plaques on the eyelids (xanthelasmata); and male pattern baldness (receding hairline or a bald patch on the top of the head).
Arcus coneae was the most common sign of ageing among both sexes, with a prevalence of 60 per cent among men over 70 and among women over 80.
The least common sign was xanthelasmata, with a prevalence of 5 per cent among men and women over 50.
Receding hairline was common among men, with 80 per cent of those over the age of 40 affected.
According to the scientists: “This is the first prospective study to show that alcohol and smoking are associated with the development of visible age-related signs and thus generally looking older than one’s actual age….This may reflect that heavy drinking and smoking increases general aging of the body.”
Copyright 2023 TheCable. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from TheCable.
Follow us on twitter @Thecablestyle


text:
History of Freeport
The Village of Freeport is located in the northeastern corner of Oak Township, on the line of what was the Great Northern Railway. It came into existence shortly after the Great Northern, after which the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Naitoba Railroad Co. built its line from East St. Cloud across the Mississippi and thence to Melrose.
It was at this point that John Hoeschen, who had shortly before come from Germany with his parents, seven brothers and two sisters, opened the first store, while his brother, Joseph, built the first hotel in the village. The two buildings were the first businesses, but previous to this period, several farmers had settled the area. Henry Wahls owned the town site. The eastend, which later became the church and school site,was owned by Frank Benolken. Wahls was the first settler.
The village was first named Oak Station, but owing to complications arising in the names of Oak Station and Osakis, it was changed to Freeport. The new name appears to have been suggested by the Benolkens, who came from Freeport, Ill. Freeport was incorporated as a village in September of 1892. Previous to the incorporation, two blocks in the village had been platted, known as John Hoeschen's and Joseph Hoeschen's Block. In order to obtain the population required for an incorporated village, the territory had to include several surrounding farmhouses and extend the corporate limits. When the articles of incorporation had been accepted, the village of Freeport was laid out in 16 blocks. Later the two additions-Beste's Addition in 1900 and Schoener's Addition in 1912-were platted.
The first sidewalk and oak plank walk were laid in 1894 from the Woling Hotel corner to the church. The village hall was builtin 1895, originally a frame structure which was later brick veneered. The steel jail cell was made by Richter and Sons, who then constructed a large blacksmith shop which is still in use. The water works system was installed in 1903, and in 1913, a new electric light system was completed. The population of the village as given by the census of 1910 was 450.
The railroad station was perhaps the first building in the town proper. The first agent was Mr. Gates, who was succeeded by an agent by the name of Freetag. In 1885, Henry S. Leitch became the agent and he held the office for 28 years.
School District No. 102, comprising the Village of Freeport and the adjacent vicinity, was organized in1874. The first schoolhouse, a small log building, was soon replaced by a larger frame structure. It was soon found necessary to build an addition in 1890 that was large enough to accommodate two rooms. Teachers during the early part of the school's existence were the two Borgerdings - by then Fathers Henry and Thomas, O.S.B. - Henry Benolken, Mr. Moersch, John Steichen, Joseph Hilt, Louis Wiber and Joseph Heinen. Prof.Gothard Harren was the first principal after the two rooms had been added, with John A. Maus as assistant.
The Freeport post office was established in 1879, with John Hoeschen as first postmaster. It was originally known as the Oak Station office. Mr. Hoeschen was followed by Henry Benolken.
Our Roots in Oak Township
Freeport in the Twentieth Century
Videos appear courtesy of the Stearns County Historical Society

domain: geography


For enhanced safety, the system also contains a smart key back up plan. Manual Kwikset SmartCode 955. But if you compare it with traditional locks then you Check the current price of the Kwikset 909 on Amazon. SmartKey Security™ re-key technology is compatible with Kwikset (KW1) keyway; SmartKey cylinders feature a stainless steel side locking bar, racks and pins for increased strength and security ... 909 Smartcode Traditional Electronic Deadbolt with Tustin Lever. One touch locking with a motorized deadbolt & back lit keypad for increased visibility; Eight customizable access codes plus a master code option; Latch has adjustable back set 2 to 3/8, to 2 to 3/4 inch to fit all standard door preparations Tap “Kwikset” 5. This manual comes under the category Not categorized and has been rated by 1 people with an average of a 8.7. When it comes to home safety, we often forget that the only thing separating us from the wilderness outdoors is a think piece of wood. Insert the top of the lock assembly in Then insert a four- to eight-digit But in the end, I ordered Kwikset 909 from Amazon. Following video is to show you how to quickly install the Kwikset smartcode 909 lock without using the instructions. This lock has a straightforward design. Specification of this smart lock. The SmartCode touchscreen electronic deadbolt is a one touch locking motorized deadbolt. Also for: 62822 / 01. KWIKSET SMARTCODE 909 INSTALLATION AND USER MANUAL. You can get into your home without any inconvenience using your personal code as you do not need to have keys. This is where I share the majority of the undertakings I've done and things I'm learning. 909 Smart Code door lock. Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time. can help you with the installation as well as to understand the Technical Kwikset SmartCode 909 Manuals & User Guides. So, if you’re using passwords like 12345 or 123123, then you are making your home at risk. ... Kwikset, Kwikset 909, Kwikset 909 SmartCode, Kwikset 909 SmartCode Electronic Deadbolt Post navigation. Tap the lock model 6. The deadbolt is quite easy to install but you must take care of the motor and be sure that it fixes well. From I, Robot to iRobotâs Roombas: Which Is the Best Smart Robot Vacuum? This lock doesn’t require you to have any The product offers variations of 4-digit and 8-digit encryption levels for multiple users. Security. The most important feature that differentiates Kwikset from other electronic deadbolts is that Kwikset comes with a motor that pushes the deadbolt to open once you enter the correct passcode. Can a stolen doorbell be used! The Kwikset Smart 909 Code door lock is an electronic locking system. … that automatically shuts the door after 30 seconds. This is by no means a unique product, but after giving this electronic deadbolt a go, we’re happy to report that it’s arguably one of the best out there. These buttons will illuminate the keyhole while also showing you where to punch in the access codes. The Kwikset Smart 909 Code door lock is It took me around 20-25 minutes to install it at my front have to close the door and press the button provided to lock the door. Put a Ring on it: The Features and Benefits of a Ring Flood Camera. Eight customizable access codes - plus a master code option; compatible with Kwikset (KW1) keyway; Latch has adjustable backset 2-3/8 to 2-3/4" to fit all standard door preparations You can program the codes and use the device right away. The brand manufacturer has researched the locking cylinder, which is the principal component of this device. The Kwikset 909 SmartCode Electronic Deadbolt is the latest smart security lock your home needs, as it is extremely easy to install, easy to program and provides high security to ensure your safety all the time.. Manual Kwikset SmartCode 911. Mainly, the SmartCode 917 is one of the best residential electronic locks out there. backlit keypad gives you visibility always, and all users can easily access it. The auto-lock functions of this door lock Digital Deadbolts come with keypad through which you have to set up a password and use the same while opening the door. Best Pressure Washers for Cars/Patio/Concrete. times, in that order, to program their codes. The 909 detects when the door has been opened and shut, and if the homeowner forgot to lock the deadbolt, the 909’s got your back. For those who prefer a keyless entry, the Kwikset 909 SmartCode Electronic Deadbolt is the exact kind of smart door lock you need. How do I delete a single user code on my SmartCode 909/910 deadbolt or 911/912 lever? For enhanced security, a mastercode may be used when adding and deleting user codes. exterior keypad. View the Kwikset SmartCode 955 manual for free or ask your question to other Kwikset SmartCode 955 owners. Installing the Kwikset 909 It also features SmartKey re-key technology as the back-up keyway. neither this deadbolt. Top 3 Doorbells-Pros, Cons & Installation Tips, All About Ring Security Cameras-A Complete Guide, Smart locks made exclusively for sliding Doors: My favourites 3, 7 Best Inexpensive Ring Doorbell Alternatives (Under $100). The only thing you need to be aware of is the size of the hole in the door, so the bolt doesn’t get stuck on the lip. The lock provides the best support in terms of value for your hard-earned money. The locking system can be used by up to four separate users as it supports up to four different codes. After a quick installation, it’ll bring your mind closer to peace. Your door is securely locked! Tap gear icon 3. This is the site where I share all of the information about home security. If you’re not adept at using hammers, don’t worry; the only thing you need to be able to do is operate a screwdriver, drill, or impact driver to install the screws. Since the Kwikset 909 comes with advanced technology, you can choose it without any second thought and protect your home and your family. Auto-lock It gives you a 30-second auto-lock, and an alarm is activated after you key in three incorrect codes. counterclockwise to loosen the screws. The one question I came through is that What to do if If you are not smart enough, someone can crack it easily. That is why today, we are introducing one of the most secure front door locks out there. Launch app 2. We have lots more on the site to show you. Don’t be afraid to try this electronic deadbolt out. Then enter a four- to eight-digit code on the exterior These features also make it be an intruders away from home. first time. Do you have a question about the Kwikset SmartCode 955 or do you need help? Lifetime Polished Brass, Satin Nickel, and Venetian Bronze. will find it more secure and promising. View and Download Kwikset SmartCode 909 installation and user manual online. Therefore, this device is one of the best you can get without having to pay a lot, your family and property will stay safe as it is a very advanced kind of lock. ls. available on the SmartCode 916 product page online at www.kwikset.com. Oct 27, 2015 | Kwikset 909 909-15 Satin Nickel Smart Code SmartCode Signature Series Touch. Kwikset: Model: 99090-019 Number Of Items: 1 Part Number: 909 11P SMT CP: Product Group: Home Improvement: Product Type Name: HARDWARE: Size: Pack of 1: Title: Kwikset 909 SmartCode Electronic Deadbolt featuring SmartKey in Venetian Bronze UPC: 883351518932: Helpful for Impairment Types: Dexterity, Mobility, Vision To be very true, I am not good at installing equipment. These options blend well with almost every door design and color. mechanics and finishes, and the electronics, and this makes it a reliable link to Put a Ring on it: The Features and Benefits of a Ring Flood Camera, link to A Complete Guide to Alexa Sleep Sounds: How to Rest with the Best of Them, The Top 5 Best Motorized Curtains 2021- Buyer’s Guide and Reviews. excellent choice for people who want to spend in a high-quality smart door that the internal keypad. This device only turns on when the deadbolt needs to be locked or unlocked. 3 Ways to Fix the issue in Minutes. This manual is available in the following languages: Engels. It is operated by touching it just once to lock. Each unit is made in such a way it can fit on standard doors for it to work. Or if you need to kick your tenant out, then knowing one of the access codes to unbolt the deadlock will come in handy. For some reason, when we’re running late, our house keys always use this opportunity to get stuck in the latch or become too large to fit in the keyhole. If for whatever reason, the device is not compatible with your door, the company will give you a complete refund. 1 23 4 Switches ON OFF Status LED F Switches, Status LED Colors, and System Alerts Manual Door Handing User Codes Requirements Each user code must be a unique code How Long Can You Run a Generator Continuously? The top rated Kwikset 909 SmartCode electronic deadbolt lock offers buyers solid security, multiple convenience features, simple installation and operation, and it is Kwikset Smartcode 913 Electronic Deadbolt, Kwikset's Smartcode 913 Electronic Deadbolt defense system provides User's Installation Manual; User's Quick The best thing about this device is that it’s extremely easy to install and use. Kwikset has been in the home security business for more than 60 years, so if they have a product that can increase the security of our homes and doors while we’re not around, they’re definitely worth paying attention to. However, Kwikset deadbolt was available on Home Depot and Amazon, I ordered it from Amazon because Amazon delivers it fast and I didnât have to pay Sales Tax. Tochpad Electronic Deadbolt. This is why the Kwikset SmartCode 909 is one of the fastest-selling brands in the market. The only thing that I found as a drawback, the Kwikset 909 deadbolt works on batteries which you would have to change. View and Download Kwikset SmartCode 909 installation manual online. It is an electronic device in which LED light emissions are available throughout the day. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. It should keep you safe always you and your family at It’ll automatically slide the deadbolt to the locked position after 30 seconds. I will go through those processes in this article. The alarm activates every time three incorrect codes are entered repeatedly, and you can modify not below eight access codes along with the master code. a minimum effort. will keep away intruders with the least effort. is a cheaper option to the majority of similar units available in the market, While we’re inside, securing the door with a deadbolt is one of the most effective ways of ensuring that nobody can bust in, but what happens when we leave our homes? I have been working in this industry from last 10 years and therefore, sharing all my experiences and learnings.


Electric Powerhouse for Adventurous Riders
Like a rebel with a noble cause, the Zero DSR/X breaks barriers and opens up new horizons, proving that adventure need not come at the expense of our planet. This electric wonder is a symphony of power, precision, and performance. It's the ultimate motorcycle for those who dare to wander off the beaten path, and yet yearn to do so with a lighter footprint.
Imagine the serenity of the trail uninterrupted by the roar of an engine, the wind whistling past your helmet the only soundtrack to your journey. Powered by the formidable Z-Force 75-10X, the DSR/X’s direct drive motor is as silent as it is powerful, a whisper on the wind that belies the sheer force it can generate. The 166 ft-lb of torque is something to behold, a testament to mankind’s technological prowess.
The bike’s robust Showa suspension system caters to the rough and tumble of the off-road life, ensuring a smooth ride whether you're navigating a tricky mountain path or tearing down an open highway. The adjustable shock absorbers adapt swiftly to shifts in load, embodying the adaptability that is central to the DSR/X philosophy.
In this symphony of power and silence, the most unassuming maestro is the innovative Bosch Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC). It's like having a guardian angel watching over your shoulder, ready to step in with measured interventions during acceleration, braking, and cornering. Thanks to the MSC, and the seamless integration with Zero's Cypher III+ operating system, the ride is as smooth as it is safe. Add to this the Bosch Vehicle Hold Braking, and you've got the perfect recipe for confident and worry-free uphill or downhill journeys.
Let's not forget the Cypher III+ operating system itself. This intelligent piece of technology is more than just an operating system; it's a personal companion, assisting with navigation, offering performance customization, and easing mundane tasks like parking.
Aesthetically, the DSR/X cuts a striking figure. Its sleek, modern design is unmistakably built for adventure, commanding attention and admiration in equal measure. Accessorizing this beast is a joy, with a range of rugged add-ons designed exclusively for the bike, from saddle bags to extended batteries.
What's most exciting, perhaps, is the bike's green ethos. The DSR/X's large capacity Z-Force 17.3 kWh battery gives riders the freedom to journey far and wide, without the guilt of leaving a carbon trail. Charging infrastructure has grown significantly and will continue to do so, making this environmentally-friendly choice a practical one too.
My verdict? The Zero DSR/X is more than just a bike; it's a statement. A statement that you're adventurous yet considerate, powerful yet quiet, a rebel and a protector. A statement that you're ready to journey into the future. And believe me, the future has never looked so exciting.
So, to all you thrill-seekers and earth-lovers, why not merge your passions? Your next adventure awaits with the Zero DSR/X. With this bike, you're not just riding; you're making a difference.
- Powerful Performance: With the Z-Force 75-10X direct drive motor, the Zero DSR/X offers an impressive 166 ft-lb of torque, providing both immediate power and smooth acceleration. This makes it capable of tackling extreme terrains with relative ease.
- Advanced Stability Control: The inclusion of Bosch’s Offroad Motorcycle Stability Control (MSC) and Zero’s Cypher III+ system gives riders added safety and confidence. It assists in acceleration, braking, and cornering, adapting to various terrains and conditions.
- Long Range: Equipped with a Z-Force 17.3 kWh battery, the DSR/X can achieve up to 180 miles of city range. An optional Power Tank upgrade can extend this even further.
- Customization and Adaptability: The bike offers five standard ride modes and allows for customization through the Zero NextGen app. This ensures the bike can adapt to a variety of conditions and riding styles.
- Eco-Friendly: As an electric motorcycle, the DSR/X produces no emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability. It’s a guilt-free choice for riders conscious about their carbon footprint.
- Charging Time: Despite advancements in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, the DSR/X can still take up to 10 hours to charge via a household 110V outlet. Although the time can be drastically reduced with the Rapid Charge System, this is an additional purchase and requires dealer installation.
- Limited Off-Road Capabilities: While the DSR/X is designed for off-road adventure, electric motorcycles, in general, may struggle with extremely challenging terrains compared to their gas-powered counterparts.
- Higher Initial Cost: The Zero DSR/X, like many electric motorcycles, tends to be more expensive upfront than traditional motorcycles. However, the lower maintenance and running costs may offset this over time.
- Limited Charging Infrastructure in Remote Areas: While the number of charging stations is increasing annually, riders in more remote areas may still find it challenging to access charging stations, potentially limiting the DSR/X's usefulness for extended off-road trips.
- Relatively New Technology: As with all emerging technologies, some potential buyers might be hesitant to adopt electric motorcycles due to concerns about reliability and longevity. However, the technology is improving rapidly and these concerns are likely to decrease over time.


text:
Once upon a time, the United States government made a bold attempt to control encryption.
“Uncrackable encryption will allow drug lords, spies, terrorists and even violent gangs to communicate about their crimes and their conspiracies with impunity,” said then director of the FBI Louis Freech, way back in 1997.
Speaking with Information Age, vice president security strategy and threat intelligence at global cyber security company Venafi, Kevin Bocek, explains where it all went wrong for the US government all those years ago.
“We quickly learnt that you could get the same technology for free on the internet,” he says. “We were losing out.”
More than two decades down the track and Australia now faces a similar dilemma, following the introduction of the Assistance and Access Bill late last year.
For as long as the legislation has been up for debate, critics have argued that interfering with encryption locally weakens Australia’s position globally.
Bocek, who is based in the US, believes that for encryption “to be used to its maximum benefit” it must be “free and outside the scope of government control”.
Another concern around the new Australians laws has been the idea of creating systemic weaknesses.
“Anytime that you build in weaknesses, or anytime that you require something that should be private to be made public, it has the opportunity for risk,” says Bocek on the matter.
He gives the example of Stuxnet – the American/Israeli ‘cyberweapon’ developed to target the Iranian nuclear program in the mid-2000s.
“That didn’t just affect Iranian nuclear centrifuges, it affected businesses globally, that affected infrastructure globally,” says Bocek.
“Trust me, bad guys aren’t going to use weakened methods, bad guys aren’t going to be delivering machine identities to the government.
“So [weakening encryption] only then hurts private enterprise, it only hurts innovation and that’s why what we’ve seen time and time again, which has been most successful, is government not trying to get in the way.”
Putting trust in machines
Venafi specialises in machine identity protection, meaning it helps devices identifies “if an app that’s getting installed is good or bad,” says Bocek.
He explains that this is an area that adversaries are now beginning to target.
“We saw this really start to rise in the last three or four years where they would have phishing sites that would be getting machine identities that look like real ones.
“They weren’t real, but they could trick your mobile device or browser to think they were real and when you looked at it, you wouldn’t know the difference.”
But now, the ability of malicious actors in tricking devices has further developed, he says, so much so that they can create “completely trusted” machines.
“They've now actually been able to get identities that are as real for the machines of banks and retailers and governments as the real ones are.”
The technology is there to fight against these complex attacks, Bocek reaffirms, it just needs to “be used the right way”.


TIME III Conference
April 26, 2014
Using HTML5 Canvas for Graphing
Simple example with canvas graphs
Example with LaTeX
Used for LaTeX rendering:
Open standards, web-based mathlets: making interactive tutorials using the html5 canvas element.


text:
Hey there. Long time browser, first time posting a thread.
I collect screenplays in my spare time. My favourite writer, as well as Director, is of course Quentin. Not only does he have an incredible talent for writing fantastic stories but he also writes screenplays as i think they SHOULD be written, format-wise that is. ie, he doesn’t waste time writing long elabourate paragraphs/pages to describe tiny insignificant details. I’d like to think that you can watch one of his movies while reading the script in your hands and the movie wouldn’t get ahead of you, hopefully not anyway.
Anywho, It’s not a secret that Quentin’s screenplays leak onto the web almost instantly after he’s written them. Infact last May I came into possession of a .pdf file of the Django Unchained script
7 Days after he finished writing it. No word of a lie.
Anyway, I prefer having SCANNED copies of scripts, because digital copies are ones which have been re-typed by fans and usually have lots of mistakes and sometimes fans like to take the liberty of changing around a scene or two (case in point is a draft of True Romance I had once before). Although I’m happy to get any copy of a Quentin Script, Digital copies unfortunately just aren’t that reliable sometimes. Luckily, most of the scripts I have of his are scanned copies.
Alas, I do not have ALL of his scripts, although I do have most. He’s a fantastic writer and I love reading what he wrote on paper and comparing it to what ended up on screen.
Here’s what I do have:
Death Proof [SCANNED]
Django Unchained [SCANNED]
From Dusk Till Dawn [DIGITAL]
Inglourious Basterds [SCANNED]
Jackie Brown [SCANNED]
Kill Bill [SCANNED]
My Best Friend’s Birthday [SCANNED]
Natural Born Killers [DIGITAL]
Pulp Fiction [SCANNED]
Reservoir Dogs [SCANNED]
True Romance [DIGITAL]
Before anyone says it, yes I know you can buy them online. I may very well just buy one or two of 'em.
If anyone wants me to send them a script or two I’d be more than happy. But If anyone has a scanned version of some scripts I have in a digital format I’d love it if you’d send them on. Or a digital or scanned version of something I’m missing, like Four Rooms.
PS. Forgive me If there’s already a thread like this. I couldn’t find one.


text:
The Cute Cat Pendant Necklace is the purrfect addition for the cute jewelry collection. With its charming handcrafted cat pendant, the necklace flaunts your undying love. Wear this if you venture outside to remind yourself of your cute cats waiting for you to find home. . With their meals.
- Flexible Length: 15.7" - 17.7" or 40 cm - 45 cm
- Handcrafted Dainty Cat Pendant
- High-Quality Clavicle Chain
Give the Cute Cat Pendant Necklace as a gift to your cat-loving friend and remind them of how good cat owners they are. Get two or even more of the purrfect necklace with each other to avail our FREE SHIPPING PROMO!

domain: pet


text:
PRESS RELEASE: NEWTON, N.J. – Project Self-Sufficiency announces that the next session of its popular employment skills training program, Higher Opportunities for Women (HOW), will launch February 2o.
The 16-week HOW program combines intensive computer skills training with classroom instruction and on-the-job experience. Curriculum prepares women who have been out of the work force or underemployed to seek entry-level office administrative positions. Classes will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the agency’s campus located at 127 Mill Street in Newton. Open houses about the HOW program will be held at 1 p.m., February 9 and 16. Interested participants are invited to call 973-940-3500 or visit https://www.projectselfsufficiency.org/higher-opportunities-for-women to enroll.
Women who take part in the agency’s HOW program can expect 80 hours of computer skills training, including instruction in Microsoft Word, Excel and other applications. The HOW program also includes 40 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours of an unpaid externship at a community employment site, which further prepares participants to successfully venture into the job market. Additional coursework focuses on workplace navigation, life skills training, resume preparation and interviewing strategies.
Since the HOW program’s inception, more than 1,000 women have gained self-confidence and learned marketable skills which placed them on the path to economic self-sufficiency.
Deborah Berry-Toon, executive director of Project Self-Sufficiency explains that the HOW program is more than just a job-skills program.
“The job market is constantly evolving, and the Higher Opportunities for Women program gives participants the skills and confidence they need for success.”


text:
American Council of Engineering Companies
Erin McLaughlin, Vice President, Private Market Resources
The architecture/engineering (A/E) industry peaked in 2019 with annual revenues of $350.25 billion (source: U.S. Census Bureau), of which $263.74 billion was engineering services revenue. Due to the recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, A/E revenues declined in 2020. The U.S. Census Bureau’s ‘advance estimate’ of total A/E revenues for Q3 2020 is $80.08 billion (B), an 11.8% decline from the same quarter last year. This is less than half a point improvement from Q2 2020 A/E revenues, at $79.77 billion. Overall, this may be good news for our industry—as there was not a decline from Q2 to Q3 in 2020. Whether or not we can hold at this level will largely depend upon the vaccine as well as the necessary stimulus to state and local governments.
FMI forecasts a “U-shaped” trend in the design and construction markets, with construction put-in-place spending not returning to 2019 peak levels for more than five years. Although no recession is the same as past ones, it is notable that U.S. A/E firm revenues took six years to return to 2008 levels coming out of the Great Recession. For the design and construction market the “bottom” is not expected until 2022.
Comparison of year-over-year construction put-in-place numbers for Q3 2020 confirms that private markets declined first, with public markets remaining flat. However, this is expected to change, with public markets declining as states and localities grapple with shortages in tax revenues as a result of the recession.
The two strongest markets for engineering firms currently are single-family housing and the communications market sector.
The U.S. Census Bureau’s ‘advance estimate’ of total A/E revenues for Q3 2020 is $80.08 billion, an 11.8% decline from the same quarter last year.
The single-family housing market is emerging as a star during the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This is good news for engineering firms that engage in land development services, as well as firms that design community infrastructure which supports neighborhoods—such as water/wastewater, K-12 schools and roadways. Single-family homebuilding jumped 8.5% to a rate of 1.108 million units in September, according to monthly joint numbers by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This is the highest rate of single-family starts since June 2007 according to the World Property Journal. Permits to build single-family homes—a leading indicator—increased 7.8% to the strongest level since 2007, according to Bloomberg, which also noted that construction of single-family homes in September reached the highest level in more than 13 years. In the nation’s largest region, the South, new single-family home construction starts rose 17.7% to a 13-year high.
The communication market sector is considered the most resilient during the current pandemic-caused recession, and FMI forecasts it will grow 18% (the fastest of any sector) over the next few years. The need for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic has translated into millions of Americans needing to work from home, engage in distance learning, shop via the internet, and even have medical appointments using telemedicine, boosting demand for communications infrastructure.
International Franchise Association
Matt Haller, Senior Vice President, Government Relations & Public Affairs
The franchise business model represents a cross-section of the entire business community, having a presence in over 220 sectors of the US economy. The franchising community is comprised of 773,600 small franchise establishments nationwide and supports more than 8 million direct jobs, and contributes $787.5 billion of economic output into the U.S. economy, representing 3 percent of the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The COVID-19 pandemic has created economic instability across the country, including the franchises. There is wide variation in the different levels of economic impact because of its ubiquitous representation. Most retail, including much of the restaurant sector, hospitality, and personal services sectors have faced the greatest challenges in continuing their operations because of stay-at-home orders under the initial economic lockdown, social distancing practices, as well as declining consumer confidence and spending. Other sectors such as residential and commercial services experienced a surge driven by increases in new home sales and evolving consumer preferences towards home construction/renovation while working from home for the majority of 2020.
Franchise employment started experiencing gains in June of 2020 through the addition of an average of 25,200 jobs per month. As of November 2020, more than 8 million workers were employed in franchising, and the US gained 33,700 franchise jobs in November, with the most growth coming from the restaurant and automotive sectors.
As we enter 2021, franchising in many sectors is still facing major uncertainties. The recovery of franchising activity is expected to be sector-specific and regional, based on the severity of COVID-19 spread and the different state and local regulatory business condition mandates. The second half of 2020 showed its resiliency, however. As in early phases of past recessions, many brands are seeing significant growth in sales, new unit development, and jobs. The franchise business model has proven to be resilient and a leading expansion method coming out of economic downturns.
As the nation’s largest job creation and training program, franchises have helped workers secure jobs in the current economic crisis, prepared them with relevant business skills, and provided them with opportunities for career progression, which in turn generate economic stability. Based on the ADP’s National Franchise Employment Report, as of November 2020, franchise jobs have sustained a six-month consecutive gain since June, with an average of 25,200 additions per month. In the meantime, the high unemployment rate is anticipated to lead to a large percentage of unemployed workers choosing to invest in become franchise owners themselves, or finding new careers at franchises, which will bolster franchise business growth.
The franchise business model is uniquely designed to share best practices and quickly adapt them in the early stages of an economic recovery following a highly uncertain period by giving franchise business owners a shared source of constant communication, aggregated, evaluated and developed into support programs from franchisors within and across franchise systems. This broader level of information flow and resources are especially valuable in helping lift the economy out of recessions.
Security Industry Association
Ronald Hawkins, Director of Industry Relations
The converged security technology industry – which includes video surveillance, access control, intrusion alarms and related technologies and services – tracked the broader economy in 2020, dipping sharply in the second quarter, then recovering during the last half of the year.
After declining by 4.6 percent in 2020, security equipment sales are expected to grow by 5.7 percent in 2021, according to a Security Industry Association report produced by Omdia.
As a vital service, security was less hard hit than many other sectors, but with the country largely shut down for a time, new installations and system upgrades naturally slowed. Existing contracts and maintenance of installed systems were able to continue as states recognized security personnel, including technicians, as essential employees, and companies adopted new safety protocols. In addition, the need to reduce person-to-person and person-to-surface contact at many sites and to implement remote monitoring at others that suddenly had low or no occupancy led to some expanded uses of security technology, as did the repurposing of certain equipment, such as the deployment of thermal cameras to identify elevated body temperatures.
A research report produced for the Security Industry Association by Omdia projected that security equipment sales would decrease by 4.6 percent in 2020 but would more than recover the lost ground by growing by 5.7 percent in 2021. In terms of industry confidence, SIA’s bimonthly Security Market Index plummeted from 50 in March to a record-low of 30 in May, before steadily increasing to reach 54 by the end of the year.
Even as the pandemic is, it is hoped, brought under control in 2021, several trends from 2020 could have a lasting impact on the converged security technology sector, including the increase in working from home and the changing nature of commercial office space, the move toward “touch-free” environments, and the reduction of interpersonal contact and the expansion of remote security and automation through, among other technologies, drones, robotics and artificial intelligence.


Mannheimer Swartling captures two of the top 5 positions in survey of Sweden’s best real estate lawyers
Jesper Prytz and Klas Wennström, partners at Mannheimer Swartling and members of the firm’s real estate practice in Gothenburg and Stockholm, respectively, were ranked among the top five real estate lawyers in Sweden in a survey of 130 of the largest and most prominent real property holding companies in Sweden. The survey, conducted by the Swedish real estate publication Fastighetssverige, included responses from nearly 100 CEOs.
With a team of 50 lawyers who work with real estate transactions and other real estate legal issues on a daily basis, Mannheimer Swartling has Northern Europe’s largest group of real estate lawyers. In a review of major real estate advisers conducted last year, Mannheimer Swartling’s leading position among the country’s leading real estate lawyers was also reaffirmed according to a ranking by Fastighetsvärlden.


text:
Mushrooms and cooking for beginners. Guide to collecting and tasting mushroomsEditorial La Serrania
Mushrooms , their multiple forms, the wide range of colors, the most diverse aromas and flavors, the aura of mystery that surrounds the world of mushrooms , have always exercised a magical fascination in almost all the peoples and cultures of the world.
The collection of mushrooms for tasting (and to a lesser extent for study), is a growing activity that, boosted by an intense media boom, encourages an increasing number of beginner mushroom hunters to go out into the mountains, who do not always find adequate tools for a clear identification of the species and, above all, for a distinction between edible and toxic mushrooms with sufficient guarantees of safety. At the same time, there are not too many works that manage to bring together an extensive catalog of mushrooms and a good culinary manual that offers simple and practical ideas to get the most out of these exquisite delicacies, more suitable for tasting than for satiety, from a contemporary gastronomic point of view.
This book aims to fill these gaps. It is not a book where the mushrooms that beginner mycologists need to identify are confused with others that are not of interest to them. The reader will find in these pages a clear catalog, with simple descriptions and abundant images, of the most common species, ordered according to a quality criterion, and only the edible and toxic ones. Together with them you will find practical information on their harvesting and sustainability, the best techniques for preserving them and a extensive collection of 120 recipes in which the best known dishes of traditional cuisine are combined, always with ease and simplicity, with interesting and innovative proposals of the most modern creative cuisine.
PUBLISHER: Editorial La Serranía
PAGES: 272 full color
FORMAT: 17×24 cm
BINDING: Paperback, with flaps
DATE OF PUBLICATION: March 2009
AUTHOR: Domingo Mariscal Rivera

domain: library


text:
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Molecular Biology
Genetic Effect Of The Dwarfing Genes On Some Culm Characteristics Associatcd With Lodging Resistance In Bread Wheat, Md. Mahbub Hasan
Md. Mahbub Hasan
Due to the challenge of screening traits related to lodging resistance under natural field conditions, selection for lodging resistant varieties in wheat breeding programs is difficult. The identification of easily measurable culm anatomical traits related to lodging resistance would simplify the selection process. The present study was conducted to determine the effect of dwarfing genes on culm anatomical traits related to lodging resistance in our of basal internode 1. Field and laboratory study was conducted in Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh with eight wheat genotypes having Rhr1, Rht2 dwarfing genes in them and a local land race ...

domain: biology


text:
South Africa will extend a fuel subsidy by two months to help cushion consumers and businesses against the impact of rising crude prices stemming from Russia’s war with Ukraine.
A levy on fuel will be reduced by 1.50 rand ($0.10) from June 1 to July 6, a concession that has been in place since April 6, while a 75-cents-per-litre cut will be instituted from July 7 to Aug. 2, the National Treasury and Department of Mineral Resources & Energy said in a statement.
Fuel has an almost 5% weighting in South Africa’s inflation basket, meaning the scrapping of the intervention would have placed upward pressure on prices. Even so, the retail price of 95-octane gasoline in the central Gauteng province will rise by 2.33 rand a litre to a record 24.17 rand per litre from Wednesday, and the price of 93-octane by 2.43 rand.
Had the full levy been reinstated, it would have contributed to a 4 rand-per-litre increase in the price of gasoline, the Treasury and the department said.
South Africa’s Foregone Revenue
The additional relief will cost the state 4.5 billion rands in foregone revenue. While the initial concession was funded by selling part of South Africa’s strategic fuel stocks, the extension will have an impact on the national budget.
“The proposed temporary reduction in the fuel levy will be accommodated in the current fiscal framework in a manner that is consistent with the fiscal strategy outlined in the budget and any required changes will be announced together with the 2022 medium-term budget policy statement,” the Treasury and the department
They further warned that the economy will need to adjust to the new reality of higher prices and the temporary levy reduction will only smooth out the impact.
The government said it will also take further measures to help reduce fuel prices in a more sustainable manner, including removing a demand-side management levy of 10 cents a litre imposed on 95-octane gasoline in inland areas. It’s also considering reducing the basic fuel price by 3 cents a litre in the coming months and removing the price cap on 93-ctane unleaded gasoline, which will partially deregulate the market and introduce more competition to lower pump prices.

domain: politics


Signal compression is crucial for resource-constrained wireless neural recording applications with limited data bandwidth, and Compressed Sensing (CS) has successfully demonstrated its potential in this field. However, the conventional CS approaches rely on data-dependent and computationally intensive dictionary learning processes to find out the sparse representation of neural signals, and dictionary re-training is inevitable during real experiments. This paper proposes a training-free CS approach for wireless neural recording. By adopting the analysis model to enforce the signal sparsity and constructing a multi-order difference matrix as the analysis operator, it avoids the dictionary learning procedure and reduces the need for previously acquired data and computational complexity. In addition, a group weighted analysis 11-minimization method is developed to recover the neural signals. Experimental results reveal that the proposed approach outperforms the state-of-the-art CS methods for wireless neural recording.


text:
A motorist in Brazil is to be charged with attempted murder after driving away from a collision with a cyclist with the rider’s severed arm in his vehicle. The driver, a 22-year-old student, later disposed of the limb in a stream, reports BBC News.
According to police, doctors say that they believe the arm could have been reattached, but it has not been recovered.
The incident took place in Sao Paulo yesterday morning and the victim, a window cleaner who was riding to work, is described as being in a stable condition in hospital.
The driver, who was on his way home after a night out, has also been charged with drunk driving and claims the arm fell into his vehicle following the collision.
His lawyer, Cassio Paoletti, said that his client has admitted throwing the arm into a stream but denies the attempted murder charge, and that he explained his failure to stop at the scene of the incident, on one of the city’s busiest streets, as being because he was afraid of the reaction of bystanders.
"If he had stayed, they would have killed the boy,” the lawyer maintained. “For instance, the police station was surrounded by hundreds of people who verbally abused and threw cans at my client's father, who's a 60-year-old man."
Referring to the stream into which the arm was thrown, a police spokesman said:
"It has dirty, murky waters, so it might be difficult to find it."
The driver handed himself in to police after taking a friend home.
The BBC reported that cyclists had arrived outside the police station where the motorist was being held to protest for the safety of cyclists, an issue that has been the subject of a campaign in the city for several months.
Two years ago, we reported another case in Brazil in which motorist Ricardo Neis was indicted on 17 counts of attempted murder after driving into a group of cyclists taking part on a Critical Mass ride in Porto Alegre.
Neis was subsequently committed to a secure psychiatric unit pending trial, but he was reportedly freed in April 2011 with the judge saying that there was no evidence he intended to threaten witnesses or victims. We are unable to trace any report of whether the case went to trial.
Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.


Airspace Experience Technologies (ASX) is an electric vertical takeoff & landing (eVTOL) partners. The company just signed a memorandum of understanding and a definitive agreement to cooperate with Spirit AeroSystems design. ASX moves closer to manufacturing what it says will be an affordable, certified eVTOL.
Can carmakers help eVTOL UAM?
ASX hails itself as an aviation start-up re-imagining personal air transportation for mass mobility. Their eVTOL – MOBi-One – is eco-friendly and quiet. Headquartered in Detroit, MI, ASX is teaming. up with Spirit AeroSystems. This partnership will leverage automotive mass production technologies with that of commercial aerospace standards.
Recently, carmaker Hyundai and Uber Elevate unveiled a partnership at CES and showed off the S-A1, confirming aviation startups are looking to automotive mass-manufacturing. But designing a $40,000 car isn’t the same thing as doing the same for a multi-million dollar airplane. The Aviation industry relies on very precise and extremely high-quality manufacturing. Many feel the urban air mobility (UAM) eVTOLs industry must bring the costs down to a more “reasonable” $500,000 bracket. This is something Hyundai told me they are very well aware of and working on.
ASX says it’s approaching the launch of its low-cost ASX’s eVTOL aircraft by establishing first engineering services. After it will focus on parts fabrication and system integration. To do this, it will rely on Spirit AeroSystems as a global supplier of structures, fuselages, and wing components for commercial aircraft manufacturers.
ASX leveraging the automotive industry for affordable UAM
I reached out to Dr. Anita Sengupta, Co-Founder at ASX who said:
Our collaboration will bring affordable, reliable eVTOLs to the commercial market place, bringing the best of aviation and automotive to bear. Having Spirit as an engineering partner, with their world-class expertise in the design and manufacture of aerostructures, is a major step for us to commercialization.
According to Jon Rimanelli, CEO and co-founder of ASX:
Spirit not only brings its design and manufacturing expertise to the partnership, but most importantly, its deep knowledge in FAA Certification of the aircraft. Our partnership with Spirit aims to deliver simple, safe and robust electric VTOL aircraft that are accessible to the mass traveling public.
Keith Hamilton, Executive Director, Programs and Business Development for Spirit was quoted saying:
We look forward to working with ASX, an early pioneer in the emerging urban air mobility market. Spirit is actively developing new concepts, designs, and solutions that will help build next-generation aircraft and solve challenges in the future. This collaboration gives Spirit the opportunity to bring our world-class capabilities to this important future market for logistics and personal transportation.
ASX is launching a Series A funding round in March 2020. The company was touting harnessing automotive manufacturing as key to making eVTOL UAM affordable. For this new industry to succeed, UAM players and the car industry say they can leverage mass production with aviation-grade quality.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.


text:
We are in need of urgent solutions, and the role that cannabis can play is not only compelling, it’s a practical, non-lethal and legal tool in the kit that we could be employing as a harm reduction method.
The following is a shortened version of written testimony submitted to the Massachusetts legislature’s Joint Committee on Cannabis Policy by Dr. Marion McNabb of the Cannabis Center of Excellence in support of An Act relative to cannabis research funding. It has been edited for publishing.
I have been working in the cannabis industry in Massachusetts since 2017 conducting cannabis research studies and education programs. I was nominated by state Treasurer Deb Golderberg in 2021 to the Cannabis Control Commission’s Cannabis Advisory Board, and am the chair of the CAB’s Research Subcommittee.
I am in full support of An Act relative to cannabis research funding, as it would provide the necessary public funding to conduct cannabis research studies in Massachusetts and allow further exploration of cannabis and the role it can play in addressing the opioid epidemic, particularly around harm reduction.
There are currently no public funds available for conducting cannabis research studies in this state. Meanwhile, in the last year alone, 108,000 people in the United States lost their lives to opioid overdoses. Massachusetts declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency in 2014; in 2021, there were more than 2,200 overdose fatalities here.
Massachusetts residents are still suffering, with thousands more seeking substance use treatment due to the use of prescription opioids, heroin, and fentanyl. It’s also notable that there are sub-groups that are more vulnerable to overdoses, including those who are homeless as well as the veteran population. A 2021 review of Department of Public Health data from 2011-2015 found that both homelessness and veteran status were associated with a higher risk of fatal overdose.
We are lucky to have Gov. Maura Healey as our leader, as she led the nation in exposing the wrongdoings of the billionaire Sackler family through Purdue Pharma and McKinsey & Company in causing the opioid epidemic. In 2020, as attorney general, she announced settlements from the nation’s three largest drug distributors that are now providing hundreds of millions of dollars to address the opioid crisis.
We are in need of urgent solutions, and the role that cannabis can play is not only compelling, it’s a practical, non-lethal and legal tool in the kit that we could be employing as a harm reduction method. With the state currently distributing $500 million in opioid resettlement funding, this is an opportunity to think about new approaches, including medical cannabis.
Several research studies have shown the compelling role that cannabis can play as a harm reduction alternative to opiates and other substances. Clinical and scientific evidence suggests that cannabis legalization and consumption may be a harm reduction alternative to other more lethal and unwanted substance use, including unwanted prescription medications used to treat a variety of health conditions. One recent study in Canada found that among a sample of marginalized people who used drugs, approximately one in four participants reported using cannabis for harm reduction at least once during 12 months, with the most frequent reasons including substituting for stimulants (50%) and substituting for illicit opioids (31%).
At the macro level, a 2014 population-level study in the United States found that states with medical cannabis laws had lower rates of opioid overdoses. Similarly, other studies found that states with medical cannabis laws have lower rates of opioid prescriptions and deaths, and that medical and recreational cannabis legalization is associated with a reduction of opioid prescriptions among the privately insured population—especially for the middle-aged population.
Despite these promising findings, it is important to note that these studies have several limitations including selection bias, cross-sectional designs, and self-reported assessments of the opioid-sparing effects of cannabis. In my own research, I am currently conducting a “Cannabis as an Alternative” study asking cannabis consumers and patients information about their use of cannabis as an alternative to alcohol, drugs, and other substances. The study launched on Aug. 15, 2023, and key preliminary findings from 574 responses (29% veterans) include: 53% have been diagnosed with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD); 41% report using cannabis as an alternative therapy for any type of health condition or symptom; 39% used cannabis in the past to address opioid use disorder; 32% are currently using cannabis to treat OUD.
All stakeholders, from governments, to healthcare providers, to researchers and the public, will benefit from considering the evidence for introducing cannabis-based interventions as tools for addressing the opioid crisis. This is an opportunity for Massachusetts to put some of its opioid settlement funds toward solutions with demonstrable, documented results.


text:
May 16, 2013
South Africa harvest at record high
Wine production in South Africa is expected to reach an all-time high this year after the 2013 grape harvest outstripped expectations to reach nearly 1.5m tons.
© 2014 Wine Communications Group - all rights reserved.
privacy & terms